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Wes Welker signs his franchise tender, Suzy and Adam discuss which player-team contract issue will present the biggest problem, and Jeff Fisher wants a clean slate for Sam Bradford.

Mel Kiper's final mock draft is out, and I cannot contain my excitement. Mel has broken his longstanding rule about not predicting trades in mock drafts, and he has put a trade into his projections. What's exciting for me is that it's the same trade I made on behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles in Monday's blogger mock -- a deal with Jacksonville to move up to No. 7 and draft Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.

I do not believe Mel stole this idea, because I believe he was probably doing something other than following the blogger mock draft on Monday afternoon. But the fact that he's thought of it too is, for me, validation. The unquestioned high point of my mock drafting career. I may retire on top now -- never do a mock draft again. Pull an Elway. Or a La Russa.

Anyway, as to the feasibility of this idea, I think it's totally realistic. They may have to give up more than I did in my mock deal with Kuharsky, since I was able to pull it off without surrendering either of the Eagles' two second-round picks. But they have the ammunition to do it, because they have 10 draft picks now following the Asante Samuel trade. Cox would be a fantastic pick for them, and if they've decided to make him a priority, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them move up to make sure they get him. I did, however, have someone tell me this week, when I raised this possibility, that "the Eagles might have to move up higher than No. 7" to get Cox.

Anyway, the rest of Mel's first round, as it pertains to the NFC East, has the Redskins of course taking Robert Griffin III at No. 2, the Cowboys taking Alabama safety Mark Barron at No. 14 and the Giants taking Mississippi tackle Bobby Massie at No. 32.

Just wrapped up our live ESPN.com blogger mock draft, in which I and the other seven division bloggers made the picks for each of the teams in our respective divisions. It was a blast, and largely because trades were allowed. I am proud to say that I was involved in the very first one, with the Philadelphia Eagles.

I based my decision on the idea that the Eagles had identified Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox as the player they wanted. There had been some recent talk of him going to the St. Louis Rams at No. 6, and I was convinced that he would not get past the Carolina Panthers at No. 9. So, after Mike Sando selected Justin Blackmon for the Rams at 6 and Paul Kuharsky let it be known that the Jaguars were looking to trade down out of No. 7, I offered Kuharsky the Eagles' first-round pick (No. 15 overall) and their third-round pick (No. 88) for the Jags' first-rounder.

Kukarsky countered by offering the No. 7 overall pick and the No. 176 overall pick (sixth round) for the 15, the 88 and the 153. So I'd be getting the No. 7 overall (and with it Cox, the player I wanted) and a high sixth-round pick for a third and a middle-fifth. I believe, if Cox is indeed their guy, that this is a trade to which the Eagles would eagerly say yes. Get their man without giving up either of their two second-round picks. No-brainer. So we did the deal, and I picked Cox at No. 7 for the Eagles.

Cox is a great fit for the Eagles. He can shore up the middle of the defensive line against the run, and he also helps the pass rush from an interior line spot. He's a more polished prospect than fellow first-round defensive tackle Dontari Poe, and the Eagles are in win-now mode. I also could have taken Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly at the No. 7 spot. (That's who Pat Yasinskas ended up giving to the Panthers at No. 9, after assuring me that he would indeed have taken Cox if he'd still been on the board.) But following the DeMeco Ryans trade, Kuechly didn't seem as important a target. If I'd stayed at 15 and he'd lasted that long, sure. But I wasn't trading up for a linebacker.

So let me hear it, Eagles fans. What do you think of my performance in the role of Howie Roseman? Good deal? Worthwhile pick? Or what?

There is increasing buzz that the Kansas City Chiefs might try to find a way to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Tannehill is considered a draft riser. The Chiefs have closely investigated him in recent weeks, and because the team doesn’t think it has many pressing holes, the time might be right to grab a quarterback. I think the Chiefs will draft a quarterback early in the draft, but Tannehill is the only attainable quarterback available who could challenge to take Matt Cassel’s job away. Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. thinks Tannehill could eventually make the Chiefs a special team .

Getting Tannehill might not be easy. The Chiefs would be extremely lucky if he fell to them at No. 11. The more likely scenario would require the Chiefs moving up to get him.

There has been a lot of speculation that the quarterback-needy Dolphins will take Tannehill at No. 8. New Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was Tannehill’s college coach.

