Legal Tampering: Day 3 - associated painful truths edition

I'm a junkie. Up until this moment I had always thought myself a fan with an opinion and a reasonable grasp of the english language.

I have been watching professional football for the better part of four decades and have been through an infinite number of drafts, endless hours of study and two wives who both enjoyed watching Lifetime Channel movies with me in the room...

...but I'll be damned if I can remember anything as insanely boring as this Legal Tampering window. Which brings up the question, why am I staying up until all hours scouring websites, checking sources, writing like a fool?

Did you know that on Saturday night I sat here at my desk, a shot of whiskey and - well, why blow that, eh? - counting down the minutes to see if the time clock on my computer went to 2:00am and then to 3:00, or if it went directly to 3:00am.

And that's bad, particularly since I missed it. I got involved in reading a lead from the Denver Post and by the time I realized that I had completely spaced, it was too late...I had succumbed to an atavistic trait that all football junkies possess.

So on Day three of this fully supervised, fully refereed window of opportunity for teams to contact players' agent, we realize that there may be many deals ready to be agreed to but my personal expectations of the 88 hours-long window of legal tampering have been dashed by a gag order, and as fans we are just as poorly off, information-wise...

...and it's not much different than just waiting out the weekend heading into free agency in any other year, just more frustrating because I expected so much more.

What have we learned though? Anything other than what would have learned otherwise?

* Well, we learned that now that Joe Flacco has his money and has handcuffed the Baltimore Ravens in the free agent market, he is telling receiver Anquan Boldin to not settle for less money from the Ravens then he feels he deserves.

Joe, did it ever occur to you that your deal is what caused the rift in the first place? Do you think Boldin is looking at your deal and then his and wondering where you would be without him? Maybe you should give Boldin the $2 Million that the Ravens want to shave off of his 2013 Salary.

* We learned that Darrelle Revis wants his status cleared up quickly, but there's a couple of things holding that up. First, the amount of money that he's seeking is prima facie absurd for a cornerback coming off an ACL tear and, secondly, is the ACL tear itself. That is a huge risk for anyone to take, and the Jets are smart to shop him around.

Revis is damaged goods, and to sell him off as-is for the money that his elite status demands is hard dollar...but just as sure as legal tampering is boring, some team is going to come forward and give him all he wants and all the Jets want.

There's a sucker in Denver, we understand.

* We learned that Wes Welker and/or his agent is either manic-depressive or learned everything they know about messing with people by watch Lifetime Channel movies...

Welker is the "jilted" employee who was offered a fair contract, yet turned it down - was given eight figures on a franchise tag last season and was offered a second fair contract by his employer this winter, and still won't budge...and now he wants to "Stick it to the Patriots"? for them not caving into his demands?

Were it me negotiating for the Patriots, I would give him whatever he wants, then turn around and trade him to the highest bidder at the trade deadline in October, thereby both controlling where he goes but also leveraging his agent out of the picture. If Tight End Aaron Hernandez wouldn't have gotten hurt last season, that would have happened last October. Thus far, the negotiations have been so contentious because Welker can't keep his mouth shut that it has all of the potential to cause divisiveness in the locker room.

* The number of quality safeties on the market are growing by leaps and bounds as NFL teams are figuring out that the hard hitting enforcer-type role in the NFL are a luxury that don't fit in their budgets. These days, these type of players have to do more than just knock the chocolate out of folks - they have to be able to cover, to play in the box like an extra safety and to participate on special teams...

...and those players are out there, but they are so plentiful it's like you can get them for a dime a dozen (in NFL terms) so they are being released at record pace. Two names that the Patriots will end up looking at to stabilize their own safety situation are Adrian Wilson of the Cardinals and Quinton Mikell of the Rams. Both are in their early 30's and both were deemed luxuries that their present teams couldn't afford if they wanted to build the team up in a different direction.

* Everyone can forget about Mike Wallace now. Of the minimum of chatter coming out of the lame Legal Tampering window, the most solid has been about Wallace headed to the Dolphins...and now it's being reported that it's a done deal - but I'm curious as to how the NFL is going to handle these reports - and how the Dolphins build their offense around Tannehill and Wallace, particularly since they are letting Reggie Bush and Jake Long walk.

