NEWS AND RUMORS

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Just a quick note, from now on all the news and rumors updates will be available on the websites news and rumours section here.

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Jimmy Kimmel Exclusive: Jets Player Upset About Jewish Holiday Schedule Snaffu

The New York Jets petitioned the NFL about a scheduling conflict involving two Jewish Holidays. As Jimmy Kimmel points out it is not only fans who are affected by the scheduling snaffu.

Patriots Re-Sign LB Pierre Woods

The New England Patriots re-signed linebacker Pierre Woods today. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Woods, 27, is entering his fourth season with the Patriots after being signed as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2006 draft. The former Michigan Wolverine has played in 36 games with three starts for the Patriots over three NFL seasons (2006-08).

The 6-foot-5-inch, 250-pound linebacker has recorded 31 career tackles, including one sack, and has totaled 44 career special teams tackles. Last season, Woods played in 12 games with three starts and tallied a career-best 27 tackles, and added a sack.

He made his first career start at outside linebacker against the New York Jets this past November where he had a career-high nine tackles in that game while recording his first career sack. He also started the following two games before being placed on injured reserve with a jaw injury on Dec. 14.

As a rookie in 2006, Woods made New England’s opening day roster as an undrafted free agent and finished fourth on the team with 11 special teams tackles while seeing action in eight games.

Chiefs Sign TE Ryan

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed tight end Sean Ryan, details of the contract were not disclosed.

Ryan, has appeared on several NFL team rosters over his five-year career, he has played in 43 games with San Francisco, New Orleans, Miami, the Jets and Dallas. He spent time with the 49ers, Saints and Dolphins in 2008, catching a total of three passes for 15 yards.

For his career, Ryan has 12 catches for 105 yards and no touchdowns.

In other news, the Chiefs also waived offensive tackle Andrew Carnahan, linebacker Curtis Gatewood and wide receiver Kevin Robinson.

William 'The Refrigerator' Perry in Serious Condition in South Carolina Hospital

According to the Chicago Sun Times, William “The Refrigerator” Perry — the former defensive lineman who captured the hearts of Chicago Bears fans in 1985 when he rumbled for a one-yard touchdown in his Monday Night Football debut — is in serious condition in a South Carolina hospital after suffering from symptoms of a chronic illness.

A relative said he is expected to recover.

The 46-year-old Perry, who resides in his native Aiken, S.C., was diagnosed last June with Guillain-Barré syndrome and hospitalized for five months. He used a wheelchair during his rehabilitation.

Purnell Perry told the Sun-Times in a phone interview that his uncle entered the hospital more than a week ago because of complications related to the illness, and is expected to make a full recovery.

“They were making sure he was in pretty good health before they started treating him,” said Purnell Perry.

A spokeswoman for Aiken Regional Medical Center said Perry is in serious condition, but declined to elaborate.

There is no cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome, but treatments are available that can ease the symptoms and duration.

Perry played ten seasons in the NFL — eight of them with the Bears and two with the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned the nickname “The Refrigerator” for his intimidating 6-foot-2, 350-pound frame. He won a Super Bowl ring his rookie year with the 1985 Bears, scoring a touchdown in the game.

Jon Gruden Thinks His Former Team Should Go Defense First in This Weekends Draft

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden thinks that his former team should go defense with the 19th overall pick this weekend.

Gruden spoke about the Bucs needs when he took part in an NFL Draft conference call today along with former San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci.

Draft experts like ESPN's Mel Kiper has said he believes the Buccaneers should consider drafting Kansas State QB Josh Freeman, but Gruden believes that defensive line is a much bigger problem, and if Gruden, a known QB collector says the Bucs need a defensive lineman over a quarterback you'd better believe him.

"I really think Tampa Bay lost some key players on defense and they struggled down the stretch last season on defense," Gruden said. "Let's be honest. For whatever reason, and most of that obviously was the head coach's inability to get it going.

"Kevin Carter [free agent] is still out there. I think Greg White, Stylez White, he obviously had a disappointing sophomore season. This is a big year for Gaines Adams in a new scheme. I wouldn't be surprised if they do target a defensive end."

Many people believe that the Buccaneers next option after Freeman is defensive tackle, namely Ole Miss' Peria Jerry, but Gruden isn't sold.

