Thursday, February 28, 2013

Quick look at new salary cap numbers in AFC East

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The new salary cap numbers for 2013 are out, and it appears teams will have a little bit more room to work with than in 2012.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the league increased the cap to $123 million, up nearly $3 million from last year. This will give teams a little extra cushion when free agency starts on March 12, and all four teams in the division seem eager to start shopping.

Report: Jets bring in David Garrard for workout

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It's early, but so far, Mark Sanchez need not be shaking in his boots.

As the New York Jets begin their search for a veteran signal-caller to compete with Sanchez for the starting quarterback gig in 2013, the organization brought in free agent David Garrard for a workout Thursday, according to the NY Daily News. (photo: Paul Robinson, Flickr)

The 35-year-old Garrard hasn't seen a game in two years, having missed the 2011 season to back problems and last season after being released by the Miami Dolphins last summer thanks to a knee ailment.

Kelsay retires, won't 'dwell on' lack of playoff action

BY NICK ST. DENIS

One of Chris Kelsay's goals as a professional football player was to end his career with the Buffalo Bills, the team that drafted him in 2003. He completed that goal.

Wednesday, the 10-year veteran defensive end announced his retirement, calling it quits after a decade's worth of work that saw him make 32.5 sacks and 440 tackles in 147 games. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)

But despite playing for double-digits worth of years for the same franchise, Kelsay was unable to make a single playoff appearance, something he regrets but won't "dwell on."

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Suggs: Hatred for Patriots a league-wide consensus

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

When you’ve won three Super bowls since 2000 and nine division titles in the last 10 years, you’re bound make some enemies in the NFL.

According to Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, however, the reason the New England Patriots are the most hated team in the league is much deeper than that.  (photo: Phil Romans, Flickr)

Suggs was a guest on 93.7 WEEI’s The Big Show on Wednesday, where he elaborated on some of the comments that were made after Baltimore’s victory over the Pats in the AFC Championship game. Even more interesting was the fact that he “guarantees the other 31 teams hate the New England Patriots,” and that even former New England players have had negative things to say about the organization.

How Alex Smith trade could impact AFC East

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Alex Smith won't be traded to an AFC East team, but his reported move to the Kansas City Chiefs could still have an impact.

The San Francisco 49ers will receive a second round draft pick (34th overall) and an additional pick in 2014 in exchange for their backup quarterback. Jay Glazer broke the news Wednesday, and Tim Kawakami was first to report the compensation. (photo: John Martinez Pavliga, Flickr)

Not only does Smith's departure from the trade block eliminate a possible option for two teams, the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, who are in need of another competitive quarterback, but it opens up some other possibilities.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Patriots' project Jeff Demps returning to track

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Jeff Demps likes football. He seems to like track more.

Demps, the former Florida Gators tailback and Olympic track runner, was signed by the New England Patriots last summer to a three-year contract. He still wants to honor that deal, but he'd like to honor his main talent, as well. (photo: photo-gator, Flickr)

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Tuesday that Demps told the Patriots he plans on competing on the track again, starting in March.

Brandon Lloyd’s attitude, age may trump his output

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Despite putting up All-Pro numbers at times in his career, particularly with the Denver Broncos in 2010, Brandon Lloyd hasn’t been able to stay with one team for more than three years.

And despite amassing more than 900 yards and four touchdowns last season for the New England Patriots, the veteran wideout may be looking for another contract in the near future.

Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe said Tuesday that the “odds were against” the Pats picking up Lloyd’s contract, a move that would save the team nearly $5 million in cap space this year. Bedard noted Lloyd’s off-the-field attitude as one of the main reasons for wideout’s unpopularity, though his inconsistency on the field has also been an issue at times.

Report: Jets brass avoided Revis's camp at Combine

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets denied having trade talks with other teams regarding their star cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Apparently, they're denying Revis, too. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

The NY Daily News reported Tuesday that general manager John Idzik, coach Rex Ryan and owner Woody Johnson "avoided" communication with Revis's camp over the last week despite the sides being "separated by three tenths of a mile" in Indianapolis while the NFL Scouting Combine commenced.