More headlines, which will be updated as the occasions arise:

Wallace deal done for Dolphins

The Palm Beach Post hears from "someone (it) trusts" that free agent Mike Wallace to Miami is a "done deal."

ESPN, Sports Illustrated and USA Today have all insinuated as such over the past 24 hours, making the evidence that Wallace is planning to take his talents to South Beach overwhelming. Wallace's rep could drag talks out on Tuesday for the sake of squeezing a few extra dimes out of an obviously desperate team, but it doesn't appear anyone else has near the desire level to get a deal done.

Bears, Rams have Long on their radars

According to USA Today, the Rams and Bears are "believed to be among the most interested" in free agent LT Jake Long.

It's hardly a surprise, as both teams had sinkholes for left tackles last season. There should be a nice market for Long's services, but a lot is going to depend on what turns up in his physicals. Injury has become a very serious concern for a player who was once one of the top 1-2 tackles in the league. It wouldn't be surprising if Long doesn't find what he's looking for on the open market and ends up back in Miami on a team-friendly deal.

Bushrod 50/50 to return to Saints

Free agent LT Jermon Bushrod is "50-50" to re-sign with the Saints.

Per SI's Peter King, Bushrod's Saints future could depend on Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith restructuring their deals. If it's Vilma and Smith holding the Saints back from keeping Drew Brees' blindside protector, it's shocking one or both haven't been cut loose already. Bushrod is far more important to the Saints' 2013 chances. Neither Vilma nor Smith is a fit for New Orleans' new 3-4 defense.

Eagles to chase Amendola

Citing a source with "direct knowledge" of the Eagles' plans, CSN Philly reports the club is "interested in pursuing" free agent Danny Amendola.

In other words, this info isn't coming from an agent. Old Rams OC Pat Shurmur is now coordinating the Eagles' offense, and Chip Kelly's spread scheme floods the field with four wide receivers, including two in the slot. Beat writer Geoff Mosher concedes it's "unclear how hard" the Eagles will pursue Amendola, but he's definitely on their radar. Amendola is said to be seeking north of $6 million a year.

Legal Tampering: Day 3 - associated painful truths edition

I'm a junkie.  Up until this moment I had always thought myself a fan with an opinion and a reasonable grasp of the english language.

I have been watching professional football for the better part of four decades and have been through an infinite number of drafts, endless hours of study and two wives who both enjoyed watching Lifetime Channel movies with me in the room...

...but I'll be damned if I can remember anything as insanely boring as this Legal Tampering window.  Which brings up the question, why am I staying up until all hours scouring websites, checking sources, writing like a fool?

Did you know that on Saturday night I sat here at my desk, a shot of whiskey and - well, why blow that, eh? - counting down the minutes to see if the time clock on my computer went to 2:00am and then to 3:00, or if it went directly to 3:00am.

And that's bad, particularly since I missed it. I got involved in reading a lead from the Denver Post and by the time I realized that I had completely spaced, it was too late...I had succumbed to an atavistic trait that all football junkies possess.

So on Day three of this fully supervised, fully refereed window of opportunity for teams to contact players' agent, we realize that there may be many deals ready to be agreed to but my personal expectations of the 88 hours-long window of legal tampering have been dashed by a gag order, and as fans we are just as poorly off, information-wise...

...and it's not much different than just waiting out the weekend heading into free agency in any other year, just more frustrating because I expected so much more.

What have we learned though?  Anything other than what would have learned otherwise?

* Well, we learned that now that Joe Flacco has his money and has handcuffed the Baltimore Ravens in the free agent market, he is telling receiver Anquan Boldin to not settle for less money from the Ravens then he feels he deserves.

Joe, did it ever occur to you that your deal is what caused the rift in the first place?  Do you think Boldin is looking at your deal and then his and wondering where you would be without him?  Maybe you should give Boldin the $2 Million that the Ravens want to shave off of his 2013 Salary.

* We learned that Darrelle Revis wants his status cleared up quickly, but there's a couple of things holding that up.  First, the amount of money that he's seeking is prima facie absurd for a cornerback coming off an ACL tear and, secondly, is the ACL tear itself.  That is a huge risk for anyone to take, and the Jets are smart to shop him around.

Revis is damaged goods, and to sell him off as-is for the money that his elite status demands is hard dollar...but just as sure as legal tampering is boring, some team is going to come forward and give him all he wants and all the Jets want.

