May 2009 - Football Wiretap
Broncos Say They'll Trade Cutler
The Denver Broncos said Tuesday they will grant Jay Cutler his request and try to trade him.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen released a statement saying both he and McDaniels had been unable to get Cutler to call them back over the last 10 days. Bowlen said he spoke with Cutler's agent, Bus Cook, on Tuesday and came away convinced "that Jay no longer has any desire to play for the Denver Broncos."
Therefore, Bowlen said, "We will begin discussions with other teams in an effort to accommodate his request to be traded."
Cook didn't immediately return messages left by The Associated Press, and McDaniels, through a team spokesman, declined to comment.
Stafford Impresses In Workout With Lions
Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford performed well during a private workout with the Lions on Tuesday morning.
Detroit asked him to perform in drills as well as demonstrate his ability to diagram plays.
One-Year Deal Keeps Cole With Eagles
Free-agent guard Nick Cole has agreed to a one-year contract with the Eagles, the team announced Tuesday.
Cole was a restricted free agent.
NFL Could Add Window For Free Agent Talks
In May, NFL owners are expected to vote on adding a 5-to-7 day window prior to the start of free agency during which teams would be allowed to negotiate with prospective free agents.
They wouldn't be able to have contact with the player, only his agent.
"It would allow the home team to know who is talking to their player, who is interested in their player," Falcons president Rich McKay said. "We think it would create a more level playing field for the home team knowing who's out there [that's interested in the player] and give them a chance to re-sign that player before free agency actually opens."
Crayton: No Excuses With T.O. Gone
Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton says that the team no longer has any excuses with Terrell Owens playing elsewhere.
"All of that is in the past," Crayton said. "As a group, there are no more excuses, no more scapegoats to put the blame on. It's all on us that are here to get the job done. There is nobody here to point the finger at. You understand the business. They made it more [offensive coordinator] Jason Garrett and [quarterback] Tony Romo friendly. Again, no more excuses."
James Still Wants Release From Cardinals
Running back Edgerrin James is still looking to be released by the Cardinals, and isn't likely to attend the team's voluntary workouts.
James has always preferred to work out on his own anyway, and that isn't going to change with his disagreements he has had with Arizona.
Broncos Tired Of Cutler Drama
Broncos players aren't saying they have had enough of quarterback Jay Cutler, but they are getting frustrated by all of the drama surrounding him.
No Denver player has agreed to meet with the media since March 19, and the "silence" wasn't a mandate from coach Josh McDaniels.
Two Slain In Condo Owned By Vilma
Investigators suspect two African immigrants killed at a condo owned by Jonathan Vilma may have been slain as revenge for an Internet scam.
The two men were both shot in the head sometime on Thursday in a condominium in Woodward, N.Y., owned by Vilma.
Vilma was not there at the time and is not believed to be involved, said New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne.
Eagles CB Sounds Off On 'Brady Rule'
Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown doesn't believe that the new 'Brady Rule' will change how players approach the game.
"You're just going to see a lot more fines because of this [rule]," said Brown. "Nobody is going to take the time to get up off the ground to hit a quarterback. So you'll have guys make the play, pay the fines, write it off on their taxes and move on. Whoever made that rule is crazy."
'Beanie' Wells Scheduled To Visit Ravens
Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells is scheduled to meet with the Ravens on Tuesday.
Wells is also rumored to have meetings set up with the Seahawks, Chargers, Cardinals, Bengals and the Broncos.
49ers To Meet With Crabtree, Oher And Raji?
The 49ers are expected to meet with a number of prospects prior to next month's NFL Draft.
Jones Absent Again From Jets Workouts
Jets running back Thomas Jones, who is looking for a more lucrative contract, is again absent from the team's offseason workouts this week.
Saints Re-Sign Backup Quarterback Harrington
The Saints have re-signed backup quarterback Joey Harrington, who had been an unrestricted free agent after serving as the team's third quarterback last season.
Steelers-Cards To Open MNF Preseason
A rematch of Super Bowl XLIII will open Monday Night Football's preseason schedule in August when the Steelers host the Cardinals.
Burress Case Hearing Adjourned Until June
The gun possession case against Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was adjourned Tuesday until June.
Bears Host Free Agents Pace, Lucas
The Bears hosted free agent tackle Orlando Pace and cornerback Ken Lucas on Monday.
Redskins, Daniels Close To One-Year Deal
The Redskins and defensive end Phillip Daniels are reportedly close to a one-year contract.
Falcons, Vick Reach Settlement On Breach Claim
The Falcons have reportedly reached a settlement with Michael Vick on their breach-of-contract claim that is still awaiting an appeals court decision on a grievance case.
49ers, OT Marvel Smith Agree To Two-Year Deal
The 49ers and OT Marvel Smith on Monday agreed to a two-year deal, with the team expecting him to be their starting right tackle.
Cutler Forfeits $100,000 Workout Bonus
Disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler has forfeited his $100,000 workout bonus because he already missed more than 10 percent of Denver's sessions.
Frerotte Returning To St. Louis?
Free agent quarterback Gus Frerotte, who spent last season with the Vikings, is expected to sign with the Rams.
Lions Learn From Russell's Holdout With Raiders?
The Lions plan to have a finalized contract, or at least an agreement, in place with whomever they select with the first overall pick.
Chargers Continue To Negotiate With Sproles
Darren Sproles, who is expected to sit out minicamp and coaching sessions in May, has yet to sign his franchise tender with the Chargers.
Palmer Isn't Worried About Ocho Cinco
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer isn't worried about receiver Chad Ocho Cinco, who hasn't attended the team's recent workouts.
Cutler, McDaniels Exchanging Text Messages?
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Jay Cutler are still far apart on their differences, but they have reportedly been exchanging text messages.
Bengals To Host WR Jeremy Maclin
The Bengals are scheduled to host Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin April 2-3, and reports indicate that there is a very good chance they could select him on draft day.
Report: Burress Would Serve Prison Time In Plea Deal
Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress would serve some prison time under a plea deal, according to a report in the New York Times.
Taylor: 'It'd Be Tough To Play For Pats'
Former Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor, a free agent, says that it would be tough to play for New England, a bitter rival of Miami.
Vick Is Banking On Return To NFL
Michael Vick's plan to climb out of bankruptcy partly hinges on his questionable return to the NFL after he gets out of prison.
Ryan Never Reached Out To Favre
Jets coach Rex Ryan, who was hired in January, reportedly never reached out to quarterback Brett Favre prior to his retirement.