NFL Offseason Thread

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Chiefs' Shields retires after stellar careerBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Offensive guard Will Shields of the Kansas City Chiefs, one of the NFL's most celebrated blockers of this era on the field and most honored philanthropists off it, has decided to retire from the NFL after 14 seasons.



Shields
A 12-time Pro Bowl performer and certain candidate for Hall of Fame honors, Shields made the announcement of his retirement on his Web site on Sunday evening.

"The love for the game never decreased but, as the years passed, the physical requirements of the game became harder to fulfill each and every day," Shields wrote on the site. "If it was up to me I would play football forever but, as we all know, that is unrealistic."

Shields, 35, has been a fixture for the Chiefs at right guard and a leader in the Kansas City community since the team selected the former Nebraska star in the third round of the 1993 draft. He is the longest-tenured player on the Kansas City roster and his 224 appearances and 223 starts are franchise records.

In 14 seasons, Shields never missed a game, and he failed to start only one contest, his first regular-season outing, as a rookie in 1993. He is one of only four NFL players since the merger in 1970 to start more than 200 straight games.

Shields has appeared in 12 straight Pro Bowl games and his 224 regular-season games are more than any of the seven modern-era guards currently in the Hall of Fame.

As notable an impact as Shields has made on the field, where he is regarded as one of the premier in-line blockers in modern league history, his accomplishments outside of football are just as laudable.

As a rookie, Shields and his wife, Senia, established the "Will to Succeed Foundation." The foundation's Web site defines its purpose as "inspiring, guiding and improving the lives of abused, battered and neglected women and children."

The foundation, and numerous other charitable efforts helped earn Shields the NFL's prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year honor in 2003. Shields and his wife have garnered considerable recognition in other quarters as well for the lives they have affected.

Shields has flirted with the notion of retirement in the past, notably a year ago, and he sat out most of the Chiefs' offseason conditioning program as he deliberated his future. After much thought, Shields returned to the team and enjoyed another standout season.

He has three seasons remaining on his contract, at base salaries of $1.2 million (for 2007), $1.59 million (2008) and $1.98 million (2009). Shields becomes the second potential Hall of Fame offensive lineman to retire from the Chiefs in the last two years. Tackle Willie Roaf, a 11-time Pro Bowl performer, retired last year.

"I am looking forward to a future filled with sports in mind," Shields wrote. "Whether it is in the stands, on the sideline, in the press box or in a office -- football will remain in my blood."

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Griffin arrested



MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin was freed on $50 bail after being arrested early Sunday in downtown Minneapolis and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, authorities said.

Griffin, 24, was released from the Hennepin County jail at 4:45 a.m.

Two witnesses told KSTP-TV that the Vikings cornerback was thrown out of the Spin nightclub for not pulling up his pants. The club has a dress code requiring that pants not sag below the waist.

The witnesses said Griffin then had a dustup with bouncers and police before being taken away in handcuffs.

A court appearance for Griffin is scheduled Friday.

A Vikings team spokesman declined comment.

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

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Saints | Team negotiating with J. David
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:36:44 -0700

Updating a previous item, John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the New Orleans Saints have begun to negotiate and lay the parameters on a possible contract with free-agent CB Jason David (Colts). The team, however, has not made a formal contract offer at this point.

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Dolphins | Culpepper's days with team numbered
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:35:40 -0700

Updating a previous item, Armando Salguero, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper's days with the team have become numbered, according to those within the organization with knowledge of the situation. Culpepper will either be traded or released in the coming months.

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Updated: April 16, 2007, 5:16 PM ET
Hankton reportedly inks deal for league minimumBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Cortez Hankton, who played the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Monday signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings.



Hankton
The deal, believed to be for the league minimum base salary for a four-year veteran, was agreed to late last week. Hankton officially signed the contract as the Vikings embarked on their offseason conditioning program.

Hankton, 26, caught just 34 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in four seasons with the Jaguars, but is regarded as a physically talented young performer who could emerge as a solid contributor with increased playing time. He will likely have the opportunity to earn that playing time with the Vikings, who are seeking to upgrade at the wide receiver position.