Monday, February 25, 2013

David Nelson leaves Bills, but will he leave division?

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills opted to not tender a contact to rehabbing Florida product David Nelson as a restricted free agent Sunday, the second such move this offseason by general manager Buddy Nix and the team.

Nelson's departure makes the Bills' next roster move an intriguing one, but where Nelson winds up could be the most intriguing part of all. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

The Bills not biting at Nelson was a bit of a surprise considering his moderate salary and potentially huge upside this season, just a few reasons why Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston thinks he may not go far.

Gronk reportedly has 3rd surgery in as many months

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Rob Gronkowski knows a few things about getting surgery on his left arm.

The New England Patriots' All-World tight end had his third surgery in as many months last week, this time to treat an infection he acquired during his second surgery to fix a broken forearm. (photo: WBUR, Flickr)

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates reported the news Monday, noting that Gronkowski is expected to be good to go for training camp.

Report: Brady, Patriots agree to 3-year extension

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tom Brady wants to be a New England Patriot for life. And if he's going to do so, he'll make sure the team is winning -- both on the field and financially.

According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, Brady and the Patriots agreed to a three-year extension on his contract, which had just two years left on it. With that, Brady is slated to make "less than half of his worth by any measure." (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

King's source said the new deal is worth $27 million. Brady will get paid salaries of $7 million, $8 million and $9 million in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, after getting an immediate $3 million via a signing bonus.

Not so fast on possible Jennings-Philbin reunion

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Wide receiver and free agent-to-be Greg Jennings seems like a logical fit for the Miami Dolphins, who have made no secret about their desire to bring in some new weapons on offense this offseason.

After all, Jennings already seems open to landing with the Dolphins, and Miami head coach Joe Philbin was his offensive coordinator for five seasons in Green Bay.

But Philbin may not be as interested in a reunion. (photo: ElvisKennedy.com)

Cream of the 2013 NFL Draft crop: Linebackers

BY SEAN DONOVAN

This is the sixth edition of an eight-part series noting the top prospects of the 2013 NFL Draft at their respective positions.

THE LINEBACKER PROSPECTS: Jarvis Jones, Alec Ogletree, Kevin Minter, Manti Te'o, Arthur Brown, Khaseem Green. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

Jarvis Jones (6-2, 242 lbs.) Georgia
Explosive edge rusher. Very strong, and has an effective bull rush move despite his small size. Has a good motor and is more than capable of dropping into coverage. Is a two-time All-SEC performer. His smaller frame may impede his ability to add more bulk. Was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2009, which may prevent teams from medically clearing him. Projected round: 1

Alec Ogletree (6-3, 234 lbs.) Georgia
Exceptional athlete who has a knack for making big plays. Proficient in coverage, and has rare ball skills for a linebacker. Impact player. Struggles to disengage blockers and at times displays poor tackling technique. Made headlines recently with an arrest for DUI, which joins a long list of off-the-field red flags, including other arrests and drug-related suspensions. Projected round: 1

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Playing catch-up: Sunday happenings in AFC East

BY NICK ST. DENIS

We had a busy day away from the blog today and are playing some catch-up. So here's a roundup of links on what happened at the NFL Combine and in the AFC East Sunday and late Saturday:

Jets eye restructured Holmes deal [ESPN New York] (photo: Marianne O'Leary)

QB Observations from Sunday's Combine [BuffaloBills.com]

With Donald Jones already gone, Bills dismiss David Nelson, too [Buffalo News]

Sean Smith has suitors but will he stay hungry? [Miami Herald]

South Carolina safety D.J. Swearinger: ‘I like the New England style of defense’ [WEEI]

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Bills in no hurry to seal deal with WR David Nelson

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills have scheduled meetings with two of their top free agents this weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine in order to get deals done before free agency begins in March.

Well, maybe make that two and a half. General manager Buddy Nix confirmed Saturday that the team, in addition to communicating with the camps of Andy Levitre and Jairus Byrd, has also contacted the agent of restricted free agent David Nelson, who missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury.

