Alex Smith

49ers president Jed York gave Alex Smith a strong vote of confidence as the team’s starting quarterback on Monday. “Alex is our guy,” York said. “He’s our quarterback. We believe in Alex. Coach Singletary believes in Alex. I think it’s great this is the first time he’s had continuity at the offensive coordinator. When you have some weapons around him with Crab (Michael Crabtree) with Vernon (Davis) with Frank (Gore), I think Alex is poised to have a good season for us.”

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: The player rep for restricted free agent Leon Washington says his client is skipping the New York Jets’ offseason conditioning program in part because other teams are interested in acquiring Washington.

We’ve heard no such reports. Agent Alvin Keels insists Washington’s absence has “nothing to do with him being unhappy.” “If a team is going to give up a second-round pick, it would probably get done closer to the April 15th deadline,” Keels added. “He will be four weeks further along in his rehab. It only makes sense from a business standpoint.” Washington (broken leg) expects to be medically cleared to resume running in 10-14 days.

Minnesota: Owner Zygi Wilf said Monday that he’ll reach out to Brett Favre “in due time” to express the Minnesota Vikings’ interest in having him back for 2010. “We just want to let things sit and we’ll work on that,” added Wilf, who’s kept tabs on Favre via coach Brad Childress’ updates. The Vikings are making a concerted effort to not pressure Favre, but they’re counting on him to play.

Seattle: Ex-Seahawks coach Jim Mora has stayed in touch with OG Rob Sims, and confirmed Monday that Sims has been banned from the team’s offseason program. “Rob Sims is out of there, they’ve already told him,” Mora said. “They aren’t letting Rob Sims work out at the facility, so he’s gone.” Sims is likely available for a late-round pick. He was Seattle’s fourth-round selection in 2006.

Chicago: The agent for Chicago Bears C Olin Kreutz says his client is “way ahead of schedule” in his recovery from surgery on his Achilles’ tendon. The procedure removed a bone spur from Kreutz’s heel. Kreutz, who hasn’t missed a start since 2002, played through the injury for the past two seasons. In theory, the 33-year-old will improve after having the operation.

Oakland: Raiders re-signed DT William Joseph. Joseph, turning 31 before the season, has been on and off Oakland’s roster throughout the last three years. The former first-round pick hasn’t registered a single sack since 2006 and will be in a fight to make the roster.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Seattle Seahawks acquired QB Charlie Whitehurst from the Chargers in exchange for a swap of 2010 second-round picks and a third-round pick in 2011. The move will pay off for Seattle if Whitehurst becomes Matt Hasselbeck’s eventual successor, but the Bolts got quite a haul. They move up 20 spots in round two and get a premium 2011 pick for a player with zero pass attempts in four seasons, who couldn’t beat out Billy Volek. Whitehurst, 27, posted an underwhelming 49:46 TD-to-INT ratio and 59.7 completion rate as a four-year starter at Clemson in the early- to mid-2000s. He has ideal size (6’4/227), good tools and athleticism, and outplayed Jay Cutler at the 2006 Senior Bowl. Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have been watching a lot of old tape.

Arizona: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on NFL Live Wednesday that the Arizona Cardinals consider their quarterback situation “an open competition.” It’ll be “let the best man win,” Schefter added. Based on experience in the offense, familiarity with receivers, and sheer accuracy, Matt Leinart should hold a sizable edge. Rumblings continue that the Cards aren’t sold on Leinart, however, and their previously aggressive pursuit of Charlie Whitehurst before signing Derek Anderson is only confirmation. If Anderson can regain his confidence, he’ll give Leinart a run for his money in camp.

Philadelphia: The Eagles have released OL Shawn Andrews. Andrews, a first-team All Pro in 2006 and a Pro Bowler as recently as 2007, has missed all but two games over the last two seasons due to multiple back operations and depression. He’s only 27 years old and was due a modest $2 million salary, but the Philadelphia Eagles clearly grew tired of Andrews’ mental and physical problems. He’ll get another chance elsewhere, assuming he wants one. It’s believed Andrews may no longer be interested in football.

2010 NFL Draft: Florida CB Joe Haden reportedly timed in the mid-4.4 range on both of his forty-yard dash runs at the Gators’ Pro Day. According to some stopwatches, Haden clocked as fast as the 4.3s despite a soggy, sloppy grass field in Gainesville. The draft’s top cornerback, Haden has helped his stock immensely after timing in the 4.57-4.60 range with poor running technique and a lower back sprain at the Scouting Combine. We no longer see him getting past San Francisco at No. 13 overall.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: The Chicago Sun Times reports that the Bears have set up a visit for free agent Chester Taylor on Friday. The Vikings are likely hoping that Taylor signs quickly so that they can get into the bidding for free agents. As a “final eight team,” Minnesota is basically sitting on its hands until a top UFA gets away. If he signs with the Minnesota Vikings, it’s believed Taylor could push for Matt Forte’s starting job.

