|
|
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
Cowboys RBs coach
Skip Peete says rookie Tashard Choice is a "very intense,
physical blocker when it comes to pass protection."Since Felix
Jones has little experience in pass pro and isn't built well for
that job, Choice may be second in line behind Marion Barber for
third-down work this year. That's assuming Dallas keeps three
backs active on game days. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
Roydell Williams
(ankle) will not participate when the Titans break for
Organized Team Activities on Thursday. Williams broke the ankle
in practice late last season. He had screws and a plate inserted
at the base of his tibia during surgery. Williams started 14
games in 2007, but needs to get healthy with increased
competition at wideout. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
The Tacoma News
Tribune, reports the Seattle Seahawks will not renegotiate WR
Bobby Engram's salary for the 2008 season. The team is
adamant he play out the final year of his contract, after which
they would be willing to negotiate with Engram when he is a free
agent. Engram is protesting the team's voluntary four-day
minicamp because he believes his contract is unfair based on his
record-setting production in 2007. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports Philadelphia Eagles QB
Donovan McNabb did not practice the final day of minicamp
because the coaching staff felt he threw too many passes in the
first two days of two-a-day practices. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
NFL Network's Adam
Schefter reports the Ravens and MLB Ray Lewis have hit a
stalemate in talks regarding a long-term extension. Schefter
says the sides are nowhere near an agreement. The Ravens know
Lewis won't take plays off just because he's in a contract
season, it'll be up to him to lower his asking price if he wants
to stay in Baltimore. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
Coach Mike Holmgren
says Julius Jones and Maurice Morris "will both
play" this year, but he has to "kind of see how we are going to
use T.J. Duckett." "Fullback, halfback," Holmgren said of
Duckett. "He has been a halfback but I would like him to move
into fullback a little bit." Still, Duckett would seemingly have
the most defined role as a short-yardage specialist. The
Seahawks will have a heavy committee at running back this year. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
Free agent Chris
Henry says he wants to play for the Cowboys or Saints.:
Jerry Jones all but ruled out pursuing Henry after he was waived
by the Bengals. The Saints could use him, but the NFL seems
highly unlikely to let Henry play this season after he
(allegedly) beat up an 18-year-old in April. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
ESPN.com, reports
the Denver Broncos have shown interest in free-agent RB Shaun
Alexander (Seahawks), which may lead to the team parting
ways with RB Travis Henry. However, the team isn't
focusing on Alexander at the moment. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
Roy Williams
reiterated Wednesday that he's happy to be a Detroit Lions, but
that on draft day he "thought (he) was out of here." Williams
says Rod Marinelli called him just once in March, but said "it's
done. You're not going anywhere." Williams will be in a more
conservative offense this year, but is playing for a contract.
Safely expect 1,000 yards. Williams added that he anticipates
being hit with the franchise tag next offseason. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
|
Colts signed RB
Dominic Rhodes to a one-year, $605,000 contract. Their next
move could be cutting Kenton Keith, who during his recent
arrest bragged to police that he was an Indianapolis Colt. At
this price Rhodes is no lock to be on the Week 1 roster, but
since he knows the offense, has a slight advantage over Mike
Hart. Joseph Addai's backup situation is muddled. |
| |
|
|
|
May 8, 2008 |
| Drew
Stanton and Dan Orlovsky are not threats to Jon
Kitna's starting job for 2008. Stanton is reportedly
throwing "loose" passes at OTAs and may have been set back by
Mike Martz tinkering with his mechanics last offseason. |
|
|
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
The Bears used their second-round pick on
Tulane RB Matt Forte in the 2008 NFL Draft. Not only will
he compete for playing time, but Forte is a long shot to be the
Bears' starting running back in 2008 thanks to his incredible
versatility and speed. Cedric Benson will get all he can
handle in battling Forte. |
| |
|
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|
April
28, 2008 |
|
The Bills selected tall Indiana WR
James Hardy with a second-round pick, giving them the tall
vertical red-zone target they've needed for a while. Hardy is
expected to make an impact right away on offense as a rookie. |
| |
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
With the 30th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft,
the Jets traded up to get Purdue TE Dustin Keller. Keller
had a terrific Combine and fits in as a seam-busting receiving
tight end. |
| |
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
The Dolphins traded RB Lorenzo Booker
to Philadelphia for a fourth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Booker had 28 catches for 237 yards in the final five games of
the season and also added 28 carries for 125 yards. His stats
would have been better if he played in the majority of the
season, and he was held out for coach's decision, not because of
injury. |
| |
|
