Ravens coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Ravens get a solid pick in round two with RB Ray Rice from Rutgers. He is a bit of a smaller back but very tough and not just a third down guy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Ravens keep moving, after missing out on Matt Ryan at #8 they traded back to #26... now they came back up to #18 to select Delaware QB Joe Flacco. Which other team moves up into round one for Brohm or Henne? The Ravens got their #2 QB on their board. Flacco looks the part and they have to be happy. The Texans move down to #26, most had them looking corner and Mike Jenkins may still be there... not likely but possible http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Jaguars paid the piper to move up, giving the Ravens their first round pick, #26 overall, 2 third round picks, #71 and #89 overall and their 4th round pick. The Ravens should be looking quarterback at #26 and could have their choice of the 2nd tier QBs. Some of the teams in the top of round two were looking to move up and picks 27-29 were open to trade so the Ravens are above them http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Jaguars have moved way up to the Ravens #8 spot from #26... that will be a hefty price to pay... The Jaguars needed a top defensive end and they knew there would not be great value at #26 so they paid to come up and take Derrick Harvey, the next best end available. The Bengals could have been looking at him and he should upgrade the Jaguars line that is in a bit of transition http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Bengals may be nuts, is this news? According to ESPN the Bengals have turned down an offer from the Washington Redskins for WR Chad Johnson... a first round pick this year, #21 overall, and a conditional third round pick next year that could escalate to a first rounder! Also they have told the Eagles and Cowboys they are not interested in trading the malcontent childish receiver. Hey were all for demanding players knock off the cry baby crap, threatening to hold out for the year etc. It's not like Johnson is not being paid well, he is. He can rot while others play the game for all we care, same should have been done with T.O. when he was whining to get out of the deal that had him go to the Ravens to end up in Philly, how well did that work out? Johnson is making enemies and we like the Bengals stand but it must hurt to pass up an offer like that http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Ravens were in the market for a quarterback... now they really are. Steve McNair has announced after 13 seasons in the NFL he has decided to retire. Saying his mind was ready but his body wasn't he surprised his teammates with the news e was hanging them up. That leaves Kyle Boller as the current starter and Troy Smith behind him. Suddenly a quarterback in one of the first two rounds seems a certainty http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Ravens have signed former Packers CB Frank Walker to a 2 year $3.5 million deal and resigned LB Nick Greisen to a 3 year $4 million deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Ravens have signed former Bears LB and special teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo to a 4 year $4.925 million deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have released center Mike Flynn to save $2 million against the cap http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Ravens have released RB Mike Anderson http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have placed the franchise tag on Terrell Suggs... as a linebacker which is about $800,000 less than if he was tagged as a defensive end. Add another layer to the trouble with using the tag. Suggs is saying he wants to stay and the Ravens need him, not a long drawn out fight. However working out a long term deal won't be quick or easy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Rex Ryan was a candidate for the head coaching job in Baltimore that went to John Harbaugh, but that doesn't mean he is leaving. Ryan will stay on as the defensive coordinator, a job he had under Brian Billick and also gets a new title, assistant head coach and a nice bump in pay http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Former Dolphins coach Cam Cameron has been hired as the new offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, a job he was linked to even before they had a head coach. It is a an offense that should fit him well, and where he will need all his skills to improve the QB position to have the team make the next step http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have hired Eagles assistant John Harbaugh as their new head coach. Harbaugh made his name as a special teams coordinator and moved this year to the secondary to help him increase his visibility to become a head coach. With a little help from Jason Garrett, it worked. Harbaugh is an interesting hire and a lot will depend on the coordinators he hires. One smart hire would be Rex Ryan to continue with the defense. He was fired and is a candidate in Atlanta currently. Harbaugh is a good leader and could be an excellent choice, but this is a team built to win now and a young first time head coach will need strong leadership around him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net This year has been interesting, more than I can remember in the last 5 years combined there are so many coaches withdrawing from consideration or not even wanting to interview for head coaching job this year it is getting comical. The latest is Seahawks assistant Jim Mora who has pulled out of consideration with the Redskins... let that lead to rumors about Mike Holmgren. Anyway it seems Gregg Williams is the man there anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will keep offensive