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POSTED 7:44 a.m. EST, February 10, 2008

STEELERS, BIG BEN TO TALK

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will commence talks on a long-term deal this week.

Roethlisberger, the eleventh overall pick in the 2004 draft, has two years remaining on his six-year rookie deal.

The financial objectives of Roethlisberger are unknown, but it's highly unlikely that he'll get the kind of deal from the Steelers that he'd fetch on the open market.

Roethlisberger is scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.35 million in 2008, and $1.7 million in 2009.

POSTED 7:33 a.m. EST, February 10, 2008

HOWIE'S SON RISING

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that there's a growing buzz that Virginia defensive end Chris Long, son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, will be the first overall pick in the draft.

The widespread thinking is that the Miami Dolphins ultimately will regard Chris Long as entailing the least risk in return for a contract that will carry roughly $35 million in guaranteed money.

Of course, Long's prospects could change if the Dolphins obtain an acceptable trade offer for the top pick.

Other names that have been pegged as the potential top pick include Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.

POSTED 11:38 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

CHRIS BERMAN ON SMUGGLING

Another day, another clip emerges of ESPN's Chris Berman in previously unseen off-air, on-camera commentary that doesn't paint him in a positive light.

In the latest clip, Berman talks about how to smuggle Canadian over-the-counter codeine into the U.S.

We imagine that at some point this will get old. But not yet. Not yet.

POSTED 11:08 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

NO SIDELINE REPORTERS ON MNF

Though the official word out of Bristol is vague as to whether or not ESPN's Michele Tafoya or Suzy Kolber will serve in their same capacities on Monday Night Football, we have learned that, indeed, both have been dropped from the position of "sideline reporter" in 2008.

In fact, there will be no sideline reporters at all on MNF next season.

It's being described as a "non-traditional approach," which in theory will give ESPN the flexibility to allow either of them to chime in with an in-game report if the situation warrants.

Frankly, that kind of stuff rarely happened in the past. Typically, Tafoya and Kolber offered up pre-planned stuff that had nothing to do with what was occurring on the field.

So, clearly, they are out of their prior roles. And while they apparently are being offered a face-saving bone, it remains to be seen whether either of them wants to jump from city to city from September to December for the privilege of being one of the many on-screen pregame faces, or for the opportunity to ask one of the star players after the game "what was going through your head" during that key play.

POSTED 10:56 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

"FINAL SAY" ISSUE A PITCH TO COWHER?

One of the more intriguing aspects of the Redskins' stunning decision to hire Jim Zorn to serve as the team's next head coach is that Zorn also will have final say over the roster.

Supposedly.

"Our coach has the final say on the roster, has the final say in the draft room and free agency," owner Daniel Snyder said on Sunday. "If they don't want 'em, we don't bring 'em in."

Amid rumblings in league circles that Zorn is merely holding the spot until Bill Cowher decides to return (and to receive at least $10 million in salary from the 'Skins), it could be that Snyder's comments are intended to send a message to Cowher that, if/when he ever decides to join the team, he'll truly get to run the show.

Most league observers had presumed that Executive V.P. of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato would now have final say over personnel. If that were the case, however, it would be difficult for Snyder to dump Zorn and keep Cerrato if/when Cowher comes aboard. As it now stands, Zorn has the ultimate authority -- and the ultimate accountability.

It will remain to be seen what if any position Cerrato would have under Cowher. When Cowher's mentor, Marty Schottenheimer, was the head coach of the Redskins in 2001, Cerrato got Schott-canned. Under Cowher, it could be that Cerrato would slide into a Rich McKay-style role, with a big title but no real football-related job to do, since Cowher would bring in guys like Kevin Colbert and/or Omar Khan to handle player selection and contract negotiation.

POSTED 10:44 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

ZORN TO GET $3 MILLION PER YEAR

In a move that nudges upward the curve for new head coaches with no prior experience, the Redskins will pay head coach Jim Zorn a total of $15 million on a five-year deal, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

That's $3 million per year.

It's roughly what the Ravens were prepared to pay to Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. John Harbaugh, who ultimately got the job, reportedly is making slightly more than $2 million per year, on a four-season deal.

Meanwhile, Zorn was introduced on Sunday, and he promptly committed a faux pas by describing the team's color as maroon and black, instead of burgundy and gold. He later sounded a bit like Chris Farley in referring to the December 2 missing-man formation that honored the late Sean Taylor as "pretty awesome."

POSTED 9:29 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

CLEARING THE AIR ON PRE-JUNE 1 TRADES

With the CBA now permitting each team to cut two players per year before June 1 and to treat the transaction for cap purposes as a post-June 1 move, there's confusion as to whether a team can trade a guy before June 1 and treat the move for cap purposes as something done after June 1.

The uncertainty has been exacerbated by items from other media outlets suggesting that, for example, the Giants could trade tight end Jeremy Shockey prior to June 1 and pretend that the trade happened after June 1.

In the interests of clarity, the relatively new ability to cut a guy prior to June 1 and then treat the move as a post-June 1 move DOES NOT APPLY to trades.

Prior to June 1, a trade or a release requires the team to take the full acceleration for any remaining signing bonus money and other prorated payments. After June 1, either move requires the team to carry the cap proration that would have applied if the player were on the team that season, and then to take the rest of the cap hit in the next cap year.

Before the 2006 amendments to the CBA, a trade always resulted in a full acceleration. And that's one of the reasons why not many trades happened.

POSTED 8:48 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

PFT HEROES 2007: THE DARRELL GREEN AWARD

Today's prize goes to the top corner of 2007, and its named for the guy who played the game at a high level beyond his 40th birthday.

So who's the first recipient of the Darrell Green Award?

Click here to find out.

OLD CHRIS BERMAN VIDEO THAT IS CREEPY FOR DIFFERENT REASONS

Over the past week or so, someone who has access to some embarrassing off-air video of Chris Berman, and apparently dislikes him intensely, has been putting the clips on YouTube.

But in poking around for some old clips of Darrell Green on Sunday night, we found this 20-plus-year-old footage of Boomer, which is creepy for entirely differently reasons.

It's right here.

POSTED 7:55 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

PETERSON CAPS STELLAR ROOKIE SEASON

Though he didn't make it to the playoffs as a rookie with the Minnesota Vikings, running back Adrian Peterson closed things out in style by winning the MVP award at the Pro Bowl.

Peterson rushed for 129 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 42-30 NFC win.

The award also could have gone to Terrell Owens, who caught eight passes for 101 yards and two scores.

"The true MVP is Sean Taylor," Peterson told Brian Baldinger of FOX after the game. "This is also in honor of him and dedicated to him." Taylor died in November, and all of his former Redskins teammates wore No. 21 in his honor on Sunday.

POSTED 6:08 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

ESPN ADDRESSES MNF SITUATION

ESPN has issued a statement in response to our report that Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber have been dumped from the Monday Night Football broadcast.

"Michele and Suzy will still be assigned to our multiplatform Monday Night Football presentation, including the game, pre-game and post-game," the statement says. "Their precise roles are currently being determined."

