2012 Free Agent Watch [Archive]

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 10:36 AM

Bills’ free agency plan: Big splash now, out of the market by Friday

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 13, 2012, 10:44 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/b-nixgailey.jpg?w=232 AP The Buffalo Bills won’t be patient in free agency.

Bills General Manager Buddy Nix said this morning that the team is planning to make waves with a free agent signing or two that makes the league take notice, and that once those big deals are done, the Bills will be done and moving on to preparing for the draft.

“We’d like to be out of the business by Friday. The big splash for us could be over in a week,” Nix said on WGR 550, via the Bills’ official Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/buffalobills).

Nix said he expects current Bills players to be an important part of recruiting efforts, telling other players around the league that the team is building toward its first playoff appearance in more than a decade.

“I’m excited that players have enough faith in our program that they reach out to their peers to speak well about the Bills,” Nix said.

Nix said there are three or four free agent pass rushers who could make an immediate impact, and he hopes to sign one of them within the next few days, and perhaps fill a few other holes in the roster. And then, as far as the Bills are concerned, free agency will come to an end.

“You have to fill as many needs in free agency since it comes first,” Nix said. “Then you add to your depth in the draft.”

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 10:59 AM

« Raiders release ( TE) Boss only one year after signing (http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/03/12/96768/)

Salary cap numbers for all 32 NFL teams (http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/03/13/salary-cap-numbers-for-all-32-nfl-teams/) »

Giants, CB Thomas agree to short-term deal (http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/03/13/giants-re-sign-cb-thomas-to-short-term-deal/)

http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/vip/nfldotcom/images/authors/thumb_lacanfora.jpg?m=1349913622g
By Jason La Canfora (http://blogs.nfl.com/author/jasonlacanfora/) |

Published: March 13th, 2012 | Tags: Terrell Thomas (http://blogs.nfl.com/tags/terrell-thomas/), New York Giants (http://blogs.nfl.com/tag/new-york-giants/)

The New York Giants have agreed to terms on a short-term contract with CB Terrell Thomas, according to a league source. Thomas was set to become a free agent on Tuesday.

Re-signing with New York gives the four-year veteran a chance to return from last season’s torn anterior cruciate ligament, suffered in the preseason (http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=09000d5d821a8c6e). Thomas missed the entire season.

The Giants wanted him back after losing an assortment of injured players to free agency in recent years. Cornerback Aaron Ross is a free agent and likely to depart —

Dallas, Washington, San Francisco and Detroit are among the teams looking at corners.

“It’s a GREAT day to be a NEW YORK GIANT!” Thomas tweeted (https://twitter.com/#!/TerrellThomas24/status/179560604204412928) Tuesday morning.

After drafting Thomas in the second-round of the 2008 draft out of USC, the cornerback started all 32 games in 2009 and 2010, pulling in 10 of his 11 career interceptions.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 12:04 PM

Colston, Saints working hard to finish a deal

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2012, 10:09 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/colston.jpg?w=166
Getty Images

Saints owner Tom Benson and coach Sean Payton went to New York to meet with Commissioner Roger Goodell. They presumably left G.M. Mickey Loomis in New Orleans because he has bigger fish to fry.

And one guy that he’s trying to get into the pan is ** receiver Marques Colston (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4032/marques-colston).

A league source tells PFT the two sides are working feverishly toward finalizing a new contract before Colston becomes a free agent at 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Colston, we’re told, badly wants to remain a Saint.
In six NFL seasons, Colston has 449 receptions for 6,240 yards and 48 touchdowns. He entered the league as a seventh-round pick in 2006.

** It's just being reported by the NFL Network that WR Marques Colston has re-signed with the NO Saints. He gets a new Five year contract.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 12:14 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/

The Free Agent Hot 100

Posted by Evan Silva on March 13, 2012, 9:07 AM EDT

1. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning).

2. Texans defensive end Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams).

3. Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3202/vincent-jackson).

4. Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5329/mike-wallace) (RFA).

5. Chargers offensive tackle Jared Gaither (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4497/jared-gaither).

6. Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5331/lardarius-webb) (RFA).

7. Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4035/cortland-finnegan).

8. Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4893/brandon-carr).

9. Rams wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/449/brandon-lloyd).

10. Saints offensive guard Carl Nicks (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4828/carl-nicks).

Please CLICK on the LINK for the remainder of this TOP 100 List.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 12:42 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/32-hours-of-free-agency-starts-tuesday-at-400-p-m-et/ (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/32-hours-of-free-agency-starts-tuesday-at-400-p-m-et/)

32 hours of free agency starts Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET

Posted by Mike Florio on March 12, 2012, 9:26 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/gty_gold_bars_coins_dm_110516_wg-1.jpg?w=250
Getty Images

On Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, the new league year begins. Free agency opens. Trades can happen. And all that crap.

We’ll celebrate the occasion with 32 hours of continuous coverage, via ongoing updates until the clock strikes 12 on Wednesday night, maybe longer.

Silva is putting together the first draft of our top 100 free agents, which we’ll update as each deal comes in.

We’ll also remain on top of the biggest stories, like the Peyton chase, the Saints’ bounty system, and the latest out-of-the-blue controversy regarding the league’s effort to swipe $46 million in cap room from the Cowboys and Redskins.

Why do I have a feeling that some other major, unexpected story is right around the corner?

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 12:46 PM

Anybody relishing the opportunity the BEARS have with a signing of Mario Williams?

What a pass rush with Mario Williams sucking down on your QB from one side and on the other >>> here come Julius Peppers. Yikes !

What will Ted Thompson supply MM with to stop that possibility? Will the BEARS make it happen? It's this stuff that makes the FA period over the next couple of days so exciting to me.

ND72

03-13-2012, 01:04 PM

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 01:10 PM

That is why we need at top end running back...FYI, heard the Bears will likely start with an offer of 5 years $65-70 Mil offer to Williams.

Yes the word is that Mario Williams will command the richest contract of any defensive player in NFL history. I hope he signs with any other team than the Bears. It is seeming the Bears are high on his list of teams to play for. Is there good pizza in Chicago?

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 02:17 PM

Word just out of Dallas. A Dallas Cowboys top priority will be CB. They released their kicker

David Buehler earlier today and just now released 9 year Vet CB Terrence Newman.

Patler

03-13-2012, 02:29 PM

Sure is a lot of room available in the top 9 teams. Bears with under $23 million have a lot of competitors with more cap space.

HarveyWallbangers

03-13-2012, 03:22 PM

Vikings at $7.9 mil under not including gift of $1.6 mil from Jerry Snyder. BTW, in another thread, I posted cap space at the link below AND the carryover numbers in a separate link. This page is supposed to have the carry over numbers in them and all transactions prior to 4 PM, March 9th.

Cap Space: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/11/team-by-team-cap-space-as-of-march-11

Vikings just cut Steve Hutchinson, Cedric Griffin, and another guy. It cleared up like $10+M and they have like $18M of cap room. That's what I read.

K-town

03-13-2012, 03:43 PM

The Bears have just acquired Brandon Marshall from Miami.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/7682163/2012-nfl-free-agency-miami-dolphins-trade-brandon-marshall-chicago-bears

Patler

03-13-2012, 04:09 PM

Colston re-signed in NO:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8279079b/article/saints-wr-colston-agree-on-new-fiveyear-deal?module=HP11_headline_stack

ND72

03-13-2012, 05:34 PM

Reports Pierre Garçon and Josh Morgan signed in DC...RG3 getting weapons

pbmax

03-13-2012, 05:39 PM

Reports Pierre Garçon and Josh Morgan signed in DC...RG3 getting weapons

Though that is a whole lot of mediocre.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 07:04 PM

OK so the Bears get that for them; rare talented WR to match up with Jay Cutler (again...Denver) and that gives them the first decent threat for a 100 catch -1000 yard receiver since Marty Booker - 2002. Marty Booker earned the first Pro Bowl berth of his career in 2002 as he accumulated 97 receptions for 1,189 yards (1,087 m) and six touchdowns. He became the first Bears wide receiver to earn Pro Bowl status since Dick Gordon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Gordon_(American_football)) in 1972. Booker's reception total was second in team history, trailing only his 100 catches from 2001, while his yardage total was the fourth-best single-season figure.

Marshall and Cutler together again

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?id=7682789

HarveyWallbangers

03-13-2012, 07:26 PM

Garcon got $21M guaranteed on a $40M contract. Pierre Garcon! This is why you don't play in FA.

Brando19

03-13-2012, 07:29 PM

Garcon got $21M guaranteed on a $40M contract. Pierre Garcon! This is why you don't play in FA.

That's just plain STUPID! The redskins are a mess!

Brando19

03-13-2012, 07:31 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/bucs-bag-vincent-jackson/

Bucs got Vincent Jackson for $55 million.

Brando19

03-13-2012, 07:36 PM

Bears sign Jason Campbell to backup Cutler.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 07:38 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/bucs-bag-vincent-jackson/

Bucs got Vincent Jackson for $55 million.

What did he sign for? 10 years. Wild money !

Imagine the pot of gold Mario Williams will get. There... is one very happy camper.

Joemailman

03-13-2012, 08:00 PM

Garcon got $21M guaranteed on a $40M contract. Pierre Garcon! This is why you don't play in FA.

It's not free agency without an amusing move by the Redskins.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 08:02 PM

It's not free agency without an amusing move by the Redskins.

The name of that movie?

Insanity...Double Insanity.

Brando19

03-13-2012, 08:04 PM

What did he sign for? 10 years. Wild money !

Imagine the pot of gold Mario Williams will get. There... is one very happy camper.

5 years!!! Unreal money.

pittstang5

03-13-2012, 09:12 PM

The name of that movie?

Insanity...Double Insanity.

Name that movie - Idiocracy. Yes, it's an actual movie.

Brandon494

03-13-2012, 09:16 PM

Wow the Skins are getting some weapons for RGIII.

Brando19

03-13-2012, 09:19 PM

Cortland Finnegan just signed a huge contract with the Rams. 5 years, $50 million.

Brandon494

03-13-2012, 09:21 PM

Reggie Wayne just resigned with the Colts

Brandon494

03-13-2012, 09:22 PM

Bucks got Monte Ellis :)

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 09:24 PM

5 years!!! Unreal money.

I know. I meant it might make better sense spread out over TEN years. Damn ! 5 years for $55 Million$ or $11 Million$ per year if it was all paid out.

CRAZY !!!! This is a WR NOT a QB.

Brando19

03-13-2012, 09:32 PM

I know. I meant it might make better sense spread out over TEN years. Damn ! 5 years for $55 Million$ or $11 Million$ per year if it was all paid out.

CRAZY !!!! This is a WR NOT a QB.

For real...teams are really overpaying right now. I can't wait to see what Mario signs.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 09:41 PM

For real...teams are really overpaying right now. I can't wait to see what Mario signs.

I just hope he signs fast and in Buffalo.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 10:11 PM

This re-signing surprized alot of people:

Three years, $17.5 million for Reggie Wayne

Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2012, 10:07 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/136078796_crop_650x440-e1331691199853.jpg?w=250

For the past few years, receiver Reggie Wayne (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1496/reggie-wayne)’s discontent with his contract created the impression that he would leave as soon as his deal expired. As recently as last week, there was no evidence of any effort by the Colts to keep him. It seemed to be a foregone conclusion that Wayne would be gone.
And, of course, he re-signed with the Colts only hours after becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his 11-year career.

Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report the agreement. A league source tells PFT that Wayne’s deal is worth $17.5 million over three years, with $7.5 million guaranteed. (It’s unclear how much of it is fully guaranteed.)

Wayne’s decision to stay seems even more unusual in light of the fact that so many veteran players are gone, and the team will be in full-blown rebuilding mode. Also, it was believed that Wayne would be inclined to wait for Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) to make a decision, in order to possibly follow Manning to his new team.

Unless Peyton and the Colts work out a new deal, that won’t be happening.

woodbuck27

03-13-2012, 10:25 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/rams-do-five-year-50-million-deal-with-cortland-finnegan/

Rams do five-year, $50 million deal with Cortland Finnegan

Posted by Evan Silva on March 13, 2012, 9:59 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/cortland-finnegan-pic1.jpg?w=250
Reuters

FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez reports that the St. Louis Rams “have a deal in place (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Cortland-Finnegan-St-Louis-Rams-have-deal-in-place-031312)” with cornerback Cortland Finnegan (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4035/cortland-finnegan) worth roughly $50 million over five years. It sounds like Finnegan will sign the contract, officially, during his Friday visit (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/finnegan-will-visit-the-rams/) to Rams headquarters.

One of the most versatile cornerbacks in football, Finnegan played right corner in Tennessee’s base defense and kicked inside to cover the slot in the nickel. Though not blessed with prototypical size — Finnegan is generously listed at 5-foot-10, 188 — he is a physical defensive back with playmaking ability.
He’s piled up 14 interceptions, three forced fumbles, and six sacks over his first six NFL seasons.

Finnegan, who turned 28 in February, will quickly assume No. 1 cornerback duties in St. Louis based on his fat paycheck and knowledge of Jeff Fisher’s schemes.

Finnegan was the No. 1 cornerback on PFT’s Hot 100 Free Agency list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

Next up is Brandon Carr (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4893/brandon-carr), who was in Dallas on Tuesday night visiting the Cowboys.

Brando19

03-13-2012, 10:34 PM

Mario Williams will not sign with Buffalo tonight. They made him an offer, but he wants to weigh his options and visit at least one other team. STAY AWAY FROM CHICAGO, YOU BASTARD!

sharpe1027

03-13-2012, 10:41 PM

The more huge money that gets thrown at these guys, the less competition/money there will be for everyone else.

ND72

03-13-2012, 11:13 PM

Vincent Jackson, 5 year $55,555,555 contrat...what thecrap??

pbmax

03-14-2012, 12:08 AM

Vincent Jackson, 5 year $55,555,555 contrat...what thecrap??

That's ocho cincos.

Smidgeon

03-14-2012, 02:30 AM

Mario Williams will not sign with Buffalo tonight. They made him an offer, but he wants to weigh his options and visit at least one other team. STAY AWAY FROM CHICAGO, YOU BASTARD!

I feel bad for Buffalo. I heard they were targeting Mario and Meachum. Well, Mario didn't sign and Meachum looks to be heading to the Chargers. They're Siberia and can't get Reggie White.

packrulz

03-14-2012, 05:48 AM

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:24 AM

1) Randy Moss signed by San Francisco
2) Brandon Marshall traded to Chicago - Miami gets 2012 R3 pick (#73) and 2013 R3 pick
3) OT Eric Winston cut by Texans
4) WR Pierre Garcon, Eddie Royal and Josh Morgan signs with Redskins
5) WR Vincent Jackson signs with Tampa Bay
6) ILB Curtis Lofton signs with Bucs
7) WR Reggie Wayne resigns with Colts
8) CB Cortland Finnegan signs with Rams
9) WR Robert Meachem signs with Chargers

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/

Of this TOP 100 FA'a List there has been action with only 14 players by 7 AM Wed. 14 March 2012 or about 16 hours into the Free Agency period.

Of those 14 players how many remained with the team they were contracted with prior to becoming eligible FA's? The answer is eight (8).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 07:31 AM

Buccaneers reach agreement with cornerback Eric Wright (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/buccaneers-reach-agreement-with-cornerback-eric-wright/)

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 14, 2012, 8:02 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/x6105-e1330362472583.jpg?w=233 Reuters
Free agent cornerback Eric Wright (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4198/eric-wright) is heading to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wright, who played last season with the Lions, has reached an agreement with the Buccaneers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

The contract is a five-year deal. There’s no word on the financial terms.

That’s a disappointment to the Lions, who were hoping to keep Wright in the fold. But there wasn’t much of a chance of the Lions out-bidding the Bucs for his services, considering that the Bucs are loaded with cap space and the Lions are in a precarious cap position.

Wright spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns before heading to Detroit last year, and he started all 16 games for the Lions. He’s expected to be a starter for the Buccaneers as well — especially if Aqib Talib (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4640/aqib-talib)’s off-field problems make him unable to play.
Wright checks in at No. 38 on our Free Agent Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

Upnorth

03-14-2012, 09:57 AM

The contract TB gave to Jackson amazes me. I don't think he is that good, but what do I know? Short term it is a big helop to Campbell, long term it will handicap a young team.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:03 PM

The contract TB gave to Jackson amazes me. I don't think he is that good, but what do I know? Short term it is a big helop to Campbell, long term it will handicap a young team.

What blew me away is the amount of money that was guranteed. I believe I heard that gurantee was in the $26 million$ range for a maximum of only two seasons. That isn't firm in my mind. ** I need to check that at some time.

** His fully guaranteed money comes from $24 million in guaranteed base salaries and a $2 million roster bonus. Since base salaries are paid during the season, the Bucs will be writing the checks to Jackson as the cash is coming in. .... PFT.com

Fritz

03-14-2012, 04:13 PM

No centers have signed yet, then?

I wonder if everyone's waiting for Williams to sign, and then the rest of the dominoes will fall.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:23 PM

Chargers re-sign Jared Gaither to four-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 12:43 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jared-gaither-pic.jpg?w=158 AP
Michael Gehlken of the Union-Tribune San Diego reports that the Chargers have re-signed tackle Jared Gaither (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4497/jared-gaither) to a four-year contract (https://twitter.com/#!/UTgehlken/statuses/179966216583118849).

Though possessing a checkered medical and off-field history, Gaither is one of the most impressive young left tackles in pro football. The 6-foot-9, 340-pound lineman is only 26 years old and solidified the position down the stretch in San Diego last season. Gaither was filling in for Marcus McNeill (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3639/marcus-mcneill), whom the Chargers released on Tuesday (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/chargers-to-release-longtime-left-tackle-marcus-mcneill/).

Gaither has the potential to be better than McNeill, perhaps much better. He was the No. 5 overall player on PFT’s Hot 100 Free Agency list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:30 PM

RE: Vincent Jackson and his new contract with the Tampa Bay BUCS:

This info. from PFT.Com

He gets $26 million fully guaranteed, via a $2 million roster bonus in 2012 and a fully-guaranteed $11 million base salary in 2012. For 2013, he gets a $13 million base salary, fully guaranteed.

The last three years of his 5 year deal is NOT guranteed. If he 'only plays two seasons' he's guranteed $52 Million$ plus a roster bonus in 2013. Nice deal.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:36 PM

Cowboys sign Brandon Carr for five years, $50.1 million

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 4:12 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/brandon-carr-pic1.jpg?w=250 AP
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Cowboys have signed cornerback Brandon Carr (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4893/brandon-carr) to a five-year, $50.1 million contract (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/statuses/180020426091659264).

The contract is worth $100,000 more than Cortland Finnegan (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4035/cortland-finnegan)’s reported deal with St. Louis.
Just moments after longtime Cowboys reporter Charean Williams wrote on Twitter that Carr was “close (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/report-cowboys-close-to-deal-with-free-agent-brandon-carr/)” to signing with Dallas, Schefter broke the news that the contract has been finalized.

Carr, who turns 26 in May, is a big, physical press cornerback with playmaking ability. He has safety size at 6-foot, 207 and set a career high with four interceptions last season.

In Dallas, Carr will book end Mike Jenkins (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4673/mike-jenkins) on the perimeter of the Cowboys’ secondary.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:39 PM

Buccaneers reel in Carl Nicks for five years, $47.5 million

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 10:10 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/carl-nicks-pic2.jpg?w=250
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Buccaneers have reached an agreement with offensive guard Carl Nicks (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4828/carl-nicks) on a five-year, $47.5 million contract with $31 million guaranteed.

Assuming the numbers are accurate, Nicks has surpassed Logan Mankins (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3177/logan-mankins) as the NFL’s highest paid guard, both in terms of annual pay and guaranteed money. Nicks is getting $9.5 million a year. Mankins got $8.5 million annually with $30 million guaranteed.

Florio will have a more revealing post on Nicks’ contract in short order.

The Saints were concerned how Nicks would react if paid top dollar in free agency. Though they submitted a contract offer just before the signing period began, it wasn’t in the realm of the Buccaneers’ proposal.

Tampa Bay has now landed two of the top-ten players on the PFT Free Agent Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:41 PM

Carlos Rogers stays put in San Fran

Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2012, 10:43 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/do-49ers-have-answers-for-giants-b5s66fq-x-large.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
When cornerback Carlos Rogers (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3159/carlos-rogers) finally became an unrestricted free agent in 2011, after being restricted in 2010 with five years of service, he signed a one-year deal in the hopes of getting another crack at a bigger payday in 2012.

He got one.

Per a league source, Rogers has agreed to terms on a four-year deal with a base value of $29.3 million. The contract can be worth as much as $31.3 million.

The overall package for Rogers, 31, is slightly above the contract signed in 2011 by Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/651/ike-taylor).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:43 PM

Giants re-sign Terrell Thomas

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 13, 2012, 9:31 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/t-thomas1.jpg?w=153 Getty Images
Minutes after we posted our Free Agent Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/), we have the first signing off the list.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Giants have reached an agreement with cornerback Terrell Thomas (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4850/terrell-thomas), who has spent his entire career with the team but would have become a free agent in six and a half hours.

The Giants had high hopes for Thomas heading into last season, but he tore his ACL in the preseason and missed the entire year. Getting him back and healthy would be a boost to the Super Bowl champions’ defense.

Thomas was drafted by the Giants in the second round in 2008 and became a starter in 2009, and he didn’t miss a game in 2009 or 2010 before missing all of 2011.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:46 PM

Saints keep top receiver Colston with five-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 13, 2012, 12:52 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/marques-colston-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Marques Colston (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4032/marques-colston), the No. 18 overall player on PFT’s Hot 100 Free Agency list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/), won’t be hitting the market after all.

FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reports that the Saints and Colston have agreed to terms on a five-year contract (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/New-Orleans-Saints-resign-wide-receiver-Marques-Colston-031312) that will keep Colston in New Orleans through 2016.

Florio mentioned late last night that New Orleans was working “feverishly (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/colston-saints-working-hard-to-finish-a-deal/)” to get Colston re-signed despite a limited amount of salary cap space. They executed.

Per NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, the deal is worth $40 million (https://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora/status/179610821725396994) including just under $20 million guaranteed. Florio is reporting that those numbers are a bit inflated, though. He’ll have the actual financial details shortly.

Colston, who turns 29 in June, has been incredibly productive manning the slot in the Saints’ pass-first offense. He broke into the league as a seventh-round pick out of Hofstra in 2006, and has averaged over 1,000 yards per season ever since.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:49 PM

Chargers sign Meachem to four-year, $25.9 million contract

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 12:34 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/robert-meachem-pic1.jpg?w=219 AP
The Chargers lost free agent Vincent Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3202/vincent-jackson) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday evening, but G.M. A.J. Smith countered with a move early Wednesday morning that will keep his team competitive at wide receiver.

