Friday, April 26, 2002
Signings:
DALLAS COWBOYS: Re-signed QB Anthony Wright, CB Duane Hawthorne and P Micah
Knorr.
HOUSTON TEXANS: Claimed P John Baker off waivers from St. Louis.
Undrafted free-agent signings:
ATLANTA FALCONS: Signed DE Curt Davis, WR R.J. English, S Corey Harris,
PK Brian Holmes, G Manly Kanoa, C Curt Lessman, DE Eric Sims,
NT Jerry Togiai, RB Terrence Williams and DE Ryan Wingrove.
DETROIT LIONS: Signed LB Robert Chapman, CB Crance Clemons, DT Mike
Collins, WR Eddie Drummond, P Aaron Edmonds, DE Chris Glantzis, S
Abdual Howard, OT Marcel Jackson, DT Ken Jackson, DE Antwan Lake,
OT James McCall, WR Labrone Mitchell, RB James Mungro, P Dave
Pavich, LB Ken Philpot, FB Kris Ryan and LB Josh Thornhill.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: LB Kenny Harney, LB Marcus Wilkins, OG Kevin Barry,
C Andy Eby, CB Seneca McMillan and WR Richard Lewis.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: TE Dwayne Blakley, DE Tramaine Bingham, QB Eddie
Eviston, TE Chad Hayes, DE Michael Landry, LB Tony Newson and WR Kirk
Rogers.
HOUSTON TEXANS: Signed LB Tyrone Jones, LB Robert Mackey, LB Jimmy
McClain, LB Aaron Thompson, WR John Minardi, WR Eric Parker, RB Delvon
Flowers, RB Ed Stansbury, OT Jelani Hawkins, OT John Miller, CB Larry
Austin and TE Joey Knapp.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Signed DT Will Beck, OL Ron Boldin, LB Shamar Finney,
RB Robert Gillespie, OL/LS Tony Grant, S Ron Israel, DE Bernard
Jackson, WR Emmett Johnson, S Ricot Joseph, RB Charlie Landrigan,
CB Du’Shon Martin, OL Melvin Paige, OL Wayne Smith, OL Akil
Smith, RB Jimmy Watkins and DT Anthony Thomas.W,
DT, Arizona
Thursday, April 25, 2002
- Free-agent RB Richard Huntley practiced with the Packers Wednesday in hopes of
replacing backup RB Dorsey Levens. Because a minicamp is in progress,
Huntley’s tryout can extend for three days. Packers vice president of football
operations Mark Hatley is believed to like Huntley for his ability as a receiver
out of the backfield and as a kick returner. The Packers are one of three teams interested
in Huntley.
- Unrestricted free-agent QB Jeff Blake signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with
the Ravens Wednesday. Blake is expected to back up third-year QB Chris Redman, who
will go to camp as the starter. It is unsure whether last year’s backup, unrestricted
free-agent QB Randall Cunningham, will sign with the Ravens again. If Redman
struggles, Blake is expected to take over. He has played for the Jets, Bengals and Saints
before coming to the Ravens and has started 77 of 92 games in his career.
- Washington unrestricted free-agent LB Robert Jones, who began his career with the
Cowboys in Texas, might conclude it in the Longhorn State as well. Jones signed a
one-year, $750,000 contract with the Texans and is expected to compete for a starting job
at inside linebacker. The Eagles had considered acquiring Eagles standout LB Jeremiah
Trotter through free agency before he signed with the Redskins. Jones, a 10-year
veteran, started nine games for the Redskins last season but was not expected to see much
time after Washington's offseason acquisitions of Trotter and LB Jessie Armstead.
- The Vikings are still looking to add depth at the WR position to complement Pro Bowl WR Randy
Moss. With Cris Carter gone, the Vikings signed WR D’Wayne Bates
from the Bears earlier this offseason. Jacksonville unrestricted free-agent WR Sean
Dawkins visited the Vikings Wednesday. The Vikings are believed to be keeping a close
eye on Kansas City WR Derrick Alexander, who is expected to be released by the
Chiefs after June 1.
