DirecTV cuts price of NFL Sunday Ticket by more than 40%

Posted by Mike Florio on April 20, 2012, 1:40 PM EDT

At a time everything relating to the NFL seems to be getting more and more expensive, one fairly significant aspect of the fan experience is getting cheaper.

According to Bloomberg.com, via SportsBusiness Daily, DirecTV will cut the price of its Sunday Ticket feature by more than 40 percent, to $199.95.

Also, the service once again will be provided free for one season to new subscribers.

Since 1994, Sunday Ticket has held exclusive rights to out-of-market games, making it an indispensable tool for anyone who follows a team that doesn’t have a local connection.

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Goodell says meeting with Minnesota leaders "productive"

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 20, 2012, 12:25 PM EDT

AP

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed optimism on Friday after meeting with Minnesota leaders, saying he believes the state legislature will soon pass a bill to finance the construction of a new stadium for the Vikings.

“We think it was a very productive session today,” Goodell said. “We appreciate the governor and the legislative leaders and the business leaders for being here today. I think our presence here is a signal of how important it is to the National Football League that the Minnesota Vikings continue to be here in this community and continue to be successful. We believe after many, many years that the time has come to pass the legislation to move forward. We expect and we hope after today’s meeting that there’s a general commitment to do that in this session and that will ensure the fact that the Vikings will be here for a very long time.”

Friday morning one-liners

Posted by Josh Alper on April 20, 2012, 8:27 AM EDT

Getty Images

Mike Mayock of the NFL Network thinks the Bills should draft Boston College LB Luke Kuechly in the first round.

Said Dolphins G.M. Jeff Ireland, “I have some glaring things that are hitting me in the facethis year, which I won’t get into the strategy of telling you what those are, but I feel confident we can approach here in the next week.”

Tom Curran of CSNNE.com thinks the Patriots might be targeting Alabama S Mark Barron in a trade.

The memory of Vernon Gholston looms over the Jets’ search for a pass rusher.

Sanchez enjoying Tebow's presence so far

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 20, 2012, 8:01 AM EDT

Getty Images

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez may eventually lose his starting job to Tim Tebow, but at the moment, Sanchez loves the Jets’ plan of using both quarterbacks — and loves having Tebow as a teammate.

“He’s been as advertised, as good of a guy, if not better, than anybody said,” Sanchez said, via theNew York Post. “So, he’s been a great addition so far. I’m thrilled to work with him.”

The Jets got together for the start of offseason workouts this week, and Sanchez said he’s been particularly impressed with Tebow’s strength and conditioning work. Tebow may even help Sanchez bulk up.

Lions working hard to sign Avril to long term deal

Brad Biggs - National Football Post

The Detroit Lions remain hopeful to get defensive end Cliff Avril signed to a long-term contract but right now the defensive end remains a player who is headed toward the 2012 season with the franchise tag.

Broncos made attempts to trade for Asante Samuel

Posted by Mike Florio on April 20, 2012, 7:08 AM EDT

Getty Images

The Broncos apparently like their cornerbacks on the wrong side of 30.

According to Mike Klis the Denver Post, the team tried to trade for cornerback Asante Samuel, the 31-year-old cover man who has become a luxury the Eagles can no longer afford.

Per Klis, the Broncos made two proposals.  One would have sent a fifth-round or sixth-round draft pick to Philly, and the other would have sent a player.