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Raiders S
Rod Woodson
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The month of May was a relatively quiet one in terms of free agency. There were few
blockbuster-type deals that have become commonplace in March, near the start of the
free-agent signing period. With most of the free-agent crop already picked over, coupled
with teams trying to keep their finances in order for the second wave of free agency that
begins following the post-June 1 cuts, most of the contracts that were signed last month
were for the veteran minimum.
Keeping that in mind, there were some fairly significant moves made in May.
The Raiders were fairly active, signing three free agents, including future Hall of
Fame S Rod Woodson, who agreed to a six-year deal worth nearly $10 million with a $1
million signing bonus. While it’s a lock that he won’t play out the entire
contract, Woodson hasn’t made any official indications that 2002 will be his final
season. Woodson joins a starting secondary that could be completely made up of former
first-round picks — including CBs Charles Woodson and Phillip Buchanon and S Derrick
Gibson.
The Raiders also added WR Matthew Hatchette and OL Tom Ackerman, both of whom signed
one-year deals for the veteran minimum.
The Saints continued their overhaul of the offensive line, adding ex-Chargers OG-C
Kendyl Jacox and ex-Eagles OG-C Bubba Miller. While Miller’s one-year contract was
for the minimum, Jacox will earn slightly more. They join several other newcomers to New
Orleans’ line, including Victor Riley, Spencer Folau and rookie LeCharles Bentley.
While the Saints lost OG Chris Naeole and OT William Roaf, they still believe they have
significant depth and a slew of options along the line.
The Bears made one of the flashier signings in the month of May, when they acquired DE
Keith McKenzie. Concerned that DE Bryan Robinson may be somewhat limited at the start of
training camp because of the two broken wrists he suffered in a fall at home, McKenzie is
viewed as an insurance policy. He signed a two-year deal worth $2.85 million that included
a $100,000 signing bonus. He is also due a $500,000 payment near the start of the regular
season.
Tennessee made several moves to upgrade its offense. While the club is hopeful that
Eddie George’s injury woes are behind him, that didn’t prevent the Titans from
pursuing a pair of free-agent running backs. Initially, the team offered similar contracts
to Robert Holcombe and Skip Hicks. Holcombe jumped first, signing a four-year deal worth
about $4.4 million with no signing bonus. That led to speculation that Hicks, who looked
good at times in relief of George last season, would not be returning. However, Hicks
re-signed with Tennessee shortly after Holcombe arrived. Those two will compete for the
top backup RB spot. It’s possible both could stick after the final roster cutdown,
but because the team has little invested in up-front money to either player, it
wouldn’t hurt the Titans’ cap to let one go. Tennessee also signed ex-Jaguar
Jeff Smith to battle Gennaro DiNapoli for the starting center’s job that will be
vacant once Bruce Matthews officially announces his retirement.
Several quarterbacks were snapped up in May, with a pair of signees having a legitimate
shot at winning the starting job with their new team. The Bengals signed ex-Bronco Gus
Frerotte to a one-year deal that will pay him between $1.4 million and $1.5 million.
Frerotte, who spurned a more lucrative, multiyear deal from Cincinnati last offseason,
heads into training camp to duel Jon Kitna for the No. 1 job.
After watching his quarterbacks struggle in his debut minicamp as head coach of the
Redskins, Steve Spurrier was convinced by members of the front office to sign ex-Bear
Shane Matthews. Just days before Matthews’ arrival, Spurrier had said he was no
longer interested in acquiring his former Florida pupil. Matthews, who signed a one-year,
$750,000 deal, will compete with Danny Wuerffel, Sage Rosenfels and Patrick Ramsey for the
starting job.
Following a brief stint with the Cowboys, QB Ryan Leaf has resurfaced in the state of
Washington, where he played college ball. Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren signed Leaf to
a one-year, minimum-salary deal. Leaf is expected to compete for the third-string job
behind Trent Dilfer and Matt Hasselbeck. Also on the QB front, the Chiefs signed
ex-Jaguars backup Jonathan Quinn to a two-year deal worth $1.35 million.
The Vikings were fairly busy in May, adding four players at modest prices. RB Moe
Williams came back to Minnesota after a one-season stay with the Ravens. After agreeing to
a one-year, $650,000 deal, he is currently listed at No. 3 on the depth chart behind
Michael Bennett and Doug Chapman. S Ronnie Bradford also signed a one-year, $650,000 deal
and should provide some veteran depth in the secondary. Veteran Chuck Wiley may provide
depth at end, provided he has anything left in the tank. And PK Doug Brien was brought in
to replace Gary Anderson, the NFL’s all-time scoring leader.
After releasing Dorsey Levens in February, the Packers have been searching for a backup
to starting RB Ahman Green. They decided on ex-Raven Jason Brookins, who signed a two-year
deal. Brookins was cut by the Ravens in May after showing up out of shape to minicamp.
While he may have some growing up to do, he does have a lot of potential.
Tampa Bay landed OT Roman Oben and P Tom Tupa, both of whom signed one-year contracts.
Oben will provide depth at tackle, but he could wind up starting if he beats out Jerry
Wunsch.
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