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|
April
28, 2008 |
|
With their first-round pick in the 2008
NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans took East Carolina running back
Chris Johnson, who ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the NFL
Combine. Johnson is a very versatile speedster with excellent
hands and special-teams skills. He's expected to steal Chris
Henry's role as the RB to be paired with power rusher
LenDale White. |
| |
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
The Cowboys did draft an Arkansas running
back -- Felix Jones. They took him with their first
first-round pick. Jones, who worked in a tandem with Darren
McFadden in college, will work in a tandem with Marion
Barber in 2008. |
| |
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
With their first-round pick, 23rd overall,
the Steelers selected Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall. A
curious pick, Mendenhall was considered by many to be a one-year
wonder for the Illini, but he played so well and has a ton of
gas left in his tank. Mendenhall is expected to complement
Willie Parker as part of a tandem in Pittsburgh in 2008, and
may speak to the progress Parker is having (or lack thereof)
coming back from his broken leg. |
| |
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
With the 13th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft,
the Panthers selected Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart. Stewart
should now fit right into a 1-2 combo rushing punch with
DeAngelo Williams. Stewart is suffering from a turf toe
injury but expects to be OK for the start of the '08 season (the
Panthers certainly believe he'll be OK). The Panthers also
drafted right tackle Jeff Otah in this draft, solidifying their
offensive line and giving them an expected power run attack. |
| |
|
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|
April
28, 2008 |
|
The Dallas Cowboys traded linebacker
Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano to the
Miami Dolphins for a fourth-round draft pick, a person familiar
with the deal said Friday. The person didn't want to be
identified because the Dolphins and Cowboys hadn't confirmed the
trade. The draft pick is No. 100 overall Saturday. |
| |
|
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|
April
28, 2008 |
|
With the fifth overall pick in the 2008
NFL Draft, the Chiefs took LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, who is
expected to fit in right away in their defensive line in the
Cover-2 scheme. Dorsey was a huge key to LSU's recent successes
and should be a building block in Kansas City for a long time. |
| |
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
With the No. 7 overall pick in the 2008
NFL Draft, the Saints selected DT Sedrick Ellis with a pick acquired
from the Patriots. Ellis was considered one of two premier
defensive tackles in the draft and is considered not only a run
cloggier but also a get-to-the-QB defensive tackle. |
| |
|
|
|
April
28, 2008 |
|
With the 10th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft,
the Patriots selected Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo, a surprising pick
considering where he was projected to go heading into the draft.
Mayo is a very athletic, very feisty inside linebacker who
should aid in the run defense this season and eventually become
a centerpiece in the Patriots defense. |
|
|
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April
23, 2008 |
|
The Rams are not currently allowed to
negotiate with potential draft picks. There has been some
confusion in the press about this, but the NFL has let St. Louis
know they aren't "on the clock." The league is talking about
whether this could change, but we suspect they don't want to
ruin the suspense of the draft. |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
The Chiefs have agreed to trade DE
Jared Allen to the Vikings. Allen has some off-field
concerns, but it's rare to see one of the top defensive players
in the league traded as he's entering his peak. Allen fills a
huge need and should be a terror on turf in Minnesota. The deal
will be finalized Wednesday, but a contract and trade agreement
are in place. Kansas City is expected to get Minnesota's No. 17
overall pick and more, probably a third-round pick. They could
now look at DE (Chris Long or Vernon Gholston) with their
fifth pick. Allen should get less money than Dwight Freeney,
but should be receiving a mega-deal. |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
In a statement released by RB Shaun
Alexander following his release from the Seattle Seahawks,
he said that his release wasn't really a surprise. He noted he
hoped he could remain with the team and finish his career there
but understands things change. "I will be playing for another
NFL team this fall, and doing everything I can to contribute. I
am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next
chapter of my NFL career," Alexander said. He thanked his
teammates, coaches and fans, while noting he hopes to return to
Seattle one day to face the "daunting task of facing the 12th
Man." |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports
Anquan Boldin has requested a trade. Just another Drew
Rosenhaus client looking for a trade to get a new contract. The
Cardinals have reportedly informed Boldin that they will not
deal him, but a team like Dallas, Washington, or Philadelphia
might blow them away with a draft-day offer. Boldin won't get
Larry Fitzgerald money, but he's due a raise. |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that
