With many big names off the NFL free agent block, teams are still putting pieces in place. The New York Giants tell Osi Umenyiora he’s off the trading block. Will Barack Obama become a Green Bay Packers Fan? What is next for former Chicago Bears C Olin Kreutz and Braylon Edwards? What NFL Free Agent signings remain? Trade Rumors? NFL News?
The sportsbank’s all-pro section reveals the latest for you.
Shotgun, set. NFL trade rumors, signings and news on one:
The New York Giants have told Osi Umenyiora and his agent that they can no longer seek a trade. Umenyiora’s agent, Tony Agnone, confirmed the report. It will be interesting to see how this distraction impacts Umenyiora’s play this season, especially after his agent said that the refusal for a trade will only increase the anger his client has with the organization.
Former New York Jets WR Braylon Edwards is visiting the San Francisco 49ers. Edwards would be “the man” if we were to sign with the 49ers as WR Michael Crabtree is sidelined indefinitely. They are also believed to be chasing San Diego Chargers free agent WR Malcolm Floyd.
Despite rumors he will retire, the San Francisco 49ers are still chasing former Chicago Bears C Olin Kreutz.
Free Agent WR Malcolm Floyd might be running out of time to select a team to play for in 2011. His best option might be to return to the San Diego Chargers, but he could thrive with thrive with the Minnesota Vikings, or as Larry Fitzgerald’s sidekick on the Arizona Cardinals. He would be the number one receiver with San Francisco, but play-off hopes would be minimal.
The Kansas City Chiefs signed franchise-tagged DE Tamba Hali to a five-year, $60 million deal , ($35 million guarantee. Hali had14.5 sacks in 2010.
The NFL is also increasing its stance on performance enhancing substances as it will plan to institute random blood testing for human growth hormone during the 2011 season, with the full support of the NFLPA. There goes Barry Bonds hopes of playing quarterback for the 49ers!
President Barack Obama has invited the Green Bay Packersto visit the White House on August 12th. It is the annual honor a U.S. President gives to the Super Bowl champions. As Obama made his residence in Chicago before becoming President, it will be interesting to see if the admitted Chicago Bears fan will actually wear a Packers jersey.
Former New York Giants superstar running back Tiki Barber is attempting a comeback. He is rumored to be getting a tryout with the Miami Dolphins. Detroit Lions fans: the Barry Sanders comeback watch is now officially on.
Pittsburg Steelers WR Mike Wallace wants to make history in 2011, by becoming the first wide receiver to rack up 2000 yards in a season. It’s good to have high hopes.
Under terms of the new NFL CBA, Roger Goodell still has unlimited disciplinary control, with a caveat. Fines for on-field incidents, such as roughing the quarterback or helmet-to-helmet contact, can now be appealed. However it is unclear how the commissioner’s powers for off-field punishment are limited. ESPN reported this morning that it appears Goodell will remain judge, jury and executioner over these offenses.
The lockout, poor conditioning and being completely “out of shape” are the reasons Minnesota Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie was cut by the team. The Vikings will start Charlie Johnson, who just signed with the team on Monday, at left tackle.
Saftey Gerald Sensabaugh signed a one-year $2.5 million, one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. I guess you could call it their plan “C” after losing the bidding war for cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who took a $60 million, five-year deal from the Philadelphia Eagles. Sensabaugh, had five interceptions and 71 tackles last season.
Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins fans may be interested to know Dave Wannstedt is now an assistant coach for the Buffalo Bills.
Word out of Green Bay Packers camp is that rookie WR Randall Cobb is drawing comparisons to Chicago Bears return specialist and WR, Devin Hester.
The Indianapolis Colts signed former Chicago Bears DT Tommie Harris. Harris was plagued by injuries most of his career with the Chicago Bears, and fell out of favor with Lovie Smith losing his starting job in 2010. The Colts also added former Detroit Lions linebacker Ernie Sims to the team.
Finally, on a sad note the Sportsbank would like to send its condolences the family of Bubba Smith who died yesterday at age 66. Smith was a two-time Pro Bowler who played for the Baltimore Colts, Oakland (L.A.) Raiders and Houston Oilers from as a defensive end. Smith became beloved to most people by playing Lt. Moses Hightower in the Police Academy movies.
-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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