Rogue Bits
Damian Williams agrees to terms - 07-30-2010

The Titans on Friday night agreed to terms with receiver Damian Williams, the team's third round pick. Only defensive end Derrick Morgan, the team's first round pick, remains unsigned with training camp set to begin on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Williams is expected to be the team's primary return man this fall.
Sam Bradford breaks the bank - 07-30-2010

Sam's a Ram. A Ram with a contract, that is. Just in time for the first full-squad practice of training camp, the Rams have struck a deal with No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford, the quarterback from the University of Oklahoma. The Post-Dispatch confirmed that Bradford will receive $78 million over six years, with a contract that could max out at $86 million. A total of $50 million is guaranteed, all of which makes it the richest rookie contract ever in NFL history. In other words more money than the $72 million deal over six years that Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford signed with the Detroit Lions last season. . After missing two days of training camp practices Thursday and Friday _ practices for rookies and selected veterans only _ Bradford is expected be on the field Saturday afternoon for the first full-squad practice of camp. He has been staying in St. Louis, in anticipation of a contract agreement. Bradford can now resume the business of becoming the franchise quarterback that the Rams hope he becomes over time. Obviously, the sooner the better for a team that has won only six of its last 48 games. Rams coaches were impressed with Bradford's work during the spring minicamps and OTAs. He also threw the ball well, showing that he was recovered from a college shoulder injury _ and subsequent surgery that temporarily cast doubt on his viability as a top draft pick. With questions about his throwing arm apparently behind him, Bradford must now adjust to the speed of the NFL game, and show a good working grasp of the offense. If not, veteran A.J. Feeley could be the starter Sept. 12 when the Rams open the 2010 season against Arizona.
Dez Bryant suffers a high ankle sprain - 07-30-2010

Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant suffered a right high ankle sprain near the end of Friday's practice, and the team said he will be out 4-6 weeks. The injury occurred after cornerback Orlando Scandrick broke up a pass intended for Bryant on the second-to-last play of practice. Backup quarterback Jon Kitna threw the ball slightly behind Bryant on a crossing route, and Scandrick made a good play on the ball and landed on Bryant's leg. Bryant, who the Cowboys selected with the 24th overall pick after trading up three spots in the draft, stayed down on the Alamodome turf for several seconds. He tried to limp off the field, then went back down before being helped off the field by athletic trainers Jim Maurer and Britt Brown. "I hope he just sprained his ankle," Scandrick said. "He should be all right." Bryant starred during the first several practices of training camp, making the Cowboys hopeful he could be a major contributor for a unit that was second in the NFL in total offense last season. He has made several spectacular plays and has displayed a decent grasp of the playbook despite missing a handful of offseason workouts with a variety of physical ailments. "You don't like them to miss," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "We do have an extra week [of training camp], which [Bryant] has taken advantage of, being here and learning all those things. He's actually done real well as far as assignments are concerned."
Jahvid Best signs - 07-30-2010

The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with rookie first-round running back Jahvid Best, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. The speedy Cal-Berkeley running back ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds at the NFL scouting combine, bench pressing 225 pounds 18 times. He also had the best three-cone drill among the running backs with a 6.75 clocking The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder rushed for 2,668 career yards and 29 touchdowns, catching 62 passes for 533 yards and six touchdowns. The All-Pac 10 runner averaged 26.4 yards on 32 kickoff returns. As a junior, he rushed for a career-high 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns. He missed the final four games of last season with a concussion, rushing for a dozen touchdowns and 867 yards. He also caught 22 passes for four more scores.
Rogue Bit: Vikings get RB Toby Gerhart signed - 07-30-2010

The Vikings agreed to terms with running back Toby Gerhart on a four-year, $3.767 million deal on Friday afternoon, according to NFL sources. Gerhart's deal is worth $1.939 guaranteed. Gerhart is the final of the VIkings' eight draft picks to come to terms on an agreement. The deal got done about three hours before the Vikings first practice of training camp and Gerhart is expected to be on the field. The Vikings traded up in the second round with Houston so they could select Gerhart with the 51st pick overall. He was the runner-up for the Heisman trophy last season at Stanford and will be expected to serve as Adrian Peterson's top backup. Gerhart rushed for a nation-high 28 touchdowns as a senior at Stanford and received the Doak Walker Award as the top running back in college football.
Texans sign RB Ben Tate - 07-30-2010
Broncos sign QB Tim Tebow - 07-29-2010

