Oct 23, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Packers defeated the Vikings 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers recently let go star linebacker Desmond Bishop for financial reasons, but Bishop could find a new home very quickly by staying in the NFC North and joining the Minnesota Vikings.

Bishop’s release from the Packers was over financial concerns and was made official earlier today according to Tyler Dunne of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Twitter:

The #Packers will officially release ILB Desmond Bishop today, according to a source. More coming.

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) June 17, 2013

Despite the financial implications the release of Bishop comes as a shock. He was one of the best inside linebacker the NFL had to offer in the 2011 season before seriously rupturing his hamstring early last preseason. As it turns out, Bishop could be joining one of the most linebacker-needy teams in the NFL with the Vikings.

According to Bill Huber of Packer Report Magazine via Twitter, the Vikings are planning on making a major push at Bishop as soon as possible:

As has been speculated on here already, source says look out for Minnesota to make a strong run at Bishop, league source says.

— Packer Report (@PackerReport) June 17, 2013

Bishop being interested in the Vikings and vice versa is not shocking in any way. The Vikings have a serious need at line backer and Bishop would represent a serious upgrade over Erin Henderson if his hamstring checks out. Bishop likely wants to stay somewhere familiar and close to Green Bay so Minnesota makes a lot of sense. Financially it also makes a lot of sense for Bishop to go to the Vikings because they will pay whatever he wants within reason to fill a major need not addressed through the draft.

Of course, there’s always a chance Bishop returns to his old team at a cheaper cost once he checks out medically, right? That’s what it sounds like according to a quote from Bishop himself obtained by Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk:

“It’s not necessarily over,” Bishop said. “There’s an outside chance that I could still be a Packer. So we still have a good relationship. … If I don’t get the right compensation, I’d rather be in a familiar place.”

At the end of the day it’s hard to tell how this story will play out. One thing’s for sure—Bishop being let go by the Packers only to join the rival Vikings would make the NFC North much, much more interesting.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling

Dec 24, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) passes the ball during the 2nd half against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. San Francisco defeated Seattle 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

After one uneventful season with the Buffalo Bills, it looks as if quarterback Tarvaris Jackson could be making his way back to the Seattle Seahawks.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jackson is expected to sign a 1 year contract with the Seattle Seahawks which would give him a second stint with the team, his last being in 2011. Although Jackson was a captain in his first season as a Seattle Seahawk, it is pretty clear that the leadership role now belongs to starting quarterback Russell Wilson.

After losing his starting position job to Wilson last season, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills but never had the opportunity to start as Buffalo continued to roll with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Darrell Bevell, the offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks is a big supporter of Jackson.

He went 7-7 in his first and only year so far as a Seahawk, putting up a career high 14 touchdown passes and 3,091 yards. It is unknown what this could possibly mean for back up Brady Quinn  who was brought in from Kansas City, but bringing in Jackson is definitely an upgrade.

In my opinion, this move could work out pretty well for the Seahawks as he is familiar with their system and players on their roster. A mobile quarterback who was traded from this team to Buffalo, could have something to prove after not having a shot with the Bills. If something were to happen to Russell Wilson during the season, he is the best option to have as their replacement starter.

We all know he will not win his starting position back, but could be put to good use this season.

Jackson Smith

Now I dedicated this article to a little boy named Jackson Smith and his family. Jackson is currently going through something a child should never go through, but since we have no control over these types of things, he is. A very good friend of mine has a friend who is currently going through this battle along side with his little boy. A boy who one day, may want to throw on pads and a helmet and one day run onto a field on a team of his own. Here is a little back story on Jackson’s situation.

 ”Almost 2 years ago a beautiful little baby Jackson was born into the world to the greatest mother and father, our cousin and her husband.  Almost one week ago, our lives changed unexpectedly when we found out baby Jackson had a tumor on his brain stem.  The following day he had successful brain surgery to remove the tumor later to find out after the biopsy came back, it turned out to be an aggressive form of cancer.  We are all waiting to hear back from the doctors at St. Jude’s hospital on the next plan of attack.  We have never been more proud of our cousin, her husband, and their son Jackson for being so strong!  We will all beat this together.”

