Fitzgerald Begging Arizona To Sign Braylon Edwards

"Adam Schein of Fox Sports and Sirius NFL Radio reports that Larry Fitzgerald and Kerry Rhodes have gone to management of the Cardinals to lobby for the team to sign Edwards (ESPN)."

In a lot of ways it makes sense. The Cardinals have brought in Kolb and they might as well give him as many options as possible. That being said, I like Early Doucet and would like to see what he can do as a #2 WR. Edwards is good and they should grab him if the money is right, but I have a feeling he is going to want to get paid like he is a #1 WR and he just drops too many balls for him to get that kind of money.

Then again, the Cardinals are trying to lock Fitzgerald up long term and might want to do anything just to make him happy.

McNabb To Titans?

We have been hearing for awhile now that Kolb is going to be traded to the Cardinals. The Cardinals I had as one of the top teams likely to get McNabb. I still think the best spot for McNabb is the Vikings, but the Titans make a lot of sense. They are a boarder playoff caliber team, they have a great running back, and could use a vet to give some time to develop Jake Locker. With Kerry Collins retiring the door seems to be open for McNabb to pick put that roll of being a bridge, and I think in the right offense he could be very good again (another option could be Hasselbeck).

There is a couple reasons why I think the Vikings should go harder after McNabb. For one Ponder sucks. That was a terrible pick and I can't wait to see how stupid they look in a year or two. Even if he is something I can't see him being ready to go this year, and that could be a serious problem as this team is ready to win now. McNabb could be a nice fit, and they have a lot of very good WRs that McNabb could spread the field with. That coupled with a great running game and you would think the Vikings could at least challenge in the NFC North again.

Eagles Fans Cross Your Fingers

There are wild rumors circling today that the Eagles may have a deal in place trading Kolb to the Cardinals once the lockout is over. This has obviously been going on for awhile now, but there have been a fire of rumors since these tweets were made...

Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday that "the name I'm hearing will surprise you." On Friday, Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett added fuel to that fire with a tweet of his own:

"They say we 'Cardinals' gonna get kevin KOLB & we are trading a secret player for him! Hmmm I wonder who? I think I know, but I 100% don't (ESPN)?"

Who could this player be. Well most rumors seem to suggest there are three options that make sense Patrick Peterson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Daryl Washington. Any of these guys would be a steal. I think Peterson was the best player to come out of the draft this year, Rodgers-Cromartie would give them another solid corner across from Asante Samuel. Even Daryl Washington would give them an LB, which the Eagles have needed for sometime now.

So, Eagles fans out there....pray this is true.

Cardinals About To Sign QB?

"In a press conference Thursday night, Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves was asked specifically about the rumor that the team had an "understanding" with impending free agent Marc Bulger. Graves passed the mic to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who grinned before saying, "I don't know anything about that," according to Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic (ESPN)."

They aren't allowed to have a deal yet, but it certainly seems like Bulger is going to be the QB of the Cardinals. Bulger was good for a couple of years in St. Louis, then got banged around a lot and fell apart. Maybe if the Cardinals can protect him, he can turn it all around. I mean Bulger has some great WRs to work with, so it could happen. If I was them I would feel a lot better going after someone like McNabb or Kolb, because Bulger is already 34, and it's been awhile since he has been "good". Still, it's an upgrade over anything they have, so I guess it makes sense.

Rumor: Patriots Trading Up To 6th Pick?

"According to a report from Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, the Patriots have had trade discussions with the Browns about the No. 6 overall pick in Thursday's NFL draft. Citing a league source, Bedard reports that the Patriots -- owners of the No. 17 and No. 28 picks in the first round and the first pick of the second round, No. 33 overall -- may want to move up (WEEI)."

Would love to see this, as it is rumored that they would be going after Robert Quinn, who is the exact kind of player the Patriots need on their defense. He is one of those hybrid OLB/DE, which we know Belichick loves, because it gives him a lot of options with his game planning. Haven't really heard much about him? Well because he didn't play last year, he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for lying to investigators about receiving travel accommodations and jewelry... Cool whatever, thsi guy was a beast in 2009 with 11 sacks (at age 19!).

When scouts try to compare him to someone in the NFL they compare him to Julius Peppers, that good enough for me. Still, I put the probablity of this happening kind of low, just because it is very rare to see the Patriots trade up that high in the draft (if at all). So unless, Belichick really has his eye on this guy it sounds like just another rumor. But I can dream....can't I?

