2012 Free Agency News

Thought i'd start a free agency thread, since it's not that far away now, for news relating to franchise tags and tenders, cuts, signings, etc.

FRANCHISE TAGS:
DeSean Jackson (Eagles)
Tyvon Branch (Raiders)
Fred Davis (Redskins)
Dashon Goldson (49ers)
Calais Campbell (Cardinals)
Brent Grimes (Falcons)
Ray Rice (Ravens)
Mike Nugent (Bengals)
Phil Dawson (Browns)
Matt Forte (Bears)
Drew Brees (Saints)
Josh Scobee (Jaguars)
Matt Prater (Broncos)
Cliff Avril (Lions)
Michael Griffin (Titans)
Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)
Wes Welker (Patriots)
Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs)
Steve Weatherford (Giants)
Robert Mathis (Colts)
Connor Barth (Buccaneers)


TENDERS:
Bengals
Dan Skuta, LB (Original Pick Tender)

Bills
Chad Rinehart, OG (Original Pick Tender)
Kraig Urbik, OG (Original Pick Tender)

Broncos
Matt Willis, WR (Original Pick Tender)
Ryan McBean, DL (Original Pick Tender)
Lance Ball, RB (ERFA Tender)
Britton Colquitt, P (ERFA Tender)
Chris Clark, OT (ERFA Tender)

Buccaneers
Demar Dotson, OT (Original Pick Tender)
LeGarrette Blount, RB (Exclusive Rights Tender)
Preston Parker, WR (Exclusive Rights Tender)
Michael Bennett, DL (1st round Tender

Cardinals
La'Rod Stephens-Howling, RB (2nd round Tender)
Greg Toler, CB (Original Pick Tender)
Rashad Johnson, S (Original Pick Tender)

Chargers
Richard Goodman, KR (ERFA Tender)
Mike Windt, LS (ERFA Tender)

Chiefs
Jovan Belcher, LB (2nd round Tender)

Cowboys
Tony Fiammetta, FB (3rd round Tender)

Eagles
Antonio Dixon, DT (2nd round Tender)

Giants
Jake Ballard, TE (Exclusive Rights Tender)
Bruce Johnson, CB, (Exclusive Rights Tender)

Lions
DeAndre Levy, OLB (2nd round Tender)
Sammie Lee Hill, DT (Original Pick Tender)
Corey Hilliard, OT (Original Pick Tender)

Patriots
Brian Hoyer, QB (2nd round Tender)
Kyle Love, DT (ERFA Tender)

Rams
Danny Amendola, WR (2nd round Tender)
Tom Brandstater, QB (ERFA Tender)
Jermelle Cudjo, DT (ERFA Tender)
Dominique Curry, WR (ERFA Tender)
Bryan Mattison, OG (ERFA Tender)
Brit Miller, FB (ERFA Tender)
Darian Stewart, SS (ERFA Tender)

Raiders
Marcel Reece, FB (ERFA Tender)
Mason Brodine, DE (ERFA Tender)
Bryan McCann, CB (ERFA Tender)

Ravens
Dannell Ellerbe, LB (2nd round Tender)
Ladarius Webb, CB (1st round Tender)
Cary Williams, DB (2nd round Tender)

Redskins
Graham Gano, PK (Exclusive Rights Tender)
Kory Lichtensteiger, OL (Original Pick Tender)

Saints
Brian De La Puente, OC (Exclusive Rights Tender)
Jonatahan Casillas, LB (Original Pick Tender)

Seahawks
Steven Hauschka, PK (ROFR Tender)

Steelers
Mike Wallace, WR (1st round Tender)

49ers
Larry Grant, LB (Original Pick Tender)



SIGNINGS:
Bears
Eric Weems, WR
Kellen Davis, TE
Tim Jennings, CB
Josh McCowan, QB
Brandon Marshall, WR (trade)
Jason Campbell, QB
Blake Costanzo, LB

Bengals
Chris Pressley, FB (re-signed)
Nick Hayden, DT

Bills
Rian Lindell, PK (re-signed)
Stevie Johnson, WR (re-signed)
Ruvell Martin, WR (re-signed)
Scott Chandler, TE (re-signed)
Kirk Morrison, LB (re-signed)

Browns
D'Qwell Jackson, LB (re-signed)
Frostee Rucker, DE
Marcus Benard, DE
John Grecco, OL
Dimitri Patterson, CB
Alex Smith, TE

Buccaneers
Jeremy Zuttah (re-signed)
Eric Wright, CB
Carl Nicks, OG
Vincent Jackson, WR

