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| Anderson |
Our sources in Atlanta didn't totally discount the rumor out of Mobile,
Ala., during Senior Bowl week that suggested the Falcons were looking to
trade their No. 3 pick in 2001, their No. 1 pick in 2002 and running back Jamal
Anderson to the Chargers for San Diego's top overall pick in the draft,
which the Falcons would use to select Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick. But the
sources have a hard time imagining the Falcons being willing to cough up the
$13 million-$15 million signing bonus Vick is expected to demand.
Niners wide receiver Jerry Rice made his interest in joining the Bucs known, telling
a Tampa TV station, "I would love to come to Tampa Bay. Next year I expect
them to be stronger and more competitive and to have a good shot at reaching
the Super Bowl, and I would love to be a part of that."
According to published reports, the Buccaneers are interested in Bills quarterback
Doug Flutie, if he becomes available. Bucs coach Tony Dungy has since dismissed the report, saying he was happy with
Shaun King as his starting quarterback.
Lions president Matt Millen would like retired running back Barry Sanders to return
to the team -- in any capacity. "I haven't given up on Barry," Millen said.
"I still would want Barry in there, even if he doesn't want to play."
The Jets are thinking about changing their defense from a 3-4 base
alignment to a 4-3. In the new scheme, linebacker John Abraham would play defensive
end.
The Jets are eyeing at least four Buccaneers free agents, including free safety
Damien Robinson. The Jets are in need of a solid free safety.
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| Mare |
Dolphins special-teams standout Larry Izzo and kicker Olindo Mare could follow
former Dolphins special-teams coach Mike Westhoff to the Jets, with whom
Westhoff recently signed. Both players are unrestricted free agents.
Rams general manager Charley Armey is hoping to select starters at outside
linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle with the team's first three
picks in the 2001 draft.
Of all the things that drove Bud Carson nuts in his stint as a defensive
consultant for the Rams this past season, the linebackers' complete lack of
discipline was at the top of the list.
Panthers head coach George Seifert cringed every time he watched Micheal Barrow make a nice play for the Giants this season, and that was quite
often. Seifert's questionable free-agent addition of high-priced defensive end Chuck
Smith hastened Barrow's departure from Carolina.
Many Saints fans are growing increasingly uneasy over what owner Tom Benson
might have in mind for the franchise. Rumors are growing that Benson is
looking for a lot more than just a modernized Superdome to keep him from
leaving New Orleans for another locale.
If Jaguars players had their druthers, word is they would like to see defensive line
coach John Pease replace Dom Capers as the team's new defensive coordinator.
Broncos offensive tackle Tony Jones said he's prepared to return for another season after
saying during training camp that this was, in all likelihood, his last
season. Jones said he plans to contact head coach Mike Shanahan soon to see
how he and his big salary fit into the Broncos' plans for 2001. Jones will
count $4 million against the cap for next season, so it's likely some
restructuring could be in order.
It could be an interesting adjustment for some Redskins players, as former
Bills offensive coordinator Joe Pendry takes over as the team's offensive line coach.
New Redskins head coach Marty Schottenheimer said Pendry is one of the
better talent evaluators he's ever been around, but Pendry has been known to
rule with an iron fist and had Bills players complaining about his complex
schemes in 2000. Russ Grimm, whom Pendry replaced in Washington, was known
as a player's coach who had a good rapport with players and staff.
Schottenheimer and the Redskins are very high on new running backs coach Hue Jackson,
who worked with Marty's son, Brian, at USC.
Look for Eagles quarterback coach Brad Childress to take on more of a role in
game-planning and play-calling next season. The Eagles wouldn't allow
Childress to interview for other teams' offensive-coordinator positions, but
after marveling at quarterback Donovan McNabb's development, they do want to increase
his duties.
There are no ill feelings in Seattle between head coach Mike Holmgren and
special-teams coach Pete Rodriguez, who interviewed for the Broncos'
defensive-coordinator job and was offered the special-teams job there.
Rodriguez turned down the lateral move and said he wanted to stay in Seattle
all along, despite the Broncos asking permission to speak with him.
Rodriguez, who has turned the special teams around in Seattle, signed a
three-year deal to remain there.
Packers general manager Ron Wolf said, before he retired last week, there's the chance the team might have to use the
franchise tag on free-agent-to-be
Darren Sharper.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit PFW's web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
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