A restricted free agent, Shields has not signed his tender with the team. Coach Mike McCarthy would not offer a specific reason for Shields not practicing, but Shields is likely eyeing a lucrative long-term deal.

 

“Sam Shields is a young player and our program speaks for itself and how young players develop year to year,” McCarthy said. “I wish Sam was here. He’s not here for his specific reasons that I’m sure if he wants to answer them, he can answer them. It’s about the opportunity to compete and our secondary is very competitive. I wish he was here.”

 

Given the second-round tender, Shields would make $2.023 million in 2013 if he signed.

Shields has been a good player for the Packers that has had his ups and downs as well.  Not sure how much money he’s looking to make per year.

The post Sam Shields skips OTA’s appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

“There’s been some changes this offseason in some of the offensive philosophies, playbook and some things that I think are good,” Roethlisberger said, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “It’s some compromise from all the different position coaches, the running back coaches, the line, and quarterback coaches. I think we’ve taken a little bit of everything and made it a lot better.”

Roethlisberger admitted that he asked for some things in the playbook to be reworked.

“There were some things,” he replied.

Todd Haley is a very good offensive coordinator and I really believe the Steelers offense will be clicking a lot better in his second year.

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Bolden’s absence Tuesday was health-related, as he has been taking part in the team’s offseason program but hasn’t been cleared to participate on the field as he continues to rehab an undisclosed ailment.

Bolden, who missed two games last season with a knee injury and four because of a league-issued suspension, appeared in 10 regular-season games in 2012. He finished with 274 rushing yards on 56 carries and two touchdowns, and coaches credited him with six special teams tackles. His highlight came Sept. 30 against the Bills when the Patriots turned to a power running game against an undersized Bills’ sub defense and Bolden churned out a team-high 137 yards on 16 carries (8.6 avg.) and a touchdown. The following week is when he first showed up on the injury report (knee).

Bolden’s status could have some connection to the Patriots acquiring LeGarrette Blount in a draft-day trade with the Buccaneers; more depth never hurts, especially when a team is managing injuries/rehabilitation at the position.

Bolden had a fairly impressive rookie season even though he only carried the ball a limited amount of times.

The post Patriots’ Brandon Bolden not cleared to participate in OTA’s appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

“Early in my career, I was just selfish and self-centered,” Curry said. “I was more about me than I was the Seahawks at the time. I was more focused on my own desires versus the franchise and the team. It was immaturity, and I’m glad I got past that stage.”

 

Curry, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last December, said he was motivated by poverty through his stellar college career at Wake Forest and once he got his contract, football was no longer a priority.

 

He credited Seattle LB coach Ken Norton Jr. and a return to health for helping him refocus his career. He said he picked the Giants because of their “professionalism.”

The Giants would certainly have the steal of the decade if they can tap into the talent Curry brought into the NFL.

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According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Hynoski will undergo an MRI on his left knee.

“He kind of got (his leg rolled up on) and so we are taking a look at that,” Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said. “I said a few prayers and I’ll continue until I hear what it is.”

The post Henry Hynoski will under an MRI on his knee appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

“You use the word restructure and that to me makes it feel like they’d want me to take a pay cut,” replied Allen. “And if anybody asked me to take a pay cut, I’d be through the first door out of there. So no. We haven’t talked one iota. It is what it is. And we’re going to go about our business and play good ball and try to win a Super Bowl. And like I said the business stuff? We take care of that in the offseason. I have people to do that. That’s why I don’t get into it. You’re not going to hear it from me. I won’t complain. I go about my business.”

I don’t think the Vikings could justify asking Allen to take a pay cut.  He’s been a monster throughout his career and has consistently put up impressive sack numbers even when he played injured.

The post Jared Allen says the Vikings haven’t asked him to renegotiate his contract appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Barden, the Giants’ third-round pick in 2009, is heading back to the New York area and will take a physical with team doctors on Thursday, the Daily News has learned. And if all goes well for the unrestricted free agent, according to an NFL source, he could sign a one-year deal to return before the end of the day.

It is not believed that Barden’s possible return has anything to do with worries about the absence of Cruz or Nicks. The Giants seem to expect Cruz will be re-signed in the coming weeks. And while Nicks’ absence from the start of organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday was unexplained – and seemed to irk Tom Coughlin – the team seems to expect him back this week and he has been participating in the offseason program.

The post Giants reportedly may bring back Ramses Barden appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

According to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports, Nicks decided not to show up because he’s unhappy about his contract and wanted to send the Giants a message.

