HEAV
03-11-2006, 08:21 AM
As free agency officially began at midnight Saturday, Drew Brees set his sights on spending the weekend visiting with New Orleans officials, and the chances of him leaving the Big Easy without signing a lucrative contract are small, according to an NFL source. ''We've already got things lined up and we'll be rocking and rolling the minute the clock strikes midnight,'' Brees said Friday from Birmingham, where he is rehabilitating from right shoulder surgery.
Carolina’s Will Witherspoon, considered by many the top linebacker on the free-agent market — particularly since Derek Smith re-signed with San Francisco — could be visiting Rams Park over the weekend according to multiple sources.
That leaves the Dolphins working on a trade for Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who wants to leave Minnesota and play for Miami. The Dolphins, eager to upgrade the quarterback spot this offseason, must land Culpepper or face the prospect of chasing either a rookie draftee or a less accomplished player such as Washington's Patrick Ramsey or Arizona's Josh McCown. McCown is starting free agency with a trip to Detroit followed by a stop in New Orleans should Brees and the Saints not agree on a deal.
NFL free agency finally began late Friday, and the Bears zeroed in on their No. 1 target when they contacted the agent for Antwaan Randle El and discussed at length a long-term deal for the wide receiver/returner from Thornton High School. On Thursday, Randle El had told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he would test the free-agent market, and general manager Jerry Angelo wasted no time in trying to make a quick strike for an important offensive threat. The two sides are discussing a deal of five or six years, believed to be valued in excess of $20 million. The Bears will have to wait until Randle El visits the Redskins, but they made a strong start to upgrade their offense.
The Miami Dolphins called David Givens shortly after this morning’s 12:01 free-agency deadline and scheduled a visit with the receiver today in Miami. Givens’ agent, Brad Blank, also scheduled a visit in Houston tomorrow. Givens is from the Houston area. The Dolphins and Texans were not the only teams to express interest, as Blank also spoke to Buffalo, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, New Orleans and Cleveland. Givens has no other visits scheduled after the Dolphins and Texans.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed that the team is planning to part ways with long-time starting quarterback Aaron Brooks. Loomis said there has not been much of a trade market for Brooks, who turns 30 this month, and the team most likely will release him. Brooks' large contract ($6.5 million in salary and bonuses this season and $7.5 million next season ) is a deterrent, as is the fact that most teams know Brooks will be released if he's not traded, so they can gamble on signing him as a free agent.
The Cardinals reportedly have reversed field and decided to pursue an elite running back in free agency after all. In an interview Friday morning with KGME-AM (910), Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com said Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James and agent Drew Rosenhaus are scheduled to visit the Cardinals today, the opening day of free agency. If the report is true, it's a departure in philosophy for the Cardinals. Both coach Dennis Green and Vice President for Football Operations Rod Graves have said the team wasn't likely to pursue free agents at the top of the market.
At guard, the Cowboys have been intrigued by Detroit's Kyle Kosier and New England's Steve Neal. If Dallas signed either, it could mean a parting of the ways with Larry Allen, who is scheduled to count more than $7 million against the club's $102 million salary cap this season. Veteran right tackle Jon Runyan, who has spent the past six seasons with Philadelphia, could be an option if the Cowboys don't want to use a high draft choice on the position.
Still, it remains a possibility, the front office person said, that the Raiders will re-sign Kerry Collins between now and the start of the season. They have agreed to speak in the coming days. The likelihood of Collins' return increased once the Raiders dropped out of the Culpepper sweepstakes Friday night.
Unless the Pats have interest in Charles Woodson, there are few impact corners on the market.
At running back, the Eagles could have an interest in recently released Mike Anderson from the Denver Broncos and Baltimore's Chester Taylor.
In terms of what the Pats may be targeting, positions of need include receiver, corner, safety and linebacker. It’s also worth watching to see if the Pats get involved in the running back pool. Two receivers to keep in mind are Seattle’s Joe Jurevicius, who the Pats courted in 2002, and Atlanta’s Brian Finneran. Both are tall possession receivers who would serve as a nice complement to No. 1 receiver Deion Branch.
