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mardigan

03-02-2007, 01:38 PM

Updated: March 2, 2007, 12:42 AM ET
Receiver Horn refuses pay cut, Saints release himAssociated Press

NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints released four-time Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn on Thursday, saying Horn asked to be let go after the Saints asked him to take a pay cut.

Joe Horn
Wide Receiver
New Orleans Saints

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
37 679 4 18.4 72 171

"Joe really wanted to see where his value is around the league for his services," general manager Mickey Loomis said. "With as much as Joe has meant to the Saints and to New Orleans, we don't want to impede his desire to do so, and we have kept the door open for him to return to our team."

Horn, who was the most frequent spokesman for the players during their Katrina-enforced exile during the 2005 season, had caught 523 passes for 7,622 yards and scored a team-record 50 touchdowns since coming to New Orleans as a free agent in 2000. He ranks second in club history in catches and yardage, and he is the team's all-time leader in 100-yard receiving games with 27.

"Right now it's going around that (the Saints) wanted to restructure my contract and I asked to be released, but this has nothing to do with money," Horn said told The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. "I wanted to retire as a Saint. I've been through hell and back for that city and that organization. If I wanted out of New Orleans that bad, I would have just kept my mouth shut and let them move the team to San Antonio.

"I just don't think [coach] Sean Payton wanted me back. I asked to be released because I felt betrayed by a head coach who wanted to prove he could win without Joe Horn."

Horn, who turned 35 in January, missed the Saints' last four regular season games in 2006 and both playoff games because of a groin injury.

He had 37 catches for 679 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season.

In May 2005, Horn signed a six-year extension that would have paid him about $42 million for the life of the contract. Next season, he was to be paid about $4.45 million and receive a $1 million roster bonus later this month.

Horn was by far the Saints' best receiver during his first five seasons with the team. In 2004, he had 1,399 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns.

In 2005, however, a hamstring injury caused his numbers to drop dramatically to 654 yards receiving and one touchdown. It was the first of two injury-plagued seasons the yielded numbers far below what he had put up earlier in the decade.

He still demonstrated flashes of his old self, catching touchdowns of 14 and 48 yards in the Saints dramatic 27-24 victory over Philadelphia on Oct. 15. But while he was injured, other, younger receivers emerged, including surprising rookie Marques Colston (1,038 yards, 8 TDs) and third-year former LSU star Devery Henderson (745 yards, 5 TDs).

Rookie running back Reggie Bush also was used as a receiver, both out of the backfield and lining up in the slot and led the Saints in receptions with 88 for 742 yards and two touchdowns.

The Saints also got solid contributions from third-year receiver Terrance Copper (385 yards, 3 TDs), whose playing time increased with Horn's injury and whom Saints coach Sean Payton liked when the two were with the Dallas Cowboys in 2004 and 2005.

Still, Payton spoke highly of Horn upon the receiver's release from the team.

"Joe's numbers speak for themselves, and throughout his career here he has been everything an NFL player should be in the community," Payton said. "He holds a special place to our fans because of his involvement in the city and his passion on the field. Decisions of this type arent easy, and we understand his desire to see what his value may be with other teams."

Horn was immensely popular among fans in New Orleans, not just because of his play, but also because of his outgoing, down-to-earth demeanor. He visited displaced New Orleans residents in shelters after Katrina. His No. 87 jersey was omnipresent during games in the Louisiana Superdome, and fans hung banners honoring him from upper deck facades around the stadium.

He had his own radio show. And he was a regular at New Orleans Hornets basketball games, sitting a couple rows from the court and often one of the last people out of the stadium because he had taken time to speak with fans who approached him to say hello, talk Saints and wish him well for the upcoming season.

When the season ended, Horn said he wanted to remain in New Orleans and believed he could continue to play at a high level, but said from the outset that he did not intend to agree to a pay cut -- at least not without testing the free agent market first.

Horn was not immediately available to comment on his release Thursday evening. Calls to his agent's office, cell phone and home were not immediately returned

mardigan

03-02-2007, 01:41 PM

Updated: March 2, 2007, 1:05 PM ET
Plummer may retire rather than take tradeBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

In a twist that could scuttle a proposed trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, veteran quarterback Jake Plummer told friends and business associates Friday afternoon that he plans to retire from football rather than continue his NFL career in another city.

Plummer
ESPN.com reported Friday morning that the Denver Broncos had reached agreement in principle on most of the elements of a trade that would send Plummer to the Bucs, where he would compete with Chris Simms for the starting job.

But only a few hours later, it appeared Plummer was ready to carry through on retirement suggestions he made earlier in the offseason, when it first became apparent the Broncos were shopping him in trade talks.

A source in the Tampa Bay organization said Friday afternoon the deal to acquire Plummer is "on hold ... at best." The source indicated that there were ongoing discussions aimed at convincing Plummer to accept the trade and play in 2007, but that the veteran passer was prepared to walk away from the game.

Under the terms discussed, the Broncos would have received a middle-round draft choice, believed to be a fourth-rounder, in exchange for Plummer. The trade was expected to be announced on Friday, provided all the major details were completed.

But that was before Plummer, scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.3 million for the 2007 season, wavered.

Tampa Bay re-signed Simms to a two-year contract earlier this offseason. But with Simms coming off a 2006 season in which he underwent an emergency splenectomy, the Bucs have been shopping for a veteran quarterback to bolster the depth chart.

Veteran backup Tim Rattay became an unrestricted free agent on Friday and was not expected to return to Tampa Bay.

Plummer, 32, lost his starting job in Denver to rookie Jay Cutler late last season and the Broncos have been entertaining trade offers in the offseason. A 10-year veteran, Plummer has started 136 games in stints with Arizona (1997-2002) and Denver (2003-2006). He has completed 2,484 of 4,350 passes for 29,253 yards, with 161 touchdown passes and 161 interceptions, for a passer rating of 74.6.

mardigan

03-02-2007, 01:42 PM

Updated: March 1, 2007, 5:42 PM ET
Bledsoe, released by Cowboys, was due $1 mil bonusAssociated Press

IRVING, Texas -- Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who was benched during the season by Dallas, was released Thursday by the Cowboys in a move that had been expected.

Drew Bledsoe
Quarterback
Dallas Cowboys

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
169 90 1057 7 8 69.2

Bledsoe, the first overall pick in the 1993 draft by New England, started 193 games in the NFL, including the first six in 2006 before he was replaced by Tony Romo, who then earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Bledsoe was due a $1 million roster bonus Friday and would have made $4.5 million next season.

The Cowboys also released tight end Ryan Hannam and guard E.J. Whitley.

Bledsoe was 3,839-of-6,717 passing for 44,611 yards and 251 touchdowns for the New England Patriots (1993-2001), Buffalo (2002-04) and Dallas (2005-06). He is fifth on the NFL career lists in attempts and completions and seventh in yards.

"I spoke with Drew today and told him that this was primarily a cap decision and that the door was very much open for him being a part of our future," Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "Drew has been a solid leader for our team and a true professional both on and off the field."

Hannam joined the Cowboys as an unrestricted free agent last spring from Seattle. He saw action in two games, mainly on special teams, before he was placed on injured reserve Oct. 11 with a degenerative condition in his right knee.

Whitley was a seventh-round pick last year, but tore the ACL in his left knee in rookie minicamp and spent the season injured reserve.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-02-2007, 01:58 PM

Pats are close to signing Adalius Thomas
Steelers release Verron Haynes
Falcons release lb Edgerton Hartwell

Jeff Garcia to visit the Raiders
Kerney going to talk with the Broncos
Fred Taylor signs extension
Jets sign Cotchery to 3 year extension

Chargers resign Lorenzo Neil to 3 year extension and release s Terrance Kiel, lb Steve Foley, and wr Keenan McCardell

Falcons release s Ike Reese
Pats release Corey Dillon
Eagles resign Juqua Thomas to 5 year deal
Seahawks expected to release te Jeremy Stevens

mardigan

03-02-2007, 03:25 PM

Dolphins Release Three Players; Mini-Camp Dates Announced
March 1, 2007

March 1, 2007-The Miami Dolphins today terminated the contracts of offensive linemen Seth McKinney and Bennie Anderson. In addition, the club waived wide receiver Eric Kimble.

The Miami Dolphins will be conducting three minicamps during the 2007 offseason, each of which will be open to the public. The scheduled dates are as follows: April 13-15; May 4-6; June 8-10. All three will be held at the team’s Nova Southeastern University training facility in Davie, and admission is free. Practice times will be announced in the near future, and dates are subject to change.

Horry For 3!

03-02-2007, 03:52 PM

Chargers resign Lorenzo Neil to 3 year extension and release s Terrance Kiel, lb Steve Foley, and wr Keenan McCardell
I fully expect that the Chargers draft a WR in the 1st round.

Horry For 3!

03-02-2007, 03:53 PM

Leanord Davis visiting Cowboys
Leonard Davis, nice. Texas represent!

mardigan

03-02-2007, 04:50 PM

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots released running back Corey Dillon, re-signed unrestricted free agent running back Heath Evans and re-signed restricted free agent guard Billy Yates today. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

"On behalf of the New England Patriots organization, we respect and appreciate Corey Dillon's significant contributions to our team," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "Those contributions extend beyond his individual on-field achievements and his integral role in a championship season. They also include three years of veteran leadership and positive relationships throughout the team."

Dillon, 32, spent three seasons with New England (2004-06) and set the franchise's single-season rushing record with 1,635 yards in 2004. He spent the first seven seasons of his career (1997-2003) with the Cincinnati Bengals. He is a veteran of 10 NFL seasons and has rushed the ball 2,618 times for 11,241 career yards and 82 touchdowns. Dillon's career rushing yardage total ranks 14th on the NFL's all-time list. The 6-foot-1-inch, 225-pound running back has played in 150 career regular season games with 133 starts and has also caught 244 passes for 1,913 yards (7.8 avg.) and seven touchdowns.

The Patriots acquired Dillon from the Bengals on April 19, 2004 in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2004 NFL Draft (56th overall - S Madieu Williams). In three seasons in New England, Dillon played in 43 regular-season games with 37 starts and rushed the ball 753 times for 3,180 yards (4.2 avg.) and 37 touchdowns, while catching 52 passes for 431 yards (8.3 avg.) and two touchdowns. Dillon led the Patriots in all major rushing categories in each of his three seasons in New England. His total of 3,180 rushing yards ranks seventh on the Patriots' all-time list, while his 37 rushing touchdowns rank third in team history. In addition to holding the team's single-season rushing record (1,635 yards in 2004), Dillon's 13 rushing touchdowns in 2006 rank third on the franchise's all-time single-season list (Curtis Martin, 14 touchdowns in 1995 and 1996). Dillon scored a total of 39 touchdowns in 43 career regular-season games with the Patriots (37 rushing, two receiving).

Dillon began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him in the second round (46th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft. In seven seasons with the Bengals, Dillon came to own or share 18 different Bengals records. On Oct. 22, 2000, Dillon gained 287 yards on 22 carries for Cincinnati in a game against the Denver Broncos. His 287 yards set the NFL's single-game rushing record at the time, and the total currently ranks as the second highest single-game total in league history.

Evans, 28, will enter his seventh NFL season in 2007 and was signed by the Patriots as a veteran free agent on Nov. 1, 2005. He has also played for the Seattle Seahawks (2001-04) and Miami Dolphins (2005). The 6-foot, 250-pound running back has appeared in 89 career games with seven starts and has recorded 112 career rushes for 417 yards and has caught 33 career passes for 226 yards and a touchdown. Evans has also totaled 17 career special teams tackles. In 2006, Evans played in all 16 regular season games for the Patriots and earned three starts at fullback. He finished third on the team with 27 rushes and ranked fourth on the club with 117 rushing yards. Evans also caught seven passes for 34 yards and scored his first career touchdown on a 1-yard reception from Tom Brady against Miami on Oct. 8, 2006. In 2005, Evans played in six games with one start for the Patriots and recorded 51 rushes for 192 yards, surpassing his previous career totals of 34 rushes for 108 yards in 67 career games prior to signing with New England. Over a two-game span that included victories over Miami (11/13/05) and New Orleans (11/20/05), Evans led the Patriots with 33 rushes for 158 yards (4.8 avg). Those two-game totals include a career-best 84-yard performance (on 17 carries) in the Patriots' 23-16 victory in Miami on Nov. 13, 2005. The West Palm Beach, Fla. native began the 2005 season with the Dolphins and played in six games for Miami that year, starting twice at fullback before being released by the Dolphins on Oct. 25, 2005. The Auburn University product was drafted by the Seahawks in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He spent the first four years of his career with Seattle before signing with the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent on March 17, 2005.

Yates, 26, has played in 11 career games with three starts, including four games with three starts in 2006. He was placed on injured reserve with a leg injury on Nov. 13, 2006. The 6-foot-2-inch, 305-pound interior lineman started three games at right guard last season and made his first career NFL start at Minnesota on Oct. 30. Yates was signed to the active roster from New England's practice squad on Oct. 21, 2006. The Texas A&M product was originally signed by the Miami Dolphins as a rookie free agent prior to the 2003 season. He played in three games for the Dolphins as a rookie, then spent all but one week of the 2004 season on the Patriots practice squad. Yates began the 2005 season on the practice squad and was signed to the active roster on Nov. 12 and played in four regular-season games and one playoff contest that season.

mardigan

03-02-2007, 04:52 PM

Leonard Davis, nice. Texas represent!
I hope they get him, they could play him at guard next year, and then next year when Flozells contract is up move him back to Left tackle. He hasnt ever shown the fire needed for a second round pick, but hopefully he can reclaim the nessecary amount of anger required for the position

Horry For 3!

03-02-2007, 05:03 PM

I hope they get him, they could play him at guard next year, and then next year when Flozells contract is up move him back to Left tackle. He hasnt ever shown the fire needed for a second round pick, but hopefully he can reclaim the nessecary amount of anger required for the position
I doubt Davis can play guard.

mardigan

03-02-2007, 05:37 PM

I doubt Davis can play guard.
IRVING, Texas - The free-agent signing period has begun and the Cowboys appear to be moving fast.

The Cowboys have brought in free-agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis (6-6, 366), a former No. 2 overall pick in 2001 who has played the last six years in Arizona.

Davis, who has played both guard and tackle during his career, arrived at Valley Ranch Friday morning and had a lengthy visit at the Cowboys headquarters.

The Cowboys might have a need for both a starting guard and tackle on the right side of the offensive line.

With the start of free agency, right tackle Marc Colombo is now unrestricted and can meet with other club. The Cowboys have had contract talks with his agent, but couldn't get a deal done before the start of the signing period.

If Colombo leaves, the Cowboys would not only need another right tackle, but could have huge void at right guard, where Marco Rivera played all last season. But for the second time in three years, Rivera underwent back surgery to repair a herniated disk.

The 11-year veteran, who turns 35 in late April, might be hard-pressed to make another return this time.

And the Cowboys certainly don't have much experience depth at either position, with Pat McQuistan as the primary backup at tackle and Cory Proctor backing up the guard positions.

That is where adding Davis could be beneficial. While the former University of Texas standout hasn't exactly lived up to expectations of a top draft pick, his experience to play either position is definitely valuable.

Davis was an All-American tackle at Texas, but played guard his first three seasons in Arizona, before switching to left tackle the last three years.

And Davis probably wouldn't mind returning back home either. The Wortham, Texas native grew up near Fort Worth, which could be a big factor in making a decision.
Thats not what Cowboys.com says

mardigan

03-02-2007, 05:38 PM

Played guard his 1st 3 years in Zona

mardigan

03-02-2007, 06:29 PM

Dockery signs with the Bills
Steinbach signs with Browns
both 7 year deals

Redskins expected to sign London Fletcher, took his physical today
Garcia to the Bucs

Stinchcomb agrees to two-year, $7M deal with SaintsESPN.com news services

New Orleans Saints: Offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb, who overcame a catastrophic knee injury to resurrect his career in 2006, has agreed to a two-year contract that will keep him with the Saints. The contract is worth $7 million and will pay Stinchcomb $5 million in 2007, between his signing bonus and base salary.

Stinchcomb, 27, drew interest from other teams on the opening day of the NFL's free agent period, but opted to remain with a Saints team that brought him into the league in 2003. He also turned down a longer-term offer from the Saints, one that would have included a larger signing bonus, after he and agent Pat Dye Jr. decided the two-year contract actually offered more flexibility.

The shorter deal will allow Stinchcomb, who has only started one year, to further establish himself and then be eligible again for free agency in the spring of 2009.

A second-round choice in the '03 draft, Stinchcomb appeared in only 10 games, none as a starter, in his first three seasons. Stinchcomb sustained a ruptured right patella tendon in training camp in 2005, sidelining him the entire season and jeopardizing his career. But he rehabilitated diligently, won a starting spot in training camp and performed at a high level all season as the Saints won the division title.

-- ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli

mardigan

03-02-2007, 07:05 PM

Tracking the comings and goings in free agency

By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

(March 2, 2007) -- Free agency has opened with a flurry. Already, numerous teams are on the board. Take a glance at the deals, and the potential soon-to-be deals.

Friday, March 2
The Falcons have signed FB Ovie Mughelli to a six-year contract worth $18 million, including $5 million guaranteed.

Free-agent CB Nate Clements is scheduled to visit the 49ers Friday.

Free-agent RB Dominic Rhodes is scheduled to visit the Giants Friday.

Free-agent G Kris Dielman is scheduled to visit the Seahawks Friday.

Free-agent FB Justin Griffith is scheduled to visit the Seahawks and Bucs Friday.

Free-agent TE Kyle Brady is scheduled to visit the Patriots Friday.

Free-agent CB Fred Smoot is scheduled to visit the Redskins Friday.

Free-agent WR Kevin Curtis is scheduled to visit the Vikings Friday and the Lions Saturday.

Free-agents TE Daniel Graham, RB Ahman Green and DE Patrick Kerney are scheduled to visit the Broncos Friday.

Free-agent QB Jeff Garcia is scheduled to visit the Raiders Friday.

Free-agent DE Dewayne White scheduled to visit the Lions Friday.

Free-agent RT Langston Walker scheduled to visit the Bills Friday.

Other news
Quarterback Jake Plummer is expected to retire. The Broncos and Buccaneers had agreed to terms on a trade to send Plummer to Tampa Bay in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick, but the trade would be nullified by Plummer's decision to retire.

The Patriots have released RB Corey Dillon and re-signed RB Heath Evans.

The Lions released TE Marcus Pollard, DT Marcus Bell and DT Tyoka Jackson; The Lions also traded DE James Hall to St. Louis for their second 2007 fifth-round draft choice. Detroit's trade of Dre' Bly to Denver became official.

The Falcons released LB Edgerton Hartwell and LB Ike Reese.

The Jaguars have signed RT Tony Pashos and K Josh Scobee, each to five-year deals. Pashos' deal is for $24 million, including a $9 million signing bonus.

Horry For 3!

03-02-2007, 11:15 PM

Played guard his 1st 3 years in Zona
Ah. I thought he would be too big for Guard.

Horry For 3!

03-02-2007, 11:19 PM

Tennessee Titans: The Tennessee Titans released veteran tight end Erron Kinney on Thursday.

"We want to thank Erron for his play through the years and I think he understood where we were coming from with this move," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said in a statement.
That was a decent move. They didn't need Kinney. They have Troupe and Scaife at TE.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:12 AM

Fletchers a done deal
Skins reach $25M deal with MLB FletcherBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Filling their need for a proven, run-stuffing middle linebacker, the Washington Redskins on Friday evening reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent London Fletcher, ESPN.com has learned.

Fletcher

Fletcher, 31, will sign a five-year, $25 million contract that includes $10.5 million in bonuses. He will earn nearly $13 million in the first two seasons of the deal and about $15 million over the first three years.

The deal reunites Fletcher with Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who was his head coach with the Buffalo Bills for three seasons (2001-2003).

It had been reported for more than a week that Washington had targeted Fletcher as a priority in free agency, because of his familiarity with Williams and his incredible productivity for a player his age. The Redskins flew Fletcher into town on Friday, visited with him much of the day as they negotiated with agent Drew Rosenhaus, then sealed the agreement in the evening.

The Washington defense slipped considerable against the run in '06, statistically ranking 27th in that key category after being No. 13 in 2005, and Fletcher should help reverse the unit's fortunes. Certainly, despite being in the league for nine years, there has been no discernable falloff in his performance.

Fletcher is also a strong locker room presence, an attribute that Williams stressed to his Washington bosses.

A human tackling machine, the undersized but ever-active Fletcher has averaged 143.4 tackles over the past five seasons. Unlike most middle linebackers around the league, though, Fletcher can stay on the field on third down because of his solid skills in pass coverage.

In nine seasons, Fletcher has 1,091 tackles, 27 ½ sacks, 11 interceptions, 27 passes defensed, 10 forced fumbles and seven recoveries. He has 100-plus tackles in seven seasons and has appeared in 144 games for the Rams (1998-2001) and the Bills (2002-2006).

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:47 AM

Patrick Kerney is damn good. Whoever gets him out of the Broncos-Seahawks will be jumping with joy.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 01:28 PM

Its official with Thomas, and Kyle Brady

Updated: March 3, 2007, 1:13 PM ET
Pats defense gets boost as Thomas agrees to dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Not since 1995, when Willie McGinest was in just his second season, have the New England Patriots had a defender post double-digit sacks. That long drought is likely to end in 2007.

Adalius Thomas
Linebacker
Baltimore Ravens

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
83 64 19 0 11 1

The Patriots have reached an agreement in principle with former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas, among the premier players in the unrestricted free agent pool, and the seven-year veteran appears to be a perfect fit for coach Bill Belichick's trademark 3-4 defensive scheme.

Thomas has 28½ sacks over the past three seasons, with a career-best 11 sacks in 2006.

Thomas, 29, will have a physical examination on Saturday, when the contract is expected to be finalized. Financial details of what is believed to be a six-year deal, the principle elements of which were agreed to Friday, were not yet available.

But Thomas, who played for Belichick in the Pro Bowl last month, almost certainly will be one of the highest-paid players in free agency. Rated by ESPN.com as the No. 2 unrestricted player available, Thomas figures to land guarantees totaling at least $15 million. There is speculation the contract will average $10 million per year.

With its once-feared linebacker corps in obvious decline, and forced to cut and paste on the unit over the past couple seasons, the New England defense sorely needed the kind of upgrade Thomas should bring. He is the kind of hybrid, edge-type player around whom Belichick has traditionally constructed his defensive schemes, a wonderfully versatile athlete who can morph into multiple roles.

In fact, during his seven years in Baltimore, Thomas played nearly every defensive position, including cornerback, at various times. At 270 pounds, Thomas is physical enough to take on the action at the point of attack, yet swift enough to pursue plays from the backside. His unique blend of physical skills made him the Pats' top target in free agency.

A sixth-round choice in the 2000 draft, Thomas began his career playing on special teams and he earned his first of two Pro Bowl berths in that role. He eventually worked his way into the defensive rotation as a specialist and then became a starter three years ago.

In 96 games, the former Southern Mississippi star has 371 tackles, 38½ sacks, six interceptions, 31 passes defensed, 13 forced fumbles and five recoveries.

New England has also reached agreement with 12-year veteran tight end Kyle Brady on a two-year contract.

Brady, 35, agreed to a two-year contract that is worth $5.3 million and includes a $2 million signing bonus. The 12-year veteran, who played the past eight years in Jacksonville, likely will replace Daniel Graham on the roster. Graham is one of the top unrestricted free agents and isn't expected to return to New England.

Noted more as a blocker at this late juncture of his career, Brady should team with Benjamin Watson in the two-tight end formations the Pats frequently use. A first-round pick in the 1995 draft, Brady has 334 career receptions for 3,449 yards and 23 touchdowns. His best season was in 2000, when Brady notched 64 catches for 729 yards and three scores.

The former Penn State star saw his playing time and his role as a receiver reduced in recent seasons with the Jaguars, who rarely employ a tight end on third down. Brady had only five receptions for 37 yards in 2006 and, for the first time in his career, failed to score a touchdown.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL

mardigan

03-03-2007, 01:30 PM

Updated: March 3, 2007, 1:14 PM ET
Snubbed by Plummer, Bucs agree with GarciaBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Just one day after being jilted by quarterback Jake Plummer, who mulled retirement rather than relocate in a trade, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have recovered, reaching a Saturday agreement with unrestricted free agent Jeff Garcia on a deal that could allow the veteran to again challenge for a starting job in the league.

Doug Benc/Getty Images
Jeff Garcia had been in talks with the Raiders. But when the Bucs' efforts to land Jake Plummer fell through, Garcia called an audible.
While terms were not yet available, ESPN.com's John Clayton reported the deal was believed to be for about $5 million a year and would be announced at a news conference Saturday at 1 p.m. ET in Tampa.

Garcia quickly became the Bucs' primary target on Friday after Plummer, who has played the past four seasons in Denver but lost his job to rookie Jay Cutler last year, decided that he did not want to join the Bucs. Tampa Bay would have surrendered a fourth-round draft pick to the Broncos under terms of the preliminary trade agreement.

Tampa Bay officials, including coach Jon Gruden, attempted on Friday to persuade Plummer to reconsider and accept the trade, but he held firm. And so the Bucs, convinced that they could not resurrect the deal for Plummer and still seeking a veteran quarterback to compete with Chris Simms for the starting job, turned their attentions to Garcia.

Garcia was also sought by several other teams, including Denver and the Oakland Raiders.

The opportunity in Tampa Bay is a good one for Garcia, because of Gruden's feelings for him, and the fact the Bucs are not yet ready to hand Simms the No. 1 job. Simms is coming off a season in which he underwent a splenectomy, missed much of the campaign, and has been forced to spend months in rehabilitation.

Plus, Gruden is a coach who simply loves to collect quarterbacks and always feels that his depth chart is never stocked well enough. Garcia has played in the past in offenses that are similar to the design Gruden uses, so the fit should be a solid one for all parties involved.

One reason Plummer indicated he may retire was because he did not want to be involved in another quarterback controversy. Garcia, on the other hand, has traditionally welcomed competition and should make things interesting in training camp.

Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles closed the door on Garcia's return there when they signed A.J. Feeley to a three-year contract extension. The move was somewhat surprising, given that Garcia posted a 5-1 record and led the Eagles to a playoff berth after replacing the injured Donovan McNabb.

Under the right circumstances, Philadelphia probably would have welcomed Garcia back for another season, but only on its conditions and on its timetable. His reluctance to re-sign with the Eagles before the outset of free agency solidified the desires of some within the organization to pursue Feeley instead, and to essentially make him the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart.

All along, though, Garcia and agent Steve Baker knew they would have alternatives beyond the Eagles, and the Plummer situation simply created another option for them.

"Jeff feels he has multiple good options, but the opportunity to play for Jon Gruden in Tampa is something that really excites him," Baker said on Friday afternoon. "Jon is a coach who Jeff believes has the ability to bring out the best in him. In fact, he feels that by playing for Jon, he has a very good chance of duplicating the success he had with the Eagles in Philadelphia last year."

A three-time Pro Bowl performer, but a quarterback nomad since 2003, his final season with the San Francisco 49ers, Garcia is joining his fourth different franchise in four seasons.

In 99 games, including 92 starts, Garcia has completed 1,811 of 2,972 passes for 20,385 yards, with 136 touchdown passes and 73 interceptions, for an efficiency rating of 86.4. He has thrown for more than 2,500 yards five times in his career.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton contributed to this report

mardigan

03-03-2007, 01:31 PM

Updated: March 3, 2007, 10:00 AM ET
Bills bolster offensive line with Vikings' veteran WhittleESPN.com news services

Buffalo Bills: Ninth-year vet Jason Whittle, who appeared in 16 games for the Vikings with two starts in 2006, has signed a one-year contract with the Bills, agent Joe Linta said early Friday.

Clayton's take
John Clayton weighs in with 10 observations from one of the most breathless and lucrative first days of free agency. Story
The deal includes a base salary of $720,000, and Whittle received a $40,000 signing bonus. The Vikings also discussed re-signing the 31-year-old Whittle, who could compete for a starting job in Buffalo, where the Bills on Thursday released 11-year veteran Chris Villarrial.

Despite all the talk of high-profile players landing big-money deals in the opening minutes of the unrestricted free agency period, the journeyman offensive lineman with a blue-collar background was the first veteran to change teams.

The versatile Whittle, who is joining his fourth franchise, has spent time at all five offensive line spots during his career. His résumé includes 125 regular-season appearances with 42 starts. Whittle started 14 games in 2002 and 16 games in 2004.

The former Southwest Missouri State standout has served stints with the Giants (1998-2002, 2004-2005), Tampa Bay (2003) and Minnesota (2006). He entered the league as an undrafted college free agent.

-- ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers decided not to pursue a free agent running back to complement Willie Parker, choosing instead to re-sign Najeh Davenport to a $2 million, two-year contract.

Davenport joined the Steelers a game into last season, after Green Bay released him, and eventually became Parker's backup. The 6-foot-1, 247-pound Davenport gained 221 yards on 60 carries. Parker was the NFL's sixth-leading rusher last season with 1,494 yards. He had 337 of the Steelers' 469 rushing attempts.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said recently he preferred using a two-back system like many other teams are employing, creating speculation the Steelers might look elsewhere for Parker's backup.

Davenport, who would have been a free agent if the Steelers had not re-signed him, receives a $405,000 signing bonus and a 2007 salary of $595,000. He will make $1 million in 2008.

-- The Associated Press

St. Louis Rams: The Rams, looking to improve their strength at defensive end, acquired defensive end James Hall from the Detroit Lions in exchange for a fifth-round choice.

The Lions shopped Hall the past two weeks and had to make a decision about his future Friday because of a roster bonus. The plan for the Rams is to play Hall on the other side of Leonard Little, who was re-signed last season to a three-year, $19.5 million deal.

Hall, 30, spent seven seasons with the Lions and was a starter for five years. His best season was 2004 when he had 11 sacks and one interception.

-- ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs reached agreement with unrestricted free agent linebacker Patrick Chukwurah, a six-year veteran, on a five-year contract worth $5.5 million. Chukwurah played the last three seasons with the Denver Broncos.

In Tampa Bay, he will be reunited with former Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, who is now the Bucs' linebackers coach. It is believed that the Bucs will use Chuckwurah as an outside pass rusher, a role at which he has shown considerable improvement in recent years. Chuckwurah is coming off a 2006 season in which he registered a career-best 4½ sacks.

A former University of Wyoming standout, Chukwurah has appeared in 69 games and has eight career sacks and four forced fumbles.

The Bucs also re-signed cornerbacks Torrie Cox and Phillip Buchanon on Friday.

-- ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli

San Diego Chargers: Wide receiver Greg Camarillo and offensive tackle Cory Lekkerkerker, both exclusive-rights free agents, signed one-year contract tenders with the San Diego Chargers.

Both are entering their third seasons. Lekkerkerker played in 15 games last season, mostly on special teams and as an extra tight end in goal-line situations.

Camarillo played on special teams in four games last year.

-- The Associated Press

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers re-signed linebacker Na'il Diggs to a one-year contract on Friday.

Diggs started 10 games at outside linebacker and had 68 tackles last season, his first with Carolina after spending the first six years of his career with Green Bay.

The move means Carolina is set to return 21 of 22 starters from last year's team that went 8-8. Only safety Shaun Williams, who like Diggs became an unrestricted free agent Friday, is unsigned.

The Panthers on Friday also released safety Kevin McCadam, who played mostly on special teams last season.

-- The Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals re-signed running back Kenny Watson to a three-year contract.

Watson led the Bengals' running backs with 213 yards receiving while tying for the lead with 23 receptions. He played in every Bengals game last season as their third-down back, averaging 5.5 yards per carry with one touchdown.

Watson originally was signed by the Bengals as a free agent in September 2003. He began his NFL career in Washington in 2001.

-- The Associated Press

New England Patriots: The Patriots announced Friday they had re-signed unrestricted free agent running back Heath Evans and re-signed restricted free agent guard Billy Yates. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

-- ESPN.com news services

mardigan

03-03-2007, 02:48 PM

Supposedly Brad Johnson is going to visit the Cowboys

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:04 PM

Updated: March 3, 2007, 2:30 PM ET
Glenn reportedly gets $5 million roster bonusESPN.com news services

The Dallas Cowboys will have at least half of its starting wide receivers from 2006 around next season.

Terry Glenn
Wide Receiver
Dallas Cowboys

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
70 1047 6 15.0 54 288

According to a report in the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys picked up the $5 million roster bonus due to wide receiver Terry Glenn. Glenn earned a base salary of $820,000 in 2007.

Terrell Owens, the other half of Dallas' starting wideouts, is due a $3 million roster bonus in June.

Glenn had 70 catches last season for 1,047 yards and six touchdowns.

Ray Sherman, the Cowboys new receivers coach, has worked with Glenn when both were in Green Bay.

"I've talked to Terry and he's very excited," Sherman told the paper. "Terry is a tremendous player and he's worked really hard to get himself physically bigger and keep his speed. He's a great route runner with great hands and he's an outstanding player. A big-time player who I'm looking forward to working with."

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:05 PM

Source: Pats to sign Miami's Welker to offer sheetBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Already more active than usual in the early stages of free agency, as evidenced by their agreement with standout unrestricted linebacker Adalius Thomas, the New England Patriots are poised to make another bold move.

A team source told ESPN.com on Saturday that the Patriots plan to sign Miami wide receiver Wes Welker, a three-year veteran and an explosive all-around performer, to a restricted free agent offer sheet in an attempt to pirate him away from the Dolphins.

The Dolphins earlier this week made Welker a qualifying offer of $1.3 million.

When the Patriots officially execute the offer sheet to Welker, the Dolphins will have seven days to either match it or pass on it. If Miami matches the offer sheet, it will retain Welker at the terms of the deal New England negotiated with him. If the Dolphins do not match the offer sheet, they will receive a second-round pick in the 2007 draft from the Patriots as compensation.

Surrendering a second-round choice for a player of Welker's abilities would be viewed in most quarters, but especially in New England, as a steal. Welker would dramatically upgrade the New England wide receiver corps and the Pats would also benefit by taking him away from a division opponent.

Plus, the Patriots own a pair of first-round choices in the 2007 draft, and can afford to part with a second-round selection for a player of Welker's skills.

Welker, 25, is a terrific, if unheralded playmaker who has earned a spot on the ESPN.com "all unsung" team each of the past two seasons. Used principally as a return specialist in his first two seasons in the league, Welker emerged as a viable receiving threat in 2006, with 67 catches for 687 yards and a touchdown.

The former Texas Tech standout originally entered the NFL with San Diego in 2004 as an undrafted college free agent. He was waived by the Chargers early in the 2004 season and signed with the Dolphins shortly thereafter.

In 47 appearances, including three starts, Welker has 96 receptions for 1,121 yards and one touchdown. He has returned 170 kickoffs for an average of 22.7 yards and one touchdown and has 127 punt returns for a 9.7-yard average and one score.

Securing the services of restricted free agents historically has proved to be a difficult undertaking with the current system. In the 14 previous years of free agency, only 55 restricted free agents changed teams. Four restricted free agents changed teams in 2006.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:07 PM

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:07 PM

Broncos give up draft pick to get Wilkinson from FinsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Denver Broncos, who have made a habit in recent years of trading for one-time high-round defensive linemen, on Saturday acquired tackle Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson from the Miami Dolphins.

Dan Wilkinson
Defensive Tackle
Miami Dolphins

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
14 10 4 1 0 0

Denver surrendered its sixth-round choice in the 2007 draft in exchange for Wilkinson, who was the first player chosen overall in the 1994 draft.

Wilkinson, who turns 34 later this month, played only one season in Miami, signing with the Dolphins last summer after the Detroit Lions released him. His departure continues a major overhaul of the Miami defensive line, a unit that had grown old in recent seasons.

Denver plans to use Wilkinson in its defensive tackle rotation and will hope to maximize his productivity by limiting his snaps. The 13-year veteran is still regarded as a solid defender versus the run but is coming off a 2006 season in which he registered just 14 tackles in 10 games.

Once capable of providing plenty of inside push on the pass rush, Wilkinson did not have a sack in 2006.

A former Ohio State star, Wilkinson was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals to lead off the '94 draft. After four seasons with the Bengals, and a contentious relationship with the front office when dealing on contract matters, he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1998.

Wilkinson played five seasons in Washington, where he was very productive, then signed with the Lions in 2003.

In 195 career appearances, Wilkinson has 386 tackles, 54 ½ sacks, seven forced fumbles, four recoveries, five interceptions and 28 pass deflections.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:08 PM

Dan Wilkinson? :lol

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:10 PM

Nice. Hopefully he can produce well again.

P.S. I have seen some mock drafts that have the Cowboys taking Dwayne Bowe. That would be interesting to see them take a WR in the first round. Though it could be possible, Parcells is gone and you already know Parcells loves the DEF and would get a defensive player.
The mocks I have seen have us taking anyone from Aaron Ross, Justin Blaylock, Reggie Nelson, or Carriker if he falls that far (which he wont). I would love to see us finally draft a offensive player in the first round, especially since we we might lose Crayton. Bowe is a bad mf er, and would be great. I just hope we get Michael Griffin in the second round, or Blaylock if he slips that far

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:14 PM

The mocks I have seen have us taking anyone from Aaron Ross, Justin Blaylock, Reggie Nelson, or Carriker if he falls that far (which he wont). I would love to see us finally draft a offensive player in the first round, especially since we we might lose Crayton. Bowe is a bad mf er, and would be great. I just hope we get Michael Griffin in the second round, or Blaylock if he slips that far
I have seen 3 mock drafts that predict that the Cowboys select Bowe. But you can't really go by them, I just like to look at them to see what analysis and people think.

I have seen them as us taking Nelson, Blaylock and Bowe.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:16 PM

Jets release backup QB Ramsey
March 3, 2007
NY Post

On the first day of NFL free agency, the Jets made a subtraction, not an addition, finally releasing backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey.

Ramsey's departure has been a forgone conclusion because he was due a $1.4 million roster bonus today. That and the fact the Jets are clearly going to go with Kellen Clemens as Chad Pennington's backup in 2007 sealed Ramsey's fate.

The Jets originally acquired Ramsey before last season in a trade with the Redskins for a sixth-round pick. He never challenged Pennington for the starting job and became an expensive insurance policy in case Pennington was hurt again.

Pennington stayed healthy, starting all 16 games, and Ramsey finished his Jets career with only one attempt this season, an incompletion.

Among the players the Jets could look to as an emergency veteran backup include Kerry Collins and Brad Johnson.

An NFL source told The Post the Jets have contacted the agent for former Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, who visited the Rams yesterday. Banta-Cain has not scheduled a visit with the Jets.

Two highly-sought-after free agents who fit the Jets' needs, Baltimore linebacker Adalius Thomas and Buffalo cornerback Nate Clements, both were close to signing with new teams, according to an NFL source. Thomas was being courted heavily by the Patriots and Clements by the 49ers.

Another former Patriot, running back Corey Dillon, is now a free agent and seemingly a good fit for the Jets as a complement to Leon Washington. Though the Jets have not made contact with Dillon's representative, Steven Feldman, the agent made it clear Dillon would be "extremely happy" to play for Eric Mangini.

The agent for former New England tight end Daniel Graham said he has not heard from the Jets. Graham is expected to sign with the Broncos.

