NFL Offseason Thread

[mardigan]

Broncos agree with Ramsey, landing coveted backupBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The Denver Broncos on Wednesday night won the battle for coveted backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, with ESPN.com learning the club has reached a contract agreement with the five-year veteran.


Ramsey

Ramsey, 28, will sign a two-year contract worth approximately $5 million, with about $1.5 million in guarantees.

The Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers also were interested in Ramsey, who recently was released by the New York Jets after only one season with the team. Ramsey will become the backup to Denver second-year pro Jay Cutler, and he ostensibly replaces Jake Plummer in that role.

Denver last weekend traded Plummer to Tampa Bay, and the veteran abruptly retired. The Broncos then began exploring their options for a proven veteran to back up Cutler, their first-round choice in 2006, and quickly targeted Ramsey.

The Broncos will be Ramsey's third team in three seasons, but one of the reasons he settled on Denver as his new home is the overall stability of the organization and the chance to settle in with a franchise and coaching staff he respects.

The first-round choice of the Washington Redskins in 2002, Ramsey has played in 34 games, and his résumé includes 24 starts. He has completed 480 of 862 passes for 5,649 yards, with 34 touchdown passes, 29 interceptions and a passer rating of 74.9. His best season came in 2002, when he made 11 starts for the Redskins. Although he had a 4-7 record that year, Ramsey had 14 touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

The former Tulane star threw only one pass for the Jets in 2006, and New York released him rather than pay a roster bonus due this spring.

Blessed with a strong arm and solid pocket presence, Ramsey has suffered from being overcoached at times and, certainly during his tenure under coach Joe Gibbs in Washington, he was mishandled and lost confidence.

Given the volume of teams that pursued him after the Jets released him, though, it appears there are still people in the league who value him.

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

[mardigan]

Updated: March 8, 2007, 11:29 AM ET
Feely, Dolphins agree to three-year dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The Miami Dolphins have reached a contract agreement with unrestricted free agent kicker Jay Feely, a move that will end the 10-year tenure of Olindo Mare with the team.




Feely
Arguably the top kicker in the free agent market, Feely will sign a three-year, $6 million contract that includes $2.5 million in guarantees. Feely, 30, was also pursued by Atlanta and Kansas City over the past week.


Mare was due a roster bonus of $250,000 this month and was scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.5 million for 2006. Those finances and his inconsistencies of the past two seasons combined to make him vulnerable in the offseason; it was hardly a secret Miami officials were seeking a replacement.


In his 10 seasons with the Dolphins, Mare, 33, scored 1,048 points and went over the 100-point mark in six different seasons. He converted 245 of 303 field goal attempts and 313 of 318 extra points.


Feely played the past two seasons with the New York Giants after spending the first four years of his career with the Falcons. In New York, he made 58 of 69 field goal tries and had 24 touchbacks on kickoffs. His departure leaves the Giants without a proven kicker.


The former University of Michigan standout, signed by Atlanta as an undrafted free agent in 2001, has converted 156 of 196 field goal attempts for his career and all but two of his 225 extra point tries. He has four seasons of 100-plus points, including a career best of 148 points in 2005, and 691 points for his career.

Feely has a powerful leg as evidenced by his career average of 63.6 yards on kickoffs and 67 touchbacks.

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

[mardigan]

Dolphins | Wilkinson might decide to retire
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 06:48:07 -0800

Alex Marvez, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the Miami Dolphins are concerned DL Dan Wilkinson might decide to retire rather than play for the Denver Broncos, which would nullify a Saturday, March 3, trade that netted a sixth-round draft pick from the Broncos for the 13-year NFL veteran.


Patriots | Terms of Stallworth contract offer
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 06:18:24 -0800

The Associated Press, citing the Boston Herald, is reporting unrestricted free-agent WR Donte' Stallworth (Eagles) visited the New England Patriots Tuesday, March 6, and was offered a six-year, $32 million deal.