Jets Interested In Randy Moss

Finally we get to write a football post that isn't about the lockout of an arrest. There are rumors flying around the internet that the Jets are seriously interested in signing Randy Moss. The Jets have Holmes and Edwards are free agents this year, and although their top priority is to resign Holmes there is a good chance that they let Edwards walk. This could open the door for Randy Moss to stroll in. If there is any team in the NFL that would bring him in it would be the Jets. They have no problem taking on "personalities", and it actually worked out for them pretty well last year. Still, there is no chance this works. Moss is all done, and has once again given up. I actually don't even believe anyone will sign him, and I think we have seen the last of Randy Moss in ANY NFL uniform.

Patriots To Cut Meriweather?

As we discussed last week Meriweather could be in trouble, as there are rumors he shot two people (you can read the story HERE). Like I said that the previous post their are a ton of flaws in the story, but that might not matter. The Patriots cutting Meriweather could have just as much to do about his on the field problem, as his off the field problems.

"First off, let's remember that the incident involving New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather has yet to be fully investigated, and that his actions on that night are being disputed. But, in a strongly worded column for CSN New England, Tom Curran argues that time is running out when it comes to Meriweather's tenure with the Pats. Curran notes that Meriweather is entering the final season of his current contract, and that he played a lesser role as the season progressed.

In the end, a legal result that exonerates Meriweather may just delay the inevitable, in Curran's view: "If he shot the gun, he's probably done in New England before the 2011 season starts. If he didn't, he'll be done after the 2011 seasons ends (ESPN)."

I agree with this 100%. Meriweather isn't that great, and it is a joke that he made the Pro Bowl. In the coming seasons I see Patrick Chung taking his spot. Meriweather just isn't that great in prospect, and is prone to HUGE mistakes. You add that to the fact that he is a shithead, and it ends up the Patriots getting rid of him either before this year starts or at the latest the end of this coming year. I have never been that big of a fan of him, so I am fine with it either way.

Titans Looking At Matt Flynn?

There are rumors going around today that the Titans would like to make a move to get Packers' backup QB Matt Flynn. A lot of these rumors are started for two reasons. First, Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt has a long-standing relationship with Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson according to ESPN. The second is because Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements is a "strong candidate" for the vacant offensive coordinator position with the Titans.

I guess in a lot of ways it makes sense. My dad (SMack) said that right after the Packers barely lost to the Patriots near the end of the regular season that Flynn would get a starting job somewhere by the start of next year. I didn't doubt it all that much, because of how poor a lot of QB situations are (Vikings, Cardinals, Dolphins, Titans, Bengals, ect). So, I do think it is more then likely that Flynn will be moved somewhere this offseason, but then again after all the concussion problems Rodgers had this year the Packers might be better off keeping this kid around.

Who Will Sign Plaxico Burress?

"I am not afraid to make the following prediction: Plaxico Burress will be playing in 2011, and he will play very well," Rosenhaus (Plaxico's agent) declared to Josina Anderson, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "And it will be a very happy ending to a very tough, tough story for him."

ESPN lists the rumored interested teams as follows (Ravens, Redskins, Jets, Giants, Bengals, Patriots). To me the teams that make the most sense out of that list as the Jets and Patriots. The Jets don't really care about off the field issues, and they are losing a bunch of WRs to free agency this year. Plus, Plaxico would get to stay in New York, which could be appealing.

The Patriots also make a lot of sense to me, and I like this rumors a lot more then Ochocinco (or whatever he calls himself today). The Patriots could use a WR that same some size to him and Plaxico is certainly that. Plus, it's not like what he did is that big of a deal. He's just an idiot that shot himself. I know he has had some other issues, but I have a feeling he has learned his lesson. Just a feeling, but don't be surprised if he is a Patriot or a Jet next season.

Marvin Lewis Slams Ochocinco

We have already heard that Carson Palmer wants out of Cincinnati, but now there seems to be more unrest as Marvin Lewis slammed Ochocinco to the Boston Herald. A writer for the Herald asked Lewis if he thought the Patriots would make a run at Ochocinco now that he is a free agent. His response was...

"Belichick's smarter than that," said Lewis, who coached Ochocinco in Cincinnati for the last eight seasons.

This all started because Ochocinco tweeted that joining the Patriots would be "epic", and Belichick had been quoted as saying...

“I like Chad — I like him as a player. I like him as a person,” Belichick said. “I like his enthusiasm and the fun he has with football, and I like how he competes on the football field. I have a lot of respect for that. [We’re] an odd couple, but in the end I think we have a lot of things in common.”

Well it seems that Marvin Lewis has had enough of Ochocinco, and who can blame him. I know he is a good player and trains hard, but he also can't keep his mouth shut. I just don't ever see him fitting on the Patriots. Welker got in trouble for opening his mouth ONCE, Ochocinco would be in the dog house from day 1. People keep referencing Moss and Dillon, and say it would be the same thing, but it's not. Those guys were bad dudes, who had attitude problems, but neither was big on talking to the media (and when Moss finally did he was traded). It is just a different kind of evil, and there is just no way Ochocinco will be a Patriot next year.

