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.

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.

Mike Bell

The Saints have chosen not to match the one-year, $1.7 million offer sheet that RB Mike Bell signed with the Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s believed that the Saints never seriously considered matching the offer once the Philadelphia Eagles guaranteed Bell $500,000 and a no-trade clause. Though Bell is a physical down-hill runner when healthy, his late-season fade following a sprained knee is slightly disconcerting. He’ll enter training camp as the favorite for short-yardage and goal-line duties

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Kansas City: Chiefs re-signed restricted free agent ILB Derrick Johnson to a one-year, $2.621 million contract. Used as a mere nickel ‘backer by Todd Haley’s staff after starting his first four years, Johnson still managed 37 tackles, three interceptions, two pick sixes, and five pass breakups last season. The Kansas City Chiefs’ first-round tender for Johnson indicates that he’ll get a serious chance to start this year.

Detroit: Lions re-signed restricted free agent DE Jason Hunter to a one-year, $1.759 million contract. A free pickup last offseason after being waived by the Green Bay Packers, Hunter surprised as a rotational pass rusher and key special teamer for coach Jim Schwartz. He’s set to lose defensive snaps following the signing of Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Denver: Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said Tuesday that he’s “not in a hurry” to touch base with restricted free agent Brandon Marshall. The two have communicated just once since Marshall cleaned out his locker after his Week 17 benching. Though McDaniels continues to insist that Marshall remains “a big part” of the team, it’s obvious that the coach is dreading the possibility of entering the season with his notably mercurial receiver grousing about the lack of a long-term deal. A draft-time trade remains the most likely scenario.

Washington: Free agent CB Phillip Buchanon revealed that he’s scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Monday. Buchanon was recently released by a Lions team with the worst collection of corners in the league. Should he sign on with the Redskins, he’d be limited to nickel-back duties and perhaps punt returns.

2010 NFL Draft: Rams GM Billy Devaney had a “casual” meeting with the player rep for Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford Tuesday morning. Devaney joked that reporters wouldn’t have seen the two talking in public view if the discussions involved anything substantial. The sides were simply touching base on Bradford’s March 29 workout, a followup visit to the Rams, and a potential private workout.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Green Bay: NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora reports the Packers are now planning to place the franchise tag on NT Ryan Pickett. The Green Bay Packers’ use of the tag would further highlight the increasing value of 3-4 nose tackles, giving the position a clean-sweep of franchise players this year. The sides are still working on an extension, but the Packers are prepared to pay the $7M for one year to retain their run-stuffer.

Philadelphia: Eagles coach Andy Reid indicated at Tuesday’s press conference that LeSean McCoy “will take the ball from here” following Brian Westbrook’s release. McCoy will be the Philadelphia Eagles feature back in 2010, with fullback Leonard Weaver chipping in.

San Diego: According to beat writer Kevin Acee, the San Diego Chargers have no intention of using the franchise tag on RB/KR Darren Sproles for a second straight season. The Bolts will talk to Sproles’ agent during the Combine this week. They remain interested in a long-term deal, but Sproles won’t be receiving a one-year offer at close to $7.3M. GM A.J. Smith maintains that Sproles is maxed out as a return ace and backup runner, so expect the free agent to test the market this time around.

Arizona: The Cardinals are not expected to seriously discuss a contract extension with Pro Bowl DE Darnell Dockett before the 2010 season starts. This is starting to mirror Anquan Boldin’s situation from the past couple of years. The Cardinals will want to figure out how much of their budget is left over after filling holes and signing their own players this offseason. We’re not expecting a Dockett extension until next offseason, if at all.

Oakland: Beat writer Rich Cimini believes the Jets could realistically be interested in a trade for Nnamdi Asomugha, who is reportedly being dangled by the Raiders. ESPN AFC East blogger Tim Graham also considers it a possibility. Asomugha made news at the Pro Bowl when he said he was interested in joining Darrelle Revis as a dynamic shutdown duo. As a final eight team, the Jets can’t sign free agents, but they’re free to improve their team through trades. Asomugha would have to be open to restructuring his deal to play for a contender.

