NFL Offseason Thread

[Fillmoe]

Elk Grove High Reppin In This !!!!!!!

[mardigan]

Fisher signs one-year contract with LionsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Veteran cornerback Travis Fisher, one of the top second-tier players available in the unrestricted free agent market, signed a one-year contact with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.


Fisher


Fisher's one-year deal is for $2.25 million and includes a $1 million signing bonus.

Fisher, 27, played his entire five-year career with the St. Louis Rams before going into the free-agent market and was a productive starter when healthy. Given the fairly modest price, the acquisition is a good one for the Lions because Fisher is an aggressive, cover 2-type cornerback who should fit Detroit's scheme well if he is healthy.

The past two seasons, however, Fisher appeared in just 17 games. He suffered a groin injury in 2005 that limited him to eight appearances. After starting the first nine games in 2006, his season was prematurely ended by a fractured forearm.

His recent injury history aside, Fisher generated strong interest in the free-agent market and met with several teams in the first two weeks of the signing period. In Detroit, he figures to have a chance to fill the vacancy created by the recent trade of starter Dre' Bly to the Denver Broncos.

By signing just a one-year contract, Fisher will have a chance to re-establish himself as a starting caliber cornerback in the league and then go back into the free-agent pool again next spring.

In 56 appearances with the Rams, including 45 starts, the former Central Florida standout registered 221 tackles, seven interceptions, 22 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three recoveries. A second-round pick in the 2002 draft, he earned a starting spot as a rookie.

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

[mardigan]

Scouts interested in Peterson's pass-catching abilityESPN.com news services


NORMAN, Okla. -- Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, rated the No. 1 running back in the 2007 draft and a possible No. 3 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, spent a good deal of time catching passes at the Sooners pro day workout Tuesday, something he did little of in his three seasons as a player.

Peterson ran the short shuttle on Tuesday, the only drill he didn't complete at last month's NFL combine, then went through an individual workout, mostly working as a wide receiver to test his hands.

According to scouts who watched the workout, Peterson spent time both working out of the slot and split-out wide, caught every pass that was catchable during the drill and impressed scouts with his fluidness as a receiver.

"You can really tell he's been working on his hands," Browns general manager Phil Savage said.

Peterson had only 24 receptions in the 31 games he played at Oklahoma,

As a runner, though, Peterson had few peers in the college game. He gained 4,045 yards as a Sooner, including 1,925 as a freshman, when he finished second in the balloting for the Heisman Trophy. But he was hampered by injuries as a sop re (ankle) and junior (collarbone) and started only seven games each season. He nevertheless gained more than 1,000 yards in each

[mardigan]

Packers sign CB Walker to one-year dealAsociated Press

MILWAUKEE -- The Green Bay Packers signed free agent cornerback Frank Walker to a one-year deal that could be worth nearly $1.5 million with incentives, agent Harold Lewis said Tuesday.

Lewis said Walker, who spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants, will compete for the Packers' nickel cornerback job next season.

Green Bay's Al Harris and Charles Woodson are one of the NFL's best starting cornerback tandems, but the Packers struggled to find a consistent third cornerback last season.

Lewis said Walker might have been the Giants' best coverage cornerback last season, but Giants coach Tom Coughlin believed Walker was too aggressive.

"He's tough," Lewis said. "Sometimes, a little too tough."

In November, Walker delivered a big hit on Tennessee ans cornerback Vince Young on a fourth-down play but was called for a personal foul to extend the drive. The ans went on to score a touchdown on the drive and won the game; Coughlin called the play "stupid."

[mardigan]

Stevens arrested, charged with drunken drivingBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Unrestricted free agent tight end Jerramy Stevens, the former first-round draft choice whose five-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks was marked by bad hands and poor off-field decisions, was arrested early Tuesday morning in Scottsdale, Ariz., and charged with driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

The incident, which occurred around 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, marks at least the fifth time since 1998 that Stevens, 27, has run afoul of the law.

In June 2003, he pleaded guilty to reckless driving in a plea deal after being stopped in the Seattle suburb of Medina on investigation of drunken driving. He got a two-day jail sentence for that offense.

He received another five days in jail for violating his probation after he drove into a nursing home in 2000 in a hit-and-run case. Stevens was a student at Washington at the time of that incident.

Stevens has spent his entire career with the Seahawks, who have had discussions during the free-agency period about re-signing him. It is not known how the Tuesday incident might affect any negotiations or if Stevens will come under league review.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also indicated an interest in Stevens, and several other teams have inquired about him as well.

On Tuesday, the Seahawks addressed their tight end situation by signing 12-year veteran Marcus Pollard, an unrestricted free agent, to a one-year contract.

