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.

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.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Giants SS Kenny Phillips says the team assured him Antrel Rolle was not signed to replace him.
“They made that very clear,” Phillips said. “It’ll be a privilege playing next to him.” Coming off microfracture surgery, Phillips plans to begin running by April. He says he’ll “definitely” be full go by the start of camp.

Cleveland: According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brady Quinn would “welcome” a trade if the Cleveland Browns aren’t committed to starting him. And obviously, they aren’t. Quinn, whose sprained foot will be fine by the start of Cleveland’s offseason conditioning program, is very available in trade talks. The Broncos were rumored to have interest in him last spring.

Cleveland: The Browns are currently hosting free agent Justin Fargas. Settling on Fargas as a backfield complement might be a best-case scenario for Jerome Harrison, who wouldn’t have trouble outproducing the injury-prone 30-year-old. Fargas might also end up “blocking” James Davis, who quite possibly would present the greatest threat to Harrison’s 2010 workload.

2010 NFL Draft: According to NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi, Alabama LB Rolando McClain’s Crohn’s disease “won’t affect him at all” on draft day. Lombardi compares McClain to ex-Giant Pepper Johnson as a “big, physical, downhill player…a thumper.” The disease may explain McClain’s iffy motor, but he remains a likely first-round pick as a heady, instinctive Mike ‘backer.

2010 NFL Draft: Kentucky CB Trevard Lindley ran forty times of 4.50 and 4.51 at the Wildcats’ Pro Day Wednesday. Lindley ran a 4.53 at the Scouting Combine, also recording a 38.5-inch vertical but just nine reps of 225 pounds. Lanky at 5’11/183, Lindley is a long-armed defensive back with press-coverage experience. He struggled with injuries as a senior, hurting his stock, and is a third-round prospect at best.

2010 NFL Draft: Updating a previous item, NFL.com’s Gil Brandt reports that Alabama NT Terrence Cody only had 22 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the Crimson Tide’s Wednesday Pro Day.

The difference between this account and agent Alvin Keels’ (he claimed Cody had 32 reps) is major. Cody has likely lost muscle while shedding 22 pounds since the Senior Bowl, and it showed up on the bench. Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy, with only slightly shorter arms, was criticized for repping 225 23 times.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: Matt Leinart will not be handed the starting job in Arizona, with coach Ken Whisenhunt confirming Tuesday that a veteran will be brought in for competition. It is expected that Arizona Cardinals will attempt to sign the recently released Derek Anderson.

Denver: Denver Broncos signed NT Jamal Williams, formerly of the Chargers, to a three-year, $16 million contract with $7 million guaranteed. Josh McDaniels’ defense is taking its cue from George Allen’s “Over-the-Hill Gang” of the early ’70s. Denver set out to beef up both lines, and they’ve succeeded beyond their expectations on the defensive side. Williams joins versatile veterans Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green up front, providing a massive upgrade to the run defense , at least on paper. Expect Williams to start at the nose, with Bannan at one end and Green at the other.

Minnesota: LaDainian Tomlinson is scheduled to visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, according to SI.com’s Jim Trotter. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms. Tomlinson surely realizes Adrian Peterson is entrenched as the lead dog, so it appears that he’s come to grips with a decreased role. Though the Vikes are seeking a replacement for Chester Taylor in the third-down role, the fit isn’t as natural as it would seem. Tomlinson is a downgrade in pass protection as well as after-the-catch ability.

Baltimore: ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms the Baltimore Ravens are still attempting to re-sign free agent Derrick Mason even after bringing in Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth.

Tampa Bay: Free agent Antonio Bryant is believed to be the Bengals’ “first choice” at wide receiver, according to beat writer Joe Reedy. Bryant had a positive meeting with the Bengals Tuesday, pushing Terrell Owens’ visit back to Wednesday. Bryant also has a meeting scheduled with the Redskins Wednesday, so the Bengals will have to get him locked up before he leaves team headquarters. Speculation has emerged that Owens’ impending visit is merely to placate Chad Ochocinco, who has pushed for the signing.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Houston: Texans coach Gary Kubiak indicated that Steve Slaton (neck surgery) will be involved in OTAs as a non-contact participant. Kubiak expects Slaton to be cleared for contact by training camp “as long as he recovers correctly.” The Houston Texans don’t seem to be concerned about the long-term affects of the surgery, but Slaton won’t be a great bet to play 16 games in 2010. Though he remains in the mix for carries, Kubiak is placing a “high priority” on adding a physical back with the ability to close games.