Also, we've been told by an ESPN spokesperson that Tafoya and Kolber will continue to travel to the site of each game.

So what does any of this mean? Clearly, something is up. Otherwise, there would be nothing about their roles to "determine." Also, ESPN might be holding out hope that they opt to give up their assignments to MNF, so that in the end it will appear that they weren't removed from the team.

Said one of our sources in response to the statement, "It's bullshit . That's all I can tell you. Utter bullshit. They are no longer sideline reporters."

POSTED 4:56 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

MEDIA TYPES UP IN ARMS OVER MNF MINI-MASSACRE

The big buzz on the first Sunday after the end of the football season (the Pro Bowl doesn't count) is the decision of ESPN to drop sideline reporters Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber from the Monday Night Football team.

Several rumors are flying. These are not hard news items, but only rumors.

First, we're hearing a rumor that the duo initially were asked to voluntarily step aside, and they were told that if they didn't their use during games would be dramatically limited. They decided not to quit, and instead of merely having their face time cut during broadcasts they were dumped.

Second, there's a rumor that ESPN management wants to make the broadcast booth work at all costs, and the belief was that dumping the sideline reporters would help.

Third, and contrary to the notion that the move was about not diluting the work of the booth, there's a rumor that Andrea Kremer of NBC (and formerly of ESPN) and/or Jay Glazer of FOX could be pursued to handle the in-game journalism role, which frankly neither Tafoya nor Kolber really actually served.

Fourth, there's a rumor that Tony Kornheiser doesn't care for Suzy Kolber, and a belief that their relationship played a role in the move.

We're also told that there is "outrage" among on-air types regarding the treatment of Tafoya and Kolber.

Stay tuned for more.

POSTED 4:28 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

SMITH DROPS A HINT?

Eagles tight end L.J. Smith might have dropped a big hint regarding the team's looming turmoil at the quarterback position.

Slapped with the franchise tag, Smith can't participate in any voluntary or mandatory workouts until he signs the one-year tender offer worth $4.522 million. Asked about whether he'll sign the tender, Smith said, "I've never been the type to [sit out]. I know what it takes for me to be ready, but me sitting at home and not working out with whoever the starting quarterback is, I'm not really cool with that. I just have to talk to my agent and see what he thinks we should do."

But why is there a question in Smith's mind about who the starting quarterback is? It's one thing for the guy who drives a cab in Philly to talk like that -- it's another thing for one of McNabb's teammates on offense to say it.

POSTED 1:17 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

DEVANEY FLEES THE FALCONS

In a move that surprises no one (except maybe Rams fans), former Falcons assistant G.M. Billy Devaney has left the team and accepted a position with the Rams.

Devaney will be the Executive Vice President of Player Personnel in St. Louis. He has been installed above V.P. of player personnel Tony Softli, who was expected by some league insiders to be fired after a dismal 3-13 season.

But just as Devaney left Atlanta after he got a new boss, it's possible that Softli will now look for other opportunities, especially since he has essentially been demoted.

As one league source explained it, Devaney left the Falcons due to the perceived change in culture that will occur now that Tom Dimitroff has taken over as the team's G.M. Former G.M. Rich McKay, who has retained the title of team president, is expected to eventually depart as well.

POSTED 12:46 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

ZORN HIRE ALL ABOUT VINNY?

There's a theory making the rounds in league circles that the promotion of offensive coordinator Jim Zorn to head coach in Washington has more to do with Vinny Cerrato than it did with Zorn.

As the theory goes, Zorn was deemed to be the least likely of the candidates to challenge Cerrato's authority as the new Executive V.P. of Football Operations.

"For as long as he has been in D.C., Vinny has been second fiddle to the coach," one league source said. "This time, he gets promoted and hires an inexperienced coach who will not make waves. . . . Mooch and Fassel would have threatened Vinny because of their past success and experience. The fact that Vinny was promoted before the head coach hire was a veiled sign that Vinny would be making the call. In the end, it was own insecurity that made for the hire of Zorn."

It was believed that Fassel was the leading candidate primarily because he would likely be so grateful to get a job that he'd defer to Vinny. But if Fassel had had any success on the job, that might have changed.

POSTED 12:11 p.m. EST, February 10, 2008

TAFOYA, KOLBER OUT AT MNF

A media source tells us that ESPN are relieving Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber of their duties on Monday Night Football.

Both served as sideline reporters. Tafoya worked in the same role with ABC when the ESPN sister company last aired MNF. Kolber likewise reported from the field with ESPN's former Sunday night package. When the Monday night broadcast moved to ESPN for a whopping $1.1 billion per year, Kolber and Tafoya were both assigned to the show.

Their performance has been the subject of some criticism, especially in this space. The reports at times were heavy on pre-planned content, and light on in-game information. Also, it's never been clear why two of them are needed.

It remains to be seen whether this is a first step in an effort to reduce costs by shrinking the cast of characters who cover the Monday night game for ESPN. Several analysts are stationed in Bristol, a trio of talking heads have a desk inside the venue where the game is played, and multiple reporters typically swarm the stadium in the three or four hours before kickoff.

We presume that Chris Berman will express his own regrets by sending Michelle and Suzy a bottle of Chardonnay that is cheaper than it tastes.

POSTED 11:55 a.m. EST, February 19, 2008

NO NEW DEAL FOR WINSLOW?

Browns tight end Kellen Winslow wants a new contract. But what he wants and what he gets likely will be two very different things.

As one league source told us on Saturday, "His body is deteriorating at a rate faster than his performance is going to improve."

And that's really the issue. The "smart" organizations don't pay players for past performance if there's no reason to be absolutely confident that such performance will continue. In Winslow's case, he has put in a couple of solid years, despite injuries arising from his misadventures on a motorcycle. He at times has willed himself to play (after all, he's a "f--king soldier"), but sooner or later his will won't be enough. His body will eventually betray him.

So with Winslow under contract for three more years, there's simply no reason to give him a pile of new money.

But the broader question is whether the Browns are willing to do something with the deal in order to keep Winslow happy. A new deal that pushes some of his future salaries forward ($4 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009, $4.75 million in 2010), and that plugs in new incentives would be a way to throw him a bone without taking too big of a risk.

Though we typically believe that players need to honor their deals, there's a certain amount of wisdom in rewarding a guy who has played through pain as heroically as Winslow has for the past two seasons. If there's a way to satisfy him without setting a bad precedent, it makes sense for the Browns to explore it.

POSTED 10:47 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

WALSH WON'T TALK

Little more than a week after his initial comments sent shock waves throughout the NFL, former Patriots video employee Matt Walsh is suddenly saying nothing.

Hounded by an NFL media corps that coincidentally in spending the week in the distant state where Walsh now resides, the man who might (or might not) have used a camera at the Rams' final walk-through practice before Super Bowl XXXVI is telling the press little more than "Aloha."

Recently, Walsh answered a string of questions from an Associated Press reporter by declining to answer them. Politely, but definitively.