The club announced that it has signed deep threat receiver Robert Meachem (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4201/robert-meachem), formerly of the Saints.
Per Michael Gehlken of the Union-Tribune San Diego, Meachem’s deal is for four years and $25.9 million (https://twitter.com/#!/caplannfl/statuses/179785040618717184), with $14 million guaranteed.

A rotational receiver in New Orleans, Meachem should become an every-down wideout with San Diego. He is a downfield threat with sub-4.4 speed, fitting coach Norv Turner’s vertical offense.

Meachem figures to start opposite Malcom Floyd (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3086/malcom-floyd), with 2011 third-round pick Vincent Brown (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6535/vincent-brown) manning the slot.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:50 PM

Jaguars keep Jeremy Mincey in fold with four-year pact

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 12:46 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jeremy-mincey-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times Union reports that the Jaguars have re-signed (https://twitter.com/#!/taniaganguli/statuses/179787830116098048) defensive end Jeremy Mincey (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3988/jeremy-mincey).
Per Scout.com, the deal is for four years (http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=1167474&nid=5803182&fhn=1).

Mincey drew interest on Tuesday from the Chicago Bears (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/bears-working-to-sign-free-agent-jeremy-mincey/), and the Cleveland Browns at one point were said to be making a run at him. Instead, Mincey stayed in Jacksonville, where he broke out in 2011 as the Jags’ featured pass rusher.

The Jaguars need another rusher, though, and they may still use their first-round pick on a bookend for Mincey. In mock drafts, the Jags are commonly linked to North Carolina’s Quinton Coples (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7438/quinton-coples) and South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7419/melvin-ingram).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:52 PM

Jaguars re-sign Dwight Lowery to four-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 13, 2012, 10:23 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/dwight-lowery-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times Union reports that the Jaguars have re-signed safety Dwight Lowery (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4877/dwight-lowery) to a four-year contract (https://twitter.com/#!/taniaganguli/statuses/179751864642969600).

Mostly a cornerback with the Jets during his first three NFL seasons, Lowery’s career took off at free safety in Jacksonville last year. The 26-year-old keyed the Jaguars’ pass defense turnaround, manning center field in coordinator Mel Tucker’s system.

We had Lowery rated as the 40th best player in free agency (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:54 PM

Cowboys strike three-year deal with Kyle Orton

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 1:28 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/kyle-orton-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Cowboys have struck a three-year agreement (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/statuses/179979347254460417) with quarterback Kyle Orton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3214/kyle-orton).

Along with free agent cornerback Brandon Carr (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4893/brandon-carr), Orton was visiting Cowboys headquarters as of Tuesday. Carr is expected to sign with the team eventually. The Orton deal is done.

Orton replaces Jon Kitna as Tony Romo (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2730/tony-romo)’s primary clipboard holder. Orton, 29, has a 35-34 career record as a starter and an 80:57 touchdown-to-interception ratio entering his seventh season in the league.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:56 PM

Red Bryant stays in Seattle

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 13, 2012, 6:29 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/610x103.jpg?w=242 Getty Images
The Seattle Seahawks will not lose defensive lineman Red Bryant (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4842/red-bryant) in free agency.

Bryant, who started all 16 games and had an excellent season in Seattle last season, has re-signed with the team, according to NFL Network.

There was talk early this month that the Seahawks would use the franchise tag to keep Bryant (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/05/marshawn-lynch-deal-opens-up-tag-for-red-bryant/), but they ultimately decided to let him test the market. Apparently all Bryant needed was an hour or two of freedom to decide that the best place for him was Seattle. And so the Seahawks are keeping one of their top defensive players.

Bryant is No. 45 on our Free Agency Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 04:58 PM

Chargers sign linebacker Jarret Johnson for four years

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 2:08 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jarret-johnson-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
The San Diego Chargers announced Wednesday that they have signed linebacker Jarret Johnson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2230/jarret-johnson) to a four-year contract.

Johnson isn’t a dynamic pass rusher, but he’s long been one of the better edge-setting, run-defending outside linebackers in the game. Johnson can play several linebacker positions.

If the Chargers are seeking a sack specialist, however, they will need to turn to April’s draft. Johnson turns 31 this summer and has never recorded more than six sacks in a season.

He only has four sacks over the past two years, a 32-game stretch.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:01 PM

Pierre Garcon: “I will be signing with the Washington Redskins”

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 13, 2012, 4:49 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pierregarcondecember9-e1291950082731.jpg?w=218 AP
Pierre Garcon (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4945/pierre-garcon) says it’s official: He’s signing with the Washington Redskins.

Garcon, the free agent wide receiver who has spent the last four years with the Colts, wrote on Facebook les than an hour after free agency began that for him, free agency has already ended: He liked the offer the Redskins gave him so much that he signed it on the spot.

“I wanted you all to hear it from me 1st before u saw it on the news,” Garcon wrote. “I will be signing with the Washington Redskins and I’m very excited about the opportunity in front of me. I want to thank all Colts fans from the bottom of my heart for all the love and support you’ve shown me the past 4 years and I hope that at some level u will still follow my career, as I will continue to share my life with you on here.”

Garcon is a speedy receiver who at age 25 should have plenty of good years ahead of him. The Redskins will hope he spends those good years catching a lot of passes from Robert Griffin III (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7406/robert-griffin-iii).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:02 PM

Redskins, Josh Morgan strike a deal

Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2012, 6:50 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/129038798_crop_650x440-1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
By late April, the Redskins will have a quarterback. And they’re now rounding up receivers.

Not long after signing Pierre Garçon from the Colts, the Redskins have struck a deal with former 49ers receiver Josh Morgan (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4919/josh-morgan), a league source tells PFT.

It’s a five-year deal that, based on the language, will void to two years. The device was used to push 80 percent of the cap hit for the signing bonus into 2013, given the Redskins’ unexpected loss of $18 million in 2012 cap space.

The two-year deal is worth up to $12 million, with $7.5 million guaranteed. (It’s unclear at this point how much of it is “fully” guaranteed or guaranteed for injury only.)

The four-year veteran grew up in D.C. He had a career-high 698 receiving yards in 2010.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:04 PM

Jason Campbell is Jay Cutler’s new backup in Chicago

Posted by Evan Silva on March 13, 2012, 8:34 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jason-campbell-pic1.jpg?w=250 AP
The Chicago Bears announced Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with quarterback Jason Campbell (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3137/jason-campbell) on a one-year deal.

Florio reported earlier in the day that the sides were in “deep negotiations (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/bears-in-deep-negotiations-with-jason-campbell/),” and the contract was finalized late Tuesday evening.

Campbell, undoubtedly a big upgrade on Jay Cutler (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3608/jay-cutler) backups of yesteryear Todd Collins and Caleb Hanie (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5006/caleb-hanie), is still only 30 years old. He holds a career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 74:50 and has completed 60.8 percent of his career passes.

The one-year contract means Campbell will likely reach unrestricted free agency again in 2013.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:06 PM

Cory Redding follows Pagano to Indianapolis

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 12:32 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/cory-redding-pic.jpg?w=250 Reuters
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports that the Colts have signed (https://twitter.com/#!/JosinaAnderson/status/179965380821913600) defensive end Cory Redding (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1885/cory-redding) to a three-year contract. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the deal is worth $10.5 million (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/statuses/179965578885332993) over three seasons.

The Redding deal is another sign Dwight Freeney (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1517/dwight-freeney)’s time in Indianapolis is close to expiration.

Redding, 31, is a 3-4 defensive end and played for new Colts head coach Chuck Pagano in Indianapolis. Primarily a run stopper at this stage of his career, Redding goes 6-foot-4 and about 300 pounds. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 43 tackles last season.

Freeney, who is on the trade block, recently hired an agent (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/with-move-likely-dwight-freeney-hires-an-agent/) in anticipation of a move out of Indy.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:08 PM

Giants sign Martellus Bennett to one-year, $2.5 million deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 3:52 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/martellus-bennett-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Giants have come to terms with tight end Martellus Bennett (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4639/martellus-bennett), formerly of the division-rival Cowboys.
Per Schefter, the deal for one year and is worth $2.5 million (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/statuses/180016580321751042).

Though he’s already been in the league for four seasons, Bennett is still only 25 years old. He learned to block as the No. 2 tight end in Dallas, and offers plenty of untapped potential as a pass catcher.

The Bennett signing bolsters a very weak position in New York. The Giants lost Travis Beckum (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5274/travis-beckum) and Jake Ballard (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6310/jake-ballard) to torn ACLs in Super Bowl XLVI.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:09 PM

Tim Jennings signs two-year deal to stay with Bears

Posted by Evan Silva on March 13, 2012, 3:21 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/tim-jennings-pic.jpg?w=250 Reuters
The Chicago Bears announced Tuesday that they have re-signed cornerback Tim Jennings (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3706/tim-jennings). Jennings and the Bears reached a two-year deal.

Though he was benched temporarily late last season and is undersized at 5-foot-8, 185, Jennings is a physical, feisty cornerback. He’s started 28 games over the past two years, securing three interceptions and forcing two fumbles.

In PFT’s Free Agency Hot 100 list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/), Jennings was the 87th-ranked player overall.

He should open the 2012 season as the Bears’ starting left cornerback, across from veteran right corner Charles Tillman (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2457/charles-tillman).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:11 PM

Vikings do five-year, $25 million deal with John Carlson

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 1:04 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/john-carlson-pic2.jpg?w=250

The Minnesota Vikings hosted tight end John Carlson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4674/john-carlson) for a free agent meeting (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/vikings-to-meet-with-john-carlson-on-wednesday/) on Wednesday, and they didn’t let him get out of town.

Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com reports that Carlson has agreed to terms with the Vikings on a five-year, $25 million contract. The deal reportedly contains $11 million in guaranteed money.

Per Caplan, the Chiefs wanted to sign Carlson “badly” on Tuesday, but the Vikings swooped in and blew him away with Wednesday’s offer. It’s a lot of money for a tight end who underwhelmed before 2011, and then missed all of last season with a shoulder injury.

Look for Carlson to play alongside fellow Notre Dame alum Kyle Rudolph (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6459/kyle-rudolph) in Minnesota’s two-tight end sets.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:50 PM

Cardinals announce five-year deal with Adam Snyder

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 6:08 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/adam-snyder-pic.jpg?w=250 Reuters
The Arizona Cardinals announced Wednesday that they have agreed on a five-year contract with offensive lineman Adam Snyder (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3301/adam-snyder), formerly of the division-rival 49ers.

Snyder is a 30-year-old journeyman kind of player, though he’s spent his entire career in San Francisco to this point. He’s started games at both tackle and guard, and was the 49ers’ starting right guard in 2011.

Arizona is desperate for offensive line help, as usual, and they will need to continue to add to it.

Snyder did not make the PFT Hot 100 list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:53 PM

Jaguars give Laurent Robinson five-year, $32.5 million contract (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/jaguars-give-laurent-robinson-five-year-32-5-million-contract/)

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 6:49 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/laurent-robinson-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Jaguars have signed wide receiver Laurent Robinson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4241/laurent-robinson) to a five-year, $32.5 million (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/statuses/180058861514924032) contract.
Per Sirius NFL Radio’s Adam Caplan, the deal contains $14 million guaranteed (https://twitter.com/#!/caplannfl/status/180059280366510081).

Robinson has always been long on ability, but incredibly short on durability and consistency. He enjoyed a breakout season during his fifth year in the league in 2011, catching 54 passes for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. Robinson fully capitalized on the opportunity to start when Miles Austin (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4059/miles-austin) and Dez Bryant (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5558/dez-bryant) went down with various injuries in Dallas.

But Robinson had never cleared 500 receiving yards entering 2011, and he’s now going to a team that very arguably has the NFL’s worst quarterback play.
You’re probably not going to want Robinson back on your fantasy team this year.

Caplan also reports that the Jaguars have re-signed (https://twitter.com/#!/caplannfl/status/180060447431598080) defensive lineman C.J. Mosley to a three-year, $7.5 million contract with $2 million guaranteed.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 05:57 PM

Dolphins keep Paul Soliai on two-year deal (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/dolphins-keep-paul-soliai-on-two-year-deal-with-2014-option/)

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 5:53 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/paul-soliai-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post reports that the Dolphins have re-signed (http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2012/03/14/miami-dolphins-re-sign-nose-tackle-paul-soliai-but-does-it-take-them-out-of-running-for-peyton-manning/) defensive tackle Paul Soliai (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4365/paul-soliai).

While it was commonly believed Soliai would exit Miami because he isn’t quite as good a system fit for the club’s new 4-3 defense as the old 3-4, the Fins still valued Soliai’s run-stopping ability.
And they got him at a price they liked. Per Volin, Soliai’s deal is for $12 million over two seasons (https://twitter.com/#!/BenVolinPBP/statuses/180048208624496644), with $6 million guaranteed. Soliai will reenter free agency when the NFL’s new TV money kicks in, in 2014.

Soliai’s return to South Beach takes the top pure nose tackle off the free agent market (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/). Aubrayo Franklin (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2231/aubrayo-franklin) is a distant No. 2, coming off a subpar season in New Orleans and set to turn 32 this summer.

The Dolphins could still use an explosive left end, but they have some quality pieces in place to execute new coordinator Kevin Coyle’s defense up front. Soliai, Jared Odrick (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5844/jared-odrick), top pass rusher Cameron Wake (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5203/cameron-wake), and active defensive tackle Randy Starks (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2806/randy-starks) form an impressive nucleus. They will be very difficult to run against.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:02 PM

Cowboys sign two more: Guard Bernadeau, fullback Vickers

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 4:51 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/lawrence-vickers-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
The Cowboys landed a top-ten free agent on Wednesday when cornerback Brandon Carr (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4893/brandon-carr) signed a five-year, $50.1 million contract to play in Dallas.

Jerry Jones’ club hasn’t stopped there.

The team announced Wednesday that fullback Lawrence Vickers (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3789/lawrence-vickers) has agreed to a two-year deal. Vickers figures to replace incumbent lead blocker Tony Fiammetta (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5356/tony-fiammetta), who was not tendered as a restricted free agent.

A source also told ESPN Dallas’ Todd Archer that the Cowboys have agreed to a deal (http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post?id=4690801) with interior offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4984/mackenzy-bernadeau). Bernadeau, primarily a guard, is 26 years old and will likely provide depth in Dallas.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:06 PM

DeSean Jackson agrees to five-year deal with Eagles

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 4:37 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/desean-jackson.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
It was believed that Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4659/desean-jackson) would soon sign a one-year contract with the team. He will sign a contract, but it won’t cover one year. It will cover five.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that Jackson has agreed to a five-year deal with a base value of $47 million. Jackson also gets $15 million fully guaranteed.
He gets $10 million to sign, along with a $750,000 base salary and a $250,000 workout bonus in 2012.

In 2013, Jackson receives a $6.75 million base salary, $4 million of which is fully guaranteed. The other $2.75 million is guaranteed for injury only. He also will receive a $250,000 workout bonus, which increases the two-year take to $18 million.

In 2014, Jackson will receive a base salary of $10.25 million, $250,000 of which is fully guaranteed and $250,000 of it is guaranteed for injury only. (Those guarantees go
away if he receives the workout bonus in 2012 and 2013.) He also will be eligible for a $250,000 workout bonus.

In 2015, the base salary will be $9.75 million, with a $250,000 workout bonus.

And in 2016, the base salary will be $8.25 million, with a $250,000 workout bonus.

Jackson also could earn up to $4 million in escalators, with $250,000 per year from 2012 through 2015 for making the Pro Bowl, $250,000 per year from 2012 through 2015 for 1,300 or more receiving yards, $250,000 per year from 2012 through 2015 for 10 or more receiving touchdowns, and $250,000 per year from 2012 through 2015 for Super Bowl wins.

With the potential escalators, the total package is worth up to $51 million over five years.

In the end, Jackson swapped a one-year, $9.4 million guaranteed franchise tender in exchange for another $5.6 million in fully guaranteed money — and $3 million more in money guaranteed for injury only.

The deal allows him to stop obsessing over his long-term financial security, which should get him back to playing the kind of football we saw from him in 2009 and 2010, not in 2011, when he seemed to be more concerned about staying healthy in order to get paid and not playing at a high level. And it represents a calculated risk by the Eagles, who had every reason to let it ride for 2012 and see if Jackson would behave like he did for much of 2011.

Could Jackson have settled for the $9.4 million in 2012 and rolled the dice on getting a better deal in 2013? Sure. But with the extra guaranteed money on the table now, it made sense for Jackson to squeeze the bird in the hand, and to get back to playing the kind of football he’s capable of playing when he isn’t worried about how much money he could be or should be making.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m. ET: The Eagles have announced the deal.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:08 PM

Panthers retain Derek Anderson on one-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 4:26 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/derek-anderson-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
Derek Anderson’s history with Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski is keeping him in the NFL.

Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports that Carolina has re-signed the big-armed passer to a one-year contract (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/qb-derek-anderson-says-he-has-agreed-to-1-year-deal-returns-to-carolina-as-newtons-backup/2012/03/14/gIQALpxTCS_story.html).

Anderson, 29 in June, spent last season as Cam Newton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6491/cam-newton)’s primary backup after beating out Jimmy Clausen (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5574/jimmy-clausen) for the role in training camp. He knows Chudzinski’s system and is a scheme fit because he can throw deep.

The Panthers won’t want Anderson throwing at all in 2012, however. Newton is coming off an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and should benefit from offensive continuity. The sky is the limit for last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:11 PM

Vikings re-sign Guion for three years, $9 million

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 3:21 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/letroy-guion-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com reports that the Vikings have reached an agreement with defensive tackle Letroy Guion (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4903/letroy-guion) on a three-year contract.

The deal is worth $9 million, per Caplan, and contains $2.5 million guaranteed.

Though considered a physically gifted, three-technique style tackle, Guion has been a disappointment when given opportunities for significant playing time in Minnesota. He’s managed just two sacks in 39 career appearances.

The Vikings appear to be paying Guion based on what they envision him doing in the future. He’s still only 25 years old.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:14 PM

Browns lure Frostee Rucker away from division rival Bengals

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 3:09 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/frostee-rucker-pic.jpg?w=250 Reuters
Citing a league source, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Browns will sign (https://twitter.com/#!/MaryKayCabot/statuses/180003643146240000) defensive end Frostee Rucker (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3725/frostee-rucker) today.

Contract details are unavailable. Rucker, a former third-round pick out of USC, tallied career highs in tackles (33) and sacks (four) last season with the Bengals. He started 11-of-16 games.

The Browns haven’t had a premier pass rusher in quite some time. Rucker is unlikely to be the answer, but he could help as a rotational rusher off the bench.

In the matter of an hour, Cincinnati has lost two of its key defensive line cogs from last season. Rucker will stay in the division, and Jonathan Fanene (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3399/jonathan-fanene) is gone to New England (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/patriots-sign-defensive-lineman-fanene-to-three-year-deal/related/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:16 PM

Patriots sign defensive lineman Fanene to three-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 3:02 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jonathan-fanene-pic.jpg?w=250 AP

Scout.com’s Aaron Wilson reports that the Patriots have signed versatile defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3399/jonathan-fanene) to a three-year contract.

Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe has confirmed the news (https://twitter.com/#!/GregABedard/status/180003654110154752). Fanene, who can play both defensive end and defensive tackle at 6-foot-4 and 292 pounds, set a career high with 6.5 sacks last season. He turns 30 years old next week.

Fanene figures to play end in New England’s 3-4 looks and kick to tackle on passing downs.

He spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Bengals.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:19 PM

Raiders release Cooper Carlisle and John Henderson

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 2:24 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/john-henderson-pic.jpg?w=137 AP
The Oakland Raiders announced Wednesday that they have released guard Cooper Carlisle (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1956/cooper-carlisle) and defensive tackle John Henderson. Combined, the moves clear $7 million in salary off the Raiders’ 2012 books.

Henderson was released with the “failed physical” designation after played through knee woes in 2011. He was owed $4 million in salary. Henderson is 32 years old.

Carlisle is going on age 35 and was due $3 million.

These are the kinds of players with which new G.M. Reggie McKenzie is aggressively looking to part.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:22 PM

Eagles part ways with Jamaal Jackson

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 2:14 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jamaaljacksonnfcchampionshipphiladelphia9odmgdm5pt xl-e1331748722312.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
The Eagles have extended the contracts of a couple of linemen in the past two days. And they’ve traded a lineman.

Now they’ve cut a lineman.

Jamaal Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2770/jamaal-jackson) has been released. The team announced the move Wednesday afternoon.

Due to receive a base salary of $1.775 million in 2012, Jackson was signed through 2013.

A full-time starter since 2006, Jackson missed 15 games in 2010 with a torn ACL (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/29/eagles-send-jackson-to-injured-reserve/). He appeared in every game last season, but started none of them.

Fritz

03-14-2012, 06:24 PM

Holy smokes. That's a lot of cap money being spent, fast. And none on centers yet, right?

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:24 PM

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:28 PM

Titans to host Scott Wells (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/titans-to-host-scott-wells/)
Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 1:52 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/scottwellsgreenbaypackersvnewyorkgiants1kiirulxo2_ l1.jpg?w=141 Getty Images
The Titans are looking for a center. They’re reportedly interested in Texans center David Myers.

And now they’re reportedly interested in Packers center Scott Wells (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2940/scott-wells).

According to ESPN (via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel), the Titans will host Wells on Wednesday (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/142644546.html).

Of course, the Titans could be bringing in Wells, who lives only 15 minutes from the Tennessee facility in the offseason, in order to show Myers that the Titans’ have other options. And for Wells, it makes sense to do it even if the Titans actually want Myers, since it gets Wells’ name into circulation.

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:41 PM

Chiefs announce the addition of Peyton Hillis

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 7:13 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/peyton-hillis-pic.jpg?w=250 AP
The Kansas City Chiefs announced Wednesday that they have signed running back Peyton Hillis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4965/peyton-hillis), formerly of the Browns.

Hillis has a coaching staff connection in K.C. New Chiefs offensive coordinator Brian Daboll ran the offense in Cleveland during Hillis’ breakout 2010 season. Hillis’ 2011 campaign was marred by injuries and a distracting contract situation, but he’s only 26 years old and one of the top power runners in football when healthy.

With Jamaal Charles (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4617/jamaal-charles) returning from a torn ACL, the Chiefs will be able to field a Thunder and Lightning-style backfield duo. Expect the team to revert to a run-heavy offense in 2012.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hillis’ deal is worth $3 million for one year.

