RealGM Football Wiretap

Saints Currently $5.1M Under Cap Following Harper's Restructure

Sat, 25 May 2013 16:48:20 EDT

The New Orleans Saints are now $5.1 million under the NFL's salary cap after restructuring the contract of Roman Harper.

The Saints were just $1.6 million below the cap before Harper's cap number dropped from $7.1 million to $3.66 million for 2013.

Flacco Confident In O-Line Amid Ravens' Big Changes

Sat, 25 May 2013 16:56:07 EDT

While the Baltimore Ravens have undergone considerable change following their Super Bowl win, Joe Flacco's offensive line has remained the same with the exception of the retired Matt Birk.

Flacco was asked if the continuity of the offensive line matters.

"Yeah, it does," said Flacco. "I think every year we've been here, we've juggled the offensive line around a pretty good amount."

The Ravens re-signed Bryant McKinnie to play left tackle.

"I think the fact that we have a pretty good feel about who is going to be up there is definitely good for me, and the fact that they played so well together last year at the end of the season is definitely a big confidence-booster."

Edelman Reworks Contract With Patriots

Sat, 25 May 2013 16:46:22 EDT

Julian Edelman's new contract with the New England Patriots has been reworked to give the team more protection in case his foot doesn't heal properly.

Edelman was due to receive a $50,000 workout bonus, but $40,000 of that bonus has been converted to a roster bonus that vests during the first week of the season.

Edelman reinjured his right foot and has been a limited participant in the team's offseason program. 

Favre Settles Lawsuit With Former Jets' Massage Therapists

Sat, 25 May 2013 16:43:58 EDT

Brett Favre has settled a lawsuit filed by two massage therapists who claimed he sent text messages to them in a sexual nature.

Christina Scavo and Shannon O'Toole had alleged in a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages that in 2008, they lost their part-time jobs after complaining of Favre's text messages.

Favre allegedly sent another woman a text message asking to get together with her and Scavo, followed by another text saying, "I guess I have bad intentions."

NFL Continuing To Work On HGH Testing

Sat, 25 May 2013 01:17:55 EDT

The NFL submitted a new proposal on human growth hormone testing to the union on April 24, according to sources. It included a concession in the elimination of game-day testing, which had been part of previous proposals.

One union source said the issue now is that the league's proposal calls for testing to begin immediately.

A league source said the NFL hasn't heard anything back from the union on HGH in the month since seeing its proposal.

McCluster Tweaks Hamstring During OTA

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:52:43 EDT

Dexter McCluster injured his hamstring during the Kansas City Chiefs' OTA on Thursday.

Andy Reid said after the week's final organized team activity that McCluster had a "mild" hamstring injury. 

Urlacher Would Consider Career In TV

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:39:09 EDT

Brian Urlacher could find employment as a television analyst now that he is retired from the NFL.

"I don’t know how good I’d be at that," Urlacher told the Tribune. "It would take a lot of work to get me ready for it. But that might be something I look into."

Urlacher was a regular paid guest on Fox Chicago’s "The Final Word" with host Lou Canellis the past three seasons.

Ray Lewis immediately found work with ESPN upon retirement, but nobody has reached out to Urlchaer yet.

Trent Richardson Sits Out OTAs With Pulled Muscle In Shin

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:36:50 EDT

Trent Richardson sat out organized team activities on Thursday with the Cleveland Browns due to a pulled muscle in his shin.

Richardson may miss the Browns' mandatory minicamp June 4-6.

"It's precautionary," Rob Chudzinski said. "We're holding him out. We've got minicamp in a week and a half. He may miss that. I'm not sure. We'll take it day-by-day.''

Richardson battled through injuries in his rookie season, leading the Browns to be cautious with him now.

Steelers Hopeful Zone-Blocking Scheme Kickstarts Run Game

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:33:55 EDT

The Pittsburgh Steelers hope to kickstart their running game with the outside zone, one-cut blocking style.

The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans have been successful with this zone blocking scheme.

The Steelers have a big, young and agile offensive line that suits this style.