[email protected]

Bet you he ends up on the Boys

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:19 PM

Rams give WR Bennett six-year deal
Posted: Saturday March 3, 2007 2:45PM; Updated: Saturday March 3, 2007 2:45

The St. Louis Rams signed free agent receiver Drew Bennett to a six-year, $30-million contract on Saturday, SI.com has learned, a clear sign that veteran Isaac Bruce is likely in his final season with the team.

Bennett, who spent the previous six seasons with the Tennessee Titans, was one of the top free agents on the market, and the Rams were his first and only visit. He will team with Pro Bowl wideout Torry Holt and Bruce, the franchise's all-time leading receiver, to give St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger an additional downfield option.

Bennett's deal, according to a source familiar with the terms, includes $10 million in guaranteed money. It will pay him a total of $9.5 million over the first year of the contract.

Wow, the Rams offense next year is going to be sick

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:20 PM

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:22 PM

Rams give WR Bennett six-year deal
Posted: Saturday March 3, 2007 2:45PM; Updated: Saturday March 3, 2007 2:45PM

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The St. Louis Rams signed free agent receiver Drew Bennett to a six-year, $30-million contract on Saturday, SI.com has learned, a clear sign that veteran Isaac Bruce is likely in his final season with the team.

Bennett, who spent the previous six seasons with the Tennessee Titans, was one of the top free agents on the market, and the Rams were his first and only visit. He will team with Pro Bowl wideout Torry Holt and Bruce, the franchise's all-time leading receiver, to give St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger an additional downfield option.

Bennett's deal, according to a source familiar with the terms, includes $10 million in guaranteed money. It will pay him a total of $9.5 million over the first year of the contract.

Wow, the Rams offense next year is going to be sick
I was wondering where Bennett would go. He did really good 2 years ago. Last year, not so much. Yet, a little had to do with Vince taking over at QB and learning the system and adjusting to life in the NFL.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:22 PM

In other free agency news, Vikings linebacker Napoleon Harris made a visit to Tampa Bay on Friday, and has received interest in having visits with Buffalo, Kansas City and Atlanta.

• Dallas and former Cardinals offensive tackle Leonard Davis are deep into negotiations, league sources said Friday. Talks have hit a snag on Davis' request for a $12 million signing bonus and a deal that averages $5 million per season. Davis is Dallas' first choice to replace offensive tackle Marc Colombo, who was allowed to test the free-agent market this week.

• The Bucs and former Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout are negotiating Friday, but are not believed to be close to a deal at this point. Tampa Bay is balking at some of Petitgout's contract demands, a source said.

• Former Atlanta defensive end Patrick Kerney started his free-agent tour in Denver on Friday, but is leaving the Broncos' offices without a deal in place. Kerney is headed for Seattle tonight, where he is scheduled to have dinner with Seahawks officials.

The Cowboys are also one of 7 teams that have contacted Joey Porter and are trying to bring him in for an interview

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:25 PM

I hope not, Ramsey blows.
i agree he blows hard, but he just seems like the kind of guy Jerry would bring in to back up Tony, like I said they are already going to bring in Brad Johnson, out of the 2 I guess I would rather have Ramsey just because of his youth

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:26 PM

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:28 PM

The Cowboys could have Porter take over Singleton's spot since they released him.

Porter, James, Ware, Carpenter

That would be sick.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:30 PM

The Cowboys could have Porter take over Singleton's spot since they released him.

Porter, James, Ware, Carpenter

That would be sick.
And dont forget about Akin Ayodele, with Wade coaching our 3-4 with those lbs we would have one of the best defenses in the league

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:33 PM

And dont forget about Akin Ayodele, with Wade coaching our 3-4 with those lbs we would have one of the best defenses in the league
In Pittsburgh, Porter was the Right Inside LB, that is what Ware plays so he will have to change spots if he wants to be in Dallas.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:36 PM

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 03:40 PM

Ware plays right outside lb, which is Akins spot, although with running a 3-4, you can move lbs all over, including maybe lining up Ware as a end in some formations, either way it would give us such flexibility that I wouldnt care who was playing where
He did play outside but is playing inside now. I think Porter could easily play in Singleton's spot though. Hopefully the Cowboys can get him but I am not goin to get my hopes up.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 03:42 PM

Im not going to either, Im sure some team will give him a shitload of money, but I will keep a little flicker of hope lit that Jerry can do something to entice him

johnsmith

03-03-2007, 04:02 PM

Nice job on this thread mardigan. Other then all the Cowboys nonsense you and H43 keep babbling about, I haven't had to do any reading on all the free agent stuff.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 04:14 PM

Niners keep adding on defense, sign DT Franklin
March 3, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

SAN FRANCISCO -- Defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin signed with the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, the third free agent in two days to bolster one of the NFL's worst defenses last season.

Franklin spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he played with 49ers coach Mike Nolan as his defensive coordinator for two years.

Though Franklin has just one sack and 40 tackles in his four-year career, Nolan believes he can be a regular in the 49ers' rotation on the defensive line.

On Friday, San Francisco signed former Buffalo cornerback Nate Clements to an eight-year, $80 million contract, then signed former Philadelphia safety Michael Lewis to a six-year deal.

All three players should be significant upgrades for a defense that allowed an NFL-worst 412 points last season, leading to defensive coordinator Billy Davis' firing.

AP NEWS

Old news but I wanted to post it anyway

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 04:41 PM

49ers are sure going after the DEF this season. They have been horrible the past few years so it was a must.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 05:04 PM

OL Dielman to stay with Chargers

NFL.com wire reports

For more info on Dielman's signing
SAN DIEGO (March 3, 2007) -- Kris Dielman agreed to terms with the San Diego Chargers, taking one of the most sought-after offensive linemen available off the free-agent market.

The two sides continued to work on the terms.

Dielman, who made a trip to Seattle when free agency began, had said all along that he would like to return to block for LaDainian Tomlinson. San Diego general manager A.J. Smith had said the team wanted to see what kind of offers the 300-pound left guard would get from other teams.

"I want to stay here," Dielman said before free agency started. "They gave me my opportunity. I want to be loyal. But they've had a year to do it."

Dielman, an undrafted free agent from Indiana, was converted from defensive line to guard in his rookie season. He has quickly blossomed into a top offensive lineman.

Along Eric Steinbach, who left Cincinnati and signed with Cleveland, Dielman was considered one of the two top guards on the market. Leonard Davis of Arizona is thought to be the premier tackle.

His reputation was enhanced by the MVP performance of Tomlinson, who set league records with 31 touchdowns and 186 points. He also won his first rushing title with 1,815 yards.

Lining up between Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick and rookie tackle Marcus McNeill, Dielman said he was proud when Tomlinson ran behind the left side of the line.

"Oh yeah. That's football. You against me. Let's go," he said.

Dielman has watched as several teammates have received long-term contracts, including center Nick Hardwick and right tackle Shane Olivea.

"Those guys are my friends and I'm happy for them," Dielman said this week. "I figured I did everything I needed to do."

Slinkyman

03-03-2007, 05:31 PM

Unwilling to pay tailback Travis Henry an $8.3 million roster bonus that he would have been due on Monday, the Tennessee Titans on Saturday released the six-year veteran, making him an unrestricted free agent and able to immediately sign with another team.

ESPN.com has learned that Henry was en route to Denver on Saturday evening to meet with Broncos officials. It is believed that Henry is now the top choice of the Broncos as they seek to upgrade at the tailback position.

Agent Hadley Engelhard has also had discussions with officials from Green Bay, Oakland and Houston about his client.

The Titans had apprised Henry and Engelhard during the week that they would not pay the $8.3 million roster bonus. The two sides had been negotiating for weeks to rework Henry's contract but were unable to reach an agreement that would have accommodated the needs of all parties.

The timing of the roster bonus, and of Henry's pending release, were critical.

Technically, if Henry was still on the Tennessee roster Monday morning, the club would have had to pay him the $8.3 million bonus. But the NFL does not have waivers or transactions on Sunday, meaning the Titans had to release Henry before the end of the league's business day, at 4 p.m. (ET), on Saturday to avoid having to pay the exorbitant bonus.

Henry, who resurrected his career in 2006 by winning the starting tailback job early in the season and then posting his third 1,000-yard rushing year, has been prepared for the possibility of his release. Now that he is a free agent, Henry figures to command strong interest in the market, despite the presence of other top tailbacks who are available.

The Broncos, who are actively seeking to address their needs at tailback, could be one of Henry's most ardent suitors, and it is not surprising that Denver officials acted quickly after his release to arrange a visit. Henry's slashing, one-cut running style is well suited to the Denver ground-game design.

Among the tailbacks available as free agents are Jamal Lewis (Baltimore), Dominic Rhodes (Indianapolis), Chris Brown (Tennessee), Ahman Green (Green Bay) and Corey Dillon (New England). The field is further augmented by the fact that several tailbacks, notably Willis McGahee (Buffalo) and Thomas Jones (Chicago), are being offered in trades.

The departure of Henry leaves the Titans with the unproven LenDale White, the 2006 second-round choice from Southern California who played only sparingly as a rookie, on the depth chart.

Henry, 28, carried 270 times for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns in 2006, and notched six 100-yard outings. The former University of Tennessee standout spent the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills before being traded to the Titans in 2005.

In 78 games, including 62 starts, Henry has carried 1,321 times for 5,395 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also has 134 receptions for 886 yards and two scores. In addition to his 1,000-yard season in 2006, Henry ran for over 1,000 yards in two of his four seasons with the Bills.

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 05:55 PM

Henry would be the starting RB for the Broncos over Mike Bell if he signs with them.

I used to like the Broncos when John Elway was there. John Elway is my favorite NFL player of all-time. Even though I really like Chad Johnson now a days.

mardigan

03-03-2007, 06:02 PM

Updated: March 3, 2007, 5:35 PM ET
Texans create cap room, ink Johnson to extensionBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

In a move which could assure that wide receiver Andre Johnson plays his entire career in a Houston Texans uniform, and also creates salary cap room for 2007 that will permit officials to pursue some free agents, the team on Saturday signed its best player to a six-year contract extension. Andre Johnson
Wide Receiver
Houston Texans

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
103 1147 5 11.1 53 460

The deal is worth $60 million and includes $15 million in guarantees.

Johnson had two seasons remaining on the original contract he signed as the Texans' first-round choice in the 2003 draft, at base scheduled base salaries of $5.25 million for 2007 and $7.75 million for 2008. Those base salaries were reduced, replaced in part by the signing bonus, and the Texans gained much-needed cap room with the maneuver.

It is believed the extension, which essentially created an eight-year deal counting the two season remaining on Johnson's original contract, carved out more than $6 million in new 2007 cap room.

"This is a great thing for us, because Andre is our best player, and he's going to be a Texan for a long time," general manager Rick Smith told the Houston Chronicle. "Not only are we ensured of keeping Andre, but we cleared some room under the cap, so it was a win-win situation."

Despite playing with inconsistent quarterback David Carr, and performing in a spotty offense, Johnson has emerged as one of the NFL's premier wide receivers. The former University of Miami standout led the NFL with 103 catches in 2006, for 1,147 yards and five touchdowns.

Johnson, 25, has twice posted 1,000-yard seasons and twice been voted to the Pro Bowl squad. The third overall player chosen in the 2003 draft, he has 311 career catches for 3,953 yards and 17 touchdowns. Johnson has played in 61 games, all as a starter.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 06:10 PM

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 06:26 PM

Michael Smith (NFL analysis) reported about Plummer on ESPN. He said that Plummer has filed the papers to retire. The NFL league officials have received them and is processing it, so Plummer is done.

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 06:38 PM

http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/2007/03/falcons-and-texans-jockeying-for-browns.html

Falcons and Texans jockeying for Browns' pick

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that both the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans are interested in the Browns third overall draft choice. The Falcons want Calvin Johnson and the Texans are after Adrian Peterson.

Apparently, the Browns would want Matt Schaub, the 10th pick overall, and a first rounder in 2008 from the Falcons. The Texans have Carr, the 8th pick overall, and additional picks to offer.

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 07:59 PM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/03/03/bc.fbn.redskins.freeage.ap/

Redskins agree to terms with Smoot

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cornerback Fred Smoot agreed to terms with the Washington Redskins on Saturday night, returning to the team he left two years ago before two tumultuous seasons with Minnesota.

Smoot will sign his deal Sunday, when he'll also be formally introduced during a news conference at Redskins Park.

Details of the contract weren't immediately available, but Smoot's agent, Bus Cook, said the cornerback placed a higher priority to returning to a familiar team than working the free agent market for the best deal.

"He may have gotten a better deal by going somewhere else -- we don't know that -- but he's glad to be home," Cook told The Associated Press. "Sometimes that's more important than money."

Smoot tied a career high with 61 tackles last season, and returned his only interception for a touchdown -- in Week 16 for the Vikings' only score in a 9-7 loss at Green Bay. He missed the last game of the season after breaking his jaw in five places in a car accident.

Smoot has 312 career tackles and 19 INTs in six NFL seasons. He spent his first four seasons with the Redskins.

Also Saturday, free agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis, wearing sunglasses and a Hawaiian shirt on his massive 366-pound frame, got into a white Mercedes to head to lunch with quarterback Jason Campbell, the man Davis would help protect if he signs with the Redskins.

"The Redskins are in my top two," Davis said. "It's between the Redskins and the Cowboys."

Davis and cornerback Travis Fisher were the two new visitors to Redskins Park on Saturday on the second day of free agency.

Meanwhile, linebacker London Fletcher made his first official appearance at the prerequisite news conference. Fletcher agreed late Friday to a five-year, $25 million contract that includes a $10.5 million signing bonus.

"I didn't sleep much last night with all the phone calls," Fletcher said. "I was too excited, because it's finally happening for me."

mardigan

03-03-2007, 08:06 PM

Vikings agree to deals with free agents Ciurcio, Shiancoe
March 3, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms Saturday with two free agents, linebacker Vinny Ciurciu and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

Ciurciu spent the past four seasons with Carolina as one of the Panthers' top special teams players. He played at Boston College.

Shiancoe spent the past four years as a backup for the New York Giants. He played in all 64 games, but caught only 35 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns.

Minnesota released its top tight end from the past three seasons, Jermaine Wiggins, on Thursday.

AP NEWS

OT McIntosh agrees to join Chiefs after three years in Miami
March 3, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Offensive tackle Damion McIntosh has agreed to a six-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

McIntosh, an unrestricted free agent who started 13 games at Miami last season - 11 at left tackle and two at right guard - will likely play left tackle for the Chiefs, general manager Carl Peterson said.

McIntosh, 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, started 43 games in three seasons with Miami, after going to the San Diego Chargers as a third-round draft pick in 2000 and playing 41 games for the Chargers in four seasons.

McIntosh played offensive and defensive tackle at Kansas State.

AP NEWS

mardigan

03-03-2007, 08:07 PM

Ravens re-sign LB Johnson to three-year deal
March 3, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens re-signed linebacker Jarret Johnson to a three-year, $13 million deal Saturday, securing a replacement for All-Pro Adalius Thomas.

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Johnson, 25, was drafted in the fourth round out of Alabama by Baltimore in 2003 and will join the NFL's top-ranked defense as its only new starter after Thomas signed with New England.

"It just goes to show how confident they are in you," Johnson said. "You always know they like you, but when they come out and show it to you, it's a nice compliment."

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Johnson has 144 tackles, three sacks and one interception in four seasons while lining up at defensive end, along with inside and outside linebacker.

Now, the Ravens have retained one player while losing four since the free agent signing period began, including offensive tackle Tony Pashos and fullback Ovie Mughelli.

Pashos signed a six-year, $24 million contract with Jacksonville. Mughelli signed the richest fullback contract in NFL history, signing a five-year, $18 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons that included a $5 million signing bonus.

Meanwhile, reserve nose guard Aubrayo Franklin signed a three-year, $6 million deal Saturday with San Francisco. The Ravens, who have a tight salary-cap situation, are still trying to sign former Pro Bowl running back Jamal Lewis.

The reigning AFC North champions cut Lewis, 27, on Wednesday rather than pay him a $5 million roster bonus that was due Saturday, creating $8.3 million in salary-cap space. Lewis rushed for 1,132 yards and nine touchdowns last season, but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry.

He underwent minor surgery to remove bone spurs from his ankle shortly after the team's playoff loss to Indianapolis.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Horry For 3!

03-03-2007, 08:07 PM

I am looking for a Ashley Lelie link but there is none yet on the internet. I posted in that 49er type thread that he signed a 2 year deal. ESPN showed it just awhile ago.

mardigan

03-04-2007, 02:34 PM

Updated: March 4, 2007, 11:23 AM ET
Cowboys to add Davis to offensive lineBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com

The Dallas Cowboys are finalizing an agreement with free agent offensive lineman Leonard Davis, the second pick in the 2001 NFL draft who has played the last six seasons for the Arizona Cardinals, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told ESPN.com.

Top free agents

DavisOffensive tackle Leonard Davis is No. 8 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

Davis, 6-feet-6, 366 pounds, is expected to play either right tackle or right guard for the Cowboys, depending on the resolution of contract talks with current Cowboys right tackle Marc Columbo, an unrestricted free agent the Cowboys hope to re-sign.

Davis' contract is expected to exceed the free agent deals of Bills guard Derrick Dockery (7 years, $49 million) and Browns guard Eric Steinbach (7 years, $49.5 million).

Davis visted the Washington Redskins and was considering a visit to the New York Giants, but decided on the Cowboys due to a desire to stay close to his hometown of Wortham, Texas, just south of Dallas.

Davis was an All-America tackle at the University of Texas, and played his first three seasons at guard for the Cardinals before switching to tackle the last three seasons.

Senior writer Michael Smith covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

Fuck yea

mardigan

03-04-2007, 02:35 PM

Lions agree to deal with DE WhiteESPN.com news services

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions agreed to terms on a $29 million, five-year contract with free agent defensive end Dewayne White on Sunday, filling one of their offseason needs.

Top free agents

WhiteDefensive end Dewayne White is No. 16 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

White arrived in the Detroit area on Friday and met with the coaches and front-office personnel on Saturday.

He played for Detroit coach Rod Marinelli when he was the defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 6-foot-2, 273-pound White made 14 sacks the last three seasons, playing in 16 games each year for the Buccaneers, and has 114 career tackles over four seasons.

The former Louisville standout is viewed around the NFL as a young pass rusher ready to make a big jump in terms of production. White started only five games in his first three seasons, but logged eight starts at right end in 2006 after an injury sidelined Bucs star Simeon Rice, and had his best all-around season. In those eight starts, White had 43 tackles, five sacks, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles. He is also a standout special teams performer.

The Lions traded defensive end James Hall to St. Louis for a fifth-round pick on Friday.

ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

mardigan

03-04-2007, 02:35 PM

Jags land Northcutt; Bucs agree with AskewESPN.com news services

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars agreed to terms with veteran receiver Dennis Northcutt.

The former Browns receiver agreed to a $17 million, five-year contract with a $4.5 million signing bonus.

Northcutt was expected in Jacksonville on Sunday to take a physical and is scheduled to be formally introduced on Monday.

Northcutt was just the fifth-leading receiver for the Browns in 2006, with 22 cathes for 228 yards, but he also is Cleveland's all-time leading punt returner.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers reached agreement with free agent fullback B.J. Askew, who played for the New York Jets the past four seasons.

The 26-year-old Askew was a third-round selection by the Jets in the 2003 draft.

Askew has 102 yards rushing on 27 carries and 12 catches for 73 yards in four seasons while being used mainly as a blocker. He hasn't scored a touchdown.

-- John Clayton

mardigan

03-04-2007, 07:09 PM

Green bolts Packers to join TexansBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

In a move that figures to have ramifications for several tailbacks who are available either in free agency or via trade, the Houston Texans on Sunday evening reached a contract agreement in principle with Ahman Green.

Top free agents

GreenTailback Ahman Green is No. 14 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

Details of the contract were not immediately available.

Green, 30, visited with Houston officials over the weekend and the club moved quickly to strike a deal that addresses one of its biggest offseason priorities. Of all the tailbacks who are available, Green, despite his age, was targeted by Houston coaches.

The nine-year veteran, who has played the past seven seasons for the Green Bay Packers, is coming off a 2006 season in which he re-established himself as a top runner. Green missed all but five games in 2005 because of a quadriceps injury, but started 14 contests in 2006 and rushed for 1,059 yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries.

It marked the sixth time in seven seasons that Green had rushed for 1,000 yards.

For his career, the former Nebraska star has carried 1,871 times for 8,491 yards and 54 touchdowns. He also has 350 receptions for 2,710 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 09:58 AM

Updated: March 5, 2007, 9:36 AM ET
Briggs to Bears: Rescind the tag or trade meBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Under the right circumstances, two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs could play his entire career with the Chicago Bears, and be a happy man.

"The Chicago Bears team? The coaches, players, city and fans? Yeah, I could stay there forever. I love it. But the Chicago Bears organization? I don't want to be there anymore. I won't play for them and I'll do everything in my power to keep from playing there."
-- Lance Briggs
Under the restrictive terms of the franchise designation with which the Bears have marked him, though, and with the defending NFC champions apparently offering him nothing more than the one-year option it entails, Briggs said Sunday evening that he doesn't want to play another day for the club that brought him into the league in 2003.

"There's a difference between the Chicago Bears team and the Chicago Bears organization," Briggs told ESPN.com, when reached Sunday evening at his home in suburban Chicago. "The Chicago Bears team? The coaches, players, city and fans? Yeah, I could stay there forever. I love it. But the Chicago Bears organization? I don't want to be there anymore. I won't play for them and I'll do everything in my power to keep from playing there."

In a 30-minute conversation by phone, Briggs -- distressed by the restrictions of the NFL franchise tag, by his inability to shop himself in the free agent market, and by the recent departure of defensive coordinator Ron Rivera -- offered his first insights into his current situation.

And he offered, Briggs said, what is the only truly viable solution to an untenable circumstance.

"They need to either [rescind] the franchise tag, and let me move on, or trade me to another team," Briggs said. "Because that's about the only way this thing can have any kind of a positive resolution."

Having failed last spring to consummate a long-term contract with Briggs -- reportedly a six-year, $33 million deal on which both sides worked for several weeks before the negotiations collapsed -- the Bears employed the franchise tag last week to keep the four-year veteran off the open market.

It marked the first time under the stewardship of general manager Jerry Angelo, who in the past has acknowledged the potential acrimony that accompanies the franchise marker, the Bears have used the restriction.

The qualifying offer for a franchise linebacker is $7.206 million, the average of the top five highest paid players at the position. But only three days into free agency, top defenders such as cornerback Nate Clements (with San Francisco), edge rusher Adalius Thomas (New England) and middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker (Washington) have signed lucrative contracts with new teams.

Sitting at home, watching the free agency parade pass him by, Briggs became, he acknowledged, increasingly frustrated by his lot. And not just, he emphasized, by the financial implications of the situation.

"You hate to get into that whole 'lack of respect' thing," Briggs said. "But you play four years for a team, do your best, exceed their expectations, right? And every year, it's like, 'You played great, Lance.' And they kind of dangle the carrot, like they're going to take care of you, and then it doesn't happen. I mean, I was a middle-round pick and I've played well for them. Four years and at just middle-round salaries. I haven't caused any kinds of problems. I've done everything they asked and them some. And I don't know if I ever really knew where I stood with them until they put the tag on me."

A former Arizona State standout, Briggs was chosen by the Bears in the third round of the 2003 draft. He earned a starting job as a rookie, emerged by his third seasons as one of the NFL's top young weakside 'backers, and was chosen for the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons.

Even playing in the lengthy shadow of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, with whom he has become close friends, Briggs is regarded leaguewide as a top defender and playmaker.

He did sit out the voluntary portion of the team's offseason workouts last spring, it should be noted, but reported for the mandatory workouts and was in training camp on time.

There is little doubt that if Briggs was in the unrestricted pool right now, he would be a coveted player. But the Bears seems inclined to force him to play for the one-year franchise offer and there have been no discussions on a long-term deal since last spring. Under the current rules, Chicago has until July 16 to sign Briggs to a longer deal or he must play 2007 for the franchise number.

Which is something, Briggs said Sunday night, he won't do.

"It's a great bunch of guys with a great future, but I can't see myself as being part of that future anymore," Briggs said. "Whatever options are available to me, I'll take advantage of them. But going back and playing for the Bears again, no, I don't see that as an option. Not one more day. Not at all."

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 09:59 AM

Report: Stallworth in substance-abuse programESPN.com news services

The NFL free agency period has seen its usual frenzy of signings in its first few days. One big-name player who hasn't been signed yet, however, is Donte' Stallworth -- and there could be a reason for that.

Donte' Stallworth
Wide Receiver
Philadelphia Eagles

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
38 725 5 19.1 84 218

Citing unnamed sources, The Philadelphia Daily News reported Monday that Stallworth is a participant in the NFL's substance-abuse program and he could be subject to a suspension if he violates terms of the the program again.

The Eagles had no comment when asked about Stallworth's situation by The Daily News. However, the newspaper reported that a breach of confidentiality is subject to a league fine, citing information from the NFL Players Association Web site.

Players can enter the substance-abuse program voluntarily or be entered into the program as a result of failed drug tests or substance-abuse related arrests.

Stallworth has made no free agent visits yet, The Daily News reported. Agent Drew Rosenhaus didn't return a phone call to the newspaper.

The Eagles acquired Stallworth from the Saints before last season and the 26-year-old receiver had 38 catches for 725 yards and five touchdowns in 2006 for Philadelphia.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 10:00 AM

Updated: March 5, 2007, 9:00 AM ET
Report: Bly wanted to be dealt to 'Skins, not BroncosESPN.com news services

The Broncos' newest cornerback might not be happy with his new surroundings.

Dre' Bly
Cornerback
Denver Broncos

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
58 50 8 4 0 3

The Washington Post, citing several NFL sources, including some who have spoken with Dre' Bly, reported Monday that Bly was upset at being traded by the Lions to Denver and wanted to go to Washington, instead.

The Redskins also were trying to trade for Bly, the newspaper reported, but couldn't match Denver's offer of two players and a draft pick.

According to The Post, once Bly was dealt to Denver, Washington tried to negotiate a trade with the Broncos, offering cornerback Shawn Springs, but the teams couldn't work out a deal when Denver couldn't give Washington salary cap help.

Citing unnamed players, The Post reported that Bly is miffed at being in Denver because the Broncos are unwilling to extend his contract, which has one year and $4.2 million remaining.

The Redskins, however, reportedly were willing to give Bly a lucrative new extension, The Post reported. And playing with the Redskins would allow Bly, who is from Chesapeake, Va., to play close to home.

Bly, 29, is considered one of the game's best big-play cornerbacks. In eight seasons he has intercepted 31 passes, forced 17 fumbles, and scored eight touchdowns (five interception returns, two fumble returns, one punt return). Last season, Bly tied for the Lions' team lead with three interceptions and led Detroit with 18 passes defended and four forced fumbles.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 10:03 AM

Simmons and Hamlin Set To Hit Crescent City on FA Visits
Doug MIller, NewOrleansSaints.com
Mar 3, 2007 – 12:35 pm

The New Orleans Saints will host LB Brian Simmons on Saturday and S Ken Hamlin on Sunday. Other free agent visits will be announced on the day of the official visit.

They have already signed Simmons officially

Updated: March 4, 2007, 1:43 PM ET
Browns' Tucker: 'Everything's been fixed'ESPN.com news services

Browns right tackle Ryan Tucker, who missed the end of last season while battling an undisclosed mental illness, told The Cleveland Plain Dealer that he feels "great" and plans on returning to his starting spot next season.

Tucker

"It's a whole new chapter in my life and I'm ready to get on with it. I absolutely plan on coming back and starting for the Browns this season," Tucker told the newspaper.

Tucker wouldn't disclose the exact nature of his mental illness.

"A lot of things have changed as far as medications and things like that, and I haven't had any problems," Tucker told the newspaper. "Everything's been fixed. My family's doing really well, my health is excellent and I feel as good as I ever have."

Tucker, one of the Browns' captains, has been a steady leader for a rebuilding team. He was the team's most productive offensive lineman the past four seasons.

The Associated Press contributed

sa_butta

03-05-2007, 10:04 AM

Pats sign rb Sammy MorrisI always liked him as a back up with the Fins, Pats are also trying to take Welker.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 10:41 AM

Browns sign Antwan Peek
Pats sign rb Sammy Morris

mardigan

03-05-2007, 10:41 AM

Green's signing gets RB market movingBy John Clayton
ESPN.com
Archive

With 55 signings or re-signings of restricted free agents in the first three days of free agency, negotiations are slowing a tad, but the pace has been furious.

It's staggering to think that 18 percent of the 307 unrestricted free agents are off the boards in the first 72 hours. By Monday night, more than 20 percent of the free agents will likely be gone.

The main trend is pretty clear. Guarantees have doubled during this free agency period, a by-product of the $14 million increase in the salary cap the past two years. With a $109 million cap space per team, a signing that used to take an $8 million guarantee now takes $16 million. New Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas secured $20 million in guarantees.

Here are observations of Sunday's wild day.

Ahman Green
Running Back
Green Bay Packers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
266 1059 5 46 373 1

1. The running back market started to move with the four-year, $23 million contract given to Ahman Green by Houston. Losing Green is a blow to the Packers, but they weren't going to pay more than $5 million a year to a 30-year-old running back. Maybe that isn't wise, but the Colts made a similar tough decision in not giving big dollars to Edgerrin James. They made out well with Joseph Addai. Green's signing should get things moving for Travis Henry, who visited Denver on Sunday, and Jamal Lewis, who wants to re-sign in Baltimore. It should pick up negotiations with Dominic Rhodes and the Giants, too.

2. The Leonard Davis drama was the best of the weekend. Davis, a native Texan, wanted to sign with the Cowboys so his parents could see him play. They live a little more than an hour from Dallas. But the Redskins wooed him, and he was intrigued. Pressed by the Cowboys on Friday night for a figure that would prevent him from making the trip to Washington, Davis asked for $24 million in guarantees. Once he got to Washington, Davis' wife kept calling and telling him the wisdom of signing in Dallas so his parents could see him. He signed a staggering seven-year, $49.6 million deal with Dallas that included $18.7 million in guarantees. The Redskins weren't going to go that high. The Giants might have gone higher to make him their left tackle. Davis will play right guard or right tackle for the Cowboys.

3. The final numbers on the Adalius Thomas deal are five years, $35 million with $20 million in guarantees. So who said the Patriots don't want to pay? They structured the deal similarly to what they did with Richard Seymour, one of the league's highest-paid defensive ends.

4. There is draft stuff going on. QB Brady Quinn had his workout Sunday at Notre Dame. He was OK. Quinn did a good job on the inside pass. What was interesting was who was there to watch the workout. The Browns, Vikings and Texans attended with big collection of owners, coaches and general managers. The Browns asked Quinn for an individual workout, so maybe they will consider him at No. 3. Quinn would be an ideal fit in Brad Childress' offense, but there is no certainty the Vikings would take him at No. 7. With Jake Plummer no longer an option for the Texans, Quinn might be a consideration at No. 8. Note that Matt Millen didn't attend for the Lions. Detroit apparently isn't interested in drafting a quarterback at No. 2.

5. One interesting theory circulating on the Jake Plummer trade to Tampa Bay is Mike Shanahan wanted to make sure he didn't end up in Oakland. Had the Broncos cut him, Plummer could have signed in Houston or Oakland as a starting quarterback. Plummer said he filed his retirement papers Friday and he's definitely done. The Bucs own his rights thanks to a trade for a conditional pick in 2008. For now, Jake the Snake is Jake with a rake working around his home.

Daniel Graham
Tight End
New England Patriots

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
21 235 2 11.2 29 102

6. The Seahawks and Broncos are the big players now. They are battling over tight end Daniel Graham and defensive end Patrick Kerney. The Broncos may struggle to get deals completed because it lacks cap room. The Seahawks had Kerney, Graham and Broncos guard Cooper Carlisle in town Sunday. Let the negotiations begin.

7. It's curious that the Jaguars would spend $4.8 million a year on tackle Tony Pathos when they have two starting tackles under long-term contracts. It is equally baffling that they would spend $3.4 million a year on Dennis Northcutt when they have three receivers who have underachieved the past couple of years. Competition is one thing. Dead cap money from releases are another.

8. Things should start heating up on the backup quarterback market. Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo visits the Browns on Monday and has a trip planned to the Jets, who cut Patrick Ramsey. Brad Johnson visited the Broncos. Joey Harrington will get cut by the Dolphins in the next couple of days. Oh, yes, the Raiders are looking for a starting quarterback. Any volunteers?

Kevin Curtis
Wide Receiver
St. Louis Rams

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
40 479 4 12.0 42 127

9. Talks between the Vikings and Lions will heat up for Kevin Curtis, the former Rams receiver. Curtis wanted to spend two days with his former coach Mike Martz in Detroit, so Monday should be close to being a decision day. With his job gone in St. Louis after Drew Bennett's signing, Curtis probably won't waste too much time getting a deal done.

10. Antwan Peek, formerly of the Texans, signed an interesting deal with the Browns. He got a three-year, $8.7 million deal that would void to two years if he gets six sacks in a season. On a two-year deal, he would make $5 million and have a chance to hit the free-agent market at age 29. Peek will be used as a pass-rushing linebacker in the Browns' system, so six sacks is reasonable. But will the Browns create enough defensive pressure for a linebacker other than Kamerion Wimbley to get six sacks?

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

sa_butta

03-05-2007, 11:39 AM

Yea they already signed him to an offer sheet, Pats making movesTrue, but there is a contract clause that makes it virtually impossible for a team, in this case, the Miami Dolphins, to match an offer to one of its restricted free agents." (Wes Welker)

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=186446

mardigan

03-05-2007, 03:01 PM

A A A A A

Cowboys Re-sign Gramatica

By Staff Report

Posted Mar 5, 2007

As expected the Dallas Cowboys have re-signed veteran kicker Martin Gramatica to a multi-year deal.

In a move that has been expected for the last few days, the Dallas Cowboys officially signed kicker Martin Gramatica to a two-year deal Monday afternoon.

Financial terms have not yet been released.

Gramatica connected on 6-of-8 field goals last season after taking over for veteran Mike Vanderjagt.

The Cowboys signed Vanderjagt last offseason in hopes he could continue to be the most accurate kicker in NFL history. Unfortunately, he struggled mightily; connecting on just 13-of-18 field goals in 10 games, including two misses under 40 yards.

Meanwhile Gramatica was more consistent and also drilled a game-winning 46-yard field goal attempt as time expired to beat the New York Giants 23-20 on Dec. 3.

"For a guy who hadn't been kicking with regularity, it was a difficult thing to do." Giants coach Tom Coughlin said at the time.

The Cowboys have now re-signed two of their key free agents this offseason in Gramatica and Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode.

The Cowboys are also hoping to sign right tackle Marc Colombo.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 03:22 PM

Updated: March 5, 2007, 2:53 PM ET
Henry fills void in Broncos' backfieldBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Filling their need for a proven tailback, the Denver Broncos on Monday reached a contract agreement with Travis Henry, who was released on Saturday by the Tenenessee Titans to avoid paying him an $8.3 million roster bonus.

Travis Henry
Running Back
Denver Broncos

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
270 1211 7 18 78 0

Henry will sign a five-year contract that includes $12 million in guarantees.

Within hours of his release, Henry flew to Denver and visited with Broncos officials over the weekend, while agent Hadley Engelhard negotiated a deal. Henry also drew considerable interest from the Oakland Raiders, who hoped to bring him in for a visit this week.

Henry, 28, carried 270 times for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns in 2006, and notched six 100-yard outings. The former University of Tennessee standout spent the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills before being traded to the Titans in 2005.

In 78 games, including 62 starts, Henry has carried 1,321 times for 5,395 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also has 134 receptions for 886 yards and two scores. In addition to his 1,000-yard season in 2006, Henry ran for over 1,000 yards in two of his four seasons with the Bills.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 03:25 PM

The Patriots have shown interest in dealing for Randy Moss. A source said Bill Belichick believes he could motivate Moss to play and that he'd have the locker room support system to back him up, thanks to high-character veterans like Tom Brady, Richard Seymour and Rodney Harrison.
-- Boston Herald

There has been talk of the Bucs possibly trying to talk Jake Plummer out of retirement in an effort to trade his rights to either the Raiders or the Texans.
-- Tampa Tribune

The Packers are most likely to look at hard-cutting backs such as Tennessee's Travis Henry and Chris Brown, New England's Corey Dillon and possibly Oakland's Lamont Jordan if he is released.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Over the past few days, sources said Dre Bly has expressed concern with remaining a Bronco with several of his new teammates, as well as former ones in Detroit. Bly and agent Kennard McGuire declined comment.
-- Washington Post

Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael is on the trading block his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed Sunday night. A source said Saturday that the Dolphins are asking for a third-round draft choice.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Donté Stallworth, the Eagles' free-agent receiver, brought some baggage with him when he hit the NFL's open market Friday. According to league sources, Stallworth is a participant in the NFL's substance-abuse program, which could subject him to a league suspension if he were to violate the terms of the program again.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

Dominic Rhodes concluded his visit with the Giants yesterday without a contract, but that doesn't mean there isn't one coming. The team and Rhodes' agent are expected to continue talking, though Rhodes might be visiting other teams in the near future.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

mardigan

03-05-2007, 04:26 PM

Tracking the comings and goings in free agency

By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

Free agency has opened with a flurry of activity. Already, numerous teams are on the board. Take a glance at the deals, and the potential soon-to-be deals.

Monday, March 5
Running back Travis Henry agreed to a five-year contract that include $12 million worth of guaranteed money with the Denver Broncos. Henry was scheduled to visit Oakland, Green Bay and the New York Giants and those visits were cancelled after he reached the deal with the Broncos.

St. Louis free-agent WR Kevin Curtis is scheduled to visit the New York Giants on Monday night.

Wide receiver Joe Horn is scheduled to arrive in Atlanta tonight for a visit with Falcons. He is scheduled to have dinner tonight with new Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino. Horn hopes to make a decision within the next 48 hours.

Tampa Bay WR Joey Galloway agrees to a restructured deal, signing a three-year, $7.5 million deal that includes $3.1 million worth of guaranteed money. He was due $2.8 million this year, the new deal calls for him to make $1.2 million in base salary, with a $1.8 million roster bonus payment, and $100,000 workout incentive. Galloway is also now scheduled to make $1.767 million in 2008 and $2 million in 2009. It was quite the busy weekend for the Bucs.

Free-agent quarterback Brad Johnson is visiting the Dallas Cowboys. He's expected to decide between the Cowboys and Broncos by Wednesday.

The Raiders restructured the contract of wide receiver Ronald Curry, who was due a $5 million option bonus payment. Instead, the Raiders signed him to a five-year, $20 million contract, including $8.5 million worth of guaranteed money.

Free-agent cornerback William James (formerly Will Peterson) is scheduled to visit the Saints on Tuesday and Falcons on Wednesday.

Free-agent guard Sean Mahan is visiting the Cleveland Browns on Monday and scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks Tuesday.

Cincinnati free-agent TE Reggie Kelly is visiting with the Raiders.

The Bengals re-signed running back Kenny Watson, a good third-down back and special teams ace, to a three-year contract.

Tight end Daniel Graham is visiting the Seahawks after visiting the Raiders on Sunday and Broncos on Saturday.

Patrick Kerney is wrapping up a visit with Seahawks. He is expected to decide between the Seahawks and Broncos by Tuesday morning.

