Eagles extend deal of GM Heckert, dismiss Licht
The Philadelphia Eagles extended the contract of general manager Tom Heckert through 2011 on Friday and replaced vice president of player personnel J

9 Vote(s)

DE Spicer rejoins Jaguars after skipping workouts
Defensive end Paul Spicer rejoined the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday after missing the team’s first eight voluntary workouts of the offseason.

16 Vote(s)

Rookies play Madden Bowl
Before a few NFL rookies hit the field for real, they went to L.A. for the 2008 Rookie Madden Bowl. See who’s got the most game.

16 Vote(s)

Team Needs: Tennessee Titans
The Titans top three needs are broken down.

Urlacher shows up for start of Bears‘ minicamp
Despite apparent dissatisfaction with his contract, linebacker Brian Urlacher showed up for the start of the Chicago Bears‘ mandatory minicamp Friday

5 Vote(s)

Pats won’t make decision about Seau until July
Read full story for latest details.

9 Vote(s)

Urlacher shows up for start of Bears‘ minicamp
Despite apparent dissatisfaction with his contract, linebacker Brian Urlacher showed up for the start of the Chicago Bears‘ mandatory minicamp Friday. “When it says mandatory, you’re supposed to be at those things, so that’s why I’m here,” Urlacher said. “I’m supposed to be here. I’m not trying to send any message. It’s a mandatory team function and we’re supposed to be here.

Return of The NFL Minute
The NFL Minute launched April, 2007 hoping to make an impact and inform fantasy footballers with the latest news and advice. Since then, it has gone through several distinct periods of development. First, the news/analysis period in which I took it upon myself to break down every bit of news that hit the wire. Second, [...]

Popularity: 9% [?]

N.F.L. Says Tapes Add Nothing to Inquiry
N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell said that Patriots? Coach Bill Belichick would not be punished further after the disclosure of new videotapes turned over by a former assistant.

Sports of The Times: A Hearing No One Needs
The nation suffered enough during the House hearing on steroid use in baseball, and Congress should not repeat that travesty over the N.F.L. videotaping controversy.

Safety Set to Blaze Path With Familiar Number
Kenny Phillips, the Giants 2008 first-round pick, has chosen to wear No. 21 as a tribute to Sean Taylor.

Jets Rookie Is Undeterred by the Crowd at Tight End
Rookie Dustin Keller caught 68 passes for 881 yards last season for Purdue. But he will face increased pressure to develop his blocking skills in the N.F.L.

N.F.L. Is Taking Cable Fight to the F.C.C.
The league?s filing contends that Comcast, the nation?s largest cable operator, is discriminating against the NFL Network.

In Cat and Mouse Game, Patriots Are Central Players
In discussions of changes to the N.F.L.?s confidential rulebook, known as the game operations manual, one team, the New England Patriots, has surfaced more than any other.

Thursdays Free for Michaels
Al Michaels will not spend any of his Thursday nights in November and December working for the NFL Network after all.

Coughlin?s Playful Side Has Deep Roots in Florida
Most people rarely see Tom Coughlin in anything less than full intensity. But those close to him have long said that the public image was only a partial reflection.

A New Jet Will Try to Outrun His Height
No matter how many touchdowns he scores, there is one statistic that Danny Woodhead, who signed with the Jets last week as an undrafted free agent, cannot escape. He is 5 feet 7 inches.

Panthers QB Delhomme takes part in team drills

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme took a few snaps Wednesday, another step in his rehabilitation from elbow surgery.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Crunching Data in a Hard-Hitting Sport
Seven years after Chuck Bower and his partners began working on a program that analyzes close calls and player personnel decisions in football, they have yet to find a team willing to try it.

Delhomme takes part in team drills
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme took a few snaps Wednesday, another step in his rehabilitation from elbow surgery. Delhomme participated in team drills on the opening day of the team’s optional workouts. Delhomme threw about 40 passes, up from the 34 he threw in individual drills during April’s minicamp. Delhomme said he was “mentally a little rusty,” but said his arm felt fine.

In Cat and Mouse Game, Patriots Are Central Players
In discussions of changes to the N.F.L.?s confidential rulebook, known as the game operations manual, one team, the New England Patriots, has surfaced more than any other.

