NFL Offseason Thread

[degenerate_gambler]

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 sop re 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

that doesn't sound good.

i like the way he runs and hope he's able to come back 100%.

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Colts | Owner expects Freeney to get long-term deal soon
Wed, 21 Mar 2007 07:59:00 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay expects DE Dwight Freeney to receive a long-term contract extension this offseason. "I expect to get a long-term deal done in the spring," Irsay said. "It would be a very rare situation for him to play for the tag. Whenever we've determined that we're going to sign one of our nucleus players to a long-term contract, it's always gotten done."


With all the guys leanig this year, they better get this done

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A Little Activity
Ranch Calm Interrupted With Three Workouts, Visit

Mickey Spagnola - Email
DallasCowboys.com Columnist
March 21, 2007 11:17 AM Change Font Size A A A A




Hamlin, who is expected to visit on Wednesday, started all 16 games for Seattle last year.
IRVING, Texas - The prevailing calm the past 1½ weeks out here at The Ranch was interrupted late Tuesday morning with a workout. Make that three workouts and a visit scheduled for Wednesday.

A stream of Cowboys assistant coaches, scouts and personnel guys headed out to the practice field where the team worked out three street free agents, guys still trying to latch on to an NFL career. The Cowboys ended up signing one of those guys, backup offensive lineman Jim Molinaro, and are preparing for a visit from veteran safety Ken Hamlin, the former Arkansas Razorback who has played the past four seasons with Seattle.

Hamlin, an unrestricted free agent, was a 2003 second-round pick of the Seahawks, and has played in 54 games over the past four seasons. He did miss 10 games in 2005 after suffering severe head injuries in an altercation outside a Seattle club. But Hamlin returned in 2006 to start 16 games.

The most prominent name among the three players working out on Tuesday belonged to Brock Berlin, once the nation's top high school recruit from Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian Academy who went on to play quarterback at the University of Florida before transferring to the University of Miami. Berlin, signed by Miami as a non-drafted rookie free agent in 2005, went to training camp with the Dolphins the past two summers but never made a roster or a practice squad.

The other two guys joining him on the team's practice field on Tuesday were Molinaro, a three-year NFL veteran the Redskins decided against issuing even a minimum restricted free agency tender ($850,000), and intriguing wide receiver Jamel Richardson, who spent the past three seasons playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.

While the Cowboys got Molinaro signed, they still are interested in signing the other two players, probably to not much more than minimum-type contracts. They will, though, have to wait on Richardson, a CFL free agent who has a window of opportunity to seek an NFL contract. The wide receiver already had a visit planned with Indianapolis.

With the Cowboys likely to bring four quarterbacks to training camp this summer, at least one Cowboys assistant coach would have some product knowledge of Berlin, a two-year starter for the Hurricanes (2003-04) following his year of ineligibility (2002) for transferring from Florida. Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was the quarterbacks coach for the Dolphins the past two seasons when Berlin went to training camp with the Dolphins.

Berlin was released basically on the last cut each summer, but did spend the 2006 season playing for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe. That season he completed 99 of 181 passes for 1,041 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The Cowboys are certain to bring starter Tony Romo and veteran backup Brad Johnson to training camp, but after that the other potential two quarterback slots are uncertain. The Cowboys do own the rights to Matt Baker, the rookie who was signed to the team's practice squad on Sept. 4 of last season.

But it's no foregone conclusion he will go to camp with the club. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has mentioned the distinct possibility of drafting a quarterback this year, most likely on the second day, or at least signing a rookie free agent - and possibly both.

Signing Berlin, who evidently had a good workout, would likely leave just one opening at the quarterback position, which would go to either Baker or a guy selected in the draft or signed as a rookie free agent.

Of the other two guys, Richardson would be considered the most intriguing. The 6-3, 215-pound wide receiver never played major college ball, having spent two years at Victory Valley College, the junior college in the High Desert of Southern California before signing with the Roughriders in 2004.

Richardson was having a breakout year early in the 2006 season, having caught 16 passes for 270 yards (16.9 avg.) and two touchdowns before breaking bones in his foot in the fourth game. He spent the remainder of the season on injured reserve.

The Cowboys signed Molinaro for his ability to back up at tackle and guard. The former fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has played in 15 NFL games over three years with Washington, but only three in 2005 and just one in 2006, when he was active for only five games.

