News & Info/Headlines
Indeed, things started hopping again Wednesday night with a number of moves -- along with some juicy trade rumors -- sure to be of great interest to Fantasy owners transpiring. We'll review all the relevant info here tonight.
Starting in Cleveland, where it appears there will be a new featured back. As ESPN.com insider John Clayton framed it tonight: "For two years, the Baltimore Ravens have wondered about Jamal Lewis' breakaway speed.
"They no longer have to wonder. ..."
As first reported by Clayton, Lewis, the team's all-time leading rusher, broke away from the Ravens and agreed to a deal with the rival Browns on Wednesday.
Terms were not disclosed, but Clayton reports that Lewis reached the agreement Wednesday night after a visit to Cleveland.
Carroll County Times staffer Aaron Wilson, reporting for Scout.com, subsequently advised readers that Browns vice president of communications Bill Bonsiewicz has confirmed that Lewis signed a one-year contract.
Lewis, released by Baltimore in a cap-related move, visited the Browns on Wednesday and decided to sign with the team before leaving town. As Wilson suggested, Lewis' arrival in Cleveland does has some irony, as the back has tormented the Browns over the years, particularly in 2003.
That year, Lewis ran for an NFL 295 yards against the Browns.
He wound up running for 2,066 yards that season -- and was named Offensive Player of the Year thanks to those efforts, but has struggled during the past three years. Last year, he played the entire season with a bone spur problem. He recently had surgery to remove the spurs.
But the 5-foot-11, 245-pound back remains one of the league's most powerful runners and it's safe to say the former first-round draft pick represents a major upgrade for the Browns, who now have to figure out what to do with feature back Reuben Droughns. They owe Droughns a $1.75 million roster bonus later this month.
Slowed by injuries, Droughns rushed for just 758 yards last season after gaining 1,232 yards in 2005 -- the first Cleveland back to eclipse 1,000 yards since 1985.
Lewis' arrival prompted Associated Press sports writer Tom Withers to suggest the addition gives Cleveland more options as they plan for April's draft. The Browns were believed to be targeting Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson with the No. 3 overall pick, but with Lewis on their roster, the club may be able to address other needs. ...
Getting back to Baltimore. ... Although the Ravens and Lewis kept in touch with the hopes of reuniting since his release, Clayton advised readers tonight that Lewis sensed his job might not be there.
The Ravens have been interested in acquiring Bills halfback Willis McGahee in a trade. Lewis, 27, decided not to wait and took Cleveland's offer.
And according to Profootballtalk.com editor Mike Florio, that might have been a good idea.
In fact, Florio, citing an unnamed league source, is reporting there's a good chance the Bills will trade McGahee to the Ravens later tonight or Thursday. Per the source, there are a couple of other teams still in the hunt for McGahee.
As of now, however, the Ravens are at the front of the pack -- and with Lewis moving on, dealing for McGahee seems like a reasonable course of action.
According to NFL Network insider Adam Schefter, Buffalo is looking for a first-day draft pick, preferably a second-round pick. Possible concerns? McGahee only has one year remaining on his current contract and will be seeking a big-time contract as soon as this offseason. ...
In a related note. ... The Ravens addressed their need for depth at running back Tuesday by re-signing reserve Musa Smith to a one-year deal.
"Its good to have Musa back," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Having surgery during the season put him ahead in his recovery. He will be ready for the start of training camp. Whenever we've put him on the field, he's produced. Were looking forward to having a healthy Musa help us."
Ah. ... Notice that Newsome qualified his statement with the "Whenever we've put him on the field" prefix and added the word "healthy" in wrapping up. There's a reason for that.
Smith, a former third-round draft pick from Georgia, has battled numerous injuries since arriving in Baltimore in 2003. The most recent issue: Neck surgery for an injury that forced him onto injured reserve for the third time in his career -- and his third consecutive season.
