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Saints | More on Will Smith Tue May 21, 12:00 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Will Smith lined up at outside linebacker for the first time as the team transitions to a 3-4 defense during OTAs Monday, May 20. 'That's where we'll start him,' head coach Sean Payton said, noting that outside linebackers often play pass-rushing roles in a 3-4 scheme. 'We can play him right and left, but I think initially that right outside position would be very similar to what he's played for us in the past.' LB Jonathan Vilma is expected to be one of the two middle linebackers in their new defense.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Redskins | Brian Orkapo takes part in workout Mon May 20, 06:26 PM
Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said LB Brian Orakpo (pectoral) participated in the organized team activities Monday, May 20.
Link to storyBrian Orakpo player page
Saints | Trying Will Smith at OLB Mon May 20, 09:50 AM
The New Orleans Saints will line up DE Will Smith at outside linebacker in OTAs.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Steelers | New faces on defense Sun May 19, 09:34 PM
When organized team activities (OTAs) open Tuesday, May 21, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have at least three new faces among the starters. LB Jason Worilds is in for the departed James Harrison (Bengals) at outside lineback, NT Steve McLendon is in for free-agent Casey Hampton at nose tackle, and CB Cortez Allen takes over for CB Keenan Lewis (Saints) at cornerback.
Link to storyCasey Hampton player page
James Harrison player page
Keenan Lewis player page
Jason Worilds player page
Chargers | Coach thinks Dwight Freeney fits defense Sat May 18, 02:52 PM
San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said he believes DE Dwight Freeney will be a perfect fit for the team's defense because of his pass-rush ability.
| Footballguys view: We wouldn't call Freeney a 'perfect' fit at all. He struggled in a 3-4 defense last year with the Colts and will play in a 3-4 with the Chargers this season. The Chargers are saying they'll be creative with the way they use Freeney to play to his strengths. |
Dwight Freeney player page
Dolphins | Three LBs could compete for starting job Sat May 18, 02:15 PM
Miami Dolphins LBs Koa Misi, Jelani Jenkins and Josh Kaddu may compete for the starting strongside linebacker job during training camp.
Link to storyKoa Misi player page
Patriots | Had interest in Dwight Freeney Sat May 18, 12:13 PM
The New England Patriots expressed interest in San Diego Chargers DE Dwight Freeney but he decided to agree to a contract with the Chargers.
| Footballguys view: Of course they did. The Patriots always like to bring in veterans other teams overlook to contribute. |
Dwight Freeney player page
Chargers | Dwight Freeney agrees to terms Sat May 18, 12:00 PM
The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) on a two-year deal. Reports say it's a two-year deal worth $8.75 million. The deal could be worth as much as $13.35 million because of incentives in the contract that are tied to sacks.
| Footballguys view: No surprise here. The Chargers needed to strengthen their pass rush after losing Melvin Ingram to a knee injury earlier this week. Freeney struggled to impress in a 3-4 defense last year and only recorded five sacks on the season. Many expected him to return to a 4-3 where he would be more comfortable but that's not the case. The Chargers run a 3-4 under John Pagano (Colts head coach Chuck Pagano's brother) and they've hinted they would tinker with the defense to better fit Freeney's skill set. |
Dwight Freeney player page
Titans | Trial for Moise Fokou set for October 22 Fri May 17, 09:06 PM
Tennessee Titans LB Moise Fokou was arrested in Washington and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug. The allegations only concern the use of alcohol, and he pled not guilty. The incident occurred in January, and the case is scheduled to go to trial October 22.
Link to storyMoise Fokou player page
Chiefs | Two expected to compete for starting ILB job Fri May 17, 07:36 PM
Kansas City Chiefs LBs Akeem Jordan and Nico Johnson are expected to compete for one of the starting inside linebacker jobs during training camp.
Link to storyAkeem Jordan player page
Saints | Two expected to compete for one OLB job Fri May 17, 04:39 PM
New Orleans Saints LBs Martez Wilson and Victor Butler are expected to compete for the starting strongside outside linebacker job during offseason workouts and training camp.
Link to storyVictor Butler player page
Giants | Looking for Aaron Curry to lose weight Fri May 17, 03:45 PM
The New York Giants would like LB Aaron Curry to lose about 10 pounds before the start of season. The team believes Curry can help out at either strongside linebacker of middle linebacker.
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
49ers | Two to compete for top OLB backup job Fri May 17, 03:33 PM
San Francisco 49ers LBs Parys Haralson and Corey Lemonier are expected to compete to be the primary backup at outside linebacker. Haralson is better suited for the base 3-4 defensive alignment while Lemonier likely will be used in pass-rush situations.
