NFL Offseason Thread

[mardigan]

Raiders | L. Jordan restructures contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 21:03:12 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Oakland Raiders RB LaMont Jordan has restructured his contract. He was due a $5.75 million roster bonus Monday, March 5, but the team decided to not pay it. The two sides agreed to a reworked contract that will save the Raiders about $2 million in salary-cap space.


Chiefs | Team wants T. Green to restructure contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 21:00:35 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have informed QB Trent Green they would like him to return if he is willing to agree to restructure his contract. Green and team president Carl Peterson wrapped up their discussions without a resolution and are planning to meet again later this week.


Buccaneers | Galloway restructures contract
Mon, 5 Mar 2007 18:10:53 -0800

The NFL Network reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway restructured his contract to a three-year, $7.5 million deal.


Updated: March 6, 2007, 1:27 PM ET
49ers add Pats linebacker Banta-CainESPN.com news services


San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers added their fourth potential starter to their defense by reaching an agreement Tuesday with Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain.

Terms of the deal weren't immediately available.

Banta-Cain was being looked at by 4-3 teams as a defensive end and 3-4 teams as a linebacker. He was replaced by Adalius Thomas in New England.

Banta-Cain, who has good speed, was a seventh-round pick from California and gets a chance to return to the Bay Area.

-- John Clayton


Texans | Williams future in doubt
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 12:54:30 -0800

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith said the short-term future of Texans RB Domanick Williams (knee) is in question after he suffered a setback during his rehab. Smith said, "He had some swelling in his knee. We sent him to a specialist in Atlanta, and he's going to have some additional surgery, so the jury's still out on where he is in his rehab process." Another team source said the setback could prevent Williams from being completely ready for spring mini-camps.

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Updated: March 6, 2007, 2:17 PM ET
Chiefs add Harris, who is perfect for Edwards' DBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Filling their need for more athleticism and playmaking potential at middle linebacker, the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday reached agreement with unrestricted free agent Napoleon Harris on a six-year deal.

Top free agents

HarrisLinebacker Napoleon Harris is No. 26 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

Complete financial details of the contract were not immediately available, but two league sources told ESPN.com that Harris will receive about $6 million-$7 million in guarantees.

Harris, 28, will replace Kawika Mitc as Kansas City's starting middle linebacker. A solid run-stuffer but limited athlete, Mitc is also an unrestricted free agent. He was not expected to return to the Chiefs and the acquisition of Harris all but guarantees that.

A five-year veteran, Harris has drawn interest from several teams since the start of free agency and visited earlier with Tampa Bay Buccaneers officials. But the Chiefs made him a priority, in part because head coach Herm Edwards believes Harris has the skills to fit well into his Cover 2 scheme, and moved quickly to complete a deal with him.

Because of his movement skills, Harris should be a middle linebacker capable of remaining on the field on third down, even in obvious passing situations.

Oddly, the Minnesota Vikings, who also play the Cover 2 scheme and for whom Harris played the past two seasons, made little effort to retain him, even though he was a productive player for them.

Minnesota signed E.J. Henderson to a long-term contract extension toward the end of last season, and will benefit from the return of 2006 first-round choice Chad Greenway, who missed his entire rookie campaign with a knee injury. So the Vikings, who also have a standout veteran on hand in Ben Leber, apparently felt they could allow Harris to move on to another team.

The Vikings acquired Harris as part of the 2005 trade that sent wide receiver Randy Moss to the Oakland Raiders. Harris, a college standout at Northwestern, played three seasons for the Raiders, who chose him in the first round of the 2002 draft, before the trade.

In five seasons, Harris has 333 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, nine passes defensed and four forced fumbles. He has appeared in 74 games and been a starter at the middle and weakside linebacker positions.

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

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Updated: March 6, 2007, 5:50 PM ET
Bucs agree to three-year deal with Pe goutBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the first step toward revamping their offensive line on Tuesday, signing unrestricted free agent tackle Luke Pe gout to a three-year, $15.5 million contract.

Top free agents

Pe goutOffensive tackle Luke Pe gout is No. 26 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

Tampa Bay officials also initiated talks with another unrestricted tackle, Jordan Black of Kansas City, and hope to complete a deal with him as well.