Houston: Coach Gary Kubiak believes Jacoby Jones should end up as No. 1 or No. 2 receiver in the NFL.
Kubiak joked that that he’s had more meetings with Jones than he’s had with his own children, but he insists that Jones is a “good kid,” lacking only in consistency. Kubiak has been high on Jones since the end of the season, and the return ace has a shot to ascend to the No. 2 job with Kevin Walter an unrestricted free agent.

Cincinnati: Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson disputes a report that the Bengals are planning to use Matt Jones as a tight end. The Dayton Daily News characterized “in-house NFL guru” Carlos “Big C” Holmes’ opinion as fact, when it was merely guesswork. The Cincinnati Bengals realize Jones doesn’t have the bulk or the blocking ability to pull off the switch. If reports about his workout are true, Jones has a lot of work to do this offseason just to make the final roster.

Cincinnati: The Bengals are believed to be interested in re-signing DT Tank Johnson. The team has already made an opening offer. Johnson stayed out of trouble all season while helping the Bengals’ run defense, so it makes sense that they’d want to bring him back to start next to Domata Peko.

Cleveland: Though he’s not yet ready to make a decision on his quarterback situation, Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren suggested that Brady Quinn deserves a full season of starts before he can be fairly evaluated. Holmgren believes a quarterback needs 32 games to be accurately defined. “I think Brady’s played about nine games in three years (actually 12),” said Holmgren. “So if I’m sticking to my beliefs, which I really do believe in, that’s the formula.” Holmgren added, however, that he needs to study his options more before deciding on a direction for the team’s quarterback.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Cleveland: The Browns have released RB Jamal Lewis. Lewis has hinted at retirement since suffering a severe concussion during Week 12 of the regular season, and the Cleveland Browns were never going to pay his impending $1.5 million roster bonus or $2.4 million salary. Lewis, 31 in August, was a better signing for Cleveland in 2007 than expected, but fell off a cliff in 2008. He’s averaged just 3.64 yards per carry on his last 412 attempts. The Browns will move forward with Jerome Harrison as their starting tailback.

Minnesota: The agent for Minnesota Vikings NT Pat Williams said Wednesday that his client will finish out his contract with the team. “Trust me, I know what Pat Williams is doing,” said agent Angelo Wright. “Pat Williams is playing.” Williams, 37, is scheduled to receive over $5 million in 2010. He’s well worth that sum as Minnesota’s anchor up the middle.

Baltimore: The Ravens have signed WR Donte’ Stallworth to a one-year, $900,000 contract. Another $300K is available via playing time incentives. We’re extremely skeptical of the impact Stallworth can have after a year out of football and a string of unimpressive seasons before that, but the Baltimore Ravens don’t have much to lose. Even if Derrick Mason returns, this won’t be the last move Baltimore makes at wide receiver. The Ravens remain a serious candidate to draft Arrelious Benn or Demaryius Thomas with the No. 25 overall pick.

2010 NFL Draft: NFL Network’s Mike Mayock reports that Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas broke his foot on Monday while training for next week’s Scouting Combine and is out 4-6 weeks. Thomas’ agent claims the break was “clean,” and his client will be ready for OTAs. The injury is fluky, as Thomas missed just one game in his college career (due to a concussion as a sophomore). A likely top-32 pick, Thomas’ stock will take a hit because he may not run for scouts at all before the draft. Like for all big wideouts, there are questions about his long speed.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Baltimore: Baltimore Ravens FS Ed Reed revealed on the NFL Network Friday that the nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder has gotten worse. Reed also played through ankle, groin and most notably hip injuries during the ’09 season. He indicated that the nerve issue caused the latter most injury. Reed called himself “50:50″ to continue to his playing career early last month. The chances of Reed returning now appear to be decreasing, considering it appears that he is laying the ground work for retirement.

Chicago: Bears promoted DL coach Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator. Marinelli, who was a defensive line coach in Tampa before his head coaching stint in Detroit and eventual move to Chicago Bears, will call defensive plays for the first time in his career. The Bears decided to stay in-house after whiffing on Perry Fewell, who was their No. 1 target entering the offseason. Marinelli knows the Bears’ Tampa-2 scheme as well as anyone, so he’s a natural fit despite his inexperience from a play-calling standpoint.