As if the New York Giants and Victor Cruz weren’t involved in enough of a stare down, fellow wide receiver Hakeem Nicks sent the team a little message by not showing up for practice Wednesday.

 

Pay day is coming soon for Nicks, too.

 

That was the unstated goal of Nicks’ not attending the Giants’ organized team activity practice, a source indicated Wednesday. Strictly speaking, Nicks didn’t violate any rules. OTAs are, after all, voluntary. However, in the lexicon of NFL, voluntary is a synonym for mandatory.

Unlike Cruz, Nicks is currently under contract.  If he holds out, he can be fined by the Giants.  Since OTA’s a voluntary he cannot and will not be fined.  I can’t imagine Nicks holding out through mini-camp and training camp.  It looks like he’s just sending a small message to his employer.

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Woodson on why he choose to return to the silver and black;

At that point I had to figure out what I wanted to do, and playing football was what I wanted to do so it was going to be somewhere, if it was a team that wasn’t quite there but still is a team that is looking on the up, then I was going to do it. And I feel that the Raiders are a team that are looking on the up.

Woodson also reacted to the mob of Raiders fans that showed up in support of him.

I think I was actually scared of leaving the facility and not having a deal done,” Woodson joked Wednesday, according to Bay Area News Group. “I don’t know if I would have made it out of there. But that was a big deal, and receiving that kind of welcome, it definitely put me in a mindset that it would be a good decision to make it happen.”

Raiders fans must be ecstatic. It is not very often that a future hall of famer leaves a team and then returns to them. There is no doubt that if he stays healthy, Woodson can have a great impact in that secondary.

However, there is a reason Woodson only received a one year deal. It is clear that Woodson is not “on the up”.

The post Charles Woodson believes the Raiders are a team “on the up” appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Browns waive QB Thaddeus Lewis, per league source.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 22, 2013

Lewis first joined the league as an undrafted free agent for St. Louis Rams in 2010. He, however, never played a snap for the Rams. He was waived and subsequently claimed by the Browns where he was kept on the practice squad most of his time there.

After injuries to Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden at the end of the 2012 season, Lewis was activated to the roster and had his first career start versus the Pittsburgh Steelers where he threw for a touchdown and an interception in a 24-10 loss.

What is notable about that performance is that the Steelers were ranked first in defense at the time of the game. Some team out there will get a suitable backup quarterback if they claim Lewis.

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While Ryan gives credit to the defense, he is careful not to take the blame off of Sanchez.

It’s a good thing defense makes the plays, but no, I’d rather him not turn the ball over once,” Ryan said. “He did a lot of great things, and then those negative things, at the end of the day, that’s what gets you beat. And so we’ve got to to do a better job of eliminating those turnovers.”

Sanchez is going to be under a lot of scrutiny this year after the New York Jets took quarterback Geno Smith in the second round this year. Sanchez certainly will not help his chances of being the starting quarterback by turning the ball over, even if all we are talking about is just practice.

The post Rex Ryan weighs in on Mark Sanchez’s OTA interceptions appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Jim Harbaugh tells media @kingcrab15 has torn Achilles tendon but has had successful surgery. Crabtree not expected to miss full season.

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 22, 2013

Crabtree is expected to be out for six months, so that means he could be back by November or December.  If he suffers any setbacks, his season would likely be over.

The post Jim Harbaugh doesn’t expect Michael Crabtree to miss the entire 2013 season appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Yeah, I think it’s a little too early to say anything like that. It’s a long time before training camp, so that’s a long time to make gains positively or maybe even for something to happen negatively. So, I’m just taking one day at a time, and I hope to get better every day.

Miller was then asked if he think he’ll be able to play the entire upcoming season.

 I’m sure there’s a chance, yeah, but that’s too far off to think about it right now. I’m just trying to get better every day, and I’m doing what I’ve been asked to do. And I’m listening to my body, so I’ll just progress that way.

Miller says he’s running now.

I’m running now. I’m doing everything. I’m not at full speed, but I’ve been able to do everything that they’ve asked me to do. So, I’m pleased and encouraged. It’s been a long process, and it’s still going to be a long process. But I’m going to keep taking it one day at a time and get better every day.

The post No timetable for Heath Miller’s return from ACL surgery appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

“We’re in communication with Lou,” coach Jim Schwartz said. “He’s not here right now but there’s nothing he can get out of this because he can’t physically do the stuff we’re doing.”

Running back Mikel LeShoure was an attendance but didn’t participate due to an undisclosed injury.