While LT’s release may seem like a sad ending to a Hall of Fame Chargers career, he didn’t make it smooth by ripping the franchise and refusing to take a pay cut despite obviously declining skills. Tomlinson averaged 3.3 YPC last year and turns 31 in June.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Len Pasquarelli report that the New Orleans Saints will not use the franchise tag on free agent Darren Sharper. “He’ll be a free agent,” Schefter said Monday, after NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reported last week that Sharper would be tagged.

The franchise deadline is Thursday. New Orleans’ decision may hinge on its ability to sign Sharper to a cheaper deal and/or confidence in Usama Young and 2009 first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins, who are both candidates to take over at free safety.

Green Bay: Packers beat writer Greg Bedard expects restricted free agent FS Nick Collins to hold out “for real” this offseason. This is assuming the Green Bay Packers don’t sign Collins long term, and instead extend him a restricted free agent tender. Aside from his play, obviously elite with 13 INTs over the last two years, Collins has no leverage other than his ability to hold out. Collins is only 26 and has earned a top contract for a safety, so it would be nice to see GM Ted Thompson step up in this case.

Carolina: An NFL executive told SI’s Peter King that he will be “surprised” if Julius Peppers gets $10 million a year in free agency. For comparison, Jared Allen makes over $12M annually. If the exec is right, Peppers may have to settle for a below-market deal despite the forthcoming uncapped year. The development would be a major disappointment for Peppers, who Carolina previously offered to make the NFL’s richest defender.

Buffalo: Newsday’s Bob Glauber reports that the Bengals will not sign free agent Terrell Owens this offseason. Glauber interestingly adds that Cincinnati Bengals “regrets” signing Laveranues Coles last offseason, and won’t repeat the mistake of going after a wide receiver in career decline. Owens has not been linked to any other teams to this point.

2010 NFL Draft: NFL Network’s Mike Mayock has Carlos Dunlap of Florida rated No. 4 among defensive ends for the 2010 NFL Draft. Mayock has USF’s Jason Pierre-Paul first, Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan second, Michigan’s Brandon Graham third, and USC’s Everson Griffen fifth. Dunlap was hailed as a top-ten pick immediately after he declared early for the draft, but his stock has slipped since pleading no contest to a DUI charge on December 1. Dunlap’s play-to-play effort is also in question.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora reports that Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) is “highly, highly unlikely” to play Sunday against Green Bay Packers. Boldin was officially listed as “questionable” on Friday’s injury report and will still be worked out in warmups before any decision on his status is made, but his chances are not looking good. His left leg is in very bad shape, and the Cardinals aren’t going to trot Boldin out there if it hurts their ability to keep both Early Doucet and Jerheme Urban on the 45-man, game-day roster.

New England: Patriots coach Bill Belichick announced after Friday’s practice that Randy Moss doesn’t have an injury, despite sitting out the workout. Moss is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.
Moss was spotted icing his knees and limping around throughout the week. The New England Patriots, of course, are as secretive as any team when asked to reveal injuries.

St. Louis: The player rep for Marc Bulger denies that his client is considering retirement, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Thursday. Bulger is marrying a St. Louisan and wants to stay in the area, but the feeling isn’t likely to be mutual. If Bulger wants to extend his NFL career, he will likely have to do it with another team.

Cleveland: The Cleveland Browns will reportedly name Tom Heckert their new GM on Monday. They may also hire Seahawks director of pro personnel Will Lewis in a lower-level capacity. Lewis interviewed for the GM job on Friday, but Heckert got it. Heckert has been the GM in Philadelphia since 2006, but always lacked “final say” with regard to the Eagles’ roster.

2010 NFL Draft: USC RB Joe McKnight will forgo his senior year with the Trojans and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

2010 NFL Draft: USC WR Damian Williams will forgo his senior year and enter the draft. Williams, who is 6’1/195, could be a first-round selection depending on his forty time.

