!!!2008 NFL Free Agency Thread!!! - Updated When Signings Occur
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DANGEROUSBLACKMAN
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Big Ben Got A Big Pay Day, McFadden Will Probably Go Too The Raiders.
NO TRADE YET FOR ROBERTSON
Though the Jets and Bengals have agreed to terms on a trade for defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, Robertson's agent says that a deal is far from done.
Hadley Englehard (whom you might recall as being the guy who got suspended for giving ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli his password to access the proprietary NFLPA database) tells Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News that there's no agreement with the Bengals on a new deal for Robertson.
"We have not agreed to a contract, not by any stretch," Englehard told Cimini.
Robertson is due to earn a base salary of $6.8 million in 2008. There's also a $3 million roster bonus due in June.
As a practical matter, Robertson holds all the cards here. Since Robertson has received permission to try to work out a trade, Englehard has been able to gauge the market for his client if he were to hold firm and be released. And teams presumably would be willing to kick more money to the 2003 first-round bust if the move also didn't require coughing up a couple of draft picks.
Robertson undoubtedly will be cut by the Jets before June 1. Typically, teams will trade for a player who is going to be released if his current contract is more palatable than the deal he'd get on the open market. In this case, it surely would be cheaper to sign Robertson as a free agent than to pay him what he's owed this year and next.
Meanwhile, let's call this what it is -- an effort by the Jets to make turd salad. Whether the team is using a 4-3 or a 3-4, Robertson is and has been a bust. And even though coach Eric Mangini was in New England when the Jets gave up two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder in order to draft Robertson while Kevin Williams and Ty Warren were on the board, G.M. Mike Tannenbaum was part of the front office when the decision was made to trade up for a guy whom they might not now be able to give away.
Then again, Tannenbaum can blame the move on former G.M. Terry Bradway. But Bradway also happens to be the guy whom Tannenbaum hired to be in charge of evaluating personnel.
So, um, never mind.
POSTED 10:58 a.m. EST, March 3, 2008
LEAGUE WARNED TEAMS ABOUT TAMPERING
Peter King of SI.com reports in his Monday Morning Quarterback column that the league office issued a memo to all teams on January 31 reminding them not to engage in early discussions with free agents.
Said the memo, a copy of which was obtained by King: "You are specifically reminded that any contact -- direct or indirect -- by one club with players under contract to another club, about potential future employment, is not permitted. Such contacts could potentially interfere with the employer-employee relationship of the second club. Further, any public or private statement of interest, qualified or unqualified, in another club's player to the player's agent or representative, or to the news media, is a violation of the Anti-Tampering Policy.
"These rules are in effect at all times that a player remains under contract; the anticipated expiration of a player contract at the beginning of the upcoming League year (that is, a player's expectation that he will soon become a free agent) does not excuse impermissible contact prior to such contract expiration.''
But because the league doesn't investigate potential violations of this rule absent a complaint from one of the teams, there likely won't be any fallout from, for example, the strong possibility that the Dolphins had advance contact with 49ers guard Justin Smiley before signing him to a contract within 27 minutes after the free-agency period opened.
King also hints that the Eagles tampered with former Pats cornerback Asante Samuel, who signed with Philly on Friday. "[H]ow did I know the Eagles would be the leaders in the clubhouse for Asante, including details about the money in the deal, nine days ago?" King writes.
King's bottom line, with which we firmly agree: "We've got to stop pretending this doesn't exist, and the league has to stop selectively enforcing some rules and not others. If there's an anti-tampering rule, the NFL must enforce it the way it enforces other rules."
Though the Jets and Bengals have agreed to terms on a trade for defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, Robertson's agent says that a deal is far from done.
Hadley Englehard (whom you might recall as being the guy who got suspended for giving ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli his password to access the proprietary NFLPA database) tells Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News that there's no agreement with the Bengals on a new deal for Robertson.
"We have not agreed to a contract, not by any stretch," Englehard told Cimini.
Robertson is due to earn a base salary of $6.8 million in 2008. There's also a $3 million roster bonus due in June.
As a practical matter, Robertson holds all the cards here. Since Robertson has received permission to try to work out a trade, Englehard has been able to gauge the market for his client if he were to hold firm and be released. And teams presumably would be willing to kick more money to the 2003 first-round bust if the move also didn't require coughing up a couple of draft picks.
Robertson undoubtedly will be cut by the Jets before June 1. Typically, teams will trade for a player who is going to be released if his current contract is more palatable than the deal he'd get on the open market. In this case, it surely would be cheaper to sign Robertson as a free agent than to pay him what he's owed this year and next.
Meanwhile, let's call this what it is -- an effort by the Jets to make turd salad. Whether the team is using a 4-3 or a 3-4, Robertson is and has been a bust. And even though coach Eric Mangini was in New England when the Jets gave up two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder in order to draft Robertson while Kevin Williams and Ty Warren were on the board, G.M. Mike Tannenbaum was part of the front office when the decision was made to trade up for a guy whom they might not now be able to give away.
Then again, Tannenbaum can blame the move on former G.M. Terry Bradway. But Bradway also happens to be the guy whom Tannenbaum hired to be in charge of evaluating personnel.
So, um, never mind.
POSTED 10:58 a.m. EST, March 3, 2008
LEAGUE WARNED TEAMS ABOUT TAMPERING
Peter King of SI.com reports in his Monday Morning Quarterback column that the league office issued a memo to all teams on January 31 reminding them not to engage in early discussions with free agents.
Said the memo, a copy of which was obtained by King: "You are specifically reminded that any contact -- direct or indirect -- by one club with players under contract to another club, about potential future employment, is not permitted. Such contacts could potentially interfere with the employer-employee relationship of the second club. Further, any public or private statement of interest, qualified or unqualified, in another club's player to the player's agent or representative, or to the news media, is a violation of the Anti-Tampering Policy.
"These rules are in effect at all times that a player remains under contract; the anticipated expiration of a player contract at the beginning of the upcoming League year (that is, a player's expectation that he will soon become a free agent) does not excuse impermissible contact prior to such contract expiration.''
But because the league doesn't investigate potential violations of this rule absent a complaint from one of the teams, there likely won't be any fallout from, for example, the strong possibility that the Dolphins had advance contact with 49ers guard Justin Smiley before signing him to a contract within 27 minutes after the free-agency period opened.
King also hints that the Eagles tampered with former Pats cornerback Asante Samuel, who signed with Philly on Friday. "[H]ow did I know the Eagles would be the leaders in the clubhouse for Asante, including details about the money in the deal, nine days ago?" King writes.
King's bottom line, with which we firmly agree: "We've got to stop pretending this doesn't exist, and the league has to stop selectively enforcing some rules and not others. If there's an anti-tampering rule, the NFL must enforce it the way it enforces other rules."
Them niggas gave him a 5 year 20 million deal!!!
