NFL Free Agency Rumors, Trade Talk And Signings

[TheGame]

According to CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman, the Browns' front office remains divided on the idea of re-signing free agent Peyton Hillis.
Some members of the team's brass want to work toward an extension while others prefer to part ways and draft Alabama's Trent Richardson. "I think the draft option will win out," writes Freeman, "but no one knows for certain just yet.

The Baltimore Sun's Mike Preston believes free agent Randy Moss "could be a nice fit in Baltimore for a year, maybe two."
The Ravens meet Moss' criteria of a contender with a capable quarterback. The respected leadership of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed could conceivably keep his ego in check and his commitment on track

[TheGame]

Buccaneers released DT Albert Haynesworth

The player rep for David Garrard expects the free agent to be recovered from back surgery by mid-March or early April, and insists Garrard is intent on playing in 2012.

[TheGame]

A league source tells the Buffalo News that the Bills and free agent Stevie Johnson have "exchanged proposals" regarding a new contract, and will meet face-to-face at next week's NFL Combine

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers plan to sign a receiver in free agency and use a high draft pick on a wideout, as well.
We're surprised that Schefter got the scoop on the 49ers' offseason wish list, but it does seem like San Francisco has identified a need. And they apparently plan to address it with multiple additions. We suspect they'll target the second tier of free agent wideouts, pursuing a vertical field-stretcher in particular. Mario Manningham and Robert Meachem come to mind

ESPN's Paul Kuharsky expects the Titans to let free agent CB Cortland Finnegan test the open market.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora agrees with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the Steelers are "more likely" to place a first-round restricted tender on Mike Wallace, rather than franchise tag him.
Placing only the tender on Wallace would leave Pittsburgh open to being poached for its top wideout by teams willing to fork over a long-term contract and a first-round draft pick. One such club could be the division-rival Ravens, who draft 29th overall.

[TheGame]

ESPN's Adam Schefter believes there's a "50-50" chance someone tries to sign restricted free agent Mike Wallace away from the Steelers.
Even after a recent spate of renegotiations, the Steelers are still roughly $11 million over the salary cap, leaving them in a vulnerable position with their No. 1 wideout. "Poison pill" offers were banned under the new CBA, but it wouldn't take a poison pill deal to lure a player away from a team as far over the cap as the Steelers are, just someone willing to make a fair offer and surrender a first-round pick. One team that could be in position to make a play for Wallace is the Ravens. Baltimore is still searching for a true No. 1 receiver, and surrendering the No. 29 overall pick would be well worth it if it meant getting Wallace

My question is this. If the Browns wanted to sign him. Which 1st round pick would they need to give up ?
Seems like any team drafting at the bottom of round one needing a WR would make this move.

[TheGame]

Speaking on Profootballtalk Live Monday, free agent Brandon Lloyd confirmed he is willing to return to St. Louis, and said he expects talks to begin this week

NFL.com reports the Seahawks are "deep in talks" with free agent Marshawn Lynch on a long-term deal.

Profootballtalk.com expects free agent CB Stanford Routt to finalize a new contract on Monday, and considers Kansas City his most likely landing spot.

According to the Nashville Tennessean, the Titans have made "no progress" in talks with free agent CB Cortland Finnegan, and the two sides remain "far apart.

[TheGame]

Chiefs agreed to terms with CB Stanford Routt on a three-year, $20 million contract.
The numbers reported by NFL Network's Jason La Canfora are $19.6 million with a $4 million signing bonus. It's starter money, and makes it more likely that Kansas City will let free agent CB Brandon Carr break the bank on the open market. Expect Dwayne Bowe to get the franchise tag

[TheGame]

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are willing to let restricted free agent Mike Wallace test the open market.
The Steelers will reportedly place a first-round restricted tender on Wallace and "see what develops." If he "signs a contract and they deem it too high," they will apparently take the first-round compensation instead of matching. Once unthinkable, it's now very possible the Steelers will let their 25-year-old No. 1 receiver walk instead of digging themselves into an even deeper salary-cap hole

Think about this for a second. They say if you draft a receiver it takes them 3 years to get up to full speed.
We all know what this guy can do. Could you imagine him opposite Boldin in Baltimore ?
He opens things up for Rice, Boldin, Smith and the tight ends.
What impact player are you going to get at the bottom of round one to do that ?
Thanks to age. The window might start to close on teams like the Ravens and Patriots.
Giving up a late first round pick is nothing for those two teams.

