The Browns welcome DL Anthony Hargrove, formerly of the Saints, and WR Michael Clayton, formerly of the Bucs via the Giants. Hargrove will play DE, moving over from his previous role as a DT playing on passing downs. Big things are expected of Tony in his new, expanded role. He will also play DT in 4-3 looks, and may fill in for the ascending NT Ahtyba Rubin on occasion. Clayton will be the team’s fourth receiver, bringing his veteran experience to a more limited role that will suit his skill set. Clayton has played all but one year of his career in Tampa Bay; he spent 2010 as a New York Giant, stuck behind their logjam of receivers. Clayton will have more opportunities in Cleveland, and will also compete with Jason Avant in training camp.
The Eagles would like to welcome the following players: P Sam Koch $300,000 WR TJ Houshmandzadeh $600,000 HB Ricky Williams $400,000
The Colts would like to welcome two huge players to Indy: LB Chad Greenway ($10,500,000) and RB Brandon Jacobs ($3,000,000)
The Jaguars would like to welcome Punter Steve Weatherford. This move reunites the former Terre Haute North Patriots starting safety tandem, Ether79 and Stevie, from the 1997 season regional champions! Steve assured his former teamate he will break all meaninful punting records this year. Also he will not be allowed to call a fake punt without prior authorization from coahing staff, even though he was a junior olympic sprinter.
The New York Giants would like to welcome Stephen Gostkowski (300K) and one of the greatest WR's of all time..7x pro bowler Randy Moss (2.7M). We wish you the best of luck trying to cover: Wayne Nicks Moss Cotchery Cribbs R.I.P. Your Secondary Love Always, NYG
The soon to be World Champion New England Patriots would like to welcome the following: DE Justin Smith, the marquee signing of my free agent class. I believe Justin Smith is the best 34 defensive end in the NFL right now. I was completely stunned when the 49ers released him in what was apparently a cost cutting move. Now, some will point to the fact that he's turning 32 this season. I will point to the FACT that he's played 10 seasons and has missed ONE game (back in his rookie year). 65.5 sacks, with his career high coming JUST last year. PFF has him ranked NUMBER ONE in the NFL, and it's not even close. If you add up the sacks, pressures and qb hits, he has a total of 56 for 2010. The next highest 34 DE is Wallace Gilberry with... 40. One of my priorities this GML was to make the Pats front seven more aggressive in getting to the passer, needing to apply consistent pressure at all times, Justin Smith helps fill that priority. [video=youtube;qP_ogNePqJI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP_ogNePqJI[/video] T Jermon Bushrod, Anybody that plays left tackle for a superbowl winning team with the explosiveness of the Saints offense deserves some recognition. We think he'll fit right in from what the Saints did on offense to what we're going to do under Chan Gailey. Get vertical quickly. Get Fitzgerald and Jennings down the field. JB will make sure Tom Brady has the time from the blindside to get these playmakers the damn ****ing ball. TE Dante Rosario, He's going to help fill that split tight end role along with Delanie Walker that the Pats are known for. Excited to see Dante backup Gronkowski at the tight end position. [video=youtube;lsFgG-V12Zk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsFgG-V12Zk[/video] S Eric Smith, all purpose, heavy hitter (especially for his size) and an excellent, smart football player. Eric filled the Jets nickel role very well IMO and will continue to fill that role with us as the third safety behind Merriweather and Chung. Better think twice when coming across the middle on third down with Mr Smith on the field....something the Pats defense has lacked since Rodney Harrison. [video=youtube;SCyLRhdYKa8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCyLRhdYKa8[/video] [video=youtube;vz9eZM_FcoQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz9eZM_FcoQ[/video]
The Cardinals are thrilled to announce the signing of PFF's top rated RT in the NFL in 2009 (he was injured in 2010) Willie Colon, OT, $2,500,000. He will join a rebuilt line along with Todd Herremans, Davin Joseph, Charlie Johnson, and Bobbie Williams.
The 49ers would like to introduce defensive end Jason Babin to their team. Babin will be switching over to the weak side, where he's played before, and he will be used in similar ways as he was used in Tennessee, such as playing both sides of the front and three technique. He joins a front four that includes players Lamarr Houston, Ty Warren, Wallace Gilberry, Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean Francois, and Lorenzo Alexander. Babin will be playing the traditional 3-4 rusher role.
The Broncos would like to welcome middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, defense end Ray Edwards, and center Eric Heitmann to the team. A full report to follow later today.