- Washington unrestricted free-agent WR Michael Westbrook does not expect to be
back with the Redskins, which would end his seven-year career with the club. He was the
team’s leading receiver last year with 57 catches, but his stay has been filled with
injuries and controversy. The Redskins drafted Utah WR Cliff Russell in the third
round of the draft and have signed free agents Jacquez Green, Reidel Anthony
and Chris Doering — three former Florida Gators who played for head coach Steve
Spurrier in college.
Signings:
CLEVELAND BROWNS: Signed OL Shaun O’Hara, DE Derrick Ham and LB Anthony
Denman to one-year contracts.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: Signed DT Cletidus Hunt and CB Tod McBride to one-year,
$563,000 contracts.
NEW YORK JETS: Signed CB Donnie Abraham to a six-year, $18 million contract that
includes a $1.5 million signing bonus.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Signed C/LS Mike Schneck to a two-year contract with a base
salary of $450,000 this year and a $50,000 signing bonus.
Undrafted free-agent signings:
BUFFALO BILLS: Signed CB Daryon Brutely, CB Jamarei Bryant, CB Ahmad
Brooks, WR Clarence Coleman, RB Joe Burns, DE Grant Irons, LB John
Duckett, S Milton Proctor and K Marc Samuel.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: Signed WR Nathan Black, LB Eric Brackins, DT Ben
Coleman, DE Lonnie Ford, WR Guilian Gary, S Billy Greenwood, WR Terrell
Harris, TE Mark Inkrott, G Shannon Money, LB Aries Monroe, LB Tavarreus
Pounds, C Kenny Sandlin, DT Darian Tate, WR Ryan Tolhurst, DE Mike
Cecere and PK Tyler Purtill.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: Signed LB Algie Atkinson, RB Tony Fisher, TE Bill
Seymour, DT Ken Kocher, CB Erwin Swiney and P Scott Elder.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: Signed DT James Atkins, OT Greg Jerman, QB Tim Levcik,
P Casey Roussel, LB Justin Seaverns, FB J.R. Suguturaga and LB Shannon
Wadley.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Agreed to terms with WR D.J. Flick.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: C Jason Ball, RB Jesse Chatman, WR Brandon Clark,
DE Chris Demaree, DT Anthony Fletcher, FB Tyree Foreman, SS Vernon
Fox, FS Jason Hebert, OT Doug Kaufusi, OG Antwan Kirk-Hughes, OG Jeff
Machado, TE Josh Norman, CB Tony Okanlawon, C-OG Craig Osika, WR Brian
Poli-Dixon, CB Antuan Simmons, RB Lew Thomas, DE Tupo Tuupo, RB Levron
Williams.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Signed WR Charon Arnold, DT Ryan Fletcher, TE Michael
Hart, DE Darryl Sanders, S Frank Strong and FB Matt Stanley.
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
- Broncos QB Gus Frerotte will visit Cincinnati today. He has played for
Washington, Detroit and Denver and was courted by the Bengals last offseason. But Frerotte
was not guaranteed he would start in Cincy, so he chose to return to the Broncos. He
finished last season on injured reserve after separating his shoulder in December. The
eight-year veteran will undergo a physical examination and might do some throwing during
his visit. Frerotte will be the fourth quarterback targeted by the Bengals. Elvis Grbac
turned down a $10 million offer and opted to retire, Trent Dilfer re-signed with
Seattle and Drew Bledsoe was traded to the Bills.
- The Redskins are hoping to sign more linemen through free agency. Atlanta unrestricted
free-agent OG Bob Hallen and Miami OG Heath Irwin are believed to top the
Redskins’ list along with former Steelers OG Rich Tylski, who was released Monday.
Former Pro Bowl DT Eric Swann and former Ravens DT Sam Adams also are
believed to intrigue the ’Skins.
