Friday Update: Teams Must Cutdown Roster to 53

The fourth and final week of the 2012 preseason is officially in the books as of last night, and we are now just a mere five days away from the start of the regular season.

That can only mean one thing: teams will need to cut down their rosters to the official 53-man depth chart prior to tonight's 9 p.m. eastern time.

Rookies and long-time journeymen alike have been fighting for a spot on the roster all summer long, and it all comes down to tonight. There have already been numerous well-known and former stars that have been cut by their respective team, and we still have more than four hours to go.

Two-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch, and running back Tim Hightower (Redskins), were among the eyebrow-raising cuts to occur earlier today. In addition to Branch, the Patriots also cut ties with veteran center Dan Koppen, safety James Ihedigbo and backup quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Additional Headlines, News:

Cardinals name John Skelton Week 1 starter against Seattle; Kevin Kolb to be second-string QB for the start of the season

Jets finally got into the end zone in Wednesday night's preseason finale against Philadelphia. They, however, fell to 0-4 after the 28-10 defeat. Funny thing about this, is that it was actually third-string quarterback Greg McElroy that got New York into the end zone for the team's lone touchdown of the preseason. Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow have struggled all summer long, and will likely continue to struggle to start the season.

Colt McCoy earned the backup role in Cleveland after Seneca Wallace was sent walking. It will be interesting to see how rookie Brandon Weeden fares in his debut next weekend.

Pittsburgh's injuries woes have continued after learning that third-round pick ILB Sean Spence has torn ligaments in his knee and will miss the entire 2012 season. First-round pick David DeCastro also suffered a serious knee injury and will miss significant time. Between the two rookies, Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman and James Harrison, the Steelers haven't been able to catch a break all off-season.

More cuts:

Vernon Gholston, STL

Mike Kafka, PHI

Danny Ware, NYG

O.J. Atogwe, PHI

Jerrod Johnson, PIT

Trai Essex, PIT
Rock Cartwright, SF

With less than a week to go until the start of the season, I will need to be getting my bold predictions, division winner predictions, division-by-division preview, season awards and Super Bowl picks posted as soon as I can. So look out for it this weekend, considering it's a three-day Labor Day weekend starting in 3...2...1...now!

Note: I do not own the above image. No copyright infringement intended.

Early 2012 Preview: Top 5 Draft Picks

Having a top five draft pick in the NFL is a huge deal and can play a huge role in how the next 4-5 years pans out for your respective franchise.

Obviously landing a top five pick means you were at the bottom of the NFL standings the season before, or you traded up to select a player that you've had your eyes on for the last couple of months. Either way, making the correct decision is vital in both success and team chemistry.

This year's draft has been one of the most top-heavy first rounds we've seen in quite some years. Atop the first round we have two top-tier quarterbacks who are NFL-ready and are going to QB-thirsty teams. One (Stanford's Andrew Luck) will be replacing a franchise's icon and the other (Baylor's Robert Griffin III) will be going to a team that has lacked a play-making quarterback since Doug Williams left Washington in 1989.

It's the first time two quarterbacks have gone No. 1 and No. 2 overall since 1999, when Tim Couch (Browns) and Donovan McNabb (Eagles) were selected in back-to-back picks to start the draft. This could either be a history-making draft with Luck/RGIII putting up stellar careers over the next 10+ years, or it will be a huge letdown. I happen to be a firm believer that these two will have decent rookie seasons, both happen to be starting the season under center.

Here's a preview of what we should expect from Luck, RGIII and the other three top five picks in the draft that was completed at the end of April..

Note from the author: Reading this may overly-excite you for the start of the 2012 season. Unfortunately there is still just under three months until the season will kick-off, so beware..

Luck, Colts QB: No. 1 overall

The built tough and smart Stanford signal caller has a huge task at hand...replacing a legend in Peyton Manning. But, just completing his education at Stanford Luck has just re-joined the team for Mini Camps and has already impressed his teammates. Reading various tweets from his fellow Colts, I think it's safe to say he has the support of his peers already.

Being a Stanford guy, you know he's smart and I expect him to have Indy's playbook down pat by the time pre-season rolls around. With All Pro wideout Reggie Wayne re-signing with the team, the Colts have a proven target for him and plan on building the rest of the offense around Luck. Once the rebuilding process is complete, Indy could be Super Bowl contenders once again.