The Broncos are closing in on the detail work that will be needed to secure New York Jets defensive end John Abraham, a proven edge rusher. Several sources in the league said Friday night they believed the Broncos and the Jets already had developed a framework for a trade before the extension of the collective bargaining agreement was announced, but both teams were waiting to see what the salary cap would be before moving on to contract negotiations. Those negotiations probably will take a few days, and as much as a week, before a deal could be completed.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't say exactly when, but the Packers coach implied Friday night Favre is close to announcing his decision about whether he'll retire or return for a 16th NFL season. McCarthy said during the team's Fan Fest activities he has spoken to Favre "the last two days" and the team is "hoping for a decision soon." Asked when that might be, McCarthy replied, "I'll just use the word soon." And how soon is soon? "You're not going to pin me down for that. Soon. The near future."
The agents for Jets Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham said yesterday that their client plans to go on tour next week, visiting three or possibly four teams in an effort to find a new home. Abraham, who has been slapped with the franchise tag ($8.3 million) but has requested and will be granted a trade, will visit Denver, Washington, Seattle and perhaps Oakland or Atlanta. The Jets are believed to be seeking a first-round pick for Abraham. Denver, with a pair of first-round picks (22nd and 29th), appear to be the front-runners. The free-spending Redskins don't have a first-round pick.
The Jets are tentatively scheduled to have Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna in for a visit next week, according to someone with knowledge of the team's thinking. Kitna, 33, is a proven veteran who has been on the Jets' radar for quite a while. He's expected to visit Detroit this weekend.
Another free agent the Saints will likely attempt to sign is Dallas Cowboys tight end Dan Campbell. The 29-year-old blocking specialist has a close relationship with Saints coach and former Cowboys offensive coordinator Sean Payton.
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson made it very clear Friday the club will not accommodate recalcitrant wide receiver Javon Walker, who has demanded a trade for the second time in as many offseasons. "During his time as a Green Bay Packer, Javon Walker has been well thought of by everyone here. I like Javon, certainly as a person and as a player," said Thompson, who earlier this week denied agent Kennard McGuire's request for permission to seek a trade for Walker. "That said, Javon is under contract, which he signed as a 2002 first-round draft choice ... and we expect him to honor it. "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. We will continue to stay the course, and the Green Bay Packers will have no further comment on this topic."
Quarterback Patrick Ramsey remains a Redskin, but reports in New York stated yesterday that a trade between the Redskins and Jets was imminent. The Redskins would receive a fifth-round pick and Ramsey would compete with Chad Pennington for the starting position. The Ramsey trade would give the Redskins seven draft picks -- their most since 2002.
The Washington Redskins began pursuing several free agents last night as the market officially opened at 12:01 a.m., and also were working to acquire restricted free agent wide receiver Brandon Lloyd from the San Francisco 49ers, according to several league sources.
The Texans have the first pick in next month's draft. They are expected to take Southern California running back Reggie Bush or Texas quarterback Vince Young. They haven't ruled out trading down, but it would take an incredible offer. "We're going to select players the same way we went about selecting our new coach," McNair said about Gary Kubiak. "You want to get the best coach you can get. That's what we did with Gary. The fact that he was from Houston was a bonus. "It's the same way with the players. If you start letting your hometown sentiment override sound judgment, I'm afraid you'll never have a winning team. We look at it as which player, or players, can help our team the most."
The Saints reportedly are making an aggressive push to sign free agent Drew Brees, the top quarterback on the market. An NFL source said the Saints will bring in Brees for a visit today and tomorrow, and they have emerged as the strongest contender to sign him, offering to guarantee more money than his other suitors, including the Dolphins and Detroit Lions.
Reports of the imminent retirement of NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue are premature. So says the man himself. "It's not on my radar," Tagliabue said yesterday in Houston, where he and Texans owner Bob McNair discussed the league's new six-year CBA extension. "We've been so busy in the last year ... that I haven't had a chance to think of much other than what I've been doing. "Now that we have this done, maybe I can figure out what the future holds. But I haven't given it any thought."