The inescapable conclusion? Walsh has a lawyer, and Walsh is listening to his lawyer.

Still, if the NFL is going to indemnify Walsh against any potential liability that might apply to potential violations of his confidentiality agreement with the Pats, Walsh eventually needs to tell his story to a camera, for all to hear. Whatever he knows, or whatever he thinks he knows, needs to be known by anyone who wants to know it.

POSTED 10:24 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

GOLISANO INTERESTED IN KEEPING BILLS IN BUFFALO

With Bills owner Ralph Wilson making noise about his belief that Toronto is ready to gain an NFL franchise and Buffalo is ready to lose one, a Western New York billionaire is interested in keeping the Bills in their current town, if/when the team is put up for sale.

Tom Golisano, who owns the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, confirmed that he'd be a potential suitor for one of the AFL's original franchise, which Wilson has owned since day one.

"I realize what the issue is," Golisano said on Saturday. "I think I realize how important that organization is to the Buffalo area. And I'll say the same thing I've said before: If the situation arises, I would do what I can to try to keep the team in the area."

Wilson's family isn't expected to keep the team after the 89-year-old owner passes. Some league observers believe that Wilson's flirtation with Toronto is aimed at creating a foothold for the team there, given the possibility that Buffalo might not be able to continue to financially support an NFL franchise over the long haul.

Beyond Golisano, Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly says that he has a financial backer who is ready to purchase the team and keep it in Buffalo.

Either way, it's great news for Bills fans. The best-case scenario is that the team will stay where it is. Worst-case? A short move to Toronto. Seemingly out of the question is a cross-country trek to Los Angeles.

POSTED 8:07 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

PFT TAKES OVER YAHOO

Screw Microsoft. The computer-related company that really plans to take over Yahoo is PFT. As soon as we can convince someone to float us a $44.6 billion loan with collateral that consists of a third-hand Ford Fiesta and some Batman comic books from the 1970s that got a little wet once in a flood.

Until then, we'll have to settle for our latest SportingNews.com column being picked up by Yahoo -- and put on its front-freaking-page.

As Glenn Quagmire would say, "Allllllright."

POSTED 7:00 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

A ZORN IS BORN

Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, and the Washington Times, report that the Redskins have hired offensive coordinator Jim Zorn to serve as the team's next head coach.

Wow.

Zorn had never drawn any interest for any head-coaching vacancies, and he has never actually worked as an offensive coordinator.

Per the Post, owner Daniel Snyder and Executive V.P. of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato "fell in love with him" over the past two days.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Hey, maybe Zorn will now hire Jim Fassel to be the offensive coordinator.

POSTED 6:52 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

ZORN TO GET THE 'SKINS GIG?

Plenty of league observers believe there's a mystery candidate for the Redskins' head-coaching job. Apparently, it's true. But it's not someone who's not currently working for the team.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, new Redskins offensive coordinator Jim Zorn is under serious consideration to become the team's next head coach.

Schefter reports that owner Dan Snyder's jet has picked up Zorn and his family and brought them to Washington. Zorn declined comment to Schefter, but Schefter separately has confirmed that the search is zeroing in on Zorn.

Zorn, 55, played for the Seahawks from 1976 through 1984. He spent 1985 with the Packers, 1986 in the CFL, and 1987 with Tampa Bay. He coached at the college level from 1989 through 1996, returned to the Seahawks in 1997, spent three years with the Lions, and then rejoined the Seahawks in 2001.

He has never served as a coordinator -- with the exception of the past few weeks.

It's unclear at this point how Zorn has emerged, and whether if he gets the job another offensive coordinator will be hired.

POSTED 2:42 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

PANTHERS EXTEND LEWIS

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Carolina Panthers have signed defensive tackle Damione Lewis to a new three-year contract.

Lewis joined the Panthers in 2006, signing a two-year deal. He earned a base salary of $1.2 million last season.

A first-round pick of the Rams in 2001, Lewis has become a backup in Carolina. He started two games in 2007, and recorded 3.5 sacks.

The free-agency period opens on February 29. Expect more deals like this to be reached over the next few weeks.

POSTED 12:15 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

RETURN OF THE EMMITT?

At a time when most folks who pay attention to the television coverage of the NFL believe that Emmitt Smith will be "blowed up" by ESPN, a media source tells us that the current plan in Bristol is to bring Emmitt back for 2008.

Said the source, "ESPN isn't crazy about Emmitt but the network feels like if they let him go, they would have been bullied into doing so."

The source cautions that the decision isn't set in stone. "People change their minds there every other second," the source said.

And an objective review of Smith's performances points inescapably to the conclusion that he should not be employed in the TV business. He cannot speak extemporaneously, and his analysis has the depth of a desert puddle.

He's so terrible that he provides unintended comic relief. In fact, the only good thing about a possible return engagement is that it'll give us -- and many others -- plenty of things to talk about next season.

POSTED 12:02 p.m. EST, February 9, 2008

BIG 2008 CAP NUMBER FOR BRADY

A reader has asked us to resolve an apparent conflict between available information regarding the 2008 cap number of Pats quarterback Tom Brady.

On closer inspection, there is no conflict. But, still, Brady has a huge cap number for 2008.

As ESPN.com's Mike Sando reports, Brady is due to earn $8 million in salary and bonuses this year. We've learned that Brady's salary is $5 million, and he's due to receive a $3 million roster bonus.

But as accurately pointed out at PatsCap.com, Brady's full cap number includes another $6.62 million in bonus proration, pushing the total to a whopping $14.62 million. A lot of it comes from Brady's 2007 renegotiation, which dropped his cap number by cutting his salary to $720,000. The rest of his salary for 2007 was converted to a guarantee, pushing a large portion of the cap charges into future seasons.

The Patriots could nudge two-thirds of Brady's 2008 pay above the minimum salary into 2009 and 2010, the final two years of his contract, via another simple renegotiation. But it also might be prudent at this time to adjust the league MVP's pay by signing him to a new deal that extends well into the next decade.

Even though Brady likely is still willing to give the Pats a hometown discount in order to allow the team to have enough money available to sign other key players, even something on the low end of fair for Brady requires a nine-figure commitment, and at least $30 million in guaranteed money.

POSTED 11:13 a.m. EST, February 9, 2008

HARD HEADS STICK WITH GRASS FIELD

The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to keep the same field configuration that treated the nation to images of a moss-covered tar pit during a late November Monday-nighter with the Dolphins.

But for a late field goal by the Steelers, we might have seen the first scoreless tie since 1943, and the first ever in the era of overtime.

The stated reason for the decision not to install the fake stuff? The players want grass.

But which players? Two years ago, a vote conducted by the NFL Players Association concluded that Heinz Field has the second-worst playing surface in the league.

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney recently said that the decision to stick with grass was motivated in part by safety, and he blamed running back Willie Parker's broken leg on the FieldTurf in St. Louis.

