NFL Free Agency Rumors, Trade Talk And Signings

[TheGame]

In 2010, linebacker Solomon Elimimian was the CFL’s most outstanding rookie.  He now has the title of most outstanding name on the Minnesota Vikings roster.

The former BC Lion has joined the Vikings, according to his agent.

Elimimian reportedly was being pursued by the Rams and the Panthers.

[TheGame]

Larry Fitzgerald will dine with Peyton Manning this week in Indianapolis.
Tom James of the Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports that Fitzgerald and Manning are friends, but Fitz hopes Manning will "consider the Cardinals" after he's released by the Colts. It's particularly notable because Fitzgerald was Kevin Kolb's biggest supporter all last offseason. ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that Arizona will be in the hunt for Manning this spring

[TheGame]

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel are now "adamant" that Matt Cassel will face competition for his starting job in 2012.
Their stance is a departure from Crennel's unqualified support for Cassel at his introductory press conference three weeks ago. "Who that [competition] is, I don't know," said Pioli. "Maybe it's Kyle (Orton), maybe it's another free agent, maybe it's a draft choice

[TheGame]

The Tampa Tribune expects the Bucs to show interest in free agent Mike Tolbert for "several reasons."
New coach Greg Schiano has a history of decidedly run-heavy offenses. The Bucs desperately need a third-down back as well as a short-yardage complement to LeGarrette Blount, who has struggled mightily in both areas. Tolbert is still in his prime at age 26, and the Union-Tribune San Diego suspects the Bolts will allow him to hit the open market

[TheGame]

Citing two sources, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports the Dolphins are on the "short list" of teams Peyton Manning would be willing to play for if released by the Colts.

[HOVA]

Source: Peyton will play in 2012, probably not for Colts

Posted by Mike Florio on February 5, 2012, 2:31 PM EST

Get used to seeing Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in a uniform other than the one worn by the Colts.

Per a source close to Manning, the long-time Indy starter will play in 2012.  The source also has predicted that Peyton eventually will be the comeback player of the year next season.

But will he play for the Colts?  The source fully expects that the Colts will cut Manning before March 8, at which time he will be owed another $28 million, in addition to the $26 million he received in 2011 without taking a single snap.

Former Colts coach Tony Dungy, who previously couldn’t fathom Manning playing for another team, said during the Super Bowl XLVI pregame show that he spoke with owner Jim Irsay on Thursday night, and that Irsay seemed to be under a lot of stress regarding the question of whether to keep or cut Peyton.  Dungy eventually said that the info appearing above “could be right,” and that Peyton will be playing for another team.

We’ll know the answer soon enough.  We may know it even sooner, especially if Peyton requests a meeting with Irsay as soon as everyone clears out of Indy — and if Peyton demands an answer during that meeting.


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/05/source-peyton-will-play-in-2012-probably-not-for-colts/

[TheGame]

Do you see anyway possible they can do anything but cut him ?

There is no team that wants his current contract and how many could take the cap hit.
Also keeping in mind knowing the Colts want to move on from him. The draft pick in return would not be that great.
Even if they could get past all that. Manning would have to redo his current deal. Leaving his landing spot out of his control.
Best move is to let him go. Then use the extra cap money to rebuild that team

[TheGame]

Back in December, we pointed out that B.C. Lions offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye had been generating plenty of interest at the NFL level.

He has now made his choice.

After working out for or visiting eight teams since the 2011 NFL season ended and pursuit from at least six others, Olafioye has picked the Rams, according to Howard Balzer of 101espn.com.

The Rams definitely have a need on the offensive line, especially with right tackle Jason Smith soon facing a take-a-pay-cut-or-take-a-hike ultimatum and the offensive line otherwise not as good as it needs to be.

[TheGame]

Chargers left tackle Marcus McNeill got his big contract in October of 2010. It was considered risky because of his health, and he wound up only playing nine games in 2011.

The 28-year-old two-time Pro Bowler is expected to be waived in early March according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.  That would free up $10 million in cap space.

[TheGame]

From profootballtalk.com

Before Tuesday, the Jets owed receiver Santonio Holmes $7.75 million in guaranteed base salary in 2012.  They now owe him another $7.5 million in guaranteed base salary in 2013.

A report from Brian Costello of the New York Post prompted a second look at Holmes’ contract.  The $7.75 million for 2012 already was guaranteed.  The contract that we obtained in early January shows that the additional $7.5 million becomes guaranteed if Holmes has a spot on the team’s roster on the second day after the start of the 2012 league year waiver system.