Jonathan Dwyer led the Steelers last year with 623 yards, the lowest total for their leading rusher since Merrill Hoge rushed for 810 in 1991. 

Seneca Wallace Competing For Backup Job With Saints

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:31:31 EDT

Seneca Wallace was out of the NFL last season, but is competing for a backup job with the New Orleans Saints.

"It was refreshing because it was the first time I had been away from football in a long period of time so I can kind of sit back and look from the outside looking in and see how football was," Wallace said on Thursday.

Wallace has primarily been a backup during his nine NFL seasons between the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns.

Tyrann Mathieu Receives $265,000 In Upfront Money

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:27:54 EDT

The Arizona Cardinals have signed Tyrann Mathieu to his rookie contract.

In addition to the $265,000 he receives upfront, Mathieu will receive conditional roster bonuses of $99,000 in 2013 and $102,000 in 2014, and a salary guarantee of $196,000 in 2014, according to a source.

If Mathieu is cut by the team for performance reasons in the first two seasons, he will receive the full sum. However, if Mathieu is suspended for drug violations he will not get all of the money, according to sources.

The Cardinals also offered bonuses designed to keep Mathieu away from his native Louisiana in the offseason.

Rodgers Hopes Packers Normalize Relationship With Favre

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:25:52 EDT

Aaron Rodgers is in favor of a reunion between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre.

"It's been too long," Rodgers said. "You know, our country and the state of Wisconsin, these people are a people of second and third and fourth chances. I think it's time to let the healing process begin for those who are still upset for what went down."

The relationship between Favre and the Packers has been frayed since 2008.

Favre and Rodgers made a surprise joint appearance at the NFL Honors awards show earlier this year to present Peyton Manning his Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Rodgers hopes Favre's No. 4 jersey is retired by the Packers before he is eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ramses Barden Re-Signs With Giants

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:34:44 EDT

Ramses Barden has re-signed with the New York Giants, adding depth at wide receiver.

Barden was selected by the Giants in the third round in 2009.

"I'm happy to be back," Barden said in a statement from the team. "This is where I wanted to be and now I'm here. I was out there listening to the calls, getting back into the rhythm of the cadence, enjoying the camaraderie and absorbing everything. I remember everything, I've had four years to soak it all up. I'm happy to be back on the field. I feel great. I expect the best."

Victor Cruz and the Giants continue their impasse.

Robert Griffin III Throwing At OTAs

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:30:39 EDT

Robert Griffin III was not a participant in the Washington Redskins' OTAs on Thursday, but was making throws on the field as he rehabs from knee surgery.

Griffin dropped back to throw passes to Pierre Garcon and Fred Davis, amongst other receivers.

Griffin was able to plant on his right leg even though it was far from full speed.

Griffin wore a brace on his right knee.

Brady Wasn't Surprised Patriots Didn't Re-Sign Welker

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:22:57 EDT

Tom Brady spoke about the departure of Wes Welker on Thursday. 

Welker left the New England Patriots, who replaced him by signing Danny Amendola to a five-year, $31 million contract.

"That's what happens. This is a, like I said, it's a very tough, competitive business, and nobody appreciated Wes more than I did and what he was able to accomplish for our team,” Brady told WEEI radio station in Boston. “He's moved on; he's in a good situation with another great team and a great quarterback. We always kind of kept in touch, we always will. He's one of my best friends." 

The Patriots signed Brady to an extension this offseason that runs until he's 40, which is without precedent for the franchise. 

"Of course I have feelings, but those feelings are very personal to me," Brady said about Welker. "I used to get caught up in anger and disappointment, but I don't make the decisions. These things aren't up to me. At some point you've got to realize the things that are out of your control, you've just got to let go, focus on my job and what I need to do. The game moves on, the team moves on, there's only so long you can dwell on the past, and at some point you've got to move forward.”

Jaworski Sincere About Arena Football League Offer To Tebow

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:18:49 EDT

Ron Jaworski is interested in signing Tim Tebow on his Philadelphia Soul team in the Arena Football League.

Jaworski first reached out to Tebow the day after he was released by the New York Jets in April and has yet to hear back.

