Michael Bush Agrees To Contract With the Bears

Michael Bush has decided to backup Matt Forte.  He's agreed to a four-year, $14 million deal to be the bruising back Chicago's offense needed.


Bush has backed up Darren McFadden since being on the active roster in 2008 after being on the injured reserve during his entire rookie season in 2007.  It was thought that Bush would get a chance to start or at least become "Thunder" in a two-back system.  With pro bowler Matt Forte in front of him, it looks as if Bush will only spell Forte and provide that goal line punch.


As for the Oakland Raiders, they now need to find a replacement for one of the most durable backs in the NFL.  Taiwan Jones, who weighs 190 pounds, is slated to being McFadden's backup for the upcoming season.  The Raiders could look to the draft for a bigger back in the later rounds but it would be wise to bring in a veteran running back to compete with Jones for the second string job.

Carl Nicks Agrees Deal with Bucs

Tampa Bay has cap space and they know how to use it.  After signing wide receiver Vincent Jackson to a $55.5 million deal, they've landed the best offensive linemen in free agency.  New Orleans Saints' guard Carl Nicks is aboard the Buccaneers' ship.


Nicks is a pro bowl guard who many consider the best in the league.  He will definitely create holes for running back LaGarrett Blount as well as help provide protection for the new Freeman-to-Jackson connection.

Is Calvin Johnson's New Contract Too Much? Even For Megatron?

Calvin "Megatron" Johnson has just landed a mega-deal.  The stud receiver just signed a seven-year, $132 million extension.  This is a deal that includes $60 million in guarantees.  


Wow.  Consider me among the many that believe Johnson is the best receiver in the game.  This is a 6'5, 247 pound defensive back nightmare who also runs sub 4.4.  With all those impressive numbers to go along with his highlight reel catches, he is still one guy.  And we're talking about a wide receiver, not a quarterback.

Former Bronco, Perrish Cox Agrees to Contract with San Francisco

San Francisco has rolled the dice on troubled cornerback Perrish Cox.  Yesterday, just before free agency opened, they signed Cox to two-year deal.


The 49ers and Jim Harbaugh were able to get the most from other "troubled" players in Harbaugh's first season as head coach.  I expected round two of this.  With the signing of Randy Moss, and now Perrish Cox, this looks to be the road San Francisco intends to travel.

Texans Release Veteran Tackle Eric Winston

And the award for the "Pre-free agency Surprise Move" goes to..... The Houston Texans for cutting RT Eric Winston.  Seriously, Winston was the right tackle of an offensive line unit that was arguably the best in the league.  


The move saved the Texans $5.5 million but it is still very surprising.  As pointed out by ProFootballTalk, Eric Winston started all 16 games for the last five seasons.  Winston will be a hot commodity.

Raiders Release TE Kevin Boss

A few days after clearing large amounts of cap room by restructuring the contracts of Richard Seymour, Michael Huff, Aaron Curry and Carson Palmer the Raiders have parted ways with Kevin Boss.  


Boss was signed to a four-year, $16 million deal just last offseason.  The move only clears about $2 million of cap space.  Oakland didn't see enough difference between Boss and backup Brandon Myers to justify a $4 million salary.

Franchise Tags: Team By Team Rundown (As of 3/5)

AFC North

Baltimore: The Ravens have applied their franchise tag to running back Ray Rice over guard Ben Grubbs and cornerback Ladarrius Webb.  Rice will make $7.7 million.  Baltimore hopes to secure their  best offensive weapon to a long term deal.

Cincinnati:  Kicker Mike Nugent was the recipient of the franchise tag.

Cleveland: Kicker Phil Dawson has also been franchise tagged.

Pittsburgh: The Steelers won't tag anyone.  Wide receiver Mike Wallace was a candidate to be tagged but they will opt to use a first round tender on him as he is a restricted free agent.

AFC East

Buffalo: Stevie Johnson has worked out a long-term deal so there's no tag for the Bills.

Miami: With a new regime in the front office and new coaching staff to go along with it, the Dolphins are going to be aggressive in free agency.  There doesn't look to be a tag getting applied in South Beach.