Now on the other side. I think Pittsburgh would be better suited to keep those young receivers together.
While getting younger on the lines and on the defense.
Funny as it sounds. While Baltimore and the Steelers are getting older and cap challenged.
Teams like the Bengals and Browns could be young and talented. While the two top dogs are on their way down.
Unless the Browns totally fuck things up. They have the draft picks to make some solid additions this year.
The Bengals already started the youth movement last year and are one step ahead.

[TheMule]

Thanks for the info Game   


I'm blown away that the Steelers are letting arguably THE top young WR in the whole NFL go to another team.  Wow...

[TheGame]

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones suggested this week that free agent ILBs Keith Brooking and Bradie James are unlikely to return for 2012.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens "remain on the lookout for at least one more explosive receiving threat."
That "explosive receiving threat" figures to replace Lee Evans, who is a prime release candidate unless he's willing to take a significant pay-cut.

[TheGame]

Free agent G Deuce Lutui is unlikely to re-sign with the Cardinals.

GM Ruston Webster reiterated Thursday that the Titans will hold an "open competition" at quarterback this summer.

Bears coach Lovie Smith has admitted the team's signing of FS Brandon Meriweather "didn't work out."

According to Lions coach Jim Schwartz, "all signs are good" regarding Jahvid Best (concussions) playing in 2012.

Free agent David Garrard (back surgery) says he's "90 to 95 percent healthy," and that he expects to begin working out for interested teams in March.

The Packers can clear over $10 million in cap space by releasing LT Chad Clifton and Donald Driver.

According to the Terre Haute Tribune-Star, "most expect" free agent C Jeff Saturday to retire.

With Jermichael Finley locked up through 2013, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel expects the Packers to use their franchise tag on free agent Matt Flynn.

The Cowboys cannot re-sign free agent Laurent Robinson before the market opens on March 13 because he played for a "minimum salary benefit" in 2011.
The sides can talk, but Robinson can't sign on the dotted line until free agency begins

Restricted free agent Mike Wallace says contract talks are "ongoing" with the Steelers, but conceded Wednesday that he may not return to Pittsburgh due to the team's salary cap situation.

According to SI.com's Don Banks, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan "loves" Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden after coaching him on the Senior Bowl's South roster.

[TheGame]

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Eagles "are listening" to trade offers for DeSean Jackson, who will be franchise tagged before March 5.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that free agent Pierre Garcon recently rejected a five-year contract offer from the Colts.

[MacDaddy]

Pitt restructured Big Bens contract to save them 8 million in cap space

[TheGame]

Sources tell CBS' Clark Judge there is "virtually no chance" free agent Mario Manningham re-signs with the Giants, and that he is "expected" to sign with the Bucs.

Citing league sources, Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com reports "at least" three teams, including the Redskins, Dolphins, and Seahawks, are "strongly considering" a blockbuster trade with the Rams to draft Robert Griffin III at No. 2 overall.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs plan to use the franchise tag on free agent Dwayne Bowe.

[TheGame]

Browns re-signed MLB D'Qwell Jackson to a five-year contract.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Jackson will receive $42.5 million, including $19 million in guarantees and bonuses

According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, team sources have confirmed the Chargers are planning to release LE Luis Castillo.
Castillo has three years and roughly $14.2 million remaining on the six-year contract he signed in 2008. He will presumably be cut loose before his $1 million roster bonus comes due next month

[TheGame]

SI's Peter King reports Peyton Manning would like to be a part of a "package deal" with free agent Reggie Wayne.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the "expectation remains" that both CB Chris Carr and CB Domonique Foxworth have played their final down for the Ravens.

The Baltimore Sun doesn't expect the Ravens to re-sign free agent safeties Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski.

Speaking in a Tuesday morning radio interview, free agent Plaxico Burress confirmed "nothing" would make him happier than signing with the Eagles.

ESPN Dallas reports the Cowboys are planning to target CBs Cortland Finnegan and Brandon Carr in free agency.

On a scale of 1-10, the Contra Costa Times' Steve Corkran puts the Raiders' chances of re-signing free agent Michael Bush at a "soft one."

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch considers the Redskins the "early front-runner" to trade up into the No. 2 overall draft slot and select Robert Griffin III.

[TheMule]

SI's Peter King reports Peyton Manning would like to be a part of a "package deal" with free agent Reggie Wayne.

They would be a perfect fit or "package deal" for the Seattle Seahawks.  They badly need a new QB and another starting WR to go along with their solid running game.  They'd instantly be playoff contenders if Manning stayed on the field...  I know BIG if.   But they've got the owner who's not afraid to shell out the  .         

