American Football: NFL Rumors (June 04)

Gildon, Bengals talk contract
Cincinnati Enquirer

"Contract negotiations were said to have begun between the team and Gildon agent Peter Schaffer. The Bengals moved to the top of Gildon's list because of his relationship with Bengals coach Marvin Lewis."

In key year for him, Tice likes Vikings' chances
St. Paul Pioneer

"That's all good stuff for Tice and the Vikings. Mainly because the fate of the team and Tice's coaching career rest in Culpepper's undersized hands. This is Tice's third year as coach. To assure a fourth year, he will have to get the Vikings into the playoffs."


Cowboys rewarded for European participation
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Being virtually assured of the bonus exemptions paves the way for the Cowboys to make a final decision on Hutchinson, who seems to be the odd man out at a stacked quarterback position that also includes Quincy Carter, Vinny Testaverde, Drew Henson and Tony Romo."


McAlister Sits Out Ravens' Minicamps
Washington Post

"The Baltimore Ravens ended their final offseason minicamp Thursday, with no sign of cornerback Chris McAlister, their designated franchise player. Coach Brian Billick addressed the situation, another potential distraction that could stretch into training camp."

Bills want to tackle contract changes
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

"The Buffalo Bills will enter training camp late next month with three starting linemen entering the final year of their contracts, a number the team would like to reduce by one. Offers have been on the table for weeks to left tackle Jonas Jennings, right defensive end Aaron Schobel and defensive tackle Pat Williams."


Giants may sign tackle
Bergen Record

"The Giants are checking out the two veteran offensive tackles released Wednesday, Marcus Spears (Kansas City) and Greg Randall (San Francisco). Spears, 32, an 11-year veteran, may prove to be more valuable because he has played every spot along the offensive line but center."


Parcells could be mistaken
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Delhomme is now a very touchy subject at Valley Ranch. He came to Irving for a free-agent visit with Big Bill in March 2003. Without question, Jake wanted to sign with the Cowboys.Parcells did make a contract offer, but the money was minimal."

[Edited on 20/6/04 by TRD]

Ogunleye could land in Jacksonville or Washington
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

At least two teams may be hoping that the Dolphins decide to trade Adewale Ogunleye. The Sun-Sentinel's Alex Marvez reports that both the Redskins and the Jaguars may be interested in dealing for Ogunleye.

Gannon fine with looming QB duel
Oakland Tribune

"Round 1 of Rich vs. Kerry begins Tuesday when they take the field together in public for the first time as Oakland holds its final voluntary minicamp before adjourning until training camp July 31 at the Napa Valley Marriott. Gannon insists he is fine with Collins."

George's contract on crowded list of sports mysteries
Tennessean columnist Larry Woody

"Eddie George could play out his NFL career with the Titans as a fan favorite and an inspiring motivator for his teammates. With a new team he'll be neither — just an unfamiliar face in an unfamiliar huddle."

Its going to be a heated duel between Gannon and Collins, but loko for Gannon to be the QB he has lead this team and knows his own players better than Kerry.

Source: Redskins offered first rounder for Ogunleye
Washington Times

The Times' Jody Foldesy reports that the Redskins are hoping to strike a deal for Dolphins defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. A source told Foldesy that the Redskins are willing to trade a first-round pick for Ogunleye.


McCardell holding out for new contract
St. Petersburg Times

The Times' Roger Mills reports that receiver Keenan McCardell won't be in attendance when the Buccaneers begin their mandatory three-day minicamp today. McCardell, who has two years left on his contract, believes that he should "be paid at least the average of the No. 1 receivers" in the NFL.


Four teams in hunt for Gildon
Green Bay News-Chronicle

Linebacker Jason Gildon's agent says that he is negotiating with four different teams. The News-Chronicle's Todd McMahon reports that the four teams are rumored to be the Packers, Bills, Bengals and Bears.


Jets may sign Ricks
Bergen Record

Sources told the Record's Randy Lange that the Jets are interested in signing tight end Mikhael Ricks. The Packers and Redskins are also believed to be eyeing Ricks.


McCombs may move Vikings
St. Paul Pioneer Press

The L.A. Vikings? Pioneer Press columnist Charley Walters writes that Vikings owner Red McCombs could move the team to L.A. after next season.

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McCardell won't get new contact
St. Petersburg Times

The Times' Roger Mills, Rick Stroud and Jamal Thalji report that the Buccaneers aren't planning to give receiver Keenan McCardell a new contract. McCardell has decided to skip the Bucs' mandatory minicamp in an effort to get a new deal.


George wants to get deal done
Tennessean

Eddie George is ready to settle his contract squabble with the Titans. George told the Tennessean's Jim Wyatt that "I think it is time to get something resolved here".


Will Patriots re-sign Light?
Providence Journal

The Journal's Tom E. Curran reports that Patriots left tackle Matt Light could be in line for a big raise. The Patriots may have to give Light a deal similar to the six-year, $32.4-million contract that Chad Clifton signed with the Packers if they want to retain him.


Gibbs shoots down Ogunleye rumors
Washington Post

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs denied talk that the Redskins have made the Dolphins an offer for Adewale Ogunleye. Gibbs told the Post's Jason La Canfora that "we're not pursuing anybody".


Raiders fans will be calling for Gannon's head
Contra Costa Times

Times columnist Eric Gilmore writes that the Raiders could soon have a QB controversy on their hands. Gilmore believes that it won't be long before Raiders fans "start screaming for coach Norv Turner to bench [Rich] Gannon and play [Kerry] Collins".

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McCardell won't get new contact
St. Petersburg Times

The Times' Roger Mills, Rick Stroud and Jamal Thalji report that the Buccaneers aren't planning to give receiver Keenan McCardell a new contract. McCardell has decided to skip the Bucs' mandatory minicamp in an effort to get a new deal.


he needs a kid in the ass....most people will kill for thhis opportunity.

