NFL Nfl Rumors

One could forgive Cleveland wide receiver/return man Josh Cribbs if he was upset with the Browns coaching staff for extending Monday night's game against Baltimore long enough to land him on a stretcher, despite the fact that the Browns were down 16 points with just seconds to play.

But Cribbs, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer by way of PFT, has a different account of the final play of the game: the decision to keep the ball alive was made by Brady Quinn (as opposed to head coach Eric Mangini).

Mike Shanahan has been contacted by the Buffalo Bills as a potential candidate to fill the tiny shoes of Dick Jauron, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter -- although the report indicates that Shanahan was not the only candidate contacted.

Among those additionally listed as possibilities are former NC State offensive coordinator and current CFL coach Marc Trestman, as well as Jim Haslett, who simply refuses to disappear from any coaching search, and Giants OC Kevin Gilbride. Schefter did indicate, however, that interim head coach Perry Fewell would be given an "every opportunity" to secure the full-time gig.

Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games by the NFL for violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, according to the Kansas City Star's Kent Babb.

The suspension was announced by NFL spokesperson Corry Rush and then confirmed by the Chiefs, although they have yet (and may not) comment further on the matter.

In the days since his release, speculation has been rampant as to where former Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson would eventually end up. Almost immediately, the Washington Redskins were a hot rumor. The shoe fit because Dan Snyder likes signing big names -- even if they are washed up has-beens -- and starting running back Clinton Portis recently went down with a concussion.

Wednesday, though, head coach Jim Zorn ruled out the possibility of the 'Skins bringing in the maligned veteran from Penn State.

Larry Johnson had been a free agent for all of a few hours Monday when it was reported that the Washington Redskins might have some interest in signing the ex-Chief.

Which, really, shouldn't come as a surprise -- mainly because Clinton Portis is injured with a concussion and considered questionable for Sunday's game ... actually, you know what? Check that -- the Redskins are interested in Johnson because he's a big name, he's available on the market and signing him would generate some "buzz," which is something that Dan Snyder is quite fond of.

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Larry Johnson's time in Kansas City is apparently over as the Chiefs announced Monday that they have released the oft-troubled running back into the ether of NFL free agency.

Johnson was, of course, fresh off a suspension based on his recent social media activity and attitude towards reporters, although the official release from the Chiefs doesn't really indicate why he's gone (though it should be obvious):

With a bevy of big name coaches likely ready-for-hire heading into the 2010 season, in addition to a lot of really poor NFL teams in 2009, we can expect rumors to be swirling all over the place for the rest of this season and on into the offseason. Thus, it's not surprising to see Mike Holmgren mentioned as a possibility. Of course, most thought he'd have to at least wait until next season to get involved.

According to Adam Shefter of ESPN, Holmgren may not have to wait. Shefter reports that the Browns want to hire Holmgren as their vice president of football operations -- similar to the role Bill Parcells has with Miami -- and that the job is immediately Holmgren's for the taking.

Larry Johnson is a mere 80 yards away from passing Priest Holmes as the all-time leading rusher in KC history, but if the fans who put together an online petition have their way, he won't get there.

You see, it turns out that LJ's recent actions -- tweeting at coach Todd Haley, calling reporters homophobic names, being suspended by the team -- combined with his past transgressions -- police problems, being suspended by the team (again) -- have created a sort of pent-up anger within the fanbase.

After yet another embarrassing beatdown for his Browns -- this time a 30-6 loss at the hands of the Chicago Bears -- Eric Mangini received a vote of confidence, at least for the remainder of this season. Randy Lerner, owner of the Browns, indicated he isn't willing to dismiss Mangini right now, but admitted to the Associated Press that he is "sick" about the state of his franchise.

Even if Mangini's safe, Lerner did express interest in making one change -- he wants to bring in a football-tested authority figure to help run the franchise. The way he's phrasing everything, it sounds like he wants to hire someone in the Bill Parcells-in-Miami mold.

Jamal Lewis told reporters following the Browns' loss to the Bears Sunday afternoon that he is planning to retire after the 2009 season. Yes, I know what you're thinking: "Woah. Jamal Lewis is still playing football?"

But he is.

And apparently, this will be his final season -- after telling reporters of his intentions, he also added "I mean what I say" which, presumably, is to ward off the possibility of people mistaking him for Brett Favre.