Posted by:
Doug Farrar, NorthwestFootball.net
at
03/07/2010 9:52 PM ET
Cards Heed Dockett's Call; Porter Will Visit
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has been pleading with his team via Twitter to bring in recently released "endbacker" Joey Porter for a team visit. Porter, who the Dolphins couldn't wait to let go, will visit Arizona on Monday. Porter played in Pittsburgh from 1999 through 2006, and would reunite with defender Clark Haggans and head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who used to be the Steelers' offensive coordinator.
The 32-year-old Porter amassed nine sacks in 2009, one year after racking up a career-high 17.5 in 2008 for Miami. Porter would provide edge rush help for a Cardinals defense in desperate need, and could succeed in the short term in Bill Davis' gap-control 3-4 defense.
Cardinals: News | Forums | Roster
With their multi-year deal with Dunta Robinson wrapped up, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Atlanta Falcons are going to trade cornerback Chris Houston to the Detroit Lions for a sixth-round draft pick and a swap of the teams' fifth-round picks. Houston was drafted in the second round in 2007, but he was one of the reasons the team really struggled in pass coverage last season, and he may be more successful in a defense like Detroit's in which he can play closer to the line. Of the remaining cornerbacks from last year's defense, Falcons head coach Mike Smith has said the most positive things about Brent Grimes, who might have the lead to start opposite Robinson in 2010.
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The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with quarterback David Carr, the former first-overall pick. Terms are undisclosed at this time. Carr was taken by the Houston Texans with the first pick in the 2002 NFL draft and disappointed with the expansion team, but has been a capable backup quarterback with the Panthers and Giants. It is expected that Carr will back up Alex Smith, with Nate Davis as the possible developmental project.
Check out more analysis here: http://sfo.scout.com/2/952071.html
49ers: News | Forums | Roster
Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald reports that Steelers safety Ryan Clark is visiting with the Dolphins tonight and could sign a contract as early as tomorrow. The Fins were in the hunt for Antrel Rolle after cutting Gibril Wilson, and Clark would replace Wilson in the defensive backfield. With new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and former Cardinals ILB Karlos Dansby in the fold, Miami is staking this offseason on their defense.
Darlington talked to Clark, who sounds like he wants to wrap this up. "There were a lot of good offers and a lot of good fits," Clark said. "But this seems like a good spot. So I’m praying it goes well."
Dolphins: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 6:50 PM ET
More on Jackson Visits
Veteran CB Marlin Jackson (Indianapolis Colts) is scheduled to start making free-agent visits to the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles next week, a league source confirmed.
Jackson, who was not tendered as a restricted free agent, became free to sign with any team starting Friday. Had the Colts tendered him, they would have had the right to match any offer sheet he received.
Jackson missed 21 games over the past two seasons due to knee problems, but was pretty durable the previous three seasons.
Jackson, who turns 27 in June, was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Colts.
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Posted by:
Doug Farrar, NorthwestFootball.net
at
03/07/2010 6:47 PM ET
Bengals Might Get in Bidding for Marshall
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is currently in Seattle, where the Seahawks are trying to sell the talented Marshall on the Emerald City and figuring out a way to avoid giving up their sixth-overall draft pick for him. Marshall was given the first-round tender by the Broncos, but such terms are negotiable if the team holding the cards is amenable.
Seattle's best chance is if no other teams get in the bidding, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Marshall may have another suitor. Schefter reports that the Cincinnati Bengals, who desperately need deep speed in their receiver corps, might put a bid on the table.
The Bengals have the 21st overall pick, which is a more reasonable price for Marshall's services. At the very least, the specter of a 21st overall pick available might give the Seahawks reason go give over their second first-round pick — the fourteenth overall — if a deal can be made.
Seahawks: News | Forums | Roster
Bengals: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Eric Hartz, ColtPower.com
at
03/07/2010 6:40 PM ET
Sorgi Could Hold Clipboard for Another Manning
Jim Sorgi has spent his entire career backing up Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, but that all changed Friday when the Colts released the five-year veteran.
