Washington to Trade Haynesworth

Updating a previous item, NFL.com’s Jason LaCanfora reports league sources believe the Tennessee Titans would be interested in bringing back Albert Haynesworth “at the right price.” The key to any Haynesworth deal is money. The Skins just paid him a $21M bonus, and they’ll want any trade partner to kick back a good portion of that loot.

Per LaCanfora, Haynesworth has a “strained relationship” with many teammates, and Mike Shanahan wants to deal him before the draft to improve the culture at Redskins Park. The Skins are also “strongly interested” in an Adam Carriker/Haynesworth swap with St. Louis. The Washington Post adds the Lions, Bucs, and Jags as possible destinations.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

St. Louis: St. Louis Rams agreed to terms with LB Na’il Diggs on an undisclosed contract.
Diggs will officially sign on Wednesday. The 10-year veteran will be a slight upgrade on Paris Lenon at outside linebacker, but that’s damning with faint praise. Diggs was streteched as a starter in Carolina, and he’s now trending in the wrong direction as he ages.

Denver: NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi expects the trade market for Brandon Marshall to heat up in the two weeks leading up to the draft. Lomardi concedes that it’s “highly unlikely” the Redskins would trade down in the first round in an effort to land Marshall. Seattle remains the only serious match, and the Denver Broncos’ insistence on a first-round pick has been a sticking point thus far. They’re going to have to lower the price if they want to unload their talented problem child.

Miami: “Barring an extraordinary offer from a contender,” free agent Jason Taylor is reportedly content to wait until after the draft in May or June to decide on his future.
Taylor wants to return to Miami, and there are indications that the Miami Dolphins remain interested pending the outcome of their draft. The Fins have plenty of needs this year, so they may not land immediate help at outside linebacker.

Washington: Redskins GM Bruce Allen revealed that the team has contacted the player rep for free agent OT Flozell Adams. The Redskins don’t have a serious left tackle candidate on their current roster. Should they draft Oklahoma’s Russell Okung at No. 4 overall, they could move Adams to right tackle in place of underwhelming Stephon Heyer.

Rams Release Bulger

Rams released QB Marc Bulger. The move saves $8.5 million in salary, which will come in handy when the Rams make Sam Bradford one of the league’s highest paid quarterbacks later this month. Bulger, who turned 33 today, has seen his YPA average drop in six consecutive seasons and his completion rate fall in five straight while looking shell shocked in the pocket behind a swinging-gate offensive line.

He’ll have suitors (e.g. old coaches Mike Martz and Scott Linehan in the NFC North), but is unlikely to receive a serious chance to start with his new team.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: According to the Chicago Tribune, the “unknown team” free agent Alex Brown will visit with on Tuesday is the New Orleans Saints. The 31-year-old is also getting interest from the Bucs and Panthers, who both run the Tampa 2-style system Brown has played in for most of his career. In New Orleans, though, he’d help fill a gaping hole at left end and allow the Saints to draft the best player available with the Nos. 32 and 64 overall picks.

Cincinnati: Bengals OG Jason Shirley may be lost for the year after suffering what’s believed to be a torn Achilles’ tendon during spring workouts. Shirley, whose transition from defensive tackle to offensive guard was profiled closely on last year’s edition of HBO’s Hard Knocks, was injured during a charity basketball game.

Houston: Texans agreed to terms with K Neil Rackers on a two-year contract worth up to $4.1 million, though just $350,000 is guaranteed. The Houston Texans will hold an open competition between Rackers and Kris Brown in camp. Rackers has a stronger leg for touchback purposes and has been more accurate over the last two seasons, missing just four regular season field goal attempts compared to Brown’s 14, including 11 last year alone. Neither is especially great in the clutch, but Rackers should be the favorite.