In 33 career games, Smith has rushed for 232 yards and two touchdowns with 27 receptions for 171 yards. He has stood out more on special teams than running the football, registered 24 career tackles in kick coverage.
Besides Smith, the Ravens have veteran running back Mike Anderson and P.J. Daniels last year's fourth-round draft pick from Georgia Tech, under contract.
At least at the moment. ...
Those interested might want to keep a close eye on the News & Views section of the site for any breaking news of interest regarding McGahee, the Ravens and the Bills -- who as Schefter suggests tonight, would likely choose between Dominic Rhodes, Chris Brown and Corey Dillon if McGahee moves on. ...
Are we having fun yet?
In Atlanta. ... Former Saints receiver Joe Horn agreed -- or is at least very close to agreeing -- Wednesday to sign with the rival Falcons. Terms of the contract were still being finalized and not immediately available.
It should be noted that Atlanta Journal-Constitution staffer Steve Wyche, citing two sources close to the situation, is stressing the deal has not been finalized.
The Falcons subsequently chimed in.
"It's not done yet," Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts told the AP on Wednesday night. "We haven't signed a contract, so he's not an Atlanta Falcon. We haven't reached an agreement, so he's not an Atlanta Falcon."
Still, ESPN.com's Michael Smith and Yahoo! Sports correspondent (and regular FSP contributor) John Murphy are both reporting an agreement has been reached and the two sides are merely hammering out details.
And I would add that even Roberts used the word "yet" in the official team statement.
Something is certainly in the works. ... Look for official confirmation -- one way or the other -- to be posted in the News & Views section of the site when it's released.
Until then, I'll note that both Smith and Murphy sound pretty sure about this one -- probably with good reason.
Horn, released last week by New Orleans, began his visit with the Falcons on Monday night and never left. According to Wyche, Horn passed his physical and met with Falcons' coaches and staff members Tuesday.
According to Smith, Horn is passing on visits to Green Bay and Jacksonville, who also were interested in the services of the 35-year-old wideout, who has 576 receptions, 8,501 yards and 57 touchdowns in 11 seasons with Kansas City and New Orleans.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Horn posted four 1,000-yard seasons with the Saints. But he's had only five touchdown catches the past two seasons and missed six games last year due to injury.
According to Smith, the chance to face the Saints twice a season and remain close to New Orleans presumably played a part in Horn's decision to sign with the Falcons, along with the prospect of playing with Michael Vick in new head coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson's system.
The Saints deemed Horn expendable largely because of the emergence last season of rookie Marques Colston and former second-round pick Devery Henderson.
In Atlanta, the 35-year-old Horn could provide much-needed leadership and reliability to a still-developing wide receiving unit that will regain the service of veteran Brian Finneran, who missed last season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in training camp.
Atlanta lost starting wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.
Petrino would like to employ three- and four-wide receiver sets at times and the Falcons don't have much experience or depth, especially with the loss of Lelie.
Smith went on to suggest that Horn would immediately vault to the top of a receiver depth chart that includes former first-round picks Michael Jenkins and Roddy White.
A healthy Horn would certainly provide Vick with dependable target on the outside and perhaps make it more difficult for opposing defenses to focus as much attention on Pro-Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler. ...
In Denver. ... After losing defensive end Patrick Kerney in a bidding war to the Seahawks, the Broncos weren't going to be outdone when it came time to secure the services of former Patriot tight end Daniel Graham.
The Broncos outbid the Seahawks for Graham, granting him a five-year, $30 million deal from the Broncos that included $15 million in guarantees. The deal makes Graham one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league.
According Clayton, Graham was torn as to which team was best for him as negotiations drew to a close. The idea of getting back to Colorado appealed to him. He went to high school in Denver. But the Seahawks situation was also appealing.
Seattle wanted to draft him in the first round in 2002. But Graham's father, Tom, played for the Broncos from 1972-74.