“He’s battling some stuff,” Schwartz said. “He can do some individual stuff but he’s not ready to do any team work.”

The post Mikel Leshoure, Louis Delmas didn’t participate in OTA’s appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Chargers waived tackle Kevin Haslam yesterday. Claimed by Patriots today.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) May 22, 2013

The Chargers signed Haslam last year right before camp after he was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders earlier in that offseason. He only played in 5 games for the Chargers where he contributed 2 tackles on special teams. I believe Haslam will only be a camp body for the Patriots as the team already has 9 offensive linemen on the roster.

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“A couple of those throws I want back,” Sanchez said. “Of all people, freakin’ Snacks, that’s like your worst nightmare. But I was just trying to make a play, that’s one of those things where I should pull the ball down and run or something. I’m shaking the rust off a little bit, getting back into the swing of things, especially with a lot of young guys.”

Sanchez still believes the Jets coaches will ”get the best” of him.

“You’re aware of it, you can see it on film. It’s not one of those things people see from the outside, but I have to be confident I’m making the right decisions and if the guy is there or not there, I can’t fix that. I have to be on my game and worry about me,” Sanchez said.

I know it’s only May, but a veteran quarterback like Sanchez shouldn’t be making the mistakes he’s making.  So far it looks like he can’t shake the turnover bug that plagued him last season.

The post Mark Sanchez threw 3 interceptions on Wednesday appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Tight end Ed Dickson hasn’t signed his restricted tender yet, but did sign offseason participation agreement to take part in practices

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) May 22, 2013

The agreement protects Dickson in case he gets injured, since he currently doesn’t have a contract.  He’ll eventually need to sign the tender, or sign an extension with the Ravens.

The post Ed Dickson signs a offseason participation agreement appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Star Lotulelei and the Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms. Congrats Star!

— Rep 1 Sports (@Rep1Sports) May 22, 2013

The post Panthers sign 1st round pick Star Lotulelei appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

The San Francisco 49ers have signed wide receiver Quinton Patton to a four-year deal. The team also claimed tight end/long snapper Kyle Nelson off of waivers from the San Diego Chargers. To make room on the roster for Nelson, the team has waived punter Anthony Santella.

 

Patton (6-0, 202) was the first of the 49ers two fourth-round draft picks (128^th overall) in this year’s draft out of Louisiana Tech University. A team captain in 2012, Patton earned First-Team All-WAC honors in each of his two seasons for the Bulldogs. He finished his Bulldogs career starting all 25 games and ranked seventh in school history in receptions (183), receiving yards (2,594) and third in touchdown receptions (24). He began his collegiate career at Coffeyville Community College prior to transferring Louisiana Tech.

Now that Michael Crabtree might miss the entire 2013 season, Patton may be a guy that can come in right away and help out.

The post 49ers sign 4th rounder Quinton Patton appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Rex doesn’t believe that Santonio Holmes will participate in mini-camp (June 11-13). #nyj

— Manish Mehta(@MMehtaNYDN) May 22, 2013

Holmes is still working his way back from a season ending football injury in 2012.

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“That’s not something I need to worry about,” Amendola said. “I’m worried about the playbook and getting the routes down and getting on the same page with my teammates. The good thing is, I don’t have to worry about that stuff.”

Amendola shouldn’t worry about being compared to Welker because he’s a better receiver.  His only problem is that he’s been injury prone during his career.

The post Danny Amendola doesn’t worry about being compared to Wes Welker appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Crbatree is expected to be sidelined for six, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.  This means there’s a chance Crabtree might be ready to play by November or January.

The post Report: Michael Crabtree has already undergone surgery on his Achilles, expected to be sidelined for 6 months appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

All those clamoring for a John Abraham signing should brace themselves 4 disappointment. The $ Dwight Freeney got didn’t help things #Titans

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 22, 2013

Abraham is going to either have to lower his price, or wait for a top-notch pass rusher to suffer a serious injury before he gets signed.  Melvin Ingram tearing his ACL, paved the way for Freeney in San Diego.

The post Titans not expected to sign John Abraham appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

“It’s going to be interesting to see if this style of offense projects to the NFL,” Jaws said, per PhillyMag.com. “I’m going to say no.”

“I just don’t see NFL passing concepts in this offense. It’s a movement offense by the quarterback, off the run-action, off the read-action. A lot of short, quick passes, dart routes, bubble screens. Very few plays down the field with NFL passing concepts.”