Minnesota earlier in the signing period added unrestricted wide receiver Bobby Wade, who played for the Tennessee ans in 2006.

Buried on the Jacksonville depth chart, Hankton has been seeking a team where he can be more than just a special teams contributor. He visited with Cleveland and Buffalo earlier in the free agency period. Hankton has good size and speed and the Jacksonville staff regarded him as an improving route-runner.

A former Texas Southern standout, Hankton signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He appeared in 46 games for the Jaguars, with one start. Hankton registered 31 special teams tackles.

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

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Eagles | Cochrane signed to three-year pact
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:00:49 -0700

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced the signing of street free-agent PK E.J. Cochrane to a three-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

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Daunte Culpepper will be gone, either via trade or release, as Kansas City's Trent Green is pursued, Dolphins sources said. Although there is no timetable for that to happen, it is likely some movement will happen by the April 28-29 draft. The Dolphins also hope to pick a quarterback in that draft.
-- Miami Herald

Aside from coveting Notre Dame's Brady Quinn, who likely will not be available when Miami picks at No. 9 in the first round, the Dolphins like Michigan State's Drew Stanton and Stanford's Trent Edwards, although both have durability or injury questions. The Dolphins are also interested in East Carolina's James Pinkney.
-- Miami Herald

There are no guarantees in the draft, but Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas thinks Detroit would be a good landing spot. He is familiar with the Lions from being a lifelong Packers fan.
-- Detroit News

The Dolphins also have yet to decide whether to match the offer sheet punter Donnie Jones signed Friday. Jones signed a five-year, $5.585 million offer with the Rams, and Miami has until Friday to match the offer or get a seventh-round pick in return for Jones.
-- Miami Herald

Two witnesses told KSTP-TV that Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin was thrown out of the Spin nightclub for not pulling up his pants. The club has a dress code requiring that pants not sag below the waist. The witnesses said Griffin then scuffled with bouncers and police before being taken away in handcuffs.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Here's something the Bengals should consider to get more picks in the NFL draft: Trade franchise-tagged defensive end Justin Smith. Unable to work out a long-term deal with Smith -- which would get his $8.6 million cap figure down -- the Bengals should give him permission to seek a trade with a club willing to deal first- and third-round picks.
-- Dayton Daily News

Restricted free-agent Stacy Andrews, fresh off a visit with the Jets, is drawing interest from numerous clubs. If he signs an offer sheet, the Bengals will likely match it.
-- Dayton Daily News

The status of Colts defensive tackle Corey Simon remains a mystery. Tony Dungy said Simon still has some medical issues after missing the '06 season with a knee injury and an undisclosed illness. Also, two grievances involving Simon and the team remain unresolved.
-- Indianapolis Star

Some NFL team will find a spot for Lions receiver Mike Williams if he is released by the team in June. The Lions got it wrong by insisting that Williams play at a lower weight.
-- Detroit News

Agent Fletcher Smith said last night that the dialogue between the Eagles and Brian Westbrook over the extra $3 million the Birds paid his client last spring "hasn't been adversarial at all." Smith said Westbrook certainly intends to pay back the money, once he and the team figure out exactly how much he owes.
-- Philadelphia Daily News

[DNS Error]

I would put Will Shields in the HOf. Thoughts?

[mardigan]

I would put Will Shields in the HOf. Thoughts?

14 year, 11 consecutive Pro Bowls, I think he will be a first or second ballot guy depending on the class

[samikeyp]

Yes.

[leemajors]

Two witnesses told KSTP-TV that Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin was thrown out of the Spin nightclub for not pulling up his pants. The club has a dress code requiring that pants not sag below the waist. The witnesses said Griffin then scuffled with bouncers and police before being taken away in handcuffs.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

they could have had a little more fun with that blurb.

[mardigan]

Wistrom to coach at southwest Missouri high schoolAssociated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Grant Wistrom has done it all in his college and NFL careers, winning three national championships at Nebraska and a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams. Now he's looking to add the le of "coach" to his football résumé, and he's willing to start small.