Hillis was the No. 39 overall player on the PFT Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:44 PM

Le’Ron McClain chooses the Chargers

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 7:11 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/130631340_display_image-e1331766849467.jpg?w=243 Getty Images
At about the same time the Chiefs were adding running back Peyton Hillis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4965/peyton-hillis), Chiefs running back Le’Ron McClain (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4259/leron-mcclain) was making plans to stay in the division.

McClain has agreed to terms with the Chargers on a three-year deal, a league source tells PFT.

McClain spent one season in Kansas City after four in Baltimore. Primarily a fullback, McClain rushed for 902 yards in 2008, his second NFL season.
Last year, he had 29 total touches in 16 games.

It’ll be interesting to see whether the Chargers give him more touches, or expect him to block for guys like Ryan Mathews (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathews).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:52 PM

Kellen Davis stays in Chicago, signing two-year deal (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/kellen-davis-stays-in-chicago-signing-two-year-deal/)

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 7:34 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/kellen-davis-pic1.jpg?w=250 Reuters

Bears coach Lovie Smith has been wanting to keep free agent tight end Kellen Davis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4825/kellen-davis) in Chicago because he sees untapped potential in the athletic, 6-foot-7, 262-pound specimen.

Smith’s wish has been granted by management. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports Davis has re-signed for two seasons (https://twitter.com/#!/BradBiggs/statuses/180072209673494529).

Davis was drawing interest (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/source-kellen-davis-to-visit-cowboys-steelers-bengals/) from the Bengals, Cowboys, and Steelers. Only the Bears could offer him a surefire starting job.

Look for Davis’ production to increase in new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice’s scheme. Tight ends rarely caught passes under ex-coordinator Mike Martz.

Davis was the No. 95 overall player on the PFT Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-14-2012, 06:57 PM

Garçon’s deal comes close to DeSean’s (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/garcons-deal-comes-close-to-deseans/)

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 7:03 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/136068092_crop_650x440-e1331765956387.jpg?w=235 Getty Images

Receiver Pierre Garçon hasn’t consistently played like a No. 1 wideout. But the Redskins have decided to pay him like one.

As usual, the original reports of a big-money deal make the deal seem much bigger than it is. Still, Garçon will be pocketing plenty of cash, especially in comparison to one of the other receivers who plays in the NFC East.

Per a source with knowledge of the deal, Garçon will be paid $13.1 million in fully guaranteed money, via an $11 million signing bonus and a $2.1 million base salary in 2012 that is guaranteed for skill/injury/cap.

Garçon’s $5.6 million base salary in 2013 is guaranteed for injury, and it becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2013 league year. Another $1.8 million of Garçon’s 2014 base salary of $7.1 million is guaranteed for injury on signing, and fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2014 league year.

In contrast, DeSean Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4659/desean-jackson) received $15 million in fully guaranteed money, with another $3 million guaranteed for injury only.

In the Garçon deal, the base salaries for 2015 and 2016 are $7.1 million and $7.6 million, respectively. Also, Garçon will receive per-game bonuses of up to $250,000 per season, based on whether he’s on the 46-man game-day active roster. He is eligible for annual workout bonuses of $150,000.

It adds up to a five-year deal with a maximum value of $42.5 million. Though several million lower than the five-year, $47 million deal signed on Wednesday by Jackson, it’s close enough to make folks wonder whether the Redskins are expecting too much from a guy who never had had a 1,000-yard season and who has generated, on average, four touchdown passes per year.

Then again, the fact that Garçon caught 70 passes for 947 yards from the Kerry Collins/Curtis Painter (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5244/curtis-painter)/Dan Orlovsky (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3227/dan-orlovsky) combo platter is encouraging.

pbmax

03-14-2012, 09:12 PM

Greg Jennings is going to be very, very rich in a year or so.

swede

03-14-2012, 11:17 PM

It's kind of quiet here in the Free Agent thread.

Maybe we can make up some Joe Arrigo Tweets.

From Joe Arrigo: Packers are meeting with a mid to high-level free agent tomorrow or the day after. Can't say who, but this could be big!

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 02:55 AM

Holy smokes. That's a lot of cap money being spent, fast. And none on centers yet, right?

Centers !? The teams have no $MONEY$ for centers.They're spending it on or reserving their CAP money for WR's. Screw QB's and LT's. WR is the glamour position in these most modern times in the NFL.

Afterall it's a passing game and teams need the best talent to catch the QB pass's or the sticks don't move.The big plays don't happen.

Can't you hear the WR players agents negotiating CAP money for their clients?

All I see is stupidity and greed.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:10 AM

For any member who doesn't think I know what's happening in Free Agency and what is best for a team. Any team in the NFL. PLEASE read my last post.

Free Agency is getting to the point where it has to stop in terms of MAD Money.

What about the game of football on the Pro level?

On that basis how can the NFL go about doing it's day to day business in a league where there is a decent margin of parity and allow these outrageously large contract signing and extentions in panic go on?

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:16 AM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/thanks-for-another-record-setting-day/

Thanks for another record-setting day

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 12:01 AM EDT

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:24 AM

Reggie Wayne says his return to Colts shouldn’t have been a surprise

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 11:01 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/reggie-wayne-gstorytitanswi-e1331780473127.jpg?w=209 Getty Images

Many were surprised by the decision of receiver Reggie Wayne (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1496/reggie-wayne) to sign a new three-year deal with the Colts, the team with which Wayne spent 11 prior seasons. Wayne doesn’t get it.

“Why would they be surprised?” Wayne said Thursday in comments distributed by the team. “This is where I’ve always played at. What’s the surprising part?”

Well, where do we start?

First, he had been trying to get a new deal for the last couple years. At one point, he held out of an offseason mandatory minicamp to illustrate his displeasure.

Second, there had been no effort to keep him until very recently.

Third, the team is in full-blown blow-it-up-and-start-over mode, bidding farewell to multiple big-name players.

Fourth, Wayne sounded like he wanted to get back together with Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning), preferably with the Dolphins.

“It’d be great, it’d be fun (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/07/reggie-wayne-gets-animated-about-the-possibility-of-playing-with-peyton-in-miami/),” Wayne told Michael Irvin of WQAM in Miami. “Exciting.

Now you got me visualizing it. I see the visual, it is there. I see it. It would be great. It would definitely be a fun time, and an outstanding journey in South Florida.”

It won’t be happening. Wayne has recommitted to the Colts.

“Colt for life,” Wayne said Wednesday.

“I’m going to get that tattoo put on my back. . . . I’m here in the 317, which is Indianapolis and I’m here for the rest of my career. Let’s go ahead and win while we can.”

That last statement implies that the team has been winning. Last year, it wasn’t. Next year, it will be just as challenging. If Wayne is lucky, the Colts will become competitive again just in time for him to retire.

woodbuck27: but ... Reggie Wayne will have made his money. I just wonder how much more $$$$ might he have made if he really went after the market strong in the first three days of FA. Maybe he folded his tent too soon.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:05 AM

Norv Turner on newly acquired Meachem: “He’s a No. 1 receiver”

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 10:22 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/robert-meachem-pic2.jpg?w=250 AP
The Chargers are paying Robert Meachem (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4201/robert-meachem) like a top-15 NFL receiver. And they expect him to play like one.

“He’s a No. 1 receiver (http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Turner-sees-Meachem-as-potential-No-1/f6f7a755-f64f-4d7c-b93b-04108ed0fdfa),” coach Norv Turner said Wednesday night. “He’s a guy that has big-play ability. He can be a complete receiver.”

The biggest knock on Meachem in New Orleans was that he played more like a one-trick pony deep threat, capable of taking the top off a defense but getting little production over the middle and underneath.

“I think he’s a guy that will get really excited about the system, what we do, and get excited about having Philip [Rivers] throw to him,” Turner added. “I see him as a guy that can really improve in a real short period of time.”

Meachem’s strength in New Orleans was his ability to get vertical in a hurry. He runs a sub-4.4 forty time. But the Chargers will need Meachem to do more than be a straight-line speedster.

They’re paying him $25.9 million over four seasons (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/chargers-sign-meachem-to-four-year-25-9-million-contract/) to be Rivers’ go-to wideout.

Comment Woodbuck27: That seems like a more reasonable offer and is likely more money that Robert Meachem ever imagined getting a contract for playing his favourite sport.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:09 AM

Richard Marshall has three-year agreement with Dolphins

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 10:01 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/richard-marshall-pic1.jpg?w=250 Reuters

Free agent defensive back Richard Marshall (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3703/richard-marshall) revealed on Twitter late Wednesday that he has agreed to terms (https://twitter.com/#!/TheMarshall31/status/180108222533865472) with the Miami Dolphins on a three-year deal.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has the numbers on Marshall’s deal: It’s worth $16 million (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/statuses/180110929294409728), with $6 million guaranteed.

We mentioned Marshall’s visit to the Dolphins (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/free-agent-richard-marshall-is-visiting-the-dolphins/) on Tuesday night. The Fins closed the deal, convincing Marshall he wouldn’t need to meet with any other teams.

Marshall was a top-35 player (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/) on the PFT Hot 100 because he is versatile, young, and an efficient tackler. The 27-year-old secured three interceptions and racked up 78 tackles last season, starting 9-of-16 games for the Cardinals.

He is probably ticketed for nickel back in Miami, but also could emerge as a starter at free safety.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:22 AM

Seahawks bring back versatile backup lineman McQuistan

Posted by Evan Silva on March 14, 2012, 9:38 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/paul-mcquistan-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

In a transaction corresponding to Wednesday night’s release (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/seahawks-cut-cord-on-guard-robert-gallery/) of guard Robert Gallery (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1656/robert-gallery), the Seahawks announced that they have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Paul McQuistan (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3711/paul-mcquistan).

McQuistan started 10 games last season, four at left tackle, three at right guard, and three more at left guard. That kind of versatility is appealing when teams are searching for backups on the offensive line.

McQuistan won’t enter the 2012 season as a starter, but he is familiar with position coach Tom Cable’s schemes and shouldn’t struggle to land a roster spot.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:30 AM

Stokley says Peyton could play tomorrow at a high level (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/stokley-says-peyton-could-play-tomorrow-at-a-high-level/)

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 9:29 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/yahoo_manning_stokley.jpg?w=148 Getty Images

Former NFL receiver Brandon Stokley has been saying plenty lately about one of his former teammates, Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning). And they’re all incredibly positive.

“Just seeing him work out, seeing him make all of the throws like I said, to me he’ll step right in,”

Stokley told NFL Network on Wednesday. “I believe he could play in a football game tomorrow and play at a high level. (http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d8279a745/Stokley-Peyton-could-play-tomorrow)“

Stokley has seen Manning throw during rehab sessions at Duke. Also, while Manning was in Denver last weekend, Stokley caught passes from Peyton at a park near Stokley’s home.

“He could make all of the throws – on the run, in the pocket, deep throws, comeback,” Stokley said.

“Any throw out there he was making. And then when he came out to Denver we had a little throwing session on Saturday morning and he looked even better. I think he had had three or four days off dealing with all of the free agency stuff and all of the things that were going on, so he looked even better to me then than he did at Duke. So, to me I don’t see any questions with him throwing or making any throws on the football field.”

It all sounds great. But it makes the fact that Manning has yet to throw for any interested teams even more confusing.

And while Stokley has plenty of insight about Manning’s current physical abilities, Stokley has no knowledge about Peyton’s plans.

“I know he’s had some good visits and I think he’s just waiting,” Stokley said.

Waiting for wait, exactly? Some think he’s waiting for the right financial offer, which simply hasn’t come yet.

So while Peyton supposedly could play at a high level tomorrow, it would still be an upset if he has a new team by tomorrow.

Comment woodbuck27: Brandon Stokley may have a bright future as 'an NFL Player Agent'.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 05:40 AM

Creativity helps ‘Skins manage cap charge with Morgan deal

Posted by Mike Florio on March 14, 2012, 1:32 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/sanfrancisco49ersvmiamidolphins2xmunibn6vil-e1331745658413.jpg?w=244 Getty Images

Redskins officials reportedly are “furious” (as they should be) about the removal of $36 million in salary cap space. And so it can be said that they’ve chosen both to get mad — and to get even.

Apart from any formal effort to challenge their punishment-without-a-crime, the Redskins are looking for ways to craft new contracts that will help them manage the cap charges in 2012.
With receiver Josh Morgan (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4919/josh-morgan), for example, a $5.5 million signing bonus on a two-year deal will count only $1.1 million toward the cap in 2012, even though it should have chewed up $2.75 million.

The Redskins pulled it off via a five-year contract that will void to two. It means that, instead of a $2.75 million cap charge in 2012 and 2013, the bonus will count as only $1.1 million in 2012 and, presumably, $1.1 million in 2013, and then $4.4 million in 2014, once the cap penalties are gone and the salary cap shoots up under the new TV deals. (Unless, of course, the league finds two years from now that the Redskins were trying to obtain an unfair competitive balance via a contract the league office approved.)

Morgan also will be paid a fully-guaranteed base salary of $1.8 million in 2012, along with a $200,000 workout bonus. In 2013, he’s due to receive a $3.8 million base salary and a $200,000 workout bonus.

Morgan also is eligible to pocket $250,000 in each year for a Pro Bowl berth.

It adds up to $7.3 million fully guaranteed, $7.5 million that is as a practical matter guaranteed (if he shows up for the workout program), and $11.5 million in two years with another $500,000 available if he makes it to the Pro Bowl in both years.

At an average of $766,000 per reception from 2011, that’s not a bad deal.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 07:05 AM

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/wells-likely-to-take-hike-k14hvkk-142583075.html

Scott Wells likely to take hike

By Tom Silverstein (tsilverstein@journalsentinel.com) of the Journal Sentinel
March 14, 2012

The Packers allowed free agency to begin Tuesday afternoon without a new contract for Wells, thus allowing him to shop his wares to 31 other teams. Motivated by the team's reluctance to sign him at his price, Wells appears determined to land a job somewhere else.

Please CLICK on the LINK above for the story.

Fritz

03-15-2012, 07:33 AM

Cold Hard Football Facts often talks about the foolishness of overpaying for wide receivers. The site calls wide receivers the "hood ornaments" of a car.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 07:44 AM

Cold Hard Football Facts often talks about the foolishness of overpaying for wide receivers. The site calls wide receivers the "hood ornaments" of a car.

Evidently the Detroit Lions are in LOVE with it's Calvin Johnson ' hood ornament '.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 07:58 AM

Jeremy Shockey wants to return to the Giants (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/jeremy-shockey-wants-to-return-to-the-giants/)

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 8:53 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/shockey1-e1330102166669.jpg?w=250 AP

Four years after he left town, Jeremy Shockey (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/981/jeremy-shockey) wants to return to the Giants.

The 31-year-old Shockey is a free agent who hasn’t drawn much interest so far, but he’d like to play for the Giants again (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/jerry-shockey-big-blue-encore-problems-caused-giants-article-1.1039382), Gary Myers of the New York Daily News reports.

Shockey was the Giants’ first-round draft pick in 2002 and had a solid six-season stay with the team, but he grew increasingly unhappy and was traded to the Saints in 2008, played three years there and then played for the Panthers last year. It’s not clear whether hard feelings remain with Giants General Manager Jerry Reese or coach Tom Coughlin, but Shockey would like to return.

Tight end was a need position for the Giants at the outset of free agency, after Travis Beckum (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5274/travis-beckum) and Jake Ballard (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6310/jake-ballard) suffered torn ACLs in the Super Bowl. But that need was lessened when they signed Martellus Bennett (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4639/martellus-bennett), so the Giants aren’t desperate to sign Shockey.

Still, he’s a tight end who’s good enough to start and wants to sign. Unless he’s completely burned his bridges with the Giants, this is a move the team should consider.

sheepshead

03-15-2012, 09:02 AM

WoodFreeAgentWatchBuck!

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:12 AM

WoodFreeAgentWatchBuck!

Hoping to learn of some real action today.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:30 AM

Titans owner offers Peyton a contract “for life”

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 10:17 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/yahoo_adamstie1-e1331820748280.jpg?w=224

To the extent that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) is looking to parlay a contract for his services as a player into a contract for his services as an executive (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/future-elway-type-role-could-be-complicating-manning-talks/), it’s working.

Titans owner Bud Adams told KHOU radio in Houston on Wednesday that he has offered Peyton a contract “for life (http://www.khou.com/sports/Bud-Adams-Titans-offer-Manning-a-contract-For-Life-142727035.html).”

Adams also said he “feels great” about the team’s chances of landing Manning.

As previously mentioned, the idea of welcoming Peyton into the front office upon retirement could make for more than a little awkwardness (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/future-elway-type-role-could-be-complicating-manning-talks/), given that the jobs and the duties
Peyton may be eyeballing already are spoken for. (Including giving the opposition a double-barreled middle finger (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/16/nfl-fines-bud-adams-250000/) during games.)

Then there’s the question of how a contract that contains financial promises beyond the expiration of the playing career impacts the salary cap. A post-playing-career maneuver once made by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen regarding quarterback John Elway contributed to a finding that the team had violated the salary-cap rules (http://www.gazette.com/sports/broncos-232-salary-cap.html).

And so, before any contract “for life” becomes effective, the league office will have to approve it.

In the end, it’s possible that the playing part of the lifetime contract will be addressed in writing, and that the balance of the business will be accomplished via a series of winks and nods.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:56 AM

Bills, Mario “getting closer to a deal”

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 10:48 AM EDT

In Buffalo, there will be white smoke at some point on Thursday. The question is whether it will be coming from the chimney at the team’s facility (if, you know, it has a chimney) or from the jet that will be carrying Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams) to his next destination.

For now, the smart money is on the chimney.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations tells PFT that Williams and the Bills are “getting closer to a deal.”

Stay tuned.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 10:02 AM

Buccaneers sign Dan Orlovsky to two-year, $2.5 million deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 10:32 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/dan-orlovsky-pic.jpg?w=169 Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Thursday morning that they’ve signed quarterback Dan Orlovsky (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3227/dan-orlovsky) to a two-year, $2.5 million deal.

(Yes, the Bucs are into the rare practice of putting monetary details in press releases, in order to prove to fans they’re willing to spend.)

Orlovsky, 28, is expected to replace Josh Johnson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4706/josh-johnson) as Josh Freeman (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5121/josh-freeman)’s backup.

Orlovsky’s career record in spot starts is 2-10, though he did help engineer the Indianapolis Colts’ only two wins of the 2011 season. Orlovsky holds a career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 14:12, and he’s completed 58.5 percent of his passes.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 10:03 AM

Saints grab Grubbs

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 10:30 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/10685891-large.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

On Wednesday, the Saints lost guard Carl Nicks (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4828/carl-nicks). They replaced him quickly.

A league source tells PFT that Ravens guard Ben Grubbs (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4212/ben-grubbs) has agreed to terms with the Saints.
The five-year, $36 million contract includes a $10 million signing bonus and $6 million more in fully guaranteed money.

In the end, Grubbs will cost far less than what the Bucs paid for Nicks. And Grubbs will fill a hole in the interior line that will make life easier for quarterback Drew Brees (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/591/drew-brees). If/when Brees signs a contract and shows up.

TheRaven

03-15-2012, 10:08 AM

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 10:38 AM

I don't see this happening. I think the Giants would rather bring back another TE, Kevin Boss, rather than Shockey.

I also like the Saints signing of Grubbs..while he grades as a slight downgrade, the difference is small enough that it makes the difference in contract look like a win for NO.

Yes. Jeremy Shockey is now on record as saying he never said he wanted back with the New York Giants. He blames this 'by the report' false rumor, on the NY sports media.

** Shockey suggested that the report about him wanting to return to the Giants is untrue.

“It’s funny how the Ny media still try’s to make money off me!” Shockey wrote. “Can anyone find a quote from me on me wanting to play for the GAINTS?” **

** From:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/shockey-shoots-back-at-toomer-dredges-up-his-divorce/

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 10:43 AM

Browns re-sign cornerback Patterson for three years, $16 million (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/browns-re-sign-cornerback-patterson-for-three-years-16-million/)

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 11:12 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/dimitri-patterson-pic.jpg?w=150 Reuters

Florio is reporting that the Browns have re-signed cornerback Dimitri Patterson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3518/dimitri-patterson) to a three-year, $16 million contract.

The deal guarantees Patterson $6 million.

Patterson, 29 in June, operated as the Browns’ nickel corner last season, covering the slot on passing downs. Joe Haden (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5631/joe-haden) and Sheldon Brown (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/757/sheldon-brown) were the outside cornerbacks, though Brown may move to safety this year depending on the team’s acquisitions in the draft and rest of free agency.

Patterson finished last season with 28 tackles and 12 pass breakups. He had four interceptions as a nine-game starter in Philadelphia the year before.

HarveyWallbangers

03-15-2012, 11:03 AM

Dmitri Patterson got over $5M/year? Really?

HarveyWallbangers

03-15-2012, 11:04 AM

Evidently the Detroit Lions are in LOVE with it's Calvin Johnson ' hood ornament '.

I think Calvin Johnson is one of the few exceptions to this rule. He's more than a hood ornament for that team. I tend to agree with the rest. Same goes for RB.

TheRaven

03-15-2012, 11:41 AM

Dmitri Patterson got over $5M/year? Really?

I could justify it if they do indeed move Brown to safety. That is a lot of money for a nickel, though Patterson is a solid nickel and should be a decent enough 2nd corner opposite Haden if they move Brown. Then the deal makes a little more sense. If he can't hack it, they aren't on the line for an obscene amount of guarenteed money.

Freak Out

03-15-2012, 12:40 PM

Is TT looking at any of the FA Safety's out there?

Fritz

03-15-2012, 12:51 PM

Wow. This is one active free agent period. Thanks for the updates, Woody!

Freak Out

03-15-2012, 02:25 PM

Jennings is going to be a happy man considering the money that's been thrown around at WRs.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 02:52 PM

Wow. This is one active free agent period. Thanks for the updates, Woody!

Thanks Fritz. (-:

Yes ... alot happening at this early FA stage. We're into day three. PFT.COM has smashed it's fans interest numbers the past two days.

I thought it would be good for the forum to have the most imprtant signings on our own thread for referral.

I have to see what's gone down since my break. I'm expecting to learn that the Bills inked Mario Williams.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 02:54 PM

Jennings is going to be a happy man considering the money that's been thrown around at WRs.

There's a real concern.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 02:58 PM

Just as it seemed to be shaping up. The Bills get Mario Williams.

Mario gives Bills legitimacy, stout defense

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 1:25 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/126541232_crop_650x440-e1331832321163.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

In 1993, the Packers made a huge move toward their first Super Bowl title in 30 years by persuading defensive end Reggie White to come to Green Bay. Nineteen years later, the Bills have taken a similar step in the direction of legitimacy by persuading defensive end Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams) to choose Buffalo.