However, Sorgi could get a chance to back up Manning again — Eli Manning, that is. According to agent Matt Brei, who originally broke the news of Sorgi's release by the Colts via Twitter, just Tweeted that Sorgi will work out for the Giants tomorrow.
Giants: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Barry McBride, TheOBR.com
at
03/07/2010 6:05 PM ET
Browns Add LB Fujita
The Browns may have started slowly in free agency, but the club and new braintrust of Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert leapt into action today. After the earlier signing of Tony Pashos reported by Alex Marvez and Adam Caplan, the team has inked LB Scott Fujita to a deal. Analysis this evening on the OBR…
Browns: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Eric Hartz, ColtPower.com
at
03/07/2010 6:01 PM ET
More Visits for Jackson
Former Colt Marlin Jackson is seeing a good deal of interest in his services despite season-ending knee injuries in 2008 and 2009.
It seemed likely that Jackson would sign with Minnesota on Friday, but no deal has emerged yet. Meanwhile, several sources are reporting that Jackson will visit with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday and will follow that trip with a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Patriots’ free agent CB Leigh Bodden is en route to visit the Houston Texans for his first official visit of free agency. Teams typically will not bring in a player unless there’s a reasonable chance of signing him. According to an updated note from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Bodden’s price may be dipping into that “reasonable” range.
Bodden is the top DB remaining available in free agency, which is one reason why three other teams are pursuing him — the Seahawks, Steelers and New England. The Texans are pursuing Bodden to replace the recently departed Dunta Robinson, who agreed to a 6-year, $57-million deal with the Falcons.
Bodden, 28, spent five seasons with the Browns before being traded to the Lions for a season. He signed a one-year deal with New England for 2009 as a prove-it deal. The Patriots remain interested in re-signing the talented DB.
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Posted by:
Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 3:57 PM ET
Vick to Score Roster Bonus
The Philadelphia Eagles will pay veteran QB Michael Vick his $1.5 million roster bonus due on March 9, a team source confirmed to Scout.com.
A league source notes that the team will also be guaranteeing $1 million of Vick's $3.75 million base salary for 2010. The roster bonus and base salary guarantee are due on the same date, the source said.
As a vested veteran, the source notes the team will owe him a total of $5.25 million for the 2010 season if he's on the 53-man roster during the first week of the regular season. Vick also has $2.75 million in incentives in his contract which are based on playing time and other parameters.
NFL.com first reported that the team would pay Vick the roster bonus.
Eagles: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Alex Marvez, FOXSports.com, Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 3:47 PM ET
Holmgren Lands First Free Agent
The Cleveland Browns and free-agent ORT Tony Pashos (San Francisco 49ers) have agreed to terms on a three-year, $10.3 million deal.
Pashos, 29, signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the 49ers last September. He suffered a shoulder injury in late October and was placed on injured reserve a few days later. He wound up appearing in only 5 games and started just 1 because of the injury.
Pashos should give the Browns some badly needed stability to the right side of their offensive line.
Browns: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Alex Marvez, FOXSports.com
at
03/07/2010 3:19 PM ET
Rolle Says a Homecoming Wasn’t in the Offing
A South Florida native, Antrel Rolle said the Miami Dolphins never got high enough in the free-agent bidding to garner serious consideration. Rolle instead signed a five-year, $37 million contract with the New York Giants that makes him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
Rolle, who played at the University of Miami and South Dade High School, said the Dolphins weren’t willing to spend above $30 million. He also said a free-agent visit to Miami was never scheduled.
“They never reached out,” Rolle told me and co-host Jim Miller on Sirius NFL Radio.
Rolle said Arizona was willing to match New York’s offer but he was ready to move on after five NFL seasons. Rolle was released last week by the Cardinals so the team didn’t have to pay a $4 million roster bonus.
A converted cornerback, Rolle is coming off his best NFL season at safety. He reached the Pro Bowl after notching 72 tackles and four interceptions.