If you or anybody you know would like to donate to help little Jackson Smith and his family, they would deeply appreciate it. If you can’t, remember that’s alright. All we could do is help spread the word and get this family to the goal they need. If you are interested in donating, there should be a widget below where you can help out. Any amount is appreciated.

July 27, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik talks with the media during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking like a different and even more powerful team than they were last season.

Bringing in free agent free safety Dashon Goldson from the San Francisco 49ers and later on trading for possibly the best corner-back in the league, in Darrelle Revis, Mark Dominik, so far, is making the right moves. But what else could they possibly need? They traded running back LeGarrette Blount to the New England Patriots on the last day of the draft, for a 7th round pick and return man Jeff Demps.

You figured with Mark Dominik letting everybody know that he is willing to spend or do whatever it takes to make this team into a winning franchise, he would try to go for one of the two top defensive end free agents on the market. Well according to Mark Cook of PewterReport.com, Mark Dominik and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have absolutely no interest in bringing in Dwight Freeney or John Abraham.

Right now they seem comfortable with letting Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers hold things down on the ends of the defensive line. Two young defensive ends who were drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2011 draft, Clayborn in the 1st round, Bowers in the 2nd. Both players who have what it takes to become corner stones of this young defensive team. We see all the money that Dominik and the Buccaneers threw into this secondary, while picking up 3 defensive line players, along with a corner-back in this years draft.

Both Clayborn and Bowers had 12 sacks between the two last season, where John Abraham had 10 all by himself and Freeney had 5 in Indianapolis. With 3 of their 6 draft picks, they selected both defensive tackle Akeem Spence (University of Illinois) and defensive end William Gholston (Michigan State) in the 4th round, while picking up defensive end Steven Means (Buffalo) in the 5th.

It looks as if Gholston will back up Da’Quan Bowers at the left defensive end position, while Means can compete for the right end, possibly seeing playing time on special teams. Meanwhile, Akeem Spence, will look to help stop the run game, as he needs to work on his pass rush, along side Gerald McCoy, Gary Gibson and Derek Landri who was signed on March 13th by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, previously playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.

So Dwight Freeney and John Abraham are still looking for a new place to rest their heads. John Abraham already telling the Atlanta Falcons that he wasn’t interested in returning after they released him, could have been a perfect fit for this defense, adding a solid pass rusher to their roster. And Dwight Freeney, well, his production is declining, so he was probably going to be overlooked anyway, could have had a come back season, or at least he still can if he gets signed.

Two of the greatest pass rushing defensive ends from this decade, are still waiting for their phones to ring in hopes of employment.  I expect this two players to get calls from teams any time during camp or the regular season. We will just have to wait and see if that actually happens.

August 27, 2011; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (center) is tackled after a catch by Seattle Seahawks safety Atari Bigby (behind) and cornerback Marcus Trufant (right) during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

I wrote an article just a few hours ago talking about the Jacksonville Jaguars hosting veteran Marcus Trufant earlier today, seeing if they could get him to sign a contract with them.

Well the word is now out and Marcus Trufant is now a Jacksonville Jaguar. As reported by ESPN’s Adam Shefter, the Jaguars have signed unrestricted free agent Trufant and released 6 year corner-back Antwaun Molden.

“It’s just been an all-around good fit as far as the city and coaching staff. Everything I’ve been hearing is so positive. I just like the upside and I want to be a part of it.” - Trufant said in an interview

So now that Marcus Trufant is in Jacksonville and reunited with former defensive coordinator and now Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley, they still have 9 active corner-backs on this roster. The competition between the group of young guys along with this veteran will be intense coming into camp. With rookie Dwayne Gratz looking like a possible starter on one side of the field and younger veterans Kevin Rutland and Alan Ball, Trufant should have his work cut out for him.

“It was great to see him. It was all smiles and high-fives. Just his presence brings a smile to my face.” - Trufant on Head Coach Gus Bradley

Antwaun Molden, who was cut by the team around the time Trufant was picked up, is a former third round pick from the Houston Texans. He played for the Texans, Patriots, Giants and 3 games for the Jaguars. Molden was re-signed by the Jaguars in March, due to them only having 2 active corners on the roster.

