i really like the jax signing of jerry porter & the jets getting jenkins to fill up the middle of the d-line...i feel that both teams really helped themselves...
Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com. He's covered the NFL for 13 seasons as a beat writer and is the president of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Updated: February 29, 2008, 4:45 PM EST 788 comments RSS digg blog email print Wide receiver Isaac Bruce is moving close to a reunion with his former head coach.
FOXSports.com has learned that Bruce is heading to San Francisco for a free-agent meeting with the 49ers, which recently hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator.
Free-Agent Central Keep up to date with all the comings and goings of the NFL free agency period and check out Alex Marvez's live blog for all the latest notes, rumors and analysis. Bruce spent the past 14 seasons with St. Louis, including six (2000 to 2005) when Martz was head coach. The Rams released Bruce on Thursday to avoid paying him a $2 million roster bonus.
One of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history, the 35-year-old Bruce has 942 career catches for 14,109 yards and 84 touchdowns.
Another free-agent wide receiver garnering interest is New Orleans' Devery Henderson. FOXSports.com has learned that Tampa Bay will be hosting Henderson on a visit. A four-year NFL veteran, Henderson caught 20 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns last season while making nine starts.
Henderson has the kind of big-play ability currently lacking in Tampa Bay's wide receiver corps outside of Joey Galloway.
The Dallas Morning News reported that the Cowboys have traded defensive tackle Jason Ferguson to Miami. Dallas and the Dolphins will swap sixth-round picks in the 2007 draft, which moves the Cowboys to the top of the round. Dallas also will receive a 2009 sixth-round pick.
After missing almost all of last season with a torn biceps, Ferguson became expendable when Jay Ratliff and Tank Johnson played well in his place. The Dolphins were in need of a 3-4 nose tackle after releasing Keith Traylor. Ferguson also played under Dolphins executive vice president Bill Parcells in 2005 and 2006 when the latter was Cowboys coach.
Dolphins guard Rex Hadnot is visiting today with the Houston Texans. Hadnot, a 55-game Dolphins starter who played at the University of Houston, is believed to have become expendable in Miami after the club reportedly signed San Francisco guard Justin Smiley to a free-agent contract.
Bengals help defense, trade for Rogers
If the Cincinnati Bengals want to start working some 3-4 formations into their defensive scheme, the franchise now has the prototype nose tackle to man it.
FOXSports.com has confirmed the Bengals acquired nose tackle Shaun Rogers in a Friday trade with Detroit. Compensation wasn't immediately known. Rogers experienced a rollercoaster seven seasons in Detroit. Rogers' stay will be remembered as much for weight issues and clashes with coaches as his two Pro Bowl berths.
The 2007 season was reflective of much of his NFL career. Rogers was a dominating player at times but he didn't consistently perform at a high level. Having lost patience, Detroit began shopping Rogers shortly after the season ended.
The Bengals were in need of defensive line help to shore the NFL's 21st-ranked run defense (118.3 yards). Rogers has $16.5 million in base salaries remaining on the final three years of his contract, which also makes him a better bargain than some of the other big-name defensive tackles being dangled as trade bait.
Dolphins stay busy, ink McCown
Miami has a new starting quarterback.
FOXSports.com has learned Oakland's Josh McCown has agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million contract with the Dolphins. McCown will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus. The Dolphins were seeking to address the position after releasing Trent Green and, as FOXSports.com first reported, allowing Cleo Lemon to leave via free agency today to Jacksonville. Before the McCown signing, unproven 2007 second-round draft pick John Beck was the only notable quarterback on the roster.
McCown started nine games during an injury-plagued 2007 season with Oakland. While he posted pedestrian passing statistics, McCown was lauded for his leadership skills and willingness to play through pain.
McCown has 31 career starts in six NFL seasons.
The McCown signing is one of a flurry of roster moves Miami has made in Bill Parcells' first off-season heading football operations. Various media reports have the Dolphins signing four free agents ? linebacker Reggie Torbor (New York Giants), guard Justin Smiley (San Francisco), defensive tackle Randy Starks (Tennessee) and wide receiver Ernest Wilfork (Jacksonville) ? while also trading with Dallas for nose tackle Jason Ferguson. The Dolphins also entertained Arizona linebacker Calvin Pace on a free-agent visit.