For Bills fans, an excruciating two days ended with good news, thanks to a full-court press launched by the organization when Williams arrived on Tuesday for a visit. Other teams wanted a shot at him, but the Bills did just enough to keep Williams around long enough to get the deal done.

Giving Williams a record contract was a given, but Williams easily could have taken a little less to play for a team that he believes to be a true contender. (He already has made nearly $60 million in six years.) So perhaps it’s no stretch to conclude that, after two days in Buffalo, Mario believes the Bills will be a true contender.

The offense has been moving in the right direction.

With Mario Williams lined up next to Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus — and with Shawne Merriman (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3171/shawne-merriman) hopefully returning to the field and also to form — the Bills’ defense could be much better in 2012. Which would make the team much better. Which could make the Bills Mafia much happier.

More importantly, the decision of the first overall pick in the 2006 to choose the Bills could make other free agents choose the Bills. Which could make the Bills even better. Which could make the Bills Mafia even happier.

It’s been too long since this franchise has been truly relevant. The fans in Western New York deserve it. Until the games start, they’ll get the next best thing.

Genuine hope.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:10 PM

Cartwright crosses the Bay

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 2:57 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/rockcartwrightpyggegdf6nom-e1331837803229.jpg?w=245 Getty Images

After two years with the Raiders, running back Rock Cartwright (Cartwright! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1OvVKAga2k)) will remain in the Bay Area.

A league sources tells PFT that Cartwright has agreed to terms with the 49ers. It’s a one-year deal.

Cartwright spent eight years with the Redskins before signing in Oakland two years ago. Primarily a reserve and special-teams player, he has five career starts.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:13 PM

Free agent center Scott Wells is currently at Rams Park

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 3:45 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/scott-wells-pic.jpg?w=141 Getty Images

Free agent center Scott Wells (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2940/scott-wells) visited the Titans’ facility (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/titans-to-host-scott-wells/) on Wednesday, but left without signing a deal.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Wells is now in St. Louis (https://twitter.com/#!/jthom1/statuses/180376268896862208).

The Rams cut their starting center, Jason Brown (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3317/jason-brown), earlier in the week and are pursuing a replacement. Wells and Chris Myers (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3373/chris-myers) are the best two free agent centers on the open market.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:22 PM

Comment Woodbuck27: This information puts a whole new meaning on the words 'Free Agent'.

Contract “for life” would require two contracts, league approval

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 3:22 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/budadams-e1331839308564.jpg?w=186 Getty Images

Titans owner Bud Adams has offered Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) a contract “for life.” As crazy as it sounds in the salary-cap era, it can happen.

Per a source with knowledge of the league’s procedures, Manning and the Titans would be required to sign two contracts: one for the work as player, and one for the job as a non-player.

The second job would have to be a “real job,” and the wages for the second job would have to represent fair market value. Manning would have to actually perform the duties of the job after his playing career ends.

Also, the entire arrangement would require league approval.

There would be no cap charge during Manning’s playing career. However, if the second contract pays higher than fair market value or if Manning doesn’t perform the services required, the Titans would face salary cap charges and other penalties for circumventing the cap, including fines and possible loss of draft choices.

To the extent that the contract “for life” would entail purchasing a portion of the team, there would be salary cap implications. Before getting to that point, the transaction would have to be approved by a vote of the 32 owners.

It’s unknown whether Adams would attempt to convey minority ownership of the Titans to Manning.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:23 PM

Miami Dolphins keep Steve Slaton on one-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 3:34 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/steve-slaton-pic.jpg?w=154 AP

Adam Caplan reports that the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms (https://twitter.com/#!/caplannfl/status/180372159871463425) with tailback Steve Slaton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4651/steve-slaton) on a one-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed.

Slaton, 26, managed just 84 yards on 24 carries last season, appearing in three games for the Dolphins and three for the Houston Texans. He did reel off a 42-yard kickoff return for the Fins.

Returning to South Beach, Slaton will battle for a roster spot behind Reggie Bush (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3600/reggie-bush) and Daniel Thomas (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6522/daniel-thomas). He will have competition from 245-pound former CFL star (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/15/dolphins-sign-cfls-jerome-messam/) Jerome Messam (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7499/jerome-messam).

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:25 PM

Browns agree to terms with Juqua Parker

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 3:52 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/juqua-parker-pic.jpg?w=250 Reuters

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports that the Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms with defensive end Juqua Parker (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/213/juqua-parker) on a one-year deal with a maximum value of $3 million (https://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora/status/180378125442621440).

Browns G.M. Tom Heckert knows Parker well from their time together in Philadelphia. Parker is the second defensive end signed by Cleveland during the free agency period, along with new starting right end (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/browns-lure-frostee-rucker-away-from-division-rival-bengals/) Frostee Rucker (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3725/frostee-rucker).

Parker turns 34 in May, and doesn’t appear to have a whole lot left. He managed just 1.5 sacks in 12 appearances with Philadelphia last season, failing to register a start.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:29 PM

Titans land Steve Hutchinson on three-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 4:13 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/steve-hutchinson-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

ESPN’s John Clayton reports that the Titans have signed guard Steve Hutchinson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/535/steve-hutchinson) to a three-year contract (https://twitter.com/#!/espn_afcsouth/status/180382899709820928).

Hutchinson is 34 years old and seems unlikely to fulfill the length of the deal, but he can still perform at a competitive level. The Titans wanted to remake their interior offensive line this offseason.

They are likely also hoping that Hutchinson’s addition helps woo free agent quarterback Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning).

The two are close friends.

Hutchinson has been a left guard for his entire career. The Titans may kick incumbent left guard Leroy Harris (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4311/leroy-harris) over to the right side, or perhaps use the draft to upgrade on Harris.

The Hutchinson signing should be good news for running back Chris Johnson’s 2012 aspirations (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/03/chris-johnsons-new-goal-lead-the-league-in-rushing/).

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:35 PM

Cowboys pair Dan Connor with Sean Lee at inside linebacker

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 4:29 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/dan-connor-pic1.jpg?w=212

Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Cowboys have agreed to terms (https://twitter.com/#!/clarencehilljr/status/180386484786958337) with linebacker Dan Connor (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4693/dan-connor), formerly of the Panthers.

In Dallas, Connor will reunite with fellow Penn State alumnus Sean Lee (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5876/sean-lee). Lee and Connor figure to be Dallas’ 2012 starting inside linebackers, with Connor likely being replaced by Bruce Carter (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6590/bruce-carter) in nickel alignments.

The No. 36 overall free agent on the PFT Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/), Connor is a run-stopping linebacker who should prove a significant upgrade on Bradie James (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2698/bradie-james).

James and Keith Brooking, the Cowboys’ starting inside linebackers to open last season, are free agents and won’t be back in Dallas.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:43 PM

Cowboys sign ex-Jet Brodney Pool

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 11:45 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/pool_brodney.jpg?w=250

Free agent safety Brodney Pool (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3179/brodney-pool) is heading to Dallas.

Pool has signed with the Cowboys (http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4690876/cowboys-sign-brodney-pool), head coach Jason Garrett told reporters this morning.

After the Browns took him in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft, Pool left for the Jets in 2010 and played the last two years there.

Pool already knows the Dallas D because Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was the Browns’ defensive coordinator in 2009, and because Ryan runs a similar scheme to that of his brother Rex Ryan, the Jets’ head coach.

Last season Pool played 14 games for the Jets, starting six.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 03:47 PM

Mario Williams signs, Bills schedule press conference to announce (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/mario-williams-signs-bills-schedule-press-conference-to-announce/)

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 12:33 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/mariowilliams-1-e1331762050246.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
The Bills have scheduled a press conference to make it official: Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams) won’t be leaving Buffalo without a contract in place.

Williams has signed a six-year contract and will join Bills officials to formally announce that his deal with the Bills is done, as ESPN’s Chris Mortensen first reported.

The deal will make Williams the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, and it fulfills the Bills’ promise to make a big splash at the outset of free agency. For the first time in a long time, it’s beginning to look like the Bills are building a winner in Buffalo.

Williams arrived in Buffalo on the first day of free agency, and although there were reports that he had other visits scheduled, the Bills were able to keep him in town and keep the hard sell on him for nearly 48 hours, and it worked:

Buffalo fans can celebrate, as Mario Williams is a Bill.

pittstang5

03-15-2012, 03:48 PM

Saw this about Kendall Langford:

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/packers.html

I remember really liking him the year he was drafted.

denverYooper

03-15-2012, 03:49 PM

Wells visiting St. Louis while Packers inquire about DE Langford

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/142822005.html

The 6-5 1/2, 295-pound Langford is a classic 3-4 end whose main strength is playing the run. Last year, he played in all 16 games and started 12 of them. He did not register a sack and had just one quarterback hit. He had 25 total tackles playing in the Dolphins' 3-4 scheme, but claimed his low tackle numbers were because teams ran away from him.

Langford is just 26 years old and was a project coming out of Hampton. He was a third-round pick in '08 and has been a starter all four seasons. He had 7.5 sacks in his first three seasons, but he was not very productive last year and may need a fresh start somewhere else.

Some guy no one's been talking about? Seems like a Ted move.

denverYooper

03-15-2012, 03:49 PM

Saw this about Kendall Langford:

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/packers.html

I remember really liking him the year he was drafted.

Ya scooped me Pitt!

Fritz

03-15-2012, 03:50 PM

So if the Titans signed Hutchinson, will they be more reluctant to throw money at Wells?

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:00 PM

So if the Titans signed Hutchinson, will they be more reluctant to throw money at Wells?

Through March 9th, 4 PM transactions. Includes 2011 carryover.

Bengals: $49.9 million under.
Broncos: $44.7 million under.
Buccaneers: $42.7 million under.
Jaguars: $40.6 million under.
Chiefs: $32.5 million under.
Redskins: $31.1 million under.
Bills: $30.8 million under.
Seahawks: $29.8 million under.

Titans: $28.1 million under.

Bears: $22.6 million under.
49ers: $21.8 million under.

I havn't checked the specifics on The Steve Hutchinson deal but will he last all three seasons?

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:04 PM

Redskins sign Brandon Meriweather

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 1:46 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/brandonmeriweather.jpg?w=141 Getty Images
Brandon Meriweather (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4199/brandon-meriweather) has found his new home.

The Redskins signed Meriweather to a contract today that Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports is a two-year, $6 million deal.

Meriweather had been scheduled to visit the Jets (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/brandon-meriweather-visits-the-jets/), but that visit has now been canceled, and the Jets’ pursuit of a new safety will continue.

It’s possible that the Jets could sign LaRon Landry (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4178/laron-landry), the man Meriweather is essentially replacing in Washington.

Last season Meriweather played 11 games for the Bears and started four. Prior to that he spent four seasons with the Patriots.

pittstang5

03-15-2012, 04:04 PM

So if the Titans signed Hutchinson, will they be more reluctant to throw money at Wells?

That's what I'm thinking. Also, I really think this means that Manning is on his way to the the Titans. I remember hearing that Hutch and Manning are really good friends - maybe I was dreaming it, but I'm pretty sure I heard that on the radio. I would guess though, if the Titans sign Manning, they're pretty much done in FA for now.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:12 PM

Six year, $96 million for Mario Williams

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 1:56 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/gyi0061423305.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
The numbers are in for defensive end Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams).

And they’re impressive.

A source with knowledge of the contract tells PFT that the deal has a base value of $96 million over six years, including $25 million fully guaranteed on signing.

Another $25 million is guaranteed for injury on signing, and the money will become fully guaranteed at a later date.

The deal can be worth as much as $100 million.

Williams, who made nearly $60 million in six seasons with the Texans, will earn $53 million in his first three seasons with the Bills.

Williams missed much of the 2011 season with a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the fifth game of the season.

He had to make a quick transition to the team’s new 3-4 defense.
In Buffalo, he’ll be back in a 4-3 defense — and he’ll be able to focus on rushing the passer.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 04:44 PM

Time: 5:37 Eastern

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/

Just three hours into the third day of this years free Agency 34 of the TOP 100 LIST of PFT.Com have already been signed for this season. That's some fast action.

Of those 34 ... 11 were resigned to the teams they were signed with last season. That's 32.35%

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 05:04 PM

Vikings plan to welcome back Chris Cook

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 5:40 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/121715524_display_image.jpg?w=219 Getty Images

After Chris Cook (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5849/chris-cook) was charged with a pair of felonies arising from allegations that he tried to strangle his girlfriend, the Vikings didn’t fire him. Now that he has been acquitted, the team plans to bring him back to work.

“We respect the legal process and the decision regarding Chris Cook,” the Vikings said in a statement not attributed to any one person.

(“I’m not signing it, you sign it. . . . I’m not signing it, you sign it. . . . Let’s get Mikey, he’ll sign anything.”)

“We have also thoroughly considered Chris’ situation and how he has approached this matter. We will meet with Chris in the near future and believe he deserves the opportunity to rejoin our organization.”

The fact that the Vikings felt compelled to affirmatively state that Cook still has a job demonstrates the gravity with which the organization regarded the charges. After Cook missed a regular-season game against the Packers due to the fact that he was, you know, in jail as a result of the charges, the Vikings suspended him without pay (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/25/vikings-suspend-chris-cook-indefinitely-without-pay/), caling the allegations “very disturbing and disappointing.”

The Vikings eventually put him back on the payroll, but Cook didn’t play again in 2011. (Some members of the team were frustrated by the perception that Cook was getting a paid vacation as a reward for being arrested.)

If the Vikings were to now cut the 2010 second-round pick because they possibly believe that, while acquitted after advancing a tale of self-defense, Cook engaged in inappropriate conduct that makes him unfit to remain with the organization, some other team would sign Cook, like the 49ers (who signed Perrish Cox this week) or the Bengals (do we really need to explain?).

Then there’s the fact that the Vikings play in the same division as Aaron Rodgers (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3118/aaron-rodgers), Matthew Stafford (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5132/matthew-stafford), and Jay Cutler (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3608/jay-cutler). And the Vikings already are weak at the cornerback position.

The strangest aspect of the statement is that the team felt compelled to tell the world that the Vikings will meet with Cooks at the same time the team explained that Cook deserves an opportunity to return. It creates the impression that Cook perhaps wants to move on, and that the team fears he’ll respond in Goodfellas style (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ydqjqZ_3oc), with “cut me” replacing “pay me.”

Even though they already paid him for most of the games he didn’t play in 2011.

Comment woodbuck27: (-:

pbmax

03-15-2012, 05:39 PM

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 05:51 PM

Flynn is going to visit the Dolphins after Seattle. Apparently, no one has offered Kevin Kolb money yet. I think Arizona could be a good place for him if they think Kolb is not going to work out. But that would be a heck of an admission one year in and Flynn isn't a big enough name to drown out the criticism.

Dolphins turning their focus to Flynn

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 6:29 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/m-flynnhandoff-e1331563466684.jpg?w=250 Reuters

A week ago, the Miami Dolphins didn’t want to flirt with Matt Flynn (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/08/with-all-focus-on-peyton-dolphins-not-even-thinking-about-flynn/). Now, they’re getting ready to propose.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that, with Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) increasingly unlikely to take his talents to his South Beach condo, the Dolphins are expected to pursue Flynn aggressively.

Then again, the Dolphins may not get the chance.

Flynn will visit the Seahawks, beginning Thursday night and continuing into Friday.

If the Seahawks make Flynn an offer he can’t refuse, Flynn won’t be flying to South Florida.

Working in Miami’s favor is the connection between Flynn and Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, based on their four years together in Green Bay. As we’ve been saying for weeks, any lack of interest in Flynn by Philbin should be regarded as a gigantic red flag.

The interest previously wasn’t expressed because the owner had to once again swing for the fences.

In the end, it could be up to Flynn to salvage the possibility of something resembling joy in Mudville.

sheepshead

03-15-2012, 05:57 PM

Why do I relate Matt Flynn to having a Dave Kreig kind of career. Which wouldn't at all be a bad thing.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 06:02 PM

DeSean Jackson: “I’m going to guarantee a Super Bowl”

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 6:15 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/desean.jpg?w=140 AP
Last year the Eagles’ “Dream Team” nickname was derisively used against them after their big-name free-agent signings didn’t turn them into title contenders. But that isn’t stopping one

Eagle from boasting about the team’s chances this year.

DeSean Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4659/desean-jackson), the wide receiver who signed a five-year contract with a base value of $47 million (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/desean-jackson-agrees-to-five-year-deal-with-eagles/) to remain with the Eagles, is brimming with confidence right now.

“I’m just happy to still be here (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/03/desean-jackson-aims-for-hall-of-fame-guarantees-super-bowl/1#.T2JoCGJAZvY),” Jackson said, via USA Today. “I’m going to guarantee a Super Bowl. We’ve been so close since I’ve been here the past four years. . . . The sky’s the limit.”

Those comments are sure to be remembered by players and fans of opposing teams, just as Vince Young (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3602/vince-young)’s “Dream Team” label turned into a curse last season. But Jackson said he’s not backing down.

“Hands down I think we’re one of the best teams in the NFL,” Jackson said.

“I want to shoot for the Hall of Fame. I want to shoot for Super Bowls.”

Comment woodbuck27: Apparently contracts with alot of '5's ' in the Bottom Line can make an NFL player VERY HAPPY !

Contracts like: $55,555,555.55$ create Happy thinking.

Sometimes smaller ** contracts like the one DeSean Jackson signed with an extension with the Eagles can make you seriously delirious.

** a five-year contract with a base value of $47 million (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/desean-jackson-agrees-to-five-year-deal-with-eagles/)

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 06:20 PM

Last updates based on reports out on Thurs. March 15, 2012 EDT.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 06:24 PM

Saints schedule weekend visit with Curtis Lofton

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 6:20 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/curtis-lofton-pic2.jpg?w=250 AP
Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the Saints have scheduled (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/03/new_orleans_saints_schedule_we.html) a weekend free agent visit with linebacker Curtis Lofton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4657/curtis-lofton).

We mentioned the Saints’ interest in Lofton previously (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/saints-showing-interest-in-free-agent-linebacker-curtis-lofton/). His signing would almost certainly seal Jonathan Vilma (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2775/jonathan-vilma)’s fate with the franchise.

New Orleans doesn’t have much salary cap space, but it could create enough room to sign Lofton by releasing Vilma.

The move would also upgrade a leaky run defense.

Adam Caplan reports that the Saints are showing interest in free agent outside linebacker Chris Chamberlain (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4966/chris-chamberlain), formerly of the Rams. Free agent inside linebackers Joe Mays (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4943/joe-mays) and David Hawthorne (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5029/david-hawthorne) have been on New Orleans’ radar, as well.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 06:29 PM

Cardinals “close” to re-signing Levi Brown

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 7:18 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/levi-brown-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
The Arizona Cardinals released (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/12/levi-brown-out-in-arizona/) offensive tackle Levi Brown (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4185/levi-brown) on Monday in order to avoid paying a hefty roster bonus.

But they want him back.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic is “hearing (https://twitter.com/#!/kentsomers/statuses/180425943653957634)” that Brown is close to re-signing with the team. Prior to Brown’s release, the sides were negotiating a potential long-term agreement. So the interest in keeping Brown in Arizona has always been mutual.

Somers suggests Brown could return to play right tackle in 2012. The Cardinals signed (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/cardinals-announce-five-year-deal-with-adam-snyder/) Adam Snyder (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3301/adam-snyder) on Wednesday to play right guard.

Even if Brown re-signs, the Cardinals would likely still need a new left tackle.

Comment woodbuck27: Does this news smell of the Cardinals giving up hope for Peyton Manning?

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 06:45 PM

Bears re-sign Idonije to one-year contract

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 7:29 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/israel-idonije-pic.jpg?w=250 AP
The Chicago Bears announced Thursday evening that they’ve re-signed defensive end Israel Idonije (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2971/israel-idonije) to a one-year contract.

The Bears tried upgrading on Idonije by courting (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/bears-working-to-sign-free-agent-jeremy-mincey/) Jeremy Mincey (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3988/jeremy-mincey) in free agency, but Mincey stayed in Jacksonville.

Idonije just barely cracked the PFT Hot 100 list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/), coming in at No. 96 overall. A versatile lineman and quality run defender, Idonije has quietly produced 13 sacks and four forced fumbles over the past two seasons.

He is the Bears’ starting left end, opposite Julius Peppers (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2361/julius-peppers).

The Bears are still expected to pursue a more natural pass rusher, likely via the draft.

They could also sneak into the bidding if the Raiders release Kamerion Wimbley (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3685/kamerion-wimbley) on Friday.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 07:53 PM

Chiefs sign Kevin Boss to three-year, $9 million deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 8:14 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/kevin-boss-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Thursday that they have signed tight end Kevin Boss (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4264/kevin-boss), formerly of the Oakland Raiders.

Boss, 28, will play across the formation from Tony Moeaki (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5841/tony-moeaki) in two-tight end sets. The Chiefs are gearing up to run a ground-heavy offense, and Boss is a difference-making blocker. Moeaki also blocks well.

Adam Caplan reports that the deal is worth $9 million over three seasons (https://twitter.com/#!/caplannfl/status/180446698512977921).

Kansas City hasn’t made any huge splashes in free agency, but it has retained top wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4184/dwayne-bowe) and shored up its rushing attack (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/chiefs-announce-the-addition-of-peyton-hillis/).

The Chiefs could still get into the mix for a free agent nose tackle like Aubrayo Franklin (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2231/aubrayo-franklin) as the market plays out.
Boss was the No. 82 overall player on the PFT Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 08:57 PM

Chargers close deal with Eddie Royal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 9:00 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/eddie-royal-pic2.jpg?w=250 AP

Adam Caplan reports that the Chargers have agreed to terms (https://twitter.com/#!/caplannfl/statuses/180455381695340544) with receiver/returner Eddie Royal (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4853/eddie-royal). The team later announced that Royal has signed a three-year deal.

Royal will be San Diego’s No. 4 receiver, and likely return punts.

Royal, who turns 26 in May, ranked eighth in the league in receptions (98) as a rookie in 2008.

While he’s been less productive in each of the three seasons since, Royal is a quick-footed slot receiver type with sub-4.4 long speed and a good amount of potential if he can just stay healthy.

The Chargers know Royal well from the AFC West, of course. He scored two return touchdowns against them in an October game in 2009.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:01 PM

Colts add Mike McGlynn to offensive line

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 9:55 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/mike-mcglynn-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Free agent offensive lineman Mike McGlynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4875/mike-mcglynn) revealed on Twitter Thursday night that he has come to terms (https://twitter.com/#!/Greezy_66/statuses/180464194410393601) with the Indianapolis Colts.

McGlynn was a fourth-round pick in the 2008 draft, selected by the Eagles. New Colts G.M. Ryan Grigson was Philadelphia’s college scouting director at the time.

