NFL RUMORS: March 2008

April Draft Coverage

Starting tomorrow, April 1st, full NFL draft coverage begins! The first two weeks of April will focus on team-by-team needs, which will then lead up to the mock drafts. There will also be a draft contest, and a few guest bloggers. But don't worry, we'll still have the usual NFL Rumors and news. The draft is April 26th/27th

Here are the team-by-team needs schedule (click team name for article)

Dolphins

Rams

Falcons

Raiders

Chiefs

Jets

Patriots

Ravens

Bengals, Saints, Bills

Broncos, Panthers

Bears, Lions, Cardinals

Vikings, Texans, Eagles, Buccaneers

Redskins, Cowboys

Steelers, Titans

Seahawks, Jaguars, Chargers

Cowboys, 49ers, Packers, Giants

Browns, Colts

Eagles Will Work Hard To Trade Sheppard This Week

It appears one of the objectives for the Philadelphia Eagles this week is to gauge the interest in former All-Pro cornerback Lito Sheppard according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Despite some sentiment that the Eagles would be better served by keeping Sheppard and moving Sheldon Brown to safety, the trade scenario remains far more likely. Trade talks concerning Sheppard figure to pick up this week at the owners' meetings, which take place today through Wednesday in West Palm Beach, Fla. A team source said the Eagles already have received some significant offers for the cornerback and will continue to listen. A deal is likely to get done before the start of the April 26 draft. The Eagles have been told by several teams that they will make offers after they finalize their draft boards. With the draft less than a month away, those offers should be coming soon. The Dallas Morning News speculated a potential landing spot for Sheppard might be Cincinnati where the Bengals are dealing with an unhappy Chad Johnson. Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Clip: Owners Want Players To Cut/Hide Hair

Here's a good clip from ESPN 's Mike and Mike about the gaming committee's proposed rule that NFL players need to either cut their hair or tuck it in their helmets.

NFL Commitee Proposed Playoff Changes

One of the most time-sensitive by-law proposals is to change seeding for NFL playoffs, Atlanta Falcons vice president Rick McKay, co-chairman of the NFL's competitive committee said.
Each of the four division winners in each conference would earn postseason berths, but only the two division winners in each conference with the best records would get automatic home games. The division winners with the lower two records, plus the two wild-card teams, would compete for seeds three through six based on record. The goal would be to "motivate coaches to have more games that matter," McKay said. The league wants to avoid the situation in the Tennessee-at-Indianapolis game on Sunday night, Dec. 30, in which the Colts rested their regulars because they were already locked into a seed. The Titans won and eliminated Cleveland from contention. Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

49ers Forfeit Fifth Round Pick

The San Francisco 49ers forfeited their fifth-round pick in next month's NFL draft after commissioner Roger Goodell said they tampered with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs. In a statement released by the league Monday, Goodell also said the teams will switch picks in the third round of the April 26-27 draft. Chicago, which had the 12th pick, will get San Francisco's seventh pick and the 49ers will get Chicago's choice. Goodell said the 49ers violated the NFL's anti-tampering policy by contacting Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about his client during the 2007 season. "The 49ers organization respects Commissioner Goodell's ruling today, however we do disagree with it," 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said in a statement. "This was not a malicious act; we believe that our intent was within the NFL guidelines. Going forward, we will take the necessary steps to ensure we are in compliance with the NFL's interpretation." Source: Sasn Francisco Chronicle

Raiders Want Dilfer?

The Oakland Raiders may not be finished re-working their roster quite yet. According to the Fresno Bee, the Raiders have interested in signing veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer. Dilfer was released earlier this year by the San Francisco 49ers. The 36-year-old Dilfer started six games for the 49ers last season, passing for 1,166 yards with seven touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 55.1 passer rating before being lost for the season with a concussion. If he were to sign with Oakland, Dilfer would serve as a backup and mentor to JaMarcus Russell, who is expected to become the starter in 2008 after being the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft. The Raiders also have Andrew Walter on the roster, and it is possible that Daunte Culpepper will re-sign with Oakland. Source: Fresno Bee Profootballtalk.com

Texans Sign Gray

Former Jacksonville quarterback Quinn Gray signed a one-year contract with Houston on Monday, giving the Texans another experienced backup behind starter Matt Schaub. Gray, an unrestricted free agent, was Jacksonville's backup last season and threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns in a meaningless regular-season finale against Houston. He will be the Texans' No. 3 quarterback behind Schaub and Sage Rosenfels. Entering last season, Gray was the third quarterback in Jacksonville until the team released Byron Leftwich before the opener. Gray spent the rest of the year as the backup to David Garrard, starting four of the eight games he played and finishing with career highs in yards passing (986), passer rating (85.6) and touchdowns (10). Gray appeared in 11 games over four seasons with the Jaguars.

