Pats make it official, franchise QB Cassel
February 5 2009
The Patriots have assigned the franchise tag to QB Matt Cassel, as expected.
Impact: The franchise number for Cassel is $14.65 million, which is similar to Tom Brady's salary. If the Pats are comfortable with Brady's rehab and the development of last year's third-rounder Kevin O'Connell, they can dangle Cassel for an early round pick. The other options include working out a deal with Cassel to act as insurance against a possible Brady setback, or letting him play out the season on a one-year deal.
Source: Rotoworld Read More: Boston Globe
Giants to meet with free agent Ward next week
February 5 2009
The Giants will meet with free agent Derrick Ward to discuss a possible new contract next week.
Impact: Newsday calls the odds of Ward re-signing "slim," but GM Jerry Reese will probably make a low-ball offer just in case he bites. Ward is already 28, but should be able to make much more elsewhere than he would in New York.
Source: Rotoworld Read More: Newsday
Ray-Ray won't take discount
February 5 2009
Free agent Ray Lewis reiterated at the Pro Bowl that he is not willing to take a hometown discount to stay in Baltimore.
Impact: "I don't play less," he said. "If you don't play less, you don't take less." The Cowboys are expected to pursue Lewis if he hits the market, and he made it a point to say "I can definitely play with T.O. I love everything about him."
Source: Rotoworld Read More: Baltimore Sun
Chiefs blocking TE busted
February 5 2009
Chiefs TE Mike Merritt was reportedly arrested early Thursday in downtown Orlando on suspicion of marijuana possession.
Impact: Here's one way to get the new front office's attention. A blocking tight end prospect, Merritt was spotted inside his vehicle "rolling what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette." Merritt saw police, put the object in his mouth, and when told to spit it out asked "all this for a little bit of weed?" Another three grams were found in his shoe after a search. He's unlikely to make the club now.
Source: Rotoworld Read More: WKMG Orlando
Cassel a one-year wonder?
February 5 2009
One NFL personnel director says he is concerned that Matt Cassel may be a one-year wonder.
Impact: "He didn't play much in college...So you're making your judgments solely off one year," said the official. "That's fine, but you don't know how he will respond to the different looks that he will face next year after defensive coordinators have spent an offseason breaking down his strengths and weaknesses." In all likelihood Cassel will stay with the Patriots next season.
Source: Rotoworld Read More: SI.com
Bills DE Scobel avoids Lisfranc foot surgery
February 5 2009
Bills RE Aaron Schobel will not need surgery on his Lisfranc foot sprain.
Impact: This is promising news; Schobel would've faced sixth months of rehab had he needed an operation. His bone bruise and ligament damage has subsided and Schobel is able to drive off the foot again. Schobel may not do much offseason practicing, but will be a candidate for a big rebound in 2009.
Source: Rotoworld Read More: buffalobills.com
Ray-Ray to the Jets?
February 5 2009
In an interview late Wednesday at the Pro Bowl, free agent Ray Lewis called landing with the Jets an "attractive" possibility.
Impact: Ryan's old defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, of course, is now Jets head coach. "That opportunity by itself seems attractive," Lewis said. "It sounds right. If...I'm not back in Baltimore, hmm, the Jets wouldn't be bad."
Source: Rotoworld Read More: New York Daily News
Vikings sign Roberson
February 5 2009
Vikings signed CB Derrick Roberson to a reserve/future contract.
Impact: He has spent the past two years bouncing between the Vikes, Ravens, and Texans' practice squads. Roberson is unlikely to make it past training camp.
Source: Rotoworld
Redskins try out Ottovegio
February 5 2009
The Redskins worked out free agent P Jay Ottovegio on Thursday.
Impact: He was undrafted out of Stanford last April. The Skins want competition for incumbent Ryan Plackemeier, whose net average was just 33.9 last season.
Source: Rotoworld Read More: National Football Post
Panthers to try to re-sign LT Gross
February 5 2009
The Panthers are expected to pursue re-signing free agent LT Jordan Gross before opening talks with Julius Peppers.
Impact: Gross actually wants to stay in Carolina, whereas Peppers wants out. Ideally, the Panthers will lock up Gross long term and place the franchise tag on Peppers. If they can't convince Peppers to stay, they'll look to trade him.
Source: Rotoworld Read More: Rock Hill Herald