Pierre Thomas has added 10-to-15 pounds of muscle this offseason, mostly in his legs. Currently, we have Thomas ranked 17th on our running back chart. He will lose some touches to Reggie Bush and Mike Bell, but is definitely the best option of the three. Thomas had nine touchdowns over the last six games he played in last year, so it would not be surprising to see him finish as a top-10 back in 2009.
Bill Belichick did not rule out the New England Patriots signing Michael VIck. New England has been mentioned several times as a possible destination for Vick, although it is all speculation at this point. A minor roadblock for signing him could be Myra Kraft, Pats' owner Robert Kraft's wife, who is a big animal activist.
Josh Freeman signed a five-year contract with the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Freeman is the quarterback of the future for the Bucs, but will probably see limited time this year with two veterans (Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich) to compete with. In keeper leagues do not be afraid to take a late round flier on Freeman, who was the most physically gifted quarterback in this year's draft.
Darrius Heyward-Bey signed a contract with the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders raised a lot of eyebrows at the draft when they passed over Michael Crabtree with the seventh overall pick and took Heyward-Bey. The Raiders were impressed with his speed (4.30, 40-yard dash at the combine), which he'll use to stretch opposing defenses.
As expected, Larry Johnson reported on time to training camp. Johnson has done and said all the right things in Kansas City during the offseason. It will be interesting to see how the offense pans out with new head coach Todd Haley. Last year as Arizona's offensive coordinator, Haley called only 1178 rushing plays which was dead last in the NFL, a stat which does not bode well for Johnson. However, the Cardinals did not have a running back like Johnson and the Chiefs do not have the wide receiver combo of Fitzgerald and Boldin. While his seasons of 1700+ rushing yards are over, Johnson should easily eclipse 1000 yards rushing as long as he stays healthy and out of trouble.
The Vikings opened camp on Friday with Tarvaris Jackson practicing with the first team. There is little to read into the quarterback battle in Minnesota at this point. The Vikings could still sign Brett Favre and Sage Rosenfels will be given a "50-50" opportunity to win the starting job.
Brandon Pettigrew signed a five-year contract with the Lions. Pettigrew will be Detroit's starter come week 1. The first tight end taken in this year's draft with the 20th overall pick, Pettigrew will pay immediate dividends for the Lions. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has stated "You want that production in the passing game," Linehan said of the tight end position. "It starts with the blocking, though. That's why Pettigrew was such a unique fit and profile for the position because he's a blocker and a receiver, and to be an every-down tight end in this league, you have to have some special physical qualities as well." Pettigrew has decent upside and will make a nice #2 tight end selection this year for fantasy teams.
While he missed Thursday's conditioning test and both of Friday's practices, Chris Wells should reach an agreement with the Cardinals and be in camp soon. Wells will have competition at running back from Tim Hightower (who could steal some goal line carries), but Wells should emerge as the top option in the backfield for Arizona.