Free agency began at 10:01 p.m. MST last night, and since then a number of big signings have already occurred. We’ll be blogging all the big news throughout the day.
9:45 a.m. MST: It began late last night with Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who hit the open market for just a short while before he re-signed with Washington.
Then the Redskins were able to sign the biggest free agent prize out there, Albert Haynesworth.
The Patriots got into the mix and are expected to sign running back Fred Taylor, who has spent the entirety of his career up to this point with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It looks like the New York Jets have gotten one of the most coveted free agent linebackers in Bart Scott, and they also were able to re-sign their fullback, Tony Richardson.
So the Ravens have lost one of their best linebackers, and it looks like they may lose another — Ray Lewis may take his services elsewhere for the first time in his career.
The Patriots have been able to take away from the division rival Jets by picking up tight end Chris Baker.
And safety Eugene Wilson was on the market for just a few hours before getting a new deal with his 2008 team, the Houston Texans.
And though it happened before the start of free agency, the Dolphins secured the safety position by re-signing Yeremiah Bell to a new deal and signing Gibril Wilson, who was cut by the Raiders.
9:49 a.m. MST: Here’s a list of Broncos who are now on the market.
Unrestricted: Tatum Bell, Ebenezer Ekuban, Darrell Jackson, Marlon McCree, Tom Nalen, Karl Paymah, Kenny Peterson, Michael Pittman, Jeb Putzier, Patrick Ramsey, Edell Shepherd and Nate Webster.
Restricted: Erik Pears.
Exclusive Rights: Andre Hall.
10:07 a.m. MST: After trying unsuccessfully last year to trade for quarterback Sage Rosenfels, the Vikings have finally done it this year. The Houston backup is now a Viking.
10:23 a.m. MST: There’s a new name on the list of available players: Marques Douglas. The Ravens have just cut the defensive end, making him a free agent.
10:28 a.m. MST: The biggest trade of the day, thus far, has just gone through. The Cleveland Browns have traded tight end Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed draft pick.
10:38 a.m. MST: After losing Scott and cutting Douglas, the Ravens have jumped into the fray by signing cornerback Domonique Foxworth.
The former Bronco spent last season with the Falcons, starting 10 games.
1:36 p.m. MST: Sorry for the delay in posts, but everyone’s gotta eat. So after a little lunch with Kyle Sonneman and PR staffer Patrick Smyth, it’s time to get back to tracking the transactions.
The Patriots are close to completing a trade that would send linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs.
1:41 p.m. MST: Fourth-year offensive tackle Frank Omiyale joins the Chicago Bears after spending last season with the Carolina Panthers.
And the Bengals have gotten into the mix by re-signing safety Chris Crocker.
1:53 p.m. MST: Guard Chris Kemoeatu has re-signed with his 2008 team, the Steelers.
2:00 p.m. MST: And to update the post a few hours back about Foxworth — he and the Ravens have now reached a deal for his four-year contract.
2:31 p.m. MST: With all the talk about Ray Lewis, I thought I’d link to this little tidbit by Adam Schefter. It seems that Lewis’ relationship with the Ravens is just fine, and he will not make any decisions until Monday.
2:37 p.m. MST: After losing Haynesworth, the Titans have managed to re-sign a couple of their own free agents. They have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with quarterback Kerry Collins, and they also locked up defensive back Vincent Fuller.
3:10 p.m. MST: A couple more running backs have received new contracts around the league. DeDe Dorsey re-signed with the Bengals, and Maurice Morris signed with the Lions after seven seasons in Seattle.
Center Brad Meester has re-signed with the Jaguars.
3:13 p.m. MST: The Saints have reached an agreement with linebacker Jonathan Vilma on a five-year contract.
3:59 p.m. MST: I want to thank everyone for all the great comments on the blog. Free agency is an exciting time in the NFL, and so much is going on.
As Kyle Sonneman noted in a comment below, the Broncos have not announced any official signings. As such, all the news out there are just reports from outside sources. The transactions being reported may very well go through, but until the Broncos announce it, it would be inappropriate for us to report on it as the team’s official site. Once something is made official by the team, we will fill you in completely.