I don't know what film the Texans were watching but
to the front office for taking that scrub off our hands Pace to get $22M guaranteed in big deal with Jets
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: March 3, 2008, 3:07 PM ET
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The New York Jets have agreed to a six-year, $42 million deal with DE/LB Calvin Pace.
Hashmarks
ESPN.com's Matt Mosley, Mike Sando and Pat Yasinskas are following the NFL free-agency frenzy and sharing their thoughts. Get the latest news from the always updated Hashmarks.
Pace, a five-year Arizona Cardinals veteran. began his career as a defensive end before moving to linebacker in a 3-4 front in 2007.
Pace will receive a $20 million signing bonus, with $22 million of the deal guaranteed.
He chose between offers from the Dolphins and Jets.
Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: March 3, 2008, 3:07 PM ET
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The New York Jets have agreed to a six-year, $42 million deal with DE/LB Calvin Pace.
Hashmarks
ESPN.com's Matt Mosley, Mike Sando and Pat Yasinskas are following the NFL free-agency frenzy and sharing their thoughts. Get the latest news from the always updated Hashmarks.
Pace, a five-year Arizona Cardinals veteran. began his career as a defensive end before moving to linebacker in a 3-4 front in 2007.
Pace will receive a $20 million signing bonus, with $22 million of the deal guaranteed.
He chose between offers from the Dolphins and Jets.
Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
Buccaneers acquire Griese from Bears for draft pick
By John Clayton
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: March 3, 2008, 3:10 PM ET
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Brian Griese
Griese
The Chicago Bears, who re-signed Rex Grossman and gave Kyle Orton a contract extension, traded backup Brian Griese to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed draft choice.
Griese left the Buccaneers two seasons ago when he signed a five-year contract with Chicago. The 32-year-old Griese started six games in two seasons with the Bears, compared to 16 starts in two seasons with the Bucs.
The Denver Broncos selected Griese in the third round of the 1998 NFL draft. He was with Denver for five seasons and also played one season for the Dolphins.
Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
By John Clayton
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: March 3, 2008, 3:10 PM ET
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Brian Griese
Griese
The Chicago Bears, who re-signed Rex Grossman and gave Kyle Orton a contract extension, traded backup Brian Griese to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed draft choice.
Griese left the Buccaneers two seasons ago when he signed a five-year contract with Chicago. The 32-year-old Griese started six games in two seasons with the Bears, compared to 16 starts in two seasons with the Bucs.
The Denver Broncos selected Griese in the third round of the 1998 NFL draft. He was with Denver for five seasons and also played one season for the Dolphins.
Senior writer John Clayton covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
POSTED 1:24 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
ODOM LOOKS TO MINNESOTA
With the Vikings missing out on an opportunity to woo free-agent defensive end Justin Smith, the Vikes are now setting their sights on Antwan Odom of the Titans.
Odom reportedly plans to blow off a visit with the Cardinals on Tuesday, and instead he will visit the Twin Cities. For now, he's spending time with the Bengals in Ohio's Queen City.
The Cardinals are also interested in Titans defensive end Travis LaBoy, who was Odom's backup in Tennessee.
Meanwhile, it's unclear what the Titans will do to replace either or both of them. There previously was talk of the Titans trying to reunite with Jevon Kearse, who was cut last week by the Eagles.
POSTED 1:13 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
BELL STAYS PUT
A league source tells us that Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell has opted to stick around.
Per the source, Bell has agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract. The move also is being reported by Adam Schefter of NFL Network.
Bell started the 2007 regular-season opener, but suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon and missed the rest of the year.
He'll get a chance now to prove that he is healthy, and he'll re-enter the free-agent market in 2008. (Unless, of course, he plays so well that the team opts to restrict him with the franchise tag.)
POSTED 1:05 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
TUNA IN TROUBLE?
We've got no real strong feelings one way or the other about Dolphins V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells. But we've noticed over the past few months that his apparent zeal to turn around a franchise that has figured out how to be consistently mediocre in the free-agency era (Dan Marino's presence masked it for much of the '90s) has caused the Tuna to create the appearance that he isn't respecting one or more of the rules that apply (in theory) to all 32 teams.
It's ironic, really, that while the team coached by the guy whom Parcells mentored and managed by the guy whom Parcells' daughter married is being relentlessly vilified for getting caught with a video camera in the cookie jar, the Tuna's tactics have been largely ignored.
First, there was the whole "I want Jeff Ireland to be my G.M. and if it means giving him 'final say' even if he doesn't really have it then let's do that" thing, which allowed Parcells to pilfer Ireland from the Cowboys even though no one believes that Ireland will so much as buy a new pair of bowling shoes without first consulting the boss. (To his credit, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones opted not to take a stand on this one, even though he could have.)
Second, there was the whole "I want Tony Sparano to be my coach and if it means giving him the job and telling him to shut up until the Cowboys lose in the playoffs then let's do that" thing, which allowed Parcells to begin rounding up Sparano's staff a couple of weeks before Sparano officially had the job.
More recently, the Fins obviously tampered with former 49ers guard Justin Smiley, and made no bones about it by finalizing his contract minutes after the official launch of free agency.
This time around, however, Parcells might have provided the league with enough ammunition to act. A league source recently pointed out to us this nugget from Peter King's "Ten Things I Think" in his MMQB: "I think you shouldn't make too much of this, but Bill Parcells, czar of the Dolphins, holder of the first pick in the draft, called Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski the other day and requested video of every one of quarterback Matt Ryan's 654 passes last fall. I still say Ryan at No. 3, to Atlanta, makes the most sense. "
But there's a problem with that. The source said that this practice is "very much against league rules, which forbid teams from contacting college teams for college video."
The source also pointed out that the teams get a strongly-worded memo each year regarding this practice.
If it's indeed a violation, the league clearly needs to step in. Stay tuned as to whether it does.
ODOM LOOKS TO MINNESOTA
With the Vikings missing out on an opportunity to woo free-agent defensive end Justin Smith, the Vikes are now setting their sights on Antwan Odom of the Titans.
Odom reportedly plans to blow off a visit with the Cardinals on Tuesday, and instead he will visit the Twin Cities. For now, he's spending time with the Bengals in Ohio's Queen City.
The Cardinals are also interested in Titans defensive end Travis LaBoy, who was Odom's backup in Tennessee.
Meanwhile, it's unclear what the Titans will do to replace either or both of them. There previously was talk of the Titans trying to reunite with Jevon Kearse, who was cut last week by the Eagles.
POSTED 1:13 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
BELL STAYS PUT
A league source tells us that Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell has opted to stick around.
Per the source, Bell has agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract. The move also is being reported by Adam Schefter of NFL Network.
Bell started the 2007 regular-season opener, but suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon and missed the rest of the year.
He'll get a chance now to prove that he is healthy, and he'll re-enter the free-agent market in 2008. (Unless, of course, he plays so well that the team opts to restrict him with the franchise tag.)
