2012 Free Agency News

First topic message reminder :

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

crazy_dave23 wrote:From Mr La Canfora...

"Bucs land Carl Nicks, as expected. Agrees to terms for 5 yrs, $47.5M. #freeagency"

So Tampa making a splash and hit of their top 3 targets for FA. In doing so they weaken the Saints a bit too

The Buccaneers have done really well and are well set for the draft. I would expect them to be looking at Morris Claiborne and Trent Richardson would be an interesting pick.

Carlson has signed with the Vikings. 5 years, $25m.

twelve283 wrote:Calvin Johnson just signed a 7 year $132m extension through 2019.

NFL.com says 7y, $113.5M. Not sure you can overpay Megatron!

niner wrote:wouldn't have minded wright wit the niners but didn't expect rogers to return and rogers a lot better.


Do you guys think the niners passing attack could be very good if they got lloyd, considering they most likely will also use their 1st on a passing weapon, crabtree, moss, williams, davis, walker, lloyd and fleener/hill/wright etc looks good on paper

Titans will also win their division with manning, hutchinson and myers and a pass rush heavy draft

The vikes are doing nothing, I'd hope they would go after landry and maybe grubbs

It will be interesting to see if the 49ers go for another WR in the 1st round if they add Lloyd to Moss? It possibly means they are more likely to go for Coby Fleener.

That said, I think the 49ers would already have enough in their roster to go all in and get Andrew Luck (however unlikely that is).

*SIGNING* DL Cory Redding has agreed to a 3 year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

*SIGNING* OT Jared Gaither has re-signed with the SD Chargers. 4 year contract.

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis will reportedly visit the Bengals.
OG Leonard Davis will reportedly visit the 49ers.

With Peyton Manning going to the Broncos or the Titans and Matt Flynn looking Cleveland or Seattle bound is Ryan Tannehill nailed on for the Miami Dolphins with Mike Sherman being there?

Cowboys 1st FA signing is Kyle Orton, a good signing for a back up QB, he will get to make a challenge for starting in summer camp, more than likely will be a back up very solid signing.

Derbyblue wrote:Despite everything they said the Browns are apparently offering Matt Flynn a contract. http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/report_cleveland_browns_making.html

Literally one and half hours after writing that article they decided to write the article saying we haven't offered Matt Flynn a contract, more great reporting by the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

*SIGNING* LB Jarret Johnson has signed with the SD Chargers.

CB Aaron Ross will reportedly visit the Redskins on Friday.
RB Michael Bush will reportedly visit the Bears.

mario williams waiting to see what happens with titans and manning, i'd be delighted to get one of them, no income tax in nashville and thats what attracts williams-lombardi

I don't think it's been mentioned but Jeremy Mincey resigned with the Jaguars.

bills, miami and ffs, the niners talking to manningham, would take him or lloyd and a wr/te in the 1st and be very excited. Not sure who would present better value out of lloyd or manningham though. Peyton is currently in Nashville

so the niners also talking to laurent robinson now too, thats on going discussions with schilens, lloyd and manningham, very different receivers

leonard davis visiting them too (thought he was retired)

niner wrote:bills, miami and ffs, the niners talking to manningham, would take him or lloyd and a wr/te in the 1st and be very excited. Not sure who would present better value out of lloyd or manningham though. Peyton is currently in Nashville

WR's have, IMO, been overpaid so far in FA. Rumour that Manningham was looking for a deal in the $7m per year range.

*SIGNING* DL Jonathan Fanene has signed a 3 year deal with the NE Patriots.

no way he should get that, but a ring may swing it for him

OG Mackenzy Bernadeau is visiting the Cowboys and is rumoured to be on the verge of signing with them.

OLB Jamaal Westerman is visiting the Dolphins.
OC Chris Myers will reportedly visit the Titans.
S Mike Adams will reportedly visit with the Broncos.

*SIGNING* WR Matt Slater has re-signed with the NE Patriots.

Brandon Carr will be leaving Dallas without a contract.

Nick Wright via twitter. Interesting, reports yesterday suggested this was a done deal.

myers, manning and hutchinson, thats what im talking about. Not sure whats happening with carr, niners were linked but surely they won't be interested after resigning rogers. Detroit doesnt have enough and st louis and tampa got their corners, im hoping minnesota is a possibility for a visit from him as i cant see who else needs him for that amount of money

niner wrote:myers, manning and hutchinson, thats what im talking about. Not sure whats happening with carr, niners were linked but surely they won't be interested after resigning rogers. Detroit doesnt have enough and st louis and tampa got their corners, im hoping minnesota is a possibility for a visit from him as i cant see who else needs him for that amount of money

I would like to see Carr in New England, problem is corners in FA get $$$. It'll be interesting to see what he ends up getting if the market is not there for him.

EDIT: Now reading that the Cowboys are close to a deal with CB Brandon Carr and it's expected to be more than the 5 year, $50m one signed by Finnegan.

If I were the Pats I'd go after Manningham.

And it's done.

*SIGNING* CB Brandon Carr agrees deal with Dallas Cowboys.

Cowboys sign CB Brandon Carr to a 5-year, $50.1 million deal

Adam Schefter via twitter.

thats crazy

manningham visiting niners tomorrow, he has the michigan link with harbaugh i suppose but hope twelve wasn't right about him wanting a crazy amount of money

Apologies if already posted

Philadelphia Eagles have resigned DeSean Jackson to a 5 year $51 million deal (via Adam Schefter)

Absolute insanity

On a side note, who else would love Schefter's job!

Haha! Chalk me up as someone that would love to be going into work tomorrow to do Adam Schefter's job!!

