6-8-12: Arizona Cardinals Bird Droppings - Offseason Stuff

Time for todays links, featuring stuff on the end of OTA's

OTAs Come To A Close
Notebook: Confidence high for defense; TE Heap feeling good

Impressions from Arizona Cardinals' organized team activities
The Cardinals concluded organized team activities (voluntary practices) on Thursday. The next time they convene (Tuesday through Thursday) it will be mandatory for veterans. Rookies will be there too, including the two unsigned picks, Michael Floyd and Jamell Fleming.

Chat wrap: Running backs on the mind - NFC West Blog - ESPN
We had Joe C. from Fort Worth asking for projected carry breakdowns in Arizona if the Cardinals' Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams are both healthy. k1joyce from Massachusetts, fearful over what would happen if Seattle lost Marshawn Lynch to injury, pointed to the "seldom-talked-about lack of depth" at the position for the Seahawks. Jim from California wondered which running backs the San Francisco 49ers would keep.

RB Rep Distribution
With RBs Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams working their way back from injury, LaRod Stephens-Howling and Alfonso Smith have been seeing an increased workload during OTA's.

Arizona Sports News:

Phoenix Coyotes deal: Goldwater seeks restraining order
The Goldwater Institute announced Thursday it will seek a court order at 8:30 a.m. Friday to prevent the Glendale City Council from voting on a proposed Phoenix Coyotes ownership deal. According to Goldwater officials, a hearing to seek a temporary restraining order is scheduled less than two hours before a council meeting is scheduled to start Friday.

NFL News:

About Matt Flynn's alleged 'popgun' arm - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Once upon a time, Mike Holmgren and the Cleveland Browns were doing all they could to acquire from St. Louis the second overall choice in the 2012 NFL draft, presumably to select Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Following up: Brian Banks and Seahawks - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Thoughts and observations after watching Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and free-agent linebacker Brian Banks address reporters following Banks' tryout Thursday:

Saints Reportedly Under Investigation For Possible OTA Rules Violations - SBNation.com
The NFL is reportedly investigating the Saints for possible violations of the no-contact rules during offseason training activities.

Report: Santonio Holmes had "mini-meltdown" at Jets’ practice | ProFootballTalk
Last season Jets receiver Santonio Holmes was widely regarded as a divisive figure in the team’s locker room. A report out of today’s Organized Team Activity suggests that Holmes still needs an attitude adjustment.

Chad Ochocinco Era Is Over In New England - SBNation.com
The Patriots were unable to trade Chad Ochocinco and have released him.

Aaron Kampman Is A Free Agent After Jaguars Release Him - SBNation.com
The Jacksonville Jaguars have released defensive end Aaron Kampman. The veteran player spent the majority of his two seasons with the team on the injured reserve list.

Seahawks Offer Brian Banks Minicamp Tryout - SBNation.com
Former high school top prospect Brian Banks was recently freed after spending five years in prison for being falsely accused of rape. He is getting to live out at least some part of his dream, as several pro teams have invited him to workouts. He has also been drawing interest from colleges.

Rumors Of Drew Brees, Saints Nearing Contract Aren't True, According To Reports - SBNation.com
For some reason rumors were flying on Wednesday and again on Thursday morning that Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints were nearing an agreement on a new contract. That sounds good but it doesn't appear to be accurate. Several other reports have shot down the rumors that the two sides are close.

Joe Banner Out As Philadelphia Eagles President - SBNation.com
The Philadelphia Eagles have shaken up the top of their front office as Joe Banner is no longer the team president.

Justin Blackmon Suspension Unlikely, According To Report - SBNation.com
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon spoke with the media on Wednesday, the first time he's talked publicly since getting hit with a DUI early on Sunday morning, and expressed regret for putting himself in a bad situation. Though the NFL has yet to make a decision on his punishment, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that a fine, and not a suspension, is the likely outcome.