QB Tim Tebow agreed to a contract with the Denver Broncos on Thursday. The deal for the 25th overall draft pick is for five years with $8.7M guaranteed and a $11. 25M base value and worth a maximum value of $33M, according to ESPN.
Gates agrees to 5-year extension - 07-28-2010

Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates has agreed to a $36.175M, 5-year contract extension with the San Diego Chargers, making him the NFL's highest-paid tight end. The deal, which runs through the 2015 season, is worth $7.235M per season, with $20.4M in guarantees, a source told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. "Antonio is a special player and person. He is everything we are looking for in a Chargers player," general Manager A.J. Smith said in a statement released by the team. "His talent and contributions to our team speak for themselves. His work ethic and desire to be the best are unmatched. He has been a major part of the success we have had over the past several years, and we are thrilled he will continue to be with us for years to come." With three other star players unhappy about their contracts, talks with Gates apparently intensified this week. Gates and other veterans are due to report to training camp on Thursday, with the first full-squad practice on Friday.
Chiefs ink Dexter McCluster - 07-28-2010

Less than 24 hours before the report date of training camp, four of Kansas City's seven draft picks remained unsigned. That number is now down to two. Second-round draft picks Javier Arenas and Dexter McCluster both inked their rookie deals on Thursday night, the Chiefs front office confirmed. The team did not confirm any parameters of either deal. Third-rounder Jon Asamoah and first-round pick Eric Berry are the lone members of the 2010 Draft Class who remain unsigned. Kansas City is also bringing back undrafted rookie Leroy Banks. The tight end out of Southern Miss was waived earlier this summer. The Chiefs first practice is St. Joseph isn't scheduled until Friday and is slated to begin at 1:50 PM.
Chargers expect long holdouts - 07-28-2010

Two days before the San Diego Chargers begin their full-fledged training camp when the veterans join rookies for practices, general manager A.J. Smith is operating under the assumption that the team will be without the services of, at least, two of his top players. And it may last awhile. Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill are expected to hold out for an extended period. Linebacker Shawne Merriman could also hold out, but he is more likely to attend most of training camp. Speaking about McNeill and Jackson, Smith said in a phone interview Wednesday that he has been told that the two players will be "out for a considerable amount of time." Smith said he, at this point, is expecting that both McNeill and Jackson will hold out for the first 10 games of the regular season and then report to accrue an NFL season. Smith admits he is disappointed that both players are likely to hold out for the long-term. Still, Smith said because of the CBA uncertainty the Chargers are reluctant to give out long-term deals. "I believe they are preparing to withhold their services," Smith said. "We're preparing for that. If we get that back after 10 games, then we'll deal with that. Getting two Pro Bowl-caliber players with six games to go and then potentially the postseason is not a bad thing. "Whether they come back as starters, role players, or as injury replacements, that remains to be seen and will be up to (coach) Norv Turner ... But six games is still a significant part of the season." Smith indicated that the Chargers aren't necessarily standing pat, either. He said the waiver wire will be watched. Plus, Smith has a history of being an active trader. If he sees a situation to help the receiver and tackle positions while these two players are out, I'd bet he'd pursue it. Smith already brought in tackle Tra Thomas and slot receiver Josh Reed to improve the two positions. Despite the situations, Smith said doesn't plan to get upset at Jackson or McNeill even if the holdouts drag on. "It's their right," Smith said. "There are other people in their shoes, who are playing, but it is their professional right. I'm not going to say they are bad guys. It's their decision if they end up staying away." I think Smith is taking the right tact by assuming Jackson and McNeill aren't coming back soon. I wouldn't be surprised if Merriman shows up soon because his situation is different. Merriman has to play a full season to show he is fully recovered from a 2008 knee injury. Meanwhile, the Chargers' top pick Ryan Mathews remains unsigned. I get the indication that the talks could take some time, but there aren't any major concerns that Mathews will stay away from camp for an extended period of time. The same can't be said for McNeill and Jackson, and San Diego is preparing for the holdouts to last until the stretch run of the regular season.
Saints sign TE Jimmy Graham - 07-28-2010

