**2010 Trade Rumours/Speculation/Confirmations**

kmart6

Right guys and girls after exchanging a few PM's with Frisbee we have both decided that it is a good idea to have just one major thread that can deal with all potential trades,speculation and rumours, along with all confirmed trades!

It will allow for the forum to not get over-run with trade threads, allowing a specific place for them, so people can follow everything in our long off-season!:(

So I think a couple of conditions/recommendations for posting will help everything run smoothly:

1)Each post should contain the article where you have discovered the information.

2)A link to the article(allows people to see it for themselves, and also have a nose around the website that's link).


Obviously contributions on each story welcome.

Lets all hope that this can work well.

Killian.

kmart6

May as well kick it off so....

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Cowboys won't franchise Austin

On Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that receiver Miles Austin won't be leaving Dallas.

On Wednesday, Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones told Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the franchise tag won't be applied to Austin to ensure that he stays put.

"We don't need to use the franchise tag," Stephen Jones said. "How many times have seen another team give up a one and a three?"

But Stephen Jones is overlooking the point we made earlier today, echoing Howard Balzer's assessment of the NFL calendar leading up to the uncapped year. If the Cowboys don't apply the franchise tag to Austin by February 25 and if a new CBA is finalized before March 5 and if the new CBA sets the minimum years of service for unrestricted free agency from six years back to four, Austin will hit the open market.

Besides, even though the highest RFA tender will cost the Cowboys more than $6 million less than the franchise tag, it can't be assumed that a receiver-needy team picking at the bottom of round one (e.g., the Ravens) wouldn't decide to devote that low first-round pick and a low third-round pick on a guy who has shown that he can be a dominant receiver.

Throw in a Hutchinson-Burleson poison pill that makes the full amount of a six-year, $53.999 million contract guaranteed if Austin plays more than five games in any year in the state of Texas or if at any moment he doesn't have the highest annual average compensation for any receiver on the team, and the Cowboys would have a hard time matching the deal.

So if the Cowboys are serious about keeping Austin, there are only two ways to make it close to a sure thing -- use the franchise tag, or sign him to a long-term deal.

kmart6

Browns release Jamal Lewis

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Jamal Lewis said it more than once: He's planning to retire.

But since Lewis hasn't formally gone through with the move, the Browns were forced to terminate his contract Wednesday.

Lewis actually left the door open to a possible return to football in early January, but he was set to meet with post-concussion specialists and it sounds like a long shot.

In a league where most running backs don't get a second contract, it says a lot that Lewis got two from the Browns late in his career. His foot speed slowed over the years, but he never was accused of playing without total effort.

Former PFT scribe Aaron Wilson points out that Lewis is well set up for life after football as the owner of a successful trucking business.

kmart6

Peppers and Patriots patter picks up again

profootballtalk.com wrote:

A year ago, NFL.com's Vic Carucci reported that the Patriots were likely to acquire Julius Peppers from the Panthers after he signed his one-year franchise tender.

That never happened, but the Patriots "remain very interested" in Peppers, according to Carucci. It makes sense: New England's pass rush struggled again in 2009, and they are set to lose a few pass rushers in free agency.

The Patriots also won't have to give up any trade compensation to get Peppers now, and the final eight teams in the playoffs are virtually out of the running due to the rules of the uncapped year.

All of the reasons above are sure to get callers to the Whiner Line frothing at the mouth. (Greater Boston appears to think that the Patriots will have failed if they don't land Peppers.)

There are even better reasons why signing Peppers is still an uphill climb: Vince Wilfork, Tom Brady, and plenty of other Patriots like Logan Mankins need to get paid.

It will be very difficult -- not impossible -- to make Peppers one of the highest paid players in the league when the Patriots have so many contract fires burning at home.

Just don't tell that to Sully O'McSullivan.

kmart6

Agent says Pat Williams is coming back

profootballtalk.com wrote:

After a deflating NFC title game loss to the Saints, Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams said he was thinking about retiring.

Nearly four weeks later, Williams' agent says that the veteran is coming back.

"Trust me, I know what Pat Williams is doing," Angelo Wright told Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "Pat Williams is playing."

Of course, he might ultimately not be playing in four of the games, given the still-pending StarCaps litigation. A ruling is expected Thursday morning on the pending motions for summary judgment filed by the league and the players.

Williams will turn 38 in October. He's due to earn a base salary of $4.25 million and a roster bonus of $250,000.

kmart6

Panthers pick up Ed Johnson

profootballtalk.com wrote:

In October, the Indianapolis Colts cut defensive tackle Ed Johnson for reasons that weren't quite clear.

