NFL Offseason Thread

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Updated: March 5, 2007, 2:53 PM ET
Henry fills void in Broncos' backfieldBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Filling their need for a proven tailback, the Denver Broncos on Monday reached a contract agreement with Travis Henry, who was released on Saturday by the Tenenessee ans to avoid paying him an $8.3 million roster bonus.

Travis Henry
Running Back
Denver Broncos

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
270 1211 7 18 78 0


Henry will sign a five-year contract that includes $12 million in guarantees.

Within hours of his release, Henry flew to Denver and visited with Broncos officials over the weekend, while agent Hadley Engelhard negotiated a deal. Henry also drew considerable interest from the Oakland Raiders, who hoped to bring him in for a visit this week.

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.

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

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The Patriots have shown interest in dealing for Randy Moss. A source said Bill Belichick believes he could motivate Moss to play and that he'd have the locker room support system to back him up, thanks to high-character veterans like Tom Brady, Richard Seymour and Rodney Harrison.
-- Boston Herald

There has been talk of the Bucs possibly trying to talk Jake Plummer out of retirement in an effort to trade his rights to either the Raiders or the Texans.
-- Tampa Tribune

The Packers are most likely to look at hard-cutting backs such as Tennessee's Travis Henry and Chris Brown, New England's Corey Dillon and possibly Oakland's Lamont Jordan if he is released.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Over the past few days, sources said Dre Bly has expressed concern with remaining a Bronco with several of his new teammates, as well as former ones in Detroit. Bly and agent Kennard McGuire declined comment.
-- Washington Post

Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael is on the trading block his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed Sunday night. A source said Saturday that the Dolphins are asking for a third-round draft choice.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Donté Stallworth, the Eagles' free-agent receiver, brought some baggage with him when he hit the NFL's open market Friday. According to league sources, Stallworth is a participant in the NFL's substance-abuse program, which could subject him to a league suspension if he were to violate the terms of the program again.
-- Philadelphia Inquirer

Dominic Rhodes concluded his visit with the Giants yesterday without a contract, but that doesn't mean there isn't one coming. The team and Rhodes' agent are expected to continue talking, though Rhodes might be visiting other teams in the near future.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

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Tracking the comings and goings in free agency


By Adam Schefter
NFL Analyst




Free agency has opened with a flurry of activity. Already, numerous teams are on the board. Take a glance at the deals, and the potential soon-to-be deals.

Monday, March 5
Running back Travis Henry agreed to a five-year contract that include $12 million worth of guaranteed money with the Denver Broncos. Henry was scheduled to visit Oakland, Green Bay and the New York Giants and those visits were cancelled after he reached the deal with the Broncos.

St. Louis free-agent WR Kevin Curtis is scheduled to visit the New York Giants on Monday night.

Wide receiver Joe Horn is scheduled to arrive in Atlanta tonight for a visit with Falcons. He is scheduled to have dinner tonight with new Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino. Horn hopes to make a decision within the next 48 hours.

Tampa Bay WR Joey Galloway agrees to a restructured deal, signing a three-year, $7.5 million deal that includes $3.1 million worth of guaranteed money. He was due $2.8 million this year, the new deal calls for him to make $1.2 million in base salary, with a $1.8 million roster bonus payment, and $100,000 workout incentive. Galloway is also now scheduled to make $1.767 million in 2008 and $2 million in 2009. It was quite the busy weekend for the Bucs.

Free-agent quarterback Brad Johnson is visiting the Dallas Cowboys. He's expected to decide between the Cowboys and Broncos by Wednesday.

The Raiders restructured the contract of wide receiver Ronald Curry, who was due a $5 million option bonus payment. Instead, the Raiders signed him to a five-year, $20 million contract, including $8.5 million worth of guaranteed money.

Free-agent cornerback William James (formerly Will Peterson) is scheduled to visit the Saints on Tuesday and Falcons on Wednesday.

Free-agent guard Sean Mahan is visiting the Cleveland Browns on Monday and scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks Tuesday.

Cincinnati free-agent TE Reggie Kelly is visiting with the Raiders.

The Bengals re-signed running back Kenny Watson, a good third-down back and special teams ace, to a three-year contract.

Tight end Daniel Graham is visiting the Seahawks after visiting the Raiders on Sunday and Broncos on Saturday.

Patrick Kerney is wrapping up a visit with Seahawks. He is expected to decide between the Seahawks and Broncos by Tuesday morning.