LaVar Arrington's agent, Carl Poston, said the Giants contacted him yesterday and are scheduled to meet with his client in the next few days. The former Redskin expects a big contract, but he might be willing to forgo a few extra dollars to play alongside Pierce -- his former teammate -- on the defending NFC East champs. Two members of the Super Bowl champion Steelers -- safety Chris Hope and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt -- could be on the Giants' radar.
If the Cowboys do not re-sign Scott Fujita, they could look at Jacksonville's Akin Ayodele or New England's Willie McGinest. Ayodele, who played at Irving MacArthur, was a Cowboys ballboy growing up, and McGinest was Parcells' second first-round pick in 1994, a year after Drew Bledsoe.
Former Redskins LB LaVar Arrington visited with the Dolphins yesterday and will visit other teams today, according to a source close to the player.
As for Kimo Von Oelhoffen, the player who is known for injuring Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, the New York Jets are expected to make an effort right away to sign him. The Jets need a player like Von Oelhoffen to help shore up their run defense. Cleveland and San Francisco also will consider signing Von Oelhoffen.
For now, the Raiders are expected to turn the starting job over to Andrew Walter, follow the free agent market and explore their options in the draft. Texas quarterback Vince Young, who led the Longhorns to the national championship, is thought to be a favorite of team owner Al Davis.
The Chargers have passed on pursuing cornerback Ty Law, linebacker LaVar Arrington and offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson. They did make a run at LeCharles Bentley, a center in New Orleans they would want to play guard.
Panthers free agent Marlon McCree, who emerged as a solid starter at strong safety, is likely to be pursued by San Diego and other teams. QB Chris Weinke might be courted by Baltimore.
By all accounts, it seemed clear that Daunte Culpepper's days in Minnesota are numbered, one way or the other. Should they fail to consummate a trade, the Vikings probably will release their once-franchise quarterback.
The Vikings need at least two new starters, and they have been linked extensively to San Diego outside linebacker Ben Leber. The agent for LaVar Arrington, Carl Poston, said the Vikings were one of 12-14 teams who have called to express interest but did not set up a visit.
Carolina’s Will Witherspoon, considered by many the top linebacker on the free-agent market — particularly since Derek Smith re-signed with San Francisco — could be visiting Rams Park over the weekend according to multiple sources.
That leaves the Dolphins working on a trade for Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who wants to leave Minnesota and play for Miami. The Dolphins, eager to upgrade the quarterback spot this offseason, must land Culpepper or face the prospect of chasing either a rookie draftee or a less accomplished player such as Washington's Patrick Ramsey or Arizona's Josh McCown. McCown is starting free agency with a trip to Detroit followed by a stop in New Orleans should Brees and the Saints not agree on a deal.
NFL free agency finally began late Friday, and the Bears zeroed in on their No. 1 target when they contacted the agent for Antwaan Randle El and discussed at length a long-term deal for the wide receiver/returner from Thornton High School. On Thursday, Randle El had told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he would test the free-agent market, and general manager Jerry Angelo wasted no time in trying to make a quick strike for an important offensive threat. The two sides are discussing a deal of five or six years, believed to be valued in excess of $20 million. The Bears will have to wait until Randle El visits the Redskins, but they made a strong start to upgrade their offense.
The Miami Dolphins called David Givens shortly after this morning’s 12:01 free-agency deadline and scheduled a visit with the receiver today in Miami. Givens’ agent, Brad Blank, also scheduled a visit in Houston tomorrow. Givens is from the Houston area. The Dolphins and Texans were not the only teams to express interest, as Blank also spoke to Buffalo, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, New Orleans and Cleveland. Givens has no other visits scheduled after the Dolphins and Texans.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed that the team is planning to part ways with long-time starting quarterback Aaron Brooks. Loomis said there has not been much of a trade market for Brooks, who turns 30 this month, and the team most likely will release him. Brooks' large contract ($6.5 million in salary and bonuses this season and $7.5 million next season ) is a deterrent, as is the fact that most teams know Brooks will be released if he's not traded, so they can gamble on signing him as a free agent.
