Time for some links, and here we have news of a trade between the Skins and the Rams to move up for Robert Griffin is going along with all of the Peyton Manning news.
Cards Extend Tender Offers
Stephens-Howling gets second-round bid; Toler, Johnson also included
Former Manning backup says AZ is best fit - ArizonaSports.com
Jim Sorgi knows Peyton Manning very well. The former NFL quarterback spent six seasons (2004 to 2009) as Manning's understudy with the Indianapolis Colts. Sorgi spoke with ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd Friday on Arizona Sports 620 and shared his opinion on where his former signal-calling mentor would fit in best.
Report: Manning visit to Arizona looming - ArizonaSports.com
Could Peyton Manning be deciding between his final three suitors? ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed a Denver Post report, former four-time MVP quarterback will be making the rounds to meet with potential future employers, starting with John Elway and the Denver Broncos Friday night. The long-time heralded leader of the Indianapolis Colts' offense has Arizona at the top of his travel list, as well.
Cardinals make roster changes, give offers - ArizonaSports.com
The Arizona Cardinals announced Friday the team has tendered one-year qualifying contract offers to restricted free agents Rashad Johnson, LaRod Stephens-Howling and Greg Toler. The three are allowed to consult with other teams until April 20, but the Cardinals have the right to match any offer or receive a draft selection as compensation.
Those big-spending Arizona Cardinals - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals' critics might have to shift away from longstanding characterizations of the organization as a cheap one. As ESPN's John Clayton notes, the Cardinals have the NFL's highest cash payroll at present, right around $119 million.
On Cardinals still being in Manning picture - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A few thoughts as Peyton Manning prepares to visit the Denver Broncos:
Word From the Birds Blog - Where in the world is Peyton?
The always-morphing Peyton Manning story continued Friday as bits and pieces leaked out and everyone tried to analyze what it all meant when nobody with the initials P.M. was actually making comments. As of this writing – it seems like things will be changing often, or at least be seen through a changing prism – Manning is in Denver. The Denver Post and ESPN are both reporting that, and also reporting that the Cards will get a visit from Manning while he is out West. Some stories make it sound like the Broncos, Cards and Dolphins have the visits and are the final three. Another said Manning is just doing due diligence in order of convenience.
azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Cardinals' hopes for Manning remain alive
So, the Cardinals apparently on Peyton Manning's short list, if he has a short list. The Denver Post and ESPN are reporting Manning will visit, Denver, Arizona and Miami. And that he would like to have a new employer by Tuesday, the start of free agency.
Cardinals make offers to LaRod Stephens-Howling, Rashad Johnson, Greg Toler
The Cardinals announced a handful of roster moves Friday, but none include a certain quarterback formerly with the Colts. Three restricted free agents received one-year tender offers: running back LaRod Stephens-Howling, safety Rashad Johnson and cornerback Greg Toler. Those players can receive offers from other teams until April20, and the Cardinals have the right to match those offers. If they decline to match, the Cardinals would receive draft picks as compensation.
Chat wrap: Manning and other subjects - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Trev from Portland, Ore., says the Cardinals are best positioned land Manning because for reasons consisting of an indoor stadium, grass field, weather, receivers, running backs, staff (former Colts assistant Frank Reich), holding a mid-range draft pick available for a quality offensive tackle and having an extra 15 days for training camp in advance of the Hall of Fame game.
Warner: Miami the frontrunners for Manning - ArizonaSports.com
Two-time former NFL MVP Kurt Warner knows he could be a factor in luring coveted free agent quarterback Peyton Manning to Arizona.
Manning Logic 101 - ArizonaSports.com
I think the Arizona Cardinals are driving the Peyton Manning Free Agent Bus. Sources close to Manning have reported he wants to make a decision in less than a week. Many experts believe this is because Manning wants to sign with a team before free- agency begins so that whatever team he goes to will be able to sign other free agents - such as Reggie Wayne. Still others believe Manning wants to get to work as soon as he possibly can, grabbing a playbook and immersing himself in a team's terminology. Both of these reasons make sense and have merit but neither of them makes the most sense. I believe Peyton Manning wants to get this free agent process over within a week because he has already narrowed down the teams he wants to play for and the Arizona Cardinals are one of them.
Golic: Fitzgerald the trump card for Manning - ArizonaSports.com
Former NFL defensive tackle and co-host of ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning on Arizona Sports 620, Mike Golic has an adoration for the state of Arizona. But all personal opinions aside, Golic believes the Cardinals possess the one weapon that should make them clear-cut favorites to land Peyton Manning.