McGlynn can play a variety of positions on the line. He could compete for a starting job at guard in Indianapolis.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:02 PM

Dolphins sign Artis Hicks to one-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 9:30 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/artis-hicks-pic.jpg?w=151 AP

The Miami Dolphins have signed offensive lineman Artis Hicks to a one-year deal, according to his agent, J.R. Rickert (http://www.agentjr.com/2012/03/artis-hicks-signs-1-year-deal-with-the-miami-dolphins/).

FOX Sports’ Alex Marvez reports that the deal is worth $2 million and could rise by another $500,000 via incentives.

Hicks, 33, has been in the league since 2002, making 71 career starts. He started three games for the Browns last season.

Hicks projects as a versatile backup in Miami, with the ability to play both guard spots and right tackle.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:04 PM

Mike Adams joins Broncos

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 9:57 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/michaelrobinsonseattleseahawksvclevelandfpedgpdix1 ul-e1331862986890.jpg?w=228 Getty Images

The Broncos would like to sign quarterback Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning). For now, they’ll settle for a veteran safety.

The team announced on Thursday that veteran Mike Adams has joined the team.

Adams, an eight-year veteran, spent the last five years with the Browns, which followed three with the 49ers. He started 16 games at free safety in 2011, for the first time in his career.

The first free-agent acquisition by the Broncos in 2012, the team surely hopes that Manning will be the next.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:07 PM

Erik Coleman returns to Lions on one-year pact

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 9:12 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/erik-coleman-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that the Lions have agreed to terms (https://twitter.com/#!/davebirkett/statuses/180459701962678272) with safety Erik Coleman on a one-year contract.

Coleman, 30 in May, lost a training camp battle against Amari Spievey (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5716/amari-spievey) to be Detroit’s starting strong safety last year.

Coleman played in four games on special teams before a broken leg sent him to injured reserve in October.

Coleman figures to be no more than a special teamer in 2012.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:10 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/dream-team-no-more/

For Video please click on LINK.

“Dream Team” no more

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 8:56 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/deseanjacksonnewyorkgiantsvphiladelphiav8nczunqo9q l.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Last year, the Eagles embarked on free agency by giving a bunch of money to players who had never played for the Eagles. (Or, in the case of defensive Jason Babin (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2783/jason-babin), a player who had once spent a year in Philly.)

The roster dubbed a “Dream Team” by Vince Young (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3602/vince-young) consisted of an influx of new names and faces in late July and early August, only weeks before the start of the regular season. The Eagles unreasonably raised expectations for 2011, and they ultimately failed to get it all together in time to qualify for the postseason. (But just barely.)

This year, the money has been reinvested in players who have been there, with no outsiders getting big-money deals. From guard Todd Herremans (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3319/todd-herremans) to defensive end Trent Cole (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3329/trent-cole) to receiver DeSean Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4659/desean-jackson), the Eagles are laying the proper foundation to be much more successful in 2012 than they were in 2011.

It was one of the topics of Thursday’s PFT Live. And it made a ton of sense until Jackson guaranteed a Super Bowl win at some point in the next five years.

At least he didn’t guarantee that it will happen in 2012. More importantly, he didn’t call the Eagles a “Dream Team.”

Bretsky

03-15-2012, 09:12 PM

Just want to thank woody and all for posting the updates; been working long hours....here I thought I broke the Neal story the other night but I was still 12 hours behind.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:14 PM

Last Updated 9:30 PM, March 15, 2012 EDT

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:17 PM

Just want to thank woody and all for posting the updates; been working long hours....here I thought I broke the Neal story the other night but I was still 12 hours behind.

Thanks 'B'.

Freak Out

03-15-2012, 09:26 PM

Woody....step away from the computer....at least long enough to fill a glass of your favorite Unibroue.

Freak Out

03-15-2012, 09:28 PM

May I suggest......

http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/blonde_de_chambly/#/history

Freak Out

03-15-2012, 09:29 PM

Knowing you......

http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/la_fin_du_monde/product#/history

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:39 PM

Knowing you......

http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/la_fin_du_monde/product#/history

I really like their Blonde de Chambly and U Blonde brands. I started to drink that Micro Brewery's products in 2006 as my memory serves me.

Now I think I'll have a Becks Beer. Thanks for the reminder. (-:

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 09:45 PM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/chiefs-get-peyton-hillis-on-the-cheap/

Click on LINK if you want to see a video.

Chiefs get Peyton Hillis on the cheap

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 10:19 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/hillisgetty-e1318073044813.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
As usual, the initial reports regarding the value of the contract signed by running back Peyton Hillis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4965/peyton-hillis) in Kansas City was overstated. But given that the reports suggested a one-year, $3 million deal, it couldn’t have been overstated by much.

Per a source with knowledge of the contracts, Hillis receives a fully-guaranteed base salary of $1.4 million, along with a $1 million fully-guaranteed roster bonus that comes due over the weekend.

The only fluff comes from $400,000 in per-game roster bonuses. If he has, say, strep throat and can’t play in a given game, he won’t earn $25,000.

And so it’s a base deal of $2.6 million, and it’s fully guaranteed. Which makes Hillis more likely to make it onto the final 53-man roster.

It’s still a lot less than Hillis had hoped to be getting, and here’s a little more on the decline of his career, from Thursday’s PFT Live.

Freak Out

03-15-2012, 10:09 PM

The Madden curse.:)

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 10:38 PM

Chargers in contract talks to keep Mike Tolbert

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 10:49 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/mike-tolbert-pick.jpg?w=250 Reuters

Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune San Diego reports that the Chargers are in contract talks to retain free agent running back Mike Tolbert (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5009/mike-tolbert), and negotiations have reached a “critical stage (https://twitter.com/#!/UTKevinAcee/statuses/180483003187871745).”

Per Acee, the team wants to know soon whether Tolbert is “in or out,” and may threaten to move on to free agent Jackie Battle (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4291/jackie-battle) if a deal isn’t reached in short order.

Tolbert is a considerably more valuable back than Battle, though, so the leverage game shouldn’t be fooling Tolbert’s agents. Tolbert can pass block and catch passes. Battle doesn’t do either of those things particularly well. Tolbert is also a couple of years younger than Battle.

Tolbert’s market doesn’t appear to be crawling with suitors, however.

The Chiefs signed Peyton Hillis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4965/peyton-hillis) instead of him on Thursday, and Tolbert isn’t known to have taken any other free agent visits.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 10:40 PM

Cardinals bring back Levi Brown on five-year contract

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 11:00 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/levi-brown-pic2.jpg?w=250 Reuters

Just days after releasing him, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Cardinals have reached a five-year contract agreement (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/statuses/180484426994683906) with offensive tackle Levi Brown (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4185/levi-brown).

Much maligned throughout his Cardinals career, Brown did enjoy one of the better stretch runs of his tenure in 2011. Brown hasn’t missed a start since his rookie season, and he’s capable of playing both tackle spots.

With Brown and Jared Gaither (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4497/jared-gaither) returning to the teams they played for last year, the highest-rated offensive tackles left on the PFT Hot 100 list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/) are Eric Winston (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3648/eric-winston), Marcus McNeill (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3639/marcus-mcneill), Demetrius Bell (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4958/demetrius-bell), and Anthony Collins (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4641/anthony-collins).

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 11:02 PM

Cracking the code on Calvin Johnson’s deal

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 11:41 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/131020652_crop_650x440.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

On Wednesday, the Lions extended the contract of receiver Calvin Johnson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4153/calvin-johnson).

Initially reported as a seven-year, $132 million deal, this characterization overlooked the reality that:

(1) it’s an eight-year deal; and

(2) Johnson already was due to earn $18.5 million in 2012.

Also, the report that Johnson will receive $60 million in guaranteed money is, as reports regarding guaranteed money usually are, inflated.

We heard last night that the numbers may have been grossly inflated (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/many-believe-calvins-cash-has-been-grossly-overstated/). Here’s the real story on the deal.

It’s an eight-year, $131.95 million contract.

Until, however, the team chooses to fully guaranteed $3.5 million in base salary in 2018 and $3.5 million in base salary in 2019, the last two years will void, making it a six-year, $96.7 million deal.

So, basically, the last two years are phony, for now.

Factoring in the $18.5 million Johnson already was due to make in 2012 before the extension, it’s a seven-year, $113.5 million deal.

Dropping the phony-for-now base salaries for 2018 and 2019, it’s a five-year, $78.25 million contract.

Not eight (or seven) years and $132 million.

Five years, $78.25 million.

Without the phony-for-now final two years, the contract has an average new-money value of $15.7 million.

If the Lions choose to buy back the last two years by guaranteeing $7 million total in salary, the new-money average increases to $16.2 million.

It gets more confusing than usual when trying to decipher the guaranteed money.

Before a non-guaranteed option bonus of $20 million is exercised in 2013, the deal has $48.75 million in fully guaranteed money.

After the option is exercised (and including the $20 million option bonus), $37.25 million is fully guaranteed.

The $60 million in guaranteed money arises from a $16 million signing bonus, a fully-guaranteed base salary of $1.25 million, the $20 million non-guaranteed option bonus, and another $22.5 million in fully-guaranteed base salary that becomes guaranteed for injury only after the option bonus is paid.

Though not guaranteed, the option bonus undoubtedly will be paid, because until the option is paid the deal has $31.5 million in fully-guaranteed base salaries. It’s an excellent device for ensuring that the option bonus will be paid.

And now for the nuts and bolts of the deal . . . .

1. Signing bonus: $16 million.

2. 2012 base salary: $1.25 million, fully guaranteed.

3. 2012 roster bonus: $4.5 million. (Earned under prior contract.)

4. 2013 option bonus: $20 million.

5. 2013 base salary: $5 million, fully guaranteed before option is paid, guaranteed for injury only after option is paid.

6. 2014 base salary: $5 million, fully guaranteed before option is paid, guaranteed for injury only after option is paid.

7. 2015 base salary: $12.5 million, fully guaranteed before option is paid, guaranteed for injury only after option is paid.

8. 2016 base salary: $15.95 million, $9 million of which is fully guaranteed before option is paid, not guaranteed after option is paid.

9. 2017 base salary: $16.5 million.

10. 2018 base salary: $17 million, $3.5 million of which is fully guaranteed if the team buys back the last two years.

11. 2019 base salary: $18.25 million, $3.5 million of which is fully guaranteed if the team buys back the last two years.

If you made it this far, congratulations. You get a free one-year subscription to PFT. And all the air you can breathe.

woodbuck27

03-15-2012, 11:06 PM

Last Updated 11:41 PM, March 15, 2012 EDT

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 05:58 AM

Good Morning or afternoon or evening all Packerrats. It`s now 6:54 AM Eastern Time here in Honey Harbour, Ontario. Yesterday it was clear blue skies all day and 16 Deg. Celcius

( about 61 Deg. F). As I retired for the night it was still lovely at 12 C and this day will be as nice. Winter looks to be about over...an early Spring and OUR winter wasn`t bad at all.I only needed to plow the driveway once.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 06:34 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nvhUMxoTfs

Twice I tried to write some form of editorial and twice that composition went somewhere off into the Nether Land.

So OK I will go with a diversion as it seems to me thats what must be necessary. I`ll explain......

The most remarkable thing happened both times. It has something to do with my keyboards formating or maybe my early AM fat fingers. This is what happened. That video (see LINK above) popped up both times and my writing went poof ! `

Ohh this thingy ...É is a French question mark.

Is that a sign that we are destined to draft Nick PerryÉ. Forgive me as I`m an Irish Canadian. Tomorrow is St. Patty`s Day and my day each year to really celebrate my heritage. Being Irish Canadian makes me a tad superstitious. Things that most overlook we pay attention to. Right now I`m thinking if we drafted Nick Perry would that be a bad thingÉ

I know he`s got a great motor and we have to keep his weight training in balance but I`m coming to really like this possible draft pick.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 06:43 AM

OK we saw the Buffalo Bills make a huge signing. Mario Williams is a Bill.

Of the PFT.Com I count 38 players resigned or signed by new teams ( 13 resigned ). We`re about two thirds through day three of FA.

The BIG watch all around the NFL will be fans watching to see where Peyton Manning signs.

I`m like most Packer fans keeping an eye on news about Scott Wells and Matt Flynn. Flynn..has to be Irish especially with that redish hair.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 06:58 AM

A very quiet night.....

Ralph Wilson: At 93, I want to win now

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 6:36 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/ralphwilson.jpg?w=250 AP
Why were the Bills so aggressive about making a big splash at the start of free agency and signing Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams)?

Partially because 93-year-old owner Ralph Wilson says he doesn’t have time to be patient.

“I’d like to see us make the playoffs and possibly the Super Bowl while I’m around,” Wilson told the Buffalo News. “I don’t expect to be around that many years (http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/article765665.ece).”

The Bills haven’t typically been huge spenders in free agency, but Williams’ six-year, $96 million contract (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/six-year-96-million-for-mario-williams/) is money that Wilson is more than happy to spend.

“I didn’t give a darn about the money,” Wilson said.

“I can’t take the money with me. The money had nothing to do with it.”

Asked how he celebrated signing Williams, Wilson — the NFL’s oldest owner — said he didn’t.

“The same way I did yesterday,” Wilson said, “staying home and having dinner and playing cards with my wife.”

Wilson sounds as happy to pay Williams $96 million as Williams is to make it.

“It was a big win today,” Wilson said, “a big win for everybody.”

Comment woodbuck27: We see some owners shelling out wads of dough to certain players that play certain positions; but need we as fans be certainly concerned. I don`t believe we do.

It comes back to the theory of relativity. Because a few players get very rich doesn`t translate into all top players at that particular position certianly cashing in. It comes down to what the market will bear.

Players can dream of huge contracts guranteeing them more money that the average citizen can ever even imagine. NFL fans are struggling to keep their homes. Feed and cloth their familys. It`s just outrageous what these NFL players are able to sign for IMO.

As the TV deal reaches fruition there will be a lot more money in the pot but ònly a few`will somehow manage to get the lions shares of a teams CAP money.

Bretsky

03-16-2012, 07:04 AM

Ralph just might want to go get Payton Manning because I don't think he wins a SB with his QB's.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:12 AM

Ralph just might want to go get Payton Manning because I don't think he wins a SB with his QB's.

With the NE Patriots in that division it`s not where I would expect Peyton Manning to end up. I agree that the Bills need more at QB.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:32 AM

Giants sign safety Chris Horton

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 10:23 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/chris-horton-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

The Giants announced Thursday that they have signed safety Chris Horton, formerly of the division-rival Redskins.

Horton, 27, signed a one-year deal. He was out of football last season after Washington waived him at final cuts.

Horton will likely focus on special teams with the Giants, though he did gain some starting experience early in his Redskins career.

Horton started ten games as a rookie in 2008 and five more in 2009.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:37 AM

Amendola could be New England’s new Welker

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 7:34 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/dannyamendolastlouisramsvneworleanseurgtql9vv1l-e1331897624189.jpg?w=245 Getty Images

Silva pointed out on Thursday that Rams restricted free agent Danny Amendola (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4991/danny-amendola) has been spotted in the Boston area (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/danny-amendola-spotted-at-patriots-facility/).

Our pal Tom Curran of CSNNE.com elaborated on the topic (http://www.csnne.com/blog/patriots-talk/post/Is-Danny-Amendola-visiting-the-Patriots?blockID=670222&feedID=10426), sharing details of his efforts to pry details from Amendola’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, which seems to be even harder that squeezing blood from the Blarney Stone. (And that’s the closest I’ll come to acknowledging that tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day.)

The Patriots have a well-earned reputation for reading the riot act to agents who represent players in whom the Pats are interested.

“If word of this gets out,” the warning usually goes, “we’re pulling the plug.”

As Curran explains it, this one is even more delicate than usual because Amendola possibly would replace Wes Welker (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2964/wes-welker), who currently wears the franchise tag.

If Welker catches wind of the possibility that the Pats will try to pry Amendola away from the Rams,

Welker could sign the franchise tender, which would give him a fully-guaranteed one-year salary in the range of $9.4 million.

Then again, maybe that’s what the Patriots are hoping to do.

Once Welker signs the tender, he could be traded.

Maybe to the Rams.

For the rights to Danny Amendola, and perhaps the second-round pick the Rams squeezed out of the Redskins last week.

It would be a win-win deal.

The Rams need a savvy, experienced slot receiver, who would provide a reliable safety valve for developing quarterback Sam Bradford (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5161/sam-bradford).

In New England, Tom Brady (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1163/tom-brady) is the savvy and experienced one; adding Amendola allows them to go younger and cheaper at the position.

Regardless of what the Patriots are up to, it looks like they’re up to something.

Some of you would say they always are.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:42 AM

Colt McCoy now favored to remain the Browns’ starting quarterback

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 8:27 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/c-mccoyhandsineyes.jpg?w=144 AP

Browns President Mike Holmgren makes no secret that he wanted to draft Robert Griffin III (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7406/robert-griffin-iii) and was disappointed that the Rams rejected his trade offer (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/holmgren-gripes-about-griffin-trade/). But now that the Griffin ship has sailed, the Browns appear to be favoring another year with Colt McCoy (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5699/colt-mccoy) as the starter.

Holmgren said Thursday that he trusts in the system the Browns have in place and believes McCoy has plenty of room for growth in that system, especially with a full offseason this year.

“We will stick with our system (http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2012/03/16/sports/nh5238996.txt?viewmode=fullstory),” Holmgren said, via the News-Herald. “The big thing is learning the system. I think in the second year of the system you will see more productivity from the offense. We’re not going to change it, but it takes times to get good at it. If you can stick with your quarterback and you stick with the system and you stick with the coaches in the program, it works. You just have to trust me on that.”

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert is also talking up McCoy.

“We do think Colt has a big ceiling,” Heckert said.

“It’s my job to get better players surrounding him. After the season, we said we have to protect him better. We have to be able to run the football, which we did at times last year. If you look at the games when we ran well and protected well, Colt played very well. Colt has proven he can play in this league. As Coach Holmgren said, another year in the system and we get him better players, he has a chance to be really good.”

Of course, if the Browns really believed McCoy was a future elite quarterback, they wouldn’t have tried so hard to move up and draft Griffin. All the talk about McCoy’s high ceiling may be more about the Browns now resigning themselves to the fact that McCoy is the best they can do this year, after the Redskins out-maneuvered them for Griffin.

There are other options: There’s been talk of drafting Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7417/ryan-tannehill) at No. 4 overall. The idea of drafting Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7480/brandon-weeden) with the 22nd overall pick has also been floated, although Weeden is three years older than McCoy, so unless the Browns’ brass is blatantly lying when they say they think McCoy has a lot of room to grow, it’s hard to see why the Browns would think Weeden has a better future than McCoy does.

Giving McCoy another year as the starter would be less a statement that the team believes in him as the long-term answer than a statement that the team has no better answer.

But until they come up with a better answer, someone has to be the starter in Cleveland.

And right now it’s looking like that someone, for 2012, will be McCoy.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:59 AM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1106798-breaking-down-tennessee-titans-contract-for-life-offer-to-peyton-manning

Peyton Manning Rumors: Breaking Down Tennessee Titans' Contract for Life Offer

By Gary Davenport (http://bleacherreport.com/users/569565-gary-davenport) (Featured Columnist) on March 15, 2012

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/614/211/107849512_crop_650x440.jpg?1331857544
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Peyton Manning (http://bleacherreport.com/peyton-manning) is one of the most unprecedented free agents in the history of the National Football League, and as his saga unfolds the league could well be headed into uncharted territory.

Tennessee Titans (http://bleacherreport.com/tennessee-titans) owner Bud Adams reportedly offered a "contract for life" to the four-time MVP.

As Pro Football Talk reports (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/contract-for-life-would-require-two-contracts-league-approval/), the contract is in theory possible, but the potential Pandora's Box it could open in the NFL (http://bleacherreport.com/nfl) almost certainly has commissioner Roger Goodell secretly praying that Manning chooses any team but the Titans as his new home.

Per a source with knowledge of the league’s procedures, Manning and the Titans would be required to sign two contracts: one for the work as player, and one for the job as a non-player. The second job would have to be a “real job,” and the wages for the second job would have to represent fair market value. Manning would have to actually perform the duties of the job after his playing career ends.
Also, the entire arrangement would require league approval.
This kind of pact could create the sort of the possibilities for salary cap manipulation that makes it hard to believe that Daniel Snyder didn't think of it first, and that's what's giving Goodell heartburn and either freaking out or inspiring front offices across the league, depending on the franchise.

The NFL is trying to guarantee that the Titans (or any future team) don't create grossly overpaid front office jobs, where retired stars could garner millions of backloaded dollars in jobs such as "assistant general scouting consultant to the assistant general manger's assistant," since that money wouldn't count against the salary cap.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/366/110/121096176_crop_650x440.jpg?1331858091

Bud Adams Badly Wants a Handshake Deal With Peyton Manning
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Or treacherous teams could potentially offer actual front office jobs to these players, with the caveat that a rather liberal attendance policy would require the new assistant general manager to show up for work twice a season.

The rent on an empty office is chicken feed compared to the millions in revenue that could be generated by a player like Manning in Nashville, especially if the team could add other components by effectively increasing this year's cap with a no-show job down the road.

The third of a potentially endless array of possibilities is that the Washington Redskins (http://bleacherreport.com/washington-redskins) (I still can't believe Snyder didn't think of this first) could hire a new assistant general manager who even occasionally appeared at the office, but who did 37 more appearances on "Around the Horn" each year than they made personnel decisions, all while raking in $11 million in tasty backload that doesn't count against the salary cap.

Get where I'm going here?

Granted, if a team were to be caught blatantly flaunting the salary cap in this fashion (like the Redskins were to a fashion (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1101487-washington-redskins-nfl-salary-cap-smackdown-shatters-redskins-free-agent-plans) earlier this week...corruption in D.C., who knew?) the penalties would be harsh beyond comprehension, as Washington can well attest to after having their salary cap room for the next two seasons gutted a day before free agency was set to begin.

Proving that sort of violation could be nearly impossible to prove; however, and were this practice to gain any traction enforcing the rules it would inspire could cost the National Football League millions annually just in enforcement.
In case you haven't been keeping track, the NFL isn't in the business of spending money. It's in the business of making it, which is why Roger Goodell and the powers that be are privately hoping that Manning signs with a squad that might let them put the lid back on the box.
Problem is, once the box is opened it can't be closed, although PFT also pointed out that the maelstrom that has surrounded Peyton Manning's free agency may have yet to hit its crescendo.

