Bengals Sign Two The Cincinnati Bengals have signed Cornerback Brent Grimes and Defensive End Jarvis Green. Brent Grimes is a former Atlanta Falcon and has improved his game in each of his first two seasons in the league. He possesses good athleticism and quickness, which is something the Bengals management looks for. He's expected to be the third cornerback and possibly fight for the number two job with former first rounder Jonathan Joseph. Defensive End Jarvis Green, formerly of the New England Patriots, brings veteran leadership and depth to the Bengals defensive line. Green has had a solid career and many feel that he's been an underrated player.
Buccaneers sign 4 Free Agents 4:45 p.m. PST March 4, 2009 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to bolster depth on the roster with 4 cheap signings: former Falcons starting LB Coy Wire, former Broncos TE Daniel Graham, former Raiders starting RT Kwame Harris, and former Browns RB Jerome Harrison. LB Coy Wire - 7 year vet replaced Michael Boley in starting lineup for Atlanta after Boley's poor play against the run. Played very well for the Falcons playoffs run in stopping the run. Notched 96 tackles, 3 sacks in rookie season. Will be expected to provide veteran backup. TE Daniel Graham - 7 year vet notched 389 yards, 4 TD's for Denver when Scheffler went down. Won 2 rings with the Patriots and was named offensive captain of the Broncos (with Jay Cutler) in 2008 for his leadership. Solid blocking and receiving TE will be expected to backup the current breakout TE Visanthe Shiancoe. RT Kwame Harris - 5 year pro started as LT for Oakland. Had a disappointing term with the Raiders in terms of pass protection on the left side. Strong run-blocker will be backing up RT Jeremy Trueblood and away from the left side where pass-blocking deficiencies will be mitigated. RB Jerome Harrison - 3 year pro backed up Jamal Lewis for Cleveland. Showed flashes of playmaking abilty. Is electric, can catch passes, and is a solid home run threat to complement bruiser Fargas.
Pittsburgh Tribune Sports News The Pittsburgh Steelers announced today that they have resigned perennial Tackle Max Starks and former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Derrick Martin. No one at the Steelers camp was available for comment but Max Starks did send our editor this little bit of info he wanted to share.
Chargers welcome to the fray two solid corner prospects BOTH at the league minimum of $300k... CB Eric Green, formerly of the Cardinals... name sound familliar? Capable nickel cover guy. I had him last season with the Texans... he was a four star prospect then... unfortunately lost his starting job to one of the best cover corners in the league in rookie DRC... looking for a new start with the Chargers and we are pleased to have him. CB Zackary Bowman. ahhhh... the creme de la creme... 6ft... 195... ran a 4.39 in last year's combine... was a fifth round pick of the Bears... this is my greatest bargain find so far, well except for Andrew Whitworth... perhaps a little known player to the average eye... played in just one game last season... here's what happened: For his efforts in that one game, Bowman was voted Special Team Player of the Week. How can you not want a player like this on your team? We look forward to seeing him as a nickel dime back and on our special teams...
Rumor out of Buffalo is that the Bills have signed free agents Kalimba Edwards and Joey Thomas to near minimum deals. These contracts are simply awaiting official league confirmation. According to my sources, Thomas will be a depth player while Edwards will be a big part of the defensive line rotation if he can stay healthy. Last season he racked up 49 tackles and 5 sacks, but missed several games due to injury. At the league minimum this deal is a steal for the Bills.
Bengals Add Three More The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms today with free agents Kris Wilson, Nick Leckey, and Kendric Golston. Veteran Kris Wilson is a versatile player that has played both tight end and fullback in his career. He has soft hands, but is more well known as a blocker. He should fit in well with what the Bengals are trying to do offensively. Nick Leckey is a versatile lineman that can play both guard and center and brings starting experience to a retooled Bengals line. Leckey had a standout college career playing for Kansas State, where he helped thunderous bowling ball running back Darren Sproles set a school record for rushing yards, including over 2000 yards in their senior seasons. Former Washington Redskin Kedric Golston joins the Bengals and is expected to compete for a starting position at DE or DT, depending on what the Bengals run defensively. Golston brings good size (6'4 and 298) and youth to a Bengals defense looking to become more physical against the run. The Bengals view him as a raw project with starting ability. Cincinnati continues to be an active player in free agency.