Jake Long's five-year deal is worth $57.5 million with
$30 million guaranteed. Long gets to hit free agency more
quickly than JaMarcus Russell. For that, he but he will get $2
million less in guaranteed money and $3.5 million less in total
money. The Dolphins didn't have a ton of leverage over Long, as
his agent also represents Vernon Gholston, their fallback
choice. |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
Following the signing of Jake Long,
Vernon Carey will be the Dolphins' starting right tackle
in 2008. Carey should like this. Right tackle is Carey's best
position and he's in a contract year. Miami may also explore
signing him long-term during the season. The 'Fins line looks
strong with Samson Satele at center, Justin Smiley
at right guard, and the tackles in place. The only "hole" is at
left guard. |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
Bears GM Jerry Angelo said Tuesday that he
believes Arkansas RB Darren McFadden is the best player
in the draft. Angelo thinks Matt Ryan and Glenn Dorsey
are also among the top players. The Bears still seem likely to
use their top pick on an offensive tackle. |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
Peter King, of SportsIllustrated.com,
reports University of Michigan QB Chad Henne is confident
about his game. "I think I'm at the top of my game, physically,
right now," Henne said. He feels he would be comfortable being
selected by the Baltimore Ravens and being thrown into the mix
right away. |
| |
|
|
|
April
23, 2008 |
|
The Associated Press reports the Arizona
Cardinals could be targeting University of Oregon RB Jonathan
Stewart or University of Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall
in the 2008 NFL Draft. |
|
|
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
ESPN's John Clayton
reports that three teams are showing serious interest in Eagles
CB Lito Sheppard. Clayton knows that the Rams are one of
the teams, Sheppard will likely cost at least a second-round
pick. The Rams' second-rounder is 33rd overall. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
Albert
Haynesworth says negotiations about a long-term deal between
him and the Titans have gone "really, really, really slow." "My
agent thinks it will pick up when it gets closer to the (July
15) deadline," Haynesworth said. He is not participating in the
team's offseason program. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
NFL Network's Adam
Schefter reports the Bengals are refusing to budge from their
stance on not trading Chad Johnson. Schefter says that
"no matter the offer, no matter the circumstances," the team's
stance is that there will be "no deal." Profootballtalk.com
hears that the Eagles recently made inquiries about Johnson, but
they went nowhere. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
As to reports the
Dolphins are nearing an agreement with Jake Long, NFL
Network's Adam Schefter says the sides are "closer," but
wouldn't characterize them as "close." Schefter says talks will
continue and the Dolphins hope to have a deal laid out by
Saturday. He adds that if Long and Miami can't come to terms,
they may also have a hard time signing a fallback option like
Matt Ryan or Vernon Gholston because all three have the same
agents. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
Steve Smith
called out Dwayne Jarrett at a charity golf event Monday
for being too much of a partier. "You know, the party session is
actually over. This is the NFL," Smith said. "You're here to
play football. If you can't play football, you won't be playing
with the Carolina Panthers or any NFL team." Jarrett pled not
guilty to DWI charges two weeks ago. He'll be in court on June
23. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
The Tampa Tribune,
reports the Minnesota Vikings are believed to have offered
Kansas City Chiefs DL Jared Allen a six-year deal that
includes $25 million in guarantees and carries a total value
between $50 million and $60 million. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
DallasCowboys.com,
reports Dallas Cowboys RB Marion Barber III will remain
with the team in 2008. The NFL's deadline for restricted free
agents to sign offer sheets with other clubs passed Friday,
April 18. With no offer from another club on the table for
Barber, the Cowboys retain the exclusive negotiating rights for
him. The team can now negotiate a long-term contract with
Barber. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
Colts signed
restricted free agent TE Bryan Fletcher to a one-year,
$927,000 contract. Fletcher, 29, has caught 18 passes in each of
the last three seasons as Indy's third-string TE. With Ben
Utecht gone, he is now Dallas Clark's backup. If Clark gets
hurt, the athletic tight end could be worth a pickup in 2008. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
NFL commissioner
Roger Goodell informed the Cincinnati Bengals Monday, April 21,
LB Odell Thurman has been officially reinstated from a
league-imposed suspension. Head coach Marvin Lewis said Thurman
was added to the team's offseason roster. |
| |
|
|
|
April
22, 2008 |
|
The Sacramento Bee,
reports Oakland Raiders RB Justin Fargas feels that with
the way the NFL is set up, his team can go from 4-12 and make a
playoff run. Fargas also stated he wasn't going to let him or
his teammates settle for less. |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
Jeff Garcia isn't happy about the
lack of a contract extension offer from the Bucs. "Talks haven't
necessarily gone all that good," Garcia said. Good for the Bucs.