Stevens was taken into custody Tuesday after being stopped by police officers near downtown Scottsdale and telling them he had "four or five margaritas" at a local bar. According to the police report, Stevens was driving erratically and, when stopped, police noticed his eyes were "bloodshot, watery and half-closed."

The tight end refused a portable Breathalyzer test, but officers subsequently obtained a search warrant and drew two vials of blood for testing. Police did not reveal the blood alcohol content. Stevens was cited for possession of marijuana when officers found it in his back pocket.

Stevens was released after posting bail.

A first-round pick in the 2002 draft, the former University of Washington standout has been an enigma for much of his career, a player blessed with enormous physical skills, but who has rarely played to his potential. In 71 appearances, including 26 starts, he has 130 catches for 1,458 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He was a starter for the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL after the 2005 season, but was ridiculed for dropping three passes in that game.

Pollard, 35, played 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (1995-2004) before signing with Detroit as a free agent in 2005 and spending two years with the Lions. He has 321 receptions for 4,007 yards and 38 touchdowns in 177 games.

A former basketball player at Bradley University and signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent, Pollard has six seasons of 30-plus catches.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

HAHAHAHA, this guy is a joke
When the cops pulled him over he was quoted as saying he had 4 or 5 margaritas, just keeps getting better

[degenerate_gambler]

NFL | Stevens arrested
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 13:53:46 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports unrestricted free-agent TE Jerramy Stevens (Seahawks) was arrested Tuesday, March 13, in Scottsdale, AZ, for driving under the influence and marijuana possession, according to the Arizona Republic


HAHAHAHA, this guy is a joke

I remember his act in the Super Bowl.

[mardigan]

Saints land Bengals free-agent safety KaesviharnBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The New Orleans Saints on Tuesday night added a proven playmaker to their secondary, signing unrestricted free-agent safety Kevin Kaesviharn to a four-year contract worth $10 million, a deal that includes a $3.25 million signing bonus.



Kaesviharn

The six-year veteran, who played his entire career in Cincinnati before going into the free agent market, chose the Saints over the Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. Kaesviharn, 30, was one of the top players remaining in the unrestricted pool and garnered plenty of interest from the outset of the signing period.


"Kevin will be a good addition to our group of safeties from a productivity standpoint on the field in addition to being a leader for our young players," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said n a statement released Tuesday announcing the signing . "He has been a solid, consistent player for the Bengals for several years and a good influence in the locker room. Kevin is the kind of player we were looking for to add to our mix on defense."


Kaesviharn is the second former Cincinnati defensive player signed by the Saints in the free agency period. New Orleans last week added linebacker Brian Simmons after the Bengals released him. Simmons will challenge for the starting job at middle linebacker.


New Orleans already had acceptable depth at safety, but Roman Harper, a starter as a rookie in 2006, is coming off a torn knee ligament. Plus the Saints' coaches wanted to add a defender with good coverage skills and a history of being able to take the ball away from opposition offenses.


A late bloomer, Kaesviharn has developed into just such a player, as evidenced by his six interceptions, the league high for all safeties, in 2006. He also had four sacks last season.


A former Augustana (S.D.) College star, Kaesviharn should also provide the Saints more flexibility in the secondary. Counted among his 45 career starts were starting assignments at free safety, strong safety, nickel safety and both cornerback positions.


He is a solid hitter versus the run but has enough cover skills to move out and line up against receivers in the slot. Kaesviharn was strictly a special teams performer early in his career, but emerged a few years ago as a top-shelf nickel defender.


In 87 games, Kaesviharn has 363 tackles, 15 interceptions, 28 passes defensed, six sacks, two forced fumbles and four recoveries.


Len Pasquarelli is a senior

[mardigan]

Saints | Engram visits team
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:50:01 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports free-agent WR Bobby Engram (Seahawks) visited the New Orleans Saints Tuesday, March 13.


ans | Curtis visits team
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:54:18 -0800

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports free-agent WR Kevin D. Curtis (Rams) visited the Tennessee ans Tuesday, March 13.


Broncos | Peterson re-signed
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:28:12 -0800

The Denver Broncos have re-signed unrestricted free-agent DE Kenny Peterson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.


Buccaneers | Team signs Davis
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:33:08 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free-agent CB Sammy Davis (49ers). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Buccaneers | Team signs Thomas
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:34:24 -0800

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed WR Levon Thomas (Colts).


Raiders | Team signs Ward
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:36:22 -0800

Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders signed free agent FS B.J. Ward (Ravens). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Raiders | Team re-signs Slaughter
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 06:26:02 -0800

Steve Corkran, of the Contra Costa Times, reports the Oakland Raiders re-signed OT Chad Slaughter Tuesday, March 13. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.



