Eye on Football : CBSSports.com Blogs

Could Skins be interested in Weeden in 1st round?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 0:59:30 EST

Would Washington trade down for Weeden instead of trade up for RG3? (Getty Images)

By Ryan Wilson

NFLDraftScout.com's Rob Rang ranks Oklahoma State Brandon Weeden fifth among draft-eligible quarterbacks behind Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannenhill and Brock Osweiler. NFL Network's Mike Mayock has Weeden fourth.

NFL draft prep

Packers sign Finley to 2-year deal, Flynn next?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 4:52:28 EST

Green Bay keeps Finley for two more years, is Flynn next? (Getty Images)

By Ryan Wilson

There were concerns heading into the offseason that free agent tight end Jermichael Finley, who hauled in 131 passes for 1,744 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Packers since 2009, would want to be paid like a wide receiver. Turns out, the two sides found common ground nearly two weeks before the start of free agency; Finley has signed a two-year deal with Green Bay worth slightly less than $15 million. ProFootballTalk.com originally reported the news and Finley confirmed it on Twitter.

JermichaelF88

Mike Wallace understands that NFL 'is a business'

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 4:56:05 EST

It's not ideal, but the Steelers can survive in a Wallace-less offense. (US PRESSWIRE)

By Ryan Wilson

If, in 12 days, the Steelers haven't extended wide receiver Mike Wallace's contract, there's the real possibility that he may have played his last game for Pittsburgh. The organization will tender Wallace, a restricted free agent, the highest offer but teams looking for proven deep threats might willingly give up a first-round pick for his rights.

Exacerbating matters: the Steelers are some $7 million over the salary cap and likely wouldn't be able to match any contract another team might offer Wallace. Pittsburgh understands this and so does the third-year wide receiver.

Group purchases 'Manning to Miami' billboard

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 1:36:02 EST

Desperate times call for desperate measures. (Local10.com*)

By Ryan Wilson

It's no secret that the Dolphins need a franchise quarterback. We've mentioned it before, but the list of successors to Dan Marino in Miami is one of the saddest things you'll ever see. The team's top passers since 2000: Jay Fiedler, A.J. Feeley, Gus Frerotte, Joey Harrington, Cleo Lemon, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne and Matt Moore (see, we told you).

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is reportedly "infatuated" with Peyton Manning for obvious reasons: assuming he's healthy enough to play in 2012, Manning immediately makes the Dolphins competitive and, perhaps more importantly, he'll sell tickets, something the team struggles to do when it's not Tim Tebow Appreciation Day.

Shurmur believes Colt McCoy can improve

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 1:45:55 EST

By Josh Katzowitz

Because the Rams hold the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL draft and because they already have a franchise quarterback, it makes sense that the Browns, holding the No. 4 selection, would try to trade up so they can grab Robert Griffin III.

Even though Colt McCoy has had some success as the Browns quarterback the past two years, much of the speculation surrounding the Cleveland quarterback situation center around the Browns trying to find another quarterback to replace him.

Count Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur among those who aren’t sure replacing McCoy is the best solution.

Leonard Weaver still hoping to make comeback

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:27:14 EST

After missing most of 2010 and all of 2011, Weaver won't return to the field in 2012 either. (US Presswire) By Josh Katzowitz

Leonard Weaver, perhaps the NFL’s best fullback in 2009 who suffered a brutal knee injury in 2010 and who missed all of 2011, won’t play in 2012 either. He’s simply not healthy enough, as you can surmise in this Philadelphia Daily News piece that follows Weaver as he fails another physical with the Eagles training staff.

Weaver says his foot doesn’t work right, and though he wants to resume what had been a six-year career, he’s not sure if he’ll ever be healthy enough to do so.

"My heart is to get back," Weaver said. “But it's not going to happen this season. It's tough."

Despite death hoax, Clinton Portis still alive

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 1:54:19 EST

By Josh Katzowitz

So, apparently, some people thought former Redskins running back Clinton Portis died last weekend in a car crash. He didn’t. Portis, in fact, is currently still alive.