"I think everybody down here [Tampa] expects them to draft a defensive tackle. I just don't know if that player is there for them in the first round," Gruden said. "I don't know if that kind of guy is in this draft other than the [B.J.] Raji kid at Boston College. I know Jerry at Ole Miss, he's not as big as the guy [6-foot-2, 290 pounds] maybe Jim Bates [Bucs defensive coordinator] has played with in the past in Miami.

"Ziggy Hood [Missouri defensive tackle], similar. I just don't know if that guy fits what the Bucs really want and need at No. 19."

Ravens Think Asking Price for Boldin Too Steep

According to Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Ravens have unofficially taken themselves out of the running for WR Anquan Boldin, claiming the price is too high to acquire the Pro Bowl receiver. Apparently, the Cardinals are looking to receive a 1st round pick along with a 3rd round selection in return for Boldin’s services.

The Ravens are trying to secure a premier wide receiver for Joe Flacco to throw to next season, but are hesitant about parting with multiple draft picks to land Boldin in a deal with Arizona. They would not mind sending a player along with a single selection, but the Cardinals have not shown much interest in that proposal as of yet.

KC's Webb Signs Tender

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jason Webb has signed his one-year tender offer to remain with the club.

Webb caught five passes last season for 46 yards. He has caught 36 passes for 382 yards with one touchdown in 31 games during his three-year career with the Chiefs. Webb mainly contributes on special teams where he has returned 17 kickoffs for 373 yards (21.9 average) and has 14 special team tackles.

The Chiefs took him as a sixth-round pick (190th overall) in the 2006 NFL Draft.

Falcons' RB Snelling Jailed on Traffic Charges

Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling, 25, was arrested by Gwinnett police, on April 11, alleging the third-year running back was driving without insurance and wanted on a failure to appear warrant.

According to the report, an officer was stopped at a traffic light behind Snelling's 2007 Lincoln Navigator on Ga. Highway 20 when he "randomly ran the tag," which indicated the vehicle was not insured, according to a police report.

The background check revealed that Snelling was wanted on failure to appear warrants in Lawrenceville, stemming from an April 2008 arrest for driving with a suspended license and failing to have a Georgia tag after 30 days, according to the report and jail records.

Snelling claimed he is current on insurance payments and that he had paid the traffic fines, which was later confirmed when a Gwinnett Recorder's Court representative said Snelling's earlier case was closed after he paid the traffic fines in April last year.

In the most recent arrest, Snelling spent eight hours at the Gwinnett County Jail before posting $1,400 bond. Falcons management inked an exclusive rights contract last month with Snelling. The team drafted him from Virginia in the seventh round of the 2007 draft.

WR Hurd Re-Signs in Dallas

Restricted free agent Sam Hurd, has signed his one-year, $1.54 million tender and will return to the Dallas Cowboys next season.

Hurd suffered a high ankle sprain in the final preseason game against Minnesota and began the season on the inactive list. He missed the first three games of the regular-season, but returned to the lineup against Washington. He played the next 3 games before re-injuring the ankle on a special teams play. He had surgery on Oct. 14 and was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 16 and missed the remainder of the season.

In three seasons, Hurd has 24 receptions for 389 yards and one touchdown. He originally signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and made the roster as a rookie in 2006.

Torry Holt Signs 3-Year Deal in Jacksonville

Former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt agreed to a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday that could be worth as much as $20 million.

The 32-year-old Holt agreed to a incentive laiden contract that grows financially based on the way he plays. The deal, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton, calls for three years with base salaries totaling $13 million. While there is no signing bonus, the first year of the contract is guaranteed.

Holt drew interest from several teams, but decided on Jacksonville, who have been searching for a number 1 receiver since the retirement on long-time Jaguar WR Jimmy Smith in 2006. The Jaguars have added several wide receivers over the last few years with very limited success. Reggie Williams (2004) and Matt Jones (2005) were added via the first round of the draft and Jerry Porter (2008) was brought in as a free agent, all were released this off-season.

The seven-time Pro Bowler ranks 11th on the NFL's career list with 869 receptions. He caught 64 passes for 796 yards and three touchdowns for St. Louis last season.

