FREE AGENT NEWS

Wow! That didn't take very long! It looks like Dick Jauron has lanced the festering boil that is knows as Willis McGahee, from the Bill's backside. While I'm sure McGahee will eventually show the talent that he has so often talked about, the Bills have rid themselves of a locker room poison & added multiple picks to this & next years draft. Good move.

McGahee traded to Ravens for multiple picks

The Ravens and Bills agreed to a trade Thursday that will send running back Willis McGahee to Baltimore in exchange for the team's third and seventh-round picks in this year's draft, along with the Ravens' third-round pick in 2008, league sources said.
Buffalo dealt McGahee in anticipation of difficulty with his contract, which has one season remaining at $2.155 million. The Ravens and McGahee have already begun negotiations on a contract extension, McGahee's agent Drew Rosenhaus said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2791831

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #23

ARE YOU FEELING "RANDY" BABY?

By giving up their second-round pick, the Pats dealt away a possible chip for Randy Moss. It’s hard to imagine the Raiders parting ways with Moss for anything less than a second-rounder, if they’re interested in trading him at all. The Pats still have two first-round picks, which they probably wouldn’t be interested in giving up, and a third-rounder, which wouldn’t be enough to pry Moss loose.
http://www.benmaller.com/nfl_rumors_notes

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #22

Jets consider acquiring Lions pick

The Journal News is reporting there were unconfirmed rumors that the Jets were thinking of swapping their first pick, 25th overall, and a defensive starter, to the Lions for the second overall pick.We have to assume the 'defensive starter' is linebacker Jonathan Vilma as his name has been the subject of many trade rumors the last few weeks.

http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/2007/03/jets-consider-acquiring-lions-pick.html

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #21

Pats get RFA WR from rivals

New England has reportedly acquired restricted free agent WR Wes Welker from division-rival Miami In exchange, Miami is believed to have received second- and seventh-round picks at the 2007 draft. There had been reports that the Patriots were on the verge of signing Welker to an offer sheet over the weekend which the Dolphins could have matched; however, had they not matched the Dolphins would have received the second rounder as compensation

http://www.gbnreport.com/

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #20

This one is a major move that not only sends shock waves on a Free Agency level but also upon the NFL Draft level. This will enable Chicago to have multiple picks in the second round in a very deep talent pool. I think when we look back we will see that the strongest players are going to come from both the second & the third rounds this year.

Bears to swap Jones for Jets draft pick

Filling their need for a No. 1 ball carrier, the Jets, according to league sources, have agreed to a trade with the NFC champion Chicago Bears that will land them Thomas Jones and the 63rd overall pick in the upcoming draft in exchange for the 37th overall pick. New York acquired that in a draft-day deal with Washington last year. The deal is expected to be approved by the league on Tuesday.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2788962

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #19

As the rumor mill continues to churn & the smoke screens continue to blow smoke, I think that we have all figured out that Notre Dame QB, Brady Quinn will not be around for my Vikes to snatch up at #7. Luckily, it's looking like the talking heads are now coming around to understand that a certain Saftey from LSU is easily worth a top 10 pick.

PURPLE POSSIBILITIES!

The NFL draft isn't for seven weeks, but here's a projection that makes sense: The Vikings will choose safety LaRon Landry from Louisiana State with their first-round pick (No. 7 overall). That's assuming defensive end Gaines Adams of Clemson is picked before No. 7, and that's a safe assumption.-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #17

CNNSI's Donn Banks is reporting that the Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl Line Backer, Takeo Spikes may be put on the trading block. If he is not traded he may very well be released as a salary cap casualty?

Spikes is coming off a serious Achilles tendon injury he suffered in the beginning of the 2005 season.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/03/02/bc.fbn.bills.spikes.ap/index.html

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #16

COLD DRAFT 2007 has learned that the Detroit Lions have traded veteran Defensive End James Hall to the St. Louis Rams for a 5th round draft pick. Apparently Hall was due a hefty roster bonus that Detroit GM Matt Millen was dead set on not paying. Rumor has it that Millen would have cut Hall before the bonus date arrived. Good move by Millen to get some value for a player that would have been cut loose.