Since being in the league, he has 65 tackles and 3 deflections,  could still get a call from any other team in the league for a shot at a spot on the roster. You never know, if things aren’t working out for this new group of corners in Jacksonville, he may get a call back for another shot with the team.

Contract details for Marcus Trufant are to be released soon.

Updated Corner-Back Depth Chart from my earlier article now that Trufant is a Jaguar.

Marcus Trufant

Alan Ball

Kevin Rutland

Mike Harris

Dwayne Gratz (R)

Jeremy Harris (R)

Demetrius McCray (R)

Trey Wilson (R)

Marcus Burley (R)

Jaguars signed unrestricted free agent CB Marcus Trufant to a contract and released sixth-year CB Antwaun Molden.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2013

Sep 25, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches the ball as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant (23) comes in for the tackle in the 1st half at Centurylink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars are scheduled to host 11 year veteran corner-back Marcus Trufant today in hopes of picking up a mentor for their 5 rookie corners who were recently brought in.

Trufant who was drafted in the the 1st round, 11th overall in the 2003 draft by the Seattle Seahawks, has spent his career in a Seattle uniform, would be a valuable pick up by the Jaguars if they do reach an agreement with him. If they happen to do so, the team will have 10 corner-backs on the roster which will more than likely get bumped down to around 6-7 after cuts are made later on this year.

Last season they brought in Aaron Ross who parted ways from the New York Giants after spending 5 seasons with them.  Ross signed with the Jaguars for 3 years, $9.75 million, where he was released after free agency started by new general manager Dave Caldwell. He recently signed with the New York Giants to make a 2nd run with the team. Now back to the subject of this article.

In his 11 year run in the league for the Seattle Seahawks, he has played over 136 games with 21 interceptions, 644 tackles, 5 forced fumbles , 2 touchdowns and 2 sacks.

So throwing him in the mix to mentor this group of young corners, with Alan Ball being the most experienced on the roster right now, with 6 years under his belt out of the University of Illinois, would definitely do some good for this group of prospects. He slid into a reserve role with the Seahawks but would provide experience for a secondary that desperately needs it. Well, this team needs work everywhere so if they can afford veterans who can help mentor a group of young kids and get production on top of that, why not?

Trufant is also familiar with Gus Bradley, who happens to be Jacksonville’s new head coach, was the defensive coordinator in Seattle for 4 seasons. So it is understandable why the Jaguars are picking Marcus Trufant out of a pool of free agent veteran corners, as Trufant already knows Gus Bradley’s style.

As I stated before in the beginning of this article, it will be a good pick up by the Jacksonville Jaguars if they happen to sign Trufant after this visit. With only 4 of their corners having experience in this league, it would be a plus to have a guy who has been in the league as long as Marcus Trufant and still have him around for 3-4 seasons if everything works out. Imagine if this works, how good these corners will be?

Not only the rookies, but Alan Ball, Mike Harris, Antwuan Molden and Kevin Rutland? I mean, if they survive pre-season cuts, like I said, if they sign Trufant they will have 10 active corners and not all of them can stay. It will be interesting to see if Gus Bradley can talk Marcus and the Jaguars into agreeing on a contract for this upcoming season. I think it should happen.

Jacksonville Corners Depth Chart as of today.

Alan Ball

Antwuan Molden

Kevin Rutland

Mike Harris

Dwayne Gratz (R)

Jeremy Harris (R)

Demetrius McCray (R)

Trey Wilson (R)

Marcus Burley (R)

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (26) reacts to being called for a penalty against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN’s Josina Anderson has reported that the Seattle Seahawks and 15 year veteran Antoine Winfield have agree’d to a 1 year contract.

Winfield will join his teammate from the Minnesota Vikings, Percy Harvin once again. The veteran started all 16 games last season and had a 2nd career high of 101 total tackles with the Minnesota Vikings.

Up there in experience, this is a good pick up for the Seattle Seahawks as they add to an already dangerous secondary, having guys like Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas to help carry the work load.