The 2012 league year waiver system started Monday.  The second day after the start of the waiver system is, at the latest, Wednesday.  To prevent Holmes from being on the roster on Wednesday, the Jets would have had to cut Holmes, at the latest, by 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

[TheGame]

Steelers released WR Arnaz Battle.

Steelers released CB Bryant McFadden and WR Arnaz Battle.

Panthers re-signed LB Jason Phillips to a one-year contract.

[TheGame]

Appearing on Mike and Mike Thursday morning, ESPN's Chris Mortensen said he "doubts" the Cardinals will acquire Peyton Manning this offseason.

NBC Philadelphia's Howard Eskin reports that free agent Plaxico Burress "badly" wants to sign with the Eagles.
Burress makes more sense for the Eagles this year than last because they've seen what Riley Cooper is (not much) and have a need for improved red-zone offense

[TheGame]

The Chargers would have to pay Vincent Jackson a lot of money to use the franchise tag on him — more than $13 million.

That’s why he’s expected to hit the open market, and he’s not expected to stay in San Diego.

“I don’t see any way he’s back [in San Diego]. The Chargers won’t franchise him, they’ve come out and said that,” Jason La Canfora said on NFL Network.

[TheGame]

Raiders released CB Stanford Routt.
It's not clear if the surprising move is for financial reasons or if Routt did something incur the wrath of the new regime. Routt had restructured his contract last August to five years and $54.5 million, an exorbitant number even for the team's top cover corner.

[TheGame]

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos' offseason plan is to add both a veteran and a prospect at quarterback.

According to Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com, some personnel men around the league still have "serious doubts" that Peyton Manning will ever play again "or at the very least will miss most of next season."

Bills GM Buddy Nix confirmed that the team still plans to extend Fred Jackson's contract before the start of the 2012 season.

Free agent CB Stanford Routt will visit with the Bills on Sunday

Citing sources in San Diego, NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reports the Chargers will "do everything in their power" to sign free agent Vincent Jackson.
At it's core, Lombardi's report is no different than those of colleague Jason LaCanfora or beat writer Kevin Acee. The Bolts aren't inclined to use the franchise tag, but they plan to make a competitive offer once Jackson hits the open market.

In addition to CB Stanford Routt, Raiders FS Michael Huff, DT Tommy Kelly, DT John Henderson, CB Chris Johnson, and OG Cooper Carlisle are candidates for release.

According to the team's official website, it would be "quite a shock" if free agent TE Martellus Bennett returns to the Cowboys in 2012.

Former Titans LB Keith Bulluck, a long-time friend of Dwight Freeney, says the veteran Colts star has no intention of converting to outside linebacker in the new coach Chuck Pagano's 3-4 defense.
"Dwight's thinking is, he ain't standing up," Bulluck said. "Dwight's had his hand in the (ground) for 11 years." The Colts can save $14 million of Freeney's more than $19 million against the cap by releasing him, but Freeney doesn't expect that to happen.

[TheGame]

It seems like it would make sense for the Colts to shop Freeney around.
He does not have the size to play on the line in a 3/4 defense.
Even if a trade cant be worked out. It might be better to release him and save 14 million and go all in on a rebuild

[TheGame]

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports the Steelers will not bring Hines Ward back in 2012.

Free agent Reggie Wayne confirmed Friday that he's had no contact with the Colts since the season ended.

[TheGame]

The Cleveland Plain Dealer considers it ''a lock'' that the Browns will add a veteran receiver through the trade market or free agency.
Browns GM Tom Heckert drafted DeSean Jackson in 2008 and coach Pat Shurmur has a history with Jackson during his time in Philadelphia. Both NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora and The Sideline View's Adam Caplan believe the Eagles will shop Jackson this offseason if they decide to place the franchise tag on him later this month.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution believes the Falcons could be a potential landing spot for LT Marcus McNeil if the Chargers decide to release him this offseason.

[TheGame]

The Miami Herald has "serious doubts" the Dolphins will re-sign NT Paul Soliai

SI.com's Peter King sees free agent Mario Manningham landing a deal that will pay him "at least" $7 million per season.

A league source tells the Detroit Free Press the Lions could be "one of the key teams interested" in free agent CB Cortland Finnegan if he makes it to the open market.

Citing multiple NFL sources, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Eagles will place the franchise tag on free agent DeSean Jackson.

[TheGame]

Bob Allen of KTRK-TV in Houston is floating a rumor that Peyton Manning is "definitely" interested in playing for the Texans.
"Someone I know who is close friends with the Manning family says Peyton is definitely interested in possibly coming to the Texans," writes Allen. Allen adds that Manning "wants to play on a team that has a chance of going to a Super Bowl," and the Texans fit that criteria. "I know for a fact that he does have a definite interest in the Texans," concludes Allen.