But whatever the reasons were, Johnson has caught on with a new team.

John Clayton of ESPN is reporting that the Carolina Panthers have reached an agreement with Johnson. There's no word on the terms of the contract.

The Panthers were known to be looking for defensive line help, and Johnson, who started four games for the Colts before his release, is at the very least a solid player to take a look at through the off-season.

kmart6

Steelers dust off David Pittman

profootballtalk.com wrote:

As we prepare for another seven-round player selection process, we'll be reminded at times of guys taken fairly high in recent drafts who are having trouble staying in the league.

One of them is cornerback David Pittman. The Ravens picked him with the 87th overall selection in 2006, and he ultimately ended up out of football in 2009.

But Pittman is getting a shot at redemption, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have announced that he has been signed to the 80-man offseason roster.

Also signed by the Steelers was linebacker Renauld Williams, who spent 2004 through 2006 with the 49ers before heading to Canada, where he played for three years as a member of the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.

davyjose

:rolleyes:

I'll say nothing

Tristram

Chargers trading Cromartie? Smoke and mirrors surely.

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/should-chargers-trade-antonio-cromartie

ESPN is reporting that the Chargers are looking into shopping cornerback Antonio Cromartie for a running back. With LaDainian Tomlinson’s career all but over and with Darren Sproles facing free agency, San Diego is in dire need of a featured back. But they’d be taking a slight gamble by dealing Cromartie. Yes, the former first-round pick has had two inconsistent seasons since his 10-interception breakout campaign.

And yes, with seven kids by five women, and five paternity suits in two years, it’s a fair guess that Cromartie doesn’t bring great leadership to the locker room.

But Cromartie’s presumable replacement, Antoine Cason, couldn’t even keep a nickelback job in 2009. And Cason, though himself a former first-rounder, doesn’t have Cromartie’s ball skills or uncanny athleticism (then again, he doesn’t have Cromartie’s shoddy fundamentals either). In the long term, replacing Cromartie makes sense. But this team is built to win now.

Cromartie is due just $1.225 million in this final year of his original contract. His reputation with the club is damaged. Thus, General Manager A.J. Smith is having the same thoughts about Cromartie that Bill Belichick had about Richard Seymour: Get something for him now rather than nothing when he leaves as a free agent.

But for this to pay off, the Chargers must get a featured running back who can help them in 2010. Otherwise, they’re better off rolling the dice and hoping that Cromartie shapes up in his contract year.

frostie500

Tristram wrote: »

Chargers trading Cromartie? Smoke and mirrors surely.

As bad as Cromartie has played the last two years theres no way I'd trade him away for a running back. RBs are dime a dozen in the late rounds of the draft and can come in and be productive. Cromartie showed a few years ago that he can be a superb corner-its up to the coaching staff to get him to raise himself to that level again.

Tthere would be a market for him(teams always remember the highs of players not their lack of recent production), and I think the Jets would look to make a move for him if there was value in the picks being asked for. Rex Ryan would be able to return him to his past form and Cromartie and Revis would be some tandem. The Jets then only need to find an defensive end in the draft and they would have an incredible defence

RichTea

There will definitely be interest in Cromartie, even though I'd argue that it is not deserved. For every interception he has made over the past season or two, he has given up a couple of big play whether it be from blown coverage or his apprehension when it comes to physicality.

tallaghtoutlaws

RichTea wrote: »

There will definitely be interest in Cromartie, even though I'd argue that it is not deserved. For every interception he has made over the past season or two, he has given up a couple of big play whether it be from blown coverage or his apprehension when it comes to physicality.

Definitely this. Whoever takes him have a lot of work on their hands to get his head back in the game. Not surprised the Charger are trying to offload him to be honest. He is not as good in my opinion as everyone makes him out to be. Far too inconsistent for my likings.

kmart6

Don't think Facebook thing help his case...haha

kmart6

Not a trade but definately a shock.

nfl.com wrote:

Buffalo Bills starting right tackle Brad Butler announced his retirement Thursday.

The news comes as a surprise to the Bills after Butler, who's 26, just completed his fourth NFL season.



For more on the Buffalo Bills, check out the latest from our bloggers.

» Blog Blitz: Bills

Butler majored in government studies at Virginia, and he spent the 2008 offseason interning at Kemp Partners in Washington D.C. with late Bills quarterback and U.S. congressman Jack Kemp.

"My passion for education, country and community is something that I am ready to devote my full attention to," Butler said in a statement released by the team. "I believe the best way to pursue these spheres of interest is to step away from the game of football at this point in my life."