Falcons | Hamilton signs with team
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:29:57 -0700

The Atlanta Falcons announced free agent WR Derrick Hamilton (49ers) has signed with the team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

[mardigan]

Updated: March 13, 2007, 8:07 PM ET
Jones' court appearance postponed until May 14Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A judge agreed to delay a court appearance for Tennessee ans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to give his attorneys time to determine how the NFL might react to a potential plea agreement.

Jones was charged in February 2006 with felony obstruction of police. Prosecutor Scott Ballard said he has no intentions of dismissing the case that involved Jones biting an officer between his thumb and index finger.

Ballard said Tuesday that Jones' court appearance will be delayed at least until May 14.

"My understanding is they needed some time to access the impact of certain sentences they would get with ... the NFL," he said.

"In other words, if he's convicted and receives this sentence, how would the NFL react to that? If he gets this other sentence, how would the NFL react to that?" Ballard said.

Jones attorney Manny Arora did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press at his Atlanta office.

Arora has said Jones was sitting in his Bentley with his girlfriend, the mother of his now 1-year-old daughter, outside her parents' home when police wanted to question him.

The NFL confirmed last month that officials were reviewing Jones' off-field conduct, which has included 10 incidents where he was interviewed by police.

Jones was questioned in February about his presence during a Las Vegas strip club triple-shooting that left one man paralyzed. No one has been charged in that incident.

The ans are trying to decide whether to keep Jones, the sixth pick overall in 2005 and the first defensive player taken that year. The cornerback did not tell team officials about being arrested twice in Georgia in 2006 -- a potential violation of the personal conduct policy.

ans coach Jeff Fisher and team chief operating officer Steve Underwood met with Jones' attorneys last Friday to gather information. Fisher said later that day he didn't expect Jones to report on March 19 when the team starts its offseason program.

A marijuana possession charge from March 2006 in Georgia was dismissed in January.

Ballard said felony obstruction is defined as interfering with an officer performing his duties and offering to commit violence. Jones allegedly tried to punch an officer before being taken to the ground and handcuffed.

"A child bites someone in his class, you discipline him. Someone that bites an officer, I think it's deserving of being charged as a felony," Ballard said.

Game notes
The ans visited with a pair of receivers Tuesday. Kevin Curtis, who played last season with St. Louis, met with the ans along with Justin Gage, who was with Chicago. They missed out on free agent wide receivers Donte' Stallworth, who visited the ans last week, and Kelley Washington. Stallworth and Washington both signed with New England. The ans lost receivers Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade in free agency.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[mardigan]

ans snag CB Harper from Super Bowl champsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

The Tennessee ans on Tuesday evening added arguably the best cornerback remaining in the free agent market, and provided themselves a much needed insurance policy against off-field problems that could keep Pacman Jones out of training camp, by signing unrestricted veteran Nick Harper.

The top cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts, Harper will leave the Super Bowl XLI champions for a three-year contract, the financial details of which were not available.

Indianapolis, which had already determined to go with younger players at cornerback in 2007, made little attempt to retain Harper despite his solid play. Harper met with ans officials in recent days and, as it turned out, it was the only visit he made.

Tennessee targeted Harper almost from the beginning of the free agent period and the club quickly initiated contract negotiations after his visit. Harper joins Jones and talented youngster Reynaldo Hill as the ans' top three cornerbacks. But given his off-field difficulties, there is speculation that Jones could be suspended for at least a portion of the 2007 season.

Harper, 32, was a player the Colts were always trying to replace, it seemed, but he consistently held off all challengers. An underappreciated defender, he was a very good fit for the "cover two" scheme preferred by coach Tony Dungy because of his aggressive play versus the run.

But the six-year veteran is also a better player in coverage than many people think, and he often drew the assignment of lining up against the opposition's top wide receiver.

The former Fort Valley (Ga.) State star began his professional career in the CFL in 2000, then signed with the Colts as a free agent in 2001. He appeared in 89 games, 60 of them as a starter, and had 396 tackles, 15 interceptions, 42 passes defensed, one forced fumble and three recoveries.

In 2006, Harper had 75 tackles, three interceptions and six passes defensed as the Colts captured the Super Bowl XLI le.

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

[mardigan]

Veteran DT Zgonina signs with TexansBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Durable defensive tackle Jeff Zgonina, a blue-collar performer whose work ethic has allowed him to outlast more talented players in the NFL, has signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans, the seventh different franchise for which he will have played.




Zgonina
The contract totals slightly more than $2 million and includes a signing bonus of $250,000.


