NFL Offseason Thread

[midgetonadonkey]

Panthers sign Muhammad to pair with Smith, scrap Carr
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Updated: February 27, 2008, 3:13 PM ET


In their latest effort to secure a proven receiver to pair with Steve Smith, the Carolina Panthers have turned to a familiar face, reaching a contract agreement Wednesday with veteran free agent Muhsin Muhammad.

Also Tuesday, the Panthers released quarterback David Carr, who disappointed in his first season as a backup to Jake Delhomme.

Carr was let go a year after he signed a two-year, $6 million deal with the Panthers following a five-year stint as a starter in Houston. Carr struggled so badly when he took over for the injured Delhomme last season that he was eventually demoted to third-string.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3267399

David Carr will turn up in the Arena League and still blow.

Now the question is, who is the bigger QB draft bust, Ryan Leaf, David Carr or Akilli Smith?

[mardigan]

Bears | Berrian turns down $25 million offer
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:50:22 -0800

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Bernard Berrian, who is soon-to-be an unrestricted free agent, was offered a five-year deal from the Bears worth $25 million. The deal included $8 million in the form of a signing bonus. Berrian, however, turned the proposal down and will test the free-agent water.


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Buccaneers | Team could re-sign Carter
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:24:36 -0800

The St. Petersburg Times reports free agent DE Kevin Carter (Buccaneers) is expected to sign a new contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team released Carter Wednesday, Feb. 27, to avoid paying him a $2 million roster bonus.


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Redskins | Lloyd released from team
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:33:16 -0800

Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins WR Brandon Lloyd has been released from the team. Lloyd was designated a June 1 cut for salary cap purposes, according to executive vice president Vinny Cerrato. Lloyd's salary cap figure of $4.2 million will drop to $1.8 million June 1. He will count $5.5 million in dead cap space in 2009.


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Saints | Team releases Mare
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:41:40 -0800

Pete Prisco, of CBSSports.com, reports the New Orleans Saints released PK Olindo Mare Wednesday, Feb. 27, because he failed a physical.


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ans | Givens released
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:40:39 -0800

Pete Prisco, of CBSSports.com, reports the Tennessee ans released WR David Givens Wednesday, Feb. 27.


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49ers | Team to sign Briggs?
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:35:40 -0800

Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reporting for AOL Sports, reports unrestricted free-agent LB Lance Briggs (Bears) is expected to sign with the San Francisco 49ers.


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Patriots | Moss expected to re-sign with team
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:52:18 -0800

Sean Jensen, of the Pioneer Press, reporting for AOL Sports, reports New England Patriots WR Randy Moss is expected to re-sign with the team despite rumors that he would test the free-agent market.


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Lions | Team signs D. Smith
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:47:40 -0800

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports the Detroit Lions signed free-agent FS Dwight Smith (Vikings) Wednesday, Feb. 27, to a two-year deal worth $5 million. Smith played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2001-04 while Lions current head coach, Rod Marinelli, was on the staff.

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ans | Team agrees to terms with Gage
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:46:31 -0800

The Tennessee ans agreed to terms with WR Justin Gage on a multi-year deal Wednesday, Feb. 27. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Gage was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent Friday, Feb. 29.


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Buccaneers | Team releases Spires
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:42:10 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they released DL Greg Spires.


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Buccaneers | Team releases Carter
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:38:27 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they released DL Kevin Carter.


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Bills | Team releases Butler
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:50:09 -0800

Mark Gaughan, of The Buffalo News, reports the Buffalo Bills released CB Jerametrius Butler Wednesday, Feb. 27.


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Bills | Team releases Merz
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:49:21 -0800

Mark Gaughan, of The Buffalo News, reports the Buffalo Bills released OL Aaron Merz Wednesday, Feb. 27.


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Bills | Team releases Wire
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:49:02 -0800

Mark Gaughan, of The Buffalo News, reports the Buffalo Bills released LB Coy Wire Wednesday, Feb. 27.


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Bills | Team releases A. Thomas
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:39:53 -0800

ESPNews reports the Buffalo Bills released RB Anthony Thomas Wednesday, Feb. 27.