With all due respect, we don't buy the notion that the new fake turf causes injuries of that type. Besides, if the Steelers were so concerned about safety, why did they allow their guys to play on green cement for more than thirty years at Three Rivers Stadium?

POSTED 10:49 a.m. EST, February 9, 2008

A QUICK TOUR OF OFFSEASON POSSIBILITIES

From the "It Must Be A Very Slow Weekend In Sports" file, the current lead item on SportingNews.com is an offering from some Internet hack who looks at ten things that could happen in the 2008 offseason.

The full list is right here.

And while we're on the topic of the quickly resurging national sports web site that has quietly rounded up a small army of Internet scribes (and at least one hack), we need to mention this week's Sporting News magazine. The Super Bowl XLII coverage includes an all-access look at the FOX broadcast from Mike Nahrstedt, who gives us a rare glimpse inside the broadcast booth during a big game.

POSTED 10:32 a.m. EST, February 9, 2008

LAKE LAWSUIT HEADED FOR FAILURE

Well, it was interesting while it lasted. But it might not be around for much longer.

A source with knowledge of the dynamics of the lawsuit filed by Lloyd Lake against Saints running back Reggie Bush tells us that Lake has responded to nearly 200 specific requests for documents supporting his claim by asserting the fifth amendment Constitutional protections against self-incrimination as to each of them.

Though the fifth amendment can be asserted in civil actions, doing so typically gives rise to an adverse inference against the party who raises it. When that party is the plaintiff, a decision needs to be made -- abandon the privilege, or abandon the case.

Lake's deposition is set to commence on February 12. Bush's lawyers could choose to postpone the deposition while they seek a Court order forcing the requested documents to be produced. Alternatively, Bush's lawyers could proceed with the questioning of Lake, and leave the deposition open for further questioning after the documents are obtained.

The smart move would be to press forward with the questioning of Law, since he likely will try to take the fifth in response to the tough questions that surely will be posed to him.

We're also told that the list of privileged documents that Lake has refused to produce includes reference to the tapes of the conversations with Bush that Lake secretly recorded and the transcripts of said tapes. But Lake has already played portions of the tapes for the media. This makes his refusal to produce them in the context of his lawsuit something that falls between "freakin' bizarre" and "downright stoopid."

POSTED 9:29 a.m. EST, February 9, 2008

SOMEONE DOESN'T LIKE CHRIS BERMAN

An odd phenomenon has been unfolding over the past couple of weeks. Someone doesn't like Chris Berman, and that someone has access to eight-year-old on-camera footage of him saying things that he (presumably) never intended a mass audience to see.

Via SportsByBrooks, we give you Berman and the F-Bombs:

Also via SportsByBrooks, here is Berman playing the role of the middle-aged creep, who uses his same on-air vocal inflections and hand gestures while hitting on the help:

As our own TacoBill observed, "You're with me, Jeans Jacket."

UPDATE: A reader points out that, after Jeans Jacket mentions the Japanese restaurant, Berman comes dangerously close to doing something that could be perceived as racially insensitive.

POSTED 11:36 p.m. EST, February 8, 2008

PFT HEROES 2007: THE DERRICK THOMAS AWARD

Our next postseason award is dedicated to the linebacker position, and the award is named for Derrick Thomas, whose life ended eight years ago today.

To read more about Thomas and the first recipient of the award named for him, click here.

We'll continue to announce the PFT Heroes awards over the coming days.

POSTED 10:59 p.m. EST, February 8, 2008

THE CASE FOR FASSEL

With the hiring of former Giants head coach Jim Fassel to succeed Joe Gibbs in Washington possibly coming in the next few days, league observers expect a torrent of criticism if/when the move is finalized.

But would the criticism be appropriate?

Though some league insiders believed that Fassel would never again be an NFL head coach, a strong case can be made for giving him another chance.

In his seven years with the Giants, the team won two NFC East titles and advanced to the Super Bowl once. In his first season with the Giants, Fassel was named the NFL coach of the year for taking a team that had been 6-10 the year before his arrival to the playoffs.

In all, Fassel won 51.2 percent of his games. Under Steve Spurrier and Joe Gibbs, the Redskins have won 44 percent of their games.

Some league observers believe that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is delaying a final decision because he's contemplating the possibility of making a so-called "sexy hire." But who's out there that would fall into that category? And what big-name coach would accept a job with both the offensive and defensive coordinators already selected for him?

And as we've previously pointed out, five of the final eight teams in 2007 are coached by men who have been fired at least once by another NFL franchise.

So fear not, Redskins fans. If Fassel performs as well in Washington as he did in New York, the 'Skins will be better than they've been over the past six seasons.

POSTED 7:58 p.m. EST, February 8, 2008

FAVRE WATCH '08

The annual game of will-he-or-won't-he continues in Green Bay. (We'd prefer Hungry Hungry Hippos.)

Quarterback Brett Favre, who has toyed with the emotions of Cheeseheads throughout the globe since first musing about retirement more than five years ago, still hasn't decided whether to come back for another season.

Coach Mike McCarthy says that Favre's decision is still "probably a couple of weeks away."

Two years ago, Favre paralyzed the Packers well into April before deciding to come back. Last year, his decision to play came fairly quickly.

Most league observers presumed that he'd return for 2008, given the youthful manner in which he played during 2007. But in the immediate wake of the team's surprising loss to the Giants in the NFC title game, Favre expressed concern that the Packers will enter next year with high expectations, and could lay the same kind of egg that the conference finalists from the prior season dropped onto the field in their first campaigns after achieving greatness.

So the question for Favre is whether to ride into the sunset with a far-better-than-expected 2007 season, or to risk ending it all after a potentially disappointing 2008.

He also might be thinking that this team will be better off without him sooner if he leaves now, while plenty of young guys are on the fringes of their primes.

We were sure that he'd return, but now we're wondering whether he will.

POSTED 3:02 p.m. EST, February 8, 2008

LEGAL TROUBLE FOR STINKO

Our own Taco Bill tracked down a recent TV news item from WCPO in Cincinnati regarding a lawsuit pending against receiver Chad Johnson. There are 20 plaintiffs in the action.

We vaguely recall writing something about this one in the past. It arises from promises made by Johnson in conjunction with weekly appearances at a local comedy club in 2006. Prizes were offered to entice folks to come to the club, but Johnson allegedly didn't follow through on his promises.

The most valuable prize was a Lexus, which was to be given away on December 12, 2006.

After 300 tickets were sold to the event, Johnson announced that he was giving the Lexus to his girlfriend.

Says Johnson regarding the decision to give the car to his girlfriend and not to the people who bought , "They only showed up for a car, for one. . . . I gave it to someone who was appreciative of it, who didn't complain about it."

Asked if he saw anything wrong with that, Johnson said, "Not al all."

Here's the full clip:

POSTED 1:44 p.m. EST, February 8, 2008

ANOTHER TAKE ON CINCO STINK

On Thursday, Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reported that Bengals receiver Chad Johnson shoved a league media relations employee in an effort to get away from national reporters assembled in Hawaii to get some sound from him.