Video: Kurt Warner discusses options for Peyton Manning
Bruce Cooper caught up with former Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner to get his thoughts on the man many would like to see become the new Cardinals' quarterback.
Audio: Manning, Kolb and Cardinals - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Those suffering from Peyton Manning withdrawals overnight can get their morning fix right here. Mike & Mike checked in with the Arizona Republic's Kent Somers for thoughts on the Cardinals' chances for landing Manning.
RFA blog post not about Peyton Manning - NFC West Blog - ESPN
A few thoughts on known contract offers for restricted free agents in the NFC West:
ManningWatch: Connecting dots, planes - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Tracking NFL free agency has sometimes meant tracking aircraft. A flight enthusiast once helped me follow the plane Kurt Warner took from Arizona to San Francisco for a 2009 free-agent meeting with the 49ers. Peyton Manning is the big story this week. News helicopters showed him arriving in Miami, where he has a home, following his release from the Indianapolis Colts. On Thursday night, a local Arizona sportscaster suggested a plane associated with Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill might have visited Miami, but others suggested that was improbable. All of this led me to check out online flight records for planes associated with NFL owners.
Arizona Sports News:
Arizona basketball tops Oregon State to reach Pac-12 championship game
The Arizona basketball team will head to its 2nd straight Pac-12 championship game after a 72-61 win over Oregon State.
Warner: Brock Osweiler has high ceiling - ArizonaSports.com
Two-time MVP Kurt Warner accomplished numerous milestones over his 12-year career. So if anyone knows how to be successful and achieve longevity in the NFL, it's Warner. The retired Arizona Cardinals' quarterback had nothing but praise for former Arizona State quarterback Brock Osweiler, who he believes has the potential for a prosperous career in the NFL.
NFL News:
Peyton Manning Sweepstakes: Should Your Team Pursue NFL's Top Free Agent? - SBNation.com
Peyton Manning's free agency is causing more than a few fanbases to get excited. We spoke with SB Nation's NFL bloggers whose teams have been tied to Peyton about what the QB could do for their squad, and why their team is, or isn't, the best fit.
St. Louis Rams Reportedly Deal No. 2 Pick To Washington Redskins At A Hefty Price - SBNation.com
The St. Louis Rams dealt the No. 2 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft to the Washington Redskins for three first-round picks and a second, according to reports on Friday.
Mark Sanchez Signs 3-Year Contract Extension With New York Jets - SBNation.com
After quickly falling out of the running in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, the New York Jets announced late on Friday night that they are committing to beleaguered quarterback Mark Sanchez long term, signing the third-year quarterback to a three-year contract extension. The team held a conference call with reporters announcing the move, but did not disclose the terms of the deal.
Mark Sanchez's Contract Extension Worth Nearly $60 Million Over Next 5 Years, According To Reports - SBNation.com
It was an interesting late Friday night in the NFL world, with the news that the St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins coming to an agreement for the No. 2 pick, a lock to be used Robert Griffin III, dominating the headlines. But at just about the same time, the New York Jets announced they had signed Mark Sanchez to a three-year contract extension. Sanchez has two years left on his rookie deal, and stands to get paid in a big way, both in the present and future. Here's the details of his contract extension.
Miami media circus may make Manning wary of Dolphins | ProFootballTalk
Appearing on ESPN’s 9 a.m. edition of SportsCenter Friday, Adam Schefter suggested that the immediate and circus-style media coverage of Peyton Manning landing in Miami after his release by the Colts may have affected the free agent quarterback’s outlook on playing for the Dolphins.
Brandon Jacobs To Be Cut By New York Giants, According To Report - SBNation.com
Brandon Jacobs and the Giants couldn't come to an agreement on a pay cut and the two sides will part ways.
Three Denver Broncos Players Suspended For Failed Drug Tests, Appeals In The Works - SBNation.com
It was reported on Friday that three members of the Denver Broncos have received suspensions due to violating NFL drug policies. Two of the suspended players will be filing lawsuits against the league.
Aaron Rodgers thinks Matt Flynn will be a "top-15″ quarterback | ProFootballTalk
Aaron Rodgers has seen as much of Flynn as anyone and he shared his verdict with Peter King. Rodgers thinks his soon-to-be former teammate will wind up being better than half the other quarterbacks in the league.
Brees addresses bounties in letter to fans | ProFootballTalk
Last Friday, the NFL revealed that the Saints had maintained for three seasons a bounty system. Earlier this week, former Saints tackle Kyle Turley called out quarterback Drew Brees, wanting to know what Brees knew about the situation. Brees has addressed the subject in a letter posted at his website.