POSTED 1:05 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
TUNA IN TROUBLE?
We've got no real strong feelings one way or the other about Dolphins V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells. But we've noticed over the past few months that his apparent zeal to turn around a franchise that has figured out how to be consistently mediocre in the free-agency era (Dan Marino's presence masked it for much of the '90s) has caused the Tuna to create the appearance that he isn't respecting one or more of the rules that apply (in theory) to all 32 teams.
It's ironic, really, that while the team coached by the guy whom Parcells mentored and managed by the guy whom Parcells' daughter married is being relentlessly vilified for getting caught with a video camera in the cookie jar, the Tuna's tactics have been largely ignored.
First, there was the whole "I want Jeff Ireland to be my G.M. and if it means giving him 'final say' even if he doesn't really have it then let's do that" thing, which allowed Parcells to pilfer Ireland from the Cowboys even though no one believes that Ireland will so much as buy a new pair of bowling shoes without first consulting the boss. (To his credit, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones opted not to take a stand on this one, even though he could have.)
Second, there was the whole "I want Tony Sparano to be my coach and if it means giving him the job and telling him to shut up until the Cowboys lose in the playoffs then let's do that" thing, which allowed Parcells to begin rounding up Sparano's staff a couple of weeks before Sparano officially had the job.
More recently, the Fins obviously tampered with former 49ers guard Justin Smiley, and made no bones about it by finalizing his contract minutes after the official launch of free agency.
This time around, however, Parcells might have provided the league with enough ammunition to act. A league source recently pointed out to us this nugget from Peter King's "Ten Things I Think" in his MMQB: "I think you shouldn't make too much of this, but Bill Parcells, czar of the Dolphins, holder of the first pick in the draft, called Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski the other day and requested video of every one of quarterback Matt Ryan's 654 passes last fall. I still say Ryan at No. 3, to Atlanta, makes the most sense. "
But there's a problem with that. The source said that this practice is "very much against league rules, which forbid teams from contacting college teams for college video."
The source also pointed out that the teams get a strongly-worded memo each year regarding this practice.
If it's indeed a violation, the league clearly needs to step in. Stay tuned as to whether it does.
The Steelers, who locked up franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Monday with an eight-year, $102 million contract extension, added depth to their offense by reaching a three-year, $4.95 million deal with Vikings halfback Mewelde Moore.
Moore, 25, is an elusive back who was signed to back up Willie Parker and work with big back Najeh Davenport. He was a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in 2004. In his second season, he started eight games and rushed for 662 yards and caught 37 passes for the Vikings in 2005. Moore will received $1.35 million to sign.
Because he has good speed, Moore has a 4.9 yard per carry average and is considered to be a good pass-catcher out of the backfield.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
The Chiefs announced Monday that they claimed FB Oliver Hoyte off waivers from the Cowboys. Hoyte started 15 games in his two seasons with Dallas and will be used primarily as blocking back.
Moore, 25, is an elusive back who was signed to back up Willie Parker and work with big back Najeh Davenport. He was a fourth-round pick of the Vikings in 2004. In his second season, he started eight games and rushed for 662 yards and caught 37 passes for the Vikings in 2005. Moore will received $1.35 million to sign.
Because he has good speed, Moore has a 4.9 yard per carry average and is considered to be a good pass-catcher out of the backfield.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
The Chiefs announced Monday that they claimed FB Oliver Hoyte off waivers from the Cowboys. Hoyte started 15 games in his two seasons with Dallas and will be used primarily as blocking back.
Good job by the pats. Randall Gay and Eugnene wilson werent even starters for them. They will be easily replaced. They need a decent corner to replace an overrated Asante Sammuel. Haggans is still in free agency they could get him for their LBs. They also need to draft an LB.
What a fuckin idiotic move. I liked the pickup of the young center but this move here is some straight bullshit
I think this is a steal for the Steelers. Moore can do it all. He can run the ball, catch out the backfield and return punts and kickoffs. I always thought that he was just rotting in Minnesota. They never used him to his full potential. Good pick up for steelers fans.
the jets trying to get a squad to handle the pats and they know they got to play them 2 times every year. if the o-line hold up pats defense could be in trouble (thats if the pats aint using spy cams lol)
Samuels overrated?
Yes very overrated and no where near lockdown. he takes alot of chances, NEVER plays man to man,NEVER covers the other teams best WR and cant tackle.He gets beat all the time. Check the Pats pass defense stats. He sits in zone and jumps on passes that are affected by their pass rush (Pats had the second most sacks in the league). Hes more like a Ronde Barber type zone corner. Eagles play ALOT of man coverage. Asante will get exposed playing in the Eagles system.
What a fuckin idiotic move. I liked the pickup of the young center but this move here is some straight bullshit
they should have picked up culpepper from free agency and saved that draft picked wtf did griese do that said lets trade for him?
your points are onpoint....i respect that...but IMO he is a shut down corner...not a ball hawk....
eagles blitz real heavy and JOHNSON's defense needs a shutdown corner....SAMUELS i consider oe of the best in the leauge....
but you brought up some good points...only time will tell...
Samuels was the best corner NOT franchised...Ashomugha and Trufant are better
POSTED 3:52 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
WOODY GETS WOODY
And so it continues for the New York Jets.
The team owned by Woody Johnson has signed Lions free-agent tackle Damien Woody to a five-year, $25.5 million contract, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.
Per Schefter, Woody will receive $11 million in guaranteed money.
One league source expressed to us in the wake of the signings of Woody, Calvin Pace, and Alan Faneca and the trade and new contract for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins that these moves smack of desperation by a coaching staff and a front office that fear a rash of pink slips if the green and white don't win a lot of games in 2008.
POSTED 3:52 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
WOODY GETS WOODY
And so it continues for the New York Jets.
The team owned by Woody Johnson has signed Lions free-agent tackle Damien Woody to a five-year, $25.5 million contract, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.
Per Schefter, Woody will receive $11 million in guaranteed money.
One league source expressed to us in the wake of the signings of Woody, Calvin Pace, and Alan Faneca and the trade and new contract for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins that these moves smack of desperation by a coaching staff and a front office that fear a rash of pink slips if the green and white don't win a lot of games in 2008.
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What a fuckin idiotic move. I liked the pickup of the young center but this move here is some straight bullshit
I agree... can the Bucs just get a good star-like QB, please! DAMN!
Receiver Patten gets two-year deal to stay with Saints
Associated Press
Updated: March 3, 2008, 5:54 PM ET
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METAIRIE, La. -- David Patten, who was among the Saints' leading wide receivers last season, agreed to a new two-year contract with New Orleans on Monday.
David Patten
Patten
Patten's 792 receiving yards were second on the team last season while his 54 receptions ranked third. Patten also had three touchdowns.