Chicago: Lance Zierlein of KGOW in Houston reports that the Bears are intent on not letting free agent Julius Peppers get away. Zierlein earlier reported that the Redskins were nearing a deal for Peppers. He now writes on Twitter that, “This feels like a gunfight,” and points out that Chicago Bears DL coach “(Rod) Marinelli might end up being (a) big draw for Peppers.” Meantime, Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bears “are the front-runner” for Peppers. He’s due to visit Friday.

New York: Jets acquired CB Antonio Cromartie from the Chargers in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in 2011. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the pick can upgrade to a second-rounder depending on Cromartie’s playing time and the New York Jets’ performance. No one is disputing Cromartie’s freakish natural talent, but Chargers GM A.J. Smith did well to pick up a valuable pick. Between Cromartie’s myriad off-field issues and nonchalant on-field attitude, the Jets are taking quite a gamble. Of course, if Cromartie ever gets his head on straight, Rex Ryan’s secondary will rise to a new level of dominance.

Carolina: Panthers released QB Jake Delhomme. Delhomme has had an interesting and admirable career, beginning as an undrafted free agent in 1999 before taking over as Carolina’s offensive leader in 2003. Though he sports a 50-31 career record and a pair of impressive playoff runs, Delhomme has been a wreck since his six-turnover game against the Cardinals two years ago. Matt Moore becomes the favorite to start for the Panthers while Delhomme could head back home to back up Drew Brees.

Indianapolis: ESPN’s John Clayton reports that the Colts are on the verge of re-signing free agent MLB Gary Brackett. It remains to be seen how much money Brackett will get, but the deal figures to average around $6 million annually with $12-16M guaranteed. The Giants and perhaps the Eagles were thought to be interested in Brackett had he made it to the market, which opens at midnight eastern time Friday morning

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Bryan Burwell has clarified his earlier report, now stressing that the St. Louis Rams have not discussed Donovan McNabb with the Eagles. The curious phrasing of “intense internal conversations with the Philadelphia Eagles” was apparently the result of an error by Burwell’s copy desk. He stands by his story that the Rams have had talked internally about pursuing McNabb, but the two teams have yet to engage in trade scenarios. St. Louis remains an unlikely landing spot for McNabb.

Minnesota: Adrian Peterson is pushing for Brett Favre to come back for two more years, rather than just one. “I think we could win back-to-back Super Bowls,” said Peterson. “I’d take one. But the talent we have on both sides of the football with Favre … I feel like we can go as high as we want.” Peterson has a point. The Minnesota Vikings’ Super Bowl-caliber talent is the best thing they have going for them in the attempt to keep Favre from retirement.

Dallas: Beat writer Todd Archer doesn’t believe there’s a legit concern that another team will sign restricted free agent Miles Austin to a “poison pill” offer sheet. Archer points out that the league has discouraged poison pill offers since the Seahawks pulled the trick on Nate Burleson to repay the Vikings for Steve Hutchinson. Without a cap, the Dallas Cowboys can pretty match any deal unless a team inserts language that guarantees the contract with “X amount of games in the state of Texas.” We doubt another team will go that route.

2010 NFL Draft: According to FoxSports.com’s John Czarnecki, Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo would select Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy if the draft was today. Spags apparently feels strongly enough about McCoy that the rest of the front office would go along the pick. Fans of Sam Bradford in the organization will have to wait for his pro day in late March to build momentum. If Bradford is able to allay doubts about his shoulder, we still believe the Rams will end up going quarterback at No. 1

Elsewhere around the NFL:

San Diego: Citing a league source, Lions beat writer Tom Kowalski reports that a trade sending Antonio Cromartie to Detroit is now “highly unlikely.” It appears Detroit balked when San Diego Chargers asked for Maurice Morris. The Lions have reportedly “opted to move in a different direction.” Though Morris is a replacement-level back, he is versed in OC Scott Linehan’s scheme and showed the ability to perform at a high level in spot duty with 126 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against the Cardinals in Week 15 last year. Morris would also be the Lions’ every-down back if the season started today.

New Orleans: The Saints have extended a first- and third-round tender to restricted free agent RG Jahri Evans. The sides are working on a long-term deal, but New Orleans Saints had to make this move before the March 4 deadline to ensure Evans wouldn’t become an unrestricted free agent. Evans, 26, was a 2009 first-team All-Pro selection.

San Francisco: The 49ers will not tender DB Marcus Hudson, making him an unrestricted free agent. Hudson would’ve made just over $1 million with the lowest possible tender, but the San Francisco 49ers didn’t deem him worthy as mostly a non-factor on defense. Hudson offers special teams value, though, and should get some interest.