Thigpen 'Not Ok' with Being Backup in Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs made a high-profile trade with the New England Patriots for quarterback Matt Cassel, very early in free agency, it is assumed that he will be QB1 this season for the Chiefs. Incumbent starter Tyler Thigpen is "not ok" with the demotion and isn't ready to give up his starting role so easily.

Thigpen said after the Chiefs’ final game that he thought he had done enough to begin the 2009 season as the team’s starting quarterback. Over the weekend Thigpen was running the second team offense while Cassel led the first team offense. So by early appearances Thigpen is buried on the depth chart once again, but he’s willing to trust coaches’ judgment and hopes he’ll get a chance at the starting job.

“It’s life,” Thigpen said Sunday. “Everything happens for a reason. You may not see the reason right now, but I know there’s a reason that they brought a guy in like Matt. I’m behind him, and all I’m doing is pushing him, making him better. Hopefully me doing that is going to make this team better.”

Thigpen has been in this situation before, he began last season as the No. 3 quarterback and wound up starting 11 games after Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard suffered season-ending injuries. Thigpen passed for 18 touchdowns and seemed to grow more comfortable after a few early-season struggles.

"Unless you come from a high-profile college, you’re always the underdog,” Thigpen said. “I’m back in that situation again. I don’t mind in that situation.”

Panthers Re-Sign Two Restricted Free Agents

The Carolina Panthers have re-signed restricted free agent safety Nate Salley and linebacker James Anderson to one-year deals worth $1.01 million apiece.

Both players were offered the low tender by Carolina and did not receive offers from other teams. Clubs would have had to surrender a third-round draft pick to sign Anderson and a fourth-rounder to get Salley.

Salley, 25, is entering his 4th year in the league, all with Carolina. He played his college ball at Ohio State and is a core special teams player with the Panthers.

Anderson, 25, is also entering his 4th season. Another core special teams player, Anderson also has 3 career starts at linebacker where he has tallied 41 tackles and 2 sacks.

Edgerrin James' Longtime Girlfriend Dies of Leukemia

The long time girlfriend of Edgerrin James and mother of his four children died of leukemia on Tuesday.

Andia Denise Wilson, 30, died at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa after battling acute myeloid leukemia. James, who plays for the Arizona Cardinals, is listed as Wilson's "loving spouse and significant other'' in an obituary notice. James and Wilson had four children: Edquisha, 11, Ehyanna, 7, Edgerrin Jr., 4, and Euro, 2.

Pierre Rutledge, head of the Edgerrin James Foundation, said the family would not be doing any interviews this week but would like to invite people to attend the funeral to honor Wilson's life.

A funeral service and celebration of Wilson's life will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Naples, 3000 Orange Blossom Drive in North Naples. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, prior to the service, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, 34105.

Ronnie Brown on the Trading Block?

The Miami Dolphins put together an epic turn-around for their franchise in 2008, following a season where they went 1-15 the Dolphins wildcatted their way to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.

One of the main reasons for their success in '08 was the play of running back Ronnie Brown, but Michael Lombardi of nationalfootballpost.com is reporting that Brown does not fit Dan Henning's offense and the Dolphins "might be interested" in shopping his services.

Brown is signed through 2010, at base salaries of $3.6 million this year and $5 million next year. If the Dolphins were to move Brown this may be the time as his stock couldn't be hotter, following his performance last season.

In 2008, Brown rushed for 916 yards and 10 TD's while splitting time with Ricky Williams, he was also the centerpiece of the Dolphins' "Wildcat" offense, which took the league by storm.

If a trade were to take place, the Dolphins would need to find a replacement for Brown, likely a mid-round pick, or perhaps West Virginia QB Pat White, who would an excellent hybrid/wildcat type player.

Holt Close to Catching on in Jacksonville

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Jacksonville Jaquars are close to closing a deal with former St. Louis Rams WR Torry Holt.

The St. Louis Rams released Holt on March 13 shortly before he was due a $1.25 million roster bonus on March 17.

Holt, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, ranks 11th on the league's all-time reception list with 869 catches.

The 10-year veteran caught just 64 passes last year for 796 yards and three touchdowns, the fewest scoring catches of his career. His total receptions and total yards were the second-lowest of his career, ahead of only his rookie season of 1999.

The move to Jacksonville makes sense as the team recently released WR's Jerry Porter and Matt Jones.

