Fantasy Football at StatLeader.com

Minnesota Vikings Devoting 40 Percent of Playbook to Brett Favre

2009-07-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

According to Charlie Walters - 40 percent of the Vikings' 2009 playbook is being customized for the pending signing of quarterback Brett Favre...

Detroit Lions: Will Stafford Start In 2009?

2009-07-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Reports indicated that a few months ago, the Lions were interested in acquiring a backup veteran quarterback.

Now that all the off-season workouts have been completed, it appears the Lions have put those plans on hold.

Some of that has to do with the progress of Drew Stanton, but most of it has to do with the development of rookie Matthew Stafford. The real issue here is what the Lions are looking for out of their No. 3 QB. Before and after the draft, the Lions talked about adding a veteran backup because they weren't sure how quickly Stafford would be ready. They didn't want to get into a situation where Daunte Culpepper would start the season and then get hurt and then be forced to go with a raw rookie.

That situation has changed. The Lions are now very confident that Stafford will be ready for the start of the regular season. That changes the role at No. 3 because the Lions don't need an experienced player there.

Former NFL QB Steve McNair Killed

2009-07-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

AP reports that Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair has been shot and killed.

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that police were called to a residence and found McNair and a woman shot to death inside. Aaron said authorities don't yet know the circumstances of the shooting.

"I don't have any answers for you now as to what's happened, who's responsible," he said.

Aaron said police have tentatively identified the woman but did not release her name.

McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL and led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl. The former third overall draft pick also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring after the 2007 season.

"He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans," Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement. "He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."

Northcutt to Roar with Lions?

2009-07-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded receiver Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions for safety Gerald Alexander.

The deal was finalized Tuesday after both players passed physicals.

Northcutt gives the Lions a veteran receiver opposite rising star Calvin Johnson.

Alexander, a second-round pick in 2007, gives Jacksonville depth in the secondary. He started 16 games as a rookie, but missed most of last year following a neck injury.

Northcutt, who has 364 receptions for 4,584 yards and 17 touchdowns, has been projected to start this season. But Jacksonville’s three rookie receivers were impressive enough during offseason drills that Northcutt became expendable.

Winslow To Get Plenty of Play in Tampa

2009-06-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Reports indicate 'good things' relating to Tampa's new tight end Kellen Winslow. Winslow, 25, will be used extensively because offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski believes in widespread use of his tight ends, and, being a former tight ends coach with the Packers and Falcons, he is intimately familiar with the position.

"I've been very, very fortunate with the guys that I've had," Jagodzinski said. "I had Bubba Franks as a rookie (in Green Bay). I had Alge Crumpler (in Atlanta), who was as good a tight end as I've been around. Now Jerramy (Stevens) and Kellen.

"I use those guys a lot. Quite a bit."

For his part, Winslow isn't ready to make proclamations. Ask him about his potential to loom large in the offense and you'll likely get vanilla answers.

"We (tight ends) just have to make plays," he said. "We're just a piece to the puzzle."

Are The Dolphins merging with the Miami Sound Machine and Margaritaville?

2009-06-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Steven Wine of the AP reports that singer Gloria Estefan and her husband, producer Emilio Estefan, are buying a "very small" ownership stake in the NFL team, a person familiar with the deal said Monday. The person requested anonymity because the deal won’t be announced until Thursday by owner Stephen Ross.

Seven-time Grammy winner Gloria Estefan has had hits with Miami Sound Machine and as a solo artist. Ross began a partnership in May with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville enterprise, which includes Land Shark Lager.

Buffett has yet to accept Ross' invitation to become a minority owner, but the Dolphins' stadium has been renamed Land Shark Stadium for this season. Buffett wrote a song for the team and will be featured at tailgate parties, Ross has said.

It's unclear whether the Estefans will have a role in Dolphins entertainment. Miami Sound Machine brought a fusion of Latin and pop to the American masses with hits such as "Conga" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," and Emilio Estefan has also produced for such artists as Shakira and Ricky Martin.

The Estefans will be among the few Hispanics to hold an ownership stake in an NFL team. Gloria Estefan came to the United States at age 2 when her family fled Cuba shortly after Fidel Castro’s revolution, and she has sold more than 90 million records.

Ross, a New York real estate billionaire, completed his purchase of the Dolphins in January from Wayne Huizenga.

