NFL ready to alter calendar
espn.go.com
The NFL and NFL Players Association are on the verge of pushing back the draft to May and moving up the start of the league year to before the Indianapolis scouting combine, according to league and union sources.
In theory, this figures to help liven up a free agent market that was rather rough on veterans (especially pass rushers) in 2013. At least, that's the NFLPA's thinking.
Willis McGahee is only no-show for Broncos' training session
www.denverpost.com
“He’s following the same routine he’s had his whole career,” said Chafie Fields, McGahee’s agent. “He’ll be there. He’s ready to compete. No messages.”
As noted by Gregg Rosenthal, Willis typically trains with his fellow ex-Hurricanes, so there appears to be nothing to see here.
However, his roster standing is still in jeopardy, what with the drafting of Montee Ball last month and Ronnie Hillman in 2012, plus Knowshon Moreno's lower age (by six years) and salary ($1.7M vs. $2.5M, and cutting McGahee would provide $2M in cap relief, while cutting Knowshon would net just $945K).
Manning’s contract doesn’t change, league’s treatment of it does
profootballtalk.nbcsports.com
A source with knowledge of the situation has reiterated to PFT that, despite reports elsewhere to the contrary, the deal did not change. However, the NFL’s interpretation of it did.
Well, I feel like I just wasted an hour writing about what the Broncos were thinking when they may or may not have renegotiated Peyton Manning's contract.
I see no reason to doubt Florio's latest report on the situation, so that obviously eliminates any intent on Denver's part. Nonetheless, they could still end up making use of the extra space, or just carry it over to next offseason.
Grading the Draft: Denver Broncos
www.draftinsider.net
Grade: B. Denver filled needs with value picks in the first two rounds, added depth at pass rusher and receiver in the fifth frame, selected a developmental prospect in round six then finished the draft with future trade bait. The reason we don’t give this draft a higher grade was the selection of Webster in round three. Regardless, the Denver Broncos leave the draft a better team, on paper anyway.
The reaction in our draft chat to the selection of Kayvon Webster was a collective Who's that?, so it's understandable that Pauline would use it to downgrade Denver's draft. In the end, it's just a (meaningless) draft grade, and the player notes are more useful. As usual, good insight from Pauline.
FWIW, a year ago Pauline called Ronnie Hillman a reach. That Denver doubled up in 2013 by using a second-round pick on a running back may confirm that assessment.
Updated 3:55pm ET
Osweiler Taking Command in Year Two
www.denverbroncos.com
“I can see him taking another step as far as his command of the offense—him being able to communicate with guys as far as, ‘Hey, this is what I need from you here,’” Gase said. “You can see him kind of working that way already on the field. When you’re a young guy, there are a lot of things going on, and he’s eliminated, ‘Well, is this guy supposed to be lined up here? Is this guy motioning?’ He’s not doing that anymore. It’s quicker for him. If somebody screwed up this year, he can fix it, and I think he’s taken a big step this year so far in Phase Two (of the club’s offseason conditioning program).”
Not that there's anything wrong with guys who do that...
Oakland Raiders sign receiver/returner Josh Cribbs
www.contracostatimes.com
Cribbs, who turns 30 on June 9, spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, where he developed into one of the game’s most productive kick and punt returners.
His eight kick returns for touchdowns are tied for the most in NFL history. He also amassed 1,914 yards and nine touchdowns rushing and receiving for the Browns.
Reggie McKenzie continues to make wise decisions; anyone else missing Al Davis right about now?
Oh yeah, and this signing is a perfect reminder of why special teams ace David Bruton is so vital to the Broncos' sustained success.
Chiefs’ Dwayne Bowe: ‘I’m going to lead the league in receptions’
www.kansascity.com
“(Jamaal Charles) is going to lead the league in rushing this year,” he said, “and I’m going to lead the league in receptions and touchdowns.
“When we get in full gear and pads and close to the season, it’s going to be a show to watch.”
That's fine, Dwayne - the two of you may very well rack up some nice stats this season. Meanwhile, your team will win maybe seven or eight games, and the Broncos will win twelve or thirteen.
Which would you rather have?
Charles Woodson meeting with Broncos; defensive back has other suitors
www.denverpost.com
Although the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers also are interested in signing the versatile defensive back, the Broncos likely are the leading candidate for Woodson because they have the best chance to win a Super Bowl this season.
An opportunity to win a second Super Bowl ring, not money, is the primary objective for Woodson, who turns 37 in October.
...
He has struggled with shoulder injuries since breaking his collarbone in Green Bay’s Super Bowl victory in 2011, but he is healthy now.
If the ring's the thing, then this apparent choice for Chuck Wood is a no-brainer, isn't it?
Rolando McClain informs Ravens that he will retire
www.baltimoresun.com
McClain, who was taken eighth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2010 draft, is just 23 years old but off-the-field issues have marred his NFL career. Released by the Raiders earlier this offseason, McClain was arrested April 21 in Decatur, Ala., just 10 days after he signed with the Ravens, a team willing to give him another shot.
His third arrest in a little over 16 months, McClain was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. He allegedly yelled an expletive at police officers after they responded to a disturbance at Pines Park.
You'll recall that in the months leading up to the 2010 Draft, the talk the Broncos would draft McClain--even move up to get him--was busier than an Oakland police blotter. Incidentally, that's where McClain went. At the time, the debate centered around McClain's alleged Crohn's disease and his off-the-field behavior. It's hard to say if either figured in McClain's decision, but 23 is about as young as it gets for NFL retirement. Columnist Monte Poole believes McClain's heart was never really in football.
The Broncos, for their part, ended up taking Demaryius Thomas with pick #22, then traded back into the first round to draft their most controversial pick in team history, Tim Tebow at #25.
The 50 highest-earning American athletes - 2013 Fortunate 50
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Manning’s salary suddenly pales in comparison with Brees’s (and with the new ones signed by Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers), but he remains football’s biggest endorser and one of the most marketable athletes in American sports: Reebok, Wheaties, DirecTV, Gatorade, Papa John’s and Buick all see the 37-year-old QB as a sure-thing investment.
Thanks to his $37M signing bonus, Drew Brees is the only NFLer above Manning on SI's list. FWIW, their contracts are very similar, with Manning's $19.2M AAV just a shade under Brees's $20M figure.
But in terms of endorsements, PMFM's $13M haul from 2012 dwarfs the $7.8M number drawn by Brees.