The Dolphins signed free-agent tight end David Martin, the former Green Bay Packer.

[sa_butta]

Dolphins to release Randy Mcmichael today

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Dolphins could trade Welker
Wes Welker - WR - MIA - Mar. 5 - 3:27 pm et
The Dolphins and Patriots could potentially work out a trade for Wes Welker instead of signing him to an offer sheet.
It's believed that Welker and the Patriots have already agreed on contract terms. The Patriots would give up the No. 60 pick in the draft for Welker if he changed teams by signing an offer sheet. The two sides might be able to find a more agreeable solution. Mar. 5 - 3:27 pm et
Source: Boston Globe

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I guess cause they signed David Martin

[sa_butta]

I guess cause they signed David Martin

And Randy is costing too much money.

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Patriots to snag Welker from Dolphins via tradeBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The New England Patriots have reached agreement in principle to acquire three-year veteran wide receiver Wes Welker from the Miami Dolphins, ESPN.com has learned through team and league sources. Wes Welker
Wide Receiver
Miami Dolphins

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
67 687 1 10.3 38 285


Barring any hang-ups, the deal will be announced on Monday, sources said. It is not yet known what the Patriots, who have already reached contract terms with Welker, will surrender in the unusual swap between division rivals.

ESPN.com first reported Saturday that the Patriots planned to sign Welker to a restricted free agent offer sheet. But the two teams obviously decided to avoid the red-tape and uncertainty that accompanies such a transaction and opted for a trade instead.

The Dolphins last week made Welker a qualifying offer of $1.3 million.

Had the Patriots officially executed the offer sheet to Welker, the Dolphins would have had seven days to either match it or pass on it. Under that scenario, if Miami matched the offer sheet, it would have retained Welker at the terms of the deal New England negotiated with him. If the Dolphins did not match the offer sheet, they would have received a second-round pick in the 2007 draft from the Patriots as compensation.

The trade agreement, though, renders moot the question of whether Miami would have matched an offer sheet and allows Welker to immediately move to the Pats. Welker should quickly upgrade a position where the Patriots have struggled of late to develop young players.

Welker, 25, is a terrific, if unheralded playmaker who has earned a spot on the ESPN.com "all unsung" team each of the past two seasons. Used principally as a return specialist in his first two seasons in the league, Welker emerged as a viable receiving threat in 2006, with 67 catches for 687 yards and a touchdown.

The former Texas Tech standout originally entered the NFL with San Diego in 2004 as an undrafted college free agent. He was waived by the Chargers early in the 2004 season and signed with the Dolphins shortly thereafter.

In 47 appearances, including three starts, Welker has 96 receptions for 1,121 yards and one touchdown. He has returned 170 kickoffs for an average of 22.7 yards and one touchdown and has 127 punt returns for a 9.7-yard average and one score.

On another front, a source close to Bill Belichick reacted with skepticism Monday to reports that the New England coach is "enamored of" Randy Moss and might consider acquiring the Oakland Raiders wide receiver in a trade.

Said the source: "I'd be very cautious about how I treat second- or third-hand information about what's going on in the mind of Belichick when it comes to this stuff. Unless you're hearing it directly [from Belichick], you're taking a big leap. It happens every year with the Patriots, about free agency and draft plans, a lot of agendas and speculation that rarely end up happening."

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

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Report: Dolphins to release McMichaelESPN.com news services


Tight end Randy McMichael reportedly is about to hit the free agent market.

Randy McMichael
Tight End
Miami Dolphins

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC
62 640 3 10.3 24 313


Unnamed sources told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the Dolphins plan to release McMichael on Monday. McMichael was due a $3 million bonus later this month.

The Dolphins were shopping McMichael for a third-round draft pick, but found no takers, the newspaper reported.

McMichael is the Dolphins' all-time leader in catches (283) and receiving yards (3,096) for a tight end and 2006 was his third consecutive season with at least 60 receptions.

The Dolphins recently signed former Packers tight end David Martin to take McMichael's spot in the starting lineup.



Colts re-sign Morris; Collins staying with ansESPN.com news services


Indianapolis Colts: The Colts on Monday re-signed veteran linebacker and unrestricted free agent Rob Morris. He had 48 tackles during the 2006 regular season, followed by 21 tackles, including 17 solo tackles, during the Colts' four playoff victories.