Griffin III, Redskins QB: No. 2 overall

The No. 2 overall pick by the Skins, who gave up everything but the kitchen sink to get him via a trade with the St. Louis Rams prior to the draft, has impressed many already as well. His wideouts have expressed how impressed they are with his arm strength via Twitter as well. The Skins have done what they can to place the pieces around Griffin as well, bringing in free agent WR Pierre Garcon out of Indy, WR Joshua Morgan. Retaining running back Tim Hightower for insurance was another move that I thought was a good idea.

His weapons aren't A+ grade, of course. But it's a good start. Drafting quarterback Kirk Cousins in the third round this year seems a little silly to me, especially after giving up so many picks just to land Griffin. But Cousins will manage to give RGIII a little added motivation throughout training camp. Perhaps that was the purpose of the move? We may never know.

This will surely be an interesting summer in D.C., wouldn't you agree?

Trent Richardson, Browns RB: No. 3 overall

Cleveland chose not to make a move for RGIII and instead snagged the top running back off the board. Given a very limited backs to choose from, the Browns didn't waste any time grabbing Richardson. With the selection of top five quarterback Brandon Weeden later in the first round (22 overall pick), it appears as though Cleveland is on the five-year plan and is looking to re-build the offense.

The loss of Peyton Hillis (signed with Kansas City on March 14) and the unreliability of additional running backs Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya led to the drafting of Richardson, who has a great combination of speed and power. He has the ability to break long runs once he gets through the first level of opposing defenses.

Hardesty, a former second round pick in 2010, has been a huge letdown after missing all of 2010 and putting up just a 3.0 yards/carry average and zero TDs on 88 rushing attempts in 2011. The front office has high hopes that Richardson can bring an effective run game back to Cleveland, which is almost a requirement to have success within the AFC North.

Matt Kalil, Vikings LT: No. 4 overall

The least exciting pick of the top five, but that doesn't mean it isn't a huge pick. Trading down to the No. 4 spot, Minnesota snagged the top offensive line prospect in the draft, replacing last year's left tackle Charlie Johnson (70 starts in six seasons w/ IND and MIN). I don't think there's anyone I'd rather have protecting the young Christian Ponder's blindside than the 6'7"/306 pound, 22-year old Kalil.

With Adrian Peterson's recovery (ACL) still in question for the start of the season, the passing game will have to be more reliable and keeping Ponder, Donovan McNabb and Joe Webb off the ground was a huge issue last season. The Vikings allowed the fifth-most sacks in 2011 (49; tied with Chicago), which contributed to its 26 offensive turnovers.

A reliable LT is becoming more and more a requirement for a successful passing offense, and Minnesota certainly took a huge step forward in selecting Kalil, who has a brother (Ryan Kalil, current Panthers center) and father (Frank Kalil, former NFL/USFL OL) with professional football experience.

Justin Blackmon, Jaguars WR: No. 5 overall

This, by far, will be the most interesting first round selection to watch. Just over a week ago Blackmon was arrested for driving under the influence (his second DUI arrest since 2010) and there will likely be a suspension coming his way. Well, at least there should be. He hasn't even played a down in the NFL yet and he's already getting himself in trouble. Commissioner Goodell needs to set him straight and sit down and talk with him about his issues.

Anyway, if he does face suspension in 2012 it will be interesting to see how he copes with that and responds once he returns to the field. He's a play-maker and, if Blaine Gabbert can stay upright long enough to get him the ball, he will make plenty of plays for the Jaguars. He's an exciting guy to watch.

If all of this potential NFL drama heading in to training camps at the end of July doesn't excite you, then I'm not real sure what will. Maybe you should get your pulse checked.

Note: I do not own any of the above images. No copyright infringement intended.

Taking a Closer Look at Miami's Ochocinco Signing

Four days after being released by the New England Patriots following his lone season with the team, 34-year old Chad Ochocinco announced via Twitter on Monday that he had signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Sadly for the 'Phins, the 11-year old veteran wideout may have immediately climbed atop the depth chart.

Last season's leading receiver Brandon Marshall (81 receptions, 1,214 yards, 6 TDs) was traded to Chicago to reunite with former quarterback Jay Cutler on March 13 in exchange for two third round draft picks, leaving Davone Bess (51 receptions, 537 yards, 3 TDs) Miami's top wideout left on the roster.