Rams | Sander signs
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 21:32:12 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports free agent P B.J. Sander has signed with the St. Louis Rams.


Rams | T. Minor signs one-year deal
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 21:30:14 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports free agent RB Travis Minor (Dolphins) has signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Rams.


Rams | Steussie re-signs for one year
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 21:28:06 -0800

Nick Wagoner, of StLouisRams.com, reports the St. Louis Rams have re-signed free agent OL Todd Steussie to a one-year contract.


Chargers | Floyd re-signs with team
Wed, 7 Mar 2007 17:50:55 -0800

Casey Pearce, of Chargers.com, reports exclusive rights free agent WR Malcom Floyd has re-signed with the San Diego Chargers. Floyd signed a one-year contract.


Browns | Lewis contract update
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 06:38:45 -0800

Updating previous reports, ESPNews reports the one-year deal RB Jamal Lewis received from the Cleveland Browns is worth $3.5 million.


Eagles | Johnson agrees to one-year deal
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 10:06:31 -0800

The Philadelphia Eagles have reached a one-year deal with unrestricted free-agent WR Bethel Johnson (Vikings). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

[mardigan]

McGahee traded to Ravens for multiple picksBy Michael Smith
ESPN.com


The Ravens and Bills agreed to a trade Thursday that will send running back Willis McGahee to Baltimore in exchange for the team's third and seventh-round picks in this year's draft, along with the Ravens' third-round pick in 2008.

Jeremy Green's take
The Ravens reacted quickly to the loss of Jamal Lewis to Cleveland by trading for Buffalo's Willis McGahee, a running back with a lot more versatility than Lewis. McGahee can run inside and outside, is a lot quicker to the hole and can make people miss. It's a huge upgrade for the Ravens, because Lewis was basically a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust runner at this point. He was a sitting duck for tacklers, while McGahee is much more of a moving target.

Baltimore announced the deal Thursday afternoon.

Buffalo dealt McGahee in anticipation of difficulty with his contract, which has one season remaining at $2.155 million. The Ravens and McGahee have already begun negotiations on a contract extension, McGahee's agent Drew Rosenhaus said.


It's the second year in a row the Ravens pulled off a trade for a marquee veteran. Last year they dealt for Tennessee ans quarteback Steve McNair, who led the Ravens to the AFC North le.


The ans were also reportedly interested in dealing for McGahee.


The Bills, whose remaining running backs are Daimon Shelton and Shaud Williams, are now in the market for multiple backs. They have shown interest in the Colts' Dominic Rhodes and the ans' Chris Brown, and both have visited the team. Former Patriots running back Corey Dillon has not visited Orchard Park, but the Bills are said to be interested.


Buffalo's first-round pick out of Miami in 2003, McGahee is coming off a down season in which he finished with a career-low 990 yards rushing, but led the team with six rushing touchdowns in 14 starts.



In 2005, he had 1,247 yards rushing and five touchdowns in 15 starts. He established himself as the Bills starter in 2004 with 1,128 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts. That performance led the team to trade former starter Travis Henry to Tennessee the following summer.



McGahee sat out his rookie season recovering from major knee surgery.



The Bills have been disappointed in McGahee for conducting most of his offseason workouts in his native Miami, rather than traveling to the team's Orchard Park headquarters. McGahee also created a stir when he was quoted in a magazine article suggesting the NFL consider moving the Bills to Toronto, a comment he later said was taken out of context.

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

[mardigan]

Rams sign TE McMichael to 3-year deal
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/08/2007

The Rams keep adding offensive weapons. The latest addition is tight end Randy McMichael, who recently was released by the Miami Dolphins.

McMichael, 27, averaged 65 catches over the past three seasons for Miami.

He had 62 receptions for 640 yards and three touchdowns in 2006. His career-high for five seasons in Miami was 73 catches in 2004.

McMichael, 6-3 and 250, is also considered a very good blocker. Advertisement


“This has been in the works for a while,” Rams head coach Scott Linehan said in a statement. “We even considered trading for him. He is an every-down tight end and a proven starter in the league. He does a lot of things well.”

