Having recently cut veteran wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and letting Bernard Berrian seek out an exhorbitant deal via free agency, the Chicago Bears had a couple of roster spots open up this last week, and today filled one of them by signing free agent wideout Marty Booker to a 2-year deal for $3.5 million total. This will be Booker's second tour of duty with the Bears, who he played for from 1999-2004, before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in a deal that brought the Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. The Dolphins recently cut Booker, who was in the last year of a 7-year $28 million contract he originally signed with Chicago in 2002.
The Bears also notified the agent for defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy that they will not match the Jacksonville Jaguars' 1-year $655,000 offer (including a $50K signing bonus). The Bears held the right of first refusal due to a clause they inserted in his contract last year when they signed Kennedy off the scrap heap. Kennedy came into the league as a 1st round pick by the Rams in the 2003 NFL Draft, and was quickly declared a bust. He was traded to the Broncos for a 6th round pick on June 8 2007, and then was cut September 1. Needing help at the tackle position because of injuries, the Bears signed him to a deal for the rest of the season, and Kennedy went on to contribute next to nothing in 3 games with Chicago, notching 0 sacks, 0 solo tackles and 2 assisting tackles.
Showing posts with label cuts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cuts. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Javon Walker Cashes In With Raiders, Signing 6-year $55 Deal
In another unimpressive offseason move, the Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free agent wideout Javon Walker to a stunning 6-year $55 million contract that includes $16 million in guarantees, and will pay out approximately $27 million over the first 3 years of the deal. The move is the latest in a series of stunningly bad contracts doled out by Oakland over the past week.
Long on potential, but short on production, Walker has been limited to just 25 games the past 3 years, due to a torn ACL in 2005 and recurring knee problems that required a second and third surgery in 2007. Unhappy in Green Bay and wanting a new contract in early 2006, Walker was traded by the Packers to the Denver Broncos for a 2nd round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He then signed a 5-year $40 million contract, in which he collected over $16 million the past 2 years, before declaring his unhappiness with the Broncos, and asking to be traded. Unable to find a trade partner before a March 4th roster bonus of $5.4 million was due, the Broncos cut Walker, who now latches on with the perennially dysfunctional AFC West rival Oakland Raiders. $9.16 million per year is an absurd amount to pay for someone who's generally regarded as a clown, and who hasn't demonstrated he can stay healthy and provide a consistent explosive threat and Pro Bowl caliber talent for a team for longer than a year.
Long on potential, but short on production, Walker has been limited to just 25 games the past 3 years, due to a torn ACL in 2005 and recurring knee problems that required a second and third surgery in 2007. Unhappy in Green Bay and wanting a new contract in early 2006, Walker was traded by the Packers to the Denver Broncos for a 2nd round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He then signed a 5-year $40 million contract, in which he collected over $16 million the past 2 years, before declaring his unhappiness with the Broncos, and asking to be traded. Unable to find a trade partner before a March 4th roster bonus of $5.4 million was due, the Broncos cut Walker, who now latches on with the perennially dysfunctional AFC West rival Oakland Raiders. $9.16 million per year is an absurd amount to pay for someone who's generally regarded as a clown, and who hasn't demonstrated he can stay healthy and provide a consistent explosive threat and Pro Bowl caliber talent for a team for longer than a year.
Seahawks Sign RB Duckett For 5 Years, TE Jeb Putzier For 1 Year
In an attempt to bolster a rushing attack that ranked 20th in the league last year, the Seattle Seahawks have signed unrestricted free agent running back TJ Duckett to a 5-year contract for an undisclosed amount. Duckett joins Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris in the backfield for Seattle, where the rushing attack was once a strength but is now a liability.
Seattle signed running back Shaun Alexander to a 8-year $62 million contract on March 6, 2006, but since then he has been plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness, starting just 20 games since signing his big new deal, averaging just 3.51 yards per carry. Maurice Morris signed a 3-year $3.75 million contract on March 27, 2006, and was fairly productive in filling in for Alexander, but probably wouldn't be able to carry the load himself over a 16-game schedule. Per Mike Florio of PFT, rumors swirled around the combine that Alexander could be dumped sometime this offseason, and this latest signing could hasten his departure. Seattle could probably get at least the same production of last year if they burn a mid round draft pick on a new running back, and use a combination of Morris, Duckett, and aforementioned draft pick in 2008.