Working out a new contract for Nelson, however, doesn’t seem to be very high up on Nix’s to-do list. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Rex wants to get Coples on the edge more in future

BY NICK ST. DENIS

If you're a defensive lineman on the New York Jets, you're not a defensive end or a defensive tackle. You're a defensive lineman.

Quinton Coples got a crash course in the different challenges an NFL offensive line can provide by setting up shop all over the defensive front during his rookie season, something head coach and defensive line guru Rex Ryan likes to do with his big guys. (photo: Pedro Cambra, Flickr)

But now that Coples has been broken in, Ryan plans on keeping Coples more on the outside, where Ryan thinks Coples can thrive as an edge rusher.

Jeff Ireland talks role of social media in scouting

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland uses the term "twitterer." So there's that.

When speaking to the media Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ireland talked about what role, if any, Twitter plays when scouting talent. (photo: Chris J. Nelson, Wikimedia)

"...I’m not very good at it but I know I have guys on my staff that are very good at it and they follow it and they look at it," Ireland said, via the team's media site. "I don’t know how much of the evaluation process that it’s taking in. Again it’s more information in what (the players are) saying and maybe there’s a sense of maturity that goes along with being a heavy twitterer, is that right language, heavy twitterer.

Marrone eager as Bills release offseason schedule

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has been itching to meet his new team and figure out what he has to work with next season. He’ll have to wait another 40 days.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I think we have a bunch of good guys and we have a lot of work ahead of us," Marrone told Chris Brown of buffalobills.com.

The Bills' voluntary workouts will begin at the beginning of April, and Marrone and his staff will get two full weeks with those who participate before the NFL Draft on April 16 to 18. The coaches won’t be able to talk logistics with the participants during that time, but it’s a chance for at least a meet-and-greet and a preliminary evaluation of the talent.

Add Dan Connolly to list of Patriots' OL surgeries

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots' offensive line isn't necessarily a place for job security, but it certainly provides job security to those in the medical field.

Patriots guard Dan Connolly had surgery on his right shoulder last week, according to Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe.  (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Flickr)

Two's company. Connolly's fellow offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer had surgery on his right knee Wednesday. Both procedures were reported Friday.

Cream of the 2013 NFL draft crop: Cornerback

BY SEAN DONOVAN

This is the fifth edition of an eight-part series noting the top prospects of the 2013 NFL Draft at their respective positions.

THE CORNERBACK PROSPECTS: Dee Milliner, Xavier Rhodes, Desmond Trufant, Johnthan Banks, Logan Ryan, Jordan Poyer.

Dee Milliner (6-1, 198 lbs.) Alabama
Plays with a high level of awareness, staying in position to knock down passes and having an exceptional ability to locate the ball in the air. Very strong in run support. Was a first-team All-American in 2012. Has a tendency to play too aggressively at times. Only has one season of starting experience. Projected round: 1 (photo: Matt Valazquez, Flickr)

Xavier Rhodes (6-1, 217 lbs.) Florida State
Big, physical cornerback. Does not allow receivers to out-muscle him in routes or in jump-ball situations. Strong tackler. Possesses good burst and reacts quickly to plays in front of him. Often plays too physical and is susceptible to interference calls. Projected round: 1

Tavon Austin wants to be quicker, faster Wes Welker

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Tavon Austin wants to be just like Wes Welker. He just might need to be.

Austin has been following Welker since he was a teenager, and he could end up following him right onto New England’s roster. Whether Welker is still there when he gets there, however, is still up in the air.

“Wes Welker, that’s the No. 1 guy,” Austin told D.J. Bean of WEEI.com. “I see how Wes does it, I watch a lot of tape of him, and I think I move a little quicker and faster than Wes, so if he can do it, I know I can do it too.”

Cream of the 2013 NFL Draft crop: Wide receiver

BY SEAN DONOVAN

This is the fourth edition of an eight-part series noting the top prospects of the 2013 NFL Draft at their respective positions. (photo: John Martinez Pavliga)

THE WIDE RECEIVER PROSPECTS: Keenan Allen, Cordarrelle Patterson, DeAndre Hopkins, Tavon Austin, Robert Woods.