Butler started all but two of the 33 career games he played in after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2006 draft. He was limited to just two games in 2009 after sustaining a serious knee injury in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

26 and wanting to get out of the game and pursue business interests! I suppose it could be said that he never really wanted to be there since he took a ear out to work in the first place!

Tristram

Nice to see an intelligent football player.

Leslie91

frostie500 wrote: »

As bad as Cromartie has played the last two years theres no way I'd trade him away for a running back. RBs are dime a dozen in the late rounds of the draft and can come in and be productive. Cromartie showed a few years ago that he can be a superb corner-its up to the coaching staff to get him to raise himself to that level again.

Tthere would be a market for him(teams always remember the highs of players not their lack of recent production), and I think the Jets would look to make a move for him if there was value in the picks being asked for. Rex Ryan would be able to return him to his past form and Cromartie and Revis would be some tandem. The Jets then only need to find an defensive end in the draft and they would have an incredible defence

If someone makes a half decent offer for Cro he is gone. A late first rounder or a player we can do with (you are correct no way is a RB worth it, esp the talked about Tashard Choice from the Cowboys) and he is yours. Cro has all the athletic ability in the world but he is as thick as a brick and soft. His teammates have given up on him so he will be gone, he is already saying he wants a trade publicly. Btw y'all know he has 7 kids under 6 by six different women in 5 States, Now that's an amazing stat.

jdivision

Leslie91 wrote: »

Btw y'all know he has 7 kids under 6 by six different women in 5 States, Now that's an amazing stat.

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/03/12/after-birth-of-twins-travis-henry-now-has-11-kids-by-10-women/

Frisbee

Thread Stickied as it's getting a decent bit of traffic, especially for the off season.

Hazys

LaDainian Tomlinson has been released by the Chargers.


Even tho i dont like him personally (he's an awful big whinger and sore loser), he has had a tremendous career but i dont think he'll be too effective next season. He'll get a decent contract on a poor team i'd say.

kmart6

Wilfork finally gets tagged!

profootballtalk.com wrote:

As expected, the New England Patriots have announced that defensive tackle Vince Wilfork has been named the team's franchise player for 2010.

In a press release, the team explains that the move was made "in an effort to continue negotiating a long-term agreement." Implicit in this observation is the fact that the team believes the current impasse won't be resolved before 4:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 25, the deadline for using the tag.

The Patriots also have expressed their desire to sign Wilfork to a long-term deal in the same release: "A long-term agreement with Vince Wilfork has been the team's top contractual priority for some time. Unfortunately, despite numerous conversations and proposals, the goal has not yet been realized. Vince is a tremendous player for our team and remains a significant part of our future plans. It is because of Vince's importance to this organization that we have assigned the franchise designation as we continue to work toward a long-term agreement. We are hopeful that Vince will remain a Patriot for many years to come."

The explanation undoubtedly is aimed at persuading Wilfork to conclude that the decision to use the tag should be regarded as an honor, not an insult. But Wilfork knows the difference between making $7 million in 2010 and hauling in $30 million or more in guaranteed money.

With the latter comes lifetime financial security.

Wilfork's options are simple. He can sign the tag and guarantee the salary completely, or he can wait. If he signs, he's under contract and obligated to attend all mandatory offseason events, training camp, and the preseason. If he waits, he can avoid all football activities until a couple of days before Week One of the regular season, and he'll still make the full $7 million.

Along the way, he can talk to other teams and, if he finds one willing to give up two first-round picks, he can sign an offer sheet. The more likely approach is that a team that works out general terms with Wilfork would then approach the Patriots about a trade.

But coach Bill Belichick offered up some tortured logic in 2009 regarding the manner in which the process of trading for a franchise player unfolds, and we wonder whether the Patriots would agree to talk trade before Wilfork gives up his leverage and signs the tender offer.

kmart6

Pats can still use transition tag though!

profootballtalk.com wrote:

In any other year, the application of the franchise tag to defensive tackle Vince Wilfork would mean that the rest of the Patriots' unrestricted free agents would be certain to get to the open market, absent a new contract.

In the uncapped year, however, teams have an extra transition tag to use. As a result, they can use the transition tag twice, or one franchise tag and one transition tag.

In New England, the other unrestricted free agents this year are linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, cornerback Leigh Bodden, defensive end Derrick Burgess, running back Kevin Faulk, defensive end Jarvis Green, punter Chris Hanson, offensive lineman Stephen Neal, linebacker Junior Seau, and tight end Benjamin Watson.

