The chance to return to the Giants appealed to Michael Strahan, but the quality of life outside of football won out. The Giants got in touch with Strahan, but it was unlikely they would have paid him $8 million to play this season.
Though Strahan made sure that the Giants knew coming out of retirement was an option, the decision became really difficult for him. He was on vacation in Greece until Aug. 31. To be ready for next Thursday's game, he would have had to jump on a plane Wednesday, fly to the Giants facility and begin a one-week training session in order to take part in five-to-15 plays as a pass-rushing specialist for the Redskins game. Faced with those realities, Strahan decided to stay retired.
Charger adjustments: It will be interesting to see how Shawne Merriman handles how things changed in San Diego while he was away seeing doctors for his knee problem. The Chargers signed his backup, Jyles Tucker, to a four-year, $14 million extension. Merriman has this season and next year on his contract with salaries of $1.05 million each season. Technically, the Chargers are more financially committed to Tucker for the future than Merriman. Merriman still might play despite the ticking timebomb in his knee that calls for reconstructive surgery. By signing Tucker, the Chargers are saying to Merriman that they are prepared in case he shuts it down in 2008. Still, don't be surprised if Merriman opts to play.
Pats shake things up: The Patriots made the most interesting moves during the cutdown to 75 on Tuesday. Bill Belichick never reveals much about injuries, but now we see why he signed six veteran offensive linemen this offseason. Guard Steven Neal is out the first six weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform list. Billy Yates is expected to replace him. Ryan O'Callaghan, the top backup at tackle, is done for the year. Suddenly, the Patriots line looks thin. They also released cornerback Jason Webster, one of three veterans brought in to replace Asante Samuel and Randall Gay. Fernando Bryant and Lewis Sanders remain from that trio. Bryant should be a starter. It's not certain whether Sanders has earned a roster spot.
Cut out cutdown: Next year, if the NFL unwisely decides to keep training camp rosters at 80, they need to eliminate this cutdown to 75. From last week, 50 of the 129 players released in the cutdown from 80 to 75 were undrafted rookies. There were only 20 veteran players -- those with three years or more of experience -- released. Bears cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. might draw some interest from the Bucs and some other teams. Watch for Jaguars wide receiver John Broussard to draw a lot of interest from teams trying to claim him on waivers.
Two seventh-rounders -- wide receiver Marcus Monk of the Bears and cornerback Kennard Cox of the Bills -- were the first draft casualties. Monk was claimed by the Giants. Cox still has to clear waivers. Ten other draft choices are out for the season with injuries.
John Clayton
