NFL Offseason Thread

[mardigan]

Seahawks | Weaver re-signs
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 14:39:32 -0700

Clare Farnsworth, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, reports exclusive-rights free-agent RB Leonard Weaver (Seahawks) has signed his tender offer from the Seattle Seahawks.


Seahawks | Terrill re-signs
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 14:38:56 -0700

Clare Farnsworth, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, reports restricted free-agent DL Craig Terrill (Seahawks) has signed his tender offer from the Seattle Seahawks.

[mardigan]

Updated: April 3, 2007, 5:30 PM ET
Pats have seven days to match Sauerbrun's dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Three-time Pro Bowl punter Todd Sauerbrun on Tuesday reached a one-year contract agreement with the Denver Broncos, the team that released him five months ago. But that doesn't mean that the controversial Sauerbrun, who played the final two games of the 2006 season with the New England Patriots, should start packing his bags.



Sauerbrun
Although he is a vested veteran, with 12 years of NFL experience, Sauerbrun agreed to an individually negotiated right of first refusal with the Pats, when he signed a one-year deal in late December. Translation: New England will have seven days, from the time the contract is officially filed with the NFL offices, to match it.

Such rights of first refusal, especially for such a longtime veteran, are uncommon. They are not, however, unheard of.

If the Patriots match the contract, they inherit its terms. Should they decline to match it, Sauerbrun will be permitted to rejoin the Broncos, for whom he punted in 2005.

Details of the agreement, first reported by the Boston Globe, were not yet available. It is not known, for instance, if the contract includes a poison pill stipulation that would make it more difficult to match. It is believed to feature a no-trade clause.

Sauerbrun, 34, has been one of the league's premier kickers, but also a lightning rod, for much of his career. He was among the former Carolina Panthers players alleged to have purchased supplements from a Columbia, S.C., doctor. Last summer, the NFL suspended Sauerbrun four games for a violation of the steroid abuse policy.

When he returned from his suspension, the Broncos released Sauerbrun, and instead used second-year veteran Paul Ernster as their punter. Sauerbrun likely would vie with Ernster, who averaged 41.7 yards gross and 36.6 yards net in '06, for the No. 1 job in camp if he ends up with the Broncos for a second tour of duty.

After his release last October, Sauerbrun auditioned for several franchises, then signed with the Patriots, who has lost veteran punters Josh Miller (shoulder) and Ken Walter (foot) to injuries. He punted in two games for the Pats and also in the playoffs.

A former West Virginia University star, Sauerbrun has appeared in 164 games with Chicago (1995-99), Kansas City (2000), Carolina (2001-2004), Denver (2005) and New England (2006). Sauerbrun's career gross average is 44.0 yards and his net average is 36.0 yards. He has 250 punts inside the 20-yard line and only 102 touchbacks.

Sauerbrun has also handled kickoff chores at various times in his career. His kickoff average is 62.0 yards and he has 60 touchbacks on 475 kickoffs.

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

[Pugglekicker_21]

Dolphins | Team trades Mare
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 13:16:58 -0700

ESPNews reports the Miami Dolphins have traded PK Olindo Mare to the New Orleans Saints for a sixth-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.

Did Carney retire?

HOUSTON -- Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub stood on the practice field Tuesday chatting and laughing, smiles planted firmly on their faces.

It didn't take long for the Houston Texans' quiet Pro Bowl receiver to warm up to his new quarterback. On the first day of Houston's voluntary offseason workouts, the two looked like old friends.

wont matter if schaub spends more time on his ass...

7. Minnesota Vikings – Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.

No way that happens, they will take Landry or maybe even an end because Erasmus is still hurt

they're jusy dying for Rnady in Minnesota. Offensive firepower is where id go if i where them, but after calvin johnson is gone....

id think more towards minny than carolina if i were carr, better line and only a few offensive weapns away from challenging da bears

[mardigan]

Broncos | Team, Sauerbrun reach agreement
Tue, 3 Apr 2007 15:25:25 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Denver Broncos have reached agreement with unrestricted free-agent P Todd Sauerbrun (Patriots) on a one-year deal, according to the Boston Globe. Since Sauerbrun gave the New England Patriots the first right of refusal, the Patriots can match the offer within a week after it is filed with the NFL offices.

[mardigan]

Texas released former No. 1 pick Carr in MarchAssociated Press


CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Free agent David Carr traveled to North Carolina on Tuesday to visit with a Panthers team in need of a backup quarterback.

Carr, the No. 1 overall pick by expansion Houston in the 2002 draft, was released by the Texans last month. His agent, Mike Sullivan, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney does not comment on free-agent visits.

Carr completed 60 percent of his passes with the Texans, but threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times in five seasons. Some believe Carr could flourish behind a better offensive line. Carr is also expected to visit Seattle this week.

The Panthers are looking for a backup behind Jake Delhomme after releasing Chris Weinke last month. The Panthers have also shown interest in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington.

