PawneeSports
03-11-2006, 12:37 PM
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March 11, 2006 12:16 AM ET
Panthers: Foster inks three year deal
The News
DeShaun Foster never even made it to the open market. Right before the 2006 edition of free agency commenced, he signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract to remain with the Panthers. The deal includes a $4.5 million signing bonus. Foster had been given the transition tag by the team, allowing them of match any offer he received as a free agent. He ran for 879 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games last season.
March 11, 2006 12:07 AM ET
Packers: No intentions of trading Walker
The News
Packers general manager Ted Thompson said Friday that the team has no intention of honoring Javon Walker's request to be traded to another team. "Javon is under contract... and we expect him to honor it," Thompson said in a statement posted on the Packers web site. "There have been several highly publicized cases of player discontent in the National Football League. I don't anticipate us making any concessions in this matter."
March 10, 2006 10:53 PM ET
Ravens: Negotiations begin with Lewis
The News
The Ravens have begun contract negotiations with Jamal Lewis, according to the Baltimore Sun. Lewis, an unrestricted free agent, ran for 906 yards and three touchdowns last season.
March 10, 2006 10:36 PM ET
Jets: Abraham will visit four teams
The News
Defensive end John Abraham, who has made it clear he will not be playing for the Jets next season, will visit four teams next week that he could end up with via trade. Abraham will visit Denver, Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington, his agent said Friday.
March 10, 2006 10:30 PM ET
Colts: Sapp offered one-year tender
The News
The Colts have offered a one-year contract tender to safety Gerome Sapp, his agent said Friday. The offer is reportedly worth $721,000, according to the Associated Press.
March 10, 2006 9:35 PM ET
Redskins: Cartwright re-signed
The News
The Redskins signed backup running back Rock Cartwright to a four-year contract on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
March 10, 2006 9:25 PM ET
Ravens: James on the radar
The News
The Ravens are currently negotiating with Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor, but those aren't the only two potential free agent runners they have their eye on. The Baltimore Sun reports the team is prepared to pursue Edgerrin James sometime next week if talks with Lewis and Taylor stall.
March 10, 2006 8:11 PM ET
Redskins: Bowen given his walking papers
The News
Safety Matt Bowen will not be back with the Redskins in 2006. The six-year veteran was released on Friday in a salary cap move.
March 10, 2006 8:05 PM ET
Redskins: Harris sent packing
The News
Veteran cornerback Walt Harris was released by the Redskins on Friday in order for the team to get under the salary cap before the beginning of free agency.
March 10, 2006 7:58 PM ET
Raiders: Collins release now official
The News
The Raiders released quarterback Kerry Collins on Friday, saving the team $9.2 million in cap space. It was reported that he was released last weekend, but the move was not made official until Friday because free agency was pushed back. Collins threw for 3,498 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
March 10, 2006 7:57 PM ET
Buccaneers: Griese let go
The News
The Buccaneers cut quarterback Brian Griese on Friday after attempts to restructure his current contract failed. The Tampa Tribune reports that he would have counted $7.08 million against the cap if he had not been let go. However, his time in Tampa may not be over. 'They have a proposal from us and we'll get with them tomorrow and pick it up from there,' Griese's agent, Ralph Cindrich, told the paper. 'It's unfortunate we have to go this way, but being comfortable, liking the coaches is important to Brian and he has that [in Tampa], so we'll see what happens.'
March 10, 2006 7:02 PM ET
Raiders: Conflicting reports on Culpepper
The News
Is Daunte Culpepper going to Oakland? The Raiders are not interested in Culpepper and never even made a trade offer to the Vikings for him, according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network. This directly conflicts with a report from ESPN's John Clayton, who said the Raiders have emerged at the front runner.
March 10, 2006 6:20 PM ET
Jets: Deal for Ramsey close?
The News
The Jets may workout a deal with the Redskins for quarterback Patrick Ramsey within the next few days, two sources told the New York Post on Friday.
March 10, 2006 6:07 PM ET
Bengals: Clemons cut
The News
The Bengals released defensive end Duane Clemons on Friday.
March 10, 2006 5:51 PM ET
Vikings: Transition tag lifted off Williams
The News
The Vikings have removed the transition tag they put on cornerback Brian Williams. ESPN's John Clayton reports they made the move because the new CBA calls for him to earn more than the $4.77 million price tag he would have commanded under the old CBA.
