NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Legendary senior writer jclombardi reports training camp news.

FB Kuhn Smiles with K Crosby & RB Grant. Credit: Evan Siegle GBPG.

QB Rodgers & TE Finley. Credit: Evan Siegle GBPG.

Offensive linemen. Credit: Evan Siegle GBPG.

Rookie LG Sherrod protects for QB Rodgers. Credit: Evan Siegle GBPG.

All-pro LB Matthews. Credit: Evan Siegle GBPG.

Packers outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene talks with his players. Credit: Evan Siegle GBPG.

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Training Camp notes: THUMBS UP–Much of the buzz Sunday was over the re-signing of wide receiver James Jones. But an equal buzz should have been over the return of tight end Jermichael Finley and the potential of rookie tight end D.J. Williams. Finley is being held back so he doesn’t push too hard coming off knee surgery and is limited to individual drills and seven-on-sevens. But he’s definitely ready to go. Williams, meanwhile, is a very smooth route runner. He made a beautiful over-the-shoulder catch on a corner route and looked good on several other catches. INJURY REPORT–End C.J. Wilson got kicked in the right calf during a kickoff return drill and went down in a heap. He limped off the field but was able to return to drills. Tight end Andrew Quarless (hip), linebacker Diyral Briggs(hamstring) and end Eli Joseph (hamstring) still haven’t passed their physicals. ODDS AND ENDS–Cornerback Davon House wears dreadlocks and uniform No.?31. Some fans might think that Al Harris is back in the house. First-round pick Derek Sherrod found out about the NFL quickly when nose tackle B.J. Raji blew past him in a one-on-one passing drill. Sherrod was just barely out of his stance when Raji whipped past him. Second-round pick Randall Cobb is working with the No. 1 kick return unit and there’s a reason. The way he hit a hole on his only attempt, it’s obvious what the Packers saw in him. Kuhn made it to the practice after signing his contract, but Jones was on a plane to Green Bay and won’t be at practice until Monday. Offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse played the majority of his snaps at left tackle while Sherrod worked at left guard with the No.?1 unit. Linebacker Erik Walden got the start at right outside linebacker a day after Frank Zombo lined up at that position.

I guess it’s better than having a rookie fifth round draft pick rounding out the top three of the depth chart.

The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed former first round pick Kelly Jennings to a one year contract.

I’ve never been a huge Jennings supporter and I was hoping Seattle would pursue Antonio Cromartie; when Nnamdi didn’t sign with New York, I knew they were going to make sure to keep him their. When Richard Marshall signed in Arizona and Nate Clements went to Cincinnati, the cornerback cupboard started getting bare.

He’ll get a chance to compete for the starting cornerback position even though I think he should never be used in more than a dime situation. Who would have thought six months ago the Seahawks would be re-signing Kelly Jennings within 24 hours of releasing Lofa Tatupu.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker. as well as Seahawks Roster Needs

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

Chances of Randy Moss signing with the Eagles? I am guessing Randy Moss is like Braylon Edwards – who supposedly wanted a 5-year deal – and Malcom Floyd – who supposedly wants $5m a year. Moss and/or his agent may not like any deals they are offered. The truth is, if Moss wants to be a star, he will not go to the same team as Mike Vick, Nnamdi Asomugha, Desean Jackson, Cullen Jenkins, Trent Cole, and Jeremy Maclin. Also, Randy Moss got to see Vince Young up close and personal and was there when Vince Young abandoned his team in the locker room (not that Moss didn’t have his own locker room incident with some food he may or may not have said he wouldn’t feed to his dog).  26%

Chances of Randy Moss signing with the Ravens? I think the Ravens have the kind of culture that would remind him of New England. It’s not quite as raucous as the one the Jets are propagating. I think Randy would definitely play here if it wasn’t about the money. It would be the teaming of the two owners of every rookie receiving record of substance (Moss has the TD record, Boldin has the receptions and yards records). I do think money weighs in and the Ravens will just miss out. 27%

Chance of Braylon Edwards signing with the Cardinals? There don’t seem to be many teams in pursuit. Another ex-Jet, Big Red safety Kerry Rhodes, has been pushing for his signing. With the addition of Todd Heap, this is kind of an “all-in” year. There’s always the potential that the Cardinals will get tired of negotiating, as the other teams did. 88%

Chance of Tiki Barber signing with the Steelers? I saw the Twitter rumors but no credible reporter has claimed Pittsburgh has real interest. Barber’s best bet will be an injury in training camp or preseason. With the new practice rules, I don’t know if one will end up hurt in camp but it’s always a possibility. Pittsburgh is just fine at running back. He may need to wait until a back on some other team gets hurt during the season, where they would like someone who’s been “the guy” to be carrying the ball in important games. 9%

Rich Cimini of ESPN New York is reporting that Antonio Cromartie has re-signed with the New York Jets for 4 years and $32m.

In addition to his 18 interceptions and 59 passes defensed in his five seasons, he’s also a weapon on special teams. That role could be increased now that Brad Smith has left.