The Dolphins signed free-agent tight end David Martin, the former Green Bay Packer.

sa_butta

03-05-2007, 04:56 PM

Dolphins to release Randy Mcmichael today :depressed

mardigan

03-05-2007, 04:57 PM

Dolphins could trade Welker
Wes Welker - WR - MIA - Mar. 5 - 3:27 pm et
The Dolphins and Patriots could potentially work out a trade for Wes Welker instead of signing him to an offer sheet.
It's believed that Welker and the Patriots have already agreed on contract terms. The Patriots would give up the No. 60 pick in the draft for Welker if he changed teams by signing an offer sheet. The two sides might be able to find a more agreeable solution. Mar. 5 - 3:27 pm et
Source: Boston Globe

mardigan

03-05-2007, 04:57 PM

I guess cause they signed David Martin

sa_butta

03-05-2007, 05:01 PM

I guess cause they signed David MartinAnd Randy is costing too much money.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 05:12 PM

Patriots to snag Welker from Dolphins via tradeBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The New England Patriots have reached agreement in principle to acquire three-year veteran wide receiver Wes Welker from the Miami Dolphins, ESPN.com has learned through team and league sources. Wes Welker
Wide Receiver
Miami Dolphins

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
67 687 1 10.3 38 285

Barring any hang-ups, the deal will be announced on Monday, sources said. It is not yet known what the Patriots, who have already reached contract terms with Welker, will surrender in the unusual swap between division rivals.

ESPN.com first reported Saturday that the Patriots planned to sign Welker to a restricted free agent offer sheet. But the two teams obviously decided to avoid the red-tape and uncertainty that accompanies such a transaction and opted for a trade instead.

The Dolphins last week made Welker a qualifying offer of $1.3 million.

Had the Patriots officially executed the offer sheet to Welker, the Dolphins would have had seven days to either match it or pass on it. Under that scenario, if Miami matched the offer sheet, it would have retained Welker at the terms of the deal New England negotiated with him. If the Dolphins did not match the offer sheet, they would have received a second-round pick in the 2007 draft from the Patriots as compensation.

The trade agreement, though, renders moot the question of whether Miami would have matched an offer sheet and allows Welker to immediately move to the Pats. Welker should quickly upgrade a position where the Patriots have struggled of late to develop young players.

Welker, 25, is a terrific, if unheralded playmaker who has earned a spot on the ESPN.com "all unsung" team each of the past two seasons. Used principally as a return specialist in his first two seasons in the league, Welker emerged as a viable receiving threat in 2006, with 67 catches for 687 yards and a touchdown.

The former Texas Tech standout originally entered the NFL with San Diego in 2004 as an undrafted college free agent. He was waived by the Chargers early in the 2004 season and signed with the Dolphins shortly thereafter.

In 47 appearances, including three starts, Welker has 96 receptions for 1,121 yards and one touchdown. He has returned 170 kickoffs for an average of 22.7 yards and one touchdown and has 127 punt returns for a 9.7-yard average and one score.

On another front, a source close to Bill Belichick reacted with skepticism Monday to reports that the New England coach is "enamored of" Randy Moss and might consider acquiring the Oakland Raiders wide receiver in a trade.

Said the source: "I'd be very cautious about how I treat second- or third-hand information about what's going on in the mind of Belichick when it comes to this stuff. Unless you're hearing it directly [from Belichick], you're taking a big leap. It happens every year with the Patriots, about free agency and draft plans, a lot of agendas and speculation that rarely end up happening."

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 05:19 PM

Report: Dolphins to release McMichaelESPN.com news services

Tight end Randy McMichael reportedly is about to hit the free agent market.

Randy McMichael
Tight End
Miami Dolphins

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
62 640 3 10.3 24 313

Unnamed sources told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the Dolphins plan to release McMichael on Monday. McMichael was due a $3 million bonus later this month.

The Dolphins were shopping McMichael for a third-round draft pick, but found no takers, the newspaper reported.

McMichael is the Dolphins' all-time leader in catches (283) and receiving yards (3,096) for a tight end and 2006 was his third consecutive season with at least 60 receptions.

The Dolphins recently signed former Packers tight end David Martin to take McMichael's spot in the starting lineup.

Colts re-sign Morris; Collins staying with TitansESPN.com news services

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts on Monday re-signed veteran linebacker and unrestricted free agent Rob Morris. He had 48 tackles during the 2006 regular season, followed by 21 tackles, including 17 solo tackles, during the Colts' four playoff victories.

Dallas Cowboys: Kicker Martin Gramatica agreed to a two-year deal with the Cowboys on Monday. Financial details were not available. Gramatica made six of eight field-goal attempts last season and all 23 extra-point attempts.

Detroit Lions: The Lions re-signed defensive end Corey Smith to a one-year contract on Monday. Smith, who was an unrestricted free agent, had 10 tackles and two sacks in Detroit last season. He started in one of eight games after signing with the Lions in November.

St. Louis Rams: The Rams on Monday signed free agent punter B.J. Sander to a contract. Terms weren't immediately available. Sander, who was out of football last season, was a third-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2004, but did not play that season.

In 2005 he averaged 39.2 yards on 64 punts in 14 games with the Packers, missing the final two games of the season with a knee injury.

Tennessee Titans: The Titans agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent QB Kerry Collins. The 12-year veteran started three games for the Titans last season, throwing for 549 yards and one touchdown before handing over the reigns to rookie Vince Young.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 05:51 PM

Updated: March 5, 2007, 5:39 PM ET
Owens can run routes, can't catch passes until campAssociated Press

IRVING, Texas -- Terrell Owens can run routes while recovering from a second postseason surgery on his injured right ring finger, but he's not expected to catch passes before training camp.

Owens
"Doctors told me they can devise good protection for that," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Monday. "But you don't want to do anything foolish. He will still be able to do all his other work, conditioning, running. He can run routes."

Jones said he had spoken to Owens since the receiver had the additional surgery Thursday.

"He's doing fine," Jones said. "He's very optimistic about getting in shape and excited about working with the coaches. ... I think he will be ready."

Owens had surgery right after the season to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger, an injury he sustained late in the season. Earlier in the season, he had a plate screwed into the same finger after breaking it while blocking in a game in September.

Jones has said the Cowboys plan to bring back Owens, who is due a $3 million roster bonus in June and a $5 million salary this season.

Despite the injured finger, Owens caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards and an NFL-high 13 touchdowns.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

DisgruntledLionFan#54,927

03-05-2007, 06:10 PM

Word is that Kevin Curtis fired his agent Tom Condon today.

He can reach a deal with any team, but can't sign with an agent for five days.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 06:11 PM

Bucs sign free agent fullback B.J. Askew
March 4, 2007

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Free-agent fullback B.J. Askew signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Askew, drafted by the Jets in the third round out of Michigan in 2003, has played in 55 games in his four NFL seasons, all with New York. In 2004, he and Jerald Sowell were the lead blockers for running back Curtis Martin, who led the league with 1,697 yards rushing.

Askew has 102 yards rushing on 27 carries and 12 catches for 73 yards in four seasons while being used mainly as a blocker. He was also a standout on special teams.

Askew recently told The Associated Press that he wanted a chance to switch roles on the field, from fullback to halfback - something he did while rushing for 1,580 yards and 17 touchdowns in college at Michigan. He also caught 83 passes for 777 yards and six TDs with the Wolverines.

"B.J. enjoyed his time with the Jets, but he wanted an opportunity to utilize all of his talents," said Askew's agent, Scott Smith. "He is much more than a traditional blocking fullback, and now he will be playing in a system that has produced one of the most prolific power backs in history in Mike Alstott."

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved Headlines

Crazy $pending adds up to big winners, big losers early RB Henry joins Broncos | Plummer to retire Cowboys give Davis team-record bonus Colts reward LB Morris after Super spark T.O. recovering from new finger surgery Lions re-sign DE Smith to one-year deal Former Pack back Green going to Texans QB Quinn finally works out for NFL scouts
More Headlines

sa_butta

03-05-2007, 06:18 PM

Horry For 3!

03-05-2007, 06:42 PM

Breaking News on ESPN:

Thomas Jones was traded to the Jets

mardigan

03-05-2007, 06:43 PM

49ers Add Help at Receiver with Lelie print

After releasing last year’s leading receiver Antonio Bryant late last week, the 49ers addressed a need at wide receiver by signing unrestricted free agent Ashley Lelie from the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.

“The signing of Ashley Lelie addresses a need for us at wide receiver,” said head coach Mike Nolan. “He gives us a playmaker and certainly strengthens us by giving our team a playmaker that has proven ability to stretch the field. He is excited about joining the 49ers organization.”

Lelie (6-3, 200), a fifth-year veteran was originally a first-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2002. He joined the Falcons in late August of 2006 via a three-way trade between Denver, Atlanta and Washington.

Since arriving on the NFL scene, Lelie has emerged as one of the top big-play receivers. His career yards-per-reception average (17.5 avg.) currently leads the league. Lelie also owned the NFL's highest yards-per-reception average in 2005 (18.3) and 2004 (20.1). He eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career (1,084 yards) in 2004.

Lelie played in 15 games last season, finishing with 28 catches for 430 yards to bring his career total to 196 receptions and 3,437 yards.

The team has also officially re-signed FB Moran Norris and re-signed G Tony Wragge.

Norris (6-1, 254) made a big impact after signing with the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent in 2006. He played in 14 games, started seven and was a key component in RB Frank Gore leading the NFC in rushing. Norris also added two touchdowns on the season, including a career-high 32 yard scoring reception against Denver (12-31-06).

Wragge (6-4, 320) was a key reserve for San Francisco in 2006, playing in 14 games. He started four contests on the year, two at left guard in place of an injured Larry Allen and two at center after Eric Heitmann was lost to a broken tibia.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 06:45 PM

Blaylock and Hamilton Released
Published: 03-01-07

By Jets PR Department

Regular Contributor

change font email article
The New York Jets announced they have released running back Derrick Blaylock and defensive lineman Bobby Hamilton. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

The New York Jets announced they have released running back Derrick Blaylock and defensive lineman Bobby Hamilton. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Sources: Bears to swap Jones for Jets draft pickESPN.com news services

According to league sources, the Bears have agreed to trade RB Thomas Jones and a 2007 second-round pick (No. 63 overall) to the Jets for a 2007 second-round pick -- No. 37 overall -- which was acquired previously in a trade from Washington, ESPN.com's Michael Smith reported. Thomas Jones
Running Back
Chicago Bears

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
296 1210 6 36 154 0

The Jets still have two picks in the second round -- No. 59 and now No. 63.

The Jets and Jones' representative Drew Rosenhaus are believed to be working on a new contract with Jones, whose unhappiness with his Bears contract led to him skipping off-season workouts this past season.

The Bears now have the No. 31st (first round) and 37th overall picks

mardigan

03-05-2007, 06:46 PM

Jets Re-Sign Poteat; Release Barlow & Teague
Published: 02-21-07

By Jets PR Department

Regular Contributor

change font email article
The New York Jets announced they have re-signed CB Hank Poteat, signed S Raymond Ventrone to a Reserve/Future contract and released RB Kevan Barlow and OL Trey Teague. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Poteat (5-11, 195 lbs.) going into his eighth season, joined the Jets before Week Six of the 2006 season and started six games, registering 32 tackles. Poteat started his career as a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 after playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh.

Ventrone (5-10, 200 lbs.) started 10 games for Cologne of NFL Europa in 2006, recording 41 tackles, four forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles from his strong safety position. He spent the 2006 season on the Patriots’ PUP list and the 2005 season on the Patriots’ practice squad after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Villanova.

The New York Jets announced they have re-signed CB Hank Poteat, signed S Raymond Ventrone to a Reserve/Future contract and released RB Kevan Barlow and OL Trey Teague. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Poteat (5-11, 195 lbs.) going into his eighth season, joined the Jets before Week Six of the 2006 season and started six games, registering 32 tackles. Poteat started his career as a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 after playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh.

Ventrone (5-10, 200 lbs.) started 10 games for Cologne of NFL Europa in 2006, recording 41 tackles, four forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles from his strong safety position. He spent the 2006 season on the Patriots’ PUP list and the 2005 season on the Patriots’ practice squad after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Villanova.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 07:26 PM

Packers | Walter re-signed
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 15:35:46 -0800

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed OL Tyson Walter. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Dolphins | Harrington released
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 15:07:45 -0800

ESPNews reports the Miami Dolphins have cut QB Joey Harrington.

Buttas wish has come true

Seahawks | Parry re-signed
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 15:51:46 -0800

The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed FB Josh Parry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Falcons release guard Matt Lehr

Cowboys | Team confident in re-signing Colombo
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 13:18:16 -0800

Tim MacMahon, of the Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys are confident they will be able to re-sign free agent OL Marc Colombo (Cowboys).

Cowboys | Team meeting with B. Johnson
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 13:02:11 -0800

Tim MacMahon, of the Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys are meeting with free agent QB Brad Johnson (Vikings) Monday, March 5

Jets | Tuiasosopo to visit
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 12:37:55 -0800

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets are scheduled to bring in free agent QB Marques Tuiasosopo (Raiders) for a visit.

Jets | Duckett due in for a visit later in the week
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 12:27:59 -0800

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets are scheduled to bring in free agent RB T.J. Duckett (Redskins) for a visit at some point later in the week.

I guess this probably wont happen now with the Jones trade

Cardinals | Al Johnson agrees
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 16:23:55 -0800

The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with free-agent C Al Johnson (Cowboys). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Patriots | Welker signs five-year contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 16:37:25 -0800

The NFL Network reports New England Patriots WR Wes Welker signed a five-year contract with the team. The deal is worth $18.1 million with $10 million guaranteed.

Panthers | Team releases Weinke
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 14:33:46 -0800

Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Carolina Panthers have released QB Chris Weinke.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 07:53 PM

Broncos | Contract update: T. Henry
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 16:31:15 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Denver Broncos RB Travis Henry's contract is worth $22.5 million with $12 million in guarantees.

Pretty good contract given out by the Broncos

Falcons | W. James to meet with team Wednesday
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 09:43:43 -0800

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports free agent CB William James (Eagles) will meet with the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday, March 7, according to league sources.

Bucs sign de Kevin Carter

Raiders | Curry contract update
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 06:50:09 -0800

Updating a previous item, Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders have signed WR Ronald Curry to a new five-year, $20 million contract, including $8.5 million in guaranteed money

Cant believe this guy got this contract, its almost as bad as the Northcutt signing

Jets | Team signs Coleman
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 14:15:00 -0800

The New York Jets have signed free-agent DE Kenyon Coleman (Cowboys). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bills | Team releases Reyes
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 13:19:21 -0800

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills have announced they have released OG Tutan Reyes.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 08:01 PM

Sources: Cowboys sign Vikings' Johnson to 3-year dealESPN.com news services

JohnsonThe Dallas Cowboys have signed QB Brad Johnson to a three-year deal, ESPN.com has learned.

Johnson, who chose the Cowboys over the Denver Broncos, will make $3.5 million in the first season. No other contract terms available.

The Vikings released Johnson last month, making room for Tarvaris Jackson, who started the final two games of last season as a rookie, and Brooks Bollinger as the top options at the position.

The Vikings went 7-2 with Johnson under center in 2006 and just missed the playoffs at 9-7. He threw for 2,750 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Johnson, who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in the 2002-03 season, is fifth in Vkings franchise history with 11,093 yards passing behind Fran Tarkenton, Tommy Kramer, Daunte Culpepper and Wade Wilson.

mardigan

03-05-2007, 08:41 PM

Sources: Bears to swap Jones for Jets draft pickBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com

Curtis Martin's injured knee forced the New York Jets to employ a running-back-by-committee approach last season. No more of that. New York has landed a replacement chairman.

Thomas Jones
Running Back
Chicago Bears

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
296 1210 6 36 154 0

Filling their need for a No. 1 ball carrier, the Jets, according to league sources, have agreed to a trade with the NFC champion Chicago Bears that will land them Thomas Jones and the 63rd overall pick in the upcoming draft in exchange for the 37th overall pick. New York acquired that in a draft-day deal with Washington last year. The deal is expected to be approved by the league on Tuesday.

The Jets still own two picks in the second round, their own (No. 59) and now the Bears' original selection. The Bears select 31st in Round 1 and for now are set to be on the clock six picks later.

With rookie Leon Washington, Cedric Houston, and Kevan Barlow sharing the rushing load, New York ranked 30th in the league last season with an average of 3.5 yards per attempt. Washington led the team with 650 yards. In Jones, 28, the Jets get a back who has rushed for more than 1,200 yards in each of the past two seasons -- becoming the first Bear to do so since Walter Payton in 1985-86. Jones was the postseason's second-leading rusher with 301 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt and scoring four touchdowns in three playoff games.

The Jets and their fans got an up-close look at what New York is getting Nov. 19 when Jones rushed for 121 yards on 23 carries in the Bears' 10-0 win at the Meadowlands.

After rushing for 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, Jones acted on his unhappiness with his contract by boycotting the Bears' voluntary offseason workouts. Jones was entering the final year of the deal he signed in 2004 and slated to earn $2.75 million this season, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Jets were believed to be working on a new long-term contract last night.

The seventh overall selection in the 2000 draft by the Cardinals out of Virginia, Jones played three seasons in Arizona, spent the 2003 season with the Buccaneers, and has led the Bears in rushing each of the past three seasons. The Bears, however, drafted Cedric Benson with the fourth overall pick in 2004. Jones and Benson made a formidable tandem during last year's run to Super Bowl XXLI, but what was believed to be an icy relationship with each other, as well as Benson with the rest of his teammates, has been a popular topic in the Windy City since Benson's arrival. Jones requested a trade earlier this offseason.

Benson tied Jones for the team lead with six rushing touchdowns and equaled his average of 4.1 yards per rush, carrying 157 times to Jones' 296. It was never a matter of if but when the Bears would elevate Benson to No. 1 status. That time is now.

Michael Smith is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

mardigan

03-05-2007, 10:26 PM

Dolphins release tight end McMichael, QB HarringtonAssociated Press

MIAMI -- Quarterback Joey Harrington and tight end Randy McMichael were released Monday by the Miami Dolphins, who swung two other deals in new coach Cam Cameron's roster shakeup.

The Dolphins dealt receiver Wes Welker to the New England Patriots for their second- and seventh-round draft picks in April. New England's second-round pick is No. 60 overall.

Miami also signed tight end David Martin to a three-year contract. Martin had 87 receptions for 766 yards and nine touchdowns in six seasons with Green Bay. He caught 21 passes last season and scored a touchdown against Miami.

"David is a talented tight end who will be a major contributor to our offense," Cameron said. "He is very athletic with good speed and is a quality receiver."

The release of Harrington had been expected, in part because he was due a $1 million roster bonus. In his only season with Miami, he went 5-6 as a starter filling in for Daunte Culpepper, then was benched the final game in favor of Cleo Lemon.

Cameron has declined to say whether he expects Culpepper to regain the starting job in 2007. Lemon is a restricted free agent.

Harrington was acquired last offseason from Detroit, where he started 55 games in four seasons.

McMichael was due a $3 million roster bonus, and his contract was terminated after Miami was unable to swing a trade for him.

A starter since his rookie season in 2002, McMichael is the Dolphins' career leader among tight ends with 283 catches for 3,096 yards. He had at least 60 receptions each of the past three years.

"Apparently this was an economic decision," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "He was surprised, but he's looking forward to a great opportunity elsewhere."

Welker was the Dolphins' third receiver last season, but he led them with a career-high 67 catches, and also returned punts and kickoffs.

"Regarding Randy, Wes and Joey, it is always hard to part ways with individuals who have helped you win in the past," Cameron said. "But it's part of the business, and it's the most difficult aspect of this job."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-05-2007, 11:18 PM

Updated: March 5, 2007, 11:00 PM ET
Seahawks reach 6-year agreement with DE KerneyBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

After two days of negotiations, the Seattle Seahawks reached an agreement with Atlanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney, considered the best remaining free agent on the market.

Top free agents

GreenDefensive end Patrick Kerney is No. 6 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story
•Scouting report

Kerney, 29, got a six-year, $39.5 million contract that included $19.5 million in guarantees. He was involved in a two-way negotiating battle with the Seahawks and Denver Broncos. The decision was going to be a tough one, but it required a deadline. Kerney and his agents used the length of a flight to make his decision.

Kerney and his agents, Tony Agnone and Rich Rosen, got on a Paul Allen private plane that was taking them to Seattle. They spent the time in the plane deciding the best options. When he left Seattle, Kerney informed the Broncos and Seahawks he would have an answer by the time the plane touched down in Atlanta.

The winner was Seattle, but now another battle brews. The Seahawks and Broncos enter into negotiations Tuesday with New England Patriots tight end Daniel Graham.

Kerney is expected to give the Seahawks a much-needed pass rush. The 6-5, 273-pound defensive end has had three double-digit sack seasons and a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2004. Though hurt by injuries last season, Kerney is still expected to play at a Pro Bowl level.

It probably helped that Kerney got to know Seahawks general Tim Ruskell when Ruskell worked in Atlanta.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 09:42 AM

Updated: March 6, 2007, 9:34 AM ET
Saints give LB Simmons three-year dealESPN.com news services

NEW ORLEANS -- Linebacker Brian Simmons has agreed to terms of a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, the team announced Tuesday.

Brian Simmons
Linebacker
New Orleans Saints

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
61 38 23 1 0 2

The Cincinnati Bengals, who chose Simmons as a No. 1 draft pick in 1998, had released him late last month, even though he had been one of their most dependable and versatile linebackers, averaging 116 tackles per season since 2001.

Simmons (6-3, 240 pounds) was limited to 11 games in 2006 because of a neck strain, but he still had 78 tackles (41 solo) and two interceptions. He had missed only one game from 2001-2005.

Simmons, 31, had two seasons remaining on his contract in Cincinnati, at base salaries of $3.3 million for 2007 and $3.7 million for 2008, when he was cut. The Bengals' brass felt those salaries were exorbitant for a veteran they considered to be in decline, and the team wanted to move younger players into the position.

But the versatile Simmons, who has started at every position in a 4-3 front at various times during his career, should be a good fit for a New Orleans team that stunned the NFL by winning its division in 2006. The Saints want to build on last season's resurgence and, if Simmons is healthy, he can fill a lot of roles and add another solid locker room presence.

Simmons had 102 stops in 2005, along with four forced fumbles, four sacks and a pair of interceptions. In 2004, he posted 132 stops, a sack, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two interceptions.

Over his career in Cincinnati, Simmons finished among the top two tacklers on the defense in every full season he played. He has appeared in 121 games, with 118 starts since being selected 17th overall in 1998 out of North Carolina. Simmons has 11 interceptions in his career, including two returned for touchdowns, and 23 sacks. He has also recovered eight fumbles.

The decision to release Simmons, which was hardly unanimous among Bengals executives and coaches, left Cincinnati with no linebackers on its current roster with more than three seasons of NFL experience.

"This was not an easy decision to make," said coach Marvin Lewis. "Brian has been a fine player on the field, and he has been a great example to all of our players as a team leader and citizen. But a new NFL year is about to begin and, with the start of free agency, this allows us to best position our team under the salary cap to move forward for 2007."

New Orleans wasted little time contacting Simmons and arranging a visit. He had other visits scheduled, but canceled those after his meeting in New Orleans.

The Associated Press and ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli contributed to this report.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 11:23 AM

Porter to get $20M guaranteed in deal with DolphinsBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

The Dolphins didn't want to wait for Joey Porter to make a five- to six-team tour of prospective new teams.

Joey Porter
Linebacker
Pittsburgh Steelers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
55 40 15 0 7 2

While Porter, the former Steelers outside linebacker, was spending Monday trying to map out his trips to selected NFL cities, the Dolphins came in with an offer he couldn't refuse. Porter agreed to a five-year, $32 million contract that includes $20 million in guarantees.

The Steelers released him a week ago because they didn't have plans to sign him after his contract ran out in 2007. With several key starters entering the final year of their contract, the Steelers had to be selective and Porter became a salary cap casualty.

The minute he became a free agent, his phone was ringing. Porter had enough offers to visit most of the teams that run a 3-4 defense and few, including Cincinnati, that run a 4-3. He chose to play for Dom Capers' 3-4 unit in Miami.

Porter wanted to take the weekend to settle himself and find a new spot. On Monday, he started to put together a plan of trips. Then the Dolphins entered the picture and worked out a contract. Knowing he was one of the top defensive players available, Porter accepted a deal from the Dolphins before making other visits.

Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 11:42 AM

Raiders | L. Jordan restructures contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 21:03:12 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Oakland Raiders RB LaMont Jordan has restructured his contract. He was due a $5.75 million roster bonus Monday, March 5, but the team decided to not pay it. The two sides agreed to a reworked contract that will save the Raiders about $2 million in salary-cap space.

Chiefs | Team wants T. Green to restructure contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 21:00:35 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have informed QB Trent Green they would like him to return if he is willing to agree to restructure his contract. Green and team president Carl Peterson wrapped up their discussions without a resolution and are planning to meet again later this week.

Buccaneers | Galloway restructures contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 18:10:53 -0800

The NFL Network reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway restructured his contract to a three-year, $7.5 million deal.

Updated: March 6, 2007, 1:27 PM ET
49ers add Pats linebacker Banta-CainESPN.com news services

San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers added their fourth potential starter to their defense by reaching an agreement Tuesday with Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain.

Terms of the deal weren't immediately available.

Banta-Cain was being looked at by 4-3 teams as a defensive end and 3-4 teams as a linebacker. He was replaced by Adalius Thomas in New England.

Banta-Cain, who has good speed, was a seventh-round pick from California and gets a chance to return to the Bay Area.

-- John Clayton

Texans | Williams future in doubt
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 12:54:30 -0800

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith said the short-term future of Texans RB Domanick Williams (knee) is in question after he suffered a setback during his rehab. Smith said, "He had some swelling in his knee. We sent him to a specialist in Atlanta, and he's going to have some additional surgery, so the jury's still out on where he is in his rehab process." Another team source said the setback could prevent Williams from being completely ready for spring mini-camps.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 02:45 PM

Updated: March 6, 2007, 2:17 PM ET
Chiefs add Harris, who is perfect for Edwards' DBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Filling their need for more athleticism and playmaking potential at middle linebacker, the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday reached agreement with unrestricted free agent Napoleon Harris on a six-year deal.

Top free agents

HarrisLinebacker Napoleon Harris is No. 26 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

Complete financial details of the contract were not immediately available, but two league sources told ESPN.com that Harris will receive about $6 million-$7 million in guarantees.

Harris, 28, will replace Kawika Mitchell as Kansas City's starting middle linebacker. A solid run-stuffer but limited athlete, Mitchell is also an unrestricted free agent. He was not expected to return to the Chiefs and the acquisition of Harris all but guarantees that.

A five-year veteran, Harris has drawn interest from several teams since the start of free agency and visited earlier with Tampa Bay Buccaneers officials. But the Chiefs made him a priority, in part because head coach Herm Edwards believes Harris has the skills to fit well into his Cover 2 scheme, and moved quickly to complete a deal with him.

Because of his movement skills, Harris should be a middle linebacker capable of remaining on the field on third down, even in obvious passing situations.

Oddly, the Minnesota Vikings, who also play the Cover 2 scheme and for whom Harris played the past two seasons, made little effort to retain him, even though he was a productive player for them.

Minnesota signed E.J. Henderson to a long-term contract extension toward the end of last season, and will benefit from the return of 2006 first-round choice Chad Greenway, who missed his entire rookie campaign with a knee injury. So the Vikings, who also have a standout veteran on hand in Ben Leber, apparently felt they could allow Harris to move on to another team.

The Vikings acquired Harris as part of the 2005 trade that sent wide receiver Randy Moss to the Oakland Raiders. Harris, a college standout at Northwestern, played three seasons for the Raiders, who chose him in the first round of the 2002 draft, before the trade.

In five seasons, Harris has 333 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, nine passes defensed and four forced fumbles. He has appeared in 74 games and been a starter at the middle and weakside linebacker positions.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 05:58 PM

Updated: March 6, 2007, 5:50 PM ET
Bucs agree to three-year deal with PetitgoutBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the first step toward revamping their offensive line on Tuesday, signing unrestricted free agent tackle Luke Petitgout to a three-year, $15.5 million contract.

Top free agents

PetitgoutOffensive tackle Luke Petitgout is No. 26 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

Tampa Bay officials also initiated talks with another unrestricted tackle, Jordan Black of Kansas City, and hope to complete a deal with him as well.

Released by the New York Giants two weeks ago, in part for salary cap reasons and because of the team's desire to move guard David Diehl to tackle, Petitgout figures to step right into the starting left tackle spot in Tampa Bay. The position has long been a problem area for the Bucs and coaches are confident Petitgout can solidify it.

The three-year contract for Petitgout includes a $3 million signing bonus. He will earn a base salary of $2 million for 2007, along with a $1 million roster bonus. In 2008, he is due a spring roster bonus of $1.75 million and a base salary of $2.5 million. There is a similar roster bonus in 2009, with a $3.5 million base salary.

Petitgout, 30, is coming off a 2006 season in which he appeared in just nine games. He sustained a fractured left fibula in November and the Giants, feeling he might be able to return late in the year or for the playoffs, kept him on the active roster. Finally, in late December, he was moved to injured reserve.

An eight-year veteran, Petitgout has appeared in 113 games and has been a starter in 106 of them. The former Notre Dame star was the Giants' first-round choice in the 1999 draft.

Although somewhat inconsistent as a run-blocker throughout his career, Petitgout has always been technically sound in pass protection. He has, though, dealt with from chronic back problems for much of his career, and when they flare up, his performance has suffered.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 07:20 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh signed 49ers punter Andy Lee, who is a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet Tuesday.

San Francisco has seven days to match the offer. If they choose not to match, they will receive the Steelers' 2007 sixth-round draft choice.

Lee averaged a career-best 44.8 yards per punt last season -- good for sixth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL.

New England Patriots: The Patriots re-signed special teams captain Larry Izzo on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Izzo was named to the Pro Bowl team as the AFC's special team player in the 2000, 2002, and 2004 seasons.

Izzo has led the Patriots in special teams tackles in five of six seasons with New England.

Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore re-signed running back Musa Smith to a one-year contract Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

"It's good to have Musa back," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Having surgery during the season put him ahead in his recovery. He will be ready for the start of training camp. Whenever we've put him on the field, he's produced. We're looking forward to having a healthy Musa help us."

Smith, a 2003 third-round draft pick, has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 57 career attempts, gaining 232 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Washington Redskins: Washington re-signed defensive back Ade Jimoh on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Jimoh, who has been with the Redskins since 2003, is a key special teams contributor, registering 65 special teams tackles in his career.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 07:23 PM

Unable to strike a deal with Jamal Lewis over the weekend, the Ravens have expanded their free-agent running back search. The Ravens contacted the agents for Corey Dillon and Chris Brown yesterday, although they are continuing to negotiate with Lewis.
-- Baltimore Sun

The Jets were after the Jones brothers for nearly a year. Concerned about Curtis Martin's surgically repaired knee, they almost pulled off a draft-day trade last April for Cowboys running back Julius Jones.
-- New York Daily News

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn threw for an estimated 65 NFL scouts, general managers and coaches Sunday during the school's pro day workout. Early reports were that Quinn, who participated in passing drills only, had a solid workout, connecting on 58 of 63 passes, including four catchable balls that were dropped.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

The Jets were believed to be working on a new contract for Thomas Jones. Jones's current deal has one year remaining. Jones will be the featured running back, although Leon Washington, whose small stature and quick feet electrified fans, will most likely receive significant carries, giving the Jets a change-of-pace option to keep defenses off balance.
-- New York Times

mardigan

03-06-2007, 07:25 PM

Tank could face jail
Bears DT in court March 15 on probation violation
Posted: Tuesday March 6, 2007 11:59AM; Updated: Tuesday March 6, 2007 11:59AM

Tank Johnson appeared in court on allegations that he violated his probation on a 2005 gun charge on Dec. 22, 2006.
AP

After two arrests on gun charges and another for assaulting a police officer, prosecutors in Chicago have had enough of Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson. At a court hearing on March 15, they will ask that Johnson be jailed for a probation violation, SI.com has learned.

According to a source deeply involved in the situation, Cook County prosecutors will tell Judge John J. Moran Jr. that Johnson has used up his chances and belongs behind bars. Other sources, including lawyers who have appeared before the same judge in similar situations, say a jail term is probable and could range from 30 days to 90 days.

The sources requested anonymity because they are not permitted to comment on pending litigation and because some had other cases pending before Judge Moran.

Johnson has been confined to his home in a Chicago suburb since Dec. 22, when he made his first appearance before Moran on the charge of violating his probation. He has been permitted to leave his home only for Bears practices and for the Super Bowl in Miami on Feb. 4.

Johnson had six months remaining on his 18-month probation sentence when a police SWAT team raided his house on Dec. 14, and according to police found six unregistered guns and more than 500 rounds of ammunition. The guns in the house were a violation of a previous probation sentence on another gun charge. The first charge came when Johnson was caught with a loaded 9 mm handgun in his car outside a Chicago nightclub in June 2005.

In the raid, the police also reportedly found Johnson's pal, Willie Posey, in the basement of Johnson's house with a stash of marijuana. It was bad enough that Posey was a convicted felon, another probation violation for Johnson. It became much worse for Johnson when Posey was shot to death two nights after the raid shortly after Johnson and Posey entered a Chicago nightclub known to be a notorious gang hangout.

The assault charge against Johnson was the result of an altercation that began at 3 a.m. on Feb 12, 2006, on Chicago's Rush Street when Johnson discovered police officers towing his double-parked limousine. Yelling and screaming at the officers, Johnson said, according to police reports, "You're ain't the only one with a Glock. If you didn't have that gun and badge, I'd kick your ass." The misdemeanor charges of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest were dismissed when all three arresting officers failed to appear in court for a mandatory hearing.

In an earlier hearing, Johnson and his attorney, Lorna Propes, presented evidence of the devastating impact a jail sentence would have on Johnson's career in the NFL. Don Johnson, the Bears defensive line coach described Johnson's work with the Bears and the possible end of his playing days if he went to jail.

They'll argue on March 15 that Johnson should receive community service rather than being sent to jail. Propes has arranged with authorities for Johnson to do motivational speaking and physical training for teen boys sentenced to boot camp in Lake County, Ill. Propes will suggest that Johnson would be a positive influence on juvenile boys who are in trouble.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 07:28 PM

Broncos want Bly to play corner opposite BaileyAssociated Press

DENVER -- The Broncos have heard cornerback Dre' Bly is bitter about being traded to Denver, and that he'd prefer to play for Washington.

Dre' Bly
Cornerback
Denver Broncos

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
58 50 8 4 0 3

The team, though, wants to give him some time to warm up to the deal. It's only been a few days since the 29-year-old Bly was acquired from Detroit -- along with a sixth-round pick -- for running back Tatum Bell, offensive lineman George Foster and a fifth-round pick.

"Hopefully he'll see the light," said Jim Bates, assistant head coach in charge of defense, at a Tuesday get-together for the Broncos' new coaches. "He'll see the opportunity in Denver of being part of a great football team, great organization and being opposite the side of Champ Bailey. Hopefully he'll come around and say, 'Hey, this is where I want to be.'"

Bates hasn't spoken to Bly personally, but said others, including coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Ted Sundquist, have contacted him.

Bly's agent, Kennard McGuire, didn't return a call or an e-mail to The Associated Press.

"I don't know what Dre's thinking," Bates said. "Hopefully, over the next couple weeks, he'll come our direction and be positive. We want a positive player once we get in here."

The Washington Post, citing people it did not name, reported Bly would rather play for the Redskins because they're closer to his home in Chesapeake, Va.

However, Denver doesn't have any plans to deal their newly acquired defensive back just yet.

"We expect him to be playing corner for us," said Bates, who was out of football last season, but spent the 2005 season as Green Bay's defensive coordinator. "We'd love for him to be all fired up and get ready to roll. Sometimes, especially in today's game, you have to have a little patience and it takes a little time."

The thought of Bly and Bailey holding down the corners for the Broncos brings a big smile to the face of Bates. The Broncos can apply more pressure because they don't have to worry about either Pro Bowl player needing extra help.

Bates has already studied film of Bailey from last season and was amazed at the footage. Bailey tied for the league lead in interceptions with 10 and finished second in the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year voting.

"I've been fortunate to be around some great corners," Bates said. "I don't think anyone has been more complete from what I've seen on tape than Champ. A lot of these guys were great cover guys, maybe a little inconsistent in the tackling area. Champ does it all, and does it all at a high level."

Denver's Domonique Foxworth was penciled in as the starting right corner until the Bly deal. Foxworth will likely fill the nickel role.

The Broncos are still trying to recover from the loss of cornerback Darrent Williams, who was killed in a drive-by shooting on New Year's Day. The case remains unsolved.

"We lost a great person," Shanahan said last month at a wrap-up press conference for the season.

Bly, like Bailey, is a playmaker. He has 33 career interceptions, the fourth-most in the league since 1999. He's returned five interceptions for touchdowns in his career.

Now if the Broncos could only get him to warm up to the deal.

"We've heard some of his remarks since the trade's been made, but hopefully he'll see the light as far as playing opposite Champ Bailey," Bates said. "I think it would be a great opportunity for him."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-06-2007, 07:31 PM

Tracking the comings and goings in free agency

By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

Free agency has opened with a flurry of activity. Already, numerous teams are on the board. Take a glance at the deals, and the potential soon-to-be deals.

Tuesday, March 6
Free agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth received an offer from the New England Patriots. He is scheduled to meet Wednesday with Titans officials in Tennessee and with the Dolphins on Thursday.
The Miami Dolphins and LB Joey Porter have reached agreement on a five-year, $32.5 million deal that includes $20 million worth of guaranteed money.

Newly-acquired running back Thomas Jones has signed a four-year, $20 million contract that includes $12 million worth of guaranteed money, with the New York Jets. He was scheduled to go into the last year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season.

Miami free agent fullback Darian Barnes met with the Jets.

San Francisco has signed free agent LB Tully Banta-Cain to a three-yeal, $8.7 million deal, which includes a $2.9 million signing bonus. Pittsburgh and St. Louis each had been interested in signing Banta-Cain.

The Chiefs are offering Trent Green the chance to return at a restructured contract, but they granted him permission to talk to other teams to see what other opportunities may be afforded him.

Free-agent LB Napoleon Harris has reached an agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs on a six-year, $24 million deal that includes $7.5 million in guaranteed money and $13 million in the first three years.

Free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout has reached agreement with Tampa Bay on a three-year, $15.5 million deal that includes a $6 million guaranteed money.

Carolina cut veteran quarterback Chris Weinke.

Buffalo cut veteran guard Tutan Reyes.

Seattle free-agent tight end Jerramy Stevens visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Arizona free-agent cornerback David Macklin visited the Chiefs.

Chicago free-agent safety Todd Johnson visited Miami.

San Francisco free-agent tight end Eric Johnson and Cincinnati free-agent safety Kevin Kaesviharn visited the Saints.

Denver free agent guard Cooper Carlisle visited the Seattle Seahawks.

Free-agent quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo visited the Cleveland Browns and is scheduled to visit the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers later this week.

St. Louis free-agent wide receiver Shaun McDonald is in Detroit today; the Chargers and Eagles Dolphins and Raiders are also interested in his service.

Tennessee free-agent running back Chris Brown is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday.