4:41 p.m. MST: You may have noticed the blog is a little sluggish, and we apologize for the problem. With all the activity and traffic on the site, it’s just running a little slow.
But rest assured we’ll keep you informed.
4:56 p.m. MST: Free agent right tackle Stacy Andrews, formerly of the Bengals, will be joining the Eagles, pending a physical today. The two sides have agreed to terms on a contract.
5:00 p.m. MST: After re-signing Meester earlier, the Jaguars have re-signed another one of their free agents — cornerback Scott Starks.
6:58 p.m. MST: Another delay for the drive home and a few errands, and now I’m back at it, catching up on the latest free agency transactions.
10-year veteran tight end Jim Kleinsasser, a second-round pick of the Vikings in 1999, has agreed to a new deal with Minnesota.
7:04 p.m. MST: Another trade is in the works, this one between the Eagles and Jets. Once completed, the Eagles will send cornerback Lito Sheppard to the Jets for a pair of draft picks.
7:07 p.m. MST: And as several of y’all have pointed out, the Redskins have indeed released 12-year veteran cornerback Shawn Springs.
7:11 p.m. MST: The Redskins are keeping their big day in free agency going, and they have added another player to their roster. Washington has reached a deal with former Buffalo Bills guard Derrick Dockery.
7:16 p.m. MST: Also, the deal between the Jets and linebacker Bart Scott has officially gone through. The former Ravens linebacker is now a New York Jet.
7:23 p.m. MST: 2008 marked Takeo Spikes’ 11th year in the league and his first with the 49ers after playing with the Eagles, Bills and Bengals earlier in his career. He has now re-signed with the 49ers on a two-year contract.
7:44 p.m. MST: Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who this last year started 12 games for the injured Carson Palmer in Cincinnati, has signed with the Buffalo Bills.
8:04 p.m. MST: Missed this one a little bit earlier, but safety Sean Considine, formerly of the Eagles, has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It is being reported as a two-year deal.
8:25 p.m. MST: It looks like a few more players have a place to play in 2009. The Jets brought back guard Brandon Moore after releasing him earlier in the offseason. Linebacker Michael Boley, formerly of the Falcons, will likely join the New York Giants. And 11-year veteran Allen Rossum has re-signed with the 49ers.
8:30 p.m. MST: Here’s an interesting bit about Cardinals QB Kurt Warner. Despite leading Arizona to Super Bowl XLIII, Warner has hit the free agent market. The quarterback has said that he’d like to return to the Cards. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.
8:56 p.m. MST: Things appear to be slowing down a bit (for now), but stick with us because we’ll keep the blog going throughout the weekend as more news comes in from around the league.
– Adam Zinser, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Adam Zinser, Free Agency
Mike Leach is in his last year of his contract and Although this may not be official, but maybe the coaches talked to him and maybe he was wanting a raise?
Lonnie Paxton is 1 of 9 players to play on the Patriots 4 SB team so a LS with experience in the Post Season and SB is very Important. And McDaniels has worked with him know about his locker room prescence and got him cheap.
LS very Important in Special Teams. Matt Prater missed alot of field goals. The Holder is gone (Ramsey) and the Snapper is now in Question? Mike Leach? Now it could be possible that the coaching staff saw something from the snap to the hold to indicate the reasoning for missed field goals and maybe niether one of them wanted to admit that maybe the were messing up so it was time to relace both of them? IDK but it could be a possibility.
Making more tackles does not imply better player. Often, especially with a defensive back, it implies blown/bad coverage.
As a safty comeing u and playing in the box I think it does
excuse me comeing up
There’s alot of focus is on Ray Lewis but like many of you have said, we have to think as if it will never happen. So with that said what are your thoughts on us getting one of the following players…….
Chris Canty (DE) – Dallas
Bryant McFadden (CB) – Pittsburgh
Igor Olshansky (DE) – San GAYiego
Rocky Bernard (DT) – Seattle
Eric Barton (LB) – Jets
One thing that makes me otomistic about Ray Lewis is tat he talkes lik he wants to play till he is fouty
Disregard what I typed about DE and DT bc HomeTeam007 already mentioned it. We were on the same page! hahaha
CARAMELLOO
I like the idea of McFadden and Bernard as for Canty and Olsansky I don’t know how the wuld fit in chemitry wise and I ave never been overly impressed with Barton
That’s right, I didn’t mention corners. Too many options here.