"David stepped into our lineup immediately last season and provided immediate leadership and he was a consistent and dependable target," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "He is a consummate professional and his work ethic and leadership skills, coupled with the things he can do on the field made his re-signing a priority for us."
During his 11-year career, Patten has caught 313 passes for 4,553 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams in New England.
Hashmarks
ESPN.com's Matt Mosley, Mike Sando and Pat Yasinskas are following the NFL free-agency frenzy and sharing their thoughts. Get the latest news from the always updated Hashmarks.
New Orleans recently acquired linebacker Jonathan Vilma in a trade with the Jets on Friday, then reached free-agent deals with former Patriots cornerback Randall Gay and former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end to Bobby McCray.
Meanwhile, free agent quarterback Trent Green visited the Saints' headquarters. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, who is 37, was released by Miami last month.
The Saints currently have only two quarterbacks under contract: starter Drew Brees and reserve Tyler Palko, who was the third-stringer last season behind Jamie Martin. Martin, 38, is currently a free agent.
Associated Press
Updated: March 3, 2008, 5:54 PM ET
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METAIRIE, La. -- David Patten, who was among the Saints' leading wide receivers last season, agreed to a new two-year contract with New Orleans on Monday.
David Patten
Patten
Patten's 792 receiving yards were second on the team last season while his 54 receptions ranked third. Patten also had three touchdowns.
"David stepped into our lineup immediately last season and provided immediate leadership and he was a consistent and dependable target," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "He is a consummate professional and his work ethic and leadership skills, coupled with the things he can do on the field made his re-signing a priority for us."
During his 11-year career, Patten has caught 313 passes for 4,553 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams in New England.
Hashmarks
ESPN.com's Matt Mosley, Mike Sando and Pat Yasinskas are following the NFL free-agency frenzy and sharing their thoughts. Get the latest news from the always updated Hashmarks.
New Orleans recently acquired linebacker Jonathan Vilma in a trade with the Jets on Friday, then reached free-agent deals with former Patriots cornerback Randall Gay and former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end to Bobby McCray.
Meanwhile, free agent quarterback Trent Green visited the Saints' headquarters. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, who is 37, was released by Miami last month.
The Saints currently have only two quarterbacks under contract: starter Drew Brees and reserve Tyler Palko, who was the third-stringer last season behind Jamie Martin. Martin, 38, is currently a free agent.
Three days after losing Gibril Wilson to the Oakland Raiders, the Giants found a veteran replacement at safety in Sammy Knight.
Knight is becoming the on-call replacement when a team needs a safety. He's with his fourth team in five years, but the big thing about his Giants deal is that he gets some long-term security. The 32-year-old safety agreed to a three-year, $5.15 million contract that includes $1.25 million to sign.
During his first six seasons with the Saints, Knight was known for his ability to make interceptions and force or recover fumbles. He played two seasons with the Dolphins and two seasons with the Chiefs.
Last year, the Jaguars needed a safety, and he signed with Jacksonville. Knight led the Jacksonville Jaguars with 93 tackles last season. He also had four interceptions and a forced fumble.
Knight added 20 tackles in the postseason, including 13 in the wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He has 42 interceptions during his 11-year NFL career.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com and The Associated Press
The San Francisco 49ers signed running back DeShaun Foster, quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan and linebacker Dontarrious Thomas.
Foster spent his first five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 3,336 yards and 10 touchdowns in 63 games. The former second-round pick from UCLA will be a backup to Frank Gore in San Francisco, and provides depth for coach Mike Nolan.
O'Sullivan has been with six NFL teams over six seasons. He has appeared in just six games, including five last season with the Detroit Lions under offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who joined San Francisco for the 2008 season.
Thomas has been with the Minnesota Vikings for his first four NFL seasons, making 145 tackles and 1½ sacks. He'll likely be a backup in San Francisco's 3-4 defense.
-- The Associated Press
Knight is becoming the on-call replacement when a team needs a safety. He's with his fourth team in five years, but the big thing about his Giants deal is that he gets some long-term security. The 32-year-old safety agreed to a three-year, $5.15 million contract that includes $1.25 million to sign.
During his first six seasons with the Saints, Knight was known for his ability to make interceptions and force or recover fumbles. He played two seasons with the Dolphins and two seasons with the Chiefs.
Last year, the Jaguars needed a safety, and he signed with Jacksonville. Knight led the Jacksonville Jaguars with 93 tackles last season. He also had four interceptions and a forced fumble.
Knight added 20 tackles in the postseason, including 13 in the wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He has 42 interceptions during his 11-year NFL career.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com and The Associated Press
The San Francisco 49ers signed running back DeShaun Foster, quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan and linebacker Dontarrious Thomas.
Foster spent his first five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 3,336 yards and 10 touchdowns in 63 games. The former second-round pick from UCLA will be a backup to Frank Gore in San Francisco, and provides depth for coach Mike Nolan.
O'Sullivan has been with six NFL teams over six seasons. He has appeared in just six games, including five last season with the Detroit Lions under offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who joined San Francisco for the 2008 season.
Thomas has been with the Minnesota Vikings for his first four NFL seasons, making 145 tackles and 1½ sacks. He'll likely be a backup in San Francisco's 3-4 defense.
-- The Associated Press
POSTED 5:50 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
MOSS VOWS TO ADDRESS "UNFINISHED BUSINESS"
In a posting on the official Randy Moss web site (which one of our few friends in the media pointed out to us), the re-signed receiver of the Patriots has this to say about his situation:
"I want to take time out to thank all of the fans for their support and for wishing me well in my return to New England," Moss says. "I'm ready to get back. We have some unfinished business to take care of."
Moss will be paid $27 million over three years, with $12 million guaranteed. He'll be 34 when he hits the market again; if he has won a Super Bowl ring or two by then, maybe he'll take a shot at getting the biggest payday he can muster.
POSTED 5:28 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
DECENT MONEY FOR MEWELDE
We've tracked down the terms of running back Mewelde Moore's three-year deal with the Steelers.
Per a source with knowledge of the deal, Moore will receive a signing bonus of $1.35 million, along with base salaries of $650,000 in 2008, $1.475 million in 2009, amd $1.475 million in 2010.
Moore is expected to serve as the Steelers' third-down back, and he also is due to help out in the return game, given the departure of Allen Rossum.
The arrival of Moore also casts doubt on the future of Najeh "Dookie" Davenport. He is signed through 2008, and he's due to earn a base salary of $1 million this season.
We're also told that the Bucs were pursuing Moore, and that other teams expressed interest after Moore focused on the Steelers.
POSTED 5:23 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
ROBERTSON DEAL ISN'T HAPPENING
For the second time since Friday, a deal that the Bengals thought they'd make to upgrade a subpar defense has fallen apart.
Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that the trade between the Jets and the Bengals for New York defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson is off.