Videotaper?s Inside View of the Patriots? Spying
Matt Walsh?s view of Spygate differs from that of the Patriots, the N.F.L. and anyone else who contends that the videotaping of opponents? signals had little effect on the Patriots? performance.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Patriots to be Dealt Aces in Super Bowl XLII
Game:  New York Giants (13-6) vs. New England Patriots (18-0) Where: University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, AZ) When: 6:32 PM EST on FOX Announcers: Troy Aikman & Joe Buck Tom Brady scoffed when told Wednesday that New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress guaranteed New York will beat Brady’s undefeated New England team in [...]

nfl/wp-content/uploads/image/superbowlxlii.jpg” />

Game:? New York Giants (13-6) vs. New England Patriots (18-0)
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium?(Glendale, AZ)
When: 6:32 PM EST on FOX
Announcers: Troy Aikman & Joe Buck

Tom Brady scoffed when told Wednesday that New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress guaranteed New York will beat Brady’s undefeated New England team in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

“We’re only going to score 17 points?” Brady said before chuckling about it. “OK. Is Plax playing defense? I wish he had said 45-42 and gave us a little credit for scoring more points.”

When the playoffs started, I already had the Super Bowl matchup that I wanted to see in the back of my mind. That game featured the Indianapolis Colts defending their title against the Green Bay Packers. It would’ve been a battle of my favorite quarterbacks playing the game today — Peyton Manning versus Brett Favre — in a showdown that I’ve been waiting years to see. Neither of my teams made the postseason. The Colts won’t have the chance to defend their title. Favre may never get the Packers as far as he did this year before he retires. And yet, the Super Bowl we’ve been given may turn out to be the best contest imaginable. (more…)

2008 NFL Free Agency Tracker
I am pleased to announce that Pro Football Critics now has one of the best Free Agency Trackers on the Internet. Your assistance in alerting us of any errors in the list will be greatly appreciated. As signings or releases are made in the coming days, the tracker will be updated accordingly. Included in the tracker [...]

I am pleased to announce that Pro Football Critics now has one of the best Free Agency Trackers on the Internet. Your assistance in alerting us of any errors in the list will be greatly appreciated. As signings or releases are made in the coming days, the tracker will be updated accordingly.

Included in the tracker are players that are expected to be traded and players that have been slapped with the franchise tag. Remember that not all of the players are official free agents yet — some of them will not become free agents until next week.

Also, after the coin flip the other day, the final order of the first round of the draft was determined. The Falcons will pick third, the Raiders will pick fourth, and the Chiefs will pick fifth. The order is now reflected on our Draft Order page.

Q & A: Former Videographer Details Patriots? Spying
Matt Walsh discussed instructions, the chain of command and cover stories for the team?s spying operations.

NFL won’t punish teams for prior player acts
The NFL’s personal conduct policy is about to get stricter — but not before every team is allowed to start with a clean slate.

Live NFL Free Agency Tracker
We’ve been going for several days now, but I just wanted to remind everyone to check out our Free Agency Tracker for all of the latest trades, signings, and releases that come about! Already today, we’ve learned about deals involving Green Bay Packers DT Corey Williams being shipped to Cleveland, Carolina Panthers DE Kris Jenkins heading [...]

We’ve been going for several days now, but I just wanted to remind everyone to check out our Free Agency Tracker for all of the latest trades, signings, and releases that come about!

Already today, we’ve learned about deals involving Green Bay Packers DT Corey Williams being shipped to Cleveland, Carolina Panthers DE Kris Jenkins heading elsewhere, WR Troy Williamson going to Jacksonville, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signing center Jeff Faine, and much, much more.

The chart will be updated often throughout the day, so if you’d like to use it as a resource on message boards or in your website discussions, by all means please do.

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Safety Set to Blaze Path With Familiar Number
Kenny Phillips, the Giants 2008 first-round pick, has chosen to wear No. 21 as a tribute to Sean Taylor.

For Faneca, New Colors and a New Start With the Jets
After 10 seasons and 7 Pro Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Alan Faneca is adjusting to his new spot on the Jets? offensive line.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Saints DE Grant posts $10,000 bond (AP)

New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant posted $10,000 bond Thursday after his indictment on an involuntary manslaughter charge stemming from a February nightclub fight in which a woman died. Grant appeared before a judge and was presented with the charges and read his rights, Assistant District Attorney Ron Smith said.

