http://www.sportsnipe.com NFL news headlines from all sources http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3448113/offseason-overview-saints-hope-upgraded-defense-will-result-in-2006-form.html Franchise Player: None. TRANSITION PLAYER: None. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS " S Jay Bellamy was a 14-year veteran last season and doesn't figure into the team's plans for 2008. " QB Jamie Martin will not be back after the Saints signed Mark Brunell. " CB Fred Thomas was a healthy inactive for nine games last season and will not be re-signed. " DL Renaldo Wynn played well after being signed off the street early in the season and had 3.5 sacks, he won't be offered a new contract. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers) RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None. PLAYERS ACQUIRED " QB Mark Brunell: UFA Redskins; 2 yrs, $1M SB, other terms unknown. " CB Randall Gay: UFA Patriots; $12M/4 yrs, $3.75M SB; 2008 cap: $1.688M. " CB Aaron Glenn: UFA Jaguars; terms unknown. " C/G Matt Lehr: UFA Buccaneers; 1 yr, terms unknown. " DE Bobby McCray: UFA Jaguars; 5 yrs, terms unknown. " LB Dan Morgan: FA Panthers; 2 yrs, terms unknown. " LB Jonathan Vilma (traded Jets). PLAYERS RE-SIGNED " WR Terrance Copper: Potential UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown. " C/G Jonathan Goodwin: Potential UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown. " PK Martin Gramatica: Potential UFA; $730,000/1 yr. " WR Devery Henderson: UFA; $$950,000 base salary/1 yr, SB unknown. " TE Eric Johnson: UFA; $1.025M/1 yr, $200,000 guaranteed. " TE Billy Miller: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown. " OG Jamar Nesbit: Potential UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown. " WR David Patten: UFA; $3.25M base salaries/2 yrs, SB unknown. " MLB Mark Simoneau: UFA; terms unknown. " RB Aaron Stecker: UFA; $1.4M/1 yr. " DT Brian Young: UFA; $12M/3 yrs, SB unknown. PLAYERS LOST " DE Josh Cooper (released). " C Jeff Faine: UFA Buccaneers; $34.5M/6 yrs, $15M guaranteed. " S Steve Gleason: UFA; retired. " PK Olindo Mare (released/failed physical). " LB Matt McCoy: Not tendered as RFA/Buccaneers; terms unknown. " LB Brian Simmons (released). Two years after appearing in the NFC Title game, the Saints are hoping to get back to that form in 2008 after a down 2007 in which they went 7-9. The team was hit hard with injuries, as well as inconsistent play by a defense that allowed 24.3 points per game and 245 yards per game through the air. They worked hard to address those needs, moving up in the draft to take USC’s Sedrick Ellis in round one with the 7th pick, and CB Tracy Porter with their second round pick. They also worked on defense in free agency, signing corners Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn, as well as linebackers Dan Morgan and trading for Jets LB Jonathan Vilma. While the defense should be better once they play with one another for awhile, it will be up to the offense to regain that 06 form that made them as dangerous as any team in the league. Drew Brees will look for more from WR’s Marques Colston, and with the hope that Deuce McAllister is back, the team can go back to using he and Reggie Bush in a rotation, which worked well in 06. Look for Bush to be more involved in the offense, as he struggled last season, but has dedicated himself to be active with the team in the offseason and be more committed. The Saints should be back closer to the form of 2006 than the under .500 team of 07. Offseason Grade to Date: A- NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3447639/indianapolis-puts-more-money-into-trying-to-get-super-bowl-xlvi.html The city of Indianapolis and their new stadium - Lucas Oil Stadium, are making even more of a push for Super Bowl XLVI, to be played in 2012.  Organizers of the cities bid say that local companies have pledged $25 mil in hopes of landing the mega event to their city.  The decision on who gets the big game will come Tuesday at the owner meetings in Atlanta.  Right now the three cities up for the event are Indy, Phoenix and Houston.  Lucas Oil Products Inc. owner Forrest Lucas, who paid $122 million for the naming rights to the Colts’ new home, agreed to contribute $1 million. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3447638/dolphins-waive-drew-mormino-after-he-fails-physical.html Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East, NFL Injuries, MiamiThe Miami Dolphins waived offensive lineman Drew Mormino after he failed a physical. Mormino, a sixth round pick last year, spent all of the 2007 season on Injured Reserve with a torn labrum.One thing it means ... according to The Phinsider ... that #1 overall pick Jake Long will be able to wear jersey #77. Long wore that number at Michigan; Mormino was assigned that number with the Dolphins. It also means that the Dolphins will have a very, very, very young offensive line. Long, a rookie, will be planted in as the left tackle. Fourth round pick Shawn Murphy could be the starting right guard. Next to him is center Samson Satele -- a second year player. Sixth round pick Donald Thomas could fight Murphy for a starting gig or, at least, figure in as a backup on the interior of the line. Second year player Ikechuku Ndukwe could factor in as well. Expect Miami to take a gander at a veteran free agent before camp starts in July. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3447589/houston-businessman-sells-interest-in-texans.html A Houston entrepreneur said he has sold his interest in the Houston Texans to comply with an NFL rule prohibiting team owners from having a gambling-related business. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446774/players-prepared-for-owners-move.html Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson A key player within the NFL Players' Association said players are not shocked to hear about Chris Mortensen's report that NFL owners may soon dissolve the Collective bargaining agreement. "We've been expecting this," said Denver cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who is on the NFLPA's executive committee. "We knew it was coming." Foxworth said if the owners make this move, it will be a clear sign that a lockout will be looming in 2011. "It will be a final warning that turmoil is on the way," Foxworth said. Foxworth said that the NFLPA will be prepared for any move made by owners. "We've talked and we have a plan," Foxworth said. "It'll be interesting." NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446689/golden-nugget-owner-gives-up-interest-in-houston-texans.html HOUSTON (AP) -- A Houston entrepreneur said he has sold his interest in the Houston Texans to comply... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446688/sherrills-flat-brim-goes-viral-in-baltimore.html Baltimore draws first blood in the Battle of the Beltway, and the win was capped with an exaggerated outbreak of George Sherrill’s signature look, the Jesper Parnevik-style fitted: That would be a celebratory Bob Roberts and Freddy Bynum, followed by Luuuke Scott, Gun Show Sherrill and a non-comformist Ramon Hernandez: (more…) NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446687/nfl-rule-forces-texans-partowner-to-sell-share.html A Houston entrepreneur said he has sold his interest in the Houston Texans to comply with an NFL rule prohibiting team owners from having a gambling-related business. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446686/golden-nugget-owner-sells-share-texans.html Read full story for latest details. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446567/harrison-health-legal-issues-concern-colts.html INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Peyton Manning is withholding judgment on teammate Marvin Harrison and the star receiver's legal issues. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446323/belichick-on-walsh-he-didnt-have-any-knowledge-football.html It may have taken awhile, but the usually calm and cool Bill Belichick has finally had enough of Matt Walsh, and he’s speaking out about it.� In an interview on CBS’ Evening News, Belichick had some not so nice words about Walsh: ?There?s not a lot of credibility,? Belichick said ?You know, he?s tried to [...] NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446322/indy-raises-25-million-to-get-2012-super-bowl.html Organizers of Indianapolis' Super Bowl bid say local companies and individuals have pledged $25 million in hopes of luring the 2012 event to the new Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446233/indy-organizers-raise-25m-toward-2012-bid.html INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Organizers of Indianapolis' Super Bowl bid say local companies and individuals ... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446232/harrison-at-colts-camp-but-talking-about-off-field-incident.html Not a big shock in the following, that being wide out Marvin Harrison at Colts minicamp, but not speaking to the media about the latest surrounding the incident at his bar in Philly. Some of Marivn’s teammates did speak though about the WR - "Nothing's been...I don't think anything's been figured out. Until then, it's hard to make a conclusion. But for now, I just support Marv,” said Colts tight end Dallas Clark. The Colts are at the start of a three-day minicamp, and all along it was expected that Harrison would be there, but at the same time you could almost bet he wouldn’t talk about the shooting or anything to do with it. "Didn't have a whole lot of reaction to it. I didn't talk to anybody personally about it. I have text messages from friends but haven't talked to coach Dungy or Marvin. I've been around long enough to know until I hear from someone who truly knows, I don't give it a lot of merit,” said Peyton Manning. Police have said all along that Harrison is not a suspect in the case, but at the same time, there has been talk that the receiver is not as innocent as he seems. There has been a lot of background dug up on him that is making him not look as squeaky clean as he may have seemed in the past. Will Harrison talk at some point? I wouldn’t hold my breath. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446231/players-prepared-for-owners-move.html Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson A key player within the NFL Players' Association are not shocked to hear about Chris Mortensen report that NFL owners may soon dissolve the Collective bargaining agreement. "We've been expecting this," said Denver cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who is on the NFLPA's executive committee. "We knew it was coming." Foxworth said if the owners make this move it will be a clear sign that a lockout will be looming in 2011."It will be a final warning that turmoil is on the way," Foxworth said. Foxworth said that the NFLPA will be prepared for any move made by owners. "We've talked and we have a plan," Foxworth said. "It'll be interesting." NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446230/indy-raises-25-million-for-2012-super-bowl-bid.html Organizers of Indianapolis' Super Bowl bid say local companies and individuals have pledged $25 million in hopes of luring the 2012 event to the new Lucas Oil Stadium. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446229/belichick-there-was-no-deception-in-taping-opponents.html New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick lashed out at the team's former video assistant Friday, saying in a televised interview that Matt Walsh was a low-level staffer who was fired for "poor job performance" "There's not a lot of credibility," Belichick said in an interview broadcast on "CBS Evening News." "You know, he's tried to make it seem like we're buddies, and belong to the same book club and all. That's really a long, long stretch. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446108/brady-quinn-has-faith-he-lead-browns-even-from-bench.html Filed under: Browns, AFC NorthAll that stands between Brady Quinn and a starting job is Derek Anderson. And barring an injury at some point next season, nothing will change anytime soon. But that doesn't mean Quinn isn't ready to lead should he finally make it on the field. The Canton Repository's Steve Doerschuk describes Quinn as "patiently optimistic," and head coach Romeo Crennel seems unconcerned about his backup quarterback's current mental state: ... Crennel said the thing that most impressed him about Quinn as a rookie was his ability to lead - whether with backups in the preseason or as the "scout team" QB, often giving the No. 1 defense fits. To be fair, worse quarterbacks than Quinn gave the Browns' defense fits during the 2007 regular season, so I don't know if that means much. That aside, everybody in the organization is still happy with the choice to trade up in the 2007 draft to take Quinn. Once-promising seasons can be lost along with the starting quarterback, which makes having a competent backup pretty important. That Quinn has grudgingly embraced the position is good news, and depending on how the upcoming season unfolds, the Browns could either look to trade Quinn, or, if Anderson struggles, give Quinn a chance to win the job in 2009. Whatever happens, Cleveland doesn't have to worry about its quarterback situation for the first time since, what, Bernie Kosar was unceremoniously released by Bill Belichick? Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446107/owners-may-opt-out-labor-agreement-next-week.html NFL owners could opt out of their agreement with the players union next week, leaving open the possibility of a 2010 season without a salary cap. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446106/pats-belichick-admits-filming-mistake-slams-walsh.html New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick lashed out at the team's former video assistant Friday, saying in a televised interview with CBS that Matt Walsh was a low-level staffer who was fired for "poor job performance" NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446105/manning-mum-on-wr-harrisons-legal-troubles.html Read full story for latest details. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3446104/dylan-gandy-c-den.html Broncos make moves Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445873/nfl-owners-may-opt-out-labor-deal.html NEW YORK (AP) -- NFL owners could opt out of their agreement with the players union next week, leavi... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445872/belichick-to-cbs-there-was-no-deception.html BOSTON (AP) -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick lashed out at the team's former video assis... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445871/broncos-add-gandy.html Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson The Broncos made an interesting signing Friday in the form of guard Dylan Gandy. To make room for Gandy, Denver cut guard Isaac Snell. It'll be interesting to see if Gandy can make a push for playing time. He has some decent experience. The former fourth-round pick from Texas Tech had 14 career starts for the Colts. It takes a certain type of player to succeed in Denver's zone-blocking scheme. The Broncos don't have any opening in the starting lineup at guard but if Gandy has a good camp he has a chance to play a key reserve role. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445870/owners-could-opt-out-labor-deal-next-week.html Read full story for latest details. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445869/belichick-lashes-out-at-former-assistant-walsh.html Read full story for latest details. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445773/branden-albert-college-guard-could-be-chiefs-starting-left-tackle.html Filed under: ChiefsHeading into the 2008 season, the Chiefs' have a lengthy to-do list, which isn't all that surprising since they managed to cobble together just four wins last year. They got off to a good start by having the best draft in the history of awesome drafts (head coach Herm Edwards was hoping to land 10 starters, he'll probably have to settle for a considerably smaller number). The team's first first-round pick, defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, should make an immediate impact, and their second first-rounder, guard Branden Albert, will likely be the Chiefs Week 1 starter ... at left tackle. That's not completely shocking -- Albert shot up (mock) draft boards because of his versatility, and that's exactly what Kansas City is banking on. From the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher: Edwards wouldn't talk about his plans, but the Chiefs will probably line up with rookie Branden Albert at left tackle, Waters at left guard, Rudy Niswanger at center, Adrian Jones at right guard and Damion McIntosh at right tackle. Arrowhead Pride is skeptical. Not so much as it relates to Albert -- everybody agrees that he'll get a lot of playing time -- but that Adrian Jones, the one-man sack machine/penalty generator, could be a starter, or that Damien McIntosh is anything more than an adequate backup. Larry Johnson and Brodie Croyle can attest to the importance of having a competent offensive line, and capable unit can go a long way masking other weaknesses. Like, say, an inexperienced quarterback or a wide receiver corps that currently features one legit player. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445772/peyton-withholds-reaction-to-harrisons-legal-issue.html Wide receiver Marvin Harrison reported for the Indianapolis Colts' mandatory three-day minicamp Friday but did not practice with the team. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445771/harrison-mum-at-colts-camp-manning-expects-him-100.html Peyton Manning is withholding judgment on teammate Marvin Harrison and the star receiver's legal issues. Harrison has been interviewed ... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445770/askmencom-top-10-2008-impact-nfl-rookies.html Askmen.com asks Whatifsports to rank the top rookies in this year's draft class. The answers may surprise you. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445420/suspect-pleads-guilty-in-taylors-slaying.html MIAMI (AP) -- One of five suspects charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor ha... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445419/harrison-highlights-colts-uncertainty-ap.html Peyton Manning is withholding judgment on teammate Marvin Harrison and the star receiver's legal issues. Harrison has been interviewed by police about a shooting near his North Philadelphia car wash last month, but hasn't been arrested or charged. Manning didn't make much of it when it first was reported, and he hasn't spoken with Harrison about the incident. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445333/rex-grossman-excited-about-bears-wrs-does-want-to-talk-brian-urlacher.html Filed under: Bears, NFC NorthYou can't really fault Rex Grossman for not wanting to rock the boat. He was fortunate enough to get a one-year extension, and since he's not guaranteed the starting gig (for once, thankfully), he's wisely choosing to avoid topics that might make his employer sad. Like, say, Brian Urlacher's unhappiness with his current contract. The Chicago Tribune's Vaughn McClure caught up with Grossman at a charity bowling event and apparently it was a wasted trip: The quarterback was asked about a guy such as Brian Urlacher holding out of voluntary workouts and likely mini-camp. "That doesn't affect me at all," he said. "I'm going about my business. I'm doing everything I can to make sure I'm the best football player I can be. In the end, it will all work itself out [for them]. That has nothing to do with me. I'm at Halas Hall working hard." Wow. That's straight out of the Bill Belichick Guide to Providing Non-Answers to Dumb Media Questions. But like I said, I can't blame Grossman for avoiding the conversation altogether. He's got more important things to worry about -- like finding a way to not lose a quarterback competition to Canton-bound Kyle Orton. The decidedly bleak outlook at wide receiver helps no one, but credit to Grossman for putting on a happy face about the whole thing: "You can tell that everybody is hungry at the wide receiver position. Devin Hester, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, all these guys have become better, and you can see it already. I'm excited about training camp."And if Grossman keeps repeating it, maybe he'll actually believe it by August. (Crosses fingers) Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445332/javon-walker-jamarcus-russell-reminds-me-brett-favre-no-really.html Filed under: Raiders, NFL FansCredit to Javon Walker for not going with the lame generalizations the fans and media have grown so comfortable in making. When the Raiders used the first-overall pick of the 2007 draft to take quarterback JaMarcus Russell, he was immediately compared to Daunte Culpepper. Presumably because both are north of 250 pounds, and possess big arms, but also because, in case you missed it, they're black. Me, I liked the Russell-Jared Lorenzen parallel, but that never caught on for some reason. Walker has his own thoughts: As for playing with Russell, Walker compared it to his early years in Green Bay when the quarterback was Brett Favre. "He has a good arm. I've been fortunate enough in my career to play with a quarterback who had a strong arm, and that's something I developed into, catching a fast ball," Walker said. "He's one of those guys that has that ball. The more and more we work together, the better that we're going to be." And physically, they're virtually indistinguishable. I'm surprised no one picked up on that before now. Slight exaggeration, I'll grant you, especially since there were offseason "reports" that Russell looked more like Sam Adams than an NFL quarterback. Fortunately, Russell showed up this week looking a svelte 269. He admits to needing to drop a few more lbs., and once he starts pimping Wrangler jeans the transformation will be complete. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445331/now-all-makes-sense-chris-henry-says-pacman-jones-like-brother-to-him.html Filed under: Bengals, AFC NorthDidn't see this coming: Chris Henry told the Sirius NFL Radio folks that he talks to Pacman Jones all the time and that he thinks of his former West Virginia teammate as a brother. I'll take a shot in the dark and say that Mr. Pacman had something to do with Henry trying to clear his good name on Michael Irvin's radio show. Thankfully, the Playmaker wasn't interested in playing Montel Williams. During the Sirius interview, Henry touched on a number of issues, all, unsurprisingly, having to do with a tough job market that now finds the Bengals former third-round pick looking for work. Co-host Adam Schein asks a question 31 other general managers have no doubt considered in recent months: Schein: If I'm a general manager why do I believe, if I sign Chris Henry, that Chris Henry will stay out of trouble? Henry: Because, I mean, I would have to sit down and talk to him and explain what type of a guy I am and just let them know what I bring to the table as far as playing ball and hopefully he can believe in me and give me a chance. Well, I'm convinced. Henry finally gets it. Obviously. Of course, if I'm a GM, I'd have just one follow-up question: how can you sign a multi-million dollar contract and only pay $800 on your mortgage? Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445209/scratch-mormino-from-dolphins-line-dance.html Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando Go ahead and erase Drew Mormino from the Dolphins' starting lineup, if you had him there. Miami released him as waived/injured today, the team announced. The Dolphins had not committed to Mormino as a starter, but he was almost there by default heading into the draft. Miami drafted three offensive linemen this year, including guards Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas. The team now has 12 offensive linemen on its roster. The league average is slightly more than 14. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3445206/nfl-owners-may-opt-out-union-contract-but-no-labor-problems-coming-soon.html Filed under: NFL Rumors, NFL Free AgencyChris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that NFL owners are likely to opt out of their collective bargaining agreement with the players' union at the owners' meeting in Atlanta on Tuesday. Mortensen quotes an unnamed management source saying there is a "high likelihood" that the opt out, which has been discussed for almost as long as the CBA has been in place, will happen. He also quotes an unnamed union source saying, "We expect it to happen."To keep the current CBA in place, three-fourths of the owners have to agree to it, so it only takes nine owners to opt out, and there are strong indications that at least nine owners are unhappy with the union contract. But If the owners do opt out, fans won't notice any major changes right away. The league would still operate under the current CBA through the 2008 and 2009 seasons.Things would change in 2010, when the salary cap would disappear and free agency would become much more restrictive. But that's so far off that there's plenty of time for Gene Upshaw and the players to work out a deal with Roger Goodell and the owners long before there's any type of labor unrest in the NFL. So I don't think a whole lot is going to come of this. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444837/titans-give-tackle-roose-43m-deal.html NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Michael Roos handles his business quietly. Even after signing a new six-yea... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444836/time-to-consider-pats-as-football-team-finally.html Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando With apologies to Sen. Arlen Specter, and at the risk of violating unofficial 2008 offseason protocol, let's take a look at the New England Patriots as a football team. Let's take a really close look at them, starting where any analysis should start: with a detailed look at the roster. I've made some upgrades to the 25-column Excel version we made available during the season. The new file compares how many players the Patriots have at each position against league averages. And a new column (M) shows how players were acquired in 2008: "U08" for unrestricted free agents from other teams"UR08" for unrestricted free agents who re-signed with New England"UL08" for players who left the organization as unrestricted free agents"RSL" for draft choices on the reserve/selection list (on roster but unsigned)"Rookie FA" for rookie free agents"RFA08" for players retained as restricted free agents The team has 81 players, counting seven unsigned 2008 draft choices and receiver Robert Ortiz (jersey number not yet available). About half of those players -- 40 of them by my count -- come from college programs currently aligned with three major conferences: the Big 12 (15), SEC (15) and ACC (10). If