The Dolphins confirmed only that the Estefans and Ross will make a "major announcement" Thursday on behalf of the Dolphins.

Jets Still Keeping An Eye On Paxico?

2009-06-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

According to New York Newsday, the Jets' owner told Boomer Esiason on this week's Boomer Esiason show that the Jets have not made any decision on WR Plaxico Burress because of his uncertain legal situation and what might happen as far as discipline from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

"We don't know what his current status, both legally and from a league standpoint, and until those are cleared up, we look at him like any other player-we look at the talent, if there is talent, which there is with Plaxico, but there is with other talent around as well," Johnson told Esiason on the show, which airs tonight on MSG. "When those two questions are answered, then we'll proceed to the next level. Otherwise, basically it's a holding pattern."

2009 Fantasy Football Draft: It's important to get rookie QB Mark Sanchez a consistent threat in the aerial game to give the kid a chance. I don't know if Princess Plax is the answer - but the Jet's receiving corps could sure use a face lift! Plaxico on the Jet's helps Sanchez's rating more than it would Burress'.

Think Donte' Got Off Easy?

2009-06-18T14:21:00.001-07:00

The NFL has indefinitely suspended Cleveland Browns receiver Donte’ Stallworth, who killed a pedestrian while driving drunk.

In a letter to Stallworth, NFL commissioner Robert Goodell said Thursday the player's actions caused "irreparable harm to the victim and his family, your club, your fellow players and the NFL." He will not be paid while suspended.

Stallworth pleaded guilty this month to a DUI manslaughter charge for striking Mario Reyes on March 14 in Florida. He began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday and has reached a financial settlement with Reyes’ family.

After jail, he must serve two years of house arrest and spend eight years on probation. The house arrest provisions would allow him to resume playing.

Raiders' Heyward-Bey Remains A Question Mark

2009-06-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Oakland Raiders will complete the pre-training camp portion of their offseason getting little in the way of development from their top draft pick - wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Heyward-Bey pulled up on an out-pattern with an audible groan, clutching his right hamstring early in practice. He did not return, leaving the field with trainer Rod Martin.

Burress, Patrick, Stallworth and More

2009-06-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

Arizona Cardinals tight end Ben Patrick has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress is negotiating with several NFL teams to return to pro football this season after a judge delayed his trial Monday on gun possession charges. Burress made a brief appearance in court Monday, accompanied by his wife and attorney Benjamin Brafman. Judge Felicia Mennin adjourned the case until Sept. 23.

Attorneys say Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth has agreed to plead guilty to a DUI manslaughter charge in Florida and will likely serve some time in jail.
The 28-year-old player is accused of striking and killing a pedestrian with his Bentley on his way back from a night out in Miami Beach in March .

Falcons Release QB Michael Vick

2009-06-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Michael Vick Friday morning, team officials confirmed.

The team had been seeking to trade the former star quarterback, who was suspended by the NFL after his conviction on dog-fighting charges. He last played for the Falcons in 2006.

"We spent a significant amount of time this off-season trying to trade him to another NFL club, and we had some conversations with a few teams, but nothing materialized," general manager Thomas Dimitroff said on the team's Web site. "At this point, we feel releasing Michael is best for him and best for us."

Dimitroff said he spoke with Vick on Friday. Vick is now free to pursue any playing opportunities that come forth.

"Our entire organization sincerely hopes that Michael will continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard," Dimitroff said.

Dimitroff could not say if or when Vick might be reinstated. "That's up to the Commissioner," he said.

Now that he is a free agent, Vick is free to sign with any team in the league. NFL rules allow teams to sign a suspended player, Dimitroff said.

The remainder of Vick's signing bonus ($7.11 million) will count against the team's salary cap this season but there will be no impact beyond this year, Dimitroff said. The Falcons are currently about $20 million under the $128 million cap. Vick's contract awarded him $37 million in guaranteed money when he signed it in 2003.

You Think YOUR Quarterback Is A Bust?

2009-06-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ryan Leaf's lawyer says the indicted former NFL quarterback will surrender on drug and burglary charges in Texas.

Bill Kelly told The Associated Press late Thursday that Leaf is "not a fugitive from justice" and will return next week.

Prosecutor Lacy Miller says a warrant was issued May 20 when Leaf was indicted. Miller says Leaf has been working in British Columbia.

The ex-Washington State University and San Diego Chargers quarterback is charged with burglary to a habitation. Leaf also was indicted on seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and one count of delivery of a simulated controlled substance.