The transition tag requires the team to offer a one-year contract with a salary equal to the average of the ten highest-paid players at the same position. The transition tag has been used sparingly since the current CBA, negotiated in 2006, made the salary fully guaranteed once the transition tender is accepted.

The transition tag gives the team only a right to match a long-term offer, with no compensation. The Vikings pilfered guard Steve Hutchinson from the Seahawks in 2006 via a poison-pill offer made when Hutchinson was operating under the limited limitations, making the transition tag not so tremendously tremendous.

Although Bodden's 2009 one-year deal prevents use of the franchise tag, a league source tells us that the Patriots are not prevented from using the transition tag on Bodden. Still, it's not believed that the Patriots will use the transition tag on Bodden or anyone else, given the absence of any compensation if he signs elsewhere -- and the invitation to another interested team to use the poison pill.

kmart6

Bears sign 2 free agents.

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Though the period for signing men whose contracts expired at the end of the 2009 season doesn't begin until March 5, players who have been released may be signed now.

And so the Bears have announced the acquisition of tight end Richard Angulo and receiver Eric Peterman to one-year contracts.

Angulo was out of football in 2009 after a five-year career that included stops in St. Louis, Minnesota, Chicago, and Jacksonville. On two prior occasions, Angulo spent time with new Bears offensive line coach Mike Tice.

In 2008, Angulo appeared in 15 games with the only six starts of his career.

Peterman spent the 2009 preseason on the Bears' roster, and the final week of the 2009 regular season on the Chicago practice squad.

Si Conando

Hazys wrote: »

LaDainian Tomlinson has been released by the Chargers.


Even tho i dont like him personally (he's an awful big whinger and sore loser), he has had a tremendous career but i dont think he'll be too effective next season. He'll get a decent contract on a poor team i'd say.

Basing your opinion of a guy on how he acts after heartbreaking losses, isnt really fair. He has done as much work helping people outside of football as pretty much any player in the league. Anytime Marty Schottenheimer or Dean Spanos have talked about LT, it has been his character and actions off the field that have impressed them most. He has never been in any sort of trouble throughout his career. I cant remember a single negative comment about his character from a teammate or coach over his 9 years.

Im sad to see him go, but unfortunately he has lost a step over the last couple of seasons. Id like to see him go somewhere with a chance of getting a ring regardless of his role.

Hazys

Si Conando wrote: »

Basing your opinion of a guy on how he acts after heartbreaking losses, isnt really fair. Well when do you base his sore-loserness after a big win? or a mildly depressing loss? He has done as much work helping people outside of football as pretty much any player in the league. Anytime Marty Schottenheimer or Dean Spanos have talked about LT, it has been his character and actions off the field that have impressed them most. He has never been in any sort of trouble throughout his career. I cant remember a single negative comment about his character from a teammate or coach over his 9 years. I'm calling him a sore loser, not an uncharitable person or a criminal :rolleyes:

Im sad to see him go, but unfortunately he has lost a step over the last couple of seasons. Id like to see him go somewhere with a chance of getting a ring regardless of his role.

He went down a lot in my book when he called Bill Belichick and the Patriots classless after they lost and went to trying to start a fight with the Patriot players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcQPk7cfR2g If you want to disrespect the Patriots all week (with the Patriots saying nothing) leading upto the game when you are favourites to win especially Merriman before the game and during the game doing his ridiculous lights out dance after sacking Tom Brady expect to take some flack and for crying out loud the onfield celebrations were mild at best. Tomlinson came off as a big baby after that game.

Also not too mention his sulking after the other Patriots playoff game he lost in, especially his after his comments leading upto the game. He has a serious chip on his shoulder when it comes to the Patriots.

bruschi

Randy Moss in his last year at the Patriots?

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2010/02/21/moss_anticipates_out_pattern_after_this_year/

“I don’t think they going to extend my contract,’’ said Moss. “I understand the beast, the nature of it. I think that just with what I think and what I know I don’t think they’re going to re-sign me back. So, after this season if there is not a lockout I’ll be looking for a new team. I’ve got a lot of respect for the Patriots and what they did for me and my family. The only thing I can do is just play this year out and see what my future holds after that.’’




Vince Wilfork has had franchise tag placed on him, but unrestricted, so hopefully something will get worked out for a long term deal.

evil_seed

John Harbaugh wrote:

We're interested in T.O. We're interested in all the guys that can make our team better. I think he's a good guy and a good player. I was coaching special teams and he was playing receiver so he was on the hands team. And I had a chance to relate to him through that. We had a good relationship.