“Not sure about the rumor that’s out but I’m alive and well, before it even begins to spread of a car crash!!!!” Portis wrote Monday on his Twitter account. “I'm in bed goodnight world hopefully I don't go in my sleep 2night!”

And if that didn’t satisfy those who truly believed Portis was gone, he went on 106.7 The Fan (via the Washington Post’s Sports Bog) to let the world know he was still breathing.

Hines Ward pleads guilty to reckless driving

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 5:51:10 EST

By Josh Katzowitz

Last July, Steelers receiver Hines Ward was arrested on a DUI charge, an incident that stunned CBSSports.com’s Mike Freeman* because he seems like the exact opposite of the kind of guy who would get himself into that kind of trouble.

Ward’s lawyer denied Ward was impaired by alcohol as he drove, and seven months later, Ward has cut a plea bargain deal with the DeKalb County (Ga.) Solicitor’s office, which has dropped the DUI charge.

In exchange, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports, Ward pleaded guilty Wednesday to reckless driving and no contest to a charge of failing to maintain lane.

St. Louis will allow Rams to play overseas

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:29:00 EST

By Josh Katzowitz

When the NFL announced that the Rams would spend at least one game in the next three seasons playing a home game in London, the league might not have realized the headaches that were to follow.

The City of St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission pointed out that the overseas trips violated the terms of the lease with the Edward Jones Dome. Which led the NFL to suspend ticket sales for the 2012 game between the Rams and the Patriots (though they eventually resumed).

Now, it appears the Rams WILL play in Wembley Stadium next year, as the St. Louis Post Dispatch reports. In exchange for allowing the Rams to play one home game away from St. Louis in 2012, the team will allow the Dome to increase the number of weekends during the season that the facility can be used for non-Rams activities*.

Luck could throw at combine; Colts might nix it

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 5:06:42 EST

By Josh Katzowitz

Robert Griffin III already has made the decision that he most likely will not to throw at the scouting combine, saying “It’s still up in the air but I'm probably not going to throw." Instead, he only will toss the ball in front of scouts at Baylor’s pro day on March 21.

Although it was reported last weekend that likely No. 1 pick Andrew Luck also won’t throw in Indianapolis this week, ESPN.com is reporting that Luck could throw and that he’ll be prepared to do so.

NFL draft prep

Aikman not sure NFL will continue to be No. 1

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:21:04 EST

Troy Aikman worries about the long-term viability of the NFL. (US Presswire) By Josh Katzowitz

While we hear nothing but great things about the health of the NFL -- particularly whenever commissioner Roger Goodell holds a press conference -- and see the ratings continue to rise, former Cowboys star quarterback Troy Aikman, who moonlights as an NFL analyst on a non-CBS network, isn’t quite as optimistic.

Though the NFL has continued to gain in popularity since … oh, let’s say … when the AFL was established in 1960, Aikman can see a day in the future when pro football isn’t necessarily the No. 1 sport in this country. For Aikman, it’s all about the long-term viability of the league, and when a sport becomes oversaturated among the public, that’s not great news.

Tom Martinez, Tom Brady's mentor, dies at 66

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:09:20 EST

Tom Brady with Tom Martinez (MatchingDonors.com) By Ryan Wilson

Tom Martinez, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's longtime mentor, has died after suffering a heart attack during a dialysis session, Boston's WCVB reported Tuesday evening.

Martinez had been in need of a kidney transplant for some time due to complications from diabetes. Last summer. he was given just months to live, but in January 2012, he told ABC News, "I've been told I'm out of here, and I don't accept that. I'm going to fight to the end."

Brady, a first-ballot Hall of Famer when his career is over, has spoken often about Martinez' impact on his game.

Report: Dolphins won't attempt to re-sign Henne

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:08:18 EST

Henne's career in Miami ends after four uninspiring seasons. (Getty Images)

By Ryan Wilson

We spent a good part of the latest Pick-6 Podcast talking about where Chad Henne will play in 2012 because while Miami's front office hasn't come out and said it, it's a foregone conclusion that he played his last game for the Dolphins in Week 4 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

On Tuesday, a league source told the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly that Dolphins won't be making Henne an offer. Which means that the unrestricted free agent will be free to hawk his wares to any of the other 31 NFL teams.