Free-agent RB T.J. Duckett is in Detroit visiting with Lions. Duckett is scheduled to visit the New York Jets on Wednesday and the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday.

Free-agent fullback Justin Griffith will be visiting Green Bay today

mardigan

03-06-2007, 09:28 PM

Kelly to sign three-year, $9M contractBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Eight-year veteran Reggie Kelly, considered by most to be the second-best tight end available in the unrestricted market, on Tuesday night agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN.com has learned.

Kelly
Kelly will sign a three-year, $9 million contract and, in so doing, he eschewed formal offers from at least three other franchises.

Among the tight ends in the free agent pool, only Daniel Graham of the New England Patriots, who will likely choose between contract offers from Seattle and Denver, was more coveted over the past week.

Despite very ordinary receiving statistics, Kelly, who has been the Cincinnati starter for the past three years, is considered a key to the Bengals offense, and quarterback Carson Palmer lobbied him hard to come back to the club.

Kelly, 29, rarely plays on third down, as Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski prefers three-wide receiver formations in those situations, and that contributes to his blunted statistics.

In eight seasons, Kelly, originally drafted in the second round by Atlanta in 1999, has only 133 receptions for 1,300 yards and five touchdowns. Only once, in 2000, when he had a career-best 31 catches for 340 yards, did Kelly register more than 30 receptions in a season.

But the former Mississippi State standout can be a punishing blocker at the point of attack, especially in sealing opposition linebackers off the edge, understands and accepts his role in the offense, and is an important locker room presence.

Kelly played four seasons (1999-2002) in Atlanta before joining the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent in 2003. The Falcons were among the teams that made an offer to Kelly this week.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL

mardigan

03-06-2007, 09:29 PM

Briggs not happy with Bears; Angelo feels salary is justAssociated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Disgruntled Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs wants out of Chicago, saying the Bears should remove his franchise player tag or trade him.

BriggsGeneral manager Jerry Angelo had a message for Briggs on Tuesday: The Bears are expecting him to play with them this season, with a one-year, $7.2 million deal, the average of the top five salaries at his position.
"We have his rights, so he's on our football team," Angelo said Tuesday during a conference call to discuss the trade of leading rusher Thomas Jones to the New York Jets.

"We feel that we're treating him very good. That's a lot of money he's making on a one year-deal. The strain really comes to us in terms of our cap and what we have to do for a one-year deal."

Angelo said he had no calls about Briggs from other teams.

"Most of the times when you franchise a player they don't get traded," Angelo said. "We will always listen to anything that we feel will be in our best interest. But when we did this, it was with the intent for him to a Bear this year."

Briggs and the team could not come to agreement on a contract extension last spring -- reports say he turned down a six-year, $33 million deal.

Briggs has made his unhappiness known in a couple of interviews, one with ESPN.com and another with a Chicago radio station in which he said "I'll do everything that's within my power to not be with this organization."

"What it really comes down to, it's not about the money. It's about you've played long enough and you think you've earned a certain position on the team that you would be here for a long time."

Briggs said the Bears have no intention now of working out a long-term deal to keep him.

"We did go to Lance in the spring to try to do a long-term deal. So that was our intent as it has been with other players that we had under contract before their contracts expired," Angelo said.

"We gave it what we feel are our very best efforts. We thought we put a very good deal on the table. And we also told them that the option of the franchise tag was there and they decided to pass the deal up and play it out. We certainly have to respect that. And we also told them that we were going to move on."

Briggs, who's been selected to two Pro Bowls, just completed his fourth season with the Bears and was a third-round draft choice out of Arizona in 2003.

Briggs made $721,600 last season when he led the Bears with 117 solo tackles.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-06-2007, 09:51 PM

Raiders | Newberry added
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 16:48:47 -0800

ESPNews reports the Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free-agent OL Jeremy Newberry to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Saints | Vanderjagt to meet with team
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 21:12:45 -0800

Jimmy Smith, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports free agent PK Mike Vanderjagt (Cowboys) visited the New Orleans Saints Tuesday, March 6.

Vikings | Team signs Wade
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 19:40:07 -0800

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent WR Bobby Wade (Titans). Head coach Brad Childress said he sees Wade as a slot receiver and that he wants Wade to be involved on the kickoff and punt return teams.

Giants | Team makes offer to Feely
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 18:59:51 -0800

Arthur Staple, of Newsday, reports free agent PK Jay Feely (Giants) has received an offer from the New York Giants.

Dolphins | Team showing interest in Feely
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 19:01:36 -0800

Arthur Staple, of Newsday, reports the Miami Dolphins are showing interest in free agent PK Jay Feely (Giants).

Chargers | Withrow signs three-year contract
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 17:31:18 -0800

Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports the San Diego Chargers have re-signed free agent C Cory Withrow to a three-year contract.

Buccaneers | Stevens visits team
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 18:04:38 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports free agent TE Jerramy Stevens (Seahawks) has visited with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

mardigan

03-06-2007, 11:22 PM

TE Graham agrees to 5-year, $30M deal with BroncosBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

Top free agents

GrahamTight end Daniel Graham is No. 5 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

After losing defensive end Patrick Kerney in a bidding war to the Seattle Seahawks, the Denver Broncos weren't going to be outdone.

The Broncos outbid the Seahawks for Patriots tight end Daniel Graham in a negotiation that went well into Tuesday. Graham ended up with a five-year, $30 million deal from the Broncos that included $15 million in guarantees.

As negotiations drew to a close, Graham was torn as to which team was best for him. The idea of getting back to Colorado appealed to him. He went to high school in Denver. But the Seahawks situation was also appealing. They wanted to draft him in the first round in 2002.

Graham's father, Tom, played for the Broncos from 1972-74.

Graham's agent, Tom Mills, didn't shop the offers of either team but in the end he needed to see where the numbers would go. The Broncos stepped up at the ending by offering the most dollars and the most guarantees. Graham took the Broncos deal.

The former first-round choice of the Patriots was considered the top tight end on the free agent market.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Broncos have had a great offseason, but money is just flying around so far this offseason

mardigan

03-07-2007, 11:19 AM

Broncos | Bailey restructures contract
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 07:48:36 -0800

Jeff Legwold, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos CB Champ Bailey saved the team roughly $3.6 million in cap space by restructuring his contract last week.

Texans | Team signs Clark
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 08:23:18 -0800

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports the Houston Texans signed free agent LB Danny Clark (Saints) to a one-year deal Wednesday, March 7. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Browns | J. Lewis to visit team
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 08:35:24 -0800

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns will meet with free agent RB Jamal Lewis (Ravens), according to the Baltimore Sun.

Dolphins | Mare not expected to return
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 10:22:31 -0800

Alex Marvez, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins are expected to either trade or release PK Olindo Mare.

Jets | Jones contract update
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 09:55:53 -0800

The Bergen Record reports the New York Jets signed RB Thomas Jones to a four-year, $20 million contract extension that includes $12 million in guarantees.

Ravens | J. Lewis return not likely
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:59:30 -0800

ESPNews reports free agent RB Jamal Lewis (Ravens) is not likely to re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens.

sa_butta

03-07-2007, 12:53 PM

Stallworth on Dolphins' radar

The Dolphins have expressed interest in free-agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth of the Philadelphia Eagles, a source said Tuesday.

Stallworth caught 38 passes for 725 yards, which translates to a gaudy 19.1-yard average, and five touchdowns in 2006 after being traded from New Orleans to the Eagles during the preseason.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-spdolnotes07mar07,0,4532468.story?coll=sfla-sports-front

mardigan

03-07-2007, 04:08 PM

Bills | Team working on sending McGahee to Baltimore
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:56:54 -0800

ESPNews reports the Baltimore Ravens are working with the Buffalo Bills on a trade to acquire Bills RB Willis McGahee.

Broncos | Team still working on deal with Washington
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:41:49 -0800

Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos are actively trying to work out a deal, with the Broncos seeking the No. 6 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and the Redskins looking to acquire CB Dre' Bly. The Broncos tried to offer LB Al Wilson and a package of draft picks for the Redskins' high draft pick, but the deal fell through when the Redskins opted to sign LB London Fletcher-Baker instead of trading for Wilson. Also, the Redskins have offered CB Shawn Springs in a deal for Bly, but the Broncos are not willing to give the Redskins cap relief for the $7.5 million charge they would receive by trading Springs. With both teams still coveting their targets, and with Bly still reportedly looking to play in Washington, it is still possible for some kind of swap involving Bly and the Redskins' first-round pick to happen before the draft.

Lions | Cason re-signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:44:37 -0800

The Detroit Lions have officially announced re-signing RB Aveion Cason (Lions) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Packers | Henderson told he will be released
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:15:00 -0800

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, reports the Green Bay Packers have informed FB William Henderson he will be released.

Redskins | Hall released
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:07:41 -0800

ESPNews reports the Washington Redskins have released PK John Hall.

Falcons | Horn passes physical and meets with team coaches
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:02:25 -0800

ESPNews reports free agent WR Joe Horn (Saints) has passed a physical with the Atlanta Falcons and met with the team's coaching staff Wednesday, March 7.

Falcons | L. Sanders signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:22:03 -0800

AtlantaFalcons.com reports the Atlanta Falcons have signed free agent CB Lewis Sanders (Texans). Details of the contract were not disclosed.

johnsmith

03-07-2007, 05:03 PM

Mardigan gets my vote for best thread of the year so far..........

mardigan

03-07-2007, 05:13 PM

Buccaneers | Legree agrees to terms
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 14:05:46 -0800

Roy Cummings, of the Tampa Tribune, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with unrestricted free-agent DT Lance Legree (49ers). Financial terms of the deal are not yet available.

Giants | Feely will not return
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:34:32 -0800

Arthur Staple, of New York Newsday, reports a person familiar with the negotiations said the New York Giants did not significantly increase their previous offer to free-agent PK Jay Feely (Giants), so Feely will not return to the team.

Ravens release left guard Mulitalo
Posted: Wednesday March 7, 2007 4:56PM; Updated: Wednesday March 7, 2007 4:56PM

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Edwin Mulitalo, who started at left guard for the Baltimore Ravens for eight seasons, was released Wednesday.

Mulitalo, 32, was one of a handful of players remaining from the Ravens' Super Bowl championship squad of 2000. He was limited to a career-low four games in 2006 because of a torn triceps tendon that required surgery, and Jason Brown performed capably in his place.

Mulitalo said he hopes to keep playing. He was due $2 million in salary for 2007 and had a salary-cap figure of $2.85 million.

"When you release a player like Edwin, it gives you pause," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "This is the cold side of the business. All he did was everything we asked him to do and more."

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

mardigan

03-07-2007, 05:19 PM

The Cowboys have offered free agent right tackle Marc Colombo a two-year contract worth about $7 million. According to NFL sources, the offer is similar to the deal right tackle Jon Stinchcomb signed Friday with the Saints.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Kicker Jay Feely was in Miami meeting with the Dolphins, who seemed ready to sign him and cut ties with veteran Olindo Mare. Perhaps spurred by the interest, the Giants informed Feely they are preparing a more lucrative offer and now there's a chance he'll return for a third season in New York.
-- New York Post

Randy McMichael might not be a free agent for long. A day after the Dolphins cut the tight end, four teams -- the New York Jets, Oakland, Denver and Seattle -- were showing interest.
-- Miami Herald

Jets receiver Justin McCareins and linebacker Eric Barton are being shopped, sources said. Contrary to speculation, the Jets don't appear to be dangling linebacker Jonathan Vilma in trade talks.
-- New York Daily News

Though the Raiders have not initiated any calls to move him, Oakland has listened to offers for Randy Moss. The Raiders are open to the idea of trading Moss, according to a source close to Oakland. Teams that have shown interest, according to the source, are the Patriots, the Packers and the Buccaneers.
-- NFL.com

mardigan

03-07-2007, 06:06 PM

Sources: Falcons reach deal with ex-Saints WR HornBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com

Atlanta's young and underachieving receiving corps has a leader. More important, the Falcons have fetched Michael Vick another dependable target.

Horn

Former Saints receiver Joe Horn, released last week by New Orleans, agreed Wednesday to sign with the rival Falcons, according to team sources. Terms of the contract, which was being finalized, were not immediately available.

Horn began his visit with the Falcons on Monday night and never left, deciding not to visit Green Bay or Jacksonville, who also were interested in the services of the 35-year-old wideout, who has 576 receptions, 8,501 yards and 57 touchdowns in 11 seasons with Kansas City and New Orleans.

Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who served as the voice of the Saints' franchise -- and, to some extent, the Gulf South region -- during a 2005 season ruined by Hurricane Katrina, posted four 1,000-yard seasons with the Saints. But he's had only five touchdown catches the past two seasons and missed six games last year due to injury.

The chance to face the Saints twice a season and remain close to New Orleans presumably played a part in Horn's decision to sign with the Falcons, along with the prospect of playing with Vick in new head coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator Hugh Jackson's system.

The Saints deemed Horn expendable largely because of the emergence last season of rookie Marques Colston and former second-round pick Devery Henderson.

In Atlanta, Horn immediately vaults to the top of a receiver depth chart that includes former first-round picks Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, who will no doubt benefit from a mentor as experienced and accomplished as Horn.

mardigan

03-07-2007, 06:27 PM

49ers | Interested in Seattle's D. Jackson
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:21:07 -0800

Michael Smith, of ESPN, reports the San Francisco 49ers are believed to have a strong interest in working out a trade with the Seattle Seahawks for WR Darrell Jackson.

mardigan

03-07-2007, 06:27 PM

Buccaneers | K. Smith signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 15:09:17 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed street free-agent DT Kenny Smith.

mardigan

03-07-2007, 06:28 PM

Packers | T. White re-signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 14:57:26 -0800

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed LB Tracy White. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-07-2007, 07:05 PM

Saints | Johnson signs
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:07:01 -0800

NFL Network reports the New Orleans Saints have signed unrestricted free-agent TE Eric Johnson (49ers) to a one-year, $2 million contract.

Bills | Team interested in Dillon
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:18:06 -0800

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, citing John Clayton, of ESPN, reports the Buffalo Bills have shown interest in free-agent RB Corey Dillon (Patriots), and that Dillon may meet with the team Thursday, March 8.

Saints | F. Thomas agrees to pay cut
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:26:10 -0800

Mike Triplett, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints CB Fred Thomas has agreed to take a pay cut for the 2007 season. Thomas was originally scheduled to make $3 million this season, but has agreed to make about $2.2 instead.

Chiefs | Darche signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 14:18:10 -0800

Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have signed unrestricted free-agent LS Jean-Philippe Darche (Seahawks). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-07-2007, 07:50 PM

Updated: March 7, 2007, 5:24 PM ET
Porter didn't need a lot of convincing from MiamiAssociated Press

DAVIE, Fla. -- Joey Porter wore a new Miami Dolphins visor, plus had an aqua-and-orange pin on his shirt.

Clearly, the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker is already trying to fit in with his new team.

Two-Way Threat

Since sacks became an official NFL stat in the 1982 season, only two players have recorded 60 sacks and 10 interceptions: Joey Porter and Clay Matthews.

Porter Matthews
Yrs in NFL '99-present '78-96
Sacks 60.0 69.5
INT 10 16

Porter passed his physical and signed a five-year, $32 million contract Wednesday with the Dolphins, making the former Pittsburgh star the first marquee name to join the club during the free-agent period.

"I came here to Miami to help this team get to a championship," said Porter, who helped the Steelers win the Super Bowl two seasons ago. "I felt this would be a good situation for me, so it didn't take a lot of convincing."

New Dolphins coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller flew to California on Monday to see Porter at his home, and their sales pitch worked. Porter -- whom the Steelers released last week in a salary-cap move -- agreed late that night to a deal, one that guarantees him $20 million.

"We're excited to be able to add Joey to our football team," Cameron said. "He is an impact player who will add many different dimensions to our defense."

The Dolphins play a 3-4 defense, a scheme Porter says best suits him. He joins a unit that ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed last season and includes defensive player of the year Jason Taylor.

"It's great that we were able to acquire a player of Joey's caliber," Taylor said. "He has been an impact player in this league for many years, and when you add someone who has the ability to make plays like he does, it will help not just the defense, but the entire team."

Porter joins a linebacker corps that includes Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder. He'll replace Donnie Spragan, a free agent.

"A player of Joey's ability doesn't become available often, especially at a position of need," Mueller said. "We knew that together we all would have to react immediately to be able to sign him, and I was glad with the way we all worked so quickly internally in order to get this done."

The Dolphins have already parted ways with at least 10 players this offseason, but Porter said Cameron and Mueller made it clear to him that the team's goals are as high as ever.

"I didn't look at it as if they're rebuilding," Porter said. "I looked at it as they're trying to put a championship team together. They're already a good team -- but just a couple of pieces away -- and, hopefully, I can be part of the puzzle."

Dom Capers, who was with the Steelers before Porter joined that team and is now Miami's defensive coordinator, said he was surprised a player like him became available.

"You're always looking for impact players on the defensive side of the football and they're hard to come by," Capers said. "Joey's career to this point speaks for itself. One of the hardest positions to find in our defensive scheme is a player at the outside linebacker position that can ... rush the passer effectively and be able to drop into coverage."

Several other teams reportedly had interest in Porter, but he said only the Dolphins had the ability to convince him they would be championship-ready.

"Miami is heading in the right direction and making all the right moves," Porter said. "So for me, it was the right fit."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-07-2007, 09:42 PM

Updated: March 7, 2007, 9:08 PM ET
Lewis stops waiting on Ravens, agrees with BrownsBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

For two years, the Baltimore Ravens have wondered about Jamal Lewis' breakaway speed. They no longer have to wonder.

Lewis

Lewis, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, broke away from the Ravens and agreed to a deal with the rival Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed, but Lewis reached the agreement Wednesday night after a visit to Cleveland.

The Ravens released Lewis to clear salary cap room. Both sides kept in touch with the hopes of reuniting. But Lewis sensed his job might not be there. The Ravens have been interested in acquiring Bills halfback Willis McGahee in a trade.

Lewis, 27, decided not to wait and took Cleveland's offer. He rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003 but has struggled during the past three years. Last year, he played the entire season with a bone spur problem. He recently had surgery to remove the spurs.

The 5-foot-11, 245-pound back is one of the league's most powerful runners. He was the Ravens' first-round draft choice in 2000.

Lewis, 27, spent the 2005 offseason serving time in prison after a guilty plea to using a cell phone to set up a drug buy.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

mardigan

03-07-2007, 09:42 PM

Broncos agree with Ramsey, landing coveted backupBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Denver Broncos on Wednesday night won the battle for coveted backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, with ESPN.com learning the club has reached a contract agreement with the five-year veteran.

Ramsey

Ramsey, 28, will sign a two-year contract worth approximately $5 million, with about $1.5 million in guarantees.

The Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers also were interested in Ramsey, who recently was released by the New York Jets after only one season with the team. Ramsey will become the backup to Denver second-year pro Jay Cutler, and he ostensibly replaces Jake Plummer in that role.

Denver last weekend traded Plummer to Tampa Bay, and the veteran abruptly retired. The Broncos then began exploring their options for a proven veteran to back up Cutler, their first-round choice in 2006, and quickly targeted Ramsey.

The Broncos will be Ramsey's third team in three seasons, but one of the reasons he settled on Denver as his new home is the overall stability of the organization and the chance to settle in with a franchise and coaching staff he respects.

The first-round choice of the Washington Redskins in 2002, Ramsey has played in 34 games, and his résumé includes 24 starts. He has completed 480 of 862 passes for 5,649 yards, with 34 touchdown passes, 29 interceptions and a passer rating of 74.9. His best season came in 2002, when he made 11 starts for the Redskins. Although he had a 4-7 record that year, Ramsey had 14 touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

The former Tulane star threw only one pass for the Jets in 2006, and New York released him rather than pay a roster bonus due this spring.

Blessed with a strong arm and solid pocket presence, Ramsey has suffered from being overcoached at times and, certainly during his tenure under coach Joe Gibbs in Washington, he was mishandled and lost confidence.

Given the volume of teams that pursued him after the Jets released him, though, it appears there are still people in the league who value him.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 11:57 AM

Updated: March 8, 2007, 11:29 AM ET
Feely, Dolphins agree to three-year dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Miami Dolphins have reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent kicker Jay Feely, a move that will end the 10-year tenure of Olindo Mare with the team.

Feely
Arguably the top kicker in the free agent market, Feely will sign a three-year, $6 million contract that includes $2.5 million in guarantees. Feely, 30, was also pursued by Atlanta and Kansas City over the past week.

Mare was due a roster bonus of $250,000 this month and was scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.5 million for 2006. Those finances and his inconsistencies of the past two seasons combined to make him vulnerable in the offseason; it was hardly a secret Miami officials were seeking a replacement.

In his 10 seasons with the Dolphins, Mare, 33, scored 1,048 points and went over the 100-point mark in six different seasons. He converted 245 of 303 field goal attempts and 313 of 318 extra points.

Feely played the past two seasons with the New York Giants after spending the first four years of his career with the Falcons. In New York, he made 58 of 69 field goal tries and had 24 touchbacks on kickoffs. His departure leaves the Giants without a proven kicker.

The former University of Michigan standout, signed by Atlanta as an undrafted free agent in 2001, has converted 156 of 196 field goal attempts for his career and all but two of his 225 extra point tries. He has four seasons of 100-plus points, including a career best of 148 points in 2005, and 691 points for his career.

Feely has a powerful leg as evidenced by his career average of 63.6 yards on kickoffs and 67 touchbacks.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 12:06 PM

Dolphins | Wilkinson might decide to retire
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 06:48:07 -0800

Alex Marvez, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins are concerned DL Dan Wilkinson might decide to retire rather than play for the Denver Broncos, which would nullify a Saturday, March 3, trade that netted a sixth-round draft pick from the Broncos for the 13-year NFL veteran.

Patriots | Terms of Stallworth contract offer
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 06:18:24 -0800

The Associated Press, citing the Boston Herald, is reporting unrestricted free-agent WR Donte' Stallworth (Eagles) visited the New England Patriots Tuesday, March 6, and was offered a six-year, $32 million deal.

Rams | Sander signs
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 21:32:12 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports free agent P B.J. Sander has signed with the St. Louis Rams.

Rams | T. Minor signs one-year deal
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 21:30:14 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports free agent RB Travis Minor (Dolphins) has signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Rams.

Rams | Steussie re-signs for one year
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 21:28:06 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports the St. Louis Rams have re-signed free agent OL Todd Steussie to a one-year contract.

Chargers | Floyd re-signs with team
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 17:50:55 -0800

Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports exclusive rights free agent WR Malcom Floyd has re-signed with the San Diego Chargers. Floyd signed a one-year contract.

Browns | Lewis contract update
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 06:38:45 -0800

Updating previous reports, ESPNews reports the one-year deal RB Jamal Lewis received from the Cleveland Browns is worth $3.5 million.

Eagles | Johnson agrees to one-year deal
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 10:06:31 -0800

The Philadelphia Eagles have reached a one-year deal with unrestricted free-agent WR Bethel Johnson (Vikings). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 01:16 PM

McGahee traded to Ravens for multiple picksBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com

The Ravens and Bills agreed to a trade Thursday that will send running back Willis McGahee to Baltimore in exchange for the team's third and seventh-round picks in this year's draft, along with the Ravens' third-round pick in 2008.

Jeremy Green's take
The Ravens reacted quickly to the loss of Jamal Lewis to Cleveland by trading for Buffalo's Willis McGahee, a running back with a lot more versatility than Lewis. McGahee can run inside and outside, is a lot quicker to the hole and can make people miss. It's a huge upgrade for the Ravens, because Lewis was basically a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust runner at this point. He was a sitting duck for tacklers, while McGahee is much more of a moving target.

Baltimore announced the deal Thursday afternoon.

Buffalo dealt McGahee in anticipation of difficulty with his contract, which has one season remaining at $2.155 million. The Ravens and McGahee have already begun negotiations on a contract extension, McGahee's agent Drew Rosenhaus said.

It's the second year in a row the Ravens pulled off a trade for a marquee veteran. Last year they dealt for Tennessee Titans quarteback Steve McNair, who led the Ravens to the AFC North title.

The Titans were also reportedly interested in dealing for McGahee.

The Bills, whose remaining running backs are Daimon Shelton and Shaud Williams, are now in the market for multiple backs. They have shown interest in the Colts' Dominic Rhodes and the Titans' Chris Brown, and both have visited the team. Former Patriots running back Corey Dillon has not visited Orchard Park, but the Bills are said to be interested.

Buffalo's first-round pick out of Miami in 2003, McGahee is coming off a down season in which he finished with a career-low 990 yards rushing, but led the team with six rushing touchdowns in 14 starts.

In 2005, he had 1,247 yards rushing and five touchdowns in 15 starts. He established himself as the Bills starter in 2004 with 1,128 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts. That performance led the team to trade former starter Travis Henry to Tennessee the following summer.

McGahee sat out his rookie season recovering from major knee surgery.

The Bills have been disappointed in McGahee for conducting most of his offseason workouts in his native Miami, rather than traveling to the team's Orchard Park headquarters. McGahee also created a stir when he was quoted in a magazine article suggesting the NFL consider moving the Bills to Toronto, a comment he later said was taken out of context.

ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 02:14 PM

Rams sign TE McMichael to 3-year deal
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/08/2007

The Rams keep adding offensive weapons. The latest addition is tight end Randy McMichael, who recently was released by the Miami Dolphins.

McMichael, 27, averaged 65 catches over the past three seasons for Miami.

He had 62 receptions for 640 yards and three touchdowns in 2006. His career-high for five seasons in Miami was 73 catches in 2004.

McMichael, 6-3 and 250, is also considered a very good blocker. Advertisement

“This has been in the works for a while,” Rams head coach Scott Linehan said in a statement. “We even considered trading for him. He is an every-down tight end and a proven starter in the league. He does a lot of things well.”

League sources say his three-year deal with the Rams is worth about $3 million per year.

McMichael played for Scott Linehan in 2005 when Linehan was offensive coordinator for the Dolphins.

His signing comes just days after tight end Dominique Byrd was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Los Angeles.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 05:03 PM

Cardinals | Holt receives five-year deal
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 13:42:44 -0800

Updating a previous report, Mike Jurecki, of XTRA Sports Radio 910 in Phoenix, reports the Arizona Cardinals have signed unrestricted free-agent S Terrence Holt (Lions) to a five-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Rams | Johnson signs
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 13:41:18 -0800

Updating a previous report, ESPNews reports the St. Louis Rams have signed unrestricted free-agent S Todd Johnson (Bears) to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Jets | Barnes signs
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 13:09:09 -0800

The New York Jets have signed unrestricted free-agent FB Darian Barnes (Dolphins). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

49ers | Team matches Lee contract offer
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 14:27:47 -0800

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers have matched the Pittsburgh Steelers' six-year, $7.1 million, including a $1.66 million signing bonus, contract offer to restricted free-agent P Andy Lee.

Patriots | Team interested in Hartwell
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 14:06:22 -0800

Albert Breer, of the MetroWest Daily News, reports the New England Patriots are interested in unrestricted free-agent LB Edgerton Hartwell (Falcons).

Browns | Droughns to be released
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 16:15:25 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL Network, reports Cleveland Browns RB Reuben Droughns will be released.

Seahawks | Wistrom released
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 15:50:29 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Seattle Seahawks have released DE Grant Wistrom.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 05:15 PM

Washington Redskins: The Washington Redskins added depth to the offensive line Thursday by signing free agent Ross Tucker, who returns six years after making the team as an undrafted rookie.

Tucker, one of the few NFL players from Princeton, played three games with the Redskins in 2001 and has since played for Dallas, Buffalo and New England. He started seven games with the Cowboys and 17 with the Bills.

Tucker was traded from New England to Cleveland last summer, but he did not make the Browns roster and sat out the 2006 season.

-- The Associated Press

mardigan

03-08-2007, 05:52 PM

Updated: March 8, 2007, 5:08 PM ET
Rams sign four-year, $4M deal with JohnsonBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

The Rams, already busy trying to help their offense with the addition of former Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael, added help for their defense by reaching a four-year, $4 million deal with Bears safety Todd Johnson.

Johnson

Johnson, who will make $1.5 million this year, was a fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2003, had six starts on a Super Bowl team and played roughly 30 percent of the team's defensive plays. The 28-year-old defensive back played college football at Florida.

He started 18 games over his four seasons with the Bears. The Rams continue to try to improve their athletic ability on defense along with targeting key players for their offense -- McMichael and wide receiver Drew Bennett.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Updated: March 8, 2007, 5:29 PM ET
Droughns latest tailback on trade marketBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

In an active tailback market, where three starters have already changed teams via trades in the past week, there figure to be even more deals in coming days.

Droughns

And the player most likely to be traded next is Reuben Droughns of Clevelend, who has been made expendable by the Browns' signing of unrestricted free agent Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract Wednesday night.

League and team sources confirmed to ESPN.com that the Browns are actively shopping Droughns, their starter the past two seasons, in trade talks.

If Cleveland is unable to reach a trade accommodation, Droughns could be released.

Three starting tailbacks from 2006 -- Tatum Bell (from Denver to Detroit), Thomas Jones (from Chicago to the New York Jets) and Willis McGahee (from Buffalo to Baltimore) -- have been traded in the past week.

Droughns, 28, is due a $1.75 million roster bonus March 17, and the Browns almost certainly want to avoid paying it, especially after acquiring Lewis, who has already been penciled in as the starter. Droughns is scheduled to have a base salary of $1.25 million for 2007.

He is due base salaries of $1.75 million for 2008 and $2.75 million for '09.

A seven-year veteran, Droughns, 28, came to the Browns from Denver in a 2005 trade, after rushing for 1,240 yards in 2004. He gained 1,232 yards in 2005, his first year in Cleveland, and the Browns rewarded him with a three-year contract extension worth $12 million. But Droughns slumped to 758 yards in 2006 and there have been some off-field problems in the past year.

When Lewis became available, the Browns moved quickly to sign him, and there is also a chance Cleveland will use its first-round choice in the 2007 draft to take Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

Updated: March 8, 2007, 4:43 PM ET
Arizona signs free safety Holt to five-year dealESPN.com news services

Arizona Cardinals: Free safety Terrence Holt signed a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday.

Terrence Holt
Safety
Detroit Lions

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
77 51 26 1 1 3

Terms weren't disclosed. Holt, younger brother of St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, started 15 games last season for the Detroit Lions. He had a career-high 76 tackles, 51 solos, and three interceptions.

In Arizona, Holt gets the chance to play alongside his North Carolina State teammate, Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson.

A fifth-round selection by the Lions in 2003, Holt became a fulltime starter in 2005 but was sidelined after 10 games because of an elbow injury.

Holt has played in 53 games, 27 of them starts, with 117 tackles -- 107 solos -- eight interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Holt is Arizona's second free agent acquisition this year. The Cardinals earlier signed ex-Dallas center Al Johnson to a four-year, $17.5 million deal with $7 million guaranteed.

-- The Associated Press

Philadelphia Eagles: Wide receiver and kick returner Bethel Johnson reached agreement on a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

In his career, Johnson has returned 147 kickoffs for 3,611 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 39 catches for 606 yards and four touchdowns.

Johnson, 28, was a second-round draft choice of New England in 2003. He was traded to New Orleans last year but released before the 2006 season and signed with the Minnesota Vikings in October.

-- The Associated Press

T Park

03-08-2007, 07:50 PM

mardigan

03-08-2007, 07:52 PM

Man, if Droughns could be had cheap, that would be a fantastic backup to Steve Jackson in STL.

Johnson seems like a good depth guy, and special teamer.

Something the Rams have needed.

Wish some good nosetackles and run defenders would get cut :lol

I wouldnt doubt if the Rams went back after Wistrom.
And supposedly the Packers are pushing hard to get Droughns

T Park

03-08-2007, 07:55 PM

Torry's brother comes to play for the Cardinals. Cool, they get to line up against each other twice a year now.

T Park

03-08-2007, 07:57 PM

I wouldnt doubt if the Rams went back after Wistrom

If they did, that would be a mistake.

Wistrom wasn't good at defending the run in his prime, let alone his down years...

mardigan

03-08-2007, 08:01 PM

Their isnt much left out there, unless Cincinati releases John Thornton

mardigan

03-08-2007, 08:06 PM

HOUSTON (AP) -- Linebacker Danny Clark, a former Jaguar, Raider and Saint, agreed to terms Wednesday with the Houston Texans.

Clark led Oakland in tackles in 2004 and 2005, but struggled last season in a reserve role after joining the New Orleans. The seven-year veteran had 29 tackles while appearing in 16 games.

"We are excited about what Danny brings to our defense," said Texans general manager Rick Smith. "He is an experienced guy who has proven that he can be very productive, and he is a leader who will add a veteran presence in the locker room."

The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder was a seventh-round pick in the 2000 draft by Jacksonville, where he spent his first four seasons. He became a full-time starter in 2002 and had 91 tackles, two sacks and an interception.

In two seasons with the Raiders, Clark started all but one game and had 129 tackles his first year and 113 in 2005.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 08:10 PM

No more Mare? Busy Dolphins sign K Feely in flurry of moves
March 8, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins signed kicker Jay Feely to a three-year contract on Thursday, meaning that longtime Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare could be released or traded.

Feely, 29, signed as an unrestricted free agent after two seasons with the New York Giants.

In six seasons with the NFL, the first four with Atlanta, Feely has converted 156 of 196 field goal attempts. Feely has hit about 84 percent of his attempted field goals for the Giants in the past two years.

Feely said a meeting with new Dolphins coach Cam Cameron helped persuade him to sign with Miami.

"He has a way of infusing his excitement with what he wants to do with this organization," Feely said of Cameron, adding that he didn't think the Giants made enough of an effort to resign him.

"I don't take it personally," he said. "I understand that part of football. You just move on."

Feeley's signing means that Mare, who has been the Dolphins' kicker since 1997, could be released or traded.

Mare went 26-for-36 in field goals last season. Five of those misses were from 50 yards or more. A South Florida native, Mare is the Dolphins' all time leader in field goals made with 245.

Also on Thursday, the Dolphins signed free agent wide receiver Kelly Campbell, re-signed defensive tackle Keith Traylor to a two-year contract and inked free agent safety Cameron Worrell to a two-year deal.

Traylor, 37, started 14 games for the Dolphins last season, totaling 36 tackles and a career-high four sacks. The 16-year NFL veteran was at times a force in the middle of a defense that allowed 3.5 yards per rush, fifth in the league.

The 6-foot-3, 337-pound Traylor joined the Dolphins as a free agent in 2005.

Worrell, 27, was signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Chicago Bears, where he served as a reserve safety and special teamer since entering the league as an undrafted player in 2003.

Worrell has amassed 20 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery as a defensive reserve, and another 45 tackles as a special teams player. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety missed the 2005 season with a shoulder injury.

The defensive signings come two days after the Dolphins signed linebacker Joey Porter from the Pittsburgh Steelers to a five-year, $32 million contract.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

mardigan

03-08-2007, 08:14 PM

News briefs: 'Skins bring back OL Tucker
March 8, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins added depth to the offensive line Thursday by signing free agent Ross Tucker, who returns six years after making the team as an undrafted rookie.

Advertisement

Tucker, one of the few NFL players from Princeton, played three games with the Redskins in 2001 and has since played for Dallas, Buffalo and New England. He started seven games with the Cowboys and 17 with the Bills.

Tucker was traded from New England to Cleveland last summer, but he did not make the Browns roster and sat out the 2006 season.

Vikings keep safety Williams
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed safety Tank Williams to a one-year contract after he missed the entire 2006 season following a knee injury.

Williams broke his left kneecap during a drill in the first week of training camp and was later placed on injured reserve. In 2005, he started all 16 games for the Tennessee Titans and made a career-high 83 tackles as a fourth-year player.

Williams agreed to his deal more than two weeks ago, but the team did not announce it. Both Williams' agent and a Vikings spokesman confirmed the contract Thursday. Williams was actually cut last Friday in a salary cap-related procedural move and then re-signed the next day

mardigan

03-08-2007, 08:16 PM

Tracking the comings and goings in free agency

By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

Free agency has opened with a flurry of activity. Already, numerous teams are on the board. Take a glance at the deals, and the potential soon-to-be deals.

Thursday, March 8
The Seattle Seahawks cut defensive end Grant Wistrom, designating him a post-June 1 salary-cap casualty to soften the blow on this year's salary cap. Just this week, Seattle signed defensive end Patrick Kerney, so it was apparent that the team was going to release one of its other ends. It turned out to be the high-priced Wistrom, whom the Seahawks once signed to a contract that included $14 million in guaranteed money.

Running back Willis McGahee and the Baltimore Ravens have reached agreement on a seven-year, $40.12 million contract that includes $15 million in bonuses. McGahee's base salaries in the seven years of the contract are $595,000, $605,000, $620,000, $3.6 million, $6 million, $6.5 million, and $7.2 million. The trade, once McGahee passes his physical, will become offiicial. Buffalo will receive Baltimore's third- and seventh-round draft choices this year and the Ravens third-round pick next year.

The Houston Texans just signed former Kansas City left tackle Jordan Black to a two-year contract. Oakland also had been courting Black, who visited the Raiders on Thursday. The Texans will give Black every opportunity to win the starting left tackle job. Houston recently re-signed offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam and there are questions about whether Charles Spencer will make it back from last season's knee injury.

Kansas City signed free-agent long snapper J.P. Darche away from the Seattle Seahawks.

Miami resigned free-agent wide receiver Kelly Campbell.

Tampa Bay signed free-agent defensive end Lance Legree, formerly of San Francisco.

Detroit free-agent fullback Cory Schlessinger visited the Miami Dolphins, along with wide receiver Donte Stallworth.

Pittsburgh hosted two former Seattle free agents Thursday -- wide receiver Alex Bannister and guard Floyd "Porkchop" Womack.

San Diego hosted St. Louis free-agent wide receiver Shaun McDonald.

The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent safety Terrence Holt to a five-year contract.

Indianapolis free-agent wide receiver Brandon Stokely is visting the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

Indianapolis free-agent running back Dominic Rhodes is scheduled to visit the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Nick Harper is scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.

The Miami Dolphins signed free-agent kicker Jay Feeley to a three-year deal worth about $6 million.

Free-agent WR Kevin Curtis is scheduled to visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday after he finishes up with the New York Giants.

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free-agent wide receiver Bethel Johnson to a one-year contract.

Free-agent WR Joe Horn signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

mardigan

03-08-2007, 08:17 PM

Texans, Black agree to deal
March 08, 2007
By Nick Schenck
HoustonTexans.com

Once Jordan Black arrived in Houston, it didn't take long for him to decide that the Texans were a good fit.

The offensive tackle from the Kansas City Chiefs toured Reliant Stadium and met with coaches and other front office personnel Thursday morning after taking a red-eye flight from Oakland. By the afternoon, he had agreed to a contract.

"It was a crazy situation having to go all over the country and make up your mind with so little time (to think about everything)," Black said of his first foray into free agency. "Yesterday I was in Oakland, and before that, Tampa.

"But I'm definitely thrilled to be back here in Texas. I'm from Dallas and I love this great state. It's good to be back."

Black, who attended Notre Dame and once was roommates with Texans safety Glenn Earl, will compete immediately for a starting tackle position either on the left or right side, depending on the health of left tackle Charles Spencer, whose season-ending leg injury continues to heal.