Dolphins: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 3:11 PM ET
Kelsay Gets a Cool 500K
While the Buffalo Bills continue to wait for veteran DE Aaron Schobel to make up his mind on his future, the team has made a decision on another veteran defensive player.
The team picked up DE Chris Kelsay's $500,000 roster bonus which was due on March 5, a league source told Scout.com. Kelsay is set to make $3.7 million in base salary this season.
As Scout.com recently first reported, Schobel's $2 million roster bonus is due this Tuesday (March 9) and all indications have been that they plan on paying it. The team will be transitioning to a 3-4 defensive scheme this season and they believe he'll make a smooth transition to outside linebacker.
Bills: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Charlie Bernstein, JagNation.com
at
03/07/2010 3:07 PM ET
All That's Good About Osgood
JagNation gets the inside scoop on three-time Pro Bowler Kassim Osgood from SD Bolt Report.com publisher Michael
Lombardo. What makes Osgood so great on special teams? Can he contribute at wide receiver? Find out at
JagNation.com.
Jaguars: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Charlie Bernstein, JagNation.com
at
03/07/2010 2:55 PM ET
Inside Scoop on Kampman
Scout.com has the inside scoop on the Jaguars newest defensive end as Packer Report.com publisher Bill Huber told us
all we need to know about Aaron Kampman. How long will he need to rehab? What kind of impact can he make? Find
out at JagNation.com.
LINK: Kampman Scouting Report (subscription req'd)
Jaguars: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 2:14 PM ET
Jaguars Had Backup Plan
While the Jacksonville Jaguars reached a contract agreement with free-agent DE Aaron Kampman, a league source told Scout.com that the team had free agent DE Tyler Brayton (Carolina Panthers) also on their list to target.
Brayton, as noted previously, is scheduled to meet with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.
Jaguars: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 1:56 PM ET
Hadnot Visits Denver
The Denver Broncos had free-agent G Rex Hadnot (Cleveland Browns) in for a visit over the weekend, Scout.com has confirmed through a league source.
Denver has very little depth at either guard position, so their interest in Hadnot shouldn't be surprising.
The veteran interior offensive lineman started 21 games for the Browns over the past two seasons.
Hadnot was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.
Broncos: News | Forums | Roster
Browns: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Eric Hartz, ColtPower.com
at
03/07/2010 12:39 PM ET
Polian steps away from free agency frenzy
The Colts aren't typically too active in free agency, and accomplished their top goal — re-signing Gary Brackett — early on Friday. At Brackett's press conference Friday afternoon, however, Colts president Bill Polian was nowhere to be seen. Brackett was instead introduced by team vice president and general manager Chris Polian, Bill's son.
The elder Polian wasn't avoiding the press, however. He was on his way to Boston to participate in the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference where he is on the executive board and was a featured panelist. Polian appeared with Patriots president Jonathan Kraft, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey and ESPN columnist Bill Simmons in the panel called "What Geeks Don't Get: The Limits of Moneyball" which was moderated by Michael Lewis, the author of the well-known book on team management. Among the topics discussed: Bill Belichick's controversial fourth-down decision in the Colts-Patriots game this year.
Colts: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Bill Huber, PackerReport.com
at
03/07/2010 12:06 PM ET
Pack Has Replacement For Kampman
From the Packers' perspective of Aaron Kampman's reported agreement with Jacksonville, they lose one of their most productive players and a pillar of the community. But while he missed half of the season with his torn ACL, the Packers' defense actually became more productive with rookie seventh-round pick Brad Jones in the starting lineup. While Jones didn't get anywhere near the consistent pressure of Kampman, he recorded four sacks to the 3.5 for Kampman. Plus, he was sound against the run and better in coverage than Kampman.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Jones would need to add strength and bulk to his 239-pound frame. If he does so, his skills, athleticism,>intelligence and diligence give him a legit chance to be a longtime starter.