Buccaneers sign More Free Agents 6:18 p.m. PST March 5, 2009 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to be officially out of room on the team signings column on gish's GM excel sheet. They have signed former Bills LB Keith Ellison, former Broncos CB Karl Paymah, and welcome back RB Earnest Graham, who took a $700k pay cut to help the team out. LB Keith Ellison - 3 year pro had 73 tackles filling in as emergency starter for the Bills. Can drop back in coverage and blitz well. Will be rotating at weak-side LB with Ray Lewis. CB Karl Paymah - 4 year pro had 39 tackles and 1 pick filling in for injured Bronco CB's and starting 5 games. Has good size, wasn't a good fit for the Broncos D, and will get a chance to develop under Tomlin's former DB coach Raheem Morris. Is projected to be 4th on the depth chart. RB Earnest Graham - 5 year pro surprised everyone with 1222 total yards (898 rushing) in 2007 for the Bucs. Suffered a high ankle sprain causing him to miss a significant portion of 2008. Was on pace for a 1000 yard season until injury. A dynamic back with a low center of gravity who can pound the ball and make the big run as well as a threat in the passing game. Will split carries and is expected to be ready for training camp. Edit: The Buccaneers have also made a late addition, former Vikings WR Bobby Wade. Bobby Wade - 7 year pro had 645 yards, 2 TD's for Minnesota. Will be the 3rd WR on depth chart and be primary slot receiver.
Catching up with the Texans By ESPN's (obnoxious) Steven A. Smith It has been a long time since we have been able to talk to the UCF FINatic, the Houston Texans GM. He has been wining and dining Free Agents, as well as negotiating trades and completing the ultimate offseason plan for his beloved team. UCF FINatic briefly was able to talk to me about his recent offseason acquisitions. 1.) RT Jon Stinchcomb- We already have Eric Winston, but we felt like he needed to bring in a player to push him at the very least, this offseason. Last season Winston gave up 8 sacks, while Stinchcomb tied for first among RT's only giving up 1.5 sacks. Stinchcomb is pretty balanced as a Tackle and should easily replace Winston as the starting RT. 2.) CB Corey Webster- This was a HUGE offseason pick-up for the Houston Texans. I don't want to give out too much information just yet, but more will come. 3.) QB Rex Grossman- Brought in only as a back-up. He has all the tools needed to succeed in the NFL, but he really has a hard time making decisions and needs to work on bringing down his INT's. We hope that under All-World QB, Tom Brady he will be able to truely learn how to be a NFL QB. 4.) Tra Thomas- One of the bigger signings for the Houston Texans. He is older, but is still one of the most effective LT's in the game. Last year he ranked 3 among all LT's in sacks given up with only 3. He should be able to start for us and continue to play at a high level for one to two more seasons. 5.) TE Anthony Becht- He will either be our number 2 or 3 TE depending how the rest of the offseason goes. We already have one of the best TE's in the game, Owen Daniels; but we wanted to bring in a solid run-blocker to help our running game if need be. Becht is one of the better run-blocking TE's in the league and will fill that role nicely. 6.) OLB Rocky Boiman- Will be a excellent back-up and special teams player. Last year he had 73 tackles and 1 Forced Fumble for the Kansas City Chiefs. I truely look forward to what he brings to the team. 7.) FS Brian Russell- I honestly have no clue how I got this player for the league minimum. Granted Russell is 31 years old, but he still played well last season notching 72 Tackles, 1 Sack, and a forced fumble. We look forward to the leadership role Russell will play on our team, as well as the presence he will bring on the sideline (he will back-up Brodney Pool) and on special teams. 8.) Chris Henry- At 5-11, 230 he is a physical specimen at HB. We feel that bring him in as a back-up HB for the League minimum is a great value for our team. He is only two years removed from being a 2nd round pick, and we feel he was buried on the Titans depth chart because of rookie Chris Johnson and pounder LenDale White. We look forward to seeing what he has in camp. 9.) CB Ty Law- He used to be one of the Leagues best corners, but he is no longer that good. He will bring great leadership to our young CB's and should still be able to hold his own as our 4th CB. He was great value at only $300,000. 10.) Russ Hochstein- Will be backing up both of our Guards. He has been in the New England system many years and is well liked by Belichick. He should be able to step-in and hold the fort down on either Guard spot if Pitts or Brisiel go down. 11.) Trai Essex- He can play multiple positions and provide good depth. He still could develop into a solid starter. I believe I have the two best back up tackles in him and Eric Winston, but who knows... Well, I got to get back to work guys. I'll check in later!!!
