03/31/04
- Jazz getting more from Moore
03/30/04
- Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune reports for the Sporting News that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely to stock up on linebackers (Demorrio Williams or TJ Hollowell) in the upcoming NFL Draft. (KFFL)
- The Vikings might address the outside linebacker position on day one. WLB Chris Claiborne is coming off heel surgery and might struggle to be ready for the start of the season. Oklahoma's Teddy Lehman, who can play inside or outside, would be a solid selection in round two. The team could target a player with a little more speed like Florida State's Michael Boulware or Nebraska's Demorrio Williams. (Sports Network)
- [Houston Texans] President George W. Bush was greeted by Texans kicker and Texas Children’s Hospital volunteer Kris Brown on March 8 at Houston’s Ellington Field. President Bush congratulated Brown on raising more than $121,000 through his "Kicks for Kids" program which benefits families with overwhelming medical costs. (GlorifyThePast.com)
- [Free Agency] When the Falcons began their offseason workout program March 22, CB Tyrone Williams wasn't there. He was suspended for one game early last season by former coach Dan Reeves after blowing off too much steam at a coach. Then, he was deactivated for the rest of the season after giving up a long touchdown (and making no attempt to chase New Orleans' Donte Stallworth) on the third play of his first game back. So the writing is on the wall. He'll be released June 2, when the Falcons' can realize $1.8 million more in salary cap savings than if Williams were released now. (FalconInsider.com)
- Stacked lineup forces Erstad to take Gold Glove to first base
- Panthers Minter and Rucker hrowing Out First Pitch
- 03/27/04 - Huskers in the NIFL: Lincoln Capitols- Ted Retzlaff, K, #7; Kareem Sears, DE, 15. Omaha Beef- Chace Long, K, 4; JR Edwards, WR, 9; Damien Bauman, DL, 94. Bayou Bucks- Tyrone Hughes, DB, 30. Sioux City Bandits- Mike Demps, RB, 33.
- 03/26/04 - Chicago Bears] Mini Camp- The joy of getting back onto the field was evident when QB Rex Grossman winged a pass over the middle and DB R.W. McQuarters stepped in front of it. He sprinted 60 yards to the end zone, chest bumping Mike Brown, who was doing a different drill farther upfield, on the way in. (Chicago Tribune)
- 03/25/04 - NFL Draft] SportsNetwork.com predicts that Demorrio Williams and other linebackers "will be in demand late on day one".
- 03/24/04 - Buffalo Bills] Mini Camp- DE Chris Kelsay was excused for personal reasons from attending minicamp. (The Ledger)
03/23/04
- Crouch (officially) returns as defensive back
- Panthers.com- Rucker: Loss will fuel us
- Restricted free agents Buckhalter, Moreno are worth the asking price
- 03/21/04 - NFL Europe] Players that survived the NFL Europe cutdowns after a four-week training camp in Tampa, Florida will are now off to Europe. Amsterdam OT Dave Volk (Dallas Cowboys), Cologne DB Erwin Swiney (Green Bay), and Claymores TE Aaron Golliday (Kansas City) were among the cutdown survivors. Frankfurt WR Wilson Thomas was not cut but was placed on injured reserve. Rhein Fire DT Jon Clanton was the only Husker who was released, he was also the only player of the group who was not allocated by an NFL club (drafted in the 12th round of the NFL Europe free agent draft).
03/19/04
- [Green Bay Packers] Newly hired Packers running backs coach Jimmy Roland now gets to work with arguably, the best running back in the NFL in Packers workhorse Ahman Green. "We (the Arizona Cardinals) played the Packers during the 2003 season and I studied him from the time he came into the league with Seattle and then when he was traded on to Green Bay," Roland offered. "I also watched him quite a bit on television since they were on in prime time a lot. I had admired him and his talents from afar for quite a while."
In fact, Roland, a member of the college football Hall of Fame, believes those that proclaim Green as the league's best all-round running back may be onto something. "There is some credence to that argument," Roland said. "Ahman is a tough, physical runner; he can block and do all the things that are required for a running back. He's also got that great speed that allows him to go the distance."
