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Find out where Quinn Gray has landed, which quarterack is on the block because of his arrival and who is planning a reality TV show based on their comeback attempt in this edition of the All Access Football Daily Dose, as Ross Mandel and Ralph Mancini deliver the latest mystery and intrigue from around the league.
GRAY A TEXAN, ROSENFALS ON THE BLOCK
Quinn Gray told the Houston Chronicle that he plans to sign with the Texans. Gray says his deal will be a one-year agreement worth $635,000, with $40,000 to sign.
Mancini's Take: This was a bit of a surprise because there are other teams that had a bigger need at quarterback. I'm sure Houston gave Gray the standard promise that he'll be given every chance to compete for the starting position, when in reality Matt Schaub would totally have to crumble in order for him to be demoted. I really don't think Gray is a huge upgrade over Rosenfels, but he does offer a bit of a stronger arm and more mobility.
Mandel's Take: I'm not sure what Gray's strategy is, but it doesn't include playing time. There's no way they told him he'd compete for playing time and if Gray believes he's got a shot at being the #1, well...I have an ocean front cabin in Nebraska I'd like to sell him. The Texans traded for Schaub because they wanted him there and he didn't exactly tank last season as a starter.
RUMOR MILL: DILFER TO OAKLAND
Free agent Trent Dilfer told the congregation at Northside Christian Church in Fresno Sunday that the Raiders have shown interest in him.
Mancini's Take: This news item tells me that JaMarcus Russell really won't have to worry about holding on to the starting job throughout the 2008 season.
Mandel's Take: Nothing says "Easter" more than a washed up QB testifying to the congregation about his future in the NFL. Dilfer should be on the league's network, not actually in the league.
DEUCE MAY BE CUT LOOSE
Deuce McAllister is awaiting a decision as to whether he will remain a member of the New Orleans Saints, according to the Baton Rouge Advocate. McAllister is about six months past his surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee and the team has until April 15 to decide whether to pay him a $1 million roster bonus or terminate his contract. He commented, "Unfortunately I've been through this routine before as far as rehab is concerned. Every day you just try to make it a little better. For them to make good on their investment, as far as paying me the roster bonus, then I wanted to make good on my health. Having ACL surgeries on both knees in the last three years is an unfortunate deal. Before we went into this season I wanted to make sure I was healthy and obviously the team felt the same way. If it wasn't for the right knee, then I would be able to do a lot more strenuous workout as far as planting and cutting, etc. You want to be careful with the microfracture and it give it time to heal fully. It's not 100 percent, but it's getting close to the point where I can do different exercises and different things. There's still time out there for me to rehab and get stronger. If rehab continues to go as well, then it's possible I can participate in that last minicamp May 29-June 1."
Mancini's Take: No, this doesn't sound promising and, quite frankly, Deuce shouldn't be worried about the Saints at this point. NFL franchises have been known to bail on their stars at the slightest hint of physical breakdown. The big back may not be as fast as he was in prior years, but I'm sure he'll still be effective enough to make a difference. There have been cases in the past where runners with reconstructed knees (plural) have made it back and prospered. Former Viking and Redskin Terry Allen immediately comes to mind.
Mandel's Take: His career is certainly in jeopardy--the Saints already agreed to push a roster bonus due date back a month, to April 15th...Deuce has been a valuable and loyal soldier to that organization and it will be hard for them to let him go. But they will.
MCDONALD'S FOILS MARSHALL
Brandon Marshall slipped on a McDonald's wrapper, which resulted in his arm going through the television set, according to NFL.com. It is unclear as to how many stitches Marshall needed and he commented, "I want to thank everybody for their concerns and let everyone know that I'm okay. It's funny because I pride myself on yards after catch and being one of the toughest players to take down once I have the ball in my hands. So for the next couple of days I'm going to take the time to build my confidence back up after allowing that McDonald's bag to take me down and send me through the entertainment center."
Mancini's Take: I know we're talking football, but this so much reminds me of Jeff Kent supposedly getting injured by falling off his truck while washing it or Moises Alou tearing up his knee by falling off his treadmill. I don't know, color me skeptical, but I'm not buying it.
Mandel's Take: Come on. Really? Well, was it a "wrapper" or a "bag"? Yeah, I watched Magnum...I know alllll about this detective stuff. And how does slipping lead to your hand going through a TV? I'd assume the TV was elevated--when you slip, you fall down. Unless that TV was lying on the rug, this seems like a crock.
RICE ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL
Free agent Simeon Rice says his shoulder is "100 percent" and is working to make a comeback. Rice, 34, is being filmed by a TV crew interested in turning his story into a reality show. He plans to run at his alma mater Illinois' Pro Day. Rice has talked with Lions coach Rod Marinelli, who isn't one to turn down ex-Bucs.
Mancini's Take: I was getting excited there for a second, and thought it is Jerry Rice who was coming back. Simeon is young enough to reestablish himself. His speed off the edge should at least earn him a role as a situational pass rusher---provided his shoulder is really sound.
Mandel's Take: I can't take this seriously. There's no way you can tell me you're 100% into something if you're concerned about making a reality show about it and worried about how you'll look on camera. Bah.
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