Rams Release Bulger

Rams released QB Marc Bulger. The move saves $8.5 million in salary, which will come in handy when the Rams make Sam Bradford one of the league’s highest paid quarterbacks later this month. Bulger, who turned 33 today, has seen his YPA average drop in six consecutive seasons and his completion rate fall in five straight while looking shell shocked in the pocket behind a swinging-gate offensive line.

He’ll have suitors (e.g. old coaches Mike Martz and Scott Linehan in the NFC North), but is unlikely to receive a serious chance to start with his new team.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: According to the Chicago Tribune, the “unknown team” free agent Alex Brown will visit with on Tuesday is the New Orleans Saints. The 31-year-old is also getting interest from the Bucs and Panthers, who both run the Tampa 2-style system Brown has played in for most of his career. In New Orleans, though, he’d help fill a gaping hole at left end and allow the Saints to draft the best player available with the Nos. 32 and 64 overall picks.

Cincinnati: Bengals OG Jason Shirley may be lost for the year after suffering what’s believed to be a torn Achilles’ tendon during spring workouts. Shirley, whose transition from defensive tackle to offensive guard was profiled closely on last year’s edition of HBO’s Hard Knocks, was injured during a charity basketball game.

Houston: Texans agreed to terms with K Neil Rackers on a two-year contract worth up to $4.1 million, though just $350,000 is guaranteed. The Houston Texans will hold an open competition between Rackers and Kris Brown in camp. Rackers has a stronger leg for touchback purposes and has been more accurate over the last two seasons, missing just four regular season field goal attempts compared to Brown’s 14, including 11 last year alone. Neither is especially great in the clutch, but Rackers should be the favorite.

Green Bay: Packers re-signed restricted free agent G/C Jason Spitz to a one-year, $1.76 million contract. He got a 10% raise from his 2009 salary after receiving a second-round tender. A third-round pick out of Louisville in 2006, Spitz beat out Scott Wells to be Green Bay’s starting center last September before landing on injured reserve with a herniated disc in his back five games into the season. This year, Spitz will battle T.J. Lang and Daryn Colledge at left guard.

Washington: The Washington Redskins will reportedly allow the player rep for restricted free agent Jason Campbell to seek a trade for his client. Washington is “open” to retaining him as Donovan McNabb’s backup, but Campbell would obviously prefer a chance to start elsewhere. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is expected to address Campbell’s situation further at McNabb’s introductory press conference Tuesday. In the unlikely scenario that Campbell sticks around, he’d collect $3.14 million per his one-year tender.

Redskins acquired QB Donovan McNabb from the Eagles

Redskins acquired QB Donovan McNabb from the Eagles in exchange for the No. 37 overall pick in 2010 and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2011. The 2011 pick can jump to a third-rounder based on performance. As of the trade, not extension seems imminent. The Washington Redskins also have problems on the offensive line and offensive weapons for McNabb, so it appears that this could be his only season in Washington.

Adam Caplan of Scout reports that Albert Haynesworth was offered to Philadelphia Eagles in the Donovan McNabb trade, but the Eagles declined. PFT also heard rumors that LaRon Landry was a possibility. The fact the Redskins were happy to let Haynesworth go so quickly hints at possible rocky times ahead. Haynesworth may stay on the trade block over draft weekend.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Unsigned restricted free agent Jason Campbell’s future in Washington is in limbo after the team acquired Donovan McNabb on Sunday. It’s entirely possible that the Skins will (or already did) rescind his first- and third-round tender. Otherwise, Campbell will be available for trade. He could appeal to clubs like Buffalo, Carolina, and Oakland. We’d tentatively expect Campbell to end up somewhere he’d be given a fighting chance to start.

Kevin Kolb becomes the Eagles’ unquestioned starting quarterback following the trade of Donovan McNabb to Washington. Michael Vick becomes No. 2, and the Eagles will likely invest a mid- to late-round selection at the position. They’re rumored to have interest in Fordham QB John Skelton.

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress reiterated Sunday that he’s staying in touch with Brett Favre, but doesn’t know if Favre plans to play in 2010. “I still don’t,” Childress said. “I don’t know if he’s even thought about it or contemplated it. I (talked) with him briefly last week and I’m sure we’ll narrow it down as we get a little bit further.”