coordinator Jason Garrett who has pulled out of the Ravens and Falcons head coaching search. The Ravens have said they did begin negotiating with him, but he chose to stay in Dallas. He certainly got a big raise and likely a promise to be promoted soon. The Ravens job was attractive but a challenge as well. While there are only 32 of these job can't say that Atlanta looks that great. Many times an assistant can be hot one year and then forgotten, Garrett seems safe with the Cowboys though. One spot to keep an eye could be Seattle if Mike Holmgren were to step down. That could be a spot that would entice him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Reports are circulating that the Ravens and Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett are close or that the Ravens have offered him the job. Teams usually don't release that so a safe bet in Garrett did to up the ante. The Cowboys are said to be willing to match any offer to keep him as their coordinator, which is probably the best job for him on 2008. The Falcons are still in the mix, and a surprise is Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has called. That is a big rivalry and to take their coach would make it more interesting. The Seahawks could be a player if Mike Holmgren decides to step down but Garrett may not be on the market much longer either http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Colts assistant head coach and QB coach Jim Caldwell is a popular man right now. He has been a target of all the head coach openings with the exception of Miami. However his most likely chance at a head coaching gig is in Indy. Either after this year or next Tony Dungy is likely to retire and Cadwell would be the most likely replacement. The Rooney rule requires teams to interview at least one minority coach before hiring, has done a lot of good to be sure. It is certainly getting Caldwell's name out there, but it won't likely land him a job. Last year 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary was a hot candidate and was at that time said to be very impressive, but he hasn't gotten so much as a nibble this year. Continuing the interesting way "hot" candidates come and go look at Jim Schwartz, who nearly landed the job with the 49ers that went to Mike Nolan and then was untouched for two years and now is hot again. The same thing happened to current Packers head man Mike McCarrthy, who while the Saints offensive coordinator was a hot name only to disappear for a few years and then surprisingly landed the Packers job and look what he has done there. It is interesting how this all works, not necessarily smart but interesting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Bengals interviewed former Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for the same role. Zimmer is a good coach... however we understand the head coach can't focus solely on one side of the ball but makes us wonder if maybe he shouldn't spend a little extra of his time in those meetings and practices. Reminds you that some coaches are great coordinators and just because they are the hots names doesn't make them good head coaches or able to cure that side of the ball if hired. Just ask Brian Billick, who if not for the Ravens defenses would have been canned after a couple years rather than nine http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Yet another win for the Patriots... ESPN is reporting that offensive coordinator and QB coach Josh McDaniels will not interview for any head coaching jobs this year. The Falcons and Ravens were interested and Bill Parcells might have brought him in to pick his mind a bit as well. At only 31 years old and in his second season as a coordinator he may be making the wise if not usual decision. He is short on experience and with a great organization where he will be able to grow. After all Bill Belichick won't coach forever either. McDaniels will continue to run a top offense for the foreseeable and will have more than his share of opportunities. You could say things may change and take it when offered as assistants who are hot one year and disappear in a year or two as has happened many times. But jumping at the first opportunity especially if you are not ready can set you back even further. Personally it would be hard to leave the Patriots right now and this just serves as another win for them http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Something to consider now that Miami has made a change. You will have to add Miami to the list of teams that will be interested in Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who was the Dolphins QB coach in 2006. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will do everything in his power not to lose him, but he may have created his own mess and be unable to control it. If Garrett does leave would Cameron consider coming to Dallas? He worked with Wade Phillips in San Diego where they were each coordinators and Jerry certainly with outbid other teams interested. He would have a talented offense that could lift him quickly back to another head coaching job... it's certainly plan B for Jones and with the Cowboys in the playoffs could take some time for things to come clear here but something to keep an eye on. Garrett, only 41 years old, will be in such demand he will be able to pick his job or wait a year knowing his "star" won't fade before next year and Jerry certainly would give him a raise to wait a year. The Ravens be the one team with an opening who may consider Cameron for a head coaching spot, but after a 1-15 year that would be a tough sell http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net I guess people are better than we thought. Fans talking on more than a few sites are excited at the possibility of Brian Billick coming and in and fixing their woeful offenses... based on what