A 14-year veteran, Zgonina played the past four seasons for the Miami Dolphins. Despite his age and tenure, Zgonina, 36, drew solid interest in free agency, even in a market that has been very slow for defensive tackles.


Surprisingly, it has been middle-tier tackles such as Zgonina, and not the higher profile players available at the position, who have proven attractive to teams seeking help at the position. The Texans' coaches focused in on Zgonina a few days ago and completed the deal on Wednesday morning.


Zgonina should be a good fit with the Texans, whose depth chart is thin and features a mix of younger players who have yet to fulfill their potential and older veterans.


In 171 games, including 62 starts, Zgonina has 540 tackles, 23½ sacks, three forced fumbles, eight recoveries, one interception and 10 passes defensed. He has recorded 30 or more tackles in each of the past eight seasons, despite playing primarily as a No. 3 tackle. In 2004, Zgonina did start 14 games for the Dolphins and he registered career highs in tackles (101) and sacks (five).


Originally a seventh-round choice of the Steelers in the 1993 draft, the former Purdue standout has played with Pittsburgh (1993-94), Carolina (1995). Atlanta (1996), St. Louis (1997, 1999-2002) Indianapolis (1998) and Miami (2003-2006).

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

[mardigan]

Updated: March 14, 2007, 12:47 PM ET
DA to send names linked to steroids to MLB, NFLAssociated Press


NEW YORK -- The Albany, N.Y., district attorney conducting a nationwide dragnet into the illicit sale of steroids and human growth hormone will forward the names of athletes linked to the inquiry to pro sports leagues.

"We're going to be sending information to vet those names, see if they are who they say they are," David Soares first told the New York Daily News in Wednesday's editions.

Albany authorities declined to disclose Wednesday how many athletes have come up in the probe and which sports leagues will get letters.

"The DA will assess those issues after the research has been completed and the information is available for him to look at comprehensively," said Heather Orth, spokeswoman for Soares.

So far, 20 people have been indicted, and several Florida clinics were raided. They allegedly were part of a scheme to provide prescriptions over the Internet to clients who never actually met with the prescribing physicians. A similar federal prosecution also is under way in Rhode Island.

Athletes linked to the scandal, in various reports, are baseball's Gary Matthews Jr., Jose Canseco, John Rocker, Jerry Hairston Jr., David Bell and Darren Holmes, former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, Pittsburgh Steelers doctor Richard Rydze, 1996 Olympic wrestling gold medalist Kurt Angle and bodybuilder Victor Martinez.

NFL and baseball officials went to Albany last week to meet with Soares and other investigators.

"We have asked the DA's office for any information that is relevant to the NFL within the constraints of the investigation," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Soares has said repeatedly he's targeting distributors supplying illicit drugs and physicians writing prescriptions for patients they've never seen, not customers.

"Any customer not in Albany County who purchased the drugs from a pharmacy in Florida has not broken the law in Albany County," Orth said.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[mardigan]

NFL | Russell runs 40-yard dash at Pro Day
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:48:38 -0700

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports LSU QB JaMarcus Russell ran the 40-yard dash between 4.83 and 4.85 seconds at the quarterback's Pro Day Wednesday, March 14.


A lot slower than anticipated


Redskins | Yoder agrees to terms on three-year deal
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:05:51 -0700

Jason La Canfora, of the Washington Post, reports the Washington Redskins have agreed to terms with TE Todd Yoder (Redskins) on a three-year deal. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.


Browns | T. Smith released
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:30:45 -0700

The Cleveland Browns have released FB Terrelle Smith.



Falcons | Fonoti signs with team
Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:29:20 -0700

The Atlanta Falcons announced free agent OG Toniu Fonoti (Dolphins) has signed with the team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

[mardigan]

Stallworth says Branch recommended PatriotsAssociated Press


BOSTON -- Newly signed New England Patriots wide receiver Donte' Stallworth received a glowing recommendation to join the team from an unlikely source: Deion Branch.

Branch left New England last year after a messy holdout that forced the Patriots to deal their former Super Bowl MVP to Seattle. But when Stallworth asked his friend Branch about the Patriots, Branch offered only praise.

"He had nothing but great things to say about the organization," Stallworth said.

Last weekend, Stallworth filled the top receiver slot vacated by Branch, agreeing to a deal with New England that could be worth $33.1 million over six years. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Stallworth said he wasn't surprised by Branch's positive words.

"It's a business and you can't take anything personal that happens in this business," Stallworth said. "[Branch] is an intelligent young man and he understands the business aspect of things. ... Everyone's objective is winning. From that standpoint, I heard nothing but good things about the whole organization, players and coaches."