To the extent that the contract “for life” would entail purchasing a portion of the team, there would be salary cap implications. Before getting to that point, the transaction would have to be approved by a vote of the 32 owners (via Pro Football Talk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/contract-for-life-would-require-two-contracts-league-approval/)).
Stay tuned.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 08:05 AM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...denver-broncos (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1102046-peyton-manning-rumors-why-it-will-work-with-the-denver-broncos)

Peyton Manning signing... Why it will work with the BRONCOS.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 08:08 AM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1104509-peyton-manning-rumors-reasons-broncos-have-a-better-shot-than-titans

Peyton Manning Rumors: Reasons Broncos Have a Better Shot Than Titans

By Jesse Reed (http://bleacherreport.com/users/682181-jesse-reed) (Featured Columnist)

on March 14, 2012

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 08:37 AM

For Stephen Ross, the big splash could end up being Tebow

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 8:56 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/yjpdolphins-articlelarge-e1331902543266.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

As Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) gets closer to a decision about his future (hopefully, he’s not getting farther away from making up his mind), the Broncos remain extremely viable — especially with the Dolphins reportedly focusing on Matt Flynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4949/matt-flynn) and ....

the Cardinals having to decide by 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday whether to keep Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb) on the roster and owe him $7 million as of Saturday.

If the Broncos land Manning, it’s highly likely that they’ll send Tim Tebow (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5096/tim-tebow) packing.

The only unknown is Tebow’s next destination.

While some self-styled professors of football have professed that the arrival of Chad Henne (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4684/chad-henne) in Jacksonville closes the door on Tim returning to his hometown, the only thing that will remove the tarps is Tebowmania.

And the extra money coming from a truly sold out stadium would quickly recoup a wasted $3 million signing bonus on Henne.

But that’s not the only possible Florida destination for the former Gator.

If the Dolphins swing and miss on Manning (which necessarily will be the case if he signs with the Broncos) and also fail to secure the services of Flynn, the only way owner Stephen Ross can make a big splash in the short term would be to put his trust in Tebow.

Ross saw the power of Tebow last year, via that goofy University of Florida reunion that ended up being the coming-out party for the visiting team’s quarterback.

And while Tebow would possibly give ulcers to offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, let’s not forget that Sherman while at Texas A&M turned a part-time quarterback/part-time receiver into the hottest 2012 prospect not named Andrew Luck (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6439/andrew-luck) or Robert Griffin III (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7406/robert-griffin-iii).

Besides, Tebow’s impact on the locker room could be potent.

“Young man is blessed (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/06/dansby-sees-god-working-through-tebow/),” linebacker Karlos Dansby (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2663/karlos-dansby) said last year.

“Young man has a special anointing on him. And for God to show himself in that game the way He did, through the guy He did it through, it opened a lot of guys’ eyes on our team. And it brought a lot of guys closer to God, so like I said, everything happens for a reason. . . . My hat goes off to Tim. And God working through him like that, it opened up a lot of eyes.”

While John Elway is trying his best to find an excuse to look away, the eyes of owner Stephen Ross would surely be wide open.

And he’s be seeing nothing but dollar signs.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 08:42 AM

Dolphins had to enlist Marino just to get a meeting with Manning

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 9:22 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/p1_dan_marino_getty.jpg?w=155 Getty Images

In another sign that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) was never high on the Dolphins, a report out today says that Manning wasn’t even willing to talk to the Dolphins until one of his childhood heroes, Dan Marino, intervened on his old team’s behalf.

We noted last week that Marino said he didn’t plan to call Manning but that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross might ask Marino to make the call, and it turns out that’s exactly what happened:

Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post reports that in the first few days after the Colts cut Manning, the Dolphins grew frustrated because they hadn’t reached Manning directly (http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thedailydolphin/2012/03/16/miami-dolphins-had-to-enlist-dan-marino-to-get-a-meeting-with-peyton-manning/) and hadn’t even been able to get his agent to agree to a meeting. That’s when they asked Marino to call Manning personally, and it was only after the two of them talked that Manning agreed to meet with the Dolphins on Monday.

Even when Manning agreed to that meeting, it was clear that Manning wasn’t as interested in the Dolphins as he was in the Broncos, Cardinals and Titans. With those teams, Manning went to the team facility and met with all the key players. With the Dolphins, Manning said they’d have to come to him in Indianapolis, and that only members of the coaching staff — not Ross, not G.M. Jeff Ireland — could attend.

Manning has long expressed admiration for Marino, saying he grew up loving to watch Marino play and still fashions himself after Marino as a passer. So it’s not surprising that when Marino called, Manning decided to do him the courtesy of giving the Dolphins the meeting that Marino requested.

But from all indications, the meeting wasn’t much more than a courtesy.

It appears that the Dolphins were, at best, Manning’s fourth choice.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 08:55 AM

Conflicting reports on Saints’ plans with Jonathan Vilma

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 9:44 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/j-vilma.jpg?w=250 AP

The Saints are looking into adding a middle linebacker in free agency, and that has led to conflicting reports about whether Jonathan Vilma (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2775/jonathan-vilma) has a future in New Orleans.

After the Saints scheduled a visit (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/saints-schedule-weekend-visit-with-curtis-lofton/) with free agent Curtis Lofton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4657/curtis-lofton), Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reported (https://twitter.com/#!/JasonLaCanfora/status/180401326923063298) that the Saints have been mulling releasing Vilma.

However, Mike Triplett of the Times-Picayune reports that the team has no plans to release Vilma (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/03/dont_write_off_new_orleans_sai.html), even though they’ll be meeting soon with free agents David Hawthorne (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5029/david-hawthorne) and Joe Mays (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4943/joe-mays) in addition to Lofton.

Vilma turns 30 next month, is coming off knee surgery and is due $5.5 million this year, so it’s easy to see why the Saints would consider cutting him. And there’s another issue at play:

Vilma may be suspended for his role in the ongoing bounty case. The NFL’s discipline is expected to be announced soon, and Vilma — who reportedly offered $10,000 cash to any teammate who could knock Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship Game — is the player who’s likely to get the harshest punishment.

So the Saints may not have Vilma available to him for all 16 games.

Or they might just decide they don’t want him for any games.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 09:01 AM

Last Updated 9:44 AM, March 16, 2012 EDT

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 09:11 AM

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/titans-life-contract-offer-manning-may-way-gain-162337118.html

Titans’ ‘for-life’ contract offer to Manning may be a way to gain salary cap advantage

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/HBpFWsALHes9yzOUzRstrw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTQwO3E9ODU7dz00MA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/388/2011/12/03/03-us-blog-avatar-40x40_070937.jpg By Doug Farrar (http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/author/doug-farrar/)

By Doug Farrar (http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/author/doug-farrar/) | Shutdown Corner (http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/) – 21 hours ago

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/PgGgfbhYmyultvghHrvoDw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnflexperts/yahoo_manning_titans.jpg (http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/sptusnflexperts/yahoo_manning_titans.jpg)Peyton Manning signs autographs for Titans fans last October. (Getty Images)

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams has been going hard at Peyton Manning ever since the quarterback became a free agent, and it seems that Adams may have come up with an interesting way to sweeten the pot. Adams' intent to make Manning a fixture of the Titans franchise "for life" may actually be a novel way to give Manning certain advantages he may not receive from other teams.

According to Fox Sports' Alex Marvez, the Titans could offer Manning, who spent a large part of Wednesday meeting with team officials and coaches, the promise of a front-office position after his career is over, without any financial promise affecting the Titans' salary cap situation over the life of any deal covering Manning's football-playing days. Marvez reports that the promise of a front-office position would not promote any kind of cap hit, but that the position offered must be considered fair market value for the position.

In other words, if the Titans decided to put a similar offer on the table to those presented by other teams, and then chose to add some sort of seven-figure-per-year deal for a nebulous position later on, there's nothing to prevent that from happening.

As Marvez hypothesizes, this could set a very interesting precedent for other teams looking to beat their competitors out for elite free agents. The league would have to approve any contract, including one offering additional positions after on-field duty, but even if the NFL's Management Council approves the deal ahead of time, it doesn't mean that the Titans are entirely off the hook.

As was recently seen in the Management Council's decision (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/cowboys-redskins-statements-salary-cap-hits-reveal-nfl-161347029.html) to strip millions of dollars in salary cap space from the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, alleged offenses on contracts that were approved by the league can fall outside the purview of the CBA if the NFL chooses to backtrack and deem certain deals to be outside the lines.

Marvez recalled a situation in 2000, when the San Francisco 49ers were fined $300,000 and stripped of third- and fifth-round draft picks after offering two players (including tight end Brent Jones) contract work in the offseason to promote the team's campaign to get a new stadium. So, Adams had best be careful -- even if his gambit seems legal at this time, it's not out of the question for the other owners to decide otherwise.

The Titans are one of four teams seriously in the hunt for Manning's services -- they're in competition with the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 09:42 AM

Hopes rise in Denver that Peyton Manning is heading to the Broncos

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 10:03 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/peytonpissedvschargers-e1291235782444.jpg?w=250 AP

Although the Titans appeared on Thursday to be building momentum in the Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) sweepstakes, there’s optimism coming out of Denver on Friday morning that Manning is heading to the Broncos.

Mike Klis writes in today’s Denver Post that all signs point to the Broncos and Titans (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20185914/denver-broncos-tennessee-titans-appear-be-finalists-sign) as the final two, with the Cardinals likely resigning themselves to keeping Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb) and paying his bonus, and the Dolphins starting to turn their attention toward Matt Flynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4949/matt-flynn).

And MileHighReport.com points out (http://www.milehighreport.com/2012/3/16/2877302/movement-on-the-manning-front-plane-heading-to-raleigh) that Broncos owner Pat Bowlen’s plane is scheduled to fly to Raleigh, North Carolina, where Manning has been working out, this morning.

That’s the same plane that Broncos front office boss John Elway and head coach John Fox have been flying around in to conduct their offseason business, and the same plane that picked up Manning for his visit to the Broncos’ facilities. Presumably, if Manning were about to join the Broncos, that’s the plane the team would provide Manning to bring him to Denver.

Albert Breer of NFL Network points out (https://twitter.com/#!/AlbertBreer/status/180651816973905920) that Titans owner Bud Adams’ plane is still in Houston.

So to the extent that we can tell anything by tracking owners’ planes, we can say that Broncos fans have more reason for optimism right now than Titans fans do. And when the best updates we’re getting come from tracking owners’ planes, we can say that we hope Manning is ready to make his mind up already.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 09:51 AM

Peyton Manning will work out for John Elway today

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 10:16 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/elway.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Moments after we noted that the Broncos’ plane is on the way to North Carolina (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/hopes-rise-in-denver-that-peyton-manning-is-heading-to-the-broncos/), where Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) has been working out, we know why: John Elway will be there in person to watch one of Manning’s workouts.

From the beginning, it has seemed like a necessity that whatever team wanted to sign Manning would have to watch him throw first: After all, how can a team tie its future to a quarterback without making sure he can actually throw a football effectively? Surprisingly, several reports have said that multiple teams were willing to give Manning a contract without making him throw first.

But the Broncos apparently won’t be in that position. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Elway and other Broncos officials will land at the Raleigh-Durham Airport at 1:20 p.m. today, and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Manning will work out for the Broncos at Duke University’s indoor facility.

That doesn’t mean the Broncos are going to land Manning.

In fact, according to Mortensen, the Titans are still in the mix.

But this is the strongest sign yet of progress between the Broncos and this year’s most sought-after free agent.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 09:56 AM

Laurent Robinson catches $13.6 million fully guaranteed

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 10:42 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/laurent-robinson1.jpg?w=208 Getty Images

In 2011, receiver Laurent Robinson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4241/laurent-robinson) opted to take the chance on a one-year, minimum salary contract with the Cowboys, hoping to parlay a big season into an even bigger payday. He wasn’t alone; after the market softened during the lockout-delayed free agency period in 2011, plenty of guys went with one-year contracts and the promise of more money later.
Unlike most of those other guys, Robinson made it work.

Per a source with knowledge of the contract, Robinson pocketed from the Jaguars an $8 million signing bonus, along with another $5.6 million in fully-guaranteed money.

In all, Robinson’s payout consists of a $1 million fully-guaranteed base salary in 2012, a fully-guaranteed $2 million roster bonus in 2012, a fully-guaranteed base salary of $2.6 million in 2013, and the following non-guaranteed base salaries in 2014 through 2016: $5.6 million, $6.4 million, and $6.4 million.

Robinson also is eligible for a $100,000 workout bonus per year, and up to $600,000 each season in incentive payments.

It adds up to $32.5 million over five years, a fair reward for the risk he took with a six-figure salary in 2011.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 10:07 AM

From REPORT on NFL Access:

Peyton Manning has made it clear to the Miami Dolphins Organization that he will not sign with them. So one of the four candidate teams has been removed. Leaving Denver,Tennessee and Arizona as possible destinations for his services. It's been looking to me like Denver is the best choice giving their CAP space; but Tennessee has certainly placed themselves in a strong position.

So who will Peyton Manning marry?

Denver is coming hard after him. Tennessee has offered him a lifetime opportunity and Manning knows this community and the team very well having the Titans in his division. His father Archie Manning knows many of the Titans brass from his college and career days. Peyton Manning is adored in Tennessee playing his college ball there. Passionately it looks like the Titans should sign him but will their contract offer be there money wise?

Arizona hasn't been ruled out at this time as Miami was reported to be today.

Which of these three teams in Peyton Manning's mind will offer him the best opportunity for a Super Bowl ring?

It's all very interesting to me.

Ona nother note:

Miami is saying that no matter what PM decided they wanted to move WR Brandon Marshall. So we now can be clear that that trade by Miami ( Brandon Marshall ) to the Bears was not influenced by Peyton Manning.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 10:12 AM

Last Updated 10:49 AM, March 16, 2012 EDT

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 10:45 AM

Jets to host free agent LaRon Landry this weekend

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 11:22 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/laron-landry-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets will host (https://twitter.com/#!/TheJetsStream/statuses/180673771479384065) free agent safety LaRon Landry (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4178/laron-landry) for a visit to club headquarters this weekend.

Florio reported earlier in the week (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/laron-landry-has-four-suitors/) that the Jets were, indeed, one of four teams showing immediate interest in Landry once the free agency period commenced.

The other clubs were New England, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

The Jets are believed to be Landry’s first free agent visit.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 11:08 AM

Report: Raiders releasing Kamerion Wimbley today

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 11:49 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/kamerion-wimbley-pic1.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi reports that the Raiders will release linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3685/kamerion-wimbley) on Friday.

This move has been expected for quite some time. As Florio has explained, the Raiders would have guaranteed Wimbley $17.5 million (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/01/raiders-face-a-key-deadline-in-wimbley-deal/) had they kept him on their roster through Saturday.

While the Raiders are still on the hook for $6.5 million of Wimbley’s $11 million base salary, releasing him saves them $4.5 million in 2012 salary cap space and clears him completely off the books for 2013.

Once Wimbley’s release becomes official, he’ll be the top free agent pass rusher available on the open market.

Expect virtually every team that missed out on the Mario Williams (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3636/mario-williams) sweepstakes to turn its attention to Wimbley.

Comment woodbuck27:

I'm going to watch this players movements very closely. Why? The Chicago BEARS.

The Bears are just now in a LIVE press conference on NFL Access. Showcasing their recent acquisitions for their offense.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 11:14 AM

Concern in Miami that Flynn could sign with Seahawks today

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 12:05 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/m-flynn.jpeg?w=146 Getty Images
With the Dolphins out (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/dolphins-exit-peyton-chase/) of the Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) sweepstakes, attention in Miami is turning to Matt Flynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4949/matt-flynn), who always seemed like a good fit because he learned coach Joe Philbin’s offense in Green Bay.

But there’s one problem:

Flynn is visiting Seattle first, and some folks in Miami are concerned that the Seahawks will make Flynn a great offer that convinces him to sign without even visiting the Dolphins.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports, quoting an unnamed associate of Flynn, that Flynn signing with Seattle before he flies to Miami can’t be ruled out (http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/16/2696474/miami-dolphins-out-of-running.html).

Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel also writes that the big question right now is: whether the Dolphins can keep Flynn from Seattle (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-matt-flynn-miami-dolphins-hyde-20120316,0,7070784.story).

Flynn could sign with the Seahawks as soon as today if Seattle makes him a great offer, and the Seahawks have plenty of money and cap space with which to do that, if they’re so inclined.

That would put the Dolphins in the position of not only missing out on their first choice (Peyton Manning), but also missing out on their fallback option (Matt Flynn).

It took a few days, but as Manning narrows his options, it appears that interest in Flynn is starting to heat up.

That’s not a good sign for the Dolphins.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 11:45 AM

Cutler: Marshall has a checkered past, but he’s a good guy

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 7:25 AM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/cutlermarshall.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3608/jay-cutler) is standing up for his new No. 1 receiver, Brandon Marshall (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3653/brandon-marshall), saying that he knows from their time together in Denver that Marshall is a good man.

“I know he has a checkered past, and Brandon is the first one to stand up and admit to that,” Cutler said on WMVP-AM 1000, via the Daily Chronicle. “But I know deep down he’s a good guy (http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2012/03/14/cutler-supports-marshall-after-assault-allegation/ap4a4nn/). He made some mistakes, but going forward, I see nothing but bright things for the guy.”

If the latest allegations are true, Marshall has a checkered present, not only a checkered past. Marshall stands accused of punching a woman at a nightclub over the weekend, an incident that may have been the last straw for him in Miami (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/dolphins/latest-incident-involving-brandon-marshall-might-have-been-2238423.html) and the reason the Dolphins traded him. Cutler said he talked to Marshall and hopes Bears fans will wait until all the facts come out about the most recent case.

“I talked to Brandon [on Tuesday], and I think he was bummed about it, the perception and everything, of him getting to Chicago and that [controversy] being over his head,” Cutler said.

“Let’s not judge him quite yet.”

Cutler says he lobbied the Bears to acquire Marshall, and Cutler knows he’s putting his own reputation on the line in vouching for his buddy. That’s not surprising, because if Marshall plays like the All-Pro receiver he’s capable of being, Cutler will be one of the beneficiaries.

But if Marshall’s off-field issues continue to plague him in Chicago, ** Cutler vouching for him as a good guy will look dumb.**

Comment woodbuck27:

** I'm just now watching Brandon Marshall on NFL Access.

I disagree that anything a player says about another player that's positive can make that player look dumb. How can positive support for anyone be viewd in hindsight as dumb by anyone else? I would disagree with such a judgement.

Brandon Marshall has taken a treatment plan for BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) and his relationship with his wife is one of sincere respect. His wife he supports in initiatives to work with battered women.

Brandon Marshall expresed mixed emotions over leaving Miami; saying he loved his teammates there, 'in fact' had a positive relationship with Dolphin teammates, and feels that the positive direction that team was taking was one that he was passionately and positively involved in. He said he was so involved in that process but is now a BEAR. Pleased to be a part of the great Chicago Bear organization and excited in the direction the organization is committed to head in.

IMO this is a very solid move for the Bears. The TRUTH of that will play out in terms od results next season.

He said that from the get go on his arrival in Chicago the Bears brass has treated him and his wife so impressively. He said he's very pleased to be reunited with the Bears starting QB Jay cutler. That his relationship and communication with Jay Cutler was excellent.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 12:30 PM

Report: Dolphins make low-ball offer to Matt Flynn

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 12:58 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/matt-flynn-pic1-e1331917062445.jpg?w=145 Reuters

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Miami Dolphins are “low-balling (https://twitter.com/#!/JasonColeYahoo/status/180691815459069952)” free agent quarterback Matt Flynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4949/matt-flynn) in contract negotiations.

The Dolphins’ thinking is apparently that Flynn wants so badly to play for head coach Joe Philbin, his offensive coordinator in Green Bay, that Flynn might be willing to settle for significantly less than market value.

Of course, market value for a quarterback with two career starts is ambiguous.

Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb) signed a reported six-year, $65 million contract with the Cardinals last offseason after seven career starts. And that deal has already been considered for termination.

At the same time, the Dolphins don’t have much leverage.

Top free agent target Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) resisted their overtures, and the quarterback market is otherwise devoid of franchise-caliber signal callers.

Flynn is in a better spot, drawing interest from the Seattle Seahawks (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/concern-in-miami-that-flynn-could-sign-with-seahawks-today/).

Could the Fins miss out on Peyton Manning, and Matt Flynn, too?

It certainly seems like they’re willing to take that risk.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 12:47 PM

RE: Peyton Manning. Soon we should learn that the Arizona Cardinals have been informed by Peyton Manning that that organization is out of the mix.

Leaving just Tennessee and Denver.

Thats if he has enough strength left after working out **for two teams (Rumour) to use his cellular key pad.

** It's being reported that the DENVER BRONCOS are just getting set to work our PM this afternoon.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 12:59 PM

Redskins reel in defensive back Cedric Griffin

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 1:41 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/cedric-griffin-pic-e1331919455337.jpg?w=240 AP
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports that the Washington Redskins have agreed to terms with defensive back Cedric Griffin (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3672/cedric-griffin) on a one-year contract with a max value of $2.5 million (https://twitter.com/#!/JosinaAnderson/status/180706285686243328).

Griffin spent his first six NFL seasons with the Vikings as a Cover-2 cornerback.

Some NFL teams liked him as a safety prospect coming out of Texas in 2006, however, and Minnesota had considered moving Griffin from corner to safety (http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_20038724), before his release last week.

Griffin goes 6-foot and 203 pounds. He could play either cornerback or free safety in D.C.

The Redskins are expected to hold a training camp competition at strong safety, involving Reed Doughty (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3974/reed-doughty) and newly acquired (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/redskins-sign-brandon-meriweather/) Brandon Meriweather (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4199/brandon-meriweather).

Griffin was the No. 78 overall player on PFT’s Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 01:18 PM

Cowboys snatch Nate Livings from Bengals

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 1:47 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/73297_bengals_falcons_football.jpg?w=250 Getty Images

The Bengals entered free agency with nearly $50 million in cap space. They haven’t spent much, if any, on other team’s players.

Or on their own.

The Cowboys, despite having at least $5 million in cap space stripped by the league on Monday, have signed Cincinnati guard Nate Livings (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4460/nate-livings) to a five-year deal, according to a league source.

The contract, we’re told, has a base value of $19 million, with $6.2 million guaranteed.

Livings started every game for the Bengals in 2010 and 2011.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 01:19 PM

Last Updated 1:47 PM, March 16, 2012 EDT

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 01:26 PM

49ers jump into the Peyton Manning sweepstakes

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 2:18 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jim-harbaugh-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the San Francisco 49ers have emerged as one of the three finalists to sign free agent quarterback Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning).

The other two teams are the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. According to Schefter, the Arizona Cardinals “have been advised that they are to proceed as if they will not get Peyton Manning.”

We already knew the Dolphins were out (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/dolphins-exit-peyton-chase/).

Schefter, who broke the 49ers news on SportsCenter early Friday afternoon, reported that San Francisco secretly sent club officials to watch Manning throw at Duke University last Tuesday night.