There's a sucker in Denver, we understand.

* We learned that Wes Welker and/or his agent is either manic-depressive or learned everything they know about messing with people by watch Lifetime Channel movies...

Welker is the "jilted" employee who was offered a fair contract, yet turned it down - was given eight figures on a franchise tag last season and was offered a second fair contract by his employer this winter, and still won't budge...and now he wants to "Stick it to the Patriots"? for them not caving into his demands?

Were it me negotiating for the Patriots, I would give him whatever he wants, then turn around and trade him to the highest bidder at the trade deadline in October, thereby both controlling where he goes but also leveraging his agent out of the picture.  If Tight End Aaron Hernandez wouldn't have gotten hurt last season, that would have happened last October.  Thus far, the negotiations have been so contentious because Welker can't keep his mouth shut that it has all of the potential to cause divisiveness in the locker room.

* The number of quality safeties on the market are growing by leaps and bounds as NFL teams are figuring out that the hard hitting enforcer-type role in the NFL are a luxury that don't fit in their budgets.  These days, these type of players have to do more than just knock the chocolate out of folks - they have to be able to cover, to play in the box like an extra safety and to participate on special teams...

...and those players are out there, but they are so plentiful it's like you can get them for a dime a dozen (in NFL terms) so they are being released at record pace.  Two names that the Patriots will end up looking at to stabilize their own safety situation are Adrian Wilson of the Cardinals and Quinton Mikell of the Rams.  Both are in their early 30's and both were deemed luxuries that their present teams couldn't afford if they wanted to build the team up in a different direction.

* Everyone can forget about Mike Wallace now.  Of the minimum of chatter coming out of the lame Legal Tampering window, the most solid has been about Wallace headed to the Dolphins...and now it's being reported that it's a done deal - but I'm curious as to how the NFL is going to handle these reports - and how the Dolphins build their offense around Tannehill and Wallace, particularly since they are letting Reggie Bush and Jake Long walk.

More headlines, which will be updated as the occasions arise:

Wallace deal done for Dolphins

The Palm Beach Post hears from "someone (it) trusts" that free agent Mike Wallace to Miami is a "done deal."

ESPN, Sports Illustrated and USA Today have all insinuated as such over the past 24 hours, making the evidence that Wallace is planning to take his talents to South Beach overwhelming. Wallace's rep could drag talks out on Tuesday for the sake of squeezing a few extra dimes out of an obviously desperate team, but it doesn't appear anyone else has near the desire level to get a deal done.

Bears, Rams have Long on their radars

According to USA Today, the Rams and Bears are "believed to be among the most interested" in free agent LT Jake Long.

It's hardly a surprise, as both teams had sinkholes for left tackles last season. There should be a nice market for Long's services, but a lot is going to depend on what turns up in his physicals. Injury has become a very serious concern for a player who was once one of the top 1-2 tackles in the league. It wouldn't be surprising if Long doesn't find what he's looking for on the open market and ends up back in Miami on a team-friendly deal.

Bushrod 50/50 to return to Saints

Free agent LT Jermon Bushrod is "50-50" to re-sign with the Saints.

Per SI's Peter King, Bushrod's Saints future could depend on Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith restructuring their deals. If it's Vilma and Smith holding the Saints back from keeping Drew Brees' blindside protector, it's shocking one or both haven't been cut loose already. Bushrod is far more important to the Saints' 2013 chances. Neither Vilma nor Smith is a fit for New Orleans' new 3-4 defense.

Eagles to chase Amendola

Citing a source with "direct knowledge" of the Eagles' plans, CSN Philly reports the club is "interested in pursuing" free agent Danny Amendola.

In other words, this info isn't coming from an agent. Old Rams OC Pat Shurmur is now coordinating the Eagles' offense, and Chip Kelly's spread scheme floods the field with four wide receivers, including two in the slot. Beat writer Geoff Mosher concedes it's "unclear how hard" the Eagles will pursue Amendola, but he's definitely on their radar. Amendola is said to be seeking north of $6 million a year.

Legal Tampering: Day 3 - associated painful truths edition

I'm a junkie.  Up until this moment I had always thought myself a fan with an opinion and a reasonable grasp of the english language.

I have been watching professional football for the better part of four decades and have been through an infinite number of drafts, endless hours of study and two wives who both enjoyed watching Lifetime Channel movies with me in the room...

...but I'll be damned if I can remember anything as insanely boring as this Legal Tampering window.  Which brings up the question, why am I staying up until all hours scouring websites, checking sources, writing like a fool?

Did you know that on Saturday night I sat here at my desk, a shot of whiskey and - well, why blow that, eh? - counting down the minutes to see if the time clock on my computer went to 2:00am and then to 3:00, or if it went directly to 3:00am.

And that's bad, particularly since I missed it. I got involved in reading a lead from the Denver Post and by the time I realized that I had completely spaced, it was too late...I had succumbed to an atavistic trait that all football junkies possess.

So on Day three of this fully supervised, fully refereed window of opportunity for teams to contact players' agent, we realize that there may be many deals ready to be agreed to but my personal expectations of the 88 hours-long window of legal tampering have been dashed by a gag order, and as fans we are just as poorly off, information-wise...

...and it's not much different than just waiting out the weekend heading into free agency in any other year, just more frustrating because I expected so much more.

What have we learned though?  Anything other than what would have learned otherwise?

* Well, we learned that now that Joe Flacco has his money and has handcuffed the Baltimore Ravens in the free agent market, he is telling receiver Anquan Boldin to not settle for less money from the Ravens then he feels he deserves.

Joe, did it ever occur to you that your deal is what caused the rift in the first place?  Do you think Boldin is looking at your deal and then his and wondering where you would be without him?  Maybe you should give Boldin the $2 Million that the Ravens want to shave off of his 2013 Salary.

* We learned that Darrelle Revis wants his status cleared up quickly, but there's a couple of things holding that up.  First, the amount of money that he's seeking is prima facie absurd for a cornerback coming off an ACL tear and, secondly, is the ACL tear itself.  That is a huge risk for anyone to take, and the Jets are smart to shop him around.

Revis is damaged goods, and to sell him off as-is for the money that his elite status demands is hard dollar...but just as sure as legal tampering is boring, some team is going to come forward and give him all he wants and all the Jets want.

There's a sucker in Denver, we understand.

* We learned that Wes Welker and/or his agent is either manic-depressive or learned everything they know about messing with people by watch Lifetime Channel movies...

Welker is the "jilted" employee who was offered a fair contract, yet turned it down - was given eight figures on a franchise tag last season and was offered a second fair contract by his employer this winter, and still won't budge...and now he wants to "Stick it to the Patriots"? for them not caving into his demands?

Were it me negotiating for the Patriots, I would give him whatever he wants, then turn around and trade him to the highest bidder at the trade deadline in October, thereby both controlling where he goes but also leveraging his agent out of the picture.  If Tight End Aaron Hernandez wouldn't have gotten hurt last season, that would have happened last October.  Thus far, the negotiations have been so contentious because Welker can't keep his mouth shut that it has all of the potential to cause divisiveness in the locker room.

* The number of quality safeties on the market are growing by leaps and bounds as NFL teams are figuring out that the hard hitting enforcer-type role in the NFL are a luxury that don't fit in their budgets.  These days, these type of players have to do more than just knock the chocolate out of folks - they have to be able to cover, to play in the box like an extra safety and to participate on special teams...

...and those players are out there, but they are so plentiful it's like you can get them for a dime a dozen (in NFL terms) so they are being released at record pace.  Two names that the Patriots will end up looking at to stabilize their own safety situation are Adrian Wilson of the Cardinals and Quinton Mikell of the Rams.  Both are in their early 30's and both were deemed luxuries that their present teams couldn't afford if they wanted to build the team up in a different direction.

* Everyone can forget about Mike Wallace now.  Of the minimum of chatter coming out of the lame Legal Tampering window, the most solid has been about Wallace headed to the Dolphins...and now it's being reported that it's a done deal - but I'm curious as to how the NFL is going to handle these reports - and how the Dolphins build their offense around Tannehill and Wallace, particularly since they are letting Reggie Bush and Jake Long walk.

More headlines, which will be updated as the occasions arise:

Wallace deal done for Dolphins

The Palm Beach Post hears from "someone (it) trusts" that free agent Mike Wallace to Miami is a "done deal."