The Cardinals reportedly have reversed field and decided to pursue an elite running back in free agency after all. In an interview Friday morning with KGME-AM (910), Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com said Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James and agent Drew Rosenhaus are scheduled to visit the Cardinals today, the opening day of free agency. If the report is true, it's a departure in philosophy for the Cardinals. Both coach Dennis Green and Vice President for Football Operations Rod Graves have said the team wasn't likely to pursue free agents at the top of the market.
At guard, the Cowboys have been intrigued by Detroit's Kyle Kosier and New England's Steve Neal. If Dallas signed either, it could mean a parting of the ways with Larry Allen, who is scheduled to count more than $7 million against the club's $102 million salary cap this season. Veteran right tackle Jon Runyan, who has spent the past six seasons with Philadelphia, could be an option if the Cowboys don't want to use a high draft choice on the position.
Still, it remains a possibility, the front office person said, that the Raiders will re-sign Kerry Collins between now and the start of the season. They have agreed to speak in the coming days. The likelihood of Collins' return increased once the Raiders dropped out of the Culpepper sweepstakes Friday night.
Unless the Pats have interest in Charles Woodson, there are few impact corners on the market.
At running back, the Eagles could have an interest in recently released Mike Anderson from the Denver Broncos and Baltimore's Chester Taylor.
In terms of what the Pats may be targeting, positions of need include receiver, corner, safety and linebacker. It’s also worth watching to see if the Pats get involved in the running back pool. Two receivers to keep in mind are Seattle’s Joe Jurevicius, who the Pats courted in 2002, and Atlanta’s Brian Finneran. Both are tall possession receivers who would serve as a nice complement to No. 1 receiver Deion Branch.
The Broncos are closing in on the detail work that will be needed to secure New York Jets defensive end John Abraham, a proven edge rusher. Several sources in the league said Friday night they believed the Broncos and the Jets already had developed a framework for a trade before the extension of the collective bargaining agreement was announced, but both teams were waiting to see what the salary cap would be before moving on to contract negotiations. Those negotiations probably will take a few days, and as much as a week, before a deal could be completed.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't say exactly when, but the Packers coach implied Friday night Favre is close to announcing his decision about whether he'll retire or return for a 16th NFL season. McCarthy said during the team's Fan Fest activities he has spoken to Favre "the last two days" and the team is "hoping for a decision soon." Asked when that might be, McCarthy replied, "I'll just use the word soon." And how soon is soon? "You're not going to pin me down for that. Soon. The near future."
The agents for Jets Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham said yesterday that their client plans to go on tour next week, visiting three or possibly four teams in an effort to find a new home. Abraham, who has been slapped with the franchise tag ($8.3 million) but has requested and will be granted a trade, will visit Denver, Washington, Seattle and perhaps Oakland or Atlanta. The Jets are believed to be seeking a first-round pick for Abraham. Denver, with a pair of first-round picks (22nd and 29th), appear to be the front-runners. The free-spending Redskins don't have a first-round pick.
The Jets are tentatively scheduled to have Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna in for a visit next week, according to someone with knowledge of the team's thinking. Kitna, 33, is a proven veteran who has been on the Jets' radar for quite a while. He's expected to visit Detroit this weekend.
Another free agent the Saints will likely attempt to sign is Dallas Cowboys tight end Dan Campbell. The 29-year-old blocking specialist has a close relationship with Saints coach and former Cowboys offensive coordinator Sean Payton.
Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson made it very clear Friday the club will not accommodate recalcitrant wide receiver Javon Walker, who has demanded a trade for the second time in as many offseasons. "During his time as a Green Bay Packer, Javon Walker has been well thought of by everyone here. I like Javon, certainly as a person and as a player," said Thompson, who earlier this week denied agent Kennard McGuire's request for permission to seek a trade for Walker. "That said, Javon is under contract, which he signed as a 2002 first-round draft choice ... and we expect him to honor it. "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. We will continue to stay the course, and the Green Bay Packers will have no further comment on this topic."
