New England Patriots 02/17/2007 9:35 AMThe Boston Herald reports the Patriots placed the franchise tag on CB Asante Samuel last night in a move designed to extend their negotiating rights with the standout cornerback. The decision guarantees Samuel at worst a one-year contract worth $7.79 million next season. However, the Patriots remain free to negotiate a long-term extension in place of the tag in the coming weeks.Read more
Chicago Bears 02/17/2007 9:32 AMThe Chicago Sun-Times reports the Bears placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl LB Lance Briggs on Friday, meaning the club's highly-ranked defense is unlikely to lose one of its main cogs. Briggs receives a one-year tender for $7.206 million -- 10 times what he played for in 2006 -- and for another team to sign him away with an offer sheet, it would have to give the Bears a first-round pick this year and in 2008. The Bears have the right to match any offer.Read more
Dallas Cowboys 02/16/2007 10:22 AMThe Star-Telegram reports the Cowboys hired Skip Peete as running backs coach and interviewed Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst on Thursday. Chryst could become the team's quarterbacks coach. Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are "real close" to selecting their coordinators. Todd Bowles, the team's secondary coach the past two seasons, is expected to become defensive coordinator, and Jason Garrett likely will take over as offensive coordinator.Read more
Detroit Lions 02/16/2007 10:20 AMThe Detroit Free Press reports an arbitration hearing has been scheduled for the Lions' grievance against former WR Charles Rogers. Arbitrator John Feerick of New York is scheduled to hear the case May 10. He would have to make a decision within three months, barring an extension of the deadline. The Lions are trying to recoup $10.184 million of Rogers' $14.4-million signing bonus. Rogers' contract included a clause that said if Rogers was suspended for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, he would have to pay back his bonus prorated for the rest of the contract. Rogers served a four-game substance-abuse suspension in 2005.Read more