Graham's agent, Tom Mills, didn't shop the offers of either team but in the end he needed to see where the numbers would go. The Broncos stepped up at the ending by offering the most dollars and the most guarantees.
Graham took the Broncos deal.
"It was really, really close between Denver and Seattle," Mills told Boston Herald staffer Michael Felger. "I bet Daniel changed his mind six times. ... I know he'll miss his teammates in New England -- one of the big draws in Seattle was (former Pats) Deion Branch and Tom Ashworth. But he's coming home."
The addition of Graham came a day after the Broncos signed running back Travis Henry to a five-year contract with $12 million in guaranteed money.
According to Denver Post beat writer Bill Williamson, most of Denver's spending is over, and the team may have to cut a few players, perhaps including tight end Stephen Alexander, to help relieve the salary cap.
Williamson went on to suggest that Denver wanted Graham to help energize an offense that was out of sync much of last season, when the team faded to a 9-7 finish and missed the playoffs. Graham will team with Tony Scheffler, a rookie last season.
Graham is a solid receiver, having caught 120 passes in five years with the Patriots. But he also is an outstanding blocker, which will help the Broncos immensely in the running game. Graham was the Patriots' first-round draft pick in 2002.
"This is a tremendous move for the Broncos," said former Denver tight ends coach Tim Brewster, now the head coach at the University of Minnesota. "I've known Daniel for years and they are getting a tremendous player who will be dynamic in both the pass and run game who'll team very nicely with Tony Scheffler.
"The Broncos have a chance for a tremendous offense. It's just a great move. ..."
For what it's worth, Mills told Felger he never went back to the Patriots in the final days because they already made it clear they wouldn't be bidding against the other suitors.
"There was no point in it," said Mills. ...
Meanwhile, Seattle Times staff reporter Danny O'Neil advised readers this morning that Graham's situation may again have a trickle-down effect for Jerramy Stevens.
Tuesday's deal sets a high bar in terms of pay scale. Stevens has caught 130 passes for 1,458 yards in his career compared to Graham's 120 for 1,393. But Graham is a dominant blocker who was never a focus of New England's passing offense.
Stevens visited Tampa Bay on Tuesday, according to NFL.com.
Randy McMichael was released by Miami, and he has been a prolific receiver with 283 receptions in five seasons. He was also arrested in 2004 and 2005 after domestic disputes.
The Seahawks re-signed Will Heller, a backup tight end last season. They also have Ben Joppru as well as Leonard Stephens, who spent last season on the Seahawks' practice squad. ...
Also in Denver. ... The Broncos have found their backup quarterback. According to Williamson, the team agreed to terms with Patrick Ramsey on Wednesday. The deal is for two years and worth a reported $4.5 million.
Ramsey was recently cut by the New York Jets. Ramsey, 28, was a first-round draft pick by the Washington Redskins in 2002. He spent one season with the Jets.
Ramsey will back up Jay Cutler. ...
In New Orleans. ... The Saints have signed free agent tight end Eric Johnson to a one-year contract worth about $2 million.
"Eric will be a good fit in our offense," head coach Sean Payton said. "He has played in a system in the past that has featured the tight end, he has good hands, and he knows how to find the openings in the coverage for the kind of catches that move the chains.
"He is the type of player we were looking for to plug in at tight end."
In fact, Johnson could re-emerge as a legitimate Fantasy threat in New Orleans -- if he can avoid the kind of injuries that limited him at times as a Niner.
As New Orleans Times-Picayune staffer Mike Triplett reminded readers, Johnson, a converted college wideout, emerged as high-end pass-catching tight in 2004, catching 82 passes for 825 yards and two touchdowns.
But missed the entire 2003 season with a broken collarbone and the entire 2005 season with a torn foot muscle.
He played in 13 games last season, catching 34 passes, but was clearly destined to play second fiddle to 2006 first-round draft pick Vernon Davis. That won't be the case in New Orleans, where Mark Campbell and Billy Miller won't be able to keep a healthy Johnson off the field. ...
