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

wimbley visiting titans, if they could get him, anderson, hutchinson and a center, this would still be a really good fa

robert " false start " gallery, paving the way for pass rushers since 2004

cherriesfan wrote:robert " false start " gallery, paving the way for pass rushers since 2004

Love this

MockingJay33 wrote:Patriots have signed Donte Stallworth to a one year deal.

Adam Schefter on twitter just now.

With the Lloyd signing does this mean goodbye for Ocho and Branch?

It's not really goodbye anyone at this point, no team is setting their roster just now. Just about bringing in players who you think might be able to contribute and seeing how things shake out.

In terms of recent production, Stallworth really doesn't have much.

cherriesfan wrote:robert " false start " gallery, paving the way for pass rushers since 2004

I quite like the Gallery signing. Versatile player with exp. at guard and tackle, viable backup IMO.

MockingJay33 wrote:The Jets have signed Laron Landry to a one year $4m deal.

With his recent injury history, that should work out at about $2m per game that he plays in!

David Garrard is joining the Miami Dolphins.

Interesting move for the Dolphins. I wonder if they might still look at Tannehill in the draft and have him sit behind Garrard for the year, or at least a portion of it depending on how things go??

Everyone else lovin the offseason so far? Seems to be tons going on. Don't know whether it's becasue there was no offseason to speak of last year and there's been a build up of players lookin for their moves or whether it's just one of those years where there's a lot of intrigue. I'm lovin it though and we're not even close to the draft yet!!

This has been the best offseason I have seen since I have been following the NFL for sure .. So much drama with arguably the best free agent ever in Peyton, a huge early draft trade with the Skins. Still the fall out from the Saints and Bountygate to come

Wimbley set to sign 5 year $35m deal with Titans today.

Sorry if these have already been reported.

BUFFALO BILLS -
Have signed 2 time pro bowl DE Mario Williams from the Texans. Though no details have been given, it is widely beleived that he is now the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS-
Have signed rugged back Peyton Hills from Cleveland. It is believed that he has signed a 1 year $3m contract.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS-
Have signed 2 time pro bowl WR Vincent Jackson, on a 5 year $35m contract from San Deigo.

Srce - Sky Sports.

You should check here for news rather than skysports

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed with the Houston Texans on a trade for linebacker DeMeco Ryans, Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer reported Tuesday.

Meh.

Thats a big move! Not sure why the Texans would trade him, their LB core was a big part of their success last year. Good move for the Eagles though, he is a very good MLB. A better fit for the Eagles 4-3 rather than the Texans 3-4 so a good move all round

edit* Jason La Canfora - Eagles announce they acquire Ryans for a 4th round pick and a swap of 3rd rounders. That is terrific value, they have 2 4th round picks anyway so I can't really see how they can lose here.

Per Michael Lombardi - Alex Smith has agreed to resign with the 49ers

bambamwillis wrote:Per Michael Lombardi - Alex Smith has agreed to resign with the 49ers

Hardly the biggest surprise of the free agency.

Just glad to see we haven't lost him .. never thought I would be saying that 12 months ago

Hines Ward has announced he will retire, the football he had left in him when he was released disappeared quickly.

timmy traded to teh big apple

geoff schwartz starting contract talks with niners, may skip visit to chiefs in order to get deal done, niners are lucky that so many great players in the nfl are fans of the team even though they had been shocking for a long time

The Saints signed DT Broderick Bunkley to a 5 year deal. Big blow to the Broncos who were already thin at DT and were trying to retain him, now we could do with 2 new starters at DT

Tim Tebow has been traded by the Broncos to the New York Jets along with a 7th rd pick.
In return the Broncos recieve a 4th & 6th round draft pick.

bambamwillis wrote:Thats a big move! Not sure why the Texans would trade him, their LB core was a big part of their success last year. Good move for the Eagles though, he is a very good MLB. A better fit for the Eagles 4-3 rather than the Texans 3-4 so a good move all round

edit* Jason La Canfora - Eagles announce they acquire Ryans for a 4th round pick and a swap of 3rd rounders. That is terrific value, they have 2 4th round picks anyway so I can't really see how they can lose here.

Yes this seems like a great value move for the Eagles given there recent history at linebacker. Instant starter and Ryans fits the 4-3 mold more than he does the 3-4 - though I still figure that the 4-3 run stopper MLB should easily slot into any 3-4 defence at one of the MLB positions without any "position" issue.

I know the Texans did without Ryans for about half of the 2010 season, but they sucked that year and came on massively this year under Wade Phillips. He calls the defence and I reckon he will be a big miss. Daryl Sharpton ain't at his level

The Law Firm has joined the Bengals... so few running backs have been offered contracts in Free Agency.

Actually surprised the didn't go harder after Michael Bush

crazy_dave23 wrote:

bambamwillis wrote:Thats a big move! Not sure why the Texans would trade him, their LB core was a big part of their success last year. Good move for the Eagles though, he is a very good MLB. A better fit for the Eagles 4-3 rather than the Texans 3-4 so a good move all round

edit* Jason La Canfora - Eagles announce they acquire Ryans for a 4th round pick and a swap of 3rd rounders. That is terrific value, they have 2 4th round picks anyway so I can't really see how they can lose here.

