Ricky Williams hits rumor mill; and other news

[RSJ]

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_3397734

bill williamson - nfl report

Ricky Williams hits rumor mill

By Bill Williamson

Denver Post NFL, Broncos Beat Reporter

In addition to the Terrell Owens speculation, there is another controversial NFL player being linked to the Broncos.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Ricky Williams-to-Denver talk.

With the NFL free agency and trading period about seven weeks away, the Williams rumors have begun float. The Dolphins probably will deal Williams, and the Broncos are one of the teams connected to the speculation, just as they were linked to Owens a few months back.

Will it happen? The Broncos are likely to add to their running arsenal in the offseason, but it most likely will be through the draft. Williams would fit Denver's running back mold, but the team probably wouldn't trade for a veteran.

The Broncos feel comfortable in producing their own backs. Plus, the Dolphins likely would want a conditional first-round pick for Williams. That would be too steep for Denver. If the price tag is a midround pick, it would make more sense for Denver because he has a reasonable contract.

Williams will garner interest around the league. He behaved well this season after missing 2004 and the first four games this season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. He finished the season strong.

There will be a market for Williams, but it could be pricey and it is unlikely he'll wind up in Denver.

All signs point to Bush

Houston: It is difficult to believe reports the Texans are married to the decision to draft Southern California running back Reggie Bush with the No. 1 pick over Texas quarterback Vince Young, a state hero and a Houston native.

But it makes sense. It also makes sense that Bush will be the pick with the pending hiring of Broncos' offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. All indications point to the Texans hiring Kubiak once Denver's season ends.

Kubiak knows the benefits of having a strong running game. Denver has been a running stalwart in Kubiak's time with the team and Bush is too tempting. Plus, the Texans think a solid quarterback coach such as Kubiak could salvage former overall No. 1 pick David Carr. Taking Young and bypassing on the explosiveness of Bush would not make sense. Kubiak has helped Jake Plummer flourish and he could do the same with Carr, who is only 26.

It is too early for the Texans to make their final decision, but all signals point to Bush over Young.

Edwards poised for success

Kansas City: With Herman Edwards in his second job, it's reasonable to wonder if he'll settle down more than he did in his five seasons with the New York Jets. While Edwards was considered a solid football man, he was criticized for the way he ran the team.

There was often discord among the coaching staff, and in the playoffs last season there was a dispute between Edwards and an assistant coach during a game. Some observers said there was chaos surrounding the Jets. Perhaps Edwards has learned from those experiences. The Chiefs hope so. If he has, Edwards will be successful.

Barber outburst turns heads

New York Giants: Tiki Barber was perhaps the one Giants player other than defensive end Michael Strahan who could get away with what he said after the playoff loss to Carolina. Barber said the Giants were outcoached by the Panthers' staff in a 23-0 shutout loss at home.

In coach Tom Coughlin's world, players say little. Barber's words were stunning. By Monday, the two had smoothed things over. Barber is a solid, smart player. What he says has to be heeded, so Coughlin probably took stock. This isn't a loose cannon, such as tight end Jeremy Shockey, complaining. This was one of the most respected players in the game. Even Coughlin had to listen.

Heimerdinger could get a look

New York Jets: Keep an eye on offensive coordinator Mike Heimer- dinger, who could be the top candidate for Kubiak's job if the Broncos' offensive coordinator goes to Houston. Heimerdinger was the receivers coach in Denver during its Super Bowl run and is highly regarded.

Heimerdinger is expected to be interviewed to replace Edwards as the Jets coach. He is under contract to the Jets, so if he doesn't get the head coaching job there,

he could still be retained by them.

Owens is good as gone

Philadelphia: Don't expect the Eagles to get any serious bidders for Owens even though they have given him permission to seek a trade. The Eagles long ago made it clear they'll release him.

There has been no reconciliation and there won't be one. The Eagles have let Owens' agent Drew Rosenhaus begin the process, just in case a team bites and offers a low draft choice. For Owens it's a good move because it allows the free-agent process to begin.

If there are a few teams that show interest, perhaps a bidding war could occur. But don't expect it. Owens is likely to be a free agent and the Eagles won't get any compensation. But getting rid of Owens is compensation enough for the Eagles.

Hill enters the picture

Oakland: There is a chance Al Davis will turn to the college ranks in replacing Norv Turner. While earlier talk was centered on UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, there has been speculation Davis may seek out another California collegiate coach: Pat Hill of Fresno State.

Hill has been getting a lot of attention lately as Houston and New Orleans have also shown interest. Hill could make sense for the Raiders. He is young and fairly inexpensive - traits Davis likes.

But by going through interviews in Houston, where Hill knows he's not the top choice, and in New Orleans, which is considered the worst job in the league, Hill is showing his desire for an NFL job.

While many coaches have said they would ignore the Raiders' advances, Hill could be eager to jump into Davis' world.

Snyder rocking the boat

Washington: Once again, owner Daniel Snyder has gotten other owners in a lather.

Several were less than thrilled by Snyder's decision to pay defensive coordinator Gregg Williams nearly $3 million a season in order to dissuade him from pursuing a head coaching job.

To Snyder's credit, he has basically guaranteed Williams will become his next head coach when Joe Gibbs retires in a year or two.

But the bottom line is he raised the ante for coordinators, who can point to Williams' deal. And for that, Snyder is not a popular man in some league circles.

Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or

[RSJ]

Double Post

[GREENSMACKS]

i guess he wants to be "a mile high"....

[124]

Denver has Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell so I don't know why they would want Williams. It says that they are uncertain with the two but why? Did they not both run run for 900+? Anderson had over 1000 and Bell had 940, what the hell is wrong with their current 1-2 punch? If Miami was smart, they'd keep Williams and have him as a 1-2 punch with Ronnie Brown, who doesn't seem ready to assume a starting role just yet.