ESPN, Sports Illustrated and USA Today have all insinuated as such over the past 24 hours, making the evidence that Wallace is planning to take his talents to South Beach overwhelming. Wallace's rep could drag talks out on Tuesday for the sake of squeezing a few extra dimes out of an obviously desperate team, but it doesn't appear anyone else has near the desire level to get a deal done.

Bears, Rams have Long on their radars

According to USA Today, the Rams and Bears are "believed to be among the most interested" in free agent LT Jake Long.

It's hardly a surprise, as both teams had sinkholes for left tackles last season. There should be a nice market for Long's services, but a lot is going to depend on what turns up in his physicals. Injury has become a very serious concern for a player who was once one of the top 1-2 tackles in the league. It wouldn't be surprising if Long doesn't find what he's looking for on the open market and ends up back in Miami on a team-friendly deal.

Bushrod 50/50 to return to Saints

Free agent LT Jermon Bushrod is "50-50" to re-sign with the Saints.

Per SI's Peter King, Bushrod's Saints future could depend on Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith restructuring their deals. If it's Vilma and Smith holding the Saints back from keeping Drew Brees' blindside protector, it's shocking one or both haven't been cut loose already. Bushrod is far more important to the Saints' 2013 chances. Neither Vilma nor Smith is a fit for New Orleans' new 3-4 defense.

Eagles to chase Amendola

Citing a source with "direct knowledge" of the Eagles' plans, CSN Philly reports the club is "interested in pursuing" free agent Danny Amendola.

In other words, this info isn't coming from an agent. Old Rams OC Pat Shurmur is now coordinating the Eagles' offense, and Chip Kelly's spread scheme floods the field with four wide receivers, including two in the slot. Beat writer Geoff Mosher concedes it's "unclear how hard" the Eagles will pursue Amendola, but he's definitely on their radar. Amendola is said to be seeking north of $6 million a year.

Legal Tampering: Day 2, school night edition

This going to drive Patriots fans crazy.

Elvis Dummerville, the high-energy freakishly athletic pass rushing tweener of the Denver Broncos may be a salary cap casualty as early as Monday afternoon.

Now before fans start drooling as if Pavlov just rang the dinner bell, he is unhappy that the team is seeking to restructure his contract, and he's refusing to let go of the $14 Million that he is due to make this season....

...so, it appears that the Broncos are set to cut him loose, even though there is still some guaranteed money detail to be worked out. 

That sounds like a sticky situation that the Patriots probably don't want to get involved in, plus at $14 million, he would take up half of the cap space available and it just isn't worth it.

...and thus far, that's the biggest news to come out of Day 2 of Legal Tampering...the rest of this afternoon's headlines appear below and will be updated as events warrant.

Now it's time to get the Boy a drink and a snack - get his bath all set up and get him off to bed...What?  You didn't think I just sat at my computer all day vegging on football rumors, did you?

Broncos reach impasse in talks with Dumervil

The Denver Post reports contract restructuring talks between the Broncos and RE Elvis Dumervil appear to have reached an impasse.

The exact same term -- "impasse" -- was used in Pittsburgh to describe James Harrison's negotiations before the Steelers cut him. Agent Marty Magid sent the Broncos a contract proposal on Friday, and the two sides have had "no communication" since. Denver may be preparing Dumervil's walking papers. "Elvis has been working out, he’s healthy, he feels great," Magid said. "He wants to stay with the Broncos. Right now, we’re waiting to hear back from them."

 

Colts, Browns to wage 'bidding war' on Kruger

 

The Baltimore Sun reports the Colts and Browns will soon engage in a "bidding war" for free agent OLB Paul Kruger.
 

The Browns have been "particularly aggressive" on both Kruger and Cliff Avril since Saturday morning's negotiating window opened. One source predicted Kruger will command $10 million to $12 million per year. Both Cleveland and Indianapolis are flush with cap space and need pass-rush help. It's conceivable that the Kruger will go to the Colts and Avril to the Browns, or vice versa.

 

UPDATE: Report: Tony Gonzalez will play ball in 2013

 

USA Today's Jim Corbett reports free agent Tony Gonzalez is expected to inform the Falcons that he will return for the 2013 season.
 