his work in Minnesota 10 years ago. For 9 years he served over a bad offense and survived only by the defense. Not sure where he lands or what title, but I'd be nervous as a fan of that team http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano is the front runner in Miami, but Atlanta has an interview set up first according to ESPN. Sparano will meet with the Falcons on Friday and they have also requested permission to speak with Jason Garrett, but no interview is set up yet. Garrett according to the report is a front runner in Baltimore who desperately needs the help on offense. Be careful Jason, the last offensive guy they hired didn't fare so well with the offense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net In a move that has been needed for years the Baltimore Ravens have finally fired head coach Brian Billick. He came to the team as an offensive mastermind, but in his 9 years in Baltimore he presided over a miserable offense. Granted he did win one Super Bowl, no thanks to his offense, it will be interesting to see where he lands. There is virtually no chance he lands another head coaching job. Even being hired as an offensive coordinator seems unlikely. As for who will replace him, defensive coordinator Rex Ryan would be a good choice http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net ESPN has been handed some miserable games for their pricey Monday night schedule and this week figured to be the same as most thought the Patriots would run over the Ravens who have been slumping. However the Ravens came out looking to make a statement, and "boy" did they ever... more on that in a moment. Their defense did the unheard of in pressuring and hitting Tom Brady and the howling winds helped limit their passing game. In the end depending on who you ask it came down to a Patriots win in different ways. The Ravens see the officials as helping the Pats, others us included saw the Ravens making too many mistakes, a common theme of theirs. Much has been made of the head linesman supposedly calling Samari Rolle "boy" which is what caused Bart Scott to lose his mind and get 30 yards of penalties. If he did say it he should be suspended for sure, but regardless the Ravens need to be able to hold themselves better together. That isn't to say it wasn't wrong, but the reaction didn't help their situation. In the end if the officials were out to get the Ravens they had an easy call on the final Hail Mary when Asante Samuel was tackled as he tried to defend the bomb, easy call that was let go. Can you imagine the uproar if they would have gotten in the end zone on that play and the flag wasn't thrown http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Cardinals QB Matt Leinart was pulled after an ugly start 9 of 20 for 53 yards, Steve McNair was still ailing so Kurt Warner led a Cardinals charge for the late win against Kyle Boller. Warner went 15 of 20 for 258 yards and 2 TDs and 17 points in the 4th quarter but were stopped by Ravens kicker Matt Stover and a 46 yard game winner. Boller did well also going 80 of 10 for 83 yards http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals pulled QB Matt Leinart after he struggled going 9 of 20 for a pitiful 53 yards against the Ravens stingy defense. Kurt Warner is in... seems every year people want to say this is their year, but regardless of the talent on offense they jut can't seem to get it done http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net In the battle of the backup QBs, Ravens QB Kyle Boller pulled out the win, 20-13 over the now 0-2 Jets. The Jets almost came back from a 20-3 hole but guess who stopped them in the end, Ravens LB Ray Lewis with a late interception in the end zone to seal the win http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Ravens LB Ray Lewis doesn't have a torn triceps after all. He told a reporter after the game he thought it was even though he finished the game. The MRI shows no tear in the "main" muscle according to ESPN. Interesting way of stating that and offering no further statement to clarify. According to the team he will be a game time decision, and he told the Baltimore sun he intends to play this week against the Jets, gee you think. He played when he thought it was torn, and probably would have wanted to if it was broken as well. As for how effective he will be, it was obvious watching the game he was playing with one arm, and on one play that may have cost the Ravens a 15 yard penalty for a horse collar tackle when he could use the injured arm and was forced to bring the runner down with one arm http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Jets will likely be without starting QB Chad Pennington giving 2nd year QB Kellen Clemens his first start according to the Star Ledger. Pennington may be thankful considering the Ravens are up next and they are not too kind to quarterbacks, especially ones not mobile enough to defend themselves http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Can someone please tell the Baltimore Ravens the season started? They played Monday night as though it was the first pre-season game. They committed what seemed like 35 turnovers, actually it was only six and with that many you don't need to exaggerate I guess. What an ugly excuse for a first game. Adding to the bad nigh LB Ray Lewis reportedly tore his tricep on the first series though the season denies that. Johnathon Ogden couldn't finish the game and Steve McNair was knocked out with a groin injury as well. As for the penalty on Todd Heap at the end it was a horrible call, but six turnovers later you don't leave the game in the hands of the officials http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net So throw basic logic out. The Baltimore Ravens have signed QB Kyle Boller to a one year extension worth up to $3 million according to