“I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to play in Seattle. They’re a great football team. Those guys did an excellent job last season. They’re young, athletic and energetic.” – Via ESPN’s Josina Anderson interview with Winfield

In his 15 years at the corner-back position, Winfield has 3 pro bowl appearances, over 1,000 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 27 interceptions and 14 forced fumbles. He spent 5 seasons with the Buffalo Bills who drafted him in the ’99 draft 23rd overall and spent majority of his career (9 seasons) with the Minnesota Vikings.

“I’m excited to play with Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas because they’re some of the most talented players on defense in the NFL right now.” – Via continued interview with ESPN’s Josina Anderson

 

CB Antoine Winfield just told me he’s agreed in principal to a 1-year deal with the Seattle #Seahawks.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 12, 2013

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Houston Chronicle’s Tania Ganguli, the Houston Texans did indeed offer a contract to Massaquoi on his visit. He told reports that he simply chose to play for Jacksonville over Houston, so let’s just say that I’m sure the Jaguars offered more money than the Texans (either that, or he thinks he’s set to get more playing time in Jacksonville…or something else…so maybe I’m not “sure”). But it is telling that Massaquoi praised the Texans recent record.

Massaquoi said, “That’s another quality place. It’s no surprise as to why they’re winning, why they’re contenders year in and year out because that place is filled with good people.”

So he likes the people in both organizations.

It’s interesting to hear the the Texans offered Massaquoi a contract, because he isn’t the No. 2 receiver the Texans are gunning for. They released Kevin Walter in an expected move earlier this offseason, because the Texans realized that they need a true No. 2 wideout opposite of Andre Johnson to take the offense (and likewise Matt Schaub) to the next level. That No. 2 receiver is most likely coming from the draft, and two names that come to mind are Justin Hunter and DeAndre Hopkins in the first round.

But Massaquoi is like a No. 3 or 4 wide receiver type, and so it sounds like the Texans aren’t sold on those types of players they have on their roster; players like Lester Jean. DeVier Posey has an Achilles’ tear, so their best depth receiver won’t be able to start the season. It’s no wonder why the Texans offered Massaquoi, who is an inconsistent wideout but fits as a No. 4 option who can occasional stretch the field. To me, that’s the kind of player the Texans could use to throw into the mix at wide receiver, and it’s good to hear the Texans are actively pursuing more players and depth at the position. You can never have too much talented depth at WR, and I have a feeling the Texans will invest in another wide receiver come draft day.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is defended by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Yes you read the headline correctly, the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals have reportedly shown interest in LSU star and former #1 pick JaMarcus Russell. Now we all know his story and what happened, but if you have forgotten, he was arrested in 2010 for possession of codeine syrup or purple drank, which is slang for this substance.

Now I know what you are thinking, the picture for this article doesn’t show JaMarcus Russell. You are right, because there were no pictures available for JaMarcus Russell from his days with the Oakland Raiders available for me to use, but these two teams are for some reason, interested in this man. I had no idea that he would be back, I never even really entertained the thought of seeing JaMarcus Russell back in the league, let alone the Chicago Bears having interest in him.

He had an awesome college career and rightfully so, was the #1 pick back in the 2007 draft for the Oakland Raiders. When he was playing ball at Louisiana State University, he beat out now Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Flynn to become the Tigers starting quarterback once again in his junior season after he injured his shoulder the season before. After the injury his sophomore season, Flynn took over for the Peach Bowl and lead the Tigers to a steam roll victory over the University of Miami Hurricanes, defeating them 40-3.

Before getting arrested and missing action in the league for the trouble he got himself into, Russell was thought to be the franchise quarterback Oakland was looking for. Throwing 18 touchdowns along with 23 interceptions and 4,083 passing yards. When he left the league in 2009, he weighed around 260 pounds, which is somewhat big for a quarterback, but I am hearing that he now weighs around 310 pounds. What quarterback is going to even compete for a starting or back up role, weighing around 310 pounds? I mean if the guy learned his lesson and could still do it, more power too him. But being a Chicago Bears fan, I hope this is doesn’t actually happen and they sign him to any sort of deal. They allowed Brian Urlacher walk away, but bring in a 310 pound quarterback? A move like this wouldn’t make much sense.