- The Chargers claimed second-year FB Terry Witherspoon off waivers from the
Cowboys. Witherspoon originally joined San Diego in training camp last year as a rookie
free agent from Clemson. He was with the Chargers through training camp but was released
from the active roster prior to the start of the regular season, signed with the Chargers'
practice squad, was released and was picked up by the Cowboys. Witherspoon played the
final three games of the season, primarily as a blocking fullback for RB Emmitt Smith.
- Unrestricted free-agent NT Gilbert Brown agreed to a one-year, $675,000 contract
with the Packers, which includes a $25,000 signing bonus. Brown, a six-year starter,
returned to the league last year after a one-year absence. He started 11 games last season
despite being bothered by a series of injuries. The Packers also reached an agreement with
unrestricted free-agent TE Tyrone Davis. Davis spent most of last season on the
reserve/physically-unable-to-perform list with a severe hamstring injury.
Signings:
CINNCINATI BENGALS: Re-signed restricted free agents S Cory Hall, S JoJuan
Armour and RB Nick Williams.
DALLAS COWBOYS: Re-signed restricted free-agent TE Mike Lucky and exclusive-rights
free-agent WR Randal Williams.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Signed LB Jim Nelson and DE Talance Sawyer to one-year,
$563,000 contracts.
NEW YORK JETS: Signed P Matt Turk.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Signed FB Mike Cerimele to a one-year contract.
Undrafted free-agent signings:
ATLANTA FALCONS: Signed QB Dusty Bonner.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: Signed OT Justin Bland, OT John Grabowski, FB Harold
Jackson, FB Jason Murray, WR Jim Jones, WR Kwazi Leverette, WR Darcey
Levy, WR Michael Slater, TE Trent Sansbury, G Thatcher Szaley, DE
Bob Dzvonick, DE Nate Krill, S Stephon Kelly, S Pig Prather,
LB Dwayne Levels, LB Jermaine Petty, LB Tito Rodriquez, CB Reggie
Myles, CB Tierre Sams and DT Derrick Johnson.
DALLAS COWBOYS: Signed QB Woody Dantzler, RB Ennis Haywood, DT Maurice
Gordon, OT Joey Slaten, DB Keith Davis, DE Kevin DeRonde, CB DaShawn
Abram, LB Khary Campbell, QB Sam Clemons, RB Josh Ranek, PK Billy
Cundiff and P Filip Filipovic.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Agreed to terms with RB Jonathan Adams, OT P.J. Alexander,
LB Travis Carroll, WR Frank Cutolo, WR Todd Elstrom, CB Kevin
House, DB Chonn Lacey, LB Andrew LeClair, WR Derrick Lewis, DT Jerry
Montgomery, K Jeff Reed, FB Demetrius Smith and RB Ricky Williams.
PHILADELPHIA EALGES: Signed LB Justin Ena, TE Kori Dickerson, T Steve
Edwards, T Artis Hicks, WR Carlos Johnson, DE Ivory McCoy, FB Corey
McIntyre, FB Jason McKie, DT Ryan Nielsen, DT Marcus Roberson,
G-T Frank Romero, DT Jeremy Slechta, WR Lawrence Story, P Steve
Cheek and K Eric Meng.
ST. LOUIS RAMS: Signed RB Marques Glaze, QB Ryan Helming and TE John
Sigmund.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Signed WR Nate Jackson, T Austin Lee.
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
- The Jets surprised some by not drafting a cornerback in the draft after losing both of
their starting cornerbacks, Aaron Glenn and Marcus Coleman to the Houston
Texans in the expansion draft. The team filled the void Monday by agreeing to terms with
CB Donnie Abraham on a six-year contract worth approximately $18 million, of which
about $5 million is guaranteed. Abraham, a third-round pick out of East Tennessee in 1996,
was second on the Bucs with six interceptions last season. His 31 career interceptions are
a team record, but Tampa Bay released him for salary-cap purposes. The Jets signed
free-agent CB Aaron Beasley from the Jaguars earlier in the offseason. Jets head
coach Herman Edwards was Abraham’s defensive backfield coach for the first
five years of Abraham’s career. The Jets have also added S Sam Garnes from the
Giants, LB Sam Cowart from the Bills and DE Stephen White from the Bucs to
improve their defense through free agency.