Green Bay: Packers re-signed restricted free agent G/C Jason Spitz to a one-year, $1.76 million contract. He got a 10% raise from his 2009 salary after receiving a second-round tender. A third-round pick out of Louisville in 2006, Spitz beat out Scott Wells to be Green Bay’s starting center last September before landing on injured reserve with a herniated disc in his back five games into the season. This year, Spitz will battle T.J. Lang and Daryn Colledge at left guard.

Washington: The Washington Redskins will reportedly allow the player rep for restricted free agent Jason Campbell to seek a trade for his client. Washington is “open” to retaining him as Donovan McNabb’s backup, but Campbell would obviously prefer a chance to start elsewhere. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is expected to address Campbell’s situation further at McNabb’s introductory press conference Tuesday. In the unlikely scenario that Campbell sticks around, he’d collect $3.14 million per his one-year tender.

Redskins acquired QB Donovan McNabb from the Eagles

Redskins acquired QB Donovan McNabb from the Eagles in exchange for the No. 37 overall pick in 2010 and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2011. The 2011 pick can jump to a third-rounder based on performance. As of the trade, not extension seems imminent. The Washington Redskins also have problems on the offensive line and offensive weapons for McNabb, so it appears that this could be his only season in Washington.

Adam Caplan of Scout reports that Albert Haynesworth was offered to Philadelphia Eagles in the Donovan McNabb trade, but the Eagles declined. PFT also heard rumors that LaRon Landry was a possibility. The fact the Redskins were happy to let Haynesworth go so quickly hints at possible rocky times ahead. Haynesworth may stay on the trade block over draft weekend.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Unsigned restricted free agent Jason Campbell’s future in Washington is in limbo after the team acquired Donovan McNabb on Sunday. It’s entirely possible that the Skins will (or already did) rescind his first- and third-round tender. Otherwise, Campbell will be available for trade. He could appeal to clubs like Buffalo, Carolina, and Oakland. We’d tentatively expect Campbell to end up somewhere he’d be given a fighting chance to start.

Kevin Kolb becomes the Eagles’ unquestioned starting quarterback following the trade of Donovan McNabb to Washington. Michael Vick becomes No. 2, and the Eagles will likely invest a mid- to late-round selection at the position. They’re rumored to have interest in Fordham QB John Skelton.

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress reiterated Sunday that he’s staying in touch with Brett Favre, but doesn’t know if Favre plans to play in 2010. “I still don’t,” Childress said. “I don’t know if he’s even thought about it or contemplated it. I (talked) with him briefly last week and I’m sure we’ll narrow it down as we get a little bit further.”

2010 NFL Draft: Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford becomes far more likely to land in St. Louis after the Redskins acquired Donovan McNabb on Sunday. The Redskins were widely believed to be interested in Bradford, but lack the ammunition to move up after surrendering the No. 37 pick to Philadelphia. Russell Okung becomes the odds-on favorite to be drafted No. 4 overall, while Jimmy Clausen loses his lone remaining possible suitor in the top five. Mock drafts that already had Okung headed to D.C. shouldn’t be affected.

Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart’s January surgery was designed to remove a bone spur pressing into his Achilles tendon while also alleviating bursitis and tendonitis by shaving away excess calcium deposits and cleaning out his bursa sacs. Stewart originally thought he’d be limited to six games last season before requiring surgery, but his high pain threshold allowed him to get through the season. Though he had hoped to be cleared for OTAs, Stewart won’t begin running until June. The Carolina Panthers still expect to have him ready for training camp, but he could be limited early on — just as he’s been for the first two seasons of his career.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Free agent K Neil Rackers will visit with the Jets on Tuesday. Rackers reportedly turned down a $2 million-per-year offer from the Arizona Cardinals, and he doesn’t figure to do better with a Jets team that wanted Jay Feely to take a paycut. The Jets apparently aren’t ready to turn the job over to Nick Folk after all.