The fit is logical because Weis’ offense is virtually the exact same as coach Todd Haley’s, right down to the no-huddle heavy aspects. The approach won’t change, but Weis’ history of QB development and skillful use of adept pass-catching tailbacks bodes well for Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles. At both the college and pro levels, Weis has also gotten outstanding production from far less talented receivers than Dwayne Bowe. Kansas City Chiefs drafting Jimmy Clausen, who Weis coached at Nortre Dame, is not a possibility.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Cleveland: According to his agent, Josh Cribbs is “insulted” by the Cleveland Browns’ latest contract offer of $1.4 million annually and is threatening to leave the team.”They need to treat him fairly or he’ll never play for the Browns again,” said the agent. “He will demand a trade and he will walk out of there and they won’t see him for the offseason — they won’t see him ever again.” Cribbs’ camp also claims that Eric Mangini promised him a new contract “by the end of the season.” Cribbs believes he’s worth at least $2.8-$3.2 million a year.

Washington: NFL Network’s Steve Wyche said Wednesday that he’s “hearing” Clinton Portis’ days in Washington could be numbered following the hiring of head coach Mike Shanahan. Fellow reporter Mike Lombardi agreed with the notion. Shanahan hinted strongly Wednesday that he values the offseason program, especially for running backs. Portis, long averse to OTA participation, might be given a do-or-die mandate entering the spring. If so, it would be in his best interest to attend and practice. If he’s cut, no other team would pay the declining back a $7+ million salary, which the Skins are currently slated to do in 2010.

Washington: A league source tells the Washington Post that new Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan plans to retain Jason Campbell. Campbell will be familiar with most of Shanahan’s terminology after playing in a somewhat similar West Coast-style offense under Jim Zorn. Shanahan, though, is expected to use the Skins’ No. 4 overall draft pick on a quarterback.

Arizona; Anquan Boldin revealed Wednesday that he has a sprained left MCL in addition to a high left ankle sprain. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Cards listed Boldin as “doubtful” on Friday’s injury report. Either sprain could sideline a player several weeks, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter already reported that the team is “not optimistic” about Boldin’s chances of playing Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

New England: Tom Brady has been voted the NFL’s 2009 Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Brady’s 19 votes edged out a host of quality candidates, including Cadillac Williams (14 votes), Vince Young (7), and Cedric Benson and Brett Favre (4 apiece).

Green Bay @ Detroit

Prediction: Green Bay Packers 28, Detroit 24. This game might be a bit more close than one would think.

Oakland @ Dallas

Prediction: Dallas 20, Oakland 14. The Raiders put up a fight, but America’s team has to win on Thanksgiving Day – right? Will the best punter in NFL history hit the scoreboard?

New York Giants @ Denver

Prediction: New York Giants 17, Denver 14. The Broncos are a sinking ship.

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta

Prediction: Atlanta 31, Tampa Bay 17. The Falcons have too much offense for the Bucs to win, but they will keep it relatively close.

Miami @ Buffalo

Prediction: Miami 20, Buffalo 13. The new coach will get his first taste of defeat.

Cleveland @ Cincinnati

Prediction: The Cincinnati Bengals will not lose consecutive games to bad teams.

Seattle @ St. Louis:

Prediction: Even with injuries to multiple starters, the Rams should not win this game. They’re simply horrible and headed for the first overall pick in the draft.

Carolina @ New York Jets

Prediction: New York Jets 13, Carolina 10. Sanchez makes only two or three major mistakes so the Jets still have a chance to win this game.

Washington @ Philadelphia

Prediction: Philadelphia 28, Washington 7: The Eagles can use this game to get their confidence back.

Indianapolis @ Houston

Prediction: Indianapolis 31, Houston 24. The Colts should be on upset alert. If a few things go their way, the Texans can win this game.

Kansas City @ San Diego

Prediction: San Diego 31, Kansas City 13. The Chargers will overwhelm the Chiefs with their passing attack.

Jacksonville @ San Francisco

Prediction: San Francisco 17, Jacksonville 9. The 49ers will stuff the Jaguars rushing attack.

