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A source indicated Sunday night that Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees will ask to visit Miami shortly after free agency opens if, as expected, he can't work out a contract extension with San Diego. In addition, the Dolphins are awaiting to see what will happen with Washington backup Patrick Ramsey. If the CBA is not extended, it's expected that Ramsey will be cut by the Commanders, and he would be interested in playing for the Dolphins. If there is an extension, the Dolphins might part with a low-round draft pick for Ramsey.
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Unable to reach agreement on a contract extension with wide receiver Isaac Bruce, the Rams released the four-time Pro Bowler on Sunday night. "We do want Isaac to remain a Ram," Rams president of football operations Jay Zygmunt said. "We're still hopeful that we can get something done in the near future." But there are no guarantees. Bruce is now free to negotiate and sign with any team, no strings attached. And one potential suitor that immediately comes to mind is the Detroit Lions, where former Rams coach Mike Martz is now offensive coordinator.
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Former Dolphins cornerback Sam Madison is traveling today to meet with the New York Giants, agent Drew Rosenhaus said Sunday night on Channel 7 (WSVN-TV). Madison was released Wednesday after nine seasons in Miami.
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The Colts restructured the contracts of quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison, creating approximately $12.5 million in cap savings. Manning provided about $5 million and Harrison approximately $7.5 million in cap relief, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Had the Colts not restructured those contracts, they would have faced the task of cutting players to be in compliance with the salary cap.
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According to Comcast SportsNet, the Eagles are also going to make quick moves to sign Jeff Garcia as a backup quarterback to Donovan McNabb and Shawn Barber as an outside linebacker. Signing Garcia would be an interesting move because it would briefly make him teammates again with wide receiver Terrell Owens. If Owens is not traded by Saturday, the Eagles plan to release him before they have to pay him a $5 million roster bonus. Barber, 31, had one of the best seasons of his career as the Eagles' weakside linebacker in 2002, then signed with Kansas City and had his best season with the Chiefs in 2003.
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The Raiders would have three options if they part ways with Kerry Collins: One, signing a free agent such as Drew Brees, Jon Kitna or Josh McCown; two, trading for a quarterback such as the Minnesota Vikings' Daunte Culpepper; or drafting a quarterback such as Vince Young or Jay Cutler, assuming either is available when the Raiders pick at No. 7 in April's draft.
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Agent Marvin Demoff said the Dolphins will release linebacker Junior Seau even if the cap increases. Demoff said the 37-year-old Seau, who landed on injured reserve the past two seasons, is hoping to play for one more year.
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Former Eagles wide receiver Freddie Mitchell has been wearing Raiders T-shirts while working out an injured leg at the LA Fitness in Mount Laurel recently. Some gym-goers talk to Mitchell. Some, like a season ticketholder we heard from, say they won't give Mitchell the time of day.
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That means it is not unreasonable to believe the Vikings' shopping list includes Seattle guard Steve Hutchinson, New Orleans guard and center LeCharles Bentley, Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James, New England kicker Adam Vinatieri and Carolina linebacker Will Witherspoon.
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The Eagles also have interest in Pittsburgh receiver Antwaan Randle-El, but he was expected to field offers from a number of teams.
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Adam Vinatieri has reiterated a desire to put himself on the market after 10 years of service. The Patriots have already offered him a contract that would keep him the highest paid kicker in the league, but he could receive $3 million annually from a team desperate for a proven championship kicker, in which case the Patriots would likely let him leave.
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Gus Frerotte, who was 9-6 as a Dolphins starter in 2005, is expected to draw interest if allowed to test the free-agent market. The Chicago Tribune reported today that the Bears are considering Frerotte as a potential backup to starter Rex Grossman.
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After a lengthy series of negotiations, the Washington Commanders reached an agreement to allow former Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington to become a free agent immediately in exchange for providing the team with salary cap relief. Arrington's relationship with the franchise soured in recent years, and many around the NFL predicted he would not be with the team for the 2006 season.
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Among the remaining Patriots free agents is popular veteran wide receiver Troy Brown. A source close to Brown yesterday indicated that he plans to return for a 14th season at age 35. His versatility at defensive back, loyalty to the organization, and willingness to sign cap-friendly deals makes his return a strong possibility.
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Will Shields’ return has also been clouded with uncertainty, and late last week he seemed pessimistic about playing in 2006 in Kansas City. Peterson reiterated that Shields would not be a cap casualty Sunday and that he hasn’t been asked to restructure his contract, which would pay him a $5.1 million salary.
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New York Giants wish list:
• WR Corey Bradford. The Giants made a run at him last year, but didn't land him. With Tim Carter set to leave via free agency and Jamaar Taylor's health always in question, the Giants need a new burner for their third receiver. Bradford could be that guy.