Philadelphia: Responding to a report that the Washington Redskins inquired about Donovan McNabb, the Washington Post says the team’s interest was “much earlier in the process.” Though Jay Glazer offhandedly “tweeted” the information, he did add that the Redskins’ interest was “more than just mild … they even talked players.” Mike Shanahan’s vote is reportedly “the only one that really counts” at Redskins Park right now, and he’s not believed to be seriously interested in McNabb. Glazer also reiterated that the Eagles have received offers from Buffalo and Oakland, but Andy Reid isn’t willing to banish McNabb to either team.

St. Louis: The player rep for Marc Bulger revealed that “there are a few teams waiting” for the quarterback to get released this offseason. Scheduled to receive $8.5 million, Bulger is as good as gone if the St. Louis Rams select Sam Bradford. GM Billy Devaney would trade him if he could, but no team is going to take him on at that salary. The Bears (with Mike Martz), Panthers, and Bills make the most sense as potential landing spots.

Baltimore: Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron expressed confidence that Oniel Cousins has “starter ability” at right tackle. “If Oniel Cousins winds up being the starter, we are playing with a starter,” said Cameron. “We’re not playing with a backup.” The team’s confidence in Cousins helps explain their apparent willingness to part with Jared Gaither for the right price. Cousins held his own in two games last season before LaMarr Woodley devastated him in a third game.

Shaun Rogers

Browns president Mike Holmgren will take no action on Shaun Rogers’ gun possession arrest until the legal process runs its course. No charges have been filed yet, though Holmgren’s statement Thursday served to confirmed that this was not an April Fools story. Reported to be on the trade market since early last month, Rogers will now be much harder to move.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: The Browns are, in fact, one of four teams interested in Seattle Seahawks G Rob Sims, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported just two weeks ago that the Browns didn’t have a “strong” interest in Sims, so there are conflicting reports about a player Mike Holmgren used to coach. Sims signed his tender offer Thursday, preparing for a trade to either the Browns, Lions, Bears, or Eagles.

Cleveland: A federal judge has ruled that Joe Jurevicius can proceed with his lawsuit against the Browns for negligence in staph infections. The Cleveland Browns wanted the case thrown out and handled through arbitration as part of the NFL collective bargaining agreement. Jurevicius contends that the team is liable for failing to inform him of hazardous conditions. That seems perfectly reasonable considering the outbreak of staph infections over several seasons in Cleveland.

Green Bay: Packers KR/PR Will Blackmon (ACL surgery) began running last week. Blackmon says he’s a full month ahead of expectations, and he may be able to take part in some portions of June OTAs. Though he’s on pace to be ready for training camp, the Green Bay Packers could still select a returner in the draft later this month.

Pittsburg: Santonio Holmes’ attorney is confident that his client will be cleared of any wrongdoing in the civil suit arising out of a March 7 nightclub incident. “The true story and the complete story is going to come out,” the attorney said. “I think the allegations against Mr. Holmes are going to be disproven.” The woman declined to press chargers, and this has had the look of a money grab from the beginning.

Philadelphia: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt was noncommittal when asked about possible interest in a Donovan McNabb trade. “As of right now, he’s with another football team so it’s not something I can comment on,” Whisenhunt said. “Hopefully, things work out for him the way he wants it to.” Beat writer Kent Somers suggests the last line was a way for Whiz to toy with the media as opposed to a hope that McNabb gets his wish by landing in Arizona.

DeMeco Ryans

Texans re-signed MLB DeMeco Ryans to a six-year, $48 million contract. The deal was first reported by beat writer John McClain, though ESPN’s Adam Schefter had the particulars. The contract contains a whopping $21.75M guaranteed and $26.3M in the first three years, including a $7.5M signing bonus and $7M base salary in 2010.