Redman staying in Atlanta as backup QB
Atlanta's re-signing of Chris Redman continues a curious off-season quarterback trend.
The grass wasn't greener for five players who could have left elsewhere.
Redman joins Todd Collins (Washington), Rex Grossman (Chicago) and Shaun Hill (San Francisco) as quarterbacks who are returning to their respective club despite having a chance to leave as unrestricted free agents. Derek Anderson (Cleveland) also tested the market as a restricted free agent for about 10 hours today before re-signing.
With the exception of Anderson, there is the possibility none of these players will enter this season as a starter. And even in Anderson's case, he may be playing elsewhere in several years if Brady Quinn proves ready for the job.
What to make of this?
A) Hill, Grossman, Collins and Redman must believe they have a better shot at starting with their current team than elsewhere.
B) Those same clubs didn't believe there were better options via trade or free agency. Atlanta and possibly Chicago are expected to have interest in selecting a quarterback early in April's draft.
Hill and Collins toiled in obscurity for years before cashing in with new contracts, but neither was more off the NFL's radar than Redman. Out of the league for most of the previous three years, Redman was signed by Atlanta in 2007 because of his familiarity with then-coach Bobby Petrino's offense from when both were at Louisville. Redman played well enough to show he is at least a competent NFL backup.
See: Petrino did do something good for the Falcons after all.
Lemon signs with Jaguars
Former Miami quarterback Cleo Lemon has signed a three-year, $8.1 million contract with Jacksonville, FOXSports.com has learned.
The deal includes $2.95 million in signing bonus and $4 million in incentives.
Lemon is forecast to serve as David Garrard's backup.
Jets win Jenkins sweepstakes
The New York Jets are the winners in the Kris Jenkins sweepstakes.
FOXSports.com has learned that Carolina traded the defensive tackle to the New York Jets for third- and fifth-round draft picks.
Although he has battled weight issues in the past, Jenkins should provide the big-bodied presence at nose tackle the team has sorely lacked since coach Eric Mangini instituted a 3-4 defensive scheme in 2006. Dewayne Robertson, who was manning the spot for New York, seems likely to get traded elsewhere. Robertson is better suited as a penetrating-style tackle in a 4-3 defensive scheme.
Jenkins had 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season while starting 15 of 16 games for Carolina. But that wasn't good enough for the Panthers, who wanted to avoid having to pay Jenkins a $1 million roster bonus due next week.
Damione Lewis, who was re-signed earlier this month, is expected to replace Jenkins in the starting lineup.
Redskins re-sign QB Collins
Of the top quarterbacks available in free agency, one is already off the market while another is meeting with the Miami Dolphins.
The Washington Redskins have announced the re-signing of Todd Collins. Contract terms were not released.
FOXSports.com also has confirmed that Oakland quarterback Josh McCown is taking a free-agent visit with the Dolphins. McCown started nine games for the Raiders last season, but is expected to cede the starting position in 2008 to JaMarcus Russell.
The Dolphins are in need of a starting quarterback, as Trent Green was released and Cleo Lemon is expected to sign with Jacksonville.
As for Collins, he helped guide Washington to four consecutive late-season victories in place of the injured Jason Campbell. Collins, 36, seems likely to return to a backup role behind Campbell.
Stroud to visit Bills
Jacksonville's Marcus Stroud will be taking a visit to Buffalo, which could lead to a trade between the two teams for the defensive tackle's services.
The Jaguars have given Stroud permission to shop himself in a trade. Stroud's lofty salary (a team-high $6.3 million in 2008) and struggles to stay on the field have landed him on the trading block. Stroud has missed 12 games the past two seasons because of injuries and a steroid suspension.
Off-season Roundup
Friday a.m. note ? picking up Pace
Don't be surprised if Arizona linebacker Calvin Pace leaves South Florida as a member of the Miami Dolphins following a free-agent visit.
