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.

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:

Philadelphia: Philadelphia Eagles acquired DE Darryl Tapp from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for DE/OLB Chris Clemons and a 2010 fourth-round draft pick. It’s a worthwhile gamble for Philly. Tapp didn’t fit into defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme last year, but he’s been more disruptive than Clemons over the past few seasons. Sean McDermott will be charged with getting the 25-year-old back to his 2007-08 production as a rotational pass.

Buffalo: Bills signed ILB Andra Davis to a two-year contract worth a maximum of $4.4 million. “Done deal I am a Buffalo Bill now,” Davis texted Tuesday afternoon. For the second straight year, the savvy veteran will be helping a defense switch from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4. Paul Posluszny’s job is safe, though the other inside linebacker spot should be Davis’ for the taking. Coming off a serious surgery to re-attach his quadriceps muscle to his kneecap, Kawika Mitchell may be the odd man out.

New York: Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum vows that the team will continue to “run the ball a lot” despite the release of Thomas Jones. Mark Sanchez won’t be unleashed just yet. “(Running the ball) is important to Rex (Ryan),” Tannenbaum said. “That’s our offensive philosophy.” With the aide of a mauling offensive line, the Jets finished 2009 ranked No. 1 in rush attempts and fifth in yards per carry.

Washington: The Redskins will host free agent Joey Porter on Thursday. Porter’s preference is to return home to the west coast, but he needs another team interested so the Cardinals aren’t bidding against themselves. The Washington Redskins are moving to a 3-4 defense, so Porter fits from a pure scheme standpoint.

Denver: According to FoxSports.com’s John Czarnecki, there is “no way that Pete Carroll is parting with the sixth overall pick for a disgruntled receiver who really can’t stretch the field.”

Czar was obviously referring to Brandon Marshall, though the latter part of his statement is debatable. If the Seahawks are truly willing to commit to the headcase long term, they’re smart to wait out the Broncos. Josh McDaniels is loath to hold onto a bad-tempered player expected to pout until he hits the jackpot on an extension.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Patrick Kerney indicated Tuesday that he will return for at least one more season in 2010. Kerney says his surgically repaired elbow is now healed. Due $5.6M in 2010, the 33-year-old will likely be asked to take a pay cut this offseason. Kerney hinted that he would wait to see how Pete Carroll operates before he would decide whether or not to restructure his contract.

Seattle: Sources tell the Chicago Tribune’s Around Town celebrity column that Deion Branch “wants to sign with the Bears.” Branch was seen in Chicago on Friday night. Tom Curran of Comcast Sports in New England, however, passes along a report that Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider has no plans to cut Branch, which is a big surprise considering the 30-year-old receiver’s obvious on-field decline and $5.47M salary. Branch is apparently considered a good fit for new OC Jeremy Bates’ scheme.

Cincinnati: Two Bengals team sources tell Yahoo’s Jason Cole that the team signed Matt Jones despite an awful workout. “It was one of the worst workouts I have ever seen,” one of the sources said. “I don’t care how fast his 40 time is or was, he’s a slow-twitch athlete.” The other source complemented Jones’ size, but said he no longer has the speed to be a deep threat. This was our analysis as well. Jones’ best route is the slant, where he can use his size, but he’s no longer the down-field playmaker that the Cincinnati Bengals need.

St. Louis: Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat reports that Marc Bulger has cleaned out his locker at Rams Park. Bulger anticipates being released, and the St. Louis Rams may not even waste time trying to get a sixth- or seventh-round pick for him via trade. The 33-year-old is due an $8.5 million salary in 2010, so no team was going to give up anything for him anyway. Bulger’s formal release could come very shortly.