A two-time Pro Bowler and captain of the Texans’ improving defense, Ryans rivals Jon Beason as the second-best young inside linebacker in the game behind Patrick Willis. The 25-year-old did well to match Karlos Dansby’s guaranteed money with the Dolphins. Ryans, Brian Cushing, and unsung SLB Zac Diles will form one of the top 4-3 linebacker units for years to come.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: According to NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora, Donovan McNabb’s $6.5 million roster bonus, due by May 5, will not factor into the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision making. A potential McNabb trade is most likely go down around draft weekend in late April, so the roster bonus wouldn’t fall on Philly’s shoulders. Should McNabb remain on the roster by early May, there is no chance the Eagles will cut him to avoid paying the bonus. McNabb’s base salary for 2010 is just $5 million.

New England: The Providence Journal confirms that coach Bill Belichick “became concerned” about Laurence Maroney’s fumbles in crucial situations late last season.

Though Belichick was typically taciturn on the issue, Maroney was sent to the bench in Week 16, deactivated in Week 17, and saw just one carry in the Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Fred Taylor all in the final year of their contracts, the Pats could select a running back of the future with one of their three second-round picks.

Oakland: Raiders re-signed restricted free agent S Hiram Eugene to a one-year, $1.759 million contract.
The Oakland Raiders will overpay Eugene to back up at safety and contribute on special teams after he lost his starting job to Michael Huff last season.

Multiple Cowboys sources denied Tuesday that Marion Barber is on the trading block. The denials come on the heels of an NFL Network report that Barber is available via trade. Due a $4M roster bonus and $3.8M base salary, the increasingly injury-prone MBIII is making too much money to play a supporting role behind Felix Jones. With the Cowboys set to contend in 2010, though, owner Jerry Jones has suggested his backfield depth is a luxury he can’t afford to lose.

2010 NFL Draft: A league source tells WEEI.com in Boston that the Patriots “love” Penn State DL Jared Odrick. Odrick has drawn comparisons to Richard Seymour for his size and athleticism. Like Seymour, Odrick can also play defensive end in a 3-4 or tackle in a 4-3. He’s projected to go in the last half of the first round, so he could be available when the Pats pick at No. 22.

Sam Bradford

Citing “multiple league and media sources,” Profootballtalk.com reports that Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford may refuse to sign a pre-draft contract with the St. Louis Rams. JaMarcus Russell is the only No. 1 pick to not sign before the draft in the last four years. By refusing to sign, Bradford would gain leverage in contract talks.

The move could also spur St. Louis to shop the pick, fearing Bradford might hold out like Russell, or even draft another player. Signing early and reporting on time would give Bradford his best chance to start on day one. Being drafted No. 1 would also give him his best shot at the biggest contract.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: The Vikings hosted CB Tye Hill for a free agent visit on Monday. Hill is reportedly deciding between Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee, the latter of whom he met with last week. Both teams are in need of corner help, but Hill’s track record says he would do more to exacerbate the problem than cure it.

Minnesota: Vikings signed DL Michael Montgomery to a one-year contract. A misfit in Green Bay’s 3-4 last year, Montgomery returns to the friendly confines of a 4-3 alignment in Minnesota. He says he hopes to play left end for the Vikes, but at 6’5/285 is more likely to earn playing time on the interior. If Montgomery does see action outside, he’ll back up LE Ray Edwards.

San Diego: Unsigned restricted free agent Darren Sproles is participating in the San Diego Chargers‘ voluntary offseason program. He signed an injury waiver to protect himself. Sproles’ participation could mean that the sides are in long-term contract talks, or at least that Sproles isn’t upset with playing the 2010 season on another one-year tender.

Chicago: Greg Olsen reported to the Bears’ voluntary offseason program on time Monday. Olsen has been concerned that his role would diminish in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s tight end-unfriendly scheme, so if the Bears wanted to keep Olsen this year, it’s a good sign that he’s participating already. Still, we’d be surprised if the Bears didn’t field trade offers for Olsen on draft weekend after signing Brandon Manumaleuna to a $15 million deal.

