March 2007 - Football Wiretap
Bears, Walker Agree On Five-Year, $25 Million Deal
The Bears and defensive tackle Darwin Walker agreed to a five-year, $25 million contract on Tuesday, two days after the team acquired him in a trade with Buffalo.
Walker will earn about $2 million this season, plus $8 million to $9 million in bonuses and possibly another $3.5 million in incentives over the length of the contract, according to his agent Albert Irby.
Rawlings Ends Its Relationship With Vick
Michael Vick lost another sponsor -- Rawlings.
The sporting goods company said Tuesday it was ending its relationship with the Falcons quarterback because of dogfighting conspiracy charges.
"Rawlings recognizes that Mr. Vick has not been convicted of the charges stemming from his recent indictment," the St. Louis company said. "However, we have determined that ending our relationship with Mr. Vick at this time is necessary."
Terry Glenn To Have Knee Scoped
The Cowboys announced Tuesday that Terry Glenn will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.
Glenn, 33, suffered the injury Sunday and has not practiced since. An MRI came back negative, but the 12-year veteran does have a tiny cyst on the back of his knee cap.
Team owner and GM Jerry Jones said the surgery is scheduled for Tuesday and that Glenn will likely miss two weeks. Glenn should be ready when the Cowboys open the season at home vs. NFC East rival Giants on September 9.
Report: Oakland Signs Culpepper
The Raiders have signed free-agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper to a one-year contract, according to a report by KPIX Television in San Francisco.
According to the report, the team is expected to make the official announcement on Wednesday. Terms of the deal are not known.
The Oakland Tribune reported on Tuesday that coach Lane Kiffin confirmed the team was considering the three-time Pro Bowl selection. On Sunday, Kiffin described contract negotiations between the Raiders and quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the team's No. 1 draft pick, as "going kind of slow."
Jets Release Tony Fisher
The Jets released running back Tony Fisher on Tuesday.
Fisher, who spent last season with St. Louis after four years with Green Bay, was signed by the Jets last Friday to add depth to their running back corps after Cedric Houston left the team abruptly.
Raiders Expected To Sign Culpepper
A source familiar with the situation said the Raiders are expected to sign free agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper today.
With the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, the Raiders signed JaMarcus Russell, who is 6-foot-5 and in the 250-pound range. Culepper is the only quarterback on the market with comparable size, at 6-foot-4 and a listed weight of 265 pounds.
Coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Sunday night Culpepper was being brought in for a workout. He also said the Raiders had already seen Culpepper recently.
Linebacker Ellis Contemplating Retirement
Another day in the Greg Ellis chronicles featured the seemingly beleaguered linebacker talking about his next move if the Cowboys don't give in to his demands for a new contract.
Ellis said his frustration is all about loyalty.
He said he has given his all to the Cowboys and wants them to show him their commitment by adjusting his contract.
"Emotionally, it's hard to be married to a person if they are stepping out on you every night," Ellis said.
He didn't rule out retirement, though Ellis understands the Cowboys could penalize him for an early departure by forcing him to pay back a portion of his signing bonus.
Vick Makes Radio Appearance
Embattled Falcons quarterback Michael Vick said in a radio interview on WVEE-FM Monday that he was remorseful for the negativity his situation has brought to Atlanta and team owner Arthur Blank and that he is hopeful, but not certain, that he'll play for the Falcons again.
Vick, calling from Virginia, also expressed gratitude to the number of fans who have stuck by him following his federal indictment on dogfighting charges. The interview was Vick's first since charges were filed on July 17.
Umenyiora Rips Potential Teammate Rice
If the Giants actually sign Simeon Rice to replace Michael Strahan, do not expect Osi Umenyiora to embrace the move by welcoming the former Buccaneer with open arms.
Every day the Giants have been in training camp, Umenyiora has spoken with missing Michael. The two are fast friends and have the same agent, Tony Agnone. Connect the dots. Much of what Strahan is thinking and feeling, Umenyiora yesterday was saying and revealing.
"We're not talking about Julius Peppers," Umenyiora said, comparing Rice to the Panthers' stud defensive end. "Simeon Rice is an outstanding pass rusher, but that's what he is."
49ers' Gore Breaks Hand
Frank Gore, the 49ers Pro Bowl running back, broke a bone in his right hand Monday during the first padded practice of training camp and might not play in the preseason.
Gore was injured during a non-contact ball-handling drill, and coach Mike Nolan said he would not practice with the team for the remainder of the week. Gore will be re-evaluated next Monday, and Nolan expects him to return to practice then with a cast on his hand.
"He'll be ready for the latter part of preseason, but his participating in the preseason, we'll wait and see on that," Nolan said.
Culpepper Heading To Oakland For Workout
Free agent QB Daunte Culpepper will work out for the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, two weeks after being released by the Miami Dolphins.
Bill Walsh Passes Away
Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh has passed away Monday morning.
Quinn Not Close To Signing
QB Brady Quinn is training in Arizona and does not appear close to signing a contract with the Browns.
Buffalo Trades Holdout Walker To Bears
The Bills traded disgruntled DT Darwin Walker to the Bears for an undisclosed 2008 draft pick.
49ers Sign Patrick Willis
The 49ers on Sunday signed their first draft pick, linebacker Patrick Willis.