ESPN reports that Hester agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $30 million. His original rookie contract was slated to end after the 2009 season, and he would have only earned $445,000. $15 million of his contract is guaranteed. Also, the last year of his deal, which would be in 2013, includes a $10 million roster bonus if he becomes a standout wide receiver by fulfilling several incentives.

Hester showed his anger towards Bears’ management by holding out of training camp for a whopping two days. The Bears had reportedly talked with him about certain terms of a potential deal all offseason, but, he still held out. In fact, it shocked GM Jerry Angelo.

“[His agent] floated it out there, but I didn’t really take it serious because, as I say, we are still talking, we’re still in the process, there’s no closure,” Angelo told reporters Wednesday. “Usually when you say, ‘Hey, it’s over, take it or leave it, we’re out of money,’ you might get a reaction like that. But as you’re continuing on in negotiations as we have been, it is surprising.”

There is no doubt Hester outplayed his original contract. With only two seasons under his belt, he has already amassed 11 total return touchdowns, which is just two away from Brian Mitchell’s all-time record. Hester has also cemented himself as one of the best return men ever. Almost every team in the NFL would rather give the Bears’ dismal offense great field position than have Hester possibly take it to the house. That’s how much of an impact he has.

Before Hester’s brief holdout, Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith had a chance to speak with Hester before camp and tried to convince him to come.”I don’t have any idea how long it will be. We would like to get him out here as soon as possible,” Smith said. “I know he would like to be out here. He realizes how important this work is, especially this early work with him becoming a full-time receiver.”

Most might say the hold out is what got Hester his new deal, but I don’t. In fact, I think it t was the fact he eventually showed up. His agent Eugene Parker might not have liked that he went to training camp, but it looks like it did pay off for Hester in the end.

Look at it this way. The Bears extended both Tommie Harris and Brian Urlacher’s contracts. Why did they do it sooner rather than later? Because all those guys showed up at mandatory OTA camps. Heck, last season, Lance Briggs was thinking about holding out of training camp but never did. He got his reward and shocked the world by resigning with the Bears. Hmm, I see a pattern. By Hester being at camp, you knew a payday was in the near future.

Sports Illustrated Peter King reported that Favre and Thompson agreed that it would be best for Favre to sit at home and not to distract other Packer players.

“I had planned on reporting for the start of Packers Training Camp Sunday, but Ted Thompson asked if I would give him a couple of days to try to get the situation resolved. I agreed to do that,” Favre told King. “I don’t want to be a distraction to the Packers, and I hope in the next few days we can come to an agreement that would allow me to continue playing football.”

Recently, it was reported by multiple media outlets that the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the front runners in a potential trade for the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdown passes. The Jets were the perceived favorite, but talks have gone south.

Sources close to the situation have said that a trade between the Packers and Jets is very unlikely at this point. The Newark Star-Ledger says that while talks have gone on, rumors about a deal getting done were put out by Favre’s camp and not the Jets or Packers.

One of the reasons Favre has not been dealt yet is that the Packers are asking for a first-round draft pick, which seems a bit high for an aging superstar.

It should be noted that any potential trade cannot happen until Favre actually files for reinstatement to Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Brian Urlacher will receive the extension that he has sought since the season came to a close. His old deal had four years with $25.5 million left on it. The new deal will give him $6 million signing bonus and give him a $1 million increase in the next four seasons. Urlacher will also receive an extra year added on his contract which will play him $7.5 million.

The six-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker is coming off a shaky season. However, for a player as good as Urlacher, a shaky season is still better than most of his peers. Urlacher managed to get 123 tackles, 5 sacks, and 5 interceptions, something no other player came close to.

Although Urlahcer showed his anger through the media by threatening a potential hold-out, he still showed up at mandatory camps earlier last month.

“When it says mandatory, you’re supposed to be at those things, so that’s why I’m here,” Urlacher said. “I’m supposed to be here. I’m not trying to send any message. It’s a mandatory team function and we’re supposed to be here…All that matters is I’m here with my teammates. That’s really the only thing that matters right now.”

