NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

The Panthers are reportedly not planning to use the franchise tag on RB DeAngelo Williams, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but they still want to keep him. NFL Network reports that the Panthers are likely to use the franchise tag on either center Ryan Kalil or defensive end Charles Johnson, thus leaving Williams unprotected from other teams.

The fifth-year running back missed the last 10 games of the 2010 season with a foot injury and was eventually placed on injured reserve Nov. 17. Williams will receive a lot of attention from other teams, with Miami and Denver two possible suitors. Williams’ ability can’t be questioned but consecutive seasons ending with injuries can — there’s concern that Williams can’t hold up for 16 games.

Not very surprising news. The Indianapolis Colts cut Bob Sanders yesterday. The former Pro-Bowler and Defensive Player of the Year was released after having injury problems for the past few seasons. The move happened about a day after when owner Jim Irsay said he'll make a decision of what to do with Sanders before March 3rd.

"We thank Bob for all his incredible contributions, from his Super Bowl interception to his defensive player of the year honor," Irsay said in a statement.

Sanders signed a five-year contract worth $37.5 million. But he has only played nine games in the past three seasons. With Indianapolis looking for other players to re-sign like Joseph Addai, Robert Mathis, etc., Sanders salary takes up some space in the cap.

This also gives a chance to give Peyton Manning his record-setting deal. It is believed to be worth more than Tom Brady's $72 million contract.

"I want to thank Mr. Irsay for the opportunity to play with the Colts," Sanders said in a statement released by the team. "I appreciate all he and the organization did for me throughout my career, and I always will consider myself a Colt. I want to thank the fans also for their great support. They played a big part in making my seven years with the team very rewarding."

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Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame, 6′6 265

Position Ranking: #1

Strengths: Prototypical size for an NFL tight end. A natural pass catcher with big hands who frequently plucks and snatches the football at its highest point. Very sure handed. Adjusts well to throws behind, below, and away from his frame; has a good feel for his quarterback and knows how to slow up or speed up his route based on timing. Solid route runner and comes out of his breaks sharply with hands positioned to make the catch. Very good instincts and understands coverage; positions himself well to make tough catches and gain extra yards. Uses his body to shield defenders and create space. Good overall foot quickness.

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It's been a tough few months for me after since  season ended and I am finally over  2010  and looking forward to the 2011 season (if there is one). The Browns ended the season playing some pretty poor football as we all know. The Steelers game was in my opinion the worse game at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

There is a whole generation the Cleveland Browns have lost do to the team moving and playing so poorly since there return. Mike Holmgren is supposed to be the guy who turns this around and needs to hit a home-run in this upcoming draft. The Browns need a draft like they had when the hit on Matthews and Newsome in 78.

I hope we never have to go through what we went through the last week at the Stadium against the Steelers. That was unacceptable and shouldn't  be tolerated by any Browns fan. I didn't agree with firing Mangini but realized someone had to pay for the way the season ended. The team looked lost the last four games of the year unlike two seasons ago.

The team let some dead weight go releasing the players they did last week and it makes me believe they are going to draft a defensive linemen in the First Round and I am good with that. It's obvious this team needs help at the receiver position but lets not use a First Round pick on one.

Pat Shurmur isn't a sexy choice for the Coach, but you didn't hear of Sean Payton,Mike Tomlin, or Mike Smith before they got the chance at being a Head Coach. Shurmur and Holmgren should be able to get the most out of McCoy and get the offense back to respectability.