Trent Richardson to miss drills at combine after having knee scoped

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2012, 7:45 PM EST

Reuters

Every year, an injury surprise pops up in connection with the Scouting Combine.  This year, the first surprise comes from Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

According to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, Richardson suffered a knee injury in practice preceding the BCS national championship game last month.  As a result, he had “minor” arthroscopic surgery on the knee, and Richardson will not participate in on-field drills in Indy.

Richardson, who rushed for 96 yards against LSU despite the injury, nevertheless plans to participate fully in the Alabama Pro Day workout on March 7.

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Nike plans to have fun with uniform changes

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2012, 6:02 PM EST

Getty Images

In 2010, a Nike executive created a stir by suggesting that, once the company inherits the NFL apparel deal from Reebok, dramatic changes will be made to team uniforms.  Some were fascinated by this; others feared that the pro teams would begin to operate like the Oregon Ducks and their “snowflake” approach to helmet, jersey, and pants selection.

With the date for the handoff approaching, we recently dusted off those quotes in order to caution folks against buying any of the current Reebok jerseys until the new Nike designs arrive.  The league responded by saying that dramatic changes to logos and colors won’t occur.

Only team with 1st pick in the draft may sign a player prior to the draft

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2012, 10:52 PM EST

Getty Images

Earlier today, we pointed out that, once Friday’s coin flips lock in the 2012 draft order, the Colts may sign Andrew Luck, or any other player whom they’d like to make the first overall pick in the draft.  Unlike past years, the presence of a true rookie wage scale with little room to maneuver and few topics about which to negotiate, it’s far more likely that a contract will be signed before the draft begins.

Packers secure Finley for two years

Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2012, 8:17 PM EST

AP

With a potential franchise-tag fight over whether he’s a tight end or a receiver looming, Jermichael Finley and the Packers have come to terms on a new contract.

According to a league source, a two-year deal was finalized on Wednesday.  The contract has a total value of just under $15 million.

The average value of the deal — $7.5 million — roughly splits the difference between the tight end franchise tender of $5.4 million and the receiver franchise tender of $9.4 million.  And it gives Finley another crack at the open market in 2014, when the new TV money will have kicked in and driven up the salary cap.