With experience at both guard positions, and both tackle positions, Black is a versatile addition to the Texans’ offensive line. His size (6-5, 310) and speed are his biggest assets. He also has played in every game the past three seasons, which is a welcome sign for the Texans, who had an injury-depleted line in 2006.

Pugglekicker_21

03-08-2007, 10:08 PM

Wrong thread i know but i want to know.

The agent for cornerback Dré Bly on Wednesday threw a bucket of cold water on persistent speculation that the cornerback is unhappy with last week's trade that brought the two-time Pro Bowl player to Denver.
-- Rocky Mountain News

What does "throw a bucket of cold water" mean? i thought it was saying that the agent was saying that he is not unhappy, that he enjoys Denver and wants to stay.

T Park

03-09-2007, 02:24 AM

San Diego hosted St. Louis free-agent wide receiver Shaun McDonald.

Chargers.

If your that stupid to sign him.

You don't deserve a damn super bowl trip.

mardigan

03-09-2007, 02:53 AM

Updated: March 9, 2007, 1:59 AM ET
Seahawks make Grant third-highest-paid safety in NFLBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

Like any good safety, Deon Grant needed to have the right type of timing and anticipation.

Grant

The Jaguars safety traveled to Seattle after the Seahawks went 1-for-3 in the big free agent sweepstakes, landing defensive end Patrick Kerney but losing guard Kris Dielman and tight end Daniel Graham. Unwilling to lose Grant to the New York Giants or other teams, the Seahawks stepped up and made Grant the third-highest-paid safety in football, giving him a six-year deal worth more than $30 million a year.

To get the deal done, they gave him a signing bonus that topped the $11.1 million to Roy Williams of the Dallas Cowboys. Though the specifics weren't available, Grant is believed to received the biggest signing bonus ever given to an NFL safety.

Grant flew to Seattle on Thursday night to sign the deal along with his agent, Mitch Frankel.

Ravens safety Ed Reed, who signed a seven-year, $44.4 million contract, and Williams of the Cowboys, who has a five-year, $30.1 million deal, are the league's highest-paid safeties. Grant topped the recent contract signed by Michael Lewis, who got a six-year, $30 million contract to leave the Eagles and go to the 49ers.

The Seahawks wanted Grant for several reasons. They've been having coverage problems at the safety position for the past two seasons. Grant can help them with leadership and athletic ability. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder was a second-round choice of the Panthers in 2000. He signed a three-year, $7.2 million contract to go to Jacksonville in 2004. He's made 96 consecutive starts during his six-year career and he played 93 percent of the Jaguars' defensive snaps last season.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-09-2007, 12:55 PM

Colts' Super Bowl hero Rhodes chooses RaidersBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Running back Dominic Rhodes, one of the heroes of the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl XLI championship less than two months ago, is headed to the team that finished the 2006 season with the league's worst record.

Rhodes on Friday morning agreed with the Oakland Raiders on a two-year contract that can be worth as much as $7.5 million, league sources confirmed for ESPN.com. Rhodes had generated considerable interest as an unrestricted free agent and made several visits, but met with Oakland officials earlier this week and was sold on the opportunity there.

The six-year veteran will serve as an insurance policy for the Raiders, in the event incumbent starter LaMont Jordan does not bounce back from the medial collateral ligament injury that limited him to nine games in 2006. More likely, however, the two will split the ball-carrying duties in the Oakland backfield.

Jordan earlier this week reworked his contract, reducing a roster bonus that was due him, to remain with the Raiders. After rushing for 1,025 yards in 2005, his first season in Oakland after four years with the New York Jets, Jordan slumped to 434 yards in 2006.

Rhodes
Rhodes, 28, played six seasons in Indianapolis, appearing in 71 games and starting in 27 contests. The former Midwestern State (Texas) standout made the Colts' roster as an undrafted college free agent in 2001, then further beat the odds by rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie, when he replaced an injured Edgerrin James.

He carried 550 times for 2,274 yards and 19 touchdowns in six seasons and added 90 receptions for 649 yards and one touchdown.

Last year, in the Colts' Super Bowl season, Rhodes started all 16 regular-season games before rookie Joseph Addai replaced him in the lineup at the outset of the playoffs. But Rhodes still played a significant role in the postseason and, in the Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears, he rushed for a game-high 113 yards.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-09-2007, 01:11 PM

Eagles | Team agrees to terms with W. James
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 07:48:51 -0800

The Philadelphia Eagles announced Friday, March 9, they have agreed to terms with free agent CB William James (Eagles) on a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Giants | Huston set to become Giants kicker
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 02:11:00 -0800

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Giants are apparently willing to let rookie PK Josh Huston become their full-time kicker. Huston, who was signed in January of 2007, is a rookie out of Ohio State with only one full year of kicking experience at the college level. In 2005, as a fifth-year senior for the Buckeyes, he hit 22 of his 28 field goals and 44 of 45 extra points.

Broncos | Agent: Bly happy with team
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 22:40:23 -0800

Lee Rasizer, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos CB Dre' Bly is happy with the team and does not want to be traded, according to his agent. "I've had nothing but positive dialogue with the Broncos," said Bly's agent, Kennard McGuire. "There hasn't been one negative element in play...Obviously, he's very excited to be there and has not expressed anything else." Bly is expected to be in Denver Monday, April 2, to begin his offseason conditioning program.

Seahawks | Team pursuing Russell
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:29:39 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports the Seattle Seahawks are negotiating with the agent of unrestricted free-agent S Brian Russell (Browns).

Cardinals | Team negotiating with Gandy
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:29:15 -0800

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Cardinals are negotiating with the agent of unrestricted free-agent OT Mike Gandy (Bills) on a contract.

Cardinals | Team negotiating with Hood
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:08:21 -0800

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Cardinals are negotiating with the agent of unrestricted free-agent CB Roderick Hood (Eagles) on a contract.

Ravens | McGahee signs extension
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 16:07:22 -0800

The NFL Network reports Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee has signed a seven-year contract extension worth $40 million with $15 million guaranteed.

Cowboys release OT Jason Fabini

mardigan

03-09-2007, 04:27 PM

Updated: March 9, 2007, 4:20 PM ET
Giants send Carter to Cleveland for DroughnsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Filling their need for a proven running back to team with youngster Brandon Jacobs, the New York Giants on Friday acquired Reuben Droughns from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for wide receiver Tim Carter, ESPN.com has learned.

Carter

Droughns

Cleveland has been shopping Droughns in trade talks since signing unrestricted free agent tailback Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract earlier this week. The Giants were seeking a tailback to replace the retired Tiki Barber.

Droughns, 28, should provide the Giants a solid insurance policy and a veteran and tested back who can share the ball-carrying chores with Jacobs, a two-year veteran. Jacobs has been the complementary back to Barber, playing mostly in short-yardage and goal-line situations in his two NFL seasons.

A fourth-round pick in the 2005 draft, Jacobs has logged only 134 career carries for 522 yards, but has scored 16 touchdowns. Last season, the former Southern Illinois standout rushed for 423 yards and nine TDs on 96 attempts.

Droughns came to the Browns from Denver in a 2005 trade after rushing for 1,240 yards in 2004. He gained 1,232 yards in 2005, his first year in Cleveland, and the Browns rewarded him with a three-year contract extension worth $12 million. But Droughns slumped to 758 yards in 2006 and there have been some off-field problems in the past year.

He was due a $1.75 million roster bonus on March 17 but the Browns wanted to avoid paying it, especially after acquiring Lewis, who has already been penciled in as the starter. Droughns is scheduled to have a base salary of $1.25 million for 2007 and is due base salaries of $1.75 million for '08 and $2.75 million for '09 under his Cleveland contract. It was not immediately known if he reworked his contract to help accommodate the trade.

For Carter, the deal represents a chance for a fresh start after five injury-marred seasons with the Giants.

"Tim is absolutely excited about this opportunity," agent Pat Dye Jr. said on Friday afternoon. "In discussing Tim's situation with the Giants, we wanted to identify some teams who might be a good fit for him if New York decided to deal him. Obviously the Browns, who were looking for the kind of deep-threat dimension he brings to the table, were the most proactive."

Carter, 27, was a second-round choice of the Giants in 2002. The former Auburn standout possesses sprinter's speed, but a series of injuries have kept him from fulfilling his potential. He has 72 career receptions for 967 yards and three touchdowns in 33 games, including 11 starts. Last season, Carter started eight games and had 22 catches for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

In an active market, Droughns is the fourth starting-caliber tailback to be traded in the past week. The other tailbacks to be traded were Tatum Bell (from Denver to Detroit), Thomas Jones (from Chicago to the New York Jets) and Willis McGahee (from Buffalo to Baltimore).

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-09-2007, 04:44 PM

Updated: March 9, 2007, 4:29 PM ET
Cowboys re-sign Colombo to two-year, $7M dealBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

Colombo

A week after the Cowboys paid more than $49 million to add Leonard Davis to the right side of their defensive line, the Cowboys filled out the rest of the right side by re-signing right tackle Marc Colombo.

Colombo received a two-year, $7 million deal that included a $4 million signing bonus. The Jets were among other teams pursuing the former Bears No. 1 draft choice, but Colomboopted to stay with the Cowboys.

With Colombounder contract, Davis can now concentrate on playing right guard. Columbo's re-signing was considered a top priority of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He re-signed center Andre Gurode before the start of free agency and then added Davis last week. The return of Colomboends any uncertainty about the offensive line.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-09-2007, 07:21 PM

This doesnt have anything to do with free agency, its just funny, No Richie NO!

Cards coach booked for soliciting prostitution

NFL.com wire reports

PHOENIX (March 9, 2007) -- Former NFL running back Richie Anderson, now an assistant coach with the Arizona Cardinals, was arrested during a Phoenix police anti-prostitution operation.

Anderson, 35, was arrested at about 9:30 p.m. March 8 for soliciting prostitution at about 9:30 p.m., Sgt. Andy Hill said. The department's vice unit was conducting an undercover sting operation in south Phoenix when Anderson allegedly solicited an officer posing as a prostitute.

Ken Whisenhunt, the Cardinals new head coach, hired Anderson as wide receivers coach in January. He played 13 seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. He was a 2000 Pro Bowl selection while with the Jets and holds the team record for receptions by a running back at 305.

He retired as a player after the 2005 season and spent 2006 as an assistant wide receivers and tight end coach with the Jets.

Cardinals officials said they planned to release a statement on Anderson's arrest.

mardigan

03-09-2007, 07:25 PM

Tracking the comings and goings in free agency

By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst

Free agency has opened with a flurry of activity. Already, numerous teams are on the board. Take a glance at the deals, and the potential soon-to-be deals.

Friday, March 9
The Raiders reached agreement Friday evening with Atlanta 's free-agent fullback Justin Griffith on a three-year, $3.8 million contract, completing a whirlwind day of activity in Oakland. The deal is contingent upon Griffith passing his physical.

It was a busy day for the Browns. The team terminated the contract of veteran cornerback Daylon McCutcheon on Friday after he failed his physical. It also traded running back Reuben Droughns, who was due a $1.75 million roster bonus next week, to the New York Giants for wide receiver Tim Carter. Cleveland also signed Cincinnati restricted free agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith to an offer sheet. The Bengals now have until March 17 to decide whether or not to match.

Not only did the Raiders sign running back Dominic Rhodes to a two-year deal, but they also did the same with a pair of free-agent tight ends -- former Arizona Cardinal Bob Wakefield and former Cincinnati Bengal Tony Stewart. Wakefield is considered a superb blocker, while Stewart is a jack of all trades. The Raiders also hosted a visit with Atlanta free agent fullback Justin Griffith. And if that weren't enough, the team also re-signed wide receiver Alvis Whitted.

Dallas re-signed free agent OL Marc Colombo to a two-year, $7 million contract that includes $5 million worth of guaranteed money.

Chicago free agent defensive tackle Alfonso Boone visited the Denver Broncos.

Free agent RB Dominic Rhodes reached agreement Friday morning on a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Oakland Raiders.

The Philadelphia Eagles reached agreement Friday with free agent CB Will James -- the former Will Peterson.

Free agent fullback Justin Griffith is scheduled to visit with the Raiders on Friday.

Free agent CB Jamar Fletcher is scheduled to visit the Kansas City Chiefs.

mardigan

03-10-2007, 01:59 AM

Updated: March 9, 2007, 10:06 PM ET
Seahawks reach an agreement with Browns' RussellESPN.com news services

Seattle Seahawks: On Friday, a day after making Deon Grant the third-highest-paid safety in football, the Seahawks reached an agreement on a five-year deal with Browns safety Brian Russell. Financial terms weren't available, but Russell becomes the second new safety added to the Seattle roster in 24 hours.

Russell

The addition of Grant and Russell means the Seahawks won't re-sign starter Ken Hamlin, a Pro Bowl alternate who is a free agent and recently visited the New Orleans Saints.

Russell, 28, has played with the Vikings and Browns during his six-year NFL career. He was an undrafted acquisition of the Vikings in 2001 and had a nine-interception season in 2002 for Minnesota.

-- ESPN.com's John Clayton

Denver Broncos: Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith restructured his contract by taking a $5 million paycut, although he and the team left the door open for further talks about his contract.

Smith was scheduled to receive a $1 million roster bonus Thursday. With a $5.5 million salary and the possibility of being a third receiver this year, the Broncos needed for him to restructure his contract to clear up cap room. Though Smith was busy with personal matters, he beat the deadline by reducing his salary for $5.5 million to $1.5 million and not taking his $1 million roster bonus. The Broncos needed the cap room because they were filing the new $6 million a year contract for tight end Daniel Graham.

Smith also reduced his base salary in 2008 from $6.5 million to $1.5 million. Smith recently underwent hip surgery and faces a four-month recovery.

-- ESPN.com's John Clayton

Cleveland Browns: The Browns, who traded veteran halfback Reuben Droughns Friday, finally gave up waiting for cornerback Daylon McCutcheon to come back from injuries.

On Friday, they released McCutcheon, claiming he failed a physical. McCutcheon was scheduled to make $2.3 million this season. McCutcheon was a third-round pick of the Browns in their first season, 1999.

-- ESPN.com's John Clayton

mardigan

03-10-2007, 01:59 AM

Lions reach an agreement, add Duckett to backfieldBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

For the second time in two weeks, the Detroit Lions have bolstered their running back depth chart, with ESPN.com learning that the team on Friday night reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent T.J. Duckett.

T.J. Duckett
Running Back
Washington Redskins

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
38 132 2 2 16 0

A former first-round draft choice, Duckett will sign a one-year contract worth between $1.5 million-$2 million.

Last week, the Lions acquired tailback Tatum Bell from Denver in a trade that sent cornerback Dre Bly to the Broncos. There have already been reports that teams have contacted the Lions about possible deals for Bell, who led Denver in rushing in 2006, with 1,025 yards.

Detroit is stockpiling backs to provide itself options in the event that starter Kevin Jones is not fully rehabilitated from the foot injury which sidelined him for the final month of the 2006 season. Jones suffered a Lisfranc sprain and the recovery from that injury can be dicey. It is not yet known if Jones will be ready for training camp.

Duckett, 26, visited with team officials from the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks in recent days and received inquiries from several other clubs. The deal with the Lions returns the Kalamazoo, Mich., native to his home state and provides him an opportunity to jump-start a career that slumped in 2006.

A first-round pick of Atlanta in 2002, Duckett played four seasons for the Falcons, all but one of them productive ones, but was traded to Washington last summer in a three-team deal. He played sparingly for the Redskins, however, carrying just 38 times for 132 yards and appearing in only 10 games.

For his career, Duckett has 2,307 yards and 33 touchdowns on 590 attempts, and also has 31 receptions for 249 yards. He has appeared in 65 games and started in 13 of them. His best season was in 2003, when Duckett rushed for 779 yards and 11 touchdowns while sharing the playing time workload with Warrick Dunn in the Falcons backfield.

A solid short-yardage and goal-line back, as evidenced by the 27 touchdowns he scored 2003-2005, Duckett also possesses surprising elusiveness. His goal is to re-establish himself with the Lions in 2007 and then perhaps go back into the free agent market again next spring.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Updated: March 9, 2007, 9:08 PM ET
Division rival Browns sign Bengals' Smith to offer sheetBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Hoping to add a promising young interior lineman, and to double their pleasure by pirating him away from a division rival, the Cleveland Browns on Friday evening signed Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Shaun Smith to a restricted free agent offer sheet, sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

Shaun Smith
Defensive Tackle
Cincinnati Bengals

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
10 6 4 0 0 0

Details of the offer sheet were not immediately available, nor was it known if the Bengals have yet received the paperwork involved in the transaction. Once the offer sheet is officially executed, Cincinnati will have seven days in which to match the offer sheet or pass on it.

Should the Bengals match it, they will assume the terms of the deal the Browns negotiated with Smith, a three-year veteran. If Cincinnati does not match the offer sheet, Smith will move on to the Browns. But because Smith entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, and Cincinnati made him the lowest qualifying offer for a restricted free agent, the Bengals would receive no compensation if he departed under the offer sheet.

Smith, 25, is a squat, powerfully built defender who would likely challenge for the starting nose tackle job in Cleveland's 3-4 front.

His numbers will never be very impressive, as evidenced by just 74 tackles and no sacks in 34 games, but the 325-pound Smith will eat up blockers inside and allow the linebackers to flow to the football.

Smith's best season came in 2005, when he compiled 38 tackles in 13 games, and logged five starts. He fell out of favor with Bengals' coaches late in 2006, and did not play in the final three games of the campaign, but several teams looking to add a young lineman with promise considered him a potential steal.

Because of the depth they have accumulated at tackle, and the fact they already have some emerging young players at the position, the Bengals may elect to not match the offer sheet.

Of course, adding to the intrigue of the offer sheet is the fact that the Bengals and Browns are division rivals who play in the same state. Last week, the Browns signed unrestricted free agent offensive guard Eric Steinbach, one of the best players available at any position, to a lucrative contract.

Securing the services of restricted free agents historically has proven a difficult undertaking with the current system. In the 14 previous years of free agency, only 55 restricted free agents changed teams. Four restricted free agents changed teams in 2006.

So far this year, one restricted free agent, wide receiver Wes Welker, has switched teams. But that move, with Welker going from Miami to New England, came after the Patriots signed him to an offer sheet, and then the two teams subsequently agreed to a trade.

The Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this week signed San Francisco punter Andy Lee to a restricted free agent offer sheet, but the 49ers quickly matched it.

Len Pasquarelli is a s

mardigan

03-10-2007, 01:00 PM

Updated: March 10, 2007, 11:08 AM ET
Raiders agree with fullback GriffithBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Oakland Raiders have reached agreement with unrestricted free agent fullback Justin Griffith, continuing to address a backfield that was in need of upgrades in quality and depth,

Griffith
The deal with Griffith, one of the NFL's top fullbacks who played the first four seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, comes in the wake of Friday's addition of former Indianapolis tailback Dominic Rhodes. Griffith figures to be the primary escort now for the tailback tandem of Rhodes and LaMont Jordan and his signing could foreshadow the end of fullback Zack Crockett's long tenure with the Raiders.

Griffith, 25, will sign a three-year contract worth $3.8 million. The deal is contingent upon him passing his physical exam.

In Oakland, he will be reunited with assistant coaches Greg Knapp and Tom Cable on the staff assembled by rookie head coach Lane Kiffin. Knapp was the offensive coordinator in Atlanta for three of Griffith's four seasons there and Cable was the offensive line coach in 2006.

It is believed that both coaches lobbied hard for the addition of Griffith, who is a prototype West Coast offense fullback.

Some league observers were surprised that Atlanta made so little effort to retain Griffith, a two-time Pro Bowl alternate. But under new coach Bobby Petrino, the Falcons wanted a bigger, lead-blocking type fullback for their offense, and they signed former Baltimore starter Ovie Mughelli last week.

Griffith, a former Mississippi State standout, was chosen by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2003 draft, and earned a starting job as a rookie. He played in 60 games, starting 48 of them in four seasons. Griffith rushed for 378 yards and one touchdown on 81 carries and had 87 catches for 621 yards and nine scores.

Griffith had 20-plus catches every season in Atlanta and was especially effective in "red zone" situations. He can also play tailback in one-back formations.

In addition to Griffith, the Raiders added a pair of journeyman tight ends late Friday, striking deals with Fred Wakefield and Tony Stewart. The former, a onetime defensive lineman, played previously for Arizona. The latter played for Cincinnati and was a special teams standout there.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-10-2007, 01:25 PM

Updated: March 10, 2007, 2:27 AM ET
Recently retired QB talks about life after footballAssociated Press

DENVER -- Jake Plummer poured a glass of water, took a giant gulp and then talked for almost five minutes about how he was officially retiring from the NFL before stepping away from the podium without answering any questions.

Plummer

The Denver Broncos quarterback was in a hurry Friday. He had a handball tournament he needed to attend.

"I wanted to come in and tell you guys on camera and face-to-face that the speculation can stop tonight," Plummer said from the Denver Athletic Club. "You can know by the looking in my face and hearing my words that I am retiring from the NFL. At 32 years old, I'm running away from the game. Not in fear or fright, but health-wise. I'm healthy. I'm happy. I have a lot to look forward to in my life."

The Broncos traded Plummer to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 3 for a conditional pick in the 2008 draft. The Bucs made the deal despite being aware of Plummer's retirement plans. He said on the Web site of The Jake Plummer Foundation last Saturday that he was retiring.

"Football has been awesome to me in many ways. I leave the game with my health and happiness, and look forward to the future," Plummer said on the Web site.

Yet there was still doubt whether he'd follow through with retirement. Maybe it was leverage to get traded to the Houston Texans so he could be reunited with former offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak?

Plummer doused the speculation.

"You don't have to chase me around anymore," he said. "There will not be a jersey that has an NFL patch right here [pointing to his chest]. If [Broncos third-string quarterback] Preston Parsons gets in somehow, maybe I'll have his jersey on."

Plummer has three years left on his contract and was due $5.3 million in 2007. He led Denver to the AFC championship game two seasons ago, but lost his starting job after 11 games last season to rookie Jay Cutler. Plummer was 40-18 as Denver's starter, including a 1-3 mark in the playoffs.

"I poured my heart and soul into this game, not just in the NFL, but in college and in high school," Plummer said. "I'm ready to move on with my life and try some new challenges."

One of those challenges is handball. He and his brother, Eric, were scheduled to play in the Colorado state handball doubles tournament this weekend.

"Life is grand, life is exciting," Plummer said. "I'm excited to move on, and encounter and take on new challenges with my life. ... I'm excited to see my family more, to be spending time with my friends. You guys can probably know that I'll be at a mountain, either at the bottom or the top of a mountain somewhere. Don't worry about Jake, he'll be fine."

Plummer went out of his way to heap praise on his teammates and how much they meant to him.

"Anything in the NFL I've ever achieved, anything I did that was positive, exciting, got you on your feet, I couldn't have done it without the guys surrounding me, the guys that gave me the love, gave me the energy," Plummer said. "If anything, that's the hardest thing -- I'll miss those guys."

Plummer gripped the edge of the podium and stared down.

"Just know I'm going to be fine," he said. "I appreciate everyone's support. So, thank you."

With that he retreated down the hall of the Denver Athletic Club to get ready for his handball match.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-10-2007, 02:21 PM

Cowboys | Rivera's future uncertain
Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:32:29 -0800

Mac Engel, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys OG Marco Rivera's tenure with the team is likely over after the team agreed to a contract with OL Marc Colombo. Rivera is coming off his second back surgery in two years and there is a possibility that he could retire. Talking about Rivera's future with the team, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, "He will decide what his future is going to be. I don't need to go into his pluses. We are all aware of the issues of his back. [Signing Colombo] allows us the flexibility to be pretty patient with Rivera."

Cowboys | Team cuts Fabini
Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:17:58 -0800

Mac Engel, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team has released OL Jason Fabini.

Eagles | Team offers Fowler a contract
Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:45:09 -0800

Calvin Watkins, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Philadelphia Eagles have made a contract offer to restricted free-agent LB Ryan Fowler (Cowboys).

Steelers | Mahan agrees to terms
Sat, 10 Mar 2007 09:45:31 -0800

Jim Flynn, of PewterReport.com, reports free agent OL Sean Mahan (Buccaneers) has agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Titans | A. Jones might not report to team March 19
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 20:30:36 -0800

The Associated Press reports Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher does not expect CB Adam Jones to report to the team's facility March 19 with the rest of his teammates. The NFL is examining 10 separate incidents in which Jones has been questioned by police since being drafted.

Ravens | No timetable for Ogden decision
Sat, 10 Mar 2007 08:16:48 -0800

Jamison Hensley, of the Baltimore Sun, reports the Baltimore Ravens have not given OT Jonathan Ogden a timetable for determining whether he will return in 2007 or retire. "We'll know when Jonathan calls us," general manager Ozzie Newsome said.

mardigan

03-10-2007, 06:59 PM

Chiefs land veteran LB EdwardsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Veteran linebacker Donnie Edwards, who wore out his welcome in San Diego despite being one of the Chargers' most productive defenders, is being welcomed back by the team with which he began his NFL career.

Edwards

One of the more sought after defenders remaining in the unrestricted free agent pool, Edwards on Saturday reached agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year contract worth about $14 million.

The 11-year veteran was originally chosen by the Chiefs as a fourth-round selection in the 1996 draft. He signed with the Chargers as an unrestricted free agent in 2002.

Edwards, 33, is the second standout linebacker added by the Chiefs in recent days. Last week, Kansas City signed unrestricted free agent Napoleon Harris to a six-year contract. Clearly, coach Herm Edwards is determined to overhaul his linebacker corps in the offseason, after a 2006 campaign in which the Chiefs' defense statistically ranked 16th in the league.

Despite his age, and the fact the Chargers had tired of what they perceived as his excessive contract demands, Edwards drew considerable interest leaguewide in the opening days of the free agent signing period, and with good reason.

The former UCLA standout is a versatile defender, one who played inside linebacker in the San Diego 3-4 alignment, but who had performed well in the past as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Harris is projected by most as the new middle linebacker for the Chiefs, so Edwards probably will move back to an outside slot in Kansas City.

No matter where he has aligned in the past, Edwards has been a consistent and durable playmaker. In 11 seasons, he has missed only two games, just one due to injury. And his resume is one of the most well-rounded among NFL linebackers over the past decade.

For his career, Edwards has 1,479 tackles, 21½ sacks, 27 interceptions, 51 passes defensed, 14 forced fumbles and 10 recoveries. His 17 interceptions are the most by any linebacker in the league since 2002 and he led the Chargers in tackles in each of the past five seasons.

Edwards has posted 150-plus tackles five times in his career. But his interception and passes defensed totals also reflect his rare ability to drop and cover as well.

San Diego officials attempted to trade Edwards last spring and came close to a deal with the New Orleans Saints before deciding to retain him. He ended up starting in all 16 games on a San Diego defense that ranked 10th in the league, and registered 141 tackles, 2½ sacks and three interceptions.

Edwards has appeared in 174 games and started in 160 of them.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-10-2007, 07:05 PM

Cardinals sign free agent cornerback HoodESPN.com news services

Arizona Cardinals: The Arizona Cardinals on Saturday signed free agent cornerback Roderick Hood to a five-year contract. Terms weren't disclosed.

Hood played for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, appearing in 10 games but missing six because of injuries. He had 18 tackles (13 solo) and one sack.

Hood signed as a rookie free agent with the Eagles in 2003 out of Auburn. In 56 games with the Eagles, he collected 98 tackles, five interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. He's also returned kickoffs 53 times for 1,236 yards, an average of 23 yards per attempt, and made 40 special teams tackles.

The 25-year-old is a native of Columbus, Ga.

-- The Associated Press

New York Jets: Backup offensive lineman Wade Smith re-signed with the New York Jets for one year, agent Brian Parker said Saturday.

The versatile unrestricted free agent spent most of last season with the Jets, where he was reunited with offensive line coach Tony Wise, who coached him in Miami. The Dolphins selected Smith in the third round of the 2003 draft and released him last year.

-- The Associated Press

Colts | Team signs Labinjo
Sat, 10 Mar 2007 13:57:52 -0800

Tom James, of the Tribune-Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have signed LB Mike Labinjo. No terms of the deal have been disclosed.

Colts | Team signs Marsh
Sat, 10 Mar 2007 13:25:52 -0800

Tom James, of the Tribune-Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have signed FS Antwan Marsh. No terms of the deal have been disclosed.

Giants | Droughns likely to be backup
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:43:48 -0800

The Associated Press reports New York Giants RB Reuben Droughns is likely to be a backup to third-year RB Brandon Jacobs, who is the front-runner to succeed retired RB Tiki Barber in the Meadowlands.

Cardinals | Looking for offensive lineman in draft
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:29:37 -0800

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reporting for the Sporting News, reports the team would be ecstatic if Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas somehow fell to No. 5 in the draft. He'd be an instant starter and fill a need for the team, which is quality offensive lineman. If USC C Ryan Kalil is there in the second round, the team will be greatly tempted to take him there.

Cardinals | Whisenhunt to put emphasis on running game
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:15:55 -0800

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reporting for the Sporting News, reports new Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt is going to place a heavy emphasis on the run. The club plans to run 35 to 40 times a game, and it will utilize two or three backs, instead of asking RB Edgerrin James to carry that big of a load.

49ers | Team will switch to a 3-4 scheme
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:11:49 -0800

Dennis Georgatos, of the San Jose Mercury News, reporting for the Sporting News, reports the San Francisco 49ers plan to use a 3-4 scheme in 2007, which is favored by head coach Mike Nolan. In the past two years, the team played mostly 4-3 because it kept getting set back by injuries, depth issues, and the lack of a wide-bodied nose tackle.

Seahawks | Babineaux could challenge for starting job
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:48:04 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks SS Jordan Babineaux is a potential candidate to serve as nickel cornerback or possibly challenge for a starting spot in the 2007 season.

Texans | Team won't trade up for Quinn
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 06:52:26 -0800

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports the Houston Texans will not trade up from the No. 8 spot to select Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn in the NFL Draft. If Quinn were still available when the team selects they likely would not pass Quinn up, however. Team officials insist they are trying to acquire draft picks and not surrender them.

This kid wasnt invited to the combine, watch out for him

NFL | R. Hall impresses at Pro Day
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 07:30:15 -0800

Tony Grossi, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Ohio State WR Roy Hall impressed during his Pro Day Saturday, March 10, by running the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds, according to some scouts. Hall is listed at 6-3, 238 pounds. Hall was not invited to the NFL Combine. "He's a kid that will be on people's radar now," said Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

49ers | Team could target Carriker
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:05:15 -0800

Dennis Georgatos, of the San Jose Mercury News, reporting for the Sporting News, reports the San Francisco 49ers could target Nebraska DE Adam Carriker with the 11th overall pick. Carriker has drawn the attention from the 49ers personnel staff and head coach Mike Nolan, who got a chance to visit with him during the NFL Combine. Carriker has good instincts and displayed very good speed for a big man at the Combine.

49ers | Lewis will play strong safety
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:57:18 -0800

Dennis Georgatos, of the San Jose Mercury News, reporting for the Sporting News, reports the San Francisco 49ers will reshuffle their lineup at both safety positions after signing SS Michael Lewis. Lewis will become the 49ers strong safety, while SS Mark Roman will move over to free safety and replace SS Keith Lewis, who could back up either spot.

Seahawks | Hasselbeck expected back by training camp
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:50:01 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (shoulder) has shed the brace he wore following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He is expected to be ready for training camp and could possibly see action in mini-camp.

Cowboys | Owens didn't know entire playbook
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 07:50:41 -0800

Jean-Jacques Taylor, of the Dallas Morning News, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens did not know the team's entire playbook last season. Members of the organization knew Owens was not familiar with the playbook. On occasion, QB Tony Romo and others would have to tell him plays during practice.

Jets | Smith contract update
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 07:35:11 -0800

Dave Hutchinson, of the Star-Ledger, reports the New York Jets re-signed OT Wade Smith to a one-year deal believed to be worth roughly $700,000.

Cardinals | Hood to compete for starting job
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:50:32 -0800

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports Arizona Cardinals CB Roderick Hood will compete with CB Eric Green for the starting job opposite CB Antrel Rolle. Hood also has experience returning kicks, which was an added attraction for the Cardinals. "We see him in very much the same role he had in Philadelphia, which was as a nickel back and special-teams player," Rod Graves, vice president of football operations said. "And he could very well emerge as the starter."

mardigan

03-11-2007, 01:33 PM

Schlesinger agrees to deal with DolphinsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Twelve-year veteran fullback Cory Schlesinger, who played his entire career with the Detroit Lions before becoming an unrestricted free agent two weeks ago, has reached agreement with the Miami Dolphins on a two-year contract.

Schlesinger
Financial details of the deal were not immediately available. Schlesinger visited with Miami officials last week.

A prototype fullback during most of his Detroit tenure, and regarded leaguewide as one of the NFL's premier lead blockers, Schlesinger's role was dramatically diminished in the offense installed by Lions' offensive coordinator Mike Martz last season. The Martz system rarely employs a fullback and Schlesinger did not log a single carry and registered only eight receptions.

The eight "touches" in 2006 were the fewest for Schlesinger since 1996.

In Miami, though, first-year coach Cam Cameron feels that Schlesinger, even at age 34, can be an effective escort for tailback Ronnie Brown. During his time as the San Diego offensive coordinator, Cameron witnessed the importance of standout fullback Lorenzo Neal to Chargers' tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, and feels Schlesinger can fill that same role.

Schlesinger never carried more than 49 times in a season in Detroit and never rushed for more than 154 yards. But his value as a blocker and a receiver twice made him a Pro Bowl alternate. In 2001, he notched 60 receptions.

For his career, Schlesinger has 167 carries for 473 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 197 catches for 1,445 yards and nine scores.

The former Nebraska star was a sixth-round choice in the 1995 draft. He has played in 181 games, including 87 as a starter.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

Seahawks re-sign versatile lineman WomackBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Having failed in the first week of free agency to land any of the prime offensive linemen in the pool of available veteran blockers, the Seattle Seahawks settled instead for a Pork Chop.

Womack
The Seahawks have reached agreement to re-sign versatile lineman Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, a move that provides the team stability and takes the six-year veteran out of a market where he was generating solid interest. Details of the contract agreement were not immediately available.

Womack visited last week with officials in Pittsburgh and Atlanta and had lined up meetings with other teams as well.

But after the Seahawks struck out in their attempt to sign San Diego standout guard Kris Dielman, and Seattle officials suddenly realized the prohibitive cost of adding a top-shelf lineman, they turned their attentions back to Womack. And Womack, who started nine games at left guard in 2006, opted to return to the team that brought him into the league in 2001, rather than continue testing the free agent market.

In his six seasons with the Seahawks, Womack, a powerful in-line blocker (6-feet-4, 330 pounds), has started at tackle and guard, and the flexibility that he provides the team is highly valued. It is uncertain where Womack fits into the lineup for the 2007 season but, with longtime veteran right guard Chris Gray unsigned, there may be an opening at that spot.

If the Seahawks don't make any further moves in terms of adding an offensive lineman, Womack may return to his familiar left guard spot.

The former Mississippi State standout, a fourth-round choice in the 2001 draft, has appeared in 61 games and started in 32 of them.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

Updated: March 11, 2007, 1:42 PM ET
Stallworth might spend just one year with PatriotsBy Michael Smith and Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Patriots continued their offseason spending spree, adding wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to their 2007 haul, league sources told ESPN.com.

Top free agents

StallworthWide reciever Donte' Stallworth is No. 9 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

The deal -- negotiated by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who concluded a frenetic week in free agency by constructing a contract that met the needs of all parties -- can be as brief as one season or as lengthy as six. But for the Patriots to retain Stallworth beyond the 2007 season, a year in which he will make $3.6 million in bonuses and salary, New England will have to make a significant investment.

Stallworth will receive an initial signing bonus of $1 million, a roster bonus of $1.6 million and a $300,000 workout bonus, to go along with his 2007 base salary of $700,000. That totals $3.6 million for the coming season.

It's after the 2007 season, however, when the really big money could potentially kick in.

For the Patriots to retain Stallworth for the 2008 season, they must pay him an option bonus of $6 million by Feb. 25, 2008. There is a subsequent roster bonus of $2 million due on March 1, a second roster bonus of $1.6 million based on playing time, a base salary of $1 million and a $400,000 workout bonus. That totals an exorbitant $11 million for 2008, or a two-year total of $14.6 million.

To keep Stallworth for 2009, the Patriots would have to pay another option bonus, this one of $2 million, by Feb. 25 of that year. In terms of bonuses and base salary, the 2009 season would be worth $5 million to Stallworth, for a three-year total of $19.6 million.

The final three seasons of the contract all include workout bonuses of $500,000 each and base salaries of $4 million each. The maximum value of the contract, if the Patriots were to keep Stallworth for all six years, is $33.1 million.

An initial report on ESPN.com saying the deal was worth a guaranteed $12 million was later clarified by a source, who said the deal -- which only guarantees one year -- gives Stallworth and the Patriots flexibility.

The rationale behind the structure: Stallworth has the opportunity to register a huge season in 2007, playing with quarterback Tom Brady, and on a team that figures to be a Super Bowl contender. And after the 2007 campaign, the Patriots will have to dig deep to retain him, dramatically rework his contract, or allow him to go back into the free agent market. It was a creative concept developed by Rosenhaus, one accepted by several of the teams bidding for Stallworth, to maximize his client's earning potential. At the same time, it provides New England a big-play threat for at least one season, with the capacity to retain Stallworth beyond that, if desired.

Stallworth, who played last season in Philadelphia after being acquired from the New Orleans Saints, also was being courted by the Eagles, Dolphins and Titans.

Stallworth, 28, had 38 catches for 725 yards and five touchdowns for the Eagles in 2006. A first-round choice of the Saints in the 2002 draft, he has 233 career receptions for 3,516 yards and 28 touchdowns in 68 games, including 44 starts.

League and union officials are investigating a Philadelphia Inquirer report that Stallworth is in the NFL's substance-abuse program, sources from both parties told ESPN.com.

Citing unnamed sources, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday that Stallworth is a participant in the league program, and that he could be subject to suspension if he suffered a repeat violation of its conditions. The newspaper also reported that a breach of the program's confidentiality agreement can warrant a league fine, and NFL and NFL Players Association officials began to seek out possible sources for the leak on Monday.

The Patriots have been busy this offseason, adding coveted linebacker Adalius Thomas, ranked No. 2 on ESPN.com's list of free agents, as well as Dolphins kick returner/receiver Wes Welker, tight end Kyle Brady and backup running back Sammy Morris.

Senior writers Michael Smith and Len Pasquarelli cover the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-11-2007, 01:33 PM

Report: Man faces charges after threatening PacmanESPN.com news services

A man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after police said he threatened troubled Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones with a knife at a Franklin, Tenn., bowling alley.

Pacman's Choice
Adam "Pacman" Jones has lived two lives -- a brilliant one on the football field and a troubled one off of it. Which will he choose? Greg Garber reports. Story

No one was hurt during the Friday night incident.

"Mr. Jones was here just trying to be a normal customer, trying to bowl" with several others, Franklin police detective Stephanie Cisco said, according to The Tennessean newspaper.

Clayton Smith, 33, instigated the confrontation at the Franklin Family Entertainment Center when the dispute broke out, Cisco told the paper. Smith brandished a small pocket knife and "threatened to beat up Mr. Jones and to use the knife on him," Cisco said.