New Orleans Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis announced Wednesday that the club has agreed to terms with tight end Jimmy Graham, their 2010 third-round draft choice, on a four-year contract and also with free agent quarterback Patrick Ramsey on a one-year contract. Graham (6-6, 260) was picked by the Saints the 95th overall selection in April's draft after playing one season of football at the University of Miami. The native of Goldsboro, N.C. played in 13 games for the Hurricanes with one start and caught 17 passes for 213 yards and five touchdowns after taking up football at the conclusion of a successful college basketball career. Graham played in 120 games for Miami on the hardwood, starting 39, and scored 509 points, grabbed 502 rebounds with 104 blocked shots. Ramsey, a 6-2, 225-pound quarterback entering his ninth NFL season, is a former first-round selection of the Washington Redskins in 2002. A native of Ruston, La. and one of the top quarterbacks in Tulane University history, Ramsey has played in 37 career games with 24 starts in stints with Washington (2002-05), the New York Jets (2006), Denver Broncos (2007-08), Tennessee Titans (2009) and Detroit Lions (2009). He has completed 511 of 913 career pass attempts for 5,930 yards with 35 touchdowns and 30 interceptions for a passer rating of 74.9. Upon the signing of the contract, Graham will be the fifth of the Saints' six 2010 draft picks to have signed.
Seahawks agree to terms with 2nd round WR Golden Tate - 07-28-2010

According to a league source, the Seattle Seahawks and second-round wide receiver Golden Tate have agreed to terms on a four-year contract. Tate's contract is worth $3.261 million dollars, and includes a $1 million dollar signing bonus. Overall, $1.471 million dollars of Tate's deal is guaranteed. Seahawks rookies report to training camp on Thursday, with the full squad joining them on Friday. Seahawks first-round picks Russell Okung and Earl Thomas remain unsigned. A starter in 22 of his 37 games during his three seasons at Notre Dame, Tate caught 159 passes for 2,707 yards and 26 touchdowns for the Irish. Tate set several school receiving records, including receiving yards in a career and single-season (1,496, 2009), 100-yard receiving games all-time (15) and in a single-season (9, 2009), along with the Irish's single-season receptions record with 93 last season. The 5-10, 199-pounder also carried the ball 31 times for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaged 20.6 yards on 46 kick returns, and 11.0 yards on 26 punt returns, returning one for a touchdown last season. Tate was a first-team All-American after the 2009 season, and was the recipient of the Biletnikoff Award, presented to the top receiver in college football. A gifted athlete, Tate was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 47th round of the 2007 draft, and by the San Francisco Giants in the 50th round of June's draft. It's Tate's baseball background that gives him the ability to successfully track down deep balls, and the ability to adjust on poorly thrown balls. Tate opted to forego his final year of eligibility to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, and after running a 4.42-40 at the Combine, and posting a 35" vertical leap with a 10'00" broad jump, many draft analysts projected Tate to be selected in the first round. With the Seahawks starving for play-makers on offense, they couldn't pass on Tate when he fell to them with the 60th overall pick. Tate is not expected to start this season for the Seahawks, who will use Tate in a variety of ways, lining him up on the outside, in the slot, in the backfield, and using him as a kick and punt returner. Tate made headlines in June when his powerful hankerin' for maple bars prompted he and a friend to make an "after hours" entry to a Top Pot donut shop located below his apartment in Bellevue, Washington. Their presence obviously startled the overnight baking staff, which prompted a call to local police. Tate was not cited in the incident, but was verbally warned about trespassing. Tate apologized publicly for his actions, and Top Pot, the official donut supplier of the Seattle Seahawks and Qwest Field, parlayed the incident into some free advertising.
Danario Alexander Pro Day numbers - 07-28-2010
Vikes get QB/WR Joe Webb - 07-28-2010

Sixth-round pick Joe Webb has agreed to a deal. That leaves Toby Gerhart, Chris Cook and Chris DeGeare left to sign.
Jimmy Clausen will report and sign today - 07-28-2010

No missed time for QB Jimmy Clausen, who reached agreement with the Panthers on a four-year contract and will report and sign today.
Texans sign TE Garrett Graham - 07-27-2010
Marion Barber still the starter? - 07-27-2010