They could offer him a raise from his $2 million base salary,
but giving him a pricey extension makes little sense. Still, a
holdout doesn't look likely as Garcia showed up to OTAs Tuesday.
"I really don't (have many options)," Garcia said. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports
University of California-Berkeley WR DeSean Jackson is
scheduled to participate in the San Francisco 49ers' local
combine Friday, April 18. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
Vikings signed QB Gus Frerotte. The
team officially announced the signing today, although the terms
had been agreed to last week. For now, Frerotte will backup
Tarvaris Jackson, but the Vikings figure to look for more help
in the draft. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
Bengals signed WR Doug Gabriel.
Gabriel was released by the Raiders after training camp last
season, and didn't return to the league. The physical receiver
provides depth in Cincinnati following the release of Chris
Henry, and could end up as the No. 3 option with a strong camp.
He could also compete to return kicks. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
The Tampa Tribune, reports Tampa Bay
Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams (knee) was present at the
team's first offseason workout but was working out by himself.
Williams spent some of his time doing a plow-horse drill, a
drill where he ties himself to a harness and pulls a team
trainer behind him as he moves forwards. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
The Tampa Tribune, reports Tampa Bay
Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway (shoulder) was expected to
miss most of the team's offseason workouts because he is
recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. However, Galloway
participated in the early individual portions of the first
workout and caught a few passes. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
The Nashville City Paper, reports
Tennessee Titans RB LenDale White is participating in the
team's voluntary offseason conditioning workouts. White missed
the beginning of the team's workouts but has since joined the
team. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
Willie Parker may be used
infrequently on passing downs in 2008. Mewelde Moore will likely
replace Parker when the Steelers want a back in they can check
down to or send on a downfield route. Najeh Davenport will come
in to pick up the blitz. Losing passing-down work would hurt
Parker's value. Parker also could surrender short-yardage
carries to Davenport. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
The Ravens are expected to flex Todd
Heap out wide more this season to exploit mismatches versus
smaller defensive backs. New OC Cam Cameron often used Antonio
Gates at wideout and Heap has similar seam-stretching ability.
Coming off an injury plagued year, Heap may be undervalued in
'08 fantasy drafts. He should return to top five TE status. |
| |
|
|
|
April 8, 2008 |
|
When asked if reports he'd like to play
for the Cowboys were true, Roy Williams recently said
"man, you know I can't answer that question." Williams did say
he wouldn't mind playing with Terrell Owens: "Everybody talks
about T.O. All T.O. wants to do is win. If he don't get any
balls and you win, you won't hear nothing from him." Beat writer
Tom Kowalski believes the Lions would only part ways with
Williams for a "Herschel Walker" type deal. |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
The Lions are "expected" to draft Florida
DE Derrick Harvey if he's there with the No. 15 pick,
according to MLive.com. There's a pretty good chance Harvey
won't be there, however. He could go as high as No. 7 to the
Patriots. True pass rushers like Harvey probably won't be around
long after the Giants' Super Bowl performance. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports a deal
that would send suspended CB Pacman Jones to the Cowboys
is imminent. The Cowboys and Titans reportedly spent Thursday
working out the deal. Tennessee is asking for a third-round
pick, while Dallas is only offering a sixth-rounder. However, it
won't be too hard to bridge that gap by making the pick
conditional. Dallas appears confident Jones will be reinstated
for 2008. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
Seahawks signed K Olindo Mare. The
Broncos made Mare an offer, but were apparently outbid by the
Seahawks, who signed Mare to a two-year deal worth $3.5 million.
