The Tampa Bay Buccaneers increased their quarterback options with the signing of free-agent Jay Fiedler. He’s expected to compete for a backup job with fellow quarterback Chris Simms. Fiedler is a better quarterback than Simms, but he has his issues. Fiedler has been in the NFL for 10 seasons and has started in 60 games. He was let go earlier this year by the Dolphins to make room under the cap.

In another not surprising event involving an NFL player, Johnathan Sullivan was arrested on several charges, which included possession of marijuana. The incident took place just south of Atlanta, Georgia. Sullivan is a defensive lineman for the New England Patriots.

Last season Chicago Bears running back Adrian Peterson was the second best rusher on the team. Today, he has a new contract extension. The Chicago Bears were a force last season and if their offense was a little better, they would have went further in the playoffs. To help sure up their backfield, they have signed Adrian Peterson to a three-year contract extension today. The extension will carry Adrian Peterson through the 2009 season.

Ed Reed and the Baltimore Ravens have agreed on a contract extension. Ed Reed, a four-year veteran, plays the safety position. The Ravens will be counting on him heavily this year. The new contract extension is for six years. Reed is now under contract through the 2012 season. This deal was announced by the Ravens earlier today.

Last night, ESPN revealed their power list for the best quarterback situations for the upcoming NFL season. Overall the list was pretty decent. I had some issues with exact numbering, but the general area was pretty good. The usual suspects were on the bottom—San Francisco, Buffalo and so forth. There were a few surprises along the way. The biggest factor for some teams was the fact that the quarterbacks play well in the regular season and maybe not so well in the playoffs—hello Denver Broncos.

In a growing trend this off-season, another NFL player was arrested on Friday. This time it was Jammal Brown, an offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. Anxious to get into the NFL season and start hitting someone, he decided to start early and use his wife as a target. The NFL is evidently full of wife beaters and Jammal Brown is the latest addition to the lineup.

Yesterday, the Seattle Seahawks decided to part ways with veteran punter, Tom Rouen. The move was a tad surprising. Rouen has played for thirteen years, the last few in Seattle. He is now 38 and that may be a factor in the decision. Last season Rouen averaged 41.6 yards per punt.

It’s quickly turning out to be a problem for Santonio Holmes and the Steelers—being arrested that is. The Steelers chose Santonio Holmes as their number one selection and he already has personal baggage. Holmes was arrested early this morning for assaulting a woman—another woman beater in the NFL. Holmes is 22 years old and was drafted from the Ohio State Buckeyes.

It really should come as no surprise to say this. Today, we have learned that Ben Roethlisberger has been cited in his accident for riding without a valid motorcycle license. He will also be cited for not wearing a helmet. While riders in Pennsylvania are allowed to ride without one, there are certain restrictions. The driver of the car he hit has been cited for failing to yield.

The Philadelphia Eagles announced today that they have signed their 5th round selected, Omar Gaither. They signed him to a four-year contract. Gaither plays the OLB position and he was the Eagles late 5th round selection—their second pick in that round. He was drafted 168th overall.

Last year the magical season for the Cincinnati Bengals season came to an abrupt halt when Carson Palmer went down wit ha leg injury. At the moment it became crystal clear—to those not already in the know—that any success the Bengals will have rests squarely on the shoulders of Carson Palmer. The Bengals did not have a backup capable of carrying the team—and they still don’t.

Deion Branch, the top receiver for the New England Patriots, is upset over not getting a contract extension. As a result, he has decided to skip at least day one of the mandatory minicamp. Branch has one year left on his contract—he will make around one million. He wants the added security of future pay. When asked about his absence, Tom Brady said, “it’s tough.”

It just would not be a good NFL off-season unless there was at least one NFL player that got arrested. Yesterday, Cato June, the Colts’ Pro Bowl linebacker, was arrested, because he failed to appear in court. He was due in court for the charge of driving with a suspended license.

No one can argue that last season’s performance by Willis McGahee was lackluster. After having a solid 2004, he failed to impress in 2005. McGahee is determined to make 2006 a better year and the Bills sure need a solid running back. On Moday, the Bills started a three-day mandatory minicamp. McGahee showed up looking much better, physically, than he did in 2005.

Yesterday, I reported that Ben Roethlisberger had been hurt in a motorcycle accident. Today, we know that he underwent surgery to repair the damage. Four doctors performed the surgery and it lasted some seven hours. According to doctors, there were no serious injuries to his vital organs and all of his fractures were fixed properly. At last report he had a broken jaw, broken nose, many missing and cracked teeth, minor injuries to his knees and other lacerations.

Offensive linemen are getting the respect they deserve lately and the Philadelphia Eagles are not about to lose one they feel is an anchor in the line. Shawn Andrews was approaching the free agency point, but he will never get there are the Eagles made him an offer he could not refuse. Eagles and Andrews agreed on a seven-year extension, which could be worth up to $40 million.

A Pittsburgh TV Station is confirming today that Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was involved in a motorcycle accident. Apparently, according to an eye-witness at the accident scene, he went over the handlebars of the motorcycle, hit another vehicle’s windshield and crashed to the ground. Perhaps the most shocking news was that Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, which is one of the most bonehead things to do.

Unless you have been living in a hole, you know that last month Greenbay Quarterback Brett Favre decided to come back to the Packers for one more season. Evidentially, he felt that despite being 36 and having a miserable year, there was cause for him to come back. Should he have come back?

Reggie Bush reported to the New Orleans saints on Friday to being a three day mini-camp. He is wearing #25, because the NFL declined his request to wear number 5, which is not designated for RBs. According to reports, Bush looked pretty comfortable out there. The pressure is on as the Saints are counting on him having a big impact for their team.