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From SI.coms Truth and Rumors




Panthers coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney know their jobs are on the line this season. Bill Cowher will be available and right down the road in Raleigh, and trying to hire him would be tempting if this current Panthers administration fails spectacularly.
-- Charlotte Observer

Byron Leftwich's agent, Tom Condon, said Tuesday that the Jaguars quarterback hasn't asked for a trade, and he expects the four-year NFL veteran to play for the team this fall.
-- Florida Times-Union

Brodie Croyle's NFL career, though brief, is less than impressive. It consists statistically of two games, seven passes, three completions and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Yet the job as Chiefs starting quarterback appears to be his to lose.
-- Kansas City Star

Jeff Garcia could lose ground to Chris Simms because of a personal commitment that will temporarily keep him off the football field. Garcia is to be married in April, and though he doesn't want to shortchange the Bucs or himself, he admits he must put his new family first this offseason. Jon Gruden might have other ideas.
-- Tampa Tribune

Long an opponent of taking his quarterbacks out from under center, Bucs coach Jon Gruden finally appears to have warmed to the idea of using the shotgun formation.
-- Tampa Tribune

Former Ravens and Falcons linebacker Edgerton Hartwell remains on the Patriots' radar, according to a source.
-- Boston Herald

The Colts locked up defensive end Dwight Freeney for at least one more season by designating him an exclusive 'franchise' player last month. Owner Jim Irsay has more far-reaching intentions. "I expect to get a long-term deal done in the spring,'' Irsay said.
-- Indianapolis Star

Throughout the off-season, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed confidence in what Dallas had at free safety, but the team will meet with free agent Ken Hamlin today.
-- Dallas Morning News

The Bears emerge from the Adam Archuleta deal with a player they coveted, but at a greatly reduced price. Archuleta had signed with the Redskins last March for $35 million over seven years; a year after reaching the Super Bowl, the Bears now have him for an average of $2.7 million.
-- Chicago Tribune

As has been their habit in free agency, the Packers did not move to sign fullback Terrelle Smith immediately after his official visit. The Packers don't appear to be in a rush to sign him, but if they were impressed with Smith they have the ability to make a strong bid.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

It was not the motorcycle accident, nor the appendectomy, nor the concussion. Ben Roethlisberger yesterday took issue with the excuses his former offensive coordinator provided for him recently, but said nothing was to blame for his poor 2006 season other than his play.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

All-Pro guard Alan Faneca, an offensive co-captain, has not attended the Steelers' voluntary workouts. Under normal cir stances, it might not even be noted, but Faneca publicly questioned the Steelers' decision to bypass his line coach, Russ Grimm, for the job that Mike Tomlin ultimately got.
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The market for free agent tight end Jermaine Wiggins, the former Patriot, appears to be heating up, with the Jacksonville Jaguars the most aggressive suitor.
-- Boston Globe

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The Atlanta Falcons will trade backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans, according to NFL sources. The Texans will surrender a second-round draft pick, and there could be other compensation involved.

The Indianapolis Colts re-signed free-agent defensive tackle Dan Klecko to a one-year contract with one-third of it fully guaranteed.

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Falcons agree to deal backup QB Schaub to HoustonBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com




Schaub
ATLANTA  In a move that figures to have significant ramifications for the in bent starters from both teams, the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday agreed to in principle to trade three-year veteran quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans.


Most of the details of the trade, in which the Falcons are expected to receive a second-round draft choice, and possibly other considerations, have been agreed upon. The deal likely will be completed later Wednesday afternoon.


In acquiring Schaub, the Texans have ostensibly conceded that five-year veteran David Carr, the top overall player chosen in the 2002 draft and a quarterback in whom Houston has invested considerable time and money, is no longer their quarterback of the future. At the same time, the departure of Schaub indicates that new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino is sold on Michael Vick, who is said to have made a strong impression on the rookie sideline boss in their first few months working together.


Schaub, 25, has been the subject of trade rumors for each of the past two springs. ESPN.com reported last Friday in the "Tip Sheet" column that Falcons officials seemed prepared to begin listening to trade offers for him, and had begun discussing possible replacements.


One of the strong candidates to replace Schaub as the backup to Vick, ESPN.com has learned, is Anthony Wright, who played with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006.