Released by the New York Giants two weeks ago, in part for salary cap reasons and because of the team's desire to move guard David Diehl to tackle, Pe gout figures to step right into the starting left tackle spot in Tampa Bay. The position has long been a problem area for the Bucs and coaches are confident Pe gout can solidify it.

The three-year contract for Pe gout includes a $3 million signing bonus. He will earn a base salary of $2 million for 2007, along with a $1 million roster bonus. In 2008, he is due a spring roster bonus of $1.75 million and a base salary of $2.5 million. There is a similar roster bonus in 2009, with a $3.5 million base salary.

Pe gout, 30, is coming off a 2006 season in which he appeared in just nine games. He sustained a fractured left fibula in November and the Giants, feeling he might be able to return late in the year or for the playoffs, kept him on the active roster. Finally, in late December, he was moved to injured reserve.

An eight-year veteran, Pe gout has appeared in 113 games and has been a starter in 106 of them. The former Notre Dame star was the Giants' first-round choice in the 1999 draft.

Although somewhat inconsistent as a run-blocker throughout his career, Pe gout has always been technically sound in pass protection. He has, though, dealt with from chronic back problems for much of his career, and when they flare up, his performance has suffered.

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

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Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh signed 49ers punter Andy Lee, who is a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet Tuesday.

San Francisco has seven days to match the offer. If they choose not to match, they will receive the Steelers' 2007 sixth-round draft choice.

Lee averaged a career-best 44.8 yards per punt last season -- good for sixth in the NFC and seventh in the NFL.

New England Patriots: The Patriots re-signed special teams captain Larry Izzo on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Izzo was named to the Pro Bowl team as the AFC's special team player in the 2000, 2002, and 2004 seasons.

Izzo has led the Patriots in special teams tackles in five of six seasons with New England.

Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore re-signed running back Musa Smith to a one-year contract Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

"It's good to have Musa back," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Having surgery during the season put him ahead in his recovery. He will be ready for the start of training camp. Whenever we've put him on the field, he's produced. We're looking forward to having a healthy Musa help us."

Smith, a 2003 third-round draft pick, has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 57 career attempts, gaining 232 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Washington Redskins: Washington re-signed defensive back Ade Jimoh on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Jimoh, who has been with the Redskins since 2003, is a key special teams contributor, registering 65 special teams tackles in his career.

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Unable to strike a deal with Jamal Lewis over the weekend, the Ravens have expanded their free-agent running back search. The Ravens contacted the agents for Corey Dillon and Chris Brown yesterday, although they are continuing to negotiate with Lewis.
-- Baltimore Sun

The Jets were after the Jones brothers for nearly a year. Concerned about Curtis Martin's surgically repaired knee, they almost pulled off a draft-day trade last April for Cowboys running back Julius Jones.
-- New York Daily News

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn threw for an estimated 65 NFL scouts, general managers and coaches Sunday during the school's pro day workout. Early reports were that Quinn, who participated in passing drills only, had a solid workout, connecting on 58 of 63 passes, including four catchable balls that were dropped.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

The Jets were believed to be working on a new contract for Thomas Jones. Jones's current deal has one year remaining. Jones will be the featured running back, although Leon Washington, whose small stature and quick feet electrified fans, will most likely receive significant carries, giving the Jets a change-of-pace option to keep defenses off balance.
-- New York Times

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Tank could face jail
Bears DT in court March 15 on probation violation
Posted: Tuesday March 6, 2007 11:59AM; Updated: Tuesday March 6, 2007 11:59AM



Tank Johnson appeared in court on allegations that he violated his probation on a 2005 gun charge on Dec. 22, 2006.
AP

After two arrests on gun charges and another for assaulting a police officer, prosecutors in Chicago have had enough of Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson. At a court hearing on March 15, they will ask that Johnson be jailed for a probation violation, SI.com has learned.

According to a source deeply involved in the situation, Cook County prosecutors will tell Judge John J. Moran Jr. that Johnson has used up his chances and belongs behind bars. Other sources, including lawyers who have appeared before the same judge in similar situations, say a jail term is probable and could range from 30 days to 90 days.

The sources requested anonymity because they are not permitted to comment on pending litigation and because some had other cases pending before Judge Moran.