you find an outdated conference affiliation on the roster, please let me know. I manually updated the affiliation list based on information available on ESPN.com, but those do change periodically. By my count, only Tampa Bay has more players from programs currently aligned with those three conferences (45). For New England, five of the 35 are rookie free agents. Unofficially, no team in the league has more players from the Big 12 than the Patriots (I have San Francisco with 15 as well, compared to a league-low two for Miami and the Giants). NFL teams currently average slightly more than eight players from the Big 12, counting unsigned draft choices. Consciously or not, the Patriots appear to favor these players. Starters Ellis Hobbs, Ty Warren and Wes Welker come to mind. Speaking of starters, let's pencil in rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo as one of the Patriots' starting inside linebackers. He hasn't beaten out Victor Hobson yet, but the 10th player chosen in the draft should make an impact quickly. Safety Brandon Meriweather figures to crack the lineup at some point, too. I haven't penciled him in as a starter, but he should be the first defensive back off the bench, and likely a future starter. For practical purposes, let's consider Jabar Gaffney a starter as the third receiver, with fullback Heath Evans coming off the bench. If we make those moves, the Patriots' starters average 28.7 years old, down from 29.0. That is still older than most teams' starters, but some of the team's aging vets remain important contributors (Rodney Harrison, Mike Vrabel). We could go on, but the system might not be able to handle much more football-related Patriots info after such a long layoff. For those needing additional Spygate fodder, check out Patriots coach Bill Belichick on CBS tonight. If you already have other plans, do not worry. Congress will not object to anyone taping it. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444835/oh-so-now-you-get-gay-marriage-california.html How long’d I play there? Four years? And you couldn’t have let through just a few measly gay nuptials? Same old story. Shit, I played in the CFL until 1998, then Canada went ahead and legalized gay marriages in 2005. I mean, it’s not that I’m gay or anything. Heavens no. We’ve been through this. [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Oh, So Now You Get Gay Marriage, California!", url: "http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2008/05/oh-so-now-you-get-gay-marriage-california.html" }); NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444721/owners-may-optout-current-labor-agreement-next-week.html In an on-going story gaining more steam, FoxSports.com is reporting that after a few conference calls earlier in the week, NFL owners have seriously discussed voiding the current labor agreement.  Right now the current agreement gives players 59 percent of the defined gross revenues, which the story says is way too lopsided in favor for the NFLPA.  Rumors have it that the opt-out could come as early as Tuesday’s spring meeting. So what will take place from here?  One management source called it a “high likelihood” that the owners will exercise their option to terminate the agreement, which will trigger a number of alternatives, including a potential work stoppage by 2011. Another source said “be prepared” for the action, although it was “not a 100 percent proposition yet.”  Bad news, and the biggest test for league Commish Roger Goodell and company to overcome to avoid a work stoppage in the most highest grossing sport in the world. The NFL has not had a work stoppage since 1987, when an ill-fated union strike resulted in three regular-season games being played by “replacement players” before the union broke ranks. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444720/chiefs-vikings-scrimmage-done-deal.html Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson   The Chiefs just announced their training camp slate and, indeed, the Vikings will be visiting their Rivers Falls, Wisconsin camp. The Vikings visit July 31. The Chiefs start training camp July 25 in preparation of their first preseason game, Aug. 7 at Chicago. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444719/titans-left-tackle-roos-new-43-million-man.html NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Michael Roos handles his business quietly. Even after signing a new six-year, $43 million deal, the left tackle didn't start bragging to his fellow Tennessee linemen. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444502/herald-reporter-expresses-regret-over-story.html BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Herald sports writer who reported the New England Patriots taped a pre-Sup... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444501/florio-patriots-lawsuit-against-boston-herald-would-be-huge-mess.html It appears unlikely the New Engl... NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444500/offseason-overview-jets-hoping-busy-pays-off-in-08.html FRANCHISE PLAYER: None. TRANSITION PLAYER: None. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS " QB Marques Tuiasosopo is a reasonably-priced insurance policy. He could be back. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None. PLAYERS ACQUIRED " RB Jesse Chatman: UFA Dolphins; 1 yr, terms unknown. " G Alan Faneca: UFA Steelers; $40M/5 yrs, $21M guaranteed. " TE Bubba Franks: FA Packers; $1.65M/1 yr, SB unknown. " S Artrell Hawkins: FA; terms unknown. " DT Kris Jenkins (trade Panthers). " OLB Calvin Pace: UFA Cardinals; $42M/6 yrs, $22M guaranteed. " FB Tony Richardson: UFA Vikings; $875,000/1 yr, SB unknown. " T/G Damien Woody: UFA Lions; $25.5M/5 yrs, $8.75M guaranteed. " CB Andre Woolfolk: FA; 1 yr, terms unknown. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED " LB Brad Kassell: Potential UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown. " CB Hank Poteat: UFA; terms unknown. " FB Stacy Tutt: ERFA; terms unknown. PLAYERS LOST " OG Adrien Clarke (released). " OT Anthony Clement (released). " FS Erik Coleman: UFA Falcons; $10M/4 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed. " CB Andre Dyson (released). " LB Victor Hobson: UFA Patriots; $645,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB. " WR Justin McCareins (released). " NT Dewayne Robertson (traded Broncos). " TE Sean Ryan: UFA Dolphins; 1 yr, terms unknown. " C Wade Smith: UFA Chiefs; 2 yrs, terms unknown. If there was a team making headlines in free agency this offseason, it would have to be the New York Jets. The green gang was determined to put their 2007 4-12 mark behind them, and did so by being super active with picking up no less than 8 free agents, and they also made a deal with the Panthers for DT Kris Jenkins. Most of the players they lost were marginal players that are not impact players that will have a big effect on the 2008. The team spent a ton in free agency, and feel that the moves they made will make them an immediate contender again in the AFC. The glaring need though is to finally decide on the QB spot, as Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens are set to fight it out during camp. Neither QB set the world on fire in 2007, so both have something to prove this year. They also need more out of running back Thomas Jones, and the O-line should get a boost with All-Pro Guard Alan Faneca coming aboard. On defense, they acquired Jenkins, drafted Vernon Gholston in the first round, and nabbed OLB Calvin Pace, coming off a career year, from the Cards. Can the Jets pick it up again in 2008? They have sold out in making sure they answer “yes” to that question. Offseason Grade to Date: A- NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444189/winslow-vs-witten.html Okay, we've got the results from the last two player matchups. In a surprise (to me), Heath Miller edged out Jeremy Shockey, with Vernon Davis finishing a relatively close third. Wes Welker also trashed Roy Williams in their head-to-head matchup. Today's battle will go back to tight ends one more time. I'm going to take Antonio Gates out of the discussion because of his foot surgery. If he's ready to play Week 1, he's number one in my rankings. We'll see how that plays out. But even if Gates is ready to go Week 1, I'd put Kellen Winslow and Witten in the first tier with him. They are both coming off career seasons and are helping to change the way we look at the value of tight ends. In standard leagues, both players would have finished as top-20 wideouts last year. In PPR leagues, Witten moves up to the top-12. That makes them reasonable fourth-round picks overall, but which one goes first? Winslow seems to be a bionic soldier, improving with every surgery. Witten has never topped seven scores, but he's topped 750 yards per season since 2004. What say you, Pancake Blockers? And yes, I'm catching up on emails, sleep, and marathon training. We'll be back with more regular posting next week. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444188/chiefs-vikings-may-meet-this-summer.html Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson The Chiefs and Vikings are still trying to finalize a date for the two teams to scrimmage during training camp. If the two teams meet, it'll likely be for one day at the Chiefs' training camp in River Falls, Wisconsin. The Vikings train in Mankato, Minnesota and two training sites are about two hours apart. Kansas City and Minnesota have scrimmaged several times in past summers. Fans should consider attending this summer if the date is finalized. Unlike other two-team practices, the Vikings and Chiefs often engage in spirited battles. The most memorable moment in this summer series came in 2004 when the Vikings had former pro wrestler Brock Lesnar in camp. Lesnar started several fights and actually emerged from one scrum with a Chiefs' helmet raised high over his head. The second practice of the day almost erupted in a riot after several fights broke out and officials from both teams ended the scrimmage early. The two teams have since met with incident and Lesnar is long gone. Don't expect any fights this year but it's a chance to see decent football close up. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/3444187/skinny-on-russell.html Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson The JaMarcus Russell weight watch is officially over. The second-year quarterback isn't in the pre-surgery Star Jones weight class. He weighs 269 rumors. Rumors were floating around the Bay Area the Russell was heavier than most of his offensive lineman. But Russell showed up at an Oakland OTA session Thursday in solid shape. With his weight in check now all Russell, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007, has to do is show he can actually play. NFL News From Everywhere