KELVIN BENJAMIN BACK ON FIELD FOR OTAs

 Kelvin Benjamin back in action! Photos from Week 2 of OTAs >> pnth.rs/1SZG4bY 

Panthers Rookie Minicamp Underway

+Carolina Panthers +NFL 

It's almost beyond wonder this guy went at number 29 Overall!? NFL Class is so Deep this year!

DeSean Jackson Tracker Indicates many teams Vying for his Services

At least a half-dozen teams reportedly have contacted the agent for DeSean Jackson 

following his release Friday from the +Philadelphia Eagles.

Gregg Rosenthal has filed Around The League's list of potential landing spots. Which of those eight teams are showing interest in the playmaking wideout?

Here is our Jackson tracker:

1. +Washington Redskins: Sources informed of Jackson's situation have told +NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that the Redskins are one of the "wild-card" teams interested in the playmaker. Washington has roughly $7 million in cap space and an owner with an affinity for splash moves. The 'Skins made the first tangible move toward signing Jackson. The Redskins have scheduled a Monday visit with the free agent, per Rapoport.

2. +Oakland Raiders: Rapoport reports Jackson reached out to let the Raiders know of his interest in joining the organization before he was even released by the Eagles. The Raiders have been doing their due diligence on Jackson for over a week now, per Rapoport. Oakland is close to Jackson's alma mater and can offer him a more lucrative contract than other competitors.

3. +New York Jets: People in the Jets' organization are still interested in Jackson following his release, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. The New York Post confirmed theJets are still interested, but cautioned that conversations still have to happen at the highest levels of the organization before a plan is solidified. John Idzik was not among the general managers to contact Jackson's camp on Friday, per Mehta.

4. +Buffalo Bills: The Bills are the other wild-card team in the mix, according to Rapoport. They have plenty of salary-cap space. The Doug Whaley-Doug Marrone regime has placed an emphasis on wideouts with track speed, which Jackson has in abundance. The team's brass also has shown a penchant for giving players with questionable reputations a second chance. The Bills have set a predetermined price on Jackson and will not enter a bidding war, reports the Buffalo News.

Jackson Denies any Gang ties after being Released by the Eagles

5. +Carolina Panthers: Although coach Ron Rivera told USA Today the Panthers would be interested, multiple reports have emphatically declared that general manager Dave Gettleman will not be in the mix for the talented but controversial wide receiver.

6. +Tampa Bay Buccaneers: General manager Jason Licht gave Jackson a lukewarm endorsement Friday. "He'd have to be the right fit on and off the field," Licht said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "I don't want to dismiss him right away but we're looking at a bunch of other players, too."

Eagles GM, all we care about is Winning

Among the teams reported having varying levels of interest prior to Jackson's release are the +San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and +New England Patriots .

New teams in the mix. New teams out. D-Jax Tracker [UPDATED]: http://t.co/3MBVP7i7LX pic.twitter.com/IbqO5xgisg
— NFL (@nfl) March 30, 2014

Teams not in the hunt:

» Rapoport reported Saturday that the +Kansas City Chiefs are out of the running despite recently doing research on the wide receiver. Although coach Andy Reid spoke glowingly of his former No. 1 receiver earlier in the week, there will be no reunion in Kansas City.

» A league source told the Chicago Tribune the +Chicago Bears have no interest in Jackson.

» The Arizona Republic confirmed the +Arizona Cardinals are not interested in adding Jackson.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" reviews potential landing spots for DeSean Jackson and declares this week's winners and losers.

DeSean Jackson denies having gang ties after being cut by Eagles

Nate Davis,

USA TODAY Sports

(Photo: David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)

In a stunning move, the +Philadelphia Eagles released +NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Friday.

The team issued the following statement: "After careful consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today."

Jackson's departure came shortly after The (Newark) Star-Ledger published a story Friday suggesting he was affiliated with a gang in Los Angeles.

+Carolina Panthers' RIVERA: 'We'd be interested' in Jackson

Reaction to Jackson's release

Jackson subsequently issued a statement that reads in part: "I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible.

Eagles GM: We Only Care About Winning

"I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions.

"These reports are irresponsible and just not true . I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless."

Following his release, Jackson also tweeted: "Steady GRind Mode God Got the Plan !! Not Me." He included a picture of himself running on a track.
+New York Jets are interested in DeSean Jackson if he is released.

One of Jackson's former teammates didn't exactly pan the news on social media.

Philadelphia center Jason Kelce tweeted: "We just made an extremely unpopular decision, but I couldn't be more excited and happy with where this organization is going!! #FlyEaglesFly

"Good luck with whatever team you end up with DeseanJackson10!"

