No News on contract talks between the Patriots and either Adam Vinatieri or David Givens. There are rumblings that our old friend Romeo Crennel may target Givens, however. From Scout.com:
"WR David Givens is scheduled to become a free agent on March 3, 2006 if he cannot work out a new deal with the Patriots before then. The Cleveland Browns, who have their own receiver scheduled for free agency (Antonio Bryant), are in the market for a new receiver. Crennel told the media gathered in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine that the Browns would probably need to get a wide receiver with WR Antonio Bryant expecting to test the free agent market. The former Patriots coordinator said that the team would prefer a veteran. Crennel is familiar with Givens from his days in New England, and is believed to be targeting the former Notre Dame product."
Cleveland is currently under the $92 million cap by $21.5 million, while the Pats are under only $1.5 million. It appears that Cleveland will have the money to spend in free agency. I am not sure though, if Crennel will offer Givens a huge payday or money close to what Reggie Wayne just signed for. Givens is not quite a number one receiver yet, but is certainly the best alternative in the free agent market. I just hope he realizes that Cleveland could be years away from contending. But, once again I am sure money will talk.
No news on Vinatieri. Not sure yet if that is god or bad.