Johnson has been confined to his home in a Chicago suburb since Dec. 22, when he made his first appearance before Moran on the charge of violating his probation. He has been permitted to leave his home only for Bears practices and for the Super Bowl in Miami on Feb. 4.

Johnson had six months remaining on his 18-month probation sentence when a police SWAT team raided his house on Dec. 14, and according to police found six unregistered guns and more than 500 rounds of ammunition. The guns in the house were a violation of a previous probation sentence on another gun charge. The first charge came when Johnson was caught with a loaded 9 mm handgun in his car outside a Chicago nightclub in June 2005.

In the raid, the police also reportedly found Johnson's pal, Willie Posey, in the basement of Johnson's house with a stash of marijuana. It was bad enough that Posey was a convicted felon, another probation violation for Johnson. It became much worse for Johnson when Posey was shot to death two nights after the raid shortly after Johnson and Posey entered a Chicago nightclub known to be a notorious gang hangout.

The assault charge against Johnson was the result of an altercation that began at 3 a.m. on Feb 12, 2006, on Chicago's Rush Street when Johnson discovered police officers towing his double-parked limousine. Yelling and screaming at the officers, Johnson said, according to police reports, "You're ain't the only one with a Glock. If you didn't have that gun and badge, I'd kick your ass." The misdemeanor charges of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest were dismissed when all three arresting officers failed to appear in court for a mandatory hearing.

In an earlier hearing, Johnson and his attorney, Lorna Propes, presented evidence of the devastating impact a jail sentence would have on Johnson's career in the NFL. Don Johnson, the Bears defensive line coach described Johnson's work with the Bears and the possible end of his playing days if he went to jail.

They'll argue on March 15 that Johnson should receive community service rather than being sent to jail. Propes has arranged with authorities for Johnson to do motivational speaking and physical training for teen boys sentenced to boot camp in Lake County, Ill. Propes will suggest that Johnson would be a positive influence on juvenile boys who are in trouble.

[mardigan]

Broncos want Bly to play corner opposite BaileyAssociated Press


DENVER -- The Broncos have heard cornerback Dre' Bly is bitter about being traded to Denver, and that he'd prefer to play for Washington.

Dre' Bly
Cornerback
Denver Broncos

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




The team, though, wants to give him some time to warm up to the deal. It's only been a few days since the 29-year-old Bly was acquired from Detroit -- along with a sixth-round pick -- for running back Tatum Bell, offensive lineman George Foster and a fifth-round pick.

"Hopefully he'll see the light," said Jim Bates, assistant head coach in charge of defense, at a Tuesday get-together for the Broncos' new coaches. "He'll see the opportunity in Denver of being part of a great football team, great organization and being opposite the side of Champ Bailey. Hopefully he'll come around and say, 'Hey, this is where I want to be.'"

Bates hasn't spoken to Bly personally, but said others, including coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Ted Sundquist, have contacted him.

Bly's agent, Kennard McGuire, didn't return a call or an e-mail to The Associated Press.

"I don't know what Dre's thinking," Bates said. "Hopefully, over the next couple weeks, he'll come our direction and be positive. We want a positive player once we get in here."

The Washington Post, citing people it did not name, reported Bly would rather play for the Redskins because they're closer to his home in Chesapeake, Va.

However, Denver doesn't have any plans to deal their newly acquired defensive back just yet.

"We expect him to be playing corner for us," said Bates, who was out of football last season, but spent the 2005 season as Green Bay's defensive coordinator. "We'd love for him to be all fired up and get ready to roll. Sometimes, especially in today's game, you have to have a little patience and it takes a little time."

The thought of Bly and Bailey holding down the corners for the Broncos brings a big smile to the face of Bates. The Broncos can apply more pressure because they don't have to worry about either Pro Bowl player needing extra help.

Bates has already studied film of Bailey from last season and was amazed at the footage. Bailey tied for the league lead in interceptions with 10 and finished second in the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year voting.

"I've been fortunate to be around some great corners," Bates said. "I don't think anyone has been more complete from what I've seen on tape than Champ. A lot of these guys were great cover guys, maybe a little inconsistent in the tackling area. Champ does it all, and does it all at a high level."

Denver's Domonique Foxworth was penciled in as the starting right corner until the Bly deal. Foxworth will likely fill the nickel role.