“I love the guy,” Jaworski said. “I want him here just for his leadership.”

Tebow has yet to find a team to remain in the NFL and the team that owns his Canadian Football League rights is only offering a backup position.

“I know Tim’s in a funk right now,” Jaworski said. “But I think he’s got to have a career path. What’s he going to do to get back?”

Randy Moss Willing To Listen If 49ers Interested

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:14:06 EDT

With Michael Crabtree out for at least a sizable portion of the 2013 season due to a torn Achilles, the San Francisco 49ers could reunite with Randy Moss.

The 49ers had ruled out signing Moss earlier in the offseason.

A source close to Moss indicates he is enjoying spending time with family, but there is little doubt that he would be willing to entertain an offer from the 49ers.

NFL Moving Draft To May In 2014

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:36:44 EDT

The NFL has decided to move its draft to May beginning in 2014. The draft will be sometime between the 8th and 17th of the month.

Radio City Music Hall will not be available during the draft's normal time of the year due to an Easter show in April.

But Roger Goodell expects the draft to remain in May permanently.

Under the current collective bargaining agreement, Goodell can set the date of the draft without the NFLPA's approval.

NFL Still Considering Expanded Regular Season, Playoffs

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:22:55 EDT

The NFL continues to consider the possibility of eliminating two games off the postseason to expand the playoffs or move to an 18-game regular season schedule.

Roger Goodell said all "[options] are on the table."

"As I have said before, I think the structure of the season is something that we consistently reevaluate," he said. "I have been quite open about [indicating that] we have to address the quality of the preseason.

"I hear from fans consistently that they want to make every NFL event more valuable. They see the preseason as being less valuable to them because they don't see the best players and the games do not count," he said. "We have to address that, whether we are looking at 18 [regular-season games] and two [preseason games] or 16-and-two and expanded playoffs."

The NFL is holding multiple dates for Super Bowl L and Super Bowl LI in case of a change to the schedule.

Michael Crabtree Tears Achilles, Could Miss 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:50:58 EDT

Michael Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Tuesday's OTAs and could need season-ending surgery.

Crabtree had a breakout season in 2012, catching 85 balls for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns.

Crabtree also had 20 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns in the postseason.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Crabtree has already undergone surgery.

Brian Urlacher Retires After 13 Seasons With Bears

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:49:47 EDT

Brian Urlacher announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday after spending his entire career with the Chicago Bears.

Urlacher and the Bears parted ways earlier in the offseason.

“After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire,” Urlacher wrote in a statement.

“Although I could continue playing, I’m not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that’s up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear. I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches and the great Bears fans. I’m proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets.”

Urlacher didn't want to play for another franchise and his body was beginning to break down.

Geno Smith Hires Jay-Z's Agency

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:37:40 EDT

Geno Smith will be represented by Roc Nation, the sports agency headed by Jay-Z.

Kim Miale will directly represent Smith. Miale also represents two inactive players in Carlos Martinez and Brandon Hicks.

Marshawn Lynch Skips OTAs To Continue Own Workout Program

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:35:59 EDT

Marshawn Lynch was the only healthy member of the Seattle Seahawks not to attend this week's OTA practice.

“He’s working in a very intense program in his area and he’s benefiting from it,” Pete Carroll said.

Lynch appears to be in great shape and visited the Seahawks within the past two weeks.

Charles Woodson Signs With Raiders

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:33:19 EDT

Charles Woodson has signed with the Oakland Raiders on a one-year contract.

Woodson's deal is worth a maximum of $4.3 million and includes a $700,000 signing bonus.

Woodson played with the Raiders from 1998 until 2005 when he signed with the Green Bay Packers.

Woodson had met with the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, but ultimately decided to join the rebuilding Raiders.

Max Starks Signs With Chargers

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:49:39 EDT

Max Starks has signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Chargers.

Starks will likely become the Chargers' starting left tackle to protect Philip Rivers' blind slide.