Keenan Allen (6-3, 210 lbs.) California
Big, physical wideout with good hands. Ideally suited for a West Coast style offense that depends on solid route-running and timing. Can make catches in traffic, and has good quickness and agility to turn upfield. Is recovering from a significant knee injury that cost him most of the 2012 season. Projected round: 1.

Cordarrelle Patterson (6-3, 205 lbs.) Tennessee
Electric playmaker. Possesses rare athleticism and the ability to get separation from coverage. Has the versatility to be a weapon in short, intermediate, and deep routes. Set an SEC single-season record in 2012 with a punt and kickoff return average of 27.6 yards. Raw receiving skills with just one season of Division 1 football experience. Projected round: 1.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Former Bills safety George Wilson signs with Titans

BY NICK ST. DENIS

George Wilson was expected to land on his feet quickly after the Buffalo Bills released the veteran safety a week and a half ago. And that he did.

Wilson signed with the Tennessee Titans Friday. (photo: Chris Seward, Flickr)

“George is a quality veteran player,” Titans general manager Ruston Webster said, via the team's website. “He will contribute for us on the field, but his contributions also will come off the field, in the locker room and in the meetings rooms."

Reports: Pats' Vollmer had knee surgery Wednesday

BY NICK ST. DENIS

New England Patriots right tackle Sebastian Vollmer "recently" had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. How recently? Wednesday.

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald was first to report the procedure Friday, and ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss confirmed that the scope did in fact occur two days ago. (photo: Beth Hart, Flickr)

Vollmer, who is slated to hit free agency in mid-March if he isn't re-signed or franchise-tagged by the Patriots, battled "swelling" in the knee throughout the 2012 season but sat out only one game -- a Thursday night matchup with the New York Jets.

Dolphins talked with Bush's agent within last week

BY NICK ST. DENIS

When the 2012 season commenced, most signs pointed to Reggie Bush's exit from South Beach.

But according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, neither the Miami Dolphins nor the impending free agent have initiated the break up. (photo: Reggie Bush, Flickr)

Salguero reported Friday morning that the Dolphins had contractual conversations with Bush's agent, Joel Segal, "in the last week."

Bills’ plans for impending free agents shaping up

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon and general manager Buddy Nix were pretty adamant Thursday about not wanting to use the team’s franchise tag this offseason, but they may be singing a different tune after the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Bills have a few key players set to hit the free-agent market in March, all of whom they seem eager to retain. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

As it has in the past, Buffalo is using the Combine as a meeting place, hoping to solidify contracts before open season begins on March 12.

Bills GM Nix: McKelvin a priority in free agency

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills cornerback/return man Leodis McKelvin certainly made some waves this year as the core of the special teams squad. Apparently, waves that big reach all the way up to the front office.

When speaking with Tim Graham of the Buffalo News on Thursday, Bills general manager Buddy Nix mentioned McKelvin as a must-have from the team’s free agent pool, seeing him as not only a key playmaker on returns but in the defensive backfield, as well.

"Leodis has got to have some help, but he's a big-time returner,” Nix said. “I think Leodis will be a candidate for that spot." (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Rex Ryan says Jets haven't discussed trading Revis

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Darrelle Revis wanted answers to reports that the New York Jets were looking to trade him.

Thursday, coach Rex Ryan tried to give one -- to Revis and the rest of us. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

Ryan, speaking to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, said the rumors "plain and simple" "were not accurate," noting that they surfaced before new general manager John Idzik even posted up in his new place of employment.

Bills in no hurry to name Whaley general manager

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Buffalo Bills assistant general manager Doug Whaley will eventually succeed Buddy Nix as the team's GM, but the organization hasn't set a date.

Whaley told the Buffalo News Thursday that his role as Nix's "foot soldier" hasn't changed, and new team president Russ Brandon said "there's no timetable" for Whaley taking the reigns. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

"He's our assistant GM. He's in charge of all personnel," Brandon said. "Doug, he's locked into Buffalo for the foreseeable future. There's no transition time table or plan. Buddy and I will meet on that when it's appropriate, but we haven't discussed that at all."