The report cites a person familiar with Gonzalez's thinking. "There's a pretty darn good chance that he comes back," the person said. "He's been chasing that Super Bowl for a long time. If I was a betting man, I'd say he'd be on the side of trying to come back." When Gonzalez returns -- likely on a one-year deal worth about $7 million -- the Falcons are expected to put him on a limited training camp regimen out of respect for the 37-year-old's body. Gonzo has been selected to 13 Pro Bowls. He's the NFL's all-time leader in catches (1,242) and yards (14,268) by a tight end.

 

Report: Falcons remain frontrunner for S-Jax

 

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Falcons are "still regarded as the frontrunner" to sign free agent Steven Jackson.

Jackson reportedly didn't receive many phone calls as the negotiating period opened Saturday at midnight, but Atlanta "isn't the only team interested." The other clubs are unknown. Jackson has resigned himself to leaving St. Louis. "I understand the business side of it," he said. "I still have a great relationship with the (Rams’) organization, and one day I’ll be going back there."

 

Broncos jump into Mendenhall sweepstakes

 

The Denver Post reports that free agent Rashard Mendenhall is drawing interest from the Broncos.

Perhaps Mendenhall's market will be stronger than anticipated. The Dolphins have also shown a solid amount of interest, and we suspect the Cardinals have some too with former Steelers OC Bruce Arians now running the show. Per Denver beat writer Mike Klis, the Broncos' level of interest in Mendenhall is "hard to gauge." The addition of Mendenhall would likely lead to Willis McGahee's release.

Legal Tampering: Day 2 sleeping in edition - Fins targeting Welker?

Apparently nothing interupts Sunday morning.

As of 11:00am, things are very quiet on the free agent front, so quiet in fact that one could get the feeling that it is the calm before the storm - or maybe everyone is all screwed up from springing forward, or maybe the breakfast buffet at the Ramada is especially tasty...

...but then another report out of Miami that the Dolphins have Wes Welker on their Radar, along with Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson...they have the money so maybe they'll blow it on three wide receivers and leave Tannehill's blind side exposed?  Sounds like the kind of move that makes the Dolphins...well...the Dolphins.

Spend that money, Boys!

In that spirit, here's a few notes from overnight to get us primed.  I will update as events warrant.

Nothing big...not yet, anyway.

Eagles determined to acquire Revis

The Philadelphia Inquirer passes along a rumor that Eagles GM Howie Roseman is "crunching numbers" and "putting together an offer" to acquire Darrelle Revis.

It would make plenty of sense. The Eagles are sickly thin at cornerback with the impending departures of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and they have a boatload of cap space to meet Revis' contract demands. Roseman is also an aggressive general manager, even if it's backfired more often than not. Beat writer Jeff McLane speculates Philly could package the No. 35 overall pick with a future selection to entice the Jets. New York is reportedly "determined" to trade Revis prior the the draft.

 

Gonzales will return to Falcons for $7 million

 

The Falcons are "cautiously optimistic" that free agent Tony Gonzalez will return for his age-37 season, but only at the right price.
 

That "price" appears to be $7 million and the luxury of being able to miss some or all of training camp. "If we offer him the money, he'll most likely be back for one more," said one team source. "He'll most likely be looking to miss training camp, though." The heightened salary request isn't expected to be a major road block, though the whole missing camp issue could. "The money is there," a source said. "Working out the days he can miss is the biggest holdup." We expect Gonzo back.

 

UPDATE: Bush confirms impending departure from Miami

 

A source "very close" to free agent Reggie Bush tells the Miami Herald he's receiving interest from three teams, and "categorically" will not be back with the Dolphins.

Per reporter Armando Salguero, Bush is being offered "significant" money. "Significant" would imply Bush could match or surpass the $5 million he made in 2012, but that would be quite a feat for agent Joel Segal in a tight market. It's a safe bet two of the three interested teams are Detroit and Arizona, but the third is a complete unknown. Bush is by far the best change-of-pace back on the market.

Dolphins serious about Gibson, Welker

The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins contacted free agent WR Brandon Gibson on Saturday, and talks are said to be "serious."

The real juice to the story is that "some believe that Gibson could earn a contract comparable to the one given to Brian Hartline" last week -- five years and $31 million with $12.5 million guaranteed. While it's unclear how talks with Gibson would affect a Mike Wallace pursuit, we'd guess that he would likely be a fallback option. Miami is also said to be interested in free agent Wes Welker.

