NFL News, Notes, and Rumors Are the Atlanta Falcons Ready To Admit Jamaal Anderson is a Bust?
Most of the available news out there is about the lockout, but there are other interesting things to read. Here’s what I findinteresting around the web.
Pat Yasinskas the NFC South blogger speculates the Falcons could part way with former top 1 pick Jamaal Anderson.
terms of true value compared to salary, defensive linemen Jamaal Anderson and Chauncey Davis are guys who don’t measure up to their salary-cap space. Anderson is scheduled to count $5.8 million against the cap, but the Falcons would take a $3.1 million hit if they release him. Davis is scheduled to count $3.75 in cap space and the Falcons could free up $2.25 million by letting him go.
Anderson only has 4.5 career sacks in his first four years in the league. General managers sometimes hate giving up on talented players (especially high draft picks) because they are afraidbecause they could look foolish if the player latches on and succeeds on another team, but it could be time for the Falcons and Anderson to part ways.
From Pro Football Weekly:
• The Eagles, we hear, are planning to hit the free-agent market to look for a defensive end. With the news that DE Brandon Graham (right knee surgery) likely will not be available to start the season, expect the team to target a veteran pass rusher. Plus, the new salary cap — and floor — likely means the team will have the ability to pay for some talent.
The Giants might have their sights set on Bills LB Paul Posluszny, and he almost certainly has mutual interest because of his respect for Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell (who coached him in Buffalo), but Posluszny has said his first preference will be to return to Buffalo. For other free-agent options, keep an eye on Bucs LB Quincy Black, who has played both OLB spots.
• There is no question that the Colts would like to re-sign free-agent RB Joseph Addai, whose contributions as a blocker and receiver make him a very valuable asset in the club’s complex scheme. But we hear that Addai’s durability issues, paired with the Colts’ greater needs at safety and in re-signing QB Peyton Manning, could mean they are prepared to let Addai walk.
The Colts are the team that might make up for the loss of players more than any other team in the league, but this could be a tough loss. I think Joseph Addai is a wonderful back stuck in a difficult situation. The Colts offensive line hasn’t been great in the recent past, but Addai could really be a very good back on a number of other teams with his ability as both a rusher, receiver, and blocker ou to fthe backfield. I’m not convinced that Donald Brown or any other Colts back is ready to take over Addai.
Troup set out this offseason to eliminate those nagging physical problems with a rigorous workout regimen. By his own account he is a chiseled 325 pounds adding 11 pounds of muscle to his frame from last season.
“I think Torell has done a great job of improving his core strength,” said Smith. “I only got to speak to him a couple of times prior to the lockout, but he’s worked hard and I think he’s going to make huge strides this coming season. I think he’s got the ability to be an excellent player.”
I haven’t done breakout player profiles recently, but Troup is one guy I think coul dhave a good year. The Bills have really concentrated on adding talent to their defensive line the pastt two seasons and have arguably one of the best collection of young talent at the DL position for 34 teams whether or not that will translate into success on the field remains to be seen, Troups imporvement could go a long way in making it a reality.
The Dolphins could be the front runners for Reggie Bush if he’s not back on the Saints.
Leading up to the draft word out of Dolphins camp was that they wanted to add more speed on offense they started that process by drafting Edmund Gates, and could continue their mission by adding Reggie Bush who has plenty of speed and play making ability and could further help the Dolphins open up their playbook and expand their offense.
The Jaguars are very interested in signing Mercedes Lewis to a long term deal.
When asked where signing Lewis to a long-term deal would fall on the team’s checklist, Jaguars general manager Gene Smith replied, “at the top.”
“Our own players will always be our first priority,” Smith said. “I’ve said this before that it is our objective to get a long-term deal done with Marcedes.”
Dallas police identified the men as former TCU standouts Jerry Hughes, 22; Cory Grant, 23; and Stephen Hodge, 24. Today is Hodge’s birthday.
The incident was reported about 2:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of Main Street in Dallas near The Bank nightclub.
Dallas police working the area observed a disturbance that had started in the nightclub and continued onto a sidewalk
*The lockout has dimmed the hopes of the Colts’ coaching staff for Anthony Castonzo. With the benefit of a full offseason, the Colts thought Castonzo might have been able to step right in and start at left tackle from day one. Without OTAs, the Colts are dubious about Castonzo’s chances to be an immediate starter. They do believe he will be a quick study however. It’s possible at some point during the season he will be ready to start
Rick Stroud at tampa.com gives an update on the Buccaneers player injuries.
5. What is the status of the injured players?
Prediction: Brian Price will begin the 2011 season on the physically unable to perform list. The defensive tackle is recovering from a rare surgery to repair fractures in his pelvis and a torn hamstring and has no timetable for a return. The second-round pick, who played in only five games last season as a rookie, also has gained significant weight. Aside from Price, the Bucs appear to be in good shape with players whose 2010 season was cut short. The most remarkable comeback belongs to WR Arrelious Benn, who tore his ACL in the second-to-last game of the season. The injury normally takes 6-8 months to heal, but Benn has been running and cutting for the past month. DT Gerald McCoy (biceps), G Davin Joseph (broken foot), CB Aqib Talib (hip), LB Quincy Black (broken arm), S Cody Grimm (broken leg) and C Jeff Faine (quad/triceps) say they are ready to go, among others.