Andrew Luck had nothing to prove heading into his March 22 pro day at Stanford. But he went out and proved it anyway, completing 47 of 51 passes (three of the incompletions were drops) on a windy day in Palo Alto.

Luck opened and closed his throwing session with deep balls; the primary criticism of Luck -- and it's a slight one, mind you -- is that he doesn't have the arm strength to make all the throws at the NFL level. 

"I think it was good," Luck said of the pro day experience. "It was a great opportunity to get out of here with some other draft-eligible guys and put a little showcase on."

Luck attempted 37 passes between 0-20 yards, and 14 passes of 20 yards or more, including a bomb to Chris Owusu that was apparently requested by a scout in the audience, and which traveled more than 70 yards in the air. 

The most impressive thing about Luck's pro day, though, was his ability to spin the ball, with near-perfect rotation, through heavy California wind. Not that Luck was worried about it to begin with.

"No, I don't think there were any issues [with the wind]," Luck said. "It's something you play with. You can't tell the wind to stop if it's a Sunday or Saturday and you gotta go out there and play."

Additionally, quarterback guru George Whitfield chased Luck around in the pocket with a broom. While that sounds silly, Luck did make some impressive, into-the-wind, running-while-throwing-against-his-body throws that you might not see without the additional pressure.

"It wasn't perfect by any means," Luck said. "But I thought I completed some balls and showed some different types of drops and some different types of throws."

Also, in case you didn't know, there were a ton of media members present for Luck's pro day. It had to do mainly with him, but also because of the various talented players heading to the draft from Stanford's team. Which Luck won't hesitate to point out.

"I don't know if it's all to watch me -- I think we got a lot of good players on our team," Luck said afterwards. "It is what it is though. That's the state of the NFL culture right now, so you roll with it. Anytime Stanford's getting attention, anytime this program's getting attention, it's a good thing."

Kid's talented and humble. But he's also right: Coby Fleener, the top-ranked tight end by NFLDraftScout.com, did more for his stock than Luck. That's because Luck's already at the top of every board, and also because Fleener ran a 4.45 40. Not bad for a pass-catching tight end who's 6'6" and weighs 245 pounds.

Maybe the Colts should think about drafting him too.

READ MORE: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/17975476/andrew-luck-impressive-throwing-the-ball-at-windy-stanford-pro-day

WACO, Texas (AP) - Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has completed an impressive pro day performance.

With Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder and coach Mike Shanahan among NFL personnel watching, Griffin was sharp on a scripted 51 passes he has been working on with quarterback consultant Terry Shea.

Griffin, who didn't throw at the NFL combine last month, was at ease throughout his 30-minute session. He smiled, slapped the hands of his receivers - including Baylor teammate and NFL prospect Kendall Wright - and was precise on most throws.

Washington traded three first-round picks and a second-rounder to St. Louis for the No. 2 pick in next month's NFL draft. That's presumably to select Griffin since the Indianapolis Colts, now without Peyton Manning, are expected to take Andrew Luck from Stanford first overall.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/wires/03/21/2020.ap.fbn.baylor.pro.day.0175/index.html#ixzz1pmYIbB5A

The linebacker-needy Philadelphia Eagles just picked up a 27-year-old former All-Pro and Pro Bowl linebacker for a fourth-round pick. I hope the Texans also got a bouquet of flowers and flowers out of the deal.

DeMeco Ryans, who had fallen out of favor in Houston (with coaches, but certainly not with teammates ‒ more on that in a minute), will now be anchoring the middle of the Eagles defense.

The Texans were willing to let him go for a song because they really didn't have a place for him anymore. Ryans missed most of 2010 with an Achilles injury, and saw his playing time drop dramatically in 2011 as the Texans switched to a 3-4 defense. The Eagles will put him back in the middle of a 4-3.

Ryans was a captain and a respected teammate in Houston, and no one on the Texans defense seems particularly happy with the move. Jerome Solomon, who covers the Texans for the Houston Chronicle, shared these texts he got from current or former Texans teammates:

"Damn, man, and they talk about loyalty."