A league source told FOXSports.com that Miami is preparing to offer Pace the same kind of mega-deal that linebackers Adalius Thomas and Joey Porter received in free agency last off-season. New England and Miami signed Thomas and Porter respectively to five-year, $32 million contracts that included $20 million in guaranteed money.
Incidentally, Thomas and Porter never made the kind of impact in 2007 that was expected for the money paid.
While the 2003 first-round pick struggled as a 4-3 defensive end in his first four NFL seasons, Pace blossomed last year when moved to outside linebacker in Arizona's new 3-4 scheme. Pace finished with career highs in tackles (98), sacks (6.5) and passes defensed (6).
By franchising fellow outside linebacker Karlos Dansby, Arizona was willing to let Pace test the market. Unless wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald can be signed to a new contract that lowers his salary cap number of roughly $16 million, Arizona appears likely to lose Pace and wideout Bryant Johnson in free agency.
San Francisco running back Maurice Hicks is planning to take a future free-agent visit to Minnesota, FOXSports.com has learned.
Hicks started five games for the 49ers in 2004 and 2005 and has primarily handled kick returns for the past two seasons.
Philadelphia and Houston also have expressed interest in Hicks, a source said.
Adam Caplan of scout.com reports that New Orleans will re-sign defensive tackle Brian Young and linebacker Mark Simoneau. Young is slated to receive a three-year, $12 million deal.
Fawning over Faneca
It's a three-team race for Pittsburgh guard Alan Faneca.
FOXSports.com has learned that Faneca is receiving strong interest from San Francisco, St. Louis and the New York Jets. Faneca doesn't plan on making any free-agent visits while mulling impending contract offers but hopes to make a decision between those squads within the next 48 hours.
All three suitors are desperate for offensive line help.
Considered the NFL's top free-agent offensive lineman, Faneca has gotten named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls. But because of his age (31) and the high salary he is commanding, Faneca will not be re-signed by the Steelers.
Chris Kemoeatu is expected to replace Faneca as Pittsburgh's starting left guard provided he is re-signed as a restricted free agent.
Vikings off and running
Expected to take a plunge into free agency, the Minnesota Vikings aren't disappointing.
FOXSports.com has confirmed reports that Chicago wide receiver Bernard Berrian and Cincinnati defensive end Justin Smith are drawing strong interest. The Vikings hope to visit with both players today.
Signing Berrian and Smith would address two Vikings needs. Minnesota is lacking a veteran wideout to pair with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, while Smith would fill the void created when starting end Kenechi Udeze was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
FOXSports.com has learned Oakland wide receiver Jerry Porter is set to visit with Jacksonville and may already have reached agreement on a contract. Also, a source said Philadelphia is set to host New England cornerback Asante Samuel on a free-agent visit.
Quarterbacks on the move
Starting for a 1-15 team in 2007 didn't temper interest in Miami quarterback Cleo Lemon.
FOXSports.com has learned that Lemon is taking a free-agent visit Friday to Jacksonville.
Lemon would serve as the backup to David Garrard, who is entering the final year of his contract. Quinn Gray, who was Jacksonville's second-string quarterback in 2007, is not expected to return as an unrestricted free agent.
Gray could draw interest from Minnesota, which is seeking a veteran quarterback to potentially push Tarvaris Jackson for a starting spot.
Lemon garnered the most extensive playing time of his four-year NFL career in 2007. He started seven games, posting a 1-6 record, and appeared in two others.
Packers staying in the division?
FOXSports.com has learned Detroit defensive end Corey Smith is tentatively scheduled for a Monday free-agent visit with Green Bay. A seven-year NFL veteran, Smith saw action in 16 games last season with two starts.
Also, Adam Caplan of scout.com has reported that Oakland defensive end Tyler Brayton has a visit set with Carolina. Caplan says Oakland unsuccessfully tried to re-sign Brayton before the start of the free-agent signing period.
Staying put
FOXSports.com has learned Cleveland has re-signed safety Nick Sorensen to a three-year, $2.5 million contract. A special teams ace, Sorensen played half the 2007 season with the Browns following his release by Jacksonville.
Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com. He's covered the NFL for 13 seasons as a beat writer and is the president of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Updated: February 29, 2008, 4:45 PM EST 788 comments RSS digg blog email print Wide receiver Isaac Bruce is moving close to a reunion with his former head coach.
FOXSports.com has learned that Bruce is heading to San Francisco for a free-agent meeting with the 49ers, which recently hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator.
Free-Agent Central Keep up to date with all the comings and goings of the NFL free agency period and check out Alex Marvez's live blog for all the latest notes, rumors and analysis. Bruce spent the past 14 seasons with St. Louis, including six (2000 to 2005) when Martz was head coach. The Rams released Bruce on Thursday to avoid paying him a $2 million roster bonus.
One of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history, the 35-year-old Bruce has 942 career catches for 14,109 yards and 84 touchdowns.
Another free-agent wide receiver garnering interest is New Orleans' Devery Henderson. FOXSports.com has learned that Tampa Bay will be hosting Henderson on a visit. A four-year NFL veteran, Henderson caught 20 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns last season while making nine starts.
Henderson has the kind of big-play ability currently lacking in Tampa Bay's wide receiver corps outside of Joey Galloway.
The Dallas Morning News reported that the Cowboys have traded defensive tackle Jason Ferguson to Miami. Dallas and the Dolphins will swap sixth-round picks in the 2007 draft, which moves the Cowboys to the top of the round. Dallas also will receive a 2009 sixth-round pick.
After missing almost all of last season with a torn biceps, Ferguson became expendable when Jay Ratliff and Tank Johnson played well in his place. The Dolphins were in need of a 3-4 nose tackle after releasing Keith Traylor. Ferguson also played under Dolphins executive vice president Bill Parcells in 2005 and 2006 when the latter was Cowboys coach.
Dolphins guard Rex Hadnot is visiting today with the Houston Texans. Hadnot, a 55-game Dolphins starter who played at the University of Houston, is believed to have become expendable in Miami after the club reportedly signed San Francisco guard Justin Smiley to a free-agent contract.
Bengals help defense, trade for Rogers
If the Cincinnati Bengals want to start working some 3-4 formations into their defensive scheme, the franchise now has the prototype nose tackle to man it.
FOXSports.com has confirmed the Bengals acquired nose tackle Shaun Rogers in a Friday trade with Detroit. Compensation wasn't immediately known. Rogers experienced a rollercoaster seven seasons in Detroit. Rogers' stay will be remembered as much for weight issues and clashes with coaches as his two Pro Bowl berths.
The 2007 season was reflective of much of his NFL career. Rogers was a dominating player at times but he didn't consistently perform at a high level. Having lost patience, Detroit began shopping Rogers shortly after the season ended.
The Bengals were in need of defensive line help to shore the NFL's 21st-ranked run defense (118.3 yards). Rogers has $16.5 million in base salaries remaining on the final three years of his contract, which also makes him a better bargain than some of the other big-name defensive tackles being dangled as trade bait.
Dolphins stay busy, ink McCown
Miami has a new starting quarterback.
FOXSports.com has learned Oakland's Josh McCown has agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million contract with the Dolphins. McCown will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus. The Dolphins were seeking to address the position after releasing Trent Green and, as FOXSports.com first reported, allowing Cleo Lemon to leave via free agency today to Jacksonville. Before the McCown signing, unproven 2007 second-round draft pick John Beck was the only notable quarterback on the roster.
McCown started nine games during an injury-plagued 2007 season with Oakland. While he posted pedestrian passing statistics, McCown was lauded for his leadership skills and willingness to play through pain.
McCown has 31 career starts in six NFL seasons.
The McCown signing is one of a flurry of roster moves Miami has made in Bill Parcells' first off-season heading football operations. Various media reports have the Dolphins signing four free agents ? linebacker Reggie Torbor (New York Giants), guard Justin Smiley (San Francisco), defensive tackle Randy Starks (Tennessee) and wide receiver Ernest Wilfork (Jacksonville) ? while also trading with Dallas for nose tackle Jason Ferguson. The Dolphins also entertained Arizona linebacker Calvin Pace on a free-agent visit.
