Archive for the 'NFC South' Category

NFL.com reports, “The Tampa Buccaneers reached agreement Sunday with running back Earnest Graham on a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Even though there has been a lot of buzz about Cadillac Williams continued recovery, Earnest Graham should be the featured back in Tampa Bay this year. Starting 10 games last season he ran for almost 900 yards and punched it in 10 times.

The St. Petersburg Times reports about coach Gruden’s comments on Cadillac Williams injury rehab. “What he’s done is nothing short of miraculous,” Gruden said. “He has worked his tail off. He’s got a chance to be ready to play football again this season. The amount of work he’s put forth has really excited our players, and he’s really done a great job.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Even if he does return, we think it’s highly unlikely it will be for the beginning of the season. We’ll keep you updated.

The Rocky Hill Herald reports, “QB Jake Delhomme has as much zing on the ball as ever, if not more. He’s progressed to the point that if he’s on a pitch count at all, it’s impossible to tell. If you never knew he had Tommy John surgery seven months ago, you wouldn’t know it from watching him practice today.” Full story here.

Monster Take: All of the buzz about Delhomme has been positive. His recovery seems to be on a fast track which is great news for Steve Smith who has always prospered when Delhomme has been healthy.

The St. Petersburg Times reports, “Jeff Garcia may be unhappy with his contract, but he intends to fulfill it.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Garcia has been trying to negotiate a new contract that would include recovery of a $1 million bonus from 2007 that was not received, in part, due to the team resting him for the playoffs. He has attended all team activities and seems to be planning to play even though he is unhappy with his contract situation.

The Tampa Tribune reports that Buccaneers head coach, Jon Gruden, had the following to say about Warrick Dunn. “I see him as being a front-line guy. He is going to play a lot.” Full story here.

Monster Take: We’ll believe this when we see it on the field. With Cadillac Williams projected to be healthy by the beginning of the season and Earnest Graham (who filled in capably for Williams last season) figuring in the mix, we’re not sure there are enough carries to go around for Dunn to play a prominent role. That said, injuries can change everything. If Williams is unable to recover fully from his injury or if he were injured again, Dunn could get some significant playing time.

The Tampa Tribune reports that when the Buccaneers “returned to the practice field for their fifth voluntary workout of the offseason Wednesday, running back Earnest Graham wasn’t with them.” Full story here.

Monster Take: Graham is looking for a better contract after filling in well last season for the injured Cadillac Williams. Williams wants to be ready to participate in July training camp, but is still recovering from a patellar tendon tear. The Bucs would be wise to get a deal done here if for nothing more than insurance.

The Charlotte Observer reports, “Jake Delhomme continued to look strong throwing the ball on Sunday, even stepping up the length of some of his throws on the final day of minicamp. Delhomme, who’d been mostly limited to 15- and 20-yard tosses during the first two days, made a handful of 30- and 40-yard throws.”  Full story here.

Monster Take: Good news about Delhomme. It sounds like he will be back at full strength for the season. The question is whether he can stay healthy for a full season. Each of his last two seasons have been hampered by injury.

The Charlotte Observer reports, “in somewhat of a surprise, Delhomme threw 34 passes during individual drills Friday morning as the Panthers opened a three-day minicamp. He didn’t throw during team drills.” Full article here.

Monster Take: This is good news for Delhomme and Steve Smith. Delhomme’s rehab appears to be making good progress.

The AP reports that “Saints running back Deuce McAllister, coming off the second knee surgery of his career, will remain with New Orleans for at least one more season.” Full article here.

Monster Take: McAllister went down during the third game of the ‘07 season with a left ACL tear after suffering a similar injury to his right knee in ‘05. He returned from the 2005 injury to be productive in 2006 and has shown that he has the toughness to rehab this injury. Terms of the new deal have not been made public, but our guess is that he restructured the $1 million roster bonus he was due April 15th. The Saints likely have little to lose in this deal and McAllister will have tons of incentive to work his way back from this.

The AP is reporting that “the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with Jason Elam, the record-setting kicker who is leaving Denver after 15 seasons with the Broncos.” Full article here.

Monster Take: We don’t recommend drafting kickers or most defenses until the end of your draft. That said, this may be one to watch. Elam’s production even with the handicap of Denver’s weather has been strong. If Atlanta can generate any offense he could do well in the Georgia Dome.