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Browns | Team terminates Roye's contract
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:17:37 -0800

The Cleveland Browns terminated DL Orpheus Roye's contract Wednesday, Feb. 27. Roye will be a free agent.


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Ravens | Team releases Anderson
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:42:36 -0800

The Sports Network reports the Baltimore Ravens released RB Mike Anderson Wednesday, Feb. 27. Anderson played two seasons with the Ravens.


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Vikings | Team unlikely to re-sign Richardson
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:37:18 -0800

Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to re-sign FB Tony Richardson. Richardson will become an unrestricted free agent Thursday, Feb. 28, at 11 p.m.


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Vikings | Team cuts Holcomb
Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:36:14 -0800

Judd Zulgad, of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings released QB Kelly Holcomb Wednesday, Feb. 27.



http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

[monosylab1k]

Now the question is, who is the bigger QB draft bust, Ryan Leaf, David Carr or Akilli Smith?

Leaf. Those other two are huge busts, but they don't come anywhere close to Ryan Leaf's epic fail.

[samikeyp]

I would have to agree....even though Carr was a #1 and Leaf was a #2 (as was his career) I would put the bigger fail on Leaf because there was a ton more hype on him. Imagine if he hadn't skipped that meeting with Colts brass. Apparently they were really high on him but he skipped out on a meeting with them even after showing up overweight to the combine. If he goes to that meeting and the Colts pick him, SD gets Peyton and Eli possibly holds a different team hostage.

[mardigan]

Eagles | Kearse released
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:30:35 -0800

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced they have released DE Jevon Kearse.






NFL | T. Green cleared to play in 2008
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:14:34 -0800

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports unrestricted free-agent QB Trent Green has been cleared to play football in 2008. During an exclusive interview with FOXSports.com, Green said he was cleared to play last week by Dr. Cantu, one of the most well-known neurosurgeons in the country. Dr. Cantu said Green did not show any symptoms after tests taken by Cantu and said there is no reason that Green shouldn't play. Green said he wants to play again because he has a small window of opportunity. "I've talked to a number of former players and guys who have been long retired and some recently retired for help on this and they all said the same thing, 'If you can keep playing and you want to keep going then keep playing. You only have one window for your career and once that window closes, there's no going back. It's over.'" Trent said his family supports his decision to return to football and said a few teams have talked to him about signing him as the No. 2 quarterback, while other teams have spoken with him about competing for the starting job. He also said he has not had any symptoms of the concussion he suffered in the 2007 season.



http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

[mardigan]

Kelly signs seven-year, $50.5 million contract with Raiders
By John Clayton
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: February 28, 2008, 2:00 PM ET


The Oakland Raiders stepped forward Thursday on the eve of free agency and signed Tommy Kelly to the largest contract ever given to a defensive tackle.

Kelly, a defensive end scheduled to move to defensive tackle this season, signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract Thursday that has $18.125 million in guarantees. In the first three years of the deal, he will make $25.125 million.

The Raiders' plan is for the 300-pound Kelly to replace the retiring Warren Sapp as the three-technique defensive tackle in the Raiders' 4-3 defense. The move is similar to the one made last year by the Detroit Lions' Cory Redding, a franchise player who signed a seven-year, $47.5 million deal last summer, the highest among defensive tackles at the time.

Like Kelly, Redding was an effective run-stopping end with some pass-rush ability so the Lions believed he could move to tackle, work next to Shaun Rogers and create a solid 1-2 interior defensive tackle punch. The Raiders believe Kelly can emerge as one of the league's best interior defenders.

Kelly gained the confidence of Raiders coaches by averaging five tackles a game as a starter at defensive end. He's had 13 career sacks, and the Raiders believe he can be a pass-rushing force at defensive tackle because of his quickness.

First, though, Kelly has to get healthy. He's coming off a torn ACL that limited him to seven games last year. He had 30 tackles and a sack in those games. Kelly was going to be a highly coveted defender in free agency because he could play defensive tackle in a 4-3 or defensive end in a 3-4.

He came to the Raiders in 2004 as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3269154

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Who?

[stretch]

Kelly signs seven-year, $50.5 million contract with Raiders
By John Clayton
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: February 28, 2008, 2:00 PM ET


The Oakland Raiders stepped forward Thursday on the eve of free agency and signed Tommy Kelly to the largest contract ever given to a defensive tackle.

Kelly, a defensive end scheduled to move to defensive tackle this season, signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract Thursday that has $18.125 million in guarantees. In the first three years of the deal, he will make $25.125 million.

The Raiders' plan is for the 300-pound Kelly to replace the retiring Warren Sapp as the three-technique defensive tackle in the Raiders' 4-3 defense. The move is similar to the one made last year by the Detroit Lions' Cory Redding, a franchise player who signed a seven-year, $47.5 million deal last summer, the highest among defensive tackles at the time.

Like Kelly, Redding was an effective run-stopping end with some pass-rush ability so the Lions believed he could move to tackle, work next to Shaun Rogers and create a solid 1-2 interior defensive tackle punch. The Raiders believe Kelly can emerge as one of the league's best interior defenders.

Kelly gained the confidence of Raiders coaches by averaging five tackles a game as a starter at defensive end. He's had 13 career sacks, and the Raiders believe he can be a pass-rushing force at defensive tackle because of his quickness.

First, though, Kelly has to get healthy. He's coming off a torn ACL that limited him to seven games last year. He had 30 tackles and a sack in those games. Kelly was going to be a highly coveted defender in free agency because he could play defensive tackle in a 4-3 or defensive end in a 3-4.

He came to the Raiders in 2004 as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3269154

I'm not sure why they are paying him that much, but he is a pretty talented player. I'm glad they kept him, but that is paying a bit too much...

[stretch]

Who?

i understand why though.

The Raiders have a very solid group of defensive players, such as Tommy Kelly (good all around player for DL), Thomas Howard (fast, beastly OLB), Kirk Morrison (monster MLB), and Nnamdi Asomugha (top 3 CB in the league), that get no recognition because they havent been winning much at all, due to the offense's inability to score points or even sustain a drive to give the defense some rest.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Yeah, but coming off a torn ACL?

[sa_butta]

Everyone expected a quick start to free agency, but the limited market of players made things even crazier than normal Friday morning.

Less than a hour after the 12:01 a.m. start to free agency, the Dolphins reached a five-year, $25 million deal with 49ers guard Justin Smiley that included a $9 million guarantee. The Raiders quickly made contact with 49ers tackle Kwame Harris and may try to do something at a similar price although talks are in the early stages.

The 49ers wasted no time hitting their free agency shopping list. They agreed with Vikings linebacker Dontarrious Thomas on a two-year deal and allowed Lions quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan to be re-united with new 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz by agreeing to a one-year, $645,000 contract. The 49ers also locked up a two-year, $1.8 million deal with former Panthers halfback DeShaun Foster and a one-year, $870,000 deal with kick-returner/cornerback Allen Rossum, a former Steeler.

The post-midnight contact for Steelers guard Alan Faneca set the stage for a possible $8 million-a-year deal before Monday. The 49ers, Rams and Jets contacted Faneca's agent, Rick Smith, after midnight to set up visits. Faneca plans to spend Friday mapping out plans and visit a team Sunday. The Cardinals expressed interest in Faneca but indicated to him they couldn't do an $8 million-a-year deal now because of Larry Fitzgerald's contract. Fitzgerald has a $16.48 million cap number this year and the team hasn't been able to restructure his contract.

The phone was busy for Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, with the Eagles making the early calls and winning the first visit. Samuel is hoping to get a five-year, $50 million or six-year, $62 million contract.

Things were tight-lipped around Randy Moss, the Patriots' receiver who wasn't franchised and is technically a free agent. Many believe he will re-sign in New England, but there was no deal in place at the start of free agency.

The Falcons contacted Seahawks kicker Josh Brown and also tried to convince Chargers running back Michael Turner to make a visit on Friday. The Panthers convinced Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton to make Carolina his first visit. The Vikings and 49ers battled it out to convince Bengals defensive end Justin Smith, but Smith informed the 49ers he will make San Francisco his first stop.

Late deals to keep players prevented some suitors from getting visits. Defensive tackle Brian Young is considering an offer to re-sign with the Saints and declined a visit. Chris Redman is considering re-signing with the Falcons.

Plenty of trades are expected to be announced Friday. The Packers traded franchise defensive tackle Corey Williams to the Browns for a second-round choice. Williams is expected to sign a six-year, $38 million contract. The Saints are close to finishing a trade for Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is heading to the Jets for a third- and fifth-round pick. Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson will go to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick. Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud are also on the trading block and deals could move quickly involving them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3270118

[ATRAIN]

Texans re-sign Davis to four-year, $16 million pact

Texans wide receiver André Davis is more than happy to enter free agency as a spectator instead of a player.

Kennard McGuire, Davis' agent, worked with the Texans to finalize a four-year deal worth $16 million before free agency started Thursday. After Davis signs the contract today, he can relax with his wife, Janelle, and their 6-week-old son, Daylen.

"We're glad that another phase of the season is over, and we can move on and try to enjoy the last bit of this offseason," said Davis, who caught 33 passes for 583 yards and three touchdowns and scored three times on kickoff returns last season. "I think it was very important to us that if we were going to go to another team that other team was going to have to do pretty good in getting us to leave in offering us something.

"We were extremely happy with what Houston came up with, and we decided to stay here because it's best for us."

Such last-minute agreements didn't happen for many unrestricted free agents Thursday, meaning they are on the market. The Texans will start courting some of their targets today. Former University of Houston offensive lineman Rex Hadnot will visit Reliant Stadium today, as well as Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves.

Hadnot, 26, started every game at guard the past three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. If he joins the Texans, he will move to center. The Texans cut Mike Flanagan, and Steve McKinney and Chris White ended last season on the injured reserve.

"Rex brings a lot to the table," said Brian Overstreet, Hadnot's agent. "He can play center or guard. He started at guard for Miami, but he loves playing center, too. We think the Texans would be a great spot for Rex. Rex would solve an immediate need. He's from Lufkin, and he played at UH, and he likes everything that's going on with the Texans, the improvement they've made. He feels they're a team on the rise.

"I'm a Texans fan. I'd like to have Rex here, too, but it's got to be the right deal. When we start talking, hopefully, it's just a matter of getting a deal done."

Help in the secondary
Reeves, 25, is coming off his best season with the Cowboys. He started 13 games in 2007 and finished with a career-high 60 tackles. He would help fill some of the void left by Dunta Robinson, who will miss at least half of the season as he recovers from knee and hamstring injuries. Reeves would challenge for the starting job opposite Fred Bennett.

The Texans also must deal with inquiries from the Minnesota Vikings about backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels. The Vikings, who have two third-round picks in the upcoming draft, are interested in acquiring Rosenfels.

With all the drama that has started surfacing in Houston and around the NFL, Davis is happy to be at home and watching. He played for four teams — Cleveland, New England, Buffalo and the Texans — in the past four seasons and has a multiyear deal in place.

"The Texans did everything right to keep André," McGuire said. "Some teams don't do everything right when they're trying to keep a player. The Texans did. The Texans offered stability. This deal gives him the security he wanted."

It also gives the Texans some security because they did not tender an offer to restricted free agent Jerome Mathis by Thursday's deadline. The former All-Pro kick returner is an unrestricted free agent. The Texans tendered offers to safety C.C. Brown, guard Scott Jackson and defensive tackle Anthony Maddox.

Davis looks forward to watching what the Texans do in the coming weeks to bolster a franchise that finished with its best record in 2007.

Building a foundation
He also is ready to see how free agency impacts teams around the league.

"I think this is where teams start to get to be picked favorites and stuff," Davis said. "Of course, you still have to get the team to jell and everything for you to actually perform well. But when you can get the names in there, I think it just builds the confidence and the excitement leading into the season, because you know that your team did everything it could to put the right pieces of the puzzle in place as they try to make the team as successful as possible."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5580622.html

[peewee's lovechild]

^^^^
LOL!!!!