Link to storyParys Haralson player page
Giants | Dwight Freeney interested Thu May 16, 03:48 PM
Free-agent LB Dwight Freeney (Colts) would love a chance to play for the New York Giants, according to his father. The Giants would likely look to sign him to a veteran-minimum deal, and Freeney would seem to fit that former DL Osi Umenyiora occupied. However, the Giants have plenty of other options for the defensive line at this point.
Link to storyDwight Freeney player page
Bengals | James Harrison spends a lot on body Thu May 16, 02:48 PM
Cincinnati Bengals LB James Harrison said he spends between $400,000 to $600,000 to make sure his body is ready for the start of the season. He said he uses a hyperbaric Chamber and has his own staff of acupuncturists, massage therapists and homeopathic doctors.
Link to storyJames Harrison player page
Giants | Aaron Curry thinks he can be impact linebacker Thu May 16, 02:33 PM
New York Giants LB Aaron Curry thinks he can be an impact linebacker on the team's defense. "I really believe I have the ability to be an impact linebacker on this defense," Curry said. "I feel like I can affect each play that I'm in the game. I'm looking forward to just putting it all out there and emptying my tank every day at practice and taking it to the game just to have fun and win some football games."
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
Chargers | Dwight Freeney takes physical Thu May 16, 02:07 PM
Free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) took a physical for the San Diego Chargers Thursday, May 16. While he has not signed a deal yet, the meeting with the team went well.
| Footballguys view: If he passes his physical then we could see an offer submitted by the Chargers. The team needs pass rushing help after losing Melvin Ingram to a knee injury earlier this week. |
Dwight Freeney player page
Chargers | Impressed with Dwight Freeney Thu May 16, 01:27 PM
The San Diego Chargers were impressed with their visit with free-agent LB Dwight Freeney (Colts), and head coach Mike McCoy would consider altering their defensive scheme to accommodate him. The Chargers use a base 3-4 defense, but Freeney was less effective in that setup with the Indianapolis Colts last season when he moved to outside linebacker.
| Footballguys view: It's an interesting fit for Freeney given his struggles in the 3-4 last year with the Colts. The Chargers have a huge need for pass rushing help since losing Melvin Ingram to a knee injury earlier this week. |
Dwight Freeney player page
Chargers | Melvin Ingram's surgery scheduled Wed May 15, 08:07 PM
San Diego Chargers LB Melvin Ingram (knee) is tentatively expected to undergo reconstruction surgery of his left anterior cruciate ligament next week, a source said. The renowned Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation. Ingram is expected to miss the 2013 season, before returning to the field in 2014 at or near full strength. LB Larry English is the current in-house leader to start in Ingram's place, although the club is looking into free agent possibilities, including free-agent LB Dwight Freeney (Colts).
Link to storyLarry English player page
Bengals | James Harrison to work at SAM LB Wed May 15, 08:04 PM
The Cincinnati Bengals needed an upgraded at SAM linebacker following the departure of LB Manny Lawson (Bills), and that is exactly where the team envisions LB James Harrison lining up. 'We all feel good about how he rushes the passer, obviously,' linebackers coach Paul Guenther said Wednesday, May 15. 'He's done the same coverage stuff that he did in Pittsburgh that he'll do here. Just a little different in terminology and sight lines.'
Link to storyJames Harrison player page
Chargers | Larry English hopes to take over starting job Wed May 15, 05:52 PM
San Diego Chargers LB Larry English said he hopes to earn the starting outside linebacker job that LB Melvin Ingram (knee) held before his injury. 'I'm just concentrating on being able to provide what the team needs. [Head coach Mike McCoy] emphasized to all of us that now is the time for someone to step up and provide what we'll miss from Melvin, and I have that opportunity now to be the guy the team needs,' English said.
Link to storyLarry English player page
Giants | Aaron Curry details Wed May 15, 11:37 AM
New York Giants LB Aaron Curry's deal is worth $780,000 with a $50,000 roster bonus, $15,000 workout bonus and a $715,000 salary. His cap hit is a $620,000 minimum salary benefit.
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
Chargers | Dwight Freeney visiting Wed May 15, 08:22 AM
The San Diego Chargers will visit with free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) Wednesday, May 15.
| Footballguys view: That came together quickly. With Melvin Ingram likely lost for the season with a knee injury the team needs to add to their pass rush. Freeney is one of the best veteran pass rushers left on the open market but is coming off two down seasons. The Chargers run a 3-4 defense and that's the scheme Freeney struggled in last year. He would be a better fit as a DE in a 4-3 front. |
Dwight Freeney player page
Chiefs | Akeem Jordan gets chance to start Wed May 15, 12:07 AM
Kansas City Chiefs LB Akeem Jordan played alongside LB Derrick Johnson with the first-unit defense Tuesday, May 14, in the first day of organized team activities (OTAs). Jordan is making the transition to a 3-4 defense from the 4-3 he played in during his 82 games with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2007-12.
