NFL trades and signings (Y-2)

Several huge trades and signings have been going on in the NFL lately. One of the biggest moves this off season has to be for the Chicago Bears. The Bears had signed defensive end Jared Allen. Allen's contract was worth 32 million dollars for a total of 4 years. Allen had turned down the Raiders offer of 9 million dollars per year. Jimmy Graham is still a free agent. The New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has stated that "It's hard to put a timetable on it," Payton said Wednesday. "But I would say very similar to Drew [Brees' contract], I think all of us feel like it's just a matter of not if, but when. I don't know if there's nervous anticipation." ESPN also stated that there has been some debate on position classification with Graham. He plays tight end but wants to be designated as a wide receiver, where more money is involved. Payton said that could make things tricky but may not be a huge snag in the grand scheme of negotiations. Another big thing going on is the Philadelphia Eagles not sure if they want to keep wide receiver DeSean Jackson or let him go. When Chip Kelly was asked whether he wants Jackson on the team, Kelly said, "I like DeSean. DeSean did a really nice job for us [last season]. But we're always going to do what's best for the organization." ESPN stated that Jackson had been scheduled to earn a base salary of 10.5 million dollars in the 2014 season. Chip Kelly also stated that "He played 16 games for us, practiced every day," Kelly said. "I had no issues with him." Kelly said "I don't deal with numbers; that's not my job," when asked whether he felt Jackson was worth the salary.

NFL News (Y-1)

There have been several major things happening right now in the NFL. One thing that is going on is ex quarterback Jim Kelly was diagnosed with cancer on June 3, 2013. Jim Kelly had been treated and had surgery to remove the tumor shortly after the diagnoses. Kelly was cleared of the cancer until a few days ago. Kelly was told a few days ago that the tumor had come back. Jim Kelly's wife Jill Kelly has told the press that the oral surgery is probably not the best choice right now. She also stated that "At this point and time surgery is not the best option for Jim," Jill Kelly wrote on her Facebook page. "The cancer is in areas that surgery cannot successfully eradicate." Reporters say that Kelly was originally scheduled for five to six weeks of chemotherapy after his surgery. Reports say Kelly learned on March 14 that cancerous cells, which doctors removed from his jaw in June 2013, had returned. His wife said in a blog post last week that the cancer was "aggressive" and "starting to spread." Reporters also say the 54-year-old Kelly, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002, has received prayers and support across social media. More NFL news that involves Buffalo is the death of Ralph Wilson Jr. Wilson was the founder of the Buffalo Bills and has died on March 25, 2014 at the age of 95 years old. Following the death of owner Ralph Wilson, the future of the Buffalo Bills in Western New York is in doubt. "No one loved this game more than Ralph Wilson," said Bills president/CEO Russ Brandon, who learned of the news from Wilson's widow, Mary, on Tuesday afternoon. Brandon also stated that he was a great man and an unbelievable leader. Wilson was Brandon's boss for about 18 years.

NFL News (X-2)

Huge news in the NFL is that the Tennessee Titans are thinking about trading running back Chris Johnson. Johnson, 28, has rushed for 7,965 yards and 50 touchdowns in his career. He also has 272 catches for 2,003 yards and eight touchdowns. More big news in the NFL is that the New York Jets released quarterback Mark Sanchez. After they released Sanchez they made a one year agreement with Michael Vick worth 5 million dollars. The Seattle Seahawks might also have great news. The Seahawks met with Jarrod Allen about him signing with them and Allen stated that he will make his decision and get back to them with his decision this weekend. The Atlanta Falcons made a huge move that could affect the outcome of the upcoming season. The Falcons have signed Devin Hester for three years. The financial aspects of the contract have not yet been established. The Kansas City Chiefs starting Safety Kendrick Lewis was signed by the Houston Texans. With the gain of Lewis the Texans have released Matt Schaub for a 6th round draft pick. Before releasing Schaub the Texans also signed Ryan Fitzpatrick on Thursday. Another big thing happening for the Tennessee Titans is that defensive end Adewale Ojomo was arrested. Ojomo was arrested in a prostitution sting. The defensive end was held on a 500 dollar bail. The Steelers also have made a big move this off season. The Pittsburgh Steelers quickly filled the void left by Jerricho Cotchery's departure, signing former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore to a two-year contract Friday. Reporters say that Moore visited the Steelers earlier this week, and signing him became a priority after the Carolina Panthers lured Cotchery away with a two-year, $5 million contract. On March 21, 2014 Moore tweeted "Excited to be a part of #steelernation, Couldn't ask for a better organization to continue my career with!"

NFL Trades and Signs (X-1)

On Monday, March 17, 2014 Darrelle Revis finally found his new team. Revis signed a contract for two years’ worth $32 million with the Patriots on Monday, although the deal is essentially for one year and $12 million because it includes a $25 million salary-cap charge in 2015. New England also signed another cornerback. This other new player is Brandon Browner. Browner stated that he had been told the Patriots will play a lot of man coverage, which is a strong suit for him and Revis. "It's basically about just winning," Revis said Monday during an introductory conference call. Revis stated that "I weighed my options and I just wanted to win. I felt like this is the right place. What better organization than the New England Patriots to be a part of?" "I was also told we play a lot of man to man, which is my strong suit," he said. Browner stated that "From what I understand, they're going to have us matched up [a lot]." Another great move by the Patriots was re-signing Julian Edelman. The deal has a base value of $17 million and includes $8 million in bonuses and guarantees ($6 million guaranteed for skill) and $2 million in incentives, a source confirmed to ESPN.com. Edelman says that he is excited to play with Derrelle Revis. He also stated that Revis is the best corner in the game. When asked about Vince Wilfork's situation he stated that he is focused on his own future, and he's excited to stay with the only NFL organization he's ever played for.The Oakland Raiders reached agreement with wide receiver James Jones on a three-year deal. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the contract is worth $11.3 million.