Good luck with Jaques Reeves.
That er was toasted by everyone this season.

[ATRAIN]

^^^^
LOL!!!!

Good luck with Jaques Reeves.
That er was toasted by everyone this season.

Yeah Im not very happy about that. He will prob be for depth though and we will prob get a a rookie CB via the draft.

[sa_butta]

Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn't a free agent for long.

Anderson has agreed to a multiyear contract to stay with the Browns, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed.

General manager Phil Savage believed if Anderson had gotten an offer from another team, the Browns probably wouldn't have been able to keep him.

The team had been negotiating a three-year, $20 million deal for Anderson.

The 24-year-old signed with Cleveland just hours after he became a restricted free agent.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3270420

[sa_butta]

Patriots, LB Bruschi agree on multiyear dealNew England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi decided Thursday to return for his 13th season and apparently, he wants to play more than just one more year.

Bruschi, who has played an instrumental role in the team winning three Super Bowls, agreed to a multiyear deal that he plans to sign Friday to stay with the Patriots. Terms of the deal were unavailable.

Bruschi missed the 2006 season opener after breaking his wrist in training camp. But that was easy to overcome considering he suffered a stroke just 10 days after the Patriots won the 2005 Super Bowl. He had surgery to repair a hole in his heart and ended up missing only the first six games of the following season.

In May of 2005, Bruschi acknowledged that he was uncertain he would ever play again. Two months later, The Associated Press reported he would miss the 2005 campaign. In September, Bruschi announced that he intended to return to the Patriots for the 2006 season. And then, on Oct. 16, only eight months after the stroke, he said he would come back for the remainder of the 2005 season.

Two weeks later, in a 21-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, he recorded 10 tackles in his return performance.

The 34-year-old Bruschi had 92 tackles in 16 starts last year. The Patriots toyed with the idea of bringing in Zach Thomas a week ago, but Thomas signed with the Cowboys.

Bruschi led all New England defenders in tackles. Forced to log increased snaps after a season-ending injury to outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin prompted a lineup shuffle, Bruschi held up remarkably well. He had two sacks and two pass deflections to go with his 92 tackles, and his football instincts have compensated for the loss of maybe a half-step.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3269778

[sa_butta]

Jaguars | Team to sign J. Porter?
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:45:17 -0800

Nancy Gay, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports free-agent WR Jerry Porter (Raiders) has an agreement in place to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to FOXSports.com


Panthers | Team to send Jenkins to Jets
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:21:56 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Carolina Panthers will send DT Kris Jenkins to the New York Jets in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick.

[ATRAIN]

Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn't a free agent for long.

Anderson has agreed to a multiyear contract to stay with the Browns, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed.

General manager Phil Savage believed if Anderson had gotten an offer from another team, the Browns probably wouldn't have been able to keep him.

The team had been negotiating a three-year, $20 million deal for Anderson.

The 24-year-old signed with Cleveland just hours after he became a restricted free agent.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3270420

I was hoping they wouldn't sign him and wanted to watch Brady Quinn crumble!!!! DAMMIT!!!

[mardigan]

49ers | Team signs Foster
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:12:35 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the San Francisco 49ers have signed free agent RB DeShaun Foster (Panthers) to a two-year contract worth $1.8 million.


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49ers | O'Sullivan signs
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:12:00 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the San Francisco 49ers have signed free agent QB J.T. O'Sullivan (Lions) to a one-year contract worth $645,000.


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49ers | Team signs D. Thomas
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:11:38 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the San Francisco 49ers have signed free agent LB Dontarrious Thomas (Vikings) to a two-year deal.


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Dolphins | Team reaches deal with Smiley
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:09:31 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Miami Dolphins have signed free agent OG Justin Smiley (49ers) to a five-year contract worth $25 million.

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Buccaneers | Team signs Faine
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:51:41 -0800

Roy mings, of the Tampa Tribune, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free agent C Jeff Faine (Saints). Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed the contract will make Faine the highest paid center in the game.