March 10, 2006 4:37 PM ET
Rams: Bruce back
The News
Just five days after being released by the Rams for salary cap reasons, four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Isaac Bruce will rejoin the only team for which he has every played, reports ESPN.com. Bruce agreed on Friday to a new, three-year deal worth $15 million.
March 10, 2006 2:46 PM ET
Giants: Madison agreement detailed
The News
The Giants officially agreed to a deal with free agent cornerback Sam Madison on Friday. He'll receive a four-year contract worth $7.4 million, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported. It includes a $2 million signing bonus. Madison has spent all nine of his NFL seasons with the Dolphins, and he's been to the Pro Bowl four times.
March 10, 2006 2:30 PM ET
Dolphins: Miami not Daunte's destination?
The News
With the Dolphins in need of a quarterback and the Vikings looking to unload Daunte Culpepper, speculation swirls that Miami may be the team that has reportedly worked out a deal for the disgruntled quarterback. However, the Miami Herald reports that a high-ranking Dolphins source denied there's a deal in place sending Culpepper to South Beach.
March 10, 2006 2:16 PM ET
Ravens: Not involved in Culpepper sweepstakes
The News
The Ravens have been consistently mentioned as a possible destination for Daunte Culpepper, but the Baltimore Sun reports that the team is not in the running for the disgruntled soon-to-be-ex-Vikings quarterback.
March 10, 2006 11:33 AM ET
Buccaneers: Griese's status still uncertain
The News
Buccaneers general manager Bruce Allen continued discussions on Thursday with the agent who represents quarterback Brian Griese. "Bruce and I have exchanged some phone calls, but I don't think anything is going to get done until (Friday)," agent Ralph Cindrich told the Tampa Tribune. "It could be a simple matter, but Bruce doesn't always make things simple." Griese is scheduled to receive a $2.6 million roster bonus.
March 10, 2006 11:28 AM ET
Panthers: Knorr signs on
The News
The Panthers signed punter Micah Knorr to a contract on Thursday, according to the Rock Hill Herald. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
March 10, 2006 11:20 AM ET
Falcons: Finneran likely to hit the open market
The News
Barring a last minute contract agreement with the Falcons, wide receiver Brian Finneran will become a free agent on Saturday. "Brian is not an ego guy," agent Glenn Schwartzman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We want to stay in Atlanta with the right deal, or we could go someplace else, and I'm sure he'll have a chance to start." Finneran led the team with 50 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns.
March 10, 2006 11:02 AM ET
Vikings: Wilf downplays Culpepper rumors
The News
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said Thursday that a deal to trade disgruntled quarterback Daunte Culpepper was not imminent despite NFL.com reports to the contrary. "I honestly don't know anything about that," Wilf told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I would tell you if I did. I think it's guesswork on their part. Daunte Culpepper stated he would like to be traded or released, and right now we're addressing that situation. That's all I can say." Several media outlets have reported that the Vikings would like to trade Culpepper before the free agency period opens on Saturday.
March 10, 2006 10:55 AM ET
Lions: Bryson re-signs
The News
The Lions re-signed running back Shawn Bryson to a three-year contract on Thursday. The deal is worth $4.5 million and includes a $1.5 million signing bonus, according to the Detroit Free Press. Bryson would have become a free agent on Saturday. He finished last season with 64 carries for 306 yards and a touchdown.
March 10, 2006 10:39 AM ET
Rams: Nutten talking retirement
The News
Rams guard Tom Nutten, after being placed on injured reserve Nov. 16 with neck and shoulder injuries, may retire, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
March 10, 2006 10:37 AM ET
Bears: Angelo won't be an early player
The News
Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said Thursday that he does not intend to be a major player early in free agency. "We're going to look at some players in free agency, yes, but not with the same ambition that we did maybe in past years," Angelo told the Chicago Daily Herald. The Bears have roughly $20 million in salary cap space.
March 10, 2006 10:36 AM ET
Rams: Bruce discussing new contract
The News
A new contract proposal was being discussed Thursday by the Rams and wideout Isaac Bruce, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
March 10, 2006 10:29 AM ET
Cardinals: McCown a target
The News
The Bears have interest in meeting with unrestricted free agent quarterback Josh McCown, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. However, McCown is expected to pursue a starting job before he'll talk to teams like the Bears, who are searching for a backup quarterback.
March 10, 2006 10:28 AM ET
Seahawks: Interest in Abraham?
The News
The Seattle Times said on Friday that a Denver Post report Tuesday linked the Seahawks to John Abraham, saying the Seahawks are one of the teams interested in acquiring the Jets' three-time Pro Bowl defensive end.