"Cold-blooded, man, cold-blooded. But Meco will be better off for it. He's going to dominate in Philly."

"They don't what leadership means, do they? Bet they won't finish No. 2 in defense next season."

Texans defensive end said this on Sirius XM NFL Radio:

"It's a big surprise to me. I don't know what is going on at this moment but DeMeco is a great player, a leader. He's going to be an asset to each and every team he plays for. … Our defense is going to miss him. That's all I can say about it. I'm not in agreeance with it."

There are times when a guy means more to a unit than his stats represent. This would not be the first time in sports history a team underestimated the value of a player's leadership and ended up paying dearly for it. But at the same time, with what the Wade Phillips and the Texans were able to accomplish with their defense last year, they've earned the benefit of the doubt. Darryl Sharpton, a third-year player will step into his spot, after making 12 tackles in eight games last year.

Texans general manager Rick Smith released this statement on the decision to trade Ryans:

"DeMeco Ryans contributed significantly toward helping us build the foundation we hope will bring a world championship to the city of Houston.  His professionalism and leadership cannot be over-exaggerated.  This move was mutually beneficial for the Texans immediate and long-term goals, DeMeco's career, and the Philadelphia Eagles.  We appreciate all the hard work and effort DeMeco invested in our organization and wish him only the best moving forward.  He is a class act."

And here's Eagles head coach Andy Reid, barely able to contain his glee:

"DeMeco is a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in this league and we're excited to be able to plug him into the middle of our defense," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He's been the signal caller and a leader on a very good Texans defense for the last several years. He's a tough, instinctive football player and he'll be a great fit for our team."

Following a failed bid for QB Peyton Manning, the Titans turned their attention to the defense, acquiring former Raiders pass rusher Kamerion Wimbley on Tuesday.

Wimbley received a five-year $35 million deal with $13.5 million guaranteed, according to The (Nashville) Tennessean. The Raiders and new general manager Reggie McKenzie last week released Wimbley one season into a five-year, $48 million contract as a cost-cutting move.

The 28-year-old collected 16 sacks in two seasons with the Raiders as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and joins a Titans pass rush that managed the second-fewest sacks in the league last season (28). Tennessee plans to utilize Wimbley as a 4-3 defensive end.

"I felt like it would be an easy transition for me to go back to playing defensive end which is what I played in college,'' Wimbley told The Tennessean. "So I am looking forward to the opportunity to come in and get into a Titans uniform and be able to perform on Sunday."

In six seasons, Wimbley has 369 career tackles, 42.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles. It has been speculated that the Titans would have pursued free agent defensive end Mario Williams, now a member of the Bills, if not for their interest in Manning. Wimbley, a cheaper alternative, became available late in the game.

"Kamerion has been a very productive player in this league and is a good pro," Titans coach Mike Munchak said in a statement. "On passing downs over the last few years, he has played with his hand down in Oakland and he will playing full-time at defensive end for us. I feel like he is coming into the best years of his career and his skills will help us pressure the passer."

MORE: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/03/titans-agree-to-five-year-deal-with-kamerion-wimbley/1#.T2jycNk3kyM

Peyton Manning, the most prominent free agent in NFL history, finally made his big decision on Monday.

And the Denver Broncos won the prize of lofty new expectations.

• BLOG: What will happen to Tebow?

• COLUMN: Manning ends Tebowmania in Denver

• PHOTOS: Manning's career in pictures

Manning, who turns 36 on Saturday, instantly pushes Tim Tebow out of a starting job and assumes his quest to win a second Super Bowl with the franchise hoping to repeat the glory it achieved more than 13 years ago with John Elway.

Manning informed the Broncos early Monday that they could begin negotiations with his agent, Tom Condon, according to ESPN, citing multiple people, and the Associated Press based on a person with knowledge of the discussions. Manning also phoned representatives of other finalists, the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers, with his decision.

Manning, Condon and Broncos decision-makers were unavailable Monday, but that did not prevent the news from traveling fast.

"I think it's a great place for him," Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers told reporters who had gathered outside the team's headquarters. "I don't think that he made a bad decision. I think he made a great decision. Hopefully, we can prove him right."