League sources say his three-year deal with the Rams is worth about $3 million per year.

McMichael played for Scott Linehan in 2005 when Linehan was offensive coordinator for the Dolphins.

His signing comes just days after tight end Dominique Byrd was arrested on su ion of DUI in Los Angeles.

[mardigan]

Cardinals | Holt receives five-year deal
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 13:42:44 -0800

Updating a previous report, Mike Jurecki, of XTRA Sports Radio 910 in Phoenix, reports the Arizona Cardinals have signed unrestricted free-agent S Terrence Holt (Lions) to a five-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Rams | Johnson signs
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 13:41:18 -0800

Updating a previous report, ESPNews reports the St. Louis Rams have signed unrestricted free-agent S Todd Johnson (Bears) to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Jets | Barnes signs
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 13:09:09 -0800

The New York Jets have signed unrestricted free-agent FB Darian Barnes (Dolphins). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.


49ers | Team matches Lee contract offer
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 14:27:47 -0800

Matt Maiocco, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers have matched the Pittsburgh Steelers' six-year, $7.1 million, including a $1.66 million signing bonus, contract offer to restricted free-agent P Andy Lee.


Patriots | Team interested in Hartwell
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 14:06:22 -0800

Albert Breer, of the MetroWest Daily News, reports the New England Patriots are interested in unrestricted free-agent LB Edgerton Hartwell (Falcons).


Browns | Droughns to be released
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 16:15:25 -0800

Adam Schefter, of NFL Network, reports Cleveland Browns RB Reuben Droughns will be released.


Seahawks | Wistrom released
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 15:50:29 -0800

John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the Seattle Seahawks have released DE Grant Wistrom.

[mardigan]

Washington Redskins: The Washington Redskins added depth to the offensive line Thursday by signing free agent Ross Tucker, who returns six years after making the team as an undrafted rookie.


Tucker, one of the few NFL players from Princeton, played three games with the Redskins in 2001 and has since played for Dallas, Buffalo and New England. He started seven games with the Cowboys and 17 with the Bills.


Tucker was traded from New England to Cleveland last summer, but he did not make the Browns roster and sat out the 2006 season.



-- The Associated Press

[mardigan]

Updated: March 8, 2007, 5:08 PM ET
Rams sign four-year, $4M deal with JohnsonBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


The Rams, already busy trying to help their offense with the addition of former Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael, added help for their defense by reaching a four-year, $4 million deal with Bears safety Todd Johnson.



Johnson

Johnson, who will make $1.5 million this year, was a fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2003, had six starts on a Super Bowl team and played roughly 30 percent of the team's defensive plays. The 28-year-old defensive back played college football at Florida.


He started 18 games over his four seasons with the Bears. The Rams continue to try to improve their athletic ability on defense along with targeting key players for their offense -- McMichael and wide receiver Drew Bennett.


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


Updated: March 8, 2007, 5:29 PM ET
Droughns latest tailback on trade marketBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


In an active tailback market, where three starters have already changed teams via trades in the past week, there figure to be even more deals in coming days.


Droughns

And the player most likely to be traded next is Reuben Droughns of Clevelend, who has been made expendable by the Browns' signing of unrestricted free agent Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract Wednesday night.

League and team sources confirmed to ESPN.com that the Browns are actively shopping Droughns, their starter the past two seasons, in trade talks.

If Cleveland is unable to reach a trade accommodation, Droughns could be released.

Three starting tailbacks from 2006 -- Tatum Bell (from Denver to Detroit), Thomas Jones (from Chicago to the New York Jets) and Willis McGahee (from Buffalo to Baltimore) -- have been traded in the past week.

Droughns, 28, is due a $1.75 million roster bonus March 17, and the Browns almost certainly want to avoid paying it, especially after acquiring Lewis, who has already been penciled in as the starter. Droughns is scheduled to have a base salary of $1.25 million for 2007.