Pick-6 Podcast: Ranking the free-agent QBs

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 9:14:06 EST

Will Peyton end up in the Valley of the Sun?(CBSSports.com illustration)

By Will Brinson & Ryan Wilson

The old saying goes something like this: yes, it's officially the NFL offseason but there really is no offseason. The Giants won the Super Bowl a few weeks ago but teams can already franchise would-be free agents, the combine begins this week and free agency the week after.

There are plenty of storylines, and Peyton Manning's future is among the biggest. On the latest Pick-6 Podcast, we talk whether the Arizona Cardinals make the most sense for Manning (he does look dashing in red), and where the other free-agent quarterbacks (Matt Flynn, Kyle Orton, Jason Campbell, Chad Henne) might end up this spring.

Report: Roethlisberger, Haley finally meet

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:14:11 EST

Now that Big Ben and Haley are BFFs, the team has to decide Wallace's future in Pittsburgh. (Getty Images/US PRESSWIRE)

By Ryan Wilson

Some sad news for those fans and media looking for a story where there wasn't one: after a couple weeks on the job, new Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley finally had a face-to-face with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette tweeted the details late Tuesday afternoon:

EdBouchette

Jaworski thinks Manning fits best with the Jets

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:29:05 EST

Jaws says he loves Mark Sanchez, just not more than Peyton Manning. (Getty Images/US PRESSWIRE)

By Ryan Wilson

There hasn't been much to report on the Peyton Manning front lately. The media furor surrounding the Colts' quarterback left Indianapolis about the same time the Super Bowl did. Which lends credence to the theory that the Manning-Jim Irsay back-and-forth was all about winning the PR battle while the biggest game of the year was played in their backyard.

The most recent speculation has the Seahawks interested in Manning, assuming the 36-year-old quarterback will be healthy enough to resume his career in 2012 and that the Colts cut him loose in the coming weeks. (Peyton's due $28 million on March 13; we can't see a scenario where Irsay forks over that kind of dough.)

Quinn backtracks on Tebow 'humble' comment

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:16:27 EST

Quinn and Tebow: Not BFFs after all? (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

Broncos quarterback Brady Quinn will be a free agent on March 13. While he didn't make our list of top free-agent quarterbacks (although he was honorable mention!), he'll likely end up landing a backup job somewhere for the 2012 season.

Just don't count on it being Denver, at least based on the quotes he gave Mike Silver for an oral history of Tebowmania in the latest issue of GQ.

"Early in the season, there was a game when Kyle [Orton] got hurt and the coaches were calling for me to go in, but Kyle got up and finished the game out," Quinn said. "So I was the second-string guy. Then, a few weeks later, they decided to put Tim in. I felt like the fans had a lot to do with that. Just 'cause they were chanting his name. There was a big calling for him. No, I didn't have any billboards. That would have been nice."

2012 NFL Free Agency: Quarterback rankings

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:36:47 EST

The 2012 free-agent quarterback class is an, um, diverse group. (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

Leading up to the start of free agency on March 13, we're compiling lists of the best 2012 NFL free agents by position. These are the quarterbacks.

Though the list of free-agent quarterbacks for 2012 isn't necessarily the greatest crop of players in NFL history, it does have the potential to be one of the most intriguing in years, because of one man: Peyton Manning. Manning's saga is well-documented at this point; the back-and-forth between Manning's camp and Jim Irsay dominated the freaking Super Bowl.

Releasing him into the wild seems like a mere matter of timing. So we're going to take that assumption and add Manning to our lists of free agents. We're also including the Saints Drew Brees and 49ers Alex Smith on this list, since both are technically unrestricted free agents, until they receive the franchise tag from their respective teams. There's a better likelihood of Jimmy Clausen unseating Cam Newton than there is Brees not returning to New Orleans, but maybe someone in the Saints office will forget to fax in the franchise-tag paperwork.