The Seahawks also announced the signing of tight end Jeb Putzier to a 1-year contract for an unspecified amount. Putzier will compete with Will Heller and presumably a draft pick for playing time in 2008.
Seattle signed running back Shaun Alexander to a 8-year $62 million contract on March 6, 2006, but since then he has been plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness, starting just 20 games since signing his big new deal, averaging just 3.51 yards per carry. Maurice Morris signed a 3-year $3.75 million contract on March 27, 2006, and was fairly productive in filling in for Alexander, but probably wouldn't be able to carry the load himself over a 16-game schedule. Per Mike Florio of PFT, rumors swirled around the combine that Alexander could be dumped sometime this offseason, and this latest signing could hasten his departure. Seattle could probably get at least the same production of last year if they burn a mid round draft pick on a new running back, and use a combination of Morris, Duckett, and aforementioned draft pick in 2008.
The Seahawks also announced the signing of tight end Jeb Putzier to a 1-year contract for an unspecified amount. Putzier will compete with Will Heller and presumably a draft pick for playing time in 2008.
Monday, March 3, 2008
RB Warrick Dunn Released By Falcons, Rumored to Visit Bucs
After the recent signing of free agent running back Michael 'The Burner' Turner by the Altanta Falcons, running back Warrick Dunn asked the team for his release, and today was granted his wish, as the team parted ways with the 11-year veteran.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rumored to possibly be in the hunt for Dunn's services, and are a seeking a reunion with the running back who played for the team for his first 5 seasons. Dunn has amassed 10,179 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns in his career, along with 4,009 receiving yards and 15 more touchdowns through the air.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rumored to possibly be in the hunt for Dunn's services, and are a seeking a reunion with the running back who played for the team for his first 5 seasons. Dunn has amassed 10,179 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns in his career, along with 4,009 receiving yards and 15 more touchdowns through the air.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Saints Re-Sign Devery Henderson to 1-Year $2 Million Deal, Cut LB Simmons
The New Orleans Saints re-signed wide receiver Devery Henderson to a 1-year $2 million contract. The former 2004 2nd round pick out of Tennessee looked to see what he was worth on the free agent market, and not many teams came calling. For his career, the drop-prone wideout has amassed only 74 catches for 1497 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Saints will see if he can improve any more this year, and if he can't they won't be on the hook for a bad long term contract (see Bernard Berrian).
In other Saints news, New Orleans has released veteran linebacker Brian Simmons, whom they signed last offseason to a 3-year contract at relatively small salaries. Simmons is now 32, and has been cut in successive offseasons by the Cincinatti Bengals and New Orleans Saints, two of the most linebacker-needy teams in the league. Don't expect him to pop up again anytime soon, as there must be absolutely no tread left on those tires if the Bengals and Saints are cutting him.
In other Saints news, New Orleans has released veteran linebacker Brian Simmons, whom they signed last offseason to a 3-year contract at relatively small salaries. Simmons is now 32, and has been cut in successive offseasons by the Cincinatti Bengals and New Orleans Saints, two of the most linebacker-needy teams in the league. Don't expect him to pop up again anytime soon, as there must be absolutely no tread left on those tires if the Bengals and Saints are cutting him.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Chargers Release FB Neal, S McCree, and OT Olivea
The San Diego Chargers are looking to improve an already deep roster, and are parting ways with some of the veterans to possibly inject more youth into the roster with the upcoming NFL Draft. The team released former Pro Bowl fullback Lorenzo Neal, safety Marlon McCree, and offensive tackle Shane Olivea. All three players will immediately enter the free agent pool and be free to sign with any team.
Fan favorite and old schooler blocking fullback Lorenzo Neal helped pave the way for much of all-world running back LaDainian Tomlinson's success the past few years, but will make way for younger model Andrew Pinnock, whom will cost significantly less.
Hard hitting safety Marlon McCree started 30 of 32 games for the Bolts over the past 2 years and provided veteran leadership, but the Chargers will probably move last year's 2nd round pick Eric Weddle into the lineup to provide more coverage versatility. Look for cornerback Paul Oliver, last year's acquisition through the NFL's supplemental draft, to get more playing time at nickel back if Weddle does indeed move to the starting safety spot.
Offensive tackle Shane Olivea was both a starter and solid backup contributor to the team since being drafted by the team in 2004, and was in the middle of a 6-year $20 million contract signed in 2006, but his base salaries in the deal may have been too much for the Chargers to stomach paying to a backup offensive tackle.