Leaf coached quarterbacks at West Texas A&M in Canyon, where the indictment was returned.

Just think about this: Following the 1998 draft, the Chargers signed Leaf to a four-year contract worth $31.25 million, including a guaranteed $11.25 million signing bonus. It was, at the time, the largest signing bonus ever paid to a rookie.

Shortly after being drafted, Leaf declared, "I'm looking forward to a 15 year career, a couple of trips to the Super Bowl, and a parade through downtown San Diego."

Why I Don't Mind Going To 49er Games!

2009-06-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

I'm a football fan. (obviously)

I have been a 49er fan since the John Brody/Gene Washington era - which means I have seen many ups and downs over the years... I don't know why I picked the Niners at such a young age; (and living in FL at the time) maybe I liked the color of the jersey...

WAIT A MINUTE! TRIVIA BREAK! Which 49ers wide receiver holds the Niner record for yards per catch average? Jerry Rice? (15 yards) Terrell Ownes? (14.5 yards) NO! Its Gene Washington with a 17.9 yards per catch average!

Back to the story! So we have been going through a down period recently - but I still like going to the games (even though 'The Stick' is so old it's liable to crumble away in the next earthquake.)

I may not always see good football - but I still get to see perfection! Check out this photo from my seat last year! I love being so close to the 'action.'

Here's hoping that Singletary and the Boys get it together this year for a solid run at the playoffs!

Vikings: No Problem With Favre Contract Here

2009-06-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Pat Kirwin of Sirius NFL Radio does not believe the Vikings will have any problem meeting Brett Favre's contract demands.

SI's Peter King speculated that Favre might get a one-year deal worth $8-10 million. The Vikings are $17.5 million under the salary cap. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, is already ramping up the rhetoric: "I would think [the Vikings] would pull out all the stops if they want to get the guy."

Report: Rams interested in Vick?

2009-06-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Michael Vick may play football again, and it's closer than you might think.

Michael Lombardi of The National Football Post reported on their website yesterday the St. Louis Rams may pursue the former Falcon if he is reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Lombardi cited several unnamed NFL sources telling him to not rule out St. Louis as a possible destination for the former Pro Bowl quarterback.

Vick was suspended in August 2007 by the NFL and in December of 2007, he was sentenced to a 23 month federal prison term for an illegal dogfighting operation. He was released on May 20, 2009 and plans on seeking reinstatement to the NFL in hopes of playing again.

2009 Fantasy Football Draft: Jamal Lewis

2009-05-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Jamal Lewis is practicing this week at Browns minicamp after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. The procedure removed bone spurs, just like the surgery Lewis had in Jan. 2007.

2009 Fantasy Football Draft: Although Lewis had his moments in 2008, his backlog of ankle problems, declining ability to turn the corner, age (30 before the season), and cliff-dropping YPC are all red flags for 2009.

Released: J.J. Arrington

2009-05-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

The Denver Broncos have released tailback J.J. Arrington after he failed a physical due to a right knee issue.

Arrington was one of three veteran tailbacks the Broncos brought in during the offseason, along with Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan. The team had placed seven running backs on injured reserve last season.

The Broncos also selected Knowshon Moreno with the 12th pick in the draft to bolster the backfield.

Arrington signed a four-year deal worth about $10 million in early March. He figured to be a third-down specialist for the Broncos in 2009, a role similar to the one he played last season for the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals.

49ers Add Bly to Replace Injured Harris

2009-05-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco 49ers announced today the signing of veteran CB Dre' Bly to a one-year contract.

"We lost a Pro Bowl caliber player in Walt Harris this week, and we were able to fill that void today with another Pro Bowler in Dre' Bly," said general manager Scot McCloughan. "We added a player with a passion for the game, tremendous productivity and proven durability who knows what it takes to compete at a high level in the NFL. It was important to get Dre' in here quickly so that he can get acquainted with our system, our coaches and his new teammates."

Bly (5-10, 188) enters his 11th season after originally being drafted in the second round (41st overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams out of North Carolina. A two-time Pro Bowler (2003-04), Bly's 40 interceptions since entering the league in 1999 mark the fourth-highest total among all NFL players, while his 18 forced fumbles are the most among cornerbacks during that span.

"It was an opportunity for me to step in and have a chance to compete," Bly said during his conference call with the Bay Area media. "At this point in my career, being successful like I've been, it's not about money it's about opportunity. It was the first opportunity for me to come in and compete."