When the Indianapolis Colts released Manning after 14 seasons March 7, the Broncos were considered a "mystery" team in the equation. Yet Manning began his methodical tour, which included meetings with at least five teams, in Denver.

Manning also met with the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins, and worked out for the Broncos, Titans and 49ers to show the teams where he stands after missing last season recovering from three neck surgeries.

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos were prepared to offer a deal similar to Manning's last pact with the Colts, a five-year, $90 million contract.

In Denver, he stays in the AFC and takes over a unit that had an 8-8 record in winning the AFC West crown last season behind Tebow.

"Basically, he can really take us to another level," Broncos running back Willis McGahee said during a radio interview. "We were young and I think those guys got the jitters out of them last year, even though we did go to the playoffs. It was a certain something that we were missing. We were missing that general to take charge in tough situations and I think he brings that to the table.

"And once those guys see him out there I think they're going to rise to the occasion and just have a breakout year."

Still, questions persist. Among them:

How good of a fit will Manning be with the Broncos' coaching staff?

If it's good enough for the savvy Manning, it is tough to argue that he won't mesh well with head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and the rest of the staff.

There may not be a more coachable player in the NFL than Manning, even as he heads into his 15th season. Tony Dungy recently recalled what Manning told him on his first day as Colts coach: "I want to be coached."

That said, Manning is used to essentially being a coach on the field, having called plays at the line of scrimmage for years. That mental edge is crucial to his greatness, and something the Broncos coaches will have to factor into their system.

It's also worth noting that Fox, who did a wonderful job last season figuring out how to get the best out of Tebow, has a history of adapting well and quickly preparing new and young players.

Was Elway a key factor?

If anybody could convince Manning that he can finish his career as a champion, it would be Elway — the Hall of Fame quarterback who won Super Bowls at ages 37 and 38 in his final two seasons.

Elway and Manning have maintained a strong relationship, and it probably wasn't difficult for Elway to sell Manning on the benefit of an aging quarterback playing for a balanced team.

As great as Elway was, he never won a championship until running back Terrell Davis came to town. Now, with Manning positioned to write his final chapters, the support he can get from a rushing attack that ranked No. 1 in the league last year and a stout defense could make the quest for another ring a bit easier.

Is Tebow destined to wind up in Miami?

Of all the teams that were bypassed in the Manning sweepstakes, the Dolphins might be the biggest losers.

The Titans still have Matt Hasselbeck, arguably the best free agent acquisition last season, and a quarterback-of-the-future in Jake Locker. And the Cardinals have Kevin Kolb, who has the benefit of a full offseason after last year's lockout limited his ability to prepare.

Yet the Dolphins are visiting with Jacksonville Jaguars castoff David Garrard, which is quite the drop off from Manning. Maybe Miami can make a splash yet by trying to swing a trade that would pave the way for the magnetic Tebow to return to his home state.

Remember where Tebow's rise began last season? Miami. It was the Dolphins' first sellout of the season. Bring him back, and Tebow would surely sell tickets and appeal to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' celebrity factor.

But Tebow will still need to continue to develop as a passer. Stay put, and there's an excellent tutor in Manning. Either way, so much for the contention expressed by Elway after the playoff loss that Tebow had earned the opportunity to enter training camp as the starter.

When can Manning get to work with his new teammates?

There used to be a time when a big free agent addition could sign his deal and promptly proceed to camp out at his new team's headquarters, immersing himself in the playbook. Not anymore.

With the new collective bargaining agreement, Manning can't begin having meetings with the Broncos' coaching staff until April 16, when the team's offseason program begins. Because he's rehabbing from an injury, he can't hit the field until May 2.

Instead, Manning will have to organize workouts away from the supervision of coaches for a few weeks. That probably won't be too difficult as players will want to make a statement about where the team is headed.

What are some of the challenges awaiting Manning?

After all those years of playing home games in domed stadiums, Manning will have to deal with the elements in Denver, where it has snowed as early as September.