The sticking point was Cincy's insistence that Robertson re-do a contract that is set to pay him $9.8 million in 2008. Unless and until the Jets find a team for whom Robertson is willing to take a haircut, the likelihood is that Robertson eventually will be cut before a $3 million roster bonus comes due in June.
MOSS VOWS TO ADDRESS "UNFINISHED BUSINESS"
In a posting on the official Randy Moss web site (which one of our few friends in the media pointed out to us), the re-signed receiver of the Patriots has this to say about his situation:
"I want to take time out to thank all of the fans for their support and for wishing me well in my return to New England," Moss says. "I'm ready to get back. We have some unfinished business to take care of."
Moss will be paid $27 million over three years, with $12 million guaranteed. He'll be 34 when he hits the market again; if he has won a Super Bowl ring or two by then, maybe he'll take a shot at getting the biggest payday he can muster.
POSTED 5:28 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
DECENT MONEY FOR MEWELDE
We've tracked down the terms of running back Mewelde Moore's three-year deal with the Steelers.
Per a source with knowledge of the deal, Moore will receive a signing bonus of $1.35 million, along with base salaries of $650,000 in 2008, $1.475 million in 2009, amd $1.475 million in 2010.
Moore is expected to serve as the Steelers' third-down back, and he also is due to help out in the return game, given the departure of Allen Rossum.
The arrival of Moore also casts doubt on the future of Najeh "Dookie" Davenport. He is signed through 2008, and he's due to earn a base salary of $1 million this season.
We're also told that the Bucs were pursuing Moore, and that other teams expressed interest after Moore focused on the Steelers.
POSTED 5:23 p.m. EST, March 3, 2008
ROBERTSON DEAL ISN'T HAPPENING
For the second time since Friday, a deal that the Bengals thought they'd make to upgrade a subpar defense has fallen apart.
Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that the trade between the Jets and the Bengals for New York defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson is off.
The sticking point was Cincy's insistence that Robertson re-do a contract that is set to pay him $9.8 million in 2008. Unless and until the Jets find a team for whom Robertson is willing to take a haircut, the likelihood is that Robertson eventually will be cut before a $3 million roster bonus comes due in June.
I dont consider Asante a shutdown corner. I consider Asante to be a ballhawk. He caught 16 int the last two seasons. He continues to catch picks because teams like to throw at him. But he also gives up big plays. its a mixed bag. But hes a zone corner. I dont know if he can play man to man. He could end up like a Jason David....
Originally posted by yourreplacement:
Man it's good to see there are more Saints fans out there than just me! I catch hell with my friends when I say I like the Saints and Jets! I'm originally from Decatur, Alabama but family moved to Nashville, TN when I was little.
I've been with New Orleans since 1990 when they lost to the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card game. Then I remember the next season they went 11-5 and won the NFC West but lost to the Atlanta Falcons. Been down since Bobby Herbert,Floyd Turner, and Mort Anderson was kicking for them!
The 2006 season was like a big ass dream! The Saints were handing people they ass! We RULED the NFC South (except for losing to Carolina twice) Even the game they lost to the Bengals Brees still threw for 400 yards!
Last season I was like what the fuck! Started 0-4, from as long as I can remember they never STARTED 0-4 even when they end up 3-13. Deuce got hurt first game, Jason David was getting burned, and Reggie Bush needed another back on the other side.
I am happy how the free agency picks are turning out so far. Good, smart moves. Waiting on Draft day!
To all my NY Jets niccas- I'm there with you too! That's my other
team! I know everyone loves the Giants in NY, but I like the Jets. I've been with them since 1996 when Bill Parcells came there from the Patriots. That's when Keyshawn Johnson was drafted, and Neil O'Donnell came from Pittsburg. The good years of Vinny, C. Martin, and Wayne Chrebet. The future is looking good too. They are spending some big money!
Of course I am a Titans fan too. WE FINALLY got our own team! But that didn't mean I would dump my other two teams. I'm happy about the Alge Crumpler acquisition!
]Man, I had no idea there were that many SAINTS fans on this board!!!!
Man it's good to see there are more Saints fans out there than just me! I catch hell with my friends when I say I like the Saints and Jets! I'm originally from Decatur, Alabama but family moved to Nashville, TN when I was little.
I've been with New Orleans since 1990 when they lost to the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card game. Then I remember the next season they went 11-5 and won the NFC West but lost to the Atlanta Falcons. Been down since Bobby Herbert,Floyd Turner, and Mort Anderson was kicking for them!
The 2006 season was like a big ass dream! The Saints were handing people they ass! We RULED the NFC South (except for losing to Carolina twice) Even the game they lost to the Bengals Brees still threw for 400 yards!
Last season I was like what the fuck! Started 0-4, from as long as I can remember they never STARTED 0-4 even when they end up 3-13. Deuce got hurt first game, Jason David was getting burned, and Reggie Bush needed another back on the other side.
I am happy how the free agency picks are turning out so far. Good, smart moves. Waiting on Draft day!
To all my NY Jets niccas- I'm there with you too! That's my other
team! I know everyone loves the Giants in NY, but I like the Jets. I've been with them since 1996 when Bill Parcells came there from the Patriots. That's when Keyshawn Johnson was drafted, and Neil O'Donnell came from Pittsburg. The good years of Vinny, C. Martin, and Wayne Chrebet. The future is looking good too. They are spending some big money!
Of course I am a Titans fan too. WE FINALLY got our own team! But that didn't mean I would dump my other two teams. I'm happy about the Alge Crumpler acquisition!
The Jacksonville Jaguars released veteran guard Chris Naeole, parting with a key member of the offensive line.
Naeole, a first-round pick by New Orleans in 1997, started 87 games for the Jaguars over the last six seasons.
But the 33-year-old lineman missed the final eight games last year after tearing a quadriceps tendon. He also skipped a voluntary passing camp last May because he was unhappy with his contract.
It was unclear why the Jaguars released Naeole, who had two years remaining on his contract and would have made $2.1 million next season.
Without Naeole, the Jaguars could turn the position over to durable backup Dennis Norman or second-year player Uche Nwaneri. Jacksonville also might re-sign free agent Maurice Williams, who filled in for Naeole last season.
In addition, the Jaguars signed Bears defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy to an offer sheet to fill the void left at defensive tackle after the trade of Marcus Stroud.
Kennedy was the only unrestricted free agent who had a first-right-of-refusal attached to his contract. The Bears have seven days to match the Jaguars offer and if they don't, he becomes a Jaguars without draft choice compensation. If the Bears match the offer, he stays.
There is strong indications the Bears won't match the offer, which is why he signed a one-year, $705,000 deal.
-- ESPN.com's John Clayton and The Associated Press
Defensive end Antwan Odom has signed a five-year deal worth $29.5 million with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agent.
Odom was coming off a career-best season with 16 starts and eight sacks with the Titans, who drafted him in 2004. But the Titans took a risk in letting Odom test the free agent market, and they lost him to Cincinnati.
