Chad Johnson has a warrant out for his arrest, Randy Moss isn’t sure whether he wants to continue to play next season, and the Indianapolis Colts are considering running a faster-pace offense through quarterback Andrew Luck. Here’s what you may have missed on Thursday.
NFL news: Chad Johnson has a warrant out, and Randy Moss may not play in 2013
The few remaining free agents are being tossed around, players are retiring and teams are getting a plan together as OTAs approach.
Ezra Shaw
A warrant was issued for former Bengals and Patriots wide receiver Chad Johnson for failing to meet with his probation officer. He pleaded no contest to a domestic violence charge filed by his ex-wife, Evelyn Lozada, in August of 2012. He has been out of league since he was released by the Dolphins before the 2012 season.
More: Bengals site Cincy Jungle
After being released by the Patriots, Kyle Love, who was recently diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes, was claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is the second defensive lineman released by the Patriots who was picked up by the Jaguars, as they grabbed Brandon Deaderick this week as well.
From Big Cat Country:
The Jaguars defensive line now features several young players competing for spots on the roster, despite the team electing to pass on additions to the line in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Recently-retired linebacker Rolando McClain said Thursday he needed to step away from football for a period of time in order to focus on his personal life. McClain has struggled off the field since he was selected early in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Raiders.
Doug Free agreed to take a pay cut with the Dallas Cowboys that will pay him $7 million over the next two years, making him a free agent after the 2014 season. He originally had four more years on his contract and was set to make an average of $8 million per year. He was likely going to be cut if he didn’t agree to a pay decrease.
More: Cowboys blog Blogging the Boys
Wide receiver Randy Moss isn't quite sure if he wants to continue playing football in 2013. Following a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers in 2012, Moss may retire for the second time in his career. He previously retired after the 2011 season after he was released by the Patriots and Vikings.
The Indianapolis Colts will run a faster-paced offense with Andrew Luck under center in 2013, according to Chuck Pagano. The team’s new offensive coordinator, Pep Hamilton, who was Luck’s offensive coordinator while at Stanford will look to make sure his former charge doesn’t hold the ball too long in the backfield. Pagano said the offense would focus on getting the ball out of Luck’s hands quickly.
More: Colts blog, Stampede Blue
The Dallas Cowboys are looking to find a new practice facility after practicing at the same location for the last 28 years. They’ll continue to practice at Valley Ranch for the 2013 season, but hope to be in their new location for the 2014 season. They could move to Frisco or Arlington or possibly stay in Irving.
Free agent running back Tim Hightower has been talking to both the Redskins and Giants this offseason, according to reports. Hightower was cut by the Redskins before the 2012 season, stemming from questions regarding his health. However, according to Hightower his then-injured knee now feels fine. The Giants seem more likely of the two teams to reach out to Hightower before the 2013 season.
More: Giants blog Big Blue View
The Denver Broncos may be the favorite team to sign free agent defensive back Charles Woodson. He met with the team on Wednesday, though he left without a contract. He has also received interest from the Raiders and Panthers.
From Mile High Report:
While the Broncos aren’t bad at the safety position (despite what one game in January might tell you), they do lack a playmaker. Woodson fits that bill. He’s a ballhawk who would add a veteran presence to the Broncos safety position.
Get the deal done, Mr. Elway.
The Buffalo Bills promoted Doug Whaley, naming him the team’s new general manager. Whaley has been a major part of the front office and draft team over the last three seasons. He will replace Buddy Nix, who stepped down from the position on Monday.
More: Bills blog Buffalo Rumblings
The Vikings are working to convert quarterback Joe Webb to a wide receiver to give starting signal caller Christian Ponder another weapon to throw to. Webb is entering his fourth year in the league and has played quarterback in the NFL since he was drafted by the Vikings. However, he does have experience at wide receiver from college.
From Daily Norseman:
This doesn't really change the dynamic of the team, but it also kind of does, too. Webb really didn't have a chance as quarterback, especially after his playoff start against Green Bay. But his athleticism is something that can't be discounted, so the Vikings are going to look and see if he can contribute there.
But either way, the Joe Webb era as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings is over, long live the Joe Webb quarterback era.
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