LEROY HILL SENT PACKING March 6 2009 7:19PM - Assosiated Press After being franchise tagged in real life, Leroy Hill was furious that Seattle's GM League representative did not make a push to re-sign him. Hill's fury carried over in to the negotiation process. A nasty bidding war ensued, and Hill eventually signed for a ridiculous $9 million with the Packers. Hill had the following to say: "No, I'm not going to stand here and tell the Seattle Seahawks that their organization made a huge mistake and that they can kiss my nuts. I'm better than all of that. I'm just glad that I have the opportunity to play for a team that truly values me and what I can do. Oh, and just to clear things up. I never wanted to play for the Giants. I was just trying to get paid fool. The Pack knows that. Now I'm here to boogie." Packers Gm gish said most of this stuff: "Hill will play a vital role in our defense. AJ Hawk will be moving to the Sam position, and Hill will be the Will. Yeah, I know it rhymes. But it makes sense too. No further comment."
Buccaneers Get Closer to making Final Free Agent signings, sign Vanden Bosch 7:53 p.m. PST March 6, 2009 With free agency winding down, pieces falling into places, and the MCAT's looming over the horizon, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers add former Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and former Cardinals OG Elton Brown, as well as welcome back S Will Allen and DT Ryan Sims. Vanden Bosch, who has notched double digit sacks in the recent past, gives the Buccaneers a top flite veteran DE to pair with DE Gaines Adams. The Bucs GM had this to say about today's signings: Bucs DC Raheem Morris also addressed the Vanden Bosch signing: DE Kyle Vanden Bosch - 7 year pro and 2 time Pro Bowler was injured late in the season with 4.5 sacks, 3 FF, 24 tackles in 10 games for Tennessee. Had 12.0 sacks, 60 tackles, 4 FF, and 3 PD the year before. KVB consistently brought pressure and altered run plays despite injuries during the 2008 AFC Divisional Playoff game. Will be 100% healthy by the start of training camp. Projected to start opposite and complement DE Gaines Adams, replacing DE Greg White. OG Elton Brown - 3 year pro out of Virginia started 5 games for Arizona in 2007 and played all 16 games as reserve guard. Massive and dominant run-blocker displays excellent leadership, is strong at the point of attack, and is very quick with his hands, locking onto and taking rushers out of the play. Underrated pass protector. Will be expected to back up OG Arron Sears. FS Will Allen - 4 year pro out of Ohio State spent the year as ST gunner and backup after starting his first 2 years. Fast and hard-hitting free safety who also shows exceptional coverage skills. Lacked experience but is now a seasoned player. Could start for some teams but will be a backup, passing-down DB, and ST captain. DT Ryan Sims - 7 year pro out of North Carolina was a solid contributor off the bench. Had 3 sacks and 39 tackles in his first year starting for the Chiefs in 2003. Hasn't lived up to expectations as a former top 10 pick but still showed a lot of talent late for Tampa. Has the size at DT team is looking for in their new direction away from the Tampa 2 and will rotate with NT Grady Jackson.
And the Chargers have done it again... adding two more $300K players to the squad.. both of these guys were fourth round picks from the 2008 draft. Both players were heavily scouted by myself when I was with the Texans last year. I am actually surprised that each was let go so soon after they were drafted. But hey, one teams trash is another teams treasure. DE/OLB Kenny Iwebema... He should fit in nicely with the depth we are building at OLB. That's where we eventually see him going. Although, to start off, when we go nickel, he'll be a situational pass rusher for us as he grows into an OLB and learns the drops necessary to play the position. OT Tony Hills... we had actually inquired to the Steelers earlier this season if he was available for trade. We had been willing to trade a later pick for him. At the time they said no. Very fortunate to have him. The former Univ of Texas product adds depth to our tackle position... young depth. In RL, wouldn't be surprised to see Hills starting for the Steelers this year. I've heard that they are high on him and see him as their left tackle of the future... so obvoiusly, we are thrilled to have him added to the mix at tackle, where he will be competing with Kevin Shaffer for that RT spot... opposite Marcus McNeill at LT.
