St. Louis Rams believed to have talked trade involving Sam Bradford
Although nothing has materialized, talk around the league is that the Rams and Minnesota Vikings have engaged in trade talks including quarterback Sam Bradford. A deal does not seem imminent, but CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora believes that the rumors could swirl until St. Louis makes the third overall pick in Thursday’s draft.
If a trade for Bradford went down, the Rams would most likely go after a quarterback early in the draft. With backup Kellen Clemens gone, the Rams would have little depth at the position. For the Vikings, the move could force them to look quarterback later in the draft, possibly moving them away from Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel.
Zach Mettenberger’s Combine tests diluted
Former LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberg turned in a diluted urine sample at the NFL Combine in February, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Most likely, a diluted sample is a failed test, but that has not been confirmed.
Mettenberger’s stock has been rising ever since he left LSU for the NFL, but a mishap like this could hurt his stock. Mettenberger’s physical therapist, Jason Eliowitz, told ProFootballtalk.com that the diluted test could be a result of over-hydration leading up to the combine.
The quarterback was not the only player to turn in a positive urine sample. Joining him were defensive tackles Timmy Jernigan and Anthony Johnson and Florida State linebackers Telvin Smith and Christian Jones also face question about their respective tests.
Detroit Lions will not look to trade Ndamukong Suh
Rumors were spread that had the Lions actively seeking a trade partner for Suh, but Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew silenced any about that the team will keep the defensive linemen. He told ESPN that the Lions “are not going to trade him. We have no plans to trade him.”
Suh has a salary-cap number of $22.4 million, so it isn’t crazy to questions whether a team would deal someone like Suh, who is in his last year of a rookie contract. However, Mayhew made it obvious that a trade won’t be happening any time soon.
New England Patriots sign Will Smith
No, not the actor. Rather, the Patriots added depth to their defensive line by adding the former Saints defensive end Smith on Monday. The terms of the contract are not known.
Smith missed last season because of an ACL tear, but still owns the Saints franchise record for sacks with 67.5. At 33, the Patriots are trying to see how much Smith has left in the tank.
Plus, Smith adds a third reliable defensive end behind current starters Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich.
Tanard Jackson reinstated by the NFL
Jackson, the Washington Redskins safety, was suspended indefinitely by the league in August of 2012 for violating the substance abuse policy. Jackson had previously signed a one-year deal with the team, so it continues with him as he rejoins the team.
In 2012, Jackson was in line to become a starting safety. However, this isn’t the first time Jackson has been in trouble with the NFL for violating the substance abuse policy. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson was suspended twice for violating the policy and missed six games in 2010 as a result.