Dallas Cowboys: Kicker Martin Gramatica agreed to a two-year deal with the Cowboys on Monday. Financial details were not available. Gramatica made six of eight field-goal attempts last season and all 23 extra-point attempts.

Detroit Lions: The Lions re-signed defensive end Corey Smith to a one-year contract on Monday. Smith, who was an unrestricted free agent, had 10 tackles and two sacks in Detroit last season. He started in one of eight games after signing with the Lions in November.

St. Louis Rams: The Rams on Monday signed free agent punter B.J. Sander to a contract. Terms weren't immediately available. Sander, who was out of football last season, was a third-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2004, but did not play that season.

In 2005 he averaged 39.2 yards on 64 punts in 14 games with the Packers, missing the final two games of the season with a knee injury.

Tennessee ans: The ans agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent QB Kerry Collins. The 12-year veteran started three games for the ans last season, throwing for 549 yards and one touchdown before handing over the reigns to rookie Vince Young.

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Updated: March 5, 2007, 5:39 PM ET
Owens can run routes, can't catch passes until campAssociated Press


IRVING, Texas -- Terrell Owens can run routes while recovering from a second postseason surgery on his injured right ring finger, but he's not expected to catch passes before training camp.



Owens
"Doctors told me they can devise good protection for that," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Monday. "But you don't want to do anything foolish. He will still be able to do all his other work, conditioning, running. He can run routes."

Jones said he had spoken to Owens since the receiver had the additional surgery Thursday.

"He's doing fine," Jones said. "He's very optimistic about getting in shape and excited about working with the coaches. ... I think he will be ready."

Owens had surgery right after the season to repair a torn tendon in his right ring finger, an injury he sustained late in the season. Earlier in the season, he had a plate screwed into the same finger after breaking it while blocking in a game in September.

Jones has said the Cowboys plan to bring back Owens, who is due a $3 million roster bonus in June and a $5 million salary this season.

Despite the injured finger, Owens caught 85 passes for 1,180 yards and an NFL-high 13 touchdowns.



Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Word is that Kevin Curtis fired his agent Tom Condon today.

He can reach a deal with any team, but can't sign with an agent for five days.

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Bucs sign free agent fullback B.J. Askew
March 4, 2007





TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Free-agent fullback B.J. Askew signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Askew, drafted by the Jets in the third round out of Michigan in 2003, has played in 55 games in his four NFL seasons, all with New York. In 2004, he and Jerald Sowell were the lead blockers for running back Curtis Martin, who led the league with 1,697 yards rushing.

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 was also a standout on special teams.

Askew recently told The Associated Press that he wanted a chance to switch roles on the field, from fullback to halfback - something he did while rushing for 1,580 yards and 17 touchdowns in college at Michigan. He also caught 83 passes for 777 yards and six TDs with the Wolverines.

"B.J. enjoyed his time with the Jets, but he wanted an opportunity to utilize all of his talents," said Askew's agent, Scott Smith. "He is much more than a traditional blocking fullback, and now he will be playing in a system that has produced one of the most prolific power backs in history in Mike Alstott."


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved Headlines

Crazy $pending adds up to big winners, big losers early RB Henry joins Broncos | Plummer to retire Cowboys give Davis team-record bonus Colts reward LB Morris after Super spark T.O. recovering from new finger surgery Lions re-sign DE Smith to one-year deal Former Pack back Green going to Texans QB Quinn finally works out for NFL scouts
More Headlines

[sa_butta]

Bucs sign free agent fullback B.J. Askew
March 4, 2007





TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Free-agent fullback B.J. Askew signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Askew, drafted by the Jets in the third round out of Michigan in 2003, has played in 55 games in his four NFL seasons, all with New York. In 2004, he and Jerald Sowell were the lead blockers for running back Curtis Martin, who led the league with 1,697 yards rushing.

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 was also a standout on special teams.

Askew recently told The Associated Press that he wanted a chance to switch roles on the field, from fullback to halfback - something he did while rushing for 1,580 yards and 17 touchdowns in college at Michigan. He also caught 83 passes for 777 yards and six TDs with the Wolverines.

"B.J. enjoyed his time with the Jets, but he wanted an opportunity to utilize all of his talents," said Askew's agent, Scott Smith. "He is much more than a traditional blocking fullback, and now he will be playing in a system that has produced one of the most prolific power backs in history in Mike Alstott."