Cousin signs 2-year deal with Browns
The Cleveland Browns signed veteran cornerback Terry Cousin to a two-year contract Friday to help their thin secondary.Cousin played in 1

15 Vote(s)

Pacman pays casino $20K gambling debt (AP)

Suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones paid $20,000 to a Las Vegas casino Friday to settle a criminal bad check case. “We filed a criminal complaint. Within 24 hours, Mr. Jones found a way to make restitution,” said Clark County District Attorney David Roger. “Case closed.” Jones paid $20,000 to cover three casino markers he received Sept.

Packers Interested in Pacman?
The Packers are reportedly interested in acquiring Pacman Jones from the Tennessee Titans, who Jones has all but vowed he will never play for again. There are, of course, a few things wrong with this rumor. First and foremost, the Packers have two of the better corners in the AFC, Al Harris and Charles Woodson. [...]

Ravens Want to Keep Lewis
The Ravens and Ray Lewis apart? Not if team owner Steve Bisciotti can help it. “If he becomes a free agent next year, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams,” Bisciotti said. “We know Ray’s value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. [...]

No Decision on Ogden’s Future, Yet
Jon Ogden isn’t reporting to minicamp, but there’s still no word as to whether or not he’ll retire. But at least he’s made a timeline: next month, before the draft. “If I can’t play football the way I’m used to playing, then I’m not going to return,” Ogden, 33, said yesterday. “If I think I [...]

Chiefs have youthful energy, but QB question lingers
He spent 10 years as an NFL player, 17 years as an NFL coach including the last seven as a head man. But the experience that …

13 Vote(s)

Popularity: 8% [?]

Time to crack down on NFL hooligans
Stamping out violence and boorish behavior by NFL fans is the new item on Roger Goodell’s to-do list. Kevin Hench says it’s overdue.

With More Videotapes Come More Questions
New videotapes showing that the Patriots spied on opponents raise the question of whether the tapes contained new evidence of cheating.

Q & A: Former Videographer Details Patriots? Spying
Matt Walsh discussed instructions, the chain of command and cover stories for the team?s spying operations.

Videotaper?s Inside View of the Patriots? Spying
Matt Walsh?s view of Spygate differs from that of the Patriots, the N.F.L. and anyone else who contends that the videotaping of opponents? signals had little effect on the Patriots? performance.

Jets Rookie Is Undeterred by the Crowd at Tight End
Rookie Dustin Keller caught 68 passes for 881 yards last season for Purdue. But he will face increased pressure to develop his blocking skills in the N.F.L.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Pacman repays $20K debt to Vegas casino
(AP)– Suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones paid $20,000 to a Las Vegas casino Friday to settle a criminal bad check case.

Belichick Tries to Discredit Ex-Employee?s Story
The coach of the Patriots questioned the credibility of Matt Walsh, saying that the taping of opposing teams? sideline signals was not a clandestine operation.

Patriots to be Dealt Aces in Super Bowl XLII
Game:  New York Giants (13-6) vs. New England Patriots (18-0) Where: University of Phoenix Stadium (Glendale, AZ) When: 6:32 PM EST on FOX Announcers: Troy Aikman & Joe Buck Tom Brady scoffed when told Wednesday that New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress guaranteed New York will beat Brady’s undefeated New England team in [...]

nfl/wp-content/uploads/image/superbowlxlii.jpg” />

Game:? New York Giants (13-6) vs. New England Patriots (18-0)
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium?(Glendale, AZ)
When: 6:32 PM EST on FOX
Announcers: Troy Aikman & Joe Buck

Tom Brady scoffed when told Wednesday that New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress guaranteed New York will beat Brady’s undefeated New England team in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

“We’re only going to score 17 points?” Brady said before chuckling about it. “OK. Is Plax playing defense? I wish he had said 45-42 and gave us a little credit for scoring more points.”

When the playoffs started, I already had the Super Bowl matchup that I wanted to see in the back of my mind. That game featured the Indianapolis Colts defending their title against the Green Bay Packers. It would’ve been a battle of my favorite quarterbacks playing the game today — Peyton Manning versus Brett Favre — in a showdown that I’ve been waiting years to see. Neither of my teams made the postseason. The Colts won’t have the chance to defend their title. Favre may never get the Packers as far as he did this year before he retires. And yet, the Super Bowl we’ve been given may turn out to be the best contest imaginable. (more…)

Live NFL Free Agency Tracker
We’ve been going for several days now, but I just wanted to remind everyone to check out our Free Agency Tracker for all of the latest trades, signings, and releases that come about! Already today, we’ve learned about deals involving Green Bay Packers DT Corey Williams being shipped to Cleveland, Carolina Panthers DE Kris Jenkins heading [...]