Earlier today the Kansas City Chiefs held a brief press conference to announce several new free agent signings. Here are some of the highlights: DE/DT Antonio Johnson ($300,000) - We envision Tony seeing the field when we go to a 4 down lineman look, though he's got the size and length we like to see out of our 5 techniques. Gives us the ability to be a little more varied with our looks in the front seven. DT Johnny Jolly ($300,000) - Look, we all know that he made a mistake. Heck, during the interview process Johnny even came out and apologized to us. It's pretty simple from our perspective. We're paying him a base salary for this year and taking a flier on him. If it pans out, we've got ourselves a heckuva player, a guy who can play pretty much any technique you want along the interior of the defensive line. If it doesn't, then it doesn't. But we felt he was worth a look. SOLB Stephen Nicholas ($1,100,000) - It's tough, moving on without Mike (Vrabel). But we've got a guy who's young and hungry. Here's a guy who's 4 years into the league, only 2 years starting, racking up around 80 tackles a year as an OLB. We're really excited to see what else he can bring to the table. ILB Stephen Tulloch ($4,000,000) - This guy is a tackling machine - 160 tackles last year. 160! We cannot wait to pair this guy with DJ (Derrick Johnson). The dude just loves contact and makes plays. He's a little undersized for the 3-4, but - and Romeo's probably going to be ticked we're letting this out - we plan to play some 4-3 Baltimore Ravens style with Justin (Bannan) and Shaun (Rogers) dropping inside, letting Stephen flow to the ball like Ray Lewis did years ago. It's clear that Kansas City remains firmly committed to improving a rush defense that finished middle of the road (14th overall) last season.
Continuing the wholesale remaking of a storied franchise, the Cleveland Browns signed several players today. DL Shaun Cody signed on the dotted line and immediately became a part of the Browns’ defensive rotation. Cody projects nicely as a nose tackle in the Browns’ 1-gap 3-4 scheme, where he will back up incumbent NT Ahtyba Rubin. The Browns no longer fear injury to Rubin, as Cody should be able to fill that void. Formerly of the Texans’ 4-3 scheme, Cody, like previous signee Anthony Hargrove, allows Browns DC Keith Butler to more easily shift into situational 4-3 fronts. DL Gerard Warren will serve as prize free agent Stephen Bowen’s primary backup. Warren proved a steady starter in New England, and his veteran experience provides insurance in the case of injury to Bowen. Warren will also spill the beans about the Patriots’ defense in the event of a playoff contest between the two clubs. TE Justin Peelle brings his lunch pail style of play to Cleveland, a natural fit. A reliable blocker who can also fulfill the role of last ditch receiver, Peelle reunites with Falcons teammate Ovie Mughelli. Both will wreak havoc against the defenders of the AFC North. P Brett Kern rounds out the Browns’ acquisitions. Formerly of the Tennessee Titans, Kern had a noteworthy 2010, posting a 42.9 average yards per punt, frequently pinning opponents inside their own 20. He immediately upgrades the Browns’ special teams. In the real NFL, Kern has re-signed with the Titans at 4 years, $5.2 million. A punter making $5.2 million? Yeah, he’s good. Lastly, while not a free agent signing, the Browns would like to announce to the rest of the AFC North that DE Randy Starks will eat the left sides of your offensive lines and use your quarterbacks as tooth picks. That is all.
Rams would like to welcome a few players back and a few new comers. Players coming back. TE Daniel Fells LT Renardo Foster DE C.J. Ah You and the new comers A good nickle back and a vet to add to a young CB group, Benny Sapp came at a good deal for 550 K. Plaxico Burress. Plex is 33. Hasnt played football the last 2 seasons. But for 750 K, a former pro bowl WR at 6'5 230+ pounds, hes worth the risk. Nice big target for Bradford. John St. Clair started 11 games last season at RT for the Browns. Now after signing the vet for only 300 K, St. Clair is going to be a top back up for the OT spots.
The new look New York Giants would like to welcome MLB D'Qwell Jackson and Tavares Gooden who will both compete with second year man Phillip Dilliard for the starting MLB spot. Jackson has the most experience and by far the highest pedigree. He comes with a 2.5M salary but he is solid vs the run and still relatively young. Gooden is a young MLB designed for a 4-3. He has great sideline to sideline speed as all Miami LB's do and is a darkhorse for the starting MLB role. After years of shadowing the great Ray Lewis the Giants felt it was worth the gamble at a relatively low cost of 400k.