the Baltimore Sun. Most everyone believed the Ravens would sign Byron Leftwich next week and use the year to gauge him and develop the replacement for Steve McNair. Boller being in his final year was not expected to be offered a contract after the season, but now that is out. This will leave Leftwich searching a little more. Atlanta is possible as is Minnesota, but we don't think either will go after him unless there are major major issues this weekend http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have signed first round pick Ben Grubbs to a 5 year $11 million contract according to ESPN with $5.22 guaranteed. The overall value is slightly more than Joe Staley who was picked one spot ahead by the 49ers but he received $5.6 guaranteed. Grubbs is a big strong guard who should start from opening day and be a solid in blocker http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper is trying to get out of Miami quickly but that isn't happening yet... that leaves the question where is he going? Odds are an NFL bench somewhere. He has something to prove before he will return as a starter and at this late point that won't be this year. The Ravens make sense as they look to the future, but I doubt Daunte will be happy or quiet if he is hat in hand all year. Amazing how his world has fallen. He would have been the MVP in 2004 had it not been for Peyton Manning's record breaking year. Blown knee in 2005 and the following off season discarded by his team. Never back to full strength in Miami for 2006 and now considered a has been in 2007. Enjoy it while it lasts everyone http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Ravens LB Terrell Suggs is hoping to get a contract extension done this summer, he is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Ravens lost Adalius Thomas this off season and don't want to lose Suggs next year. They couldn't keep both and in letting Thomas go focused on the younger Suggs, not a bad idea. Suggs told the Baltimore Sun that he wants to stay there and is a 'Baltimore guy'. Nothing is imminent and it take a lot from both sides as this will be one of the biggest deals when done http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Ravens wanted help on the offensive line and with their first round choice they selected guard Ben Grubbs. He is a guy that will start from day one and for a long long time. Guards are always pushed down in the draft but their value shot up in free agency this year. Grubbs is a very good pick for them and a solid value here http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Baltimore Ravens OLT Jonathan Ogden will not be retiring this year according to the Baltimore Sun. He told the paper he will return for his 12th season. This is a big lift for the team after losing right tackle Tony Pashos in free agency, to lose one of the premier left tackles as well would have been a very tough blow. The Ravens will still take a tackle early in the draft. Hopefully they find someone who can start on the right side and take over for Ogden when he hangs them up http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens gave big defensive tackle Kelly Gregg a big contract extension worth $20.3 million over 4 years including $3.5 million guaranteed according to ESPN http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens are working to complete a contract extension with Terrell Suggs before the draft this weekend. The Ravens have been very good at locking up their young talent and this would be the third year in a row they extended the contract of a former first round pick as they entered the last year of their rookie contract http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan got some notice late this off season on the head coaching trails and now the Ravens have given him a new 2 year contract making him one of the highest paid defensive coordinators at $1.2 million per year according to the Baltimore Sun http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The NFL announced the prime time games for the opening weekend at the owners meeting. The Saints will travel to Indianapolis in the opening game Thursday night. The Sunday afternoon national game features the Bears traveling to San Diego where new head coach Norv Turner will face off against his brother, Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner. The Sunday night game is Giants at the Cowboys and as last year there are a pair off Monday night games. First the Ravens travel to Cincinnati and then the Cardinals visit the 49ers in San Francisco http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Detroit Lions have signed former Titans guard Zach Piller and are close to adding former Ravens guard Edwin Mulitalo according to the Detroit News. Offensive line coach Jim Colletto is familiar with Mulitalo from their days together in Baltimore and he would be an excellent addition http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net What a welcome to Baltimore present for Willis McGahee, he and the Ravens have agreed on a seven year $40.12 million contract with $15 million in bonuses according to the NFL Network. 