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Packers | Team trades C. Williams to Cleveland
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:11:09 -0800

Updating a previous item, Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the Green Bay Packers have agreed in principle to trade DT Corey Williams to the CLBE in exchange for a second-round pick.


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Jets | Team trades Vilma to New Orleans
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:04:17 -0800

Updating a previous item, Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the New York Jets have agreed in principle to trade LB Jonathan Vilma to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a conditional draft pick based on Vilma's playing time.

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Lions | Team rumored to be involved in three-way trade
Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:46:45 -0800

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the Detroit Lions are rumored to be involved in a three-way trade with the Denver Broncos and New York Jets. The Jets would send DT Dewayne Robertson to the Broncos, the Broncos would send CB Domonique Foxworth and a second-round draft pick to the Lions and the Lions would send DT Shaun Rogers to the Jets.

Buccaneers | Team to sign J. Gilmore
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:03:47 -0800

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will sign free-agent TE John Gilmore (Bears) to a three-year contract. Financial terms of the deal are not yet available.


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Patriots | Washington agrees to contract with team
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:28:47 -0800

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a contract with free agent WR Kelley Washington (Patriots). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


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Panthers | Team to send Jenkins to Jets
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:21:56 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Carolina Panthers will send DT Kris Jenkins to the New York Jets in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick.


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Eagles | Team has deal in place with Samuel
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:42:57 -0800

ComcastSportsNet.com reports the Philadelphia Eagles have a deal in place with free-agent CB Asante Samuel (Patriots), according to a source. Terms of the deal have yet to be finalized.


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Falcons | Team re-signs C. Redman
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:26:30 -0800

The Atlanta Falcons announced Friday, Feb. 29, that they have re-signed QB Chris Redman. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


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Dolphins | Team to acquire Ferguson
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:29:17 -0800

ESPNews reports the Miami Dolphins will acquire DT Jason Ferguson and a 2008 sixth-round draft choice from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2008 sixth-round draft choice and a 2009 sixth-round draft choice.


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Rams | Wilkins retires
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:27:52 -0800

The St. Louis Rams announced Friday, Feb. 29, that PK Jeff Wilkins will retire. Wilkins ends his career as the Rams' all-time leader in scoring with 1,223 points. His streak of 371 consecutive PATs is the Rams franchise record and tied for best in NFL history with Denver Broncos PK Jason Elam's 371 from 1993-2002.


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Redskins | Collins contract details
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:18:55 -0800

Updating a previous report, Adam Schefter, of NFL.com, reports the Washington Redskins have re-signed unrestricted free-agent QB Todd Collins to a three-year deal worth $9 million. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus.


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Bills | K. Mitc contract update
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:54:44 -0800

Updating a previous item, Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the Buffalo Bills signed free-agent LB Kawika Mitc (Giants) to a five-year, $17.5 million deal.


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Buccaneers | Faine contract details
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:34:36 -0800

Updating a previous report, the St. Petersburg Times reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free-agent C Jeff Faine (Saints). Faine is expected to sign a six-year, $37.5 million deal, with $15 million in guaranteed money. Faine could earn up to $20 million in the first three years of his contract.


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49ers | Rossum contract details
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:32:07 -0800

Updating a previous report, John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the San Francisco 49ers have signed unrestricted free-agent CB Allen Rossum (Steelers) to a one-year deal worth $870,000.


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Vikings | M. Williams agrees to terms
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:31:34 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with unrestricted free-agent FS Madieu Williams (Bengals) on a six-year deal worth $33 million.


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Jaguars | Lemon signed
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:28:13 -0800

NFL.com reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed unrestricted free-agent QB Cleo Lemon (Dolphins) to a three-year deal worth just under $9 million.


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Jaguars | Porter contract update
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:24:19 -0800

Updating a previous item, Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent WR Jerry Porter (Raiders) to a six-year, $30 million contract, with $10 million in guaranteed money.


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http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl

[mardigan]

Eagles | Team pushing to sign Clemons
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:02:43 -0800

NFL.com reports the Philadelphia Eagles are making a push to sign unrestricted free-agent DE Chris Clemons (Raiders).


