NFL FA begins (Philly grabs Samuel)

[ReardenSteel]

Yeah  woo!

Football is back. Well, sort of. It's free agency time folks and that's the most excitement we can expect till April's draft.

Link to Philly's big move...

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Eagles have signed free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel.

The Eagles agreed to a six-year contract on Friday with Samuel, who spent the last five seasons with New England and had 16 interceptions the last two years.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7856010/Eagles-sign-free-agent-CB-Samuel-to-6-year-deal

Here is some general FA blogging...
Free-Agent Blog: The latest buzz(by Alex Marvez)
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7852370

- FOXSports.com has confirmed the Bengals acquired nose tackle Shaun Rogers in a Friday trade with Detroit. Compensation wasn't immediately known.

- The Dallas Morning News reported that the Cowboys have traded defensive tackle Jason Ferguson to Miami.

- FOXSports.com has learned Oakland's Josh McCown has agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million contract with the Dolphins. McCown will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus.

- FOXSports.com has learned that Carolina traded the defensive tackle (Kris Jenkins) to the New York Jets for third- and fifth-round draft picks.

- Redskins re-sign QB Collins

There are also rumors and news about who is visiting whom and when and why. (see the link)

My Seahawks got a big visit from TE Alge Crumpler and could really use him. Sadly, they are in at least a 3 way race and a tight cap. (since they franchised Trufant for a 9.5M hit)

Hey good luck all. May your teams get better. Are you ready for some football!!!! (talk) 

[ReardenSteel]

Anderson, Browns agree on deal

Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn't a free agent for long.

Anderson has agreed to a multiyear contract to stay with the Browns...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7854312/Anderson,-Browns-agree-on-deal

Jags sign Porter, trade for Williamson

The Jaguars signed free agent Jerry Porter to a six-year, $30 million deal Friday and completed a trade for former first-round draft pick Troy Williamson.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7855764/Jags-sign-Porter,-trade-for-Williamson

Vikes add two players, woo Berrian

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings had an active first day in free agency on Friday, agreeing to terms on contracts with fullback Thomas Tapeh and safety Madieu Williams and hosting wide receiver Bernard Berrian for an official visit.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7855814/Vikes-woo-Berrian,-add-FB-Tapeh-and-S-Williams

On Edit:

AAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! 

Dome Improvement: Brown Signs With Rams

In a move speculated since Friday morning and confirmed by the team’s official website, the St. Louis Rams, Seattle’s key division rival, have signed free agent kicker Josh Brown to a contract. Terms are undisclosed at this time.

http://sea.scout.com/2/733287.html

[BlueStateSaint]

I had heard from the resident Buffalo Bills nut, where I work, that they made some move (signing an FA), but I'm too lazy to look it up . . .

[ReardenSteel]

I had heard from the resident Buffalo Bills nut, where I work, that they made some move (signing an FA), but I'm too lazy to look it up . . .

Bills reach deal with free-agent LB Mitchell

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Linebacker Kawika Mitchell signed a five-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Friday, cashing in on the first day of NFL free agency after playing for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

[Odin's Hand]

That Shaun Rogers signing may keep Justin Smith from packing it up.

[ReardenSteel]

That Shaun Rogers signing may keep Justin Smith from packing it up.

I spoke to soon. 
Cincy deal fizzles...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/02/29/rogers.trade.ap/index.html

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Lions traded Shaun Rogers to the Cleveland Browns instead of dealing him to the Cincinnati Bengals, a person familiar with the moves told The Associated Press.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday night because the Lions and Browns were not commenting on the trade, said Detroit acquired cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick from Cleveland after the deal with Cincinnati fell through.

[BlueStateSaint]

I had heard from the resident Buffalo Bills nut, where I work, that they made some move (signing an FA), but I'm too lazy to look it up . . .

Bills reach deal with free-agent LB Mitchell

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) - Linebacker Kawika Mitchell signed a five-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Friday, cashing in on the first day of NFL free agency after playing for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Thank you, RS.  (Oh--said Bills nut is also a borderline moonbat, but he's fun to mock--and he taught me a lot about real estate appraisal, so I do have to put up with his Bills rants.)

