As we dash towards the 2007 NFL season, there’s certainly news to contemplate.Former Jacksonville Jags strong safety Donovin Darius, who was waived last month by the Jags, has signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. The potential pick-up by Oakland of the nine-year vet had been rumored for weeks.
Darius, who is still recovering from a broken ankle that knocked him out of about half the 2006 season, is the leading tackler (613) in Jaguars’ history. Over nine seasons, he grabbed 14 interceptions. His recovery is on schedule and should be ready for training camp at the end of the month.
It looks like longtime Pat Troy Brown will be going back for his 15th season. Brown, a fan and team favorite, has agreed to a one-year deal. He’s been rehabbing his knee for the past six months after undergoing surgery. Brown, who is 36 years old, has played his entire career with the Patriots.
Brown, a sure-handed receiver and punt return man, has played both sides of the ball for the Pats. He’s got a total of 557 receptions, 6,366 yards and 82 touchdowns. He’s only fumbled five times in his entire career, losing two of those miscues.
New England has a whole stable of receivers this season, including the inimitable Randy Moss, good-hands man Kelly Washington and the resilient Donte’ Stallworth. But Brown brings leadership and versatility along with dependability.
Finally, Odell Thurman has served a one-year suspension for repeated substance abuse violations and the Cincinnati middle linebacker hopes he’s done his time and can play once again. He’s been in the NFL for two seasons, but only played in 2005. In 16 games, he had 106 tackles, 70 solo. 1.5 sacks and 5 interceptions. As a rookie, he led the Bengals in tackles.
Thurman seems to have complied with NFL stipulations and although he probably won’t be reinstated immediately, he should be with the team for training camp. Violations included failing a drug screening and being arrested for DUI.
Broncos wide man Rod Smith is still rehabbing his hip, which is making slow progress. He may not be at training camp when it starts at the end of the month. Smith is a 13-year vet who has amassed 849 receptions, 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns. He’s fumbled 12 times, losing seven.
That’s what the changing tides of the 2007 NFL
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