Steve Smith Fantasy News

Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 4:27pm

Quarterback Sam Bradford is learning his third offense in three NFL seasons — from his third coordinator, no less. But at first blush, the transition may be easier than expected.

"I like the offense that we're running this year," Bradford said Tuesday. "It's more similar to two years ago than to last year. There is some carryover, so I am somewhat familiar with it, which makes it nice trying to learn it again."
Bradford, speaking after the Rams' first minicamp practice of the spring, said there are even some similarities in the language and play-calling from his rookie season of 2010, when Pat Shurmur was offensive coordinator. There is another similarity to 2010, when Bradford was NFL offensive rookie of the year: a position coach.

"I'm glad that we have a quarterbacks coach now," Bradford said, referring to Frank Cignetti. "Obviously, with Josh (McDaniels) trying to do both last year I think it was just a lot for him to handle. Sometimes some of the little things such as drops, footwork, throwing mechanics kind of got put aside as opposed to putting reads and everything in front. ... I think it's going to be great for my development."

Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 9:43pm

Wide receiver Mike Thomas will have better coaching with Jerry Sullivan and a better supporting cast with Laurent Robinson, Taylor Price and, presumably, a high draft pick in the mix.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. has said Thomas can combine attributes of Wes Welker and Steve Smith.

But many Jaguars fans were left wondering about Thomas last season, when he fell off after he got a contract extension in early October. That three-year, $18 million deal included $9 million guaranteed. It eclipsed the three-year deal worth $13.35 million with $5 million guaranteed that Green Bay gave Jordy Nelson.

Word in Jacksonville was that Thomas gave up late in the season, frustrated by a bad receivers coach in Johnny Cox and a struggling rookie quarterback in Gabbert. Cox was fired by interim head coach Mel Tucker and replaced by quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard.

Sunday, April 1, 2012, 7:52pm

After coming up empty in attempts to land more highly regarded wide receivers in free agency, the Rams took a roll of the dice last week in signing Steve Smith.

"First off, he's a very first-class young man," coach Jeff Fisher said. "Overcame a difficult situation with his knee. The guy had an extraordinary workout, and has a chance to get back where he was in 2009."

"Now, he had a significant injury," Rams general manager Les Snead said. "What we said is that it's a risk worth taking because usually an injury like that takes a year" to overcome.

"From a knee standpoint, he looked well," Snead said. "I think going through an offseason conditioning program will get him back in shape. And the guy is a very smart football player, intelligent football player. (He) loves the game, (is) passionate about reviving his career. That's why we did it."

Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 3:54pm

Moving to shore up more holes on the depth chart, the Rams agreed to terms with a pair of free agents Monday — wide receiver Steve Smith of Philadelphia and tight end Matthew Mulligan of the New York Jets.
Smith’s deal is for one year; Mulligan’s is for two years.

If Smith is healthy, the Rams could have some much-needed help in their wide receiver corps. As a member of the New York Giants in 2009, he set a franchise record with 107 catches, good for 1,220 yards which was the second-highest total in Giants history, and made the Pro Bowl.

But left knee problems, including microfracture surgery late in the 2010 season, have slowed his career. He also ended up on the injured reserve list last December as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith, 5-11, 195 pounds, is 26.

Monday, December 12, 2011, 6:19pm

Steve Smith has pretty good bone bruise in same knee as microfracture.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 5:26pm

Jeremy Maclin is expected to practice on Wednesday after participating in the Eagles' morning walkthrough. DeSean Jackson has swelling in his sprained foot and is likely to sit out.