He is due base salaries of $1.75 million for 2008 and $2.75 million for '09.

A seven-year veteran, Droughns, 28, came to the Browns from Denver in a 2005 trade, after rushing for 1,240 yards in 2004. He gained 1,232 yards in 2005, his first year in Cleveland, and the Browns rewarded him with a three-year contract extension worth $12 million. But Droughns slumped to 758 yards in 2006 and there have been some off-field problems in the past year.

When Lewis became available, the Browns moved quickly to sign him, and there is also a chance Cleveland will use its first-round choice in the 2007 draft to take Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com

Updated: March 8, 2007, 4:43 PM ET
Arizona signs free safety Holt to five-year dealESPN.com news services


Arizona Cardinals: Free safety Terrence Holt signed a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday.

Terrence Holt
Safety
Detroit Lions

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
77 51 26 1 1 3



Terms weren't disclosed. Holt, younger brother of St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, started 15 games last season for the Detroit Lions. He had a career-high 76 tackles, 51 solos, and three interceptions.


In Arizona, Holt gets the chance to play alongside his North Carolina State teammate, Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson.


A fifth-round selection by the Lions in 2003, Holt became a fulltime starter in 2005 but was sidelined after 10 games because of an elbow injury.


Holt has played in 53 games, 27 of them starts, with 117 tackles -- 107 solos -- eight interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.


Holt is Arizona's second free agent acquisition this year. The Cardinals earlier signed ex-Dallas center Al Johnson to a four-year, $17.5 million deal with $7 million guaranteed.

-- The Associated Press

Philadelphia Eagles: Wide receiver and kick returner Bethel Johnson reached agreement on a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.


In his career, Johnson has returned 147 kickoffs for 3,611 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 39 catches for 606 yards and four touchdowns.


Johnson, 28, was a second-round draft choice of New England in 2003. He was traded to New Orleans last year but released before the 2006 season and signed with the Minnesota Vikings in October.



-- The Associated Press

[T Park]

Man, if Droughns could be had cheap, that would be a fantastic backup to Steve Jackson in STL.

Johnson seems like a good depth guy, and special teamer.

Something the Rams have needed.

Wish some good nosetackles and run defenders would get cut

[mardigan]

Man, if Droughns could be had cheap, that would be a fantastic backup to Steve Jackson in STL.

Johnson seems like a good depth guy, and special teamer.

Something the Rams have needed.

Wish some good nosetackles and run defenders would get cut

I wouldnt doubt if the Rams went back after Wistrom.
And supposedly the Packers are pushing hard to get Droughns

[T Park]

Torry's brother comes to play for the Cardinals. Cool, they get to line up against each other twice a year now.

[T Park]

I wouldnt doubt if the Rams went back after Wistrom

If they did, that would be a mistake.

Wistrom wasn't good at defending the run in his prime, let alone his down years...

[mardigan]

Their isnt much left out there, unless Cincinati releases John Thornton

[mardigan]

HOUSTON (AP) -- Linebacker Danny Clark, a former Jaguar, Raider and Saint, agreed to terms Wednesday with the Houston Texans.

Clark led Oakland in tackles in 2004 and 2005, but struggled last season in a reserve role after joining the New Orleans. The seven-year veteran had 29 tackles while appearing in 16 games.

"We are excited about what Danny brings to our defense," said Texans general manager Rick Smith. "He is an experienced guy who has proven that he can be very productive, and he is a leader who will add a veteran presence in the locker room."

The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder was a seventh-round pick in the 2000 draft by Jacksonville, where he spent his first four seasons. He became a full-time starter in 2002 and had 91 tackles, two sacks and an interception.

In two seasons with the Raiders, Clark started all but one game and had 129 tackles his first year and 113 in 2005.

[mardigan]

No more Mare? Busy Dolphins sign K Feely in flurry of moves
March 8, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports




MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins signed kicker Jay Feely to a three-year contract on Thursday, meaning that longtime Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare could be released or traded.