San Francisco: The 49ers have extended a low tender to restricted free agent LG David Baas. San Francisco clearly doesn’t think too highly of Baas, who was originally a second-round pick. Per new CBA rules, he’d only cost another team a third-round pick to sign away. Baas started all 16 games for the Niners last year.

New York: The Jets will release CB Lito Sheppard on Friday, the New York Daily News has confirmed. The OCNN (Ochocinco’s News Network) had the news first. Sheppard, 29, remained injury prone in his one-year Jets stint and was often burned when on the field. He wasn’t going to last with a $10 million roster bonus pending.

2010 NFL Draft: Scout.com’s Adam Caplan calls Fordham QB John Skelton “clearly” the strongest-armed quarterback at the Combine. “Skelton can make any throw, and he can make it look easy,” Caplan wrote after observing Skelton in Indianapolis and at a pre-draft all-star event. Skelton’s downfalls are his sense of timing — typical for D-IAA QBs — and accuracy. Skelton is a project, but with upside to someday start in the NFL

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Dallas: Cowboys coach Wade Phillips confirmed Friday that Roy Williams will have to compete to keep his starting job in 2010. “We are going to play the best player, no matter what,” Phillips said. The Dallas Cowboys’ alternatives are Kevin Ogletree and Patrick Crayton, though Crayton is much better suited for the slot. Ogletree has legitimate talent and is a player to monitor closely in dynasty leagues. Williams, due nearly $13 million in 2010, could enter the season as a backup/fourth receiver.

New York: The NY Daily News reports that the Jets are exploring extension talks with All-Pro CB Darrelle Revis. Revis is the focal point of New York’s No. 1 pass defense, blanketing No. 1 receivers to force opponents to beat the New York Jets with inferior weapons. Beat writer Rich Cimini reports that “there’s definitely something cooking there.” Revis’ rookie contract is currently set to void after the 2010 season.

Chicago: Free agent Brian Westbrook said Friday that he would “love” to play for the Chicago Bears. Chicago could use an explosive change of pace for Matt Forte, especially in new coordinator Mike Martz’s up-tempo scheme. When healthy, Westbrook’s skill set is similar to former Martz back Marshall Faulk. “They have a pretty good quarterback there (Jay Cutler); great defense,” Westbrook noted. “There’s no question that I would love to definitely play in Chicago.”

Washington: Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan strongly indicated Friday that Clinton Portis will return as the team’s starting tailback in 2010. “He’s our running back,” Shanahan said. “I expect him to be in great shape and do everything he can to be the best player,” the new coach added. “If he does that, I know what type of ability he has. Hopefully, he can help us win.” The Skins are apparently convinced that, despite a ton of wear and tear, the 28-year-old Portis can regain form in their zone-blocking scheme.

2010 NFL Draft: NFL Network’s Charley Casserly reports that Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen (toe surgery) is unlikely to get in a full workout before April’s draft. The full workout would consist of “running, cutting and dropping.” It sounds like Clausen should be ready for his NFL team’s summer camps, but he apparently won’t be able to throw for evaluators at the Irish Pro Day. We’d say this was a slight concern if Clausen was a serious candidate to be drafted No. 1 overall, but Sam Bradford has clearly emerged as the favorite.

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:

Tennessee: Chris Johnson says he wants the Tennessee Titans to make him at least the highest paid running back in the league. “I deserve to be the highest paid running back in the league or even the highest paid offensive player besides the quarterback,” he said. C.J. insists that he won’t use the media to his advantage in potential contract talks. He is signed through 2012, so the Titans don’t need to be in a hurry.

New England: ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Randy Moss played through a separated shoulder for most of the regular season. The Boston Herald reports that Moss suffered the injury in Week 5. This may help explain why Moss was a non-factor in New England’s playoff loss and sat out the Pro Bowl. Whether he needs surgery is uncertain, but the injury shouldn’t sideline Moss for OTAs. Moss also had knee and back issues during the season. The 33-year-old’s body may be beginning to let him down a bit.

Chicago: Bears hired Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. Martz was low on GM Jerry Angelo’s initial list of candidates, but rose to the forefront after Rob Chudzinski, Jeremy Bates, Hue Jackson, and a host of others bowed out. Martz, 59, was out of coaching last year but is still widely regarded as one of the game’s brightest offensive minds. It will be interesting to see how the strong-minded coach meshes with Jay Cutler. Martz’s offensive track record offense says the Chicago Bears are making a high-upside move as head coach Lovie Smith enters a win-or-else season.

Miami: Miami Dolphins VP of football operation Bill Parcells says it is his understanding that free agent Chad Pennington intends to keep playing. Pennington said last month that he’ll pursue a chance to start. There are plenty of teams that need starting quarterbacks, but his market value will be limited coming off a third surgery on his throwing shoulder. Pennington will have to go to a place like St. Louis to compete for a starting job.