AFC East round-by-round 2013 NFL Draft order

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The NFL released the tentative round-by-round order for the 2013 Draft Thursday. The order does not include compensatory selections, which will be awarded at the bottom of Rounds 3-7 and announced in March. (photo: Marques Stewart, Flickr)
First round 
8 (8): Bills
9: (9): Jets
12 (12): Dolphins
29 (29): Patriots
Second round 
8 (39): Jets
10 (41): Bills
11 (42): Dolphins
24 (54): Dolphins - from Colts
29 (59): Patriots

Revis, Sherman engage in entertaining Twitter spat

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Perhaps no player in league has dominated his position in recent years quite like New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis. He has, at times, handled an entire side of the field for a Jets defense that has been a top-ranked unit for most of his career.

With that type of dominance, having your name invoked by peers comes with the territory. But Revis is apparently a little sick of one up-and-coming corner doing just that:

Dennard verdict complicates Patriots’ secondary

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The future of the New England Patriots’ defensive backfield got a little more complicated Wednesday, and the question now may be just how many players the team will have to bring in to fix it.

Alfonzo Dennard, the team’s No. 2 cornerback last season, was convicted of felony assault on a police officer and resisting arrest in Lincoln, Neb., Wednesday stemming from an incident last April.

The charges, according to Omaha.com, could land Dennard in jail for as many as six years, but the specifics won’t be known until sentencing on April 11. Lancaster County Attorney Joe Kelly said similar cases have yielded a sentence ranging from probation to 180 days in jail.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Cream of the 2013 NFL Draft crop: Running backs

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

This is the third edition of an eight-part series noting the top prospects of the 2013 NFL Draft at their respective positions. (photo: Mike Pettigano, Flickr)

THE RUNNING BACK PROSPECTS: Giovani Bernard, Eddie Lacy, Stepfan Taylor, Montee Ball, Jawan Jamison.

Giovani Bernard (5-10, 205 lb.), North Carolina
Averaged nearly 7 yards per carry in 2012 and was third on his team in receptions with 47, adding nearly 500 yards to the 1,200 he gained on the ground. A proven special teams playmaker as well, giving him the trifecta many NFL coaches are looking for and a near shoo-in for a late first-round pick.

Eddie Lacy (5-10, 220 lb.), Alabama
Widely ranked No. 1 among the running back class, and for good reason. Tore through Notre Dame’s elite defense in the final game of the college season, notching two of his 19 combined touchdowns. Also averaged more than 6 yards a carry in 2012. Recently said he will miss the Combine due to injury, however, which could affect his chance at a first round spot.

Cream of the 2013 NFL Draft crop: Quarterbacks

BY CHRIS TRAPASSO

This is the second edition of an eight-part series noting the top prospects of the 2013 NFL Draft at their respective positions. (photo: Matthew Tosh, Flickr)

THE QUARTERBACK PROSPECTS: Geno Smith, Tyler WIlson, Matt Barkley, Ryan Nassib, Mike Glennon

Geno Smith (6-3, 220 lbs.) West Virginia
Accurate pocket passer with a good arm and decent mobility. Operated a quick-strike offense with the Mountaineers. When he gets into a rhythm he can pick apart a secondary. Plenty of upside. Projected round: 1.

Tyler Wilson (6-3, 220 lbs.) Arkansas
Has NFL quarterback tools. Ran a pro-style offense at Arkansas. Has a good arm and when given time, he can confidently lead an offense from the pocket. Gets sloppy with his delivery in some instances.
Projected round: 1-2

Mike Wallace reportedly at top of Dolphins' wish list

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Miami Dolphins admittedly lack playmakers in their passing attack, and general manager Jeff Ireland has said that this is the year to change that.

Ireland & Co. intend on continuing to build through the draft to surround quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the tools he needs to grow, but a pretty decent surplus of salary cap space will make way for some big-name bids on the open market.

According to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace is atop their wish list(photo: Doug Butchy, Flickr)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Mayock talks West Coast-friendly QBs in draft

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills each brought in a new offensive coordinator this offseason, and with him, a scheme of the West Coast variety. (photo: NeonTommy, Flickr)

The first step in that offensive transition will be bringing in some competition at the quarterback position, as New York’s Mark Sanchez and Buffalo’s Ryan Fitzpatrick each had dreadful seasons in their own right.