The Broncos are still trying to recover from the loss of cornerback Darrent Williams, who was killed in a drive-by shooting on New Year's Day. The case remains unsolved.

"We lost a great person," Shanahan said last month at a wrap-up press conference for the season.

Bly, like Bailey, is a playmaker. He has 33 career interceptions, the fourth-most in the league since 1999. He's returned five interceptions for touchdowns in his career.

Now if the Broncos could only get him to warm up to the deal.

"We've heard some of his remarks since the trade's been made, but hopefully he'll see the light as far as playing opposite Champ Bailey," Bates said. "I think it would be a great opportunity for him."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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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.

Tuesday, March 6
Free agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth received an offer from the New England Patriots. He is scheduled to meet Wednesday with ans officials in Tennessee and with the Dolphins on Thursday.
The Miami Dolphins and LB Joey Porter have reached agreement on a five-year, $32.5 million deal that includes $20 million worth of guaranteed money.

Newly-acquired running back Thomas Jones has signed a four-year, $20 million contract that includes $12 million worth of guaranteed money, with the New York Jets. He was scheduled to go into the last year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season.

Miami free agent fullback Darian Barnes met with the Jets.

San Francisco has signed free agent LB Tully Banta-Cain to a three-yeal, $8.7 million deal, which includes a $2.9 million signing bonus. Pittsburgh and St. Louis each had been interested in signing Banta-Cain.

The Chiefs are offering Trent Green the chance to return at a restructured contract, but they granted him permission to talk to other teams to see what other opportunities may be afforded him.

Free-agent LB Napoleon Harris has reached an agreement with the Kansas City Chiefs on a six-year, $24 million deal that includes $7.5 million in guaranteed money and $13 million in the first three years.

Free-agent tackle Luke Pe gout has reached agreement with Tampa Bay on a three-year, $15.5 million deal that includes a $6 million guaranteed money.

Carolina cut veteran quarterback Chris Weinke.

Buffalo cut veteran guard Tutan Reyes.

Seattle free-agent tight end Jerramy Stevens visited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Arizona free-agent cornerback David Macklin visited the Chiefs.

Chicago free-agent safety Todd Johnson visited Miami.

San Francisco free-agent tight end Eric Johnson and Cincinnati free-agent safety Kevin Kaesviharn visited the Saints.

Denver free agent guard Cooper Carlisle visited the Seattle Seahawks.


Free-agent quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo visited the Cleveland Browns and is scheduled to visit the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers later this week.

St. Louis free-agent wide receiver Shaun McDonald is in Detroit today; the Chargers and Eagles Dolphins and Raiders are also interested in his service.

Tennessee free-agent running back Chris Brown is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday.

Free-agent RB T.J. Duckett is in Detroit visiting with Lions. Duckett is scheduled to visit the New York Jets on Wednesday and the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday.

Free-agent fullback Justin Griffith will be visiting Green Bay today

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Kelly to sign three-year, $9M contractBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Eight-year veteran Reggie Kelly, considered by most to be the second-best tight end available in the unrestricted market, on Tuesday night agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN.com has learned.


Kelly
Kelly will sign a three-year, $9 million contract and, in so doing, he eschewed formal offers from at least three other franchises.

Among the tight ends in the free agent pool, only Daniel Graham of the New England Patriots, who will likely choose between contract offers from Seattle and Denver, was more coveted over the past week.

Despite very ordinary receiving statistics, Kelly, who has been the Cincinnati starter for the past three years, is considered a key to the Bengals offense, and quarterback Carson Palmer lobbied him hard to come back to the club.

Kelly, 29, rarely plays on third down, as Bengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski prefers three-wide receiver formations in those situations, and that contributes to his blunted statistics.

In eight seasons, Kelly, originally drafted in the second round by Atlanta in 1999, has only 133 receptions for 1,300 yards and five touchdowns. Only once, in 2000, when he had a career-best 31 catches for 340 yards, did Kelly register more than 30 receptions in a season.

But the former Mississippi State standout can be a punishing blocker at the point of attack, especially in sealing opposition linebackers off the edge, understands and accepts his role in the offense, and is an important locker room presence.

