NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

The Kentwan Balmer era is over in Seattle, the team announced that they have waived the former first round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks dealt a sixth round draft pick last season in exchange for Balmer.

I would consider the move somewhat surprising because Balmer started 11 games for the Seahawks and logged in a decent 43 tackles last season. I remember back when he was drafted many had him pegged to Seattle in their mock drafts.

Look for recently signed Jimmy Wilkerson to fill his role on defense, they have already let go of Ryan Sims and Balmer, he seems like a lock to make the roster.

Kirk Morrison has joined a pretty impressive linebackers group by signing with the Buffalo Bills (Kaplan, Sirius/XM).

The Bills have Shawne Merriman, Chris Kelsay, Reggie Torbor, Andra Davis, and Nick Barnett who all have at least seven years of experience.

Kirk Morrison’s best year was 2007: 10 passes defensed, 1 sack, 4 INT for 94 return yards, 96 tackles.

Although it does take awhile to get to their highest ranked player (Chris Clemons at No. 99) the Seattle Seahawks have five players who rank amongst the top 200 players according to ESPN.

Along with Clemons, recently acquired Sidney Rice (No. 124) , Zach Miller (No. 175), as well as Russell Okung (149) and Marcus Trufant (199) make the cut as well.

I wouldn’t find this to be shameful, rather the opposite. No Seahawks were elected to the pro bowl despite the team advancing to the NFC Divisional Round, this is a somewhat refreshing change of course.

Out of 704 total starters in the league, that means one prominent scouting service says 5 of them are among the best 25ish percentile in the entire league.

When you have Tarvaris Jackson as your starting quarterback, that’s something to look forward to… I mean, isn’t it bad that fans are clamoring for Charlie Whitehurst a season removed from being whupped in training camp by last years starter? It’s like going two full notches below.

To view more Seahawks news, rumors, and analysis visit Seahawks Gab by clicking here.

According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York, the New York Giants have signed free agent CB Brian Williams. Coach Tom Coughlin then announced the signing in his press conference.

Coughlin said they might add one more, as rookie CB Prince Amukamara is going to start the season on the PUP list, and veterans Bruce Johnson and Terrell Thomas are on injured reserve.

Williams has 19 interceptions and 75 passes defensed across nine seasons in the league.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports the Titans and holdout running back Chris Johnson are not close to a contract agreement. Despite a face-to-face meeting later Wednesday, Schefter says the two sides “are not expected to be much closer by the end of the day.

Stalemate continues.” It’s certainly a blow to those expecting significant progress today, but the fact remains that a dire sense of urgency isn’t here yet. There are still 18 days until the season starts, leaving a reasonable amount of time for an agreement.

Colts owner Jim Irsay announced on Twitter that the team had agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Kerry Collins.

The Colts have been looking for a veteran backup quarterback as insurance for Peyton Manning, who is recovering from offseason surgery on his neck and may not be ready for the start of the regular season. The four quarterbacks who have played for the Colts this summer — Curtis Painter, Dan Orlovsky, Nate Davis, and Mike Hartline — have combined to complete 22-of-52 passes for 309 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions for a passer rating of 36.5.

Collins, 38, has spent the previous five seasons with the Tennessee Titans and had announced his intention to retire in July. The Titans used their first-round pick in 2011 on quarterback Jake Locker and signed Matt Hasselbeck to be the bridge to the Locker Era in Nashville.

Collins appeared on Monday’s NFL transaction report as being one of the Titans’ unrestricted free agents who was not asked to re-sign.

During Collins’ 16-year career with the Carolina Panthers (1995-98), New Orleans Saints (1998), New York Giants (1999-2003), Oakland Raiders (2004-05), and Titans, Collins completed 55.8% of his 6,163 pass attempts for 40,441 yards with 206 touchdowns and 195 interceptions for a career passer rating of 73.9.

Collins went to the Pro Bowl in 1996 and 2008.

By Panthers Gab Columnist Jon Beason

Linebacker Jon Beason is reported to have had 'minor' surgery this week to help along the Achilles tendon that has been bothering him. In my opinion, any surgery is cause for concern, but in his case, it looks to only delay his return a little longer.

So far there is no word about him sitting out the season opener on September 11th. Dan Conner will most likely take the field in his stead. I see Beason coming back in week 2 or 3. I would prefer to leave him out against the Packers, but it is going to be Rivera's call on that. The Packers will be a strenuous game for everyone and it's too early in the season to take risks on a crucial part of the defense.

Also, Jimmy Clausen has bruised his elbow and is currently questionable in tomorrow's game. I don't think many fans will miss his presence as Cam Newton is set to play three quarters of that game. It doesn't make sense for Clausen to rush his healing process both for a preseason game and only one quarter. Derek Anderson did not get any snaps in the last game and it seems more likely that he will be playing behind Cam.

Greg Hardy is a DE who has been recovering from a motorcycle accident this past offseason and is also listed as questionable tomorrow. We have known for some time that he has been getting rested up for the season. However, he did get some practice in this week to start getting his legs back. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make a brief appearance against Cincinnati.

1. Green Bay Packers – The Pack is back, healthy and ready to try and defend their titles. They look like a team that won’t rest on last season, and with an opening night battle with the Saints, the season starts with a bang at home.

Last Ranking: #2