Packers Re-Sign Bigby

Green Bay Packers safety Atari Bigby, whose contract expired at the end of last season, has signed his one-year, $445,000 qualifying offer the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported.
Bigby is an exclusive-rights free agent, which means he doesn't have enough years in the league to qualify for restricted or unrestricted free agency and wasn't able to shop himself on the market. Bigby made a base salary of $360,000 last season. In addition, he picked up $253,177 from the player performance pool, which is a leaguewide fund created to reward players with low base salaries who play a lot. Last year, he started 16 games and finished with 86 tackles, five interceptions and nine passes defended. Running back Ryan Grant and receiver Ruvell Martin are the Packers' remaining exclusive-rights free agents still unsigned. Source: Journal-Sentinel

Falcons Sign Elam

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with record-setting kicker Jason Elam, who is leaving Denver after 15 seasons with the Broncos. A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been officially announced, said the 37-year-old Elam would be joining the Falcons. The NFL Network reported that Elam settled on a four-year, $9 million contract that includes $3.3 million in guaranteed money. Elam had been the Broncos kicker since 1993, but he's coming home in a sense. He played high school football in suburban Atlanta. In 1993, Elam kicked a 63-yard field goal against Jacksonville, tying Tom Dempsey's record for the longest field goal in NFL history. Elam has reached 100 points in each of his 15 seasons and ranks fifth on the career list with 395 field goals and sixth in points with 1,786. He finished last season with 15 consecutive field goals and kicked four game-winners, the most in the NFL since 1990. He also surpassed John Elway for most games in Broncos history last season.

Shaun Alexander To Bengals?

The most likely timeframe for the possible release of Alexander is around April 1, according to John Clayton. The veteran running back is still recovering from wrist surgery, which has held up his release. The expected plan is for Alexander to be listed as a pre-designated June 2 cap casualty. In doing that, Alexander would be a free agent once he's designated. The Seahawks would get $4.475 million of cap relief in June. One interesting option for Alexander could be the Cincinnati Bengals. Alexander grew up in Florence, Ky., and is popular around Cincinnati. For years, there were plenty of rumors that the Bengals might try to acquire him in a trade.

Vikings, Packers, After Frerotte?

The Green Bay Packers brought in quarterback Gus Frerotte for a visit and physical Tuesday, according to his agent, Marvin Demoff. Frerotte, who will turn 37 on July 31, is the second free agent the Packers have brought in as a possible candidate to back up new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They've had former Jacksonville No. 3 quarterback Quinn Gray in for a visit. Frerotte was scheduled to visit the Minnesota Vikings today. The Packers are considering several avenues to acquire a No. 2 quarterback, including free agency. Frerotte has 82 NFL starts in his 14 previous seasons but has been a backup for the past seven years with the exception of 2005, when he started 15 games for Miami. He played in eight games last season for St. Louis, including three starts, and had a passer rating of 58.3 points. Source: www.packersnews.com

Packers Sign Chillar

The Green Bay Packers agreed to a two-year, $5.4 million deal with free-agent linebacker Brandon Chillar. Chillar's agent, Jim Ivler, said Wednesday the contract contains incentives that could raise its overall value to $6.4 million. Chillar started 41 games over the last four seasons with the St. Louis Rams. He is expected to compete in Green Bay with incumbent strong side linebacker Brady Poppinga for the starting job. "I won't say that they committed to a role, but based upon my confidence in my client, I believe he'll compete for the starting job," Ivler said. Chillar is the first free-agent signing this offseason by the Packers, who have taken a restrained approach to spending money on the market under general manager Ted Thompson.

Jets Want Brown?

The New England Patriots' all-time leading receiver is considering catching on with the team's most despised rival according to the Boston Globe. Free agent wide receiver Troy Brown visited with the Jets yesterday and worked out for them, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The Patriots told Brown recently that they were not planning to offer him a contract for 2008 at this time and that he was free to seek other offers if he wanted to play a 16th season.
It was initially thought the 36-year-old Brown, who has not stated whether he plans to return or retire, would not entertain teams that would play the Patriots this season. However, visiting the Jets signaled that he plans to explore all his options before making a decision. Brown also might not have a choice, as the Browns and Lions, teams initially thought to be interested in Brown, have cooled their pursuit, according to the source. Source: Boston Globe