Released last month from the Seattle Seahawks, the 30-year-old defensive end plans to move home to southwest Missouri and become an assistant coach at the Springfield high school where his older brother, Chance, is principal.

Wistrom hasn't officially retired from the NFL, but said Monday he is "99.9 percent sure" he won't be playing an 11th season in the pros.

The Wistrom brothers and Parkview High School head coach Wes Beachler confirmed Monday that Grant Wistrom would be joining the Parkview staff.

"This is what we can do now," said Grant Wistrom, a Webb City native. "I like what [Beachler] is doing, I respect him as a coach, I respect his philosophies and I get to hang with my brother a little bit."

Chance Wistrom is excited to be back around his brother, too. He coached at Seneca High School from 1999-2003, but now gets to see his brother grow as a coach.

"We're excited to have him here, and he's excited to have the opportunity to be close to family and coach," Chance Wistrom said.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Lions | Team looking to at least receive a fifth-round pick for McCown
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:02:06 -0700

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Detroit Lions are at least looking to get a fifth-round draft pick in the 2007 NFL Draft in exchange for QB Josh McCown, according to league sources. Several teams have been contacted, but the Oakland Raiders are making the most movement towards a trade for McCown. According to sources close to the backup quarterback, McCown would accept a trade without asking for a new deal.

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Browns | Ricard signed
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:39:48 -0700

The Cleveland Browns have announced they have signed street free-agent FB Alan Ricard (Bills) to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Browns | Krause signed
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:40:09 -0700

The Cleveland Browns have announced they have signed unrestricted free-agent TE Ryan Krause (Chargers) to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

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Chiefs | L. Johnson wants new deal
Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:18:06 -0700

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson wants a new contract.

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Updated: April 17, 2007, 4:39 PM ET
Reed returns to Chiefs' defenseBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday afternoon retained a key veteran, re-signing unrestricted free agent James Reed to a three-year contract, a deal that enables the team to keep intact its starting defensive tackle tandem of a year ago.



Reed
Kansas City last month re-signed its other starting tackle, Ron Edwards, to a one-year deal. The Chiefs also added veteran unrestricted free agent Alfonso Boone, formerly of Chicago, to bolster a position that was perilously thin at the outset of free agency.

The retentions of Reed and Edwards and the addition of Boone should now provide Kansas City with a viable tackle rotation for 2007. Yet to be determined is the fate of veteran Ryan Sims, the Chiefs' first-round pick in 2002, and a defensive tackle who has been regarded as an underachiever for most of his NFL career.

Financial details of Reed's contract were not immediately available, but it is believed to be worth about $2.5 million-$3 million, including a signing bonus of $200,000.

Reed, 30, is a hard-working, blue-collar player, an undersized interior defender who gets the most out of his abilities, and who has become a favorite of coach Herm Edwards. The two were together for five seasons with the New York Jets, where Edwards made Reed a sixth-round choice in the 2001 draft.

When Edwards took the job with the Chiefs last spring, he pursued Reed in free agency, and the two were reunited in Kansas City when the tackle signed a one-year contract. At the recent NFL owners meetings, Edwards noted the importance of trying to re-sign Reed, if possible.

In his first season in the Chiefs' lineup, Reed started 15 games and registered 42 tackles, one sack, 10 quarterback pressures and five passes defensed.

For his career, the former Iowa State standout has 218 tackles, seven sacks, nine passes defensed and four fumble recoveries. He has appeared in 95 games, with 32 starts.

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

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Pats agree to one-year deal with JamesBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The New England Patriots, who seem to add a veteran cornerback to their secondary mix every offseason, on Tuesday afternoon reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent Tory James, who spent the past four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.



James
An 11-year veteran, James will sign a one-year contract with a base value of about $1.35 million. The deal, counting incentives, can be worth as much as $2.7 million.

James, 33, is coming off a supbar 2006 campaign, but still notched 21 interceptions in his four seasons with the Bengals, and drew interest from several other franchises, including the Green Bay Packers, in recent weeks.

Most teams view James as a potential nickel cornerback and the Patriots probably will use him in that role.