Arizona @ Tennessee

Prediction: Arizona 21, Tennessee 17. The Titans streak comes to an end.

Chicago @ Minnesota

Prediction: Minnesota 28, Chicago 7. The lone Chicago TD comes from a Cutler bomb, but he also throws three picks…Ouch!

Pittsburg @ Baltimore

Prediction: Pittsburg 21, Baltimore 14. This could be a playoff eliminator and the Steelers are the better football team.

New England @ New Orleans

Prediction: New England 28, New Orleans 24. In perhaps the best game of the year, Brady leads the perfect two-minute drive. However, he leaves a few seconds on the clock for the other gun slinger to make things interesting.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Green Bay: Green Bay Packers RB Ryan Grant was back at Packers practice on Tuesday. He suffered a stinger last week but looks to be ok for Thanksgiving Day in Detroit. Grant should have a big day in the spotlight on Thursday.

Denver: Broncos QB Kyle Orton expects to start against the Giants on Thanksgiving, assuming his ankle continues to get better. “Feeling good, feeling better, should be ready to roll,” Orton said Tuesday. No reason for fantasy owners to start him against the Giants defense.

New York: New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw’s latest ankle sprain is to the opposite foot, putting his status for Thursday’s game in doubt. He is now in a boot on his left foot. Even if he does play, he isn’t worth a flex spot with Danny Ware seeing increased reps these days.

St. Louis: According to ESPN’s Mike Sando, there’s “no way” Marc Bulger will be a Ram in 2010 at his scheduled salary of $8.5 million.
Sando isn’t going out on a limb here, but it’s noteworthy because Bulger’s season is potentially over due to a fractured tibia. He may have played his last snap in a St. Louis uniform. The Rams could approach the 32-year-old about a pay cut this offseason, but we’re guessing that Bulger would refuse.

Indianapolis: Colts coach Jim Caldwell attributes Joseph Addai’s improved production to finally being healthy. Addai has moved well ahead of Donald Brown, taking over as the every-down back. He has eight TDs in his last seven games. “Physically, he feels good,” Caldwell said. “He just appears to be getting stronger as the game goes on. Particularly when he gets down in the red zone, he’s been a real force.”

Texans coach Gary Kubiak attributed Chris Brown’s extra playing time Monday night to his ability to hold onto the football and pick up blitzes in previous weeks.Neither Steve Slaton nor Brown is giving the team much as a runner, so Kubiak decided to go with the player who would make the fewest mistakes in a physical game.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Detroit: ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Matthew Stafford is “iffy” for Thursday’s game against the Packers. X-rays revealed no fracture to Stafford’s collarbone, which the team initially feared, but he amazingly reentered Sunday’s game against the advice of doctors. Stafford will undergo further test on Monday, including an MRI, but the team has officially called his status for Thursday a “game-day decision.”

Arizona: Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner completed 15-of-19 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns before suffering a “minor” concussion that knocked him out for the rest of Sunday’s win over St. Louis. Warner, 38, was replaced by Matt Leinart with :47 left in the second quarter and did not return. Even though Warner was on the sideline for the second half and the game remained close, he did not see any further action.

Green Bay: According to Packers beat writer Greg Bedard, the initial prognosis for OLB Aaron Kampman is that he has a torn ACL. Green Bay Packers may not pursue re-signing Kampman in the offseason because he’s not a good fit in their 3-4 defense.

Washington: The Redskins have already ruled out Clinton Portis (concussion) for Week 12, coach Jim Zorn revealed Sunday. Offensive coordinator Sherman Smith added that the team will scour their free agent list and pick up a back to be active behind Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther because Ladell Betts (torn MCL) is probably done for the season.

Buffalo: Marshawn Lynch, who left in the second quarter Sunday with a shoulder injury, said after the game that he expects to be fine. Lynch had eight carries for 18 yards, no catches and no touchdowns before departing. He’ll undergo a precautionary MRI Monday, which will go a long way in determining his readiness for Week 12.