Cardinals
Adam Snyder, OL

Chargers
Demorrio Williams, LB
Jarret Johnson, LB
Le'Ron McClain, FB
Robert Meachem, WR
Jared Gaither, OT
Nick Hardwick, OC

Chiefs
Brandon Siler, LB (re-signed)
Stanford Routt, CB
Amon Gordon, DT
Peyton Hillis, RB

Colts
Robert Mathis, DE (re-signed)
Cory Redding, DL
Reggie Wayne, WR
Winston Justice, OT (trade)

Cowboys
Gerald Sensabaugh, DB (re-signed)
Mackenzy Bernadeau, OG
Lawrence Vickers, FB
Brandon Carr, CB
Kyle Orton, QB

Dolphins
Richard Marshall, CB
Phillip Merling, DE
Paul Soliai, DL

Eagles
Cullen Jenkins, DL (re-signed)
Trent Edwards, QB
Mardy Gilyard, WR
DeSean Jackson, WR
Antonio Dixon, DT

Falcons
Thomas DeCoud, FS (re-signed)
Kroy Biermann, DE (re-signed)
Jason Snelling, RB (re-signed)
Lofa Tatupu, LB
Vince Manuwai, OL
Harry Douglas, WR (re-signed)
Chris Redman, QB (re-signed)
Vance Walker, DT (re-signed)

Giants
Domenik Hixon, WR (re-signed)
Terrell Thomas, CB (re-signed)
Martellus Bennett, TE
Justin Tryon, CB

Jaguars
Rashean Mathis, CB (re-signed)
Guy Whimper, OT (re-signed)
Laurent Robinson, WR
Dwight Lowery, S
Jeremy Mincey, DE
C.J. Mosley, DT
Chad Henne, QB

Jets
Sione Pouha, DT (re-signed)

Packers
Jermichael Finley, TE (re-signed)

Panthers
Justin Medlock, PK
Derek Anderson, QB (re-signed)

Patriots
Jonathan Fanene, DT
Matt Slater, WR/ST
Tracy White, LB/ST
Niko Koutouvides, LB/ST

Raiders
Marcel Reece, FB

Rams
Cortland Finnegan, CB

Redskins
Will Montgomery, OL (re-signed)
Pierre Garcon, WR
Josh Morgan, WR
Adam Carriker, DE

Saints
Chase Daniel, QB (re-signed)
Ben Grubbs, OG
Marques Colston, WR

Seahawks
Marshawn Lynch (re-signed)
Breno Giacomini, OL (re-signed)
Red Bryant, DL
Paul McQuistan, OL

Texans
Arian Foster, RB (re-signed)
Jon Weeks, LS (re-signed)

Titans
Craig Stevens, TE (re-signed)
Jordan Babineaux, S

Vikings
Sage Rosenfels, QB
Letroy Guion, DT
Tyrell Johnson, S

49ers
Ahmad Brooks, LB (re-signed)
Will Tukuafu, DL (re-signed)
Randy Moss, WR (signed)
Carlos Rogers, CB



CUTS:
Bears
Frank Omiyale, OL
Anthony Adams, DT

Browns
Tony Pashos, OT
Eric Steinbach, OG

Buccaneers
Albert Haynesworth, DL
Jeff Faine, OC

Cardinals
Levi Brown, OT

Chargers
Luis Castillo, DL
Marcus McNeill, OT

Chiefs
Demorrio Williams, LB

Colts
Peyton Manning, QB
Dallas Clark, TE
Gary Brackett, LB
Jo Addai, RB
Melvin Bullitt, S
Curtis Painter, QB

Cowboys
Terence Newman, CB
David Buehler, PK

Eagles
Jamaal Jackson, OC

Giants
Brandon Jacobs, RB

Jaguars
Kassim Osgood, KR

Jets
Gerald Alexander, S

Lions
Will Heller, TE

Panthers
Adi Kunalic, PK
Travelle Wharton, OG

Patriots
Mike Wright, DL

Raiders
Chris Johnson, CB
Kevin Boss, TE
Cooper Carlisle, OG
John Henderson, DL
Hiram Eugene, S

Rams
James Hall, DE
Ron Bartell, CB
Fred Robbins, DT
Justin Bannan, DT
Jason Bown, OL

