From the NFL truth & rumor dept.
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Fred Taylor, who is under contract for the 2007 season at a $2.55 million base salary, said Thursday he wants a contract extension in the $5 million range. Taylor said he won't happy if the Jaguars want him to play out the final season of his contract. As a last resort, if he doesn't get a new deal, he said, "I'd ask to be traded.'' -- Florida Times-Union
If Tom Coughlin is fired, a new Giants GM is needed in place as soon as possible. The in-house candidates have been interviewed, with director of player personnel Jerry Reese the favorite. Charley Casserly has been interviewed but is not considered to be a frontrunner. Some within the organization aren't sure if Scott Pioli's impressive track record with the Patriots is more about Bill Belichick's brilliance. -- New York Post
While the thought of a Bill Parcells reunion in the Meadowlands would certainly be enticing, the big rumor in league circles is that if Scott Pioli were hired by the Giants he would try to bring Bill Belichick with him. -- New York Daily News
Arizona would love to lure Southern Cal's Pete Carroll back to the NFL but probably can't give him enough money and power. Other names being mentioned are Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, former Giants coach Jim Fassel and offensive coordinators Ken Whisenhunt of Pittsburgh and Cam Cameron of San Diego. -- Washington Times
Terrell Owens was unhappy after the loss to Philadelphia, questioning his lack of involvement early in the game. His only two catches of the game were in the first half. Days later, Owens did not back off his comments and also questioned the offensive game plan not adjusting to defenses better during the game. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Falcons tailback Warrick Dunn has expressed frustration with the "identity" of the offense, saying the Falcons have gotten away from sticking with the running game. Dunn is owed $3.25 million next season and, as much of a long shot as it might seem, could be a salary-cap concern. Rookie Jerious Norwood is the heir apparent. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If Jim Mora is retained in Atlanta, he could be asked to replace some of his coaches, especially on offense. That could include offensive coordinator and good friend Greg Knapp, which would be difficult, if not impossible for Mora to do. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As the Jets enter the preliminary stages of their off-season plans to acquire a featured running back for next season via the draft, trade or free agency, the question the organization is wrestling with is whether it already has that player in rookie Leon Washington. -- Newark Star-Ledger
The Titans plan to exercise the option on coach Jeff Fisher's contract in the coming days, then continue discussions with him on a long-term deal at season's end, according to sources familiar with the situation. -- The Tennessean
Even with all of the media attention on second-round draft choice Tarvaris Jackson, Brooks Bollinger could be the Vikings' starting quarterback next season. Bollinger might have been playing now if he hadn't separated his left shoulder in the Dec. 3 game against the Bears. -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Bills' Nate Clements is one of the best corners in the league. But it's unfathomable to think the fast-improving Bills, who are projected to have $39.7 million in cap space, will let him make it to free agency. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be back as the Lions' offensive coordinator next season. Definitely. Maybe. Martz stopped short of taking his name out of the running for potential head coaching vacancies this winter, but he did say he feels "certain" he'll be back in Detroit next season. -- Detroit Free-Press
The Lions have not approached defensive lineman Cory Redding about a contract extension, but don't read anything into that. They want him back. -- Detroit Free Press
When teams begin their search for a new head coach after this weekend's final regular-season games, Rex Ryan could be the next in a line of Ravens defensive assistants to leave. -- Baltimore Sun
Adam Archuleta, who has been benched for the second half of the season despite signing the biggest contract ever for a safety in March, said he is unsure of his future and whether the Redskins will bring him back. He has been hurt by the way the Redskins have treated him. The coaches pulled him out of the starting lineup during a practice about two months ago, without giving him a reason, according to team sources. -- Washington Post
The Bucs still haven't decided what to do with Maurice Stovall. Though the rookie has been groomed to play wide receiver, there's still a chance he'll end up at tight end. Though he was initially pegged as the starter for last week's game against the Browns, Ike Hilliard urged coaches to start Stovall instead. The reason, Hilliard said: Stovall had earned it. -- Tampa Tribune
Look for former Vikings assistant coach John Tice to join his brother Mike next year as an assistant with the Jaguars. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks reported neck soreness after practice, but he thinks he can still start Sunday. -- San Francisco Chronicle