He's not the fastest. He's not the quickest. Oh, and he's not even the heaviest anymore. The debate can go on and on if he's the best running back on the team or not, but Marion Barber is the starting tailback as of right now. And it doesn't really look like it's going to change anytime soon. Sure, he's not the favorite to be starting these games - by the fans or media. There is a strong contention from both groups that would just as soon see the Cowboys hand this off - literally - to Felix Jones or even Tashard Choice, who some would say, and I don't know if I disagree, is the most complete of the three backs. That's fine. But Barber is still starting and the Cowboys probably won't change that - not for a while at least. Nor should they. Believe me, I like flashy touchdown runs and Playstation-juke moves like the next guy. In fact, my Arkansas ties have put me in the Felix Jones Fan Club long before he came to the Cowboys. And I'm starting to really see the value of Tashard Choice as well. But all that doesn't trump the fact that Barber is still this team's starting running back. And while many of you guys believe Jones did enough last year to win the job, the coaching staff doesn't exactly agree. Now maybe as the season goes on, Jones will once again elevate himself to the starting role. But we've seen time and time again under Wade Phillips that it takes a lot more than a big play here and there to unseat a starter. When Anthony Spencer was clearly proving to be a better player two seasons ago, the Cowboys were very reluctant to insert him into the starting lineup ahead of Greg Ellis. Phillips even stated that starting is "important" to Ellis. We saw it last year at wide receiver when Roy Williams wasn't producing at a high level. Still, guys like Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd and Kevin Ogletree were all implemented more into the offense by the end of the season. In fact, Ogletree had nearly as many snaps as Williams in the regular-season finale against the Eagles. But Williams continued as the starter. Part of that comes down to admitting fault. No one really likes to do that - in any profession - especially if they don't have to. So taking Williams out of the starting lineup, just two seasons after giving him a $45 million contract, would be doing just that. You could make a case that Felix didn't start ahead of Barber late last season for that very reason. Now there are exceptions, although it looks like you have to break records to do it. The Cowboys made the switch with Miles Austin after he caught 10 passes for 250 yards and two long touchdowns, including a 60-yard game-winner in overtime to beat the Chiefs. The next game, Austin had replaced Crayton in the lineup. The difference there is that for some reason, Crayton always seems to be on the edge of replacement, yet we find out more and more each season how difficult of a task that is. So that takes us back to this year's running back position. If you're going to make a switch, the Cowboys need a really good reason. They had two with Austin - he had just recorded the greatest receiving game in Cowboys history and he would be replacing someone the team really had no interest in making a starter in the first place. It's different this year at running back. In my opinion, enough hasn't occurred for Barber to be replaced. Yes, I think Jones needs his fare share of carries. He's the one guy who can score from anywhere on the field. You can't ignore that. But he doesn't have to be the main guy. He's proven that his carries need to be limited, just like the rest of them. In fact, Jones missed Tuesday's afternoon practice with knee swelling, although it was more of a precautionary measure. But if Barber indeed has the fire and intensity that he is showing here in camp, then to me, that is what's needed to start a game. Games are about setting the tone, and I think Barber and his running style is the best fit. Let's break down the attributes of being a running back, using the Cowboys' three tailbacks.
Bengals end up with TO afterall - 07-27-2010

A NFL source said Tuesday the Bengals have reached what is believed to be a one-year agreement with wide receiver Terrell Owens and he's expected to be at the first day of training camp Thursday at Georgetown College. The club and agent Drew Rosenhaus started talking in earnest Monday and indications were they wrapped up the deal at the end of business Tuesday with the Bengals' first team meeting of the season less than 24 hours away. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco confirmed the news on his Twitter account with: "My homeboy is a Bengal all our games have been moved to pay-per-view.
Benglas get a WR to sign, but he isn't TO - 07-27-2010

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms on a four-year, $2.54 million deal with third-round rookie wide receiver Jordan Shipley, according to a league source. The deal includes a signing bonus of nearly $757,000 as well as the standard base salaries of $320,000, $405,000, $490,000 and $575,000 as well as a fourth-year escalator clause that can significantly boost the maximum value of the contract. The former University of Texas star caught 248 career passes for 3,191 yards and 33 touchdowns. The consensus All-American selection also registered four returns for touchdowns, including three punts and one kickoff. Named All-Big 12 last year, Shipley caught 116 passes for 1,485 yards.
Bucs get Benn under contract - 07-27-2010

