NFL News Wire Rundown: July 21st

I haven't done one of these since Monday. No, I wasn't curing AIDS or financing homeless people. I was doing something better: Working on the Fantasy Football Writers With Hair 2008 Draft Kit.

It's coming. This Friday. Get your camping gear ready for those lines—the FFWWHDK (oh man that's catchy, but if you can somehow come up with something better, I'd love to hear it, [e-mail]) is faster than the iPhone 3G and has better graphics than the PS3. Things could get hectic.

But alas, I have returned home my friends. And boy I chose a good day to do it. At the moment, there are over four pages worth of Rotoworld news reports. I am salivating.

Lewis Is A Monster

Ray Lewis' offseason workout regimen allowed him to gain five pounds and reduce his body fat to six percent.

He's up to 6'1"/255. Lewis remains a top-five middle linebacker when healthy, but barely made it through last season playing with a torn triceps, an ankle sprain, and a broken hand. Don't bet on him making it 16 games this year.

He played through a sprained ankle, a broken hand, and (plural!) torn triceps. That is a dude who PROTECTS THIS HOUSE!

Sorry for that.

Lions Don't Want The Other LJ

Booth Newspapers' Tom Kowalski confirms that the Lions are not interested in dealing for LaMont Jordan.

Jordan visited the Lions a few weeks ago, but acquiring him was never a high priority. We expect Jordan to be cut by Oakland as soon as Wednesday. Kowalski also calls rumors of Detroit's interest in Chris Simms "baseless."

You know your days are numbered when the Detroit Lions don't want you. Start looking for a house in Florida, Lamont. Enjoy your retirement.

*Actual Fantasy Analysis*

The Giants have agreed to trade Jeremy Shockey to the Saints in exchange for second- and fifth-round picks in 2009. Shockey still must pass a physical.

It's a risky trade for the Saints, but the perfect place for Shockey to improve his fantasy value. New Orleans desperately needs a second receiver to catch passes over the middle, and Shockey can top his career high in receptions (74) if he stays healthy for once.

That would make him a top-six TE again, albeit one with huge injury risk. It's unclear if Shockey will even be ready for camp. The Giants turned down the same offer in April, but they got plenty of value to eliminate a distraction. Kevin Boss should take over at tight end.

I love this move fantasy-wise. Shockey has fallen out of favor in fantasy circles, but going to New Orleans—who has no receiving threats aside from Marques Colston (and Reggie Bush I guess) helps him enormously.

He'll be the second biggest threat in the passing game. He'll have Drew Brees throwing to him, who seriously crushes on good tight ends (look at Antonio Gates' numbers with Brees compared to Philip Rivers). The tight end position just got deeper.

Slaton Is Signed

The Houston Texans agreed to terms with third-round RB Steve Slaton on a multi-year contract.

Slaton has Warrick Dunn-like potential in Houston's zone-blocking scheme, but must overcome his ball security woes. He put the ball on the ground a few times during OTAs. Slaton's rookie ceiling is as a third-down back.

Warrick Dunn-like potential. Oh boy!

Drew Rosenhaus Thinks Holding Out Is Unprincipled

Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed that his clients Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett will both be at Cardinals training camp on time.

The players want new deals, but are willing to suck it up for now. "Anquan is not the type of guy to hold out," said Rosenhaus. "He’s a very principled guy." The Cards may continue to negotiate with Boldin into the season, but Dockett is signed through 2011 and unlikely to get a raise before next winter.

Oh yes Drew. Doing what you agreed to do in a contract means you are very principled.

Andy Reid Thinks Brian Westbrook Will Report To Camp

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday that he believes Brian Westbrook will not hold out of training camp.

Westbrook is hiring a new agent as he seeks an overdue pay raise. "Brian's obviously one of the leaders of this football team, so I would expect that he would be here," Reid said. Westbrook is due $4.5 million in 2008.

Drew Rosenhaus thinks Brian Westbrook is very principled.

Adam Schefter Thinks Terrell Suggs Won't Report

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that franchise player Terrell Suggs does not plan to report to the Ravens until after their final exhibition game on August 24.

Suggs has hired a personal defensive line technique coach and will stay in shape on his own. While the Ravens would naturally like Suggs around, it's not that big a deal because he's a seasoned veteran. Suggs is doing what he has to do: avoiding potential injury.

Drew Rosenhaus thinks Terrell Suggs is very low...