John Clayton of ESPN.com characterizes the incident in tamer terms, saying merely that Ocho Stinko "brushed aside" the employee. But Clayton also raises the fact that Johnson's refusal to make himself available to the media could result in a fine.

In our view, Johnson should be fined -- for the refusal to talk to the media, and for his treatment of the league-office employee.

We've got no problem with a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeves. But there's a line, and Johnson has crossed it.

The excuse for his behavior?

"Consistently, I've done it," he told NFL Network, the one news outlet with whom he'll converse. "I haven't done it perfect, but consistently at a high level. I get out of line at times, but what great one doesn't? What great one doesn't get emotional? Find me a great one who hasn't done it like that and I'll be quiet."

Here's one, Chad. His name is Art Monk.

Now shut your f--king mouth.

POSTED 12:00 p.m. EST, February 8, 2008

INTRODUCING BRETT FAVRE

YouTube is arguably the greatest innovation in the history of the world. Except for maybe the wheel. And fire. And Casual Friday.

The latest nugget, which comes to us by way of a reader who found it on BratsandBeer.com, which found it in a posting from our own MDS on AOL, is compelling to us for several reasons.

First, the video came right on the heels was the football world's introduction to Brett Favre in a 1992 last-second victory by the Packers over the Bengals. A young, fresh-faced, brown-haired Favre, who apparently had a pinch between his cheek and gum while he was interviewed after the game, had come off of the bench for an injured Don Majkowski to throw the decisive touchdown pass. Sixteen years later, Favre has yet to relinquish the job.

Second, the NBC post-game crew spewing out some excellent X's-and-O's analysis was Bob Costas, Buddy Ryan, and O.J. Simpson. Of the three, Ryan would have drawn the lowest odds in the "most likely to commit double murder within two years from today" pool.

Third, Bob Costas . . . never . . . ages. Never. Ever. Somewhere in his attic, there's a portrait of him that currently looks like a wax figure of Gilbert Gottfried after five hours in a steam room.

Anyway, here's the clip.

POSTED 11:38 a.m. EST, February 8, 2008

COULD SPYGATE II SNARE A TUNA?

Our own MDS (yeah, AOL, we're claiming him) makes an astute observation regarding the still-unfolding drama known in these parts as Spygate II.

If (and we know that's a big "if") it's ultimately proven that the Pats spied on the Rams' final walk-through practice prior to Super Bowl XXXVI, who besides New England coach Bill Belichick will have both legs knee deep in doo-doo?

As MDS points out, Jets coach Eric Mangini, Browns coach Romeo Crennel, and Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan were all on Belichick's staff at the time (and they worked for the Patriots, too -- man, we can never get enough of that adolescent humor). To the extent that the Pats were using knowledge of plays that the Rams would run from specific formations, those three defensive coaches might have known something about it.

But let's take this a step farther. As the rumor in NFL circles goes (and it's only a rumor), Belichick warned NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last year that if the Spygate issue ever comes up again Belichick will tell all that he knows about cheating in pro football. Even if that rumor isn't true, it's hard to imagine that any cheating (if it's happening) started in New England at the beginning of the current decade.

If he did it, Belichick likely learned it from someone else. And one of those potential someones is now the V.P. of football operations in Miami.

Belichick was Bill Parcells' defensive coordinator for two Super Bowl wins with the Giants, and later worked for him again with the Jets. Ironically, Belichick was the Steve Spagnuolo 17 years ago of a Giants team that somehow topped an AFC East team with a high-octane offense.

Look, we're not saying what will, would, or should happen here. But if Belichick gets called to the principal's office again, this time he might sing (if, of course, he has anything to sing about -- or, as the more fastidious in the crowd would say, about which to sing). And if/when he does, we can't only look at the guys who worked for him; we also need to look at the guys for whom he once worked.

FRIDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Giants DE Michael Strahan might go to the Pro Bowl, because teammate Osi Umenyiora might head home with what a league spokesman called "a bad, bad case of the flu."

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the league, might want to remember that the two highest-paid defensive coordinators last year, Miami's Dom Capers and Washington's Gregg Williams, both lost their jobs this offseason.

Patriots CB Asante Samuel says there's a good chance he'll return: "The organization loves me and, hopefully, we can work it out." [Editor's note: Samuel might want to get confirmation on that emotion in light of the interception he dropped one play before the Shawshank Reception.]

Patriots LB Mike Vrabel says coach Bill Belichick did nothing wrong in leaving the field early: "I think Bill did what any coach would do. He graciously gave them the victory." [Editor's note: And then he abandoned his team while there was still one more snap to be taken.]

Cris Collinsworth said he was surprised by HBO's decision to axe Inside the NFL, which he learned of the day before the final taping.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer had a chat with Bills owner Ralph Wilson about keeping the team in Upstate New York, rather than relocating to Toronto. [Editor's note: Tim Russert also was in on the call, and he said that fears a move by the franchise to Florida Florida Florida.]

The Dolphins' coaching staff will spend time evaluating personnel before deciding whether the base defense will be a 3-4 or a 4-3.

Says Ravens RB Willis McGahee of playing in the Pro Bowl, "It's very nice, but my next goal is winning the Super Bowl. I think we can make a quick turnaround. We're much better than 5-11."

The Browns have four offensive players in this year's Pro Bowl; they had a grand total of one offensive player in the last 19 Pro Bowls.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus says of Broncos unrestricted free agent DE Ebenezer Ekuban, "The Broncos want him back and we hope something works out."

Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware is disappointed that his position coach, Paul Pasqualoni, has left for Miami.

Says Eagles TE L.J. Smith of getting the franchise tag, "I definitely would have preferred a long-term deal."

Should the Bears be nervous about the health of Brian Urlacher, who recently had neck surgery?

The Lions have promoted Sam Gash from assistant special teams coach to running backs coach.

Former Packers G.M. Ron Wolf thinks current Packers G.M. Ted Thompson has done a stellar job.

Says Vikings coach Brad Childress of third-string RB Mewelde Moore, who becomes a free agent at the end of the month, "Moore had a good year for us last year and did some good things. He'd like to play more, and I can't begrudge a guy an opportunity to do that."

Falcons RB Warrick Dunn is scheduled to count $6.2 million against the team's salary cap in 2008.

Panthers LB Dan Morgan and QB David Carr both could get cut in the coming weeks.

The Buccaneers have hired former Rams offensive coordinator Greg Olson as their new quarterbacks coach.

The agent for Cardinals QB Kurt Warner would like the team to round up in determining Warner's bonus money; he had a passer rating of 89.9 and his contract calls for a $500,000 bonus if he had a passer rating of 90.0.

Cardinals G.M. Rod Graves says the enormous salary owed WR Larry Fitzgerald is handcuffing the team: "I think a lot will depend on Larry Fitzgerald's deal, whether or not we can get something in place that will allow us some flexibility. If not, we could very well be faced with some very tough decisions."

The 49ers have raised ticket prices.