I reckon it'd be a good move. If we could keep Mason for 1 more year, and if Stallworth can make the squad, then add T.O., it all adds up to a hell of a lot better passing game.

Dohnny Jepp

I suppose it jsut depends on what kind of contract he'd want. If he's looking for too much I'd rather take tate in the first round.

Hazys

Looks like Brandon Marshall and Scheffler for the Broncos are going to be leaving.

Marshall only got a 1st round tender and Scheffler a 2nd round tender.

Leslie91

Hazys wrote: »

He went down a lot in my book when he called Bill Belichick and the Patriots classless after they lost and went to trying to start a fight with the Patriot players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcQPk7cfR2g If you want to disrespect the Patriots all week (with the Patriots saying nothing) leading upto the game when you are favourites to win especially Merriman before the game and during the game doing his ridiculous lights out dance after sacking Tom Brady expect to take some flack and for crying out loud the onfield celebrations were mild at best. Tomlinson came off as a big baby after that game.

Also not too mention his sulking after the other Patriots playoff game he lost in, especially his after his comments leading upto the game. He has a serious chip on his shoulder when it comes to the Patriots.

There's not alot of love lost with the Patriots and Chargers that's for sure, but you cannot condone the dancing on the Lightning Bolt Pats players did after the 06 playoff fluke win. The Chargers gave that game to the Patriots and some Charger players who played their hearts out that yr esp LT were distraught. Rubbing salt in the wound is what happened that day. I for one could not believe some of the stuff LT came out with at the time, having thought about it after I fully understand why he said and acted like he did.

Belichick is an A hole everybody knows this. Yes he has been a v succesful coach I will give him that but it does not excuse him being the A hole that he is. Unfortunately his attitude (eg. running up a score) permeated down to the players and they made complete fools of themselves that day.

Hazys

Leslie91 wrote: »

There's not alot of love lost with the Patriots and Chargers that's for sure, but you cannot condone the dancing on the Lightning Bolt Pats players did after the 06 playoff fluke win. The Chargers gave that game to the Patriots and some Charger players who played their hearts out that yr esp LT were distraught. Rubbing salt in the wound is what happened that day. I for one could not believe some of the stuff LT came out with at the time, having thought about it after I fully understand why he said and acted like he did.

Belichick is an A hole everybody knows this. Yes he has been a v succesful coach I will give him that but it does not excuse him being the A hole that he is. Unfortunately his attitude (eg. running up a score) permeated down to the players and they made complete fools of themselves that day.

Yes, the pats player's celebrations and rubbing salt in the wounds were extravagant, so extravagant in fact, that no camera bothered to capture it.

Even if you agreed or didnt argree with the 'outragous' celebrations on the field, you cant defend LT's childish, sore loser behaviour on the field after the game and in the press conference.

BB's attitude of "running up the scores" (which occured 3 years later) permeated down to the players that day? :rolleyes:

Tristram

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/jets-land-antonio-cromartie/

The Jets confirmed late Thursday night that they had agreed in principle with the San Diego Chargers to acquire cornerback Antonio Cromartie for a conditional 2011 draft pick.

Cornerback depth was among the most pressing needs for the Jets. Although they ranked first in the N.F.L. in pass defense last season, the Jets needed a starting cornerback opposite Darrelle Revis, especially after Lito Sheppard was released.

By adding Cromartie, a Pro Bowl player in 2007, the Jets have, on paper, one of the best cornerback tandems in the N.F.L. They also have Dwight Lowery, Donald Strickland and Drew Coleman (restricted free agent) at that position.

The trade was first reported by FoxSports.com. Mike Tannenbaum, the Jets general manager, was expected to be active in the trade market, because the Jets are considerably hamstrung by the rules for an uncapped season because they advanced to the A.F.C. championship.

Tristram

Chargers must be getting more for Cromartie surely?
Where will Thomas Jones land?
Who is going to pick up DelHomme?

frostie500

Tristram wrote: »

Chargers must be getting more for Cromartie surely?

It's a 3rd rounder for next year minimum, with escalators depending on performance it can rise to more. But why should they have gotten more? Cormartie has been very poor the last two years and with his tweeting and speaking out about the organisation its not surprising that the Chargers viewed him as dispensable-when you are playing well teams will accept nearly anything but Cromartie hasn't been an elite corner for two years with only 5 ints and lots of sloppy mistakes. Production determines value when a player reaches a certain point and he is at that point. The Jets have taken him because they saw the peaks of his ability three years ago and think they can get him back to that level.