Kelly played four seasons (1999-2002) in Atlanta before joining the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent in 2003. The Falcons were among the teams that made an offer to Kelly this week.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL

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Briggs not happy with Bears; Angelo feels salary is justAssociated Press


LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Disgruntled Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs wants out of Chicago, saying the Bears should remove his franchise player tag or trade him.



BriggsGeneral manager Jerry Angelo had a message for Briggs on Tuesday: The Bears are expecting him to play with them this season, with a one-year, $7.2 million deal, the average of the top five salaries at his position.
"We have his rights, so he's on our football team," Angelo said Tuesday during a conference call to discuss the trade of leading rusher Thomas Jones to the New York Jets.

"We feel that we're treating him very good. That's a lot of money he's making on a one year-deal. The strain really comes to us in terms of our cap and what we have to do for a one-year deal."

Angelo said he had no calls about Briggs from other teams.

"Most of the times when you franchise a player they don't get traded," Angelo said. "We will always listen to anything that we feel will be in our best interest. But when we did this, it was with the intent for him to a Bear this year."

Briggs and the team could not come to agreement on a contract extension last spring -- reports say he turned down a six-year, $33 million deal.

Briggs has made his unhappiness known in a couple of interviews, one with ESPN.com and another with a Chicago radio station in which he said "I'll do everything that's within my power to not be with this organization."

"What it really comes down to, it's not about the money. It's about you've played long enough and you think you've earned a certain position on the team that you would be here for a long time."

Briggs said the Bears have no intention now of working out a long-term deal to keep him.

"We did go to Lance in the spring to try to do a long-term deal. So that was our intent as it has been with other players that we had under contract before their contracts expired," Angelo said.

"We gave it what we feel are our very best efforts. We thought we put a very good deal on the table. And we also told them that the option of the franchise tag was there and they decided to pass the deal up and play it out. We certainly have to respect that. And we also told them that we were going to move on."

Briggs, who's been selected to two Pro Bowls, just completed his fourth season with the Bears and was a third-round draft choice out of Arizona in 2003.

Briggs made $721,600 last season when he led the Bears with 117 solo tackles.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Raiders | Newberry added
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 16:48:47 -0800

ESPNews reports the Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free-agent OL Jeremy Newberry to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Saints | Vanderjagt to meet with team
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 21:12:45 -0800

Jimmy Smith, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports free agent PK Mike Vanderjagt (Cowboys) visited the New Orleans Saints Tuesday, March 6.



Vikings | Team signs Wade
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 19:40:07 -0800

Kevin Seifert, of the Star Tribune, reports the Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent WR Bobby Wade ( ans). Head coach Brad Childress said he sees Wade as a slot receiver and that he wants Wade to be involved on the kickoff and punt return teams.


Giants | Team makes offer to Feely
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 18:59:51 -0800

Arthur Staple, of Newsday, reports free agent PK Jay Feely (Giants) has received an offer from the New York Giants.


Dolphins | Team showing interest in Feely
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 19:01:36 -0800

Arthur Staple, of Newsday, reports the Miami Dolphins are showing interest in free agent PK Jay Feely (Giants).


Chargers | Withrow signs three-year contract
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 17:31:18 -0800

Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports the San Diego Chargers have re-signed free agent C Cory Withrow to a three-year contract.


Buccaneers | Stevens visits team
Tue, 6 Mar 2007 18:04:38 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports free agent TE Jerramy Stevens (Seahawks) has visited with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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TE Graham agrees to 5-year, $30M deal with BroncosBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


Top free agents

GrahamTight end Daniel Graham is No. 5 on ESPN.com's list of the top NFL free agents on the market. Story

• Scouting report

After losing defensive end Patrick Kerney in a bidding war to the Seattle Seahawks, the Denver Broncos weren't going to be outdone.

The Broncos outbid the Seahawks for Patriots tight end Daniel Graham in a negotiation that went well into Tuesday. Graham ended up with a five-year, $30 million deal from the Broncos that included $15 million in guarantees.

As negotiations drew to a close, Graham was torn as to which team was best for him. The idea of getting back to Colorado appealed to him. He went to high school in Denver. But the Seahawks situation was also appealing. They wanted to draft him in the first round in 2002.

Graham's father, Tom, played for the Broncos from 1972-74.