Jackson, 27, had been rumored to be on the trading blocks for weeks. But he inferred Monday on Twitter that he gleaned from a recent conversation with coach Chip Kelly that he would remain with the Eagles.

"Good to talk to Big Chip today!!! Say or hear what ya want!! Picture speaks for itself!! Winner," Jackson tweeted.

Kelly addressed Jackson's standing Wednesday at the +NFL meetings in Orlando.

MORE EAGLES NEWS: Sanchez signs contract Friday

"I talked to DeSean and when you deal with situations like that it's coach to player, player to coach,'' Kelly said. "We had a good conversation. We're always going to do what's best for the football team. ... I like DeSean. He did a really nice job for us.

"He knows where he stands with us. And I know where I stand with him.''

Original story posted and courtesy of +USA TODAY Sports: http://www.9news.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2014/03/28/desean-jackson-released-philadelphia/7011703/

N.Y. Jets Interested in DeSean Jackson - Eagles Appear Ready to Trade (or cut him)

+NFL reports that DeSean Jackson trade from the +Philadelphia Eagles would draw interest from the +New York Jets

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson confirmed his team is interested in Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Drew Hallowell +Getty Images 

Johnson said the team is "looking at a number of players, including DeSean."

+SPORTS CR3W post about the Eagles being interested in a possible trade for Jackson

"We're always interested in talent," Johnson said of Jackson on Sunday at the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Free agency has reshuffled rosters across the league. How does this impact the NFL hierarchy? Elliot Harrison weighs in.READ.

Jackson posted this on his +Instagram account a couple night ago. Maybe just coincidence he was feeling nostalgic about his time in Philly or with Vick going, but perhaps he might just be pointing out to anyone interested and those within the Eagles department what they're appearing to be ready to part with.

According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Johnson said a trade is not the team's "primary operating motif" right now, as it tries to build through the draft. It has been reported the Eagles might consider cutting Jackson if they can't find any trade partners.

The Jets signed Michael Vick to a contract.

The owner's declaration of interest in Jackson came with some qualifiers, saying they would look to bring in the receiver "at a price we can afford or we feel is appropriate" and "if he fits into the culture of our locker room," per Rapoport.

Johnson's confirmation sits juxtaposed to San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, who earlier Sunday denied having contacted the Eagles about acquiring Jackson.

The two teams join the +Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders as teams who have been linked to Jackson rumors.

The concerns that Johnson noted -- price and locker room distraction -- are two reported reasons the Eagles are looking to part ways with the dynamic receiver.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" discussed DeSean Jackson trade talks, played running back roulette, and welcomed Lance Briggs into the studio.

Original story from +NFL: click here
+Philadelphia magazine, reported the confirmation of Jackson's belief:

Just spoke with two sources close to DeSean. Receiver now believes he will not be back.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 21, 2014

Another link that touches upon this subject and topic-

+New York Post link to article post below, here:

Steve Smith signs Three-Year deal with Ravens

Steve Smith signs three-year deal with Ravens

AFC NORTH, BALTIMORE RAVENS

Original piece by DOUG FARRAR

Steve Smith is moving from Carolina to Baltimore. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

A day after parting ways with the Panthers, Steve Smith has signed a three-year, $11 million deal with the Ravens, per multiple media reports. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the news.

According to Smith’s agent, Derrick Fox, the +Carolina Panthers never asked Smith to renegotiate his deal, but when they failed to find a trade partner — in part hampered by Smith’s $7 million cap hit — they released the longtime Panther.

“When I took this position I knew that difficult decisions would have to be made along the way,” general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement following the release. “To move on from a storied veteran player is probably the most difficult of all. A decision not to be taken lightly. However, after much thought I feel very strongly it’s the right one.”

Angered by the decision, Smith, the former +University of Utah Ute, directed some trash talk at Carolina on Thursday.

“I want to make sure that whatever team I go to, they’re going to get the best, in shape 35-year-old guy they can get,” Smith, who will turn 35 in May said before signing with Baltimore. “If that happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on cause there’s going to be blood and guts everywhere.” The +Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to face the Panthers at home in 2014.

MORE: 2014 NFL free agent tracker | NFL mock draft database: SI’s experts weigh in

Last season, Smith had 64 catches for 745 yards and four touchdowns. In 13 season in Carolina, Smith had 836 receptions for 12,197 yards and 67 touchdowns, largely serving as the main man at receiver, with a series of questionable quarterbacks for the most part until recently, when Cam Newton developed his game.