NFL Trades (W-1)(W-2)

There are many things going on in the NFL that could affect certain teams in the upcoming season. One of the big moves right now is that the Cincinnati Bengals release James Harrison. Harrison is a linebacker that has played for both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since 2004 to the past season Harrison has recorded over 470 solo tackles with a total of 66 sacks so far in his career. Harrison has stated to the media that his is not planning on retiring this year and is just waiting for a team to pick him up. Another huge move in the NFL was made by the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have officially cut Wide Receiver Steve Smith on Thursday, March 13, 2014. Steve Smith made a huge impact on the Panthers season recording 836 career receptions and a total of 12,197 yards this far in his career. A huge move for the Buffalo Bills this off season is that they have lost Jarious Bird. Bird has made a big decision to move to the New Orleans Saints. Bird states that is was the "winning culture" that drew him to the New Orleans Saints in free agency. Another big move by the Buffalo Bills is that they have made a move which involves Kiko Alonso to an outside linebacker this upcoming season. The Bills are also having Keith Rivers on the other outside linebacker. Alonso recorded 159 tackles were third in the NFL, while he added four interceptions, two sacks and one forced fumble this season. The Bills believe moving Alonso, presumably to the weak-side, will free him up to make more plays. "We think with his athletic ability, his speed, and his instincts, why limit him by having to take on those big guards? Let's cover him up and let him run and hit," Whaley said. Reports also say Powell, a seventh-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 2013, played in five games as a reserve late last season. The other possibility is Nigel Bradham, whose playing time dropped significantly last season and is probably better suited as a weak-side linebacker. A huge move for the Philidolphia Eagles happened Thursday, March 13, 2014. This big move involved them picking up Darren Sproles from the New Orleans Saints. The Saints received a fifth round draft pick. In my opinion Sproles would make a great back up running back for the Eagles as well as a starting Kick returner. He would also make a good punt returner. The Eagles signed Sproles to a two-year extension, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Sproles is now tied to the Eagles for three seasons. Chip Kelly stated "Darren Sproles is an unbelievable offensive weapon," He also states "He can do it all, run, catch and plus he's a proven winner. And on top of that, he can bring all of those dynamic skills to the return game as well. There is no question we were all excited once we found out we were going to be able to trade for him." Howie Roseman states that "He's such a dangerous back, and he's a great piece to add to our offense and to our special teams. We spent considerable time in order to try to make this happen, and we were very happy to get a deal done with New Orleans." Linebacker, Daryl Smith has resigned with the Baltimore Ravens for a four year deal worth 16.1 million dollars. Reporters state that Smith finished with 123 tackles, five sacks, three interceptions, 19 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He also returned an interception 37 yards for a game-turning touchdown in a 30-9 victory over Houston.

NFL News (V-1)(V-2)

In the 2014 off season in the NFL there is a lot going on right now. One of the very important things that are going on right now is that the Pittsburgh Steelers resign Troy Polamalu and Heath Miller. The Polamalu deal is for $20 million total and saves Pittsburgh $4.5 million against the cap this year, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Heath Miller signed a 2 year deal extension through the 2016 season that will reduce his cap hit for 2014 by more than $3 million, according to multiple reports. Troy Polamalu played every down for the past seasons and has been to the past eight Pro Bowls after having 85 tackles, two interceptions and forced five fumbles. Another rumor that is going around the NFL is that the Vikings are talking about Michael Vick making them a playoff team in the 2014 season. Michael Vick will be turning 34 this year. Vick will be getting older but he will still be able to play and make a difference for the Vikings. Adrian Peterson tweeted on March 5, 2014 that Michael Vick would definitely make the Vikings a playoff team. Reports state that the New Orleans Saints would release Darren Sproles this year if they don't have any trades lined up. Sproles tweeted on March 7 of this year "Thank you New Orleans for your support over the past 3 years! I will always be forever grateful. #WhoDat" This tweet shows that Sproles is a very classy player and deserves to be on a good team. Darren Sproles is a great running back with great skill and speed and would be a great asset to any team looking for a running back. Jimmy Graham stated in a tweet at March 7, 2014 that "Wow unbelievable. Shocked and disappointed on everything that's gone on this offseason. The New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Lance Moore on Friday, a move designed at clearing room under the salary cap. Lance Moore also tweeted on March 7, 2014 "Thank you New Orleans for an amazing nine years. Who Dat Nation, the best on earth!!!" Lance Moore was on the New Orleans Saints for about nine years. In his nine years he played very well. The Saints also released Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper and Jabari Greer in February of this year. In 2012 Moore reached over 1000 rushing yards in the season. This year he finished the regular season with just 37 catches for 457 yards and two touchdowns. Another team making a big move is the Vikings. Quarterback Matt Cassel will return to Minnesota next season, signing a two-year deal with the Vikings on Friday, a league source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The deal is worth $10 million, according to CBSSports.com. Cassel ended up leading the Vikings in passing yards and touchdowns in the past season. Some important free agents that could be picked up right now are Darren McFadden, Knowshawn Moreno, and LeGarrette Blount, and Julian Edelman. All of these free agents could be key players for a team if they were to be picked up. Maurice Jones-Drew would also be a great player to pick up due to his power and speed. He would make a great impact on whatever team he would go to. If Jones-Drew does not re-sign with the Jaguars -- and right now it appears he won’t -- the team needs to sign a replacement via free agency. If he can solve his fumbling problems, he could be a surprise. Expect the team to draft at least one back as well.