Another possibility for the Packers is to look to the draft, where a deep class of outside linebackers awaits. While Michigan's Brandon Graham likely will be off the board at No. 23, Clemson's Ricky Sapp and Texas' Sergio Kindle are two options in the first round. By Packer Report's count, there are at least two-dozen proven collegiate pass rushers who have the physical makeup to fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Packers: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Barry McBride, TheOBR.com
at
03/07/2010 11:58 AM ET
Another Free Agent DB Update!
We've updated the Scout.com Free Agent Database yet again, with the latest transactions. If you're looking to keep track of who's left, and which free agent went where, this is the right place to start.
Browns: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Jon Scott, PatriotsInsider.com
at
03/07/2010 11:22 AM ET
Bodden An Expensive Visitor
According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Patriots free agent CB Leigh Bodden has scheduled a trip to meet with the Houston Texans. Bodden’s agent, Alvin Keels, told McClain that the Patriots corner will fly to Houston for a visit, believed to be his first.
McClain feels Bodden’s asking price may be too rich for the Texans, who let Dunta Robinson go to the Falcons because he was too expensive.
“Bodden wants a lot of money,” McClain wrote via twitter. “Unless his price comes down, I don't see the Texans committing money to him they could have used on Dunta.”
As noted in this blog yesterday, Robinson signed a 6-year $57 million deal with $25.5 million guaranteed.
Patriots: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Charlie Bernstein, BattleRedNation.com
at
03/07/2010 11:14 AM ET
Replacement For Dunta?
After losing free agent cornerback Dunta Robinson to the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans are looking for his
replacement. Pro Football Talk is reporting that free agent cornerback Leigh Bodden, most recently of the New
England Patriots, is in Houston visiting with the Texans.
If Bodden and the Texans can come to terms, it is likely that he would start immediately and the competition for the
starting position opposite Bodden would be between veteran Fred Bennett and second-year players Brice McCain and
Glover Quin.
Texans: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 09:29 AM ET
Wading Through the Snow
The Buffalo Bills had free-agent OL Wade Smith (Kansas City Chiefs) in for a visit on Saturday, Scout.com has confirmed through a league source.
The journeyman offensive lineman could receive a decent amount of interest in free agency because of his ability to play both guard spots and center.
Smith started 9 games for the Chiefs last season and has started 34 over his 8 years of play. Smith was originally selected in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.
Bills: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Tim Yotter, VikingUpdate.com
at
03/07/2010 09:26 AM ET
Hicks' Ripple Effects
Artis Hicks’ signing with the Redskins on Saturday will leave at least three teams looking elsewhere. The Vikings were still talking with the offensive linemen and he had visits lined up with Detroit and Arizona in the coming days as well. Ultimately, he got the deal and the opportunity he was looking for with Washington, and a big bonus working in a familiar system.
Vikings: News | Forums | Roster
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Posted by:
Adam Caplan, Scout.com
at
03/07/2010 09:21 AM ET
Edwards Switching Schemes, Coasts?
The Seattle Seahawks had free-agent DE Dwan Edwards (Baltimore Ravens) in for a visit on Saturday, Scout.com confirmed through a league source.
The visit is surprising considering Seattle runs a 4-3 defensive scheme, and Edwards has played virtually his entire career in the 3-4.
Edwards only has two sacks in his career, but is known as a solid run-stopping end.
Edwards, who turns 29 in May, was selected by the Ravens in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
Seahawks: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Charlie Bernstein, JagNation.com
at
03/07/2010 09:18 AM ET
Kampmann a Jag
After signing special teams ace Kassim Osgood yesterday afternoon, the Jaguars negotiating team was up into the wee hours of the morning putting a deal together with former Green Bay Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman. Kampman led the Packers in sacks each season from 2006-2008 and is the most accomplished pass rusher on the Jaguars defensive line.
Jaguars: News | Forums | Roster
Posted by:
Barry McBride, TheOBR.com
at
03/07/2010 09:06 AM ET
Are You Buying a Used Carr?
This time of year, fans need to perhaps look even greater cynicism at sudden rumors which emerge about free agent players. Is that the case with recent stories tying together the Browns and Giants QB David Carr. The OBR ponders the question in their latest subscriber story...
Browns: News | Forums | Roster