We’ve been going for several days now, but I just wanted to remind everyone to check out our Free Agency Tracker for all of the latest trades, signings, and releases that come about!

Already today, we’ve learned about deals involving Green Bay Packers DT Corey Williams being shipped to Cleveland, Carolina Panthers DE Kris Jenkins heading elsewhere, WR Troy Williamson going to Jacksonville, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signing center Jeff Faine, and much, much more.

The chart will be updated often throughout the day, so if you’d like to use it as a resource on message boards or in your website discussions, by all means please do.

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Vikings waive DE James
The Vikings on Friday waived Erasmus James, the former first-round draft pick who had a series of knee injuries during his time with Minnesota. The defensive end was one of the top-rated pass rushers in 2005 when Minnesota chose him out of Wisconsin with the 18th overall pick. But after notching four sacks in 15 games during his rookie season, James tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2006 season. James returned last season and played sparingly in six games.

Upshaw defiant in face of critical rumblings
Despite reports of his demise, NFLPA frontman Gene Upshaw doesn’t plan on quitting. Alex Marvez assesses the state of the union.

Williamson to Jaguars: All But Complete
When the Minnesota Vikings put receiver Troy Williamson on the market earlier this week, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the team that showed the greatest interest. Reports are now indicating that a trade between the Vikings and Jaguars is all but complete for the former first-round pick. The only thing holding the trade back is the [...]

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When the Minnesota Vikings put receiver Troy Williamson on the market earlier this week, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the team that showed the greatest interest. Reports are now indicating that a trade between the Vikings and Jaguars is all but complete for the former first-round pick. The only thing holding the trade back is the fact that teams must wait until Friday at midnight EST to finalize it.

Williamson caught 18 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown last season. Considering the numbers that receiver Braylon Edwards put up this season in Cleveland, since he was taken a few picks ahead of Williamson, the Vikings feel that it’s time to give up on him. However, Williamson’s potential technically may have been limited in Minnesota due to group of ineffective quarterbacks. After all — since Randy Moss left the team, who has been effective?

Jacksonville will get: Troy Williamson
Minnesota will get: 6th-Round Draft Pick

The trade would also re-unite Williamson with former Vikings head coach Mike Tice, who is now an assistant coach for the Jaguars.

Taylor’s career may be following The Rock’s path
Jason Taylor’s new fame may not stop at the dance floor. Alex Marvez wonders if the disgruntled Dolphin is headed for Hollywood.

N.F.L. Is Taking Cable Fight to the F.C.C.
The league?s filing contends that Comcast, the nation?s largest cable operator, is discriminating against the NFL Network.

Time to crack down on NFL hooligans
Stamping out violence and boorish behavior by NFL fans is the new item on Roger Goodell’s to-do list. Kevin Hench says it’s overdue.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Deal for Pacman Likely to Get Done Within Days
If the Cowboys get a deal done, we’ll hear about it within the next few days. “It’s probable, if we’re going to get something done, we’ll do it while we’re here at these meetings,” Jerry Jones said. “…We’ve got some more talks we’ve got to do with the Titans, and we will do that while [...]

Team Needs: Tennessee Titans
The Titans top three needs are broken down.

Ex-Patriots Assistant Sends the N.F.L. Eight Tapes
The videotapes show that the team recorded play-calling signals by coaches of five opponents in six games between the 2000 and 2002 seasons, in violation of league rules.

Coughlin?s Playful Side Has Deep Roots in Florida
Most people rarely see Tom Coughlin in anything less than full intensity. But those close to him have long said that the public image was only a partial reflection.

Popularity: 7% [?]

McFadden to Patriots?
The latest draft talk rumors have the New England Patriots considering Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, going so far as to fly the standout prospect to New England for an interview of sorts. Widely considered the most athletic player in the draft, and arguably the best prospect, McFadden has caught the attention of plenty of [...]

Broncos shutting down new DT Robertson
The Denver Broncos are putting the brakes on Dewayne Robertson to save wear and tear on their new run-stopping defensive tackle.