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Jets | Team makes offer to Faneca
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:14:27 -0800

Tom Rock, of New York Newsday, reports the New York Jets reportedly offered free-agent OG Alan Faneca (Steelers) a four-year deal worth $32 million, with around $20 million in guaranteed money. Faneca's agent, Rick Smith, said they are currently compiling offers from several teams, but Faneca is expected to make his decision no later than Sunday, March 2.


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Dolphins | Ryan signed
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:09:32 -0800

NFL.com reports the Miami Dolphins have signed unrestricted free-agent TE Sean P. Ryan (Jets) to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl



Linebacker Kawika Mitc took a chance in free agency last winter and ended up with a Super Bowl ring as a member of the New York Giants.

On Friday, Mitc chased the money, and landed a multi-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. The deal is for $17.5 million over five years, with a $3.5 million signing bonus.

The five-year veteran started all 16 games for the Giants last season after being the team's only notable free-agent addition a year ago. He finished with 87 tackles, 3½ sacks and an interception -- which he returned for a touchdown against the Bills.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3270336

[Condemned 2 HelLA]

Jaguars | Lemon signed
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:28:13 -0800

NFL.com reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed unrestricted free-agent QB Cleo Lemon (Dolphins) to a three-year deal worth just under $9 million.


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Jaguars | Porter contract update
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:24:19 -0800

Updating a previous item, Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent WR Jerry Porter (Raiders) to a six-year, $30 million contract, with $10 million in guaranteed money.

So who do they get rid of to get under the cap to pay these guys?
Cleo Lemon? Really?
And giving Porter that kind of money for that long of a contract?

[peewee's lovechild]

So who do they get rid of to get under the cap to pay these guys?
Cleo Lemon? Really?
And giving Porter that kind of money for that long of a contract?

Poopshark is going to miss Cleo Lemon.

[samikeyp]

Posted on the Hashmarks blog on ESPN.com

Bell ringing in Dallas?

February 29, 2008 3:13 PM


Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

Colleague Matt Mosley is driving right now and can't type. But he just called me with a tip from one of his Cowboys sources. Dallas suddenly is showing interest in running back Tatum Bell.

He's not the biggest name out there, only rushing for 182 yards with Detroit last season. But Bell, who was begging for a trade out of Detroit midway through last season, could be a nice fit as a backup running back. He was a 1,000-yard rusher for Denver in 2006. He's also a Dallas native and, at 26, he still has fresh legs.

[mardigan]

Posted on the Hashmarks blog on ESPN.com

Bell ringing in Dallas?

February 29, 2008 3:13 PM


Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

Colleague Matt Mosley is driving right now and can't type. But he just called me with a tip from one of his Cowboys sources. Dallas suddenly is showing interest in running back Tatum Bell.

He's not the biggest name out there, only rushing for 182 yards with Detroit last season. But Bell, who was begging for a trade out of Detroit midway through last season, could be a nice fit as a backup running back. He was a 1,000-yard rusher for Denver in 2006. He's also a Dallas native and, at 26, he still has fresh legs.

Hmm, I wouldnt mind it. He's got better speed than Julius. They could still draft a back as well.

[mardigan]

Dolphins | Team agrees to terms with Wilford
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:35:48 -0800

Jeff Darlington, of The Miami Herald, reports the Miami Dolphins agreed to terms with free-agent WR Ernest Wilford (Jaguars) Friday, Feb. 29. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


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Seahawks | Team close to signing Crumpler
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:17:53 -0800

Darryl Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Cons ution, reports the Seattle Seahawks are close to signing free-agent TE Alge Crumpler (Falcons), according to Crumpler's agent, James Williams. Williams said he hopes to have a deal completed over the weekend.


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Broncos | Team re-signs Engelberger
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:16:06 -0800

Bill Williamson, of The Denver Post, reports the Denver Broncos re-signed DL John Engelberger Thursday, Feb. 28. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl




And ESPN is reporting that the Lions have traded Shaun Rodgers to the Bengals.