Last April the Jets drafted a starting tight end. Now they are releasing one.

Another first-year head coach, and more quarterback talk at the combine. The Jets’ Rex Ryan fielded several questions on the team’s quarterback situation.

Seattle’s decision to designate linebacker Leroy Hill as its franchise player surprised some. But it was a well thought-out position that resulted largely from failed contract talks between the two sides.

The Atlanta Falcons will not be in the bidding for Titans free agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Maryland receiving prospect Darrius Heyward-Bey’s football career seems to be on the fast track.

As Mike Singletary puts it, in a perfect world, the 49ers would have a clear-cut starting quarterback and a proven commodity at the position. But the 49ers don’t live in that world.

The second day of the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine has started appropriately enough, with NFL Network’s Mike Mayock answering questions for the media. Like the walking, talking, broadcasting football encyclopedia that he is, Mayock is rattling off times, numbers and figures for potential NFL prospects on a whim. He just finished comparing former Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree and Larry Fitzgerald, making note that when Fitzgerald was going through this process, no one thought he had enough separation speed. So that’s where we begin. Not much is going on in the NFL that isn’t happening in Indy. Nearly every executive, coach and scout is in or around town, the current mecca of the football world … and you’d be hard-pressed [...]

Every table was full Thursday night at Shula’s Steakhouse, including a table in the back room where Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford was dining with a contingency from the Detroit Lions.

The Philadelphia Eagles named Andrew Brandt as a consultant to assist in the areas of player contract negotiations and salary-cap management. Brandt will work closely with Eagles president Joe Banner in those matters through August.

Saints head coach Sean Payton discussed a number of topics Thursday during an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, including rehabilitation updates on WR Marques Colston and RB Reggie Bush. But it’s the player Peyton didn’t mention who should have the most interest to fantasy leaguers.

But it’s the player he didn’t mention that should have the most interest to fantasy leaguers.

The first official day of the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine started and ended at full throttle. Some of the NFL hopefuls talked about their experience in Indy, while some NFL head coaches and executives spoke about free agency, offseason plans and scouting players.

Maurice Carthon left the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday and joined new head coach Todd Haley in Kansas City as the Chiefs’ assistant head coach. Carthon was the running backs coach in Arizona under Haley, who was the offensive coordinator, and the two also worked together with the Dallas Cowboys in 2004 and the New York Jets from 1997 to 2000.

Connecticut’s William Beatty is considered one of the draft’s best senior offensive lineman, but his weight has been an issue.

Move over Mannings. Another set of brothers is establishing a legacy in professional sports.

Ever since Herman Johnson entered the world weighing 15 pounds and 14 ounces, it seemed he was meant to play football. He is listed as being one of the heaviest babies ever born in Louisiana and he says “my doctor told me all the time I was going to be an LSU Tiger.”