49ers RB Frank Gore just got a smile as he will see these as nice starting numbers as he and the 49ers work toward an extension. McGahee had 990 yards last year and a career best of 1,247 while Gore ran for 1,695 last year. McGahee's deal puts him in the top five of backs, bet the house Gore will break the bank. The 49ers do have leverage in that he has only 2 years in the league and they have him easily locked up for three more years http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Buffalo Bills have traded RB Willis McGahee to the Baltimore Ravens pending a physical later in the week for three draft picks. ESPN is reporting it is the Ravens 3rd and 7th round picks this year and their 3rd round pick in 2008. The Bills come out better than expected getting a pair of third round picks rather than the expectation of one and a late round pick. Look for the Bills to strike quickly signing a replacement. There has been some interest in Corey Dillion but watch for Titans RB Chris Brown who was just in for a visit with the Bills and was next headed to Detroit, who continues to be interested in running backs, to sign with the Bills. The Lions are maybe looking to stockpile backs like Jon Gruden does quarterbacks in Tampa http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens will not wait long to replace Jamal Lewis and are working to complete a deal with the Buffalo Bills for Willis McGahee. They are offering a third round pick,and may add a later round pick to close the deal. If that happens look for the Bills to quickly sign Chris Brown http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Jamal Lewis couldn't a deal done with the Baltimore Ravens quickly after turning his attention to other teams he has agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns according to ESPN. This should only fuel the rivalry http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have released 8 year guard Edwin Mulitalo. The massive 345 pound lineman had a starter since his rookie year but missed most of last year with a triceps injury http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Jamal Lewis and the Ravens are not looking at each other anymore. Each is going their own way according to the Baltimore Sun. Lewis still has a one year deal on the table but will visit the Cleveland Browns later in the week, and the Ravens are looking into trading for Willis McGahee of the Buffalo Bills, who in expectation of trading him visited with Dominic Rhodes and Chris Brown yesterday. So much movement as teams run in a circle to pick up other teams players who end up with theirs. Dominic Rhodes has got to be kicking himself, if not for his slip up just before free agency he would have been signed by now and for a little more money than he will get after the fact http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have resigned backup RB Musa Smith to a one year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have resigned OLB Jarret Johnson who will replace Adalius Thomas to a 3 year $13 deal according to ESPN. It is an important move for the Ravens to quickly fill a void. Johnson is a versatile player, not nearly to the extent of Thomas but he will be a good player in his own right for the Ravens and the contract's length will allow him to establish himself and be only 28 years old when it is done leaving him primed for a big contract http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net As we first reported yesterday Adalius Thomas has now officially signed with the Patriots. They also signed former Dolphins RB Sammy Morris, and according to ESPN they will also sign Dolphins WR Wes Welker to an offer sheet. Welker was tendered at $1.3 million meaning the Patriots would have to give the Dolphins a second round pick for the third year receiver http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The 49ers have signed former Ravens nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin who at 6'1 andd 320 will be the starter on the nose in the 49ers 3-4 defense next. That makes three new starters in 2 days. The deal is 3 years for $6 million according to Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat. They also resigned WR Bryan Gilmore, who is a special teams player at best who was forced on the field last year due to the lack of depth at receiver http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net According to John Clayton of ESPN the 49ers are next looking at Dolphins LB Donnie Spragan. We reported earlier about Ravens nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin who will take a physical tomorrow short of any problems Clayton reports his deal is for 3 years and $6 million with half up front http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The 49ers want to change to a 3-4 defense this year and need a stout nose tackle to do it, their choice is Ravens DT Aubrayo Franklin who is on his way to San Francisco now and will likely sign shortly after arrival accord to Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Franklin is a typical nose tackle, not many sacks or even tackles but is hard to move. Before looking at his stats too hard remember he just needs to occupy two blockers to do his job well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The New England Patriots are very close to signing Ravens OLB Adalius Thomas, the deal could still be announced today. While not completed the number will be basically be $7.5 million per year and $17 million guaranteed. The 49ers are the only real compeition at this point, but the Patriots have his ear and shortly probably his signature to go with it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Ravens FB Ovie Mughelli, According to ESPN the deal is for $18 million over 6 years with a $5 million signing bonus. That dwarfs the deal Lorenzo Neal just signed making him the highest paid fullback. Mughelli is a bruising powerful lead blocker that new head coach Bobby Petrino needed in his offense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a splash in free agency sign former Ravens ORT Tony Pashos to a 5 year deal. They also signed kicker Josh Scobee to a five year deal taking him off the restricted free agent market http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The New England Patriots may be a little more aggressive this year in free agency. They placed the franchise tag on Asante Samuel already and are making a big push for Ravens LB Adalius Thomas. The 49ers are the front runner and were rumored to have a deal in place already. The 49ers will offer