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Panthers released RB DeShaun Foster.
The Panthers shopped Foster in recent weeks, but his $4.75 million salary made a trade impossible. The team still likes him, but he never developed into an every-down back. Foster personifies league average with a 3.9 career YPC. He'll catch on as a backup, and we wouldn't rule out a return to the Carolina. The Panthers will add backfield talent, but DeAngelo Williams has a good shot to be their primary back this year.
The Jets have given ILB Jonathan Vilma permission to shop himself for a potential trade.
Vilma is coming off knee surgery, but was a Pro Bowl alternate his second season, and just doesn't fit well into Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense. He'll seek a long-term deal with a team that would then have to work out a trade with the Jets. Reuniting with former Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson in Jacksonville is a possibility. There has also been talk in St. Louis of the Rams sending the No. 2 overall pick to the Jets for the No. 6 pick and Vilma, though that seems unlikely.
The Bucs and Broncos are in trade discussions involving Javon Walker, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
The sides have done business in the past, but it'd be a surprise if a deal actually happens. Walker is almost certain to be cut before his $5.4 million option bonus comes due March 4. If healthy, he'd be an excellent fit in Jon Gruden's West Coast attack, but his balky knee makes Walker a huge risk.
The Giants are reportedly prepared to send the No. 31 overall pick in the draft to the Falcons in exchange for CB DeAngelo Hall.
The Giants were reportedly hoping to woo Nnamdi Asomugha or Marcus Trufant, but both were franchised. GM Jerry Reese views Asante Samuel as a product of the Patriots' system. The rebuilding Falcons could probably ask the Giants to add a later-round pick to the deal and get it. Despite the Super Bowl win, Reese smartly recognizes the Giants' CB situation as a need area.
Seahawks re-signed RT Sean Locklear to a five-year, $32 million contract. The deal includes $12 million in guarantees.
Locklear, 27 in May, didn't have his best season in 2007, but didn't miss a start and Seattle is right to lock him up now. He would've commanded guarantees in the $15 million range had he hit the market. The Seahawks still have to find an eventual successor for 34-year-old LT Walter Jones.
Yahoo Sports' Jason Cole reports the NFL is investigating the 49ers for tampering with free agent to be Lance Briggs.
The Bears filed the charge against San Francisco. Chicago claims that the 49ers engaged in contract discussions with Briggs during last season after a trade fell through at the October deadline. If the Niners are found guilty, they could face a fine and/or lose a draft choice. Tampering quietly goes on every year, but new commish Roger Goodell could begin the crackdown now.
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