sportsillustrated.cnn.com
According to Colts owner Jimmy Irsay, this will very likely be running back Edgerrin James' last season in Indianapolis. James has been named the team's franchise player and will receive $8.1 million this season, but Irsay said he did not believe he would sign James to a long-term deal because he wants to spend more money on the defensive side of the ball.
-- Boston Herald
One area of need for the Browns is quarterback. Auburn's Jason Campbell has a private visit set up with the team in the coming weeks. Campbell answered a lot of questions about his ability at the Senior Bowl and continues to improve his draft status after a solid performance in the school's pro day workout last week. Campbell is an alumnus of Steve McNair's quarterback school, which he attended early in his career. He fits the mold that head coach Romeo Crennel covets.
-- Dayton Daily News
The Browns will entertain South Carolina speedster Troy Williamson, whose stock is skyrocketing, today. Williamson, considered the premier deep threat in the draft, is listed as the third best wide receiver on some boards behind Braylon Edwards and Mike Williams.
-- Dayton Daily News
Don't believe the hype. Those present at Alex Smith's workout certainly didn't. Sure the former Utah quarterback looked good in working out in front of numerous scouts and personnel men on March 16. But his performance was nowhere near as good as the agents who leaked the workout "information" would have you believe. Smith's receivers at the workout were told not to run full speed and he worked almost exclusively out of the shotgun. "He sure looked clumsy taking the snap from under center," one scout revealed.
-- New York Post
With Smith's status up in the air, it would not be the least bit surprising if Auburn running back Ronnie Brown went first overall, regardless of whether the Niners keep the top pick or trade it.
-- New York Post
The Jets defensive end John Abraham is annoyed to be paid $6.7 million on a franchise-tag deal and says he won't participate in practices if he doesn't get a multiyear deal (it's believed he seeks $7 million a year for four years). So he'll be in a familiar position -- sitting out. Beyond Abraham owing the Jets after missing three of five playoff games, he's the last guy anyone should sign long-term.
-- Newsday
Do the Eagles had any interest in free agent tight end Freddie Jones? That does not appear to be the case.
-- Trenton Times
Look for Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates to sit out training camp if he doesn't get a new contract before then. Several of Gates' teammates say he's not going to show if he doesn't get a new pact.
-- New York Post
The Vikings expressed interest in ex-Giant wide receiver Ike Hilliard, but signed Travis Taylor instead. If the Dolphins don't bring back David Boston, then Miami could be the place Hilliard ends up. He lives there in the offseason.
-- New York Daily News
The Chiefs were happy to land free agent linebacker Kendrell Bell. But sources within the organization stated they're "holding their breath" regarding Bell's injured shoulder and are fearful that it could hamper and even end his career in the near future.
-- New York Post
Pats VP Scott Pioli won his second straight executive of the year award. Prediction: When his contract expires after the '06 draft, the Giants will hire him to replace GM Ernie Accorsi, who is likely to retire after this season.
-- New York Daily News
According to Colts owner Jimmy Irsay, this will very likely be running back Edgerrin James' last season in Indianapolis. James has been named the team's franchise player and will receive $8.1 million this season, but Irsay said he did not believe he would sign James to a long-term deal because he wants to spend more money on the defensive side of the ball.
-- Boston Herald
One area of need for the Browns is quarterback. Auburn's Jason Campbell has a private visit set up with the team in the coming weeks. Campbell answered a lot of questions about his ability at the Senior Bowl and continues to improve his draft status after a solid performance in the school's pro day workout last week. Campbell is an alumnus of Steve McNair's quarterback school, which he attended early in his career. He fits the mold that head coach Romeo Crennel covets.
-- Dayton Daily News
The Browns will entertain South Carolina speedster Troy Williamson, whose stock is skyrocketing, today. Williamson, considered the premier deep threat in the draft, is listed as the third best wide receiver on some boards behind Braylon Edwards and Mike Williams.
-- Dayton Daily News
Don't believe the hype. Those present at Alex Smith's workout certainly didn't. Sure the former Utah quarterback looked good in working out in front of numerous scouts and personnel men on March 16. But his performance was nowhere near as good as the agents who leaked the workout "information" would have you believe. Smith's receivers at the workout were told not to run full speed and he worked almost exclusively out of the shotgun. "He sure looked clumsy taking the snap from under center," one scout revealed.
-- New York Post
With Smith's status up in the air, it would not be the least bit surprising if Auburn running back Ronnie Brown went first overall, regardless of whether the Niners keep the top pick or trade it.
-- New York Post
The Jets defensive end John Abraham is annoyed to be paid $6.7 million on a franchise-tag deal and says he won't participate in practices if he doesn't get a multiyear deal (it's believed he seeks $7 million a year for four years). So he'll be in a familiar position -- sitting out. Beyond Abraham owing the Jets after missing three of five playoff games, he's the last guy anyone should sign long-term.
-- Newsday
Do the Eagles had any interest in free agent tight end Freddie Jones? That does not appear to be the case.
-- Trenton Times
Look for Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates to sit out training camp if he doesn't get a new contract before then. Several of Gates' teammates say he's not going to show if he doesn't get a new pact.
-- New York Post
The Vikings expressed interest in ex-Giant wide receiver Ike Hilliard, but signed Travis Taylor instead. If the Dolphins don't bring back David Boston, then Miami could be the place Hilliard ends up. He lives there in the offseason.
-- New York Daily News
The Chiefs were happy to land free agent linebacker Kendrell Bell. But sources within the organization stated they're "holding their breath" regarding Bell's injured shoulder and are fearful that it could hamper and even end his career in the near future.
-- New York Post
Pats VP Scott Pioli won his second straight executive of the year award. Prediction: When his contract expires after the '06 draft, the Giants will hire him to replace GM Ernie Accorsi, who is likely to retire after this season.
-- New York Daily News
