Steelers stop negotiating with Mike Wallace

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 25, 2012, 4:29 PM EDT

Getty Images

Not only did a teammate jump the gun in saying Steelers receiver Mike Wallace had a new contract, but the Steelers have reportedly decided to stop even talking to Wallace about a new contract.

Wallace is not reporting for the start of training camp, and the Steelers’ response will be tosuspend negotiations on a long-term contract, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Patriots dump Joseph Addai

Posted by Josh Alper on July 25, 2012, 4:54 PM EDT

Getty Images

The Patriots made their signings of tight endVisanthe Shiancoe and defensive end Tim Bulman official on Wednesday afternoon and they slipped another previously unreported transaction into the press release.

Running back Joseph Addai has been giving his walking papers before the team officially starts training camp on Thursday. The longtime Colt signed with the Patriots in May, but obviously didn’t show them enough over the course of the offseason to earn an invitation to show them something more over the summer.

Dre Kirkpatrick out six weeks with fractured knee

New surrounding the knee injury suffered by Bengals' first round selection Dre Kirkpatrick is not good.  It was reported by NFL.com that the former Alabama cornerback has suffered a fractured bone in his knee, and is expected to miss at least six weeks.

The news means that he will likely miss all of the pre-season and could miss at least the first week or two of the regular season.  At that point, depending on his conditioning and learning curve, it could be the second half of the season or later before Kirkpatrick is able to be a significant contributor.

Additionally, if Kirkpatrick is not healthy enough to be removed from the PUP list by the start of the season, he will be forced to miss the first 6 weeks.  This is a huge blow to a team that still doesn't know the status of Leon Hall and his Achilles injury.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TTR is looking for more writers!

Chip Kelly on turning down the Bucs job and adapting his offense to the NFL

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 25, 2012, 2:42 PM EDT

Getty Images

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers searched for a new coach this year, they looked to the college ranks, where they first offered the job to Oregon coach Chip Kelly, and then, after Kelly declined, hired Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. Schiano is a conventional choice, in the sense that he ran a typical pro-style system at Rutgers and won’t have to adjust much for the NFL. But how would Kelly, who runs anything but a typical pro-style system, make his offense work in the NFL?

Kelly says he’d make it work just fine.

Lions add Justin Miller to thinning secondary

Posted by Darin Gantt on July 25, 2012, 2:42 PM EDT

It looks like the Lions are going to replace the guy they cut after two offseason arrests with a guy who hasn’t played in two years.

According to Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website, the Lions have agreed to a one-year deal with cornerback Justin Miller. Earlier this week, they released troubled cornerback Aaron Berry, in their loudest statement on character yet this offseason.

The 28-year-old Miller was a second-round pick of the Jets in 2005, and has bounced from the Raiders, back to the Jets and to the Cardinals, who released him in final cuts in 2010.

Back when he played, Miller was a good return man, earning a Pro Bowl nod as a return specialist after his second season.

Miller joins an odd lot of corners competing for a starting job opposite Chris Houston, with newcomers Jacob Lacey and Alphonso Smith joining three draft picks in the mix.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TTR is looking for more writers!

Jason Garrett talks about helping Dez Bryant

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 25, 2012, 12:38 PM EDT

Reuters

Anyone who’s been arrested for grabbing his mother by the hair and slapping her probably comes from a dysfunctional family, and people from dysfunctional families can benefit from counseling. So it makes sense that Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett says receiver Dez Bryant could benefit from counseling.

Garrett said Wednesday that the Cowboys are ready to assist Bryant in seeking counseling, and hoping he takes the help that’s offered to him.

Adrian Wilson takes huge pay cut to stay in Arizona

Posted by Darin Gantt on July 25, 2012, 10:54 AM EDT

AP

It was easy enough to characterize Adrian Wilson’s new deal as an extension, because there are two more years on the end. But a closer look makes it obvious, this was a pay cut which will allow the popular  veteran to hang around.

According to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, Wilson’s $6.5 million salary was turned into a $1.5 million bonus, about another $1.5 million in salary and the chance to make up some of the difference in incentives.

Ryan Williams healthy, Beanie Wells not

Posted by Josh Alper on July 25, 2012, 10:52 AM EDT

Getty Images

The first battle for snaps in the Cardinals backfield has been won by Ryan Williams by default.

Beanie Wells is going to start camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list because of his surgically repaired knee, giving Williams the first shot to impress Cardinals coaches. Williams missed all of 2011 with a torn patella tendon, but the 2011 second-round pick was thought to have a strong shot of unseating Wells before the injury.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt downplayed the decision, saying that it was an expected course of action for Wells. He also told the team’s website that Wells has looked good and that he’s making strong progress toward a return.