• QB Jay Fiedler. He was another free agent the team pursued last year. The Jets signed him, but his season was cut short by a separated shoulder. The Giants are still looking for a veteran backup for Eli Manning and Fiedler could finally fill that void.
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There has been little substantive discussion the past several days between the Broncos and the representative for defensive tackle Gerard Warren, their most pivotal free agent still unsigned. Warren's agent, Joel Segal, insisted there still is a "strong chance" his client will return to the Broncos, despite the holdup.
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LB Derrick Brooks agreed to a four-year contract extension that virtually ensures he will remain a Buc for the remainder of his career. "As you know, Derrick is a special guy," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said in announcing the restructured deal. "He wanted to be a Buc and we wanted him to be a Buc. In a few days we were able to agree to a deal that will keep him here." The deal did more than that. It also created approximately $5 million in cap space that should allow the Bucs to keep or eventually re-sign several other players, possibly including quarterback Brian Griese, defensive tackle Chris Hovan and fullback Mike Alstott.
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New York Jets Shopping List:
• LT Kevin Shaffer: Falcons: The fifth-year pro, a former seventh-round pick out of Tulsa, is one of the most underrated left tackles in the league. Unofficially, he has allowed just six sacks in the past two seasons. His price tag may be too high for the Jets.
• LB Willie McGinest Patriots: A solid locker-room guy, he would add some veteran leadership and help new coach Eric Mangini preach his message. Oh, and he can still play, even after a dozen years in the league. He had six sacks and 56 tackles last season and knows the Patriots defense inside and out.
• NT Sam Adams, Bills: The Jets desperately need a massive run-stuffer in the middle and Adams could be their guy. The 13-year veteran may not have a lot of tread left on his tires, but he remains an immovable object -- even on his worst day. He has spent the past three seasons in the AFC East.
• TE Jeb Putzier, Broncos: The Jets signed him to an offer sheet last year but the Broncos matched it and the Jets then settled for Doug Jolley. Acquired from Oakland for a first-round pick, Jolley was a colossal flop, so the Jets may revisit Putzier, who has good hands and is tough.
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This year there are three Steelers available at defensive positions the Giants would like to strengthen. Free safety Chris Hope, cornerback Deshea Townsend and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt will look to turn their Super Bowl seasons into big paydays in the upcoming week. Signing either Hope, 25, or Townsend, 30, would require some crafty cap management by general manager Ernie Accorsi and assistant GM Kevin Abrams.
____________________________________________
Unable to reach agreement on a contract extension with wide receiver Isaac Bruce, the Rams released the four-time Pro Bowler on Sunday night. "We do want Isaac to remain a Ram," Rams president of football operations Jay Zygmunt said. "We're still hopeful that we can get something done in the near future." But there are no guarantees. Bruce is now free to negotiate and sign with any team, no strings attached. And one potential suitor that immediately comes to mind is the Detroit Lions, where former Rams coach Mike Martz is now offensive coordinator.
____________________________________________
Former Dolphins cornerback Sam Madison is traveling today to meet with the New York Giants, agent Drew Rosenhaus said Sunday night on Channel 7 (WSVN-TV). Madison was released Wednesday after nine seasons in Miami.
____________________________________________
The Colts restructured the contracts of quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison, creating approximately $12.5 million in cap savings. Manning provided about $5 million and Harrison approximately $7.5 million in cap relief, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Had the Colts not restructured those contracts, they would have faced the task of cutting players to be in compliance with the salary cap.
____________________________________________
According to Comcast SportsNet, the Eagles are also going to make quick moves to sign Jeff Garcia as a backup quarterback to Donovan McNabb and Shawn Barber as an outside linebacker. Signing Garcia would be an interesting move because it would briefly make him teammates again with wide receiver Terrell Owens. If Owens is not traded by Saturday, the Eagles plan to release him before they have to pay him a $5 million roster bonus. Barber, 31, had one of the best seasons of his career as the Eagles' weakside linebacker in 2002, then signed with Kansas City and had his best season with the Chiefs in 2003.
____________________________________________
The Raiders would have three options if they part ways with Kerry Collins: One, signing a free agent such as Drew Brees, Jon Kitna or Josh McCown; two, trading for a quarterback such as the Minnesota Vikings' Daunte Culpepper; or drafting a quarterback such as Vince Young or Jay Cutler, assuming either is available when the Raiders pick at No. 7 in April's draft.
____________________________________________
Agent Marvin Demoff said the Dolphins will release linebacker Junior Seau even if the cap increases. Demoff said the 37-year-old Seau, who landed on injured reserve the past two seasons, is hoping to play for one more year.