Bengals Continue Free Agent Frenzy The Cincinnati Bengals are at it again, this time signing three more players to a 2009 roster that looks nothing like the 2008 version. The theme of these recent signings seems to be "youth and potential." Thomas Clayton was cut earlier in the offseason and snagged almost immediately by a Bengals organization still searching for answers at the running back spot. Clayton is a good sized running back, a straight ahead runner, that is expected to provide relief to Chester Taylor and help on Special Teams. Darrell Reid, formally of the Indianapolis Colts, joins a revamped front 7. Reid is a versatile player that played as a DT for the Colts, though he has experience as both a DE and an OLB from his college days in Minnesota. Additionally, he has a reputation as bit of a monster on special special teams. Just watch the hit he lays on Chris Henry in the video below. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srUo2MDngJE&feature=related"]YouTube - Darrell Reid of the Colts destroys Chris Henry of the Titans[/ame] The Bengals have also signed Prescott Burgess formerly of the Baltimore Ravens. Burgess is young (24) and physical (6'3 240 lbs). He's expected to challenge for a starting spot at ILB, though he's more than capable of playing OLB as well. At the very least Burgesss is expected to be another valuable contributor on special teams. In order to make room for these new acquisitions, the Bengals quietly cut James Johnson, JD Runnels, Nate Livings, and Eric Henderson.
Buccaneers Likely Finalize Moves until Draft, sign C Andrew Crummey 12:23 p.m. PST March 9, 2009 According to Tampa's GM, with the signing of C/LS Andrew Crummey, the Buccaneers are likely done in FA. Having acquired many prized FA's that include Pro Bowler Ray Lewis (#1 MLB Scouts.com), Sean Jones (#4 S Scouts.com), Rocky Bernard (#2 DT Scouts.com), and former Pro Bowler Kyle Vanden Bosch, as well as locking up key returners Antonio Bryant (#3 WR Scouts.com), and Donald Penn (#9 OT Scouts.com) the Bucs are content that they've improved the team tremendously compared to the previous years. Andrew Crummey - former Maryland OL and Bengals backup C. Finesse blocker who gets to the 2nd level with ease. Quick at the point of attack. Will be tabbed as long snapper and backup C for Pro Bowl caliber C Jeff Faine, solidifying a young but talented and successful offensive line headed by Pro Bowler Davin Joseph.
In real life yep. Missed out on a top DT and a top LB. Now please divert further posts to the FA Discussion thread or the Other NFL thread.
Redskins Announce New Signings on Defense As requested by the new defensive players, the Washington Redskins gm has held off of announcing individual new signings to instead do it as a team. New starters to the defense include - LB Angelo Crowell, CB Jabari Greer, CB Kelvin Hayden, DT Tommy Kelly, S Jim Leonhard, DT Chris Hovan. In addition CB Dominique Foxworth, LB Ryan Nece, DE Jason Babin, S Chris Crocker, DT Darwin Walker and DT Anthony Montgomery have been added for depth. If the Redskins choose to add more pieces to this defense they can do so with 3 picks in the first 33 of the draft including 2 in the top 13
War of Words Escalates Newly signed Bengal Marvel Smith has caused a bit of controversy with his remarks around the new Steelers front office, most notably from former teammate Max Starks. Now Smith has responded to Stark's comments from last week. Defensive tackle Chris Hoke, also a former Steeler, joined in with a few choice comments of his own. Hoke wasn't quite done with his verbal evisceration of the Pittsburg Steelers. He paused for a second, before continuing his assault. The Bengals / Steelers rivalry has grown to be one of the most bitter in all of sports, dating back to Carson Palmer's serious knee injury a few years ago. That tradition has continued this offseason. Bengals Head Coach Keith Butler, formerly of the Steelers, was unavailable for comment.