The Panthers, who have been quiet during the free-agency period, are about $9 million under the salary cap.



Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[mardigan]

Showing Up
Despite Hand Injury, Owens Arrives For Workouts

Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
April 3, 2007 6:17 PM

Terrell Owens did some conditioning work at Valley Ranch on Tuesday.
IRVING, Texas - When the Cowboys began their off-season conditioning program last week, there were only a handful of absentees from some 60 players on the roster.

One of them was wide receiver Terrell Owens, who has been in Miami rehabbing a surgically-repaired right ring finger that could keep him out of workouts for most of the off-season.

But apparently, the injury didn't prevent him from showing up to Valley Ranch and at least attempting to learn some of the new plays in Jason Garrett's offense.

Owens was on the field with the coaching staff and other teammates on Tuesday, doing some light running, though catching passes would be an adventure considering the hand injury.

There had been some question just how involved Owens would be this off-season. Not only does he have his own specific regiment and likes to train on his own, Owens' future with the Cowboys hasn't been completely confirmed.

Although team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has consistently expressed his intent to bring back Owens next season, the Cowboys still owe the wide receiver a $3 million roster bonus on June 1. The Cowboys already paid Terry Glenn a $5 million roster bonus on March 3 and Jones has called his wide receiver position one of the team's strengths this off-season, making it sound as if Owens was indeed in the plans for the 2007 season.

While his first season with the Cowboys was surrounded by controversy, Owens still led the team with 85 catches, 1,180 receptions and an NFL-best 13 touchdown catches.

College Visits

With the NFL Draft now less than a month away, the Cowboys are starting to meet a few prospects, including about a dozen who visited Valley Ranch on Tuesday.

With Jones reiterating several times in the last few weeks that he hopes to draft the "best available" player with the 22nd overall pick, the Cowboys could be interested in several different positions this year.

There has been speculation that the Cowboys could possibly take a wide receiver, though Jones called the position one of the deepest on the team. This is considered a strong receiver class with as many seven to eight considered first-round prospects. When the Cowboys get on the clock at No. 22, they could have their choice of receivers such as USC's Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, LSU's Dwayne Bowe and Tennessee's Robert Meachem.

But a defensive back might be in the cards as well. The Cowboys did sign safety Ken Hamlin to a one-year deal and would like to see how Pat Watkins progresses in his second year. Players such as Florida's Reggie Nelson could be an option.

And since finding quality cornerbacks isn't an easy task, either, the Cowboys might be interested in a corner. Arkansas' Chris Houston and Texas' Aaron Ross might be good fits later in the first round.

The Cowboys have not taken an offensive player in the first round since 1997 when they drafted LSU tight end David LaFleur. The Cowboys have drafted three defensive players in the first round the past two years in linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Bobby Carpenter and defensive end Marcus Spears.

[samikeyp]

The Cowboys have not taken an offensive player in the first round since 1997 when they drafted LSU tight end David LaFleur.

[LongBall]

David Lafleur and Mardigan too.

[mardigan]

ans | Team ready to talk trade with Chargers for M. Turner
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 06:36:02 -0700

Teresa M. Walker, of The Associated Press, reports the Tennessee ans remain interested in San Diego Chargers restricted free agent RB Michael Turner after meeting with him Monday, April 2, and have begun trade talks with the Chargers. "We've had some general discussions with Bus as far as compensation and with San Diego to see what they might want," ans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said of Turner's agent, Bus Cook. "Everything is under discussion."

[mardigan]

Broncos | K. Johnson signs tender
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 07:45:01 -0700

Bill Williamson, of the Denver Post, reports Denver Broncos restricted free agent FB Kyle Johnson signed his tender and is under contract for the 2007 season.

[mardigan]

NFL | Goodell could issue lifetime bans for player misconduct
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 08:07:36 -0700

ESPN.com reports NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's new player conduct policy could allow him to issue lifetime bans to players involved in serious criminal activity, according to the Washington Post. NFL players' association executive director Gene Upshaw told the paper in an interview that under the new policy, a first-time offender would have to undergo counseling and be placed on probation and might be fined. A second-time offender could face suspension should his infraction be considered severe.

[sa_butta]

A friend of Ricky Williams said Williams expects to be reinstated by the NFL and kept by the Dolphins, and will return to Miami within a month.

http://www.miamiherald.com/588/story/62895.html

[sa_butta]

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers plan to meet with free agent quarterback Joey Harrington today at Bank of America Stadium, one day after getting acquainted with another available quarterback in David Carr.

http://www.gastongazette.com/section...thers/?id=1469

[sa_butta]

Free-agent quarterback David Carr wrapped up his visit with the Carolina Panthers and is headed to Seattle today to begin a two-day meeting with the Seahawks.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...51_hawk04.html

[mardigan]

Doss' signing creates logjam in Vikings secondaryBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Unrestricted free agent strong safety Mike Doss, whose 2006 season with the Indianapolis Colts was ended by a knee injury after only six games, has signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

The deal reunites Doss, 26, with Leslie Frazier, who was the Colts' defensive backs coach the past two seasons, and is now the Minnesota defensive coordinator. It also creates a bit of a logjam for the Vikings at safety, where Doss joins veterans Darren Sharper, Dwight Smith and Tank Williams.