The 49ers’ representatives were said to be “very impressed with what they saw.”

The Niners have already given Manning a physical.

And this explains whey they haven’t re-signed free agent quarterback Alex Smith (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3119/alex-smith) yet.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 01:28 PM

Seahawks re-sign Michael Robinson to two-year, $5 million deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 2:09 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/michael-robinson-pic.jpg?w=159 Getty Images
Brian McIntyre of Mac’s Football Blog reports that the Seahawks have re-signed (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/03/seahawks-re-sign-fb-michael-robinson-to.html) fullback Michael Robinson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3609/michael-robinson) to a two-year contract worth $5 million.

Per McIntyre, the deal contains no signing bonus. Robinson will receive a $1.5 million base salary in 2012, as well as a first-year roster bonus of $1 million. His 2013 salary will be $2.5 million.

He can earn another $250,000 via incentives based on Pro Bowl berths.

Robinson went to the Pro Bowl last season as an alternate for Packers fullback John Kuhn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4050/john-kuhn).

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 01:37 PM

John Abraham stays in Atlanta on three-year agreement

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 2:33 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/john-abraham-pic1.jpg?w=176 AP

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Falcons have reached a three-year agreement (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/status/180720903523549184) with defensive end John Abraham (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/849/john-abraham).

During a short stay on the free agent market, Abraham received interest from the Titans and Broncos (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/report-titans-broncos-eyeing-pass-rusher-john-abraham/).

Abraham has 54.5 sacks over the past five seasons and remains one of the game’s top pass rushers despite his age (34 in May) and declining role. Abraham rarely plays on running downs anymore.

While keeping Abraham is a plus for Atlanta, the Falcons’ defensive end depth chart is shaping up similar to last year’s. Kroy Biermann (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4905/kroy-biermann) will also return, and starting left end Ray Edwards (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3942/ray-edwards) is coming back after flopping as a 2011 free agent signing.

The Falcons must keep adding talent to the position.

Abraham was the No. 14 overall player on the PFT Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 01:42 PM

Peyton parameters in range of $60 million over five years

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 2:31 PM EDT

http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/image4-e1331922634982.jpg?w=248 Getty Images

Now that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) seems to be getting closer to a decision (which may or may not be televised by ESPN), the numbers are coming into focus.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the parameters of a potential contract (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20188486/denver-broncos-plane-headed-n-c) fall in the range of $60 million over five years, with $30 million guaranteed.

That seems a little light. Yes, he has the neck thing and the arm strength thing. But this is Peyton F. Manning.

Peyton F. Manning doesn’t average $12 million a year, not when he was averaging $18 million under his last deal, the same average that Tom Brady (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1163/tom-brady) still has.

And now we may know why it’s taken so long to get this done.

The teams at the table, though supposedly willing to do whatever it takes to get Peyton, have not yet offered him a contract that reflects the zeal with which they are pursuing him.

With the rest of the league on notice regarding the parameters, the pool could once again expand.

Jed York, it’s your move.

Freak Out

03-16-2012, 01:45 PM

Woody.....now mixing Red Bull, Bourbon and Cocaine to keep up the pace.

sharpe1027

03-16-2012, 01:48 PM

Woody.....now mixing Red Bull, Bourbon and Cocaine to keep up the pace.

An energy drink in need of only a catchy new name and advertising campaign.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 01:58 PM

Browns release defensive end Jayme Mitchell

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 1:55 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jayme-mitchell-pic-e1331920399227.jpg?w=86 Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns had hoped Jayme Mitchell (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4092/jayme-mitchell) would solidify one of the team’s starting defensive end spots in 2011. Mitchell did start 13 games, but managed just 1.5 sacks and was eventually benched in favor of practice squad-type Emmanuel Stephens (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6377/emmanuel-stephens).

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are now releasing Mitchell (https://twitter.com/#!/MaryKayCabot/statuses/180711153465434112).

The move saves roughly $2 million in cap space and clears $2.4 million worth of base salary off the books.

The Browns are hopeful that newly acquired Frostee Rucker (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3725/frostee-rucker) will become a stronger presence at right end. The team’s left end is impressive 2011 second-round pick Jabaal Sheard (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6597/jabaal-sheard).

** Cleveland also signed (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/browns-agree-to-terms-with-juqua-parker/) ex-Eagle Juqua Parker (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/213/juqua-parker) to play in nickel packages. **

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 02:05 PM

Woody.....now mixing Red Bull, Bourbon and Cocaine to keep up the pace.

Freak out, since it's it's St Paddy's Day tomorrow. I'm getting an early start.

It's ... one bourbon, one scotch and ... one beer.

Funny. I was outside early this morning and I heard that song on a neighbours radio.

I thought of you Freak out. (-;

gbgary

03-16-2012, 02:09 PM

Freak out, since it's it's St Paddy's Day tomorrow. I'm getting an early start.

It's ... one bourbon, one scotch and ... one beer.

Funny. I was outside early this morning and I heard that song on a neighbours radio. i thought of you Freak out. (-;

a little john lee hooker never hurt anyone.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 02:37 PM

Jets agree to deal with Drew Stanton

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 3:23 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/drew-stanton-pic1.jpg?w=141 AP

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets have agreed on a one-year contract (https://twitter.com/#!/TheJetsStream/statuses/180734395261526016) with quarterback Drew Stanton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4179/drew-stanton).

Per Mehta, the deal is worth $1.25 million.

The Jets showed immediate interest (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/15/jets-going-really-hard-after-drew-stanton/) in Stanton at the outset of free agency, pursuing him harder than any other team. (By a lot.) They closed the deal on Friday afternoon.

Stanton, 28 in May, has appeared on 13 career games. He’s completed just 55.6 percent of his 187 career pass attempts with a 5:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

The Jets will apparently place him at No. 2 on the depth chart, behind Mark Sanchez (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5192/mark-sanchez). Greg McElroy (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6553/greg-mcelroy) is currently No. 3.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 02:45 PM

a little john lee hooker never hurt anyone.

Cool with 'the BLUES'. the GREAT John Lee Hooker.

I believe the cover of that song that I heard this morning might have been by George Thorogood (http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=george%20thouroughood&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CDoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.georgethorogood.com%2F&ei=5pdjT5qrEoSw0QHaubWgCA&usg=AFQjCNFjffGsfxrpithgJU73kKg-567JzQ).

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 02:57 PM

Comment woodbuck27: Now we are back to three teams as PM suitors:

DENVER, TENNESSEE and SAN FRANCISCO (in late).

Cardinals are paying Kevin Kolb’s $7 million roster bonus

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 3:43 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/kevin-kolb-pic.jpg?w=167 AP

ESPN’s Suzy Kolber reports that the Arizona Cardinals have decided to pay (https://twitter.com/#!/AdamSchefter/status/180736897595883520) quarterback Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb)’s $7 million offseason roster bonus.

**** The decision formally removes Arizona from the Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) sweepstakes. ****

The Cardinals didn’t have to turn the move into the league office. It’s not a transaction.

They’ll simply allow time to elapse without releasing Kolb, and pay the bonus on Saturday.

Arizona’s front office apparently never considered parting with Kolb in the event they missed on Manning. Fingers crossed, they will hope a full offseason in the system helps Kolb work out his kinks.

More practice and study time probably aren’t going to cure Kolb’s penchant for getting happy feet and making himself small in the pocket, however, and to this point in his career those tendencies have prevented him from sustaining success.

Kolb will compete for the Cardinals’ starting quarterback job with John Skelton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5807/john-skelton) in training camp.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 03:04 PM

Peyton Manning wants his new contract to match his old contract

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 16, 2012, 3:53 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/030612_peyton_manning_1080729441203061824461203061 84814-e1331564921620.jpg?w=245 Getty Images

When we passed along the report (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/peyton-parameters-in-range-of-60-million-over-five-years/) from the Denver Post that Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) was seeking a five-year, $60 million contract, Florio noted that it seemed a little light.

That’s because it was.

Mike Klis of the Denver Post has now updated his report (http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_20188486/denver-broncos-plane-headed-n-c) and said that what Manning is actually seeking is a contract like the one he signed last year with the Colts, which was for five years and $90 million, with a whopping $61.8 million in the first two years.

That’s a whole lot of money, but Klis writes that both the Broncos and Titans are fine with that contract, if that’s what it takes to land Manning. If the reports that the 49ers are the third finalist for Manning are true, presumably that means the 49ers are fine with that contract, too.

Some reports have suggested that Manning’s contract will be structured to protect the team that signs him in the event that his neck prevents him from playing in 2012, as it did in 2011.

But if Manning is back in the NFL this year, as he expects to be, he also expects to be one of the league’s highest-paid players. And the teams that covet him are fine with that.

sheepshead

03-16-2012, 03:10 PM

How about a moratorium on PFT cut and pastes? Any other sources out there??

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 03:19 PM

Matt Birk staying in Baltimore on three-year deal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 4:01 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/matt-birk-pic.jpg?w=137 AP
The Baltimore Ravens announced Friday that they have agreed in principle to a three-year contract with center Matt Birk (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1199/matt-birk).

Earlier this month, Florio reported that Birk had hoped to play “a couple more years (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/08/birk-wants-to-play-a-couple-more-years/).” The contract arrangement suggests the Ravens will let him do just that in Baltimore.

Birk turns 36 before the season.

He has not missed a start since 2004, and is still playing at a high enough level that remaining a starter through 2013 looks like a good possibility.

gbgary

03-16-2012, 03:19 PM

Peyton Manning wants his new contract to match his old contract

i know what he means. it's tough living from check to check.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 03:22 PM

Raiders tell Wimbley he’s being released

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 4:07 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/jack_dempsey_ap_wimbley-297183549_std-e1331928377550.jpg?w=250 AP

As expected (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/report-raiders-releasing-kamerion-wimbley-today/), the Raiders will part ways with linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3685/kamerion-wimbley), less than a year after signing him to a multi-year deal.

Agent Joe Linta tells PFT that Wimbley has been given the news that he’ll be given his walking papers.

“He’s cut,” Linta said via email.

“We tried this afternoon to make it work this afternoon, but there were too many constraints with the Raiders cap and cash situation. [G.M.] Reggie [McKenzie] was a real pro trying to make it work. Good guy. Kamerion is going to take the weekend to see which teams may have an interest.”

The move had to happen Friday because if Wimbley were on the roster as of Saturday, an additional $4.5 million in 2012 base salary would have become fully guaranteed, $11 million in full salary guarantee for 2013 would have been triggered, and $2 million of Wimbley’s base salary in 2014 would have become fully guaranteed.

Thus, the Raiders avoiding $17.5 million by cutting Wimbley.

And so he hits the open market, only three days after the market opened.

Don’t be surprised if he lands with the Chiefs.

Coach Romeo Crennel drafted Wimbley in 2006, when Crennel was head coach of the Browns.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 03:25 PM

Fred Davis signs franchise tender, guaranteeing him $5.416 million

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 4:12 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/fred-davis-pic1.jpg?w=250 Reuters

The Washington Redskins announced Friday that tight end Fred Davis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4716/fred-davis) has signed his one-year franchise tender.

Davis will receive a guaranteed base salary of $5.416 million in 2012.

G.M. Bruce Allen recently stated (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/10/redskins-hope-to-sign-fred-davis-to-long-term-deal/) that the Redskins intend, eventually, to sign Davis to a long-term contract.

After a 2011 suspension that ended his season after 12 games, however, the Skins may make Davis prove he can stay drug free for a full year before making that commitment.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 03:29 PM

Buddy Nix suggests No. 1 tailback job is wide open

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 3:04 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/fred-jackson-pic.jpg?w=250 Getty Images
Bills G.M. Buddy Nix joined PFT Live on Friday to talk primarily about the team’s biggest free-agency acquisition since true free agency arrived in 1993, which coincided with the last of the team’s four Super Bowl appearances.

But we also addressed the status of veteran running back Fred Jackson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4506/fred-jackson). Nix said that Jackson will be offered an extension, because he deserves one.

“The only negative with Fred is the route he’s come and he’s got some age on him,” Nix said,

adding that the goal is to get it done before going to training camp in July.

So who will be the No. 1 tailback at camp, Jackson or C.J. Spiller (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5566/cj-spiller)?

“Well, that’s gonna be for them to decide,” Nix said.

We hope we’ve done enough to entice you to decide to what the entire clip.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 03:37 PM

Colts sign Zbikowski to three-year contract

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 4:34 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/tom-zbikowski-pic-e1331929975791.jpg?w=151 Reuters

Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune reports that the Indianapolis Colts have signed (http://www.southbendtribune.com/sports/collegesports/notredame/sbt-notre-dame-football-free-agent-zbikowski-signs-with-colts-20120316,0,1729399.story) safety Tom Zbikowski (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4736/tom-zbikowski) to a three-year contract.

Zbikowski spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is now the Colts’ head coach, and Indianapolis has a hole at strong safety after releasing (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/09/addai-clark-bullitt-out-in-indianapolis-too/) Melvin Bullitt (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4514/melvin-bullitt).

The 27-year-0ld Zbikowski will be a candidate to replace Bullitt, as well as play on special teams.

Through four seasons, Zbikowski has racked up 14 starts, 75 tackles, and two interceptions. He can also return kicks and punts.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 03:59 PM

Flynn, Wells lead seven Packers toward free agency

By Mike Spofford, packers.com staff writer

Posted Mar 12, 2012

http://www.packers.com/assets/images/imported/GB/photos/article_images/2012/03-march/120312flynn_wells210.jpg

Barring an 11th-hour deal – and those are certainly possible, as they’ve happened before in Green Bay – the Packers have seven players who will become unrestricted free agents at 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday.

Once that time arrives, it doesn’t mean one or more of those players still won’t eventually re-sign with the Packers, but it does mean each of those players is free to negotiate with other teams.
Here’s the rundown on the group, with the first on the list being the most likely to leave Green Bay.

QB Matt Flynnhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/matt-flynn/1b0661cc-7393-41ee-ad78-0132e47da2f0/)

The seventh-round draft pick in 2008 will be attractive to quarterback-needy teams, and a reunion with former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin in Miami is considered to be a strong possibility.
It will be interesting to see what effect, if any, the Peyton Manning sweepstakes have on Flynn. Will Flynn wait until Manning signs somewhere to allow for the most possible suitors for his skills, or will a team that knows it’s not getting Manning step up with an offer Flynn can’t refuse before the Manning situation concludes?

C Scott Wellshttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/scott-wells/dfe3cf21-3ede-4e52-9c8a-c967967a3ff8/)

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said after the season and at the scouting combine that he hopes things work out with Wells, who has been the Packers’ most consistent offensive lineman over the last two seasons, and the only one to start every game.
Wells, a seventh-round pick back in 2004, has been routinely praised for his “quarterbacking” of the offensive line with regard to protection calls and adjustments, and his value on the open market is as high as it could be with him coming off his first Pro Bowl selection.
Should he depart, the Packers will have three options to fill his spot: sign another veteran center in free agency (there are several candidates), groom backup Evan Dietrich-Smithhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/evan-dietrich-smith/13de58d6-340b-4f1c-9830-cf1f644a309f/) to take over, or draft a replacement.

CB Jarrett Bushhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/jarrett-bush/71224e26-edaa-4265-86f7-5efde7c8b0f4/)

Bush tested the market once before, three years ago, as a restricted free agent. He received an offer from Tennessee the Packers matched. Now, the six-year veteran and special teams ace will be unrestricted for the first time.
In each of his six seasons, Bush has recorded double digits in tackles on special teams, and he has ranked first, second or third on the team in that category four times. On defense, he has played mostly dime cornerback over the past two years when the Packers have gone to six defensive backs, and he’s been used at times as a slot blitzer. His role on defense also began to increase late last season, as he was worked into the nickel package on early downs.

RB Ryan Granthttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/ryan-grant/802b7d7c-0e6d-4cab-90a0-987c2de2a59c/)

The Packers’ situation at running back is in as much flux as any position. James Starkshttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/james-starks/a52b27c4-0792-4dd1-be0d-2d0dcd8b69bc/) has been the feature back at times, but he hasn’t been fully healthy in either of his two seasons with the team. Alex Greenhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/alex-green/8360c412-a555-4e26-bedc-775f33a20276/), a third-round draft pick last year, will be coming off reconstructive knee surgery this season, and former undrafted free agent Brandon Sainehttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/brandon-saine/03dddd3e-783e-4cc8-83cb-ee6210befd87/) carried the ball just 18 times as a rookie in 2011.
All that uncertainty could mean Grant comes back, but his scenario is similar to that of Wells and Bush – it will also depend on what he finds on the market as a free agent. With limited opportunities in 2011, Grant’s production was down throughout the middle portion of the season, but then it picked up down the stretch. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry (42 rushes, 243 yards) over the final four games of the regular season, a sign that, perhaps, he was finally fully recovered from his season-ending ankle injury in 2010.

DE Howard Greenhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/howard-green/4c319c04-faa2-4128-8d3f-bae2e68d3214/)

Green played a significant role as a midseason pickup in 2010, helping the Packers win the Super Bowl, but his impact wasn’t as notable in 2011. With the Packers employing so much nickel defense, Green – a run-stuffer – played sparingly and recorded just 21 tackles, barely more than the 17 he had the previous year in half a regular season of action.

CB Pat Leehttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/pat-lee/a70ea275-6396-4d92-9a50-7f874d003342/)

A second-round pick in 2008, Lee hasn’t developed into the nickel or starting corner role envisioned for him, at least not yet. Injuries robbed him of most of his first two seasons, and the last two years he’s been behind Sam Shieldshttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/sam-shields/74bd59be-1dcb-4dce-ad23-1d8ec3333f24/) and Bush on the cornerback depth chart while playing mostly on special teams. With 12 coverage tackles in 2011, Lee tied with Bush for first on the team.

LB Erik Waldenhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/erik-walden/9403184d-8a92-471d-80cb-d8bb4464d696/)

The starter at outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthewshttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/clay-matthews/c908095d-15b6-452b-96f9-26d9c276d819/) most of last season, Walden had three sacks in the first 10 games but saw his production drop off down the stretch, and much of his playing time was then taken by Frank Zombohttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/frank-zombo/f9238d5d-c680-4849-be23-8d02454afb56/) and Brad Joneshttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/brad-jones/f36a54e1-7045-4ce9-a9ad-ad4ba468acf0/). If Walden is brought back, he will have to win back his starting position, because there’s certainly nothing guaranteed at that spot right now.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 04:06 PM

http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/top-five/article-1/Point-counterpoint-What-team-got-the-best-start-to-free-agency/d36b6630-30dc-4e68-9b81-e2f75a469b56

Which TEAM made the BEST DEAL (S) in FREE AGENCY SO FAR?

Packers.com Staff Writer Mike Spofford says it’s the Bucs.

http://www.packers.com/assets/images/imported/GB/photos/article_images/2012/03-march/120315-freeman-josh-buccs-ed-210a.jpg

It’s hard not to think that the Tampa Bay Bucs have improved themselves more than any other team over the last couple of days. They’ve added two significant pieces on offense, as they continue building around promising quarterback Josh Freeman, landing receiver Vincent Jackson from San Diego and guard Carl Nicks from New Orleans. They have also begun addressing their defense with cornerback Eric Wright from Detroit.

Tampa Bay spent a ton of money, no doubt, but I’m not going to get into value here, just how much better the Bucs are now than they were when this week began.

In Jackson, Freeman finally gets a true No. 1 receiver to join pass catchers Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow. Jackson is a big-play guy who has averaged 18 yards per catch over the last four years. He can take advantage of Freeman’s strong arm and adds a new vertical dimension to Tampa Bay’s offense.

Nicks was a second-team All-Pro two years ago and a first-teamer last season. He’s as good as there is at his position and he’s only 27. He’s a road-grader of a blocker who should make running back LeGarrette Blount very happy.

In Wright, the Bucs haven’t fixed their defense – which struggled mightily the second half of last season – but they’ve addressed a key area, which was a weak and thin secondary. There’s more work to do there, but getting a solid, veteran cover man is a good start.

Did Tampa Bay overspend? Probably. Did they have any other choice?

The Saints and Falcons are the class of the NFC South right now and the Panthers are a team on the rise with a franchise quarterback in Cam Newton.

The Bucs had to make a splash in free agency to provide legitimate hope, and to help ensure that new coach Greg Schiano’s tenure isn’t as short as his predecessor’s.

Remember, this team is only two years removed from a 10-6 record that left them just out of the playoffs (we all know another 10-6 team in 2010 that happened to get in). The Bucs also started 4-2 last year and took the eventual 15-1 Packers to the wire at Lambeau Field before Raheem Morris lost the team and losing snowballed.

All that talk last offseason about the Bucs being a team to watch turned out to be just that, talk. The team wasn’t ready for prime time. In just two days, that may have changed.

http://prod.static.packers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/club-images/custom-thumbnails/askvic.jpg

Packers.com Editor Vic Ketchman says it’s the Redskins.

I’ll say this for the Washington Redskins: They’re no quitter.

The trauma the Redskins have endured in free agency would cause most teams to turn their attention to the draft, but every March – last year it was July – the Redskins have stepped up to the plate and taken their swings, and this March is no different.

Last summer they signed O.J. Atogwe. He’s no longer with the team. The Redskins spent and enormous sum of money on Albert Haynesworth. Ouch! Adam Archuleta got a big payday; he was gone a year later.

The Redskins have been the poster team for what not to do, which is to say trying to build your team through free agency, but they were at it again when free agency kicked off this week, and I think they got it right this time.

Forget about value. The Redskins always overspend, which is the very nature of free agency, but the owner apparently has a limitless supply of money and the Redskins aren’t opposed to pushing money onto future caps; they needed a new CBA in 2006 because they had pushed so much into the future. All the Redskins want out of free agency is to have signed players that will make them a winner, and I think they might have achieved that goal this year, depending, of course, on what they do at quarterback.

The moves the Redskins have made in free agency this week would seem to dovetail with the trade the Redskins executed with the Rams that positions the ’Skins to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III. With the additions of wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, Head Coach Mike Shanahan will have acquired playmakers to help make RG3 a Cam Newton-like instant success.

The Redskins were also in hot pursuit of wide receiver Eddie Royal, a teammate of Morgan’s at Virginia Tech.

It’s the re-signing of defensive lineman Adam Carriker, who settled into the nose tackle position and had some success with the Redskins last season after having been a first-round bust in St. Louis, that I like the most. Carriker has all of the measurables you want in a 3-4 defensive lineman; maybe end just wasn’t his position.

The Redskins say they’re not done, yet. They’ve scheduled a visit by cornerback Aaron Ross on Friday, and signed safety Brandon Merriweather, a former first-round pick of the Patriots, on Thursday.