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2006-2007, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved Headlines

Crazy $pending adds up to big winners, big losers early RB Henry joins Broncos | Plummer to retire Cowboys give Davis team-record bonus Colts reward LB Morris after Super spark T.O. recovering from new finger surgery Lions re-sign DE Smith to one-year deal Former Pack back Green going to Texans QB Quinn finally works out for NFL scouts
More Headlines

Man, he was a beast when he was a Wolverine. He should be a nice fit in Tampa.

[Horry For 3!]

Breaking News on ESPN:

Thomas Jones was traded to the Jets

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49ers Add Help at Receiver with Lelie print


After releasing last year’s leading receiver Antonio Bryant late last week, the 49ers addressed a need at wide receiver by signing unrestricted free agent Ashley Lelie from the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.

“The signing of Ashley Lelie addresses a need for us at wide receiver,” said head coach Mike Nolan. “He gives us a playmaker and certainly strengthens us by giving our team a playmaker that has proven ability to stretch the field. He is excited about joining the 49ers organization.”

Lelie (6-3, 200), a fifth-year veteran was originally a first-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2002. He joined the Falcons in late August of 2006 via a three-way trade between Denver, Atlanta and Washington.

Since arriving on the NFL scene, Lelie has emerged as one of the top big-play receivers. His career yards-per-reception average (17.5 avg.) currently leads the league. Lelie also owned the NFL's highest yards-per-reception average in 2005 (18.3) and 2004 (20.1). He eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career (1,084 yards) in 2004.

Lelie played in 15 games last season, finishing with 28 catches for 430 yards to bring his career total to 196 receptions and 3,437 yards.

The team has also officially re-signed FB Moran Norris and re-signed G Tony Wragge.

Norris (6-1, 254) made a big impact after signing with the 49ers as an unrestricted free agent in 2006. He played in 14 games, started seven and was a key component in RB Frank Gore leading the NFC in rushing. Norris also added two touchdowns on the season, including a career-high 32 yard scoring reception against Denver (12-31-06).

Wragge (6-4, 320) was a key reserve for San Francisco in 2006, playing in 14 games. He started four contests on the year, two at left guard in place of an injured Larry Allen and two at center after Eric Heitmann was lost to a broken tibia.

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Blaylock and Hamilton Released
Published: 03-01-07

By Jets PR Department

Regular Contributor

change font email article
The New York Jets announced they have released running back Derrick Blaylock and defensive lineman Bobby Hamilton. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

The New York Jets announced they have released running back Derrick Blaylock and defensive lineman Bobby Hamilton. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.




Sources: Bears to swap Jones for Jets draft pickESPN.com news services


According to league sources, the Bears have agreed to trade RB Thomas Jones and a 2007 second-round pick (No. 63 overall) to the Jets for a 2007 second-round pick -- No. 37 overall -- which was acquired previously in a trade from Washington, ESPN.com's Michael Smith reported. Thomas Jones
Running Back
Chicago Bears

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
296 1210 6 36 154 0


The Jets still have two picks in the second round -- No. 59 and now No. 63.

The Jets and Jones' representative Drew Rosenhaus are believed to be working on a new contract with Jones, whose unhappiness with his Bears contract led to him skipping off-season workouts this past season.

The Bears now have the No. 31st (first round) and 37th overall picks

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Jets Re-Sign Poteat; Release Barlow & Teague
Published: 02-21-07

By Jets PR Department

Regular Contributor

change font email article
The New York Jets announced they have re-signed CB Hank Poteat, signed S Raymond Ventrone to a Reserve/Future contract and released RB Kevan Barlow and OL Trey Teague. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Poteat (5-11, 195 lbs.) going into his eighth season, joined the Jets before Week Six of the 2006 season and started six games, registering 32 tackles. Poteat started his career as a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 after playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh.

Ventrone (5-10, 200 lbs.) started 10 games for Cologne of NFL Europa in 2006, recording 41 tackles, four forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles from his strong safety position. He spent the 2006 season on the Patriots’ PUP list and the 2005 season on the Patriots’ practice squad after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Villanova.

The New York Jets announced they have re-signed CB Hank Poteat, signed S Raymond Ventrone to a Reserve/Future contract and released RB Kevan Barlow and OL Trey Teague. The announcements were made by General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Poteat (5-11, 195 lbs.) going into his eighth season, joined the Jets before Week Six of the 2006 season and started six games, registering 32 tackles. Poteat started his career as a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000 after playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh.