March 10, 2006 10:27 AM ET
Packers: Walker wants out
The News
Packers wide receiver Javon Walker has informed team officials that he wishes to play elsewhere next season. "I just don't feel like this is the best place for me right now," Walker told ESPN.com on Thursday. "I really have no interest in being in a Green Bay Packers uniform or playing for Green Bay again… If I had to go back there, I'd retire. I don't have to play." Walker also stated that he will not report to training camp if the team doesn't honor his request. He is entering the final year of his contract.
March 10, 2006 10:25 AM ET
Redskins: Lloyd on the radar
The News
The Redskins have shown interest in wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who is a restricted free agent with the 49ers. Lloyd has inked a qualifying offer that would require that the 49ers receive first-round draft pick if he signs elsewhere. As such, the Redskins may attempt to work out a trade, the Washington Post reported.
March 10, 2006 10:21 AM ET
Cardinals: McCown in limbo
The News
The NFL labor talks have forced quarterback Josh McCown to wait for free agency. However, a new collective bargaining agreement would seem to benefit someone like McCown, who already is considered one of the better young quarterbacks available, reports the East Valley Tribune.
March 10, 2006 10:17 AM ET
Chiefs: Peterson expresses minimal interest in Owens
The News
Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson outlined the team's interest in wide receiver Terrell Owens in Friday's Kansas City Star, and his offer won't likely get a deal done. "I think I've been specific regarding our plans there," Peterson said. "If Terrell and his agent are interested in a one-year contract with no guarantees and a lot of incentives, then we're interested. He knows that, and his representative knows that. They haven't called me back on that yet."
March 10, 2006 10:04 AM ET
Giants: Madison to be first signing
The News
The Giants will announce the signing of free agent cornerback Sam Madison as soon as the free agency period opens. Details of his contract aren't available, but Newsday reported that the 32-year-old should receive $1.5-$2 million per year. Sources indicate that the Madison signing means the Giants will not attempt to bring back free agent cornerback Will Allen. Madison spent the last nine seasons with the Dolphins.
March 10, 2006 8:48 AM ET
Rams: Williams wants to stay
The News
Rams tight end Roland Williams met with new coach Scott Linehan earlier this week and told him that he would like the opportunity to return to St. Louis, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
March 11, 2006 12:16 AM ET
Panthers: Foster inks three year deal
The News
DeShaun Foster never even made it to the open market. Right before the 2006 edition of free agency commenced, he signed a three-year, $14.5 million contract to remain with the Panthers. The deal includes a $4.5 million signing bonus. Foster had been given the transition tag by the team, allowing them of match any offer he received as a free agent. He ran for 879 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games last season.
March 11, 2006 12:07 AM ET
Packers: No intentions of trading Walker
The News
Packers general manager Ted Thompson said Friday that the team has no intention of honoring Javon Walker's request to be traded to another team. "Javon is under contract... and we expect him to honor it," Thompson said in a statement posted on the Packers web site. "There have been several highly publicized cases of player discontent in the National Football League. I don't anticipate us making any concessions in this matter."
March 10, 2006 10:53 PM ET
Ravens: Negotiations begin with Lewis
The News
The Ravens have begun contract negotiations with Jamal Lewis, according to the Baltimore Sun. Lewis, an unrestricted free agent, ran for 906 yards and three touchdowns last season.
March 10, 2006 10:36 PM ET
Jets: Abraham will visit four teams
The News
Defensive end John Abraham, who has made it clear he will not be playing for the Jets next season, will visit four teams next week that he could end up with via trade. Abraham will visit Denver, Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington, his agent said Friday.
March 10, 2006 10:30 PM ET
Colts: Sapp offered one-year tender
The News
The Colts have offered a one-year contract tender to safety Gerome Sapp, his agent said Friday. The offer is reportedly worth $721,000, according to the Associated Press.
March 10, 2006 9:35 PM ET
Redskins: Cartwright re-signed
The News
The Redskins signed backup running back Rock Cartwright to a four-year contract on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
March 10, 2006 9:25 PM ET
Ravens: James on the radar
The News
The Ravens are currently negotiating with Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor, but those aren't the only two potential free agent runners they have their eye on. The Baltimore Sun reports the team is prepared to pursue Edgerrin James sometime next week if talks with Lewis and Taylor stall.
March 10, 2006 8:11 PM ET
Redskins: Bowen given his walking papers
The News
Safety Matt Bowen will not be back with the Redskins in 2006. The six-year veteran was released on Friday in a salary cap move.