I can’t really see how any team is interested in him with the shape he is in. Unless he is looking to change positions and contribute in another spot on the field, then maybe, yeah maybe, see what he has to offer then think about giving him a contract. I understand you should never give up on players, no matter what mistakes they have made, but I was for sure JaMarcus Russell was out of the National Football League for good. I am not taking anything away from him, I was a fan of the guy when he played for LSU and I respected him a lot, but I wouldn’t want to see him standing on the Chicago Bears sideline, eating away precious cap space that could have went to another position that needs to be filled. If it is for any other team, great, Arizona Cardinals should pursue him if they believe he could still play.

At that weight he is at right now, I just can’t see him coming back to the league as a quarterback. Maybe he could take a Tim Tebow role and get a few designed plays here and there, or even become a personal blocker for the Punter. Who knows, maybe the New York Jets would like to have Tim Tebow and JaMarcus Russell on the same roster, not saying one is better than the other, but this is the only possible way I see Russell coming back into this league. Since he has been out of the league, the competition with teams for the quarterback position have either been out of reach or way too competitive and have been decided last minute.

I’m just saying, not just a fan of the National Football League but the Chicago Bears, I do not want to see money that could be given to a player with possible value, than a guy who has spent a few years away from the league. I respect that he is looking to come back and it shows me that he hasn’t lost his passion for the game, most guys would have quit, but let him become someone else’s project. If Arizona decides to sign him, good, he could become the back up to whoever backs up former Oakland Raider’s quarterback Carson Palmer. Let him become the come back Tim Tebow for the Arizona Cardinals and see if they get any success out of this decision. Other teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams could make this guy a hands on project considering they aren’t really playoff contenders, no offence to the fans who read this.

But whoever decides to pick him up, needs to put him through an intense work out program to get him to drop weight, he may not reach that 260 mark again, maybe not as fast but it could be somewhat of a start. Just hope he can stay out of trouble, keep his head above water and continue his road back to the National Football League, no matter what team he is with. Even if it is with my Chicago Bears (cringe), everybody deserves a second chance, just hope it works out for the best.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Parmele’s mediocre 2012 season and season-ending groin injury both played into his almost non-existent interest in free agency this offseason. However, Parmele is now being linked to a team, and this team apparently has strong interest in him as they have brought him in for a work out. NFL Insider Adam Caplan reports that the former Jaguars RB visited the Seattle Seahawks recently. Caplan notes that the Seahawks have just three running backs on the roster, so that would give Parmele a better chance at making the roster.

At this point in time, Parmele is a fringe-roster player, so he would have to prove to be healthy in training camp. He would also have to prove to the Seahawks that he can be effective, so it’s definitely a good thing that he can play on special teams and return kicks. The Seahawks lack of depth at the running back position is the thing that plays in Parmele’s favor the most, and he is also able to handle lead-blocking duties.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like Winston’s free agent market is drier than it should be, because teams like the Dallas Cowboys have renounced their interest in the 29-year-old Miami product. Speaking of Miami, the tackle-needy Dolphins have also been linked to Winston, but it sounds like the ‘Fins are poised to trade up in the draft and take Lane Johnson- the San Diego Chargers primary target with the 11th pick in the draft.

The fact that talks between Winston and the Chargers broke up over salary shows that Winston isn’t going to get what he wants financially from any team on the market. The best thing for him to do is probably sign a one-year deal and put himself in a position to get a big payday next free agency. That’s a gamble, though, but it doesn’t sound like there is much else for Winston to do. Actually, that sounds like what Winston wants to do; it’s just that no team is willing to give him enough for that one year. Winston isn’t looking for a long-term deal at all, so the issue is the fact that nobody is willing to even give him $3 million.

To me, Winston is worth that kind of money, especially for a team like the Chargers. Even if they do draft Johnson, they could still use another quality tackle on the line and on the right side. I would rather have Winston that Jerome Clary, and almost anybody is an upgrade over King Dunlap. The Chargers have such a huge need for a tackle that signing one and drafting Johnson would make sense, especially since it sounds like Winston is affordable. Philip Rivers has played behind an atrocious offensive line for too long, and that’s the main reason why he’s fallen so hard in terms of productivity. I wouldn’t be surprised if the beatings Rivers has taken in the pocket have also affected his play significantly.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.