Lions in talks with Megatron

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 13, 2012, 10:36 AM EST

Reuters

The Lions have a number of key free agents, including defensive end Cliff Avril.

But they are already thinking about signing a player that is under contract for 2012. Lions President Tom Lewand said on 107.3 WBBL last week that he’s been speaking to Calvin Johnson’s representatives.

“Calvin’s under contract for this year. He’s obviously someone we want to keep for a long, long time. . . . The good news is there he’s really expressed an interest in staying.  He’s got a great relationship with Matthew [Stafford],” Lewand said. “There’s a desire among all parties to keep that together. It’s been my experience when that desire exists you can usually get deals done.”

Randy Moss is coming out of retirement

Posted by Mike Florio on February 13, 2012, 10:06 AM EST

Getty Images

Receiver Randy Moss retired from football in 2011.  Few believed it would stick.

And it’s apparently not going to stick.

The man who once said he plays when he wants to play has announced via a Ustream.tv live video that he wants to play.

Monday morning one-liners

Posted by Josh Alper on February 13, 2012, 8:46 AM EST

AP

The Bills need pass rushing complements forShawne Merriman as they move to a 4-3 look this season.

A horse owned by former Dolphins QB Bob Griese won a World Cup equestrian event.

How does the Patriots run measure up historically?

Jane McManus of ESPNNewYork.comimagines a reality show featuring Jets QB Mark Sanchez and WR Santonio Holmes.

The wife of Tommie Harris has passed away

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 13, 2012, 7:15 AM EST

Getty Images

Ashley Harris, the wife of Chargers defensive linemanTommie Harris, has died at the age of 29.

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Ashley died Sunday evening, two days after she was hospitalized in Oklahoma with a stroke or brain aneurism.

Ashley gave birth to their second child four months ago.

Harris spent the 2011 season with the Chargers after playing from 2004 to 2010 with the Bears.

Our condolences to Tommie Harris and his family.

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DeSean Jackson to be franchised by the Eagles

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 12, 2012, 9:36 PM EST

Getty Images

DeSean Jackson isn’t going anywhere, at least not until the Eagles can get something for him in return.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the team will place the franchise tag on Jackson. They may still look to see what Jackson could attract in a trade.

The news doesn’t come as a surprise. It would only be a surprise if the team and Jackson work out a long-term deal at any point this year. It is far more likely Jackson plays under his one-year contract in Philadelphia or gets dealt to another team.

Could Reggie Wayne wind up in New England?

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 12, 2012, 5:21 PM EST

Getty Images

After 11 seasons with the Colts, Reggie Wayne is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month. And he says that if the Colts want to keep him, he hasn’t heard anything about it.

“All I know is the Colts,” Wayne told Josina Anderson of ESPN. “That is where I want to be. I have been there 11 years and I would prefer to end my career a Colt. However, in due time those feelings could subside. I know one thing, my phone works. I do have service and every last bar on it and their number has not come across it yet. I haven’t heard anything from them yet, so maybe I am not as important on the chain of command as I should be.”

Power Struggle in Pittsburgh

Posted by Mike Florio on February 12, 2012, 10:25 AM EST

AP

Steelers fans don’t like it when media members not headquartered in Pittsburgh point out the inherent awkwardness surrounding the clumsy, short-lived “retirement” of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and the somewhat surprising hiring of new offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

It’ll be interesting to see how they respond to Joe Starkey’s take from Sunday’s Pittsburgh Tribune-Review regarding the apparent power strugglebetween the front office and the team’s franchise quarterback.

Tommie Harris' wife is on life support

Posted by Michael David Smith on February 12, 2012, 4:58 PM EST

Getty Images

The wife of Chargers defensive linemanTommie Harris has been hospitalized and is on life support.

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Harris’s 29-year-old wife, Ashley, suffered a stroke or brain aneurism. She is in a hospital in Oklahoma.

A friend of the family is quoted as saying, “We are holding on for a miracle.”

Tommie Harris played for the Bears from 2004 to 2010. He spent training camp with the Colts in 2011 but was released and spent the regular season with the Chargers.

Ashley Harris gave birth to the couple’s second child four months ago.

Our prayers go out to Ashley Harris for a full recovery.

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