Chicago: Devin Hester revealed Thursday that he played through a left shoulder injury in addition to his ankle and calf ailments during the 2009 season. “I really couldn’t use my left shoulder,” said Hester. He said he played through the injury at “75 to 80 percent.” Hester won’t need surgery, but he’s still rehabbing it to build strength. The lower leg injuries also affected his ability to push off, sapping him of his quickness. The team could opt to curtail the smallish Hester’s offensive snaps since he couldn’t hold up to the pounding of two full-time roles.

New York: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs revealed Friday that he injured his knee in the Giants’ 2009 opener and played through it for the entire year. This likely explains the 27-year-old’s severe decline in production and perhaps his surprisingly low usage after GM Jerry Reese promised last offseason that Jacobs would be the team’s clear featured back.

Cleveland: Suspended Browns WR Donte’ Stallworth is due a $1 million roster bonus on March 20. He’ll be gone before then. Stallworth would be in line for a $1.5 million salary if he was to stay on the 2010 roster into Week 1, but he’s not a good enough player and brings too much bad P.R. to keep around. Stallworth figures to receive no more than the NFL minimum when he hits the open market.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Baltimore: Ravens beat writer Mike Preston believes it will be a “surprising” if the Ravens make a play for Brandon Marshall this offseason. Owner Steve Bisciotti is willing to take a risk on “first-time offenders,” but he’s much more leery of repeat offenders. Marshall has had problems with coaches Mike Shanahan and Josh McDaniels the past two years, both of them growing tired of his antics on and off the field. He’s simply too big of a character risk for the likely first-round (or more) asking price.

Baltimore: Acknowledging that wide receiver is a priority this offseason, Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome indicated that he’s “open” to trading players or draft picks to acquire an upgrade. The Ravens need a big, physical receiver to push Derrick Mason into the No. 2 role. Anquan Boldin and Brandon Marshall both fit the description, though coaches’ nightmare Marshall comes with a sizable character risk. The injury-prone Boldin would come at a lower cost in players and/or draft picks.

St. Louis: According to a report from Jason LaCanfora on NFL Network Wednesday, the St. Louis Rams are “definitely” the favorites to land Michael Vick this offseason. The Rams have connections to Vick, beginning with GM Billy Devaney from their time together in Atlanta. Coach Steve Spagnuolo and coordinator Pat Shurmur are both tight with Andy Reid and presumably have received positive reports on Vick. Despite the Eagles’ recent contention that they don’t plan to deal Vick, he’s almost certainly available for a late round draft pick.

New York: In an interview with radio station WFAN Wednesday, Giants DE Usi Umenyiora insisted he will quit football if he’s not starting for the Giants in 2010. “I’m not going to be a back up player, I can promise you that,” Umenyiora said. “I’ll stop playing football before I do that ever again. This has been just the worst offseason of my entire life.” Umenyiora is still livid over his late-season benching, though he earned it with his subpar play in 2009. New coordinator Perry Fewell has already started mending fences, hinting that he sees Umenyiora as a full-time player.

San Diego: In an interview with San Diego station XX 1090, LaDainian Tomlinson insisted Tuesday that he would not take a paycut “under any circumstances.” LT says he’s unhappy with changes in the organization, but he wouldn’t rule out returning to San Diego. “I can see a lot of things happening,” said Tomlinson. “I just kind of leave it open.” If he’s truly unwilling to restructure, his future almost certainly lies outside of San Diego.

Ed Reed

According to the National Football Post, Ravens S Ed Reed is “definitely expected to play” to return in 2010. Aaron Wilson, who doubles as a Ravens beat writer, says it will take a “major setback” with Reed’s nerve impingement or ligament tears in his hip and groin to force him into retirement. Reed recently indicated that he’s “feeling good” but isn’t yet ready to announce a decision.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Dallas: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated that money won’t be a factor in Marion Barber returning for the 2010 season, but injury concerns could cause a change in his usage pattern. MBIII’s injuries have been of the nagging variety, but the Dallas Cowboys still haven’t been able to rely on him down the stretch for two straight years. Felix Jones has earned a greater share of the early-down carries, and Tashard Choice is expected to see more time on passing downs. ESPNDallas.com’s Calvin Watkins shot down a “hot rumor” that the Cowboys are shopping Barber, who is due $4M bonus on top of his $3.8M salary in 2010.