Graham's agent, Tom Mills, didn't shop the offers of either team but in the end he needed to see where the numbers would go. The Broncos stepped up at the ending by offering the most dollars and the most guarantees. Graham took the Broncos deal.

The former first-round choice of the Patriots was considered the top tight end on the free agent market.

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


Broncos have had a great offseason, but money is just flying around so far this offseason

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Broncos | Bailey restructures contract
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 07:48:36 -0800

Jeff Legwold, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos CB Champ Bailey saved the team roughly $3.6 million in cap space by restructuring his contract last week.


Texans | Team signs Clark
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 08:23:18 -0800

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reports the Houston Texans signed free agent LB Danny Clark (Saints) to a one-year deal Wednesday, March 7. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Browns | J. Lewis to visit team
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 08:35:24 -0800

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports the Cleveland Browns will meet with free agent RB Jamal Lewis (Ravens), according to the Baltimore Sun.


Dolphins | Mare not expected to return
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 10:22:31 -0800

Alex Marvez, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins are expected to either trade or release PK Olindo Mare.


Jets | Jones contract update
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 09:55:53 -0800

The Bergen Record reports the New York Jets signed RB Thomas Jones to a four-year, $20 million contract extension that includes $12 million in guarantees.


Ravens | J. Lewis return not likely
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:59:30 -0800

ESPNews reports free agent RB Jamal Lewis (Ravens) is not likely to re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens.

[sa_butta]

Stallworth on Dolphins' radar

The Dolphins have expressed interest in free-agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth of the Philadelphia Eagles, a source said Tuesday.

Stallworth caught 38 passes for 725 yards, which translates to a gaudy 19.1-yard average, and five touchdowns in 2006 after being traded from New Orleans to the Eagles during the preseason.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/s...a-sports-front

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Bills | Team working on sending McGahee to Baltimore
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:56:54 -0800

ESPNews reports the Baltimore Ravens are working with the Buffalo Bills on a trade to acquire Bills RB Willis McGahee.


Broncos | Team still working on deal with Washington
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:41:49 -0800

Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos are actively trying to work out a deal, with the Broncos seeking the No. 6 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and the Redskins looking to acquire CB Dre' Bly. The Broncos tried to offer LB Al Wilson and a package of draft picks for the Redskins' high draft pick, but the deal fell through when the Redskins opted to sign LB London Fletcher-Baker instead of trading for Wilson. Also, the Redskins have offered CB Shawn Springs in a deal for Bly, but the Broncos are not willing to give the Redskins cap relief for the $7.5 million charge they would receive by trading Springs. With both teams still coveting their targets, and with Bly still reportedly looking to play in Washington, it is still possible for some kind of swap involving Bly and the Redskins' first-round pick to happen before the draft.


Lions | Cason re-signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 12:44:37 -0800

The Detroit Lions have officially announced re-signing RB Aveion Cason (Lions) to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Packers | Henderson told he will be released
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:15:00 -0800

Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, reports the Green Bay Packers have informed FB William Henderson he will be released.


Redskins | Hall released
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:07:41 -0800

ESPNews reports the Washington Redskins have released PK John Hall.


Falcons | Horn passes physical and meets with team coaches
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:02:25 -0800

ESPNews reports free agent WR Joe Horn (Saints) has passed a physical with the Atlanta Falcons and met with the team's coaching staff Wednesday, March 7.


Falcons | L. Sanders signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:22:03 -0800

AtlantaFalcons.com reports the Atlanta Falcons have signed free agent CB Lewis Sanders (Texans). Details of the contract were not disclosed.

[johnsmith]

Mardigan gets my vote for best thread of the year so far..........

[mardigan]

Buccaneers | Legree agrees to terms
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 14:05:46 -0800

Roy mings, of the Tampa Tribune, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with unrestricted free-agent DT Lance Legree (49ers). Financial terms of the deal are not yet available.


Giants | Feely will not return
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:34:32 -0800

Arthur Staple, of New York Newsday, reports a person familiar with the negotiations said the New York Giants did not significantly increase their previous offer to free-agent PK Jay Feely (Giants), so Feely will not return to the team.


Ravens release left guard Mulitalo
Posted: Wednesday March 7, 2007 4:56PM; Updated: Wednesday March 7, 2007 4:56PM



OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Edwin Mulitalo, who started at left guard for the Baltimore Ravens for eight seasons, was released Wednesday.