Redman staying in Atlanta as backup QB
Atlanta's re-signing of Chris Redman continues a curious off-season quarterback trend.
The grass wasn't greener for five players who could have left elsewhere.
Redman joins Todd Collins (Washington), Rex Grossman (Chicago) and Shaun Hill (San Francisco) as quarterbacks who are returning to their respective club despite having a chance to leave as unrestricted free agents. Derek Anderson (Cleveland) also tested the market as a restricted free agent for about 10 hours today before re-signing.
With the exception of Anderson, there is the possibility none of these players will enter this season as a starter. And even in Anderson's case, he may be playing elsewhere in several years if Brady Quinn proves ready for the job.
What to make of this?
A) Hill, Grossman, Collins and Redman must believe they have a better shot at starting with their current team than elsewhere.
B) Those same clubs didn't believe there were better options via trade or free agency. Atlanta and possibly Chicago are expected to have interest in selecting a quarterback early in April's draft.
Hill and Collins toiled in obscurity for years before cashing in with new contracts, but neither was more off the NFL's radar than Redman. Out of the league for most of the previous three years, Redman was signed by Atlanta in 2007 because of his familiarity with then-coach Bobby Petrino's offense from when both were at Louisville. Redman played well enough to show he is at least a competent NFL backup.
See: Petrino did do something good for the Falcons after all.
Lemon signs with Jaguars
Former Miami quarterback Cleo Lemon has signed a three-year, $8.1 million contract with Jacksonville, FOXSports.com has learned.
The deal includes $2.95 million in signing bonus and $4 million in incentives.
Lemon is forecast to serve as David Garrard's backup.
Jets win Jenkins sweepstakes
The New York Jets are the winners in the Kris Jenkins sweepstakes.
FOXSports.com has learned that Carolina traded the defensive tackle to the New York Jets for third- and fifth-round draft picks.
Although he has battled weight issues in the past, Jenkins should provide the big-bodied presence at nose tackle the team has sorely lacked since coach Eric Mangini instituted a 3-4 defensive scheme in 2006. Dewayne Robertson, who was manning the spot for New York, seems likely to get traded elsewhere. Robertson is better suited as a penetrating-style tackle in a 4-3 defensive scheme.
Jenkins had 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season while starting 15 of 16 games for Carolina. But that wasn't good enough for the Panthers, who wanted to avoid having to pay Jenkins a $1 million roster bonus due next week.
Damione Lewis, who was re-signed earlier this month, is expected to replace Jenkins in the starting lineup.
Redskins re-sign QB Collins
Of the top quarterbacks available in free agency, one is already off the market while another is meeting with the Miami Dolphins.
The Washington Redskins have announced the re-signing of Todd Collins. Contract terms were not released.
FOXSports.com also has confirmed that Oakland quarterback Josh McCown is taking a free-agent visit with the Dolphins. McCown started nine games for the Raiders last season, but is expected to cede the starting position in 2008 to JaMarcus Russell.
The Dolphins are in need of a starting quarterback, as Trent Green was released and Cleo Lemon is expected to sign with Jacksonville.
As for Collins, he helped guide Washington to four consecutive late-season victories in place of the injured Jason Campbell. Collins, 36, seems likely to return to a backup role behind Campbell.
Stroud to visit Bills
Jacksonville's Marcus Stroud will be taking a visit to Buffalo, which could lead to a trade between the two teams for the defensive tackle's services.
The Jaguars have given Stroud permission to shop himself in a trade. Stroud's lofty salary (a team-high $6.3 million in 2008) and struggles to stay on the field have landed him on the trading block. Stroud has missed 12 games the past two seasons because of injuries and a steroid suspension.
Off-season Roundup
Friday a.m. note ? picking up Pace
Don't be surprised if Arizona linebacker Calvin Pace leaves South Florida as a member of the Miami Dolphins following a free-agent visit.