Feely, 29, signed as an unrestricted free agent after two seasons with the New York Giants.

In six seasons with the NFL, the first four with Atlanta, Feely has converted 156 of 196 field goal attempts. Feely has hit about 84 percent of his attempted field goals for the Giants in the past two years.

Feely said a meeting with new Dolphins coach Cam Cameron helped persuade him to sign with Miami.

"He has a way of infusing his excitement with what he wants to do with this organization," Feely said of Cameron, adding that he didn't think the Giants made enough of an effort to resign him.

"I don't take it personally," he said. "I understand that part of football. You just move on."

Feeley's signing means that Mare, who has been the Dolphins' kicker since 1997, could be released or traded.

Mare went 26-for-36 in field goals last season. Five of those misses were from 50 yards or more. A South Florida native, Mare is the Dolphins' all time leader in field goals made with 245.

Also on Thursday, the Dolphins signed free agent wide receiver Kelly Campbell, re-signed defensive tackle Keith Traylor to a two-year contract and inked free agent safety Cameron Worrell to a two-year deal.

Traylor, 37, started 14 games for the Dolphins last season, totaling 36 tackles and a career-high four sacks. The 16-year NFL veteran was at times a force in the middle of a defense that allowed 3.5 yards per rush, fifth in the league.

The 6-foot-3, 337-pound Traylor joined the Dolphins as a free agent in 2005.

Worrell, 27, was signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Chicago Bears, where he served as a reserve safety and special teamer since entering the league as an undrafted player in 2003.

Worrell has amassed 20 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery as a defensive reserve, and another 45 tackles as a special teams player. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound safety missed the 2005 season with a shoulder injury.

The defensive signings come two days after the Dolphins signed linebacker Joey Porter from the Pittsburgh Steelers to a five-year, $32 million contract.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

[mardigan]

News briefs: 'Skins bring back OL Tucker
March 8, 2007
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports




ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins added depth to the offensive line Thursday by signing free agent Ross Tucker, who returns six years after making the team as an undrafted rookie.

Advertisement




Tucker, one of the few NFL players from Princeton, played three games with the Redskins in 2001 and has since played for Dallas, Buffalo and New England. He started seven games with the Cowboys and 17 with the Bills.

Tucker was traded from New England to Cleveland last summer, but he did not make the Browns roster and sat out the 2006 season.

Vikings keep safety Williams
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed safety Tank Williams to a one-year contract after he missed the entire 2006 season following a knee injury.

Williams broke his left kneecap during a drill in the first week of training camp and was later placed on injured reserve. In 2005, he started all 16 games for the Tennessee ans and made a career-high 83 tackles as a fourth-year player.

Williams agreed to his deal more than two weeks ago, but the team did not announce it. Both Williams' agent and a Vikings spokesman confirmed the contract Thursday. Williams was actually cut last Friday in a salary cap-related procedural move and then re-signed the next day

[mardigan]

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.

Thursday, March 8
The Seattle Seahawks cut defensive end Grant Wistrom, designating him a post-June 1 salary-cap casualty to soften the blow on this year's salary cap. Just this week, Seattle signed defensive end Patrick Kerney, so it was apparent that the team was going to release one of its other ends. It turned out to be the high-priced Wistrom, whom the Seahawks once signed to a contract that included $14 million in guaranteed money.

Running back Willis McGahee and the Baltimore Ravens have reached agreement on a seven-year, $40.12 million contract that includes $15 million in bonuses. McGahee's base salaries in the seven years of the contract are $595,000, $605,000, $620,000, $3.6 million, $6 million, $6.5 million, and $7.2 million. The trade, once McGahee passes his physical, will become offiicial. Buffalo will receive Baltimore's third- and seventh-round draft choices this year and the Ravens third-round pick next year.

The Houston Texans just signed former Kansas City left tackle Jordan Black to a two-year contract. Oakland also had been courting Black, who visited the Raiders on Thursday. The Texans will give Black every opportunity to win the starting left tackle job. Houston recently re-signed offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam and there are questions about whether Charles Spencer will make it back from last season's knee injury.