Smith was led from the bowling alley and arrested. According to The Tennessean, he has a history of arrests that includes charges of stalking, unlawful weapon possession and drug offenses, Cisco said.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher did not return a message from The Tennessean.

Fisher, who talked with Jones by phone Thursday night, doesn't expect his cornerback to return to the Titans' facility with the rest of his teammates when they report March 19 for offseason conditioning.

The NFL is examining 10 separate incidents in which Jones has been questioned by police since being drafted, including a Feb. 19 triple shooting at a Las Vegas strip club.

Fisher and chief operating officer Steve Underwood met with Jones' lawyers at the attorneys' request Friday for what Fisher characterized as an information-gathering meeting.

Fisher said the Titans are still gathering their own information before deciding whether to keep Jones.

"As an organization it's always been our policy to gather facts and to make sure we have all the information, and that's what we're doing," he said. "At this point, I don't see him coming back on the 19th."

Fisher was clearly upset that Jones failed to inform team officials about two arrests in Fayette County, Ga., last year, including one related to a search for drugs at the home Jones bought for his mother.

"Typically speaking, if there's a situation like this, it's the player's responsibility to inform the club and that did not take place," Fisher told reporters Friday.

Jones' attorneys, Worrick Robinson and Manny Arora, said on radio station WGFX on Friday morning that they didn't expect Jones to be charged in the Las Vegas episode, but acknowledged that their client too often is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"If he doesn't commit to changing it, at some point it's going to be too much," Arora said. "It may already be there to some extent."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

scott

03-11-2007, 02:11 PM

I thought the 49ers had already won the 08 Superbowl?

sa_butta

03-11-2007, 02:57 PM

I thought the 49ers had already won the 08 Superbowl?They did, they beat the Raiders in a nailbiter.

sa_butta

03-11-2007, 03:11 PM

Texans still looking to move Carr.
Possible suiters and Dolphins, Browns and Raiders.

I really hope the Dolphins dont trade away thier #9 for him.

mardigan

03-11-2007, 08:07 PM

Eagles | Team signs Fowler to offer sheet
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:01:19 -0800

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms with restricted free-agent LB Ryan Fowler (Cowboys) on a four-year offer sheet. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Cowboys have seven days to match the offer if they want to keep Fowler.

Cowboys | Rivera wants to play again
Sun, 11 Mar 2007 12:55:12 -0800

Rick Herrin, of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys OG Marco Rivera (back) said he would like to play football again. Rivera, who is currently going through rehabilitation after having back surgery, said, "It's going to take time. My goal is to be there for the first game of the season."

Jaguars | Sharon charged with stealing gun
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:37:07 -0800

The Associated Press reports Jacksonville Jaguars WR Charles Sharon was charged with grand theft of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm after Tampa authorities found a handgun under the seat of his sport utility vehicle during a drug-related search Saturday, March 10. Sharon and a companion were arrested after a police officer noticed the odor of marijuana coming from his vehicle, according to a police report. A search of the vehicle turned up a Glock Model 27 handgun under the driver's seat that had been reported stolen from a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent in Putnam County last year, the report said. Sharon was released Sunday, March 11, after paying a $4,000 bond. Sharon is the fourth Jaguars player to be arrested since the start of the 2006 season.

Redskins | Boschetti re-signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:40:04 -0800

Gary Fitzgerald, of Redskins.com, reports the Washington Redskins have re-signed DL Ryan Boschetti (Redskins). Details of the contract were not disclosed.

Bills | A. Thomas re-signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:40:34 -0800

ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills have re-signed RB Anthony Thomas (Bills). Details of the contract were not disclosed.

Eagles | Fowler deal not reached after all?
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:56:44 -0800

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports restricted free-agent LB Ryan Fowler (Cowboys) has not signed a four-year offer sheet with the Philadelphia Eagles as previously reported. While the Eagles have shown legitimate interest in acquiring him, a deal is not yet in place between the two. According to a source, Fowler is expected to sign an offer sheet with an un-named NFL team Monday, March 12.

Lions | McDonald signs
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:13:19 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Detroit Lions have signed unrestricted free-agent WR Shaun McDonald (Rams) to a two-year, $2.8 million contract.

Broncos | Morgan re-signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:12:26 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Denver Broncos have re-signed unrestricted free-agent WR Quincy Morgan. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Colts | Navarre signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:11:57 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Indianapolis Colts have signed unrestricted free-agent QB John Navarre (Cardinals). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Eagles | Dillon may be option
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:11:34 -0800

Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports the Philadelphia Eagles may have their sights set on unrestricted free-agent RB Corey Dillon (Patriots) to be a complement to RB Brian Westbrook.

Titans | Fowler agrees to four-year
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:51:00 -0800

Todd Archer, of the Dallas Morning News, reports restricted free-agent LB Ryan Fowler (Cowboys) has signed a four-year offer sheet with the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys have a week to match the deal; if they choose not to, they would not receive any compensation for Fowler.

^^SONOFABITCH, I bet you he starts for them next year and does pretty damn well

mardigan

03-12-2007, 02:36 PM

Updated: March 12, 2007, 3:20 PM ET
Washington joins rebuilt Pats WR corpsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Continuing the wholesale overhaul of their wide receiver corps, the New England Patriots on Monday reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent Kelley Washington, who played the first four seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kelley Washington
Wide Receiver
Cincinnati Bengals

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
9 115 1 12.8 22 48

The deal can be for as many as five years, with a maximum value of $22 million, but is also structured so that it could be as short as just one season. Washington will receive a signing bonus of $300,000.

As is the case with the six-year contract agreed to with New England by wide receiver Donte Stallworth on Sunday, the Patriots must pick up an option payment to retain the speedy Washington beyond the 2007 season. It is believed that payment is $4 million.

"I am happy to be a part of such a great franchise, and to have the opportunity to help the Patriots get back and win another Super Bowl," Washington said. "The privilege to play with arguably one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Tom Brady, and to be coached by someone like Bill Belichick is a blessing. I am very excited about contributing to the New England Patriots."

Washington also had a contract offer from the Miami Dolphins.

One of the most active franchises in the early free agent market, the Patriots have been particularly aggressive in rebuilding a wide receiver corps that was a major disappointment in 2006. In addition to signing Stallworth and Washington, the Patriots acquired restricted wide receiver Wes Welker from the Dolphins last week for second- and seventh-round choices in this year's draft.

The gamble on Washington is a solid one, given that the Patriots appear to have made a fairly modest initial investment for a player who has enormous physical upside if he can stay healthy and play to his potential.

Washington, 27, is a big, speedy wide receiver whose career has been stalled by a series of injuries at both the college and professional levels. The former University of Tennessee wideout played only one full season for the Volunteers before leaving school early for the 2003 draft.

A third-round choice of the Bengals in 2003, he has 72 receptions for 893 yards and nine touchdowns in 44 games, including six starts. His best season was in 2004, when Washington registered 31 receptions for 378 yards and three touchdowns.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for

Damn, the Pats have added 3 new recievers this year, and they already had 2 decent ones

mardigan

03-12-2007, 02:44 PM

Lions general manager Matt Millen was conspicuous by his absence from Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn's Pro Day workout last week. Millen's absence seems to indicate that the Lions will bypass a QB and take Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas.
-- Philadelphia Daily News

If Cleveland doesn't take Brady Quinn with the third pick of next month's NFL draft, Minnesota likely will at No. 7. As a result, the Texans sit today in a surprising position. They're working to rise to the next level, but may need quarterback David Carr to get them there.
-- San Antonio Express-News

With Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker on board with the Patriots, that could factor into whether veteran Troy Brown returns. Brown, who would enter his 15th NFL season, has taken a wait-and-see approach to free agency.
-- Boston Globe

Falcons' offensive line is going to look a lot like it did last season, despite new coach Bobby Petrino's desire to morph the smallish, zone-blocking group into a super-sized unit capable of moving defenders backward and protecting Michael Vick long enough to make him think twice before prematurely jetting out of the pocket.
-- Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Dolphins are still believed to be interested in Chiefs quarterback Trent Green, whose services are being shopped around the league. Also, the Dolphins are seeking a draft pick for kicker Olindo Mare, instead of releasing him without compensation.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Cincinnati's Kelley Washington, who visited New England on Friday, remains in discussions with Miami, a source said.
-- Palm Beach Post

Tampa Bay is showing interest in free-agent guard Cooper Carlisle, a Broncos starter the past two years. Carlisle, not expected back in Denver, also visited the Seahawks.
-- Denver Post

The Eagles now are expected to turn their attention to unrestricted free agent Kevin Curtis (Rams), who visited the NovaCare Complex Friday.
-- Trenton Times

Packers linebacker Nick Barnett wants to make two things perfectly clear: He's not going to shortchange himself in negotiations on a short-term contract and he's not going to follow the path Javon Walker and Mike McKenzie in seeking more money.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

mardigan

03-12-2007, 05:48 PM

Lions | McDonald signs
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:13:19 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Detroit Lions have signed unrestricted free-agent WR Shaun McDonald (Rams) to a two-year, $2.8 million contract.

Broncos | Morgan re-signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:12:26 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Denver Broncos have re-signed unrestricted free-agent WR Quincy Morgan. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Colts | Navarre signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:11:57 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Indianapolis Colts have signed unrestricted free-agent QB John Navarre (Cardinals). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Eagles | Dillon may be option
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:11:34 -0800

Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports the Philadelphia Eagles may have their sights set on unrestricted free-agent RB Corey Dillon (Patriots) to be a complement to RB Brian Westbrook.

Titans | Fowler agrees to four-year
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:51:00 -0800

Todd Archer, of the Dallas Morning News, reports restricted free-agent LB Ryan Fowler (Cowboys) has signed a four-year offer sheet with the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys have a week to match the deal; if they choose not to, they would not receive any compensation for Fowler.

^^SONOFABITCH, I bet you he starts for them next year and does pretty damn well

Bears | Briggs says he's done in Chicago
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:12:20 -0800

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs, who is the team's franchise player, said he is prepared to sit out the 2007 season if the Bears do not trade or release him. He went on to say he's played his last down for the team and will never play in Chicago again.

Ouch for Chicago

Titans | Update on Fowler contract offer
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:14:01 -0800

Updating previous reports, John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the offer sheet restricted free-agent LB Ryan Fowler (Cowboys) signed with the Tennessee Titans is worth about $12 million over four years and includes about $4 million in up-front money.

Boys arent going to match that

mardigan

03-12-2007, 07:30 PM

Updated: March 12, 2007, 7:58 PM ET
Niners, veteran CB Harris agree to two-year extensionAssociated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Cornerback Walt Harris completed a two-year contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.

Walt Harris
Cornerback
San Francisco 49ers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
63 52 11 4 1 8

Harris, an 11-year veteran who earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl in his first season with the 49ers, led the NFC with eight interceptions. The extension keeps Harris with San Francisco through 2009.

After starring on a mediocre defense last season, Harris will have plenty of competition in training camp this summer. The 49ers signed free-agent cornerback Nate Clements to an eight-year, $80 million deal earlier in the month, so Harris will compete for a starting job with Shawntae Spencer, who also got a contract extension last fall.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-12-2007, 08:32 PM

Cardinals | Team trying to retain Beisel
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:00:44 -0800

Darren Urban, of East Valley Tribune, reports the Arizona Cardinals are trying to re-sign unrestricted free-agent LB Monty Beisel.

Seahawks | Grant could play either safety spot
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:00:25 -0800

Mike Sando, of Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks S Deon Grant does not know if he will play either strong of free safety and it does not matter to him, since he played both with the Jaguars.

Texans | Team close to signing Zgonina
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:00:03 -0800

Jeff Darlington, of Miami Herald, reports the Houston Texans are close to a contract with unrestricted free-agent DL Jeff Zgonina (Dolphins).

Cardinals | R. Anderson relieved of his duties
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:46:47 -0800

Mike Jurecki, of XTRA Sports Radio 910 in Phoenix, reports Arizona Cardinals wide receivers coach Richie Anderson has been relieved of his duties after being charged with soliciting a prostitute.

Chargers | V. Stephens hired
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:46:36 -0800

The San Diego Chargers announced Vernon Stephens has been hired as the team's assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Patriots | Contract update: Welker
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:30:25 -0800

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots WR Wes Welker signed a five-year contract worth $18.1 million. He received a $5.5 million signing bonus and a $3.5 million option bonus due in the spring of 2008. He can earn a $50,000 workout bonus in 2007, $250,000 roster bonuses in each season from 2008 to 2011 and $100,000 workout bonuses in each season from 2008 to 2011. He will earn base salaries of $550,000 (2007), $1.4 million (2008), $1.65 million (2009), $1.9 million (2010) and $2.15 million (2011).

Seahawks | Pollard signs
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:09:54 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports the Seattle Seahawks have signed unrestricted free-agent TE Marcus Pollard (Lions) to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Texans | Bruener re-signs with team
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:33:43 -0800

HoustonTexans.com reports the Houston Texans have re-signed free agent TE Mark Bruener. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bills | Team re-signs K. Thomas
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:13:35 -0800

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills re-signed CB Kiwaukee Thomas to a multi-year deal Tuesday, March 13.

Cowboys | Team to visit with Bullitt
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 05:45:33 -0800

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Dallas Cowboys have scheduled a private visit with Texas A&M S Melvin Bullitt, according to league sources.

This kid didnt get invited to the combine, but ran a 4.48 in his Pro Day, had a 40 inch vertical and 3.97 in the shuttle. 6-1, 201 pounds, he will be a damn good pro

mardigan

03-13-2007, 11:45 AM

Report: Packers leaders to discuss trade for MossESPN.com news services

GREEN BAY, Wisc. -- The Green Bay Packers' leadership is expected to discuss a potential trade for wide receiver Randy Moss when it meets on Tuesday.

Randy Moss
Wide Receiver
Oakland Raiders

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
42 553 3 13.2 51 127

A trade sending Moss from the Oakland Raiders to Green Bay is already in discussion stages, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported, saying according to an unnamed league source, general manager Ted Thompson has already been in direct talks with Raiders owner Al Davis about the move. According to sources, the teams have discussed the trade for a month and the Packers have been given permission to talk to Moss' agent about restructuring his contract.

"They're going to get rid of him," the source said, according to the Journal-Sentinel. "I think they think they can trade him. And I know Green Bay has interest."

Thompson has refused to discuss whether he would deal for Moss. The newspaper reported Tim DiPiero, Moss's agent, was unavailable for comment.

"Ted has not spent a lot of time talking to me about it, quite honestly," Packers chairman of the board Bob Harlan told the Journal-Sentinel. "Ted always starts out our meetings with a football report so he may get into that."

Harlan told the newspaper he has been taking calls, faxes and e-mails from Packers fans on the possible trade, with negative responses still outnumbering the positive. "I'd say it's been maybe 65-35 percent [anti-Moss]," Harlan said. He also said the Packers remain concerned about player character issues and public perception of the team as a classy organization.

"One man wrote, 'Moody. Excess baggage. Disruptive. Do any of these words sound like alarm bells to you?' " Harlan told the Journal-Sentinel. "One guy called from out of state and said, 'Bob, I'd rather see you go 0-16 than do that.' Isn't that something?"

But not all the feedback on Moss is negative, he added.

"People say to me, 'Brett [Favre] needs a big target. I know he's got baggage but he's never hurt anybody,' " Harlan told the newspaper. "Today, they were all, 'Take a chance.'"

mardigan

03-13-2007, 11:47 AM

The Patriots have been so aggressive that one NFL observer has a theory: Bill Belichick is firing all his guns at once because he wants to go out on top. The folks at ProFootballTalk.com say the Pats' spending spree has all the makings of a run at one final Super Bowl before Belichick packs it in as a coach of the Pats.
-- Boston Herald

Disgruntled Bears linebacker Lance Briggs is threatening to sit out the 2007 season and surrender the $7.206 million the Bears are scheduled to pay him if the team does not rescind the franchise tag and sign him to a long-term contract.
-- Chicago Sun-Times

The NFL Players Association is concerned that the Patriots and Dolphins violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement while putting together the recent trade of receiver Wes Welker and has asked the NFL Management Council for an explanation, according to a source.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Dolphins are still trying to trade kicker Olindo Mare, as discussions continue with the Giants, Falcons, Saints and Browns.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Redskins faced a deadline yesterday to exercise $5 million options on safety Adam Archuleta, according to league sources. The decision to delay the move for Archuleta could be a bid to buy more time in order to trade or perhaps cut him.
-- Washington Times

LaVar Arrington is about a month away from being able to pass an NFL physical, according to his agent Kevin Poston, and intends to play next season.
-- Washington Times

The Titans intentionally front-loaded the deal with Ryan Fowler to try to dissuade Dallas from matching. It would also help use available salary cap dollars now rather than in future years. If the Cowboys don't match, Fowler will come to Nashville and cost the Titans nothing in draft-pick compensation.
-- The Tennessean

It's conceivable the Colts will consider re-signing Brandon Stokley if he doesn't find another suitor.
-- Indianapolis Star

The Cardinals are discussing the possibility of bringing back fullback James Hodgins, according to an NFL source.
-- Arizona Republic

Broncos | Stokley visits
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 13:55:42 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Denver Broncos met with unrestricted free-agent WR Brandon Stokley (Colts).

mardigan

03-13-2007, 12:45 PM

NFL | NFLPA wants inquiry on Welker deal
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:22:41 -0800

Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the National Football League Players Association is concerned the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins may have violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement after putting together the trade of WR Wes Welker to the Patriots and has asked the NFL Management Council for an explanation, according to a source. "They may have violated the CBA rule that says one club can't offer the player's former team anything that would (sway) that team from matching their offer," the source said. "Anti-collusion (rule), that's another thing that may come into play." The inquiry was based, in part, on a series of media reports leading up to the trade that indicated the Patriots were ready to give Welker an offer sheet worth $38.5 million over seven years March 3. One media report added the Patriots were going to include a "poison pill" that said Welker's contract would become fully guaranteed should he play four games in Florida. No offer sheet was tendered by the Patriots and on March 5, the Dolphins traded Welker to the Patriots for a second- and seventh-round draft pick.

mardigan

03-13-2007, 12:57 PM

Updated: March 13, 2007, 1:02 PM ET
Leonard Davis might be good fit for DallasBy Matt Mosley
ESPN.com
Archive

In addition to being obscenely large, the newest member of the Cowboys' offensive line had the good fortune of being born an hour from the club's practice facility.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, an Arkansas native, is suddenly handing out large amounts of cash and head coaching jobs to men who trace their roots to Texas soil, and mammoth offensive lineman Leonard Davis fits right in.

The club-record $16 million signing bonus that Davis received was a watershed moment for underachieving players across the league. The good news is that the Cardinals' No. 2 pick overall in the 2001 draft has always daydreamed of playing for the Cowboys.

The fact that he often did this during games is somewhat troubling.

As word of Davis' signing spread throughout the league, players responded by extending their vacations and swearing off silly offseason workout programs to spend more time with their game systems.

Sportswriters and their families were quick to condemn the signing, saying that Jones would rue the day he guaranteed Davis $18.75 million. Even a couple of high-ranking members of the organization were floored by the price Jones paid in outbidding the Giants and Redskins.

Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Texas native Leonard Davis has been long coveted by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

You would think veteran players might be resentful of Davis' contract -- especially the guy he may be replacing.

"When I was younger, it may have bothered me," said guard Marco Rivera, who is recovering from his second major back surgery in the past three years. "But now I feel good for him and his family. When you see some of us dropping dead at age 52 and 55, that money doesn't seem so crazy."

Thanks for the buzz kill, Marco.

But he makes a fair point. You don't see as many 338-pound 80-year-olds at the local mall anymore.

There are actually several reasons Jones decided to make Davis such an attractive offer. The one he's willing to admit is that the club completely whiffed on two first-day draft picks in 2004. One of my new ESPN colleagues, Bill Parcells, was sold on USC offensive tackle Jacob Rogers (second round) and LSU guard Stephen Peterman (third round), but neither started a game for the Cowboys. Everyone associated with the franchise has washed their hands of these two players. But, in Parcells' defense, I have a hard time believing that someone didn't agree with his decision.

The Cowboys have chased their draft failures by shelling out over $30 million in signing bonuses to free-agent offensive linemen. Former Cowboys director of scouting Larry Lacewell, who is Jones' close friend, said he and Jones spent a lot of time at the recent NFL scouting combine discussing the offensive line.

"I kept telling him that we've never fixed it," Lacewell said. "If you have the chance to fix it, you have to do it. I believe [Davis] can play at an All-Pro level."

Davis prefers playing guard, but the Cowboys already consider him a potential replacement for one of the league's classic underachievers, left tackle Flozell Adams.

There is another possible reason Jones made a large investment in Davis.

Many around the league believe in the widely held theory that the Bidwill family has created a culture of losing, and that even the most talented players can fall victim to it.

What do Corey Chavous, Simeon Rice, Pete Kendall, Thomas Jones, L.J. Shelton and Jeremy Bridges all have in common? They all achieved their greatest success after leaving the Cardinals.

San Francisco offensive line coach George Warhop was the offensive line coach for the Cardinals when Davis was drafted. He doesn't subscribe to the "losing culture" theory, but he does remember the type of player he worked with in 2001-02.

"His rookie season, he was nothing short of dominant," Warhop said of Davis. "And he was the first alternate in the Pro Bowl his second season. I don't think the Cowboys wasted their money at all."

Warhop described Davis as an intelligent player who during his rookie season would remain in his stance for a split-second on draw plays to confuse defenders.

"I never coached that," Warhop said. "He would just come up with stuff on his own, and it usually worked."

Davis played under five different offensive line coaches while he was in Arizona and appeared to lose heart. Cardinals Pro Bowl defensive end Bertrand Berry has said that Davis, when he puts his mind to it, is the best blocker he's faced.

A former member of the club's personnel department said several players on the team were bothered by the flat-screen TV and Xbox system waiting in Edgerrin James' locker after he signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the team last season. For years, players had made do with Commodore 64s, but James broke the barrier.

"All the sudden he's got a flat-screen and an Xbox in his locker," the scout said. "Guys like Leonard and Boldin were like, 'Wait a minute, why don't the guys who've been around here for a few years have any of this stuff?'"

According to another former employee, the organization only recently began offering employees direct deposit. Many of us have never carried around a $50,000 check, but I'm told it can be somewhat disconcerting.

The Cowboys issued Davis a get-out-of-jail for $16 million card and are hoping that a change of scenery is just what he needed.

And if he's lucky, they may even let him sign up for direct deposit.

Matt Mosley covers the NFL for ESPN.com. He may be reached at [email protected].

mardigan

03-13-2007, 01:02 PM

Updated: March 13, 2007, 8:43 AM ET
Briggs reportedly 'prepared to sit' if Bears won't dealESPN.com news services

The glow of a Super Bowl appearance can't extinguish the shadows that are creeping up on the Chicago Bears.

Briggs
Top running back Thomas Jones was shipped to the New York Jets last week and now this week, Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs took his war of words to the next level.

"I am now prepared to sit out the year if the Bears don't trade me or release me," Briggs told FoxSports.com on Monday night. "I've played my last snap for them. I'll never play another down for Chicago again."

Frustrated that he couldn't work out an extension with the Bears and angered that the team slapped the franchise designation on him, Briggs told ESPN.com a week ago that a trade would be in the best interest of all parties.

Bears general manager Jerry Angelo countered that he felt the $7.2 million the team would pay Briggs next season was very fair. The linebacker reportedly turned down a seven-year, $33 million deal in March 2006. Now, he's ready to gamble again.

"People think I can't afford to sit out the year -- I can take out loans to get me through that year just fine because eventually I'll have a deal somewhere," Briggs told FoxSports.com. "There are things I can do to make sure I'm fine financially if I sit out. I can also decide what other course of action I can take as the season gets closer. The Bears have shown I'm not in their long-term plans so if that's the case, I don't want to be here."

Money might not be the only reason Briggs wants out of Chicago. He said he wants to be the leader of a team and knows he'll never overtake Brian Urlacher in Chicago.

"I've talked to Brian about it," Briggs told the Web site. "I'm a competitor and I want the same thing he has. I've learned a lot from Brian as a player and a leader and I eventually want to be 'the man' somewhere. I want to be like him and have everything put on me too. Obviously I'll never be able to do that there.

"Still, had the Bears made me a long-term offer that I found acceptable, I probably would have sacrificed this desire and stayed. I don't want to be somewhere I'm not wanted long-term."

Fillmoe

03-13-2007, 01:55 PM

Elk Grove High Reppin In This Bitch!!!!!!!

mardigan

03-13-2007, 03:47 PM

Fisher signs one-year contract with LionsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Veteran cornerback Travis Fisher, one of the top second-tier players available in the unrestricted free agent market, signed a one-year contact with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.

Fisher

Fisher's one-year deal is for $2.25 million and includes a $1 million signing bonus.

Fisher, 27, played his entire five-year career with the St. Louis Rams before going into the free-agent market and was a productive starter when healthy. Given the fairly modest price, the acquisition is a good one for the Lions because Fisher is an aggressive, cover 2-type cornerback who should fit Detroit's scheme well if he is healthy.

The past two seasons, however, Fisher appeared in just 17 games. He suffered a groin injury in 2005 that limited him to eight appearances. After starting the first nine games in 2006, his season was prematurely ended by a fractured forearm.

His recent injury history aside, Fisher generated strong interest in the free-agent market and met with several teams in the first two weeks of the signing period. In Detroit, he figures to have a chance to fill the vacancy created by the recent trade of starter Dre' Bly to the Denver Broncos.

By signing just a one-year contract, Fisher will have a chance to re-establish himself as a starting caliber cornerback in the league and then go back into the free-agent pool again next spring.

In 56 appearances with the Rams, including 45 starts, the former Central Florida standout registered 221 tackles, seven interceptions, 22 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three recoveries. A second-round pick in the 2002 draft, he earned a starting spot as a rookie.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-13-2007, 03:47 PM

Scouts interested in Peterson's pass-catching abilityESPN.com news services

NORMAN, Okla. -- Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, rated the No. 1 running back in the 2007 draft and a possible No. 3 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, spent a good deal of time catching passes at the Sooners pro day workout Tuesday, something he did little of in his three seasons as a player.

Peterson ran the short shuttle on Tuesday, the only drill he didn't complete at last month's NFL combine, then went through an individual workout, mostly working as a wide receiver to test his hands.

According to scouts who watched the workout, Peterson spent time both working out of the slot and split-out wide, caught every pass that was catchable during the drill and impressed scouts with his fluidness as a receiver.

"You can really tell he's been working on his hands," Browns general manager Phil Savage said.

Peterson had only 24 receptions in the 31 games he played at Oklahoma,

As a runner, though, Peterson had few peers in the college game. He gained 4,045 yards as a Sooner, including 1,925 as a freshman, when he finished second in the balloting for the Heisman Trophy. But he was hampered by injuries as a sophomore (ankle) and junior (collarbone) and started only seven games each season. He nevertheless gained more than 1,000 yards in each

mardigan

03-13-2007, 04:42 PM

Packers sign CB Walker to one-year dealAsociated Press

MILWAUKEE -- The Green Bay Packers signed free agent cornerback Frank Walker to a one-year deal that could be worth nearly $1.5 million with incentives, agent Harold Lewis said Tuesday.

Lewis said Walker, who spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants, will compete for the Packers' nickel cornerback job next season.

Green Bay's Al Harris and Charles Woodson are one of the NFL's best starting cornerback tandems, but the Packers struggled to find a consistent third cornerback last season.

Lewis said Walker might have been the Giants' best coverage cornerback last season, but Giants coach Tom Coughlin believed Walker was too aggressive.

"He's tough," Lewis said. "Sometimes, a little too tough."

In November, Walker delivered a big hit on Tennessee Titans cornerback Vince Young on a fourth-down play but was called for a personal foul to extend the drive. The Titans went on to score a touchdown on the drive and won the game; Coughlin called the play "stupid."

mardigan

03-13-2007, 05:06 PM

Stevens arrested, charged with drunken drivingBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent tight end Jerramy Stevens, the former first-round draft choice whose five-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks was marked by bad hands and poor off-field decisions, was arrested early Tuesday morning in Scottsdale, Ariz., and charged with driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

The incident, which occurred around 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, marks at least the fifth time since 1998 that Stevens, 27, has run afoul of the law.

In June 2003, he pleaded guilty to reckless driving in a plea deal after being stopped in the Seattle suburb of Medina on investigation of drunken driving. He got a two-day jail sentence for that offense.

He received another five days in jail for violating his probation after he drove into a nursing home in 2000 in a hit-and-run case. Stevens was a student at Washington at the time of that incident.

Stevens has spent his entire career with the Seahawks, who have had discussions during the free-agency period about re-signing him. It is not known how the Tuesday incident might affect any negotiations or if Stevens will come under league review.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also indicated an interest in Stevens, and several other teams have inquired about him as well.

On Tuesday, the Seahawks addressed their tight end situation by signing 12-year veteran Marcus Pollard, an unrestricted free agent, to a one-year contract.

Stevens was taken into custody Tuesday after being stopped by police officers near downtown Scottsdale and telling them he had "four or five margaritas" at a local bar. According to the police report, Stevens was driving erratically and, when stopped, police noticed his eyes were "bloodshot, watery and half-closed."

The tight end refused a portable Breathalyzer test, but officers subsequently obtained a search warrant and drew two vials of blood for testing. Police did not reveal the blood alcohol content. Stevens was cited for possession of marijuana when officers found it in his back pocket.

Stevens was released after posting bail.

A first-round pick in the 2002 draft, the former University of Washington standout has been an enigma for much of his career, a player blessed with enormous physical skills, but who has rarely played to his potential. In 71 appearances, including 26 starts, he has 130 catches for 1,458 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He was a starter for the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL after the 2005 season, but was ridiculed for dropping three passes in that game.

Pollard, 35, played 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (1995-2004) before signing with Detroit as a free agent in 2005 and spending two years with the Lions. He has 321 receptions for 4,007 yards and 38 touchdowns in 177 games.

A former basketball player at Bradley University and signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent, Pollard has six seasons of 30-plus catches.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

HAHAHAHA, this guy is a joke
When the cops pulled him over he was quoted as saying he had 4 or 5 margaritas, just keeps getting better

degenerate_gambler

03-13-2007, 05:12 PM

NFL | Stevens arrested
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 13:53:46 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports unrestricted free-agent TE Jerramy Stevens (Seahawks) was arrested Tuesday, March 13, in Scottsdale, AZ, for driving under the influence and marijuana possession, according to the Arizona Republic

HAHAHAHA, this guy is a joke

I remember his act in the Super Bowl.

mardigan

03-13-2007, 07:55 PM

Saints land Bengals free-agent safety KaesviharnBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The New Orleans Saints on Tuesday night added a proven playmaker to their secondary, signing unrestricted free-agent safety Kevin Kaesviharn to a four-year contract worth $10 million, a deal that includes a $3.25 million signing bonus.

Kaesviharn

The six-year veteran, who played his entire career in Cincinnati before going into the free agent market, chose the Saints over the Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. Kaesviharn, 30, was one of the top players remaining in the unrestricted pool and garnered plenty of interest from the outset of the signing period.

"Kevin will be a good addition to our group of safeties from a productivity standpoint on the field in addition to being a leader for our young players," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said n a statement released Tuesday announcing the signing . "He has been a solid, consistent player for the Bengals for several years and a good influence in the locker room. Kevin is the kind of player we were looking for to add to our mix on defense."

Kaesviharn is the second former Cincinnati defensive player signed by the Saints in the free agency period. New Orleans last week added linebacker Brian Simmons after the Bengals released him. Simmons will challenge for the starting job at middle linebacker.

New Orleans already had acceptable depth at safety, but Roman Harper, a starter as a rookie in 2006, is coming off a torn knee ligament. Plus the Saints' coaches wanted to add a defender with good coverage skills and a history of being able to take the ball away from opposition offenses.

A late bloomer, Kaesviharn has developed into just such a player, as evidenced by his six interceptions, the league high for all safeties, in 2006. He also had four sacks last season.

A former Augustana (S.D.) College star, Kaesviharn should also provide the Saints more flexibility in the secondary. Counted among his 45 career starts were starting assignments at free safety, strong safety, nickel safety and both cornerback positions.

He is a solid hitter versus the run but has enough cover skills to move out and line up against receivers in the slot. Kaesviharn was strictly a special teams performer early in his career, but emerged a few years ago as a top-shelf nickel defender.

In 87 games, Kaesviharn has 363 tackles, 15 interceptions, 28 passes defensed, six sacks, two forced fumbles and four recoveries.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior

mardigan

03-13-2007, 07:56 PM

Saints | Engram visits team
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:50:01 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports free-agent WR Bobby Engram (Seahawks) visited the New Orleans Saints Tuesday, March 13.

Titans | Curtis visits team
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:54:18 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports free-agent WR Kevin D. Curtis (Rams) visited the Tennessee Titans Tuesday, March 13.

Broncos | Peterson re-signed
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:28:12 -0800

The Denver Broncos have re-signed unrestricted free-agent DE Kenny Peterson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Buccaneers | Team signs Davis
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:33:08 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free-agent CB Sammy Davis (49ers). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Buccaneers | Team signs Thomas
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:34:24 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed WR Levon Thomas (Colts).

Raiders | Team signs Ward
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:36:22 -0800

Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders signed free agent FS B.J. Ward (Ravens). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Raiders | Team re-signs Slaughter
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:26:02 -0800

Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders re-signed OT Chad Slaughter Tuesday, March 13. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Falcons | Hamilton signs with team
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:29:57 -0700

The Atlanta Falcons announced free agent WR Derrick Hamilton (49ers) has signed with the team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-13-2007, 07:59 PM

Updated: March 13, 2007, 8:07 PM ET
Jones' court appearance postponed until May 14Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A judge agreed to delay a court appearance for Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to give his attorneys time to determine how the NFL might react to a potential plea agreement.

Jones was charged in February 2006 with felony obstruction of police. Prosecutor Scott Ballard said he has no intentions of dismissing the case that involved Jones biting an officer between his thumb and index finger.

Ballard said Tuesday that Jones' court appearance will be delayed at least until May 14.

"My understanding is they needed some time to access the impact of certain sentences they would get with ... the NFL," he said.

"In other words, if he's convicted and receives this sentence, how would the NFL react to that? If he gets this other sentence, how would the NFL react to that?" Ballard said.

Jones attorney Manny Arora did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press at his Atlanta office.

Arora has said Jones was sitting in his Bentley with his girlfriend, the mother of his now 1-year-old daughter, outside her parents' home when police wanted to question him.

The NFL confirmed last month that officials were reviewing Jones' off-field conduct, which has included 10 incidents where he was interviewed by police.

Jones was questioned in February about his presence during a Las Vegas strip club triple-shooting that left one man paralyzed. No one has been charged in that incident.

The Titans are trying to decide whether to keep Jones, the sixth pick overall in 2005 and the first defensive player taken that year. The cornerback did not tell team officials about being arrested twice in Georgia in 2006 -- a potential violation of the personal conduct policy.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher and team chief operating officer Steve Underwood met with Jones' attorneys last Friday to gather information. Fisher said later that day he didn't expect Jones to report on March 19 when the team starts its offseason program.

A marijuana possession charge from March 2006 in Georgia was dismissed in January.

Ballard said felony obstruction is defined as interfering with an officer performing his duties and offering to commit violence. Jones allegedly tried to punch an officer before being taken to the ground and handcuffed.

"A child bites someone in his class, you discipline him. Someone that bites an officer, I think it's deserving of being charged as a felony," Ballard said.

Game notes
The Titans visited with a pair of receivers Tuesday. Kevin Curtis, who played last season with St. Louis, met with the Titans along with Justin Gage, who was with Chicago. They missed out on free agent wide receivers Donte' Stallworth, who visited the Titans last week, and Kelley Washington. Stallworth and Washington both signed with New England. The Titans lost receivers Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade in free agency.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-13-2007, 08:24 PM

Titans snag CB Harper from Super Bowl champsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Tennessee Titans on Tuesday evening added arguably the best cornerback remaining in the free agent market, and provided themselves a much needed insurance policy against off-field problems that could keep Pacman Jones out of training camp, by signing unrestricted veteran Nick Harper.

The top cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts, Harper will leave the Super Bowl XLI champions for a three-year contract, the financial details of which were not available.

Indianapolis, which had already determined to go with younger players at cornerback in 2007, made little attempt to retain Harper despite his solid play. Harper met with Titans officials in recent days and, as it turned out, it was the only visit he made.

Tennessee targeted Harper almost from the beginning of the free agent period and the club quickly initiated contract negotiations after his visit. Harper joins Jones and talented youngster Reynaldo Hill as the Titans' top three cornerbacks. But given his off-field difficulties, there is speculation that Jones could be suspended for at least a portion of the 2007 season.

Harper, 32, was a player the Colts were always trying to replace, it seemed, but he consistently held off all challengers. An underappreciated defender, he was a very good fit for the "cover two" scheme preferred by coach Tony Dungy because of his aggressive play versus the run.

But the six-year veteran is also a better player in coverage than many people think, and he often drew the assignment of lining up against the opposition's top wide receiver.

The former Fort Valley (Ga.) State star began his professional career in the CFL in 2000, then signed with the Colts as a free agent in 2001. He appeared in 89 games, 60 of them as a starter, and had 396 tackles, 15 interceptions, 42 passes defensed, one forced fumble and three recoveries.

In 2006, Harper had 75 tackles, three interceptions and six passes defensed as the Colts captured the Super Bowl XLI title.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-14-2007, 11:42 AM

Veteran DT Zgonina signs with TexansBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Durable defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina, a blue-collar performer whose work ethic has allowed him to outlast more talented players in the NFL, has signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans, the seventh different franchise for which he will have played.

Zgonina
The contract totals slightly more than $2 million and includes a signing bonus of $250,000.

A 14-year veteran, Zgonina played the past four seasons for the Miami Dolphins. Despite his age and tenure, Zgonina, 36, drew solid interest in free agency, even in a market that has been very slow for defensive tackles.

Surprisingly, it has been middle-tier tackles such as Zgonina, and not the higher profile players available at the position, who have proven attractive to teams seeking help at the position. The Texans' coaches focused in on Zgonina a few days ago and completed the deal on Wednesday morning.

Zgonina should be a good fit with the Texans, whose depth chart is thin and features a mix of younger players who have yet to fulfill their potential and older veterans.

In 171 games, including 62 starts, Zgonina has 540 tackles, 23½ sacks, three forced fumbles, eight recoveries, one interception and 10 passes defensed. He has recorded 30 or more tackles in each of the past eight seasons, despite playing primarily as a No. 3 tackle. In 2004, Zgonina did start 14 games for the Dolphins and he registered career highs in tackles (101) and sacks (five).

Originally a seventh-round choice of the Steelers in the 1993 draft, the former Purdue standout has played with Pittsburgh (1993-94), Carolina (1995). Atlanta (1996), St. Louis (1997, 1999-2002) Indianapolis (1998) and Miami (2003-2006).

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-14-2007, 01:30 PM

Updated: March 14, 2007, 12:47 PM ET
DA to send names linked to steroids to MLB, NFLAssociated Press

NEW YORK -- The Albany, N.Y., district attorney conducting a nationwide dragnet into the illicit sale of steroids and human growth hormone will forward the names of athletes linked to the inquiry to pro sports leagues.

"We're going to be sending information to vet those names, see if they are who they say they are," David Soares first told the New York Daily News in Wednesday's editions.