The speedy Stallworth, 26, a former first round draft pick, gives New England a legitimate deep threat. But Stallworth has been injury prone, and questions about his character followed reports of chronic lateness to team meetings with the New Orleans Saints, who traded him to Philadelphia last year just before the regular season began.

The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported earlier this month that Stallworth is in the league's substance-abuse program. Asked about the report, Stallworth said, "All that stuff is in the past."

"There was a situation a couple years ago," he said. "There's nothing now that's going on that will affect me preparing for helping this team."

Stallworth had no problems with Philadelphia's coaching staff last season, and said Wednesday he realized his off-the-field approach had to change after some veteran players told him it was creating a perception that he didn't care.

"Once I heard that, that kind of hurt me," he said. "I've always been a team player. I've always worked hard and things like that.

"I mean, I'm getting old, man," he continued. "I'm 26. I've only got a few years left in this game. So you know, you just realize your opportunities. As every year goes by, that window gets smaller and smaller."

Last season, Stallworth had five touchdowns and 38 catches for 725 yards, for a league-best 19.1 yards per catch average, despite missing several games with a hamstring injury. Stallworth also played in the playoffs for the first time, and said New England's consistent success was a major factor when chose to sign with the Patriots, as was a chance to play with quarterback Tom Brady.

"He's definitely one of the best quarterbacks that's ever played in the modern era," he said. "It's kind of a no brainer."

The signing is part of New England's offseason spending spree that followed a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC le game. The Patriots also signed free agent receiver Kelley Washington over the weekend.

"When Donte' and Kelley were drafted, we were very interested in them as receivers who could help our offense and that feeling still exists," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement Tuesday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[degenerate_gambler]

mardigan....thanks for all the updates dude.

NE...the wide receiver position is a weakness no more. I think Welker is going to have a bigger impact on that team than anyone knows.

[mardigan]

Updated: March 14, 2007, 8:24 PM ET
Cardinals re-sign linebacker Beisel for two yearsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


The Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday retained linebacker Monty Beisel, signing the six-year veteran and unrestricted free agent to a two-year contract, the financial details of which were not immediately available.

Monty Beisel
Linebacker
Arizona Cardinals

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Tot Solo Ast FF Sack Int
16 14 2 0 0 1


A key backup and special teams performer, Beisel, 28, appeared in eight games for the Cardinals in 2006 after the team signed him at midseason. Beisel was in training camp with the New England Patriots last summer, but he was released before the start of the regular season and sat out the first half of the campaign.

Beisel generated modest interest in the first two weeks of the free agency market.

The former Kansas State standout started two games for Arizona when Gerald Hayes was injured last year and performed well. Holdover defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who values Beisel for his versatility, recommended to first-year coach Ken Whisenhunt that the Cardinals re-sign Beisel.

At various points in his career, Beisel has played every linebacker position in both the 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. In 2005 with New England, he recorded a career-best 57 tackles, along with one sack and one forced fumble while starting six regular-season games and one playoff contest as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment.

A fourth-round choice by Kansas City in the 2001 draft, Beisel spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chiefs, primarily as a special teams player. He signed with New England as a free agent in 2005 when the Patriots were undergoing wholesale changes at linebacker because of injuries and retirements.

He has appeared in 78 games with 17 starts in his career and has 157 tackles, 4½ sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 69 special teams tackles.

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

[mardigan]

The Dolphins do not want to give up the number of picks that would be required to move up from the ninth spot to even think about drafting Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas, sources said.
-- Palm Beach Post

It might be too late for ans cornerback Pacman Jones to avoid a suspension from the NFL, but that isn't keeping Jones and his attorney from trying. A judge on Tuesday agreed to delay a court appearance for Jones in Georgia so his attorney will have time to talk to the NFL about what a potential plea agreement could do to his client's status with the league.
-- The Tennessean

The subject of the Packers' interest in Oakland receiver Randy Moss wasn't even broached by GM Ted Thompson at the monthly executive committee meeting until he was asked about it. Thompson steadfastly has refused to discuss Moss with reporters because he remains property of the Raiders.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Lance Briggs' going national with his complaining is making it more difficult for the Bears to do business with him, or for him, even if they wanted to do so.
-- Chicago Tribune

Receiver Brandon Stokley, one of the last remaining big-name players on the free-agent market, visited the Broncos on Tuesday. The Broncos will have compe ion for Stokley, who visited New Orleans last week. The Saints remain strongly interested in the former Louisiana-Lafayette star.
-- Denver Post

Free agent Doug Jolley is expected to visit with the Panthers today, as the team tries to bolster the tight end position. There has been some indication new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson wants more receiving production from the tight ends.
-- Charlotte Observer