The four-year veteran will receive $11.5 million in guaranteed money in the package. His agent Richard Rosa says the chance to play for Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis was a big factor in Odom's decision.
-- The Associated Press
The Oakland Raiders officially placed defensive tackle Warren Sapp on the retired list, freeing up $4.153 million of cap room.
Sapp announced after the season he was planning his end his potential Hall of Fame career that started with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was considered one of the best defensive tackles of his era and was the anchor the Buccaneers' Cover-2 defense.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
A few hours after losing Calvin Pace to the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals move quickly to reach an agreement in principle with Titans linebacker Travis LaBoy.
The 260-pound LaBoy, who was a defensive end with the Titans, will move to outside linebacker and be a potential pass-rusher in the Cardinals' 3-4 defense. He agreed to a five-year, $22 million contact that included $7.5 million in guarantees. He was a second-round pick of the Titans in 2004.
LaBoy, 26, started 20 games in his four years with the Titans. He had 19 1/2 sacks during his time with the Titans. Last year, he didn't start any games but he had six sacks coming in during pass-rush sitations.
The Cardinals are hoping LaBoy can be a double-digit sack linebacker in their defense.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Buffalo Bills linebacker Leon Joe to a one-year, $645,000 contract with the hopes of using him as a fifth linebacker.
A former fourth-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears, Joe has been with several teams, including the Bucs, as a backup linebacker and special teams player.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
Tennessee continues to take titanic hits in free agency by losing their third player in a little over three hours.
Starting left guard Jacob Bell agreed to a six-year contract with the St. Louis Rams. Terms of the deal weren't available.
On Monday, the Titans, who signed tight end Alge Crumpler on Monday, lost defensive ends Antwan Odom (Cincinnati) and Travis LaBoy (Arizona). During the first couple days of free agency, they lost tight end Ben Hartsock to Atlanta and defensive tackle Randy Starks to Miami.
Bell, Odom, LaBoy and Starks were all part of the Titans' 2004 draft class taken between rounds two and five. From that group, the team lost 42 starts. Each of those players participated in more than a third of downs, headed by Bell, who took 94 percent of the offensive snaps.
Naeole, a first-round pick by New Orleans in 1997, started 87 games for the Jaguars over the last six seasons.
But the 33-year-old lineman missed the final eight games last year after tearing a quadriceps tendon. He also skipped a voluntary passing camp last May because he was unhappy with his contract.
It was unclear why the Jaguars released Naeole, who had two years remaining on his contract and would have made $2.1 million next season.
Without Naeole, the Jaguars could turn the position over to durable backup Dennis Norman or second-year player Uche Nwaneri. Jacksonville also might re-sign free agent Maurice Williams, who filled in for Naeole last season.
In addition, the Jaguars signed Bears defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy to an offer sheet to fill the void left at defensive tackle after the trade of Marcus Stroud.
Kennedy was the only unrestricted free agent who had a first-right-of-refusal attached to his contract. The Bears have seven days to match the Jaguars offer and if they don't, he becomes a Jaguars without draft choice compensation. If the Bears match the offer, he stays.
There is strong indications the Bears won't match the offer, which is why he signed a one-year, $705,000 deal.
-- ESPN.com's John Clayton and The Associated Press
Defensive end Antwan Odom has signed a five-year deal worth $29.5 million with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agent.
Odom was coming off a career-best season with 16 starts and eight sacks with the Titans, who drafted him in 2004. But the Titans took a risk in letting Odom test the free agent market, and they lost him to Cincinnati.
The four-year veteran will receive $11.5 million in guaranteed money in the package. His agent Richard Rosa says the chance to play for Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis was a big factor in Odom's decision.
-- The Associated Press
The Oakland Raiders officially placed defensive tackle Warren Sapp on the retired list, freeing up $4.153 million of cap room.
Sapp announced after the season he was planning his end his potential Hall of Fame career that started with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was considered one of the best defensive tackles of his era and was the anchor the Buccaneers' Cover-2 defense.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
A few hours after losing Calvin Pace to the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals move quickly to reach an agreement in principle with Titans linebacker Travis LaBoy.
The 260-pound LaBoy, who was a defensive end with the Titans, will move to outside linebacker and be a potential pass-rusher in the Cardinals' 3-4 defense. He agreed to a five-year, $22 million contact that included $7.5 million in guarantees. He was a second-round pick of the Titans in 2004.
LaBoy, 26, started 20 games in his four years with the Titans. He had 19 1/2 sacks during his time with the Titans. Last year, he didn't start any games but he had six sacks coming in during pass-rush sitations.
The Cardinals are hoping LaBoy can be a double-digit sack linebacker in their defense.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Buffalo Bills linebacker Leon Joe to a one-year, $645,000 contract with the hopes of using him as a fifth linebacker.
A former fourth-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears, Joe has been with several teams, including the Bucs, as a backup linebacker and special teams player.
-- John Clayton, ESPN.com
Tennessee continues to take titanic hits in free agency by losing their third player in a little over three hours.
Starting left guard Jacob Bell agreed to a six-year contract with the St. Louis Rams. Terms of the deal weren't available.
On Monday, the Titans, who signed tight end Alge Crumpler on Monday, lost defensive ends Antwan Odom (Cincinnati) and Travis LaBoy (Arizona). During the first couple days of free agency, they lost tight end Ben Hartsock to Atlanta and defensive tackle Randy Starks to Miami.
Bell, Odom, LaBoy and Starks were all part of the Titans' 2004 draft class taken between rounds two and five. From that group, the team lost 42 starts. Each of those players participated in more than a third of downs, headed by Bell, who took 94 percent of the offensive snaps.
All-Pro WR Moss gets three-year deal to stay with Patriots
ESPN.com news services
Updated: March 3, 2008, 7:14 PM ET
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BOSTON -- Randy Moss is staying with the New England Patriots.
The defending AFC champions re-signed the record-breaking receiver on Monday to a three-year deal worth $27 million, his agent said. The signing was confirmed by the team shortly after Moss posted a message to fans on his Web site.
Randy Moss' last 3 seasons
Raiders (2005-06) Patriots (2007)
Receptions 102 98
Rec. yards 1,558 1,493
TD receptions 11 23
100-yard rec. games 5 9
"I want to take time out to thank all of the fans for their support and for wishing me well in my return to New England," Moss wrote. "I'm ready to get back. We have some unfinished business to take care of."
Moss' agent, Tim DiPiero, said the deal included guarantees of $15 million, including a $12 million signing bonus to the receiver who set an NFL record with 23 touchdown catches and helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl in his first season with the team.
"Randy was serious about wanting to stay," DiPiero wrote in an e-mail. "Because of Randy's record-breaking year, the interest in him was very high. Randy took less than he could have to rejoin his teammates."
Citing a source close to the situation, the Boston Herald reported on Monday that the Eagles actually offered Moss more money than he will receive from the Patriots. Philadelphia had already lured away New England defensive back Asante Samuel this offseason.