So, if the Chiefs really want to get Tannehill, they might have to jump up to No. 7. However, Cleveland could also take Tannehill at No. 4. Last week, Colts’ owner Jim Irsay tweeted that Tannehill is a draft gem, and teams might have to trade up to No. 3 with Minnesota to get him. The Eagles and Seahawks might be among the teams interested in trading up to take Tannehill.

I’m not sure the Minnesota scenario will be necessary to get Tannehill, but quarterbacks create unique scenarios.

Moving from eight spots from No. 11 to No. 3 would cost multiple first-round picks, and that might be too pricey. However, if Tannehill is on the board at No. 7, Kansas City could try to move ahead of the Dolphins and take him for a much more reasonable price. The Jaguars have the No. 7 pick.

Well, now it’s official. Tebow-mania is dead in Denver.

Ending an intense day of renewed trade talks with the New York Jets and renewed talks with Tim Tebow’s hometown Jacksonville Jaguars, the Broncos have sent Tebow to the Jets. This time it seems it’s for good.

The same trade parameters remain. The Jets get Tebow and a 2012 seventh-round pick. The Broncos get 2012 fourth and sixth-round picks. The holdup was a $5 million bonus payment. The Broncos and Jets have decided to split it down the middle, so the Jets owe the Broncos $2.5 million. Bringing Tebow-mania to Broadway should make up for it by morning.

So long, Tebow-mania. It’s been something else.

Here’s my reaction to the trade when the news first broke Wednesday morning.

I will be back with more coverage of this story later.

Well, that was interesting.

The Tim Tebow era in New York lasted approximately three hours. Then it was taken away, only to return in what was a rollercoaster Wednesday for the Jets, Denver Broncos and Tebow himself.

That's how long it took for the Jets to agree to a trade, then back out after not realizing they would owe Denver an additional $5 million. Eventually, both sides met halfway and the Jets will pay half that amount ($2.5 million) to Denver, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Blame this one on the Jets. New York's front office failed to read the fine print and missed the huge clause. But I don't blame the Jets for backtracking and doing everything they could to void the move.

I liked the trade for Tebow and a seventh rounder in exchange for a fourth and sixth rounder. I like it moderately less now that the Jets also had to cough up an additional $2.5 million to make the trade go through. But if Tebow plays his role well next season as the Jets' Wildcat option and backup quarterback behind Mark Sanchez, people will probably forget about the extra cash.

Reportedly, Tebow had a say in where he could go. He chose the Jets over the Jacksonville Jaguars. That is interesting because Jacksonville is Tebow country and he would've had a better chance at winning the starting job for the Jaguars.

For more on Tebow's fit with the Jets, check out the AFC East blog's previous coverage of the initial trade to New York here, here and here.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to steal Tim Tebow now that the Broncos-Jets’ trade has hit a snag. The Rams are also in the mix. I think, regardless of what happens, Tebow will be traded.

Jacksonville is Tebow’s hometown and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that Tebow asked Broncos VP John Elway to try to deal him to the Jaguars. He may get his wish.

There is apparently solid interest in Tim Tebow around the NFL.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has just reported that Jacksonville, Green Bay, Miami and the Jets have all either internally discussed acquiring Tebow or have discussed it with the Broncos. Schefter described the Jets as being a long shot.

He’d probably have the best chances to play in Jacksonville (his hometown) and Miami. He’d be a backup with the Packers, but the Packers are known for developing quarterbacks and it could be a good spot for him.

Denver is bent on trading him and doing it soon. It seems like they have a market.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported the Denver Broncos have already received calls from teams about quarterback Tim Tebow.

Schefter said it is a sign the Broncos should be able to move him while ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that Tebow will likely be released if the Broncos can’t find a trade partner.

Jacksonville, Miami and New England are among the teams interested in Tebow. He will likely be brought in as a backup anywhere he goes. Denver could get a mid-round pick in return, but don’t think the Broncos will sweat the compensation much. I think they just want to move on.

The Dolphins have an extra-round round pick it acquired from Chicago for Brandon Marshall, so it could give Denver a solid offer. Ironically, the Broncos drafted Tebow with their No. 25 pick after they traded Marshall to Miami two years ago. Tebow succeeded Marshall as No. 15 in Denver.

Schefter made a point that I agree with. He said several owners in the league may be interested in acquiring Tebow because of ticket sales and the popularity it could create. Tebow sells and the Broncos are hoping they find a buyer as they hand their offense to Peyton Manning.

Hall of Fame quarterbacks rarely lose in the clutch.

The Duke did it again in Denver.