Pete Carroll sure likes his former first round draft picks.

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to terms with free agent defensive tackle Ryan Sims

Sims was the former No. 6 overall pick in 2002 and his 8.5 career sacks indicate massive failure in terms of where he was drafted at. In his two seasons as a full time starter with the Chiefs he averaged 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks per campaign.

In 2005 he only tallied 8 tackles in 5 starts.

He experienced somewhat of a career resurgence in Tampa Bay during the 2009 season, starting all 16 games and posting 33 tackles along with a sack. Not No. 6 overall statistics by any means, but the fact he’s one season removed from being a full time starter means we shouldn’t be too fearful about him busting in a rotational capacity in Seattle.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker as well as Seahawks Roster Needs

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

Braylon Ball Heading To The Desert?

An offense in Arizona is surely on its way upwards.

Kevin Kolb already possesses All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald at his disposal, an emerging second-year threat from The Citadel (Andre Roberts, ’10 third rounder) and his team just added ex-Ravens tight end Todd Heap to the equation via free agency.

Now, the new Cardinals’ signal caller is possibly going to receive another playmaking pass catcher to throw to?

According to The Arizona Republic, the Cards are “still talking” to Jets wideout Braylon Edwards, concerning a short-term deal.

With the team occupied in discussions with Edwards, Kolb must be feeling quite comfortable about his new situation in Arizona.

It’s clear, the offense has something worthwhile in the makings, revving up its engine to let the rest of the NFC West know.

Slowly, but surely, a confident NFC West contender is rising in the Valley of the Sun – and the former Eagle holds the keys to how far the Cardinals could rise in 2011.

At least the writing was on the wall with Matt Hasselbeck; this last “parting of ways” was a blind side.

There are more than initial reports indicated as well. Apparently, the Seahawks tried to sign (among others), free agent linebaker Takeo Spikes and he ended up chosing San Diego over Seattle and San Francisco. Seattle also had contact with free agent OLB/DE Travis LaBoy as well.

I figure if Seattle had signed Spikes they were going to approach Tatupu about a restructured contract anyway with all of the leverage on their side and a replacement on the roster.

As it stands, I don’t think the restructured contract was what pissed Tatupu off, it was the fact they went behind his back trying to secure his replacement while planning to ask him to restructure his deal after the fact. When they missed out on Spikes they immediately re-signed Leroy Hill.

Taking emotion out of it, which is tough, the actuality is they are plugging in a younger player who has performed better the past couple years in David Hawthorne. He has had back to back 100+ tackle seasons and averaged 112 tackles and has collected 4 sacks, 4 INT’s, 9 Pass Deflections, and 5 Forced Fumbles as a full time starter from 2009-2010.

I have no idea how this “mutually” benefits the roster or whatever, but Pete at least chose linebacker (a position of depth) to commit one of his more head scratching moves. This certainly tells us one thing, Pete plays zero favorites, nada. He just released the linebacker who was his defensive leader at USC and was the captain of the defense in Seattle. At least he’s consistent on that rule of thumb; “if you don’t do it my way it’s the highway even if you’re the best quarterback in franchise history or the (former) captain of my defense”.

Wherever he ends up, I will cheer for him; just don’t go to New England, Dallas or Pittsburgh, Lofa!

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker as well as Seahawks Roster Needs

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

The NFL’s Most Electrifying Wide Receiver

Who’s got the leverage now?

Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson is likely to finish his holdout, a source has verified with 6 ABC in Philadelphia.

Michael Vick’s standout playmaker is looking at reporting to camp either tomorrow or Tuesday.  Smart move, DeSean.

The former Golden Bear has missed the first four days of training camp.

According to the confirmed source, the Eagles did offer the Cal product an extension, but he rejected.

Jackson is losing $30K a day and if he doesn’t return soon, he will not be able to become a free agent after this season.

Keep in mind, the Eagles had their sights set on acquiring Plaxico Burress – indicating they might be prepared to move on without Jackson.

Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis will end his short holdout on Monday, reporting to camp, Lewis told Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

“Basically they still are negotiating but I’m tired of not being with my team! And I need to be there…” Lewis said via text message.

Lewis plans on being in Jacksonville by Monday for meetings and walk-throughs until his deal is finished.

The Bills have added former Packers linebacker Nick Barnett to the roster, reaching a deal on a three-year, $12 million deal including $6 million guaranteed according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Barnett flew to Detroit on Saturday and was scheduled to visit the Lions on Sunday, according to a league source, but the team added ex-Titans LB Stephen Tulloch, and the visit was scrapped as Barnett stayed in Buffalo.

The addition is a needed one after the team lost LB Paul Posluszny to the Jaguars through free agency.

The Packers had drafted Barnett out of Oregon State University in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft with the 29th overall selection. Last season he suffered a season-ending wrist injury in a Week 4 matchup vs. the Lions. He was put on injured reserve on October 7th It was the second time in the last three seasons Barnett ended his season on injured reserve.