2010 NFL Draft: Northwestern DE Corey Wootton ran in the 4.93-4.95 range in the forty-yard dash at the Wildcats’ Monday Pro Day. Wootton’s ten-yard splits of 1.66 and 1.71 seconds were more impressive. He also had a 32″ vertical and 9-foot long jump. At 6’6/272, Wootton’s best fit is probably at end in an up-tempo 3-4 defense like the Jets’ or Cowboys’.

Sage Rosenfels

The Raiders and Vikings are “discussing the availability” of Sage Rosenfels, according to Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post. A third-stringer in Minnesota, Rosenfels would be a significant upgrade in Oakland Raiders over JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski. According to Lombardi, a former Raiders personnel man with close ties to Al Davis, the Vikings will only trade Rosenfels if they are certain Brett Favre is coming back. Rosenfels could be a fallback plan if Oakland misses out on Donovan McNabb.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Green Bay: The Minnesota Vikings will host free agent DL Michael Montgomery on Monday. Montgomery, 26, can play three positions along the defensive line, but has just five career sacks in five seasons. He’d likely battle Letroy Guion, Jayme Mitchell, and Fred Evans for snaps off the bench if he made the team.

Pittsburg: Ben Roethlisberger will not report to the Steelers’ offseason program on time. The Pittsburg Steelers’ voluntary workouts begin on Monday. Roethlisberger, facing his second sexual assault case in as many years, made the decision in an effort to avoid being a distraction in Pittsburgh. Dennis Dixon will act as the team’s stand-in starting quarterback, with Charlie Batch behind him.

Baltimore: Restricted free agent LT Jared Gaither confirmed that he will report to the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason program on Monday. Better late than never. Gaither also wants a long-term deal. “It would be my dream to stay with the Ravens…winning multiple championships,” he said. “I’d be more than happy to remain here.” Gaither says he didn’t show up last week because he was rehabbing an ankle injury that didn’t require surgery.

St. Louis: Rams RT Jason Smith (concussion) is doing well and participating fully in the offseason program, according to coach Steve Spagnuolo. The No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft missed the final six weeks of last season after battling concussion-related symptoms. Assuming LT Alex Barron keeps his job, Smith will be the Rams’ starting right tackle in 2010.

2010 NFL Draft: Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post writes that he “keep(s) hearing” Florida CB Joe Haden will not be a top-ten pick. Lombardi calls Haden “a speed-deficit corner,” despite his 4.4 forty at the Gators’ March 17 Pro Day. Should Haden get past the Jaguars at No. 10, the 49ers (No. 13), Seahawks (14), Giants (15), and Titans (16) will all be serious candidates to take him. He isn’t going to fall any further than that.

2010 NFL Draft: Murray State DE Austen Lane ran 4.89 and 4.98 in the forty-yard dash at the Racers’ Pro Day. He also had a 4.44 short shuttle and performed 20 reps of 225 pounds. A dominant small school pass rusher who goes 6’6/274, Lane will likely convert to defensive tackle if he’s drafted by a 4-3 team, or five-technique end if he lands in a 3-4. He’s a late second- to third-round prospect.

Donovan McNabb

Updating a previous item, the Associated Press reports the Philadelphia Eagles will only deal Donovan McNabb for a pick in the top 42 selections of the upcoming draft. In line with previously reported rumors, the Raiders and Bills, considered the early favorites to land McNabb, have the 39th and 41st picks respectively.

The 49ers’ second-round pick is only 49th, but they could conceivably add another player or pick to entice the Eagles. The Rams, Browns and Cardinals have denied interest, and the Vikings, Seahawks, Broncos and Jaguars are not believed to be in the mix to acquire McNabb.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: The player rep for Leon Washington responded to coach Rex Ryan’s criticism Thursday, saying the restricted free agent is “a bit taken back about the reports of him taking a reduced role in 2010.”

“Especially since we are four months from the opening of camp,” the agent added. Washington is working at the Andrews Institute in Florida, which is known as one of the best rehab facilities in the country. The agent insists that Washington is not unhappy with his contract situation, emphasizing that his client hasn’t signed his tender because they still have three weeks to draw an offer sheet.