Packers Re-Sign White

Tracy White, the Green Bay Packers' most productive player on special teams over the last two seasons, will be back in 2008.White agreed with the Packers on a two-year, $1.8 million contract that contained a $250,000 signing bonus. "I love it in Green Bay," said White, who visited Denver and Pittsburgh during the first week of the unrestricted free-agent signing period before deciding to re-sign with the Packers. "Basically, I was talking to Green Bay the whole time." White said Sunday that the Broncos offered him a signing bonus in the $500,000 range early in free agency but that fell through when they signed Seattle linebacker Niko Koutouvides. The Steelers, according to White, were offering him a slightly more lucrative contract than the Packers until Green Bay improved its offer to make the deal. Pittsburgh was interested in White strictly as a special-teams player to replace linebacker Clint Kriewaldt, the Wisconsin native whose career is in jeopardy because of a neck injury.

Panthers Sign Hackett

Free agent wideout D.J. Hackett agreed to two-year, $3.5 million deal with Carolina on Monday as the Panthers continued to upgrade their receiving corps. The former Seahawk chose Carolina over Seattle, Washington and Tampa Bay, according to his agent, Kevin Robinson. He had a minimum salary offer from the Redskins. The Panthers have been busy trying to get star receiver Steve Smith help after he faced constant double-teams last season. The Panthers signed receiver Muhsin Muhammad last month after he was released by Chicago. The 6-foot-2 Hackett provides a big target opposite the small and speedy Smith. The 26-year-old Hackett has been plagued by injuries. Two years ago, he caught 45 passes and had a 13.6 yard-per-catch average for the Seahawks. He started 14 games over the past three years.

Jets Look To Sign Franks

The New York Jets, determined to improve upon last season's 4-12 debacle, are continuing one of their busiest offseasons and are close to signing three-time Pro Bowl tight end Bubba Franks, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations. Those people spoke on condition of anonymity because talks are ongoing. An official announcement could come as early as tomorrow, when the Jets begin their offseason program. On Friday, the Jets missed out on tight end Ben Utecht (Colts), who signed an offer sheet with the Bengals. They immediately turned their attention to Franks, who was released by the Packers last month. He has already visited with the Jets. Franks, an eight-year veteran formally from the Green Bay Packers, has been plagued by injuries the past three seasons but remains a solid blocker and reliable receiver, especially in the red zone. He's viewed as a good complement to starter Chris Baker. The Jets have been searching for a quality backup tight end for several seasons. Source: Star-Ledger

Packers Want Sorgi?

There have been many rumors flying around about who the Packers are going to get to backup new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have brought in Jacksonville's backup Aaron Gray for an interview, and were also rumored to be interested in veterans Trent Green and Mark Brunell, both whom have been signed since. But one rumor that has makes a lot of sense is the Packers trying to get Jim Sorgi. Sorgi has been Peyton Mannings backup since 2004, but most likely won't ever get a chance to start for the Colts. Sorgi would be a nice, young, veteran to help out Aaron Rodgers. The question is how much would it take for the Packers to get Sorgi, and if the Colts are willing to risk the chance of not having a good backup behind Manning.

Vikings Re-Sign Ferguson

The Minnesota Vikings, who upgraded their receiving corps with the addition of ex-Bear Bernard Berrian, maintained their depth at the position when Robert Ferguson accepted a one-year offer. The deal is worth about $1 million, and there are chances for him to make an additional $500,000 to $600,000 with incentives. Ferguson, 28, went to the Vikings last season after being cut by the Green Bay Packers, where he had spent the first six years of his career. Ferguson started eight games for the Vikings and caught 32 passes for 391 yards. In four games before his release from the Packers, Ferguson had one start and caught five passes.

Falcons Trade Hall To Raiders

The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement in principle with the Oakland Raiders to trade cornerback DeAngelo Hall for the Raiders' second-round pick in the 2008 draft, pending the Raiders finalizing a contract with Hall, according to a source close to the Falcons. Hall is close to agreeing to a contract with the Raiders that will pay him just below what Asante Samuel signed with the Eagles, according to the source. Samuel signed a six-year deal worth a reported $57 million, with $20 million guaranteed. Hall is a former first-rounder taken with the eighth pick in the 2004 draft.

Giants Re-Sign Ward

Oft-injured Derrick Ward re-signed with the Giants on Friday after a season in which he was part of a group of running backs who did an outstanding job in replacing Tiki Barber and helped New York win the Super Bowl. Ward rushed for 602 yards and three touchdowns before a broken left leg ended his season in December. He shared the halfback spot with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Reuben Droughns. An unrestricted free agent, Ward tested the market but decided to stay. “The Giants gave me my start,” he said. “It feels good to come back to hopefully have a good year this year and be a part of the Super Bowl champion Giants. Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish my career here.”

Saints Sign Brunell

The Saints signed veteran quarterback Mark Brunell to a two-year deal today, with the details not yet available. Brunell will back up Drew Brees, after losing his Redskins backup job to Todd Collins last year. Brunell will bring a veteran experience to the Saints and will be a positive value in the lockerroom. The deal has not yet been finalized, but with Brunell off the market there are not many veteran quarterback options left for teams still searching for backups like the Packers, Panthers, and Vikings.

49ers Release Dilfer, Sign O'Sullivan

The San Francisco 49ers terminated quarterback Trent Dilfer's contract Thursday, possibly signaling the end of the 14-year veteran's career. Dilfer started six games for the 49ers last season, passing for 1,166 yards with seven touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 55.1 passer rating before incurring a season-ending concussion. "Trent Dilfer is a true professional in every meaning of the word," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "He is one of the most respected players in the league for good reason. Trent has provided great value to our team over the past two years in terms of his leadership, knowledge of the game and play on the field." Dilfer missed the 49ers' final three games last season with the latest in a series of concussions, and the 49ers were unlikely to bring him back this year after third-stringer Shaun Hill performed well in two starts last December. San Francisco also recently signed veteran quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, a favorite of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who has said Alex Smith and Hill will compete for the starting job.

Bears To Sign Brown?

There might be a homecoming for running back Chris Brown after all according to the Chicago Tribune. The former Chicago-area high school star and unrestricted free-agent has attracted interest from the Chicago Bears, a source close to the player said Wednesday. Brown, who played with the Tennessee Titans this past season, signed with the Titans in June after talking with the Bears, signing a one-year, $1.8 million deal. Brown is scheduled to visit Houston on Wednesday. Brown's role was limited in 2007. He finished with 102 rushes for 462 yards and five touchdowns while playing behind LenDale White. Brown did have the Titans' longest rush of the season 42 yards. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Brown, who turns 27 next month, is known as an upright runner who has success with draws and catching balls out the backfield. The Bears need help at running back, with Cedric Benson still having a lot to prove and Adrian Peterson more of a third-down back. Update: The Houston Texans have signed Chris Brown. Source: Chicago Tribune

Carr Signs With Giants

Eli Manning and the New York Giants have a new backup quarterback. David Carr signed Wednesday in a move that gives the Super Bowl champions an experienced backup who like Manning was a No. 1 pick overall. Terms were not immediately available. “I have a lot of calluses,” Carr said. “I’m like an old carpenter I’ve been through it. If you let that stuff affect you, you’re not going to be able to do your job. One of the reasons I’m excited about coming here is they protect the quarterback well and they have playmakers on the outside.” Taken first by Houston in the 2002 draft, Carr’s career has faltered in recent seasons. He was released by the Texans after the 2006 season and signed a two-year, $6 million deal last year with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers released him after this past season.

Falcons Sign Harrington

The Atlanta Falcons re-signed quarterback Joey Harrington only one week after cutting the six-year veteran. Harrington signed a new two-year deal on Wednesday. Terms were not released. He had signed a two-year, $6 million deal last year. The 29-year-old started 10 games last season, but returns as the possible backup to Chris Redman, who ended the season as the starter and also recently signed a two-year contract. D.J. Shockley is the third quarterback, leaving the Falcons’ options at quarterback the same as when they began the post-Michael Vick era last season.

Cardinals Sign Fitzgerald

Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald signed a $40 million, four-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday just before leaving on a South American vacation he surely can afford. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed, a generous figure for a franchise that was long considered one of the stingiest in sports. The contract also includes a no-trade clause, which means Fitzgerald would have to approve any move to another team. “This is what I wanted to happen,” he said on a conference call during an airport layover. “There was a great deal of dialogue through this whole process and everybody got what they wanted. The Cardinals wanted to restructure Fitzgerald’s incentive-laden rookie contract because he had reached many of the benchmarks and was to receive $14.6 million in 2008 and just under $17.4 million in 2009.

Dunn Signs With Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back one of the most popular players in franchise history, signing free-agent running back Warrick Dunn on Monday night. Dunn was drafted in the first round by Tampa Bay in 1997 and was the team's feature back until leaving for Atlanta in 2002. He remains third on the team's all-time rushing list with 4,200 yards. The Bucs initially let Dunn go because of concerns about salary cap space and his durability. But Dunn proved those doubts wrong in Atlanta, rushing for 5,979 yards in the past six seasons. Dunn was released by Atlanta last week after the Falcons brought in free agent Michael Turner from San Diego. Dunn is 33 and one of only 22 players in NFL history to rush for more than 10,000 yards. He isn't expected to be a feature back in this stint with the Bucs, but he could share time in a backfield that may have to start the season without Carnell Williams, who is coming off a major knee injury. ~Pat Yasinskas,ESPN

Green Signs With Rams

Trent Green, who ended last season on injured reserve after his second concussion in 13 months, agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the St. Louis Rams on Monday. In his second stint with the Rams, Green will be the backup behind Marc Bulger. He was supposed to be the starter in 1999 before a preseason knee surgery paved the way for Kurt Warner, who led the Rams to their first Super Bowl victory. Green visited Rams Park last week and had been mulling a decision whether to keep playing. He replaces Gus Frerotte as Bulger’s backup. “We have now solidified our quarterback position,” coach Scott Linehan said. “You will be hard-pressed to find the quality we have at that position.” Both Green and Bulger have played in two Pro Bowls. Green was released by the Dolphins last month. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2001-06, starting every game the first five seasons and the first game of 2006 for a franchise-record 81-game streak.

Lions Sign Bell

Tatum Bell is back with the Detroit Lions. The running back has agreed to a one-year, $1.6-million deal, a source told the Detroit Free Press. Bell's agent, Kennard McGuire, confirmed there was an agreement Monday, but did not confirm the terms. It seemed unlikely Bell would return to Detroit after last season. He did not play in the Lions' last 11 games, after running back Kevin Jones returned from a foot injury and Bell asked for a trade. He became an unrestricted free agent. But there is an opportunity for playing time now. Jim Colletto has replaced Mike Martz as offensive coordinator, and the Lions plan to run the ball more. T.J. Duckett left as a free agent. Kevin Jones and Brian Calhoun are recovering from knee injuries. The Lions lost out on free agent Julius Jones, who signed with Seattle, as Duckett did. Source: Detroit Free Press

Alexander To Bengals?

With deals to acquire T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones in the backfield, the Seahawks will have to do something with Alexander, John Clayton reports. Cutting or trading him doesn?t have much of an impact on the cap. They would lose $150,000 of cap room by trading him. If they put the June 1 cut on him, they would save $4.475 million of cap room. One interesting option for Alexander could be the Cincinnati Bengals. Alexander grew up in Florence, Ky., and is popular around Cincinnati. For years, there were plenty of rumors that the Bengals might try to acquire him in a trade.

Brunell To Packers?

Looking for a veteran presence to back up newly annointed starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have expressed interest in Brunell, according to The Washington Times. Brunell began his career in Green Bay as one of Brett Favre's backups in 1993. The 37-year-old free agent has spent the last four seasons in Washington, where he started 33 games from 2004 to 2006. "There are five teams [including the Packers] that have expressed a potential interest in signing Mark," said Brunell's agent, Bruce Tollner. "[They] know he has great experience, an ability to step in and win games and would be excellent in supporting their starter."

RB Jones Signs With Seahawks

The Seahawks reached an agreement in principle Friday night with former Cowboys running back Julius Jones, the second running back move made by the team this week. Julius Jones Jones agreed to a four-year deal worth around $3 million a year. The contract is similar to the five-year, $14 million contract reached with halfback T.J. Duckett earlier this week. With Jones and Duckett on Seattle's roster entering the season, the question is whether or not Shaun Alexander will be around. The Seahawks decided to keep Alexander until they found replacements and now they have two potential replacements. Jones is expected to compete for the starting job. Duckett was signed to be a short-yardage back as well as a backup fullback and power back. Jones is considered a more elusive back than Duckett. Jones' final two choices were Seattle and Detroit, although he had interest from the Bears and Eagles for potential visits next week. He had also visited with the Tennessee Titans. John Clayton, ESPN

Llyod Signs With Bears, Sparks Controversy

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears and inadvertently stirred a quarterback controversy Friday. “Rex Grossman is the starter,” Lloyd said during a conference call. Well, not exactly. The Bears have said that Grossman and Kyle Orton will compete for the starting job next season, and Lloyd apparently jumped to a premature conclusion. When asked who told him Grossman would start, the receiver backpedalled. “That’s what I’m assuming,” said Lloyd, who was released after two disappointing seasons in Washington. “That’s what …” His voice trailed off. Then, he said, “Orton and Grossman signed one-year deals. I figured Grossman was the starter. Open competition is what I’m being told right now.” Grossman, who got benched early last season and returned for five games before injuring his left knee, re-signed with the Bears for one year and $3 million with $1.5 million possible in incentives. Orton got a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2009 season.