Working with one of the premiere backs in the league is nothing new for Roland. After all, he has tutored the two most productive running backs in league history in Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith. Roland coached Payton for five seasons (1983-87) in Chicago and worked with Smith last season in Arizona. (Packers.com, NFLPlayers.com)
03/18/04
- [Washington Redskins] The Redskins signed New York Giants unrestricted free agent cornerback Ralph Brown to a two-year, $1.4 million (including a $250,000 signing bonus) contract last night and are nearing an agreement with cornerback Walt Harris, another unrestricted free agent.
Brown, 25, signed with Washington after rejecting a one-year offer from the Giants for the NFL minimum (and a $25,000 signing bonus).
The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder fills the Redskins' need for a third cornerback behind Fred Smoot and free agent acquisition Shawn Springs. In the schemes of Gregg Williams, the Redskins' assistant head coach in charge of defense, five defensive backs often receive playing time. (Washington Post)
- A delayed report: The Central Valley Coyotes of the AF2 signed 2002 Husker letterman James (Jay) White who will be a "defensive specialist" for the Coyotes.
AF2 training camp is heating up and White has already impressed the coaches.
A March 14 report from AF2.com: "After being moved from wide receiver/defensive back to defensive specialist, Jay White stepped on the practice field with determination in his eyes. During team offense, White lined up against wide receiver Michael Marquez on the far sideline. Marquez ran a corner route with White right on his hip. As the ball was thrown both players went up for the ball with Marquez grabbing the reception, but White ripping the ball out of is hands for the interception."
"After coming away with the play of the day today at training camp, White also impressed the coaches with his entire practice today. White was locking down receivers all of the afternoon session. During the 3-on-3 drills, White deflected five passes and only had one pass completed on him for a minimal gain."
- Redskins sign CB Ralph Brown
03/17/04
- Thank You, Grant
- Minter sends uplifting message to Nascar teams
- The Redskins were visited by New York Giants cornerback Ralph Brown on Monday and Indianapolis Colts cornerback Walt Harris yesterday. Both received offers that are not much more than the NFL minimum, according to sources familiar with the situation. (Washington Post)
03/16/04
- It took a few days but Gil Brandt of NFL.com has finally posted his take on the Huskers Pro-Day performances.
DE Trevor Johnson (6-4 3/8, 259) had a complete workout at combine, but he did everything again at the Pro Day. He ran 4.69 and 4.75 in the 40-yard dash. He had a 38˝-inch vertical jump, clocked 4.14 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.88 in the three-cone drill.
Jammal Lord QB Jammal Lord (6-2, 219) ran the 40 twice in 4.44 and 4.5 seconds. He had a 34˝-inch vertical jump, a 10-3 long jump, ran the short shuttle in 4.34 seconds and 7.04 in the three-cone drill. He only worked out as a linebacker during his drill session and the scouts were not happy that he was not allowed to work out as a defensive back. The team's strength coach said there was no defensive backs coach present to run the drill.
Other notables - Linebacker Demorrio Williams was not present at the workout ... NT Ryon Bingham and LB Thomas Hollowell (227) did everything at the combine.
The players worked out indoors on FieldTurf.
- ESPN's Len Pasquarelli offerred "a look at some restricted free agents, all of whom carry compensation tags of a fourth-round choice or lower, who could draw interest before the April 16 deadline": With Eagles' RB Correll Buckhalter "there is every indication the cap-rich Eagles would match any offer made to the part-time starter. Still, the former Nebraska star merits consideration, especially since he is now two years removed from the knee surgery that wiped out his 2002 campaign and demonstrated no lingering effects of the operation in 2003. Rushed for eight touchdowns on just 126 carries last year and is a tough, slashing runner who will consistently average 4.3-4.5 yards per carry."