UPDATE 03/01/2008 1:23PM: The New York Jets are allegedly interested in possibly brining Olivea in a for a visit, but don't be surprised to see Olivea return to the Bolts at a reduced rate.
Fan favorite and old schooler blocking fullback Lorenzo Neal helped pave the way for much of all-world running back LaDainian Tomlinson's success the past few years, but will make way for younger model Andrew Pinnock, whom will cost significantly less.
Hard hitting safety Marlon McCree started 30 of 32 games for the Bolts over the past 2 years and provided veteran leadership, but the Chargers will probably move last year's 2nd round pick Eric Weddle into the lineup to provide more coverage versatility. Look for cornerback Paul Oliver, last year's acquisition through the NFL's supplemental draft, to get more playing time at nickel back if Weddle does indeed move to the starting safety spot.
Offensive tackle Shane Olivea was both a starter and solid backup contributor to the team since being drafted by the team in 2004, and was in the middle of a 6-year $20 million contract signed in 2006, but his base salaries in the deal may have been too much for the Chargers to stomach paying to a backup offensive tackle.
UPDATE 03/01/2008 1:23PM: The New York Jets are allegedly interested in possibly brining Olivea in a for a visit, but don't be surprised to see Olivea return to the Bolts at a reduced rate.
Eagles End Freakshow, Officially Cut DE Jevon Kearse
The Philadelphia Eagles have finally parted ways with defensive end Jevon Kearse, in the middle of his 8-year $66 million monster contract signed in 2004. He was benched part way through last year due to innefectiveness, and never regained the starting job from Juqua Thomas, an undrafted journeyman defensive lineman.
Nicknamed the 'Freak' because of his rare combination of size and speed, Kearse was drafted 16th overall in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, where he was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1999, and recorded 36 sacks in his first three years with the team. A foot injury limited him to 4 games the following year, and then in 2003 he signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, which at the time was the highest amount ever paid to a defensive lineman. Since that time injuries and innefectiveness limited his production with the team, and they finally decided to cut the cord to a player who never really lived up to his billing and high price with the team.
Kearse will immediately be free to sign with any team, and there has been talk of him rejoining Tennessee, at a reduced price. Injuries to his foot and knees over the past few years will have any free agent suitor leery of paying him big money again, but powerhouse agent Drew Rosenhaus should at least be able to get him a respectable deal.
Nicknamed the 'Freak' because of his rare combination of size and speed, Kearse was drafted 16th overall in the 1st round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, where he was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1999, and recorded 36 sacks in his first three years with the team. A foot injury limited him to 4 games the following year, and then in 2003 he signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, which at the time was the highest amount ever paid to a defensive lineman. Since that time injuries and innefectiveness limited his production with the team, and they finally decided to cut the cord to a player who never really lived up to his billing and high price with the team.
Kearse will immediately be free to sign with any team, and there has been talk of him rejoining Tennessee, at a reduced price. Injuries to his foot and knees over the past few years will have any free agent suitor leery of paying him big money again, but powerhouse agent Drew Rosenhaus should at least be able to get him a respectable deal.
Rams Cut Bruce and Frerotte, Then Restructure Little's Contract, Freeing Up a Combined $10.485 Million
The St. Louis Rams have released former Pro Bowl wide receiver Isaac Bruce, who was due a $2 million roster bonus on Friday, and was scheduled to make $3 million in base salary in 2008, the final year of his contract. The team allegedly made an offer to Bruce at a reduced figure for $3 million total, but he rejected it and will hit the open market and be free to sign with any team immediately. The move will save the Rams approximately $5 million against the projected $116 million salary cap for 2008. The San Francisco 49ers are expected to come calling, as new offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be looking for some veterans who are familiar with his system, and the 49ers need an infusion of talent at the position in general.
St. Louis also released backup quarterback Gus Frerotte, who was due a $500,000 roster bonus, and scheduled to make a base salary of $1.4 million in 2008. The move frees up $1.9 million in cap space for the Rams, and leave the team with Marc Bulger as the only quarterback currently on the roster.
Per John Clayton of ESPN, St. Louis also agreed with defensive end Leonard Little on a simple restructuring of his $7.17 million roster bonus that was due this weekend, and converted it to a guaranteed signing bonus, allowing them to prorate it over the final 2 years of the deal, while saving the team $3.585 million against the cap. His cap figure will be $3.585 million higher next year, however, which will most likely force the team to take action by either re-signing him to another long term deal, or parting ways with Little.