Chad Johnson predicts "monster season"

Posted by Josh Alper on July 25, 2012, 9:58 AM EDT

Getty Images

Anyone who believes that Chad Ochocincostruggled in New England because he wasn’t allowed to be himself will be happy to hear the latest from the rechristened Chad Johnson.

Johnson told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald thathe’s going back to his old ways with the Dolphins after his “personality was controlled” by the Patriots last season. Apparently part of going back to the vintage version includes making bold pronouncements about the year to come.

Report: Cardinals players want Skelton, not Kolb

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 25, 2012, 9:31 AM EDT

Getty Images

As John Skelton and Kevin Kolb prepare to square off in a training camp competition to become the Cardinals’ starting quarterback, one report suggests that the locker room is rooting for Skelton.

Former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest, who now works at NFL Network, said on Total Access that he has friends on the Cardinals and that they’ve told him they prefer Skelton over Kolb.

“Talking to some of my buddies down there, it seems like they’re gravitating toward Skelton a little bit more,” McGinest said.

Chiefs are not close to signing Dontari Poe

Posted by Mike Florio on July 25, 2012, 7:45 AM EDT

AP

With the number of unsigned first-rounders dwindling, the remainders are becoming more conspicuous.

One of the unsigned players is the inherently conspicuous Dontari Poe, a six-foot, three-inch, 346-pound behemoth who was picked by the Chiefs with the 11th selection in the draft.

On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported (via ArrowheadPride.com) that the Chiefs and Poe are “not close.”  Schefter also said that the next 24 hours will be critical.

Wednesday morning one-liners

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 25, 2012, 8:40 AM EDT

AP

Bills G.M. Buddy Nix on what he expects to see in training camp: “You’d like to see how the wide receivers shake out, how the backup quarterback shakes out. I think our left tackle – that battle will be something to watch also. I feel good about our secondary.”

Says Dolphins RB Reggie Bush of the team’s quarterback competition, “I know Matt Moore is maybe the leader right now, because he’s the returning starting quarterback from last year.”

Dan Connolly and Dan Koppen are set for a head-to-head competition for the Patriots’ starting center position.

Holley Mangold, the weightlifter sister of Jets C Nick Mangold, is getting ready for what she calls, “My Super Bowl.”

Says Ravens C Matt Birk of RB Ray Rice getting a new contract, “I think to a man, everybody’s happy for him.”

Bengals owner Mike Brown is feeling upbeat heading into training camp.

Says Browns OT Joe Thomas of new teammate Mitchell Schwartz, “He’s in the meeting room already making calls and answering questions that, frankly, as a rookie, I’m kind of surprised he knows the answers to.”

Things will feel different at Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College with a number of veterans gone, including Hines Ward, James Farrior, Aaron Smith, Chris Hoke, Bryant McFadden, William Gay and Daniel Sepulveda.

Texans S Glover Quin’s ability to play the run and cover wide receivers gives Houston a great deal of versatility at the safety position.

Former Titans S Lance Schulters has been cleared of domestic abuse charges.

The Colts’ 90-man roster includes 26 rookies, 54 players in their first season with the Colts and 37 players who have never appeared in a regular-season game.

One Jacksonville writer thinks the team may need to trade RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

Says Broncos G Chris Kuper of his recovery from an ankle injury, “I’m going to go, but we’re going to be conservative. I’ll be able to do all the individual [drills], and maybe some team stuff, but I’m not sure how many reps.”

The Chiefs expect RB Jamaal Charles, S Eric Berry and TE Tony Moeaki toparticipate in the first day of practice Friday.

The Raiders are still working to get their draft picks signed.

Former Chargers QB Dan Fouts will handle play-by-play for the team’s preseason broadcasts.

While many Penn State alumni are lashing out at the Freeh Report and the NCAA, Cowboys LB Sean Lee sees things differently: “The facts have shown they didn’t report Sandusky and what happened and because of it more kids got hurt,” Lee said. “That’s what the facts show and I don’t agree with that at all. This should’ve been reported right away. There should’ve been procedures in place where this is what we do, investigation and go from there and more kids wouldn’t have been hurt. I actually think the Freeh Report was a good thing because it shows where Penn State can go, how they can improve on some things so something as horrible as it did will never happen again.”

Giants WR Jerrel Jernigan says he has to be more productive than he was as a rookie, when he didn’t have any catches: “I’m not used to that, not having a catch in a year.”

Said Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn of Mike Patterson missing training camp, “It’s hard to stomach a loss like that. Hopefully, he’ll be back sooner than later.”

The Redskins announced that they signed free agent CB David Jones and waived/injured CB Chase Minnifield.

Said Bears RB Matt Forte of his new contract, “We got the deal done, basically, so both sides accomplished the main goal. So it was good.”

Lions DE Ronnell Lewis is starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list with an undisclosed injury.

Packers G.M. Ted Thompson made clear in his speech at the team’s annual shareholders meeting that the shareholders are really not shareholders at all, by telling them, “you won’t find a whole lot of proprietary information because I don’t say a lot.”