Quarterback Patrick Ramsey remains a Redskin, but reports in New York stated yesterday that a trade between the Redskins and Jets was imminent. The Redskins would receive a fifth-round pick and Ramsey would compete with Chad Pennington for the starting position. The Ramsey trade would give the Redskins seven draft picks -- their most since 2002.
The Washington Redskins began pursuing several free agents last night as the market officially opened at 12:01 a.m., and also were working to acquire restricted free agent wide receiver Brandon Lloyd from the San Francisco 49ers, according to several league sources.
The Texans have the first pick in next month's draft. They are expected to take Southern California running back Reggie Bush or Texas quarterback Vince Young. They haven't ruled out trading down, but it would take an incredible offer. "We're going to select players the same way we went about selecting our new coach," McNair said about Gary Kubiak. "You want to get the best coach you can get. That's what we did with Gary. The fact that he was from Houston was a bonus. "It's the same way with the players. If you start letting your hometown sentiment override sound judgment, I'm afraid you'll never have a winning team. We look at it as which player, or players, can help our team the most."
The Saints reportedly are making an aggressive push to sign free agent Drew Brees, the top quarterback on the market. An NFL source said the Saints will bring in Brees for a visit today and tomorrow, and they have emerged as the strongest contender to sign him, offering to guarantee more money than his other suitors, including the Dolphins and Detroit Lions.
Reports of the imminent retirement of NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue are premature. So says the man himself. "It's not on my radar," Tagliabue said yesterday in Houston, where he and Texans owner Bob McNair discussed the league's new six-year CBA extension. "We've been so busy in the last year ... that I haven't had a chance to think of much other than what I've been doing. "Now that we have this done, maybe I can figure out what the future holds. But I haven't given it any thought."
LaVar Arrington's agent, Carl Poston, said the Giants contacted him yesterday and are scheduled to meet with his client in the next few days. The former Redskin expects a big contract, but he might be willing to forgo a few extra dollars to play alongside Pierce -- his former teammate -- on the defending NFC East champs. Two members of the Super Bowl champion Steelers -- safety Chris Hope and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt -- could be on the Giants' radar.
If the Cowboys do not re-sign Scott Fujita, they could look at Jacksonville's Akin Ayodele or New England's Willie McGinest. Ayodele, who played at Irving MacArthur, was a Cowboys ballboy growing up, and McGinest was Parcells' second first-round pick in 1994, a year after Drew Bledsoe.
Former Redskins LB LaVar Arrington visited with the Dolphins yesterday and will visit other teams today, according to a source close to the player.
As for Kimo Von Oelhoffen, the player who is known for injuring Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, the New York Jets are expected to make an effort right away to sign him. The Jets need a player like Von Oelhoffen to help shore up their run defense. Cleveland and San Francisco also will consider signing Von Oelhoffen.
For now, the Raiders are expected to turn the starting job over to Andrew Walter, follow the free agent market and explore their options in the draft. Texas quarterback Vince Young, who led the Longhorns to the national championship, is thought to be a favorite of team owner Al Davis.
The Chargers have passed on pursuing cornerback Ty Law, linebacker LaVar Arrington and offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson. They did make a run at LeCharles Bentley, a center in New Orleans they would want to play guard.
Panthers free agent Marlon McCree, who emerged as a solid starter at strong safety, is likely to be pursued by San Diego and other teams. QB Chris Weinke might be courted by Baltimore.
By all accounts, it seemed clear that Daunte Culpepper's days in Minnesota are numbered, one way or the other. Should they fail to consummate a trade, the Vikings probably will release their once-franchise quarterback.
The Vikings need at least two new starters, and they have been linked extensively to San Diego outside linebacker Ben Leber. The agent for LaVar Arrington, Carl Poston, said the Vikings were one of 12-14 teams who have called to express interest but did not set up a visit.