[Red October]

Lito Sheppard is available for anyone who wants to trade us a receiver.   

[Red October]

We just got ourselves a good pass rusher, too. 

Eagles sign defensive end Chris Clemons

COMPILED BY THE INQUIRER STAFF

The Eagles today signed free agent defenseive end Chris Clemons to a five-year contract.

The 26-year-old Clemons registered a career-high eight sacks for the Oakland Raiders in 2007 despite being on the field for just 37 percent of the team's defensive plays. His sack total tied for the team lead with Derrick Burgess. Clemons, who played in all 16 games (two starts) for Oakland, also added 20 tackles, 13 knockdowns, 8 hurries, and two forced fumbles.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20080301_Eagles_sign_defensive_end_Chris_Clemons.html

[Chris_]

We just got ourselves a good pass rusher, too. 

Eagles sign defensive end Chris Clemons

COMPILED BY THE INQUIRER STAFF

The Eagles today signed free agent defenseive end Chris Clemons to a five-year contract.

The 26-year-old Clemons registered a career-high eight sacks for the Oakland Raiders in 2007 despite being on the field for just 37 percent of the team's defensive plays. His sack total tied for the team lead with Derrick Burgess. Clemons, who played in all 16 games (two starts) for Oakland, also added 20 tackles, 13 knockdowns, 8 hurries, and two forced fumbles.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20080301_Eagles_sign_defensive_end_Chris_Clemons.html

Now all you need is a good QB, RB, o-line, d-line and DBs.

[Red October]

We just got ourselves a good pass rusher, too. 

Eagles sign defensive end Chris Clemons

COMPILED BY THE INQUIRER STAFF

The Eagles today signed free agent defenseive end Chris Clemons to a five-year contract.

The 26-year-old Clemons registered a career-high eight sacks for the Oakland Raiders in 2007 despite being on the field for just 37 percent of the team's defensive plays. His sack total tied for the team lead with Derrick Burgess. Clemons, who played in all 16 games (two starts) for Oakland, also added 20 tackles, 13 knockdowns, 8 hurries, and two forced fumbles.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20080301_Eagles_sign_defensive_end_Chris_Clemons.html

Now all you need is a good QB, RB, o-line, d-line and DBs.

   Maybe one day we'll have a Pro-Bowler.

[ReardenSteel]

- San Francisco has agreed to terms with defensive end Justin Smith on a six-year deal.

- Bills acquire DT Stroud in trade with Jacksonville

- Jets, free-agent left guard Alan Faneca agree to terms on 5-year, $40 million deal

- The Vikings have come to terms on a six-year deal with Bernard Berrian

FWIW, I getting this stuff from mostly two pages...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/wires/
and
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7855498/Free-Agent-Central:-Who's-leaving,-who's-staying?

On Edit:

- Briggs agrees to $36 million, 6-year deal with Bears

On edit (again):

- Browns sign Ex-Pat WR Stallworth to seven-year deal (3y, 24M)
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10679485

[ReardenSteel]

- Michael Turner, considered perhaps the top running back available in free agency, has agreed to a six-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. (Fox Sports) *on edit- Warrick Dunn was released

- Randall Gay to sign with Saints (Sports Illustrated)

- Saints sign DE McCray to 5-year deal (Fox Sports)

- (rumor) some dude at the Seahawks board I go to says FA TE Alge Crumpler signed with the Titans over my Hawks.  Well, there's always the draft. 

Well we are getting down to it. Lots of stars are gone and it's a pretty small year anywho FA talent-wise. (teams are getting better at keeping their own talent with the rise of the salary cap each year) There are still trades and deals to be worked out for franchise tagged players and Big Dog WR Randy Moss and the Pats have yet to make a deal. Still, I expect things to slow down some.

Bring on the draft!

[ReardenSteel]

Granted this in not free agency news per se, but it's big news about a "Big" ($100M big) QB who will not be a FA till 2015.

Steelers give Big Ben $102M extension
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7866918/Steelers-give-Big-Ben-$102M-extension

Congrats Ben.

[Chris_]

Granted this in not free agency news per se, but it's big news about a "Big" ($100M big) QB who will not be a FA till 2015.