Mare has been brutal for the past two seasons. He's in a decent
situation in Seattle's offense, but still won't be highly
recommended for fantasy purposes. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
The Boston Herald, reports New England
Patriots TE Benjamin Watson (ankle) underwent surgery on
his left ankle within the past few weeks, which revealed
cartilage damage and scar tissue, according to sources familiar
with the situation. When asked about the surgery, Watson said he
couldn't talk about it. According to sources, the surgery was
performed at Massachusetts General Hospital by Dr. George
Theodore, the same doctor who performed surgery on Boston Red
Sox pitcher Curt Schilling after the 2004 World Series. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
Brandon Marshall, who has been
plagued by off-the-field issues since entering the NFL, has
declared that it's time for him to "grow up." "From here on out,
it's Brandon Marshall, clean-cut guy. Marshall said. Marshall
did explain that his arm injury was caused by trying to avoid a
McDonald's bag while wresting his brother, clearing up that
confusion. "It was just 'horse playing,' what brothers do,"
Marshall said. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
49ers QBs Alex Smith and Shaun
Hill are both participating in the team's off-season
conditioning program. Smith had surgery on his shoulder in
December, and Hill had surgery done on his pinky around the same
time. Both appear to be recovering just fine. Smith is on a
regimented throwing program, playing catch from up to 40 yards
three times a week. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Giants
are talking with Michael Strahan's agent about a new
contract. The two sides hadn't spoken since the season ended,
but the Giants are clearly open to re-working Strahan's contract
- something they weren't willing to do last offseason. It's been
speculated that Strahan could ask for as much as $10 million
guaranteed to return next season. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
Titans coach Jeff Fisher indicated that
the team would like to draft a running back in April. "We've got
a guy going into his second year (Chris Henry), a guy
going into his third year (LenDale White), then if you
had a rookie you'd have a good mix." The Titans would reportedly
like an explosive back in the Felix Jones or Chris Johnson mold.
Jamaal Charles and Steve Slaton would also fit the bill. |
| |
|
|
|
March
28, 2008 |
|
The Jets and Laveranues Coles are
expected to finalize a contract by Friday. The Jets' decision to
not meet Pete Kendall's demands last year wound up costing them
Kendall and the contract they paid Alan Faneca. They won't let
it happen with Coles. Look for it to be an extension through
2011 or 2012. |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
Lions coach Rod Marinelli reiterated again
Monday that Roy Williams isn't going anywhere this
year."He's here," Marinelli said. "Roy is here. Look at my eyes
- he's staying here. I want to see what he and Calvin Johnson
can do out there together. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports trade
talks between the Raiders and Falcons involving DeAngelo Hall
hit a stall late Monday. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ran a report claiming the exact opposite earlier this afternoon.
Schefter says it no longer appears as though the trade will
happen. If it's a cap space issue for the Raiders, they could
clear some room by releasing LaMont Jordan and Stuart Schweigert. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
Saints MLB Jonathan Vilma says his
recovery from reconstructive knee surgery is right on schedule.
Vilma had the procedure done in November and should be ready for
training camp. Back in a 4-3 scheme that better suits his
sideline-to-sideline skills, Vilma has big potential in IDP
leagues but carries some boom or bust risk. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
Robert Meachem has been medically
cleared and is "full speed ahead" for the Saints' offseason
program, according to coach Sean Payton. "I've been encouraged
with the feedback I've gotten with the way he's running," Payton
said. "I think any lingering effects from his knee from a year
ago have all but disappeared." Meachem didn't play at all as a
rookie, so he had better be healthy. His role on offense has yet
to be determined. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
The Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns
TE Kellen Winslow (knee) has been rehabbing at the Browns
facility after undergoing a scope on his right knee last month. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the
San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent WR Bryant Johnson
(Cardinals) to a one-year deal worth $2 million Monday, March
17. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
The Jets are hosting Troy Brown for
a free agent visit on Monday. After the Patriots told Brown that
he's no longer in their plans, the Jets and Browns were quick to
contact him. Brown could push Brad Smith to be New York's
third receiver. Chansi Stuckey could also emerge as a
contender. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
Larry Fitzgerald hasn't formally
signed his four-year, $40 million contract, which has prevented
the Cardinals from signing Brandon Chillar. Fitzgerald is
awaiting league approval. Chillar is apparently willing to wait
because Arizona is his preferred destination. Fitz signing will
free up $9 million in cap room. |
| |
|
|
|
March
18, 2008 |
|
Former Browns RB William Green says
he's got his life back together and wants another chance in the
NFL. He says he's quit smoking marijuana and is down to 215
pounds. Green, 28, was never muc |
