NFL Free Agency - Page 3

henry296 · 03-03-2005, 03:05 PM

As for Burress, despite his height and speed and he is not good at the jump ball... The best example was in the AFC title game on the fade pattern near the goal line. It don't think he has great hands. I am not too sad to see him go, especially if the Steelers take a WR in Rounds 1 or 2.

Todd

JeeberD · 03-03-2005, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

What I like is that Plaxico's departure will help my man Antwaan Randle El move into a starting role.

Sorry, I think you mean my man Lee Mays...

wishbone · 03-03-2005, 03:17 PM

49ers have signed Jonas Jennings to play LT

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

stkelly52 · 03-03-2005, 03:30 PM

Sounds like the Seahawks' Ken Lucas has signed with the Panthers

JAG · 03-03-2005, 03:44 PM

"Dallas also got free-agent help for the offensive line with Rivera.

Rivera, who had played 10 seasons for the Packers, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection at guard who has played in 99 straight games. He has signed to a five-year deal worth about $21 million, including a $9 million signing bonus. His salary will count for $2.6 million against cap this season."

He may be a good player, but Dallas overpaid for that one. 5 yr, $21 mil, $9 mil bonus for a 33 yr old guard? Didn't we learn our lesson with Larry Allen? Oh well, looks like Bill is loading up for a final run.

TazFTW · 03-03-2005, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stkelly52

Sounds like the Seahawks' Ken Lucas has signed with the Panthers

Grabbed this from KFFL.

Quote:

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with CB Ken Lucas (Seahawks) on a contract. KFFL has learned Lucas has agreed to a six-year deal with the team. Complete financial details have yet to be disclosed, but the deal is believed to average $8 million per year over the first two years. The deal is also believed to have a split bonus and will total $13.5 to $14 million over those two years in bonus money.

TazFTW · 03-03-2005, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG

"Dallas also got free-agent help for the offensive line with Rivera.

Rivera, who had played 10 seasons for the Packers, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection at guard who has played in 99 straight games. He has signed to a five-year deal worth about $21 million, including a $9 million signing bonus. His salary will count for $2.6 million against cap this season."

He may be a good player, but Dallas overpaid for that one. 5 yr, $21 mil, $9 mil bonus for a 33 yr old guard? Didn't we learn our lesson with Larry Allen? Oh well, looks like Bill is loading up for a final run.

Update from Pasq, "the Dallas Cowboys have signed free agent G Marco Rivera (Packers) to a five-year, $20 million contract that includes a $9 million signing bonus. The deal is worth $13.5 million over its first three seasons."

It fills a need and Rivera is a good blocker. The deal doesn't sound too bad if the Cowboys need to cut him after 3 years.

Fonzie · 03-03-2005, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG

He may be a good player, but Dallas overpaid for that one. 5 yr, $21 mil, $9 mil bonus for a 33 yr old guard? Didn't we learn our lesson with Larry Allen? Oh well, looks like Bill is loading up for a final run.

I'm a Packers fan and I agree with this assessment wholeheartedly. I love Rivera, but that bonus is crazy.

TazFTW · 03-03-2005, 04:17 PM

The Rivera contract does look bad compared to what Wahle signed for. I would have figured Wahle would have gotten more money as some teams can see him being able to be a good LT.

Arles · 03-03-2005, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG

"Dallas also got free-agent help for the offensive line with Rivera.

Rivera, who had played 10 seasons for the Packers, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection at guard who has played in 99 straight games. He has signed to a five-year deal worth about $21 million, including a $9 million signing bonus. His salary will count for $2.6 million against cap this season."

He may be a good player, but Dallas overpaid for that one. 5 yr, $21 mil, $9 mil bonus for a 33 yr old guard? Didn't we learn our lesson with Larry Allen? Oh well, looks like Bill is loading up for a final run.

Damn, GB was "considering" giving him a $3.5-$4 million bonus but was hesitant to even go that high. I think people need to understand that the OL system in GB (by Larry Beightol) is a big reason for the play of the individuals - much like with the old Denver teams. There's a reason why guys like Verba have disappointed their new teams after being signed for large FA deals and I expect a similar level of "value dis-satisfaction" for Rivera and Wahle's new teams after their huge deals.