Then again, Manning won his only Super Bowl in a steady rain in Miami. The thin air will undoubtedly increase the velocity of Manning's throws, which can't be a bad thing as questions surround his arm strength following the neck injury.

But the real issue might be who is on the other end of those passes. Denver's receiving corps is thin with very little in the way of proven talent beyond former first-round pick Demaryius Thomas. The leading receiver last season, Eric Decker, caught just 44 passes for 612 yards. And Eddie Royal just signed with San Diego.

Beyond the task of establishing his rhythm in a new environment with new teammates, an intriguing set of challenges rests with the schedule. By winning their division, the Broncos earned a "first-place" schedule, which means Manning will face some of his old friends with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, in addition to a matchup with the New Orleans Saints. And an opponent that used to be such a pain to Manning — the San Diego Chargers, whom he is 4-5 against in his career — now comes twice a year in the AFC West.

Are the Broncos the team to beat in the AFC West?

A double-digit victory season with a healthy Manning would seem to be at the low end of expectations.

Manning guided the Colts to at least 10 victories in 11 seasons. Whether he can produce that type of consistency in a new environment is part of the challenge.

In any event, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith — no big fan of the Mannings after Eli snubbed his franchise coming out of college — and coach Norv Turner can't be thrilled about the signing. San Diego owned the division for a few years but could never get over the hump. Now comes Peyton.

Read More: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/broncos/story/2012-03-19/Peyton-Manning-picks-Denver-Broncos-Tim-Tebow-status-unclear/53657438/1

RENTON, Wash. -- When Matt Flynn came to visit the Seattle Seahawks, he wowed the staff with his personality and ability to understand offensive systems.

That still wasn't enough to completely satisfy the Seahawks considering how little playing time Flynn got backing up Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. So Pete Carroll and crew handed Flynn some workout gear, took him into their indoor facility and put him through a lighthearted throwing session to make sure that what they saw on tape looked just as good in person.

"I was totally up for it and we had fun out there. It was real laid-back," Flynn said. "It wasn't a pressure cooker or anything like that. They kind of just wanted to see me in action I guess."

What the Seahawks saw was impressive enough for them to offer up a three-year deal for Flynn that was more appealing than other opportunities for one of the hottest free agents. That's even though Flynn was completely aware when he agreed to come to the Pacific Northwest that he was entering an open competition with incumbent Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job.

Flynn agreed to his deal with the Seahawks on Sunday. The contract is worth $26 million with $10 million guaranteed, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

During a conference call on Monday, Flynn said that when he visited late last week, the entire situation felt comfortable and it felt like the team was moving in the right direction.

It's the kind of answer Carroll likes hearing, especially after Seattle's main focus in the early stages of free agency was on bringing back its own players who were key in a late-season run that brought the Seahawks to the fringes of the NFC playoff chase. The Seahawks locked up running back Marshawn Lynch with a five-year deal worth up to $31 million, re-signed defensive end Red Bryant and brought back fullback Michael Robinson.

"Free agency for us was really to get our own guys," Carroll said. "That was the start of it. The fact we were able to do that ... this has been real important to us. Now we're trying to add."

Ultimately, it was time for the Seahawks to address an issue that's lingered since Carroll and general manager John Schneider arrived before the 2010 season: the Seahawks' long-term future at quarterback. They whiffed on Charlie Whitehurst. The verdict is still out on Jackson after he played behind an inexperienced offensive line early in 2011 then played through a painful pectoral injury for more than half the season.

Maybe Flynn will be the hit -- if he wins the job.

"We now have the opportunity to make this an open competition. Tarvaris is well ahead and he's the guy here working for us now," Carroll said. "I told Tarvaris when I talked with him yesterday that what we're doing with Matt is bringing him in here to compete for the job. And he's going to make everybody better and help our football team."

The other main suitor for Flynn appeared to be Miami, which makes his decision to come to Seattle a bit more surprising. In Miami there was familiarity as Flynn would have been reunited with former Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, the Dolphins' new head coach. But Flynn also had a connection in Seattle with Schneider, who was in the Packers front office when Flynn was selected in the seventh round of the 2008 draft out of LSU.