____________________________________________
Former Eagles wide receiver Freddie Mitchell has been wearing Raiders T-shirts while working out an injured leg at the LA Fitness in Mount Laurel recently. Some gym-goers talk to Mitchell. Some, like a season ticketholder we heard from, say they won't give Mitchell the time of day.
____________________________________________
That means it is not unreasonable to believe the Vikings' shopping list includes Seattle guard Steve Hutchinson, New Orleans guard and center LeCharles Bentley, Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James, New England kicker Adam Vinatieri and Carolina linebacker Will Witherspoon.
____________________________________________
The Eagles also have interest in Pittsburgh receiver Antwaan Randle-El, but he was expected to field offers from a number of teams.
____________________________________________
Adam Vinatieri has reiterated a desire to put himself on the market after 10 years of service. The Patriots have already offered him a contract that would keep him the highest paid kicker in the league, but he could receive $3 million annually from a team desperate for a proven championship kicker, in which case the Patriots would likely let him leave.
____________________________________________
Gus Frerotte, who was 9-6 as a Dolphins starter in 2005, is expected to draw interest if allowed to test the free-agent market. The Chicago Tribune reported today that the Bears are considering Frerotte as a potential backup to starter Rex Grossman.
____________________________________________
After a lengthy series of negotiations, the Washington Commanders reached an agreement to allow former Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington to become a free agent immediately in exchange for providing the team with salary cap relief. Arrington's relationship with the franchise soured in recent years, and many around the NFL predicted he would not be with the team for the 2006 season.
____________________________________________
Among the remaining Patriots free agents is popular veteran wide receiver Troy Brown. A source close to Brown yesterday indicated that he plans to return for a 14th season at age 35. His versatility at defensive back, loyalty to the organization, and willingness to sign cap-friendly deals makes his return a strong possibility.
____________________________________________
Will Shields’ return has also been clouded with uncertainty, and late last week he seemed pessimistic about playing in 2006 in Kansas City. Peterson reiterated that Shields would not be a cap casualty Sunday and that he hasn’t been asked to restructure his contract, which would pay him a $5.1 million salary.
____________________________________________
New York Giants wish list:
• WR Corey Bradford. The Giants made a run at him last year, but didn't land him. With Tim Carter set to leave via free agency and Jamaar Taylor's health always in question, the Giants need a new burner for their third receiver. Bradford could be that guy.
• QB Jay Fiedler. He was another free agent the team pursued last year. The Jets signed him, but his season was cut short by a separated shoulder. The Giants are still looking for a veteran backup for Eli Manning and Fiedler could finally fill that void.
____________________________________________
There has been little substantive discussion the past several days between the Broncos and the representative for defensive tackle Gerard Warren, their most pivotal free agent still unsigned. Warren's agent, Joel Segal, insisted there still is a "strong chance" his client will return to the Broncos, despite the holdup.
____________________________________________
LB Derrick Brooks agreed to a four-year contract extension that virtually ensures he will remain a Buc for the remainder of his career. "As you know, Derrick is a special guy," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said in announcing the restructured deal. "He wanted to be a Buc and we wanted him to be a Buc. In a few days we were able to agree to a deal that will keep him here." The deal did more than that. It also created approximately $5 million in cap space that should allow the Bucs to keep or eventually re-sign several other players, possibly including quarterback Brian Griese, defensive tackle Chris Hovan and fullback Mike Alstott.
____________________________________________
New York Jets Shopping List:
• LT Kevin Shaffer: Falcons: The fifth-year pro, a former seventh-round pick out of Tulsa, is one of the most underrated left tackles in the league. Unofficially, he has allowed just six sacks in the past two seasons. His price tag may be too high for the Jets.
• LB Willie McGinest Patriots: A solid locker-room guy, he would add some veteran leadership and help new coach Eric Mangini preach his message. Oh, and he can still play, even after a dozen years in the league. He had six sacks and 56 tackles last season and knows the Patriots defense inside and out.
• NT Sam Adams, Bills: The Jets desperately need a massive run-stuffer in the middle and Adams could be their guy. The 13-year veteran may not have a lot of tread left on his tires, but he remains an immovable object -- even on his worst day. He has spent the past three seasons in the AFC East.
• TE Jeb Putzier, Broncos: The Jets signed him to an offer sheet last year but the Broncos matched it and the Jets then settled for Doug Jolley. Acquired from Oakland for a first-round pick, Jolley was a colossal flop, so the Jets may revisit Putzier, who has good hands and is tough.
____________________________________________
This year there are three Steelers available at defensive positions the Giants would like to strengthen. Free safety Chris Hope, cornerback Deshea Townsend and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt will look to turn their Super Bowl seasons into big paydays in the upcoming week. Signing either Hope, 25, or Townsend, 30, would require some crafty cap management by general manager Ernie Accorsi and assistant GM Kevin Abrams.