Albany authorities declined to disclose Wednesday how many athletes have come up in the probe and which sports leagues will get letters.

"The DA will assess those issues after the research has been completed and the information is available for him to look at comprehensively," said Heather Orth, spokeswoman for Soares.

So far, 20 people have been indicted, and several Florida clinics were raided. They allegedly were part of a scheme to provide prescriptions over the Internet to clients who never actually met with the prescribing physicians. A similar federal prosecution also is under way in Rhode Island.

Athletes linked to the scandal, in various reports, are baseball's Gary Matthews Jr., Jose Canseco, John Rocker, Jerry Hairston Jr., David Bell and Darren Holmes, former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, Pittsburgh Steelers doctor Richard Rydze, 1996 Olympic wrestling gold medalist Kurt Angle and bodybuilder Victor Martinez.

NFL and baseball officials went to Albany last week to meet with Soares and other investigators.

"We have asked the DA's office for any information that is relevant to the NFL within the constraints of the investigation," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Soares has said repeatedly he's targeting distributors supplying illicit drugs and physicians writing prescriptions for patients they've never seen, not customers.

"Any customer not in Albany County who purchased the drugs from a pharmacy in Florida has not broken the law in Albany County," Orth said.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-14-2007, 03:07 PM

NFL | Russell runs 40-yard dash at Pro Day
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:48:38 -0700

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports LSU QB JaMarcus Russell ran the 40-yard dash between 4.83 and 4.85 seconds at the quarterback's Pro Day Wednesday, March 14.

A lot slower than anticipated

Redskins | Yoder agrees to terms on three-year deal
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:05:51 -0700

Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports the Washington Redskins have agreed to terms with TE Todd Yoder (Redskins) on a three-year deal. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.

Browns | T. Smith released
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:30:45 -0700

The Cleveland Browns have released FB Terrelle Smith.

Falcons | Fonoti signs with team
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:29:20 -0700

The Atlanta Falcons announced free agent OG Toniu Fonoti (Dolphins) has signed with the team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

mardigan

03-14-2007, 03:08 PM

Stallworth says Branch recommended PatriotsAssociated Press

BOSTON -- Newly signed New England Patriots wide receiver Donte' Stallworth received a glowing recommendation to join the team from an unlikely source: Deion Branch.

Branch left New England last year after a messy holdout that forced the Patriots to deal their former Super Bowl MVP to Seattle. But when Stallworth asked his friend Branch about the Patriots, Branch offered only praise.

"He had nothing but great things to say about the organization," Stallworth said.

Last weekend, Stallworth filled the top receiver slot vacated by Branch, agreeing to a deal with New England that could be worth $33.1 million over six years. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Stallworth said he wasn't surprised by Branch's positive words.

"It's a business and you can't take anything personal that happens in this business," Stallworth said. "[Branch] is an intelligent young man and he understands the business aspect of things. ... Everyone's objective is winning. From that standpoint, I heard nothing but good things about the whole organization, players and coaches."

The speedy Stallworth, 26, a former first round draft pick, gives New England a legitimate deep threat. But Stallworth has been injury prone, and questions about his character followed reports of chronic lateness to team meetings with the New Orleans Saints, who traded him to Philadelphia last year just before the regular season began.

The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported earlier this month that Stallworth is in the league's substance-abuse program. Asked about the report, Stallworth said, "All that stuff is in the past."

"There was a situation a couple years ago," he said. "There's nothing now that's going on that will affect me preparing for helping this team."

Stallworth had no problems with Philadelphia's coaching staff last season, and said Wednesday he realized his off-the-field approach had to change after some veteran players told him it was creating a perception that he didn't care.

"Once I heard that, that kind of hurt me," he said. "I've always been a team player. I've always worked hard and things like that.

"I mean, I'm getting old, man," he continued. "I'm 26. I've only got a few years left in this game. So you know, you just realize your opportunities. As every year goes by, that window gets smaller and smaller."

Last season, Stallworth had five touchdowns and 38 catches for 725 yards, for a league-best 19.1 yards per catch average, despite missing several games with a hamstring injury. Stallworth also played in the playoffs for the first time, and said New England's consistent success was a major factor when chose to sign with the Patriots, as was a chance to play with quarterback Tom Brady.

"He's definitely one of the best quarterbacks that's ever played in the modern era," he said. "It's kind of a no brainer."

The signing is part of New England's offseason spending spree that followed a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game. The Patriots also signed free agent receiver Kelley Washington over the weekend.

"When Donte' and Kelley were drafted, we were very interested in them as receivers who could help our offense and that feeling still exists," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement Tuesday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

degenerate_gambler

03-14-2007, 03:25 PM

mardigan....thanks for all the updates dude.

NE...the wide receiver position is a weakness no more. I think Welker is going to have a bigger impact on that team than anyone knows.

mardigan

03-14-2007, 05:27 PM

Updated: March 14, 2007, 8:24 PM ET
Cardinals re-sign linebacker Beisel for two yearsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday retained linebacker Monty Beisel, signing the six-year veteran and unrestricted free agent to a two-year contract, the financial details of which were not immediately available.

Monty Beisel
Linebacker
Arizona Cardinals

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
16 14 2 0 0 1

A key backup and special teams performer, Beisel, 28, appeared in eight games for the Cardinals in 2006 after the team signed him at midseason. Beisel was in training camp with the New England Patriots last summer, but he was released before the start of the regular season and sat out the first half of the campaign.

Beisel generated modest interest in the first two weeks of the free agency market.

The former Kansas State standout started two games for Arizona when Gerald Hayes was injured last year and performed well. Holdover defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who values Beisel for his versatility, recommended to first-year coach Ken Whisenhunt that the Cardinals re-sign Beisel.

At various points in his career, Beisel has played every linebacker position in both the 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. In 2005 with New England, he recorded a career-best 57 tackles, along with one sack and one forced fumble while starting six regular-season games and one playoff contest as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment.

A fourth-round choice by Kansas City in the 2001 draft, Beisel spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chiefs, primarily as a special teams player. He signed with New England as a free agent in 2005 when the Patriots were undergoing wholesale changes at linebacker because of injuries and retirements.

He has appeared in 78 games with 17 starts in his career and has 157 tackles, 4½ sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 69 special teams tackles.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-14-2007, 05:55 PM

The Dolphins do not want to give up the number of picks that would be required to move up from the ninth spot to even think about drafting Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas, sources said.
-- Palm Beach Post

It might be too late for Titans cornerback Pacman Jones to avoid a suspension from the NFL, but that isn't keeping Jones and his attorney from trying. A judge on Tuesday agreed to delay a court appearance for Jones in Georgia so his attorney will have time to talk to the NFL about what a potential plea agreement could do to his client's status with the league.
-- The Tennessean

The subject of the Packers' interest in Oakland receiver Randy Moss wasn't even broached by GM Ted Thompson at the monthly executive committee meeting until he was asked about it. Thompson steadfastly has refused to discuss Moss with reporters because he remains property of the Raiders.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Lance Briggs' going national with his complaining is making it more difficult for the Bears to do business with him, or for him, even if they wanted to do so.
-- Chicago Tribune

Receiver Brandon Stokley, one of the last remaining big-name players on the free-agent market, visited the Broncos on Tuesday. The Broncos will have competition for Stokley, who visited New Orleans last week. The Saints remain strongly interested in the former Louisiana-Lafayette star.
-- Denver Post

Free agent Doug Jolley is expected to visit with the Panthers today, as the team tries to bolster the tight end position. There has been some indication new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson wants more receiving production from the tight ends.
-- Charlotte Observer

The Bucs have a visit scheduled for Thursday with Panthers free-agent linebacker Chris Draft and their interest in Broncos free-agent guard Cooper Carlisle may be on the rise as well.
-- Tampa Tribune

Although the Giants offered free-agent guard Matt Lehr a contract Tuesday, the former Falcons lineman will still visit the Dolphins early next week, his agent, Robert Lattinville, confirmed.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Giants are clearly looking for more depth at guard, though they have three veterans with starting experience already under contract: Chris Snee, Rich Seubert and David Diehl, who might move to tackle to replace Luke Petitgout. Free-agent guard Grey Ruegamer might be re-signed.
-- Newsday

Agent Joe Linta spoke with Steelers management and was told Sean Mahan's signing doesn't mean Chukky Okobi is no longer a part of the team's plans. Linta said Mahan's five-year, $17 million deal, which includes a $4 million signing bonus, isn't excessive and doesn't guarantee he will start.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Slow day in the NFL

mardigan

03-14-2007, 07:38 PM

Updated: March 14, 2007, 9:05 PM ET
After sitting out 2006, McKinney goes to BrownsAssociated Press

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Browns signed offensive lineman Seth McKinney to a one-year deal Wednesday, when they also terminated fullback Terrelle Smith's contract before he was due a roster bonus at the end of the week.

McKinney started 34 games in five seasons with the Miami Dolphins but missed all of last season after having neck surgery. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder can play guard and center.

His addition will help the Browns' offensive line, which was thinned by injuries last season. Cleveland has made its line a priority during free agency and has already re-signed center Hank Fraley and given Eric Steinbach -- one of the best players in this year's free agent class -- a seven-year, $49.5 million contract.

McKinney started 13 games at center in 2005 and was part of a Miami offensive line that yielded just 26 sacks. He was selected in the third round of the 2002 draft out of Texas A&M.

Smith, who has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in five of his seven seasons, joined the Browns as a free agent in 2004.

Reuben Droughns rushed for 1,232 yards behind Smith in 2005, becoming the first Browns back to surpass 1,000 yards since Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner did it in 1985. But the Browns' running game regressed last season, when Droughns gained just 758 yards.

He will be replaced by Lawrence Vickers, a sixth-round draft pick last season and a favorite of coach Romeo Crennel.

Smith, originally an unrestricted free agent out of Arizona State, played four seasons in New Orleans. He blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in each season there -- Ricky Williams in 2000 and 2001, and Deuce McAllister in 2002 and 2003.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-14-2007, 07:42 PM

LSU's Russell puts on impressive show for scoutsESPN.com news services

BATON ROUGE, La. -- More than 100 representatives from NFL teams descended on the LSU campus Wednesday to watch the auditions of quarterback JaMarcus Russell and three of his former Tigers teammates who should come off the board within the first 40 picks of April's draft.

First-year head coach Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick and are expected to use it on Russell, was among the coaches, scouts and front-office officials on hand. Others included Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage; Washington Redskins vice president Vinny Cerrato; Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Bruce Allen; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton; and Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman.

While Russell is expected to come off the board long before any of those teams select, there were at least three other former LSU players worth watching -- and worth a first- or second-round pick. Safety Laron Landry could be a top-10 selection, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is a first-round talent and Craig Davis could be selected in the early to middle portion of the second round.

Russell was the star of Wednesday's show, however. He weighed in at 256 pounds -- nine pounds lighter than at the scouting combine just more than two weeks ago and spot on his playing weight -- and ran a 4.84 40-yard dash.

"That's a pretty good time," said Todd McShay, senior draft analyst for ESPN's Scouts Inc. "Compare that to [Ohio State's] Troy Smith, who's 6 feet tall and 220 pounds and ran a 4.77."

Russell threw 75 passes during his throwing session and only missed on about four or five, according to McShay.

"His passing session was the most impressive of all the pro days I've been to," McShay said. "His footwork for such a big quarterback was surprising. He was nimble in his dropbacks and when he's rolling out and throwing on the run. We all knew coming in that his arm strength is extraordinary. The ball just explodes out of his hands. His 73rd, 74th and 75th throws, he was flicking the ball 60 yards with his wrist and putting it right on the numbers."

Other notable measurements for Russell were his arm length of 34½ inches -- "Left tackle size," McShay said -- and his hand size of 9½ inches -- "Big, but not the biggest," McShay said. "Just above the average for a quarterback."

Among the other stars Wednesday were receivers Bowe and Davis, both of whom improved their 40 times from the combine. Bowe ran a 4.51 at the combine but lowered it to 4.40 on Wednesday. After running 4.49 at the combine (and pulling a groin muscle in the process), Davis blazed to a 4.38. However, he tweaked his groin again later in the day while catching passes from Russell.

Dwayne Bowe is going to be the shit

mardigan

03-14-2007, 07:46 PM

Seahawks sign DB Russell, TE Pollard

NFL.com wire reports

SEATTLE (March 13, 2007) -- The Seattle Seahawks tried to sell safety Brian Russell on the advantages of coming to the Pacific Northwest.

They didn't need to put forth the effort.

"I think they tried to sell it because that is kind of the way that recruiting trips and free-agent trips go, but I was trying to contain myself," said Russell, Seattle's newest defensive back. "I was really excited about getting up there."

After two years in Cleveland, Russell signed with the Seahawks -- another step in the remodeling of Seattle's secondary. On March 12, the team introduced Deon Grant, who was signed from Jacksonville presumably to take the spot of free safety Ken Hamlin, an unrestricted free agent.

Russell's signing will provide extra depth for a group of safeties that includes Grant, Mike Green and Michael Boulware. The unit will be coached by Jim Mora.

"I know they have a good group of players up there and I know there are four good safeties now," Russell said.

Also on March 13, Seattle signed tight end Marcus Pollard to a one-year contract. Pollard spent the last two seasons in Detroit after spending most of his career in Indianapolis. With the Lions, Pollard's production dropped significantly this year with Mike Martz in charge of the offense. Pollard had 12 catches and no touchdowns. For his career, Pollard has 321 catches, more than 4,000 yards receiving and 38 TDs.

Terms of Pollard's deal were not released.

Russell started his career on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad but in 2003, his second full season, he intercepted nine passes and recorded a career-high 95 tackles. Russell had 51 tackles and one interception in 12 games last season with Cleveland.

He was extremely durable, having never missed a game until last season, when a staph infection cost him the final four games. Russell had been dealing with staph -- a bacteria that typically enters the body through scratches and scrapes -- since the preseason.

Following an Aug. 26 exhibition game at Buffalo, Russell's elbow went from being tender to infected in a matter of hours. He had surgery to purge the infection and only missed the club's preseason finale.

Russell didn't miss any time during the regular season, until December. His long surgical incision was reopened during a game against the Steelers on Nov. 19 and he missed his first game on Dec. 7 when Cleveland played at Pittsburgh. Russell was hospitalized to treat the infection and was placed on injured reserve.

"It was frustrating on my end because I felt like I was playing good football and it wasn't like I hurt my knee or my shoulder," Russell said. "It was a random infection, something I never would have seen coming."

Russell has played mostly free safety in recent seasons, but is equally comfortable at strong safety. With Grant's signing, Russell is likely to compete with Boulware and Green for the starting spot at strong safety. But with the rash of injuries Seattle's secondary endured at the end of last season, Russell's versatility is welcome.

"I don't think it matters," Russell said about which position he'll play. "Hopefully, I will get a chance to do both up there."

mardigan

03-14-2007, 11:26 PM

Updated: March 14, 2007, 11:04 PM ET
Browns reach 4-year, $12M deal with DT SmithBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

Figuring to draft an offensive player with the third pick in the draft, the Browns helped their defense Wednesday night by reaching a four-year, $12 million deal with Titans defensive tackle Robaire Smith.

Smith

Smith, 30, received a $4 million signing bonus and will be paid a total of $5 million in the first year of the contract. Over the first two years, he will make $7 million. With that type of commitment, the Browns are expected to start him at right defensive end and then possibly move him to tackle on passing downs.

Smith, who is 6-foot-4, 328 pounds, played four years with Tennessee before leaving via free agency and signing a big deal with the Houston Texans. The Texans released him last year -- his third with the team -- and Smith went back to Tennessee, where he re-emerged as a starter.

The Titans tried to re-sign Smith, but their offer wasn't close enough for him to stay. His signing should start to move a defensive tackle market that has been surprisingly slow during the free-agency period.

mardigan

03-15-2007, 06:12 AM

Updated: March 15, 2007, 2:31 AM ET
Vikings agree with Henson, will meet with ScottESPN.com news services

The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a contract with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Henson on Wednesday, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Henson, who spent part of last season on the Vikings' practice squad, agreed to a one-year deal for the minimum salary for a veteran, NFL.com reported.

Meanwhile, the Star-Tribune also said defensive tackle Ian Scott, who started seven games for the NFC champion Chicago Bears last season, will meet with Vikings officials on Friday.

mardigan

03-15-2007, 01:36 PM

Updated: March 15, 2007, 11:35 AM ET
Wilkinson trade could be in jeopardyBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

It's not easy to misplace a 340-pound defensive tackle, but the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins seem to have done just that. And unless someone soon locates Dan Wilkinson, the defensive tackle in question, the trade in which Denver acquired the 13-year veteran from Miami could be voided.

Wilkinson

According to the conditions of the March 3 trade, in which the Broncos sent the Dolphins a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Wilkinson, the veteran tackle must report for a physical examination by Friday. A failure to do so will nullify the trade, unless the two teams agree to extend the deadline.

The problem: Wilkinson, who acknowledged in the wake of the trade that he had "some issues" to address before reporting to the Broncos, has not arranged a trip to Denver for the physical and has not returned phone calls from either team.

Wilkinson, 34, has considered retirement in recent seasons. He is also notorious for trying to avoid offseason conditioning programs and even training camp. He did not sign with the Dolphins last summer until well into camp.

The Broncos, who have made a habit in recent years of trading for onetime high-round defensive linemen, definitely want Wilkinson and feel that, despite his age, he can play well in their tackle rotation. But as a contingency, the Broncos met this week with a pair of unrestricted free agent tackles, Alfonso Boone and Ian Scott, both of the Chicago Bears.

Depending on how things play out with Wilkinson, the Broncos could pursue one of the free agents.

Wilkinson is still regarded as a solid defender versus the run but is coming off a 2006 season in which he registered just 14 tackles in 10 games. Once capable of providing plenty of inside push on the pass rush, Wilkinson did not have a sack in 2006.

A former Ohio State star, Wilkinson was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals to lead off the '94 draft. After four seasons with the Bengals, and a contentious relationship with the front office when dealing on contract matters, he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1998.

Wilkinson played five seasons in Washington, where he was very productive, then signed with the Lions in 2003.

In 195 career appearances, Wilkinson has 386 tackles, 54½ sacks, seven forced fumbles, four recoveries, five interceptions and 28 pass deflections.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-15-2007, 01:37 PM

Chiefs retain DT Edwards, agree on four-year dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Moving to address a defensive interior in need of quantity and quality, the Kansas City Chiefs have reached a contract agreement with tackle Ron Edwards, who opted to return to the team after testing the unrestricted free agent market for two weeks.

Edwards
A six-year veteran, Edwards will sign a four-year contract. Financial details of the contract were not yet available.

Edwards, 27, started all 16 games for the Chiefs in 2006, his first season in Kansas City, and played beyond the team's original expectations, primarily at the nose tackle spot, notching 25 tackles and 2½ sacks. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, where he split time between the two tackle spots, and signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs as a free agent last spring.

Keeping the hard-working Edwards was a key for the Chiefs, who are perilously thin at the tackle spot. The team's other starter from 2006, James Reed, is an unrestricted free agent and sampling the market. The only other veteran tackle of consequence on the roster, former first-round choice Ryan Sims, could be released after five disappointing seasons.

Chiefs officials have been exploring the tackle options in free agency, but they wanted to retain Edwards, if possible. It is not known how much interest Edwards generated from other franchises in his brief time as a free agent, although he did visit with the Cleveland Browns last week.

A former Texas A&M standout, Edwards was originally chosen by Buffalo in the third round of the 2001 draft. In 64 games, including 40 starts, Edwards has 139 tackles, 9½ sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-15-2007, 02:06 PM

The Dolphins are interested in speaking with quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn, and could bring both to South Florida. The reason the Dolphins want to talk to both players could be telling: They could be considering a scenario where they trade up to the No. 2 overall pick, where Detroit is listening to offers.
-- Miami Herald

The Eagles are scheduled to host Ron Dayne today, and also have expressed interest in fellow running backs Chris Brown and Corey Dillon. The Bills and Lions, two teams Brown has visited, appear to be the front-runners. It is unlikely Dillon would be content sharing carries with Brian Westbrook in a West Coast offense geared toward the passing game.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

If Bob Harlan's telephone calls are any indication, two out of every three Packers fans are opposed to the team acquiring controversial receiver Randy Moss. The potential trade hasn't advanced beyond the speculation stage, but the Packers chairman has been getting an earful from fans concerned that Moss would besmirch the Packers' reputation, integrity and class.
-- PackersNews.com

The Lions have grown weary of the indecision by free-agent wide receiver Kevin Curtis and are no longer pursuing him. According to sources close to the situation, the Lions are fed up with the fact that Curtis can't seem to make a decision.
-- Mlive.com

If the Vikings trade down in the draft, there is a distinct possibility they could end up taking LSU receiver Dwayne Bowe.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Julius Jones is not on the trading block, according to Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. Jerry Jones declined to say if a team has contacted the Cowboys seeking Julius Jones.
-- Dallas Morning News

Only once since 1991 have the Cowboys drafted a quarterback (Quincy Carter, 2001), but the club could choose one this year, although not in the first or second round.
-- Dallas Morning

mardigan

03-15-2007, 02:09 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday signed quarterback John Navarre and linebacker Mike Labinjo, both little-used backups the past three years.

Navarre, who played at Michigan, appeared in two games with the Arizona Cardinals, completing 32 of 64 pass attempts with two touchdowns and five interceptions. He started the only game he played in 2004, when the Cardinals benched Josh McCown in favor of Shaun King for two games and then Navarre for one game before going back to McCown.

Labinjo, from Michigan State, played three games with Philadelphia in 2004 and seven games with Miami in 2005, totaling 19 tackles. He was waived by the Dolphins in September and did not play last season.

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

mardigan

03-15-2007, 02:58 PM

Updated: March 15, 2007, 3:39 PM ET
Cardinals sign special teams standout MoreyAssociated Press

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals have signed free agent Sean Morey to a three-year contract, the team said Thursday.

Morey

Morey was a special teams standout last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where new Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt was offensive coordinator. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Morey, who also plays wide receiver, returned eight kickoffs for 202 yards and had a team-high 21 special teams tackles for the Steelers last season. He had 18 special-team tackles in the Steelers' 2005 Super Bowl championship season.

The New England Patriots drafted Morey in the seventh round out of Brown in 1999. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2003, then signed with the Steelers as a free agent in 2004.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-15-2007, 03:13 PM

Redskins re-sign veteran lineman Wade for two yearsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Washington Redskins on Thursday bought themselves some insurance on the offensive line, and a possible starter as well, when they reached agreement to re-sign veteran blocker and unrestricted free agent Todd Wade.

Wade

Wade, who appeared in two games for the Redskins in 2006 after signing with the team just before the start of the regular season, will sign a two-year contract worth slightly more than $6 million.

The retention of Wade assures the Redskins a solid No. 3 tackle behind starters Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen. Perhaps more important, however, it could provide Washington with its new starting left guard.

Wade, 30, has not played guard previously in his career, but the Redskins are seeking a replacement for standout Derrick Dockery, who departed as an unrestricted free agent two weeks ago. Because of his toughness and tenacity, the Washington coaches feel that Wade can make the transition to guard, and that he might be a better candidate for the position than any of the veterans remaining in the free agent pool.

Certainly a move to guard, especially if it allowed Wade to become a starter again, might re-energize his career. Wade was unceremoniously released by the Houston Texans last July because the new coaching staff there did not feel he was a good fit for the system they were installing.

Once regarded as a cornerstone for the Houston offensive line, the seven-year veteran right tackle played just two years for the Texans after signing with the team as an unrestricted free agent in the spring of 2004. His tenure in Houston was marked by inconsistency, injury and a big financial investment that went sour for Texans officials.

A former University of Mississippi standout, Wade was chosen by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2000 draft. In four seasons with Miami, he appeared in 63 games, all starts, before signing with the Texans in 2004. At the time, some talent evaluators in the league, while conceding Wade probably represented an upgrade for Houston, questioned the size of the contract the Texans gave him.

That six-year, $30 million contract, which included a $10 million signing bonus, turned out to be a catastrophe for the Texans. Over two years, the Texans paid Wade $12 million in bonuses and salaries, but he never quite lived up to expectations as the Houston line continued to struggle.

Wade appeared in 14 games in 2004, his first season in Houston, starting 13 times at right tackle. He started the first nine contests in 2005 but then suffered a torn knee ligament and was placed on injured reserve for the balance of the season.

For his career, he has played in 88 games, all but two as a starter.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

mardigan

03-15-2007, 05:20 PM

Bears' Johnson to spend 120 days in jailAssociated Press

SKOKIE, Ill. -- Chicago Bears defensive lineman Tank Johnson was sentenced Thursday to four months in jail for violating probation in a 2005 gun case.

Johnson

Johnson immediately was taken into custody. He could have been sentenced to up to a year behind bars.

Johnson, who pleaded guilty to violating his probation, also must pay a $2,500 fine.

Johnson was arrested on misdemeanor weapons charges Dec. 14 after police raided his home in the Lake County town of Gurnee, about 40 miles northwest of Chicago, and found six unregistered firearms.

At the time, he was on probation in a November 2005 Cook County case. In that case, he'd pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an arrest in which a nightclub valet reported seeing Johnson with a handgun in his sport utility vehicle.

Johnson's bodyguard, Willie B. Posey, was arrested on felony drug charges after the raid on Johnson's home. Posey was shot and killed two days later during an early morning fight while he and Johnson were at a nightclub in Chicago.

The Bears suspended Johnson for one game for being out at the club.

He has been under house arrest since the raid, but was permitted to attend practice and travel to Miami for the Super Bowl, where the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears 29-17.

Just days after returning from Miami, Johnson pleaded guilty to violating his probation in the 2005 case. He has pleaded not guilty to the Lake County charges in the latest arrest.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-15-2007, 05:21 PM

Updated: March 15, 2007, 5:42 PM ET
Eagles land former Rams wideout CurtisBy John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Philadelphia Eagles signed former Rams unrestricted free agent wideout Kevin Curtis to a six-year, $32 million contract on Thursday.

Curtis

The Eagles beat out the Minnesota Vikings and two other teams for the chance to land the heavily-coveted Curtis, who will be guaranteed $9.5 million in the deal.

Rated by ESPN.com as the No. 23 player available in the unrestricted market, Curtis was one of the top players still remaining in the talent pool. The four-year veteran was one of the most popular unrestricted free agents from the outset of the signing period, but his courtship was delayed when he changed agents a week into the process.

Curtis, 28, had played his entire career with the St. Louis Rams before going into free agency. He wrapped up his visits with other teams this week, meeting with Tennessee Titans officials, then returned home to Utah to deliberate the offers from his various suitors.

The addition of Curtis is a coup for the Eagles and team president Joe Banner, not just because of the intense competition for his services, but also because he figures to be such a good fit with the team's young corps of receivers. He has played in an offense similar to the design of coach Andy Reid, and the deep threat he consistently provides will compensate for Philadelphia's recent loss of wide receiver Donte Stallworth in free agency.

One of the NFL's fastest players, certainly in terms of straight-line speed, Curtis will bring a big-play dimension to the Eagles' attack.

In his four seasons with the Rams, he registered 136 receptions for 1,714 yards and 12 touchdowns. His best season was in 2005, when Curtis had 60 catches for 801 yards and six touchdowns, playing in the Mike Martz-designed offense.

He garnered considerable playing time that year because of injuries, but his role was reduced under first-year coach Scott Linehan in 2006, when St. Louis relied more on the running game and didn't use as many three-wideout formations.

A former Utah State standout, Curtis was a third-round choice in the 2003 draft, and has appeared in 51 games, with 11 starts.

John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli are senior writers for ESPN.com

Just another guy for Newman to lock down

mardigan

03-15-2007, 05:52 PM

Chargers | Robinson re-signed
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:19:37 -0700

The San Diego Chargers have announced the re-signing of exclusive rights free-agent DL Derreck Robinson to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Chargers | Bingham re-signed
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:21:25 -0700

The San Diego Chargers have announced the re-signing of exclusive rights free-agent DL Ryon Bingham to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Dolphins | Team will not hire a offensive coordinator
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:43:12 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Orlando Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron will not hire an offensive coordinator and will call the plays himself.

Packers | Team wants to extend Williams' contract
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:56:41 -0700

Bob McGinn, of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, reports the Green Bay Packers want to extend the contract of DL Corey Williams, who becomes a free agent after next year. Discussions have gone on, but nothing has come out of these talks.

NFL | T. Brown wants to play next year
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:54:12 -0700

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports unrestricted free-agent WR Troy Brown (Patriots) wants to play next season, no matter which team it's for.

mardigan

03-15-2007, 08:32 PM

Johnson dazzles during awesome pro day displayBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

ATLANTA -- He still isn't likely to be the first player selected overall, but Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson did nothing here Thursday during his "pro day" workout to dispel the notion that he is the premier prospect in this year's NFL draft class.

Kevin Terrell/WireImage.com
Calvin Johnson did nothing to depreciate his draft value at the Georgia Tech pro day Thursday.
Auditioning in front of about 75 league scouts and coaches assembled on the Georgia Tech campus, a group that included head coaches Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins' Joe Gibbs, Johnson dazzled the crowd with a rare combination of raw athleticism and polished receiving skills.

"Whatever they wanted to see," said Johnson, "I think I showed them."

And then some.

As expected, Johnson caught the ball well, making effortless grabs on passes thrown by former Yellow Jackets quarterback Damarius Bilbo and prospect Drew McKay of Liberty University.

Several receptions, during a session mostly directed by Detroit Lions scouts and coaches, came on balls that were thrown well outside of Johnson's body frame and for which he had to stretch out.

The 6-foot-5, 239-pound Johnson on Thursday eschewed the 40-yard dash, in which he was clocked at between 4.35-4.39 seconds at the combine workouts in Indianapolis last month. But he turned in sterling efforts of 42½ inches in the vertical jump and 11 feet, 7 inches in the long jump. He had not performed in those events at the combine.

Putting those numbers in some perspective: The best vertical jump by any of the participants at the combine was 41½ inches. And no one at the combine posted a long jump of better than 11 feet.

Said one regional scout from an AFC franchise: "For a guy that size to do the things that he does, and to make it all look so easy ... is amazing."

Johnson, who opted to bypass his final season of eligibility to enter the draft, is projected by most observers to be a top four choice on April 27. In 29 games for the Yellow Jackets, he had 127 receptions for 2,151 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com

DNS Error

03-15-2007, 10:01 PM

Dolphins | Team will not hire a offensive coordinator
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:43:12 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Orlando Sun-Sentinel, reports Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron will not hire an offensive coordinator and will call the plays himself.

Being a Fin fan myself I believe they had Mularkey as their OC mardigan? Why and when was he given the boot?

mardigan

03-15-2007, 10:18 PM

Cam Cameron looks set to call the plays in his first season as Miami Dolphins coach in 2007.

Cameron announced the completion of his staff on Thursday but did not name an offensive co-ordinator.

Cameron, 46, served as offensive co-ordinator of the San Diego Chargers for the last five seasons, helping build one of the league's better offences. San Diego averaged a league-leading 30.8 points last season en route to a franchise-best 14-2 record.

Signed to a four-year contract on January 19, Cameron will look to rejuvenate a Miami team which finished in last place in the AFC East with a 6-10 mark.

Although he will undertake play-calling duties, Cameron has surrounded himself with an experienced offensive staff that includes former coaches Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie.

"I think we have assembled one of the strongest coaching staffs in the league," Cameron said.

"Our offensive staff, which includes a number of former head coaches and co-ordinators in the NFL as well as head coaches at the major college level, will work closely with me in formulating and implementing our game plan."

That game plan will likely centre around third-year running back Ronnie Brown, who rushed for 1,008 yards and five touchdowns in his second season.

Cameron will be hoping to have a healthy quarterback after three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper was limited to just four games in 2006 while rehabilitating a major knee surgery.

There ya go DNS, he is still there, but in what capacity Im not exactly sure.

mardigan

03-15-2007, 10:52 PM

Ravens | Team signs Rimpf
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 20:22:30 -0700

Mike Duffy, of BaltimoreRavens.com, reports the Baltimore Ravens signed exclusive rights free agent OG Brian Rimpf to a one-year contract Tuesday, March 13.

Dolphins | Mularkey to coach tight ends
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:09:02 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins have named Mike Mularkey as the team's tight ends coach.

Steelers | Team re-signs Iwuoma
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 09:28:57 -0700

Steelers.com reports the Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed CB Chidi Iwuoma to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Eagles | Team re-signs Buckhalter
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 09:37:46 -0700

The Philadelphia Eagles announced Friday, March 16, they have re-signed RB Correll Buckhalter to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

DNS Error

03-16-2007, 01:05 AM

Thanks for that.

mardigan

03-16-2007, 11:20 AM

Updated: March 16, 2007, 1:23 AM ET
Saints DE Grant is set to meet Friday with Bucs officialsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

In what might be a plot aimed at snatching away a standout young defender, or simply a ploy meant to rattle a division rival, the Tampa Bay Bucs will meet Friday with New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant, designated by the Saints last month as a franchise player.

Grant

On face value, a huddle between the sides might be benign, little more than just a get acquainted session. But such meetings involving a franchise player are so unusual, given that franchise-designated players rarely change teams, that it must be considered significant.

Since the current player movement system was implemented in 1993, only three franchise players have switched teams, none since 1998.

The reason: The cost of pirating away a franchise player is prohibitive.

To secure Grant, the Bucs would first have to sign him to an offer sheet, and the Saints would then have seven days to decide whether to match it. If it matched, New Orleans would assume the terms of the offer sheet. If the Saints declined to match it, Grant would move on to Tampa Bay, but the Bucs would have to compensate New Orleans with a pair of first-round draft choices.

Tampa Bay owns the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft and, even for a player as valued as Grant, that selection in itself would be pricey compensation. An alternative would be for the Bucs to sign Grant to an offer sheet, and then for the two teams to subsequently agree on a trade for something less than two first-round draft choices.

But trading Grant to a team within the division would be difficult for the Saints to reconcile.

Grant, 28, had hoped to avoid the franchise tag because of the acrimony it typically entails and because, like most free agents, he would have preferred to be in the unrestricted market. The value of the franchise marker for a defensive end, which basically represents a one-year qualifying offer, is $8.64 million.

There were some discussions during the season of a long-term contract extension for Grant, but they never resulted in a deal, and the two sides didn't have much dialogue after the 2006 campaign concluded. Not surprisingly, Grant was critical of the Saints after the team used the franchise designation to keep him off the open market.

A former University of Georgia standout, Grant was New Orleans' first-round choice in the 2002 draft, and played his entire tenure with the Saints under his original rookie contract.

Grant has never missed a game in five seasons. He is an intense two-way performer, a defender whose motor typically runs high, and who plays well versus the run and the pass.

In 80 appearances, Grant has 298 tackles, 36 sacks, one interception, 24 passes defensed, 15 forced fumbles and five recoveries. He totaled 20½ sacks in 2003-04, but fell off to just 2½ sacks in 2005, before improving to six in 2006.

Tampa Bay last week signed veteran defensive end Kevin Carter after he was released by the Miami Dolphins, but apparently wants to continue to upgrade the position.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-16-2007, 11:22 AM

Updated: March 16, 2007, 8:08 AM ET
Dolphins, Broncos extend deadline on 'Big Daddy'By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

With the clock ticking toward a possible dissolution of the deal, Denver and Miami officials have extended the deadline by which defensive tackle Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson must report and pass a physical examination to complete the March 3 trade that sent him from the Dolphins to the Broncos.

According to the conditions of the trade, in which the Broncos sent the Dolphins a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Wilkinson, the veteran tackle was to have reported for a physical examination by Friday. His failure to do so would have nullified the trade.

But the teams decided late Thursday to extend the deadline indefinitely while Broncos officials, who clearly want Wilkinson to be a part of their defensive tackle rotation in 2007, try to find the 13-year pro and persuade him to report.

The problem: Wilkinson, who acknowledged in the wake of the trade that he had "some issues" to address before reporting to the Broncos, has not returned phone calls from either team.

The clubs could probably extend the deadline, if they so desired, right up to the draft. At that point, given that the sixth-round choice involved in the deal is in this year's lottery, the trade might have to be voided, assuming Wilkinson still had not surfaced.

Wilkinson, 34, has considered retirement in recent seasons. He is also notorious for trying to avoid offseason conditioning programs and even training camp. He did not sign with the Dolphins last summer until well into camp.

The Broncos, who have made a habit in recent years of trading for onetime high-round defensive linemen, definitely want Wilkinson. They feel that despite his age, he can play well in their tackle rotation. But as a contingency, the Broncos met this week with a pair of unrestricted free agent tackles, Alfonso Boone and Ian Scott, both of the Chicago Bears.

Depending on how things play out with Wilkinson, the Broncos could pursue one of the free agents.

Wilkinson is still regarded as a solid defender versus the run but is coming off a 2006 season in which he registered just 14 tackles in 10 games. Once capable of providing plenty of inside push on the pass rush, Wilkinson did not have a sack in 2006.

A former Ohio State star, Wilkinson was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals to lead off the 1994 draft. After four seasons with the Bengals, and a contentious relationship with the front office when dealing on contract matters, he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1998.

Wilkinson played five seasons in Washington, where he was very productive, then signed with the Lions in 2003.

In 195 career appearances, Wilkinson has 386 tackles, 54½ sacks, seven forced fumbles, four recoveries, five interceptions and 28 pass deflections.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-16-2007, 11:30 AM

Giants' Short was in store next to fatal gunfightESPN.com news services

New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short escaped from the crossfire of a shooting in New York's Greenwich Village, in which police brought down a gunman who shot and killed a bartender and two auxiliary police officers on Wednesday night.

Short told the New York Daily News he was in a Bleeker Street jewelry shop when gunfire errupted Wednesday night. He said the two officers who were killed, Nick Pekearo and Eugene Marshalik, ran past him just as he entered the store.

Short told the Daily News he ran to the back of the store and dropped to the floor when the shooting between police and gunman David Garvin began.

"I was fearful for my life," he told the newspaper. "There were bullets flying everywhere."

Outside, police engaged Garvin in a firece gun battle after he shot a bartender in a pizzeria and then shot and killed the two auxiliary officers. Garvin then holed up in a leather goods store -- next to the jewlery shop where Short had been shopping -- before coming out firing. Police fired 56 shots at Garvin, killing him.

"It was a crowded street in Manhattan. Some people were running through restaurants, running down alleys to get away," Short told the newspaper. "It's a miracle that no bullets actually went through the window."

Garvin, 42, had been carrying two semiautomatic firearms and a bag with a fake beard and 100 rounds of ammunition, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

mardigan

03-19-2007, 12:21 PM

Updated: March 18, 2007, 12:51 AM ET
Chiefs agree to re-sign Wilkerson for one yearBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Continuing the momentum aimed at replenishing their threadbare front four, the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday night reached agreement to re-sign four-year veteran defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson, who spent the past two weeks testing the unrestricted free agent market.

Wilkerson

It marked the third straight day in which the Chiefs addressed a defensive line that had been perilously thin before the sudden spate of signings.

On Thursday, the Chiefs signed six-year veteran tackle Ron Edwards, who returned to the team after spending the past two weeks exploring the free agent market. They followed that up on Friday with the addition of unrestricted free agent tackle Alfonso Boone, who played his entire six-year career with the Chicago Bears until becoming a free agent.

Edwards and Boone both signed four-year contracts believed to be worth about $7 million-$8 million. Wilkerson signed just a one-year contract, and the financial details were not yet available.