A league source told FOXSports.com that Miami is preparing to offer Pace the same kind of mega-deal that linebackers Adalius Thomas and Joey Porter received in free agency last off-season. New England and Miami signed Thomas and Porter respectively to five-year, $32 million contracts that included $20 million in guaranteed money.
Incidentally, Thomas and Porter never made the kind of impact in 2007 that was expected for the money paid.
While the 2003 first-round pick struggled as a 4-3 defensive end in his first four NFL seasons, Pace blossomed last year when moved to outside linebacker in Arizona's new 3-4 scheme. Pace finished with career highs in tackles (98), sacks (6.5) and passes defensed (6).
By franchising fellow outside linebacker Karlos Dansby, Arizona was willing to let Pace test the market. Unless wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald can be signed to a new contract that lowers his salary cap number of roughly $16 million, Arizona appears likely to lose Pace and wideout Bryant Johnson in free agency.
San Francisco running back Maurice Hicks is planning to take a future free-agent visit to Minnesota, FOXSports.com has learned.
Hicks started five games for the 49ers in 2004 and 2005 and has primarily handled kick returns for the past two seasons.
Philadelphia and Houston also have expressed interest in Hicks, a source said.
Adam Caplan of scout.com reports that New Orleans will re-sign defensive tackle Brian Young and linebacker Mark Simoneau. Young is slated to receive a three-year, $12 million deal.
Fawning over Faneca
It's a three-team race for Pittsburgh guard Alan Faneca.
FOXSports.com has learned that Faneca is receiving strong interest from San Francisco, St. Louis and the New York Jets. Faneca doesn't plan on making any free-agent visits while mulling impending contract offers but hopes to make a decision between those squads within the next 48 hours.
All three suitors are desperate for offensive line help.
Considered the NFL's top free-agent offensive lineman, Faneca has gotten named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls. But because of his age (31) and the high salary he is commanding, Faneca will not be re-signed by the Steelers.
Chris Kemoeatu is expected to replace Faneca as Pittsburgh's starting left guard provided he is re-signed as a restricted free agent.
Vikings off and running
Expected to take a plunge into free agency, the Minnesota Vikings aren't disappointing.
FOXSports.com has confirmed reports that Chicago wide receiver Bernard Berrian and Cincinnati defensive end Justin Smith are drawing strong interest. The Vikings hope to visit with both players today.
Signing Berrian and Smith would address two Vikings needs. Minnesota is lacking a veteran wideout to pair with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, while Smith would fill the void created when starting end Kenechi Udeze was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
FOXSports.com has learned Oakland wide receiver Jerry Porter is set to visit with Jacksonville and may already have reached agreement on a contract. Also, a source said Philadelphia is set to host New England cornerback Asante Samuel on a free-agent visit.
Quarterbacks on the move
Starting for a 1-15 team in 2007 didn't temper interest in Miami quarterback Cleo Lemon.
FOXSports.com has learned that Lemon is taking a free-agent visit Friday to Jacksonville.
Lemon would serve as the backup to David Garrard, who is entering the final year of his contract. Quinn Gray, who was Jacksonville's second-string quarterback in 2007, is not expected to return as an unrestricted free agent.
Gray could draw interest from Minnesota, which is seeking a veteran quarterback to potentially push Tarvaris Jackson for a starting spot.
Lemon garnered the most extensive playing time of his four-year NFL career in 2007. He started seven games, posting a 1-6 record, and appeared in two others.
Packers staying in the division?
FOXSports.com has learned Detroit defensive end Corey Smith is tentatively scheduled for a Monday free-agent visit with Green Bay. A seven-year NFL veteran, Smith saw action in 16 games last season with two starts.
Also, Adam Caplan of scout.com has reported that Oakland defensive end Tyler Brayton has a visit set with Carolina. Caplan says Oakland unsuccessfully tried to re-sign Brayton before the start of the free-agent signing period.
Staying put
FOXSports.com has learned Cleveland has re-signed safety Nick Sorensen to a three-year, $2.5 million contract. A special teams ace, Sorensen played half the 2007 season with the Browns following his release by Jacksonville.
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