Despite starting only two games in three seasons, and winning neither of them, Schaub is highly regarded around the NFL. The former Virginia standout, a third-round pick by Atlanta in 2004, he has completed 84 of 161 passes for 1,033 yards, with six touchdown passes and six interceptions.


Schaub was a restricted free agent this spring and the Falcons made him the highest qualifying offer possible, at $2.3 million. That qualifying offer meant that, had another club signed Schaub to an offer sheet, and Atlanta not matched it, the Falcons would have received first- and third-round draft choices as compensation.

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

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Updated: March 21, 2007, 3:37 PM ET
Rhodes pleads guilty after DUI charge droppedAssociated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- Oakland Raiders running back Dominic Rhodes pleaded guilty to reckless driving Wednesday after prosecutors dropped drunken driving charges against him.

The 28-year-old Rhodes, who spent the past six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, was fined $1,000 in exchange for the guilty plea during a brief appearance in Marion County Criminal Court. He was stopped on Feb. 20.
Rhodes also was sentenced to 180 days in jail, but 178 were suspended and he received credit for two days.

Rhodes was originally charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.08.

Those counts were dropped due to evidence problems and Rhodes' blood-alcohol level being 0.09, said David Wyser, chief trial deputy for the Marion County Prosecutor's Office. The legal limit to drive in Indiana is 0.08.

Wyser declined to elaborate on the evidence problems and denied that Rhodes was given preferential treatment.

"This was the proper resolution," he said after the guilty plea.

Rhodes' attorney, Jim Voyles, said they also were happy with the result.

"We're pleased the matter is now resolved," he said.

Rhodes, who was dressed in a baggy tan suit, did not comment on the sentence. Asked whether he had anything to say to the fans, he said: "Thank you all for the support, and I wish you guys good luck."

Rhodes helped lead the Colts to their 29-17 Super Bowl win over the Bears by rushing for 113 yards. Earlier this month, the free agent agreed to a two-year contract with the Raiders that could be worth up to $7.5 million.

An Indiana state trooper arrested him after pulling over his GMC truck at 3 a.m. on Interstate 65. Police, who called the stop a "normal, run-of-the-mill drunk driving arrest," said Rhodes was driving 81 mph in a 55-mph zone.

The speeding led to the reckless driving charge, which is a Class B misdemeanor, Wyser said. Class B misdemeanors can come with a jail sentence of up to 180 days, while the Class A charges that were dropped carry a jail sentence of up to a year.

In 2002, Rhodes was charged with domestic battery in connection with a disturbance at his home involving his child's mother, Latrina Moore. He avoided prosecution and was placed in a diversionary program and underwent mental health counseling.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Cowboys | Molinaro signed
Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:36:30 -0700

Mickey Spagnola, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys have signed OL Jim Molinaro (Redskins). Details of the contract were not disclosed.

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Reid Slated To Return To Work On Friday




March 21, 2007
By BOB KENT


Andy Reid will resume his full-time duties as the team's head coach/executive vice president of football operations on Friday. He will be made available to the media at 11 a.m. in the NovaCare Complex auditorium. PhiladelphiaEagles.com will have complete LIVE coverage.
Reid has been out on a "leave of absence" since early February in order to deal with the recent legal troubles involving his sons, Garrett and Britt.

Though away from the team's offices on a day-to-day basis, Reid has been "engaged" with everything going on with the team -- from the Scouting Combine to free agency and the preliminary planning for the NFL Draft on April 28 and 29.

In a March 17 On The Inside column here on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Dave Spadaro reported that Reid had been "in and out" of the NovaCare Complex.

On Friday, he will officially return. Reid is then expected to be on hand for the NFL's annual owners' meetings in Glendale, AZ.

Friday's press conference will mark Reid's first Q&A with the media since a conference call from the Senior Bowl on Jan. 23.

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Updated: March 21, 2007, 7:06 PM ET
Redskins sign Stoutmire, delay Archuleta tradeAssociated Press


ASHBURN, Va. -- With safety Adam Archuleta on the way out, the Washington Redskins signed free agent Omar Stoutmire to take his place Wednesday.

Stoutmire, a 10-year veteran, played for the Redskins in 2005 and spent last season with New Orleans. He joins Vernon Fox and Reed Doughty as the safeties expected to compete for playing time behind starters Sean Taylor and Pierson Prioleau.

Stoutmire has also played with Dallas, the New York Jets and New York Giants.

