NFL Training camps are in full swing. How is Ben Roethlisberger going the extra mile to help improve the Pittsburg Steelers? Is Chris Johnson the most underpaid running back in the NFL? Is Randy Moss’ retirement a hoax? What are the latest NFL Free Agent Signings? NFL Trade Rumors?
This hard hitting franchise tagged Sportsbank.net section has you covered.
Let’s cover the latest NFL news in full pads:
Osi Umenyiora has been given permission to seek a trade from the New York Giants. The team reportedly wants a first-round draft pick in return. Umenyiora was part of the Tom Brady lawsuit vs. the NFL seeking compensation from mismanagement of the league by NFL brass directly related to the uncapped year.
Pittsburg Steelers superstars quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison restructured their contracts so the team could get under the new NFL salary cap. Roethlisberger signed an eight-year, $102 million deal in March of 2008 and Harrison signed a six-year, $51.7 million deal in April of 2009. While both players aren’t sacrificing money, it’s nice to see them going the extra mile to help their teams.
Many sports writers believe former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss’ ego pushed him into retirement. Evidently his desire to prove he was in the best shape of his life and still among the league’s elite receivers was only if the interest and dollars were there. There is also the belief that Moss isn’t really retiring, he’s simply sitting back and waiting for the right opportunity to play. Who wouldn’t want to miss all of training camp and then grab a starting gig?
The Tennessee Titans are willing to discuss a new contract with running back Chris Johnson, providing he reports to training camp. Johnson rushed for over 3,300 yards and scored 25 TDs the last two seasons for the Titans and will only make $800K this season. Could he be the most underpaid RB in the NFL? Can you blame him for holding out?
Running back Ahmad Bradshaw is returning to the New York Giants, agreeing to a contract on Monday. As the starting running back last year, he rushed for 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns. Hopefully the new contract has provisions for hand glue, as Bradshaw had some fumble issues as the season wore on. Still, this was a good move for the Giants, as remaining free-agent running backs are bigger question marks.
Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo recently accused the media of playing dirty pool in trying to create team strife between coaches and the teams owners over his decision to not bring back center and clubhouse leader Olin Kreutz. Buzz among fans in Chicago has surprisingly been mixed on Kreutz departure.
star wide receiver DeSean Jackson will report to training camp ending his holdout. The will discuss a new deal with him once he reports to camp.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis ended his five-day holdout and reported to Jacksonville’s training camp. His participation will reportedly be limited until he has a new contract. He was the Jaguars franchise tag players after an exceptional 2010 season where he had 700 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010. The one year franchise contract is worth $7.28 million.
Oakland Raiders OLBand franchise player Kamerion Wimbley agreed to a five-year, $48 million contract to stay with the team.
Jason Taylor will likely end his career with the team he broke into the league with, the Miami Dolphins. He spent last season with the New York Jets.
Offensive lineman Matt Light will return to the New England Patriots, agreeing to a two-year contract to continue to protect QB Tom Brady. Brady has to be very happy about this move.
Former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Marc Colombo signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Former Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Ron Rivera’s new team is making a number of interesting moves since the lockout ended.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley to the Denver Broncos for a 2013 draft pick.
-Soxman
Soxman is a Sportsbank senior contributor and a White Sox columnist and sports reporter for Chicago Tribune Red Eye Edition. He’s also a frequent guest on local television and radio programs in Chicago. You can e-mail him at thesoxman72@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter: @thesoxman72.
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