I liked Paymah. Didn’t he make some plays for us last year?
Maybe the coach is thinking of making Renaldo Hill a corner. I heard that the team is looking at Bartell and Buchanon. My picks would be Justin Miller, McFadden and Reynaldo Hill from the Titans. Any thoughts?
Ok everyone, I have been reading this stuff for a while now. Lewis will not be in Denver. Why would he? Plus he is getting old and slowing, yes he is an insperational play or should I say was. Who would he mentor that would be here say two years from now? Think long term not just for this year. As for the other signings or possible signings, I think they were good ones for the most part. Yes Defense is where you win and with both lines! We still need a backup QB, RCB, two linebackers, and D linemen. Oh lets us not forget about the KICKER. He sucked last year and should be replaced. Though I like that we got the two RB’s but I would rather have picked up Ward, with Hillis and someone then like JJ A WOW.
Dawkins is about the same as Lewis, getting old and now has to learn a new system. Learning curve to time left folks. Yes he would be an improvement for what a year maybe two? Come on that type of thinking is why we are in the situation we are now. Don’t get me wrong I loved Shanny and will always pull for him where ever he may go. Dallas next year I think.
Denver will not go to the Super Bowl this year but rather in about 2-3. Lets be realist guys. New coaches, systems, players, chemistry it all takes a little time. We were in bad shape on D so chill and it will come around.
4-3 to 3-4 takes a ton of getting use to assignment wise. Again time guys!
Later
Justin Miller is an elite athelet and like the idea of him playing the nickle MacFadden would a good starter and Reynaldo Hill might be worth a look but not much more
Yeah I think Bernard is flying under the radar bc his name isn’t big like the other free agents. If we get Bernard then we can get a guy like Cushing in the draft. Cushing is a Blue Collar type of athlete who would bring intensity along with a strong work ethic.
Canty will cost too much money considering what Albert Haynesworth received. He is the next premier FA so he will ask for a considerable chunk of cash. I would love to see BDawk come to Denver but not Ray Lewis. You can’t buy leadersip and Lewis is to Batimore what Elway was to us. Lewis is Balty and no one else, IMO. As for McFadden, he would make for a huge upgrade across from Champ and if we can sign him, I think that would help a great deal. If Denver is hoping for a DB in the draft and think Jenkins from OSU will fall to 12, I don’t see it happening. McFadden would be the way to go. Justin Miller is a nice returner obviously but with JJ signing, he should lock the return game slot up.
Caramelloo- I guess we have agreed on Bernard, Orlshansky and McFadden. So lets get them signed up!!
That still leaves a gap at linebacker. Is the Draft going to be this crazy?
I hope so!
Realistic- Be realistic, how much does a saftey really need to learn with a new team?
Iamthe 56- you are right about Miller. He is an athlete, versitile, lets grab him! the Steelers have been grabbibg athletes and traingin them to da a job for years. Look at thier success.
Orange Crush!!!!
I remember how unbelieving I was when Denver let B. Berry go, at that time I thought he was our most effective pass rusher. He is geting up there in years but played pretty good last year for AZ.
Also , last year against the Chargers, I. Olshansky player pretty effectively against us but whether he is the answer or not, who knows. I’m not as much concerned about the outside as I am about nose tackle. You need somebody dominant in that position in the 3-4. We have some guys that can rush the passer and cover some ground but nobody that can tie up 2-3 guys in the middle. I’m guessing they already have somebody they are eyeballing for that position in the draft or free agency. If a free agent is their choice I think they will make a move today with that position being so important to success. Some players we already have could play on the ends in a 3-4 and be very effective. It sure is fun trying to guess our next move, ain’t it? Go Broncos!
