May 2012 - Football Wiretap
Solder Ready To Replace Light At Left Tackle
Nate Solder could take on a bigger role on New England's offensive line if Matt Light retires and he flips from the right side to the left.
Solder is coming off a rookie season in which he played in all 19 games (including the postseason), with 16 starts.
There are rumors that Light will retire, and if that happens, Solder could get his chance to be Tom Brady's blindside protector on a full-time basis.
Eagles Visit With Bell; Have Interest In McNeill
The Eagles have visited with free-agent Kahlil Bell and have interest in Marcus McNeill.
Philadelphia is looking for a tackle in the wake of a serious injury suffered by All-Pro tackle Jason Peters.
He suffered a devastating Achilles injury that could jeopardize his season.
Agent Believes Bills, Jackson Will Reach Long-Term Deal
Bills general manager Buddy Nix says he wants to work out a contract extension for Fred Jackson and the running back's agent believes him.
"Buddy Nix has been honest and consistent with us all along," agent Ron Raccuia told WGR-AM. "I'm confident talks will get started in the next couple of months."
Ronde Barber Will Earn $3M In 16th Season
The one-year contract that Ronde Barber signed with the Buccaneers to return for a 16th season is worth $3 million, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Barber, who has 43 interceptions and 913 tackles in 15 seasons with Tampa Bay, agreed to return for another campaign earlier in March.
Report: Samuel Would Slash Earnings To Facilitate Trade
Asante Samuel might be willing to shave as much as $2.5 million off his earnings for next season to facilitate Philadelphia's efforts to trade him, according to a report.
Philadelphia Daily News reporter Paul Domowitch wrote that the cornerback, who is set to make $9.5 million in 2012, would be open to reducing that figure to $7 million.
New Dodgers Owners Have Looked Into NFL Stadium
Chavez Ravine, currently the home of Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers, is on the mind of the team's new owners as a potential home for an NFL team, according to a league source.
The Los Angeles Times has reported that the buyers had preliminary discussions with the NFL about just that.
A group led by Lakers legend Magic Johnson and veteran baseball executive Stan Kasten agreed to buy the Dodgers this week for a record price of more than $2 billion.
Lawson Decides To Stay With Bengals
Manny Lawson has decided to remain with the Bengals.
Lawson started 16 games for Cincinnati last season, his first with the Bengals. He had 78 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
He spent his first five seasons in the NFL with San Francisco, which made him a first-round pick in 2006.
Brees Pained By Damage Bounty System Has Done To Saints
Drew Brees has addressed the punishments handed down in the NFL's "bounty" investigation for the first time.
The quarterback expressed support for coach Sean Payton and admitted that it hurt him to see the team's reputation damaged.
"The entire team loves our coach. We'd do anything for him and certainly are with him during this time," Brees said. "Just understanding how difficult it is and we're all trying to get through it. We're hoping for the best."
"It's really tough, because we're all a family," he added. "To have some of the things said about us as a team and our coach and our accomplishment, those things hurt. It's been tough for all of us.
Class Schedule Could Delay Luck's Career
Andrew Luck might have to wait longer than initially expected to being his NFL career.
Stanford's academic calendar provides an interesting logistical hurdle for the expected No. 1 overall pick.
Luck is an early entrant into the draft and has not yet graduated. The school is on the quarter system, so he'll have to wait until he finishes finals to report.
Stanford's finals are scheduled to be held June 8-13, which may interfere with the first minicamp held by the Colts (June 12-14).
Oakland Adds Philip Wheeler
The Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal with unrestricted free agent Philip Wheeler to fill their void at starting outside linebacker.
Wheeler played 13 games for Indianapolis last season, making 80 tackles and recording one sack.
He played four seasons overall with the Colts with 182 tackles and two sacks.
"We're excited to add another veteran to complement our talented linebacking group," general manager Reggie McKenzie said. "He gives us a lot of athleticism and versatility. He's a player that can do a lot of things."
Cowboys Add Leon Lett To Coaching Staff
He helped the team's defensive line last season during training camp and during the season.
Giants Will Be Without Andre Brown For Four Games
The NFL has suspended Giants backup running back Andre Brown for four games for violating the league policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Raiders Trade For Panthers' Goodson
The Raiders have acquired running back Mike Goodson from the Panthers for offensive tackle Bruce Campbell.
Ryan Leaf Arrested On Burglary, Drug Charges
Former Chargers QB Ryan Leaf was arrested Friday on burglary and drug possession charges.
Tebow Unsure If He'll Start Again
Tim Tebow says he's "not sure" if he'll ever be a starting QB again.
Dolphins Looking To Extend Long, Wake, Hartline
All three players are in the final year of their contracts.
Holmes Doesn't Care Who Throws Ball, He Just Wants It
The Jets acquired Tim Tebow last week, to play behind starter Mark Sanchez.
Patriots Re-Sign Deion Branch
Deion Branch is in the midst of his second tenure with New England.
Report: Asante Not An Option For Lions
It has been reported that the Eagles and Lions were discussing a trade involving Asante Samuel last offseason.
Vick Doesn't Care If Eagles Pursued Peyton
Michael Vick doesn't care if the Eagles had real interest in Peyton Manning before the quarterback signed with the Broncos.
Ricky Williams Would Unretire For Chargers
Ricky Williams has signed his NFL retirement papers, but he hasn't completely ruled out playing football again.
Philadelphia's Jason Peters Tears Achilles
Jason Peters will undergo surgery Tuesday after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his right leg while working out in Texas.
Source: Payton To Appeal Suspension
Saints coach Sean Payton will file an appeal of his one-year suspension Friday, according to a league source.
Manning Didn't Have Issue Playing In NFC
Peyton Manning says he was open to playing in the NFC and in the same division as the Colts.
Vikings Confident Peterson Will Regain Form
Despite going down with a serious knee injury in Week 15 of last season, the Vikings are confident Adrian Peterson will regain form.
Edwards: Rooney Rule 'A Sham' As Saints Eye Parcells
The Saints aren't rushing to replace Sean Payton, who has been suspended for the 2012 season.
Source: Samuel Could Be Dealt To Titans Within Days
The Eagles could trade Asante Samuel to the Titans within the next few days for a conditional third-round pick.
Report: Plan For L.A. Stadium May Be In Danger
The plans for a downtown stadium and a return of the NFL to Los Angeles might be in danger, according to a report.
Revis Calls Belichick A 'Jerk'
Darrelle Revis called Bill Belichick a "jerk" during an appearance on ESPN.
A&M's Ryan Tannehill Works Out For NFL Scouts
Ryan Tannehill could be a top 10 pick in next month's NFL draft.