Betts to Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with free agent running back Ladell Betts today. Betts was previously a member of the Washington Redskins organization. Betts, a 7 year veteran, has been a consistent running and receiving threat in his NFL career, amassing over 400 yards from scrimmage in every year that he has been in the NFL. His most successful season came in 2006, where filling in for an injured Clinton Portis he amassed nearly 1600 yards from scrimmage, including 1154 yards rushing. Betts is expected to push recently acquired veteran Chester Taylor for a potential starting role in Cincinatti's revamped Air Palmer offensive system, as well as potentially field kickoffs for the Bengals. This signing likely concludes what has been a tremendously busy period of activity for the franchise.
St. Louis wants to welcome their final piece in FA and that is Chris Kemoeatu. The Rams starting line is Pace-Kemoeatu-Hangartner-Incognito-Colon Rams want to thank Pittsburgh for not resigning their line.
The Steelers would like to welcome Mike Furrey to our team. After a disappointing year with Detroit, Mike is ready to prove that he still has what it takes to contribute.We are pleased to have a mixture of youth and vets on our receiving core. We feel he will be a valuable mentor for James Hardy and Lavelle Hawkins.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would like to welcome the final piece to what was the weakest part of the Steelers offense last year the offensive line, Dom Raiola. With the addition of Dom, the Steelers feel the line is the strongest it has been in years.
Bengals Sign Former 49er Tight End The Cincinnati Bengals have signed tight end Delanie Walker. Walker, formerly of the 49ers, is an undersized tight end but he is expected to play the position in Cincinnati as well as split out on wing at other times. Walker took some playing time away from former first round selection Vernon Davis during his time in San Francisco, proving to be the down field threat in Mike Martz pass-happy offense. Walker averaged 15.5 yards per catch last season.
Former Super Bowl MVP Signed By Redskins Deion Branch has signed a 1 year deal with the Redskins. Although he has been hampered by injuries the last few seasons, the Redskins saw that he was impressive in his last 4 games, scoring 4 touchdowns, and have added him as their #2 receiver.
Jaguars Welcome Safety Mike Doss SickFinFan33 Co-Gm of the jacksonville jaguars released this statement Jacksonville also welcomes DE CJ Mosley
Jacksonville welcomes the following linebackers to the roster to show what they have in Training Camp LB Gerris Wilkinson LB Jonathan Goff LB Chaun Thompson
Jaguars Add Two Ex-Bear Veteran Receivers Davis & Lloyd; Veteran Quarterback Bollinger AP Press March 17th, 2009 ~~ Jacksonville Co-GM 124 announced today the veteran signings of WR's Rashied Davis and Brandon Lloyd (both previously of the Chicago Bears). The Jaguars also announced the addition of QB Brooks Bollinger (previously of the Dallas Cowboys) and he will compete with Quinn Gray for the back-up role behind Byron Leftwich. The Jaguars also announced the signings of veteran Offensive Guard Adrian Jones (previously of the Kansas City Chiefs), adding depth to a young Offensive Line as well as CB David Barrett (previously of the New York Jets) who adds a veteran prescense in the secondary. Barrett will serve as the teams #3 Cornerback.
Very late news.... Due to other business happening, the Browns would like to welcome several new players to the roster, late but none the less important. The following players allow the Browns to add depth, and allow the team o focus on a few other areas of the need int he draft. The Browns welcome.... Cornerbacks-Fred Smoot and Bryant McFadden Safety- Eugene Wilson Defensive lineman- Marcus Tubbs Linebackers- Darry Blackstock and Quentin Moses The additions of Smoot, McFadden and Wilson shore up and secondary that already includes former Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders. This allows great freedom to GM Ether79 in draft, to fill other needs, knowing that his defensive backfield is set.
Chargers sign two to minimum contracts... Former Dolphin and Charger, RB Jesse Chatman will be back in San Diego after signing just a $300k contract. He will compete for the backup tailback position alongside Michael Bennett. Former Packer, CB Jarrett Bush also signed a minimum deal today. He is a valuable component on special teams and has nickel and dime experience. He will compete with Eric Green and Zack Bowman for those nickel and dime spots. When we made the decision to cut and not bring back Kassim Osgood, we knew our special teams was going to take a hit. However, we've added some new pieces to the puzzle in Bowman and Bush who actually contribute in other areas besides special teams. Osgood very rarely played in the Chargers' offense.
