Titans ready to make Chris Johnson NFL's highest-paid back

The Tennessee Titans say they are prepared to make Chris Johnson the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
But they’re not going to do a deal with him until he reports to training camp.
General manager Mike Reinfeldt told the Associated Press Johnson’s agent was the first person the club contacted when the lockout ended. The team re-did Johnson’s deal a year ago to get him more money and promised to re-visit the matter this year. Now, the running back is missing valuable time and the team is getting antsy.
"Even though he has two years left on his contract, we'd like him to go in," Reinfeldt said. "He could go to meetings, get to know the new coaches, he can learn the scheme. He doesn't have to practice, but it's something we want to get done.

"Again, we're willing to make him the highest paid running back in the history of the NFL. That's kind of where we are."
The three-time Pro Bowl performer has refused to report until he has a new deal and he’s said he would like a contract with $30 million guaranteed. Per the report, Reinfeldt said they have discussed the framework for a deal and the final details could be wrapped up in a matter of weeks.
It’s been a touchy subject. Johnson’s agent Joel Segal hasn’t made any comments and the Titans have been mostly tight-lipped.

"The reality is you hope those players are with you for 10 years and what you don't want to do is destroy a 10-year relationship over a two-week contract negotiation," Reinfeldt said. "People get upset at some point, we all come back, we're all family."

source:  National Football Post
author:  Brad Biggs

Report: Ravens Will Not Sign WR Jerricho Cotchery

Free agent wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery will not be signing with the Baltimore Ravens, Jamison Hensley of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Cotchery, who was released last week by the New York Jets, visited the Ravens on Tuesday, but left without a contract. The Jets cited a failed physical in releasing Cotchery, who underwent back surgery in February, but Hensley reports there were no problems with his medical check by the Ravens.

During his seven-year career with the Jets, the former North Carolina State standout caught 358 passes for 4,514 yards and 18 touchdowns. After the Jets signed Plaxico Burress, Cotchery and his $1.8 million base salary were released.

The Jets used that roster spot to sign veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason, who spent the previous six seasons with the Ravens.

With the departures of Mason, T.J. Houshmanzadeh and tight end Todd Heap, the Ravens do not have many experienced veterans to catch passes from Joe Flacco. 30-year-old Anquan Boldin is joined by 2011 second-round pick Torrey Smith atop the receivers depth chart, while 2010 draft choices Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta are the top two tight ends on the roster.

source:  Mac's Football Blog
author:  Brian McIntyre

Peyton Manning is one of many Colts who can’t currently contribute

The biggest news out of Colts camp is and has been the ongoing unavailability of quarterback Peyton Manning, who is recovering from his second neck surgery in as many years.
But plenty of other players are currently missing.
Absent from a Wednesday night practice were 10 players, including veteran linebacker Ernie Sims and defensive end Jamaal Anderson.  Sims recently underwent an appendectomy, and Anderson has a groin injury.
On Saturday night, the Colts face the Rams in St. Louis to open the preseason.

source:  PFT.com
author:  Mike Florio

Eagles Agree To Terms With WR Steve Smith

Free agent wide receiver Steve Smith has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

A 2007 second-round pick out of USC by the New York Giants, Smith has 220 receptions for 2,386 yards and 11 touchdowns over the last four seasons. Smith went to the Pro Bowl in 2009 after catching 107 passes for 1,220 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Smith had 48 catches for 529 yards and three touchdowns in 2010, but was limited to nine games and is coming off microfracture surgery on his knee. Smith visited the Giants' facility earlier this week, but left without contract.

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin indicated that it would be awhile before Smith returns to the field.

"It’s going to be kind of a long haul for Steve, so hopefully we can cut through some of that and see where it goes. It was good, though...

"As far as I know it’s August and he’s got a ways to go...He’s feeling good, feeling better, doing more, progressing better."

The Eagles would have the option of placing Smith on the physically unable to perform list now, which would keep him out until mid-October at the earliest.

source:  Mac's Football Blog
author:  Brian McIntyre