Free Agent Rumor - Football Wiretap
Driver Will Take Pay Cut To Remain In Green Bay
Donald Driver is 37 years old and coming off his least productive season in a decade, but he wants to keep playing and remain with the Packers.
The wide receiver will take a pay cut in order to do so.
"The organization knows what I've done on and off the field, and they want to keep me around as long as possible," Driver told WISN-TV.
"If that means sitting down and taking pay cuts to stay around, then you take pay cuts to stay around. I've always said it's not about the money for me anymore. What I'm pushing for is for my legacy to stay around in the state of Wisconsin and around the world forever. So the money's not a big issue."
Sorgi To Work Out For Raiders
The Raiders are bringing in quarterback Jim Sorgi for a tryout.
Sorgi's agent, Matt Brei, said the veteran will work out for Oakland on Tuesday.
The Raiders are looking for a veteran backup quarterback to play behind starter Carson Palmer.
Harnish Had Deal With Chargers Before Colts Drafted Him
The Colts made Chandler Harnish the final pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, as known as Mr. Irrelevant, apparently stealing him from the Chargers.
"Late in the seventh round I'm very depressed. ... I was getting calls from like the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, just a bunch of teams were (calling) -- and I'm talking to my agent every three minutes," the former Northern Illinois quarterback explains. "It looked like we were about ready to set up a free agency deal. I was ready to go to San Diego. ...
"They wanted the decision 10 minutes after they could put the deal on the table, and this was still at pick 240," Harnish says. "So there were still 13 picks to go. And they put the deal on the table that they wanted me to be a free agent and I had to say 'yes' to it. ... We tell San Diego we want that deal. Well, my agent tells the Colts, 'Hey, he's going to San Diego if you guys don't draft him with your last pick.' So, because of that, the Colts were like, 'We want him. We want to take him before he goes to free agency, and then he goes to San Diego.'"
Umenyiora Protests Perception That He's A 'Greedy Pig'
Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora says he isn't happy that the team offered him only "half" the guaranteed money it recently gave to fellow defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka.
"They offered an extension -- guaranteeing half of what they just gave 'Kiwi' guaranteed," Umenyiora wrote to The Star-Ledger on Sunday.
"And I'm a greedy pig for turning down half of what they just gave 'Kiwi.' Lol."
Kiwanuka received a three-year extension from the Giants last week that included $10.95 million in guaranteed money.
Giants Say They've Made Offers To Umenyiora
Giants general manager Jerry Reese said the team has offered Osi Umenyiora an extension for two straight years in hopes of keeping the defensive end.
"Our first choice with respect to Osi is that he will play for the Giants and retire a Giant," Reese said.
"That is what we would like to happen. Osi has been offered an extension two years in a row now, so we would still like to make it work. Hopefully, it will work out."
Umenyiora said earlier this week that he did not think the Giants would be able to give him the type of extension he is seeking with several young players due for raises in the future.
Leinart Likely To Sign With Raiders
The Raiders are likely to sign Matt Leinart this week during a scheduled visit to Oakland.
Leinart will serve as the backup to starter Carson Palmer.
Rumors Swirling That Bowe May Sign Tender
Dwayne Bowe may sign his franchise tender with the Chiefs very soon.
Bowe is concerned that Kansas City will use their first-round pick on a wide receiver and then strip him of the franchise designation, according to a league source.
Such a move would make Bowe a free agent.
Rams Refute Reports Of Steven Jackson's Availability
The Rams have refuted rumors that Steven Jackson is unhappy with his contract and has been made available via trade.
St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher flat-out denied any trade talk involving Jackson.
"Rumors," Fisher said. "Steven is here, he is in the offseason program. He's upstairs every other day. He's doing great and having fun learning the offense. No discussion, conversation or anything along that sort to my knowledge."
NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reported that Jackson is looking for a new contract. The Rams claim that also is news to them.
Jackson, meanwhile, was "taken aback" by suggestions that he could be released if the Rams take Trent Richardson at No. 6 overall.
Umenyiora Doesn't Expect Extension From Giants
Osi Umenyiora does not believe the Giants will be able to give him the contract extension he has long desired.