I said earlier that I thought the Jets would be a great fit because Rex Ryan will get Cromartie back to playing to his potential and the Jets will then have him and Revis shutting down the outside. There's two ways of getting pressure on the QB-pass rush and great coverage. The Jets have great coverage now so their defence is well set against the pass and they can look to pick up a DE at some point in the draft/free agency and then concentrate on offence for the remainder of their efforts

kmart6

Revis and Cromartie...nice!

kmart6

Brock finished with Colts?

profiitballtalk.com wrote:

Raheem Brock says Super Bowl XLIV was his last game with the Indianapolis Colts -- or at least, someone with access to Brock's Twitter account says that.

"The superbowl was the last time ull see me in a colts uniform!" Brock tweeted, according to the Indianapolis Star. "Its been real indy."

It should be noted, however, that last month Brock blamed an insensitive tweet about Hurricane Katrina on a Twitter hacker, so anything we see on his Twitter account needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

Brock has one more year, with a salary of $3.79 million, on his contract with the Colts. His agent, Kevin Pompey, told the Indianapolis Star that he hadn't spoken with Brock but knew Brock was meeting with Colts President Bill Polian.

The 31-year-old Brock played in all 16 games for the Colts last year, starting eight, and recording 3.5 sacks.

kmart6

Bears bag Brandon Manumaleuna

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Even before he became a free agent, the Chicago Bears never tried to hide their interest in tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. So it's no surprise that just hours after he became a free agent, Manumaleuna agreed to a deal with the Bears.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that Manumaleuna will sign a five-year contract with the Bears today, pending a physical.

Manumaleuna arrived at O'Hare airport Friday morning and confirmed that he has joined the Bears and is excited about playing for coaches he already knows from his days with the St. Louis Rams.

"I played for Mike Martz and Lovie Smith was the defensive coordinator. It was a great situation," Manumaleuna said. "This team has a chance to be real successful."

Although the signing will raise more questions about tight end Greg Olsen's role in Martz's offense, the Tribune reports that the more immediate question is about tight end Desmond Clark, who has a $475,000 roster bonus due today.

kmart6

Osgood could be a Jaguar

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Chargers special-teams ace and frustrated receiver Kassim Osgood said Thursday via Twitter that he'd prefer a three-percent chance of playing wideout in Siberia to his zero-percent chance of taking offensive snaps in San Diego.

More recently, he has said he is flying east for a meeting with a possible new team that would give him a "legit shot" at playing receiver.

We've now learned he's not flying all the way to Siberia.

Per a league source, Osgood is meeting with the Jaguars, a team that's always on the lockout for a few good men with a couple of good hands -- and one or two who couldn't catch chlamydia in a cathouse.

And though Siberia isn't Jacksonville, from Osgood's perspective it might as well be. The Salinas, California native played college football at San Diego State and has been with the Chargers for his entire career, since 2003.

kmart6

Redskins, Lorenzo Alexander reach three-year deal

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Just hours after the Washington Redskins applied a right-of-first-refusal tender to linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, the team and the player agreed to a new contract.

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com that Alexander has agreed to a three-year contract. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Alexander played in all 16 games for the Redskins in 2009 and recorded two sacks. He initially played on the offensive line with the Redskins in 2007 and has played on the defensive line for the last two years but is expected to move to outside linebacker as the Redskins switch to a 3-4 defense in 2010.

kmart6

Vanden Bosch expected to sign with Lions

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Jim Schwartz should be seeing plenty more of Kyle Vanden Bosch after leaving his house this morning.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! says the Lions are expected to sign the defensive end as early as Friday.

The Jaguars, Bears and Eagles also showed interest after midnight, according to the Nashville Tennessean. Even though those teams have a better chance to win games, it looks like Schwartz's personal touch (and the Ford family's money) will win the day.

kmart6

Bucs show interest in Willie Parker

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Just as news was starting to slow to a trickle on this first night of free agency, word comes from our friends at Pewter Report that the Bucs have shown interest in the formerly Fast Willie Parker.

We can't think of many free agents Tampa Bay could use less than Parker. Sure, the Bucs could use a young running back. Parker is no longer young, though.

Tampa already has two solid veterans in Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams that are set to make good money. Parker is a downgrade from those two and doesn't help at all on passing downs.

There is one positive to the story, though. It lets me show Florio I'm still awake.

davetherave

Peppers, Bears finalize deal

Julius Peppers and the Chicago Bears agreed on a six-year deal to bring the top free agent to Chicago.

The contract is worth $91.5 million with $42 million guaranteed. Peppers will make $40.5 million over the first three years. The number could increase if he makes the Pro Bowl, records a certain number of sacks or is defensive player of the year.