“When you look at the Ravens, they’ve had a great amount of success integrating older players and younger players, fusing them together and understanding the right combination,” Smith said after the signing. “That part was very intriguing for me, and it also brings a challenge that I’m up for. I love the uniforms. I just love everything that it is to be a Baltimore Raven, so I’m looking forward to experiencing it all.”

“Steve is a Ravens-style football player,” head coach John Harbaugh said. He always has been in our eyes, it’s just that he’s been playing for another team. We’ve always respected and admired the way he plays, and we’ve always been challenged playing against him. I’ve known him ever since he came into the league, and we’ve always had a great relationship. The last two days, however, have given all of us with the Ravens an opportunity to get to know him on another level, and now, we’re even more impressed. We’re looking forward to working together and competing together.”

The fit for the Ravens is great on a couple of levels. Outside of Terrell Suggs, the Ravens have been relatively shy on veteran leadership since Ray Lewis’ retirement and Ed Reed’s departure, and Smith is an exacting teammate when it comes to younger players living up to their potential. When Newton failed to exhibit the right amount of toughness in his first couple of years in the face of adversity, it was Smith who got right in his face and told him to man up.

“Cam Newton has a very unique opportunity to be a franchise quarterback to an organization that needs one,” Smith said in September 2012, after he ear holed Newton following a benching the second-year quarterback underwent late in a loss to the New York Giants. “Statistics don’t lie. Athletic quarterbacks, they either excel, or they fail. And I told Cam that.

“This is an opportunity for him to learn — at that time they were benching him — and observe. They put D.A. [backup Derek Anderson] in. You can sit there, if this is the worst is going to get you’re in for a long day, and this is not what it’s about.”

In addition, though Smith isn’t as fast as he used to be, and thus may be more of a slot receiver than anything else at this point in his career, the Ravens could use any port in a storm. General manager Ozzie Newsome decided against paying possession receiver Anquan Boldin what he was worth following Baltimore’s 2012 Super Bowl championship season, and there wasn’t anyone else to step up and take over. Although Torrey Smith led the team with 65 receptions for 1,128 yards and four touchdowns, no other Baltimore receiver caught more than 49 passes. Running back Ray Rice finished second with 58 catches, but gained just 321 yards and scored no touchdowns. Marlon Brown led the team with 33 receptions in the slot for 311 yards and five touchdowns. Ravens, like the Panthers have shown a history of liking +UTES CR3W prospects and that will likely increase with the Utes recruiting +Pac-12 Conference type depth charts in their football program (just gaining that depth in their 3rd year, but 1st as a full equity member of the conference.

Steve Smith cancelled flight to New England to stay in Baltimore, per @RapSheet [DETAILS]: http://t.co/P6sUJHIQa7

— NFL (@nfl) March 14, 2014

Another factor when considering Smith’s relatively pedestrian stats in 2013 is the fact that the Panthers don’t pass the ball as often as many other teams in the +NFL. Newton threw the ball just 473 times — to put that in perspective, Peyton Manning completed 450 passes last year. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw a career-high 614 passes last season, completing 362 for 3,912 yards, 19 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. It was the first time in Flacco’s career that he finished a season with more picks than scores, and it underlines — once again — why the Ravens desperately need a player of Smith’s caliber and aggressiveness. No matter how old he is.

When receiver Jacoby Jones signed his contract extension earlier this week, he was asked about Baltimore’s potential interest in Smith. It was clear that Smith would be a welcome addition.

“I know he can play,” Jones said. “It’d be nice. I’m open arms. If you can play and they like you, I love you.”


It appears that soon after an unceremonious dumping at the hands of the team he helped define for well over a decade, Steve Smith may have found an ideal new home.

Grade: B. Again, there’s no question that Smith is not what he once was. But there are few players in the NFL who stoke their games with the fires of disrespect, and the cavalier way in which he was treated by the Panthers at the end should be of great benefit to his new team. Smith will make his share of catches outside, and he’ll do what Boldin did so very well for the Ravens in 2012 — make the tough catch in traffic, no matter what subsequent hit comes out of it. The Ravens needed a strong veteran presence and a gutsy possession receiver, and they got both in one relatively inexpensive package. Add in the fact that Flacco is the best pure quarterback he’s ever been paired with, and it wouldn’t be a total surprise if Smith has a bit of a comeback campaign in Baltimore. 


Steve Smith, +NFL Photo Gallery

Are these 3 headed out of Town? Julius Peppers, Steve Smith, and Darelle Revis

Done Deals. Close Deals. 3 big names on the move? It was a BUSY Monday in the NFL [DETAILS]: http://t.co/V5OtTt4sLI pic.twitter.com/0ZwS84OgqN

— NFL (@nfl) March 11, 2014