2010 NFL Draft: Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford becomes far more likely to land in St. Louis after the Redskins acquired Donovan McNabb on Sunday. The Redskins were widely believed to be interested in Bradford, but lack the ammunition to move up after surrendering the No. 37 pick to Philadelphia. Russell Okung becomes the odds-on favorite to be drafted No. 4 overall, while Jimmy Clausen loses his lone remaining possible suitor in the top five. Mock drafts that already had Okung headed to D.C. shouldn’t be affected.

Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart’s January surgery was designed to remove a bone spur pressing into his Achilles tendon while also alleviating bursitis and tendonitis by shaving away excess calcium deposits and cleaning out his bursa sacs. Stewart originally thought he’d be limited to six games last season before requiring surgery, but his high pain threshold allowed him to get through the season. Though he had hoped to be cleared for OTAs, Stewart won’t begin running until June. The Carolina Panthers still expect to have him ready for training camp, but he could be limited early on — just as he’s been for the first two seasons of his career.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Free agent K Neil Rackers will visit with the Jets on Tuesday. Rackers reportedly turned down a $2 million-per-year offer from the Arizona Cardinals, and he doesn’t figure to do better with a Jets team that wanted Jay Feely to take a paycut. The Jets apparently aren’t ready to turn the job over to Nick Folk after all.

Philadelphia: Responding to a report that the Washington Redskins inquired about Donovan McNabb, the Washington Post says the team’s interest was “much earlier in the process.” Though Jay Glazer offhandedly “tweeted” the information, he did add that the Redskins’ interest was “more than just mild … they even talked players.” Mike Shanahan’s vote is reportedly “the only one that really counts” at Redskins Park right now, and he’s not believed to be seriously interested in McNabb. Glazer also reiterated that the Eagles have received offers from Buffalo and Oakland, but Andy Reid isn’t willing to banish McNabb to either team.

St. Louis: The player rep for Marc Bulger revealed that “there are a few teams waiting” for the quarterback to get released this offseason. Scheduled to receive $8.5 million, Bulger is as good as gone if the St. Louis Rams select Sam Bradford. GM Billy Devaney would trade him if he could, but no team is going to take him on at that salary. The Bears (with Mike Martz), Panthers, and Bills make the most sense as potential landing spots.

Baltimore: Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron expressed confidence that Oniel Cousins has “starter ability” at right tackle. “If Oniel Cousins winds up being the starter, we are playing with a starter,” said Cameron. “We’re not playing with a backup.” The team’s confidence in Cousins helps explain their apparent willingness to part with Jared Gaither for the right price. Cousins held his own in two games last season before LaMarr Woodley devastated him in a third game.

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:

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:

New York: Jets agreed to terms with FS Brodney Pool on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. The Kerry Rhodes trade left the Jets with just Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo as free safety possibilities. Though Pool’s concussion history makes him a red-flag injury risk, the one-year deal makes him a low-cost/high-reward starter opposite Jim Leonhard. GM Mike Tannenbaum isn’t done adding depth, but this is a nice start.

Washington: Clinton Portis was reportedly cleared to begin offseason activities after visiting a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh this week. Portis survived the Redskins’ veteran cuts due to his guaranteed contract, but it looks like he’s going to have competition for his starting job. It took him four months to gain clearance from his season-ending concussion, so the Washington Redskins would be foolish to count on him to carry the load for a full 16-game slate.

Washington: The Redskins are “very much interested” in signing free agent Larry Johnson, according to NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora. The team’s brass was scheduled to pick up L.J. from the airport Thursday afternoon for a wine-and-dine session. Even with Clinton Portis cleared for football activities this week, Johnson appears to be a high priority. Though he’s less of an injury risk, Johnson wouldn’t offer the Redskins anything they don’t already have in Portis, an aging running back with lifeless legs.

Denver: Josina Anderson of Fox 31 KDVR in Denver reports the Broncos have released ILB Andra Davis. The Denver Broncos Post confirms. The move is a surprise as the 31-year-old had a fine first season in Denver, exceeding expectations with 90 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a key figure in the team’s surprising 6-0 start. The move could signal the team’s intention to move Spencer Larsen into the starting lineup, though Alabama’s Rolando McClain could be an option at No. 11 overall. Davis should draw free agent interest from teams with a 3-4 defense.