March 10, 2006 8:05 PM ET
Redskins: Harris sent packing
The News
Veteran cornerback Walt Harris was released by the Redskins on Friday in order for the team to get under the salary cap before the beginning of free agency.
March 10, 2006 7:58 PM ET
Raiders: Collins release now official
The News
The Raiders released quarterback Kerry Collins on Friday, saving the team $9.2 million in cap space. It was reported that he was released last weekend, but the move was not made official until Friday because free agency was pushed back. Collins threw for 3,498 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
March 10, 2006 7:57 PM ET
Buccaneers: Griese let go
The News
The Buccaneers cut quarterback Brian Griese on Friday after attempts to restructure his current contract failed. The Tampa Tribune reports that he would have counted $7.08 million against the cap if he had not been let go. However, his time in Tampa may not be over. 'They have a proposal from us and we'll get with them tomorrow and pick it up from there,' Griese's agent, Ralph Cindrich, told the paper. 'It's unfortunate we have to go this way, but being comfortable, liking the coaches is important to Brian and he has that [in Tampa], so we'll see what happens.'
March 10, 2006 7:02 PM ET
Raiders: Conflicting reports on Culpepper
The News
Is Daunte Culpepper going to Oakland? The Raiders are not interested in Culpepper and never even made a trade offer to the Vikings for him, according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network. This directly conflicts with a report from ESPN's John Clayton, who said the Raiders have emerged at the front runner.
March 10, 2006 6:20 PM ET
Jets: Deal for Ramsey close?
The News
The Jets may workout a deal with the Redskins for quarterback Patrick Ramsey within the next few days, two sources told the New York Post on Friday.
March 10, 2006 6:07 PM ET
Bengals: Clemons cut
The News
The Bengals released defensive end Duane Clemons on Friday.
March 10, 2006 5:51 PM ET
Vikings: Transition tag lifted off Williams
The News
The Vikings have removed the transition tag they put on cornerback Brian Williams. ESPN's John Clayton reports they made the move because the new CBA calls for him to earn more than the $4.77 million price tag he would have commanded under the old CBA.
March 10, 2006 4:37 PM ET
Rams: Bruce back
The News
Just five days after being released by the Rams for salary cap reasons, four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Isaac Bruce will rejoin the only team for which he has every played, reports ESPN.com. Bruce agreed on Friday to a new, three-year deal worth $15 million.
March 10, 2006 2:46 PM ET
Giants: Madison agreement detailed
The News
The Giants officially agreed to a deal with free agent cornerback Sam Madison on Friday. He'll receive a four-year contract worth $7.4 million, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported. It includes a $2 million signing bonus. Madison has spent all nine of his NFL seasons with the Dolphins, and he's been to the Pro Bowl four times.
March 10, 2006 2:30 PM ET
Dolphins: Miami not Daunte's destination?
The News
With the Dolphins in need of a quarterback and the Vikings looking to unload Daunte Culpepper, speculation swirls that Miami may be the team that has reportedly worked out a deal for the disgruntled quarterback. However, the Miami Herald reports that a high-ranking Dolphins source denied there's a deal in place sending Culpepper to South Beach.
March 10, 2006 2:16 PM ET
Ravens: Not involved in Culpepper sweepstakes
The News
The Ravens have been consistently mentioned as a possible destination for Daunte Culpepper, but the Baltimore Sun reports that the team is not in the running for the disgruntled soon-to-be-ex-Vikings quarterback.
March 10, 2006 11:33 AM ET
Buccaneers: Griese's status still uncertain
The News
Buccaneers general manager Bruce Allen continued discussions on Thursday with the agent who represents quarterback Brian Griese. "Bruce and I have exchanged some phone calls, but I don't think anything is going to get done until (Friday)," agent Ralph Cindrich told the Tampa Tribune. "It could be a simple matter, but Bruce doesn't always make things simple." Griese is scheduled to receive a $2.6 million roster bonus.
March 10, 2006 11:28 AM ET
Panthers: Knorr signs on
The News
The Panthers signed punter Micah Knorr to a contract on Thursday, according to the Rock Hill Herald. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
March 10, 2006 11:20 AM ET
Falcons: Finneran likely to hit the open market
The News
Barring a last minute contract agreement with the Falcons, wide receiver Brian Finneran will become a free agent on Saturday. "Brian is not an ego guy," agent Glenn Schwartzman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We want to stay in Atlanta with the right deal, or we could go someplace else, and I'm sure he'll have a chance to start." Finneran led the team with 50 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns.