2010 NFL Draft: Missouri LB Sean Weatherspoon shed roughly ten pounds between the Tigers’ Texas Bowl loss to Navy and the Senior Bowl. Weatherspoon got down to 241 for the all-star game after playing in the 250s as a senior. The move paid off, as Weatherspoon showed improve explosion to the ball and was one of the better linebackers in Mobile. A projected late first-round pick, he could play ILB in a 3-4 scheme or WLB in a 4-3.

The two-time NFL MVP escaped a five-year drought in the middle of his career to own the three highest single-game passing totals in Super Bowl history. Though it may not be on the first ballot, the 12-year veteran is expected to eventually be voted into the hall of fame.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: SI.com’s Don Banks expects the Arizona Cardinals to lean more heavily on Beanie Wells following Kurt Warner’s retirement. Coach Ken Whisenhunt comes from a run-first background and is likely to install a more balanced offense with Matt Leinart at quarterback. Wells never did overtake Tim Hightower to be Arizona’s starter in 2009, but he was the clear feature back during the stretch run. Expect Wells to get in excess of 250 carries next season.

Chicago: The Bears have interviewed Mike Martz for the their vacant offensive coordinator job on Friday. Martz was ready to move on earlier in the week, but the Chicago Bears are getting desperate. The choice could come down to Martz or Vikings QBs coach Kevin Rogers. Though Martz had harsh criticism for Jay Cutler during the season, he does have a history with coach Lovie Smith.

Philedelphia: DeSean Jackson’s agent plans to approach the Eagles for a new four- or five-year contract for his client, according to Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia. The writing has been on the wall since Jackson switched to Drew Rosenhaus during the season. Jackson is still working under his slotted second-round contract, which has two years remaining at a combined $1.025M with roughly $800,000 in bonuses. The team’s most dangerous weapon on offense and in the return game is deserving of a raise, and the team will likely attempt to lock him up long-term.

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Bengals SLB Rey Maualuga was arrested Friday morning in Northern Kentucky for DUI and careless driving. Maualuga reportedly had a blood-alcohol level of .157, which is far above the .08 legal limit. He’s scheduled for a video arraignment in Kenton County District Court Friday afternoon.

New York: Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum was noncommittal on Thomas Jones’ future Thursday. Tannenbaum said the team “hopes to have him back,” but he also pointed to economic factors that could play into the decision. Jones is due a $2.8M roster bonus in March in addition to a $2.8M salary. The five straight seasons of 290+ carries appeared to finally catch up to him in the playoffs, which likely has the New York Jets re-thinking their backfield plans for 2010.

Whatever happens, I can say, honestly say…that’s going to be my last game,” Seau said of the Patriots’ Wild Card Round loss to Baltimore Ravens. Seau has said he would retire before, but at age 41 this is likely for real. The 12-time Pro Bowler will be eligible to enter the Hall of Fame in 2014 as a probable first-ballot entrant.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Kansas City: The Kansas City Chiefs have named Romeo Crennel defensive coordinator and signed him to a three-year contract. The former Browns head coach inherits a unit that has some talent at key 3-4 positions but is short on talent overall, finishing 29th in overall defense last season. Incumbent Clancy Pendergast’s contract was terminated.

Crennel will keep Pendergast’s 3-4 base in place, although their styles are essentially polar opposites. While Crennel’s name gives K.C. some credibility, his conservative, two-gap scheme won’t conjure up images of Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas at Arrowhead anytime soon.

Tennessee: The Associated Press has named Chris Johnson the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. It wasn’t a close vote. Johnson received 38 1/2 of 50 votes, with Drew Brees’ nine coming a distant second. Johnson became just the sixth player in NFL history to run for more than 2,000 yards, and set the record for most yards from scrimmage with 2,509.

He ran for 100 or more yards in a ridiculous 11 straight games and totaled 16 touchdowns for a team that started 0-6. He’ll get serious consideration to be the No. 1 pick in fantasy drafts next season.

New York: New York Jets WR Braylon Edwards is likely to be suspended for at least one game during the 2010 season, according to Profootballtalk.com. Edwards pleaded “no contest” Tuesday to aggravated disorderly conduct charges that stemmed from an incident outside a Cleveland nightclub last October.

It’s likely equivalent to a guilty plea in the NFL’s eyes, though he won’t face punishment in the playoffs. Edwards, 27 next month, is an impending restricted free agent. He’s sure to be back with the Jets next season.

Chicago: The Chicago Bears interviewed Jaguars assistant head coach/TEs Mike Tice on Wednesday about a potential spot on their staff, presumably offensive coordinator.

Miami: The Dolphins interviewed ex-Virginia head coach Al Groh for their vacancy at defensive coordinator on Wednesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter says the Fins want to name a new defensive boss by the weekend. Steelers LBs coach Keith Butler is also expected to be brought in for an interview.