Philadelphia: Vick said he now realizes he can’t be a “disgruntled employee” and has accepted that the Eagles control his fate for the 2010 season. “If I’m in the same situation, I’ll just have to suck it up and go out and play … and understand I’m there to play a certain role to try to help the Eagles win a Super Bowl,” reasoned Vick. Though he clearly wants a starting job elsewhere, Vick knows that he’s lost his right to complain about his predicament.

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:

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.

Davis, however, typically arrives in the office late in the day and works a night, so there is no telling when the two will actually meet. We’ll just have to sit and wait to find out Cable’s 2010 job status. Even if Cable is fired, he will have not trouble landing an offensive line position with another team.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New Orleans: The New Orleans Saints have re-signed RB Deuce McAllister for the rest of the playoffs. The move may have something to do with either Pierre Thomas’ cracked ribs or Mike Bell’s severe decline in production down the stretch. McAllister, 31, was out of the league all year after serving a four-game suspension to open the season for taking a diuretic (StarCaps) banned by the NFL. Its not likely that McAllister will see any playing time.

Washington: The Washington Redskins have named Jim Haslett defensive coordinator. We’ve known about the hire for three days, but the move didn’t become official until Friday. Haslett is expected to incorporate 3-4 alignments into a Skins defense that has been a 4-3 for as long as we can remember. Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter figure to be the outside linebackers. Albert Haynesworth could play five-technique end or nose tackle.

Washington: New defensive coordinator Jim Haslett believes MLB London Fletcher would make a smooth transition if the Redskins switch to a 3-4. Fletcher did get some experience in Buffalo’s 3-4 during the mid-2000s.

Arizona: The Arizona Cardinals are not expecting Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) or ILB Gerald Hayes (ankle) to play Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter says the team has not “abandoned hopes” that Boldin can play, but it’s doubtful to happen.

St. Louis: Beat writer Jim Thomas expects the St. Louis Rams’ brass to discuss the possibility of signing or trading for Michael Vick in next week’s organizational meetings. GM Billy Devaney worked with Vick in Atlanta and even visited him in prison. Coach Steve Spagnuolo and OC Pat Shurmur are tight with Eagles coach Andy Reid, who has spoken in glowing terms about the “changes” Vick has made in his life.

New York: Thomas Jones says he is “100 percent” despite being limited in practice earlier this week with a knee injury. “I don’t even know where this stuff came from,” Jones said. “I banged my knee on the turf. We had about seven guys that got nicked up from the turf. It was just a bruise; it wasn’t a big deal.” The knee contusion did seem to limit his effectiveness; Jones only gained 34 yards on 15 carries in the win.

The 57-year-old Shanahan, who is widely considered to be an offensive genius, spent this past year out of Football but was admittedly preparing for a return (FOXSports.com’s John Czarnecki reported about Snyder’s interest in Shanahan long before previous head coach Jim Zorn was fired). Shanahan said he watched “four or five” games every weekend and closely followed NFL news. With public perception something that has always concerned the vain Shanahan, he even studied how players and coaches conducted media interviews for future do’s and don’ts.

Perhaps watching those “four or five” games each weekend paid off in the end as Shanahan has wasted not time building an all-star coaching staff. Kyle Shanahan, Mike’s son, has already been named the new Washington Redskins offensive coordinator and it is being reported that Texans OL coach Alex Gibbs may be on board in the next few days. As for the defense, NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora is reporting that the Redskins are prepared to interview Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for the same position in Washington should Cincinnati lose Saturday’s Wild Card game. Ex-Rams DC Jim Haslett, who coached the UFL’s Florida Tuskers this past season, is believe to be in the running as well.

Shanahan may be the VP of Football Operations and havefinal say on all Redskins football decisions as he did in Denver but emphasized they would be made jointly with new general manager Bruce Allen rather than in a vacuum. A Super Bowl-winning executive with Tampa Bay Buccaneers and award winning GM with the Oakland Raiders, Allen will serve as the sounding board that Shanahan claims he lacked in Denver.

“Bruce will not agree with me on a lot of things,” Shanahan said. “That’s what I was looking for. Do I have the final say? Maybe you could say that, but together I will never use that because we will work as a team.

With the hiring of Shanahan, one thing is certain: the Redskins will be back in the playoff hunt sooner than later. Even though the team finished with a disappointing 4-12 record, several high-prices free agents and good draft picks litter the team and Shanahan will be looking to take full advantage of the existing personnel.