The Bucs have a visit scheduled for Thursday with Panthers free-agent linebacker Chris Draft and their interest in Broncos free-agent guard Cooper Carlisle may be on the rise as well.
-- Tampa Tribune

Although the Giants offered free-agent guard Matt Lehr a contract Tuesday, the former Falcons lineman will still visit the Dolphins early next week, his agent, Robert Lattinville, confirmed.
-- South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Giants are clearly looking for more depth at guard, though they have three veterans with starting experience already under contract: Chris Snee, Rich Seubert and David Diehl, who might move to tackle to replace Luke Pe gout. Free-agent guard Grey Ruegamer might be re-signed.
-- Newsday

Agent Joe Linta spoke with Steelers management and was told Sean Mahan's signing doesn't mean Chukky Okobi is no longer a part of the team's plans. Linta said Mahan's five-year, $17 million deal, which includes a $4 million signing bonus, isn't excessive and doesn't guarantee he will start.
-- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Slow day in the NFL

[mardigan]

Updated: March 14, 2007, 9:05 PM ET
After sitting out 2006, McKinney goes to BrownsAssociated Press


CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Browns signed offensive lineman Seth McKinney to a one-year deal Wednesday, when they also terminated fullback Terrelle Smith's contract before he was due a roster bonus at the end of the week.

McKinney started 34 games in five seasons with the Miami Dolphins but missed all of last season after having neck surgery. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder can play guard and center.

His addition will help the Browns' offensive line, which was thinned by injuries last season. Cleveland has made its line a priority during free agency and has already re-signed center Hank Fraley and given Eric Steinbach -- one of the best players in this year's free agent class -- a seven-year, $49.5 million contract.

McKinney started 13 games at center in 2005 and was part of a Miami offensive line that yielded just 26 sacks. He was selected in the third round of the 2002 draft out of Texas A&M.

Smith, who has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in five of his seven seasons, joined the Browns as a free agent in 2004.

Reuben Droughns rushed for 1,232 yards behind Smith in 2005, becoming the first Browns back to surpass 1,000 yards since Kevin Mack and Earnest Byner did it in 1985. But the Browns' running game regressed last season, when Droughns gained just 758 yards.

He will be replaced by Lawrence Vickers, a sixth-round draft pick last season and a favorite of coach Romeo Crennel.

Smith, originally an unrestricted free agent out of Arizona State, played four seasons in New Orleans. He blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in each season there -- Ricky Williams in 2000 and 2001, and Deuce McAllister in 2002 and 2003.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[mardigan]

LSU's Russell puts on impressive show for scoutsESPN.com news services


BATON ROUGE, La. -- More than 100 representatives from NFL teams descended on the LSU campus Wednesday to watch the auditions of quarterback JaMarcus Russell and three of his former Tigers teammates who should come off the board within the first 40 picks of April's draft.

First-year head coach Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders, who hold the No. 1 overall pick and are expected to use it on Russell, was among the coaches, scouts and front-office officials on hand. Others included Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage; Washington Redskins vice president Vinny Cerrato; Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Bruce Allen; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton; and Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman.

While Russell is expected to come off the board long before any of those teams select, there were at least three other former LSU players worth watching -- and worth a first- or second-round pick. Safety Laron Landry could be a top-10 selection, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is a first-round talent and Craig Davis could be selected in the early to middle portion of the second round.

Russell was the star of Wednesday's show, however. He weighed in at 256 pounds -- nine pounds lighter than at the scouting combine just more than two weeks ago and spot on his playing weight -- and ran a 4.84 40-yard dash.

"That's a pretty good time," said Todd McShay, senior draft analyst for ESPN's Scouts Inc. "Compare that to [Ohio State's] Troy Smith, who's 6 feet tall and 220 pounds and ran a 4.77."

Russell threw 75 passes during his throwing session and only missed on about four or five, according to McShay.

"His passing session was the most impressive of all the pro days I've been to," McShay said. "His footwork for such a big quarterback was surprising. He was nimble in his dropbacks and when he's rolling out and throwing on the run. We all knew coming in that his arm strength is extraordinary. The ball just explodes out of his hands. His 73rd, 74th and 75th throws, he was flicking the ball 60 yards with his wrist and putting it right on the numbers."

Other notable measurements for Russell were his arm length of 34½ inches -- "Left tackle size," McShay said -- and his hand size of 9½ inches -- "Big, but not the biggest," McShay said. "Just above the average for a quarterback."

Among the other stars Wednesday were receivers Bowe and Davis, both of whom improved their 40 times from the combine. Bowe ran a 4.51 at the combine but lowered it to 4.40 on Wednesday. After running 4.49 at the combine (and pulling a groin muscle in the process), Davis blazed to a 4.38. However, he tweaked his groin again later in the day while catching passes from Russell.



