NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

By Vikings Gab Columnist Brandon Lemke

Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent if and when free agency begins. Rice's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has already said Rice will likely test the market if he has a chance, but I think the Vikings definately need to be aggresive and try to get their star wide receiver back in purple.

Rice had a breakout year in 2009 when he racked up 83 catches for 1,312 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was one of ten Vikings to be selected to the Pro Bowl in 2009 as well.

Rice was sidelined for most of the 2010 season recovering from his hip surgery, but played a great game against the Buffalo Bills week 13 where he caught 5 passes for 105 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Did I mention Tarvaris Jackson was the guy throwing to him that game, not Favre?

Although the Bills game was Rice's only standout game in 2010, he has still proven himself to be a capable receiver. Many people called Rice a "one year wonder" in 2009. I say that is complete hogwash. Rice has incredible hands, and it seems the hip surgery isn't slowing him down a bit. He did not have a lot of opportunities in 2010, and a lot of people tend to forget or ignore that.

Sidney Rice is a top 10 receiver when healthy, and is only 24 years old. He has many years left in this league, and it would be a shame to see him play those years somewhere else.

There’s one Charger player that is all about the team going after unhappy Panthers WR Steve Smith – Philip Rivers. The teams franchise QB said today on Jim Rome’s TV show that he is “all for” the team making a move to get Smith, who has already reportedly said he would like to play for either the Bolts or the Ravens in 2011.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was on Rome is Burning today and was asked his thoughts on the possibility of adding wide receiver Steve Smith to the offense: "Bring it on," Rivers said with a laugh when asked about Smith on Jim Rome is Burning Wednesday. "We have a great deal of weapons, and I certainly appreciate each and every one of them, but any chance you can add a guy of that caliber, I'm all for it." The rumors began in the San Diego papers — citing sources — so there’s likely fire behind the smoke. Smith would be an upgrade on Malcom Floyd across from Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates.

Wide out Andre Johnson already has stated how he wants FB Vonta Leach to come back to the Texans in 2011, and now he's sharing info about what he would like the team to add on defense.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Johnson has his eyes on CB Nnamdi Asomugha, and says that the CB is thinking the same way, as he has talked to him about coming to Houston a couple of times already.

Like his teammates, receiver Andre Johnson has been working out during the NFL lockout, but he also has used his time off to recruit for the Texans. Johnson, who has recovered from postseason surgery on his ankle, has encouraged cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to sign with the Texans when the lockout ends and he becomes an unrestricted free agent. "I've talked to him, and every time I hit him with it, it seems like it's on his mind," Johnson said. "I don't even say, 'Hey, man, what's up?' The first thing I say is, 'What's up? Are you coming to Houston? What are you going to do?'?" When the lockout ends, Asomugha, who is regarded as one of the two best cornerbacks in the league, will become the most attractive free agent. The Texans know him very well because they play the Oakland Raiders almost every season. "He'll have to make a decision," Johnson said. "I know it'll be a big decision. He's a very talented guy. I'd love to have him on our team."

3 Takes: Are the NFL rule changes unrealistic?

Today we discuss the NFL's new rule changes pertaining to illegal hits on defenseless players or as the NFL defines, players in a "defenseless posture."  The Ravens Gab writers give their 'take' on the issue.

"The definition of such players now includes those throwing a pass; attempting or completing a catch without having time to ward off or avoid contact; a runner whose forward progress has been stopped by a tackler; kickoff or punt returners while the ball is in the air; …."

We pose the question(s). Is the definition of a defenseless player unrealistic?  Where do the officials draw the line between playing football and safety?

Jonathan Scruggs: Columnist/Legal Analyst

"Honestly, it's getting to the point where enough is enough. We all know the game of football is dangerous, and it would be insanity to argue that there doesn't need to be a safe guard in place to protect players, but come on people, this is clearly becoming excessive.

Today's players are bigger, faster, and stronger than they've ever been, but at the same time, football is a contact sport, and to have rules in place that state you can't hit a receiving player until he's had time to 'avoid the hit' or you can't hit a quarterback during a change of possession (i.e. after a turnover) I mean give me a break. This is getting ridiculous. Some of the rule makes sense, but for the most part the league has over extended itself and created an atmosphere that is all but negating the importance or impact of a dominate defense. The good news is if a defender grazes the helmet of a quarterback there will be no penalty called."

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Chad Ochocinco has already chosen his next challenge, snake wrangling according to Robert Klemko of USA Today.

Yesterday Bengals owner Mike Brown told the Cincinnati Enquirer, “Next maybe he’ll be a snake wrangler and we’ll watch to see if he gets bit. He’s always up to some stunt. They amuse me in a way. They concern me because let’s face it we want a football player. We aren’t hiring bull rider, a dancer, a soccer player. We want a football player.”

Ochocinco tweeted the following on Wednesday: I’ve partnered with Snake Jungle to go out and become the first black #SnakeWrangler thanks to my owner Mike Brown for the great idea

Does anyone know these snakes I’m gonna catch,Taipan,Blue Krait,Eastern Brown Snake,Rattle Snake and the Death Adder #EPIC