DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Top free agents: These 32 can expect to cash in

How can teams like the Pats offer a contact to LB Z Thomas when FA hasn't even started yet? After reading that he has even visited the Pats, isn't that tampering? I'm not clear on the rules on FA but I'm pretty sure a FA can't visit or talk to a team til the deadline to due so has passed.

The fact that he was released might be the reason and he is no longer under contract to any team, but Im not entirely sure either.

Contracts don't actually expire until March 1st at 12am. Players that are cut aren't under contract anymore, so they are free to sign with whoever they want.

Quote:

---

Contracts don't actually expire until March 1st at 12am. Players that are cut aren't under contract anymore, so they are free to sign with whoever they want.

---

Bingo....100% correct...

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d806ca723&template=without-video&confirm=true

Panthers' overhaul continues with release of RB Foster
Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Panthers have released DeShaun Foster, their starting running back from last season.

The move was made Thursday and clears about $4.75 million in salary-cap space. And it continues a busy offseason as the Panthers overhaul their roster following a second straight season out of the playoffs.

Foster has never rushed for more than 897 yards in six seasons plagued by fumbles and injuries.

During the last two seasons, Foster split time with former first-round pick DeAngelo Williams. Williams is expected to enter next season as the team's top back.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

cool, keep us informed.

I do find it funny though that the free agency thing doesn't start for a week, yet players have a good idea who is interested in them and probably for how much. Seems like it would be tampering to be dealing with a player prior to freeagency, but it sounds like ten teams are doing it.

LOL Jacob was in my first communion class

I think I may have spoken to you before Frenchy when I mentioned he was my cousin in a post a long time ago...I am VERY proud of him and what he has become. His Dad, Stepmom, sister and cousin are all down in Tenessee with him. His mom travels to all his games We family members here in Colorado try to see him every time he is in town to play. He is very grounded and a very humble kid. His family makes sure of that. We and he knows he's in for a big payday with this free agency. He is listed as the #2 OL beneath Faneca. We talk on a regular basis. My Dad passed last June with a battle from diabetes. He was his favorite uncle. We talked for awhile and cried for awhile. Words cannot express how proud of what he has become...He is what more young NFL players should be.

I'll throw my two cents into the free agency talks:

D-Line: I don't think we're going to make a huge splash. There's really only one top notch option that hasn't been franchised, and that's Justin Smith. I think he'll command a big contract and isn't ideal enough for our defense to warrant big bucks. There are names we're all throwing around as people to come to Cleveland. I think we'll land two of the following: Tommy Kelly, Chris Canty, Antwan Odom, Darwin Walker, Ian Scott, Isaac Sopoaga. Any of these would most likely be for a DE spot to compete or replace Orpheus Roye, depending on his status with the team after the year. Sopoaga is most likely out of that group to see time at NT, though I don't know if that would be ideal or not.

Linebacker: Again, aside from the players who have been franchised, the only really big name is Lance Briggs. And, for similar reasoning to Justin Smith, I don't think we'll throw the big bucks at him. I have a good feeling we'll be in Calvin Pace's ear soon as midnight strikes on the first day of free agency. I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the first free agents locked up in the entire league. I won't take it as a sign we're giving up on Peek, but just as an extra young, athletic contributor to our corps that needs to get younger and more athletic. Victor Hobson is a guy I'd like to see us pursue for an inside backer spot. He's only 28, and I figure would be a more physical option than Andra Davis. He may not be the savior, but it'd be an upgrade.

DB: Eugene Wilson is an option at safety. I don't anticipate the Pats will keep him, cuz they've got Brandon Merriweather waiting in the wings. I think he'd provide as much a veteran presence as anyone else available, and he can still play. Either way, we need some veteran mind for the safeties like we used to have in Brian Russell.

WR: Berrian and Hackett will both command a big contract, and I feel like they'll be in high demand. We can spend #1 WR money on someone who will be our #2 option. I doubt we press the issue to hard on either of these guys. Bryant Johnson is a guy I like. He got lost in the depth behind Fitzgerald and Boldin in Arizona, and I think he could really produce for the Browns. Donte Stallworth, I think, will be an available option too. I know some think he may be looking to get paid, but I think of it this way: He signed a "prove it" contract with New England -- essentially a one year deal to go out and showcase his abilities. And he didn't prove anything except that he can be replaced by Jabar Gaffney. Stallworth might get a lukewarm response in free agency due to his lack of proving it, and we might be able to get him for a more reasonable price. That's what I'm hoping anyway. I'd take Stallworth over Johnson, even if we paid a little more.