Pairing Moss with NFL MVP Tom Brady, who broke the league record with 50 touchdown passes, the Patriots breezed through the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record. They improved to an unprecedented 18-0 before blowing a chance at the league's longest unbeaten season with a 17-14 Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants.
"What Randy did for our team last year was outstanding," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "He is one of our most consistent, competitive and team-oriented players and it is undoubtedly a relationship we are excited to continue."
Moss, 31, has caught 774 passes for 12,193 yards in a 10-year career, and his 124 career receiving touchdowns are fourth in NFL history.
A four-time All-Pro, Moss took a pay cut to get out of Oakland and come to New England last April in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. In addition to his 23 touchdowns, he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and largely avoided the type of turmoil that characterized his previous NFL stops.
During seven years with Minnesota, where he made five Pro Bowls, he was fined $10,000 for pretending to pull down his pants and moon the Green Bay crowd during a Vikings playoff win, and drew criticism for leaving the field with 2 seconds left in a loss to Washington.
He also bumped a traffic control officer with his car in 2002, verbally abused corporate sponsors on a team bus in 2001 and squirted an official with a water bottle in 1999.
In Oakland, he openly campaigned to be traded to a winning team. With the Patriots, he avoided controversy until the playoffs, when a woman sought a restraining order against him, claiming that he committed "battery causing serious injury."
Moss denied the allegation and said the woman was trying to get money from him.
Also Monday, the Patriots signed free agent receiver Sam Aiken.
The 27-year-old has played five seasons with the Buffalo Bills with 19 career receptions for 250 yards and 61 career special teams tackles.
"Competing against Sam many times over the years, we know firsthand what he brings to us," Belichick said.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
ESPN.com news services
Updated: March 3, 2008, 7:14 PM ET
* Comment
BOSTON -- Randy Moss is staying with the New England Patriots.
The defending AFC champions re-signed the record-breaking receiver on Monday to a three-year deal worth $27 million, his agent said. The signing was confirmed by the team shortly after Moss posted a message to fans on his Web site.
Randy Moss' last 3 seasons
Raiders (2005-06) Patriots (2007)
Receptions 102 98
Rec. yards 1,558 1,493
TD receptions 11 23
100-yard rec. games 5 9
"I want to take time out to thank all of the fans for their support and for wishing me well in my return to New England," Moss wrote. "I'm ready to get back. We have some unfinished business to take care of."
Moss' agent, Tim DiPiero, said the deal included guarantees of $15 million, including a $12 million signing bonus to the receiver who set an NFL record with 23 touchdown catches and helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl in his first season with the team.
"Randy was serious about wanting to stay," DiPiero wrote in an e-mail. "Because of Randy's record-breaking year, the interest in him was very high. Randy took less than he could have to rejoin his teammates."
Citing a source close to the situation, the Boston Herald reported on Monday that the Eagles actually offered Moss more money than he will receive from the Patriots. Philadelphia had already lured away New England defensive back Asante Samuel this offseason.
Pairing Moss with NFL MVP Tom Brady, who broke the league record with 50 touchdown passes, the Patriots breezed through the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record. They improved to an unprecedented 18-0 before blowing a chance at the league's longest unbeaten season with a 17-14 Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants.
"What Randy did for our team last year was outstanding," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "He is one of our most consistent, competitive and team-oriented players and it is undoubtedly a relationship we are excited to continue."
Moss, 31, has caught 774 passes for 12,193 yards in a 10-year career, and his 124 career receiving touchdowns are fourth in NFL history.
A four-time All-Pro, Moss took a pay cut to get out of Oakland and come to New England last April in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. In addition to his 23 touchdowns, he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and largely avoided the type of turmoil that characterized his previous NFL stops.
During seven years with Minnesota, where he made five Pro Bowls, he was fined $10,000 for pretending to pull down his pants and moon the Green Bay crowd during a Vikings playoff win, and drew criticism for leaving the field with 2 seconds left in a loss to Washington.
He also bumped a traffic control officer with his car in 2002, verbally abused corporate sponsors on a team bus in 2001 and squirted an official with a water bottle in 1999.
In Oakland, he openly campaigned to be traded to a winning team. With the Patriots, he avoided controversy until the playoffs, when a woman sought a restraining order against him, claiming that he committed "battery causing serious injury."
Moss denied the allegation and said the woman was trying to get money from him.
Also Monday, the Patriots signed free agent receiver Sam Aiken.
The 27-year-old has played five seasons with the Buffalo Bills with 19 career receptions for 250 yards and 61 career special teams tackles.
"Competing against Sam many times over the years, we know firsthand what he brings to us," Belichick said.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
I agree with you brother. I always thought he was solid but he is not a shut down corner. He is a system guy just like those dudes who played on Jimmy Johnson's Cowboy teams. Once they leave they don't do shit. Name me one player who has left the Pats in the last 5 years and done anything. Samuels is going to do the same thing Deon Branch has done. Be slightly above average
Time will tell but that where I am putting my money at.
Dlateshow
EAGLES LOST MOSS "AT THE WIRE"
We've heard from several readers today about reports in Philly from Gcobb.com and the radio host at WIP who hates us that the Eagles made a run at signing receiver Randy Moss.
We've looked into it, and it is 100 percent true.
The following explanation is based on our discussions with multiple league sources.
The Eagles, as reported elsewhere, offered a higher annual average than the Patriots. The Eagles also offered more guaranteed money than did the Pats.
But it was a day of high drama. The process went back and forth between the Eagles and the Patriots. At one point, the Eagles thought they had him. Then, it looked like the Pats had him. Then the Eagles. Then the Patriots.
One source said that the Pats won Moss "at the wire."
Moss, as we're told, was afraid to leave a place where he's happy after being unhappy for so many years before that.
The Eagles, as we understand it, knew that Moss was inclined to return to New England but decided to be aggressive.
And we greatly admire the Eagles for trying. Our good friends in Philly would have been elated with such a move -- and they should be happy that their team tried so hard to get a guy who could have had as big of an impact as Terrell Owens did in 2004, if not bigger.
The next question becomes whether this prompts the Eagles to re-double their efforts to pry receiver Larry Fitzgerald away from the Cardinals. There has been plenty of chatter about the Eagles trying to pull off a trade, and after getting so close to securing Moss there likely could be an increase groundswell of support for the franchise to do whatever is necessary to land a guy who in time could be every bit as good as Moss.
We've heard from several readers today about reports in Philly from Gcobb.com and the radio host at WIP who hates us that the Eagles made a run at signing receiver Randy Moss.
We've looked into it, and it is 100 percent true.
The following explanation is based on our discussions with multiple league sources.
The Eagles, as reported elsewhere, offered a higher annual average than the Patriots. The Eagles also offered more guaranteed money than did the Pats.
