NFL News and Notes: List of Players released, Arizona Cardinals Eying Steward Bradley, and other under-the-radar stories
There is a ton of news out there and much of it’s been reported everywhere, I’ll try to bring you some of the stuff that’s not major news you could be interested in knowning. It turns out a lot of the under-the-radar stuff is happening off the East Coast. That’s weird isn’t it?
Let’s start with a list of players cut from profootballtalk
Some interesting cuts and perhaps unexpected.
Bears Tight End: Brandon Manumaleuna (Now they do not have Manumaleuna or Greg Olson)
Cowboys Tackle Marc Colombo
Detroit Lions WR Bryant Johnson
Chiefs guard Brian Waters
Patriots-Marcus Stroud
Steelers: T Max Starks
Titans: DT Tony Brown
The Chicago Bears are in contact with WR Mike Sims-Walker
The Oakland Raiders had interest in Chad Ochocinco
Soon thereafter, the Boston Herald reported that the Raiders, 49ers and Patriots were the three teams that requested permission to speak with the Bengals about a trade for Ochocinco.
Keep that in mind when Raiders coach Hue Jackson talks about the state of his receiving corps, especially if he says that he is content with the receivers he already has on his roster. We’re talking to everybody,” Jackson said. “I know everyone wants to know, ‘Are you talking to this guy or that guy?’ We’re talking to everybody. If there’s a guy that’s out there that is free, trust me I’ve called him and I’ve talked to him.”
I think Ochocinco went to the right place for himself, but it would have been interesting to say the least to see him on the Oakland Raiders.
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly interested in signing Stewart Bradley.
THe big surprise to me here is how little the Eagles seem to be engaged in the free agency market. They have a good amount of cap space and we haven’t heard essentially anything about their plans for free agency. I assumed they would puruse Asmougha, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Plaxico Too we heard so much about, but it seems he could end up in NY or Pittsburgh. What are the Eagles doing out there? No on seems to know.
The Seattle Seahawks have given former Michigan Wolverine and Arizona Cardinals DL Alan Branch 8 million dollars according to Adam Schefter. This is an interesting move that could pay off. Branch wasn’t spectacular with the Cardinals, but I think he was improving and the Seahawks need some big bodies along their defensive line. Branch could be a good fit for the Seahawks and if he is it’s not at a huge price.
Demarco Murray has signed his rookie contract, but has a hamstring injury and may miss all sessions in San Antonio. That was the rub on Murray heading into the draft…he’s an injury waiting to happen. The Oklahoma running back is recovering from a hamstring injury and might not be ready to practice with the team until it breaks camp in San Antonio. That’s not the greatest situation for the Cowboys right now, but it doesn’t mean anything yet.
Michael Crabtree is out with an injury and has been put up on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree will be sidelined for the start of training camp for the third straight year, this time with a foot injury that leaves his status for the preseason uncertain.”
Crabtree was considered the number 1 WR in the 2009 N.F.L. draft and was awarded with that by being the first player taken in the draft, and while he hasn’t been poor he’s been outshined by other first round picks J. Macling, Hakeem Nicks, and Kenny Britt. All three players have shown rare ability as play makers. Nicks and Maclin are poised for huge seasons and if Britt can stay out of trouble looks to have a promising career. It remains to be seen whether or not Crabtree can best the other three as the best wr in that draft class.
Wow, it’s amazing how many of these stories originated from twitter. Which brings me to my next point, follow us on twitter @NFLmocks