Dwayne Bowe is going to be the

[mardigan]

Seahawks sign DB Russell, TE Pollard

NFL.com wire reports



SEATTLE (March 13, 2007) -- The Seattle Seahawks tried to sell safety Brian Russell on the advantages of coming to the Pacific Northwest.

They didn't need to put forth the effort.

"I think they tried to sell it because that is kind of the way that recruiting trips and free-agent trips go, but I was trying to contain myself," said Russell, Seattle's newest defensive back. "I was really excited about getting up there."

After two years in Cleveland, Russell signed with the Seahawks -- another step in the remodeling of Seattle's secondary. On March 12, the team introduced Deon Grant, who was signed from Jacksonville presumably to take the spot of free safety Ken Hamlin, an unrestricted free agent.

Russell's signing will provide extra depth for a group of safeties that includes Grant, Mike Green and Michael Boulware. The unit will be coached by Jim Mora.

"I know they have a good group of players up there and I know there are four good safeties now," Russell said.

Also on March 13, Seattle signed tight end Marcus Pollard to a one-year contract. Pollard spent the last two seasons in Detroit after spending most of his career in Indianapolis. With the Lions, Pollard's production dropped significantly this year with Mike Martz in charge of the offense. Pollard had 12 catches and no touchdowns. For his career, Pollard has 321 catches, more than 4,000 yards receiving and 38 TDs.

Terms of Pollard's deal were not released.

Russell started his career on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad but in 2003, his second full season, he intercepted nine passes and recorded a career-high 95 tackles. Russell had 51 tackles and one interception in 12 games last season with Cleveland.

He was extremely durable, having never missed a game until last season, when a staph infection cost him the final four games. Russell had been dealing with staph -- a bacteria that typically enters the body through scratches and scrapes -- since the preseason.

Following an Aug. 26 exhibition game at Buffalo, Russell's elbow went from being tender to infected in a matter of hours. He had surgery to purge the infection and only missed the club's preseason finale.

Russell didn't miss any time during the regular season, until December. His long surgical incision was reopened during a game against the Steelers on Nov. 19 and he missed his first game on Dec. 7 when Cleveland played at Pittsburgh. Russell was hospitalized to treat the infection and was placed on injured reserve.

"It was frustrating on my end because I felt like I was playing good football and it wasn't like I hurt my knee or my shoulder," Russell said. "It was a random infection, something I never would have seen coming."

Russell has played mostly free safety in recent seasons, but is equally comfortable at strong safety. With Grant's signing, Russell is likely to compete with Boulware and Green for the starting spot at strong safety. But with the rash of injuries Seattle's secondary endured at the end of last season, Russell's versatility is welcome.

"I don't think it matters," Russell said about which position he'll play. "Hopefully, I will get a chance to do both up there."

[mardigan]

Updated: March 14, 2007, 11:04 PM ET
Browns reach 4-year, $12M deal with DT SmithBy John Clayton
ESPN.com


Figuring to draft an offensive player with the third pick in the draft, the Browns helped their defense Wednesday night by reaching a four-year, $12 million deal with ans defensive tackle Robaire Smith.


Smith

Smith, 30, received a $4 million signing bonus and will be paid a total of $5 million in the first year of the contract. Over the first two years, he will make $7 million. With that type of commitment, the Browns are expected to start him at right defensive end and then possibly move him to tackle on passing downs.

Smith, who is 6-foot-4, 328 pounds, played four years with Tennessee before leaving via free agency and signing a big deal with the Houston Texans. The Texans released him last year -- his third with the team -- and Smith went back to Tennessee, where he re-emerged as a starter.

The ans tried to re-sign Smith, but their offer wasn't close enough for him to stay. His signing should start to move a defensive tackle market that has been surprisingly slow during the free-agency period.

[mardigan]

Updated: March 15, 2007, 2:31 AM ET
Vikings agree with Henson, will meet with ScottESPN.com news services


The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a contract with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Drew Henson on Wednesday, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Henson, who spent part of last season on the Vikings' practice squad, agreed to a one-year deal for the minimum salary for a veteran, NFL.com reported.

Meanwhile, the Star-Tribune also said defensive tackle Ian Scott, who started seven games for the NFC champion Chicago Bears last season, will meet with Vikings officials on Friday.

[mardigan]

Updated: March 15, 2007, 11:35 AM ET
Wilkinson trade could be in jeopardyBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


It's not easy to misplace a 340-pound defensive tackle, but the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins seem to have done just that. And unless someone soon locates Dan Wilkinson, the defensive tackle in question, the trade in which Denver acquired the 13-year veteran from Miami could be voided.