New Orleans: NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reports that the Saints are expected to place the franchise tag on impending free agent FS Darren Sharper. Sharper, the NFL’s active interceptions leader by a wide margin, is a logical candidate for the tag because he’s 34 and not worth investing in long term. Still, the Saints may approach Sharper about a two- or three-year deal before the July 15 deadline for franchise players to sign multi-year contracts. Ideally, they won’t have to pay him $6.5 million for just one season.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Pittsburg: The Pittsburg Steelers are interested in bringing back free agent Charlie Batch as their No. 3 quarterback.
The team is high on Dennis Dixon, and the 2008 fifth-rounder earned the backup job with his Week 12 fill-in start against the Ravens. Batch, now 35, could opt for retirement rather than return as the third-stringer.

Cincinnati: The Bengals no longer have interest in free agent WR Donte’ Stallworth now that they’ve signed Matt Jones. The Detroit Lions are the only other team reported to be interested in Stallworth thus far. The 29-year-old hopes to sign with a new team within the next few weeks.

Indianapolis: The ankle that Dwight Freeney sprained in the playoffs will not require surgery this offseason.
Freeney’s ankle had reportedly swollen to the size of his calf in the second half of the Super Bowl. He’ll have plenty of time to recover before OTAs begin this spring.

Tampa Bay: Bucs OG Arron Sears, on the reserve/non-football injury list last season, is working out at One Buccaneer Place with an eye on being ready for OTAs this year. Sears has to get back into football shape and pick up Greg Olson’s offense after missing all of last year, including offseason workouts. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t count on him contributing, but if all goes well he could work his way back into their plans.

Seattle: Seahawks agreed to terms with OLB/DE Ricky Foley, the CFL’s co-sack leader in 2009.
Foley took the baton from former teammate Cameron Wake, now of the Dolphins, who led the CFL in sacks in 2008. Not quite as talented as Wake, Foley’s ceiling is third-down pass rusher and special teamer for the Seattle Seahawks.

Miami: Though he’s not yet jogging, Ronnie Brown insists he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery to repair a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. “I know I want to be in training camp,” Brown said. “I think that’s a goal that’s very, very attainable.” X-rays taken a few weeks ago showed good progress in the foot. Though he’s taking the rehab slowly, Brown is expected to make a full recovery from the injury.

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: McCoy could be a top run-stuffer for years to come.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee: Berry is a player that could legitimately play any secondary position in the NFL. So he really fits in with every team out there.

4. Washington Redskins – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: the new coach in town gets his young QB.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St: kung upgrades the left tackle position and provide much needed protection for Matt Cassel.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: it’s a new era in Seattle.

7. Cleveland Browns – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama: A bit of a stretch, but the heart of the Bama defense will provide quick dividends in the Browns 3-4 alignment.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: There may be more highly regarded tackles still available, but that hasn’t stopped the Raiders before. Campbell is a freak athlete, and that’s all Al Davis needs to hear.

9. Buffalo Bills – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: Let the building begin.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: Two years ago the Jags took Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves with their top two picks. The duo combined for just two sacks this season. Morgan brings big time pass rush ability but also a motor that doesn’t stop.

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St: The Broncos gamble on a top-five talent.

12. Miami Dolphins – Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan: Perhaps the fastest rising prospect in the draft, the Dolphins get their new edge rusher.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden, CB, Florida: Upgrading the secondary is a big need at this point. The 49ers continue to build a stout defense.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: Williams has experience at both left and right tackle, but definitely has the athleticism to play on the left side and in a zone blocking system.

15. New York Giants – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri: Weatherspoon is the type of aggressive, attacking linebacker that could step in right away and make an impact.

16. Tennessee Titans – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: The Titans continue to build in the trenches.

17. San Francisco (from Carolina) – Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho: Is it a surprise that the toughest player in the draft is selected by the toughest coach in football?

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas: Has the talent to be an explosive pass rusher from the outside.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: Williams has the ability to be a true nose tackle, which should help the front seven reach it’s full potential.

20. Houston Texans – Brian Price, DT, UCLA: Price is a load in the middle, and must be accounted for on every snap. He has a great first step into the backfield and once he gets a step on you, he’s making a play.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Everson Griffen, DE, USC: Griffen has the type of athleticism, speed, and pass rush ability to make an impact on day one.