POSTED 9:26 a.m. EST, February 8, 2008

WHERE WILL INSIDE THE NFL LAND?

With the last episode of Inside the NFL now in the viewing rotation on HBO, it's unclear where the show will resurface in 2008.

A source with knowledge of the show tells us that HBO was paying NFL Films a whopping $8 million per year for the rights to use the highlights of NFL games. Add to that estimated annual production costs of $20 million, and that's a hefty price tag for any network to pay.

Still, it's a relatively cheap way to bring the NFL to a network that currently doesn't have it, especially in light of what it costs to televise actual games.

The cash influx resulting from the rights fee makes it unlikely that the show will land on NFL Network, and more likely that we'll see it on TBS or TNT or some other network that currently isn't airing NFL games.

Another factor nudging the show to something other than CBS or NBC or FOX or ESPN/ABC is the potential for controversy arising from some of the story lines. For example, the source believes that a recent item on how the 1925 NFL Champions, the Pottsville Maroons, have been screwed by the league wouldn't have been aired by one of the broadcast partners during Super Bowl week because it embarrassed the Bidwills, who own the team that hosted the big game.

POSTED 8:59 a.m. EST, February 8, 2008

WINSLOW WANTS A NEW DEAL

Browns tight end Kellen Winslow squandered much of the potential millions to be paid under his rookie contract when he wrecked his motorcycle in May 2005. The team could have taken back even more of his money, but they cut him a break.

Now, after two solid seasons during which Winslow played through injury and pain, the "f--king solider" is asking for an increase in his C-rations.

"When I got hurt [in 2005], the contract got renegotiated, so some things changed, but I think I've proven these past two years that I'm one of the elite tight ends," Winslow told Sirius NFL Radio on Thursday.

"My value on the field, they put in an extra DB in the game, and that really changes the whole game. They have to guard me kind of like a wide receiver so, you know, yeah, gotta get that new money."

We saw this one coming last year, when Winslow dumped the Postons and hired Drew Rosenhaus. When a player changes agents in the middle of a contract, the new agent doesn't get paid until a new deal gets done.

Winslow currently is signed through 2010. But any decision to extend the contract of a player with three years left on his contract could cause problems elsewhere on the team, especially since receiver Braylon Edwards is signed only through 2009.

The other reality is that, even though Winslow has performed admirably over the past two years, the knee he injured in that motorcycle crash continues to bother him. After undergoing microfracture surgery in a year ago, Winslow recently said that he needs more knee surgery in the 2008 offseason.

So why would the Browns want to break the bank on a guy who might not be able to bring it over the long term? With the player under contract for three more years, the Browns have no reason to rip up the deal -- and that ultimately could cause another Ocho Stinko-style controversy to unfold in Ohio's other NFL city.

But the Browns only have themselves to blame or this one. By giving coach Romeo Crennel an extension with two years left on his contract and not even one playoff appearance to show for his three years on the job, the Browns have already created an environment that will invite more folks to ask for more money -- even though the team has yet to accomplish squat.

SPRINT EXPANDS FAMILY LOCATOR FEATURE

Nearly two years after introducing a service that allows parents to check the whereabouts of their kids through their cell phones, Sprint has expanded the Family Locator service to all Sprint handsets with Web access.

"Sprint has always been proud to offer Sprint Family Locator on a wider range of phones than similar services from competitors, and now we've expanded it even further so customers have more choice for themselves and their children," said Kevin Packingham, vice president of wireless data for Sprint. "By offering the most open wireless family locator service with the fewest device and plan limitations, we're allowing more families to take advantage of this valuable tool. Our customers are telling us that this is a life-saving service that can be used not only for children, but also for elderly relatives, or even just to find a lost phone."

The service also now includes a Safety Checks feature, which provides automatic notification when the phone (and thus the person carrying the phone) passes by certain pre-identified landmarks such as school, home, a friend's house, etc.

Click here for more information on the Family Locator service.

Sprint, by the way is the official telecommunications partner of ProFootballTalk, and Sprint's support of the site has allowed us to continue to provide full and complete coverage of the NFL at no cost of any kind.

POSTED 7:48 a.m. EST, February 8, 2008

T.J. KNOWS A STORM IS BREWING

As Bengals receiver Chad Johnson continues to escalate his campaign to get out of Cincinnati without ever saying that he wants out, one of his teammates hints that things will get worse before they get better.

Said Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh regarding the ongoing efforts by Johnson to land in a new team, "I'm not surprised by anything; perception is reality. I talk to Chad all the time, so I kind of know what's coming so it doesn't surprise me."

We've got a feeling that we'll see something controversial from Johnson during the Pro Bowl. Maybe, if he scores, he'll take off his Bengals helmet and spit on it. Or maybe when he'll troll the sidelines wearing the helmets of the different teams represented in Hawaii.

Hey, it might actually be enough to actually get us to watch the game. We might even do a Live Blog of it.

POSTED 7:34 a.m. EST, February 8, 2008

AS EXPECTED, BARBER CLAIMS CREDIT FOR GIANTS WIN

We recently observed -- half-jokingly -- that former Giants running back Tiki Barber would find a way to claim credit for his old team's victory in Super Bowl XLII.

And our sort-of joke ended up being sort of right.

Though the article reads like it's the idea of William C. Rhoden of the New York Times and that Tiki is only partially agreeing, the gist of the item is obvious -- his departure and ensuing criticism of men like coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning helped the team get to a level that it never was able to achieve with Tiki on the team.

Rhoden launches into his theory with this: "Retiring star players often set the foundation for future success."

Huh? We've been following sports for a long time now, and we can't think of many dynasties that were launched because a key player left. In fact, the only situation we can think of was Don Mattingly leaving the Yankees a year too early, but we can't recall anyone suggesting that his departure actually helped the team get over the top.

Then Rhoden says this: "Barber laid the foundation for what happened this season, from taking on Coughlin, to challenging Manning to step up, to tutoring Brandon Jacobs."

Said Barber, when asked about it by Rhoden: "[E]ven criticizing someone is a way of getting them to think about themselves." As to whether his criticism of Eli Manning was helpful, Barber said, "In this case, it made him stand up and I guess become aware."

We agree with Barber, but it's important to remember that he didn't do what he did to help the team win. Every action he took and word that he spoke was an act of selfishness, and the fact that it had a positive effect on the team was coincidental, and ironic.

What's not ironic is Barber's decision to turn the attention back to himself. That's his normal approach, and he's happy for the spotlight, even when being in it by all rights should be an embarrassment.

POSTED 11:37 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008; UPDATED 6:52 a.m. EST, February 8, 2008

OCHO STINKO SHOVES LEAGUE EMPLOYEE

Try as agent Drew Rosenhaus might to keep the efforts of Bengals receiver Chad Johnson to finagle a trade out of town behind the scenes, the player known in this space as Ocho Stinko can't avoid wearing his emotions on his sleeves.

And that puts his career on the same trajectory as T.O., circa 2005.