Clearing Marshall off the roster was a puzzling move to me––and many others––especially considering all they received for the hefty three-time Pro Bowler was two third rounders. Two rookies, selected in the sixth and seventh rounds, are heading in to camp for Miami and may find the experience of Ochocinco helpful.

What I'm trying to say here is that Miami's receiving corps is incredibly inexperienced and, even with the addition of Ochocinco, lacks leadership. Legedu Naanee, 28, signed a one-year deal with the team in April and will provide an elusive presence for the offense.

Running back Reggie Bush, finally breaking out for a 1,000 yard season on the ground in 2011, has always been a threat out of the backfield (43 receptions, 296 yards, 1 TD) and will continue to do so throughout the 2012 campaign.

In 2011 Miami was 20th in total offense and 23rd in the passing game, using two different quarterbacks in Matt Moore (12 starts) and Chad Henne (four starts). The two combined for a 6-10 record and, surprisingly, just 13 interceptions.

With the eighth pick in the draft this past April, the front office took a chance on the questionable 6'4"/221 pound quarterback out of Texas A&M, Ryan Tannehill. Projected to go much later in the draft (late first rd/early second) this was a risky selection.

Henne is no longer on the 'Phins roster, which means Tannehill will duel it out with Matt Moore for the starting position starting at training camp towards the end of July. Tannehill is the darkhorse to win the starting roll––in my opinion, at least––but I wouldn't be surprised to see him the starter by mid-season should Moore struggle early on.

Given all of the above information, I think the only reasonable conclusion as to why Ochocinco (15 receptions, 276 yards, 1 TD) chose to head down to Miami was simply because he can head back to his hometown and play the game he loves. Or, perhaps he finds that this could be one of the last opportunities he gets to prove he can still play with the big dogs.

Luckily for both parties, the Dolphins' offensive system should be a little easier to grasp than their division counterpart and Ocho's former team New England. Despite his aging body, I expect Ocho to be a difference-maker for this offense, catching 50+ balls for over 500 yards.

Note: I do not own these images, no copyright infringement intended

2012 Free Agency Update: Wide Receivers-galore and other UFA signings

Today marks day No. 2 of the National Football League's new calendar year, which also means day No. 2 of the 2012 free agency period.

Less than 24 hours after free agents were allowed to sign with teams we have witnessed more wide receivers signing contracts than every other position. In fact, six of the position's most coveted free agents have already signed new contracts.

They haven't all switched teams for 2012––Indianapolis' All Pro Reggie Wayne signed a three-year deal to stay with the Colts and New Orleans' leading receiver Marques Colston signed a five-year deal to stay with Drew Brees and the Saints. The rest, well lets just say they will be donning new uniforms once Training Camp rolls around this summer.

After tying a career-high with nine touchdown receptions with the San Diego Chargers this past season, 29-year old Vincent Jackson landed a five-year, $55.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The one-time Pro Bowl wideout will team up with one of the youngest offensive units in the league, alongside 24-year old quarterback Josh Freeman, fellow receivers Mike Williams (24) and Arrelious Benn (23) and running back LeGarrette Blount (25).

Luckily for Charger quarterback Philip Rivers, General Manager A.J. Smith immediately went out and bought himself a V-Jack replacement with a 4-year, $25.5 million deal according to ESPN's John Clayton.

The receiver talk doesn't end there. On Monday, the 49ers added a deep threat by giving future Hall of Famer Randy Moss a one-year deal after his announcement to un-retire following a year out of football. The Niners can void his contract before the season starts without penalty, if Moss starts acting up or they change their minds. That makes this a very solid and affordable signing on San Francisco's part.

Pierre Garcon announced yesterday, before the news broke, that he would be signing with the Washington Redskins. Just days after owner Dan Snyder spent three first round picks and a second round pick on this year's sought-after second overall pick in April's NFL draft, Snyder dropped $42.5 million ($21.5 million guaranteed) on the 25-year old Garcon, wrapping him up for the next five years.

The move also comes one day after learning the Redskins, and Cowboys, will be penalized by Commissioner Roger Goodell for pushing salary cap into an uncapped season.

