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.

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.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: Vikings coach Brad Childress reiterated that he’d be OK with Albert Young as the No. 2 back, but added that he’s always looking to see what’s out there. It wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement for Young, who went undrafted out of Iowa last year. Although the Minnesota Vikings lost out on LaDainian Tomlinson and don’t want Brian Westbrook, Young will almost certainly face competition for the gig. The Vikings could end up turning to the draft for Adrian Peterson’s backup.

Minnesota: Vikings coach Brad Childress said he may pay Brett Favre another visit soon, “but not in the near future.” The Vikings are putting no pressu re whatsoever on Favre as he enjoys his offseason. Childress has been texting with Favre and according to NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora, there is a sense of optimism within the organization that Favre will return for the 2010 season.

2010 NFL Draft: Browns president Mike Holmgren admitted that he isn’t high on Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen. “You know how you have a type of player that you like? It’s not scientific. People like him a lot. He’ll go high,” Holmgren said. “But it would be hard for me [to take him].” Holmgren reiterated that he will take a quarterback in the draft, but it probably won’t be until late.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Miami: Dolphins signed ILB Karlos Dansby to a five-year, $43 million contract, including $22 million guaranteed. Dansby, 28, gives Miami exactly what it set out this offseason to acquire: play-making ability. A fumble-forcing, tackling machine with underrated cover and blitzing skills, Dansby is a do-it-all inside linebacker. He’ll take over as the Dolphins’ “Ted” ILB next to “Mike” Channing Crowder. The deal is the richest ever for a linebacker whose main duty isn’t to rush the passer, but Miami Dolphins is looking for someone to help right away.

New York: Giants signed FS Antrel Rolle to a five-year, $37 million contract that includes $15 million guaranteed. The  Giants had to upgrade their safety position, but of all the free agent signings so far, we like this one least. Rolle has fine ball skills and range, but has never made a Pro Bowl, tackled poorly last season, and often seems to be out of position. In a perfect world, the New York Giants would team him with SS Kenny Phillips to form an imposing safety duo. Phillips’ future is cloudy, however, as he recovers from microfracture knee surgery.

Miami: Dolphins re-signed QB Chad Pennington to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. The deal includes a “trade bonus” that would add $1.515M to Pennington’s 2010 pay should he be dealt away before October’s trade deadline. The 34-year-old is recovering from the third throwing-shoulder surgery of his career, but the Dolphins value Pennington as a veteran of OC Dan Henning’s system and mentor to Chad Henne. Henne will not face competition to start.

Green Bay: Packers re-signed LT Chad Clifton to a three-year, $20 million contract. The deal includes $7.5 million guaranteed.

Houston: Texans re-signed WR Kevin Walter to a five-year, $21 million contract. And the Jacoby Jones hype train comes to a screeching halt. Though he was dealing with a hamstring injury, Walter managed just 53 grabs for 611 yards (11.5 YPC) and two scores last year as mostly a third or fourth offensive option. We wouldn’t expect too much more out of him in 2010. Jones could begin to rotate in, Owen Daniels will return, and the Houston Texans are likely to be at least slightly less pass heavy after drafting a competent tailback in April.

New England: Patriots signed NT Vince Wilfork to a five-year, $40 million contract. The deal includes $25 million guaranteed. He got an $18 million signing bonus. The oft-frugal Patriots really ponied up here, showing just how much Wilfork is worth as the anchor of their 3-4 system despite being a two-down player. Wilfork, 28, has a good shot to fulfill the deal because nose tackles tend to last longer than most positions and he’s shown no signs of decline. Wilfork is now the second highest paid defensive tackle in the league, behind only Washignton’s Albert Haynesworth.

Baltimore: Ravens acquired WR Anquan Boldin and a 2010 fifth-round pick from the Cardinals in exchange for third- and fourth-round picks in this year’s draft. Boldin signed a four-year, $28M contract upon completion of the trade. While Joe Flacco is doing cartwheels, it’s unclear what this means for free agent Derrick Mason. If the Ravens can get three years of 1,000-yard play from Boldin, it’s a steal of a deal. Boldin, 29, has topped the mark in all but two of his seven seasons and remains a high-scoring wideout with 24 TDs in his last 39 games.

Atlanta: Falcons agreed to terms with CB Dunta Robinson on a six-year contract. Atlanta wasn’t happy with its CBs a year ago, and rightfully so. The club had one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses. Robinson is now signed through his age-33 season. While he’s not been a true playmaker since a six-pick rookie year, Robinson is a solid cover man with excellent range. The Texans thought enough of him to place a franchise tag on Robinson in 2009, guaranteeing him nearly $10 million. He instantly becomes the Falcons’ top cornerback.