Wilkerson, 26, chose to return to the Chiefs over a short-term offer from Green Bay, where he had visited with Packers officials this week. In fact, it was surprising how much attention Wilkerson drew in free agency, given his modest production in four NFL seasons.

The former Oklahoma star was coveted by the Chiefs and other teams, however, for his versatility and for his effectiveness as a role player. Wilkerson can play the "under" tackle position and both end spots, and is seen as a defender who gives maximum effort despite a limited amount of snaps. He can also play on special teams.

A sixth-round choice in the 2003 draft, Wilkerson has 86 career tackles, one-half sack, 34 quarterback pressures, one fumble recovery and four pass deflections. He has appeared in 56 games and started two contests.

By signing just a one-year contract, Wilkerson will be able to add to his résumé in 2007, when his playing time could be increased, and go back into free agency again next spring.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com

mardigan

03-19-2007, 12:21 PM

Updated: March 18, 2007, 8:52 AM ET
Bucs to sign Colts' LB June to three-year dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent Cato June, one of the NFL's top "cover two" linebackers, is headed to the team that all but invented the scheme that helped make him a Pro Bowl performer.

Top free agents

JuneLinebacker Cato June is No. 11 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

June, who helped lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl XLI championship in 2006, on Saturday reached agreement with the Tampa Bay Bucs on a three-year contract. June visited with Bucs officials and coaches on Friday and the two sides struck a quick deal.

ESPN.com has learned that June will sign a three-year contract worth slightly in excess of $12 million. But the structure of the contract, negotiated by the Manhattan-based Sportstars agency, will all but mandate that the Bucs revisit it before the three years is up.

June was rated as the No. 11 player in ESPN.com's rankings of the top unrestricted free agents.

Securing an active linebacker like June, an excellent player in pass coverage, should boost a Tampa Bay defense that slumped to 17th in the league last season. The Bucs had rated among the NFL's top 10 defenses in nine of the previous 10 seasons. June will team with Derrick Brooks to give the Bucs two of the top coverage linebackers in the league.

It was key, given his skills-set, for June to land with a franchise that plays a "cover two" style and that goal was met with Saturday's deal. There was some speculation in the past few days that June might re-sign with the Colts, for whom he played the first four seasons of his career. Instead, he becomes the fourth starting linebacker to exit Indianapolis in free agency since 2003.

Mike Peterson signed with Jacksonville in 2003, Marcus Washington with the Redskins in 2004 and David Thornton with Tennessee in 2006.

June, 27, was a college safety at the University of Michigan, but the Colts, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2003 draft, quickly converted him to linebacker. He became a starter in only his second season with the team.

In four seasons, June has 379 tackles, including 100-plus tackles in each of his three years as a starter. He also has one sack, 10 interceptions, two forced fumbles and three recoveries. He struggled at times against the run in 2006, often missing tackles and not holding up at the point of attack, but still led the Colts with 142 tackles.

June was named to the Pro Bowl team after the 2005 season, a campaign in which he posted five interceptions.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 12:36 PM

Dolphins | Mularkey to coach tight ends
Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:09:02 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins have named Mike Mularkey as the team's tight ends coach.Im just glad he is not running the Offense anymore. He was terrible.

mardigan

03-19-2007, 12:39 PM

NFL | Harrington heading to Canadian Football League?
Sun, 18 Mar 2007 08:01:35 -0700

Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League gained exclusive rights of free agent QB Joey Harrington (Dolphins) by placing his name on the team's negotiation list, according to the Toronto Star.

Texans | Team signs S. Barber
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:27:55 -0700

Chris McPherson, of PhiladelphiaEagles.com, reports the Houston Texans have signed LB Shawn Barber (Eagles). Details of the contract were not disclosed.

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 12:52 PM

mardigan

03-19-2007, 02:55 PM

Updated: March 19, 2007, 3:52 PM ET
Manning deal keeps QB in New York 3 more seasonsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

In a move planned since the day Eli Manning signed his rookie contract, the New York Giants have exercised a $5 million "buyback" option, raising to $20 million the amount of total bonus money that the quarterback has earned since he entered the league as the top overall choice in the 2004 draft.

Eli Manning
Quarterback
New York Giants

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
522 301 3058 24 18 77.0

Without the buyback bonus, the 2007 season would have been the last on Manning's deal, and he would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring. Even with his inconsistent performance at times, the Giants weren't about to allow that to happen. The buyback means that Manning, who has been the team's starter since the second half of his rookie campaign, remains under contract to the Giants through the 2009 season.

There was a published report on Monday that the Giants had extended Manning's contract through the 2012 season, but that was erroneous. Manning remains under the six-year deal, worth $45 million-$54 million, that he signed in July 2004 and there have been no major alterations to his contract.

Under that contract, Manning received an initial signing bonus of $3 million in 2004. In March of 2005, the Giants paid him a guaranteed $9 million option bonus. But under the terms of the contract, Manning could void the 2008-2010 seasons by reaching minimum playing time standards in any of the first three years of the deal, which he accomplished.

By reaching those thresholds, Manning triggered a guaranteed $3 million roster bonus, which was paid earlier this month. That raised his total bonus money to $15 million.

The Giants then had the right to "buy back" the 2008-2009 seasons, which had been voided, for an additional $5 million bonus, which they did. Essentially, the team restored two years that had voided, retaining Manning through 2009.

The buyback clause, basically a mechanism for adding bonus money to a deal, has become fairly conventional in recent years for contracts signed by quarterbacks chosen early in the first round. Last year, the Houston Texans paid quarterback David Carr a buyback bonus of $8 million to restore three seasons of his contract that had voided.

By paying the buyback in Manning's deal, the Giants set his base salaries at $8 million for 2008 and $8.5 million for 2009. The former University of Mississippi star can earn further performance bonuses of $1.5 million each in 2007-2009, but those are conditional on the Giants making the playoffs and Manning ranking among the top five quarterbacks in the league in a variety of statistical categories.

Manning, 26, has appeared in 41 games, with 39 starts, in his three seasons. He has completed 690 of 1,276 passes for 8,049 yards, with 54 touchdown passes, 44 interceptions, and a passer rating of 73.2.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-19-2007, 03:54 PM

Cowboys no match for LB Fowler; Titans sign GageBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Dallas Cowboys on Friday evening opted not to match the restricted free agent offer sheet signed by linebacker Ryan Fowler earlier this week, meaning that the three-year veteran will be allowed to move to the Tennessee Titans.

Fowler

Dallas' decision not to match, which was anticipated, came three days before the deadline for acting on the offer. The offer sheet is for four years, and believed to be worth $11.5 million.

Had the Cowboys matched it, they would have assumed the terms of the deal that the Titans negotiated with Fowler. Because he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Duke in 2004, and Dallas made Fowler the lowest qualifying offer for a restricted free agent, a one-year deal at $850,000, the Cowboys will receive no compensation from the Titans.

Gage

Fowler came close to signing an offer sheet with Philadelphia on Sunday and, in fact, the Eagles dispatched an e-mail to national media members announcing that he had agreed to terms. As it turned out, Fowler never signed the offer sheet with the Eagles, and on Monday he decided to sign with Tennessee instead.

In three seasons, Fowler has appeared in 32 games and started just three contests. He has 49 tackles from scrimmage, two forced fumbles and one recovery. For the most part, Fowler served as a backup inside linebacker in the Dallas 3-4 scheme. On special teams, he posted 28 tackles and had one forced fumble.

The Tennessee coaches feel that Fowler can challenge for the starting job at middle linebacker.

Securing the services of restricted free agents historically has proven a difficult undertaking with the current system. In the 14 previous years of free agency, only 55 restricted free agents changed teams. Four restricted free agents changed teams in 2006.

But Fowler is the third restricted free agent to change teams already this year. One restricted free agent, wide receiver Wes Welker, was actually traded from Miami to New England. Earlier on Friday, the Cincinnati Bengals declined to match a four-year offer sheet that defensive tackle Shaun Smith signed with the Cleveland Browns last week.

In another Friday move, the Titans signed unrestricted free agent wide receiver Justin Gage, a four-year veteran who had spent his entire career with the Chicago Bears. A fifth-round choice in the 2003 draft, Gage has appeared in 49 games and started 16 of them. The former Missouri standout has 64 receptions for 908 yards and four touchdowns.

Contract details were not immediately available.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 04:24 PM

mardigan

03-19-2007, 04:49 PM

The Vikings have no interest in bringing Randy Moss back, and the odds are good that the Packers won't be able to make a deal with the Raiders, who want quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a former No. 1 pick, in the deal.

http://www.startribune.com/507/story/1063612-p2.html

Yea, found this too

Packers GM insists QB Rodgers not on trading blockESPN.com news services

Despite the rumors of a trade that would include Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss, Green Bay officials are dismissing the talk, according to a published report.

Aaron Rodgers
Quarterback
Green Bay Packers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
15 6 28 0 0 48.2

"It's never been discussed inside the building or outside the building," Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson told the Green Bay Press-Gazette when asked about the chances of a deal that would include Rodgers.

Rodgers was the Packers' first round pick (No. 24 overall) in the 2005 NFL draft and is expected to be Green Bay's quarterback of the future.

"I think [Aaron's] a very talented guy," Thompson said. "He's everything we thought of in terms of intelligence, and his physical ability, his ability to throw the ball. I like the way he handles himself around the team."

Last season, Rodgers completed six of 15 passes for 46 yards before breaking his left foot during a 35-0 loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 19. Rodgers was placed on IR after the injury.

The former Cal QB is expected to back up veteran Brett Favre this season.

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 05:05 PM

Yea, found this too

Packers GM insists QB Rodgers not on trading blockESPN.com news services

Despite the rumors of a trade that would include Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss, Green Bay officials are dismissing the talk, according to a published report.

Aaron Rodgers
Quarterback
Green Bay Packers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
15 6 28 0 0 48.2

"It's never been discussed inside the building or outside the building," Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson told the Green Bay Press-Gazette when asked about the chances of a deal that would include Rodgers.

Rodgers was the Packers' first round pick (No. 24 overall) in the 2005 NFL draft and is expected to be Green Bay's quarterback of the future.

"I think [Aaron's] a very talented guy," Thompson said. "He's everything we thought of in terms of intelligence, and his physical ability, his ability to throw the ball. I like the way he handles himself around the team."

Last season, Rodgers completed six of 15 passes for 46 yards before breaking his left foot during a 35-0 loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 19. Rodgers was placed on IR after the injury.

The former Cal QB is expected to back up veteran Brett Favre this season.I cant imagine them parting with their project future QB for a WR. I was surprised when the rumor first surfaced. Farve is near the end and Rodgers should fill in nicely once Brett decides he has had enough.

mardigan

03-19-2007, 05:13 PM

I cant imagine them parting with their project future QB for a WR. I was surprised when the rumor first surfaced. Farve is near the end and Rodgers should fill in nicely once Brett decides he has had enough.

I can, just because they havent ever seemed very high on this guy, and every time he gets into the game he looks absolutely horrible. I guess it would be win now vs. win later. If they really thought they could win right now if they added Moss with Driver (which would be scary by the way), I say do it. I guess it all depends on how good they think he will be

mardigan

03-19-2007, 05:15 PM

Broncos reportedly cut Courtney BrownESPN.com news services

The Courtney Brown experiment in Denver is officially over.

Brown
The Broncos released the former No. 1 overall pick on Monday and at the same time announced the official signing of quarterback Patrick Ramsey.

Brown has been plagued by injuries since the Cleveland Browns took the Penn State product with the top pick in the 2000 draft. The defensive end showed great promise in his rookie season, using a rare combination of power and speed to register 70 total tackles and 4½ sacks.

He then missed 11 games in 2001 (sprained ankle, right knee), five games in 2002 (knee), three in 2003 (ruptured biceps tendon) and 14 in 2004 (left foot).

He signed with the Broncos and played in 14 games in 2005 but had only 24 total tackles and two sacks. A left knee injury sidelined Brown all of last season.

Ramsey joins the competition to be backup to Jay Cutler. He played for the Washington Redskins from 2002-05 and last season with the New York Jets. For his career, he has started 24 games (all with Washington) and completed 55.7 percent of his passes for 5,649 yards with 34 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 05:29 PM

I can, just because they havent ever seemed very high on this guy, and every time he gets into the game he looks absolutely horrible. I guess it would be win now vs. win later. If they really thought they could win right now if they added Moss with Driver (which would be scary by the way), I say do it. I guess it all depends on how good they think he will beRodgers just needs some time to develop, he has seen too little action. I think he has played in all of 5 games and never started.

mardigan

03-19-2007, 05:39 PM

Patriots sign ex-Dolphins CB Jackson

NFL.com wire reports

For more info on Jackson
FOXBOROUGH (March 19, 2007) -- The New England Patriots signed free-agent cornerback Eddie Jackson.

The Patriots did not disclose the terms of the contract.

Jackson, who spent the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, had six tackles in 14 games last year.

The 6-foot, 200-pound cornerback signed with Carolina as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Arkansas in 2004. Miami claimed Jackson off waivers in September 2005.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

mardigan

03-19-2007, 05:39 PM

Packers | Campbell released
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:14:59 -0700

The Green Bay Packers have released LB Kurt Campbell.

Bengals | Jones robbed during altercation
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:01:27 -0700

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals OT Levi Jones was robbed of some jewelry during the altercation with Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter.

Raiders | Team signs C. Johnson
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:37:15 -0700

Raiders.com reports the Oakland Raiders signed free agent CB Chris Johnson (Chiefs) Monday, March 19.

Bears | Archuleta a trade possibility
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:43:02 -0700

Adam Schefter, of NFL Network, reports the Chicago Bears will target Washington Redskins S Adam Archuleta in a trade.

What a horrible signing this was, another example of the Skins horrible off season moves over the last couple of years

Dolphins | Team remains interested in Green
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:57:46 -0700

Jeff Darlington, of the Miami Herald, reports the agent for Kansas City Chiefs QB Trent Green says the Miami Dolphins remain interested in acquiring the veteran quarterback. However, negotiations thus far have been slow with many "dynamics" involved, which have caused difficulties, according to agent Jim Steiner

Seahawks | Woman claims she was raped in Kerney's home
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:39:19 -0700

WSBTV.com reports a woman claims she was raped at Seattle Seahawks DE Patrick Kerney's home in Atlanta Sunday, March 18. Nobody has been named in the police report and on one has been arrested. There is no indication Kerney was involved in the incident.

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 06:15 PM

Patriots | E. Jackson signs
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:13:46 -0700

Patriots.com reports the New England Patriots have signed free agent CB Eddie Jackson (Dolphins). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.Patriots are sure interested in alot of Phins.

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 06:20 PM

Bengals | Jones robbed during altercation
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:01:27 -0700

Geoff Hobson, of Bengals.com, reports Cincinnati Bengals OT Levi Jones was robbed of some jewelry during the altercation with Miami Dolphins LB Joey Porter.Someone else robbed him or are they saying it was JP?

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 06:21 PM

Im sure it was scattered on the ground and people probably picked it up.

mardigan

03-19-2007, 06:22 PM

Someone else, JP dont need no fat mans jewelry

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 06:26 PM

Someone else, JP dont need no fat mans jewelrythey were in a fight though, you know just to piss him off more. They obviously dont get off to each other.

mardigan

03-19-2007, 06:50 PM

Miami superfan Denny Sym dead at 72Associated Press

DAVIE, Fla. -- Denny Sym, aka "Dolfan Denny," who cheered on the Miami Dolphins for 34 years as a one-man sideline show, has died. He was 72.

Sym died Friday, his wife Ingrid said. He had been battling kidney disease and cancer for several years.

Sym led Miami crowds in cheers and chants in his glittering orange and aqua hat since the Dolphins' first game in 1966, starting in the stands.

In 1976, then team owner Joe Robbie asked Denny to move down to the field as the team's official motivator, paying him $50 a game.

Sym was the second well-known fan to die recently. Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones, the boisterous Dallas Cowboys fan who energized crowds for decades with his cowboy getup and sideline cheerleading, died Saturday. He was 76.

Sym retired in 2000, saying his age and constant heckling by belligerent fans helped him decide to leave.

"He never lost his love for football," Ingrid Sym said.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-19-2007, 06:53 PM

Updated: March 16, 2007, 4:23 PM ET
Bengals sign C Alex Stepanovich to one-year dealAssociated Press

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals signed free agent center Alex Stepanovich to a one-year contract on Friday.

Stepanovich, who played on Ohio State's 2002 national championship team, has started every game at center for Arziona the last three seasons after being taken by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2004 draft.

Longtime Bengals center Rich Braham retired after missing most of last season with a knee injury. Earlier this month, offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, who had played guard, tackle and center, left for a seven-year, $49.5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

sa_butta

03-19-2007, 06:53 PM

mardigan

03-20-2007, 01:23 AM

Updated: March 20, 2007, 11:20 AM ET
Rams agree with free-agent LB DraftBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The St. Louis Rams, who had only four linebackers under contract, have strengthened the position and added considerable flexibility by reaching agreement with unrestricted free agent Chris Draft, a proven veteran sought by several other teams.

Financial details of the three-year deal were not available.

A nine-year veteran who started all 16 games for the Carolina Panthers last season, Draft will be joining his fifth different NFL franchise. He was also pursued since the outset of the free agency period by Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta. He visited last week with the Rams' coaches and personnel officials.

Draft, 31, has started at all three linebacker positions in a 4-3 alignment at various junctures of his career. His role with the Rams has not yet been defined, but there is a chance that he could challenge incumbent Brandon Chillar for the starting job at strongside linebacker, and at worst, he provides St. Louis with a versatile backup.

In 2006, Draft opened the season in Carolina as the starting weakside linebacker. After two games, however, he moved to middle linebacker to replace the injured Dan Morgan, and started the final 14 games there. Draft finished the season with career highs in tackles (111) and sacks (5½).

His performance last season, combined with his versatility from scrimmage and proven track record as a special teams performer, made Draft very popular as a mid-level free agent.

A sixth-round choice of Chicago in 1998, Draft has 540 career tackles, 14 sacks, four interceptions, eight passes defensed, six forced fumbles and six recoveries. He has played in 111 games and started in 71 of them in stints with Chicago (1998), San Francisco (1999), Atlanta (2000-2004) and Carolina (2005-2006).

The Rams also agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Mike Rumph, a five-year veteran, on a one-year contract. A first-round choice of San Francisco in 2002, Rumph was traded to Washington last season. The former University of Miami standout, a disappointment most of his career, has 138 tackles, three interceptions and 14 passes defensed in 43 games.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. To check out Len's chat archive, click here .

mardigan

03-20-2007, 01:38 PM

Colts exodus continues as Stokley, Broncos agreeBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

The Denver Broncos, looking for a dependable pass-catcher, reached a one-year agreement with former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Brandon Stokley.

Terms of the deal weren't available but Stokley did not sign for just the veteran minimum salary. He signed a contract in excess of $1 million a year, but the amount wasn't immediately known. Incentives were built into the contract because Stokley is coming off an Achilles tendon tear.

Stokley had also been talking to the New Orleans Saints, who are looking for a veteran after the release of Joe Horn.

Considered one of the most dependable inside slot receivers, Stokley should help Jay Cutler with passes in the middle of the field.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

If he can stay healthy, I guess this might help. Although I personally think he is gonna suck without Harrison and Wayne

sa_butta

03-20-2007, 02:25 PM

Atlanta Falcons left guard Matt Lehr arrived Monday night and will meet with the Dolphins today. Lehr has a contract offer from the New York Giants.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2007/03/20/a1c_dolphins_0320.html

mardigan

03-20-2007, 02:31 PM

Free-agent LB Barber signs with TexansBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent linebacker Shawn Barber, a nine-year veteran who revived his career with a strong performance for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, on Tuesday signed with the Houston Texans.

The contract is for three years and about $5 million. Barber chose the Texans over the Tennessee Titans after visiting last week with officials from both teams.

Barber, 32, will be joining his fourth different franchise. His stint with Philadelphia last season was his second with the Eagles.

After injuries limited Barber to just 11 games with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004-2005, he re-established himself last season as one of the NFL's best cover linebackers last season, as he appeared in 13 contests. Playing primarily as a weakside linebacker in nickel situations, Barber notched 60 tackles and posted a career-best nine passes defensed.

Injuries have reduced the quickness with which Barber entered the NFL in 1998, but he is still adept at dropping into the flat and the short hook areas, and of covering running backs and tight ends in the short and intermediate areas.

The nickel linebacker role is one that Barber figures to reprise with the Texans, although he could, under the right circumstances, challenge for expanded playing time. Barber is also noted as a positive presence in the locker room and in 2006 he earned the Jack Edelstein Memorial Award, presented to the Eagles' player who exemplifies "an uplifting manner, a love for life, and an exceptional sense of humor."

The former University of Richmond standout was originally selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 1998 draft. He signed with Philadelphia as a free agent in 2002, moved on to Kansas City in 2003, then returned to the Eagles last season.

In 105 games, including 76 starts, Barber has 643 tackles, 10 sacks, seven interceptions, 31 passes defensed, 10 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. His best season was in 2003, his last season as a full-time starter, when he registered 141 tackles and five sacks for the Chiefs.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-20-2007, 04:20 PM

A report that the Giants have extended quarterback Eli Manning's contract through the 2012 season is not true, according to the team.
-- Bergen Record

The agent for Chiefs quarterback Trent Green said the Dolphins remain interested in a potential trade for his client, but it has been a ''slow-moving'' deal.
-- Miami Herald

Many early mock drafts had the Cowboys using the No. 22 pick on Texas cornerback Aaron Ross. But the new flavor of the day for Dallas is Pitt's Darrelle Revis, who covered the 40-yard dash in the 4.36-to-4.41-second range Saturday at the Panthers' pro day.
-- San Antonio Express-News

People want the Eagles to get interested in Lance Briggs, the Bears' recalcitrant linebacker. Unless somebody over on NovaCare Way had a stroke we don't know about, it isn't going to happen.
-- Philadelphia Daily News

Guard Damien Woody has been fined heavily for being overweight. He has reached a stage where he must prove his value to the Lions. There are indications the Lions are willing to part company with him if he doesn't raise his level of conditioning and performance.
-- Detroit News

Redskins safety Adam Archuleta, a free agent bust in 2006, isn't going anywhere barring the unlikely event of a trade with Chicago, which wanted him before he signed with Washington.
-- Washington Times

While the Redskins still might sign some second-tier free agents and cut former starting receiver David Patten to create more salary cap room, the training camp roster basically is set.
-- Washington Times

Asante Samuel is expected to be the most notable absence from the Patriots workouts. The cornerback was slapped with the franchise tag in February but remains without a contract.
-- Boston Herald

Unless the Texans think highly of Vonta Leach, the Giants will soon have a new fullback. Leach, a restricted free agent, yesterday signed an offer sheet from the Giants, and the Texans have seven days to match the offer or else lose him. This does not bode well for Giants veteran Jim Finn.
-- New York Post

Falcons left guard Matt Lehr arrived Monday night and will meet with the Dolphins today. Lehr has a contract offer from the Giants.
-- Palm Beach Post

Jaguars safety Gerald Sensabaugh spent part of Monday morning in his hometown jail after he was pulled over in a traffic stop and had a loaded weapon without a permit, authorities said. He is the sixth Jaguars player facing problems with the law since the beginning of 2006.
-- Florida Times-Union

mardigan

03-20-2007, 04:47 PM

Atlanta police probe alleged rape at Kerney's home
March 20, 2007

ATLANTA -- Police are investigating a woman's claims she was raped at the home of former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney.

Kerney, who recently signed with the Seattle Seahawks, was not a suspect in the assault, which reportedly took place early Sunday.

The 29-year-old woman told police she and some friends were at a bar in Atlanta's trendy Buckhead area and accepted a ride home from three men, Atlanta's WSB-TV reported Monday. Once back at Kerney's home, the men were invited inside for drinks.

The woman reportedly told police she fell asleep on a sofa and woke up in a bedroom to find one of the men raping her. The woman said she told the man to stop but he put his thumb on her throat and continued to sexually assault her.

The woman escaped by telling the man she would get a friend to join them. Instead, she ran to the bathroom with a friend, and the man fled with his friends.

In a statement issued Monday, Kerney said an assault had happened at this house while he was asleep. But he said he could not comment further "out of respect for my friend who was assaulted and the police officers who are diligently working to apprehend the offenders."

Earlier this month, Kerney signed a six-year, $39.5 million contract with the Seahawks after spending his first eight seasons with the Falcons.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

mardigan

03-20-2007, 07:48 PM

Updated: March 20, 2007, 7:48 PM ET
Bears to pay Archuleta $8.1 million over three yearsBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

Lovie Smith, who was Adam Archuleta's defensive coordinator in St. Louis, has been trying to acquire the safety since becoming the head coach in Chicago.

Archuleta
On Tuesday, the Bears completed a trade with the Redskins for the 29-year-old. Chicago gave up a 2007 draft choice, believed to be in the sixth round.

After five seasons in St. Louis, Archuleta struggled in his first season with the Redskins in 2006 and was scheduled to be a backup this season in Washington.

To complete this complicated deal, the Bears had to rework Archuleta's contract. He had a guaranteed $5 million option bonus due last week, but with hopes of getting a trade, Archuleta delayed the execution of that payout until Wednesday.

Faced with the deadline, everyone worked on getting a deal done. The Bears will pay Archuleta $8.1 million over the next three years. The Redskins rid themselves of his $25 million contract. A total of $5 million of Archuleta's new deal in Chicago is guaranteed.

The Bears were looking for a playmaker at the safety position. Smith created defenses involving Archuleta when they were in St. Louis. In Chicago, Archuleta will have more opportunities to make plays at the line of scrimmage.

The Redskins made another move in the defensive backfield on Tuesday, reaching agreement on a one-year deal with safety Omar Stoutmire. Stoutmire, who played for Washington in 2005, has also played for the Cowboys, Jets, Giants, and Saints in his 10-year NFL career.

Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

Redskins FO is the worst

mardigan

03-20-2007, 08:53 PM

Troubled TE Stevens appears on way out of SeattleAssociated Press

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle general manager Tim Ruskell confirms what was quickly becoming a foregone conclusion: Jerramy Stevens' days with the Seahawks are done.

"I would say it's probably a time for a change of scenery and to move on," Ruskell said Tuesday.

Stevens

Speaking at the muddy worksite of the Seahawks new headquarters -- scheduled to open in the summer of 2008 -- Ruskell verified Seattle's lack of interest in retaining Stevens, an unrestricted free agent who spent his first five seasons with the Seahawks.

That interest sank last week when Stevens was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana in Scottsdale, Ariz. A Scottsdale police officer noticed Stevens driving erratically around 2:15 a.m., and Stevens reportedly told the officer he had "four of five margaritas" at Salty Seniorita, a downtown Scottsdale bar.

In a police report, the officer said he smelled alcohol and noticed Stevens' eyes were "bloodshot and watery and half-closed. Spoke with slow, slurred speech."

"I was disappointed. I feel bad for him and his family," Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said. "I've come under the gun in years past about not taking a harder line with some of our players, but people don't know what goes on behind the scenes.

"I really wish him well and I hope things work out for him."

Stevens had previous off-the-field problems, pleading guilty and serving two days in jail for reckless driving in 2003. He also was convicted on a hit-and-run charge in 2000 after driving into a nursing home while a student at Washington.

Stevens was a first-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2002. He had a career-best 45 catches for 554 yards, a record for Seattle tight ends, in the Seahawks' 2005 Super Bowl season. But that season ended unceremoniously when Stevens verbally sparred with Pittsburgh's Joey Porter leading up to the Super Bowl, then dropped three passes in the championship game.

Last season, Stevens caught 22 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns, but struggled with injuries and was considered the instigator when Oakland's Tyler Brayton tried to knee Stevens in the groin during a nationally televised Monday night game.

Hours after Stevens' arrest on March 13, the Seahawks signed veteran Marcus Pollard, giving them four tight ends under contract. Stevens' agent, Marvin Demoff, didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

"I think we're in good shape," Ruskell said.

Ruskell also very briefly touched on the situation surrounding Patrick Kerney, Seattle's new defensive end. Police are investigating a woman's report that she was sexually assaulted at Kerney's Atlanta home early Sunday, although Kerney is not a suspect. In a statement released Monday, Kerney said an assault occurred at this house while he was asleep. He said he could not comment further "out of respect for my friend who was assaulted and the police officers who are diligently working to apprehend the offenders."

Earlier this month, Kerney signed a six-year, $39.5 million contract with the Seahawks after spending his first eight seasons with the Falcons.

"It's an unfortunate situation. They are still investigating it," Ruskell said. "Our concern would be for the woman who was allegedly assaulted."

Seattle's major free-agent activity should be complete, Ruskell said, although the team is trying to re-sign veteran wide receiver Bobby Engram and is waiting to see if offensive lineman Chris Gray wants to return. The offensive line is the one area where Ruskell would like to see more depth added, with both free agents and draft picks.

"We still don't have our numbers yet. Even if we were to draft one or two we still wouldn't be at our numbers," Ruskell said.

As for the team's headquarters, construction has been under way for about two months and remains on schedule. The 200,000-square-foot facility located on the shore of Lake Washington will include three outdoor fields and an indoor facility.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-20-2007, 08:54 PM

Cowboys | Hamlin scheduled to visit
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:15:42 -0700

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports free-agent S Ken Hamlin (Seahawks) is scheduled to visit the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday, March 21.

Redskins | Team signs Stoutmire
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:07:14 -0700

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Washington Redskins have signed free-agent S Omar Stoutmire (Saints) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Patriots | Childress re-signed
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:08:29 -0700

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have re-signed exclusive rights free-agent WR Brandon Childress.

Cowboys | Richardson works out with team
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 19:07:16 -0700

Mickey Spagnola, of DallasCowboys.com, reports free-agent WR Jamel Richardson (CFL) worked out with the Dallas Cowboys Tuesday, March 20.

Cowboys | Berlin works out with team
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 19:06:26 -0700

Mickey Spagnola, of DallasCowboys.com, reports free-agent QB Brock Berlin (Dolphins) worked out with the Dallas Cowboys Tuesday, March 20.

Chiefs | Edwards wants harsher punishment for off-field problems
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:29:08 -0700

The Associated Press reports Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards would like to see the NFL have a harsher punishment policy for players who get in trouble off the field. "There needs to be a hard line, in my opinion. You can't throw softballs," Edwards said. He said he would support whatever punishment policy the league implements in upcoming discussions with the NFLPA, but he does not believe "wrist-slapping" fines are the answer. "I've never been a big proponent of fining players. Players, last time I checked, if they don't get to play, they understand that. If they don't get to play, that's what they understand. You don't dress. You don't play. Go home. You sit there and you watch. I just think eventually that's what it has to come to. I know that's hard."

Bengals | Contract update: Larson
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:53:56 -0700

Bengals.com reports Cincinnati Bengals P Kyle Larson signed a one-year contract worth $1.2 million. He is the first $1 million punter in team history

Chiefs | Croyle will receive opportunity to start
Wed, 21 Mar 2007 07:26:06 -0700

Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle will receive much of the work during the team's offseason practices in May and at training camp, according to head coach Herman Edwards. "He's going to get an opportunity," Edwards said. "Maybe it doesn't work out. But at least you'll know. That's not to say he's going to be the starter. I don't know who that guy is going to be at this point. But it needs to be open for competition, in my opinion, from what happened last year. It's just the way we need to go."

Good luck to him, think he will be really good one day

mardigan

03-21-2007, 08:16 AM

Schedule | Standings | Stats | Teams | Players | Video | NFL Insider | Fantasy | AFL | More NFL + 2007 free agents Super Bowl XLI Scouts Inc. Briefing Room Expert Picks NFL Power Rankings 2007 NFL Draft order 2007 regular-season opponents MNF Surround Key NFL dates 2006 NFL preview Training camp coverage Injuries Transactions NFL Hall of Fame Super Bowl XL NFL Coach Ratings Daily Lines News Wire Photo Wire Message Board NFL in español Updated: March 21, 2007, 12:34 AM ET
Eagles reach agreement with former Colts DE ReagorBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Philadelphia Eagles strengthened an already deep defensive tackle corps late Tuesday, reaching a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent Montae Reagor, who missed most of the 2006 after an October automobile accident.

An eight-year veteran, Reagor was released by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this month in part for salary cap reasons and also because the team was uncertain of his recovery. Reagor, 29, had played the past four seasons in Indianapolis after spending four years in Denver.

Reagor
Reagor, who visited with Philadelphia officials on Tuesday and apparently passed a physical examination, will sign a three-year, $8.3 million contract. He will join a defensive tackle contingent that already includes starters Mike Patterson and Darwin Walker and backups Sam Rayburn and Brodrick Bunkley.

It is unlikely the Eagles can carry that many tackles on their roster during the season, so the addition of Reagor could result in another move.

A starter in each of his three previous seasons with the Colts, Reagor suffered facial and head injuries in one-vehicle accident on Oct. 22, just hours before Indianapolis' home game against the Washington Redskins. He underwent surgery and, while the initial hope was that Reagor might return late in the season, the severity of his injuries precluded that.

The Colts placed Reagor on the non-football injury list in November, ending his season. He finished the year having appeared in five games and registering 10 tackles and one sack. He began visiting the team's complex late in the season and accompanied the club for all of its postseason games, including Super Bowl XLI, but was ineligible for the playoffs.

Even after the Colts released Reagor, there was speculation the team would re-sign him to a lesser contract, but that wasn't the case.

The former Texas Tech standout does not possess great bulk but is stronger than his size (6-feet-3, 285 pounds), and his quickness should fit well with the Philadelphia scheme. Reagor has 213 tackles, 16 sacks, four forced fumbles and seven recoveries.

Originally a second-round pick of the Broncos in the 1999 draft, he played four seasons in Denver, mostly as a backup, and then signed with the Colts as an unrestricted free agent in 2003. Reagor has appeared in 92 games and started 46 of them.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

mardigan

03-21-2007, 08:37 AM

Updated: March 21, 2007, 8:27 AM ET
Former Louisville RB Bush has leg surgeryAssociated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Former Louisville running back Michael Bush underwent surgery Tuesday on the leg he broke during the first game of last season.

Bush, who entered the upcoming NFL draft and passed up his senior year of eligibility, had a new rod inserted and was expected to be released from a Louisville hospital on Wednesday, spokesman Rocco Gasparro said.

Gasparro said Bush sought another medical opinion when his bone didn't heal quickly enough. He's expected to be out another couple of months and won't be able to work out Monday during Louisville's pro day, Gasparro said.

Bush decided to skip his senior eligibility season, despite playing in only one game as a junior. In his sophomore year, Bush ran for 1,183 yards and an NCAA-leading 23 touchdowns.

He scored three touchdowns in the first half of the season-opener against Kentucky last year before breaking his leg early in the second half.

The Cardinals went on to finish 12-1, beating Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

mardigan

03-21-2007, 08:47 AM

Updated: March 21, 2007, 9:24 AM ET
Roethlisberger won't blame injuries for bad seasonESPN.com news services

His former offensive coordinator gave him an out for his subpar performance in 2006, but Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won't take it.

"Who knows? I'm not going to look back and say, wow, this is what caused this and this is what caused that. There's no need for that. It's a bad year. It's going to happen. That's just the way it goes."
-- Ben Roethlisberger in Post-Gazette interviewIn an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger refused to blame his motorcycle accident, his emergency appendectomy or a concussion he sustained for a 2006 season in which his performance and statistics fell off from his first two years in the NFL.

"You know what? I might have still had the same year," he told the newspaper. "Who knows? I'm not going to look back and say, wow, this is what caused this and this is what caused that. There's no need for that. It's a bad year. It's going to happen. That's just the way it goes."

Last month, Big Ben's former offensive coordinator and new Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said in hindsight, Roethlisberger may have been brought back too soon after his accident and appendectomy -- and that may have made him tentative in the pocket.

Roethlisberger disagreed.

"Coach Cowher always came to me and asked me how I felt, and I was always 100 percent honest with him. I was always honest with the doctors. Everybody knows that Pittsburgh has some of the best doctors in the country -- look at my face for instance," he told the Post-Gazette, referring to the injuries he sustained in the motorcycle accident. "We have an unbelievable medical staff. They cleared me and, if they gave me clearance, we never hushed anything."

"No, I don't think anything was rushed. I think I just didn't play well. I had a bad year. I'm sure [Whisenhunt] had a bad year once in his career," Roethlisberger told the newspaper.

"I think that a lot of times, I got caught being a little too confident and knowing the offense too well and trying to force things a little too much," he told the Post-Gazette. "I wouldn't change a thing. I learned from it, it's a learning experience, and you know what, it's going to make me better."

Roethlisberger threw 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions last season and went 7-8 as a starter. The previous two seasons, he was 27-4 as a starter, threw 34 TDs against 20 interceptions and led the Steelers to a Super Bowl title.

Roethlisberger also told the newspaper he was able to put last season in perspective with the help of Hall of Fame quarterbacks Jim Kelly and Dan Marino.

"Playing some golf and spending some time with them recently, they laugh because they're, like, 'Isn't it amazing that you have one bad year and everyone is down on you?'" Roethlisberger told the Post-Gazette. "I said, 'Yeah, it's pretty funny.' They said, 'Listen, you're going to have more than one bad year. Don't let it bother you. You had two great ones [and] one bad one, you'll be fine.'

"It feels good when people like that tell you that it's going to be OK, that you're going to have more than one bad year," he told the newspaper.

This season, Roethlisberger finds himself with a new head coach in Mike Tomlin and a new offensive staff in coordinator Bruce Arians and QB coach Ken Anderson. The playbook has been streamlined, but Roethlisberger told the Post-Gazette he will have more responsibility, including calling pass protections at the line of scrimmage. Previously, the center and guards called the Steelers' protections.

"[They're] letting me call a lot more of the stuff at the line," Roethlisberger told the newspaper. "It should be easier for us, for me, because I know what's going on and where they'll be blocking and who they're not blocking."

mardigan

03-21-2007, 09:03 AM

Updated: March 21, 2007, 9:44 AM ET
Grossman among players honored for courageAssociated Press

BALTIMORE -- Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman's family has a Baltimore connection.
Grossman
Grossman, who was in town Tuesday for the 29th Annual Ed Block Courage Awards, hadn't ever been to the city before, but there's no question he knows about it.
"My grandfather, Rex Grossman -- I'm the third -- played for the Colts in the late '40s,'' Grossman said. "I've got a picture up in my office. My father was born in Baltimore. My uncle [Terry Cole] played here as a fullback [for the Colts in the late '60s] as well.''

Grossman came back from a serious ankle injury in 2005 to become the Chicago starter and helped lead the Bears to their first Super Bowl appearance in 21 years. His teammates voted for him to receive this award -- each team picks a player to get the honor.

"You want to earn the respect of your teammates, and any time they votefor you to receive this award you know you've done something right.'' Grossman said. "It means a lot.''

The banquet has grown into an NFL tradition with one player from each team being honored for displaying commitments to courage and sportsmanship while serving as inspirations in their locker rooms and cities. The event benefits The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation's work in trying to make more people aware of battles abused children face in Baltimore and other NFL cities.

Other players honored Tuesday included New Orleans' Deuce McAllister and Cincinnati's Carson Palmer.

Corey Ivy of the Ravens earned the home team's award for his battle back from a lacerated kidney that sidelined him early in the season. Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan also earned the Pro Football Weekly Assistant Coach of the Year.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press