Seahawks fans would be beside themselves with Manning at the helm!  The NFL would love it, as the NFC West would finally get football fans east of the Mississippi to watch their games.   Hell, even I'd even watch every one of their games if Manning and Wayne started for them.  They would be the most the most highly anticipated squad to watch in 2012 if they pulled the trigger.   Come on stem cells, do your magic!!!   

[TheGame]

The Washington Post reports the Redskins are "making plans" to sign a "high-profile" free agent wide receiver in March.
The Redskins no longer have a single proven receiver who can separate from top corners and make plays after the catch. The team plans to address the position via free agency as opposed to the draft. Vincent Jackson and Pierre Garcon are considered the top targets, though Marques Colston is another option if he escapes New Orleans

The New York Daily News confirms the Jets are interested in bringing back free agent Braylon Edwards as a replacement for Plaxico Burress.

SI.com's Peter King confirms the Rams have already received a trade "feeler" for the No. 2 pick from a team "you would never expect."

[TheGame]

Steelers released WR Hines Ward.
A 14-year Steeler, four-time Pro Bowler, and the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, Ward's separation skills have vanished and he is no longer quick enough to be a productive slot receiver. The Steelers may have considered trying to redo Ward's contract because of his decorated history, but ultimately the opportunity to keep Mike Wallace ranked much higher on the organization's priorities.

[TheGame]

One AFC executive told Yahoo Sports that he's convinced the Chargers will place the franchise tag on free agent Vincent Jackson.

The Carroll County Times reports that the Ravens are expected to slap free agent Ray Rice with the franchise tag on Friday.

Yahoo's Jason Cole reports that the Cowboys have interest in free agent ILB Dan Connor.

The Union-Tribune San Diego suggests free agent Cadillac Williams as a tailback the Chargers might target to pair with Ryan Mathews.

The Indianapolis Star reports that contract talks between the Colts and free agent LE Robert Mathis are "warming up considerably."

[TheGame]

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports that the Raiders will release OLB Kam Wimbley if he does not agree to a pay cut before March 13.

The Philadelphia Inquirer suggests LCB Asante Samuel is on the outs with the Eagles in large part because he no longer fits the scheme.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed on SportsCenter that free agent Hines Ward "wants to play at least another season."
"Make no mistake," Schefter emphasized. Some NFL analysts have pleaded with Ward to retire, but he seems intent on playing one more year. Schefter mentioned the Jags, Cardinals, and Browns as potential suitors. On NFL Network Total Access Wednesday night, Jason La Canfora suggested the Buccaneers

[TheGame]

The agent for ILB James Farrior said Wednesday that he expects the Steelers to release his client.
"It's not a done deal, but the percentages just aren't there," said agent Ralph Cindrich. Farrior, a 15-year veteran and the Steelers' defensive captain for the last eight seasons, is due $2.825 million in 2012. All of that money would come off Pittsburgh's salary cap if he is released.

[TheGame]

Free agent FS Reggie Nelson is considered the top option to replace Michael Griffin in Tennessee if the Titans don't utilize the franchise tag.

Bears released OL Frank Omiyale.

[TheGame]

Steelers released ILB James Farrior.
The latest veteran to go in the Steelers' salary cap purge, Farrior had been Dick LeBeau's defensive leader and signal-caller for the past decade. The 37-year-old was due $2.825 million after an up-and-down season while battling injuries.

The Buffalo News' Jay Skurski "can't envision a scenario" where Lee Evans returns to the Bills this offseason.

NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora reports the Titans are "likely" to place the franchise tag on free agent CB Cortland Finnegan after all.

Falcons applied the franchise tag to CB Brent Grimes.

The Lions will reportedly apply the franchise tag to DE Cliff Avril on Monday, "barring a late breakthrough in talks."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the 49ers will apply the franchise tag to free agent FS Dashon Goldson on Friday.

[TheGame]

Not so fast on that report about the Titans franchising Cortland Finnegan.

At 9:36 a.m., Jason La Canfora of NFL Network wrote on Twitter that the Titans are likely to franchise Finnegan. And then at 10:41 a.m., Adam Schefter of ESPN wrote on Twitter that will not franchise Finnegan.

[TheGame]

Profootballtalk.com reports that free agent Randy Moss is scheduled to visit at least one team next week.

Bears assigned the franchise tag to RB Matt Forte.

Cardinals assigned the franchise tag to DE Calais Campbell.

Giants re-signed WR/KR Domenik Hixon.

Ravens released WR Lee Evans.

Ravens assigned the franchise tag to RB Ray Rice.

NFL.com's Mike Lombardi reports that the Eagles are searching for "more than a third-rounder" in trade talks for franchise player DeSean Jackson.