"It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living, but it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a rich tradition like the Bears," Peppers said.

Peppers and his representatives believe his contract compares favorably with the seven-year, $100 million contract Albert Haynesworth received last year from the Washington Redskins.

Peppers received $18.2 million from the Carolina Panthers last season. He turned down a four-year, $54 million contract offer from the Panthers last year.

Peppers has the potential to make close to $110 million in the seven-year period between 2009 and 2016.

"The guy's a monster, he's an animal," Bears defensive end Alex Brown said Thursday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "He's the biggest guy and fastest guy I think I've ever seen.

"He's as gifted as [linebacker Brian] Urlacher, I think. He's just about 30 pounds heavier. He's unbelievable."

The 6-foot-7 Peppers brings uncanny athletic ability but questionable consistency, along with the 81 sacks he collected in eight seasons with Carolina -- 10½ last year. In Chicago, he'll get to play alongside Lance Briggs, Urlacher and Tommie Harris and give a much-needed boost to a defense that ranked 17th overall and tied for 13th in sacks with 35. And maybe, he'll shoot down a reputation for taking plays off, one that he feels is unwarranted.

"Sometimes, you're on the field, you get tired," he said. "If I'm not playing as hard on play 66 as I was on play No. 1, then ... come on."

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Rolle gets five years, $37 million from Giants

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Safety Antrel Rolle has a new home.

Barely a day after being cut by the Cardinals, Rolle has agreed to terms with the Giants.

Per a league source, it's a five-year deal worth $37 million, an NFL record for a safety. Rolle gets $15 million guaranteed and $22.5 million over the first three years.

He reportedly wanted $8 million per year, but the top of the market had been only $7 million. Rolle now pushes the high-water market even higher, thanks to the final year of a rookie deal that forced the Cardinals to pay him $12 million or set him free.

The Bears and Dolphins were in on the deal early, but both dropped out after plunking down big money on other big-name defensive free agents.

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Dansby will be a Dolphin

profootballtalk.com wrote:

The Dolphins shed salary Friday for a reason. They were ready to spend.

Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald reports that Karlos Dansby has agreed to terms with the Dolphins, and will finalize a deal Saturday. He's expected to get $43 million over five seasons. $22 million is guaranteed and he'll make $27 million in his first three years.

The guaranteed money is a little less than Dansby hoped for, but it's still a massive contract and makes him one of the highest paid linebackers in football. He's the highest paid linebacker that isn't a true pass-rusher.

(That's like being "#1 family action movie in the country" when you are really the number three movie overall.)

We're not sure there ever was a strong second competitor for Dansby and he was clearly Miami's top priority.

The Giants were believed to have mild interest, and will surely turn up the heat in their efforts to sign Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle. The Dolphins are also interested in Rolle.

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Boldin dealt to Ravens

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Six years and one day after the Ravens believed they acquired Terrell Owens via trade, Baltimore has finally found a number one receiver. (At least they hope he's a number one.)

Baltimore acquired Anquan Boldin and a fifth-round pick in 2010 in exchange for 2010 third- and fourth-round picks.

The trade compensation is more than reasonable, but a contract came with it. Boldin signed a three-year, $25 million extension on his current deal, including $10 million in guaranteed new money. He's due $28 million over the next four years.

Boldin is a superlative locker room leader, but there was some concern in Arizona that his body has taken a pounding over the years and that he would remain injury-prone.

Derrick Mason's future with the Ravens now looks more up in the air.

Between these three moves and Warner retiring the Cards are going to be in a bad way IMO!

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Patriots make Vince Wilfork NFL's highest-paid nose tackle

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Vince Wilfork announced on Twitter this evening that he'll be staying in New England for years to come.

"Thanks to everyone who supported us during our time here in New England it has ment a great deal to us," Wilfork tweeted. "With that being said we are pleased to say we will be here for MANY more years to come."

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that Wilfork and the Patriots have agreed to a five-year, $40 million deal that includes an $18 million signing bonus and $25 million guaranteed.

Mike Reiss of ESPN reports that Wilfork will be the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL.

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Colts cut Jim Sorgi

profootballtalk.com wrote:

The man best known for holding a clipboard on the sideline and chatting with Peyton Manning on the bench will be holding a clipboard on the sideline and chatting with some other quarterback on the bench in 2010, because the Indianapolis Colts have cut Jim Sorgi.

"The Colts informed us today that they will be releasing Jim Sorgi at 4 p.m.," Sorgi's agent, Matt Brei, told the Indianapolis Star. "They gave us no reason at this point."

