CNNSI: NFL Truth & Rumors: May 16, 2005

[bubba9497]

NFL Truth & Rumors: May 16, 2005

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/05/16/truth.rumors.nfl/index.html

While Washington and Denver have been the teams mentioned most to sign former Eagles wide receiver Freddie Mitchell, don't count out Tennessee and Kansas City.

-- Trenton Times

Although Ravens coach Brian Billick said there could be some no-shows, he anticipated safety Ed Reed participating. There has been speculation that the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year might not show up at training camp on time if he doesn't get a new deal. He has two years remaining on his contract.

-- Baltimore Sun

Todd Sauerbrun won't be at Broncos headquarters today when the team opens its passing camp. A trade that would bring the Panthers punter to the Broncos has hit a major roadblock. The Broncos have reservations about restructuring the three years remaining on Sauerbrun's contract. If the trade doesn't happen, the Panthers have indicated they will release Sauerbrun after June 1, when they can reduce the impact to their 2005 salary cap. The punter would be a free agent and the Broncos, and other teams, would be free to pursue him.

-- Denver Post

Fellow running backs ReShard Lee and Fred Taylor are two reasons unhappy running back Travis Henry should reconsider his threat to boycott the Bills training camp. Buffalo last week signed Lee to back up Willis McGahee. Lee is a promising back who asked for his release from Dallas when the Cowboys signed free agent Anthony Thomas. The Vikings also were pursuing Lee. Lee's arrival should convince Henry that the Bills genuinely hope to trade him before next season but aren't going to release him or trade him for a future low-round draft pick. There are growing concerns in Jacksonville regarding Fred Taylor's injured left knee, and Henry is significantly better than any other running back on the Jaguars roster. Other teams figure to be in the market for a healthy proven running back before next season starts and Henry would be a logical target. Under the circumstances, the wisest option for Henry would be to report to Buffalo's training camp and play well in exhibition games to impress teams looking for a healthy veteran running back.

-- Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Here's the worst kept secret in the Eagles' locker room: Terrell Owens isn't too fond of Donovan McNabb. He believes McNabb is a company man, a player who marches purely to coach Andy Reid's tune. Someone who tows the company line, gets paid handsomely to do so, even when he's unwittingly exploited by Reid and Co. to keep the rest of the troops in line. McNabb isn't overly fond of Owens, either. It's no secret he believes Owens is selfish and self-absorbed. He won't admit it, though. None of the Eagles will. Publicly.

-- Philadelphia Inquirer

After 17 years in the NFL, Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon is going to retire from football.

-- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Ty Law visited the Lions and Dolphins this past week. According to agent Carl Poston, the other teams that have called expressing interest are the Colts, Jets, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Jaguars, and Steelers.

-- Boston Globe

As the debate continues regarding the value of Hines Ward and the amount of money the Steelers should consider paying him, one thing stands out: You can't measure a player's worth by statistics alone. There is a chemistry issue and a clutch issue that can't be measured in stats. Ward makes big plays when the Steelers need him to make big plays. This is not to suggest that the Steelers should break the bank to pay Ward. But he's good on and off the field, and he's the perfect receiver for the Steelers offense, regardless of their penchant for running the ball. He should be paid like a No. 1, Pro Bowl receiver.

-- Pittsburgh Tribune Review

[skinsfan12]

Originally posted by bubba9497

While Washington and Denver have been the teams mentioned most to sign former Eagles wide receiver Freddie Mitchell,

:doh: :puke:

spin spinner spinned spinola spinless

[yank]

Yawn.

Nothing here. Move along.

[The Sisko]

Here's the worst kept secret in the Eagles' locker room: Terrell Owens isn't too fond of Donovan McNabb. He believes McNabb is a company man, a player who marches purely to coach Andy Reid's tune. Someone who tows the company line, gets paid handsomely to do so, even when he's unwittingly exploited by Reid and Co. to keep the rest of the troops in line. McNabb isn't overly fond of Owens, either. It's no secret he believes Owens is selfish and self-absorbed. He won't admit it, though. None of the Eagles will. Publicly.

I wonder what happened to the big love fest. You know, McFlabb lobbying for the Fecals to bring in Owens. Owens and McFlabb defusing Owens' sideline rant with a pretend "rant" the next week. Could it be trouble in paradise???

Is this the end for Walter and Perry?? Perish the thought.