 

Amendola will not be re-signed by Rams

 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Rams are not expected to re-sign free agent Danny Amendola due to his contract demands.

Amendola is said to be seeking Brian Hartline money ($6 million per year), and that's more than the Rams are "willing to invest" given his injury history. With Amendola and fellow free agent Brandon Gibson on their way out in St. Louis, the Rams are staring at an overhaul atop their receiver depth chart from what we've been accustomed to in recent years. That may not be a bad thing.

Just a note from the draft perspective

The National Football Post says Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones' neck injury is "starting to look like it might be a non-issue on draft day," and "there is little chance he falls out of the top ten."

Independent orthopedist Craig Brigham refutes the notion that Jones ever even had a significant spinal cord contusion, and concluded that Jones either had a mild case of spinal cord concussion or just simply a neck stinger that has long since resolved. "Jarvis is cleared to play without restriction," said Brigham. After receiving good news on his neck at the Combine, Jones may not be in for such a dramatic tumble down boards on draft day as was initially thought.

Boldin's Agent trying to get receiver cut?

Citing a source with knowledge of the situation, Profootballtalk.com reports Anquan Boldin's chances of staying in Baltimore are "parked at 50-50."

PFT's Mike Florio passes along "suspicion" that Boldin's agent is actively trying to get his client cut in hopes of testing free agency and commanding more money than his $6 million salary. It could be a smart business move. The receiver market has been depleted by Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline's long-term deals, and Boldin would immediately become a top-five free-agent wideout along with Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Wes Welker, and Danny Amendola.

UPDATE: The Ravens have asked Boldin to take a $2 million pay cut, and he has refused...

Harvin wants out of Minnesota

Citing "some good sources around the NFL," the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Sid Hartman reports Percy Harvin has informed the Vikings that he does not want to play for them anymore and "wants to be traded."

Hartman is a columnist with a spotty track record, so keep that in mind. After explaining that Harvin doesn't get along with the coaching and medical staffs, Hartman acknowledges GM Rick Spielman "is in the driver's seat." Harvin is signed for 2013 and the Vikings could keep him with consecutive franchise tags the following two seasons. Additionally, Hartman reports Harvin won't be in attendance when Vikings offseason workouts begin on April 22.

Free Agency Tracker: Legal Tampering Edition - Pats, Bucs leading contenders for CB Smith

Starting fresh with the late afternoon rumors:

Dolphins interested in Mendenhall

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah is "hearing a lot of buzz" about the Dolphins being interested in free agent Rashard Mendenhall.

It would be an odd fit for a team reportedly enamored with Lamar Miller, and terrible news for Daniel Thomas. Mendenhall would be an upgrade on Thomas, but not a viable replacement for Reggie Bush. Mendenhall has just 77 catches in 57 career games, and is not an asset as a pass protector. Giving Mendenhall touches at the expense of Miller would be counterproductive.

Giants said to be making "Late Push" to keep Bennett

The New York Daily News reports the Giants are making a "late push" to re-sign free agent Martellus Bennett, and that keeping him remains a "top goal."

Bennett's agent confirmed the sides are still talking. "I am and will continue communicating with the Giants," Bennett's rep said. "Martellus is still in New York, and we are taking it one day at a time." The Giants are thought to be averse to entering a bidding war for the 26-year-old tight end, but he won't get out of town without a fight. Bennett is reportedly drawing "some interest" from the Bucs, who have cap space to burn.

UPDATE: Boldin in real danger of getting the axe

The Baltimore Sun reports the Ravens are indeed pushing Anquan Boldin to take a pay-cut, and could release before the start of free agency if "talks continue to be unsuccessful."

Boldin blithely claimed Saturday afternoon he had yet to be approached about a cut, but according to a league source, the Ravens nearly released him on Friday. Boldin reportedly went as far as to prepare a statement "thanking the fans for their support during his time in Baltimore." Per reporter Aaron Wilson, team officials "remain hopeful" a deal can be reached. Boldin will have to swallow his pride for that to happen.

Dolphins actively seeking Wallace

FOX Sports confirms the Dolphins are the "lead dog" in the Mike Wallace sweepstakes, and that Wallace "prefers warm weather."