Bigby Signs Tender will Remain a Packer

Green Bay Packers safety Atari Bigby, a restricted free agent, signed his one-year tender with the team and is now under contract. His one-year deal is worth $1.545 million. A team would have had to be willing to give up a second-round pick to sign him away from Green Bay.

Bigby was an undrafted player in 2005. After failing to make the Dolphins and Jets in 2005, he landed with the Packers that year and found home. He started 22 games at safety over the past two years.

His best season came in 2007 when he started all 16 games and collected 86 tackles and 5 interceptions. In 2008 Bigby was held back because of injuries and eventually ended up on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury.

Rams Retain Two Restricted Free Agents

The restricted free agent deadline came and went Friday night and the St. Louis Rams will retain two more RFAs who received no offers from other teams.

Defensive end Victor Adeyanju has signed his one-year tender worth $1.01 million. Offensive guard/center Richie Incognito is expected to sign his $1.01 million tender sometime next week.

Adeyanju, who is entering his 4th season in the NFL, has amassed 101 career tackles and 3 sacks in 43 games with 25 starts.

Incognito, who is entering his 5th season, was redshirted in his rookie year but has played in 35 games all starts.

As in any other restricted free agents, if they had received outside offers, the Rams would have one week to match the offer.

Eagles, LT Peters Agree to New Six-Year Extension

The Philadelphia Eagles didn't waste any time satisfying the needs of their newest addition. Shortly after completing the trade with the Buffalo Bills, the team announced that they have agreed to a new six-year contract with Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters.


Peters passed a physical at the Eagles’ training complex, and team officials immediately began on a new deal with Peters’ agent, Eugene Parker.



"Jason Peters is the best left tackle in football,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He is a powerful and athletic tackle and I have admired his play over the last few years on film. I have always believed that success in the National Football League is derived from the strong play of the offensive and defensive lines. This offseason we have added two young, top-flight offensive linemen in Jason and Stacy Andrews.”



The 27-year-old Peters garnered back-to-back Pro Bowl and Associated Press All Pro honors following the 2007 and 2008 campaigns. He originally joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004, Peters entered the NFL as a tight end after playing that position at Arkansas. Because of his unique combination of athleticism and size, the Bills began grooming Peters for the offensive line while using him as a blocking tight end.



Peters played the hybrid blocking tight end/offensive lineman role for most of his first two seasons. In 2006, he started all 16 games on the offensive line, switching to left tackle for the final nine contests.

UPDATE: ESPN is reporting that Peters’ extension is worth $53 million in new money with a total of $60 million over the next six seasons.

NFL Changes Time of Jets Game on Yom Kippur

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The NFL has moved up the start time of the New York Jets' game against the Tennessee Titans on September 27 after the team complained to the league about having to play home games on consecutive Jewish holidays.

The league made the change Friday, rescheduling the 4:15 start to 1 p.m. a day after Jets owner Woody Johnson sent a letter to commissioner Roger Goodell suggesting the switch to allow fans to arrive home before sundown on Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.

The Jets' home opener against New England is 1 p.m. on Sept. 20, which falls during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

"By changing the time of the Tennessee game from 4:15 p.m. to 1 p.m., the NFL has provided the best compromise to resolve our scheduling conflict," Johnson said in a statement issued by the team. The Jets owner also thanked Goodell and Howard Katz, the league's senior vice-president of broadcasting and media operations, for their prompt response.

Jets officials called the league offices first on Wednesday to express their concern, and Johnson followed with a formal letter Thursday.

In the letter to Goodell, Johnson wrote: "There has long been an understanding that neither the Jets nor the Giants fans should have to bear completely the brunt of this issue since we are in the largest Jewish market in the country."

Rep. Anthony Weiner, a U.S. congressman who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, also sent a letter to Goodell on Friday urging the league to accommodate the Jets' Jewish fans.

"This commonsense solution is a win for everyone involved," Weiner said, praising the league's decision. "The NFL can maximize the greatest audience while Jewish New York Jets fans can support their team and respect their religion."

As a result of the schedule change, the Titans-Jets and Giants-Buccaneers games will be televised head-to-head on different networks. The Giants are on the road for both Jewish holidays, with a game at Dallas at 8:20 p.m. in Week 2, and the game at Tampa, Fla., the following Sunday.

Inforation from the Canadian Press was used in this report.