In the biggest day in Denver Broncos history since John Elway won his second straight Super Bowl 13 years ago, Elway displayed his acumen as an NFL executive by landing perhaps the biggest free-agent prize in NFL history.

Peyton Manning is going to be a Denver Bronco. Just as important, Tim Tebow is likely going to be a former Denver Bronco.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen have reported Manning has instructed his agent to complete a deal with the Denver Broncos and Manning told the San Francisco 49ers and the Tennessee Titans of his decision to play elsewhere. Mortensen reports that working out the contract details is a formality.

According to Schefter, Manning’s head was leading him to San Francisco, but his heart was with Elway and the Broncos. The relationship between Elway and Manning is a major reason Manning is going to play in the Rocky Mountains.

Legendary quarterbacks like to hang out with each other.

When he arrives in Denver, Manning -- who the Broncos are confident will be able to bounce back from a neck injury that cost him the 2011 season -- will enjoy the presence of a kindred spirit unlike any he’s had before in an NFL building. Manning knows Elway will understand everything he is thinking and Elway will do everything it takes to make Manning successful in Denver.

Landing Manning became a quest for Denver’s organization last month when it became clear Manning would be released by the Colts. It was obvious Elway was never completely comfortable moving forward with Tebow as the starter even though Elway and head coach John Fox said Tebow earned the right to go to training camp as the starter.

One of the reasons the Broncos had planned to stick with Tebow was they didn’t have any other viable options. The Broncos are not in the position to draft Stanford’s Andrew Luck or Baylor’s Robert Griffin III and no other rookie prospect appears ready to take over a team. The free-agent class offered no major upgrades.

Then Manning became available and everything changed.

Manning offered Denver the perfect escape route from Tebow-mania. Because Tebow was a huge fan favorite, the Broncos knew it would be difficult to part ways with him. But who can argue with the Manning-Tebow swap? Tebow-mania is dead in Denver. Manning-mania is taking over.

Expect the Broncos to try to trade Tebow. The Florida legend could attract interest in Jacksonville or Miami. Mortensen also said New England (where former Denver coach Josh McDaniels, who drafted Tebow, is the offensive coordinator) could be interested. Mortensen said Tebow could be released if Denver can’t find a trade partner.

Even though Manning, who turns 36 on Saturday, is not going to be a long-term fixture in Denver -- I’d expect three solid seasons from him -- the Broncos are more than comfortable going all-in on Manning and moving away from Tebow.

The Broncos tired of the weight of the focus being solely on Tebow. They also were weary of his inability to become a pure pocket passer. Now, instead of having to wait on and answer questions about Tebow’s development, Denver can toss Manning a ball and let him take over.

While Elway was a huge factor in Denver landing Manning, do not underestimate the role of Fox. He is a player-friendly coach who will allow Manning the freedom to do what he likes. Fox and Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy proved last year with Tebow they are flexible enough to allow the quarterback to dictate the offense.

The option offense is out. The line of scrimmage artistry of Manning is in.

Expect the Broncos to aggressively add some pieces that will fit with Manning. Denver’s offense was more run-oriented with Tebow. Now, it will be more passing-oriented. Expect the Broncos to reach out to Manning’s former center, Jeff Saturday, and perhaps tight ends Dallas Clark or Jacob Tamme. I wouldn’t be surprised if another receiver was added even though Manning was intrigued by the idea of working with young receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.

Fox needs to continue to improve the young defense. The Broncos have been in talks with several defensive free agents and with Manning all but secured, Fox can focus on beefing up that side of the ball.

The Broncos were often the center of the NFL universe last season with Tebow, and they should be again for a completely different reason. Expect Denver to get a full allotment of prime-time games in 2012 as the football world wants to see if Manning and Elway can chase a combined fourth Super Bowl ring.

There’s a new franchise star in Denver and it's only fitting that the greatest Bronco of them all is the reason why.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting Kansas City quarterback Kyle Orton will visit the Cowboys.

He would back up Tony Romo in Dallas. This is surprising to me. I would think Orton could get a chance to compete for a starting job elsewhere. But for his first visit to be a place where he would be a backup is an indication he may not currently have better options.

The Chiefs have said they would like to keep Orton and have him compete with Matt Cassel. To me, that seems like a better option than in Dallas for Orton.

