Free Agent Rumor - Football Wiretap
Forte Would Like Extension From Bears
Matt Forte is entering the final year of his contract with the Bears and would like to sign an extension with the team.
Forte joined Walter Payton as the only running backs in Chicago history to post back-to-back seasons with 1,600 yards from scrimmage.
His current contract will pay him $550,000 in 2011.
"It would be nice [to get the contract done]," Forte said Monday. "It's always nice to have something like that happen. It's really up to my agent [Adisa Bakari] and the Bears to negotiate it. I just want to stay informed with what they're talking about. Hopefully it's all good things.
"I love playing for the Bears, and I think it's a great organization and I just want to continue to succeed and play well for them."
Buccaneers Want To Extend Ruud's Deal
Barrett Ruud has long said he wants to remain in Tampa Bay and now the Buccaneers have gone public with their desire to retain the linebacker.
Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik strongly suggested at the Senior Bowl that the only thing standing in the way of Ruud's return is a contract acceptable to both parties.
"Barrett had another good season for us," Dominik said. "He led our team in tackles again and he had more splash plays for us this year than he did the year before, which was good. Now we just have to sit down with his agent.
"(But) as these things always go, there's always two sides to it. Just because you say you want to sign him and because they say they want to be back, that doesn't mean that's how it's going to work out."
Ruud will be a free agent in March.
Eagles To Use Tag On Vick
The Eagles will place their franchise tag on Michael Vick next month, according to a source.
The move will prevent the quarterback from leaving Philadelphia and ensure he remains with the team through the 2011 season.
He set career highs in yards passing (3,018), touchdowns passing (21), touchdowns rushing (9), completion percentage (62.6) and passer rating (100.2) this past season.
Rams Still Looking For Backup To Jackson
The Rams continue to search for a capable backup to starting running back Stephen Jackson.
"Isn't it amazing?" St. Louis general manager Billy Devaney said earlier this month. "We've had the toughest luck filling that. We'd like a game-changer there. Or a change-of-pace back."
The Rams were happy with Kenneth Darby, but they'll keep their eyes open.
"I thought Darby did a really good job," Devaney said. "But any time that you can add a third-down back type of guy, change-of-pace, who can score from way out. Absolutely. That hasn't changed."
Jets GM Wants To Retain Wide Receivers
The Jets want to re-sign wide receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith, according to general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Tannenbaum praised both Holmes and Edwards for helping quarterback Mark Sanchez through the regular season and in the playoffs, and would like to maintain the chemistry the trio developed.
"We'll see what the system looks like moving forward," he said. "We hope to keep them all."
Mankins Doesn't Expect To Return To Patriots
Logan Mankins said earlier this week that all 32 teams will be in play to sign him, but a report suggests that he doesn't expect to return to the Patriots.
Mankins feels as though the team isn't willing to lock him up to a long-term deal and says there hasn't been any talks on a new contract, according to the Boston Herald.
"No, I wouldn't be happy about [a potential franchise tag], if that's what they chose to do, to be dealt that kind of hand," Mankins said Thursday. "But we'll see what happens."
Argos' Owens Gets Offer From Jets
CFL return specialist Chad Owens has a contract offer on the table from the NFL's Jets.
The Argonauts return man was the CFL's most outstanding special teams player in 2010.
"The offer is on the table from the Jets, but we are weighing all of our options," Owens' agent, Richard Burnoski, said. "It's a fair offer and Chad has to make the final decision."
Mankins Won't Rule Out Return To Pats
Logan Mankins is set to become a free agent and while he is expected to leave the Patriots, the offensive lineman says that's not a certainty.
"Oh yeah," he said when asked about returning to New England. "There are 32 teams in play. Whatever one I feel is the best situation for me.
"There's always a possibility (for the Patriots). But to tell you the truth, I haven't given it much thought right now. If there was a CBA, I?m sure I'd be thinking about it a lot more."
Colts Make Offer To Manning
The Colts and the agent for Peyton Manning, Tom Condon, met on Thursday and an offer was extended to the quarterback, according to team and league sources.
The two sides met for hours, trying to accelerate a process that has been rumored for months.
The offer is worth more than the four-year, $72 million contract that included $48.5 million in guaranteed money that Tom Brady signed with the Patriots in September, according to a source.
The Colts want to make Manning the highest-paid player in the NFL, but they also want to show some financial restraint.
Indianapolis president Bill Polian presented a pitch Thursday that the Colts want more cash flow to build the talent around Manning with a more aggressive offseason that could include a few key free agent signings, according to sources.
The two sides are trying to consummate a deal before the league year ends at 11:59 p.m. March 3, when players will not be allowed to sign contract unless there is a new collective bargaining agreement.
Ravens, Cundiff Closing In On Long-Term Deal
The Ravens are on the verge of a long-term deal with kicker Billy Cundiff, according to a source.
Cundiff is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he set a record for touchbacks.
The two sides have been working on an extension.
Colts Ready To Make Manning NFL's Highest-Paid
Talks between the Colts and Peyton Manning with deal with his future, his legacy and the relationship between the two sides.
'Good Chance' Asomugha Returns To Raiders
Nnamdi Asomugha hasn't ruled out re-signing with Oakland.
Seattle Would Like To Keep Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck will be a free agent after the season.
Vick Likely To Be Franchised
The timetable for franchise tags isn't known with the CBA expiring on March 4.
Bush, Thomas Hope To Return To Saints
Pierre Thomas isn't under contract for 2011, while Reggie Bush is owed $11.8 million in the final year of his deal.
Asomugha Unlikely To Pair With Revis In New York
The Jets are expected to focus on re-signing their own players.
Jackson Confident Eagles Will Give Him Contract
DeSean Jackson has one year left on his current contract.
Jets, Packers Could Land Asomugha
Nnamdi Asomugha will have no shortage of suitors as a free agent.
Vince Young To End Up In Minnesota?
The Vikings may be in dire need of a quarterback.
Fitzgerald, Cardinals Begin Discussing Contract
Larry Fitzgerald could become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
NFLPA Document: Asomugha A Free Agent
Nnamdi Asomugha will be this offseason's most prized defensive free agent.
Bengals Picked Up Ochocinco's $6M Option
Chad Ochocinco still isn't a lock to return to the Bengals next season.
Julian Peterson Won't Return To Lions
Julian Peterson played two seasons for the Lions.
Seahawks, Williams Close To Extension
Mike Williams emerged from two years away from the NFL to post 65 catches for 751 yards and two touchdowns.