This clearly didn't worry the Skins' organization too much, as they also signed WRs Eddie Royal (two-years, $12 million) and Josh Morgan (two-years, $6 million) shortly afterwards, adding targets for soon-to-be quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Update on other WRs:

*Brandon Lloyd (STL) is set to visit the 49ers.
*Mike Wallace (PIT restricted free agent) can still sign with another team. The Steelers have signed an offer sheet, but other teams are allowed to counter that offer. Personally, I see him landing elsewhere because I'm just not sure the Steelers have the money to retain Wallace.
*The Detroit Lions and Calvin "Megatron" Johnson have made history. The All-Pro wideout wasn't set to become a free agent, but he did however sign a mega contract extension from the Lions, worth $132 million. The $132 million over the next eight years makes Johnson (96 catches, 1,681 yards, 16 TDs in 2011) the highest-paid wide receiver in league history, surpassing Larry Fitzgerald's $120 million contract from a year ago.

Top UFA WRs Still available:

*Brandon Lloyd
*Mario Manningham
*Laurent Robinson
*Harry Douglas
*Deion Branch

Non-WR Free Agent Signings

Much to my surprise, the New Orleans Saints were unable to retain free agent guard Carl Nicks. The 26-year old Nicks was made the highest-paid guard in the league by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following a contract signing of 5-years, $47.5 million. Nicks will be a welcome addition to the Bucs, who like I said previously, houses one of the youngest offensive attacks in the league.

The first and only quarterback to sign thus far has been former Raider Jason Campbell, who is on his way to Chicago to back up Pro Bowl signal caller Jay Cutler. He will join new-coming wide receiver Brandon Marshall (acquired from Miami for two 3rd round draft picks yesterday) after signing a one-year deal.

Despite losing top wideout Vincent Jackson, San Diego center Nick Hardwick has agreed to stay with the Chargers and signed a three-year contract. The Chargers, however, released left tackle Marcus McNeill at the same time, to save cap space.

Key Defensive Signings:

*So far, former Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan has signed the biggest defensive contract of the free agency period, agreeing to a five-year, $50 million mega-deal with the St. Louis Rams.
*Former Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions cornerback Eric Wright signs with Bucs on five-year, $37.5 million contract.
*Pro Bowl corner Carlos Rogers re-signs with the 49ers (four-year, $31 million) after his one-year contract expired.
*Cornerback Perrish Cox, former Bronco, signed a two-year deal with the 49ers despite his recent involvement with a sexual assault case. He was found not guilty in court on March 2.

The Biggest are yet to come:

Peyton Manning, one of the best free agents to ever hit the market in NFL history, has reportedly narrowed his possible destination list down to just four teams (Denver, Miami, Tennessee and Arizona) according to a Yahoo! Sports report I just recently read. As of 12:00 PM eastern time on Wednesday March 14, Manning's decision could come as early as today.

As for the best defensive free agent on the market, Houston Texans' defensive end/linebacker Mario Williams has met with the Buffalo Bills, and will reportedly meet with other teams as well. So don't get overly excited just yet, Buffalo fans.

Come back for more free agent signings and NFL off-season news! Or visit the All-Out Blitz tumblr page for faster updates: http://alloutblitzblog.tumblr.com/

Photo credit
Vincent Jackson: Harry How/Getty Images
Brandon Lloyd: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
Cortland Finnegan: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Manning, Colts to Part Ways According to Sources

It's been reported, by ESPN's Chris Mortensen, that the Colts have made the decision to part ways with four-time MVP quarterback Peyton Manning. The official announcement is expected to be made tomorrow, Wednesday March 7.

I, along with many others, have been expecting this move to be made before March 8 rolls around and his $28 million bonus is due to him. With Stanford's Andrew Luck entering the draft in April, this further proves that owner Jim Irsay would like to rebuild with Luck as the face of the franchise in 2012. So this really isn't exactly "breaking news," it's just finally becoming official.

Sources have also said he (Manning) would like to continue playing football, so he will not hang up his cleats and enter retirement just yet.

Manning, 35-going-on-36, has spent 14 years donning the blue and white horseshoe helmet, capturing four regular season MVP awards, nine playoff victories, 11 Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All Pro selections, Super Bowl MVP and numerous passing records.

His list of accomplishments has him a first-ballot Hall of Fame upon his retirement, no matter what he accomplishes through the remainder of his career.