Also, Miami quarterback Chad Henne is going to visit Jacksonville, Schefter reports. There has been some talk he could interest the Chiefs and Broncos. Also, if Henne ends up in Jacksonville, that could take a potential spot away from Tim Tebow in Jacksonville. The Broncos would likely call the Jaguars about Tebow -- who is from Jacksonville -- if the Broncos land Peyton Manning.

The San Diego Chargers have figured out one of their issues on the offensive line. The team announced center Nick Hardwick has signed a three-year deal.

It is not a surprise that Hardwick is coming back. He is the anchor to the offensive line, and he wanted to return. Yet, there were some question marks, because he nearly got to the start of free agency, which opens at 4 pm. ET.

The team will now try to sign receiver Vincent Jackson, tackle Jared Gaither, running back Mike Tolbert, defensive tackle Antonio Garay and some outside free agents. The team had about $20 million in cap room before the Hardwick deal. Terms of his deal are not currently known. Signing Hardwick is a good start to free agency in San Diego.

Meanwhile, former Chargers' special teams ace Kassim Osgood is being released in Jacksonville. The Chargers love him, and their special teams suffered when he was gone. I could see the team making a run at him.

Here are some thoughts on Denver coach John Fox's quick hiring of former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio to succeed Dennis Allen, who has been named Oakland’s head coach.

Nice score: Many Denver fans might have upset that Allen left; however, Del Rio is a terrific hire by the Broncos. Fox said Wednesday that he was in no hurry to find a replacement for Allen, but the quick hiring of Del Rio shows Fox felt great about this move. Though Del Rio had been on the market for several weeks, this reconnection between Del Rio and Fox — Del Rio was Fox’s first defensive coordinator in Carolina in 2002 before becoming Jacksonville head coach in 2003 — should ease the mind of Denver fans.

Seven is not a problem: Though Del Rio is Denver’s seventh defensive coordinator in seven years, this shouldn't be an issue due to the compatibility between Del Rio and Fox, who has a defensive background himself. Del Rio knows that this is Fox’s team and it is his defense. Allen deserves a lot of credit for turning Denver’s defense – the worst in the NFL in 2010 – into a competitive group. But the coaching started with Fox. He will continue using his system.

Fox loves familiarity: Fox closed the deal so quickly with Del Rio that there wasn’t time to find other candidates. Clearly, Fox focused on his former assistant as soon as Allen took the Oakland job. That means Fox is confident in his new choice.

More experience than Allen: Allen, 39, got the Oakland job after one year’s experience as the Broncos coordinator. Del Rio, 48 and coming off nine seasons as a head coach, is much more seasoned.

Recruiting means something: Even though Denver improved as a defense under Allen, it still needs to reload. Perhaps Del Rio will turn for help to a pair of defensive ends he coached in Jacksonville — Matt Roth and Jeremy Mincey, both free agents.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have Atlanta’s old offensive coordinator as their head coach. Now, the Falcons have Jacksonville’s former offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, as their play caller.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported Koetter has been hired as Atlanta’s new offensive coordinator and the team just confirmed the move.

Koetter also had interviewed for the coordinator’s job with the University of Alabama, but the Falcons won out.

Koetter has history with Atlanta coach Mike Smith. Koetter joined the Jacksonville staff in 2007, Smith’s last season as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator. Prior to joining Jacksonville, Koetter had a long history as a college offensive coordinator.

In Atlanta, Koetter’s main job will be to get more out of a talented offense than Mularkey did. Despite having a passing game that featured Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez and a running game that featured Michael Turner, the Falcons were inconsistent on offense during the 2011 regular season. In their playoff loss to the New York Giants, they did not score any offensive points.

New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will not return for the 2012 season, the team announced late Tuesday. The result wasn't a surprise, but the way it was done was.

According to the Jets, Schottenheimer informed the team Tuesday that he didn't want to return. Here was his statement released through the team:

"After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to return to the New York Jets in 2012. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in the six years I have been here. I am grateful for the relationships that I have with our players and coaches and appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into our success. My family and I would like to thank Rex Ryan and the entire Jets organization and wish them continued success. I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead."

This is probably best for both parties. The Jets said they wanted Schottenheimer back. But both sides were aware there was a lot of internal strife and unhappiness on offense. The Jets needed a new voice.

The timing of Schottenheimer's announcement was interesting, because earlier Tuesday evening, the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Mike Mularkey as their new head coach. Schottenheimer recently interviewed for the same position and wanted that job.

New York already began making changes to its offensive coaching staff and now needs a new offensive coordinator. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano is first in line to replace Schottenheimer.