This was a good move by the Bears. It not only keeps Urlacher happy, but it keeps the locker room happy, because if the icon is happy, everyone is happy.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that the NFL’s leader in career touchdown passes has an “itch” to play again. In fact, Favre has contacted his former coach Mike McCarty multiple times about his desire to play again. Even his family wants him to play, according to longtime ESPN football analyst Chris Mortensen.

“Brett retired for the right reasons, even though I know his family is tugging on him [to play],” said Mortensen’s source.

Favre’s agent Bus Cook is staying mum on the situation and said, “As far as I know, right now, Brett Favre is retired and until he tells me something different, that’s what it is.”

Of course this story is in the embryonic stages, but I’m sure no one is surprised. Brett Favre is a guy who is very passionate for the game of football. Of course, fans would love to see him back, but do the Packers?

It was sort of a blessing in disguise that he retired this year. Aaron Rodgers has been waiting for his shot for a while now, and so were the Packers. Also, by drafting Brian Brohm out of Louisville, it seemed apparent they were ready to forget number 4.

Favre’s contract is tied with the Packers on the reserved retired list, which means if he were to come back, it would be in Green Bay. However, according to Mortensen, he would have to write a letter to ask for his release.

While seeing Favre play at a high level one more time would be great for the game, it just wouldn’t be right. Why is he putting all this scrutiny on Rodgers and the Packers? This seems like a very selfish act by the old gunslinger.

Granted, Rodgers could be a complete flop, but what’s to say Favre’s return to be the same? Remember, Favre was on the decline until his rejuvenation last season. Who knows? Maybe 2007 was a mirage. What if the decline continues? That doesn’t seem fair for Green Bay or Rodgers.

What if the Packers decide not to bring back Favre and release him into free agency? It would be hard to picture him in anything but the green and gold. Also, who would really want him?

The Bears? Like it or not, they are sold on having Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton behind center. The Falcons? Well, if you’re paying Matt Ryan that much money to sit like Aaron Rodgers has been the past 3 seasons, forget about it. The Vikings? It makes sense, but Brad Childress is in love with Tarvaris Jackson. The Chiefs? They seem sold on Brodie Croyle, but this would be the only place that might even think about signing him.

Brett, you are a legend. All of us who watched you play the last 17 seasons have a book full of memories. Heck, you even won a Super Bowl and played in the big game twice. Most quarterbacks would sell their soul for a chance to do that.

So, please, for your sake, quit toying with us. Quit waffling, pondering, and flip-flopping. Do what John Elway and Dan Marino have done. Hold back your desires, walk away, and stay retired. Keep your legacy intact. Make last season one where you road off into the sunset.

But, if you REALLY do want to come back and the Packers say “no,” I think you would look good in navy blue and orange. Just a suggestion.

“There’s something wrong about the system,” said Goodell to the Associated Press. “The money should go to people who perform.”

Goodell believes that money should go to proven veterans and not rookies. Many eyebrows were raised when Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long, the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, signed a five-year deal worth over $57 million, with $30 million guaranteed. Not only is that the highest contract for a rookie offensive lineman, but it is also the biggest contract for an offensive lineman in NFL history.

Shortly after the draft, Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan also broke the bank. The Falcons inked him to a six-year, $72 million dollar deal with $27.3 million guaranteed.

Ryan’s contract received more scrutiny because its numbers were close to the contracts of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Ben Roethlisberger just to name a few. Not to mention, Ryan’s contract is higher than those of David Garrard, Donovan McNabb, and Drew Brees, all proven quarterbacks.

“He doesn’t have to play a down in the NFL and he already has his money,” Goodell said during a Q&A session during a function at the Chautauqua Institution. “Now, with the economics where they are, the consequences if you don’t evaluate that player, you can lose a significant amount of money.”

You are 100% correct Mr. Goodell. Why should a young kid, who has never stepped on the field in the NFL, make more than a proven veteran? It’s, to quote Goodell again, “ridiculous.”

Many have pitched the idea that the NFL should bring in a rookie salary cap that is much like the NBA. Their rookie pay scale assigns salaries by their draft position (the first overall pick receives more than the second pick, the second more than the third, etc.).