Oakland: Oakland Raiders hired former Ravens QBs coach Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator and signed him to a three-year contract. The Raiders didn’t have anyone in the offensive coordinator role last year, so the move may be a sign of progress for pro football’s most dysfunctional franchise. Tom Cable was clearly stretched last year as Oakland’s playcaller, offensive line overseer, and head coach while dealing with off-field problems.

Tampa Bay: Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson has set a goal for Josh Freeman to complete 60% of his passes in 2010. Freeman completed just 54.6% as a rookie. “He can work on making a lot of the throws,” Olson said. “Deep balls throws and accuracy. Fundamentals. If you look at all the studies of playoff quarterbacks and winning quarterbacks, that’s where it’s at…60 percent.” Freeman would also benefit from Tampa upgrading his receiver corps. No. 1 wideout Antonio Bryant is a free agent.

Chicago: The Chicago Bears have reportedly received permission to interview Bears QBs coach Kevin Rogers for their vacant offensive coordinator position. Rogers, known as a players coach with good communication skills, is credited with developing Donovan McNabb at Syracuse in addition to his work with a raw Tarvaris Jackson in Minnesota. His interview is expected to take place later this week.

2010 NFL Draft: According to an ESPN report earlier this month, Alabama NT Terrence Cody weighed “right around” 355 pounds on January 5. In other words, Cody appears to have gained 15 pounds (he measured 6’4/370 at the Senior Bowl) in the last 20 days. Cody’s body appeared sloppy, to put it mildly, when he removed his shirt for Monday’s weigh-in. While weight fluctuation is a routine concern for clogging, nose-tackle types, Cody is already resembling a late-career Ted Washington at age 21.

Chan Gailey

FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reports that ex-Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has emerged as the frontrunner for the Bills’ head coaching vacancy.

Barring a breakdown, the hire is reportedly expected within the next 24-48 hours. Gailey as a serious NFL head coaching target seems odd considering he was fired from his offensive coordinator post before the ’09 season and spent the year out of football. But his offense in K.C. during the 2008 stretch run was among the league’s most productive despite having current Miami Dolphins third-stringer Tyler Thigpen at quarterback and Mark Bradley at No. 2 receiver.

Gailey could provide a quick fix for Buffalo’s woeful offense, if nothing else. However, it is certainly surprising that the Bills did not wait to speak with the top coordinators still left in the playoffs.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Denver: The Denver Broncos have announced the resignation of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Nolan and head coach Josh McDaniels agreed to “mutually part ways,” presumably over issues of control. Nolan was also surprisingly not pursued for any head jobs after coaching up a defense laden with mediocre talent. Nolan proved he still has a golden touch as a coordinator, transforming the NFL’s No. 29 overall defense in 2008 into the seventh-best unit with just one season on the job. Nolan’s loss is a crushing blow to Denver on paper. Nolan should be immediately pursed by several clubs seeking a defensive coordinator.

Arizona: A Monday MRI revealed that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie chipped his left tibia and injured his MCL in the Arizona Cardinals‘ second-round playoff loss. The MCL was not torn and Rodgers-Cromartie’s ACL is intact. He’ll undergo tests this week to see if surgery is needed, but this gives the Cards some silver lining after Saturday’s blowout loss to New Orleans.

Arizona: Impending free agent Karlos Dansby says he has had no contract talks with the Cardinals “whatsoever.” Locking up Dansby was a priority for Arizona late into last summer, but talks shut down during the year. “If I have to leave, that’s the way the game goes,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of people come, a lot of people go. That’s how this business goes.” Dansby, 28, will be one of the top UFAs regardless of position if he hits the market.

Tennessee: Kenny Britt was arrested in New Jersey on Friday evening for a traffic violation and three outstanding traffic warrants. This is hardly a big deal, but Britt might want to start paying his tickets. Officers pulled over the former Rutgers star after seeing him stopped in the middle of the road. The outstanding warrants, totaling $865, were discovered after the stop.

Baltimore: Impending free agent Derrick Mason said Monday that he is leaning toward retirement.
According to Baltimore Ravens beat writer Aaron Wilson, Mason initially told reporters Monday that he’s “done,” then backtracked by calling himself “60-40″ to retire. The 36-year-old knows the Ravens desperately want him back, so he’s slyly putting the ball back in their court.