more money, but the Patriots will put a big offer on the table as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The 49ers are bringing in Ravens OLB Adalius Thomas for a visit Friday according to ESPN http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Every year before the start of free agency there are rumors to deal being done already. This year two rumors have been making the rounds. One has the 49ers already having a deal with Ravens LB Adalius Thomas and the other the Redskins with Bills LB London Fletcher Baker. Both seem logical, after who doubt the Redskins won't move quickly and Fletcher would fill a big need as would Thomas in San Francisco who has the cap room and history with 49ers head coach Mike Noaln http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net As expected the Baltimore Ravens have released RB Jamal Lewis. He was due a roster bonus of $5 million on March 3rd and they were not able to agree on a restructured contract. The team needed to get that off the books for cap space, but they are still open to bringing him back with a new contract. Lewis is still only 27 years old and while he hasn't regained form from 2003 due to injuries and legal troubles a change of scenery could be good for him. He will get another chance and is a good bet in the right system to be an excellent pickup in free agency http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens do not want to lose Adalius Thomas, but they will not use the franchise tag to keep him. They hope to work out a long term contract with him, but with him on the open market some teams are going to be coming with a lot of cash. The 49ers and his old coach Mike Nolan need someone like him desperately. Cleveland and the Jets will also be interested. Other than the price tag he would be a great fit in New England as well. That just scratches the surface of the teams that will be interested http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Ravens have confirmed that the contract extension signed by head coach Brian Billick is for 4 years and is believed to be worth about $5 million a year. Last month it was reported as a one year extension by the Baltimore Sun but Billick said that was untrue and it was for more than one year but gave no further details http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The San Diego Chargers are conducting the last of their scheduled interviews today with Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs. The only other name that was mentioned early to be interviewed was Jim Mora but he has not been contacted further. AJ Smith and owner Dean Spanos will be making their choice very soon, and an introduction will come by Wednesday at the latest. The early leader is Rex Ryan, but discount the chance that someone who hasn't interviewed will appear and be announced as the next coach as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Chargers completed their first interview for the head coaching job with 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary and next up is Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan who will be followed Friday by Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. Notice a defensive theme here? The only known offensive candidate is 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner who will interview Saturday http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The first four official names are in to interview with the Chargers: Norv Turner and Mike Singletary of the 49ers, Ron Rivera of the Bears and Rex Ryan from Baltimore... more will follow but the winners name is likely above http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net So who is next for the San Diego Chargers? The list of candidates should be familiar, with a few additions. Interview will start Wednesday and things will move quickly http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net Ravens OLT Jonathan Ogden is still considering retirement. He is still a premier left tackle in the league and would be a huge loss. It is a bit of a Brett Favre thing where he is waiting to see what the team does in free agency, but the team was deep in the playoffs and will compete next year. Odds are he will be back http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net The Baltimore Sun reports that the contract extension that Brian Billick received was for one year and pays him about $5.4 million. He was going to be entering the final year of his deal and is now signed through 2008 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25 PFInsider.net What is it with Ravens coach Brian Billick and who does he think he is, Bill Belichick? Today's Baltimore Sun he disputes their report that his contract extension is a one year deal for $5.4 million saying "none of it is true" and it was a "substantial commitment". Funnt I'd think $5.4 million is substantial. Asked directly if it has him under contract past 2008 he responded "Absolutely". At the same time he refused to say any more on the contract. This is down right stupid. While we really could care less what he makes (thank god for his defense because as an offensive genius he is not worth it!) but why be vague about the length of the contract. Most teams go out of their way to make sure there are no distractions and issues surrounding the team, and while it's true they have no games in the near future this still serves no point. Billick clearly thinks too highly of himself and his position. In his tenure in Baltimore he has never done much with the offense. Jamal Lewis crossed 2,000 yards and was one of the few bright spots. This has been immature and hopefully someone from the organization will put it to bed soon so everyone can move on, because this really isn't that interesting of a story Brian http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=25