It is expected that Doss, who is most effective playing close to the line of scrimmage, will challenge for the starting strong safety spot.

Doss, who recently changed agents after hiring Drew Rosenhaus, was tentatively scheduled to meet with Philadelphia officials on Wednesday, but instead struck a quick agreement with the Vikings. The one-year contract means that Doss will be eligible for free agency again next spring.

An aggressive hitter, Doss had been a starter for much of his first three seasons with the Colts, but his career has been interrupted by injuries, and he has never played a full schedule. Last season, he filled in admirably at strong safety when Indianapolis star Bob Sanders was injured, then was forced onto injured reserve by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

His rehabilitation from the knee injury is on schedule and Doss is should be able to take part in the Vikings' offseason program.

In 46 games, Doss has 276 tackles, seven interceptions, nine passes defensed, one sack and six forced fumbles. The former Ohio State standout was a second round choice in 2003.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com

[mardigan]

Colts | DeMulling signs one-year deal
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 12:02:33 -0700

The Detroit News reports the Indianapolis Colts have signed OL Rick DeMulling (Lions) to a one-year deal. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

[mardigan]

Lions officially sign Mulitalo



ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions signed free agent offensive lineman Edward Mulitalo to a three-year contract Wednesday.

The 6-foot-3, 350-pound Mulitalo was the Baltimore Ravens' starting left guard for eight seasons. He has played in 106 regular-season games and seven postseason games, including Super Bowl XXXV.

Mulitalo started the first four games of the 2006 season and helped Baltimore get off to its first 4-0 start in franchise history before he suffered a season-ending triceps injury against San Diego (10/1). The Ravens released him March 7.

In Detroit, Mulitalo will be reunited with offensive line coach Jim Colletto, who coached him in the same capacity for six seasons in Baltimore.

Additional contract terms were not disclosed.

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

[mardigan]

Falcons | Fielder to work out with team Wednesday
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 13:06:12 -0700

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of the Atlanta Journal-Cons ution, reports the Atlanta Falcons will bring in QB Jay Fiedler (Buccaneers) for a workout Wednesday, April 4.

[mardigan]

Cardinals | A. Smith re-signs
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 15:39:06 -0700

The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent DE Antonio Smith to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

[mardigan]

Vikings | Team re-signs Glenn
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 16:12:45 -0700

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings re-signed LB Jason Glenn. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

[mardigan]

No link yet, but Assante Samuels has asked to be traded, he isnt happy with contract negotiations with the team

[Pugglekicker_21]

What if they get another 1st round pick for this guy....who's in need of a CB?

[mardigan]

What if they get another 1st round pick for this guy....who's in need of a CB?

A whole lot of teams, and while I dont think they would get a first straight up, but I wouldnt doubt if even the Redskins offered their 6th pick for Samuels and one of the Pats 1st round picks. Scary

[mardigan]

Patriots | Samuel requests a trade
Wed, 4 Apr 2007 17:10:48 -0700

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports New England Patriots CB Asante Samuel has requested a trade because he is unhappy with the way contract negotiations have gone.

[mardigan]

Cornerback Fletcher agrees to deal with TexansBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Cornerback Jamar Fletcher, a former first-round draft pick and an unrestricted free agent who played for three different teams in his first six seasons in the NFL, is headed to his fourth franchise after reaching an agreement on a contract with the Houston Texans late Wednesday night.


Fletcher

Coming off his best season in 2006, when he recorded 37 tackles and three interceptions for the Detroit Lions while playing well as a situational defender, Fletcher will vie in Houston for the No. 3 cornerback job behind starters Dunta Robinson and Demarcus gins.

Fletcher, 27, will sign a two-year contract. After drawing interest from several team in the first month of the free agency period, he visited with the Houston coaching staff and team officials Wednesday and liked the opportunity the Texans will provide him.

The former Wisconsin star initially entered the NFL with the Miami Dolphins in 2001 as the 26th overall player selected that year. After three seasons with the Dolphins, he was traded to San Diego in 2004, then signed a one-year contract with the Lions last summer.

A feisty man-to-man defender, Fletcher is a bit of a late bloomer but has developed over the past couple seasons as a dependable nickel coverage player.

Houston earlier this week re-signed unrestricted free agent Dexter McCleon, who signed with the Texans last summer after injuries decimated the cornerback corps, and he also will contend for playing time in passing situations.

In 84 games, Fletcher has 158 tackles, seven interceptions, 20 passes defended, one sack and two fumble recoveries.

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