Ravens
Lee Evans, WR
Chris Carr, CB
Domonique Foxworth, CB

Redskins
OJ Otogwe, FS
Mike Sellers, FB

Seahawks
Marcus Trufant, CB
Robert Gallery, OG

Steelers
Aaron Smith, DL
James Farrior, LB
Chris Kemoeatu, OL
Hines Ward, WR
Bryant McFadden, CB

Texans
Darius Morris, OL
Matt Leinart, QB
Eric Winston, OT

Vikings
Cedric Griffin, CB
Anthony Herrera, OG
Steve Hutchinson, OG


RETIREMENTS:
Kris Dielman, OL (Chargers)
Al Harris, CB (Rams)
Derrick Mason, WR (Texans)
Ricky Williams, RB (Ravens) Reserve/Retired List

I wonder if someone is going to go after Farrior. He is no doubt a very good player but is he too old to entice teams? It's quite clear that the Steelers are changing it up personnel wise anyway.

Really happy goldson was tagged, hopefully a long term deal can be reached, rogers would have been over 10 million if franchised so this makes sense.

Looking at the Browns free agents there's really no-one I'm bothered about them tagging, they could probably use it on Dawson again or maybe Mike Adams depending on the wage increase it would give him, but as D'Qwell Jackson is signed to a long term deal I'm happy.

It's a shame Dielman has had to retire, but an understandable decision to make.

Derbyblue wrote:Looking at the Browns free agents there's really no-one I'm bothered about them tagging, they could probably use it on Dawson again or maybe Mike Adams depending on the wage increase it would give him, but as D'Qwell Jackson is signed to a long term deal I'm happy.

Browns have reportedly assigned the franchise tag to Dawson.

twelve283 wrote:

Derbyblue wrote:Looking at the Browns free agents there's really no-one I'm bothered about them tagging, they could probably use it on Dawson again or maybe Mike Adams depending on the wage increase it would give him, but as D'Qwell Jackson is signed to a long term deal I'm happy.

Browns have reportedly assigned the franchise tag to Dawson.

Seems to be true: http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/breaking_cleveland_browns_fran.html

Can't complain about it with D'Qwell Jackson secured for the long term there didn't look like a large number of option for the tag, still very reliable if you take out the 3 (think that's right) messed up snaps that's 24 from 26 (7 from 50+) and all 20 PATs.

Apparently Vincent Jackson is the only player the Chargers are considering tagging, but from the quotes in the article it appears to be unlikely, probably leaves them needing to grab a WR in FA or the draft. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8275a877/article/chargers-smith-says-tagging-jackson-an-option-but-unlikely

The Chicago Bears have unsurprisingly placed the tag on their key offensive talent Matt Forte, but both want a long term deal. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8275a1a3/article/bears-apply-franchise-tag-to-rb-forte-still-want-longterm-deal

Breaking news just in that the Saints have franchised Drew Brees.

Not great for the Saints, but they didn't really have another choice. Wonder where Nicks and Colston end up.

titans better at least make a play for nicks if he is available

niner wrote:titans better at least make a play for nicks if he is available

I would like to see him join the 49ers but that probably isn't going to happen. The Bengals and Browns could be interesting options for Nicks.

mikeygnfl wrote:Breaking news just in that the Saints have franchised Drew Brees.

Makes sense, losing him would have put the franchise back years, Nicks and Colston can be replaced easier through either the draft or FA (depending on cap room).

Some things Twelve missed Ricky Williams is retiring from football, and Pittsburgh placed a first round tender on Mike Wallace as they don't have the cap space to tag him (or anyone) hence the recent cuts, so if any team puts an offer Pittsburgh won't match to Wallace and he agrees Pittsburgh get their first round original pick (would be #21 from Bengals or #30 from Patriots).

mikeygnfl wrote:

niner wrote:titans better at least make a play for nicks if he is available

I would like to see him join the 49ers but that probably isn't going to happen. The Bengals and Browns could be interesting options for Nicks.

I can understand the Browns link but in reality if Steinbach is healthy then it's just RT that we need help at, with Thomas Steinbach Mack Pinkston ???? as the starting line.

niners won't have the money

http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/Seahawks-retain-leading-rusher-Lynch/87b3b3cf-ee27-4677-815b-be8a48e057bc#

RESIGN THE BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The cowboys have tendered FB Fiamatta

Leedscowboys wrote:The cowboys have tendered FB Fiamatta

Do you know what level it was at?

TB have re-signed OL Jeremy Zuttah.

Apparently Arian Foster and the Houston Texans have agreed to a 5-year deal. It's the breaking news on NFL.com but no story currently.

twelve283 wrote:

Leedscowboys wrote:The cowboys have tendered FB Fiamatta

Do you know what level it was at?