Millen may just be catching on. Now if he can just figure out what to do with that pesky 2nd overall pick.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #15

ESPN RADIO reports the Denver Broncos may have inked TE Daniel Graham to a contract. The contract is reported to include $10 million in guarenteed money.

As perdicted Denver is looking to make quite a splash in Free Agency & making the big push for the post season. Makes one wonder if Shannahan is feeling the heat?

MAYBE NOT?

The scuttlebut is that Tight End Daniel Graham, in fact, did not sign with the Denver Broncos. Graham is still in play! Did you hear that Zygi Wilf???

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #14

Maybe not?

Ok, this rumor in "Draft Rumor #13" sent shock waves through the Internet & sent those of us doing Mock Drafts scrambling to adjust. Now, we hear that Mr. Plummer may rather retire rather than go to Tampa. Further speculation is that he would rather be traded to the Houston Texans to replace former 1st rounder David Carr. Plummer's move may very well squash this trade & I cannot see Head Coach John Gruden forcing the issue with the seemingly disgruntled former starter.

Look for Plummer to go to the Texans & John Gruden to look to Veteran Free Agent QB Jeff Garcia. While I take another look at my "TOP 10 MOCK DRAFT"!!!!

Plummer may retire rather than take trade

By Len PasquarelliESPN.com
In a twist that could scuttle a proposed trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, veteran quarterback Jake Plummer told friends and business associates Friday afternoon that he plans to retire from football, rather than to continue his NFL career in another city.
Plummer
ESPN.com reported Friday morning that the Denver Broncos had reached agreement in principle on most of the elements of a trade that would send Plummer to the Bucs, where he would compete with Chris Simms for the starting job.
But only a few hours later, it appeared Plummer was ready to carry through on retirement suggestions he made earlier in the offseason, when it first became apparent the Broncos were shopping him in trade talks.
A source in the Tampa organization said Friday afternoon the deal to acquire Plummer is "on hold ... at best." The source indicated that there were ongoing discussions aimed at convincing Plummer to accept the trade and play in 2007, but that the veteran passer was prepared to walk away from the game.
Under the terms discussed, the Broncos would have received a middle-round draft choice, believed to be a fourth-rounder, in exchange for Plummer. The trade was expected to be announced on Friday, provided all the major details were completed.
But that was before Plummer, scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.3 million for the 2007 season, wavered.
Tampa Bay re-signed Simms to a two-year contract earlier this offseason. But with Simms coming off a 2006 season in which he underwent an emergency splenectomy, the Bucs have been shopping for a veteran quarterback to bolster the depth chart.
Veteran backup Tim Rattay became an unrestricted free agent on Friday and was not expected to return to Tampa Bay.
Plummer, 32, lost his starting job in Denver to rookie Jay Cutler late last season and the Broncos have been entertaining trade offers in the offseason. A 10-year veteran, Plummer has started 136 games in stints with Arizona (1997-2002) and Denver (2003-2006). He has completed 2,484 of 4,350 passes for 29,253 yards, with 161 touchdown passes and 161 interceptions, for a passer rating of 74.6.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #13

With the NFL's "FREE AGENCY" period that began @ midnight lastnight, the landscape for April's NFL DRAFT has changed considerably. The latest rumor, if true, further transforms our predictions. Here is the latest DRAFT RUMOR from COLD DRAFT 2007!!!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2785459