After four neck surgeries in the past year, teams do not seem to be too worried about Manning's health and well-being, and there's no doubt that he will find a team and turn around a cellar-dwelling franchise into a playoff contender football squad.

Unfortunately, this announcement involving Manning will not be quieting ESPN and their Manning talk any time soon (we all love Manning, but ESPN sure knows how to talk a subject to death). In fact, I think all this Manning talk is just beginning, and here I am contributing to it.

Oops.

I'll end my article with this: Luck will be a Colt, and Manning could end up almost anywhere in 2012, including teams such as Denver, Arizona, Washington, Miami, Cleveland, Jets, Chiefs, Seahawks, etc. Lets hope he signs with someone sooner rather than later, and ESPN, could you please tone down the Manning talk just a tad, maybe?

Photo credit

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Off-season Tracker: Signings, Franchise Taggings, Releases, etc.

The 2012 off-season is officially in full-swing, with players agreeing to new contracts and teams placing their franchise tags left and right.

To make things slightly easier to keep track of, I will be listing the off-season moves in one post.

Contract Signings

Stanford Routt, three-year deal w/ KC

Arian Foster, re-signed w/ HOU

Stevie Johnson, re-signed w/ BUF (pictured)

Marshawn Lynch, re-signed w/ SEA

Ahmad Brooks, re-signed w/ SF

D'Qwell Jackson, re-signed w/ CLE

Will Montgomery, re-signed w/ WAS

Jermichael Finley, re-signed w/ GB

Trent Edwards, one-year deal w/ PHI

Lavelle Hawkins, multi-year deal w/ TEN

Rian Lindell, re-signed w/ BUF

Domenik Hixon, re-signed w/ NYG
Mark Sanchez, signs contract extension w/ NYJ
Rashean Mathis, re-signs w/ JAC
Lofa Tatupu, signs w/ ATL

Franchise Tags (Deadline: March 5, 4 PM ET)

Arizona--Calais Campbell, DT

Atlanta--Brent Grimes, CB

Baltimore--Ray Rice, RB

Chicago--Matt Forte, RB

Cincinnati--Mike Nugent, K

Cleveland--Phil Dawson, K
Dallas--Anthony Spencer, LB

Denver--Matt Prater, K

Detroit--Cliff Avril, DE
Indianapolis--Robert Mathis, DE

Jacksonville--Josh Scobee, K
Kansas City--Dwayne Bowe, WR
New England--Wes Welker, WR

New Orleans--Drew Brees, QB
New York Giants--Steve Weatherford, P

Oakland--Tyvon Branch, SS

Philadelphia--DeSean Jackson, WR

San Francisco--Dashon Goldson, FS
Tampa Bay--Connor Barth, K

Tennessee--Michael Griffin, FS

Washington--Fred Davis, TE

Releases

Hines Ward

James Farrior

Aaron Smith

Albert Haynesworth

Lee Evans

Chris Carr

Chris Kemoeatu

Anthony Adams
Dallas Clark
Gary Brackett
Joseph Addai
Peyton Manning
Melvin Bullitt
Brandon Jacobs
Marcus Trufant
Cedric Griffin
Anthony Herrera
Steve Hutchinson

Retirements

Ricky Williams, BAL RB

Kris Dielman, SD G

Bill Muir, KC offensive coor.

Chris Hoke, PIT NT

Note: I will be adding on to this list as the transactions happen). Last updated on Saturday March 10.

Photo credit

Steve Johnson: Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Contract Extensions: Niners, Browns Net Long-term Deals with Linebackers

Two notable players have reached agreements on the first two contract extensions of the 2012 off-season. First, it was the Cleveland Browns' inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson agreeing to a five-year, $42.5 million extension yesterday.

Then, earlier today, it was the San Francisco 49ers making a move on outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks, signing him to a six-year extension worth $44.5 million ($17.5 million guaranteed).

Jackson, 28, is a product of the University of Maryland, where he won ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2005) and was a two-time All-American (2004, 2005). After being selected 34th overall in the 2006 draft by Cleveland, Jackson combined for just 274 tackles, three sacks and four interceptions in just 48 starts from 2006-09.