Green Bay: Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy admits to being slightly concerned that success came to quickly for 23-three-year old TE Jermichael Finley. “You always worry about young guys that have success that fast,” McCarthy said. “He’s at work, he’s got a big smile on his face, but like a lot of guys, you kind of worry about them once they leave the building. But it’s all part of growing up and handling success.” Finley is set to move into the starting lineup in 2010, so it’s obviously not a major issue for McCarthy.

Miami: The Atlanta police report from last Friday night shows that Ronnie Brown had a blood alcohol level of .158, nearly twice the legal limit, when he was arrested on a DUI charge. Brown failed a field sobriety test and nearly missed an oncoming vehicle as well, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He has no prior record of off-field issues, so Brown has a good chance to avoid an NFL suspension even if he doesn’t escape charges. He’ll play out the final year of his rookie contract after he signs the Miami Dolphins’ $3.969M tender offer.

2010 NFL Draft: Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he would “love the opportunity to develop” Florida QB Tim Tebow. “He’s a winner, and I’m excited to see what he does in the National Football League,” McCarthy said. The Packers remain high on Matt Flynn, so they’re unlikely to spend a second or third-round pick on a quarterback this year.

Donovan McNabb

Rams GM Billy Devaney shot down reports that his club might acquire Donovan McNabb Wednesday, calling the rumors “absolutely false.” “Nothing to it,” another high-ranking Rams official informed Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Rams Post-Dispatch. “It’s utterly ridiculous,” Devaney added.

“I haven’t talked to Philadelphia about any of their players.” “They may have a trade offer, but not from us,” yet a third Rams source said. “Why would we trade for McNabb and then go watch (Sam) Bradford throw on Monday?” Expect McNabb to get traded on or around draft week.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Pittsburg: KDKA 2 in Pittsburgh reports that the woman accusing Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault has declined to be re-interviewed by police. Police already lack key physical evidence (Big Ben’s DNA), and now have an uncooperative key witness.

The woman skipped one previously scheduled interview. “Bottom line is, no cooperative victim under these circumstances, probably no crime,” said Robert Del Greco, an unbiased Pittsburgh defensive attorney. No charges would probably also mean no NFL suspension.

Carolina:  Panthers coach John Fox confirmed that the team has no interest in trading Jonathan Stewart or DeAngelo Williams. There were some rumors that Williams would be available thanks to Stewart’s breakout down the stretch in 2009, but they were quickly shot down.

Stewart is coming off another Achilles’ surgery and the Carolina Panthers need two elite backs anyway to implement their smash mouth style

Washington: Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was noncommittal when asked Wednesday if Jason Campbell will be the team’s starting QB in 2010. “There’s competition at every position,” Shanahan said. “Rex Grossman was with Kyle [Shanahan] in Houston, he understands the system.

We’re going to…have all these guys compete.” Campbell should win a camp battle with Grossman handily, but any true competition would limit his offseason reps

Jacksonville: Free agent Torry Holt indicated Wednesday that he’s receiving little interest on the open market. Holt claims he spoke to a few teams recently, but he’s still in wait-and-see mode at this time. The 34-year-old also reiterated his desire to play for Mike Martz in Chicago, but the Bears aren’t showing strong interest in him.

Holt probably needs at least another year of solid production to solidify a spot in the Hall of Fame. Things may pick up for him after the draft.

2010 NFL Draft: Opinions of Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour’s passing were reportedly “mixed” after he threw for evaluators at his Pro Day. LeFevour didn’t throw to moving targets in Indianapolis, so he needed a big day to motivate his draft stock. However, LeFevour “struggled throwing the ball downfield,” which isn’t surprising considering his lack of ideal arm strength.

Receivers reportedly had to slow down their routes frequently to haul in his throws, with some “out-running LeFevour’s deep passes altogether.”