Semi-Official jumping the gun FA signings thread - and First Day of Free Agency cuts as a bonus!

[HarveyWallbangers]

Wow, that was fast. Well, I say good riddens. I never liked the guy. Of course, I'm in the minority here.

Or not.

[denverYooper]

The Colts signed Erik Walden.

http://blogs.colts.com/

McGinn reporting 4 years/16 mil.

Wowza.

[Freak Out]

I'm glad to see Walden go.

[woodbuck27]

@RavensInsider:

Ravens are dumping guys now -- Boldin, Kruger, Ellerbe. All key playoff contributors.

a) We know that former Raven WR Anquan Boldin will be a 49er (yesterday).


b) Former RAVEN LB Paul Kruger signed today just after the opening of FA with the Cleveland Browns:

LB Paul Kruger signs with the Cleveland Browns for 5 years, $41 million

By Ryan Wilson March 12, 2013 4:45 pm ET

" Ravens outside linebacker Paul Kruger registered nine sacks last season and 5.5 in 2011. Minutes into free agency, and he's parlayed that into a huge second contract courtesy of Baltimore's division rival, the Cleveland Browns.

According to the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson, Kruger has signed with the Browns, a team under new ownership, flush with salary-cap space and looking to fix what has been a broken franchise pretty much since it returned to the NFL in 1999.

The deal is worth $41 million over five years, and according to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora that includes $20 million in guarantees. "


c) Former Raven LBer Dannell Ellerbe departs the Baltimore Ravens and reaches agreement with the Miami Dolphins.

By Aaron Wilson ... The Baltimore Sun ... 5:46 p.m. EDT, March 12, 2013

" Unrestricted free agent inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is leaving the Ravens.

Dannell Ellerbe, one of the breakout players of the Ravens’ Super Bowl run has found a new home. He has reached an agreement with the Miami Dolphins on a multi-year contract, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation it's for five (5) years and $35 Million$.

Ellerbe had been in talks with the Ravens throughout Tuesday, but they were unable to reach a compromise. "

[woodbuck27]

Mike Wallace reaches 5-year deal with Dolphins

By Josh Katzowitz | Blogger

March 12, 2013 4:33 pm ET

" It appears as though the top free agent receiver is just about off the board.

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Dolphins have reached an agreement with receiver Mike Wallace, and barring a failed physical, he will sign a contract that La Canfora says will average $12 million per year.

The NFL Network's Jeff Darlington reports Wallace will make $30 million of guaranteed money.

The thinking that Wallace would go to Miami picked up momentum in the past few days when many reports linked the two sides together. Considering the Dolphins reportedly weren't interested in Greg Jennings, probably the second-most-coveted free agent receiver, Wallace going to Miami seemed awfully likely." Fr. LINK

[woodbuck27]

Bears announce four-year deal for Martellus Bennett

Posted by Josh Alper on March 12, 2013, 6:08 PM EDT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/12/bears-announce-four-year-deal-for-martellus-bennett/

" On the first day of free agency last year, the Bears swung a trade for wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

They made a splash on the first day again in 2013. The team has announced that tight end Martellus Bennett has agreed to a four-year deal to leave the Giants for a spot on the Bears roster." Fr. LINK

[denverYooper]

@AdamSchefter

Former Saints OT Jermon Bushrod reached agreement with Bears.

[woodbuck27]

Colts stay busy, add Donald Thomas and Lawrence Sidbury

Posted by Josh Alper on March 12, 2013, 5:51 PM EDT

After being limited in the free agent market last year, the Colts had a lot of space under the cap to use this time around.

They aren’t wasting much time using it. As previously reported, the team has reached agreements in principle with tackle Gosder Cherilus, cornerback Greg Toler and linebacker Erik Walden. You can now add former Patriots guard Donald Thomas and former Falcon DE Lawrence Sidbury to the list.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5310/andy-levitre

" Titans agreed to terms with OG Andy Levitre on a five-year, $39 million contract.Free agency's top guard is off the market. Levitre graded out as the NFL's top pass-blocking guard last season and was also part of a Bills' rushing unit that ranked third in yards-per-carry (5.0). He's just 26 years old and fills a massive problem area for the Titans. Chris Johnson will have a harder time throwing his offensive line under the bus next season and Jake Locker will certainly have more time in the pocket. " Fr. LINK

Mar 12 - 4:34 PM

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

[denverYooper]

Per PFT: Ravens sign Chris Canty

[Bretsky]

Walden was nothing that special....grossly overpaid by the Colts....but I'd take him over J.A.G Jones

[HarveyWallbangers]

Walden was nothing that special....grossly overpaid by the Colts....but I'd take him over J.A.G Jones

I'd take neither, but Jones over Walden if you made me pick.

If Jennings resigns, I could see Finley getting released.

If Jackson signs, I could see Hawk getting released.

How much would it save to cut Tramon Williams? Anything?

[Joemailman]

Walden was nothing that special....grossly overpaid by the Colts....but I'd take him over J.A.G Jones

I think Moses has a chance to be better than either of them. I'm amazed by what the Colts paid Walden.

[Joemailman]

How much would it save to cut Tramon Williams? Anything?

His base salary is 5.9 million. He still has 2.4 million of his signing bonus to be prorated. He also has another bonus of 1.4 million. It seems that depending on when you cut him, you would save anywhere from 3.5-4.9 million. If House is healthy, it could happen in training camp. House was having a great camp before he got hurt in the first preseason game.

[Brandon494]

@AdamSchefter

This is interesting: Chiefs free-agent RB Peyton Hillis is visiting the Green Bay Packers.

Smh