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Early Free Agents gone already


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Well there is already some movement in free agency! Also some of the guys that people here would be a good fit for the Bengals did get traded. Though this seems bad now, it might actually be a good sign that more teams are willing to make trades, which is kinda unusual. Corey Williams did get traded to the Browns and also Vilma is about to get traded to the Saints. Kris Jenkins, another big body is going to the Jets. This only leaves Stroud and Rodgers as potential big men on the trading block. Also, did anyone see the free agency kick off show on NFL network? Solomon Wilcotts made sure to point out how good of a signing it would be if the Bengals could pick up Alge Crumpler...then Sheffter said he would probably be reunited in Seattle with Jim Mora Jr. instead.

Early signings by Dolphins, 49ers kick off frantic free-agency period

By John Clayton

ESPN.com

(Archive)

Updated: February 29, 2008, 6:55 AM ET

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Everyone expected a quick start to free agency, but the limited market of players made things even crazier than normal Friday morning.

Less than a hour after the 12:01 a.m. start to free agency, the Dolphins reached a five-year, $25 million deal with 49ers guard Justin Smiley that included a $9 million guarantee. The Raiders quickly made contact with 49ers tackle Kwame Harris and may try to do something at a similar price although talks are in the early stages.

The 49ers wasted no time hitting their free agency shopping list. They agreed with Vikings linebacker Dontarrious Thomas on a two-year deal and allowed Lions quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan to be re-united with new 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz by agreeing to a one-year, $645,000 contract. The 49ers also locked up a two-year, $1.8 million deal with former Panthers halfback DeShaun Foster and a one-year, $870,000 deal with kick-returner/cornerback Allen Rossum, a former Steeler.

The post-midnight contact for Steelers guard Alan Faneca set the stage for a possible $8 million-a-year deal before Monday. The 49ers, Rams and Jets contacted Faneca's agent, Rick Smith, after midnight to set up visits. Faneca plans to spend Friday mapping out plans and visit a team Sunday. The Cardinals expressed interest in Faneca but indicated to him they couldn't do an $8 million-a-year deal now because of Larry Fitzgerald's contract. Fitzgerald has a $16.48 million cap number this year and the team hasn't been able to restructure his contract.

The phone was busy for Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel, with the Eagles making the early calls and winning the first visit. Samuel is hoping to get a five-year, $50 million or six-year, $62 million contract.

Things were tight-lipped around Randy Moss, the Patriots' receiver who wasn't franchised and is technically a free agent. Many believe he will re-sign in New England, but there was no deal in place at the start of free agency.

The Falcons contacted Seahawks kicker Josh Brown and also tried to convince Chargers running back Michael Turner to make a visit on Friday. The Panthers convinced Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton to make Carolina his first visit. The Vikings and 49ers battled it out to convince Bengals defensive end Justin Smith, but Smith informed the 49ers he will make San Francisco his first stop.

Late deals to keep players prevented some suitors from getting visits. Defensive tackle Brian Young is considering an offer to re-sign with the Saints and declined a visit. Chris Redman is considering re-signing with the Falcons.

Plenty of trades are expected to be announced Friday. The Packers traded franchise defensive tackle Corey Williams to the Browns for a second-round choice. Williams is expected to sign a six-year, $38 million contract. The Saints are close to finishing a trade for Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is heading to the Jets for a third- and fifth-round pick. Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson will go to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick. Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud are also on the trading block and deals could move quickly involving them.

Free Agency

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A $16.48mm dollar cap hit this year for Larry Fitzgerald???

Holy crap, no wonder the Cards are as bad as the Bengals. Just as bad as having 3 franchise OT's, 2 with bad knees and the other with one year of starting experience!

According to NFL network the Bengals are $17.1 Million under the cap...but I am guessing that is not including the franchise contract to Andrews which will take about $8 million of that unless they are able to trade him. $9 Million would only allow the Bengals to sign possibly 2 free agents and then sign their draft picks.

Too bad the Bengals aren't $40 Million under the cap like the Dolphins

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Vikes may sign Madieu today, per FT:

POSTED 11:25 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

VIKES TO BID HELLO TO MADIEU?

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the Vikings are working on the parameters of a contract with safety Madieu Williams.

He's reportedly going to fly to Minnesota today to meet with the team, and a deal could be done.

The Vikings desperately need help at safety, given the release of Dwight Smith and the free-agent status of Tank Williams and Mike Doss.

And if we want Pace we'll have to outbid the Fins...so that probably won't happen:

POSTED 10:48 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

FINS TO BREAK BANK FOR PACE?

A year after the Dolphins paid (wasted) $20 million in guaranteed money on linebacker Joey Porter, they might be getting ready to write a big check to another linebacker.

According to Alex Marvex of FOXSports.com, the Fins could be signing Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace to "the same kind of mega-deal" that was received a year ago by Porter and by Adalius Thomas of the Patriots.

Such a move would immediately call into question Porter's future with the team. He's due to earn a base salary of $4.8 million in 2008.

It also might prompt 2006 NFL defensive player of the year Jason Taylor to blow his stack. There were rumblings a year ago that Taylor was not pleased that he didn't get an adjustment after Porter received his windfall. If the Fins do it again, that might be the last straw for Taylor.

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GET SHAUN ROGERS GOT DAMNIT!!! Give the Lions a something like a 3rd-5th Rd. and maybe something else insignificant.

You sir, are psychic or an insider. Wasn't the trade announced shortly after your post?

Yeah I was reading his post then shortly after I hear that we made a trade for Rogers. :o

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