- 03/15/04 - Hartington Turns Out To Honor Hometown Hero (Hochstein)
03/14/04
- Panther safety Minter takes to the pulpit
- In a scrimmage between the Berlin and Frankfurt, Galaxy WR Wilson Thomas (Green Bay Packers) caught 2 passes for 58 yards. (OurSportsCentral.com)
- Grant Wistrom thank the Rams organization and fans in a letter to the St. Louis Post.
- Grant also helped nab a purse snatcher.
A few days ago, the 42-year-old former Bear Tom Thayer and Wistrom helped nab a purse snatcher near a Maui resort, chasing the guy along the beach into the waiting arms of a security guard.
"When we heard the lady's husband scream, me and Grant just took off," Thayer, who owns a condo on the island, told Armour & Co. "When this guy looked over his shoulder and saw who was chasing him he must have thought he picked the wrong time to do this. I mean, Grant still does this for a living." (Chicago Tribune)
03/13/04
- From the Washington Post: "According to a source who requested anonymity, the Redskins have targeted Giants cornerback Ralph Brown, who is scheduled for a Monday visit. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder has played all four NFL seasons with the Giants. Redskins defensive backs coach DeWayne Walker was New York's secondary coach the previous two seasons. Brown started out as a nickel back last season behind talented cornerbacks Will Allen and Will Peterson before being pressed into a starting role because of injuries. But Brown, who had two interceptions last season, suffered shoulder injuries, twice knocking him out the lineup. Brown turned down a minimum offer from New York to return in the 2004 season."
- Trevor Johnson had an eye opening workout at Nebraska on Wednesday. He improved on his numbers posted a few weeks ago by running a 4.67 40 on field turf and turning in a 38 inch vertical. But perhaps what was more impressive were his position workouts after the combine tests were complete. Trevor started out working out for at least five linebacker coaches from around the league, while scouts from nearly every team looked on. He went from working at linebacker to working out for two teams who sent defensive line coaches to work him as a rush end. Finally, four teams sent tight end coaches to work Trevor out at that position. One club's college scouting director indicated that with the hands Trevor exhibited in his linebacker drills at the combine and his workout numbers there, he would have been in the top three tight ends at the combine, a position he has not played since he played ten games as Nebraska's blocking tight end his redshirt freshman year at Nebraska. The fact that he scored a 32 on the Wonderlic test, which is the NFL's IQ test equivalent, indicates that whatever position a team intends Trevor to play, he will pick it up and contribute right away. (Masterplan Group International, press release)
- At 6'5" and 325 pounds, Patrick Kabongo is an impressive figure. At the Nebraska pro day teams came away more impressed than ever. The big man ran a 5.32 40, which was substantially better than any player his size at the combine ran on either side of the ball, (with the exclusion of possible top pick Robert Gallery). Not only did Kabongo move exceptionally well for a big man, but at the end of his workout still managed 30 repetitions at 225 pounds. Kabongo did an extended workout with defensive line coaches from around the league and a number of clubs are taking a serious look at moving Kabongo to the offensive side of the ball due to his height, weight, speed and intelligence numbers. Kabongo finished as an honors student at Nebraska despite English being his second language. (Masterplan Group International, press release)
Johnson and Kabongo are represented by Masterplan Group International (MGI), a sports management firm based in Chicago.
03/12/04
- Nebraska DE Trevor Johnson worked out at numerous positions – linebacker, rush end and tight end – during his school's Pro Day on March 10. Johnson has not played at tight end since he played ten games in his freshman year, but recently demonstrated good hands at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. Johnson ran a 4.67 in the 40-yard drill. (KFFL)
- DT Patrick Kabongo measured in at 6-5, 325 pounds and ran a 5.32 in the 40-yard drill.
- Trevor Johnson shines at Nebraska Pro Day At 3 positions
- Kabongo impresses at Pro Day
- Johnson shows his versatility to pro scouts
03/10/04
- [Kansas City Chiefs] The Chiefs have been planning to renegotiate some contracts to save money and are believed to be talking to offensive linemen Will Shields and Casey Wiegmann and wide receivers Johnnie Morton and Eddie Kennison. But they have yet to renegotiate any deals or cut any players.