OL: I suspect we'll sign a veteran backup, unless we give Seth McKinney another contract. I expect Lennie Friedman back because he plays a special teams role. I don't know what veteran we'd peg if we let McKinney walk, maybe someone like Damien Woody or Chris Liewinski. Just as an insurance plan.

Sources: Thomas chooses Cowboys over Pats, Saints

Seven-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker Zach Thomas has reached a contract agreement in principle with the Dallas Cowboys, team and league sources told ESPN.com on Saturday morning.

Thomas, 34, who was released by the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago, following a 2007 season in which he was limited to just five appearances, chose the deal from the Cowboys over contract proposals from the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints.

Details of the contract, which has yet to be officially signed, were not yet available. But the deal is expected to be a multi-year contract with stipulations that would force Dallas officials to make a determination on Thomas' status after the first year. It is believed that Thomas received a $1 million signing bonus and that the first year of the contract is loaded with incentives.

A 12-year veteran, and one of only three players in modern NFL history to register 100-plus tackles in each of his first 10 seasons in the league, Thomas was released by the new Miami football regime on Feb. 14 after a celebrated stint with the Dolphins.

He suffered a concussion early last season, was plagued by headaches for much of the year, and finally placed on injured reserve in early December, culminating what was easily the least productive campaign of his career.

While none of the teams that met with Thomas following his release publicly addressed the residual effects of his 2007 concussion, all three made contract offers -- seemingly indicating confidence in his medical readiness to play in 2008.

A fifth-round pick in the 1996 draft, Thomas led the Dolphins in tackles in 10 of his 12 seasons with the team. The former Texas Tech star posted 100 or more tackles in all but one season.

For his career, Thomas, who will play inside in the Cowboys' 3-4 front, has 1,642 tackles, 19½ sacks, 17 interceptions, 65 passes defensed and 15 forced fumbles.

Grossman signs one-year deal with $3 million in base salary

Rex Grossman has signed a one-year deal to remain as the starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears.

Grossman wanted to stay with the Bears, and Bears general manager Jerry Angelo and coach Lovie Smith wanted to give him one more chance to stay as their starting quarterback. On Saturday, each side worked out a deal in order for the relationship to continue.

"It's still a great opportunity for him [in Chicago]," his agent, Eugene Parker, told ESPN.com.

Under terms of the deal, Grossman will have a $3 million base salary. He can make close to $2 million in incentives as long as he's the starting quarterback.

Several players on the Bears offense were pushing for Grossman to return as quarterback.

His best season was in 2006 when he started 16 games, passed for 3,193 yards, threw 23 touchdown passes and helped to take the Bears to the Super Bowl. He struggled in 2007 and started only seven games.

During the second half of last season, Smith used Brian Griese and Kyle Orton as starters. Grossman's signing, though, should resolve the Bears quarterback situation.

A first-round choice in the 2003 draft, Grossman has appeared in 32 games, with 30 starts, during his tenure with the Bears. The former Florida star has completed 489 of 900 passes for 5,907 yards, with 31 touchdown passes, 33 interceptions and an efficiency rating of 70.9.

It remains to be seen how the retention of Grossman affects Griese's future with the team. The 10-year veteran is due a $300,000 roster bonus early next month, and a base salary of $1.4 million for 2008, and there has been some speculation that Chicago will release him.

Quote:

---

Technically guys like Randy Moss haven't become free agents yet

---

Technically or not, it seems that the agents and teams are wheeling and dealing at the combine right now. It might be "unofficial" and "off-the-record", but they are negotiating with the FAs all the same. I don't think anybody is gonna cry foul for tampering because it looks like All the teams are doing it. JMHO Go Brownies!!!

Browns could have interest in Bengals DE Smith


By Carlos "Big C" Holmes

Staff Writer

Monday, February 25, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS — The Cleveland Browns lured Cincinnati Bengals prized OL Eric Steinbach away from the club last year during free agency with a lucrative contact and could be at it again this year when Bengals DE Justin Smith hits the free agent market.

According to a league source, the Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are two teams who are expected to express serious interest in acquiring the veteran defensive end when free agency begins February 29th.

The Bengals have gone on record stating that they would like to have Smith back for the '08 season, but the organization better be prepared to empty its pocketbook because he's expected to draw lots of interest on the open market.

Smith's agent, Jim Steiner, said that his client will wait and see what his options are, and will make a decision about his status after giving it careful thought.