Owens wanted out of Philly, and Rosenhaus opted to go public with it. The campaign pushed the Eagles into a corner, and resulted in an ill-advised Plan B, which was premised on Owens being a complete pain in the butt until he got his way.

For Johnson, we've believed ever since his romp down radio row that, regardless of any efforts to the contrary, Johnson eventually is going to engage in behavior that results in fines and/or suspensions for conduct detrimental to the team.

And it might already be happening.

According to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com, Johnson shoved nfl media relations employee Michael Lipman as Lipman was trying to make Johnson available to Marvez and another reporter. Johnson then "stared down" Lipman before leaving.

In addition to any discipline that the team might impose, the NFL could nail Johnson under the Personal Conduct Policy. Though the policy primarily applies to criminal activity, it also prohibits "[v]iolent or threatening behavior among employees, whether inside or outside the workplace."

Regardless of whether it's the league or the team, something needs to be done about this guy. Without discipline, Johnson's behavior will only get worse.

[Editor's note: In a prior version of this story, we described Lipman as a Bengals employee. We apologize for the error.]

POSTED 6:46 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

SNYDER PLANE RUMORS REFUTED

In response to reports that one of Daniel Snyder's private planes is en route to Arizona, presumably to retrieve Jim Fassel, a source with knowledge of the situation tells us that it isn't true.

So it is, or is isn't. That should cover us.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 5:19 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

FASSEL HIRE COMING?

A league source tells us that the private plane of Redskins owner Daniel Snyder currently is on the way to Scottsdale, Arizona.

It's believed that the goal of the flight is to retrieve Arizona resident Jim Fassel, and to bring him back to Washington for introduction as the team's next head coach.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 5:15 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

BROWNS, ANDERSON AT A "STANDSTILL"

James Walker of the Columbus Dispatch reports that contract negotiations between the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Derek Anderson "have reached a standstill."

Walker also reports that the three-year offer made by the Browns last month had a total value of $16 million, including $11 million in guaranteed money. Anderson's people rejected the offer, and are seeking a deal of at least five years in duration.

Absent an agreement, Anderson will become a restricted free agent later this month.

In 2007, then-Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub was traded to the Texans while in restricted free agency, and he received a six-year, $48 million deal. Anderson has more playing experience, and the market has matured for another year.

The Browns are expected to place the highest available restriction on Anderson, which would give Cleveland the right to match any offer made, and a first-round and third-round pick as compensation for his services. Anderson would receive from the Browns a non-guaranteed one-year offer of roughly $2.5 million. Technically, the Browns could instead use the franchise tag, but the requisite one-year contract would entail guaranteed money in the range of $10 million.

Our guess? The Browns will be happy to keep him for another year at $2.5 million, or to trade him for a first-round pick. If he goes, 2007 first-rounder Brady Quinn would take over at quarterback.

POSTED 4:58 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

EAGLES TAG SMITH

The Philadelphia Eagles wasted no time. Thursday is the first day on which teams can apply the franchise tag. And apply it the Eagles did to tight end L.J. Smith, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

As a result, the Eagles must offer to Smith a one-year contract with a value equal to the average of the five highest-paid tight ends in 2007, which is $4.522 million. In return, the Eagles will have a right of first refusal as to any offers made to Smith.

Then again, no offers are likely to be made to Smith, since the Eagles would be entitled to two first-round draft picks if the offer isn't matched.

Smith was a second-round draft pick in 2003, and earned a salary of $920,000 in 2007.

The team can remove the franchise tag at any time and make Smith an unrestricted free agent. If he signs the one-year tender offer before it is revoked, the money becomes fully guaranteed.

POSTED 3:00 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

NEAR-MISS AT THE SUPER BOWL

During a Thursday afternoon visit with our pal Dino Costa and his Denver-based radio show that is piped to 87 percent of Colorado, Dino mentioned this item from the East Valley Tribune regarding a Tempe man's chilling plan to open fire outside the Super Bowl.

Only a last-minute change of heart kept Kurt Havelock, 35, from attempting to pump 200 rounds into the crowd via an assault rifle.

His motivation? The Tempe City Council had rejected the application for a liquor license for a proposed restaurant and bar with a Halloween theme.

He turned himself into authorities on Sunday, and he previously had mailed copies of a manifesto outlining his plans.

"I will test the theory that bullets speak louder than words," he wrote. "I will slay your children. I will shed the blood of the innocent. No one destroys my dream. No one."

Of course, it's unclear whether Havelock would have been able to carry out his plan. We get the impression that the Super Bowl is a fairly secure event, and we doubt that all 200 bullets would have been fired. Still, we're hoping that the NFL has included potential threats like this in its overall planning, and that even more attention will be paid to this type of incident as preparations are made for future Super Bowls.

POSTED 1:12 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

SALISBURY GETS PERSONAL WITH CLAYTON

A year after getting in trouble for supposedly showing cell-phone pictures of his manhood to colleagues, ESPN's Sean Salisbury could be in hot water once again.

Last week, he did one of those phony on-air debate segments with John Clayton. The idea is to get one guy to take a position and then have the other guy to disagree. It makes for lively discussion, and it uses conflict to keep folks watching.

This time around, Salisbury crossed the line in his debate with Clayton, mocking the veteran NFL reporter's appearance with the kind of attack that is supposed to come only from someone outside the organization like, you know, us.

Here it is:

Note that anchor Jay Harris laughs hard enough at the name used by Salisbury to suggest that it's the term used behind Clayton's back in Bristol. Clayton's facial expression makes it obvious that he is not amused by Salisbury's antics.

John, the next time you do one of those, we think you should say something like, "Sean, I know you have a brain. I once saw a picture of it on your cell phone."

Hat tilt to the Big Lead.

POSTED 12:57 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

SPAGS TO BE HIGHEST-PAID DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that, as part of his decision to remain with the Giants, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is now expected to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL.

The specific dollars have not yet been reported. Jason Garrett of the Cowboys is the highest-paid offensive coordinator, with a salary that some say is $3 million per year. We've heard that it's more like $3.5 million or $4 million.

And Garrett and Spagnuolo have each spent only a single season as coordinators.

POSTED 12:11 p.m. EST, February 7, 2008

SPAGS STAYING PUT

Well, they flirted. And maybe they kissed. But they didn't get married.

Multiple media outlets are reporting that Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will not be the next head coach of the Redskins. Instead, Spagnuolo will remain with the Giants for a second year.

The reports, from Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger, David Elfin of the Washington Times, and Adam Schefter of NFL Network, are presently short on details. We know that Spags is staying put, but we don't know much more.

It recently was reported by Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News that the Giants were prepared to give Spagnulo a raise, more years on his contract, and the title of assistant head coach -- but only if the Redskins were to offer him the job that was vacated last month by Joe Gibbs. It appears that Spagnuolo wasn't offered the job, and it's unclear whether the Giants had to cough up any cash or other stuff to get him to pull his name out of the running.