TB have re-signed OL Jeremy Zuttah.

3RD round for Fiamatta

It looks like Spencer will also get the Franchise Tag, rumours coming out of Dallas is that they will hit spencer with the Tag before the deadline if they cannot work out a long term deal.

Article for the Foster deal: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82762a45/article/agent-says-foster-texans-agree-on-fiveyear-extension?module=HP11_headline_stack

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a five-year extension with WR Stevie Johnson, meaning they won't have to tag him. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82762c22/article/bills-avoid-applying-tag-to-johnson-agree-on-fiveyear-extension?module=HP11_headline_stack

Leedscowboys wrote:

twelve283 wrote:

Leedscowboys wrote:The cowboys have tendered FB Fiamatta

Do you know what level it was at?

TB have re-signed OL Jeremy Zuttah.

3RD round for Fiamatta

Cheers.

Franchise Tag for Matt Prater, Josh Scobee and Cliff Avril.

Foster deal seems to be fair for all involved.

Johnson was reportedly looking for $8m + per year, thought he might head to FA, maybe he found out the market wasn't there for him.

Titans have placed their franchise tag on their safety Michael Griffin.

cherriesfan wrote:http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/Seahawks-retain-leading-rusher-Lynch/87b3b3cf-ee27-4677-815b-be8a48e057bc#

RESIGN THE BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I take it you mean re-sign?

Derbyblue wrote:Article for the Foster deal: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82762a45/article/agent-says-foster-texans-agree-on-fiveyear-extension?module=HP11_headline_stack

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a five-year extension with WR Stevie Johnson, meaning they won't have to tag him. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82762c22/article/bills-avoid-applying-tag-to-johnson-agree-on-fiveyear-extension?module=HP11_headline_stack

That is a good move for the Bills after signing Fitzpatrick in October. They were going quite well at the start of last season. With a fit Fred Jackson and a good draft they could have a good season next year. That said they could be in one of the tougher divisions.

The Franchise Tag has been assigned to Cowboys LB Anthony Spencer and Patriots WR Wes Welker.

Derbyblue wrote:Apparently Arian Foster and the Houston Texans have agreed to a 5-year deal. It's the breaking news on NFL.com but no story currently.

Glad this has happened. The boy deserved it.

Next up... Dwayne Bowe has just been franchised.

Also i'm somewhat surprised that 4 kickers have been franchised (Nugent, Dawson, Prater, Scobee)

Derbyblue wrote:Apparently Arian Foster and the Houston Texans have agreed to a 5-year deal. It's the breaking news on NFL.com but no story currently.

So what happens with Mario Williams now? Could they put the franchise tag on him? Or is he more than likely off elsewhere .. Wonder if we can fit him into the 49ers cap

crazy_dave23 wrote:

Derbyblue wrote:Apparently Arian Foster and the Houston Texans have agreed to a 5-year deal. It's the breaking news on NFL.com but no story currently.

Glad this has happened. The boy deserved it.

Next up... Dwayne Bowe has just been franchised.

Also i'm somewhat surprised that 4 kickers have been franchised (Nugent, Dawson, Prater, Scobee)

I'm not at all surprised that Prater got tagged. He was the most clutch kicker last season. Even if they did credit all those points to Tim Tebow.

bambamwillis wrote:

Derbyblue wrote:Apparently Arian Foster and the Houston Texans have agreed to a 5-year deal. It's the breaking news on NFL.com but no story currently.

So what happens with Mario Williams now? Could they put the franchise tag on him? Or is he more than likely off elsewhere .. Wonder if we can fit him into the 49ers cap

The reports I have seen had him linked with the Seattle Seahawks.

we would have to forget about rogers to get williams but with the D we already have i'd say getting a good wr would get us even closer to a sb, that being said, justin smith and aldon, ray mac, soap, bowman, willis, brooks with williams, would there ever be a better front 7. It might be possible if we took hiil/wright/sanu/randle in the draft along with a receiver in the later rounds like wylie then go out and get a meachem/laurent robinson, resign morgan and maybe lett ginn walk if he wants too much

mikeygnfl wrote:

bambamwillis wrote:

Derbyblue wrote:Apparently Arian Foster and the Houston Texans have agreed to a 5-year deal. It's the breaking news on NFL.com but no story currently.

So what happens with Mario Williams now? Could they put the franchise tag on him? Or is he more than likely off elsewhere .. Wonder if we can fit him into the 49ers cap

The reports I have seen had him linked with the Seattle Seahawks.