But it was a day of high drama. The process went back and forth between the Eagles and the Patriots. At one point, the Eagles thought they had him. Then, it looked like the Pats had him. Then the Eagles. Then the Patriots.
One source said that the Pats won Moss "at the wire."
Moss, as we're told, was afraid to leave a place where he's happy after being unhappy for so many years before that.
The Eagles, as we understand it, knew that Moss was inclined to return to New England but decided to be aggressive.
And we greatly admire the Eagles for trying. Our good friends in Philly would have been elated with such a move -- and they should be happy that their team tried so hard to get a guy who could have had as big of an impact as Terrell Owens did in 2004, if not bigger.
The next question becomes whether this prompts the Eagles to re-double their efforts to pry receiver Larry Fitzgerald away from the Cardinals. There has been plenty of chatter about the Eagles trying to pull off a trade, and after getting so close to securing Moss there likely could be an increase groundswell of support for the franchise to do whatever is necessary to land a guy who in time could be every bit as good as Moss.
I'm still trying to figure out how Calvin Pace got more money than Lance Briggs. Briggs needs to fire Drew Rosenhaus.
Seahawks agree to five-year deal with RB Duckett
Associated Press
Updated: March 4, 2008, 6:33 PM ET
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ESPN.com's Matt Mosley, Mike Sando and Pat Yasinskas are following the NFL free-agency frenzy and sharing their thoughts. Get the latest news from the always updated Hashmarks.
DETROIT -- T.J. Duckett is heading to play for the Seattle Seahawks with a five-year contract, the free agent running back told The Associated Press on Tuesday night.
Duckett, who played for the Detroit Lions last season, has 2,642 career rushing yards and 36 TDs.
He previously played for the Redskins and the Falcons, who selected him 18th overall in the 2002 NFL draft after running for 3,379 yard at Michigan State.
When he wasn't slowed by injuries, Duckett was productive in limited opportunities in Detroit's pass-happy offense. Last season he carried the ball 65 times for 335 yards.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
With cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay leaving as free agents, the New England Patriots began rebuilding their secondary on Tuesday by signing cornerback Jason Webster.
The 5-foot-9, 187-pound Webster has 393 tackles and 11 interceptions in 87 career games, 74 of them starts.
He played in one game last season for Buffalo before being placed on the reserve/injured list with an arm injury on Sept. 13.
The eight-year veteran was a second-round draft pick of San Francisco in 2000 and played four years with the 49ers before signing as a free agent with Atlanta, where he played for three years.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick says Webster is "an experienced veteran who will add good depth to our secondary."
-- The Associated Press
A day after signing Damien Woody to play offensive right tackle, the New York Jets cut last year's starter, Anthony Clement.
They also signed cornerback Andre Woolfolk, a former first-round pick by Tennessee who was out of football in 2007.
Clement started all 33 games, including one in the playoffs, since being signed as a free agent in 2006.
Woolfolk played 39 games in four seasons with Tennessee, making 11 starts and intercepting three passes.
-- The Associated Press
Safety Nick Sorensen signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Sorensen, who excelled on special teams last season after joining Cleveland, played in nine games with the Browns in 2007. The 29-year-old ranked fifth on the team with 14 special-teams tackles, making a season-high four in a win over Baltimore on Nov. 18.
"Nick joined us midseason last year and did an excellent job on special teams and also provided veteran leadership," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "He will be a part of our core special teams unit and serve as a quality backup safety."
An eight-year veteran, Sorensen has also played for St. Louis and Jacksonville.
-- The Associated Press
Reserve offensive tackle Matt Murphy re-signed with the Buffalo Bills, getting another opportunity with the team after finishing last season on injured reserve.
A six-year veteran, Murphy appeared in only two games with the Bills last season before tearing his left calf muscle during a practice in early November. Murphy was a tight end when he signed with the Bills in 2006, but the team began converting him to an offensive lineman last year.
Detroit's seventh-round draft pick in 2002, Murphy spent his rookie season with the Lions before playing the next three years with Houston.
-- The Associated Press
Associated Press
Updated: March 4, 2008, 6:33 PM ET
* Comment
Hashmarks
ESPN.com's Matt Mosley, Mike Sando and Pat Yasinskas are following the NFL free-agency frenzy and sharing their thoughts. Get the latest news from the always updated Hashmarks.
DETROIT -- T.J. Duckett is heading to play for the Seattle Seahawks with a five-year contract, the free agent running back told The Associated Press on Tuesday night.
Duckett, who played for the Detroit Lions last season, has 2,642 career rushing yards and 36 TDs.
He previously played for the Redskins and the Falcons, who selected him 18th overall in the 2002 NFL draft after running for 3,379 yard at Michigan State.
When he wasn't slowed by injuries, Duckett was productive in limited opportunities in Detroit's pass-happy offense. Last season he carried the ball 65 times for 335 yards.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
With cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay leaving as free agents, the New England Patriots began rebuilding their secondary on Tuesday by signing cornerback Jason Webster.
The 5-foot-9, 187-pound Webster has 393 tackles and 11 interceptions in 87 career games, 74 of them starts.
He played in one game last season for Buffalo before being placed on the reserve/injured list with an arm injury on Sept. 13.
The eight-year veteran was a second-round draft pick of San Francisco in 2000 and played four years with the 49ers before signing as a free agent with Atlanta, where he played for three years.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick says Webster is "an experienced veteran who will add good depth to our secondary."
-- The Associated Press
A day after signing Damien Woody to play offensive right tackle, the New York Jets cut last year's starter, Anthony Clement.
They also signed cornerback Andre Woolfolk, a former first-round pick by Tennessee who was out of football in 2007.
Clement started all 33 games, including one in the playoffs, since being signed as a free agent in 2006.
Woolfolk played 39 games in four seasons with Tennessee, making 11 starts and intercepting three passes.
-- The Associated Press
Safety Nick Sorensen signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Sorensen, who excelled on special teams last season after joining Cleveland, played in nine games with the Browns in 2007. The 29-year-old ranked fifth on the team with 14 special-teams tackles, making a season-high four in a win over Baltimore on Nov. 18.
"Nick joined us midseason last year and did an excellent job on special teams and also provided veteran leadership," Browns general manager Phil Savage said. "He will be a part of our core special teams unit and serve as a quality backup safety."
An eight-year veteran, Sorensen has also played for St. Louis and Jacksonville.
-- The Associated Press
Reserve offensive tackle Matt Murphy re-signed with the Buffalo Bills, getting another opportunity with the team after finishing last season on injured reserve.
A six-year veteran, Murphy appeared in only two games with the Bills last season before tearing his left calf muscle during a practice in early November. Murphy was a tight end when he signed with the Bills in 2006, but the team began converting him to an offensive lineman last year.
Detroit's seventh-round draft pick in 2002, Murphy spent his rookie season with the Lions before playing the next three years with Houston.
-- The Associated Press
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