What's New?

It's been a pretty busy off-season so far this year, with major signings and trades going on. Brett Favre and Warren Sapp retired, and theres been some personell changes going on. So what do you have to look forward to next on this site? Well here's a look at what is going to go on until the season begins.

-For the rest of March there will be full coverage on free agency, with your usual news and rumors.

-Early April will be when the draft coverage begins.

-After the draft there will be team-by-team grades for the draft

-After the draft and leading up to the NFL pre-season there will be the standing predictions, and player predictions. That will be when the fantasy football help/news/predictions start again.

Keep checking the site for your regular news and rumors, there will be plenty of improvements to the site coming up before the season.

Titans To Sign Kearse

The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with defensive end Jevon Kearse on Thursday. The 31-year-old was the Defensive Rookie of the Year after Tennessee made him the 16th overall pick in the 1999 draft. He had 47.5 sacks with the Titans and made three Pro Bowl teams, but left in 2004 for a free-agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Kearse, nicknamed "The Freak," never achieved the success with the Eagles that he did in Tennessee, totaling just 22 sacks and suffering a knee injury that cost him much of the 2006 season. He was benched toward the end of the 2007 season and released as a salary cap cut last week.

Eagles Cut Spikes

The Eagles have released two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes. SpikesThe 10-year veteran played one season in Philadelphia and finished second on the team with 139 tackles. Spikes missed the final two games last year after having shoulder surgery. Spikes is the second high-profile player cut by the Eagles in a week. Defensive end Jevon Kearse was let go last Thursday after playing four seasons in Philadelphia. The Eagles signed All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel and defensive end Chris Clemons in the first two days of the NFL's free agency period. Associated Press Release

Ravens Sign Ayanbadejo

The Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms Thursday with Brendon Ayanbadejo, a special teams star who played for the Chicago Bears. Ayanbadejo agreed to a four-year contract worth $4.9 million, including a $1.9 million signing bonus, and will sign the deal next week, Ravens officials said. Ayanbadejo, 31, chose the Ravens over the New York Jets in part because of the opportunity to be a backup inside linebacker in addition to his duties in kick coverage. Named the Bears’ special-teams captain last year, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound former UCLA standout ranked second in the NFL in special-teams tackles over the past two seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl twice. Brendon Ayanbadejo is the younger brother of former Ravens fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo, who played for Baltimore’s Super Bowl championship team. AP

Brett Favre Retires

Falcons Cut Harrington

The Atlanta Falcons today released six-year veteran quarterback Joey Harrington. In 12 games (10 starts) last season, he completed 215 of 348 passes for 2,215 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions for a 77.2 passer rating. Harrington was originally acquired by the Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on April 9, 2007. A first-round pick out of the University of Oregon in the 2002 NFL Draft, Harrington leaves the Falcons with 76 career starts at quarterback and more than 14,500 passing yards and 79 touchdown passes. His career passer rating is 70.5.
Source: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/News/Articles/2008/03/1-10/Falcons_release_Harrington.aspx

Today's News

-Well the big news today was that legendary quarterback Brett Favre has finally called it quits after 17 seasons in the NFL, 16 with the Green Bay Packers. We'll have some more coverage on that front this week.

-Javon Walker has reportedly signed a six-year $55 million dollar contract with the Oakland Raiders, giving them a major target for JaMarcus Russel (as long as Walker doesn't get hurt again).

-Warren Sapp has officially retired today after thirteen years in the NFL.

-Runningback TJ Duckett has signed a five year deal with the Seahawks

-The Patriots have signed cornerback Jason Webster, details are not yet known

-The Bears have signed former Dolphins wide receiver Marty Booker. Booker played with the Bears from 2001-2004.

-The Raiders have reportedly signed 49ers offensive tackle Kwame Harris to a three-year $14 million dollar deal.

-The Jets have cut offensive lineman Anthony Clement after signing Woody yesterday.