- The Steelers have reached an agreement with free-agent TE John Allred, the former
second-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1997. Allred, who did not play in the
league in 2001, will compete for the backup job behind Mark Bruener and likely will
be used in two-TE sets and as an H-back, where his receiving skills will be used. Allred's
most memorable play in the NFL to date may be when brother-in-law and Tampa Bay SS John
Lynch knocked him cold in a Bears-Bucs matchup.
Undrafted free-agent signings:
ARIZONA CARDINALS: Signed WR/KR Ezekial Parker, QB Preston Parsons, RB Damien
Anderson, C Steven Grace, FS Quentin Harris, OG Tony Wragge, PK Tim
Duncan, OG/OT Kurt Anderson, OLB Charles Burton, SS Dan Dawson,
CB Justin Gallimore, CB Eric Joyce, OG Thomas Moody, DE Alton
Moore, OG Sean O’Connor, FB William McCray, WR Jake Soliday.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: Signed RB Tellis Redmon, DL Salem Simon.
BUFFALO BILLS: Signed WR Ed Dangerfield, LS Chip Mattingly, QB David
Priestley.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: Signed DE Kemp Rasmussen.
CHICAGO BEARS: Signed C Luke Butkus, P Steve Fitts, G Mike Collins,
DT Rod Jones, DT Curry Dawson, RB Eric McCoo, CB Tony Lukins,
WR Edell Shepherd, S Adrian Singleton and OT Dave Volk.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: Signed DL Michael Josiah.
DENVER BRONCOS: Signed WR Charlie Adams, FB Will Bartholomew, LB Trev
Faulk, RB Paris Gaines, TE Jared Peck, C Jason Scukanec and CB Lenny
Walls.
HOUSTON TEXANS: Signed DE Terrell Washington.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Signed OL Mike Souza.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Signed CB Bruce Branch, OL Chrys Bullock, OL Marquise
Muldrow, DT Jovon Bush, CB Jermaine Chatman, QB Quinn Gray, WR Nakoa
McElrath, WR Corey Parchman, DE Javor Mills, LB Merceda Perry and
RB Adam Tate.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: Signed QB Zak Kustok.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Signed WR Kelly Campbell, S Jack Brewer, RB Jeremy
Allen, WR Atrews Bell, WR Nick Davis, FB Carlos Daniels, K Todd
France, S Kyries Hebert, QB Shaun Hill, LB Dane Krager, WR Devin
Lewis, P Nick Murphy and LB Max Yates.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Signed QB Major Applewhite.
NEW YORK GIANTS: Signed OT Vincent Sandoval, FS Ryan Clark, OL Dwayne
Pierce. Agreed to terms with FB Charlie Stackhouse, CB Calvin Coleman,
DT Matt Mitrione, LB Josh Hotchkiss, OT Ryan Deterding.
NEW YORK JETS: Signed SS Bobby Jackson, OG Jay Kulaga and DT Brandon
Moore, OL Lance Clelland.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Signed P Burke Dales, QB Travis Cole, C Matt
Anderson, OT Leon Brockermeier, OT John Burr, OT Jermese Jones,
WR Dallis Davis, RB Antwon McCray, FB Albert Tuipuloto, DE Bary
Holleyman, DE Bob Jones, LB Will Bouton, LB Jay Johnson, LB Pernell
Griffin, LB James Harrison, S Eric Totten and CB Ashante Woodyard.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Signed RB Ken Simonton.