Ventrone (5-10, 200 lbs.) started 10 games for Cologne of NFL Europa in 2006, recording 41 tackles, four forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles from his strong safety position. He spent the 2006 season on the Patriots’ PUP list and the 2005 season on the Patriots’ practice squad after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Villanova.

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Packers | Walter re-signed
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 15:35:46 -0800

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed OL Tyson Walter. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Dolphins | Harrington released
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 15:07:45 -0800

ESPNews reports the Miami Dolphins have cut QB Joey Harrington.


Buttas wish has come true


Seahawks | Parry re-signed
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 15:51:46 -0800

The Seattle Seahawks have re-signed FB Josh Parry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Falcons release guard Matt Lehr

Cowboys | Team confident in re-signing Colombo
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 13:18:16 -0800

Tim MacMahon, of the Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys are confident they will be able to re-sign free agent OL Marc Colombo (Cowboys).


Cowboys | Team meeting with B. Johnson
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 13:02:11 -0800

Tim MacMahon, of the Dallas Morning News, reports the Dallas Cowboys are meeting with free agent QB Brad Johnson (Vikings) Monday, March 5


Jets | Tuiasosopo to visit
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 12:37:55 -0800

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets are scheduled to bring in free agent QB Marques Tuiasosopo (Raiders) for a visit.


Jets | Duckett due in for a visit later in the week
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 12:27:59 -0800

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets are scheduled to bring in free agent RB T.J. Duckett (Redskins) for a visit at some point later in the week.


I guess this probably wont happen now with the Jones trade


Cardinals | Al Johnson agrees
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 16:23:55 -0800

The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with free-agent C Al Johnson (Cowboys). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Patriots | Welker signs five-year contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 16:37:25 -0800

The NFL Network reports New England Patriots WR Wes Welker signed a five-year contract with the team. The deal is worth $18.1 million with $10 million guaranteed.


Panthers | Team releases Weinke
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 14:33:46 -0800

Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Carolina Panthers have released QB Chris Weinke.

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Broncos | Contract update: T. Henry
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 16:31:15 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Denver Broncos RB Travis Henry's contract is worth $22.5 million with $12 million in guarantees.


Pretty good contract given out by the Broncos


Falcons | W. James to meet with team Wednesday
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 09:43:43 -0800

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports free agent CB William James (Eagles) will meet with the Atlanta Falcons Wednesday, March 7, according to league sources.


Bucs sign de Kevin Carter


Raiders | Curry contract update
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 06:50:09 -0800

Updating a previous item, Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders have signed WR Ronald Curry to a new five-year, $20 million contract, including $8.5 million in guaranteed money


Cant believe this guy got this contract, its almost as bad as the Northcutt signing


Jets | Team signs Coleman
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 14:15:00 -0800

The New York Jets have signed free-agent DE Kenyon Coleman (Cowboys). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Bills | Team releases Reyes
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 13:19:21 -0800

Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills have announced they have released OG Tutan Reyes.

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Sources: Cowboys sign Vikings' Johnson to 3-year dealESPN.com news services




JohnsonThe Dallas Cowboys have signed QB Brad Johnson to a three-year deal, ESPN.com has learned.

Johnson, who chose the Cowboys over the Denver Broncos, will make $3.5 million in the first season. No other contract terms available.

The Vikings released Johnson last month, making room for Tarvaris Jackson, who started the final two games of last season as a rookie, and Brooks Bollinger as the top options at the position.

The Vikings went 7-2 with Johnson under center in 2006 and just missed the playoffs at 9-7. He threw for 2,750 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Johnson, who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in the 2002-03 season, is fifth in Vkings franchise history with 11,093 yards passing behind Fran Tarkenton, Tommy Kramer, Daunte Culpepper and Wade Wilson.

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Sources: Bears to swap Jones for Jets draft pickBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com


Curtis Martin's injured knee forced the New York Jets to employ a running-back-by-committee approach last season. No more of that. New York has landed a replacement chairman.

Thomas Jones
Running Back
Chicago Bears

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD
296 1210 6 36 154 0


Filling their need for a No. 1 ball carrier, the Jets, according to league sources, have agreed to a trade with the NFC champion Chicago Bears that will land them Thomas Jones and the 63rd overall pick in the upcoming draft in exchange for the 37th overall pick. New York acquired that in a draft-day deal with Washington last year. The deal is expected to be approved by the league on Tuesday.

