Bills RB Fred Jackson’s contract extension goes through 2014, includes $8.7 million in new money that could rise to $11 million if he hits all incentives, and had a $3 million signing bonus.
Jets CB Ellis Lankster has been honored by the Stuttering Foundation.
Said Nick Saban of the time he spent coaching Junior Seau in Miami, “He was the most popular guy on the team, the most positive, the most upbeat, the most enthusiastic, energetic, great practice player, great football player. Loved football probably as much as anybody I’ve ever been around.”
New Patriots TE Daniel Fells is thrilled with his new quarterback: “I’m excited about that one,” Fells said. “That’s pretty much the best way to say it. It’s Tom Brady, one of the greatest guys out there. I’m really looking forward to be out there on the field with him.”
Several Ravens players are getting involved in community service this offseason.
The talk is continuing in Cincinnati that Braylon Edwards could be a Bengal.
Some of the so-called draft experts think John Hughes was a major reach as the Browns’ third-round pick. (As long as no one badmouths John Hughes the filmmaker, we’re OK.)
Said Steelers seventh-round rookie WR Toney Clemons of signing his contract, “I have dreamt about this day since I was little and told my mom I wanted to be a pro football player when she asked what I wanted to do when I grew up. The next big step for me is going to work every day from here on out and proving that I’m worth the pick and the investment that was made in me.”
In Houston, fans and the media had turned on WR Jacoby Jones to such an extent that his agent asked the Texans to release him.
The Colts expect contract negotiations with their draft picks to be a breeze.
Jaguars QB Jordan Palmer says that despite his connection to offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, there’s still a lot of the Jaguars’ offense he has to learn.
Says Titans QB Jake Locker, “My goal is to earn the respect of the guys around me. Not to ask for it, but how you go out and work and how you prepare yourself, they can tell it means something to you.”
The departure of G.M. Brian Xanders shows that John Elway is taking charge in Denver.
Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel gave a couple of rookies a day off from minicamp so they could attend their commencement ceremonies.
The Raiders signed C Colin Miller, giving them a little depth behind starter Stefen Wisniewski.
Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith says that while the money for rookies has changed, “I don’t believe anything on our end will be different regarding contracts. We offer outstanding contracts and always have. Some agents, I know, don’t particularly like our structure in contracts. We are very consistent in what we do and will continue that way. I hope all our players are in on time.”
Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is looking forward to practicing against rookie CB Morris Claiborne.
The Giants have signed rookie Adrien Robinson, whom Jerry Reese called “the JPP of tight ends.”
Eagles coach Andy Reid is under pressure heading into a season in which the team must improve.
Rookie Josh LeRibeus played guard at SMU, but the Redskins had him working at center during last weekend’s minicamp.
There’s some talk in Chicago that DT Tommie Harris should be brought back.
Lions DT Ndamukong Suh is expected to appear on a dating reality show.
After some initial confusion, it’s been confirmed that Packers QB Graham Harrell is ineligible to participate in the team’s rookie minicamp, even though he has never played in a regular-season game.
After getting cut by the Vikings, K Ryan Longwell wrote on Twitter, “Can’t tell you how humbling it is to see all the support from all of you and to hear from so many of my ‘former’ teammates as well.”
Rookie Bradie Ewing will get a chance to be the No. 1 fullback after Ovie Mughelli was released on Tuesday.
Said Panthers G.M. Marty Hurney of rookie offensive lineman Amini Silatolu, “Becoming a left guard that pulls would be very natural for him.”
Former Saints RB Lynell Hamilton says of concussions and other injuries, “It’s part of the game. As players in the NFL, we go out and understand what we’re getting ourselves into. In that respect, you know, it comes with the game.”
The Buccaneers see a lot of upside in former LSU QB Jordan Jefferson.
The Cardinals are interested in re-signing LB Clark Haggans and DE Vonnie Holliday, but not in any hurry to do so.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher has a busy time ahead of him.
San Francisco QB Alex Smith is hard at work this offseason.
Said Seahawks first-round pick Bruce Irvin of signing his contract, “I’m just ready to work. The money is cool. If you took the money away, I still would play this game for free!”