ST. LOUIS RAMS: Agreed to terms with G Alonzo Cunningham, RB Maurice Douglas,
RB Joe Hall, OL Joey Hollenbeck, CB Todd Howard, G Andy King,
RB Mike Malan, LB Derrick Pack, S Robbie Robinson and CB Ronald
Rogers.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Signed RB Levron Williams and C Craig Osika.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Agreed to terms with CB Markese Fitzgerald, CB Bennie
Alexander, LB Jamal White, LB Justin Smith, LB Sterling Rogers,
LB Ryan Nece, S Glenn Sumter, DE Corey Smith, P Mike Abrams,
RB Zain Gilmore, G Howard Duncan and C/LS Andy Hogan.
TENNESSEE TITANS: Agreed to terms with DE Kevin Aldridge, TE Nate Brandy, C Kyle
Benn, LB Antuian Bradford, WR Dedrick Dewalt, WR Orlando Iglesias,
S Nate Jackson, S Joe Judge, LB Brad Kassell, FB KaRon Key, T Matt
Martin, RB Dicenzo Miller, LB Nate Morrow, S Billy Newman, QB Phil
Petty, RB John Simon, CB Marcus Smith, DT Ryan Watson and C Tommy
Watson.
Monday, April 22, 2002
- Free-agent QB Jeff Blake is negotiating with three teams, including Baltimore,
according to Blake’s agent, Ralph Cindrich, after talks broke off with the
Bills, who had acquired Drew Bledsoe. Blake, a nine-year veteran, was released by the
Saints in February after losing his starting job to Aaron Brooks.
- The Rams waited almost until the midnight Friday deadline before deciding to match the
Broncos’ offer sheet to restricted free-agent FB James Hodgins. Had they not
matched, they likely would have been looking for a fullback in this weekend’s draft.
Head coach Mike Martz considers Hodgins the best blocking back in the NFL.
- Buffalo is taking a look at Rams unrestricted free-agent DE Chidi Ahanotu and
former Ravens DT Larry Webster to plug holes on its defensive line. However, the
Ravens are expected to try to re-sign Webster, whom they released in February for
salary-cap reasons.
- The Falcons claimed P Matt Allen off waivers, just three months after the punter
had signed with the Seahawks. Allen originally signed with the Falcons as a free agent in
April 2001, was waived during training camp and spent last season out of football. As a
senior at Troy State, Allen ranked 20th in the nation with a 41-yard average.
- Bucs unrestricted free-agent DT James Cannida signed a two-year deal with the
Colts, reuniting with Tony Dungy. Cannida spent his first four seasons as a backup
in Tampa Bay and had a career-high 22 tackles for the Bucs last season. He was a
sixth-round selection out of Nevada-Reno in 1998.
- San Francisco WR J.J. Stokes restructured his contract with the 49ers Saturday,
freeing up money for the team to sign their draft picks while allowing Stokes to remain
with the team. Stokes has spent his entire seven-year career with the Niners and was due
to make $3.5 million next season with a $5 million cap figure. Details of the
restructuring were not available, but the team likely would have cut Stokes if a deal
hadn’t been reached.
- The Patriots re-signed unrestricted free-agent OT Grant Williams to a one-year,
$675,000 contract that included a $25,000 signing bonus. The Patriots signed Williams two
years ago with the expectation that he would start. He wound up becoming a valuable third
offensive tackle who played well in the Super Bowl.
- Former Chiefs LB Donnie Edwards, a San Diego native, chose the Chargers over St.
Louis because of the opportunity to play in his hometown. Edwards accepted a five-year,
$19 million contract that included a signing bonus of approximately $6 million. Edwards
may have received a better offer from the Rams, but playing close to home ultimately
swayed his decision. The Lions and Browns were also interested in acquiring the veteran
linebacker.
Signings:
CLEVELAND BROWNS: Signed DE Arnold Miller, S Marquis Smith and OT Roger
Chanoine to one-year contracts.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Signed P Kyle Richardson.
NEW YORK GIANTS: Signed CB Davis Mitchell, WR Derek Dorris and P Jason
Van Dyke.
Got scoop? Drop a line to associate editor Nolan Nawrocki at nnawrocki@primediasi.com. |