The Jets still own two picks in the second round, their own (No. 59) and now the Bears' original selection. The Bears select 31st in Round 1 and for now are set to be on the clock six picks later.

With rookie Leon Washington, Cedric Houston, and Kevan Barlow sharing the rushing load, New York ranked 30th in the league last season with an average of 3.5 yards per attempt. Washington led the team with 650 yards. In Jones, 28, the Jets get a back who has rushed for more than 1,200 yards in each of the past two seasons -- becoming the first Bear to do so since Walter Payton in 1985-86. Jones was the postseason's second-leading rusher with 301 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt and scoring four touchdowns in three playoff games.

The Jets and their fans got an up-close look at what New York is getting Nov. 19 when Jones rushed for 121 yards on 23 carries in the Bears' 10-0 win at the Meadowlands.

After rushing for 1,335 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, Jones acted on his unhappiness with his contract by boycotting the Bears' voluntary offseason workouts. Jones was entering the final year of the deal he signed in 2004 and slated to earn $2.75 million this season, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Jets were believed to be working on a new long-term contract last night.

The seventh overall selection in the 2000 draft by the Cardinals out of Virginia, Jones played three seasons in Arizona, spent the 2003 season with the Buccaneers, and has led the Bears in rushing each of the past three seasons. The Bears, however, drafted Cedric Benson with the fourth overall pick in 2004. Jones and Benson made a formidable tandem during last year's run to Super Bowl XXLI, but what was believed to be an icy relationship with each other, as well as Benson with the rest of his teammates, has been a popular topic in the Windy City since Benson's arrival. Jones requested a trade earlier this offseason.

Benson tied Jones for the team lead with six rushing touchdowns and equaled his average of 4.1 yards per rush, carrying 157 times to Jones' 296. It was never a matter of if but when the Bears would elevate Benson to No. 1 status. That time is now.

Michael Smith is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

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Dolphins release tight end McMichael, QB HarringtonAssociated Press


MIAMI -- Quarterback Joey Harrington and tight end Randy McMichael were released Monday by the Miami Dolphins, who swung two other deals in new coach Cam Cameron's roster shakeup.



The Dolphins dealt receiver Wes Welker to the New England Patriots for their second- and seventh-round draft picks in April. New England's second-round pick is No. 60 overall.



Miami also signed tight end David Martin to a three-year contract. Martin had 87 receptions for 766 yards and nine touchdowns in six seasons with Green Bay. He caught 21 passes last season and scored a touchdown against Miami.



"David is a talented tight end who will be a major contributor to our offense," Cameron said. "He is very athletic with good speed and is a quality receiver."



The release of Harrington had been expected, in part because he was due a $1 million roster bonus. In his only season with Miami, he went 5-6 as a starter filling in for Daunte Culpepper, then was benched the final game in favor of Cleo Lemon.



Cameron has declined to say whether he expects Culpepper to regain the starting job in 2007. Lemon is a restricted free agent.



Harrington was acquired last offseason from Detroit, where he started 55 games in four seasons.



McMichael was due a $3 million roster bonus, and his contract was terminated after Miami was unable to swing a trade for him.



A starter since his rookie season in 2002, McMichael is the Dolphins' career leader among tight ends with 283 catches for 3,096 yards. He had at least 60 receptions each of the past three years.



"Apparently this was an economic decision," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "He was surprised, but he's looking forward to a great opportunity elsewhere."



Welker was the Dolphins' third receiver last season, but he led them with a career-high 67 catches, and also returned punts and kickoffs.



"Regarding Randy, Wes and Joey, it is always hard to part ways with individuals who have helped you win in the past," Cameron said. "But it's part of the business, and it's the most difficult aspect of this job."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Updated: March 5, 2007, 11:00 PM ET
Seahawks reach 6-year agreement with DE KerneyBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


After two days of negotiations, the Seattle Seahawks reached an agreement with Atlanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney, considered the best remaining free agent on the market.

Top free agents

GreenDefensive end Patrick Kerney is No. 6 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story
•Scouting report

Kerney, 29, got a six-year, $39.5 million contract that included $19.5 million in guarantees. He was involved in a two-way negotiating battle with the Seahawks and Denver Broncos. The decision was going to be a tough one, but it required a deadline. Kerney and his agents used the length of a flight to make his decision.