22. New England Patriots – Carlos Dunlap, DL, Florida: You can’t help but see some Julius Peppers or Mario Williams in him and with an already talented front four, Dunlap could see a lot of one-on-ones.

23. Green Bay Packers – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn St: The Packers have a number of free-agents on the front seven.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: Upgrading the LB position could be just as big of a need.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: Adding Joe Flacco and Ray Rice the past two years has given the Ravens life on offense. In order for them to take the next step however, they need a playmaker at wide receiver.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU: Adding some youth to their pass rush is something every team needs, especially to a team who’s top three pass rushers from the LB position are all 32 or older.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Taylor Mays, S, USC: The Cowboys could have landed an impact player at the bottom of the first round.

28. San Diego Chargers – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson: The Chargers are estatic that the best RB in the draft fell this far.

29. New York Jets – Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida St: The offense is looking up with the additions of Mark Sanchez, Shonn Greene, and Braylon Edwards in the last year. The defense is already a great unit, but another cover man in the secondary would be a nice addition.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma St: Some more youth and talent at corner was a need before Cedric Griffin tore his ACL against the Saints in the NFC Championship game.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St: Depth issues have popped up at the corner spot for the Colts. They struck gold with Jerraud Powers last year, but another cover man with some toughness is what they will look to add again.

32. New Orleans Saints – Nate Allen, S, South Florida: Allen is a very good player, not off the charts in any category, but he will fit in well in New Orleans.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Seattle Seahawks LT Walter Jones announced on Twitter Sunday that he is retiring from football. It’s worth noting that Jones is known as something of a jokester, so we’re not sure he’s being for real. Still, a slew of knee and back issues have caught up to Jones, who turned 36 last month and was unable to play last season. A nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro first-teamer, Jones started every single game he appeared in during his 13-year career. He was perhaps the best left tackle during the early- to mid-2000s, protecting Matt Hasselbeck’s blind side and blocking for Shaun Alexander. Jones will make the Hall of Fame.

Denver: Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said he would like Brandon Marshall to remain with the team. “And there’s still a good possibility that could happen,” Bowlen said. The owner said that he thinks Marshall matured this season, but added that he would not veto any trade that coach Josh McDaniels thinks benefits the team. The trading period opens on March 5 and we’ll see how much teams are willing to give for someone with questionable character.

New England: Tom Brady’s $3 million offseason roster bonus is due on March 5. As ESPN’s Mike Reiss notes, the presence of the bonus in Brady’s deal at the start of the new league year could expedite talks on a long-term extension. The Pats would likely prefer to sign Brady to a new contract before paying the bonus rather than after it. Brady is expected to command at least $15M annually on his deal, which will probably span at least five years.

Philadelphia: Brian Westbrook confirmed that he was not completely healed from his October 25 concussion when he returned to game action three weeks later last season. Westbrook, though, didn’t deny or confirm reports that he’s considering retirement, which reportedly could be due to knee problems instead of his multiple head injuries. He did indicate that his concussions are a big concern going forward. Westbrook, going on 31, is due a whopping $7.25M in 2010.

Philadelphia: ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio reports that the Denver Broncos, Bills, and Browns have shown interest in the availability of Donovan McNabb. While Cleveland and Buffalo has obvious holes at QB, this tells us a little about Denver’s faith, or lack of it, in Kyle Orton as a long-term solution. The Eagles have indicated that McNabb is unlikely to be traded. Should they be offered a first-round pick however, we strongly believe that would change.

With the Seattle Seahawks expected to target quarterback and left tackle with their two first-round picks, it makes sense to have Hasselbeck around for one more season to groom his successor. Expect the Seahawks to be very active on draft day as Carroll will attempt to draft college players that he covets.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Houston: Former Broncos OL coach Rick Dennison has accepted the Texans’ offensive coordinator position. Gary Kubiak’s best friend has big shoes to fill after Kyle Shanahan’s offense set team records in points and total yards. An assistant with the Broncos for 15 years, Dennison was a constant in Denver’s strong running game. He’s expected to improve the Houston Texans’ struggling ground attack while having some influence on play-calling. Since Dennison has little experience with the passing game, Kubiak could resume a hands-on role in that capacity.

