Wilfork gets tagged by the Patriots
As was widely expected, the Patriots applied the franchise tag to nose tackle Vince Wilfork on Monday. According to Comcast SportsNet New England’s website, CSNNE.com, the tag is “non-exclusive,” meaning that Wilfork is allowed to negotiate with other teams but that the Patriots have the right to match any offer he receives. If Wilfork reaches a deal with another team and the Patriots elect to let him walk away, the team that signs Wilfork would owe the Patriots two first-round draft picks.Wilfork has expressed concerns in the past with having the tag applied to him, saying that he wants a long-term deal to provide security and stability for his family. Shortly after the tag was announced, Wilfork’s wife said through Twitter that she hoped the tag was just being used to allow the team and her husband more time to negotiate. According to Boston.com, the Patriots have used the franchise tag six times over the past nine years. Two players (Tebucky Jones and Matt Cassel) ended up leaving the team the year they were franchised, but the other four left the team for good in the long term.
Days of “Mannywood” are numbered
After spending nearly two years in Los Angeles, it appears that Manny Ramirez has grown tired of the California sun and playing with the Dodgers. According to ESPN.com, the carefree slugger doesn’t plan on returning to the Dodgers in 2011, and isn’t sure if he’ll be playing at all. Ramirez told ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Tony Jackson, “I won’t be here next year, so I just want to enjoy myself. I don’t know [if I’ll play next year]. I just know I’m not going to be here. When the season is over, I will see where I’m at.” Ramirez is in the last season of two-year deal that will see him make a total of $45 million. Ramirez has repeatedly said that he has enjoyed his time in Los Angeles, but the aging slugger’s body is beginning to let him down. Some experts are speculating that should he play in 2011, it may be for an American League team so that he could serve as a designated hitter.
Tebow attempting to improve draft stock
Even though he had one of the greatest college careers in recent memory, former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is hardly considered a “can’t miss” NFL prospect. He has been knocked for taking too long to get rid of the ball and for being a bit too inaccurate, among other things. However, Tebow appears to be serious about pursuing an NFL career, so serious, in fact, that he is working on making his delivery more “pro appropriate.” According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tebow will reveal his new throwing style at Florida’s Pro Day on March 17. Tebow is focusing on releasing the ball more quickly and keeping the ball above his shoulder at all times during the delivery. He has also worked at improving his footwork in an attempt to solidify the fundamentals of his game.
Chargers cut LT
The LaDainian Tomlinson era is over in San Diego. After suffering a series of injuries and losing his old explosiveness, the running back was released by the Chargers on Monday, just weeks before he was due to receive a $2 million signing bonus. According to FoxSports.com, the move had been anticipated by both sides for some time. Tomlinson had said that he’d like to play for a couple more seasons after this past year ended, when the Chargers lost to the New York Jets in the playoffs. The 30-year-old had a dreadful season by his standards last year, rushing for 730 yards on 223 carries, a career low. Tomlinson’s agent, Tom Condon, told FoxSports.com that he would use the upcoming NFL combine to gauge the interest of teams around the league, and that he doesn’t expect LT to retire yet.