Broncos near deal to send Plummmer to Bucs

By Len PasquarelliESPN.com
ESPN.com has learned that the Denver Broncos have reached agreement in principle on most of the elements of a trade that will send veteran quarterback Jake Plummer to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Under the terms being discussed, the Broncos would receive a middle-round draft choice, believed to be a fourth-rounder, in exchange for Plummer. The trade could be announced as early as Friday.
Tampa Bay re-signed Chris Simms to a two-year contract earlier this offseason. But with Simms coming off a 2006 season in which he underwent an emergency splenectomy, the Bucs have been shopping for a veteran quarterback to bolster the depth chart.
Veteran backup Tim Rattay became an unrestricted free agent on Friday and was not expected to return to Tampa Bay.
Plummer, 32, lost his starting job in Denver to rookie Jay Cutler late last season and the Broncos have been entertaining trade offers in the offseason. A 10-year veteran, Plummer has started 136 games in stints with Arizona (1997-2002) and Denver (2003-2006). He has completed 2,484 of 4,350 passes for 29,253 yards, with 161 touchdown passes and 161 interceptions, for a passer rating of 74.6.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #12

The Seahawks are reportedly hoping to trade Darrell Jackson.

The team hasn't commented publicly or initiated trade talks yet, but it's no surprise. Jackson has been unhappy regarding an old contract snafu and the Seahawks can't be happy with his attitude or drops. They seem willing to take a $4 million cap hit to deal him. He will have a hard time finding a better situation than Seattle to put up big numbers.

ethttp://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #11

Raiders cut ties with Brooks after one season

ESPN.COM is reporting that the Oakland Raiders have parted ways with enigmatic Quarter Back "Aaron Brooks". It was hoped that the grouping of Brooks, Moss & Porter would warrant another trip to the Super Bowl for the Raider Nation. But, injuries, horrible performances & a total franchise meltdown prevented this from ever occurring. Brooks virtually had no positive impact for the Raiders & showed only a continuing trend of on field miscues & unpredictable performances that baffled & frustrated the coaching staff, much the same way he did to Jim Haslette & the New Orleans Saints franchise.

Why is this important to the NFL Draft you ask? Well, if you happen to be an Oakland Raiders fan than it pretty much determines that "Old Man Al" & new head coach "Lance Kiffen" have made up their minds & decided to go with a QB for the #1 over all pick in April. Odds say that it is LSU QB, JaMarcus Russell! Of course, nothing is set in stone...but this one is almost a sure lock for #1.

Here is the article from ESPN.COM
ESPN.com news serviceshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2775325

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #10

Here is another hot & juicy rumor being reported by http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/2007/02/falcons-to-shop-schaub.html. Again, it may very well determine how my beloved Vikes approach this Aprils NFL Draft.

As always feel free to post your opinions here.

Falcons to shop Schaub

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons will look to trade QB Matt Schaub. Schaub, a restricted free agent, is expected to receive a one-year tender of $2 million and compensation attachment of a first and third pick to prevent teams from signing him as a free agent. Since Schaub will become an unrestricted free agent in 2008, the Falcons will shop the talented back up quarterback around the league this off-season. They could net a second or third rounder. The Vikings, Raiders, and Texans are all possible trade partners for Schaub

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #9

COLD DRAFT 2007 is reporting yet another rumor that has surfaced involving some major players in the NFL. Again, I don't know how much stock I would put in this move. But, it is said there is some truth in every lie. Let's take a look to see what the folks at http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/ are saying!

Broncos' Bell, Plummer for Houston's first?

The Denver Post is floating a rumor which has the Broncos sending Jake Plummer, Tatum Bell, and draft picks to the Texans in exchange for Houston's first round pick (8th overall). This sounds like pure speculation from the writer, but we felt we'd pass it along in case it has more substance. It also suggests that Bell is on the block and Plummer has certainly played his last down as a Broncos QB. The Broncos are rumored to want Adrian Peterson and they'll need a trade like this to have any shot at him. Although, if Peterson is available at the 8th spot, the Texans would jump at the chance to grab him, which makes this trade scenario even less likely

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #8

NO MOSS!!! NO MOSS!!!