In Minnesota. ... The Vikings signed receiver Bobby Wade Tuesday night with the pool of free agents at that position dwindling.
Wade, who caught 33 passes for 461 yards and two touchdowns last season for Tennessee, spent the first three years with Chicago. The Bears cut him near the end of 2005 because of fumbling problems on special teams, and the Titans claimed him off waivers.
Troy Williamson, whose frequent drops sent him sliding down the depth chart, and Billy McMullen, whose 23 receptions and 307 yards last season were career highs, are the only other receivers Minnesota has under contract. It's worth noting that head coach Brad Childress wasn't ready to rule out a starting job -- although the coach clearly understands Wade's strengths.
"I wouldn't use the adjective 'relief,' but he's a good player, very good in the slot," Childress said. "I think what jumps out is his ability in the slot ... You see a lot of his opportunities coming because of his ability to work the middle of the field."
Wade, 5-10 and 188 pounds, could also see time as a kickoff and/or punt returner. He has succeeded at both in his career, averaging 23.9 yards on kickoff returns last season for Tennessee and 9.6 on punt returns in 2005.
His open-field skills, Wade said, make him "a perfect fit" for the Vikings' offense.
"Sitting down with [Childress] today, we spoke a lot about running after the catch," he said. "That's something I've done a lot in the past. If I can bring anything to this offense, I hope it will be that attribute."
While the offense appealed to him, Wade told Minneapolis Star-Tribune staffer Kevin Seifert he drawn just as strongly by the way Childress and owner Zygi Wilf pitched their organization's philosophy to him.
"It just felt like a great fit," said Wade, whose best season came in 2004 with Chicago when he caught 42 passes for 481 yards. He was drafted out of Arizona by the Bears in the fifth round in 2003.
Seifert also noted that Wade fits the profile that Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman set forth prior to free agency: A young player finishing his first contract who could be "on the come," Spielman said. ...
In Cincinnati. ... According to Bengals.com online editor Geoff Hobson, the Bengals won a bidding war Tuesday for tight end Reggie Kelly, bringing him back to Cincinnati as the starter for a fifth straight season.
The Bengals don't confirm contracts unless they are signed, but agent Jimmy Sexton said Kelly has agreed to return in a three-year deal worth $9 million.
Schefter reports that Kelly also received a $3 million signing bonus.
As Hobson noted, Kelly, 30, has helped anchor a ground game that produced two franchise-best seasons for running back Rudi Johnson and his 4,221 yards over the last three seasons.
But his biggest asset may be his towering presence in the locker room. So much so that Carson Palmer lobbied from the day the offseason started to get him back. ...
In Green Bay. ... The Packers released veteran fullback William Henderson on Wednesday, leaving Brett Favre as the only member of the 1996 Super Bowl championship team still playing for the team.
Henderson, 36, spent much of last season on the bench behind blocking back Brandon Miree.
"It was an honor to be associated with the Packers," Henderson said in the statement. "It is humbling to leave such a great organization, but I will always be grateful for my time in Green Bay."
Henderson considered signing with the division rival Minnesota Vikings before last season, but chose to return for a 12th season in Green Bay.
He spent much of last season on the bench after Miree, signed to the Packers' practice squad after being waived by the Broncos, was promoted to the active roster in Week 4 and began taking most of the offensive snaps at fullback. ...
In Detroit. ... The Lions re-signed running back Aveion Cason to a one-year contract Wednesday, adding depth in the backfield.
In parts of six seasons, Cason has 517 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He signed with the Lions late last season, playing in six games and gaining 94 yards on 24 carries in his second stint with the team.
Cason was in Detroit during the 2001 and 2002 seasons before playing for the Cowboys for one season and the Rams the next two seasons. ...
Also of interest. ... Free-agent running back T.J. Duckett and free-agent receiver Shaun McDonald visited the Lions on Tuesday and left unsigned. ...