The Redskins agreed Tuesday night to trade the disgruntled Archuleta to Chicago for a sixth-round draft pick. The teams were expected to complete the trade Wednesday, but the announcement was delayed until Thursday while the Bears arranged for Archuleta take a physical.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Updated: March 21, 2007, 6:46 PM ET
Chiefs cut veteran strong safety KnightBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Ten-year veteran strong safety Sammy Knight, a one-time Pro Bowl performer who ranks third in interceptions among active players, was released by the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, ESPN.com has learned.


Knight

The release came after the sides could not agree on a reworked contract.

Knight, 31, becomes an unrestricted free agent and figures to draw considerable interest from other teams, even in a market where more than two dozen safeties remain unsigned. One of the league's top ballhawks in his prime, Knight probably has lost a step over the past couple of seasons, but he remained productive in 2006.

In 16 games last season, all starts, Knight posted 83 tackles, two sacks, one interception and three passes defended.

Knight's departure takes away experience and leadership at safety but allows Kansas City to move younger players, like second-year veterans Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page, up the depth chart at the position. Pollard, A second-round draft choice in 2006 and a physical defender who performed well as a situational player in his rookie year, is expected to take over as the starter.

Knight was scheduled to have a base salary of $2 million in 2007, but the sides could not come to an accommodation that met their mutual needs. His base salaries for subsequent seasons were $1.75 million for 2008 and $1.5 million in 2009.

In 10 seasons, Knight has 939 tackles, 38 interceptions, 43 passes defended, nine sacks, 12 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries. He has appeared in 158 games.

Originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997, the former Southern California standout began his career as a special teams player, but he quickly emerged as one of the NFL's premier playmakers at safety.

With an uncanny knack for authoring the timely takeaway, Knight has registered five or more interceptions in five different seasons. He has four interception returns for touchdowns.

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

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Updated: March 21, 2007, 7:11 PM ET
Colts keep Klecko, who helped boost defenseAssociated Press


INDIANAPOLIS -- Defensive tackle Dan Klecko signed a one-year contract to stay with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday.

Dan Klecko
Defensive Tackle
Indianapolis Colts

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


The move stems a tide of player departures for the Colts since they beat the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl on Feb. 4.

On Tuesday, receiver Brandon Stokley signed with the Denver Broncos and defensive tackle Montae Reagor signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Both were cut by the Colts to save money against the league's $109 million salary cap.

The Colts have also lost running back Dominic Rhodes, now with Oakland; cornerback Nick Harper, who joined Tennessee; and former Pro Bowl linebacker Cato June, who signed with Tampa Bay.

Two assistant coaches, Leslie Frazier and Diron Reynolds, also left for new teams.

Klecko is the second unrestricted free agent to sign with the Colts, joining linebacker Rob Morris.

Klecko had a hand in solidifying a run defense that was the NFL's worst during the regular season. He made a more noticeable impact on offense, where he doubled as a fullback late in the season. He caught a touchdown pass to help beat Miami in the regular-season finale and caught another to help rally the Colts from a 21-6 halftime in the AFC Championship Game victory over New England, his former team.

The Patriots selected Klecko in the fourth round of the 2003 draft. He caught three passes and made 14 tackles in 2004 before being placed on injured reserve and had eight tackles in 2005 while winning Super Bowl rings in 2003 and 2004.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Sales Pitch
Cowboys Turn Into Recruiters With Hamlin In Town

Mickey Spagnola - Email
DallasCowboys.com Columnist
March 21, 2007 5:53 PM


IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys wore their scouting hats on Tuesday, working out three players and signing one.

By Wednesday they turned into recruiters, shaking hands, slapping backs, telling stories, going to lunch and then dinner with unrestricted free-agent safety Ken Hamlin.

Come Thursday they will turn into negotiators, seeing if they can ultimately sell the four-year veteran who has started 52 games for the Seattle Seahawks into signing a contract without leaving. That's when talks with agent Kennard McGuire are expected to commence.

But according to Hamlin, the 2003 second-round pick of the Seahawks, so far, so good.

"It would be a great opportunity," Hamlin said of possibly joining the Cowboys. "It definitely would be a great opportunity to be part of this organization.

"It's definitely a place that would fit me."