"Would I want to (stay)? I think it would be ideal," Umenyiora said. "I think I would if things could be worked out. But is that going to happen? I really don't think so."
Umenyiora thinks New York might be better off trading him for something in return during this week's NFL Draft.
The defensive end does not want to return without a raise and play in the final year of his deal, which is worth just under $4 million this season.
"Next year, if I leave (after the contract is up), they won't get anything," Umenyiora said of the Giants. "Maybe they will get a compensatory pick. But that's it. So if they are going to do it, now would be the best time to (make a trade)."
McGinest Questions Welker's True Value
Former Patriots defender Willie McGinest isn't happy that Wes Welker is thinking about skipping workouts with the team as he awaits a long-term contract.
"I just don't like the diva attitude," McGinest, who played in New England from 1994 to 2005, said on NFL Total Access.
"Let's keep it real. Prior to the Patriots, this is a guy who played three years, had 96 receptions, never had a 1,000-yard season. ...
"This $9 million-plus that they're offering is half of his last contract. That's a lot of money. Let's not forget that they signed Brandon Lloyd, they signed (WR Anthony Gonzalez), they signed (WR Deion) Branch back, they got the two tight ends; they have weapons on that offense. So look, Wes, it's time to take off the leopard-printed cowboy boots, get off the party tour and get back to work."
Steelers 'Not Worried' About Wallace Reports
Mike Wallace doesn't plan to attend offseason workouts with Pittsburgh as he is upset with his contract.
Revis Dances Around Talk Of Possible Holdout
Darrelle Revis skipped training camp two years ago during a bitter contract dispute with the Jets.
Yeremiah Bell Visiting Jets
Yeremiah Bell, an eight-year veteran, started all but one game for the Dolphins the past four seasons.
Jerome Simpson Has Good Visit With Vikings
Jerome Simpson's visit to the Vikings over the weekend went "incredibly well," but there's no real timetable in the wide receiver's decision.
Sources: Mike Wallace Prepared To Hold Out
Mike Wallace is seeking a long-term deal and is unhappy with the $2.7 million first-round tender he received form Pittsburgh.
Redskins Still In Play For Hightower
Tim Hightower visited with the Patriots in recent days.
Tyson Jackson Takes Pay Cut To Remain With Chiefs
Tyson Jackson reduced his 2012 salary by about 50% and can now hit the open market as early as 2013.
Titans, Falcons Interested In Odom
Antwan Odom missed all of last season due to a wrist injury.
Sources: Wallace Will Remain With Steelers
Mike Wallace will remain with the Steelers after a Friday deadline passed with no team offering the restricted free agent an offer sheet.
Report: Saints Restructure Vilma's Contract
As the linebacker braces for a suspension from the NFL for his role in the New Orleans bounty scandal, the Saints have restructured Jonathan Vilma's contract.
Patriots Host Addai, Hightower For Visits
ESPN also reported former Packers running back Ryan Grant was scheduled to meet with New England on Friday.
Sources: Wallace Likely To Remain With Steelers
With a Friday deadline to sign an offer sheet with another team, it appears Mike Wallace will remain with the Steelers in 2012.
Agent: Grant In Talks With Teams Other Than Packers
Ryan Grant shared carries with James Starks last season.
John Harbaugh Texting Potential Undrafted FAs
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has been texting potential undrafted free agents, according to league sources.
Report: Jones-Drew Seeks New Contract
Maurice Jones-Drew hasn't reported to Jacksonville's voluntary team workouts, which surprised coach Mike Mularkey.
Sources: Welker Not At Voluntary Workouts
Wes Welker has been unable to come to terms on a long-term deal with the Patriots.
Flacco Reports To Ravens Without Extension
Joe Flacco hasn't received a contract extension from the Ravens, but the quarterback has reported to their voluntary workouts.
Sources: Brees, Forte, Rice Won't Report To Workouts
All three players received their team's franchise tag this offseason and are still looking for long-term contracts.
Leonhard Open To Return To Jets
Jim Leonhard, who has had two seasons cut short by injuries, is open to a return to the Jets.
Owner: Saints 'Close' To Deal With Brees
Tom Benson was asked about Drew Brees during a press conference announcing him as the new owner of the NBA's Hornets.