Misc Rumor - Football Wiretap
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.
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."
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.
Jones has yet to report to the team this spring.
Offseason workouts are optional, but there is a mandatory minicamp in June.
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.
The game will take place on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. ET.
ESPN's Mike Tirico and analysts Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser will call four preseason games during August.
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.
Under the settlement, Vick has agreed to pay Atlanta $7.5 million if the team wins an appeal in the Eighth Circuit Court and $6.5 million if the court upholds U.S. District Judge David Doty's decision that Vick is only liable for $3.75 million.
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.
Assuming he reports to training camp, he'll still earn a $1.035 million salary for the 2009 season.
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.
Only the team with the first pick can negotiate with prospects before the draft.
Oakland botched their negotiations with JaMarcus Russell two years ago and he held out, which caused him to join the team late.
"We saw how much that set back [Russell] a couple years ago," new coach Jim Schwartz said. "That's a tool we have in drafting No. 1. We need to take advantage of every advantage that we have."
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.
"I'm not worried about him. I'm worried about the guys we have here," said Palmer. "The guys that want to be here and want to work now are the guys in the locker room and here today and here this offseason. I'm not going to worry about anyone else."
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.
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.
George: I Would Have Led Vikings To Title
Jeff George, who hasn't thrown a pass in the NFL in eight years, believes that he could have led the Vikings to a Super Bowl title.
Fisher: Young Has To Earn Starting Job Back
Titans coach Jeff Fisher says that quarterback Vince Young will have to earn his starting job back from Kerry Collins.
Well-Traveled Coach Lou Saban Dies At 87
Lou Saban, who coached O.J. Simpson in the NFL during a well-traveled career that spanned five decades, died Sunday at age of 87.
Will Ocho Cinco Attend Offseason Workouts?
The Bengals are unsure whether wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco will report to the team's offseason conditioning program.
Owens Briefly Returns To Buffalo
Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens returned to Buffalo for the first time since signing with the club on March 7th for a brief visit this weekend.
McNair: Texans Are Tired Of Missing Playoffs
Texans owner Robert McNair admitted in an interview conducted by the team's website that he's tired of watching his club miss the postseason.
Weaver Admits Philadelphia Was 'Secondary' Choice
Fullback Leonard Weaver, who recently signed a one-year deal with the Eagles, has admitted that the team wasn't his first choice.
Ryan May Take Jets Upstate For Camp
The Jets could be hitting the road this summer for Rex Ryan's first training camp as coach.
Kiper's Criticism Motivating Dolphin Receivers
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has dismissed Miami's receiving crops, which hasn't changed since the 2008 season.
Zach Thomas: Same Dallas Officer Mistreated My Wife
Linebacker Zach Thomas says that the same Dallas police officer that mistreated Texans running back Ryan Moats, disrespected his wife.
Officer Apologizes To Texans' Moats For Incident
A Dallas police officer who drew his gun after pulling over Texans running back Ryan Moats, who was rushing to a hospital to see his dying mother-in-law, apologized Friday.
No Extension Talk Between Cowboys, Phillips
There have not been any discussions between the Cowboys and coach Wade Phillips regarding a contract extension.
New Orleans Seeks 2013 Super Bowl
The Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation have submitted a bid to host the 2013 Super Bowl.
Owens Accuses Jones Of Reneging On Contract
Terrell Owens claims that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reneged on a personal commitment to keep him under contract.
Phillips: Cowboys Will Use 3-RB Attack
Cowboys coach Wade Phillips believes that the running game will be a big factor for the team next season, and plans to use a three-back system.
Clemens: Cutler Rumors Are 'Distracting'
Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens admitted on Thursday that trade rumors linking Jay Cutler to the team have been "distracting."