- NFL Europe Camp, Florida: (Cologne Centurions vs Scottish Claymores) "Tight end Aaron Golliday (Kansas City Chiefs) impressed with 2 receptions for 20 yards." (OurSportsCentral.com)
- Former Carolina Panther S Deon Grant signed a three-year contract with the Jaguars, but the $7.2 million deal didn't erase the regret of leaving the Panthers and his former teammates.
According to The Herald, "Grant sounded emotional about leaving the Panthers, especially after calling teammates Mike Minter, Brentson Buckner and Kris Jenkins to deliver the news.
"It does make me sad," Grant said. "I didn't think they'd let it break up like that after everything we've been through."
- 03/09/04 - Former Raider LB/S Eric "Crazy" Johnson has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson had originally signed with Oakland as an undrafted free agent in 2000.
- 03/08/04 - Chiefs G Will Shields to be Honored with Spirit Award
03/06/04
- Free Agent RB Correll Buckhalter was reportedly "miffed" about the minimum offer he received from the Eagles.
- Dallas Morning News list "Five free agents to keep an eye on", Giants' free agent CB Ralph Brown was one of them.
"CB Ralph Brown, New York Giants, 5-10, 185: Brown, who played at Nebraska, has shown steady improvement during his four seasons with the Giants. And he’s the guy who picked off Quincy Carter for a touchdown in the first half of the Meadowlands Miracle game. Brown doesn’t have pedigree of a guy like Bobby Taylor, but he’s younger and he’s an upgrade from the slower Mario Edwards." (Dallas Morning News)
- The Packers have other options if William Bartee's price is too high, including the New York Giants' Ralph Brown. It is not known whether the Packers intend to bring Brown in for a visit. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
03/04/04
- Seahawks Sign Veteran DE Grant Wistrom
- 03/04/04 - Jazz sign Moore
- Two more additions to U.Va. football coach Al Groh's staff: graduate assistants Joel Makovicka and Chad Wilt. Makovicka, a former Nebraska star, played fullback for the Arizona Cardinals. He'll work with the Cavaliers' offense. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
- Len Pasquarelli of ESPN offers his stat of the week: "According to the NFL Players Association, 35 players participated in every one of their teams' snaps in 2003. And of that group, not surprisingly, 32 were offensive linemen. The three who weren't: Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna, Carolina strong safety Mike Minter and Minnesota free safety Brian Russell." (ESPN)
- [Seattle Seahawks] Forget the rumors about free agent DE Grant Wistrom joining the Chiefs and former Rams coach Dick Vermeil. Wistrom has signed with the Seattle Seahawks and the deal is for six years, $33 million and includes a $14 million signing bonus.
- Press Conference Audio, Video and Transcripts Here.
- [NBA-Utah Jazz] Utah Jazz Sr. Vice President of Basketball Operations, Kevin O’Connor, announced that the team has signed Mikki Moore for the remainder of the season. Moore was originally signed by the Jazz to a 10-day on January 28, 2004 and signed to a second 10-day contract on February 7.
Moore will be in uniform for tomorrow’s game against the Pacers.
- [Free Agency] Who's the big winner in the wake of Jevon Kearse signing an eight-year, $66 million contract with Philadelphia? Besides Kearse, who will receive a total of $20 million in signing and roster bonuses over the course of the deal's first two years, the runner-up would be St. Louis defensive end Grant Wistrom.
Widely regarded as the second-most attractive free-agent pass rusher on the market, Wistrom will benefit from some generous team that sought Kearse but didn't land him. On Wednesday night, Wistrom was headed to Seattle where he is expected to visit and receive an offer Thursday. (SI.com- Don Banks)
- Wistrom will visit the Arizona Cardinals on March 6. (East Valley Tribune)
- ...trips also planned to Arizona, Dallas, Jacksonville, Chicago and Washington. Curious by their absence from this list were the Kansas City Chiefs, who were believed to be the leading contender for Wistrom's services entering free agency. But Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil and president Carl Peterson currently are out of town on a trip. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- [Free Agency] Should another team sign RB Correll Buckhalter, the Eagles would receive a 4th round draft choice as compensation. The Chargers would also receive a 4th round pick should another team sign LB Carlos Polk.
