National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has to be happy about this. Today, the Ravens signed former Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith to a one-year contract, giving Joe yet another weapon in his continually evolving offensive arsenal. Along with Todd Heap, this gives Baltimore two top-level, pass-catching tight ends. As improved as I think Joe will be this season (and I think he will be vastly improved over his impressive 2008 rookie season), adding L.J. is only going to make him that much better. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was in a pretty good mood …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Franchise and transition players for the 2008 NFL free agency signing period that begins on February 29 were announced today. Don’t know what a franchise or transition player is? Here’s your quick 101. A club can designate one “franchise” player or one “transition” player among its veteran free agents. The salary offer by a player’s club determines what type of franchise player he is. An “exclusive” franchise player — not free to sign with another club — is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position …read more