Arizona: Though he was held out of Cardinals practice Tuesday, Anquan Boldin (knee, ankle) is “definitely” optimistic that he will play at New Orleans Saturday. Even though backup Steve Breston played well, having Boldin for the remainder of the playoffs is key as the Arizona Cardinals could face several high-powered offenses.

Cleveland: Browns president Mike Holmgren indicated that Brady Quinn’s foot specialist has recommended against surgery to repair the Lisfranc injury on his left foot. Quinn will be re-examined by the Cleveland Browns’ medical staff again next week, but Holmgren is confident that surgery will not be required. Quinn would have missed “a number of months” if surgery was advised, but he’s now expected to resume football activity within 6-12 weeks. Quinn should be ready for OTA’s and is inline to win the starting QB spot on Cleveland.

Buffalo: The Bills have requested and received permission to interview Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for their head-coaching job. Schottenheimer’s father, Marty, has a close relationship with new Bills GM Buddy Nix from their time together in San Diego. Jets coach Rex Ryan is already talking as if Schottenheimer will be gone after the playoffs. It’s not clear when the interview will take place, as Schottenheimer is preparing for the Chargers this week.

Jacksonville: SI’s Peter King reports that Jack Del Rio is “officially” staying on as Jaguars head coach. The Jaguars have confirmed the report. While the sides appeared headed toward a divorce, the $15M guaranteed to Del Rio was enough to keep him on board for another year.

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 contract is rumored to be worth nearly $50 million. Shanahan arrived at club headquarters at 3ET Monday. The rest of the Skins’ coaching staff will reportedly undergo a “sweeping change,” with Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as the apparent favorite to take over the same position in D.C. Shanahan’s son, Kyle, will coordinate the offense and has already been relived of his duties in Houston.

NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi also reported Monday that Mike Shanahan will be named team president, giving him significant influence over all player personnel. It has been widely rumored that Shanahan will release one-time back Clinton Portis and draft a QB with the teams first overall selection in the 2010 draft.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: The final year on Nate Burleson’s contract is set to void after the Super Bowl. Burleson will become an unrestricted free agent in March, meaning Seattle Seahawks may have to replace two of its top three receivers this offseason because Deion Branch is expected to be released.

New York: Giants fired defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan on Monday. Despite a slew of pricey offseason pickups (Chris Canty, Mike Boley and Rocky Bernard), the Giants’ defense took a significant step backward under Sheridan. Only the Rams and Lions gave up more points per game and New York ranked 18th in sacks after finishing first and sixth in 2007 and 2008 under Steve Spagnuolo. Sheridan was promoted from LBs coach before the season. The New York Giants figure to look outside the organization for a replacement this time and no favorites have surfaced to date.

Cincinnati: Chad Ochocinco said on Twitter that his MRI “went well” on Monday after he tweaked his knee in Sunday night’s loss. According to the Bengals’ website, “all indications point” to the injury being a bruise and involving no structural damage.

Tennessee: Coach Jeff Fisher confirmed in his season-ending press conference that Vince Young will return as the Titans’ starting QB in 2010. Young let the team to a 6-2 finish after replacing Kerry Collins during the teams week 7 bye.

Denver: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall cleaned out his locker immediately after the Denver Broncos’ season, removing his nameplate and all. “It’s empty,” beat writer Frank Schwab observed, adding that the move “left quite a message.” Marshall is headed to restricted free agency, but is likely to go directly on the trade block. The trading period opens in early March and expect least 6-8 teams to be interested.

Bill Cowher: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, CBS analyst Bill Cowher “appears unlikely” to coach in the NFL in 2010. The Bills got Cowher to do a second interview, but he clearly doesn’t want the job.