Link to storyDerrick Johnson player page
Akeem Jordan player page
Dolphins | No switch for Koa Misi Wed May 15, 12:02 AM
Miami Dolphins LB Koa Misi said Tuesday, May 14, that the team had initial discussions about switching him to middle linebacker, but that will not happen. LB Dannell Ellerbe is expected to play the position.
Link to storyDannell Ellerbe player page
Koa Misi player page
Chargers | Several LBs needed to step up Wed May 15, 12:01 AM
The San Diego Chargers were expected to have LBs Melvin Ingram (knee) and Jarret Johnson at outside linebacker in Week 1. However, Ingram is likely done for the season, meaning LB Larry English might be in line for a bigger role. The team also has LB Tourek Williams, a sixth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, as well as LBs Frank Beltre and Devan Walker on the roster. The team is expected to explore their options in free agency.
Link to storyJarret Johnson player page
Larry English player page
Patriots | Brandon Johnson worked out Mon May 13, 06:07 PM
The New England Patriots worked out free-agent LB Brandon Johnson (Steelers) Monday, May 13.
Link to storyBrandon Johnson player page
Giants | GM sees Aaron Curry as low-risk signing Sat May 11, 01:59 PM
New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said he does not see much risk with the signing of LB Aaron Curry and hopes that Curry can reinvent himself with the Giants. 'It's an opportunity for him. If he comes on and he looks like the player that he was when he was the fourth pick in the draft, it's a win-win for everybody. Sometimes a guy can go to a new environment and reinvent himself. We're hoping that's what happens with him,' Reese said. Curry currently weighs 265 pounds, which Reese said is about 10 pounds more than his playing weight.
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
NFL | Dwight Freeney expected to make visits soon Fri May 10, 07:35 PM
Free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) is expected to begin visiting teams next week. He is receiving interest in four or five teams at this point.
| Footballguys view: Freeney has reportedly dropped his asking price from the $6MM per year range. He's coming off two down seasons and is more of a part time pass rusher at this point in his career. Freeney and John Abraham (Falcons) could find new homes before the start of training camp. |
Dwight Freeney player page
Giants | More on Aaron Curry Fri May 10, 04:25 PM
Updating a previous report, the New York Giants signed LB Aaron Curry to a one-year deal Friday, May 10.
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
Giants | Sign Aaron Curry Fri May 10, 04:15 PM
The New York Giants signed LB Aaron Curry (Raiders) Friday, May. 10. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
Giants | Still no deal for Aaron Curry Fri May 10, 03:54 PM
Updating a previous report, the New York Giants have not signed Aaron Curry (Raiders) yet. Curry was seen at Giants minicamp wearing a Giants T-shirt Friday, May. 10.
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
Giants | Aaron Curry has not signed Thu May 9, 02:49 PM
Updating a previous report, free-agent LB Aaron Curry (Raiders) has not signed a contract with the New York Giants. Curry worked out and took a physical with the team.
| Footballguys view: Curry said his workout with the New York Giants went well. "That went well...little rough on the edges but nothing repetition and hard work can't smooth out." is what he posted via Twitter. |
Aaron Curry player page
Eagles | Gerald McRath to try out Thu May 9, 02:00 PM
Free-Agent LB Gerald McRath (Titans) will try out for the team during the upcoming minicamp.
Link to storyGerald McRath player page
NFL | LeRoy Hill won't face felony charge Wed May 8, 03:19 PM
Free-agent LB LeRoy Hill (Seahawks) won't face a felony charge for his January arrest on suspicion of domestic violence. It is still possible he face a misdemeanor charge.
Link to storyLeroy Hill player page
Buccaneers | Not interested in two DEs Wed May 8, 01:05 PM
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not interested in signing free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) or DE John Abraham (Falcons).
| Footballguys view: Freeney has reportedly dropped his earlier asking price of around $6MM per year. Abraham has gotten interest from teams like the Titans and Broncos but has yet to sign a new deal. The Buccaneers lack experienced pass rushers at the DE position after losing Michael Bennett (Seahawks) in free agency. |
Dwight Freeney player page
John Abraham player page
Cowboys | Ernie Sims could be cut Tue May 7, 08:43 AM
Dallas Cowboys LB Ernie Sims isn't a lock to make the final roster.