McCardell holdout doesn't worry Bucs
Tampa Tribune

The Tribune's Katherine Smith reports that the Buccaneers won't be holding their breath waiting for the return of holdout receiver Keenan McCardell. Bucs coach Jon Gruden said yesterday that "if [McCardell is] prepared to sit out, we'll be prepared to move forward the best way we can".


Bucs put Smith through paces
Tampa Tribune

Former Patriots running back Antowain Smith could sign with the Bucs. The Tribune's Roy Cummings reports that Smith tried out for the Bucs yesterday.


Titans coach optimistic George deal will get done
Tennessean

Titans coach Jeff Fisher expects that Eddie George's contract squabble with the team will be resolved before the start of training camp. Fisher told the Tennessean's Jeff Legwold that he has "got confidence it's going to work out".


Ricks pursuit heating up
Detroit News

Three teams are interested in signing tight end Mikhael Ricks. The News' Jerry Green reports that the Jets, Packers and Redskins are all pursuing Ricks.

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McCardell is not likely to give in
St. Petersburg Times

" Who will give ground in the standoff between the Bucs and receiver Keenan McCardell, holding out for a new contract, is anyone's guess. But considering that both parties appear firmly dug in, a happy ending seems a long shot."

Pats may tag Light
Boston Globe

"Light and Woody have the same agents but, fortunately for the Patriots, different values. If the sides don't come to an agreement soon, that doesn't mean Light is going anywhere; New England simply will use the 'franchise' tag, which this year costs a reasonable $7.021 million for offensive linemen . . ."


George may feel cap crunch
Boston Globe

"With 13 rookies to sign, Tennessee was $523,000 under the cap as of June 15. Only the Raiders, with $313,628 to spare, were in a tighter cap situation. Pretty soon, it's going to be crunch time for the Titans and running back Eddie George."


McCombs could try end run to L.A.
St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Some people close to the Vikings' unsuccessful attempt to get a new stadium are becoming convinced Vikings owner Red McCombs will try to pay off the team's Metrodome lease and move the franchise to Los Angeles rather than sell it locally."

Davis would land on feet if he's fired
Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Even if Browns head coach Butch Davis doesn't lead the team to success this season and loses his job, his future likely will be much brighter than that of the club. Football insiders say a 'Perfect Storm' of sorts could occur in college football this fall, one that could leave coaching vacancies at these highly attractive schools after the season: Texas, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Colorado, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, Arizona State and UCLA."

Texans don't need Trotter or Bryant
Houston Chronicle

The Chronicle's John McClain doesn't think that the Texans should try to acquire free agent linebacker Jeremiah Trotter or Cowboys' receiver Antonio Bryant. McClain writes that Trotter wouldn't be an upgrade over Jamie Sharper or Jay Foreman and that Bryant is a "head case".

Vikings won't be on the move
Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Forget about any thoughts that McCombs will try to move the team to Los Angeles without league approval. That isn't going to happen."

Bleier ripped by ring thieves
Pittsburgh Tribune

"Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier reported three of his four Super Bowl rings were stolen Saturday in Charlotte, N.C."

Dolphins may not deal Ogunleye
Miami Herald

The Herald's Barry Jackson reports that the Dolphins aren't planning to deal defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. The Redskins are rumored to have offered the Dolphins a first-round pick for Ogunleye, but it doesn't look like they will bite.


McCardell still planning to sit out
St. Petersburg Times

Buccaneers receiver Keenan McCardell still plans to hold out for a new contract. McCardell told the Times' Rick Stroud that "if there's not (any movement), I can't come (to training camp)".


Ward won't skip Steelers camp
Pittsburgh Tribune Review

The Tribune Review's Jerry DiPaola reports that receiver Hines Ward won't let his contract dispute with the Steelers keep him from attending the team's training camp. Ward says that he "never even considered (being late)" to camp.


Tuiasosopo will have to wait for chance
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Raiders QB Marques Tuiasosopo may be the odd man out in Oakland. The Post-Intelligencer's Clare Farnsworth reports that the Raiders' decision to sign Kerry Collins has "clouded" Tuiasosopo's future with the team.


Heat's on Palmer
Orange County Register

Bengals QB Carson Palmer will have to prove that he is worth $40 million. Register columnist Steve Bisheff writes that Palmer will be "facing more [pressure] than perhaps any other player in the league" this season.

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Originally posted by TRD
McCardell still planning to sit out
St. Petersburg Times
Buccaneers receiver Keenan McCardell still plans to hold out for a new contract. McCardell told the Times' Rick Stroud that "if there's not (any movement), I can't come (to training camp)".
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McCardell isn't all that. He's pulling some stuff, won't work, like he even going to TRY. Please, he's a tool. McCardell is a tool.

How can he hold a team at ransom like that? He should do the training or get the fuk out of there. I wouldn't stand for that. I would have kicked his azz outta there.

Packers waiting on Gildon
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Journal Sentinel's Todd Rosiak reports that the Packers are waiting for free agent linebacker Jason Gildon to decide which team he will sign with. The Bills, Bears and Bengals are also rumored to be interested in Gildon.


Have Browns been pampering Warren?
Cleveland Plain Dealer

Plain Dealer columnist Roger Brown wonders if the Browns are ready to give Gerard Warren some tough love. Because they have allowed Warren to skip some of their physical tests and weigh-ins, the Browns have been accused of "pampering" him.

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'Bleier ripped by ring thieves
Pittsburgh Tribune

"Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier reported three of his four Super Bowl rings were stolen Saturday in Charlotte, N.C." '

How did I miss this? This inexcusable. This guy is not only a decent RB but a Viet Nam vet. Whoever took them should be shot.