However, in 2011 Jackson bounced back from his injury-riddle 2010 campaign with an AFC-leading 158 combined tackles and a career-high 3.5 sacks. Unfortunately Jackson was overlooked for the AFC Pro Bowl squad, but that doesn't take away from his career year in Cleveland.

San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh clearly has a plan for his defense in mind, locking up the overall under-achieving Brooks for the next six years. Not to mention the stack of money they are guaranteed to be throwing his way. But there's no doubting what Harbaugh has in the team-oriented mind of his, considering he turned around the Niners' D from 16th overall in 2010 to 2nd overall this past season.

Brooks does make a great complement playing outside 'backer alongside the likes of Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. Brooks, 27, completed his first full season since entering the league as a third round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2006 Supplemental draft.

Brooks (50 combined tackles, 7 sacks, 1 FF, 3 passes defensed) had a career-year in one of the league's most dangerous defenses. He forced just one turnover all year, but has plenty of room to improve with permanent defensive figures around him (Willis, Bowman, etc.) for the next several years.

Although I wanna say Brooks may be a little overpaid with this extension for the simple fact he's had just one outlandish season so far, I think both will prove to be smart moves by these two teams.

Photo credit: belongs to Ohio.com

Sidenote: Now that the NFL Scouting Combine is over, I will start to provide insight on the prospects and draft preview in the coming weeks...including my 2012 Mock Draft!

Houston Texans Free Agency Frenzy: Who Will Stay and Who will go?

Today marks the first day that NFL teams can place the franchise tag on one of their free agent players this offseason. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean that every team will place the tag on a player today, because they have until the beginning of March to do so. But we could see a couple teams start to make a decision.

This also means we can start to focus more on the actual offseason, meaning free agency and scouting for the upcoming April draft (Scouting Combine in Indianapolis begins on Wednesday).

One key team I will be watching closely this offseason, in addition to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, would have to be the Houston Texans.

The defending AFC South division champions have two huge impact players lined up to hit the free agency market, and there's a slight chance they could only bring one of those two players back for the 2012-13 season.

Bouncing back after a season-ending injury this season after just five games seems likely for free agent DE/OLB Mario Williams, who is looking to sign a long-term contract with his rookie contract expiring. The two-time Pro Bowler would cost Houston $23 million if he was to be franchise tagged, so it's highly likely he could test the free agent waters, in my opinion.

Houston's other impact player that could walk is running back Arian Foster, also coming off his rookie contract. Foster is a restricted free agent, but he may still receive offers from other teams. If he isn't franchised for some odd reason, Houston could still match any offers he gets from other teams.

All this being said, I would like to think that Houston will retain Foster, the 25-year old back who has run for 2,840 yards and 26 TDs the past two seasons, and let Super Mario walk. Again, Williams played just five games this season before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in a 25-20 loss to the Oakland Raiders. In six seasons, Williams started 82 games, recording 192 tackles, 53 sacks, 11 passes defensed and 11 forced fumbles.

One of the team's best pass rushers will certainly be missed if they let him go, but there's no question they have proven this season that they can still play top-tier defense without him in the lineup.

Thanks to some breakout performances from young guys such as rookies J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed, in addition to hard-hitting inside linebacker Brian Cushing, the Texans ranked second in overall defense (yards) and fourth in scoring defense on their way to a franchise-record 10-win season.

As for the offensive side of the ball, Matt Schaub should return as the opening day starter at quarterback in 2012 despite rookie T.J. Yates doing a fine job filling in for the injured Schaub. With the duo in Foster and Ben Tate continuing to gain ground, the only huge hole on offense seems to be at the receiver position.

Andre Johnson, Houston's 30-year old five-time Pro Bowl wideout, battled a right hamstring injury all season long, starting just seven games in 2011. He, aside from veteran Kevin Walter and tight end Owen Daniels, is pretty much the only all-star caliber talent Schaub has in the passing game. None of the receiving corps will hit the market, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Houston go after a target or two either in free agency or through the draft.

On the line, center Chris Meyers is a free agent as well, but I have no reason to believe that he wont be brought back this offseason. Other than that, Houston's line seems to be pretty solidified for 2012, with tackles Duane Brown and Eric Winston, and guards Wade Smith and Mike Brisiel anchoring the offensive line for Gary Kubiak's squad.

Don't be surprised if Mario Williams signs a record-breaking contract with a team other than Houston, and we see Houston with a top three rushing attack led by Foster and Tate again in 2012.

Photo credit

Williams: Bob Levey/Getty Images

Foster: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Ricky Williams Plans to Announce Retirement After 11 Seasons

The New York Giants celebrating Super Bowl XLVI in the style of a parade through downtown Manhattan isn't the only NFL news making headlines today, Tuesday February 7.

Former New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl running back Ricky Williams will reportedly announce his retirement from the game, a source told ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The one-time Pro Bowler, winner of the 1998 Heisman trophy while playing at the University of Texas, played 11 seasons in the NFL upon entering the league as a fifth overall pick in the '99 draft. Hall of Fame head coach Mike Ditka, then coach of the Saints, moved up to snag him early in the draft.

Williams had a solid career, when he was focused on football, but I believe he may have been one of the most-touted college ballplayers the league has seen. Having high hopes as a Heisman winner, Ditka spent all of the team's draft picks in 1999 to move up in the draft and select him, the trade also included first and third rounders the following year.

The trade involving New Orleans and the Redskins has gone down as one of the most well-known draft-day trades in recent history: one player in exchange for eight draft picks.

Coach Ditka, nearing the end of his coaching career, went all-in to get his hands on Williams, who ended up spending just three seasons as the Saints' running back. He ran for just over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in 38 starts, but the Saints posted a 15-33 record over that span and Ditka was fired as head coach.

The following season Williams was traded to Miami, once again warranting a hefty price–four draft picks, two of which were first rounders. Williams stepped up his game, setting a career- and league-high 1,853 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first season with the 'Phins. That year, 2002, was his only Pro Bowl and All Pro selection of his career.

In 2003 Williams ran for 1,372 yards and nine TDs, but his yards per carry average dropped to just 3.5 after carrying a heavy workload of 392 rushing attempts.

Following Miami's 10-6 season, just missing out on the postseason, Williams allegedly failed a drug test and was facing a fine and four-game suspension for the 2004 season. And failed another just before training camps began. He stunned the Miami fan base by announcing his early retirement from the game of football on August 2, 2004.

The Dolphins finished 4-12 and Ricky took the year off studying the Ancient Indian System of holistic medicine at the California College of Ayurveda.

As we all had anticipated, Williams returned to the game in 2005. Upon being reinstated by the league and serving his four-game suspension Ricky ran for 743 yards and six touchdowns in '05 for the 9-7 Dolphins. More trouble came his way, however, as he was suspended for the entire 2006 regular season after violating the NFL's drug policy for a fourth time.

Williams signed a one-year contract with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, where he rushed for 526 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. Controversy brewed after Williams' signing, and a rule ("The Ricky Williams" rule) was put in place prior to the 2007 season that prevented a suspended NFL player from signing with a CFL team.

Williams made just one start with Miami in '07, but showed signs of rebirth the following two years, putting up 1,780 yards and 15 TDs from 2008-09. The last two years he has had his role on his respective squad reduced, as he ran the ball just 108 times this past year in his lone season in Baltimore.

The retirement announcement doesn't come as a surprise to me, and shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone else. Williams signed the deal with Baltimore over the offseason as one last push to get himself a Super Bowl ring.

Though the contract was two years, the retirement makes plenty sense. At 34 years old, Slick Rick knew his role would be no more than third down back in Baltimore, and aiding youngster Ray Rice in developing as a complete player.

Known as the type of guy to keep to himself in the locker room throughout his career, I would expect a very low-key retirement for Williams. After eclipsing 10,000 career rushing yards this season, it's safe to say Ricky's career was a success, though I think there was much more that could have been achieved had he been consistent with his performance.

I don't believe his career warrants a Hall of Fame selection, though he did happen to be just the 26th player in history to reach the 10,000 rushing yards milestone. However, there's no doubt he should have any shame in his on-field success. It's not often you see a guy play running back in this league until they are 34 years old like Ricky did.

Despite his troubles with drugs, Ricky Williams was a stand-up guy and was generally well-liked by the teammates that understood his way of life. Quiet, reserved, yet well-disciplined. Solid career he put up over those 11 years, and not enough people have commended him for it. So to you, Ricky, I tip my hat.

Photo credit

With Longhorns: borrowed from ESPN.com

With Dolphins: borrowed from nj.com