GB didn't have one first round pick on their line in 2004, as they had a 2nd (Clifton), 2nd Supplementary (Wahle), 3rd (Flanagan), 7th (Tauscher) and 6th (Rivera). Even their main backups were late round or undrafted - Scott Wells (7th round), Curtain (6th round) and Kevin Barry (undrafted). So, I would be about as leary with GB OL as you would be with Denver RBs in free agency. Their system seems to be a main reason for their success on the OL, not any given player.

Arles · 03-03-2005, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TazFTW

The Rivera contract does look bad compared to what Wahle signed for. I would have figured Wahle would have gotten more money as some teams can see him being able to be a good LT.

He failed miserably as a tackle in GB. He's a nice guard though. Still, any team that pays him as a tackle will probably end up with an overpaid guard after a season.

korme · 03-03-2005, 04:36 PM

Unrestricted veteran wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh agreed to a four-year, $13 million deal with the Bengals.

Cool. He makes for a good 3rd option, with Warrick hopefully coming back into the picture healthy this year.

Palmer should have plenty of weapons - Warrick, Houshmandzadeh, Kelley Washington, and of course Chad "Didn't Drop A Ball in Honolulu During That Hands Contest Thing Even Though He Didn't Warm Up" Johnson.

I just want a shirt that says Houshmandzadeh on it

TazFTW · 03-03-2005, 04:54 PM

from KFFL

ESPNews reports the St. Louis Rams have signed free agent LB Chris Claiborne (Vikings) to a three-year, $10.5 million contract.

Cuckoo · 03-03-2005, 05:01 PM

Yikes - Dallas is dishing out the bonus money. I suppose they have it to spend, but still...

mckerney · 03-03-2005, 06:32 PM

Burress Interested In Vikings

Reportedly Burress and Taylor both contacted the Vikings first rather than the Vikings pursueing them.

General Mike · 03-03-2005, 06:56 PM

when the f are the giants gonna sign an OL?

Travis · 03-03-2005, 07:03 PM

DAMMIT, I wanted Lucas back. Looks like our secondary will feature another rookie for the 3rd year in a row. Wonder if this means they'll resign Okeafor.

TazFTW · 03-03-2005, 07:45 PM

the Jets sign Derrick Blaylock to a five-year, $11.1 million deal that includes a $3.2 million signing bonus.

Pyser · 03-03-2005, 08:35 PM

giants cut ike hilliard.

General Mike · 03-03-2005, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyser

giants cut ike hilliard.

Thank god.

Pyser · 03-03-2005, 08:55 PM

now if we'd only cut will allen.

Pyser · 03-03-2005, 10:40 PM

WR Patten has left the pats for the skins.

TazFTW · 03-03-2005, 11:36 PM

Broncos signed Ian Gold to a 5 year $22.5 million deal with a $8.5 mil signing bonus and they resigned Ben Hamilton to 5 year $16.25 mil deal with a $5.5 mil signing bonus.

Scarecrow · 03-04-2005, 08:27 AM

Since the Chiefs appear to be the team to watch (written as of 8:30pm last night)...

Give the Kansas City Chiefs credit for one thing. They’ve been making a name for themselves in free agency despite the fact they’ve yet to sign anyone. In a matter of one hour they were talking contracts with three players and welcoming another visitor to Arrowhead. After analyzing the last two hours, we think we might have our fingers on the pulse of the things to come from Arrowhead in the next twenty four hours.

With Jeremiah Trotter, Ed Hartwell and Samari Rolle in town, the Chiefs wined, dined and entertained three of the top free agents in the 2005 class. After spending nearly 24 hours in town, the Chiefs put on the hard sell to all three veterans. Both Hartwell and Trotter were scheduled to leave town at 3:00 but that changed when agents started getting involved.

Trotter was on the phone with his agent Jimmy Sexton. Hartwell was conferring with his agent Harold Lewis and the action was hot and heavy. Both were secluded in parts of Arrowhead. Sometime between that time and 6:00 Trotter left without a contract offer to his liking. According to what we’ve been able to piece together, Trotter was looking for a double digit signing bonus.

