We have officially hit the slow part of the NFL calendar. When you start seeing headlines focusing on the greatest head coach in league history and whether Tony Romo hid his surgery from the masses, I am pretty sure news outlets (this one included) might be reaching for something to catch your fancy.
As it is, there is some somewhat important news to cover in late-May. Let's get to it:
Fresh off news that wide receiver Michael Crabtree is going to miss six months with a torn Achilles, rumors are swirling that the San Francisco 49ers are going to be in the market for a veteran receiver. Initial talk of them bringing back Randy Moss was quickly quieted by the brass in Santa Clara, so that's likely a non starter.
Current free-agent options that have been linked to San Francisco include Devery Henderson and Brandon Lloyd; the latter of which visited San Francisco prior to signing with the New England Patriots last offseason. John Clayton over at ESPN seems to think Henderson, a former Saints' receiver, would be a better fit with the 49ers.
Short of acquiring a veteran, San Francisco will likely rely on an injured Mario Manningham, under-performing second-year player in A.J. Jenkins and under-drafted rookie in Quinton Patton to fill the void.
Free-agent defensive tackle Richard Seymour has been linked to the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran and fomer Super Bowl winner had indicated in the past that he would only sign on with a contender, which ended the Oakland Raiders' chances of retaining him. Atlanta fits the bill as a contender and is in need of some pass-rush help along the defensive line. Seymour would fill in for Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry at defensive tackle and could beat one of them out for the starting gig. It's being reported that the two sides are currently talking contract, which means something could get done in short order.
Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Titus Young, coming off a month of arrests in California, appeared in court on Friday. He refused to address the judge when posed with questions. Young's attorney went bench side in order to ask for a psych evaluation. Young is being charged with a myriad of different crimes, including: burglary, battery on a police officer and drunk driving. Showing a bit of tough love, Young's family declined to post bail. It seems that they want him to go through that evaluation to find out what is wrong with the former top collegiate prospect.
In what has to be somewhat of a surprising move, Roman Harper agreed to restructure his contract in order to remain with the New Orleans Saints, who selected Kenny Vaccaro in the first round of April's draft. Common logic seemed to indicate that New Orleans would part ways with the veteran after adding the top safety in the '13 draft class. As it is, Harper will battle with another former first-round pick, Malcolm Jenkins for the starting strong safety gig next to Vaccaro.
Seattle Seahawks back-up tight end Anthony McCoy tore his Achilles on Wednesday and will be out six-to-nine months. He is an important pass-catching threat for Russell Wilson in the Pacific Northwest, but should be easily replaced because of a lackluster blocking ability. Rookie late-round pick Luke Willson, an athletic freak in his own right, may be called upon to be the primary back in Seattle. Time will tell, but expect Pete Carroll and Co. to look for a veteran tight end in free agency.
Fresh off a fourth forearm surgery in the last two calendar years, there are reports circulating that Rob Gronkowski's back issue and possible surgery could be more serious than originally anticipated. New England Patriots' owner Robert Kraft went on record indicating that the Patriots don't know too much about the injury and are taking a wait and see approach.