Kansas City signed free-agent long snapper J.P. Darche away from the Seattle Seahawks.

Miami resigned free-agent wide receiver Kelly Campbell.

Tampa Bay signed free-agent defensive end Lance Legree, formerly of San Francisco.

Detroit free-agent fullback Cory Schlessinger visited the Miami Dolphins, along with wide receiver Donte Stallworth.

Pittsburgh hosted two former Seattle free agents Thursday -- wide receiver Alex Bannister and guard Floyd "Porkchop" Womack.

San Diego hosted St. Louis free-agent wide receiver Shaun McDonald.

The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent safety Terrence Holt to a five-year contract.

Indianapolis free-agent wide receiver Brandon Stokely is visting the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

Indianapolis free-agent running back Dominic Rhodes is scheduled to visit the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Nick Harper is scheduled to meet with the Tennessee ans on Thursday.

The Miami Dolphins signed free-agent kicker Jay Feeley to a three-year deal worth about $6 million.

Free-agent WR Kevin Curtis is scheduled to visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday after he finishes up with the New York Giants.

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free-agent wide receiver Bethel Johnson to a one-year contract.

Free-agent WR Joe Horn signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

[mardigan]

Texans, Black agree to deal
March 08, 2007
By Nick Schenck
HoustonTexans.com


Once Jordan Black arrived in Houston, it didn't take long for him to decide that the Texans were a good fit.

The offensive tackle from the Kansas City Chiefs toured Reliant Stadium and met with coaches and other front office personnel Thursday morning after taking a red-eye flight from Oakland. By the afternoon, he had agreed to a contract.

"It was a crazy situation having to go all over the country and make up your mind with so little time (to think about everything)," Black said of his first foray into free agency. "Yesterday I was in Oakland, and before that, Tampa.

"But I'm definitely thrilled to be back here in Texas. I'm from Dallas and I love this great state. It's good to be back."

Black, who attended Notre Dame and once was roommates with Texans safety Glenn Earl, will compete immediately for a starting tackle position either on the left or right side, depending on the health of left tackle Charles Spencer, whose season-ending leg injury continues to heal.

With experience at both guard positions, and both tackle positions, Black is a versatile addition to the Texans’ offensive line. His size (6-5, 310) and speed are his biggest assets. He also has played in every game the past three seasons, which is a welcome sign for the Texans, who had an injury-depleted line in 2006.

[Pugglekicker_21]

Wrong thread i know but i want to know.


The agent for cornerback Dré Bly on Wednesday threw a bucket of cold water on persistent speculation that the cornerback is unhappy with last week's trade that brought the two-time Pro Bowl player to Denver.
-- Rocky Mountain News


What does "throw a bucket of cold water" mean? i thought it was saying that the agent was saying that he is not unhappy, that he enjoys Denver and wants to stay.

[T Park]

San Diego hosted St. Louis free-agent wide receiver Shaun McDonald.

Chargers.

If your that stupid to sign him.

You don't deserve a damn super bowl trip.

[mardigan]

Updated: March 9, 2007, 1:59 AM ET
Seahawks make Grant third-highest-paid safety in NFLBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


Like any good safety, Deon Grant needed to have the right type of timing and anticipation.



Grant

The Jaguars safety traveled to Seattle after the Seahawks went 1-for-3 in the big free agent sweepstakes, landing defensive end Patrick Kerney but losing guard Kris Dielman and tight end Daniel Graham. Unwilling to lose Grant to the New York Giants or other teams, the Seahawks stepped up and made Grant the third-highest-paid safety in football, giving him a six-year deal worth more than $30 million a year.

To get the deal done, they gave him a signing bonus that topped the $11.1 million to Roy Williams of the Dallas Cowboys. Though the specifics weren't available, Grant is believed to received the biggest signing bonus ever given to an NFL safety.