Chances are, though, the Cowboys will proceed cautiously when it comes to offering Hamlin a long-term deal with a huge signing bonus. They already have signed two of their starting defensive backs to multi-year deals laced with double-digit signing bonuses, and know starting corner Terence Newman, their first-round pick in 2003, is entering the final year of his contract and will command a deal as much, if not more, than was given cornerback Anthony Henry and strong safety Roy Williams.

Back on March 5 when the Cowboys signed Leonard Davis, team executive vice president Stephen Jones said you won't find the club dangling a $10 million signing bonus to lure a free-agent safety into Dallas. He even said the team was happy with the progress of Pat Watkins and Abe Elam, the two rookie safeties from last year.

And while owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys could very well address their safety needs from within, Stephen Jones said they might look at a safety later in free agency once some of the huge signing bonuses calm down.

Maybe that is now, since Hamlin is one of the few veteran safeties still available in free agency. And he is available because Seattle decided to revamp its safety corps by signing free agent Deon Grant to a six-year, $32 million deal ($11.5 million guaranteed) and Brian Russell to a five-year, $13.5 million deal ($3 million signing bonus). This after Hamlin started 16 games this past season and strong safety Michael Boulware was removed from the starting lineup six games into the season.

Hamlin did visit New Orleans, but the Saints decided instead to sign Cincinnati safety Kevin Kaesviharn. Hamlin said he has been in contact with several other teams, but this is only the second place he has visited since the Seahawks chose to let his contract expire.

While Hamlin did start at free safety, it's doubtful he will be considered one of those centerfield-type safeties. He is known as a hard hitter, and would seem to be more of a Roy Williams type than a safety that can be left in a lot of single-high coverages the majority of the time. In 54 career games, Hamlin has recorded eight interceptions and 32 passes defensed. He did finish second among Seattle defenders last year with 96 tackles.

But the 2006 season was a comeback year of sorts for Hamlin. He missed the final 10 games of the 2005 season after suffering a fractured skull, bruised brain tissue and a small cerebral blood clot when beaten and eventually hit in the head with a street sign during a scuffle outside a Seattle nightclub on the night of Oct. 17. The fight with several men left Hamlin hospitalized in serious condition in the intensive care unit of a Seattle hospital.

The incident, in which he was considered the victim, caused him to miss Seattle's Super Bowl XL appearance in Detroit, though he accompanied the team on the sideline in street clothes after landing on injured reserve.

"You know, there were a lot of people doubting me if I could get back on the field and play at a high level, and I think I did do that," Hamlin said. "I'm not into proving other people wrong or quieting doubters, but I definitely proved to myself I can get out there and play."

Hamlin said he doesn't think the 2005 incident has anything to do with Seattle not re-signing him or is an issue with teams interested in his services. An apparent misunderstanding while Hamlin was trying to exit the club spilled into what turned into a brawl on the street.

"It's something that happened, something that definitely has been mentioned, but I don't think it's a big issue," Hamlin said. "It's something that happened and I've moved on."

The Cowboys will now move on to the negotiation part of this deal, knowing they currently will have at least four safeties under contract for the 2007 season - Williams, Watkins, Elam (exclusive rights free agent) and Keith Davis, whose two-year restricted free agency offer sheet signed with New Orleans last year was matched by the Cowboys. The Cowboys had picked up Tony Parrish late last season, but he is an unrestricted free agent.

Ideally, the Cowboys would like to relieve Williams of some of his coverage responsibilities, but it's almost impossible for a strong safety to play exclusively around the line of scrimmage against the run. And it's doubtful the signing of Hamlin, who has more experience at safety than Watkins, Davis and Elam combined, would allow Williams that much more freedom.

"We'll see, we'll see, I'm not in any rush," Hamlin said of batting out a potential contract. "We'll see how things go today."

Hamlin became the fourth free agent to pass through The Ranch doors in two days. The Cowboys worked out quarterback Brock Berlin, offensive lineman Jim Molinaro and wide receiver Jamel Richardson on Tuesday. They did sign Molinaro, considered to be no more than a depth guy at tackle or guard.

Berlin, the former University of Miami and Florida quarterback, failed in his two training camp attempts the past two summers to make a Miami Dolphins roster. He's probably being measured against Matt Baker, the rookie quarterback on the Cowboys' practice squad last year.

