My Sports News Digest

The Buffalo Bills made progress in their bid to re-sign Stevie Johnson before the receiver is eligible to become a free agent next month. Johnson’s agent, C.J. LaBoy, said he was “very optimistic” after describing talks as being “productive,” in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Friday. LaBoy wouldn’t go into further details in assessing the meeting he had with Bills officials at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis earlier in the day. 2012-s notable free agents Bills general manager Buddy Nix told a Toronto radio station that the two sides met and that talks will continue. “We’re still [...]

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Nearly a month after his “dance” moves at a New England Patriots Super Bowl postgame non-victory party drew criticism from some and bewilderment from others, tight end Rob Gronkowski said he can understand the viewpoint of fans. But he’s not about to let his work ethic come into question. The video of a shirtless Gronkowski jumping around a dance floor, on an ankle injury that had his status for the game in question, drew the ire of many, including former Patriot Rodney Harrison. Others — notably one of his bosses, Jonathan Kraft — didn’t take issue with the scene. Gronkowski, [...]

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Rams willing to trade down Posted by Mike Florio on February 23, 2012, 11:12 PM EST It’s widely believed that the Colts will pick a quarterback with the first selection in the 2012 draft. It’s also widely believed that the Rams will then auction the ability to take the next quarterback with the second selection in the 2012 draft to the highest bidder. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier today that multiple teams already have had preliminary discussions with the Rams, that the Rams are willing to trade the pick, and that the Rams likely will end up doing so. [...]

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Former Indianapolis Colts executive Bill Polian said Thursday that he wouldn’t be surprised to see long-time receiver Reggie Wayne explore the free-agent market. “I think Reggie will at least be allowed to go out and test the waters,” Polian said on Sirius XM NFL Radio, according to FoxSports.com. “Now, will Reggie get something that he likes? I don’t know.” According to FoxSports.com, Polian had a hand in the Colts’ offseason strategy before he was let go by the team. Polian said that while Wayne is “an institution in Indianapolis,” the receiver “has to maximize his earning power because he’s closer [...]

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If Colts sign No. 1 pick, Rams can’t sign No. 2 pick Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2012, 10:52 PM EST Earlier today, we pointed out that, once Friday’s coin flips lock in the 2012 draft order, the Colts may sign Andrew Luck, or any other player whom they’d like to make the first overall pick in the draft. Unlike past years, the presence of a true rookie wage scale with little room to maneuver and few topics about which to negotiate, it’s far more likely that a contract will be signed before the draft begins. And given [...]

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Pat Shurmur isn’t going to act like it’s unreasonable for people to connect the Browns to Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III. Smith: Your team’s QB or RG3? The Browns had one of the weakest offenses in football last season, after all, and Griffin would represent the promise of finally installing a franchise-type player at quarterback in Cleveland. Shurmur, the Browns’ coach, isn’t surprised many assume his team will make a push for the Baylor star. “I think what happens is, there’s a lot that gets said and written at this time, and it’s very interesting to everyone,” Shurmur said [...]

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There aren’t many teams in the NFL in a more precarious salary cap situation than the Pittsburgh Steelers, a position that has already dictated several offseason moves. It could also determine how the team decides to try and retain Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Wallace. League sources have told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that there is “real concern” within the team’s front office that they could lose Wallace, scheduled to become a restricted free agent next month. 2012-s notable free agents Citing what he called “serious issues” with the salary cap, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has said [...]

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Cornwell named NFLCA executive director Posted by Mike Florio on February 21, 2012, 5:03 PM EST As expected, the NFL Coaches Association has named sports lawyer David Cornwell the organization’s new executive director. The announcement came earlier today. “The NFL is embarking on a period of unprecedented opportunities and coaches will make a vital contribution in making those opportunities a reality,” NFLCA president Jimmy Raye said in a release. “I have known David for 25 years and we believe that his experience and relationships will enable the coaches’ boat to rise with the tide.” “I am both honored and humbled [...]

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