St. Louis also released backup quarterback Gus Frerotte, who was due a $500,000 roster bonus, and scheduled to make a base salary of $1.4 million in 2008. The move frees up $1.9 million in cap space for the Rams, and leave the team with Marc Bulger as the only quarterback currently on the roster.
Per John Clayton of ESPN, St. Louis also agreed with defensive end Leonard Little on a simple restructuring of his $7.17 million roster bonus that was due this weekend, and converted it to a guaranteed signing bonus, allowing them to prorate it over the final 2 years of the deal, while saving the team $3.585 million against the cap. His cap figure will be $3.585 million higher next year, however, which will most likely force the team to take action by either re-signing him to another long term deal, or parting ways with Little.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Chiefs Cut Law, Bell, Reed, and Dunn
The Kansas City Chiefs will release 4 more veterans today, including cornerback Ty Law, linebacker Kendrell Bell, defensive tackle James Reed, and tight end Jason Dunn. Law, Bell, and Reed were all starters for the Chiefs at one time, while Dunn was a significant backup.
The Chiefs have already released aging offensive tackle John Welbourn and wide receiver Eddie Kennison, as they will try to turn one of the older rosters in the NFL into one of the younger rosters. All of the released players will immediately be free to sign with any team, ahead of the free agency period that begins February 29 at 12:01am, because the team is effectively relinquishing their rights beforehand.
The Chiefs have already released aging offensive tackle John Welbourn and wide receiver Eddie Kennison, as they will try to turn one of the older rosters in the NFL into one of the younger rosters. All of the released players will immediately be free to sign with any team, ahead of the free agency period that begins February 29 at 12:01am, because the team is effectively relinquishing their rights beforehand.
Redskins Dump Lloyd, Rework Contracts of Samuels & Jansen
The Washington Redskins have finally cut the cord on dissapointing wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, after having wasted at least $15 million on him the past 2 years. Washington originally acquired the perenially underachieving wideout in a 2006 trade with the San Francisco 49ers, in which they gave up a 2006 3rd rounder and 2007 4th rounder. The Redskins brass then awarded Lloyd a 6-year $30 million contract, with $12 million in guaranteed money. According to the Washington Times, the Redskins will process the move as a post-June 1 cut, meaning they will spread the cap hit out over both 2008 and 2009, with $4.2 million hitting the cap this year. He will hit the free agent market immediately, but the interest from other teams will be tepid to lukewarm, at best.
In other Redskins news, the team has restructed the contracts of starting offensive tackles Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels, converting larger 2008 base salaries to guaranteed bonuses, and spreading the proration out over the remaining years of each deal. Samuels' prior $8.2 million cap number was reduced to $5.1 million, and Jansen's number was reduced from $7.7 million to $4.5 million. The two 'simple' restructurings will save the team about $6.5 million against the cap this year, but will push the cap figures for both players higher for the next couple of years, increasing the likelihood they will have to be addressed again in a year or two.
In other Redskins news, the team has restructed the contracts of starting offensive tackles Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels, converting larger 2008 base salaries to guaranteed bonuses, and spreading the proration out over the remaining years of each deal. Samuels' prior $8.2 million cap number was reduced to $5.1 million, and Jansen's number was reduced from $7.7 million to $4.5 million. The two 'simple' restructurings will save the team about $6.5 million against the cap this year, but will push the cap figures for both players higher for the next couple of years, increasing the likelihood they will have to be addressed again in a year or two.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Panthers Cut RB Foster to Clear $4.75 Million in Cap Space
The Carolina Panthers have released 28-year old running back DeShaun Foster, whom they have been unable to find a trade partner for this offseason. Foster showed flashes of the skills that made him the team's 2nd round pick out of UCLA in 2002, but was often set back by various injuries and costly fumbles. He should find a taker in the upcoming free agent market, which is relatively thin at running back, and latch on somewhere as a quality backup.
The roster move frees up about $4.75 million in cap space, and leaves 2006 1st round pick DeAngelo Williams as the team's only legitimate running back threat. Look for the Panthers to either try to pick up a running back in free agency next month, or to perhaps draft one in the middle rounds to complement Williams next year.
The roster move frees up about $4.75 million in cap space, and leaves 2006 1st round pick DeAngelo Williams as the team's only legitimate running back threat. Look for the Panthers to either try to pick up a running back in free agency next month, or to perhaps draft one in the middle rounds to complement Williams next year.
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