According to NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock, finding a college prospect from this year's draft to fit the scheme shouldn’t be too tough.

Jets reportedly set to meet with Dustin Keller's agent

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets have already begun trimming some salary fat off their roster, and there's much more of that to come between future cuts and soon-to-be free agents.

But the Jets are apparently still trying to make things work with a few key players on the bubble. (photo: Billtacular, Flickr)

According to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, the team plans to meet with impending free agent Dustin Keller's agent later this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Jets save $30M-plus by cutting Scott, Pace, 3 others

BY NICK ST. DENIS

John Idzik made his first significant decision(s) as the New York Jets' new general manager Tuesday, cutting linebackers Bart Scott and Calvin Pace.

Safety Eric Smith, offensive lineman Jason Smith and tight end Josh Baker were also part of a collective salary disposal that cleared up roughly $31 million in cap space. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

The move puts the Jets below the cap, and more money-saving cuts are ahead, likely including Tim Tebow, which would free up a little more than $1 million, according to nyjetscap.com.

Bills announce re-signing of reserve guard Brown

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Buffalo Bills reserve offensive lineman Colin Brown is just returning to full strength after suffering a severe hamstring tear(photo: Doug Kerr, Flickr)

Apparently, the Bills think he'll be healthy enough to help out their team, as Buffalo announced Tuesday that they re-signed the restricted free agent.

Brown was placed on IR following a Week 5 start at guard that saw him tear his hamstring from the bone.

Patriots make signing of former CFLer Vega official

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Almost a month ago, the New England Patriots "reportedly" signed defensive end Jason Vega of the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Today, we can drop the "reportedly."

The Patriots officially announced the signing Tuesday. Vega represents one half of the team's CFL influx, as New England also recently inked former Toronto Argonauts defensive lineman Armond Armstead.

Bills look to hash out new deal with Byrd at Combine

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills have committed to part ways with a handful of veterans, via either a release or a decision to not re-sign them.

Safety Jairus Byrd isn't in that group. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)

Buffalo plans to hold contract talks with Byrd, who is slated to hit free agency in March, during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis later this week and weekend, according to the Associated Press.

Cream of the 2013 NFL Draft crop: Tight ends

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

This is the first edition of an eight-part series noting the top prospects of the 2013 NFL Draft at their respective positions. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

THE TIGHT ENDS

Tyler Eifert (6-6, 250 lb.) Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish product looks like the most complete and consistent package of the bunch. He can line up inside, outside, block and make the tough catches when needed. He amassed nearly 2,000 yards in three seasons — despite being underused at times — and was the only good thing about the team’s crushing loss to Alabama in the national championship game. Even if Ertz comes off the board first, I believe Eifert will have the most success as a pro.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Sean Smith can stop worrying about franchise tag

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith was preparing for life under the franchise tag while "rooting strongly against it," according to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post.

Apparently, Smith has nothing to worry about in that regard. (photo: Graham Hisskoul, Flickr)

The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero reported Monday that the Dolphins "will NOT use their tag on Sean Smith. Period."

Revis elaborates on reaction to trade speculation

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Darrelle Revis is the best player on the New York Jets. Just ask him.

When speaking to NFL Network's Andrea Kremer in a recent interview, the All-World cornerback elaborated on his reaction to reports last month that the Jets were looking trade him. (photo: Marianne O' Leary, Flickr)

"I know it’s a business – just call me; don’t have it lingering out there," he said, via the Star-Ledger. "I need answers and I’m not getting any. Just the fact that that was put out there instead of contacting your best player on the team. If that’s how you want to do business, then that’s fine.”

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Combine to introduce 'counterpart' to Wonderlic test

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The oft-scrutinzed Wonderlic test, an annual staple of the NFL Scouting Combine, will make a new friend.

The NFL will implement a new aptitude test in this year's version of the event, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com. But the new exam won't replace the Wonderlic, instead serving as a 'counterpart' to the antiquated testing device.  (photo: Thana Thaweeskulchai, Flickr)

National Football Scouting president Jeff Foster told Breer that the new test, which was developed with a university professor, will be "a little more evolved than the Wonderlic."