Antonio Pierce who left Washington for the New York Giants signed a six-year $26 million contract that included a $6.5 million signing bonus. The Chiefs were believed to be offering roughly the same deal. Sexton was looking for a signing bonus closer to $10-11 million for Trotter.

He left Arrowhead without a contract and told reporters that he intended to make a couple more visits. Those visits could include Seattle and Atlanta. But some insist that if the knees are sound that the Eagles might get back into the race and retain their top linebacker.

An hour before Trotter left, Samari Rolle and his wife left Kansas City and headed to the airport. They were driven by Chiefs Head Coach Dick Vermeil. Rolle talked with reporters before he left and indicated that he was not planning on making any other visits and planned to go home tomorrow to celebrate his daughters birthday. He was also very clear that he had not visited the Washington Redskins who were rumored to be one of the front runners to sign the former Tennessee Titans cornerback.

He made it clear that he wants to make up his mind by Friday as to where he’ll play next season. So with no visits scheduled, that could lead some to conclude that Rolle is hopeful that a deal can get done with Kansas City.

Ed Hartwell as of this hour is still in Kansas City. His agent who considers Vermeil one of the NFL’s greatest head coaches was trying to secure a deal that would make Hartwell a Chief.

The Chiefs made offers to all three free agents but they were hardly resting on their laurels. In the midst of contract talks with all three players, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell was making his way toward Arrowhead for his interview with Gunther Cunningham and Dick Vermeil.

Bell was the star of the Pittsburgh Steelers four man linebacking crew but injuries have plagued him the last two seasons. But he along with Hartwell would solidify the Chiefs linebacker corps and would bridge the gap until Shawn Barber returns midway through the 2005 season.

Warpaint Illustrated did learn this afternoon that they are expecting Safety Sammy Knight in for a visit as early as Monday. The Chiefs would like to add a veteran safety in free agency and they’d like to find someone who can compete with incumbent starter Jerome Woods. The Chiefs were not pleased with Woods last season and they’ve already indicated that they want to upgrade the position or add depth.

With all that said, things at Arrowhead are quiet. But that could change in a heartbeat. I won’t lean either way but I’d say the Chiefs could have two new additions to their defense in the next 24 hours.

Stay tuned to Warpaint Illustrated for the latest Chiefs free agent news.

...

I was listening to a KC sports radio show last night and they interviewed both Hartwell and Rolle. Hartwell was asked if he was going to be a Chief next year and his response was "I look forward to it." Rumour has it that an announcemnt will be made today.

Rolle was interviewed afterwards. He stated that he wasnt going anywhere else to visit, that he was going home and then to a birthday party Saturday. He said he wanted to have everything done by Friday. Rolle also said he wants to win football games and get back to being with a succussful team. The interviewer asked him if he knew about the KC offense, Rolle's reply was pretty much who doesnt and then he went on to say that the D is a few peices away from a succussful puzzle. He was also very clear that he had not visited the Washington Redskins.

rkmsuf · 03-04-2005, 08:29 AM

I wouldn't touch Trotter with a ten foot pole for the money he's looking for.

cartman · 03-04-2005, 10:49 AM

Jumping in here late, but actually the Cowboys cutting Dexter Coakley gives me a little bit of hope that they will take Derrick Johnson in the draft and not pass him over.

sovereignstar · 03-04-2005, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman

Jumping in here late, but actually the Cowboys cutting Dexter Coakley gives me a little bit of hope that they will take Derrick Johnson in the draft and not pass him over.

You're nuts if you think Johnson is going to be available at No. 11.

WSUCougar · 03-04-2005, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignstar

You're nuts if you think Johnson is going to be available at No. 11.

Yeah, I'm very skeptical that the Vikes will have a shot at him with #7.

scooper · 03-04-2005, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorty3281

Unrestricted veteran wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh agreed to a four-year, $13 million deal with the Bengals.

Cool. He makes for a good 3rd option, with Warrick hopefully coming back into the picture healthy this year.

Palmer should have plenty of weapons - Warrick, Houshmandzadeh, Kelley Washington, and of course Chad "Didn't Drop A Ball in Honolulu During That Hands Contest Thing Even Though He Didn't Warm Up" Johnson.