And as for Richardson, the CFL wide receiver was scheduled to visit Indianapolis. He's likely considered a developmental guy, who at 25 would have some upside at 6-3, 215, having played just two full seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and four games last year before breaking bones in his foot. Richardson played no more than junior college ball before signing with Saskatchewan.

The Cowboys aren't expected to bring in any new free agents the rest of this week. And after speaking at Saturday's 10 a.m. public memorial service for Wilford "Crazy Ray" Jones in the Stadium Club at Texas Stadium, Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Wade Phillips and various members of the team's administrative staff will head for Phoenix, Ariz., where the annual NFL Meetings will be held March 26-28.

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QB Tuiasosopo signs one-year deal with JetsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Unrestricted free agent Marques Tuiasosopo, a quarterback regarded as long on potential but shy of playing time during his six seasons with the Oakland Raiders, has agreed to a contract with the New York Jets.


Tuiasosopo

The one-year deal includes the minimum base salary of $595,000 for a six-year veteran. It will allow Tuiasosopo the opportunity to go back into the unrestricted market next spring.

Tuiasosopo, who turned 28 on Thursday, likely will fill the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind starter Chad Pennington and backup Kellen Clemens. The Jets released veteran Patrick Ramsey, who subsequently signed with Denver, earlier this spring, and have been seeking an experienced quarterback to replace him.

There is a chance that Tuiasosopo could challenge Clemens for the No. 2 job in training camp if he plays well. But the Jets definitely regard Clemens, a second-round choice in the 2006 draft, as the heir apparent to Pennington.

Earlier this spring, the Carolina Panthers visited with Tuiasosopo, and it was believed he would sign there. But a deal never developed with the Panthers and Tuiasosopo sought other options.

A few other teams indicated interest in Tuiasosopo, regarded as a superior athlete but a guy whose quarterback skills must still be developed, but the Jets offered the best opportunity.

A second-round choice of the Raiders in the 2001 draft, Tuiasosopo appeared in only 11 games in six seasons, with two starts. The former University of Washington star completed 48 of 88 passes for 550 yards, with two touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 68 yards on 15 carries.

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

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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 22
And so the game of quarterback dominoes apparently is underway. Former Oakland free-agent QB Marques Tuiasosopo has reached agreement with the New York Jets on a one-year contract worth the veteran minimum. The Panthers and Browns also had been interested in him.

Chicago's free-agent defensive tackle Ian Scott arrived Wednesday night in Atlanta for a Thursday visit.

The Dallas Cowboys signed four-year CFL veteran wide receiver, Jamel Richardson, who has racked up 118 career catches for 1,501 yards for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Richardson attended Victor Valley Community College before entering the Canadian Football League.

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Texans | Schaub signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 09:22:51 -0700

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports the Houston Texans have signed restricted free-agent QB Matt Schaub to a six-year contract worth $48 million with $7 million guaranteed. Schaub will receive $20 million in the first three years. If Schaub stays with the team the last three years of the contract, the Texans will have to pay Schaub a $10 million option bonus in 2010. The Texans paid QB David Carr an $8 million option in 2006 to keep him for the last three years of his contract.

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Chiefs | Turley released, will consider retirement
Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:05:34 -0700

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have released OT Kyle Turley, and he will consider retirement.

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Texans | Carr to be traded
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:52:49 -0700

ESPNews reports Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith said that QB David Carr will be traded as soon as Thursday, March 22.

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Updated: March 22, 2007, 2:17 PM ET
Former prep star, Marlin signs with RaidersAssociated Press


ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders have signed quarterback Josh Booty, the former prep star who has been out of football since 2003 and has never thrown a pass in the NFL.

Booty was one of the nation's top high school quarterbacks in 1993 when he decided to play baseball instead of football. He spent five years with the Florida Marlins but played only 13 games at the major league level.

In two seasons at LSU, Booty threw for 3,951 yards and 24 touchdowns and was taken by Seattle in the sixth round of the 2001 draft. Acquired off waivers by Cleveland later that year, Booty spent parts of three seasons with the Browns.

Booty joins Andrew Walter as the only quarterbacks on the Raiders' roster. The team cut ties with last year's starter, Aaron Brooks, and third-stringer Marques Tuiasosopo is a free agent. Oakland has the No. 1 pick in next month's draft and could select quarterback JaMarcus Russell of LSU.

Booty's brother, John David Booty, was the quarterback at Southern California last season, where new Raiders coach Lane Kiffin was an assistant.