Steelers give Big Ben $102M extension
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7866918/Steelers-give-Big-Ben-$102M-extension

Congrats Ben.

Pittsburghers do love them their Ben.

[ReardenSteel]

Granted this in not free agency news per se, but it's big news about a "Big" ($100M big) QB who will not be a FA till 2015.

Steelers give Big Ben $102M extension
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7866918/Steelers-give-Big-Ben-$102M-extension

Congrats Ben.

Pittsburghers do love them their Ben.

No doubt. As a Seahawks fan who watched Pitt beat my guys in the SB and a Cincinnati dwelling Bengals supporter I've always loved to hate the Steelers myself, lol.

But I do love football and football history so I hate to report some sad news for Pittsburgh fans. (really all football fans) Broadcaster of 35 years, Myron Cope has passed on. Cope invented "The Terrible Towel'', and was a writer too. RIP sir and prayers to the family.

Here is Peter King on Myron Cope from his "10 things I think I think" weekly...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/03/02/cleveland/3.html

5. I think what made the late Pittsburgh legend Myron Cope so special was his skill as a writer, as a broadcaster and as a charismatic teller of tales. I'm so sad he's dead. I can't tell you how many times our night at my in-laws in Dormont, a Pittsburgh suburb, would center around Myron's talk show, when he'd greet callers with, "What's on your cranium?''

He'd say two or three things nightly that taught you something you didn't know, that made you laugh out loud and that caused me to think how lucky my in-laws were to hear this genuine person every night FOR FREE! He'd bring out his shirtpocket notes (his words for newsgathering), and talk about the Clevebronnies (the Cleveland Browns), the Cincy Bungles (you can figure that one out) or Emperor Chaz (Chuck Noll), and if he didn't agree with a caller to his show, he'd label the opinion "gorgonzola'' and move on.

When I started covering football games in Pittsburgh, I made sure I packed a small radio each time I had a Steeler assignment. I wasn't a very hospitable neighbor in the Three Rivers press box, because I put my headphones on and listened to every word of the radio team -- lasting even to the time when I'd walk to my car and want to know what Myron was saying postgame. This happened occasionally in press boxes, but it was an every-time occurrence when I had the Steelers at home.

Dan Rooney used to get a great kick out of it when I'd tell him my father-in-law had two traditions on Sunday afternoons: 1) the Terrible Towel would find its way to the rabbit ears on his TV (Cable? We don't need no stinkin' cable) for every game, for luck, and 2) Myron on the radio would be turned up and the TV voices would be turned down ... EVERY week.

I firmly believe there was no voice as identifiable with his team as Cope was with the Steelers, ever -- not Vin Scully, not Ernie Harwell, not Mel Allen, not Johnny Most.

Finally, the man could write, and he was most proud of that. The managing editor who hired me at Sports Illustrated, Mark Mulvoy, also loved Myron's writing and he told me Saturday night: "What I liked about Myron the most was he wrote like he talked." How many people can you say that about? That's a hell of a gift. It was not the most elegant prose, but it was pointed and meaningful. He was the voice of Pittsburgh, and so few cities had a voice as distinctive as him.

[ReardenSteel]

oops, the rest from page two.

Peter King cont...

I wrote the forward for an SI book, "Great Football Writing,'' a couple of years ago, and was wowed by the vivid simplicity of Myron's writing. Upon visiting Slingin' Sammy Baugh at his Texas ranch in 1969, Cope wrote:

"He came to the door wearing blue jeans and a Western-style shirt of country-store quality. There was a Gary Cooper flavor to his appearance. Six-feet-two and rawboned, he was a leathery man with hips that were remarkably lean. At 55, he weighed only 170 pounds -- at least five pounds under his playing weight. But incongruously -- and perhaps partly because he wore bedroom slippers -- he walked with the sort of swishing gait associated with chorus boys.''

How good is that? In September 2006, a year after retiring, he wrote me a handwritten two-page letter after I'd written in a preface to an SI football anthology, "Boy, could Myron write!'' His note, in part, read:

"Dear Pete,

"Please forgive my longhand. Health issues have made it difficult to keep punching the Hermes 3000 [typewriter], which served me well for more than 40 years.