Sorgi was owed a $275,000 roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year and was due to earn $1.08 million in 2010.

Sorgi was placed on injured reserve in December with a shoulder injury. The Colts now have two quarterbacks behind Manning on the depth chart, Curtis Painter and Drew Willy.

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LenDale tired of being a backup

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Chris Johnson is the best running back in the NFL, which means any other running back on the Tennessee Titans will be a backup. LenDale White understands that, but that doesn't mean he has to like it.

In fact, White dislikes it so much that he wants the Titans to trade him.

"I backed up greatness, a guy who ran for 2,000 yards," White told the Tennessean Friday. "But now that that's over I feel like . . . it is time for me to start somewhere. And that is what I want to do. I want to be a starter in the NFL, not a backup."

White knows he's not going to be a starter as long as Johnson is his teammate, and that's why he wants out.

"I would definitely be interested in a trade," White said. "I don't know where, or how [the Titans] might view that, but that is what I am hoping for. I can't see me sitting in Tennessee as a backup any more. And that goes as no disrespect to the Titans or C.J., but I feel like it is time for me to get out of there. . . . Sometimes it is just best to part ways."

Realistically, if White only wants to be traded to a team that's going to guarantee him a starting job, the Titans aren't going to have many takers. White had 64 carries for 222 yards in 2009, and guys who can't manage 3.5 yards a carry can't exactly demand to be starters.

And Titans coach Jeff Fisher hinted that White's real problem is that he doesn't work hard enough, saying, "I don't blame any player for wanting to play and wanting more play-time. But in his case actions speak louder than words. And I have no further comment."

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Finally, Browns and Cribbs strike a new deal

profootballtalk.com wrote:

After weeks and months of stress and strain and accusations and frustrations, Browns receiver, running back, quarterback, kickoff returner, punt returner, and all-around warrior Josh Cribbs is finally a man.

A man who has been paid.

A league source tells us that the three remaining years on Cribbs' contract have been replaced with a new deal that includes $7 million in guaranteed money. (Some of that money isn't guaranteed in the traditional sense, but as a practical matter it will be earned.)

The full value, we're told, of the three years exceeds $18 million, if Cribbs continues to play like he has. And that's more than Bears overrated returner/underperforming receiver Devin Hester will make over the next three seasons.

The negotiation was a challenge, we're told, because of the 30-percent rule. Still, both sides worked through the issues and worked out a new deal.

The problem arose because Cribbs signed a long-term deal too early in his career, before he became a star player. Once he did, he hired a new agent and tried in earnest to get a new contract.

So rejoice, Cleveland. The best player on your team will be present and happy for the next three years.

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Rams finalize deal for A.J. Feeley

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Marc Bulger visited the Rams facility Thursday. After Friday's two-year deal with A.J. Feeley, first reported by Aaron Wilson, it's fair to wonder if Bulger will ever be back again.

The deal is for $6 million according to Adam Schefter. It's a solid contract for a guy that has started two games since 2004. It's a contract that indicates Feeley is a solid backup, with a chance to possibly get playing time.

Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur coached Feeley in Philadelphia. A lot of Eagles quarterbacks have been tied to the Rams, but it's an ex-Eagle that has landed in St. Louis first.

Feeley gives the Rams options. They can still add another veteran and they are almost certain to add a rookie quarterback somewhere in the draft. It's hard to imagine Bulger fitting into the group.

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Talks between Saints, Darren Sharper described as "positive"

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Free agent safety Darren Sharper was preparing to say farewell to the Saints last month. But that doesn't mean he's definitely gone.

Mike Triplett of the Times-Picayune reports that the Saints are "still very much in contention" to sign Sharper, and that sources have described their contract talks as "positive."

At least one other team has invited Sharper for a visit, but so far he hasn't scheduled it. Sharper was drawing interest from the Giants, but only as a backup plan before they signed Antrel Rolle. Sharper is also being discussed as an option for the Dolphins.

As a good player coming off a very good 2009 season, Sharper will surely have options. But at 34 years old, those options may not be quite as lucrative as he'd hoped.

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Tully Banta Cain returns to New England

profootballtalk.com wrote:

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston first reported that New England reached a contract extension that will keep Banta-Cain in New England for the next three seasons.

The situational pass rusher had only half a sack less than Peppers last season.

Somehow, we doubt his contract totals are nearly as comparable.

UPDATE: Banta-Cain did pretty well. He will average $4.5 million-per-season. The deal could reach $6 million per season if he hits certain escalators. He got $6 million to sign.