Starks spent the last five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

San Francisco To Host Super Bowl L, Houston Gets SB LI

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:05:39 EDT

The San Francisco Bay Area was awarded hosting rights to Super Bowl L in 2016, while Houston will host Super Bowl LI in 2017, commissioner Roger Goodell announced at the NFL's spring owners meetings in Boston on Tuesday.

The 49ers' new stadium in Santa Clara is being built and is scheduled to open for the 2014 season.

Gronkowski Undergoes Fourth Surgery On Forearm, Infection Gone

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:37:59 EDT

Rob Gronkowski underwent a fourth surgery on his forearm on Monday.

A source says doctors believe the previous infection in Gronkowski's arm is now gone.

Doctors put new plates in to repair the previously broken left forearam.

The estimated timetable for recovery is around 10 weeks, assuming there are no setbacks.

Gronkowski will be evaluated in three to four weeks to determine whether he also needs back surgery.

Romo Has Back Cyst Removed

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:36:03 EDT

Tony Romo underwent a minor surgery on his back in April to remove a cyst.

Romo will miss the Dallas Cowboys' OTAs that begin Tuesday and last three weeks.

The team's minicamp will be held June 11-13, which Romo may also miss.

Romo expects to be ready for training camp in July.

"If this was the regular season and I had to play next week, I could,'' Romo said. "This is just about being smart. That's why I did it now. This will have no effect on training camp. No way will it have an impact. And I still think there's a good chance I'm on the field for minicamp.''

Brady More Confident Than Ever In Throwing Football

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:30:37 EDT

Tom Brady will turn 36 this summer and he feels as though he continues to get better as a quarterback.

"Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football," said Brady. "I've never felt better throwing the football."

Brady's throwing coach, Tom Martinez, died 15 months ago. Brady is now working with former MLB pitcher Tom House.

"I owe so much to Tom Martinez,'' Brady said. "He taught me so much about how to play the game and throw the football. He was so committed to me for so many years. I miss him every time I step on the field. I found Tom House, and really developed a rapport with him quickly. I've learned, and to me, the learning process is fun. The same way Tom Martinez was always there to watch and give me corrections, Tom House has told me why certain corrections need to be made. Look at a baseball swing and a golf swing. It's all mechanics. Look at how Barry Bonds swings. Look at how Floyd Mayweather punches. Mechanics. When you've got to fit it into the tightest windows, mechanics are crucial. And to me, the offseason is crucial. If you make a throw within four feet, that's not going to be good enough. You have to make the throw within four inches of your target. That's good enough. And that's why the mechanics you adjust and learn in the offseason are important. You're going to keep them during the season.

"Tom House, pretty soon after the season, said basically, 'All right, Tommy. Get to work.' That's the one thing that helps me move forward. There's nothing we can do about losing the championship game to the Ravens. It sucks. You move on. But, with Tom, I think I've learned some things this offseason that are really going to help me."

Calvin Johnson Optimistic Lions Will Be Better In 2013

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:27:40 EDT

Calvin Johnson has exceeded even the highest of expectations placed on him when he entered the NFL, but the Detroit Lions have had only one winning season during his tenure.

The Lions were 4-12 last season after reaching the playoffs in 2011.

"That's exactly where we're at," Johnson said. "It's funny because I talked to (former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver) Hines (Ward) in the offseason, over the last few offseasons, because we share the same trainer (Tom Bender). He 's like, 'You can have all the accolades in the world, but it doesn't really mean nothing'. He told me, and he could attest to this, (it does not mean anything) if you're not winning.

"I could have three touchdowns and 200 yards, but if we lose the game, what's it all for?"

Johnson is optimistic that the Lions will be better in 2013.

"I think that what we went through last year, you know, the year before we got it right and got in the playoffs," Johnson said. "During the end of the season last year, there were a few games here and there where one play could have made a difference. That's been the thing and that's what I've been saying since last year. We've got some pieces that I think can help our offense where we can make that one more play at an important time in the game.

"Guys that have been in those positions on different teams; we've brought some of those guys over. Of course, you know Reggie (Bush) and some other additions to defense. I think we got what we need, like I said, when it comes to clutch time, to make those plays."

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