DAILY NFL PLAYER UPDATE #21 07/26/2009

Vonnie Holliday
The Dolphins reportedly haven't ruled out re-signing free agent Vonnie Holliday, despite releasing him in March.

Holliday drew some interest from Denver and Detroit immediately after he was cut, but it's been quiet since. Holliday, 33, would obviously be a short-term solution for anyone, but he's coming off a very productive season.

Source: Palm Beach Post


Cadillac Williams
Cadillac Williams' recovery from a torn patellar tendon is reportedly ahead of schedule.

We're still not sure he's going to be on the Week 1 roster. The Bucs have three backs ahead of Williams (Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham, Clifton Smith) they consider capable of contributing in a variety of ways, and we doubt they would've paid Ward substantial money if there were plans to rely on Cadillac.

Source: National Football Post



Yamon Figurs
The Baltimore Sun suggests that third-year return man Yamon Figurs could be on the roster bubble in Ravens camp.

The Ravens made Figurs the 74th overall pick after he ran the fastest forty time at the 2007 Combine, but he adds little on offense and is in danger of losing his return duties. If Baltimore doesn't want him, perhaps Al Davis will.

Source: Baltimore Sun


Derrick Burgess
Beat writer Jerry McDonald indicates in his blog that the Raiders are serious about not starting DE Derrick Burgess this year.

McDonald expects Burgess, who barely practices anyway due to constant nagging injuries, to only see about "12-15 snaps" a game behind Greg Ellis and whoever wins Oakland's other starting defensive end job. This is going to hurt Burgess' IDP value immensely. His tackle numbers will be way down.

Source: Oakland Tribune



Alphonso Smith
Broncos agreed to terms with rookie CB Alphonso Smith, the No. 37 overall pick, on a four-year contract.

Mike Nolan's staff envisions Smith as a playmaking nickel back behind aging Champ Bailey and Andre' Goodman, with the potential to eventually take over one of the starting positions. Smith is small (5'9") and has below average speed, however. Covering the slot may prove his niche long term.

Source: Drew Rosenhaus on Twitter



Jeff George
Free agent Jeff George reiterated that he still wants back in the NFL.

"I feel like I can still play, and if there's someone out there to give me a shot, that would be wonderful," he said. "Age is only a number. It's about how you feel and how you feel when you keep throwing." George has gotten next to no interest because he's 41 and wasn't even very good when he was young.

Source: Illinois Sports Headquarters



Hollis Thomas
Free agent DT Hollis Thomas is reportedly considering signing with four teams, and plans to make a decision this week.

We know the Eagles are one. Other suitors could be the Lions, Falcons, Rams, and Vikings (who may be without starting DTs Pat and Kevin Williams for the first four games). Thomas, 35, can add depth at the nose tackle spot.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports



Michael Crabtree
According to beat writer Matt Maiocco, "there are indications that it will be a challenge for the 49ers to get (Michael Crabtree) signed before the start of training camp."

The sides are still far apart in contract negotiations and Crabtree's agent, Eugene Parker, is known for holdouts. Crabtree wants to be paid like a top-five player because that's where he "should have" gone. Crabtree is already far behind the 49ers' other receivers as he missed the entire offseason program (foot). This could be more trouble.

Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat