NFL Offseason Thread

[mardigan]

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 compe ion 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 cir stances, 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

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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

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Supposedly Brad Johnson is going to visit the Cowboys

[mardigan]

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]

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!]

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."

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.

[mardigan]

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!]

Dan Wilkinson?

[mardigan]

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!]

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]

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]

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 ans, 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!]

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

I hope not, Ramsey blows.

[Horry For 3!]

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 ans, 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]

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 Pe gout are negotiating Friday, but are not believed to be close to a deal at this point. Tampa Bay is balking at some of Pe gout'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]

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!]

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 Pe gout are negotiating Friday, but are not believed to be close to a deal at this point. Tampa Bay is balking at some of Pe gout'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

I freakin knew it. I was saying to myself last night, I bet you that the Cowboys are going to contact Porter.

[Horry For 3!]

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

Porter, James, Ware, Carpenter

That would be sick.

[mardigan]

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!]

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]

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

[Horry For 3!]

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]

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

[johnsmith]

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]

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