I just want a shirt that says Houshmandzadeh on it

At that price, TJ's #2 and he earned it last season.

Warrick will not be in stripes next season. Not at his cap price.

mckerney · 03-04-2005, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

Yeah, I'm very skeptical that the Vikes will have a shot at him with #7.

He's who I hope the Vikings can get, but I doubt they'll be able to land him at 7. Hopefully at least Pac Man Jones will be available.

Pyser · 03-04-2005, 01:16 PM

Trotter sticks with Eagles:

The seven-year veteran will sign a five-year contract worth $15 million and including a signing bonus of $4 million.

cartman · 03-04-2005, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sovereignstar

You're nuts if you think Johnson is going to be available at No. 11.

That's what I was thinking as well, but most of the mock drafts I've seen have him falling all the way to the Texans. I'm figuring he'll go in the Top 5, but who knows.

TazFTW · 03-04-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyser

WR Patten has left the pats for the skins.

Details are "David Patten's contract with the Redskins is for five years, $13 million, with $3.5 million up front."

Drew Brees has signed his franchise tender.

KFFL is saying that the Giants sign Kareem McKenzie to a 7 year $37.75 million deal with a $12.5 mil signing bonus.

Honolulu_Blue · 03-04-2005, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartman

That's what I was thinking as well, but most of the mock drafts I've seen have him falling all the way to the Texans. I'm figuring he'll go in the Top 5, but who knows.

The majority of the latest mocks I've seen (all post-combine) have the Browns taking Johnson with the #3 pick.

WSUCougar · 03-04-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

The majority of the latest mocks I've seen (all post-combine) have the Browns taking Johnson with the #3 pick.

What are they going to do for a QB?

Danny · 03-04-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

What are they going to do for a QB?

They like Kelly Holcomb and supposedly want him to be their starter.

WSUCougar · 03-04-2005, 02:51 PM

Oh, Romeo.

TazFTW · 03-04-2005, 02:51 PM

I've heard if they can't get a deal with Holcomb, they're looking into Trent Dilfer...

korme · 03-04-2005, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Drickman

They like Kelly Holcomb and supposedly want him to be their starter.

Not a bad idea. In Madden we did a 6 team fantasy draft round robin + playoffs. Thinking like the Pats, I stacked my D, got a horse of a RB (Shaun mfn Alexander), quick receivers, and with the last pick in the draft, selected my QB Kelly Holcomb. Throws a nice short pass, fitting my style.

Needless to say we went 5-0, then went through 2 rounds in the playoffs to sweep everyone and take the $25 pot. Holcomb lead the league in QB rating.

Thank you, Kelly Holcomb.

Fonzie · 03-04-2005, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorty3281

Not a bad idea. In Madden we did a 6 team fantasy draft round robin + playoffs. Thinking like the Pats, I stacked my D, got a horse of a RB (Shaun mfn Alexander), quick receivers, and with the last pick in the draft, selected my QB Kelly Holcomb. Throws a nice short pass, fitting my style.

Needless to say we went 5-0, then went through 2 rounds in the playoffs to sweep everyone and take the $25 pot. Holcomb lead the league in QB rating.

Thank you, Kelly Holcomb.

You should report this to Holcomb's agent immediately.

Pyser · 03-04-2005, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TazFTW

KFFL is saying that the Giants sign Kareem McKenzie to a 7 year $37.75 million deal with a $12.5 mil signing bonus.

mark my words. worst signing of the off-season.

that is STUPID money for a freakin right tackle. for that money, we couldve got a much better left tackle, and moved petigout over to rt.

TazFTW · 03-04-2005, 03:57 PM

Jets have signed DT Lance Legree to a 5 year $7.3 million deal with an addition $2.5 mil in incentives.

The Jets have also signed restricted FA TE Jeb Putzier of the Broncos to a 5 year $12.5 million offer sheet with $2.5 mil signing bonus. The Broncos have 7 days to match the offer or will be given a 6th round draft pick.

TazFTW · 03-04-2005, 04:30 PM

The Seahawks have released LB Anthony Simmons.

Saw the following in an article by Len Pasquarelli, "University of Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson is the consensus top prospect at his position, and most teams agree he will be off the draft board by the middle of the first round. But a few scouts worry that Johnson is a "run-around" defender, a pursuit guy who doesn't take on blocks well and sheds poorly."