Browns have bucks

The Browns are believed to be the team with the most interest and perhaps the most money under the salary cap to afford the price tag that Smith will command. It was said that the organization wouldn't get into a biding war or overpay for the pass-rusher, but is prepared to look into the situation. The remark was also made that some team out there might overpay to get Smith.

The Browns are looking to improve their pass-rush after finishing the season ranked No. 27 in sacks with 28.

The return of DE Orpheus Roye to Cleveland is up in the air at this point and the draft is limited with 3-4 defensive ends. The Browns do not pick until late in the second-round when the premiere pass-rushers are expected to be off the board.

Smith played in a conventional 4-3 defense his entire career with the Bengals, but has the versatility to play the inside rusher in a 3-4 defense. In fact, he may be better suited for the 3-4.

Smith has 466 tackles and 43.5 sacks for his seven-year career making him a solid contributor on defense.

OLB Kamerion Wimbley and Smith would provide the Browns defense with a nice one-two punch when getting after the quarterback as well as tracking down the run due to Smith's non-stop motor.

It will be interesting to see if the Browns raid the cupboard of their in-state nemesis back-to-back years.


• The Browns, who are looking to add stability and depth to the offensive line, appear to be enamored with Pittsburgh OL Mike McGlynn. McGlynn was interviewed by Browns' scouts at the Senior Bowl last month and interviewed with offensive line coach Steve Marshall his first day in Indy.

McGlynn worked out well at the Combine during position drills and did 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. A visit to Cleveland could also be in the works for McGlynn. Stay tuned!


http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content...8bigconweb.html

Justin Smith..ehhhh never was impressed with him..more of a free lancer than system player..

Anyway..from http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/og/mikemcglynn.html

Mike McGlynn
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315 | 40-Time: 5.30

Official Bio

Strengths:
Excellent size and bulk...Tough and strong...Smart with terrific awareness...Tough and a hard worker...Gets a nice push...Is stout at the point...Aggressive and plays with a nasty demeanor...Has a killer instinct...Is versatile...Has lots of experience.

Weaknesses:
Does not have long arms...Is not a great athlete...Struggles in space...Has trouble with speed and quickness...Is not super powerful...Footwork is inconsistent...May have to change positions...Had shoulder surgery prior to his senior year...Upside?

Notes:
Was a four-year starter at right tackle but he'll likely move inside to guard at the next level...Was also a long-snapper in college...Classic meat and potatoes type with outstanding intangibles...Has starting potential but should at the very least be a valuable backup due to his ability to play anywhere along the offensive line.

I don't want Smith. I was hoping we wouldn't be on the list of teams waiting to overpay for this guy. I hope they pass on him.

I hope it a ruse to get Cincy to overpay/resign him..otherwise I agree with U..let him rot..

we gotta get this guy....

Cory Lekkerkerker he kina looks like mr lucky charms on meth lol Can you imagine the announcers prounouncing his hame? sheesh...

in all seriousness I'd like to take a run at...

Marques Douglas he's been accelling in the 3-4 and is big enough at 292 and has probably another 3 years left in the tank

Rodney Bailey (hometown product) plus he weights 302 and played well in Pitts in the 3-4 system he could be a solid backup

Isaac Sopoaga oooo short and big and 26... what else is there to say? plus he just looks mean lol


Lance Briggs

Calvin Pace

Danny Clark started in OAK and racked up 2 100+ season.. interesting then moved to hou and didn't even start first year and then the past year started 8 and racked up 51

tank williams... interesting don't know his story but i know ppl were considering him a couple years ago before he win to minny he played 13 games last year and started 2

mike doss hometown and depth and we need better depth at S spot

Will Demps good depth spotty histroy started 8 games last year and racked up 52 tackles and 4 pd and again we need some depth at the S spot

Some of these guys are a mess...

Tank Williams has a fried knee, and plays for a team that needs another S...and the Vikings are practically pushing him out the door.

I wouldn't mind Doss, but we'd have some of the worst deep cover S's in the league then.

Rodney Bailey is a role player extraordinaire in the 3-4, but the problem is he's bounced from the Steelers to Pats to Cards...aka the other 3-4 teams in the league. I'd rather have Bobby Hamilton back if this was the case.

Sopoaga is really injury prone.

I like Briggs, but it's a lock he ends up a Niner.

Who would you take from the updated free agent list in the other thread?

the problem was the bailey tore his achilees and he took a couple years to recover. he has been solid and is an upgreade over our current roster.

what kinda injuries has Sopoaga had?