Link to storyErnie Sims player page
Giants | Aaron Curry to visit Mon May 6, 07:14 PM
The New York Giants will host free-agent LB Aaron Curry (Raiders) Thursday, May 8, for a visit.
Link to storyAaron Curry player page
Redskins | Brian Orakpo expects to take part in workouts Mon May 6, 05:57 PM
Washington Redskins LB Brian Orakpo (pectoral) said he expects to participate in offseason workouts when they begin later this month.
Link to storyBrian Orakpo player page
Redskins | Brian Orakpo not ruling out deal before camp Mon May 6, 01:07 PM
Updating a previous report, Washington Redskins LB Brian Orakpo said he is not ruling out the possibility of signing a contract extension before the start of training camp.
Link to storyBrian Orakpo player page
NFL | Clint Sintim retires Mon May 6, 11:13 AM
Free-agent LB Clint Sintim (Giants) has retired.
| Footballguys view: The story with Sintim will always be 'what might have been.' He hasn't played a down in the NFL since 2010 and spent last year out of football. Serious knee injuries cut his time in the NFL short. |
Clint Sintim player page
Redskins | Brian Orakpo hasn't had contract talks Mon May 6, 11:03 AM
Washington Redskins LB Brian Orakpo said he hasn't had any talks about a contract extension. He's entering the final year of his deal.
Link to storyBrian Orakpo player page
Redskins | Brian Orakpo feeling great Mon May 6, 10:06 AM
Washington Redskins LB Brian Orakpo (pectoral) said he's feeling great. The tear was in a different ligament than the one he suffered in 2011.
Link to storyBrian Orakpo player page
Lions | Three appear to be candidates for OLB job Sun May 5, 01:20 PM
Detroit Lions LBs Ashlee Palmer Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis are expected to compete for one of the outside linebacker jobs during training camp.
Link to storyAshlee Palmer player page
Steelers | LaMarr Woodley working out Sun May 5, 12:09 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley said he has been working out this season in hopes to avoid the injuries he suffered during the 2012 season. 'My offseason is going great. I'm looking forward to getting back with the team in a few weeks,' Woodley said. 'I've been training since the middle of February. ... It was a disappointing season being 8-8 and not making the playoffs. It was disappointing at the end of the day.' There were some criticisms about Woodley's fitness last season.
| Footballguys view: Woodley needs to stay healthy as the team lost fellow pass rusher James Harrison (Bengals) in free agency. They need Woodley to help groom new outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. The team selected Jones in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft and has high hopes for the rookie. |
Lamarr Woodley player page
Dolphins | Coach explains changes at LB Sun May 5, 11:43 AM
Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said the team was looking to add faster linebackers to their defense, which is why they released LBs Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett and added Dannell Ellerbe, Philip Wheeler and Jelani Jenkins. Philbin said the team wanted linebackers that could cover pass catchers man-to-man and blitz effectively because the NFL is becoming a passing league.
| Footballguys view: Nickel defenses are becoming the base set in the NFL as opponents are more pass happy than ever. Linebackers need better coverage skills because of the emergence of move tight ends who can attack the seam. |
Philip Wheeler player page
Dannell Ellerbe player page
NFL | John Abraham not considering retirement Sat May 4, 09:30 PM
Free-agent DE John Abraham (Falcons) is not considering retirement despite tweets that indicated he was considering the option, according to a source.
| Footballguys view: Abraham has drawn little interest on the open market after the Falcons released him earlier this year. He visited with the Titans last week and a team like the Broncos could still have interest. There's no rush to sign the veteran at this point and he may have to wait until right before training camp to find a new home. |
Dwight Freeney player page
John Abraham player page
Giants | Michael Boley unlikely to return Fri May 3, 05:35 PM
The New York Giants likely will not re-sign free-agent LB Michael Boley after his recent arrest.
Link to storyMichael Boley player page
Vikings | Not ready to make decision on MLB spot Fri May 3, 02:13 PM
Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said the team will wait until after their rookie minicamp to decide who will line up at middle linebacker with the starting defense once offseason workouts begin. Frazier mentioned LBs Erin Henderson, Audie Cole, Tyrone McKenzie and Michael Mauti as possibilities for the job.
Link to storyTyrone McKenzie player page
Titans | Could meet with Dwight Freeney Thu May 2, 07:14 PM
The Tennessee Titans could meet with free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) at some point this offseason.
| Footballguys view: The Titans could have interest in John Abraham (Falcons) if the free agent price is right. Freeney has reportedly dropped his asking price as the market was extremely cool when he wanted around $6MM per year. |
Dwight Freeney player page