Grant posts bond, pleads not guilty
New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant posted $10,000 bond Thursday, a day after he was indicted on an involuntary manslaughter charge stemming from a nightclub fight in February. Grant appeared before a judge and was presented with the charges and read his rights, Assistant District Attorney Ron Smith said. Arraignment has not been scheduled, and Grant has not yet entered a plea.

052208 Marques Tuiasosopo thumbnail

The Oakland Raiders have signed veteran free agent QB Marques Tuiasosopo. Tuiasosopo re-joins the Raiders after spending the 2007 season with the New York Jets.

Dolphins seem to be moving on without Taylor
The feud between Jason Taylor and the Miami Dolphins intensified Wednesday, when coach Tony Sparano said the Pro Bowl defensive end isn’t expected to take part in any team activities through training camp. The revelation came less than 24 hours after Taylor finished second to Kristi Yamaguchi in the finals of “Dancing With the Stars” in Los Angeles.

Packers Interested in Pacman?
The Packers are reportedly interested in acquiring Pacman Jones from the Tennessee Titans, who Jones has all but vowed he will never play for again. There are, of course, a few things wrong with this rumor. First and foremost, the Packers have two of the better corners in the AFC, Al Harris and Charles Woodson. [...]

Owners may be willing to risk lockout
The NFLPA expects a new CBA before an uncapped season in 2010. But our NFL Czar says the owners may have other thoughts.

Cowboys counting on aging, injured Glenn

As much as Jerry Jones wanted to add a receiver to help Terrell Owens and Tony Romo, he’s struck out so far this offseason.

Texas steroids dealer meets with NFL officials
A convicted steroids dealer met with NFL security officials in the Dallas area Wednesday and gave them names of players he said bought steroids from him, his lawyer said. Hank Hockeimer, the lawyer for convicted steroids dealer David Jacobs, declined to reveal which players bought steroids from Jacobs. “The general topic was his knowledge of steroid and human growth hormone use by current and former players,” Hockeimer said in a story on The Dallas Morning News Web site Wednesday night.

Goodell, owners discuss adding 17th game
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has an idea to combat the declining interest in the NFL preseason: a 17th regular season game.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Boldin, Dockett skip Cards’ voluntary workouts
Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett picked a good time to skip the Cardinals‘ voluntary workouts.

10 Vote(s)

Walker: Spotlight shining brightly on Browns
After an aggressive and expensive offseason, the Browns are ready for prime time. Whether they’re ready to become serious contenders remains to be se

12 Vote(s)

Grant indicted for involuntary manslaughter
New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant has been indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a February altercation at a nightclub. Grant, who was stabbed in the neck during the fracas, was charged by an Early County grand jury that also charged Laquient Macklin with felony murder and feticide in the shooting death of Korynda Reed, 23. Reed died after being taken to the Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, after the fight early Feb. 3.

Dolphins‘ feud with Taylor intensifies; ties to be severed?
The feud between Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells intensified Wednesday, making it likely the six-time Pro Bowl defensive end has …

15 Vote(s)

Goodell, owners discuss adding 17th game
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has an idea to combat the declining interest in the NFL preseason: a 17th regular season game.

Dolphins seem to be moving on without Taylor
The feud between Jason Taylor and the Miami Dolphins intensified Wednesday, when coach Tony Sparano said the Pro Bowl defensive end isn’t expected to take part in any team activities through training camp. The revelation came less than 24 hours after Taylor finished second to Kristi Yamaguchi in the finals of “Dancing With the Stars” in Los Angeles.

Texas steroids dealer meets with NFL officials
A convicted steroids dealer met with NFL security officials in the Dallas area Wednesday and gave them names of players he said bought steroids from

7 Vote(s)

Texas steroids dealer meets with NFL officials
A convicted steroids dealer met with NFL security officials in the Dallas area Wednesday and gave them names of players he said bought steroids from him, his lawyer said. Hank Hockeimer, the lawyer for convicted steroids dealer David Jacobs, declined to reveal which players bought steroids from Jacobs. “The general topic was his knowledge of steroid and human growth hormone use by current and former players,” Hockeimer said in a story on The Dallas Morning News Web site Wednesday night.

Convicted steroids dealer names NFL players
Read full story for latest details.

10 Vote(s)

Popularity: 12% [?]