Any thoughts on the "run-around" defender bit?

dawgfan · 03-04-2005, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis

DAMMIT, I wanted Lucas back. Looks like our secondary will feature another rookie for the 3rd year in a row. Wonder if this means they'll resign Okeafor.

I had a nasty feeling all offseason that with all the talk of the "big 3" of Jones, Hasselbeck and Alexander that Lucas was being overlooked. Given his comments today about the signing, I'm not sure the 'Hawks ever had a realistic shot at him.

With the number of unrestricted FA's left on the Seahawks plate, it'll be real interesting to see how they deal with the obvious holes in the secondary and at LB now that they've released Simmons and Robinson.

General Mike · 03-04-2005, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyser

mark my words. worst signing of the off-season.

that is STUPID money for a freakin right tackle. for that money, we couldve got a much better left tackle, and moved petigout over to rt.

What LT could we have gotten that is better for the same money?

Travis · 03-04-2005, 05:35 PM

Best part for the Hawks is the rumors going around that they may cut Brown as well if they can't reach an agreement on restructuring his contract.

Good thing we're so deep at LB, hey, wait a minute...

TazFTW · 03-04-2005, 05:38 PM

Cap update

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ohn&id=1510617

Hmmm, the Cowboys still have $11 mil under the cap....

Franklinnoble · 03-04-2005, 05:44 PM

Does that include the rookie pool?

Lots of teams with millions left over... not sure how significant that is at this point, though.

TazFTW · 03-04-2005, 05:49 PM

I believe it would not include whatever money needs to be set aside for rookies.

Pyser · 03-04-2005, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by General Mike

What LT could we have gotten that is better for the same money?

jennings signed with SF for a similar deal, didnt he? same with whichever packer went to carolina.

03-03-2005, 03:05 PM	#101
henry296 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	As for Burress, despite his height and speed and he is not good at the jump ball... The best example was in the AFC title game on the fade pattern near the goal line. It don't think he has great hands. I am not too sad to see him go, especially if the Steelers take a WR in Rounds 1 or 2. Todd __________________ "It's a great day for hockey" - "Badger" Bob Johnson

03-03-2005, 03:30 PM	#104
stkelly52 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Seattle WA	Sounds like the Seahawks' Ken Lucas has signed with the Panthers __________________ Check out an undrafted free agent's attempt to make the Hall of Fame: Running to the Hall Now nominated for a Golden Scribe!

03-03-2005, 05:01 PM	#114
Cuckoo College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Edmond, OK	Yikes - Dallas is dishing out the bonus money. I suppose they have it to spend, but still... __________________ Commissioner - North American Football League Dallas Cowboys GM

03-03-2005, 06:32 PM	#115
mckerney Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Burress Interested In Vikings Reportedly Burress and Taylor both contacted the Vikings first rather than the Vikings pursueing them. Last edited by mckerney : 03-03-2005 at 06:34 PM.

03-03-2005, 06:56 PM	#116
General Mike Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The State of Rutgers	when the f are the giants gonna sign an OL? __________________ Boise Stampede Continental Football League Jacksonville Jaguars GM North American Football League Nebraska Coach FOFC-BBCF Rutgers & Washington coach Bowl Bound-BBCF

03-03-2005, 03:17 PM	#103
wishbone High School JV Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hillsboro OR	49ers have signed Jonas Jennings to play LT http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

03-03-2005, 03:44 PM	#105
JAG Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: St. Paul, MN	"Dallas also got free-agent help for the offensive line with Rivera. Rivera, who had played 10 seasons for the Packers, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection at guard who has played in 99 straight games. He has signed to a five-year deal worth about $21 million, including a $9 million signing bonus. His salary will count for $2.6 million against cap this season." He may be a good player, but Dallas overpaid for that one. 5 yr, $21 mil, $9 mil bonus for a 33 yr old guard? Didn't we learn our lesson with Larry Allen? Oh well, looks like Bill is loading up for a final run.

03-03-2005, 04:17 PM	#109
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	The Rivera contract does look bad compared to what Wahle signed for. I would have figured Wahle would have gotten more money as some teams can see him being able to be a good LT.

