News and notes around the league
1. The Jets recently reworked Santonio Holmes contract to lower his base salary, so the amount of money thats deducted for his upcoming suspension will be less. When Holmes was traded, most of his money due in 2010 was in the form of his base salary, but since he became a Jet, the team shifted the money into roster bonus, reporting bonus and signing bonus so Holmes would pay as little as possible for his fine. This clearly cannot make the NFL league office happy and goes against the spirit of the suspension.
2. Speaking of the Jets, they are actively shopping guard Alan Faneca, defensive end Shaun Ellis and linebacker Bryan Thomas and will probably waive these players after the draft. You might be surprised to read Fanecas name, but hes the first to go after the draft.
3. The Cowboys would part with defensive end Marcus Spears, linebacker Bobby Carpenter, wide receiver Sam Hurd, safety Pat Watkins and lineman Cory Procter for the right price. All of them are being shopped around the league.
4. Ive been asked several times if the Raiders would take Idaho guard Mike Iupati in the first round. My answer is that it doesnt make sense, but who knows? The Raiders have done a ton of work in recent weeks on linebacker Rolando McClain of Alabama, and although he doesnt have Raider speed, he would be a good pick for them.
5. Im still hearing the Raiders would be willing to trade any corner on their team, Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt are all available.