HIM AND CELMONS = A MESS WHERE TEH QB IS SUPPOSED TO BE

The Bucs tagged kicker Connar Barth. http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Buccaneers-Protect-Barth-with-Franchise-Tag/b2265aa0-c680-4bca-a99e-5000743825da
The Colts did tag Robert Mathis but signed him to a long term deal less than half an hour later. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8276501b/article/colts-reach-deal-with-mathis-after-buying-time-with-franchise-tag

I'm seeing rumours saying that the Colts plan to announce their plans to cut Peyton Manning today (Wednesday).

Also:
Chiefs have cut linebacker Demorrio Williams. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/06/chiefs-announce-release-of-linebacker-demorrio-williams/
Falcons have resigned free safety Thomas DeCoud. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/06/falcons-agree-to-contract-with-thomas-decoud/

Derbyblue wrote:I'm seeing rumours saying that the Colts plan to announce their plans to cut Peyton Manning today (Wednesday).

It makes sense. Why waste money on an ageing QB when you aren't certain about his comeback form injury when you are drafting 1st. That said there will be plenty of takers ready to gamble on him.

Re The Colts cutting Manning - Interesting times ahead!!

Who have you all got in the "Where will Manning end up" sweepstakes??

I'll take Miami.

I think Arizona or Kansas...

I hope not Kansas to be honest. I want the Raiders to make the playoffs next year!

Number-25 wrote:Who have you all got in the "Where will Manning end up" sweepstakes??

I'll go Seattle.

Number-25 wrote:Re The Colts cutting Manning - Interesting times ahead!!

Who have you all got in the "Where will Manning end up" sweepstakes??

I'll take Miami.

NFC WEST
Arizona or Seattle
Both are capable of winning division ,Think he will only play for a contender as at best he's got 2-3 seasons left injury permitting

ill say Miami, he doesn't want to face the niners D twice a year

I'll say Arizona, though I would absolutely love him to go to the Jets to face off with Tom Brady twice a year, but it's unlikely that the Jets could afford him with their current wage issues . I'm just glad to have him out of the AFC South.

According to La Canfora Seattle and Arizona are "gonna come after Peyton Manning strong." Of the two I see Arizona as the more likely destination.

Adam Schefter lists the Dolphins, Redskins and Jets as other potential landing spots. Jets appear to be somewhat restricted by the cap, Dolphins are a possiblity, though I don't know why he would want to get shafted by BB, Brady and the Patriots two times a year.

I'll say Seattle but I hope not cos Cherries will go insane

Number-25 wrote:Who have you all got in the "Where will Manning end up" sweepstakes??

I'll go Arizona (2nd choice Miami but they may go after Flynn instead - weird situation that!)

Or what I should say is ANYONE BUT THE JETS

2nd question: How long before we all get bored with the saga that this will inevitably become??? Just has all the makings of a "will he won't he" saga along the lines of what we saw when Brett Favre kept going in and out of retirement!!

Number-25 wrote:2nd question: How long before we all get bored with the saga that this will inevitably become??? Just has all the makings of a "will he won't he" saga along the lines of what we saw when Brett Favre kept going in and out of retirement!!

Doubtful this will happen, I imagine he'll go in the first week or so of free agency as I'd imagine both he and the team he signs with will want as much time together as possible before next season. He also seems less of a drama queen than farve.

colts open to trading freeney according to schefter

It has just been announced that the New York Giants are to release Brandon Jacobs.

Colts continue to clean house, Dallas Clark, Jo Addai, Gary Brackett and Melvin Bullitt have all been released.

You'd have thought they could have traded some of those players!
Especially Dallas Clark who is still a good TE who would have good value with teams all looking for a TE now they are hot property courtesy of Gronk, Graham and co.

twelve283 wrote:Colts continue to clean house, Dallas Clark, Jo Addai, Gary Brackett and Melvin Bullitt have all been released.

Slightly strange moves there.
I imagine its salary cap related (Irsay eluded to a the point that signing all their draft picks would currently be tricky in the Manning press conference) however I'm sure each would have some trade value as they have all been starters for the Colts for a little while now.

Actually the salary cap thing brings up an intriguing point. The Colts gave Peyton the megabucks contract before his neck went properly AWOL and needed extra surgerys, so if they had had a normal year with Peyton then they wouldn't have released Manning but you have to imagine that their salary cap would have been absolutely horrendous.

not surprised by any of the moves, just that they were announced all at once