Cleveland: Browns signed KR Josh Cribbs to a new three-year, $20 million contract, including $7.5 million guaranteed. Cribbs’ restructured deal trumps Devin Hester’s with a $6.3 million annual average, assuming he hits the incentives. Kickoff/punt return specialists like Cribbs don’t have especially long shelf lives, so the Browns were smart to keep his guaranteed money in the sub-$10 million realm and only commit to Cribbs through 2012. Cribbs also is a highly productive gunner on special teams and an offensive threat as Cleveland’s Wildcat quarteback.

Tennessee: Restricted free agent LenDale White is unhappy with the Titans’ second-round tender, and is asking the team to expand his role or trade him. “I backed up greatness,” LenDale said, referring to 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson. “But now that’s over. It is time for me to start somewhere. I want to be a starter in the NFL, not a backup.” Asked if he wants a trade, White said he “would definitely be interested.” White is likely available for the right pick compensation, but the Titans don’t seem to have any urgency to move him.

Schefter also “promises” that Bradford is a top-5 player in this draft. The Rams are also reluctant to pay the going rate at No. 1 for a defensive player. If Schefter is correct, the Lions are sitting pretty at No. 2 with their choice of Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Arizona: The Cardinals have signed head coach Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves to contract extensions through 2013. Per FoxSports’ Jay Glazer, Whiz will receive close to $30M for four years plus a 2014 team option, thus making him one of the five highest paid coaches in the league.

The extensions were well earned, as the duo has experienced unprecedented success in Arizona Cardinals. The Cards have won back-to-back NFC West titles while directing the franchise to its first Super Bowl in 2008-09. Graves will be in the spotlight this offseason, with many key players in flux.

Miami: Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland confirmed Thursday that Chad Henne is the team’s starting QB “now and for the future.” Coach Tony Sparano oddly didn’t commit to Henne at his season-ending presser, so Ireland did it for him. Henne will benefit from a full offseason of practice reps. Miami Dolphins seems to be leaning toward using its high picks and big free agent money on defense at the moment.

Tampa Bay: Bucs coach Raheem Morris indicated Thursday that the team is “moving on” from free agent Antonio Bryant. This is no shocker. “Antonio missed a significant amount of time last year,” Morris said. “Right now we’re going in a young direction. We’re going to choose to move on.” The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are concerned about the long-term health of Bryant’s knee, and they grew tired of his constant complaining last season. Character issues aside, Bryant is the best talent available at his position in free agency.

New Orleans: NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi reports that the Saints are “not even contemplating” releasing Reggie Bush, despite an impending $8M salary. Lombardi indicated that asking Bush to take a pay cut isn’t even in New Orleans’ immediate plans. Bush, still just 25, saw career lows in carries and catches last season, but somehow found a way to score eight all-purpose touchdowns. He’ll return as a change-of-pace back/punt returner in 2010.

Tennessee: According to the Nashville City Paper, the Titans are expected to place a restricted tender on free agent Bo Scaife, even at the cost of $4.9 million. Since Scaife was given the franchise tender last season at $4.46M, the Titans have to pay at least 110 percent of that salary this season. A pedestrian pass-catcher with little in the way of playmaking ability, Scaife isn’t worth the price tag. If the Titans do keep him, it’s an admission that Jared Cook isn’t ready for a major role.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Philadelphia: Citing sources on both sides, Scout.com’s Adam Caplan reports that the Eagles have not discussed a contract extension with Kevin Kolb. Kolb is entering the last season on his rookie contract, but in 2011 would be a restricted free agent under the current CBA rules.

The Eagles would likely feel some urgency to lock up Kolb should they trade Donovan McNabb this offseason, but no extension is likely before then. We’d put Kolb’s chances of being the Eagles’ 2010 starter at slightly less than 50:50.

Philadelphia: According to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, the Philadelphia Eagles have “so far” told teams that both Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb are unavailable for trade. Most likely, the Eagles are playing hard to get in order to maintain bargaining position in trade talks.

No NFL player can be dealt before March 5 anyway, so there’s no good reason for the Eagles to show their hand. Scout.com’s Adam Caplan “hears” this is the first year Andy Reid is willing to listen to trade offers for McNabb, but the cost is “at least” a first-round pick. McNabb is far more likely to be traded than Kolb.

Cincinnati: Bengals signed WR Matt Jones to a one-year contract. The Cincinnati Bengals Enquirer reports that the deal is worth roughly $700K. Jones, 26, is a good upside signing with minimal risk at this price. While he isn’t even a lock to make the team, the Bengals may have plucked their 2010 starting flanker off the February waiver wire.

Laveranues Coles becomes a serious candidate for release. Andre Caldwell will likely remain in the slot, while Jones and Jerome Simpson battle for snaps outside. The move won’t preclude Cincinnati from using another pick on a wideout, though.