*SIGNING* DT Paul Soliai has re-signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Rumours that Curtis Lofton has signed with the Eagles

Gerald McCoy on Twitter - Sorry #bucnation I tried but it looks like @CurtisLofton 50 is an Eagle. Business is business he did what was best for him.

how do the eagles have so much cash, we will see what happens when McCoy and maclin need paid

The Curtis Lofton to the Eagles report was refuted by multiple sources.

*SIGNING* WR Laurent Robinson has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Reportedly a 5 year, $32.5m contract.

That works out at $6.5m per year for Robinson. Payday.

Finally Jacksonville has decided to get a receiver... a potential one year wonder, but anything for an extra pair of hands

*SIGNING* RB Peyton Hillis has agreed to terms with the KC Chiefs.

A look at some of the contracts signed by WR's so far in FA;
Vincent Jackson, 5 years, $55.5m ($11.1m/year).
Pierre Garcon, 5 years, $42.5m ($8.5m/year).
Marques Colston, 5 years, $40m ($8m/year).
Laurent Robinson, 5 years, $32.5 ($6.5m/year).
Robert Meachem, 4 years, $26m ($6.5m/year).
Reggie Wayne, 3 years, $17.5m ($5.8m/year).

Browns cut OG Eric Steinbach, wonder how healthy he is after missing all of last season, is the starting LG when fit, guess that adds another need to the list.

Hillis' deal with the Chiefs is apparently for the one year worth $3million. Write up another position on the needs list.

TE Kellen Davis has signed a two year deal with the Chicago Bears.

crazy_dave23 wrote:Finally Jacksonville has decided to get a receiver... a potential one year wonder, but anything for an extra pair of hands

Someone for Tim Tebow to throw to? I did see a comment that if Peyton Manning goes to the Broncos then they could trade Tebow for Blaine Gabbert.

My favourite signing so far:-

Alex Smith signs for Browns.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast

The Jackson deal sounds like some smart business by the Eagles. Saves a nice chunk of cap space this year and guarantees much of the money in the next 2 years with some of it guaranteed against injury. All in all, it means they can ties with him in 2 years if they want without a big cap hit or if they look to trade him at that point it means there won't be a big contract in place to scare off any suitors.

Wow! Laurent Robinson got paid by the Jags!! Big money there for a guy that was a No. 3 WR last year and was plucked out of the waste bin when the Cowboys signed him. He had a good season obviously but can he be a No. 1?? Is this the same Jags owner that was mouthing off about the Skins and Cowboys FA dealings of the past that has just thrown big money at a guy on the basis of half a season of good work??

Chad Henne has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, on a two-year deal. Actually quite a sensible move on both sides, fairly reliable back-up who can push Gabbert and it's pretty likely Henne will get himself some game time in Jacksonville to try to impress someone else.

robert gallery released bt seattle

Giants activity

CB Aaron Ross will visit the Bengals today and the Redskins tomorrow.

SIGNINGS - Giants have re-signed backup QB David Carr but the details are yet to be released. Also TE Jake Ballard and CBs Michael Coe, Bruce Johnson and Justin Tryon.

Giants signed TE Martellus Bennett to a one year "prove it" deal.

Giants have also signed OT Joel Reinders and TE Larry Donnell. Both have never played a snap in the NFL. Reinders is 6-8 317 lbs and was on the Browns practise squad in 2010. Donnell, 6-6 269lbs, played for Grambling State from 07-10 with 432 receptions and 11 TDs.

twelve283 wrote:The Curtis Lofton to the Eagles report was refuted by multiple sources.

*SIGNING* WR Laurent Robinson has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Reportedly a 5 year, $32.5m contract.

That works out at $6.5m per year for Robinson. Payday.

A big contract for a WR that has only had 1 decent season, he has been around the league for a few years and was cut seveal times, he did well in Dallas as their 3rd WR but played #2 more due to injuries to Bryant and Austin. The guy has been paid as a high #2 WR but will be interesting to see how does with the Jags, as they have a weak QB, would not surprise me to see Robinson cut within a year or 2 for not producing.

im pretty confident the titans will sign either manning or williams by tomorrow

Derbyblue wrote:
Hillis' deal with the Chiefs is apparently for the one year worth $3million. Write up another position on the needs list.

Increases the chances of drafting Trent Richardson I would say.

Derbyblue wrote:Chad Henne has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, on a two-year deal. Actually quite a sensible move on both sides, fairly reliable back-up who can push Gabbert and it's pretty likely Henne will get himself some game time in Jacksonville to try to impress someone else.

Agreed. Nice move by Henne there. Knew he wouldn't start in Miami so there is no point returning. Jacksonville gives him a chance at a starting role if Gabbert cant hack it (and last year showed a decent amount of evidence that he could struggle unless given some actual receivers).
Surprised Jason Campbell wasn't pitching himself for this job rather than backing up Cutler for a single year under yet another OC.

Also not sure its been mentioned, but Le'ron McClain I believe has left KC (Hillis related I imagine) and signed with San Diego.
Could potentially take the goaline type work that Tolbert has been responsible for the past couple of years

*SIGNING* OG Ben Grubbs has signed with the NO Saints. Deal is reportedly worth $36m over 5 years.

twelve283 wrote:*SIGNING* OG Ben Grubbs has signed with the NO Saints. Deal is reportedly worth $36m over 5 years.

shud fill in for carl nicks, good move NO

Source tells me Mario Williams to Bills "will be" done.

Alex Marvez via twitter.

*SIGNING* FS Brodney Pool signs with the Dallas Cowboys.

Bucs have picked up Dan Orlovsky on a two year deal.

Pr4wn wrote:Bucs have picked up Dan Orlovsky on a two year deal.

Do they have room for bigger end zones at Raymond James?