News and Notes

Added on May 23, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

With the exception of OTAs, late May and early June are pretty much a dead stretch during the NFL offseason. Of course that doesn’t mean there isn’t news to talk about, because there’s always something going on in pigskin circles even if it falls under the unexciting category. Let’s take a trip around the league to see who and what are making headlines.

Osi absent – Twitter aficionado and sometimes Giants pass rusher Osi Umenyiora is a no show at “voluntary” workouts this week. He wants a new deal, which he may or may not get. Someone should tell him that Jason Pierre-Paul is twice the player and he doesn’t whine.

Hard times for Hard Knocks – Seattle is the latest team to decline HBO’s Hard Knocks series. At this rate, the show might have to start looking at a UFL franchise.

Beanie is mysterious – Cardinals running back Beanie Wells had offseason knee surgery, but he hasn’t been too revealing on the type of procedure he underwent. Was it minor or major? Inquiring minds want to know.

Eagles humbled – Last year’s “Dream Team” is doing their best to put the 2011 faceplant behind them. The players are humbled, DeSean is done being a distraction and Brandon Graham admits he’s a bust. That’s great, but actions speak louder than words.

Punting for dollars – Niners All-Pro punter Andy Lee agreed to a six-year extension. His 44-yard net average last season was an NFL record, so the guy is pretty good at his job.

Packers ink Merling – Green Bay signed free agent defensive end Phillip Merling to a one-year deal. He has 3.5 sacks in four seasons.

New rules – The league will require all players to wear knee and thigh pads in 2012. Despite the threat of fines, several players have no intention of donning them. Raiders corner Ron Bartell said, “They’re not going to stop you from tearing an ACL.” He makes a good point.

Dance fever – Donald Driver won Dancing With the Stars last night. If he gets cut in training camp, at least he has a fallback career.

Source: NFL.com, ESPN.com