Bly most recently spent two seasons as a member of the Denver Broncos, where he led the team with two interceptions in 2008 and five interceptions in 2007. He joined Denver via trade from the Detroit Lions, where he spent four seasons (2003-06) totaling 19 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles and 82 passes defensed. Bly started his career with the St. Louis Rams (1999-2002), helping the club win Super Bowl XXXIV as a rookie and to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVI in 2001.

The Chesapeake, VA, native has played in 151 games (111 starts) and totaled 538 tackles, 159 passes defensed, 40 interceptions (five returned for touchdowns), 18 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and four sacks in his career. Bly finished his career at North Carolina as the first player in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference to earn consensus All-America honors three times.

A Bigger and Badder Adrian Peterson?

2009-05-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

One of Adrian Peterson's primary focuses during the offseason, OTA's, and early training camp remains on increasing his weight. He expressed a desire last winter to gain 7 to 12 pounds this offseason but said Wednesday after the Vikings' second day of Organized Team Activities that he weighs about 216 or 217 pounds. He finished last season at 217 and still wants to get to 225 to help him withstand the wear and tear of the season.

Peterson has been consulting with Vikings strength and conditioning coach Tom Kanavy on a plan to get bigger in his thighs and upper body without adding fat. One thing that doesn't worry Peterson is the possibility he could slow himself down.

"(That is) not a concern at all. I hear it a lot, but my mind-set and how I view things is totally different from a lot of people," he said. "I've come to understand that and recognize that. I feel I can do anything I put my mind to."

2009 Fantasy Football Draft: AP is going to be the number one back on a lot of draft boards!

This May Be The Funniest Thing Ever!

2009-05-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

The AP Reports: Oh-oh, Ocho. The Bengals' top receiver has yet another name.

The NFL had agreed to let the player formerly known as Chad Johnson wear his new name on the back of his jersey this season. There’s one catch for the receiver: It’s not exactly how he wanted it.

Instead of Ocho Cinco, he'll be Ochocinco.

The receiver legally changed his name in Florida last August. He asked the league and the media to call him Chad Ocho Cinco, a two-word nickname he had adopted referring to his No. 85.

The Bengals complied, but the NFL balked. It said the receiver would have to pay for the large inventory of "Johnson" jerseys that Reebok stocked for the season-ones that would be a tough sell-before he could switch. The receiver declined, choosing to play the season under his old name.

The league has agreed to let him wear his new name this year, but it will be rendered as "Ochocinco" because that's how he wrote it when he submitted his name-change form in Florida.

"It's his legal name," AFC information manager Corry Rush said Thursday.

The receiver said last year that he wanted his name to be "Ocho Cinco." Neither he nor his agent returned phone messages Thursday to discuss the name being one word instead of two. He was still selling shirts and other gear under the "Ocho Cinco" name on his Web site.

Makes me think of the Forrest Gump quote "Stupid is as stupid does."

He should have stuck with something simple like...Mister 2 (or was that Mister2, Mr2,or missed-her-too?)

2009 Fantasy Football Draft: The Life Of Brian?

2009-05-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

There's been "breaking news" out on the Internet saying that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brian Griese could be let go by the end of the week.

Shocking! Anyone who follows the Bucs at all has known (since before the draft I might add) that Griese was not going to be part of this team this year.

It's well known that Griese was 'Jon Gruden's quarterback.' Griese may still be a decent NFL quarterback, but he's not the quarterback of the future - or anything else resembling 'upside' like the Bucs are looking for.

I believe the only reason Tampa didn't dump him during the Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, Warrick Dunn, Ike Hilliard and Cato June purge was because they held out a glimmer of hope of trying to get something in return for him.

That's not likely - but they're still holding out hope. Hope, in spite of being turned down on trade offers that went out before, during and after the draft.

The only thing anyone with Tampa Bay really does know is that Griese's fate was sealed the day Gruden was fired.

2009 Fantasy Football Draft: Not to be cold-blooded but... Griese has never been a quality Fantasy Football #1 - nor will he be anytime in what is left of his career.

Jason Taylor Rebuffs Pats and Jets - Likes Fish

2009-05-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Jason Taylor "returned" to the Dolphins on Wednesday, turning down the temptations of more money and grander promises from the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

Some say "He's back home, where he belongs," because his family and his hometown are more important than the lure of Broadway's lights or a Patriots-engraved Super Bowl ring. I don't know how true that is - but it is clear that he returns humbled, motivated, underpaid, and ready to help the team he (apparently) loves.