Arizona: The Arizona Republic confirms that the Arizona Cardinals have opened contract extension negotiations with head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Beat reporter Kent Somers says talks are in their “preliminary stages” only. Whisenhunt is currently one of the league’s lowest paid coaches. He’s led the Cardinals to back-to-back NFC West division titles and a 4-2 record in the postseason. His overall regular season record is a sound 27-21.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Denver: Broncoes WR Brandon Marshall said Thursday that he’s open to playing for the Denver Broncos next season. “Last year I handled things totally wrong,” admitted Marshall. “I just looked at the business side of things and took things too personally.” Marshall is attempting to repair his image, but the Broncos would clearly prefer to trade him this offseason. Perhaps Marshall’s agent has finally made it clear that his best way to get a contract extension is to be a good team player. Marshall will likely still be dealt this offseason to the highest bidder.

Buffalo: Profootballtalk.com’s Mike Florio reports the Bills will hire University of Florida defensive coordinator George Edwards for the same position in Buffalo. The Buffalo Bills have confirmed the report. Edwards left the Dolphins for the Gators job just three weeks ago. Since 1998, he has served as a successful linebackers coach with the Cowboys, Redskins, Browns, and Dolphins.

It was in Dallas that he worked with head coach Chan Gailey. In his first experience as a coordinator, Edwards indicated that he will start out with a “3-4″ scheme with an ability to flex to a “4-3″ at times. It’s still a big change for a defense that has run “4-3″ for nine years. Look for the Bills to aquire a linebacker in the draft or free agency in the offseason.

New Orleans: Beat writer Mike Triplett calls the report of a new contract for Drew Brees “a bit premature.” Triplett does expect Brees to get a new deal “at some point over the next two years,” but he points out that the sides have held no serious discussions on a contract. The Saints are expected to open talks this offseason, but “nothing is imminent.” Brees has two years remaining on his original six-year, $60M deal.

Miami: Free agent Chad Pennington (shoulder surgery) “has decided to make it his priority to stay with the Dolphins,” according to the Miami Herald’s Jeff Darlington. Pennington is willing to back up Chad Henne, and the Miami Dolphins will “entertain the possibility” only after they see him throw — specifically a 15-yard out route. His shoulder was discovered to have only damage to the labrum and the shoulder capsule, leading to expectations of a full recovery. If Miami opts against re-signing him (Pat White and Tyler Thigpen are under contract), the Cardinals are believed to have interest in Pennington as veteran insurance behind Matt Leinart.

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.

Pierre is a free agent. Warner, who turns 39 in June, finished the 2009 season with a 66.1 completion rate, 26:14 TD-to-INT ratio, and 3,753 passing yards. He indicated to ESPN’s Rick Reilly last week that playing football had lost its fun. Look for the Cardinals to sign a veteran backup to push Leinart in the preseason.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Minnesota: According to ESPN’s John Clayton, the Minnesota Vikings will “make a play” for Donovan McNabb if Brett Favre retires. The connection is obvious because Vikings head coach Brad Childress is McNabb’s former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Clayton suggests that the Vikings could offer up a second-round pick, but the Eagles may hold out a first-rounder. McNabb, 33, is entering the final year of his contract, but his presence would ensure that Minnesota remained Super Bowl contenders.

Miami: Joey Porter told a radio station in his hometown of Bakersfield, California that he hopes he doesn’t have to return to Miami. We’re fairly certain Porter will get his wish, especially with a $1M signing bonus due on top of his $3.6M base salary. The trash talker was unproductive this season, was essentially suspended for a game with pay and clashed with the coaches. His agent is set for a meeting with the  Miami Dolphins this week.

St. Louis: Beat writer Jim Thomas believes the Rams are “seriously considering” trading for Michael Vick. The Rams wouldn’t have to give up much to get Vick and adding him would allow them to focus on filling their many other gaping holes. Vick knows Rams GM Billy Devaney from their time together in Atlanta Falcons and would bring instant excitment/controversy to a dormant Rams franchise. His addition would likely also lock in Ndamukong Suh as the No. 1 overall draft pick.

New England: Wes Welker (torn ACL, MCL) is scheduled to have his knee reconstructed on Tuesday, February 2. The swelling in Welker’s knee has finally gone down enough for doctors to perform the procedure, but the four-week wait figures to cost him another month of next season. Doctors reportedly have not ruled Welker out for Week 1 of 2010, but the odds are stacked heavily against him being ready by then.

2010 NFL Draft: Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan says Idaho OG Mike Iupati is “obviously the best player” at the Senior Bowl. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about him, and it’s holding true,” said Linehan, who is coaching Iupati’s North squad. “You really notice him. He can do the double teams. He’s powerful. You see him pull.” The Detroit Lions have a gaping hole at left guard, though they’d likely need an additional first-round pick to get Iupati. He’ll be gone by Detroit’s second-round pick (No. 34).

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.