Says Vikings DE Jared Allen, “Our ultimate goal is to win a championship,otherwise there’s no point in playing the game.”

Keeping RB Michael Turner fresh is a high priority for the Falcons.

The Panthers haven’t ruled out bringing back TE Jeremy Shockey.

Said Saints QB Drew Brees, “I’m excited about the unknown because in a lot of ways, we don’t necessarily know what to expect. With all this stuff swirling around us, in the end, all we can worry about is what we can control and focus on the process and the result will take care of itself.”

Bucs DE Da’Quan Bowers (Achilles) and DT Amobi Okoye (knee) are starting camp on the PUP list.

Here’s a look at the Cardinals’ special teams.

Here’s a look at the life of Travis Tripucka, a free agent signing of the Rams.

Says 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick of competing with Josh Johnson for the No. 2 spot, “Josh is a great guy, and I’m good friends with him. At the same time, we know it’s a competition when we step on the field.”

After signing DE Chris Clemons to a contract extension, G.M. John Schneider said he’s “very pleased to reward a player that has been a consistent difference maker since we acquired him.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TTR is looking for more writers!

Dre Kirkpatrick suffers a leg injury

Posted by Mike Florio on July 24, 2012, 11:21 PM EDT

Getty Images

The Bengals had two first-round picks in 2012, thanks to the trade that sent a quarterback who vowed never to play again for the Bengals to Oakland.  One of those first-round picks, however, is already injured.

Though not as severe as the torn ACL that 17 years ago wiped out No. 1 overall pick Ki-Jana Carter’s rookie season before it even began, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is “telling associates” that he suffered a leg injury while preparing for training camp, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

Rams able to come to terms with Janoris Jenkins

Posted by Josh Alper on July 24, 2012, 10:35 PM EDT

Getty Images

One of the more contentious contract negotiations of the 2012 draft class has come to an end.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Rams have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with second-round pick Janoris Jenkins. The deal is for about $5 million with $3.1 million guaranteed — per Thomas, the highest percentage guaranteed to any second rounder — to the cornerback whose off-field red flags helped make the process more difficult than it has been for most of this year’s rookies.

Osi wishes more players would be like Tim Tebow

Posted by Mike Florio on July 24, 2012, 8:25 PM EDT

Getty Images

With a never ending stream of players lining up for fingerprints and mugshots, Giants defensive endOsi Umenyiora has suggested a solution.

Be like Tebow.

“I know that everybody likes to make fun of Tim Tebow and talk about him, but he sets an outstanding example for people,” Umenyiora said, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.  “I think if more people would focus and try to be like him and carry themselves the way he does, I think things would be better.”

Osi said it’s “ridiculous” that 31 players have been arrested since Super Bowl XLVI, a rap sheet that includes Giants offensive lineman David Diehl, who was arrested for DUI after smashing his vehicle into a pair of parked cars.

“For the life of me, I can’t understand it,” Umenyiora said.  “People need to be more focused and more grateful for what it is that they have.  Coming from where I came from [on a trip to Nigeria]  and seeing what I saw, all that poverty and people who have nothing, they would literally cut off both legs to have the opportunity these people have. And to be messing around like that, man, it’s really unfortunate.”

Umenyiora also said that Commissioner Roger Goodell deserves no criticism, in any way, for the rash of arrests.

“You can’t blame the Commissioner,” Umenyiora said. “He’s bringing down the hammer every time.  But obviously people don’t like to listen.  They’ll learn sooner or later.”

But if the Commissioner would surrender full control of the hammer, maybe the players would agree to greater penalties — and in turn buy in to and necessarily respect the system of discipline and deterrence.

Regardless, something needs to happen.  Until the rules are changed, having players hold each other accountable is the next best thing.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TTR is looking for more writers!

Patriots sign Visanthe Shiancoe

Posted by Michael David Smith on July 24, 2012, 7:03 PM EDT

Getty Images

Visanthe Shiancoe is heading to New England.

After drawing interest from both the Patriots and the Eagles, Shiancoe has signed this evening with the Patriots. A league source tells PFT it’s a one-year, $1.2 million deal with $400,000 guaranteed and another $800,000 in incentives.

A free agent tight end who has played the last five seasons with the Vikings, Shiancoe started 14 games in Minnesota and caught 36 passes for 409 yards last season. The 32-year-old Shiancoe has played all 16 games every season of his nine-year NFL career.

In New England, Shiancoe joins a very crowded tight end depth chart that also includes Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, plus two players currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Daniel Fells and Jake Ballard.

With Shiancoe now in New England, the Eagles may turn their attention toward free agent tight end Jeremy Shockey, whom they were considering bringing in for a visit today before calling that meeting off when Shiancoe came for a visit.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TTR is looking for more writers!