NFL News & Rumors: Wednesday 2/20

NFL

• QB JaMarcus Russell reportedly ran a 5.2 forty-yard dash and posted a 29-inch vertical while training for a return to the NFL. (Birmingham News)

NFL Draft

• Two NFL scouts ripped USC QB Matt Barkley for not throwing at the Combine. (Yahoo Sports)
• LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu reportedly posted a 4.47 forty-yard dash time during his pre-Combine training. (New Orleans Times-Picayune)
• Purdue DT Kawann Short will miss this week’s NFL Combine because of a hamstring injury.  (NFL.com)
  
• California WR Keenan Allen will miss the NFL Combine due to a left knee injury. (CBS Sports)

Bengals

• There’s “not much traction” towards a long-term extension between the Bengals and DE Michael Johnson. (NFLTR)
  
• The Bengals are open to re-signing CB Adam Jones and they’re expected to meet at this year’s NFL Combine. (Bengals.com)

Bills

• Tarvaris Jackson‘s one-year deal will pay him a base salary of $1.75 million and includes $500,000 guaranteed. (Pro Football Talk)
  
• Former Bills TE coach Pete Metzelaars referred to QB Ryan Fitzpatrick as an “average to below-average kind of guy.” (Buffalo News)

Broncos

• RB Ronnie Hillman could be in for an increased role in the Broncos’ offense next season. (Denver Post)
• Free agent DE Dwight Freeney mentioned that Peyton Manning has been recruiting him to sign with the Broncos.

Chargers

• The Chargers claimed CB Johnny Patrick off waivers from the Saints.
• The Chargers could be a potential landing spot for recently released WR Steve Breaston. (ESPN.com)
  

Chiefs

• TE Kevin Boss‘ release was listed as a failed physical. (Adam Caplan)
  

Colts

• C Jeff Saturday is expected to sign a one-day contract in Indianapolis and retire as a Colt.  (Indianapolis Star)
  

Cowboys

• DE/OLB DeMarcus Ware may not need surgery on his elbow. (ESPN Dallas)

Dolphins

• WR Mike Wallace is most likely the Dolphins’ “priority” in free agency. (NFLTR)
  

Eagles

• Eagles RBs coach Duce Staley mentioned that he’s preparing players for a run-heavy offense next year.  (PhiladelphiaEagles.com)
• QB Dennis Dixon‘s contract is worth a maximum of $815,000. It includes a base salary of $715,000 along with a $50,000 roster bonus, $25,000 signing bonus and $25,000 workout bonus. (Geoff Mosher)

Falcons

• Atlanta may look to the draft for a running back. Marcus Lattimore, Jawan Jamison, Andre Ellington, Giovani Bernard and Montee Ball all listed as potential targets. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Jets

• The Jets are expected to “shop” Tim Tebow at this week’s NFL Combine. (NFLTR)
  
• CB Darrelle Revis is due a $1 million roster bonus on March 15, which means the Jets may try to have a decision made regarding his future with the team by then. (ESPN New York)
• The Jets could target G Geoff Schwartz in free agency. (Tony Pauline)

Packers

• WR Greg Jennings could find a disappointing market for his services. (NFLTR)
  

Patriots

• The Patriots could offer OT Sebastian Vollmer a deal that would be him $6-7 million annually. (ESPN Boston)
  
• Patriots CB Alfonzo Dennard was been convicted of third-degree felony assault on a police officer. (NFLTR)

Rams

• There’s “no way” the Rams use their franchise tag on WR Danny Amendola. (St Louis Post-Dispatch)
  

Ravens

• The Ravens haven’t approached WR Anquan Boldin about restructuring his contract. (Baltimore Sun)
  
• NT Maake Kemoeatu mentioned that he intends to play “another couple seasons.” (Baltimore Sun)

Redskins

• Free agent TE Fred Davis is reportedly “ahead of schedule” in his recovery from a torn Achilles. (Washington Post)
  

Steelers

• An NFL GM mentioned that although he’d be interested in signing Mike Wallace, he’s “not paying him Vincent Jackson money. Not even close.” (NFLTR)
  
• DC Dick LeBeau mentioned that he believes Troy Polamalu can play at a high level for “several more years.” (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Texans

• Retaining OLB Connor Barwin is among the Texans’ top priorities. (Houston Chronicle)
  

Vikings

• The Vikings may have interest in free agent WR Dwayne Bowe if he ends up being available.  (ESPN Insider)
• The Vikings may see Mistral Raymond as a long-term option at free safety. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
  
• Minnesota may end up deciding between re-signing either Erin Henderson or Jasper Brinkley this offseason. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)