He will provide the Patriots a veteran insurance policy in the event franchise cornerback Asante Samuel, who remains unsigned, does not participate in the club's offseason training program or misses the start of training camp. Samuel has said he wants a long-term contract and that he would prefer to be traded rather than sign the one-year qualifying offer of $7.79 million which New England has tendered him as a franchise player.

Another of the Pats' young cornerbacks, Randall Gay, remains a restricted free agent. Gay met recently with New York Jets officials and could still be signed to a restricted free agent offer sheet. The league deadline for restricted offer sheets is Friday.

Given that the Pats have struggled through a series of debilitating injuries in the secondary each of the past three seasons, developing depth in the unit is a priority.

James started all 16 games for the Bengals in 2006 and had 41 tackles, four interceptions and 10 passes defensed. But he fell out of favor with the Cincinnati coaching staff late in the year and the Bengals made virtually no effort to re-sign him once he moved into the unrestricted free agent market.

In 158 games with Denver (1996-99), Oakland (2000-2002) and Cincinnati (2003-2006), James has 429 tackles, 39 interceptions, 79 passes defensed, one sack, six forced fumbles and four recoveries. He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2004 when he registered a career-best eight interceptions, and was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2005, when he had five pickoffs.

The former LSU standout, who entered the league as the Broncos' second-round choice in the '96 draft, has four seasons with five or more interceptions and five campaigns in which he had 10 or more passes defensed.

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


He will be a great fit in their system

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Colts | Team re-signs Boiman
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:38:33 -0700

Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts re-signed LB Rocky Boiman to a one-year deal worth $595,000 with a $40,000 signing bonus.

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Chargers | M. Turner may not be traded
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:34:58 -0700

Jim Wyatt, of the Tennessean, reports the agent for San Diego Chargers restricted free-agent RB Michael Turner, Bus Cook, says he is not sure the running back will be traded. "As of right now, it looks like Michael is going to be in San Diego," Cook said. "Things could change, and it could happen on draft day, too."

[Pugglekicker_21]

^^^ And what about Priest?

[samikeyp]

Priest is done sadly.

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Bills | Team re-signs Hargrove
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:27:03 -0700

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills officially re-signed restricted free-agent DL Anthony Hargrove. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Bills | Team re-signs Anderson
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:24:15 -0700

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills officially re-signed restricted free-agent DL Tim Anderson. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Cowboys | Team re-signs Stanley
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:53:18 -0700

Todd Archer, of the Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent DL Montavious Stanley to a one-year contract worth $360,000.


Cowboys | Team re-signs Elam
Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:50:43 -0700

Todd Archer, of the Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent SS Abram Elam to a one-year contract worth $360,000.

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Chiefs | Barret contract update
Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:23:23 -0700

Updating a previous item, the Kansas City Chiefs announced Wednesday, April 18, that the team has signed street free-agent PK Aaron Barret to a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Chiefs | Tynes signs
Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:21:04 -0700

Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs restricted free-agent PK Lawrence Tynes signed his one-year contract offer. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Chiefs | Sapp signs
Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:17:30 -0700

Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs restricted free-agent CB Benny Sapp signed his one-year contract offer. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Special Master rules in favor of SauerbrunBy John Clayton
ESPN.com

A Special Master ruled Wednesday punter Todd Sauerbrun is now a free agent -- available to sign with any team -- after winning a grievance that voided the New England Patriots right to match a one-year contract he recently signed with the Denver Broncos.

The failure to put the first-right-of-refusal provision in a separate attachment to the contract was the reason the Special Master ruled in favor of Sauerbrun. The case was argued in his behalf by Jeff Kessler, one of the labor lawyers who helped to write the collective bargaining agreement.

Sauerbrun signed a contract with the Patriots last fall that had a first right of refusal provision, giving the team seven days to match any offer Sauerbrun might receive in free agency in 2007. The CBA states such clauses must be put on a separate page and not on a page that explains the main terms of the contract.

For whatever reason, the Patriots put the right to match on the contract term sheet.

The Broncos signed Sauerbrun to a one-year, $820,000 contract and Sauerbrun wanted to go to Denver. The Patriots matched.

Thanks to the ruling, Sauerbrun can sign with the Broncos or any other team he chooses.

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