May 2007 - Football Wiretap
49ers Promote Hostler To Offensive Coordinator
San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan did not look far to find a replacement for Norv Turner.
Nolan on Wednesday promoted Jim Hostler to offensive coordinator. After serving the last two seasons as quarterbacks coach for the 49ers, Hostler will replace Turner, who was named coach of the San Diego Chargers on February 19.
Texans Release Moulds
With the free agency period beginning this Friday, the Texans cleared some room in their salary cap today by releasing veterans Zach Wiegert, Seth Payne and Eric Moulds.
The three players have a combined 33 NFL seasons under their belts, including 10 with the Texans. Each of the players started for the Texans at some point during the 2006 season, although Wiegert and Payne suffered knee injuries that cut their respective seasons short.
Texans general manager Rick Smith discussed the transactions in a statement released today by the team.
?We made some difficult decisions today in releasing these three veteran players," Smith said. "We appreciate the contributions that each made to our football team, organization and community."
Ravens Waive Jamal Lewis, Hope To Re-Sign Him
The Ravens have waived running back Jamal Lewis, general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome announced today.
But, just one day before the start of free agency, that doesn't mean that the seven-year veteran won't don a Ravens' jersey in the future. Newsome expressed his desire to re-sign Lewis sometime this offseason.
"We are involved in negotiations with Jamal, and there has been good dialogue," said Newsome. "Jamal has been a significant contributor to us in the last seven seasons."
Brady And Gisele Continue European Romp
Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen have not let baby news spoil their European adventure in Italy.
The couple were spotted shopping near the Coliseum and smooching it up all over Rome this week.
Vikings Release Brad Johnson
The Minnesota Vikings released quarterback Brad Johnson on Wednesday.
Johnson played for the Vikings for nine seasons in two different stints.
Glanville Ready To Run Portland State
Jerry Glanville is ready to run another football team. This time, the former NFL coach is set to take over at Portland State.
Glanville, who led the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons, will be introduced by the Division I-AA school at a news conference Wednesday night. He had been Hawaii's defensive coordinator for two years.
Sources: Packers Explore Trade For Moss
The Oakland Raiders are trying to trade Randy Moss and the Green Bay Packers definitely are interested if the former all-pro wide receiver would agree to a restructured contact in order to play with a better team and Brett Favre.
Sources close to the situation said the Packers had explored trading for Moss.
The two teams have had preliminary dialogue but at this point the Packers consider Moss to be an economically unfeasible solution to their need for another receiver alongside Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.
Ramsey's Days With The Jets Are Over
Patrick Ramsey, whom the Jets acquired last year from the Redskins, is expected to be traded or released by Friday, a person with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.
Steelers Re-Sign Aaron Smith
Aaron Smith, who was entering the last year of his contract, has signed a four-year extension with Pittsburgh.
The deal, which runs through the 2011 season, is for roughly $25 million and rewrites the final year the 31-year-old Smith's current contract, under which he was due a $1 million roster bonus and a salary of $3.5 million.
The new deal is worth about $12 million between now and next season, including a signing bonus.
Niners' Derek Smith Undergoes Eye Surgery
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Derek Smith underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a damaged muscle connected to his left eye, a delicate injury that hampered his play last season.
Smith won't participate in contact drills until the preseason, but should be healthy for his 11th pro campaign.
Dolphins Expected To Release Harrington
According to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Dolphins are expected to release QB Joey Harrington.
Jauron: Bills Listening To Offers For McGahee
Calling no player "untouchable," Bills coach Dick Jauron said the team would consider trade offers for Willis McGahee.
Bills Re-Sign Kelsay
DE Chris Kelsey signed a four-year contract with the Bills, avoiding the uncertainty of becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Sources: Jackson Is Available
"We'll listen to anything, but it doesn't mean we're going to do anything," said Seahwaks president Tim Ruskell.
Allen Requests Trade, Chiefs Say No
Chiefs DE Jared Allen has requested to be traded, according to a published report in the Kansas City Star.
Denver's Damien Nash Dies After Basketball Game
Denver Broncos reserve tailback Damien Nash collapsed and died Saturday night after an appearance in a charity basketball game in St. Louis
Giants Show Interest In McGahee
"There is some talk about Willis out there," GM Floyd Reese said. "We'll investigate Willis. We'll investigate everybody out there with trade talks."