Yes this seems like a great value move for the Eagles given there recent history at linebacker. Instant starter and Ryans fits the 4-3 mold more than he does the 3-4 - though I still figure that the 4-3 run stopper MLB should easily slot into any 3-4 defence at one of the MLB positions without any "position" issue.

I know the Texans did without Ryans for about half of the 2010 season, but they sucked that year and came on massively this year under Wade Phillips. He calls the defence and I reckon he will be a big miss. Daryl Sharpton ain't at his level

From some of the things I have read about the trade, its because Ryans would come off the field on 3rd downs, as he didn't play their nickel package. Cushing was their main every down LB, which I would agree with as he is far better in coverage for me. For the Texans to be paying close to $6 million for the next 2 years in base salary, that is probably a lot for a 2 down linebacker. Still a good move for the Eagles though

I know Ryans is primarily a run stopper, but I figured he was still of good value to the team as its captain and playcaller.
Also I believe this move costs the Texans money because whilst they loose his salary of about $6.0m, the have to pick up his future bonuses of $9.0m so it makes their tight cap situation worse

LAW FIRM NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Tebow trade is not done yet.

Broncos want Jets to pay $5m to Denver for bonuses they've paid Tebow.

Jacksonville trying to jump in and make the steal.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1114345-tim-tebow-contract-details-on-language-that-could-nullify-jets-trade

Ronde Barber has come back to the Bucs for one more season!

I love that guy.

Tebow to the Jets?? What kind of madness is this???

crazy_dave23 wrote:The Law Firm has joined the Bengals... so few running backs have been offered contracts in Free Agency.

Actually surprised the didn't go harder after Michael Bush

I wonder if they are still interested in Trent Richardson? I read a report yesterday that the Bengals were in talks with the Cardinals over a possibly 1st round trade (to move ahead of the Jets) should Richardson still be available.

They have the ammunition to move up with two picks, however now that they have BJGE I just don't see it.

They have been happy to roll with Benson for a few years whilst he has been serviceable and I can see similar occurring now with BJGE. If Trent fell to them they would pull the trigger i'm sure, but I dont see the move upward

ginn has resigned (out of nowhere) and the niners have signed josh johnson, interesting

Frank Omiyale signs with seattle, not too excited, versitle offensive lineman means that he isnt good enough to hold his own in a certain position

niner wrote:ginn has resigned (out of nowhere) and the niners have signed josh johnson, interesting

Not sure where Johnson will fit in with Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick? It is interesting that Harbaugh coached him at San Diego though.

Tolzein will get put in the practice squad I'd imagine and the 3 qb's would be Smith, Johnson and Kaep which im happy with i think, might be there as an insurance policy, he may even get cut before the season

The Packers have made a splash in free agency. Jeff Saturday has agreed terms. Leaves us to find a few pass rushers in the draft. Great move!

GB1919 wrote:The Packers have made a splash in free agency. Jeff Saturday has agreed terms. Leaves us to find a few pass rushers in the draft. Great move!

I see a late round center coming to learn from Saturday

The Saints have signed former Falcons MLB Curtis Lofton.

Gotta wonder why Lofton elected to join a team like New Orleans. No coach, various players facing bans.

I was thinking that might have put him off too

hawks sign lumpkin

Pr4wn wrote:The Saints have signed former Falcons MLB Curtis Lofton.

Gotta wonder why Lofton elected to join a team like New Orleans. No coach, various players facing bans.

Maybe he just wanted to get paid...

Broncos have signed TEs Tamme, Dreessen and QB Hanie.

MockingJay33 wrote:Broncos have signed TEs Tamme, Dreessen and QB Hanie.

Tracy Porter as well

Rams have signed WR Steve Smith on a 1-year deal.
Could be a good pick up if hes healthy as he was a quality receiver with the Giants.
That's a big if though, given his last couple of seasons.

He was only productive until Nicks came up to speed and considering the injury problems the Eagles had at WR, he had every opportunity to step up and didn't. I reckon he's done unless he's another Lloyd.

Right, yeah I'd assumed just looking at his numbers from this year that he'd been injured for the majority of the season. However it looks like he did actually play in 9 games, which is a bit disappointing.

Still worth a shot I think as he can still be an improvement on a lot of the receivers we rolled out this season.

niners have reached agreement with brandon jacobs, I thought dixon would be gone but wanted a replacement in the draft, suppose it could still happen since gore is getting on a bit

Getting on a bit? He's 28. No reason beyond injury he can't go another 3-5 years before he starts to slow down. Jacobs is insurance and gives them a 1-2 power running punch.

I really like Gore but he's one injury away from losing his skills i think, he looked really tired and hurt towards the end of last season

Show me a power back that doesn't look tired at the end of the season!

To be fair, the 49ers are one of the few teams remaining that rely heavily on their running attack. That should change this year with fresh blood at receiver. Look at the Skins last year - went through 3 starting running backs - or the Browns likewise. In this league you need a passing game or 2 quality running backs to share the load if you are going to ground and pound.