2012 Free Agent Watch

[woodbuck27]

Redskins sign Brandon Meriweather

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 1:46 PM EDT
Getty Images
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, 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, 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]

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]

Six year, $96 million for Mario Williams

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 1:56 PM EDT
Getty Images
The numbers are in for defensive end 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]

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]

Vikings plan to welcome back Chris Cook

Posted by Mike Florio on March 15, 2012, 5:40 PM EDT
Getty Images

After 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, 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, Matthew Stafford, and 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, 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]

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.

[woodbuck27]

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
Reuters

A week ago, the Miami Dolphins didn’t want to flirt with Matt Flynn. Now, they’re getting ready to propose.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that, with 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]

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

[woodbuck27]

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

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 15, 2012, 6:15 PM EDT
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, the wide receiver who signed a five-year contract with a base value of $47 million to remain with the Eagles, is brimming with confidence right now.

“I’m just happy to still be here,” 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’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

[woodbuck27]

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

[woodbuck27]

Saints schedule weekend visit with Curtis Lofton

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 6:20 PM EDT
AP
Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the Saints have scheduled a weekend free agent visit with linebacker Curtis Lofton.

We mentioned the Saints’ interest in Lofton previously. His signing would almost certainly seal 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, formerly of the Rams. Free agent inside linebackers Joe Mays and David Hawthorne have been on New Orleans’ radar, as well.

[woodbuck27]

Cardinals “close” to re-signing Levi Brown

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 7:18 PM EDT
Getty Images
The Arizona Cardinals released offensive tackle 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” 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 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]

Bears re-sign Idonije to one-year contract

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 7:29 PM EDT
AP
The Chicago Bears announced Thursday evening that they’ve re-signed defensive end Israel Idonije to a one-year contract.

The Bears tried upgrading on Idonije by courting Jeremy Mincey in free agency, but Mincey stayed in Jacksonville.

Idonije just barely cracked the PFT Hot 100 list, 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.

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 on Friday.

[woodbuck27]

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

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 8:14 PM EDT
Getty Images

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Thursday that they have signed tight end Kevin Boss, formerly of the Oakland Raiders.

Boss, 28, will play across the formation from 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.

Kansas City hasn’t made any huge splashes in free agency, but it has retained top wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and shored up its rushing attack.

The Chiefs could still get into the mix for a free agent nose tackle like Aubrayo Franklin as the market plays out.
Boss was the No. 82 overall player on the PFT Hot 100.

[woodbuck27]

Chargers close deal with Eddie Royal

Posted by Evan Silva on March 15, 2012, 9:00 PM EDT
AP

Adam Caplan reports that the Chargers have agreed to terms with receiver/returner 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.