Grant flew to Seattle on Thursday night to sign the deal along with his agent, Mitch Frankel.

Ravens safety Ed Reed, who signed a seven-year, $44.4 million contract, and Williams of the Cowboys, who has a five-year, $30.1 million deal, are the league's highest-paid safeties. Grant topped the recent contract signed by Michael Lewis, who got a six-year, $30 million contract to leave the Eagles and go to the 49ers.

The Seahawks wanted Grant for several reasons. They've been having coverage problems at the safety position for the past two seasons. Grant can help them with leadership and athletic ability. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder was a second-round choice of the Panthers in 2000. He signed a three-year, $7.2 million contract to go to Jacksonville in 2004. He's made 96 consecutive starts during his six-year career and he played 93 percent of the Jaguars' defensive snaps last season.

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

[mardigan]

Colts' Super Bowl hero Rhodes chooses RaidersBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Running back Dominic Rhodes, one of the heroes of the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl XLI championship less than two months ago, is headed to the team that finished the 2006 season with the league's worst record.


Rhodes on Friday morning agreed with the Oakland Raiders on a two-year contract that can be worth as much as $7.5 million, league sources confirmed for ESPN.com. Rhodes had generated considerable interest as an unrestricted free agent and made several visits, but met with Oakland officials earlier this week and was sold on the opportunity there.


The six-year veteran will serve as an insurance policy for the Raiders, in the event in bent starter LaMont Jordan does not bounce back from the medial collateral ligament injury that limited him to nine games in 2006. More likely, however, the two will split the ball-carrying duties in the Oakland backfield.


Jordan earlier this week reworked his contract, reducing a roster bonus that was due him, to remain with the Raiders. After rushing for 1,025 yards in 2005, his first season in Oakland after four years with the New York Jets, Jordan slumped to 434 yards in 2006.




Rhodes
Rhodes, 28, played six seasons in Indianapolis, appearing in 71 games and starting in 27 contests. The former Midwestern State (Texas) standout made the Colts' roster as an undrafted college free agent in 2001, then further beat the odds by rushing for over 1,000 yards as a rookie, when he replaced an injured Edgerrin James.


He carried 550 times for 2,274 yards and 19 touchdowns in six seasons and added 90 receptions for 649 yards and one touchdown.


Last year, in the Colts' Super Bowl season, Rhodes started all 16 regular-season games before rookie Joseph Addai replaced him in the lineup at the outset of the playoffs. But Rhodes still played a significant role in the postseason and, in the Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears, he rushed for a game-high 113 yards.

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

[mardigan]

Eagles | Team agrees to terms with W. James
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 07:48:51 -0800

The Philadelphia Eagles announced Friday, March 9, they have agreed to terms with free agent CB William James (Eagles) on a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Giants | Huston set to become Giants kicker
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 02:11:00 -0800

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Giants are apparently willing to let rookie PK Josh Huston become their full-time kicker. Huston, who was signed in January of 2007, is a rookie out of Ohio State with only one full year of kicking experience at the college level. In 2005, as a fifth-year senior for the Buckeyes, he hit 22 of his 28 field goals and 44 of 45 extra points.


Broncos | Agent: Bly happy with team
Thu, 8 Mar 2007 22:40:23 -0800

Lee Rasizer, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos CB Dre' Bly is happy with the team and does not want to be traded, according to his agent. "I've had nothing but positive dialogue with the Broncos," said Bly's agent, Kennard McGuire. "There hasn't been one negative element in play...Obviously, he's very excited to be there and has not expressed anything else." Bly is expected to be in Denver Monday, April 2, to begin his offseason conditioning program.


Seahawks | Team pursuing Russell
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:29:39 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports the Seattle Seahawks are negotiating with the agent of unrestricted free-agent S Brian Russell (Browns).


Cardinals | Team negotiating with Gandy
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:29:15 -0800

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Cardinals are negotiating with the agent of unrestricted free-agent OT Mike Gandy (Bills) on a contract.