Mulitalo, 32, was one of a handful of players remaining from the Ravens' Super Bowl championship squad of 2000. He was limited to a career-low four games in 2006 because of a torn triceps tendon that required surgery, and Jason Brown performed capably in his place.

Mulitalo said he hopes to keep playing. He was due $2 million in salary for 2007 and had a salary-cap figure of $2.85 million.

"When you release a player like Edwin, it gives you pause," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "This is the cold side of the business. All he did was everything we asked him to do and more."

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

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The Cowboys have offered free agent right tackle Marc Colombo a two-year contract worth about $7 million. According to NFL sources, the offer is similar to the deal right tackle Jon Stinchcomb signed Friday with the Saints.
-- Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Kicker Jay Feely was in Miami meeting with the Dolphins, who seemed ready to sign him and cut ties with veteran Olindo Mare. Perhaps spurred by the interest, the Giants informed Feely they are preparing a more lucrative offer and now there's a chance he'll return for a third season in New York.
-- New York Post

Randy McMichael might not be a free agent for long. A day after the Dolphins cut the tight end, four teams -- the New York Jets, Oakland, Denver and Seattle -- were showing interest.
-- Miami Herald


Jets receiver Justin McCareins and linebacker Eric Barton are being shopped, sources said. Contrary to speculation, the Jets don't appear to be dangling linebacker Jonathan Vilma in trade talks.
-- New York Daily News

Though the Raiders have not initiated any calls to move him, Oakland has listened to offers for Randy Moss. The Raiders are open to the idea of trading Moss, according to a source close to Oakland. Teams that have shown interest, according to the source, are the Patriots, the Packers and the Buccaneers.
-- NFL.com

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Sources: Falcons reach deal with ex-Saints WR HornBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com


Atlanta's young and underachieving receiving corps has a leader. More important, the Falcons have fetched Michael Vick another dependable target.


Horn

Former Saints receiver Joe Horn, released last week by New Orleans, agreed Wednesday to sign with the rival Falcons, according to team sources. Terms of the contract, which was being finalized, were not immediately available.

Horn began his visit with the Falcons on Monday night and never left, deciding not to visit Green Bay or Jacksonville, who also were interested in the services of the 35-year-old wideout, who has 576 receptions, 8,501 yards and 57 touchdowns in 11 seasons with Kansas City and New Orleans.

Horn, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who served as the voice of the Saints' franchise -- and, to some extent, the Gulf South region -- during a 2005 season ruined by Hurricane Katrina, posted four 1,000-yard seasons with the Saints. But he's had only five touchdown catches the past two seasons and missed six games last year due to injury.

The chance to face the Saints twice a season and remain close to New Orleans presumably played a part in Horn's decision to sign with the Falcons, along with the prospect of playing with Vick in new head coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator Hugh Jackson's system.

The Saints deemed Horn expendable largely because of the emergence last season of rookie Marques Colston and former second-round pick Devery Henderson.

In Atlanta, Horn immediately vaults to the top of a receiver depth chart that includes former first-round picks Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, who will no doubt benefit from a mentor as experienced and accomplished as Horn.

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49ers | Interested in Seattle's D. Jackson
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:21:07 -0800

Michael Smith, of ESPN, reports the San Francisco 49ers are believed to have a strong interest in working out a trade with the Seattle Seahawks for WR Darrell Jackson.

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Buccaneers | K. Smith signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 15:09:17 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed street free-agent DT Kenny Smith.

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Packers | T. White re-signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 14:57:26 -0800

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed LB Tracy White. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Saints | Johnson signs
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:07:01 -0800

NFL Network reports the New Orleans Saints have signed unrestricted free-agent TE Eric Johnson (49ers) to a one-year, $2 million contract.


Bills | Team interested in Dillon
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 16:18:06 -0800

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, citing John Clayton, of ESPN, reports the Buffalo Bills have shown interest in free-agent RB Corey Dillon (Patriots), and that Dillon may meet with the team Thursday, March 8.


Saints | F. Thomas agrees to pay cut
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 13:26:10 -0800

Mike Triplett, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints CB Fred Thomas has agreed to take a pay cut for the 2007 season. Thomas was originally scheduled to make $3 million this season, but has agreed to make about $2.2 instead.


