IS STOCKPILING DEFENSEMEN
Last night, I pointed out that NFL Network's Steve Wyche was reporting that the Falcons would make a push for tight end L.J. Smith.
Today, Joe Fortenbaugh of the National Football Post says he's hearing a deal could be coming in hours.
It had been assumed that Smith wouldn't be back with the Birds after they slapped him with the franchise tag last year and he underperformed (37 catches, 298 yards, three touchdowns).
The Eagles drafted Smith in the second round of the 2003 draft.
Some other free-agent news that has caught my eye:
** The Redskins made the day's biggest splash with a $100M deal to Albert Haynesworth, but it sounds like not much more is coming. 'Skins VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato told ESPN the team is running out of money and has to be selective with what it does from here on out. The team will release cornerback Shawn Springs, according to washingtonpost.com.
** The Giants have been fairly quiet. They are hosting defensive tackle Rocky Bernard and linebacker Michael Boley, according to The Newark Star-Ledger.
** The Cowboys have been pretty quiet also, although Ray Lewis hasn't landed anywhere yet. A league source told ESPN.com's Matt Mosley yesterday that the Cowboys did not appear to be seriously considering Lewis. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that sources close to Lewis say he will not return to Baltimore. Schefter also reports that the Jets are expected to sign Lewis' teammate, linebacker Bart Scott, to a $40M deal.
** We are moving at a frantic pace here at MTC, but hoping to keep it up. Keep checking back.