Per reporter Alex Marvez, Wallace is expected to draw "multiple offers" worth between $11-$12 million per season. It's clear the Dolphins are primed to be Wallace's most aggressive suitor, but we wouldn't put much stock in his supposed weather preference. Who truly "prefers" cold weather? It would be stunning if Wallace left even a little money on the table because Miami is a better place to take an evening stroll in the winter. Miami's temperate climate should only be a factor if Wallace is weighing equal offers

Patriots, Bucs leading contenders for CB Smith

Yahoo Sports' Jason Cole reports that the Patriots, Bucs, and Cardinals appear to be the "leading candidates" to land Sean Smith in free agency.

Cole concedes "things are fluid," and interestingly doesn't include the Eagles among Smith's suitors. Arizona needs a bookend for Patrick Peterson, and new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was Smith's position coach in Miami. The Pats are considering moving on from fellow free agent Aqib Talib. The Bucs have the most cap space of the trio; Smith's stated desire is to "get paid."

Cards, Lions in the hunt for RB Bush

Profootballtalk.com calls the Cardinals a "team to watch" in the Reggie Bush free-agent sweepstakes.

The Lions are the other team mentioned by PFT. Bush would have a better chance at a starting job in Arizona, under pass-happy coach Bruce Arians. We'd still prefer Bush's fantasy fit in Detroit, playing on turf in a better offense behind a better offensive line. He could catch 65-75 balls with the Lions.

Capricious Welker: Be careful not to drop this ball

Dude, make up your mind?

Wes Welker is playing a dangerous game with his career in New England, and if he's not careful his time will be up in Foxboro...and it may already be.

Now if Welker doesn't play ball, not only will he be playing for another team, but also he will become the scourge of New England, the guy that dropped the ball - not once in the Super Bowl, not a second time in last season's AFC title game, but a third time when his friend restructured his own contract to give the team room to negotiate with him.

That is about as figuratively dropping the ball as you can get...and it's slipping through his fingers.

The argument isn't whether or not he is a great receiver - there is no debate, he is perhaps the best slot receiver to ever play the game.  The argument isn't whether he deserves and has earned to seek the best possible deal in free agency, because he has.

The argument is that the back and forth, cat and mouse, capricious game that he's playing with the Patriots is forcing them to plan to move on without him, because otherwise they would be handcuffed and not able to get the most out of free agency nor the draft if they didn't.

And nobody, not Welker, not Logan Mankins, not Vince Wilfork, not even Brady will dictate to Bob Kraft and Bill Belichick what they can or can not do with their franchise, and anyone who thinks they can hasn't been paying attention...

...so why is Welker playing this game?  Only he and his agent know for sure, but it belongs on the playground, not in the really real adult world of business.  He acts like he's owed something, but the truth of the matter is that he's been paid for his work - he signed a contract, both sides lived up to the language of the deal and the only thing Welker has earned is the right to see if the field turf is greener somewhere else.

The Patriots tried to pay him.  Welker wouldn't accept it, so instead of being handcuffed by ambiguity, the Patriots tagged him with the Franchise Player designation that paid him very handsomely with the promise that they would work towards a long-term deal at the end of the season.

Welker responded by first being open to negotiations, then leaking stories of feeling disrespected by the franchise, but willing to negotiate with them anyway - and now by saying that he will not sign with the Patriots until he sees what else is out there...

...which is fine, he's earned the right, but the Patriots apparently have tired of his game and are ready to move forward without him, themselves leaking a report that they will sign Rams' receiver Danny Amendola the second that free agency period begins on Tuesday afternoon.

No one really knows if this is just gamesmanship on the part of the Patriots or if this is just speculation, but the fact remains that if the Patriots weren't ready to move on without their All Pro slot receiver, there would be no speculation at all.

One thing is certain, however:  The Patriots will not be held hostage.

The ball is in the air and headed toward you, Wes Welker.  The fan base and Patriots' management have been willing to forgive two dropped balls in the most clutch of situations, though the memory will never die. 

But if you drop this one, the only way you'll see Foxboro again is through the windows of the team bus taking your new team to Gillette Stadium, where you will be preparing to play the powerful Patriots from the visitor's locker room...

...and I wouldn't be expecting that they'll ever forgive you for dropping this ball.