The Baltimore Ravens are proud to announce the signing of HB Danny Ware. GM Ozzie Newsome said this about Ware in a press release Ware seemed eager to finally be given a chance to show what he can do.
Buccaneers Bring In Washington, Walker For Training Camp With a majority of the shopping done for the Buccaneers in FA, they still continue to add possible projects in for the upcoming training camp in former Jags RB Chauncey Washington and WR Mike Walker, 2 young players with potential who will compete for spots on the roster. The Bucs GM has close ties with Washington, who once dragged him for 7 yards after the tackle in practice during high school summer training camp. RB Chauncey Washington - Former 2008 7th round pick out of U$C. Will compete for the 3rd RB position after serving as a capable backup for Jacksonville. Ran well in the preseason for the Jags including a 68 rush yard, 40 pass yard performance against Washington. Will continue to bounce back from injuries to become the shifty brusing back he was under an offensive line that fielded girls in high school. WR Mike Walker - 2 year pro and 2007 3rd rounder out of UCF. Intriguing project who ran a 4.35 and is 6'2. Had 217 yards in 2008 in limited reps as a backup but showed flashes including a 6 rec, 106 yard outburst against a top Pittsburgh defense. Will compete with Michael Clayton and slot WR Bobby Wade for the 3rd WR spot. Bad fit for Jacksonville offense but has potential in a West Coast. [/QUOTE]
Browns sign two for depth The Cleveland Browns would like to announce the signing of NT Junior Sa'vii and DE Titus Adams to veterans minimum contracts.
The Seahawks would like to annoce the signing of OG Kendall Simmons for a minimal 900k in pay for 1 year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would like to welcome Nick Roach,OLB, Seth McKinney,OG, and Donald Strickland,CB, to our team.
Buccaneers Sign Several UDFA's and Veterans After a solid draft, the Bucs aren't yet done with adding young talent to a roster that needed an age overhaul. Surprised that many prospects were left undrafted, they pounced on the chance to acquire players that had every right to be drafted and were largely whiffed on. CB Morgan Trent, Michigan - 4 year varsity starter struggled early but came on strong. Has great size and decent speed, very improved technique, and is a tough tackler. Could also see time at safety but has the ability to play corner at the next level. http://michigan.scout.com/2/256681.html LB Robert Francois, Boston College - Hard-headed, physical, and no-nonsense LB has great range and coverage. Sleeper LB is also a ST stud. DE Tim Jamison, Michigan - Hard working, scrappy DE who gets to the quarterback consistently despite so-so athleticism. DT/DE Brigham Harwell, UCLA - Stout run stuffer who gets penetration. Has made some of the better Pac-10 interior lineman look downright foolish and weak (Max Unger, Alex Mack for some). Showed a lot of strength at UCLA's Pro Day and was heavily scouted by the RL Packers GM and GML Tampa GM present. QB Chris Pizzotti, Harvard - Smart QB has strong upside and the size, character, intangibles you look for at the position. Will likely battle with Luke McCown for the 3rd string role.
Buccaneers Not Waiting for Rookie Draft Class to Sign, Add 2 More With negotiations ongoing between draftees and possible rumors they could be on the market, the Buccaneers add 2 pieces to their team in recently cut veteran DE Reggie Hayward and UDFA FB Kahlil Bell. Hayward replaces DE Greg White as backup to Gaines Adams and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Bell is expected to compete at FB. DE Reggie Hayward - 7 year vet and former Jaguars starter had a rough stretch in Jacksonville the past two years after getting 8.5, 10.5, 8.5 sacks previous years but is still a quality pass rusher and playmaker. Will backup Adams and Vanden Bosch. Solid locker room presence. FB Kahlil Bell - Fellow UCLA alum had rough workouts but is penciled in as backup FB. Has good size and strength as well as improving blocking ability.
Chargers welcome UDFA's Jamall Lee, RB (see my post in the running back thread for more info on him)... and Kevin Ellison, SS from U..S..C.. We envision Kevin backing up Jermaine Phillips, playing some nickel and dime linebacker and being an absolute menace on special teams.