The only problem is that Gene Upshaw, president of the NFL Player’s Union, doesn’t back it. He claims that by capping rookie salaries, veterans will miss out on bigger deals.

“[I’m] concerned that keeping rookie salaries too cheap could price veterans out of jobs, especially those who make one of the varying minimum salaries.” said Upshaw, “We don’t want to get into a position where the league is keeping four or five rookies because it’s cheaper than keeping one or two veterans.”

While there is credence to what Upshaw says, in the end, teams will keep talent no matter what age they are. In fact, most teams seem to be cutting veterans when they have to deal with the high paid rookie.

And in some cases, it comes back to bite them.

Just look at the Chicago Bears. They traded Thomas Jones, a proven running back, to the Jets in order to put high-paid draft pick Cedric Benson on the field. Now the Bears are paying for it in the form of a cap hit.

So, maybe if the commish starts to speak out on big deals, Upshaw will have no choice but to step up and work out an agreement to please both sides.

Kudos Goodell! Because this is one of the many issues the NFL has to solve.

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At the start of the 2007 NFL season, it was clear that the NFC was the weaker of the 2 divisions. 

Well, it seemed clear then. 

The New England Patriots had justed added a slew of free agents to their already talent-laden line-up, the Indianapolis Colts had just come off QB Peyton Manning’s first championship season and the San Diego Chargers returned much of what had led them to a 14-2 regular season the year before.  Whoever came out of the AFC was sure to win the Super Bowl, right? 

Meanwhile, the NFC stacked up very differently.  League favorites weren’t established until well into the season and even those turned out to be misguided as it was the #5 seed NY Giants who road a slew of road wins through the playoffs to become Super Bowl spoilers for the then still undefeated New England Patriots.

Most everyone I know had no freakin’ clue that any of that would happen.  All in all, it was a wild, wild year in the NFC.  Let’s take a look back at how each division played out.

NFC EAST

1.  Dallas Cowboys (13-3):  New head coach Wade Phillips took the Cowboys to new heights this year.  Tony Romo and a wide-open offense led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and home-field advantage in the playoffs.  Unfortunately, Phillips ran his playoff record to 0 and forever,and the Cowboys fell to eventual champs NY in round 2.

2. New York Giants (10-6):  The New York Giants overcame adversities galore to win an NFL record 10 consecutive road games.  In the playoffs, the G-men defeated the Cowboys, the Packers and the New England Patriots, all of whom were heavily favored against Tom Couglin’s merry band of road warriors.  QB Eli Manning earned the Super Bowl MVP award and established himself as more than just ’that other Manning’ and Tom Coughlin had the last laugh on the New York media that had criticized him all year. 

3. Washington Redskins (9-7):  Legendary Coach Joe Gibbs returned the Redskins to respectability this season as Washington earned a playoff bid relying on a stout defense and a strong running game.  RB Clinton Portis rushed for 1,262 yards but Washington lost in the first round to the Seahawks.  After the game, Gibbs called it quits leaving the team in a state of disarray going into next year though the cupboard isn’t exactly bare.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8):  Former perennial division champ Philadelphia struggled in the NFC’s toughest division.  Donovan McNabb has begun to hear the footsteps of young, talented QB Kevin Kolb which probably isn’t as bad as hearing fans boo you when you’re drafted, but still has to suck.  Will he be back next season or will Kolb get his chance?  Stay tuned.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (13-3): Everything seemed to be falling into place for the Pack after the Dallas loss to NY gave Green Bay home-field advantage for the NFC Championship game.  Little did they know the Giants had them right where they wanted them.  Still, the Packers had an outstanding year considering many figured they’d do poorly.  Brett Favre will return next year to shatter all passing records known to man and the Packers will have another run to the playoffs.

2. Minnesota Vikings (8-8):  The Vikes were kept out of the playoffs, but earned alot of respect throughout the league as an up-and-coming contender.  Rookie sensation Adrian Peterson proved that he will be one of the best backs for years to come if he can stay healthy.  Look for the Vikes to be even better next season.