If Tom Coughlin is fired, a new Giants GM is needed in place as soon as possible. The in-house candidates have been interviewed, with director of player personnel Jerry Reese the favorite. Charley Casserly has been interviewed but is not considered to be a frontrunner. Some within the organization aren't sure if Scott Pioli's impressive track record with the Patriots is more about Bill Belichick's brilliance. -- New York Post
While the thought of a Bill Parcells reunion in the Meadowlands would certainly be enticing, the big rumor in league circles is that if Scott Pioli were hired by the Giants he would try to bring Bill Belichick with him. -- New York Daily News
Arizona would love to lure Southern Cal's Pete Carroll back to the NFL but probably can't give him enough money and power. Other names being mentioned are Chicago defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, former Giants coach Jim Fassel and offensive coordinators Ken Whisenhunt of Pittsburgh and Cam Cameron of San Diego. -- Washington Times
Terrell Owens was unhappy after the loss to Philadelphia, questioning his lack of involvement early in the game. His only two catches of the game were in the first half. Days later, Owens did not back off his comments and also questioned the offensive game plan not adjusting to defenses better during the game. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Falcons tailback Warrick Dunn has expressed frustration with the "identity" of the offense, saying the Falcons have gotten away from sticking with the running game. Dunn is owed $3.25 million next season and, as much of a long shot as it might seem, could be a salary-cap concern. Rookie Jerious Norwood is the heir apparent. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If Jim Mora is retained in Atlanta, he could be asked to replace some of his coaches, especially on offense. That could include offensive coordinator and good friend Greg Knapp, which would be difficult, if not impossible for Mora to do. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As the Jets enter the preliminary stages of their off-season plans to acquire a featured running back for next season via the draft, trade or free agency, the question the organization is wrestling with is whether it already has that player in rookie Leon Washington. -- Newark Star-Ledger
The Titans plan to exercise the option on coach Jeff Fisher's contract in the coming days, then continue discussions with him on a long-term deal at season's end, according to sources familiar with the situation. -- The Tennessean
Even with all of the media attention on second-round draft choice Tarvaris Jackson, Brooks Bollinger could be the Vikings' starting quarterback next season. Bollinger might have been playing now if he hadn't separated his left shoulder in the Dec. 3 game against the Bears. -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Bills' Nate Clements is one of the best corners in the league. But it's unfathomable to think the fast-improving Bills, who are projected to have $39.7 million in cap space, will let him make it to free agency. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be back as the Lions' offensive coordinator next season. Definitely. Maybe. Martz stopped short of taking his name out of the running for potential head coaching vacancies this winter, but he did say he feels "certain" he'll be back in Detroit next season. -- Detroit Free-Press
The Lions have not approached defensive lineman Cory Redding about a contract extension, but don't read anything into that. They want him back. -- Detroit Free Press
When teams begin their search for a new head coach after this weekend's final regular-season games, Rex Ryan could be the next in a line of Ravens defensive assistants to leave. -- Baltimore Sun
Adam Archuleta, who has been benched for the second half of the season despite signing the biggest contract ever for a safety in March, said he is unsure of his future and whether the Redskins will bring him back. He has been hurt by the way the Redskins have treated him. The coaches pulled him out of the starting lineup during a practice about two months ago, without giving him a reason, according to team sources. -- Washington Post
The Bucs still haven't decided what to do with Maurice Stovall. Though the rookie has been groomed to play wide receiver, there's still a chance he'll end up at tight end. Though he was initially pegged as the starter for last week's game against the Browns, Ike Hilliard urged coaches to start Stovall instead. The reason, Hilliard said: Stovall had earned it. -- Tampa Tribune
Look for former Vikings assistant coach John Tice to join his brother Mike next year as an assistant with the Jaguars. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press
Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks reported neck soreness after practice, but he thinks he can still start Sunday. -- San Francisco Chronicle
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Comments
Seemed like a juggernaut early on, but once the emphasis was back on passing, the bloom came offf the rose. Other than Crumpler, there isn't much for Vick to throw to. Seems like Vick vaccilates between trying to take games over and trying to play within a system. The vaccilation is what kills them. Vick needs to make his peace with this and play consistently one way or the other.
Bosox1976