-Free-agent running back Maurice Hicks signed a 3 year deal with the Vikings

-Saftey Nick Sorenson signed a 3 year deal with the Browns

-The Jaguars signed the Bears' RFA defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy

BREAKING NEWS: Brett Favre Retires

Despite an impressive season in which he helped lead the Green Bay Packers to the NFC Championship game, quarterback Brett Favre has decided to retire. “Brett Favre has informed us of his intention to retire from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson issued in a statement Tuesday morning. “He has had one of the greatest careers in the history of the National Football League, and he is able to walk away from the game on his own terms – not many players are able to do that.” Favre walks away from the game as the all-time leader with 442 touchdown passes and set multiple other NFL records during his 17-year career. Most notable is that Favre played in 275 consecutive games, including the playoffs. Favre notified the Packers of his decision on Monday night, according to his agent Bus Cook. Favre had wrestled with retirement in recent years, but usually took a couple of months after the season ending before announcing his return. Favre’s announcement reportedly coincides with wide receiver Randy Moss’ decision to return to the New England Patriots Monday. ESPN.com had reported that Moss and Favre spoke late last week and that Favre was ready to continue playing if Moss joined the Packers. Green Bay did not pursue Moss. Favre finished last season with 28 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 95.7. That was the highest rating for Favre since 1996, when he led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title and the first of back-to-back appearances in the championship game.

Steelers Sign Moore

The Pittsburgh Steelers Monday signed running back Mewelde Moore, an unrestricted free agent from the Minnesota Vikings the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Moore, 25, is 5-11, 209 and will get a chance to return kickoffs and punts and to become their third-down back next season. 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. 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. Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Profootballtalk.com

Moss Re-Signs With Patriots

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. “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,” therealrandymoss.com quotes him as saying. “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. AP

Some News/Rumors

-The Chicago Bears have traded quarterback Brian Griese to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed draft pick.

-Alge Crumpler has signed a two-year deal with the Titans

-The Jets have signed offensive tackle Damien Woody

-The Bengals will send over their fourth and fifth round picks to the Jets for DeWayne Robertson

-The Giants have signed safety Sammy Knight

-The Patriots have reportedly signed Randy Moss to a three year deal

-There was a rumor started that the Packers were going to send one of their second and their fourth round picks to the Dolphins for Jason Taylor. A source in the NFL has said that this rumor is false.

Jets Sign LB Pace

ESPN.com has learned that Calvin Pace on Monday afternoon reached agreement with the New York Jets on a six-year, $42 million contract. The deal, negotiated by agent Pat Dye Jr. and his associates at Atlanta-based ProFiles Sports Management, includes a signing bonus of $20 million and $22 million in total guarantees. The contract, which makes Pace one of the highest paid linebackers in NFL history, will pay out $26 million in its first three years. Pace is the second major addition to the New York defense this offseason, with the Jets having acquired tackle Kris Jenkins from Carolina last week. Pace, who chose the offer from the Jets over one from Miami, should give coach Eric Mangini and general manager Mike Tannenbaum the pass-rushing 3-4 linebacker they have been seeking. ESPN article

Steelers Extend Big Ben

Ben Roethlisberger signed an eight-year extension worth $102 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid players. The deal includes more than $36 million guaranteed, and keeps Roethlisberger with the Steelers through 2015. “Ben has been an outstanding leader on the field for the Steelers since his rookie year and we are very happy to know that he will be our quarterback for many years to come,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said Monday in a statement. Roethlisberger turned 26 on Sunday and said the contract was a great birthday present.

Saints Sign CB Gay

The New Orleans Saints agreed to a four-year contract with former New England Patriots cornerback Randall Gay, worth up to $17.6 million, a league source told the Times-Picayune. The deal is worth about $6.7 million in salary and bonuses over the first two years, with a chance to go up to $9 million, based on playing time. Gay, who is from Brusly and played at LSU, made the Saints his first visit and his first priority in free agency. The Saints were likewise interested in the 25-year-old cornerback, targeting him as the best value at the position in free agency.
Source: Times-Picayune

Vikings Sign Berrian

Free-agent receiver Bernard Berrian left the Chicago Bears for the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, agreeing to a six-year, $42 million contract that includes $16 million in guaranteed money. Berrian had a career-high 71 catches for 951 yards and five touchdowns in his fourth season in the NFL, but he wanted to solidify himself as a true go-to receiver. The Vikings can sure guarantee him that, whether or not he’ll perform at the elite level he’s now being paid at.

Falcons Sign Turner

According to ESPN.com, the Atlanta Falcons and former Chargers runningback Michael Turner have agreed to a six-year $34.5 million dollar deal. The five-foot-10, 237-pound Turner gained 316 yards on 71 carries with one touchdown last season. During the postseason, with Tomlinson battling a knee injury, Turner gained 164 yards on 43 carries.

Browns Sign Stallworth

On the first day of NFL free agency, the Cleveland Browns first locked up quarterback Derek Anderson with a three-year deal. On Saturday, they gave him a new target to pass to. According to a source, Donte' Stallworth, who played last season with the New England Patriots, agreed to terms on a seven-year, $35 million contract with the Browns, $10 million of which is guaranteed. Stallworth caught 46 passes for 697 yards and three touchdowns as part of a receving corps that included Wes Welker and Pro Bowler Randy Moss.