Looks like he won't be a Bengal either.

Marvin Lewis To Stay In Cincy (2 UPDATES)

"ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that the two sides now both expect Lewis to stay in Cincy, a fairly shocking turn of events. Furthermore, the team and the coach are expected to iron out any differences over the next 24 hours (ESPN)."

You have got to be kidding me! This team was terrible, and they are going to have to completely rebuild now. That should mean new QB, new WRs, and new head coach. If this report is true and Lewis is going to stay then maybe the Bengals are thinking of keeping a lot of these guys, because otherwise this makes no sense because if you are going to rebuild a team you should probably get a new head coach, so that you don't start your rebuilding process then fire Lewis in a year and have to start all over again.

God damn the Bengals are awful.

***UPDATE***

Reports are coming out that the meetings didn't go well and now Marvin Lewis returning to Cincy is said to be "unlikely". We'll keep you updated.

***UPDATE 2***

"Marvin Lewis agreed to an unspecified contract extension on Tuesday that will make him the longest-tenured coach in Bengals history. Owner Mike Brown agreed to changes in the coaching staff and the roster as part of a deal that left both sides comfortable (CBS Sports)."

Ochocinco To The Patriots?

ESPN Insider had an interesting article today that put the idea out there that the Patriots will sign Ochocinco this offseason. These are somewhat set off by the Patriots being known to "remake" a players image, and the comments from Bill Belichick...

"I like Chad," Belichick said in September. "I like him as a player. I like him as a person. I like his enthusiasm and the fun he has with football, and I like how he competes on the football field. I have a lot of respect for that. An odd couple, but in the end I think we have a lot of things in common." Enough to add him to the Pats' roster? We could find out this offseason (ESPN).

Could it happen? You never know with the Patriots, but I say no. The Patriots do not like people talking out in the media and that is all Ochocinco does. I don't see him stopping it even if it's for the "good of the team". I like Ochocinco, but lately his mouth does a lot more then his hands do, and he kind of goes against everything the Patriots seem to want to stand for.

Say what you want about Moss, but for the most part he kept his mouth shut, and when he didn't he was shipped out. Since I don't think Ochocinco can go a day without being in the public eye, I just don't see this partnership happening.

Parcells Saves Tony Sparano's Job

"According to Michael Lombardi of NFL Network, he’ll remain in Miami because of the Big Tuna. Lombardi says Parcells, who stepped down from his post as the Dolphins’ football czar prior to the season, has convinced Ross to stick with Sparano (CBS Sports)."

There was a lot of talk that Sparano was going to be let go, but it seems (at least for now) he has been saved by his buddy Bill Parcells. Yet, we also found out today that the Dolphins are going to be looking for a Offensive Coordinator that has head coach experience. That leaves us with two obvious choices; Josh McDaniels, and Gary Kubiak if he is let go.

So, it seems Sparano will start the year as the head coach of the Dolphins, but he will be looking over his shoulder if one of these guys are brought in. Whoever is the coach will have a lot of work to do. Henne proved he is not the answer at QB, so they are either going to need to bring someone in, or start from scratch once again by drafting one. Most likely they are going to lose Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, so they will also have to deal with that.

Haynesworth To Be Cut?

Here we go again....

There are rumors that the Redskins are finally going to cut ties with Albert Hanyesnworth after he was benched last Sunday after missing practice. At this point I think they should. They aren't going to make the playoffs, and this can't be helping any of the locker room problems. One would think that if a playoff team had a system that fit Haynesworth that he would be one hell of a pickup, but then again he could be a player that cashed in and just doesn't give a fuck anymore.

The Redskins are going to need to start from scratch next year. I think McNabb will be cut, and I assume Portis and Haynesworth will be gone too.

Reggie Bush Finally Back?

It has been a long time since we have seen Reggie Bush on the field for the Saints, but it seems he will be back this week...

"As recently as Nov. 10, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush was still hedging on his status for Week 11, although this was the target date. Wednesday morning, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that some of that uncertainty is gone, and Bush plans on playing Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks (ESPN)."

I think we have seen this year that the Saints need Reggie Bush on the field. I will admit I kind of thought he was just a nice luxury for the Saints to have, but after watching their games this year it is obvious he is a big part of their game plan even when he isn't putting up stats, much like "Randy Moss" supposedly does.

One Win Doesn't Cure Everything

A lot of people thought the Vikings comeback last week might have saved Brad Childress' job, but today ESPN (via the Chicago Sun-Times) is reporting that the mood in the locker room is not any better, and that it is not IF, but WHEN Childress will be fired...