New England: Wide receiver Wes Welker is getting the franchise tag since the Patriots haven't engaged much in contract discussions.  

New York Jets: The Jets look to let nose tackle Sione Pouha hit the open market instead of applying the tag.

AFC South

Houston: Arian Foster agreed to a long-term contract.  Mario Williams' franchise tag would exceed $20 million.  It looks as if Houston won't be applying the tag this offseason

Jacksonville: Another kicker gets the tag.  This time it's Josh Scobee.

Indianapolis: Pass rusher Robert Mathis is the recipient of a tag in Indy.

Tennessee: Michael Griffin was tagged by the Titans.  Cornerback Courtland Finnegan will hit the open market.

AFC West

Denver: Matt Prater proved his worth last season with some timely field goals.  As a result, the Broncos have chosen to apply the tag to Prater.

Kansas City: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has received the franchise tag.  They signed Stanford Routt, who was released by Oakland, and are expected to let Brandon Carr walk.

Oakland: Oakland has tagged strong safety Tyvon Branch, at $6.2 million, instead of running back Michael Bush(which would have cost them $7.7 million).

San Diego: Reports have swirled that wide receiver Vincent Jackson won't be getting the franchise tag.  They have also decided to let running back Mike Tolbert and defensive tackle Antonio Garay test the market.

NFC North

Chicago: The Bears have applied the tag to running back Matt Forte.  His unique receiving skills make him a dangerous threat but he's nothing too scary from the traditional perspective.  A long term deal could get ugly.

Detroit: Defensive end Cliff Avril is getting the tag unless there's a long term deal.  The Lions want to keep their defensive line intact so the $10.6 million will be worth it.

Green Bay: With Jermichael Finley re-signing last week, Green Bay will not need to tag anyone.  Their key pieces are all under contract.  They're looking to get younger via the draft.

Minnesota: The Vikes have decided against using the franchise tag.

NFC East

Dallas: The franchise tag has been applied to rush linebacker Anthony Spencer.  It was thought that Spencer would hit free agency but a bare market may have changed the Cowboys' mind.

New York Giants: The Super Bowl Champs have applied the franchise tag to punter Steve Weatherford.

Philadelphia: DeSean Jackson has been tagged by the Eagles.  He will more than likely not receive a long-term deal until next offseason.

Washington: Tight End Fred Davis has received the franchise tag. LaRon Landry, the other possibility, will test free agency.

NFC South

Atlanta: Brent Grimes, cornerback, was tagged recently.  Thomas DeCoud and John Abraham will get to explore free agency.

Carolina: No one will be seeing the franchise tag in the Panthers' organization this offseason. 

New Orleans: Drew Brees and the Saints were unable to reach a deal, so Brees was tagged. Wide receiver Marques Colston, cornerback Tracy Porter as well as guards Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans are all big name free agents for the Saints.  Busy offseason ahead for New Orleans.

Tampa Bay: It would be nice if there was someone good enough to tag.

NFC West

Arizona: Defensive end Calais Campbell was tagged last week.  Campbell and the Cards are still in contract conversations.


Seattle: Marhawn Lynch and the Seahawks have agreed on a four-year deal.  They will not use the tag this year.


San Francisco: The '9ers have tagged safety Dashon Goldson.  They will look to re-sign free agent cornerback Carlos Rogers.


St. Louis: The Rams have decided against using the tag.  Brandon Lloyd was the guy in question.  It still looks like he'll remain in St. Louis.

Nick Saban, Alabama to offer four-year scholarships

Nick Saban Alabama to Offer Four-Year Scholarships

With the news coming of Nick Saban deciding to offer four-year scholarships to players, it begs the question: Why the sudden change of heart?

Alabama was one of four schools that orginially voted against mulit-year scholarships.  Now, they've changed thier tune?  It's simple.  You can't allow yourself a recruiting disadvantage in the SEC.  Recruiting is important for any school, but more so in the SEC.  With a tough conference schedule, depth is as important to this conference as any.  Also, Saban realizes that it's just words.  Here's what Saban has to say about the similarities in approaches.