Jets Sign Faneca

The New York Jets and guard Alan Faneca have tentatively agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal that includes roughly $23 million in guarantees, ESPN's Michael Smith reports. Faneca is expected to travel to New York this weekend, when the deal will be finalized. The Jets plan to play Faneca at left guard. The departure of Faneca, a former LSU standout who had spent his entire 10-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, isn't much of a surprise. Although he was an unrestricted free agent, the seven-time Pro Bowler was clearly irked with the team heading into last season for its refusal to trade him or give him a contract extension he felt he was worth. ESPN

Packers To Try To Sign Moss

According to an article on NFL.com, the Packers are going to make an attempt to sign Randy Moss. The Packers might believe that quarterback Brett Favre is ready to retire, but if the Packers sign Randy Moss it would lure him back to the team for at least another year. Moss has reportedly been upset about what the Patriots have been offering him and he may take the Packers deal.

Lions Trade Rogers To Browns

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. Detroit previously was set to get Cincinnati’s third- and fifth-round picks, a deal still posted on the Bengals’ team Web site late Friday night. The Lions were aggressively trying to move Rogers, a talented but inconsistent defensive tackle who was due to make a $1 million roster bonus at 12:01 a.m. EST Saturday. The Browns have now aquired two new defensive linemen after the Browns traded the Green Bay Packers their 2008 second round pick for big man Corey Williams.

Miami Very Busy

Linebacker Reggie Torbor doesn't care about his new team's miserable recent past. He isn't concerned about Miami's depressing 1-15 record last season. Or a depleted roster that still needs plenty of work. As it turns out, Torber isn't alone. Not at all. Because when the first day of free agency ended Friday, the Miami Dolphins had agreed to terms of contracts with a whopping seven free agents, while also trading for Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jason Ferguson. No other team in the NFL was more active. In all, Miami managed to lure in two linebackers (Charlie Anderson and Torbor), a defensive tackle (Randy Starks), a wide receiver (Ernest Wilford), a quarterback (McCown), a tight end (Sean Ryan) and an offensive guard (Justin Smiley) in free agency. Source: Miami Herald

Falcons Offer Turner Deal

The Atlanta Falcons are hoping that they can sign San Diego Charger second string running back Michael Turner soon. They have reportedly offered a very sizable contract and they are hoping that he will replace current runningback Warrick Dunn. The Falcons are expected to release Warrick Dunn to clear up about $3 million in cap space this week.

Raiders Sign Wilson

The Oakland Raiders have signed former New York Giants safety Gibril Wilson. The contract is worth a reported $39 million over six years. The Raiders released offensive lineman Barry Simms yesterday to create cap room for the signing. Since Wilson joined the league in 2004 he has 184 tackles, the most in the NFL in that span.

Broncos Release Walker

Javon Walker got his wish Friday when the Broncos released the oft-injured wide receiver. Upset with his contract in Green Bay and public criticism by Brett Favre of his threatened holdout, Walker came to Denver from the Packers in a draft day trade in 2006. His two-year stay in Denver was marked by a brilliant first season and the tragic shooting death of teammate Darrent Williams, who died in his arms. Walker started last season with two 100-yard games before missing two months following a third operation on his right knee. He was supplanted by Brandon Marshall as the team’s top receiver and finished with just 26 catches for 287 yards and no touchdowns. The Broncos had tried to trade Walker but found no takers and released him to avoid having to pay him a $5.4 million option bonus on March 4. The Broncos also released linebacker Ian Gold, who spent seven seasons in Denver sandwiched around a season in Tampa Bay in 2004 and whose play dropped off dramatically last season. Rumor: The Cowboys have displayed interest in signing Javon Walker.

Bills Sign Mitchell

Linebacker Kawika Mitchell is in, and defensive tackle Larry Tripplett is out in Buffalo, as the Bills opened free agency Friday intent on revamping a porous defense. Mitchell signed a five-year contract worth a reported $17.5 million, capping a month of February he’ll not soon forget after helping the New York Giants beat New England in the Super Bowl. “I could say, from this point exactly last year, to this point today, it has been an unbelievable year,” said Mitchell, the Giants’ only notable free-agent addition last offseason. “I started working out last week, so it’s time to move on.” The Bills moved on, too, terminating the final three years of Tripplett’s contract, an indication the team will pursue at least one experienced defensive tackle in free agency. Minus Tripplett, Buffalo has two experienced tackles left, second-year starter Kyle Williams and backup John McCargo. AP

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