Flynn might have become a secondary option for the Seahawks had Carroll and staff been able to meet up with Peyton Manning in Denver during his whirlwind tour. But the meeting never came to fruition.

The idea of earning a job is nothing new to Flynn. He waited behind JaMarcus Russell at LSU for three seasons, then when Flynn got his shot to be the starter he led the Tigers to the BCS national championship. Carroll said the competition theme was emphasized throughout their conversations with Flynn and that Jackson has a significant advantage with a season in the Seahawks offense under his belt.

But unlike last offseason, which was mostly wiped out by the lockout, Flynn will get a full allotment of OTAs, minicamp and training camps to try to earn the job.

"I've always been a very competitive guy, a very confident guy and a guy who believes in working his tail off and doing the best he can," Flynn said. "I know I'm going to come in here and be in a competition and whatever happens, whatever my role is, I want to make Seattle a better football team. I think there is an opportunity there to have a very special football team."

FROM: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7710656/matt-flynn-not-afraid-seattle-seahawks-competition-tarvaris-jackson

The Buffalo Bills have landed a prized free agent -- and it's not Peyton Manning.

The Bills have scheduled a news conference today to announce they have signed Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams, Houston's No. 1 overall pick in 2006. The story was first reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Williams reportedly is getting a six-year deal that will make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. That comes on the heels of Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson signing the league's biggest-ever deal: eight years, $132 million.

The Bills are switching to a 4-3 defense and are in need of defensive ends. Williams will line up alongside defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams, forming an elite front that arguably is the best in football.

And especially in a division that features Tom Brady, having a top pass rusher isn't such a bad thing.

FROM: http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-buffalo-williams-20120315,0,1613252.story

Kansas City became Peyton's place Wednesday evening.

No, Peyton Manning is not joining the Chiefs. Rather the team announced it had come to terms with bruising RB

A change of scenery could be welcome for Hillis, who struggled with injuries and off-field drama in 2011 after a breakout effort in 2010.

After amassing 1,654 yards from scrimmage two seasons ago, Hillis managed just 717 last year. He missed six games and sat out one with strep throat, a move that caused some locker room consternation, especially given Browns C Alex Mack didn't miss a snap despite undergoing a midseason appendectomy.

Hillis tried not to let his unsettled contract situation be a distraction even as he repeatedly switched agents in Cleveland.

Now he should have some security in K.C. even though he'll almost certainly receive fewer touches behind Jamaal Charles, who's coming off a torn ACL after an all-pro year in 2010. Yet Hillis, who caught 61 passes in 2010, should provide a perfect foil to the speedy, slashing Charles in a change-of-pace role.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/03/peyton-hillis-leaves-browns-for-chiefs/1#.T2EzxXmiZWA

By Nate Davis, USA TODAY

UPDATE: Later on Wednesday afternoon, the Chargers reached a four-year deal with former Ravens OLB Jarret Johnson, who had 56 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his ninth and final season in Baltimore. Never a flashy player, Johnson does everything well and was an underrated cog in Charm City, where he last played for DC (and new Colts HC) Chuck Pagano, whose brother, John, is San Diego's new defensive coordinator.

***

The San Diego Chargers' offensive line might not be in such bad shape after all.

The team announced Wednesday it had agreed to a new four-year deal to keep LT Jared Gaither.

"I was ecstatic," said Gaither, who began his career with the Ravens in 2007, in a statement. "It's definitely been a blessed day to be able to get that done and just get that out of the way. It allows me to focus on football strictly and solely and get the job done."

He was claimed off waivers from the Chiefs late last season and replaced injured Marcus McNeill for the final five games. The Chargers went 4-1 in that stretch, and Gaither did not allow a sack of Pro Bowl QB Philip Rivers.

Arguably the best tackle available in free agency, Gaither will remain in place with San Diego C Nick Hardwick, who re-signed for three years Tuesday. The Bolts released McNeill yesterday and had already lost LG Kris Dielman to retirement.

Read More: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/03/chargers-re-sign-lt-jared-gaither-for-four-years/1#.T2Dz93miZWA