The team also recently signed defensive backs Chris Johnson and B.J. Ward.



Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[samikeyp]

ESPNews reports Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith said that QB David Carr will be traded as soon as Thursday, March 22.

Hmmm...think the Texans would take Brad Johnson for him?

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Colts | Lilja re-signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:17:20 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have re-signed restricted free-agent OG Ryan Lilja to one-year contract worth $1.3 million.


Colts | Schobel re-signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:10:39 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have re-signed unrestricted free-agent DL Bo Schobel to a one-year contract worth $550,000, with $190,000 of it guaranteed.


Colts | Gardner re-signs
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:11:40 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts have re-signed restricted free-agent LB Gilbert Gardner to one-year contract worth $850,000.

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Updated: March 22, 2007, 3:13 PM ET
May 3 trial date set for Vikings receiver TaylorAssociated Press


MINNEAPOLIS -- A trial date of May 3 was set on Thursday for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Travis Taylor on charges stemming from an altercation with police outside a nightclub on Jan. 1, a city spokesman said.


Taylor


Taylor, 27, was charged with one count of fourth-degree assault on a peace officer and one count of obstructing the legal process or arrest, both gross misdemeanors. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

The criminal complaint in the case said Taylor refused an officer's request that he get into a waiting bus as police tried to disperse a crowd so an ambulance could get through around 2:30 a.m.

Taylor began pushing the officer, police claim, and the officer eventually used a Taser to subdue the player.

Taylor has called the incident a misunderstanding. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of two years and three months in prison and up to $7,000 in fines.



Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Former MVP to announce at NFL owners meetingsAssociated Press


ST. LOUIS -- Marshall Faulk sat out last season with a knee injury that threatened to end his career. He'll officially close the door on his playing days on Monday when he announces his retirement at the NFL owners meetings.


Faulk


Faulk was the NFL MVP in 2000 and offensive player of the year three years running from 1999-2001. The 34-year-old helped the Rams win their only Super Bowl after the '99 season. He is ninth on the career rushing list with 12,279 yards and tied for sixth with 100 rushing touchdowns.

"He was great for St. Louis, he was great for the Rams and he made the dome an exciting place to be on Sunday," team spokesman Rick Smith said."But it was just a matter of when he would retire."

Faulk began working for the NFL Network as an analyst last year when wear and tear began to get to his knees. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection with seven 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 38 100-yard games, and was the first player in league history to gain 2,000 yards rushing and receiving combined in four consecutive seasons from 1998-2001.

His last 1,000-yard rushing season was in 2001, though, and he lost his starting job in 2004 when the Rams drafted Steven Jackson in the first round. Last year, Jackson began the Rams' first player since Faulk to ac ulate 2,000 yards from scrimmage and broke Faulk's single-season reception mark with 88 catches.

"It has been an honor and pleasure to play in the National Football League," Faulk said in a statement."I'd like to thank all my teammates and coaches with whom I've been associated over the past 13 seasons as well as the fans who supported me throughout the years.

"I gave the game my passion, and it gave me a wonderful career and memories that I will always be thankful for."

Faulk set an NFL record, since broken, with 26 touchdowns in his 2000 MVP season. He played his first five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and the Rams acquired him for second- and fifth-round draft picks.

Faulk had a career-low 292 yards rushing in 2005, his final season.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Updated: March 22, 2007, 6:13 PM ET
Dolphins sign WR Hakim, OL Liwienski to 1-year dealsESPN.com news services


The Miami Dolphins signed wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim and guard Chris Liwienski to one-year unrestricted free agent contracts on Thursday.


Liwienski



Hakim


Hakim is a veteran of nine NFL seasons, during which time he has played with St. Louis, Detroit, New Orleans and San Diego.

Originally a fourth-round draft choice of the Rams in 1998, Hakim has played in 110 games, and has 316 career receptions for 4,191 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Liwienski is a veteran of eight NFL seasons, having played with Minnesota and Arizona. He originally was a seventh-round draft choice of Detroit in 1998 before being released by the Lions prior to the regular season. In his career Liwienski has played in 110 regular season games and has logged 80 starts.

The terms of the deals have not yet been disclosed.

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Jets | Haynes sings with team
Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:33:45 -0700

NewYorkJets.com reports the New York Jets have signed free-agent DE Michael Haynes (Saints). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.