Miami Dolphins welcome RT Ryan Deim, and LB Nick Barnett....up next a certain TE?? Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
the steelers would like to announce their last sign move of fa before the draft. we welcome lb David Vobora to our team. the steelers appreciate a blue collar mentality and david has shown that since being 2008 Mr Irrelevant, he fought is his way 1st onto the roster then to starting position. he made his own way. David will become part of defensive rotation at strongside lb we are working on a minor depth/developmental deal but the steelers major activity is finished
the cincinnati bungals are more or less stoked to have the following on their roster: Elvis Dumervil (missed last year but 43 sacks in his first 4 seasons) Terrell Owens (983 yds and 9 tds last year, still has it, that's my quaterback) Santana Moss (93 catches for 1,115 yds, still has deep threat speed) Cedric Benson (1,300 total yds and 8 tds) Dhani Jones (125 tackles last year) Raheem Brock (9 sacks last year) Matt Light (plays football) John Kuhn (6tds) Guy Whimper (awesome name)
Even though it's relatively late in the free agency period, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to make moves. Earlier this evening the Chiefs held another press conference to welcome some new additions. LB Brandon Johnson ($300,000) - With very good size (6'5 and 240 lbs), we anticipate Brandon taking on a reserve role for us and competing. He has the skillset to play both outside and inside. We also anticipate Brandon helping out on special teams. WR Carlton Mitchell ($300,000) - Great measurables (6'3, 215 lbs, sub 4.5 40 time) at the wide receiver position. Should start the year as our #5 role but gets a chance to learn behind Dwayne Bowe. Good move for us from a developmental standpoint. TE Kris Wilson ($300,000) - We're happy to welcome Kris Wilson back to where his career began. We love his versatility. Decent as a passer, very solid as a lead blocker. Has some experience as a Fullback / H-Back from his time in San Diego. Will be the leader of our young TE corps. FS Eric Weddle ($5,500,000) - Starting the offseason we had no plans to touch our secondary. We were more than happy to go forward with Pro Bowler Eric Berry, rising star Brandon Flowers, and the underrated Brandon Carr helping to offset the inexperience of Kendrick Lewis at FS. But when we saw Weddle sitting in FA we felt like we had to make a move. He completes what we feel is arguably the best secondary in the NFL - something we were very keen to focus on with teams like Tennessee, New England, and Philadelphia going bonkers on offense. Besides, this means we have Eric and Eric at S with Brandon and Brandon at CB. Gotta love symmetry. The Chiefs have quietly amassed a number of quality players for their defense. Clearly they're focused on that side of the ball this offseason.
The Cardinals are excited to welcome to Arizona: Keith Bulluck, LB, $300,000 (3x All-Pro) Nate Ness, CB, $300,000 Michael Adams, CB, $300,000 Leonard Pope, TE, $300,000
The Colts would like to welcome their new starting RT Adam Goldberg ($300,000) to Indy. Also, FS Corey Lynch ($300,000)
The Cleveland Browns welcome RB Ladell Betts and DB Charlie Peprah to the team. Betts has been a reliable backup behind Clinton Portis for years, and brings a varied set of skills to the offense. If both Pierre Thomas and Willis McGahee go down with injuries, Betts has proven capable of carrying the load in the interim. He will have a more immediate impact on special teams, however, as a tackler and as an alternate kick returner to Michael Spurlock. Peprah arrives in Cleveland via Green Bay, where he revived his career as a starting strong safety in Dom Capers' 3-4. Peprah will compete with incumbent T.J. Ward and fellow acquisition Reggie Smith for time at strong safety. He will also contribute at corner depending on specific defensive package and injury, and is a candidate to play special teams. As with Gerald Sensabaugh opposite at FS, the team is excited to have a starting caliber player serve in a backup role.
The New York Giants keep getting more talent by the minute. We would like to welcome the following free agent additions: Pat Williams 1.4M - Will be part of an impressive defensive tackle rotation with Trevor Laws, Tony Brown and Linval Joseph on run downs and Justin Tuck coming in at tackle on passing downs and a few run downs. Williams is a space eating machine who is difficult to move and great at the point of attack. Tony Gonzalez 6m - The future HOF TE will team with Ben Watson to form the deadliest 1-2 punch at the position in the GML. Gonzalez can still work the seam and with the wealth of talent around him, he could see more 1-1 coverage then at any other point in his career. Additionally he is still a nice asset in the run game. Stephen Heyer 300K - The ideal swing tackle can play the right or left side and do a respectable job. Good value for the money. Derrick Ward 300k - You can never have too many good running backs and Ward will look to duplicate his prior success here.
The Redskins would like to welcome back RB Clinton Portis who expressed interest in taking a pay cut to stay. 8M cheaper, Portis said sign me up!
The Broncos welcome a handful of roleplayers to the team: Patrick Cobbs - HB Tony Richardson - FB Trai Essex - RG Ray Willis - RT Nick Roach - LB Tyjuan Hagler - LB Darcel McBath - FS
Skins would also like to welcome one of their favorite players of all time, Terence Newman for a modest 5.25M
The Panthers welcome DE, Marques Douglas with a new $700,000 contract. Happy to bring in the 11 year vet for many reasons. I still believe he has some left in the tank, even though he was cut by Miami before the season started. In 09, he started 12 games and played in all 16. In 10, he played in 6 games (2 starts) and still recorded 21 tackles. Not bad for an old guy. I feel like experience is huge for a defensive line and if I end up bringing in any younger 3-4 DEs this off season, Douglas could be a solid rotational DE to help mentor the younger defensive linemen. Some may say I overpaid, but it was part of my plan.
The Skins would like to welcome Derrick Dockery back into the fold for 3M less than what he signed for @ 700k. Same with a great vet kicker in Phil Dawson for 500k. Same goes for DB Chris Maragos who went to a high school near me!
The Cleveland Browns welcome QB Kerry Collins to the team, providing him a safe refuge from the Manning Mess in Tennessee. Though old at 38, Kerry is still a quality player off the bench, and fully capable of rallying a team in dire situations. He will be our primary backup and will help third string QB Max Hall learn how to be a true professional.