Cardinals | Team negotiating with Hood
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 13:08:21 -0800

Kent Somers, of the Arizona Republic, reports the Arizona Cardinals are negotiating with the agent of unrestricted free-agent CB Roderick Hood (Eagles) on a contract.


Ravens | McGahee signs extension
Fri, 9 Mar 2007 16:07:22 -0800

The NFL Network reports Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee has signed a seven-year contract extension worth $40 million with $15 million guaranteed.


Cowboys release OT Jason Fabini

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Updated: March 9, 2007, 4:20 PM ET
Giants send Carter to Cleveland for DroughnsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Filling their need for a proven running back to team with youngster Brandon Jacobs, the New York Giants on Friday acquired Reuben Droughns from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for wide receiver Tim Carter, ESPN.com has learned.


Carter



Droughns


Cleveland has been shopping Droughns in trade talks since signing unrestricted free agent tailback Jamal Lewis to a one-year contract earlier this week. The Giants were seeking a tailback to replace the retired Tiki Barber.

Droughns, 28, should provide the Giants a solid insurance policy and a veteran and tested back who can share the ball-carrying chores with Jacobs, a two-year veteran. Jacobs has been the complementary back to Barber, playing mostly in short-yardage and goal-line situations in his two NFL seasons.

A fourth-round pick in the 2005 draft, Jacobs has logged only 134 career carries for 522 yards, but has scored 16 touchdowns. Last season, the former Southern Illinois standout rushed for 423 yards and nine TDs on 96 attempts.

Droughns came to the Browns from Denver in a 2005 trade after rushing for 1,240 yards in 2004. He gained 1,232 yards in 2005, his first year in Cleveland, and the Browns rewarded him with a three-year contract extension worth $12 million. But Droughns slumped to 758 yards in 2006 and there have been some off-field problems in the past year.

He was due a $1.75 million roster bonus on March 17 but the Browns wanted to avoid paying it, especially after acquiring Lewis, who has already been penciled in as the starter. Droughns is scheduled to have a base salary of $1.25 million for 2007 and is due base salaries of $1.75 million for '08 and $2.75 million for '09 under his Cleveland contract. It was not immediately known if he reworked his contract to help accommodate the trade.

For Carter, the deal represents a chance for a fresh start after five injury-marred seasons with the Giants.

"Tim is absolutely excited about this opportunity," agent Pat Dye Jr. said on Friday afternoon. "In discussing Tim's situation with the Giants, we wanted to identify some teams who might be a good fit for him if New York decided to deal him. Obviously the Browns, who were looking for the kind of deep-threat dimension he brings to the table, were the most proactive."

Carter, 27, was a second-round choice of the Giants in 2002. The former Auburn standout possesses sprinter's speed, but a series of injuries have kept him from fulfilling his potential. He has 72 career receptions for 967 yards and three touchdowns in 33 games, including 11 starts. Last season, Carter started eight games and had 22 catches for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

In an active market, Droughns is the fourth starting-caliber tailback to be traded in the past week. The other tailbacks to be traded were Tatum Bell (from Denver to Detroit), Thomas Jones (from Chicago to the New York Jets) and Willis McGahee (from Buffalo to Baltimore).

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

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Updated: March 9, 2007, 4:29 PM ET
Cowboys re-sign Colombo to two-year, $7M dealBy John Clayton
ESPN.com



Colombo

A week after the Cowboys paid more than $49 million to add Leonard Davis to the right side of their defensive line, the Cowboys filled out the rest of the right side by re-signing right tackle Marc Colombo.


Colombo received a two-year, $7 million deal that included a $4 million signing bonus. The Jets were among other teams pursuing the former Bears No. 1 draft choice, but Colomboopted to stay with the Cowboys.


With Colombounder contract, Davis can now concentrate on playing right guard. Columbo's re-signing was considered a top priority of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He re-signed center Andre Gurode before the start of free agency and then added Davis last week. The return of Colomboends any uncertainty about the offensive line.


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