Wilkinson

According to the conditions of the March 3 trade, in which the Broncos sent the Dolphins a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for Wilkinson, the veteran tackle must report for a physical examination by Friday. A failure to do so will nullify the trade, unless the two teams agree to extend the deadline.

The problem: Wilkinson, who acknowledged in the wake of the trade that he had "some issues" to address before reporting to the Broncos, has not arranged a trip to Denver for the physical and has not returned phone calls from either team.

Wilkinson, 34, has considered retirement in recent seasons. He is also notorious for trying to avoid offseason conditioning programs and even training camp. He did not sign with the Dolphins last summer until well into camp.

The Broncos, who have made a habit in recent years of trading for onetime high-round defensive linemen, definitely want Wilkinson and feel that, despite his age, he can play well in their tackle rotation. But as a contingency, the Broncos met this week with a pair of unrestricted free agent tackles, Alfonso Boone and Ian Scott, both of the Chicago Bears.

Depending on how things play out with Wilkinson, the Broncos could pursue one of the free agents.

Wilkinson is still regarded as a solid defender versus the run but is coming off a 2006 season in which he registered just 14 tackles in 10 games. Once capable of providing plenty of inside push on the pass rush, Wilkinson did not have a sack in 2006.

A former Ohio State star, Wilkinson was chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals to lead off the '94 draft. After four seasons with the Bengals, and a contentious relationship with the front office when dealing on contract matters, he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1998.

Wilkinson played five seasons in Washington, where he was very productive, then signed with the Lions in 2003.

In 195 career appearances, Wilkinson has 386 tackles, 54½ sacks, seven forced fumbles, four recoveries, five interceptions and 28 pass deflections.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

[mardigan]

Chiefs retain DT Edwards, agree on four-year dealBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Moving to address a defensive interior in need of quan y and quality, the Kansas City Chiefs have reached a contract agreement with tackle Ron Edwards, who opted to return to the team after testing the unrestricted free agent market for two weeks.




Edwards
A six-year veteran, Edwards will sign a four-year contract. Financial details of the contract were not yet available.


Edwards, 27, started all 16 games for the Chiefs in 2006, his first season in Kansas City, and played beyond the team's original expectations, primarily at the nose tackle spot, notching 25 tackles and 2½ sacks. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, where he split time between the two tackle spots, and signed a one-year contract with the Chiefs as a free agent last spring.


Keeping the hard-working Edwards was a key for the Chiefs, who are perilously thin at the tackle spot. The team's other starter from 2006, James Reed, is an unrestricted free agent and sampling the market. The only other veteran tackle of consequence on the roster, former first-round choice Ryan Sims, could be released after five disappointing seasons.


Chiefs officials have been exploring the tackle options in free agency, but they wanted to retain Edwards, if possible. It is not known how much interest Edwards generated from other franchises in his brief time as a free agent, although he did visit with the Cleveland Browns last week.


A former Texas A&M standout, Edwards was originally chosen by Buffalo in the third round of the 2001 draft. In 64 games, including 40 starts, Edwards has 139 tackles, 9½ sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed.

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

[mardigan]

The Dolphins are interested in speaking with quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn, and could bring both to South Florida. The reason the Dolphins want to talk to both players could be telling: They could be considering a scenario where they trade up to the No. 2 overall pick, where Detroit is listening to offers.
-- Miami Herald

The Eagles are scheduled to host Ron Dayne today, and also have expressed interest in fellow running backs Chris Brown and Corey Dillon. The Bills and Lions, two teams Brown has visited, appear to be the front-runners. It is unlikely Dillon would be content sharing carries with Brian Westbrook in a West Coast offense geared toward the passing game.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

If Bob Harlan's telephone calls are any indication, two out of every three Packers fans are opposed to the team acquiring controversial receiver Randy Moss. The potential trade hasn't advanced beyond the speculation stage, but the Packers chairman has been getting an earful from fans concerned that Moss would besmirch the Packers' reputation, integrity and class.
-- PackersNews.com

The Lions have grown weary of the indecision by free-agent wide receiver Kevin Curtis and are no longer pursuing him. According to sources close to the situation, the Lions are fed up with the fact that Curtis can't seem to make a decision.
-- Mlive.com

If the Vikings trade down in the draft, there is a distinct possibility they could end up taking LSU receiver Dwayne Bowe.
-- St. Paul Pioneer Press

Julius Jones is not on the trading block, according to Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. Jerry Jones declined to say if a team has contacted the Cowboys seeking Julius Jones.
-- Dallas Morning News

Only once since 1991 have the Cowboys drafted a quarterback (Quincy Carter, 2001), but the club could choose one this year, although not in the first or second round.
-- Dallas Morning