Matt Schaub is in the last year of his contract. So as crazy as the thought sounds. A guy like Schaub would net them something in a trade.

[TheGame]

Free agent C Nick Hardwick confirmed Monday that he plans to continue playing after briefly considering retirement after the season.
Hardwick is only 30, so he should have gas left in the tank from an age perspective, at least. According to Pro Football Focus, however, Hardwick was too often overpowered in the running game last year. The Chargers will likely look to re-sign Hardwick, but only at the right price

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert indicated that the team will not be counting on Rashard Mendenhall (ACL surgery) for 2012.
Mendenhall tore his right ACL on January 1 and will be a long shot to participate in any portion of 2012 training camp. "I never feel good about ACLs for a year," said Colbert. Mendenhall could open the year on PUP, costing him the first six games of the season.

Retired WR Randy Moss announced in a Monday video chat that he's planning to attempt a comeback.

[TheGame]

AZCardinals.com doesn't expect the Cardinals to re-sign free agent Early Doucet before the beginning of free agency.

The Boston Herald believes free agent Brandon Lloyd's hiring of Tom Condon as his new agent has "complicated" his chances of signing with the Patriots.
New England has been viewed as a logical landing spot for Lloyd after he said in December he was "tied to" new Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, but the Pats haven't signed a player "solely represented" by Condon since 2004

ESPN New York's Rich Cimini expects a "shake-up at the safety position" for the Jets this offseason.
Cimini believes re-signing free safeties Jim Leonhard and Brodney Pool will be a low priority in free agency.

ESPN New York reports the Jets are "done" with free agent Plaxico Burress.

ESPN New York expects free agent LaDainian Tomlinson to retire

[TheGame]

From PFT

A report emerged on the radio in Houston Monday night that Peyton Manning has the Texans on his list of teams that he’d like to play for.

Even if that’s true, it’s hard to see any possible marriage here.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle wrote Tuesday “it’s not going to happen” for a variety of reasons.

The biggest reason: The Texans have a quarterback in Matt Schaub. They are confident Schaub will return from his foot injury, whereas no one really knows if Manning will play again. (The Texans have other big issues to worry about.)

Manning also doesn’t fit Houston’s offense, which relies so much on movement and the bootleg.

[TheGame]

NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora reports the Ravens will begin long-term extension discussions with the player rep for Joe Flacco at next week's Combine

In addition to DE Cliff Avril, the Lions have begun contract talks with free agents MLB Stephen Tulloch, LT Jeff Backus, and CB Eric Wright.

Free agent BenJarvus Green-Ellis' player rep Joel Segal says he's already had contract discussions with the Patriots

Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (Achilles surgery) is in the "final stages" of his rehab.
Leshoure is doing resistance work and "light running," and is tentatively expected to have at least some form of participation in OTAs

Lions president Tom Lewand says Jahvid Best (concussions) is "on pace" to be ready for the team's offseason program.
Lewand made the comments in a Tuesday conference call with season-ticket holders. It's the first update on Best's status since MLive.com reported in late January "many within the (Lions') organization" were concerned Best's career might be over.

[TheGame]

The Cowboys are reportedly just "taking a peek" at free agent CB Stanford Routt this week.
"If he gets another big contract, it won't be from Jerry (Jones)," tweets of Matt Mosley of Fox Sports Southwest

According to the Houston Chronicle, Matt Schaub's recovery from Lisfranc surgery is "ahead of schedule" and he is working out every day

Free agent MLB Lofa Tatupu visited with the Titans on Tuesday.
Titans GM Ruston Webster mentioned the defensive front seven as a top offseason priority.

After rolling over $23.5 million in salary cap space from 2011, Bucs GM Mark Dominik expects to be one of the league's most active teams in free agency this offseason.
"We purposely rolled every penny we could into this year's cap," explained Dominik. "Clubs didn't have to do that, but we wanted to. We have plans." Tampa has been mentioned by various sources as a potential landing spot for free agents Vincent Jackson, Mario Williams, Brent Grimes, Curtis Lofton, and Mike Tolbert.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press suggests the Lions only want free agent Kevin Smith back "under the right circumstances."

Lions DT Corey Williams and WR Nate Burleson are candidates to be released or restructured, suggests the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.
Williams is due $5 million and Burleson $4 million. GM Martin Mayhew suggested last month that Burleson's roster spot was safe, but the decisions are going to get tougher if the Lions can't get Calvin Johnson to reduce his $21 million cap number by agreeing to an extension.