Mike Hart Running His Mouth Again…

According to CNNSI.com, former U-M running back Mike Hart, who is well known in the Midwest for running his mouth, has made recent comments about how easy the NFL is for him, telling the media - “the only surprise is it’s not as tough as I thought it was going to be, as far as practice and those type of things,” he said. “It’s more laid back.” Hart was a sixth round pick of the Indianapolis Colts this past April, and made a reputation out of bashing rival Michigan State after several close games with the Spartans over his four year career.

Let’s see how “easy” things are for Hart once training camp begins. With the signing of Dominic Rhodes this off-season, Hart isn’t even guaranteed a roster spot.

Examining Joseph Addai’s Value

So, the Colts brought back trusty ol’ Dominic Rhodes again, signing him to a one year deal. The question is - should Joseph Addai’s fantasy owners be worried about a potential time share? After all, Rhodes is a former 1,000 yard rusher for the Colts, and he did rush for more than 1oo yards in Super Bowl XLI. Read more

Dominic Rhodes Signs With Indy…

After a one-year hiatus from relevant NFL franchises, Dominic Rhodes has signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, following his recent release from the Oakland Raiders. Rhodes will re-join the team he won a Super Bowl with, and will likely back-up Joseph Addai.

Make no mistake about it though, this isn’t 2006. Addai is a superstar now, and Rhodes isn’t competing with a rookie anymore. When it comes to sharing the workload, Rhodes is more likely to be sharing carries and reps with Mike Hart, than Addai.

In other words, Addai owners should not worry about this move from a fantasy standpoint.

Dominic Rhodes To Sign With Colts…

After being rumored to potentially sign with Denver, it now looks like Dominic Rhodes will reach an agreement soon with the Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL Network’s Adam Schefter.

This should not affect Joseph Addai’s fantasy value, but definitely puts Mike Hart’s “hand-cuff” role in question.

Broncos Interested In Dominic Rhodes…

Word is that the Denver Broncos are seriously interested in signing free agent RB Dominic Rhodes. Shaun Alexander may visit Denver soon, but if he doesn’t, the team is reportedly intent on signing Rhodes to compete with Travis Henry for the starting gig. This would obviously be HUGE for Rhodes’ fantasy value, as he’d be the front runner for the starting job over Henry, Selvin Young and rookie Ryan Torain.

Houston Texans Interested In Rhodes?

The Raiders released Dominic Rhodes after drafting Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick in the draft, and we’re hearing now that the Houston Texans, who took scat back Steve Slaton in round three, are seriously interested in bringing in Rhodes and having him compete for their starting gig with Ahman Green and Chris Brown.

The Colts and Lions may also be interested in Rhodes’ services.

LaMont Jordan may also be released later in the spring or early summer.

Rhodes Returns To Raiders

Surprisingly, the Raiders renegotiated Dominic Rhodes’ contract and he’ll return in 2008.  It’s becoming a stable in the backfield out there, and while Rhodes is likely their number three RB, it’s still not great news for owners of Justin Fargas and Michael Bush.

Julius Jones, Free Agent RB 
No-Offseason.com
Jones reportedly had great visits in both Detroit and Tennessee this week, and is expected to sign on the dotted line in one of those two spots soon.  Bryant Johnson is also expected to make a decision soon between Buffalo and Washington.

Trent Green, Free Agent QB
No-Offseason.com
The 36 year old Green has visited the Saints and the Rams this week.  He’s searching for a back-up job somewhere, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him re-join St. Louis.  Could Green Bay be an option?  We hear Quinn Gray is also in the running to become Aaron Rodgers’ back-up.

Kurt Warner, Cardinals QB
No-Offseason.com
Arizona is working on hammering out a deal that will keep Kurt Warner on the squad through at least the 2009 season and perhaps beyond.  They like the veteran and want to make sure he’s in place as a solid back-up to Matt Leinart.

Tank Williams, Patriots SS
No-Offseason.com
Wow, here’s a little blast from the past circa 2004.  The Patriots signed Tank Williams.  He’s now officially someone for IDP owners to monitor.  He may not play a huge role in New England’s D, but they’ve been known to ressurect the careers of older players.

D.J. Hackett, Free Agent WR
No-Offseason.com
There is a apparently a lot of concern floating around about Hackett’s durability.  He hasn’t had one free agent visit yet, let alone offer, and he may end up begging to return to Seattle on a one-year deal.