Fantasy Football

The Facts:
The Patriots have designated Vinatieri, a two-time Pro Bowl place-kicker, as their franchise player. Vinatieri, 32, led the NFL in scoring with 141 total points last season. Since joining the team, he has scored over 100 points in each of his nine NFL seasons, joining Denver's Jason Elam as the only two players in NFL history to accomplish the feat. He has converted 243 of 296 field goal attempts during his career (.821), making him the fifth-most accurate kicker in NFL history. Reported by Patriots.com

Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As Boston Herald staffer Michael Felger noted this morning, the Pats and Vinatieri have been through this before, and no one should be surprised if the current situation plays out as it did in 2002, when the Pats franchised Vinatieri and then used the extra time to sign him to a three-year extension worth $5.6 million.

Profile

Eagles Tender Brian Westbrook. Retain Right Of First Refusal
Dolphins Release Jay Fiedler
LaMont Jordan Eager To Test Value; Won't Rule Out Return To Jets
Eagles Sign Journeyman TE James Whalen
Dominic Rhodes Agrees To 2-Year Deal With Colts
Laveranues Coles Unwilling To Rework Contract
Cowboys, Drew Blesoe Reportedly Agree To Deal
No Surprises In Indy; Edgerrin James Draws Franchise Tag
Chargers Release Tim Dwight
Patriots Assign Franchise Tag To Adam Vinatieri
Steelers Clear Way For Plaxico Burress To Move On
Ravens Release Kevin Johnson; Plot Future At WR
Jerry Porter Signs 5-Year Extension With Raiders
Seahawks Set To Sign Hasselbeck; Alexander To Get Franchise Tag
Packers To Name Bubba Franks Transition Player
Seahawks To Franchise Hasselbeck Or Alexander
Skins Ready To Let Laveranues Coles Move On
New Owner Says Randy Moss Staying Put