An undisclosed NFL source believes that Chicago could be a top candidate to reel in Julius Peppers, according to Mike Lombardi of the National Football Post.
Our View: The Bears covet a great pass rusher, and were hoping Gaines Adams could eventually serve that role prior to his tragic death in January. The Browns also have Peppers on their radar, but really lack the funds to make him happy.
The Redskins have made a contract offer to Phillip Daniels, according to the Washington Post. He could become an unrestricted free agent on Friday.
Our View: Daniels showed his dedication to the Redskins last season by playing through a torn right biceps. The team also wants to retain him as he has experience in a 3-4 defense, which they intend to use in 2010.
Javon Walker’s status in Oakland is uncertain, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Head coach Tom Cable said, “Will he be there next year?” We will see.”
Our View: Walker has had terrible luck with injuries, and did not catch any passes over three games with Oakland last year, and has just 15 receptions and one touchdown since joining the club. The Raiders have a promising young group of receivers led by Darrius Heyward-Bey, meaning Walker’s fantasy outlook for 2010 does not look bright if he remains in Oakland.
Marcus McNeill will receive a high tender from the Chargers, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
Our View: That means a team would have to give up a first and third-round draft pick to acquire McNeill from San Diego. He has developed into a strong starting left tackle.
The Buccaneers tendered Maurice Stovall at the third-round level, according to the Pewter Report.
Our View: Stovall was a third-round pick of the Buccaneers back in 2006. He lacks the physical tools to push for a significant role as a wide receiver in the NFL, and another team shouldn’t be willing to give up a third-round selection to acquire him.
The Chargers would like to retain Darren Sproles for the 2010 campaign – just not at his tender price of $7.3MM, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Our View: San Diego would like to lock him up long-term at a more attractive price. They may also still target a running back in the first-round of the draft.
According to Kevin Acee on Twitter, Antonio Cromartie could be a Detroit Lion very soon.
Our View: This is far from a done deal, but it does appear that Cromartie’s days as a Charger are numbered. San Diego was looking for a running back in return, but the Lions don’t have much to offer so they’ll likely give up a mid-round draft pick instead. In Detroit Cromartie would likely be used mostly in press coverage.
According to the National Football Post, the Chargers have assigned high tenders to their three most talented restricted free agents, receiver Vincent Jackson, linebacker Shawne Merriman and receiver Malcolm Floyd.
Our View: This is no real surprise, as you would expect the Chargers to hang on to their big-play guys. It now appears that all three will stay with the club, seeing as how any team that tries to snatch one of them up will have to fork over a first and third-round pick.
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Lynell Hamilton could be a good fit as the Saints short-yardage back next season.
Our View: Hamilton, at 6’0/235, is a big guy and he’s just 24 years old so there is still plenty left in the tank. He dealt with ankle injuries last year and only averaged 3.6 YPC, but has shown some ability near the end zone. In any case, he’s likely a better option than free agent LaDainian Tomlinson at this point.
The National Football Post reports that Adam Jones is slated to work out for NFL scouts on March 19th in New Orleans.
Our View: Pacman is trying to resurrect his NFL career once again, but we’re not holding our collective breath. He has been out of the league since 2008 due to his unruly off-field behavior and can’t seem to take his job seriously. He worked out for the Bengals earlier in the month, but apparently wasn’t fit or impressive on any level. Don’t expect him to wow anyone.