AP heard 'pop-pop-pop' on ACL, knew 'immediately'

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:32:18 EST

Peterson says he knew he tore his ACL 'immediately.' (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

Late in the 2011 season, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suffered a gruesome-looking injury that immediately looked like it would require surgery and shut him down for the year. It was, in fact, a season-ending ACL tear.

And Peterson knew it immediately too. He said on the Dan Patrick Show Tuesday that he both heard and felt the injury when it happened.

"Immediately I knew my ACL was tore and just wanted to see what else I had damaged," Peterson said. "I heard three pops -- it was real quick, 'pop-pop-pop. And I definitely felt it."

RG3 probably won't throw at combine, wants 4.4 40

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:33:49 EST

Griffin's legs will speak for the quarterback at the combine. (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

Robert Griffin III is one of the more interesting athletes at this year's NFL combine. He's a big-time athlete whose stock can only go up as the draft approaches. If he shines at the combine and at his Pro Day -- now scheduled for March 21 -- teams will scramble for the No. 2 pick the Rams currently hold.

But it won't be because of his throws, as Griffin said on the Dan Patrick Show that he "probably" wouldn't throw at the Combine.

"I don’t think so," Griffin said Tuesday. "It’s still up in the air but I'm probably not going to throw."

Report: Bills won't franchise tag Stevie Johnson

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:11:14 EST

Johnson could be a free man if he and Buffalo don't work out a deal. (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

Stevie Johnson's an interesting test case for the wide-receiver market in 2011; he and the Bills are reportedly exchanging numbers, but they're also reportedly "far apart" in contract negotiations.

Latest NFL News, Notes

Kirwan: Clubs could chase PIT WR Wallace

Are the Packers and Wells headed for a breakup?

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:10:26 EST

Will Wells be around in Green Bay to protect Rodgers? (US Presswire) By Josh Katzowitz

Last October, when we told you about the Packers signing receiver Jordy Nelson and guard Josh Sitton, there seemed to be optimism about Green Bay eventually inking tight end Jermichael Finley and center Scott Wells to new deals that would preserve much of the team’s offensive core.

Well, Finley still is in limbo, as the possibility of the franchise tag hangs over his head, and now it appears there’s a real chance that Wells could be on his way out of Green Bay altogether.

Considering Wells is probably the best Packers linemen -- and one of the best centers in the game -- and considering he just played in his first Pro Bowl, this revelation comes as quite a surprise. But that’s the word from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which writes, “Wells is being told by the Green Bay Packers that he has overvalued himself as an undersized, 31-year-old center no matter how well he has played for them. Wells basically is telling the team, ‘Watch what happens.’”

Osi plans to stay "really quiet" in offseason

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 7:40:18 EST

By Josh Katzowitz

Osi Umenyiora almost had a nasty breakup with the Giants before the beginning of 2011. With two years left on his contract that would pay him $3.125 million for 2011 and $3.975 million for 2012, Umenyiora wanted an extension and a raise, but the Giants declined to do so.

Then, they said he could seek a trade before the organization changed its mind, and eventually, Umenyiora underwent arthroscopic surgery that kept him out of the season’s first three games.

Luckily for both sides, Umenyiora played well once he returned, and the Giants won the Super Bowl.

Tom Brady vacationing in (sigh) Costa Rica

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:39:49 EST

Brady somehow has to make due with the supermodel wife and the Costa Rican vacations (Getty Images) By Josh Katzowitz

Tom Brady has a nice life. That might be hard for you to believe, considering his wife has been mocked mercilessly for sending an e-mail to friends and family to pray for Brady in Super Bowl XLVI and for complaining about the team’s receivers afterward and since, you know, the Patriots lost to the Giants, leaving Brady alone with his thoughts in the postgame locker room.

But it’s true. Brady has a pretty good life. You know, with the exotic supermodel wife, the Hall of Fame talent, the solid bankroll and all the Uggs he can wear. Oh, and the vacations. The very strong after-season vacations.

This week, Brady and the family are in Costa Rica, eating local food, drinking coconut water and wearing skimpy bikinis (well, only one of the family members is wearing the tiny bathing suit). So, if you care enough about that, click this link to x17online.com (it’s a celebrity gossip site, NOT a NSFW site. I promise).