03-03-2005, 04:36 PM	#112
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	Unrestricted veteran wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh agreed to a four-year, $13 million deal with the Bengals. Cool. He makes for a good 3rd option, with Warrick hopefully coming back into the picture healthy this year. Palmer should have plenty of weapons - Warrick, Houshmandzadeh, Kelley Washington, and of course Chad "Didn't Drop A Ball in Honolulu During That Hands Contest Thing Even Though He Didn't Warm Up" Johnson. I just want a shirt that says Houshmandzadeh on it

03-03-2005, 04:54 PM	#113
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	from KFFL ESPNews reports the St. Louis Rams have signed free agent LB Chris Claiborne (Vikings) to a three-year, $10.5 million contract.

03-03-2005, 07:03 PM	#117
Travis Pro Rookie Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Canada eh	DAMMIT, I wanted Lucas back. Looks like our secondary will feature another rookie for the 3rd year in a row. Wonder if this means they'll resign Okeafor.

03-03-2005, 07:45 PM	#118
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	the Jets sign Derrick Blaylock to a five-year, $11.1 million deal that includes a $3.2 million signing bonus.

03-03-2005, 08:35 PM	#119
Pyser Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Los Angeles	giants cut ike hilliard.

03-03-2005, 08:55 PM	#121
Pyser Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Los Angeles	now if we'd only cut will allen.

03-03-2005, 10:40 PM	#122
Pyser Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Los Angeles	WR Patten has left the pats for the skins.

03-03-2005, 11:36 PM	#123
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	Broncos signed Ian Gold to a 5 year $22.5 million deal with a $8.5 mil signing bonus and they resigned Ben Hamilton to 5 year $16.25 mil deal with a $5.5 mil signing bonus.

03-04-2005, 08:27 AM	#124
Scarecrow College Prospect Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Flatlands of America	Since the Chiefs appear to be the team to watch (written as of 8:30pm last night)... Give the Kansas City Chiefs credit for one thing. They’ve been making a name for themselves in free agency despite the fact they’ve yet to sign anyone. In a matter of one hour they were talking contracts with three players and welcoming another visitor to Arrowhead. After analyzing the last two hours, we think we might have our fingers on the pulse of the things to come from Arrowhead in the next twenty four hours. With Jeremiah Trotter, Ed Hartwell and Samari Rolle in town, the Chiefs wined, dined and entertained three of the top free agents in the 2005 class. After spending nearly 24 hours in town, the Chiefs put on the hard sell to all three veterans. Both Hartwell and Trotter were scheduled to leave town at 3:00 but that changed when agents started getting involved. Trotter was on the phone with his agent Jimmy Sexton. Hartwell was conferring with his agent Harold Lewis and the action was hot and heavy. Both were secluded in parts of Arrowhead. Sometime between that time and 6:00 Trotter left without a contract offer to his liking. According to what we’ve been able to piece together, Trotter was looking for a double digit signing bonus. Antonio Pierce who left Washington for the New York Giants signed a six-year $26 million contract that included a $6.5 million signing bonus. The Chiefs were believed to be offering roughly the same deal. Sexton was looking for a signing bonus closer to $10-11 million for Trotter. He left Arrowhead without a contract and told reporters that he intended to make a couple more visits. Those visits could include Seattle and Atlanta. But some insist that if the knees are sound that the Eagles might get back into the race and retain their top linebacker. An hour before Trotter left, Samari Rolle and his wife left Kansas City and headed to the airport. They were driven by Chiefs Head Coach Dick Vermeil. Rolle talked with reporters before he left and indicated that he was not planning on making any other visits and planned to go home tomorrow to celebrate his daughters birthday. He was also very clear that he had not visited the Washington Redskins who were rumored to be one of the front runners to sign the former Tennessee Titans cornerback. He made it clear that he wants to make up his mind by Friday as to where he’ll play next season. So with no visits scheduled, that could lead some to conclude that Rolle is hopeful that a deal can get done with Kansas City. Ed Hartwell as of this hour is still in Kansas City. His agent who considers Vermeil one of the NFL’s greatest head coaches was trying to secure a deal that would make Hartwell a Chief. The Chiefs made offers to all three free agents but they were hardly resting on their laurels. In the midst of contract talks with all three players, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell was making his way toward Arrowhead for his interview with Gunther Cunningham and Dick Vermeil. Bell was the star of the Pittsburgh Steelers four man linebacking crew but injuries have plagued him the last two seasons. But he along with Hartwell would solidify the Chiefs linebacker corps and would bridge the gap until Shawn Barber returns midway through the 2005 season. Warpaint Illustrated did learn this afternoon that they are expecting Safety Sammy Knight in for a visit as early as Monday. The Chiefs would like to add a veteran safety in free agency and they’d like to find someone who can compete with incumbent starter Jerome Woods. The Chiefs were not pleased with Woods last season and they’ve already indicated that they want to upgrade the position or add depth. With all that said, things at Arrowhead are quiet. But that could change in a heartbeat. I won’t lean either way but I’d say the Chiefs could have two new additions to their defense in the next 24 hours. Stay tuned to Warpaint Illustrated for the latest Chiefs free agent news. ... I was listening to a KC sports radio show last night and they interviewed both Hartwell and Rolle. Hartwell was asked if he was going to be a Chief next year and his response was "I look forward to it." Rumour has it that an announcemnt will be made today. Rolle was interviewed afterwards. He stated that he wasnt going anywhere else to visit, that he was going home and then to a birthday party Saturday. He said he wanted to have everything done by Friday. Rolle also said he wants to win football games and get back to being with a succussful team. The interviewer asked him if he knew about the KC offense, Rolle's reply was pretty much who doesnt and then he went on to say that the D is a few peices away from a succussful puzzle. He was also very clear that he had not visited the Washington Redskins. __________________ Post Count: Eleventy Billion - so deal with it!