This rumor keeps resurfacing over & over again. I don't think there is much truth to it either. But, it's a great example to show that teams have to build themselves through the NFL DRAFT & not trade away their future by swapping picks for players. Is it sometimes warrented? Sure, but I myself am not a great fan of it.

Regardless, here is the latest on the rumor that wont die, courtesy of http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/2007/02/packers-unlikely-to-trade-for-moss.html.

Packers unlikely to trade for Moss
Despite rumors and Favre's public request, the Packers now seem unlikely to trade for Randy Moss. First, there has been almost no internal discussion of Moss by the Packers. Second the Raiders are now rumored to want a second round pick for Moss. It seems very doubtful that Packers GM Ted Thompson, who typicaly looks to acquire draft picks and build through the draft, would be willing to let go of a second rounder for a 30 year-old receiver with a huge contract and a ton of baggage.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #7

SUPER FREAK!!!

This just in! We all know that WR Calvin Johnson has a reputation as a phenom in the college ranks. But, if this report is accurate this young man is going to make quite a splash in the NFL & possibly move into the pantheon of elite WR's in the NFL almost immediatley! WOW!!!

Calvin Johnson runs a 4.33 in the 40

Calvin Johnson, preparing for the league's scouting combine in Indianapolis next week, was clocked at 4.33 in the 40. He also recorded an 11-foot standing broad jump and had a vertical leap of 43 inches.
While Johnson might not be the first player chosen, he is clearly separating himself as the top player in the 2007 NFL draft. Johnson is a rare talent. He is 6'-4", 234 pounds, and runs a 4.33 40 yard dash!
His combination of size, speed, hands, intelligence and work ethic are unheard of at the receiver position. Think Randy Moss talent with a Marvin Harrison work ethic. In fact Johnson is actually 25 pounds bigger then Moss and if the 4.33 - 40 is accurate, just as fast.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #6

Once again my beloved Vikings are in the news. No, no, no, not another episode of the "Love Boat"! This time it involves a possible trade for a high profile QB. If the Vikes do pull the trigger, my sources say they would have to give up a 4th round draft pick to land him.

The following rumor is courtesy of http://www.gbnreport.com/!

Texans field calls for Carr… The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans have confirmed receiving calls from a number of teams that are interested in acquiring QB David Carr. Houston G.M. Rick Smith though won’t disclose which teams have inquired about Carr, although both Minnesota and Oakland have been mentioned as possibilities. Carr, the first player selected at the 2002 draft, still has two years left on his contract, but the Texans apparently have tired of his inconsistency and want to go in another direction. If Carr is traded, the Texans would likely look for a veteran to compete with Sage Rosenfels with Jake Plummer of Denver expected to be the first choice. Houston coach Gary Kubiak was Plummer’s offensive coordinator at Denver and is expected to be either released or made available through a trade at some point this off-season.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #5

Draft rumors just keep rolling in the closer we get to April. Here is one more that may impact the top 10 selections.

Keep in mind that The Bucs & the Browns will have to flip a coin to see who actually recieves the #3 overall pick.

The Bucs are said to be interested in Joe Thomas and Calvin Johnson.

The Browns are interested in Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, and JaMarcus Russell.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #4

We have another juicy tid-bit for your draft status boards. This one could be potentially devastating for one of our top 10 rated prospects!!! This is courtesy of our friends at http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/


Quinn's draft stock falling fast

Brady Quinn was once considered the top pick in the draft and while he still could be a high first rounder, many experts and scouts are moving Quinn down their draft boards.His fall started when juniors JaMarcus Russell, Adrian Peterson, and Calvin Johnson entered the draft.

Then Mel Kiper slid him down to ninth in his latest mock. Now The Sporting News is quoting scouts who say "He's (Quinn) the biggest fraud in the draft" and "should be a third- or fourth-round pick". They add their final insult by calling him the next Joey Harrington.