Roethlisberger, Haley still haven't talked

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:25:37 EST

Haley, left, still hasn't called Roethlisberger, center, despite being hired by Tomlin two weeks ago. (US PRESSWIRE) By Josh Katzowitz

Todd Haley wasn’t exactly known as a player-friendly coach when he was at the helm of the Chiefs, and in his new job as the Steelers offensive coordinator, it appears he isn’t trying very hard to be Ben Roethlisberger’s best friend.

Or, you know, trying to talk to him at all.

That’s what Roethlisberger revealed to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, saying, “He still hasn’t called yet.”

Tebow WILL have competition next year

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:01:19 EST

Tebow's season ends ingloriously in New England. (AP)

By Josh Katzowitz

We’ve been asking this for a while now: Is Tim Tebow guaranteed to be the Broncos starting quarterback next year? Our own Ryan Wilson brought this up in mid-January and listed a number of free agent quarterbacks Denver could pursue in an effort to knock Tebow out of his starting spot (including Matt Flynn, Jason Campbell and (yep) Kyle Orton).

Even coach John Fox has now confirmed that nobody is going to hand Tebow anything heading into 2012. That’s because Fox said Monday, via the Denver Post, that the team would acquire two quarterbacks in the offseason to compete against Tebow.

Stanford Routt signs three-year deal with Chiefs

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:03:38 EST

Routt tackles his new teammate Bowe. (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

Less than two weeks ago, Oakland made the decision to cut cornerback Stanford Routt. Less than two weeks later, he's a member of the Chiefs, one of the Raiders AFC West division rivals, Kansas City announced on Monday.

Latest NFL News, Notes

Kirwan: Clubs could chase PIT WR Wallace

Report: Lynch, Seahawks 'deep' in contract talks

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:05:17 EST

Seattle and Lynch are reportedly 'deep' in contract talks. (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

In 2011, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch had the most productive season of his career, rushing for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns on 285 carries. Despite that, it's been thought that Seattle wouldn't use the franchise-tag on the impending free agent.

A report from Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network significantly changes the perception of Lynch's future in Seattle, as LaCanfora writes on Monday that the two sides are "deep" in contract talks and could use the tag if a deal isn't completed.

"The Seahawks are deep in talks with running back Marshawn Lynch on a long-term deal, which could well be completed before the March 5 deadline. If that somehow falls apart, the Seahawks are prepared to tag Lynch, according to a source with knowledge of the situation."

Sherman likens Tannehill to Favre, Rodgers

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:07:12 EST

New Fins OC Mike Sherman thinks Tannehill is a Favre-like leader. (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

When it comes to quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft, the general consensus out there is that Ryan Tannehill is the No. 3 signal caller behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. But that doesn't mean he's doomed to falling in the draft, as there are plenty of potential suitors picking in the top half of the draft.

One such suitor, the Miami Dolphins, recently hired Tannehill's coach at Texas A&M, Mike Sherman, as its offensive coordinator. And Sherman, speaking to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, said that Tannehill reminds him of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

"Like all good quarterbacks he had great poise. Very confident in any system, west coast or not," Sherman said of Tannehill. "Any quarterback has to be confident in his own skin and believe in himself. They always say a great quarterback makes those around him better. I thought [Brett] Favre did that. I think Aaron Rodgers does that. I think Tannehill does that as well."

Drew Brees wife pregnant with third son

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:22:54 EST

Does Baylen have a future in the NFL too? (Getty Images) By Will Brinson

Drew Brees announced on Sunday night that he and his wife, Brittany, are expecting their third son. The Saints quarterback announced the news on Twitter; thankfully Saints Rapid Reporter Larry Holder is super diligent and we didn't miss it.

The babies Brees are oddly famous; Drew's first son, Baylen (above), became a mini-celebrity when the quarterback held him and his gigantic earphones in the aftermath of the Saints Super Bowl victory a few years ago. Their second son, Bowen, got his name via a Twitter contest to find interesting B-related names. (We're hoping the new one will be "Brinson Brees," because Brinson is the best B, obviously.)