March 10, 2006 11:02 AM ET
Vikings: Wilf downplays Culpepper rumors
The News
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said Thursday that a deal to trade disgruntled quarterback Daunte Culpepper was not imminent despite NFL.com reports to the contrary. "I honestly don't know anything about that," Wilf told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I would tell you if I did. I think it's guesswork on their part. Daunte Culpepper stated he would like to be traded or released, and right now we're addressing that situation. That's all I can say." Several media outlets have reported that the Vikings would like to trade Culpepper before the free agency period opens on Saturday.
March 10, 2006 10:55 AM ET
Lions: Bryson re-signs
The News
The Lions re-signed running back Shawn Bryson to a three-year contract on Thursday. The deal is worth $4.5 million and includes a $1.5 million signing bonus, according to the Detroit Free Press. Bryson would have become a free agent on Saturday. He finished last season with 64 carries for 306 yards and a touchdown.
March 10, 2006 10:39 AM ET
Rams: Nutten talking retirement
The News
Rams guard Tom Nutten, after being placed on injured reserve Nov. 16 with neck and shoulder injuries, may retire, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
March 10, 2006 10:37 AM ET
Bears: Angelo won't be an early player
The News
Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said Thursday that he does not intend to be a major player early in free agency. "We're going to look at some players in free agency, yes, but not with the same ambition that we did maybe in past years," Angelo told the Chicago Daily Herald. The Bears have roughly $20 million in salary cap space.
March 10, 2006 10:36 AM ET
Rams: Bruce discussing new contract
The News
A new contract proposal was being discussed Thursday by the Rams and wideout Isaac Bruce, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
March 10, 2006 10:29 AM ET
Cardinals: McCown a target
The News
The Bears have interest in meeting with unrestricted free agent quarterback Josh McCown, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. However, McCown is expected to pursue a starting job before he'll talk to teams like the Bears, who are searching for a backup quarterback.
March 10, 2006 10:28 AM ET
Seahawks: Interest in Abraham?
The News
The Seattle Times said on Friday that a Denver Post report Tuesday linked the Seahawks to John Abraham, saying the Seahawks are one of the teams interested in acquiring the Jets' three-time Pro Bowl defensive end.
March 10, 2006 10:27 AM ET
Packers: Walker wants out
The News
Packers wide receiver Javon Walker has informed team officials that he wishes to play elsewhere next season. "I just don't feel like this is the best place for me right now," Walker told ESPN.com on Thursday. "I really have no interest in being in a Green Bay Packers uniform or playing for Green Bay again… If I had to go back there, I'd retire. I don't have to play." Walker also stated that he will not report to training camp if the team doesn't honor his request. He is entering the final year of his contract.
March 10, 2006 10:25 AM ET
Redskins: Lloyd on the radar
The News
The Redskins have shown interest in wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who is a restricted free agent with the 49ers. Lloyd has inked a qualifying offer that would require that the 49ers receive first-round draft pick if he signs elsewhere. As such, the Redskins may attempt to work out a trade, the Washington Post reported.
March 10, 2006 10:21 AM ET
Cardinals: McCown in limbo
The News
The NFL labor talks have forced quarterback Josh McCown to wait for free agency. However, a new collective bargaining agreement would seem to benefit someone like McCown, who already is considered one of the better young quarterbacks available, reports the East Valley Tribune.
March 10, 2006 10:17 AM ET
Chiefs: Peterson expresses minimal interest in Owens
The News
Chiefs president/general manager Carl Peterson outlined the team's interest in wide receiver Terrell Owens in Friday's Kansas City Star, and his offer won't likely get a deal done. "I think I've been specific regarding our plans there," Peterson said. "If Terrell and his agent are interested in a one-year contract with no guarantees and a lot of incentives, then we're interested. He knows that, and his representative knows that. They haven't called me back on that yet."
March 10, 2006 10:04 AM ET
Giants: Madison to be first signing
The News
The Giants will announce the signing of free agent cornerback Sam Madison as soon as the free agency period opens. Details of his contract aren't available, but Newsday reported that the 32-year-old should receive $1.5-$2 million per year. Sources indicate that the Madison signing means the Giants will not attempt to bring back free agent cornerback Will Allen. Madison spent the last nine seasons with the Dolphins.
March 10, 2006 8:48 AM ET
Rams: Williams wants to stay
The News
Rams tight end Roland Williams met with new coach Scott Linehan earlier this week and told him that he would like the opportunity to return to St. Louis, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.