"Anyhow, Dr. King, the best medicine I have received was coming upon your verdict in the SI anthology intro: ' ... boy, could he write.' What a rush! Thanks ever so much.

"... Again, thanks. Occupants of Cloud Nine had to make room for me.''

Now they're really making room for him.

[Rebel Yell]

Falcons sign Michael Turner....

Falcons sign prized RB Turner
Former Chargers rusher gets six-year deal

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 03/02/08
 
The Falcons signed Michael Turner, a free-agent running back from San Diego, to a six-year contract Sunday. In doing so, they landed the player it desperately sought to bolster their running game. Atlanta also signed Tennessee free-agent tight end Ben Hartsock to a four-year, $9 million contract with $2.25 guaranteed.

The Falcons have signed their five immediate targets since free-agency began Friday. Quarterback Chris Redman re-signed for two years and defensive backs Erik Coleman (N.Y. Jets) and Von Hutchins (Houston) signed four-year deals.

 Turner, though, was the biggest catch. The 5-foot-10, 237-pounder was considered the best free-agent running back available. His age (26), experience (four years), bruising style and game-breaking speed fit what the new coaching staff desires.

"Given coach [Mike] Smith's and [offensive coordinator] Mike Mularkey's system, as far as being very strong up the middle, we believe that Michael Turner was the best fit to add that one-two punch with Jerious Norwood," first-time general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "We felt this big back, at 230-pounds plus, would offer us the opportunity to pound it inside and be a very nice complement to Norwood."

For the first time in a while, they act like they want to build a winner.

[ReardenSteel]

Falcons sign Michael Turner....


For the first time in a while, they act like they want to build a winner.

I'm curious what they will do with the 3rd pick in the draft. I bet the Cowboys would trade up to grab McFadden and the Falcons could get two first round picks. (they have the holes to fill, lol)

Also here to report (though for the record I had already noted the Turner signing  ) that Moss has agreed to a 3 year deal with the Pats and may sign today. Brady's a happy guy.
http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d807016ab&template=without-video&confirm=true

The Patriots and free agent wide receiver Randy Moss agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract on Monday, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.

The two sides are reviewing the contract, which is expected to be signed today.

On edit:

Moss did sign today. (F'in Pat's, lol)

[ReardenSteel]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/wires/

- Jets stay busy by signing linebacker Calvin Pace and offensive lineman Damien Woody

Pace, Arizona's first-round pick in 2003, signed a six-year, $42 million deal that included a $20 million signing bonus. The deal for Woody, also a former first-rounder of New England, is reportedly for five years, $25 million.

- Broncos sign 2 free agents, agree to deal with DE Ekuban

DENVER (AP) -The Denver Broncos didn't take long to fill the spots left by the releases of Javon Walker and Ian Gold, signing receiver Keary Colbert and linebacker Niko Koutouvides to deals Monday.

The team also re-signed defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, who missed all of last season after rupturing his right Achilles' tendon in a preseason game against Dallas.

- Defensive end joins Bengals for 5-year, $29.5 million deal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Defensive end Antwan Odom signed a five-year deal worth $29.5 million Monday night with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agent.

[ReardenSteel]

- Raiders agree to deal with WR Walker
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7875822/Report:-Raiders-agree-to-deal-with-WR-Walker-

Oakland has reportedly agreed to a deal with former Packer and Bronco receiver Javon Walker, according to a report on the San Francisco Chronicle's Web site.

The report cites league sources, and says the deal is for six years and $55 million, including $16 million in guaranteed money.

- Seahawks Sign T.J. Duckett
http://sea.scout.com/2/734575.html

Michael David Smith of Football Outsiders, AOL and Pro Football Talk is a longtime Lions fan. He had this to say about Mr. Duckett:

Duckett played very well in the Mike Martz offense. Although he's known as a 250-pound bruiser, I was impressed with his quickness as well as his power. He showed good vision for finding holes and was faster in the open field than I had expected him to be. I don't think Duckett is ever going to be a 20-carry-a-game featured back, but for five or 10 carries a game, I like him a lot.