In St. Louis. ... Running back Travis Minor agreed to sign with the Rams, coming to St. Louis on a one-year deal.
Minor, who worked with head coach Scott Linehan in Miami, is the type of scatback/third down specialist the Rams have been searching for and will likely compete to be the team's third back or even the second back behind Steven Jackson.
In six seasons with the Dolphins, Minor racked up 1,133 rushing yards, 353 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. ...
In Washington. ...The Redskins released kicker John Hall today. His departure leaves the Redskins with just one place kicker on the roster: second-year kicker Shaun Suisham.
Originally signed by the Redskins from the New York Jets in 2003, Hall has struggled through injury-plagued seasons each of the last three years.
Last season, Hall began the season healthy. But on Oct. 9, he was diagnosed with a strained groin and strained thigh and was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter.
Nick Novak returned for a second stint with the Redskins, but he was eventually replaced by Suisham.
Suisham impressed coaches with a solid performance down the stretch, connecting on 8-of-9 field goal attempts and 12 PATs.
One last note here. ... In the hopes of restarting his NFL career, Hall has been working with a bio-mechanical specialist in Vancouver this offseason to regain strength in his abdominal muscles. It should come as no surprise if Hall gets a shot at catching on with another team this summer. ...
And finally, in Oakland. ... Though the Raiders have not initiated any calls to move him, Schefter reports that Oakland has listened to offers for Randy Moss. Schefter added, citing a source close to the situation, that Oakland is open to the idea of trading Moss.
Teams that have shown interest, according to Schefter's source, are the New England Patriots, the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to Florio, the Jaguars and Jets might also be in the mix.
However, Raiders owner Al Davis is said not to be interested in trading Moss unless he gets fair value in return for the wide receiver he once traded the 2005 draft's seventh overall pick and linebacker Napoleon Harris to acquire.
And Davis usually has a steep asking price. Just last year, when the Raiders entertained the notion of trading disgruntled wide receiver Jerry Porter, Oakland requested two first-round picks in return.
At the Indianapolis scouting combine, Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin said he expected Moss to return for the 2007 season.
But another NFL source told Schefter this week: "Maybe there is something to be said with trading him and sending a message that you're not going to put up with that guy. That may be more beneficial for Lane than keeping him."
Not everybody agrees.
In an article published Monday, SI.com senior writer Peter King suggested the Raiders, who have the first pick overall in April's draft, would be foolish to trade Moss away with a quarterback like JaMarcus Russell waiting to come on board.
As King framed it: "Russell can stand at the 20-yard line on a windless day, take one step, and fling a spiral into the end zone 80 yards away. Why on God's green earth would they ever consider trading the guy who could make such beautiful music with Russell over the next two or three years?"
King added: "There was a reason the Raiders traded for Moss, and that reason was to pair him with a quarterback with a great arm. Unless Moss has told Raiders brass, 'I will not try if you keep me here' (and I'm told he has not), it's foolish to entertain any offers for him."
King summed up: "If Russell is playing by mid-October, Moss should have a 1,400-yard, 12-touchdown season. ..."
An interesting theory, even if you -- like me -- are among those who view the 30-year old Moss, who has one 1,000-yard season in the last three years, as a player on the decline; as a guy coming off his poorest season and as a man who simply doesn't look like he has the desire necessary to excel any more. ...
One last note here. ... Florio is among those who believe the Raiders intend to take their time with this one. Schefter suggested the same.
Why? Because, as Florio pointed out, they don't owe Moss another dime until the start of the regular season, when his $9.75 million salary kicks in. Until then, the Raiders are in position to sit back, and field offers. ...
So. ... That's it for now.
As always, you'll find breaking items in the News & Views section of the site with more in-depth reviews of top stories available here in the Headline News section, where you'll also find the weekly Fantasy Notebook each Sunday during the offseason.