03-04-2005, 08:29 AM	#125
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	I wouldn't touch Trotter with a ten foot pole for the money he's looking for. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales Last edited by rkmsuf : 03-04-2005 at 08:29 AM.

03-04-2005, 10:49 AM	#126
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	Jumping in here late, but actually the Cowboys cutting Dexter Coakley gives me a little bit of hope that they will take Derrick Johnson in the draft and not pass him over. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

03-04-2005, 01:16 PM	#131
Pyser Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Los Angeles	Trotter sticks with Eagles: The seven-year veteran will sign a five-year contract worth $15 million and including a signing bonus of $4 million.

03-04-2005, 02:51 PM	#137
WSUCougar Rider Of Rohan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Port Angeles, WA or Helm's Deep	Oh, Romeo. __________________ It's not the years...it's the mileage.

03-04-2005, 02:51 PM	#138
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	I've heard if they can't get a deal with Holcomb, they're looking into Trent Dilfer...

03-04-2005, 03:57 PM	#142
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	Jets have signed DT Lance Legree to a 5 year $7.3 million deal with an addition $2.5 mil in incentives. The Jets have also signed restricted FA TE Jeb Putzier of the Broncos to a 5 year $12.5 million offer sheet with $2.5 mil signing bonus. The Broncos have 7 days to match the offer or will be given a 6th round draft pick.

03-04-2005, 04:30 PM	#143
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	The Seahawks have released LB Anthony Simmons. Saw the following in an article by Len Pasquarelli, "University of Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson is the consensus top prospect at his position, and most teams agree he will be off the draft board by the middle of the first round. But a few scouts worry that Johnson is a "run-around" defender, a pursuit guy who doesn't take on blocks well and sheds poorly." Any thoughts on the "run-around" defender bit?

03-04-2005, 05:35 PM	#146
Travis Pro Rookie Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Canada eh	Best part for the Hawks is the rumors going around that they may cut Brown as well if they can't reach an agreement on restructuring his contract. Good thing we're so deep at LB, hey, wait a minute...

03-04-2005, 05:38 PM	#147
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	Cap update http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ohn&id=1510617 Hmmm, the Cowboys still have $11 mil under the cap....

03-04-2005, 05:44 PM	#148
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	Does that include the rookie pool? Lots of teams with millions left over... not sure how significant that is at this point, though.

03-04-2005, 05:49 PM	#149
TazFTW Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI	I believe it would not include whatever money needs to be set aside for rookies.

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