03/03/04
- Wistrom A Match Made in Heavan for Chiefs
- If Wistrom Leaves, Don't Blame Pace
- MONTREAL police issue warrant for Lawrence Phillips
- [Free Agency] Restricted free agent LB Carlos Polk has received a contract tender from the Chargers. (SportingLife.com)
- [Free Agency] The 49ers did not offer a contract to free agent P Bill Lafleur. (Mercury News)
- [Free Agency] Draftnik Tony Pauline says this will be a great draft to be the Jaguars.
"In round two, a very good linebacker could fall to the Jaguars; a guy like Michael Boulware. A guy like Demorrio Williams."
Pauline is the editor and publishers of 'TFY Draft Guide' and will serve as jaguars.com's draft analyst for the April 24-25 NFL Draft. (Jaguars.com)
- [Kansas City Chiefs] Cornerback Eric Warfield had surgery last week to repair a herniated disk in his back. He should be at full speed by July. (KC Star)
- [Free Agency] Correll Buckhalter, a restricted free agent, is expected back next season to complement Brian Westbrook in the backfield. However, both running backs have battled injuries in recent years and their lack of durability leaves Reid with the task of adding another back to join the mix. (Sports Network)
- 03/02/04 - Harvey in the swing of things
03/01/04
- No later than today the Eagles must tender offers to their restricted free agents, running back Correll Buckhalter, quarterback A.J. Feeley and linebacker Keith Adams. Feeley's tender is a formality, since the Eagles and Miami have agreed in principle to a trade and Feeley reportedly has agreed to a Dolphins contract.
Adams, a special-teams standout, is expected to get a low tender and return to the Birds, but Buckhalter's tender could be interesting. At the $628,000 level, he would require only a fourth-round pick - equal to the round he was drafted in - as compensation should another team sign him, and at that level, Buckhalter would seem attractive. The Eagles would have to make the $1.368 million, 1-year tender to require first-round compensation, which would make Buckhalter much less attractive.
Buckhalter's agent, Fletcher Smith, did not return phone calls from the Daily News. The Eagles said any comment would come from team president Joe Banner, who did not return calls. (Philladelphia Daily News)
- [Free Agency] Adam Timmerman re-signed with the Rams and his signing probably precludes the Rams from re-signing free-agent defensive end Grant Wistrom. There are growing indications from sources around the league that Wistrom is headed for Dick Vermeil and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Rams offered Wistrom a multiyear contract, believed to be in excess of $3 million a year, several weeks ago. The Rams didn't begin negotiating with Timmerman until last week, but were able to quickly strike a deal. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- Bills GM Tom Donahoe on Chris Kelsay as a pass rusher: "Chris Kelsay is a guy we didn't play enough last year. He has as much pass rush ability as anybody on our team in terms of quickness, movement and putting moves together to create variety in his rush. Kelsay didn't play enough to determine his ability."
- Sporting News' Dan Pompei: "Free-agent DE Grant Wistrom might leave the Rams but remain in Missouri. Wistrom, who grew up in Webb City, Mo., will be targeted by the Chiefs if they can't re-sign Eric Hicks. By signing with the Chiefs and former Rams coach Dick Vermeil, Wistrom would travel the St. Louis-to-Kansas City pipeline previously used by QB Trent Green and CB Dexter McCleon."
- Sporting News' Dan Pompei: "Free-agent DE Grant Wistrom might leave the Rams but remain in Missouri. Wistrom, who grew up in Webb City, Mo., will be targeted by the Chiefs if they can't re-sign Eric Hicks. By signing with the Chiefs and former Rams coach Dick Vermeil, Wistrom would travel the St. Louis-to-Kansas City pipeline previously used by QB Trent Green and CB Dexter McCleon."