Jaws went on to continue to explain his reasoning.

“It’s easy to say, ‘Yeah, it worked in college,’ ” he said. “But then I looked at a game like Stanford. Stanford, a good defensive football team, shut them down. I hope it works. I like the innovation, but I think it’s going to be very difficult.

“The NFL is a different league with fast players that have all week to prepare for you. At the collegiate level, you have 20 hours to prepare for that Oregon offense. Take out three hours of game time. You’ve got 17 hours in the course of a week to practice and prepare for that style of offense. It kills you in college. But in the NFL, these guys work 17 hours a day. A day, not a week – 17 hours a day getting ready, so there’s no secrets.”

I got a feeling Kelly and his offense will be just fine.  He’s not going to run things the same way he did at Oregon.  I believe Kelly is well aware that some things won’t work in the NFL and he’ll make the proper adjustments.

The post Ron Jaworski says Chip Kelly’s offense won’t work in the NFL appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

“We were 8-8 the last couple of years, that doesn’t sit well with me,” Romo said, via ESPNDallas.com. “I don’t think I’m an 8-8 quarterback. I don’t think this organization is comfortable being 8-8. We’re going to do everything we can as coaches, players and in this building to change that. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen again. That just sits there and eats at you. We make choices to do everything that we can to change that.

“That’s the approach you take in an offseason. Really every offseason, but it’s there, staring us in the face right now. We’re going to exhaust everything to make sure this football team gets better to take the next step.”

Well as Romo’s former head coach Bill Parcell’s would say, “you are what your record says you are.”  So Tony you’re an 8-8 quarterback.

The post Tony Romo says he’s not an 8-8 quarterback appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

First team linebackers: Herzlich at MLB and Paysinger and Rivers at OLBs

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 22, 2013

With Chase Blackburn gone, it makes sense that Herzlich will get the first crack at being the Giants starting middle linebacker.

The post Mark Herzlich lined up as the Giants starting middle linebacker during OTA’s appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles tendon during organized team activities Tuesday and will soon undergo what could be season-ending surgery, a person informed of the injury told USA TODAY Sports.

 

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the 49ers haven’t commented on the injury, which used to be an automatic season-ender but has since become one that can sometimes be rehabbed in a matter of months — as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da’Quan Bowers did last year.

 

Both players tore the tendon in the spring and returned to the field after starting the year on the physically unable to perform list.

I would really be shocked if Crabtree plays this season.  I know Suggs played last year, but he also got injured in April and he plays a different position.  Wide receiver’s can’t get away with having an Achilles that isn’t 100 percent healthy.

The post Michael Crabtree goes down with a torn Achilles, likely done for the season appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Hynoski just got carted to the locker room after going down with an unknown injury.

— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 22, 2013

After practice, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin didn’t have an update on Hynoski’s status. Hopefully the Giants didn’t lose him to a serious injury.  He’s arguably one of the NFL’s best fullbacks.

The post Giants fullback Henry Hynoski carted off during OTA’s appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Smith fired his agents after being taken in the second round of last month’s draft, rather than in the top 10.

I know many agents are upset over Jay-Z coming in swiping up clients.  Especially since he’s not even an agent himself.

The post Geno Smith hired Roc Nation Sports to represent him appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

The writing on the wall is becoming more legible when it comes to Brandon Spikes. Despite the fact he is the best purveyor of on-field nasty the Patriots have, Spikes’ distaste for the Patriots expectations of how to get ready for a season will probably mean a parting of the ways after 2013 when Spikes becomes a free agent.
Spikes wasn’t present for the start of OTAs this week and hasn’t been a part of the offseason conditioning program. That’s his right. But with the rest of the team’s principal players in attendance, Spikes’ absence is a “screw you” to the program. And once it gets there, one would imagine it’s hard to turn that battleship around.
You can’t put a price on chemistry and I’m getting the feeling the Patriots are concerned this offseason about making sure the right chemistry is in place with the number of young players they have in key roles and the new offseason additions to the team. The releases of Brandon Lloyd, Deaderick and Love all had a chemistry component to them whether it be prickly personality (Lloyd) or preparedness to play (Love and Deaderick).

I totally agree with Curran.  Spikes is not a “Belichick guy” and what I mean by that is, he’s too selfish and self-centered to play for the Patriots after this season.  His contract runs out at the end of this year and he’ll be a free agent in 2014.

We see it all the time.  The Patriots don’t have a problem with moving on from a player whether his name is Randy Moss, Deion Branch, or Wes Welker.

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