Taylor accepted a bargain-rate contract to play for the Dolphins. He basically forced his way out of Washington this offseason and forfeited his $8.5 million salary in the process. Redskins owner Daniel Snyder reportedly flew to South Florida and met with Taylor at Joe's Stone Crab to try to convince the player to stay with the Redskins. It didn't work.

"Look, if Jason was going to play it was going to be with Miami," agent Gary Wichard said. "That's how he wanted it."

Taylor turned down promises of a bigger contract offer from the Patriots and didn't even let the Jets or Packers get deep enough in conversations to talk money.

The Dolphins all-time sack king just wanted to come home and sign a below-market one-year deal worth $1.1 million plus $400,000 in incentives.

Eagles Starting TE Is Who?

2009-05-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Brent Celek, TE: There is no question now that he's the starter on offense. Last season, Celek assumed the starting job late in the season and finished with a career-high 27 catches for 318 yards in the regular season. But it was the playoffs where he shined with 19 catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns.

We all know that he had an outstanding performance in the NFC title game with 10 catches for 83 yards and a pair of touchdowns. And of course, everyone wants to know about his blocking. Well, his rookie season of 2007 was hampered by a shoulder injury that didn't get fixed until the off-season. With the surgery in January of 2008, Celek wasn't able to effectively workout in the off-season. Now he's healthy, he's spent the entire off-season in Philadelphia and is ready to go.

Leon Lett: Keeping His Word

2009-05-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

We here at Statleader.com are not afraid to bash (and often do) NFL superstars and wannabees that make fools of themselves. However, we also want to pass on the good stories that happen!

The Dallas Morning News reports that on Saturday, Leon Lett will earn his degree in university studies with an emphasis in sociology and history from UNLV, fulfilling a promise he made to his mother, Rachel, when he attended Emporia State.

"I was the only child in my family to not have a college degree so this is something I've promised my mom that I would do," said Lett in a statement from UNLV. "I also do a lot of public speaking in schools and I want to be a role model for these kids. I get a lot of questions about education and now I can say that I graduated from college."

Lett was a two-time Pro Bowler and was on all three of the Super Bowl teams in the 1990s. He played his last season in 2001 for Denver. When his playing career ended he was involved in the home-building business but wanted to get back into football after attending the 2008 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. He visited his former line coach, Andre Patterson, at UNLV and decided to get back into school.

"I ran into some of my old NFL teammates and friends who are now coaching. We started talking football and it felt really good. But I knew I needed to finish my college degree to get involved."

Favre / Vikings Update 5-7-09

2009-05-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

Reports are Vikings coach Brad Childress could be headed to Mississippi today to meet with Brett Favre. But Favre's agent didn't seem to get the memo, and Childress was seen entering Winter Park (definitely NOT in Mississippi) around 7 a.m. Thursday.

Reports are that Childress and Favre, who got to know each other during their time in Wisconsin, met for dinner in Mississippi last night so Childress could find out how serious Favre is about coming back to pro football again -- and playing for the Vikings.

According to the same unidentified source, the pair is supposed to meet again today to continue their discussions.

Favre's long-time agent Bus Cook says his client is still retired, and "to his knowledge" the meeting reports of Childress checking on Favre and his injured arm aren't true.

The team hasn't contacted him, and neither has Favre.

Vikings fans remain obsessed with the possibility of getting Favre and sticking it to the Green Bay Packers, but few answers are available as of yet.

UPDATE: Yahoo is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings will not sign free agent quarterback Brett Favre.

In a phone call that took place sometime in the last day, the source said Favre told Vikings coach Brad Childress that he wanted to remain retired. Favre is expected to publicly explain his decision soon.

Favre, who announced his first retirement in March 2008 after spending 16 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, decided to resume his career last summer and was traded to the New York Jets in August. After one season in New York, Favre retired again and was subsequently released by the Jets on April 29.

Just days after his release from the Jets, speculation began that the Vikings were interested in bringing in a veteran to compete with Sage Rosenfels(notes), who was acquired this offseason from the Houston Texans. Rosenfels is atop the depth chart heading into training camp, with Tarvaris Jackson and John David Booty(notes) also on the roster.