NFL Offseason Thread

[Horry For 3!]

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

[mardigan]

OL Dielman to stay with Chargers

NFL.com wire reports



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

The two sides continued to work on the terms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Slinkyman]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Horry For 3!]

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


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

[mardigan]

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Horry For 3!]

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good for the Texans. Now if they can get a decent o-line, they could actually do something.

[Horry For 3!]

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

[Horry For 3!]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/...or-browns.html

Falcons and Texans jockeying for Browns' pick

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

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

[Horry For 3!]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ns.freeage.ap/

Redskins agree to terms with Smoot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[mardigan]

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




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

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

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

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

AP NEWS





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




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

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

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

McIntosh played offensive and defensive tackle at Kansas State.

AP NEWS

[mardigan]

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




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

Advertisement


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

[Horry For 3!]

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

[mardigan]

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


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

Top free agents

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

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

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

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

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

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



yea

[mardigan]

Lions agree to deal with DE WhiteESPN.com news services


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

Top free agents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[mardigan]

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- John Clayton

[mardigan]

Green bolts Packers to join TexansBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


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

Top free agents

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

Details of the contract were not immediately available.

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

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

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

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

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

[mardigan]

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[mardigan]

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


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

Donte' Stallworth
Wide Receiver
Philadelphia Eagles

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


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

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

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

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

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

[mardigan]

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


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

Dre' Bly
Cornerback
Denver Broncos

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

[mardigan]

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





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

They have already signed Simmons officially



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


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


Tucker

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

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

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

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

The Associated Press contributed

[sa_butta]

Pats sign rb Sammy Morris

I always liked him as a back up with the Fins, Pats are also trying to take Welker.

[mardigan]

Browns sign Antwan Peek
Pats sign rb Sammy Morris

[mardigan]

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

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

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

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

Here are observations of Sunday's wild day.

Ahman Green
Running Back
Green Bay Packers

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



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


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


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


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


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


Daniel Graham
Tight End
New England Patriots

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


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


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


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


Kevin Curtis
Wide Receiver
St. Louis Rams

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


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


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


John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

[sa_butta]

Yea they already signed him to an offer sheet, Pats making moves

True, but there is a contract clause that makes it virtually impossible for a team, in this case, the Miami Dolphins, to match an offer to one of its restricted free agents." (Wes Welker)

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/pat...ticleid=186446

[mardigan]

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Cowboys Re-sign Gramatica

By Staff Report

Posted Mar 5, 2007

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

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

Financial terms have not yet been released.

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

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

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

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

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

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