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed second-round rookie wide receiver Arrelious Benn to a four-year contract that includes a $2.1 million signing bonus, according to a league source. Benn's deal also includes a $750,000 one-timer clause as well as other guaranteed money besides his bonus. Benn caught 159 career passes for 2,221 yards and seven touchdowns for the University of Illinois A two-time All-Big Ten selection, the 6-foot-1, 219-pounder has 4.42 speed in the 40-yard dash. He's projected to start right away. The Buccaneers have been complimentary about Benn ever the draft as well as fellow rookie wide receiver Mike Williams.
Welker placed on PUP - 07-27-2010
Broncos get Eric Decker under contract - 07-26-2010

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Eric Decker may have missed spring practices this offseason while rehabbing a foot injury, but now he's taken a step towards ensuring he begins his first year on the right foot. "I just got off the phone with my agent. Today we reached an agreement with the Denver Broncos organization which I am very excited about. It feels good to know I'll report to camp focused on football and preparing myself to help this team in anyway," said Decker to Fox31's Josina Anderson Decker was the highest selection of the four big-name Bronco draftees that remained unsigned at the outset of this week. Decker contacted Fox31's Anderson Sunday evening to indicate he was close to finalizing his deal. Monday Decker and the Broncos came to terms. He will report to training camp on time. The Broncos 2010 third-round 87th overall pick out of the University of Minnesota told Anderson he is scheduled to sign a four-year contract for a $4.8 million max deal and a $732,150 signing bonus on Tuesday. " It's a very rewarding moment especially after the ups and downs I experienced over the last year. Hopefully, this is just the beginning to a long and successful career," said Decker. The Broncos rookies are scheduled to report to Dove Valley this Wednesday. Decker says he'll be striving to maintain full participation in camp, and will do what is within his control to prevent any health-related setbacks. "I feel very good going into this week. I have worked very hard on increasing my strength and endurance, as well as managing my pain. Obviously, I don't want any setbacks during camp, but we have an excellent training staff that will work with me to feel confident about taking the field everyday." Last year, the former Gopher wideout suffered a devastating lisfranc injury to his left foot at Ohio State Oct. 24 which abruptly ended his collegiate career. In the process of his recovery Decker participated in the star-studded Larry Fitzgerald camp on Minnesota's campus this early July. However, Decker told Anderson back in June that he actually began running routes the week of the 7th. Before Decker's injury some experts projected him as a first or second-round pick in this year's NFL draft. Yet while he's been roundly credited for his toughness, route-running and determination, his pro-level speed has been equally questioned. Now Decker is anxious to prove his critics wrong, and to also show a small-community kid from Cold Spring, Minnesota can make it big and eventually start in this league. However, Decker will take it one step at a time. "My goals going into camp and for this upcoming season is to make a role for myself that will better this team. Mastering the system, learning from the veterans, and becoming a better student of the game are first and foremost at this time." Prior to his foot injury, Decker was on pace to have his most productive season his senior year recording 50 catches for 758 yards and five touchdowns over eight games in 2009. Through three games that year he was ranked as high as 6th in the country in receiving yards averaging 124.8 yards per game. Now Decker hopes he will produce on that level and then some.
Rams say no to Terrell Owens - 07-26-2010

Scratch the St. Louis Rams off the list of potential suitors for controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens. League sources told the Post-Dispatch on Monday afternoon that the Rams will not sign Owens. The team did in fact discuss Owens on Monday and in recent days, but their interest in Owens was never as great as portrayed in some media reports.
Browns, Hardesty agree to terms - 07-26-2010

Browns have agreed to terms on a deal for second-round running back Montario Hardesty, a league source told the Plain Dealer.
Pats, TE Gronkowski agree to terms - 07-25-2010

The Patriots rookies report for training camp today with all but two of them under contract. The latest to sign? Second-round tight end Rob Gronkowski. Per a league source, Gronkowski has agreed to terms, and he'll participate in practice today. Still unsigned are first-round cornerback Devin McCourty and second-round linebacker Brandon Spikes.

