Vikings player: "We know that Childress doesn't have our backs, so why should we have his? We're playing for us, and we're winning despite him."

Vikings team source: "He has absolutely no people skills."

Vikings player: "As much as I hate Childress, I will keep playing (ESPN)."

We already know that Childress almost got canned when he cut Randy Moss without telling the front office, and if these quotes are true then it is really just a matter of time. My guess is if they lose one more game he will be gone, and unless they go on some crazy run he will be gone after this season. ESPN says that if Childress does get the boot defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier would be promoted to interim coach.

Who Will Be The Cowboys Coach Next Season?

So Wade Phillips has finally been fired, and for now Jason Garrett takes over though very few people he will actually keep that job going into next season. The only way I see him keeping the gig is if the Cowboys go undefeated the rest of the way (or close to it).

So who will be the Cowboys coach next season. There have been some big names floated around, which should come as no surprise with the way Jerry Jones throws around money. According to ESPN the favorite right now is John Fox, why? I have no idea, but I really don't think he would be a great fit. The Cowboys need someone that brings in a lot of respect, and will have no problem getting in players faces. That leads me to 2 guys... Bill Cowher, and Jon Gruden.

Cowher has to be the #1 coach on every teams list looking for a new coach. If he is ready to comeback there is really no one else you would want leading your team. He is a great defensive mind, has the respect of players and coaches around the league, and could rejuvenate the Cowboys fanbase. The question is whether or not Cowher would want to deal with Jerry Jones. He doesn't seem like a guy who would enjoy having someone looking over his shoulder all the time. Still, you have to think this would be Jones' guy.

Jon Gruden is the man. He has a ring, he is a great offensive mind. With all the weapons the Cowboys have on that side of the ball maybe Gruden could be the guy to put them to good use. He does seem very happy calling games on TV, but you know Jones has the money to throw around that could lead him out of the booth.

The only other guy I would go after is Jim Harbaugh.

Wade Phillips Fired? (UPDATED)

It's not if, just when, and so far he is not at the Cowboys facility....

As of 9 a.m. CT on Monday, Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips was not seen at Valley Ranch.

His leased SUV which is parked outside the scouting department's office was not there, but that doesn't mean the coach was fired. Phillips is taking heat following a 45-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night which has put his team's losing streak at five games (ESPN).

ESPN goes on to say that Jones usually meets with Phillips on Monday morning to go over film, but as of yet it doesn't seem like it has happened. After last night it seems to be they have to fire him now. Yes, the season is already lost and it really doesn't matter, but this team has quit on him, and Jones needs to do anything to shake up this team. The Cowboys are supposed to be a prideful, and i just don't see Jones sitting back and letting them just tank the season. We will keep you posted, but I would be surprised if Phillips is still the coach by next weekend.


***UPDATE***

Phillips has been seen, so maybe he will make it through today, even though I think he should be gone after that sorry display last night.

Moss Meets With Jets (UPDATED)

"Wide receiver Randy Moss was in New Jersey meeting with members of the Jets on Tuesday morning, according to New York's WFAN Radio. Host Craig Carton, citing unidentified sources, said Wednesday morning that Moss was meeting, “at the same spot Mark Sanchez likes to frequent near his home.” Moss was placed on waivers by the Vikings on Tuesday, and teams have 24 hours to claim the wide receiver, with the team that has the worst record getting first crack at landing him. The Patriots, who at 6-1 have the best record in the NFL, will have the last chance to claim him (WEEI)."

I would hate if they happened, because I just can't stand the Jets, but most likely this would be just to block the Patriots (not that they want him back anyways). My thinking is that he'll get picked up before the Jets get a chance to put in their waiver claim, so I'm not all that worried about it.


***UPDATE***

Guess we don't need to worry about that anymore...

"According to a New York Daily News report, the Jets will not put in a claim for Randy Moss by Wednesday's 4 p.m. deadline. Gary Myers writes that a league source indicated the team will not attempt to claim Moss nor Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman.

Earlier Wednesday, the team denied a radio report of a meeting between Moss and the Jets in New Jersey. "There has been no contact with Moss or his agent," a team spokesman said. "Zero (WEEI)."

Mike Holmgren To Coach Browns Next Year?

There has been speculation that Holmgren has his eyes on coaching again ever since he went to the Browns, and his latest quote has done nothing to kill those rumors...

Mike Holmgren said he fully intends to fulfill his promise to turn the team around, but "if I keep wearing a suit or not, we'll see (ESPN)."

Ummm, goodbye Eric Mangini. To be honest though, I don't think it is a good idea. I don't like when coaches are running everything, even though Belichick seems to do it well. I'm not saying that they should keep Mangini, but I do think they should hire someone else other then Holmgren to be the coach.