Chiefs | Darche signed
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 14:18:10 -0800

Adam Teicher, of the Kansas City Star, reports the Kansas City Chiefs have signed unrestricted free-agent LS Jean-Philippe Darche (Seahawks). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Updated: March 7, 2007, 5:24 PM ET
Porter didn't need a lot of convincing from MiamiAssociated Press


DAVIE, Fla. -- Joey Porter wore a new Miami Dolphins visor, plus had an aqua-and-orange pin on his shirt.

Clearly, the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker is already trying to fit in with his new team.

Two-Way Threat


Since sacks became an official NFL stat in the 1982 season, only two players have recorded 60 sacks and 10 interceptions: Joey Porter and Clay Matthews.

Porter Matthews
Yrs in NFL '99-present '78-96
Sacks 60.0 69.5
INT 10 16

Porter passed his physical and signed a five-year, $32 million contract Wednesday with the Dolphins, making the former Pittsburgh star the first marquee name to join the club during the free-agent period.

"I came here to Miami to help this team get to a championship," said Porter, who helped the Steelers win the Super Bowl two seasons ago. "I felt this would be a good situation for me, so it didn't take a lot of convincing."

New Dolphins coach Cam Cameron and general manager Randy Mueller flew to California on Monday to see Porter at his home, and their sales pitch worked. Porter -- whom the Steelers released last week in a salary-cap move -- agreed late that night to a deal, one that guarantees him $20 million.

"We're excited to be able to add Joey to our football team," Cameron said. "He is an impact player who will add many different dimensions to our defense."

The Dolphins play a 3-4 defense, a scheme Porter says best suits him. He joins a unit that ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed last season and includes defensive player of the year Jason Taylor.

"It's great that we were able to acquire a player of Joey's caliber," Taylor said. "He has been an impact player in this league for many years, and when you add someone who has the ability to make plays like he does, it will help not just the defense, but the entire team."

Porter joins a linebacker corps that includes Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder. He'll replace Donnie Spragan, a free agent.

"A player of Joey's ability doesn't become available often, especially at a position of need," Mueller said. "We knew that together we all would have to react immediately to be able to sign him, and I was glad with the way we all worked so quickly internally in order to get this done."

The Dolphins have already parted ways with at least 10 players this offseason, but Porter said Cameron and Mueller made it clear to him that the team's goals are as high as ever.

"I didn't look at it as if they're rebuilding," Porter said. "I looked at it as they're trying to put a championship team together. They're already a good team -- but just a couple of pieces away -- and, hopefully, I can be part of the puzzle."

Dom Capers, who was with the Steelers before Porter joined that team and is now Miami's defensive coordinator, said he was surprised a player like him became available.

"You're always looking for impact players on the defensive side of the football and they're hard to come by," Capers said. "Joey's career to this point speaks for itself. One of the hardest positions to find in our defensive scheme is a player at the outside linebacker position that can ... rush the passer effectively and be able to drop into coverage."

Several other teams reportedly had interest in Porter, but he said only the Dolphins had the ability to convince him they would be championship-ready.

"Miami is heading in the right direction and making all the right moves," Porter said. "So for me, it was the right fit."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Updated: March 7, 2007, 9:08 PM ET
Lewis stops waiting on Ravens, agrees with BrownsBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


For two years, the Baltimore Ravens have wondered about Jamal Lewis' breakaway speed. They no longer have to wonder.


Lewis

Lewis, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, broke away from the Ravens and agreed to a deal with the rival Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed, but Lewis reached the agreement Wednesday night after a visit to Cleveland.

The Ravens released Lewis to clear salary cap room. Both sides kept in touch with the hopes of reuniting. But Lewis sensed his job might not be there. The Ravens have been interested in acquiring Bills halfback Willis McGahee in a trade.

Lewis, 27, decided not to wait and took Cleveland's offer. He rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003 but has struggled during the past three years. Last year, he played the entire season with a bone spur problem. He recently had surgery to remove the spurs.

The 5-foot-11, 245-pound back is one of the league's most powerful runners. He was the Ravens' first-round draft choice in 2000.

Lewis, 27, spent the 2005 offseason serving time in prison after a guilty plea to using a cell phone to set up a drug buy.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.