- Seahawks sign TE Jeb Putzier
 

[Odin's Hand]

Seahawks signed Julius Jones. That is good for the Cowboys to have that tackling dummy out of the backfield to make room for more of Marion the Barberian.

[ReardenSteel]

Seahawks signed Julius Jones. That is good for the Cowboys to have that tackling dummy out of the backfield to make room for more of Marion the Barberian.

I'm OK with the move, not thrilled.

I do feel a lot better about Seattle's run game this comming season as a whole though. New RG Wahle, new RB TJ Duckett for the short yardage they can't seem to convert since Hutchenson left, and the new O-line coach they grabbed from KC. Julius Jones though? Meh. There is some positive news there. Jones and Alexander, I think are about equal (these days anyway) as far as pure running goes. (tackling dummy is a pretty fair synopsis) But, Jones is younger, way cheaper and can catch out of the backfield better than Shaun so I gotta like that. (what with Seattle missing out on Crumpler)

Russert has set up the Hawks to draft the "Best Player Available" with good depth at O-line, stop gap TE and RB's TJ, Julius and MoMo. Dallas on the other hand must grab a RB on day one of the draft for depth. (which is fine for them as it's a deep RB pool and I think they have an extra pick anywho) I'd call that a win/win.

[Odin's Hand]

Seahawks signed Julius Jones. That is good for the Cowboys to have that tackling dummy out of the backfield to make room for more of Marion the Barberian.

I'm OK with the move, not thrilled.

I do feel a lot better about Seattle's run game this comming season as a whole though. New RG Wahle, new RB TJ Duckett for the short yardage they can't seem to convert since Hutchenson left, and the new O-line coach they grabbed from KC. Julius Jones though? Meh. There is some positive news there. Jones and Alexander, I think are about equal (these days anyway) as far as pure running goes. (tackling dummy is a pretty fair synopsis) But, Jones is younger, way cheaper and can catch out of the backfield better than Shaun so I gotta like that. (what with Seattle missing out on Crumpler)

Russert has set up the Hawks to draft the "Best Player Available" with good depth at O-line, stop gap TE and RB's TJ, Julius and MoMo. Dallas on the other hand must grab a RB on day one of the draft for depth. (which is fine for them as it's a deep RB pool and I think they have an extra pick anywho) I'd call that a win/win.

Yep, I think Felix Jones just got a lot more realistic in the 2nd Round for the Cowboys.

ETA: Wahle should be able to sure up that leftside a bit which has lacked since Hutch became a Viking.

[john c calhoun]

Seahawks signed Julius Jones. That is good for the Cowboys to have that tackling dummy out of the backfield to make room for more of Marion the Barberian.

I'm OK with the move, not thrilled.

I do feel a lot better about Seattle's run game this comming season as a whole though. New RG Wahle, new RB TJ Duckett for the short yardage they can't seem to convert since Hutchenson left, and the new O-line coach they grabbed from KC. Julius Jones though? Meh. There is some positive news there. Jones and Alexander, I think are about equal (these days anyway) as far as pure running goes. (tackling dummy is a pretty fair synopsis) But, Jones is younger, way cheaper and can catch out of the backfield better than Shaun so I gotta like that. (what with Seattle missing out on Crumpler)

Russert has set up the Hawks to draft the "Best Player Available" with good depth at O-line, stop gap TE and RB's TJ, Julius and MoMo. Dallas on the other hand must grab a RB on day one of the draft for depth. (which is fine for them as it's a deep RB pool and I think they have an extra pick anywho) I'd call that a win/win.

THERE YOU ARE STEEL !!!...

man I missed you  playoff time & now w/ F/A !!!

well, remember when I told you signing Alexander for everything & the kitchen sink was a mistake 2 years ago...

what do you say now ??.....

and yeah, adding duckett & jones won't do a thing for your offense, unless you get better blocking & a deep passing threat.... ....

alexander will get traded to the broncos, chargers or chiefs perhaps??

and yeah, next year could be the cowboys year since they'll have two  1st round picks & theres at least 5 top running backs in their reach.....(mcfadden paired up w/ Barber is downright scary)