3. Detroit Lions (7-9):  The Lions looked great through the first of the season but then they started to look like…well….the Lions.  The Lions hope a good off-season will get them over the hump next year, but most likely there will be more bold predictions by their pedestrian QB, another 1st round pick on a WR and another toothless season for Detroit.

4.  Chicago Bears (7-9):  A slew of injuries and the lack of a decent QB kept the Bears from getting back to the Super Bowl this year.  Something tells me they’ll correct their QB problem this off-season (Donovan McNabb?) and be solid contenders again soon.

NFC South

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7):  The Bucs rode the aging legs of speedster Joey Galloway as far as they could take them.  The former Ohio State WR was the only truly dynamic player on Coach Gruden’s complicated offense and they were easily beaten by the Giants in the 1st round.  Watch for the Bucs to slip down into the basement next season before John Gruden gets his walking papers.

2. Carolina Panthers (7-9):  Anytime you have to start David Carr at QB you know its a bad year.  Still, the Panthers look to have a steady nucleus set for next season and if Jake Delhomme returns to Pro Bowl form and reestablishes a connection with WR Steve Smith, Carolina should be back in the hunt.

3.  New Orleans Saints (7-9):  The Saints almost became the ‘Aints again this year.  By far, New Orleans was the most disappointing team in the NFC.  An early injury to RB Deuce McAllister led many to believe this would be Reggie Bush’s season to shine.  Bush did okay, but being just okay doesn’t justify a #2 overall pick.  For the Saints to get better, QB Drew Brees will have to return to 2006 form and McAllister will have to get his usual amount of carries.

4.  Atlanta Falcons (4-12):  The bleak beginning of the season started with Michael Vick being sent to prison for fighting dogs.  The bleakness should continue next season, too.

NFC West:

1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6):  The Seahawks made it to the playoffs again this year.  They also lost again.  The Seahawks are the boring, make-it-every-year-but-always-lose-team its easy for make fun of.  They’ll do the same next season, too.  At least they’re consistent?

2. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): The Cardinals were a decent squad this year.  QB Kurt Warner took over for the injured Matt Leinart but the Cards couldn’t quite complete a playoff type season.  This team is one good off-season from being a legitimate contender. 

3.  San Fransisco 49ers (5-11):  The 49ers were supposed to win the division and take a step toward their illustrious past.  RB Frank Gore, who lead the NFC in rushing the year before, wasn’t quite the same as opponents stacked the line and forced the offense to pass.  QB Alex Smith looked dismal before a season-ending injury put him on the shelf.  The hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Martz should help this ailing offense improve, but Coach Mike Nolan will need a playoff run to keep his job.

4. St Louis Rams (3-13):  Talented RB Steven Jackson and the Rams were so bad this year they finished below the 49ers.  That’s pretty bad.  Things don’t look so great next  year, either.  Maybe firing Mike Martz wasn’t the best idea after all.

Next Year’s Contenders:

Making predictions this early is pretty foolish, but here are some anyways. Division winners will be Dallas, Green Bay, New Orleans and Seattle with Chicago and New York grabbing Wild-card spots. 

As for the Super Bowl, don’t be surprised to see Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers represent  the NFC next year (unless next season is as crazy as this season was, because then I’d have to say that I really have no freakin’ clue).

Written by Kelsey McCarson

Well, these gridiron Giants actually did the 1951 baseball Giants one better, as Eli Manning and his merry band of G-Men struck down the Patriots’ hopes of a 19-0 season, claiming Super Bowl XLII with a thrilling 17-14 win.

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With their shocking overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers in the literally frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the New York Giants have just completed one of the most improbable playoff runs of all-time.

Led by the impressive play of Eli Manning, a stout run-stopping defense, and a record setting wide receiver, the Giants ended Brett Favre and the Packers resurgent season and put themselves in position to be Superbowl champions.

Just how did they do it?  Easy as 1-2-3:

1. A Giant Leap for Manning-kind: If Eli Manning has finally won over his critics, then it is certainly well deserved.  (more…)