Kerney and his agents, Tony Agnone and Rich Rosen, got on a Paul Allen private plane that was taking them to Seattle. They spent the time in the plane deciding the best options. When he left Seattle, Kerney informed the Broncos and Seahawks he would have an answer by the time the plane touched down in Atlanta.

The winner was Seattle, but now another battle brews. The Seahawks and Broncos enter into negotiations Tuesday with New England Patriots tight end Daniel Graham.

Kerney is expected to give the Seahawks a much-needed pass rush. The 6-5, 273-pound defensive end has had three double-digit sack seasons and a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2004. Though hurt by injuries last season, Kerney is still expected to play at a Pro Bowl level.

It probably helped that Kerney got to know Seahawks general Tim Ruskell when Ruskell worked in Atlanta.

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

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Updated: March 6, 2007, 9:34 AM ET
Saints give LB Simmons three-year dealESPN.com news services


NEW ORLEANS -- Linebacker Brian Simmons has agreed to terms of a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, the team announced Tuesday.

Brian Simmons
Linebacker
New Orleans Saints

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
61 38 23 1 0 2




The Cincinnati Bengals, who chose Simmons as a No. 1 draft pick in 1998, had released him late last month, even though he had been one of their most dependable and versatile linebackers, averaging 116 tackles per season since 2001.

Simmons (6-3, 240 pounds) was limited to 11 games in 2006 because of a neck strain, but he still had 78 tackles (41 solo) and two interceptions. He had missed only one game from 2001-2005.

Simmons, 31, had two seasons remaining on his contract in Cincinnati, at base salaries of $3.3 million for 2007 and $3.7 million for 2008, when he was cut. The Bengals' brass felt those salaries were exorbitant for a veteran they considered to be in decline, and the team wanted to move younger players into the position.

But the versatile Simmons, who has started at every position in a 4-3 front at various times during his career, should be a good fit for a New Orleans team that stunned the NFL by winning its division in 2006. The Saints want to build on last season's resurgence and, if Simmons is healthy, he can fill a lot of roles and add another solid locker room presence.



Simmons had 102 stops in 2005, along with four forced fumbles, four sacks and a pair of interceptions. In 2004, he posted 132 stops, a sack, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two interceptions.

Over his career in Cincinnati, Simmons finished among the top two tacklers on the defense in every full season he played. He has appeared in 121 games, with 118 starts since being selected 17th overall in 1998 out of North Carolina. Simmons has 11 interceptions in his career, including two returned for touchdowns, and 23 sacks. He has also recovered eight fumbles.

The decision to release Simmons, which was hardly unanimous among Bengals executives and coaches, left Cincinnati with no linebackers on its current roster with more than three seasons of NFL experience.

"This was not an easy decision to make," said coach Marvin Lewis. "Brian has been a fine player on the field, and he has been a great example to all of our players as a team leader and citizen. But a new NFL year is about to begin and, with the start of free agency, this allows us to best position our team under the salary cap to move forward for 2007."

New Orleans wasted little time contacting Simmons and arranging a visit. He had other visits scheduled, but canceled those after his meeting in New Orleans.

The Associated Press and ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli contributed to this report.

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Porter to get $20M guaranteed in deal with DolphinsBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


The Dolphins didn't want to wait for Joey Porter to make a five- to six-team tour of prospective new teams.

Joey Porter
Linebacker
Pittsburgh Steelers

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int
55 40 15 0 7 2


While Porter, the former Steelers outside linebacker, was spending Monday trying to map out his trips to selected NFL cities, the Dolphins came in with an offer he couldn't refuse. Porter agreed to a five-year, $32 million contract that includes $20 million in guarantees.

The Steelers released him a week ago because they didn't have plans to sign him after his contract ran out in 2007. With several key starters entering the final year of their contract, the Steelers had to be selective and Porter became a salary cap casualty.

The minute he became a free agent, his phone was ringing. Porter had enough offers to visit most of the teams that run a 3-4 defense and few, including Cincinnati, that run a 4-3. He chose to play for Dom Capers' 3-4 unit in Miami.

Porter wanted to take the weekend to settle himself and find a new spot. On Monday, he started to put together a plan of trips. Then the Dolphins entered the picture and worked out a contract. Knowing he was one of the top defensive players available, Porter accepted a deal from the Dolphins before making other visits.

Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.