When free agency is over, the money the Redskins will have spent is likely, again, to be alarming, but I finally like their selection of free agents.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 04:17 PM

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 04:23 PM

http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article_ketchman/article-1/What’s-left-in-free-agency/a82db403-5188-4703-89e8-138b596793c0

What’s left in free agency?

By Vic Ketchman, packers.com senior editor

Posted 4 hours ago

http://www.packers.com/assets/images/imported/GB/photos/article_images/2012/03-march/120310nfl_logo210.jpg
Most of the headliners, led by Mario Williams, were quickly signed to contracts. So, other than for Peyton Manning and Matt Flynnhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/matt-flynn/1b0661cc-7393-41ee-ad78-0132e47da2f0/), who are expected to reel in two of the biggest contracts of free agency, what’s left of this year’s free agent class? Let’s start with Manning and Flynn.

Which domino will fall first? Is Flynn waiting for Manning or is Manning waiting for Flynn? When one falls, the other is likely to quickly do the same. So, if you’re looking for a franchise quarterback, you better give one of those two guys a call because they’re not likely to remain available much longer.

The Packers, of course, are not looking for a franchise quarterback. It appears they’re not even looking for a backup quarterback. Those teams that have interest in a backup, I would direct their attention to David Garrard.

Garrard is coming off a season of inactivity, after being cut by the Jaguars to make room for top pick Blaine Gabbert, and then having back surgery. He says he’s recovered from the surgery and prepared to embrace a backup role. When he was good, he was very good. He just wasn’t good often enough, and that’s the standard definition of a backup quarterback. Garrard always had talent. He has always been a strong-armed, athletic and durable quarterback that played well in spurts.

If there’s strength in what’s left of this free agent class, it’s at running back.

Mike Tolbert leads a group that includes hard-running Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Michael Bush and Jerious Norwood. Tolbert is true quality and is probably seeking to be paid as such, but as the clock ticks, the price tag will fall. Runners of Green-Ellis’ talent can be had in the draft, but he’s a proven veteran who knows how to play, has a thousand-yard season behind him and doesn’t fumble. Bush is a big back for a team that wants to pound, and there aren’t a lot of those teams left; he might have trouble finding one. Norwood was once thought to be a hidden talent behind Michael Turner.

How about a fullback to block for one of those guys?

Lousaka Polite blows people up and is a lights-out short-yardage runner.

The first week of free agency resulted in a run at the wide receiver position. Ironically, the player that made the big play of the Super Bowl is still available. Mario Manningham, anybody? You could certainly say he’s a winner.

One of the most intriguing free agents is Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, considered to be one of the fastest receivers in the league. He’s a big-play guy, but he’s also an RFA with a first-round tender. What team might use their first-round pick on Wallace? New England?

Veterans Lee Evans and Deion Branch have aged into possession receivers, which means a couple of good route-runners that have a book on the league’s defensive backs and know how to sit down in a soft spot, can be signed for little damage to the salary cap. Jerricho Cotchery is also tempting.

Offensive linemen? Centers Scott Wellshttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/scott-wells/dfe3cf21-3ede-4e52-9c8a-c967967a3ff8/) and Chris Myers head the list.

Want someone steady and reliable? Tackle Kareem McKenzie’s the guy.

Want a space-eater? Guard Chris Kemoeatu’s the guy.

The big guys on both sides of the ball, of course, always go quickly.

What’s left now is a grab bag of prospects that require vision as to the role they might fill and how they might fit into a particular scheme.

Defensive end Matt Roth is a try-hard guy but with a concussion history that clouds his future. Igor Olshansky is a mauler and they never go out of style.

Dave Tollefson is coming off the best year of his career and appears to be a guy on the rise.

Linebacker?

Joe Mays is the man if you want an undersized guy who’ll hit everything that moves, and do it on special teams, too. He’s still out there.

James Farrior is long of tooth but he was still playing at a high level last season.

Aaron Ross and Tracy Porter are two of the top cornerbacks and it’s thought they’ll sign soon. Want a down-the-road guy? William Gay doesn’t have shut-down speed or skill, but he played a lot of good ball for the Steelers.

As the headliners continue to fall, free agency turns into its most important phase, which is to say the affordable phase.

That’s when the teams strike it rich.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 04:33 PM

http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-1/Point-counterpoint-Spend-a-lot-in-free-agency/6d85444d-dcc1-4a82-824f-4a9b7fccf246

Point, counterpoint: Spend a lot in free agency?

Posted Mar 8, 2012

http://www.packers.com/assets/images/imported/GB/photos/article_images/2012/03-march/120308johnson210.jpg

http://prod.static.packers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/club-images/custom-thumbnails/askvic.jpg

Packers.com Editor Vic Ketchman says no.

Participation in expensive free agency carries with it this disclaimer: Be very, very sure the guy you’re signing is the player you think he is, or else.

Or else what?

Or else your team’s salary cap is going to be damaged, your team’s future is going to suffer, and your job is going to fall into jeopardy.

Yeah, that’s how devastating a miss in expensive free agency can be. I don’t think I need to throw the names at you. OK, I’ll throw out one: Albert Haynesworth. Get it?

Mike Spofford threw one at me: Joe Johnson (pictured). I wasn’t covering the Packers when they signed Johnson, but from afar I knew it hadn’t turned out well. Of course, you know better than I do the degree to which that signing didn’t work.
I’m not against free agency. I’m actually a proponent of using free agency because I believe a team needs to use every resource available in acquiring talent. I’m just against first-week free agency, which is to say expensive free agency, because, in my opinion, there are no bargains in the first week of free agency.

It’s my opinion that all early signings are overpaid. The risk/reward, in my opinion, is grossly tilted toward risk. I think if you wait a little bit and let some of the free agents that went into the process thinking they were going to break the bank find out the market isn’t as attracted to them as they are to the market, you might find a gem that actually is worth the money you agree to pay him. Charles Woodsonhttp://www.packers.com/assets/nflimg/icon-article-link.gif (http://www.packers.com/team/roster/charles-woodson/44e66e29-7360-4f2c-b255-0586623fa582/) was such an acquisition.

First-week free agency also has a reputation for not producing for its participants the results they were seeking. The Jets and Eagles were big players in free agency last summer. How did that work for them?

The Packers haven’t been a big participant in the last two free agency periods. In fact, they haven’t participated at all. The last guy they signed is Duke Preston in 2009. I wasn’t here then. Duke isn’t here now.

Since the Packers stopped signing free agents, they won a Super Bowl and 19 games consecutively. Is there a message in that?

The Patriots haven’t been swingers in expensive free agency, either. They got stung on Roosevelt Colvin a long time ago, took a break to regain their courage, and then took a big swing at Adalius Thomas in 2007, and struck out on a wicked curve ball that buckled the Patriots’ knees. They haven’t taken a big swing since.

Pittsburgh treats first-week free agency as though it’s a leper colony.

The Giants are above such admissions of weakness.

I’m not saying the Packers won’t go for a guy next week. I’m just saying that should they do it, they better be very, very sure the guy they sign is the player they think he is, or else.

http://prod.static.packers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/club-images/custom-thumbnails/spofford_headshot.jpg

Packers.com Staff Writer Mike Spofford says yes.

Every team in the NFL is in this, or should be in this, to win a championship. For a contender to win a championship, it must get better players, and the best players available to improve a team are the ones at the top of the free-agent market.

The top guys in free agency are established pros. They’ve been around the block. They aren’t rookies that need to be brought along, that need to learn. They’re ready to step in and play. Somebody is going to sign these guys to improve their team, and if it’s not you, then your competition is getting better players instead.

Are some of these top free agents going to demand too much money? Of course. Proven players don’t come cheap. The top free agents, if they aren’t tagged as franchise or transition players by their original teams, have probably been underpaid to this point in their careers. Now they might get overpaid a bit, but should a few extra bucks prevent you from getting a player who can really help your team?

The position they play matters. Quarterbacks, offensive tackles, pass rushers and cornerbacks are the premier positions in the league. This is where to spend the money. If a top free agent at a premier position is better than what you have on your team, you’d better look into it because somebody is going to get better at an important spot.
Big free-agent signings come with risk, primarily financial. They eat up salary cap space, and if they don’t perform as expected, that can damage a team’s future. Sometimes it doesn’t work out. It’s not foolproof. Nothing in this business is, but nobody in the NFL wins it all by totally playing it safe, even the Packers.

Green Bay’s only two Super Bowl championship teams since the Lombardi era both featured prime free agents – Reggie White and Charles Woodson, a pass rusher and a corner. In 1996 and 2010, respectively, they were big-time playmakers and superb locker-room leaders. It took a few years in each case – White signed in ’93, Woodson in ’06 – for the Packers to win that title, but those prized free agents were huge building blocks in the development of a championship team.
Free agency is a high-risk, high-reward game. It’s an investment made in a proven, high-priced player when a multi-year window to win a title presents itself. White was the biggest prize on the market the year he became available and he helped the Packers get to three straight NFC title games and two consecutive Super Bowls. His jersey has been retired by the Packers and he’s in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s the most significant free-agent signing in team history, if not league history.

Free agents like White can make the difference. Can they bust? Of course, but they can also give a contender a bigger championship window. The Packers of the mid-1990s were becoming a good team that might have gotten a shot at winning it all without White, but he helped give the Packers multiple bites at the big apple. The franchise’s hopes weren’t all on that single year that it finally might come together. The hope was annual.

Woodson’s case is a little different because he lasted on the free-agent market longer than expected. The interest in him wasn’t as high as anticipated, but the Packers made a large investment in him nonetheless. He aided Green Bay’s push to the conference title game in his second season with the Packers before becoming an integral figure on the championship team three years later.
It’s all about opportunity, and proven players at premier positions enhance and increase a team’s opportunities. Winning it all is all that’s worth winning

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 04:48 PM

Whisenhunt confirms Cardinals are out of the mix for Manning

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 5:09 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/ken-whisenhunt-pic.jpg?w=250 AP

The Arizona Cardinals seemed like an excellent fit when Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) hit unrestricted free agency last week. They have a top-three NFL receiver, an up-and-coming running game and defense, and a retractable-roof stadium in one of the league’s weaker divisions.

Manning confirmed his interest in Arizona by paying a visit to Cardinals headquarters (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/11/manning-leaves-cardinals-facility-after-6-12-hour-visit/) last weekend. But it didn’t work out.

“Regarding today’s developments and our quarterback position, acquiring Peyton Manning is no longer an option for us (http://blog.azcardinals.com/2012/03/16/whisenhunt-peyton-no-longer-an-option/),” Whisenhunt confirmed, referring to Friday’s decision (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/cardinals-are-paying-kevin-kolbs-7-million-roster-bonus/) to pay Kevin Kolb (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4151/kevin-kolb)’s $7 million roster bonus.

“Since the end of last season, we made it very clear that our plan was to head into 2012 with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5807/john-skelton), let the process play out and — like at every position — go with the quarterback who gives us the best chance to win.

“Obviously something very unique and unexpected presented itself. We’ve said it many times: If there’s an opportunity to make our team better, we’ll explore it. … In the end, it didn’t work out, but from our perspective it was very positive and we certainly don’t have any regrets about it.”

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 04:51 PM

Elway says Peyton “threw the ball great”

Posted by Mike Florio on March 16, 2012, 5:00 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/iqwdv-eywkiw-e1331931448804.jpg?w=239 Getty Images

Broncos V.P. of football operations John Elway made a trip to North Carolina on Friday to watch Peyton Manning (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1493/peyton-manning) throw a football.

Elway, who maintains a Twitter account but has been silent on it about the Peyton chase, has posted a couple of comments. ”We enjoyed visiting with Peyton today in N.C.,” Elway writes. ”He threw the ball great and looked very comfortable (https://twitter.com/#!/johnelway/status/180754008821084160) out there.”

Apparently, that large-headed voodoo doll the Tebowmaniacs have been mutilating all week has turned out to be fairly resilient.

“Watching him throw today was the next step in this important process (https://twitter.com/#!/johnelway/status/180755466706628610) for our team and Peyton,”

Elway added. ”It was a productive visit and went well.”

But here’s where it all gets even more interesting. With Elway gushing about how well Peyton threw the ball, the Duke student newspaper claims via Twitter that “Manning did not throw a pass today (https://twitter.com/?tw_i=180748638492950528&tw_p=tweetembed#!/chroniclesports),” characterizing it as an “[o]dd development.” (Those kids need to reel in the hyperbole.)
We’re not sure how they know it, and we’ll be keeping an eye on the Chronicle Twitter page for elaboration.

At this point, we’ve got no reason to doubt Elway.

Apart from, you know, an established and lengthy patter of strategically deliberate falsehoods and misdirections by NFL coaches and executives.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 05:38 PM

Bengals lead NFL in cap space, but they haven’t spent a nickel

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 6:32 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/mike-brown-pic-e1331937128158.jpg?w=219 AP

The Bengals entered free agency with the league’s most salary cap space (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/11/bengals-head-to-free-agency-with-49-9-million-in-cap-space/), ( nearly $50 Million$ ) but they haven’t acquired a single unrestricted free agent since the signing period began last Tuesday.

On Friday, the Bengals announced that they hosted cornerbacks Jason Allen (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3670/jason-allen) and Tracy Porter (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4858/tracy-porter), and defensive end Jamaal Anderson (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4193/jamaal-anderson) at team headquarters.

So far, we’ve counted those three players, defensive linemen Kendall Langford (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4862/kendall-langford) and Andre Fluellen (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4868/andre-fluellen), guard Jacob Bell (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2843/jacob-bell), and cornerback Aaron Ross (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4210/aaron-ross) as free agents who’ve visited the Bengals.

Next Monday, they will host running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4989/benjarvus-green-ellis) and Michael Bush (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4156/michael-bush).

Former Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2708/terence-newman) was also rumored to be visiting the Bengals, and tight end Kellen Davis (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4825/kellen-davis) had a Bengals visit scheduled before re-signing with Chicago.

That’s 11 guys. Zero signings.

Meanwhile, the Bengals have lost offensive linemen Mike McGlynn (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4875/mike-mcglynn) (Colts) and Nate Livings (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4460/nate-livings) (Cowboys), while defensive linemen Frostee Rucker (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3725/frostee-rucker) (Browns) and Jonathan Fanene (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3399/jonathan-fanene) (Patriots) have also moved on.

The Bengals are apparently trying to give off the impression that they’re being aggressive in free agency.

But they’re not acquiring anyone, and they’re not even trying to keep their own.

Comment woodbuck27:

mmmmm Packers and Bengals. Do these two teams have something in common?

I'm wondering if Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel will TWEET that there's a ' shadow ally' relationship between Ted Thompson and Bengals Owner, GM and President, Michael 'Mike' Brown.

I've read that 'Mike' Brown is rumoured to be frugal and somewhat reclusive, although he occasionally grants interviews. Anyone ever read that TT and Michael Brown are friends? ......... I'm joking. (-;

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 06:50 PM

Rams land Scott Wells to play center (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/16/rams-land-scott-wells-to-play-center/)
Last Updated 7:23 PM, March 16, 2012 EDT

Rams land Scott Wells to play center

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 7:23 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/scott-wells-pic1-e1331940182190.jpg?w=243 AP

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Rams have agreed to terms (https://twitter.com/#!/jthom1/statuses/180793340923621376) with center Scott Wells (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2940/scott-wells).

Wells is regarded as a fine NFL center, but the Packers were annually trying to replace him.

G.M. Ted Thompson doesn’t usually let valuable players get away in free agency.

Wells (6’2/300) is a relatively undersized center and turned 31 a couple of months ago. He was hardly a premium free agent.

Wells made two free agent visits, first to the Titans (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/14/titans-to-host-scott-wells/) and second to Rams Park.

He never left St. Louis.

He was the No. 95 player on the PFT Hot 100 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

Comment woodbuck27:

This story broke with a Tweet at about 7:11 PM EDT ( I believe ) Fri. 16 March 2012.

Packer fans may take exception with the low opinion PFT seems to have take in terms of Scott Wells. MM loved him as did other players on our OL. He was good enough to receive a PRO Bowl selection this season. He was ranked tied for second among 11 FA Centers. He was rated our best offensive lineman.

smuggler

03-16-2012, 07:02 PM

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:08 PM

Raiders land cornerback Ron Bartell, guard Mike Brisiel

Posted by Evan Silva on March 16, 2012, 7:02 PM EDT
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/ronald-bartell-pic1.jpg?w=152 AP

The Oakland Raiders announced Friday evening that they have signed cornerback Ronald Bartell (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/3193/ronald-bartell), formerly of the St. Louis Rams.

Bartell, 30, missed all but one game last season due to a severe neck injury. He’s one of the most underrated corners in football when healthy, however, and adds much needed experience to the perimeter of Oakland’s secondary. Bartell is a big (6’1/205), physical press cornerback and should be a strong mentor for youngsters Demarcus Van Dyke (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6589/demarcus-van-dyke) and Chimdi Chekwa (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6639/chimdi-chekwa).

The Raiders also signed guard Mike Brisiel (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4096/mike-brisiel) to a five-year deal that John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports is worth $20 million (https://twitter.com/#!/McClain_on_NFL/statuses/180785431766511616). Brisiel is an ideal fit for Oakland’s zone-blocking system and will immediately enter the starting lineup at right guard, replacing Cooper Carlisle (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1956/cooper-carlisle).

Bartell is the No. 32 overall player on the PFT Hot 100 list (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/).

Brisiel didn’t make the top 100 because he’s a one-scheme lineman, but the Raiders run that scheme.

While these additions will generate little attention because they occurred late Friday, they are quality signings by first-year G.M. Reggie McKenzie. Bartell and Brisiel are both immediate impact starters.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:15 PM

Wells was ranked as the 4th best center in the league last year, far ahead of "ALL PRO" Maurkice Pouncey, who was ranked 15th.

Wells lacks ability, but he performed. Pouncey has ability, and doesn't perform to that level. Which do you prefer?

I'd always prefer the overachiever. The man that gives alot.The man that pushes himself to get to the top.

Ability and talent minus results is trumped by less talented and a positive result oriented player.

If your correct in your comparison it gets easier. I'll take Wells over Pouncey.

woodbuck27

03-16-2012, 07:22 PM

It's 8:2o PM EDT .... Time to break. (-:

MadtownPacker

03-16-2012, 07:48 PM

Hey Woody, I appreciate all the great articles but how about just posting the link and maybe a few lines? I dont want to have any issues with copyright crap.

pittstang5

03-16-2012, 10:16 PM

smuggler

03-16-2012, 11:24 PM

We have EDS, Genus in the wings. EDS quietly had a very solid season last year. I don't think we need to address center in FA per se, but we probably do need to sign SOME free agent, because we cannot address all needs through the draft.

woodbuck27

03-17-2012, 04:24 AM

Hey Woody, I appreciate all the great articles but how about just posting the link and maybe a few lines? I dont want to have any issues with copyright crap.

Sorry Mad. I knew you were on vacation and posting wondered about that... if what I was posting could possibly be a copywrite issue.

I though as long as the post gave first credit or was an obvious take off of PFT.Com it wouldn't violate copywrite law and i may have been mistaken.

I felt if I was doing something wrong. posters here would notify me of that fact.

I wanted a thread that all Packerrats might get into or read and learn something more. Some here couldn't give a damn as TT doesn't use FAcy to much degree. Others like me enjoy this part of the NFL.

It's important to understand the Process of FA . For those of us into Fantasy Sports as it helps us get a jump start on team changes ...player movements teams strenthening in specific areas for the short or longer term.

Hey mad I'm in a GREAT Mood. It's St. Paricks Day. If you wish I'll go over this thread and do my best to revise it to avoid any possible copywrite issue.

Hope your trip to florida was cool. woodbuck27.... Ed

woodbuck27

03-17-2012, 04:43 AM

So Chris Myers just resigned with the Texans - 4 years, 25 mil - 14 mil guaranteed. I'm guessing this will be similiar to what Wells is going to get.

Now what? Jason Brown? I think we need a veteran here, at least to get us through this year. You know TT is going to try to find the furture Center in this years draft.

It's rumored that TT was offerning in the range of $4.5 Million$ per year.

If Scott Wells signed with the St. Louis RAMS for what Chris Myers got or $6.25 Million$. The difference is $1.75 Million$, ballpark.

** Update Sat. 17 March 2012 **

Scott Wells and Chris Myers 'in fact' signed very similiar contracts in the range of four years and $24-25 M$ with guranteed money in the $14-15 M$ range.

Scott Wells then makes about $6 M$ more by not staying in Green Bay; and that over the entire four years of his reported contract.

Bretsky

03-17-2012, 04:49 AM

woodbuck27

03-17-2012, 04:52 AM

With today's cap and the needs of GB's offense and defense I don't think you throw over 5MIL at a center; completely agree with TT here.

Throw that money at a DE or OLB or use it to extend Jennings. Several weeks ago I suggested trading for Wimbley....throwing a 5th over to our old Buddy Reggie...making it contingent on signing Wimbley to an extension. That would have looked pretty good now...who knows....maybe we tried.

My guess is they could get Langford for less than what Wells signed for if they want to....Wimbley IMO will cost more....dude has been a stuf

I also suggested signing a veteran safety for insurance; I wonder if there are any out there ?

Are you suggesting that Reggie McKenzie might possibly become Ted Thompson's 'shadow ally'?

It looks like TT just won't pay his center as much as some teams might but 'in fact' he doesn't have a whole bundle of CAP space available to him. As far as extending Greg Jennings with what might be saved by not signing Scott Wells.

'B' you know better than that. What's he going to do? Offer greg Jennings 2-3 more $million$ per season on some 3-5 year extension?? TT has to always keepan eye peeled to the WR position as far as bringing in new talent. The second thing he can rely on Aaron Rodgers to be like Brett Favre and get the ball to any manner of talented WR. (-:

Until the new TV money comes to the Packer bank. TT cannot really budge. He doesn't have a $20-50 Million$ surplus in CAP money.

With Scott Wells gone what does he have? It was at $5.4 M plus $1.6 M or $7.0 Million$ early this week under the CAP. He has to sign a draft class. He has to make hard decisions on players like Donald Driver and Chad Clifton. Learn the status on Nick Collins.

Ted Thompson has ???? 's

i.e. Who on our roster can re-strucure their contract?

The fact is that Ted Thompson doesn't have a whole lot of room to manouever in.

The biggest question. When is that TV contract money going to be delivered by Brinks?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/11/team-by-team-cap-space-as-of-march-11/

LINK above to CAP Space for each team minus the $1.6 Million$ added adjustment** as a result of CAP Penaltys imposed
by the NFL Rules Committee.

** in principle or on paper 'only'. There will be appeals 'of course' and as fans we should simply forget this sum of money IMO as we observe our teams CAP space.