Saturday, February 16, 2013

For Kicks: Comparing, contrasting AFC East kickers

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It's a slow news day. And since this is AFC East Daily and not SportsCenter, we won't try to create a story where there isn't one. We'll just pass the time.

So no news is good news -- for the kickers. The AFC East has a pretty good dynamic of boots, so it's only fair they get their annual 400(ish) words of fame.

Who better to start with than Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell? He made 88 percent of his attempts last season, going 21-of-24 without missing from 30 yards in. Short story shorter, by the numbers, Lindell is a well-above average field goal kicker.  (photo: Alan Kotok, Flickr)

Film Review: Tannehill, Dolphins and the read-option

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Two of the biggest NFL storylines this past season were the read-option offenses that exploded onto the scene and the quality crop of young, athletic quarterbacks that ran them.

The Miami Dolphins, with a young, athletic quarterback of their own, also unveiled a version of the read-option in 2012. Though it didn't make nearly the impact it did with some of the other first-year quarterbacks around the league, the success Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins had warrants inclusion of the package going forward.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Marrone: Fitzpatrick, Jackson to be in open QB battle

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Ryan Fitzpatrick will have an opportunity to earn the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback gig in 2013. So will Tarvaris Jackson.

Friday, the Bills announced they re-signed Jackson, who was acquired in 2012 as a reserve. With that, head coach Doug Marrone said the pair of signal-callers will partake in an "open competition" this summer.

 Intriguing, we know. (photo: Ronald Woan, Flickr)

Bills give McGee pink slip, team not done trimming

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills released veteran cornerback Terrence McGee Thursday in another chop to the team’s aging defensive squad and bloated salary situation.

McGee is the third such cut to the Buffalo squad in three days, as fellow vets Nick Barnett and George Wilson were handed their walking papers Monday. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Don’t expect the team to stop there, as McGee’s salary is just another small chunk out of a very big number. As noted by Tim Graham of the Buffalo News earlier in the week, the Bills were $20.9 million below the salary cap after the release of Barnett and Wilson. With McGee’s salary factored in (or out), the Bills now have $25.5 million of wiggle room this offseason.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Jets' 2013 Offseason Primer: Turnovers cue turnover

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Mark Sanchez-Rex Ryan honeymoon looked to be nearing an end late in 2011, and in 2012, it was officially over. A turbulent 6-10 campaign in which the team never had its stuff together led to general manager Mike Tannenbaum getting fired and changes at each of the coordinator positions.

It also put Ryan on the hot seat and Sanchez somewhere close to the door. The pair faces the incredibly tough task of having to prove their worth during a year in which the team is in major transition under new GM John Idzik. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

Front office/coaching changes so far: Fired Tannenbaum, hired Idzik. Fired offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, hired Marty Mornhinweg. Promoted Dennis Thurman to defensive coordinator. Special teams coach Mike Westhoff retired.

Key free agents: S Yeremiah Bell, DL Mike DeVito, WR Braylon Edwards, K Nick Folk, RB Shonn Greene, TE Dustin Keller, S LaRon Landry, G Brandon Moore, G Matt Slauson, LB Bryan Thomas.

Weatherford: Westhoff 'a difficult person to play for'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Former New York Jets punter Steve Weatherford, now with the New York Giants, had his share of differences with Mike Westhoff while working under the Jets' former special teams coach. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

As of Wednesday, not much has changed.

“I didn’t get along with Mike,” Weatherford told WFAN. “Mike was a really difficult person to play for."

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Jim Kelly: No QB in draft is worth eighth overall pick

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s level of popularity (or lack thereof) has become pretty crystal clear this offseason.

The chance of his potential replacement joining the team through a first round pick, however, has gotten much murkier. (photo: goddam, Flickr)

Though the Bills’ stance on acquiring a quarterback this offseason hasn’t changed, its glaring need at other positions has gotten some attention. One of those positions is linebacker, where the team recently released veteran leader Nick Barnett and is now lacking depth and leadership.