Absent a collapse by the Giants in 2008, Spagnuolo is poised to be the Jason Garrett of the next hiring cycle. And unless the Giant become the first NFC team since the 1996-97 Packers to qualify in back-to-back years for the Super Bowl, Spags might be available next year to be hired with more than one job left.

The three known candidates for the Redskins job are Jim Fassel, Steve Mariucci, and Ron Meeks. The smart money is on Fassel.

Then again, the smart money four days ago was on the Patriots.

POSTED 11:03 a.m. EST, February 7, 2008

GIANTS THE NEXT PATS?

Giants G.M. Jerry Reese already has said that he wants his team to be an annual contender, like the Patriots.

"That's what you want to do," Reese said earlier this week. "We have a really young team. We just don't want to go away. New England set the bar really high. The league is not built for one team to stay on the top long."

That's a respectable goal. The challenge, however, will be to manage the salary cap over the long haul. For now, the Giants reportedly are $20 million under the spending limit for 2008. But that will change once the guys who contributed to that shiny silver trophy start getting in line for new contracts.

The key to emulating New England will be to get the core players to play for less money in New York than they could get elsewhere. With the Pats, the hometown discounts begin with quarterback Tom Brady, who arguably is the most underpaid player in the history of the game.

In New York, then, the pace will need to be set by quarterback Eli Manning. But if he approaches his next contract like his brother Peyton did in Indy, Eli will go for the biggest piece of the pie that he can get. And that will make it hard to keep a highly competitive team on the field over the long haul.

But with Eli coming into his own on the field, maybe he'll develop into his own man off the field, too. Maybe he'll look at how Brady handles his contract and how Peyton handles his, and maybe Eli will decide to do it like Brady.

Regardless of how it turns out, it'll be interesting to watch.

POSTED 10:40 a.m. EST, February 7, 2008

FOR THE RECORD, WE DON'T LIKE TAMPERING

Several readers have pointed out an apparent inconsistency between our recent focus on Spygate II and our comment in a Thursday story about Randy Moss regarding the widespread tampering that goes on at this time of the year.

Though we recognize that cheating and tampering are both wrong and shouldn't happen, the fact remains that tampering is rampant, in large part because the NFL doesn't do anything to stop it.

Several years ago, safety Lawyer Milloy faced a "take a pay cut or take a hike" ultimatum from the Patriots. He admitted to Peter King of SI that the Redskins had contacted his agent before the Pats released him. Once it was clear to Milloy that he shouldn't have said that, he claimed that he'd been misquoted -- and the league did nothing about it.

Part of the problem with tampering is that a team must make a formal complaint before the league will even investigate. And that rarely happens.

As to game-related cheating, it appears that investigations will occur, and action will be taken, even if the team that was cheated doesn't push the issue. Regarding Spygate II, for example, the league will be investigating without any type of a complaint from the Rams regarding Super Bowl XXXVI.

We think that the league should take steps to prevent cheating and tampering, but when we make comments like "everyone does it and no one ever gets in trouble for it," it's not a statement of our opinion. It's a fact.

So how should the league stop tampering? As a practical matter, it's impossible to do it without policing every communication made between teams and agents. Still, it makes sense for the league to periodically investigate and act whenever evidence of tampering arises -- if for no reason other than to ensure that the tampering won't be blatant.

THE SHAWSHANK RECEPTION?

We've been pondering for the past three days a catchy title for the play that was the turning point of Super Bowl XLII, not to mention one of the greatest plays in NFL history.

A reader suggested this one on Tuesday -- "The Shawshawk Reception." We like it, and until someone comes up with something better we're going to use it.

If you have other ideas, let us know. Hopefully, a couple of them will be good enough for us to steal.

POSTED 10:20 a.m. EST, February 7, 2008

MAAS GETS PROBATION

The fall of a former NFL star and television analyst is now complete. But he's still better off than Mike Vick.

Former All-Pro defensive lineman and FOX broadcaster Bill Mass has received two years of probation after pleading guilty gun and drug charges.

Maas was busted last year with a lady friend . . . and a loaded gun, some coke, and a bag of "E". Maas pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon, and she pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance. All other charges were dropped.

In September 2007, a gun was found in a carry-on that Maas was carrying on (duh) to an airplane. He was not charged with any crimes in that incident.

At one point, Maas was regarded as a rising star in the broadcasting world. But he lost his fastball, dramatically, and he was phased out by FOX before being dropped completely prior to last year's arrest.

THURSDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS by Michael David Smith

Super Bowl XLII referee Mike Carey says of Giants QB Eli Manning's last-minute pass to WR David Tyree, "I anticipated a sack. I didn't assume it was going to happen, but rarely do you see a quarterback escape when he's got that much weight on his back."

Several Giants players attended the Knicks game at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night; they were cheered while the Knicks were booed.

The Patriots will want to renegotiate the contract of LB Rosevelt Colvin, who has a cap number of $7.6 million for 2008.

Bills Chief Operating Officer Russ Brandon said of playing games in Toronto, "We're doing everything in our power to keep this franchise financially viable in our marketplace."

Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan acknowledged that the raise he got this offseason is less important than finding the money necessary to keep LB Terrell Suggs: "I would have given money to Suggs to keep him and then thrown me a bone afterwards."

Former Houston Oilers linebacker John Grimsley was found dead Wednesday, apparently from an accidental gunshot wound.

New Jaguars defensive coordinator Gregg Williams says he has joined "a very, very good team and a tremendous opportunity."

Former Titans DT Rien Long has been discharged after two weeks in the hospital following a single-car crash; he will not be ticketed even though police say Long's reckless driving caused the crash.

Asked about Bob Slowik getting the defensive coordinator job, Broncos CB Champ Bailey said, "To tell the truth, I think this is a year too late. Nothing against [former defensive coordinator Jim] Bates, but Slowik is the right fit for this defense."

Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham says the team can't afford to lose free-agent DE Jared Allen.

The Panthers could place the franchise tag on OT Jordan Gross, but Gross expects to get a deal done before then.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff says, "Right now we have not concluded if we need to go for a left tackle, running back, safety or whatever in the draft and free agency."

New Falcons head coach Mike Smith has brought a secondary coach with him from Jacksonville.

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren says of Jim Mora's status as his successor, "The continuity a move like this provides can only be a good thing moving forward."

POSTED 8:43 a.m. EST, February 7, 2008

GIANTS WILL TRY TO KEEP SPAGS

On the heels of a stunning Super Bowl run, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could end up being offered the head-coaching job in Washington.

But the Giants plan to do what they can to keep him. According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, however, there are limits to the team's generosity.

If the Redskins offer the job to Spagnuolo, the Giants will offer him a raise, a contract extension, and the title of assistant head coach. But they won't offer the one-year coordinator the kind of deal that the Cowboys gave to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, and they won't promise Spagnuolo the head-coaching job after Tom Coughlin leaves.

Vacchiano also reports that several members of the Giants organization have warned Spagnuolo against taking the job in D.C., given that the team already has hired both an offensive coordinator and a defensive coordinator.

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