We got a DT this morning! FOXsports.com reports the Broncos signed Darell Reid 6’2″ – 228lbs back up DT from the Colts
Home Team 007
It is when you play zone and know how your teammates will release to you and when! Duh! Not too mention deep gap assingments in run support. Remember how often Smith and Atwater had to help with run support due to a bad D line. Well here we are again!
I see Denver is looking at Ronnie Fields and Marques Douglas on the end and tackle as possibilities.
My bad they reached a contract agreement with Reid. This is the dude that was arrested last month on disorderly conduct and trespassing charges for allegedly refusing to leave the parking lot of an Indianapolis nightclub.
Darrell Reid is’nt all that bad look at these numbers 30 tackles and two sacks and he never started a game those numbers are better than either of our starters ad he’s only 26
A source told FOXSports.com that Denver has reached a contract agreement with Indianapolis defensive tackle Darrell Reid, raising the number of free agents the team added Friday to an NFL-high six.
Darrell Reid? Don’t like it, but he is better than bringing in Grady Jax. Reid was arrested and charged by the Indy police for DC but the charge was dropped, if I recall correctly. Still, seems questionable. Not that anyone cares of my opinion but I think the signing is bad.
228 lb DT!!??? Sure you didn’t mean 282?
I was dumbfounded at the signing of Paxton (He’s already not listed on the NE roster) since he’s played as many years as Leach. But, then I got to thinking. Who were our Guard, Center and Tackle backups last year? Lichtensteiger (SP) was all of the above. Paxton is listed as a 266 lb Guard. Poof!!! Instant Guard backup. This also allows Lichtensteiger to concentrate on beating out Weigman for starting center. A smart acquisiton when the whole picture is looked at.
ok yall how do yall feel if we pick up cato june…..just think him and doom on the ends….omg i love that sight……we just another need another corner….. i like jack williamns but he tryin to be like darrent(RIP)…he can not be him…..so lets pick up mcfadden….and for the linebacker….i wanted us to draft that usc linebacker..the one who look like troy P…..so guys can i get some feed back…………………………………..
i bleed orange and blue
When you look at Rocky Bernard you see 55 tackles four sacks and a forced fumble the only way you can say no biggie is if you’re looking at Albert Hansworth who is probably the best D’ tackle since Mean Joe Green andI think Bernard is th next best thing to have a season like while playing for one f the NFL’s worst teams is preaty awsom
I am betting that Reid will convert to a 3-4 DE
great point oldsouth
kidnateboy: the new knock against Rey Maualuga is that he had a poor showing at the Combine, not that anyone should allow that to cloud their judgement. IMO he is a force and will be just fine in the NFL. People seem to think he will have trouble in coverage protection and is too slow all of a sudden. I get that he is no Aaron Curry from WF but he was banged up from time to time this year. I am a Penn State fan and watching him destroy us in the Rose Bowl convinced me. I like him but would rather see Everett Brown (can be a DE and OLB) from FSU fall to 12 or BJ Raji to clog up the middle. That said, don’t see either of them falling to us so it may be Rey M. or Brian Cushing???
Good looking out oldsouthstander, he’s 288lbs. Sorry bout that.
kidnateboy…. Cato June is good but too small for end esp. if we go to a 3-4.
DenverDaveinPA ….. Everett Brown is a name that hasn’t been mentioned enough! His versatility is very very attractive!
I’ll throw a few more names out…….. Brian Orakpo (DE) – Texas, Kaluka Maiava (DT) – USC, Tyson Jackson (DE) – LSU and Clay Matthews (LB) – USC
Has any one consideed Rubi Johnson
BREAKING NEWS – BREAKING NEWS – BREAKING NEWS
Free agent CB Bryant McFadden is likely to sign with the Lions.
This Sucks!!!!
Also Aaron Maybin is versatile like Everett Brown
DenverDaveinPa
Maualuga didn’t have a poor showing, he got hurt running the 40. He was bothered for a few weeks with a leg injury but tried to push through it instead.
I don’t see the intelligence behind signing multiple big name players for big name money. The Redskins will fail with Haynesworth and Hall… just like they always do. The way you build a team is through the draft. So excuse Brian Xanders and Josh McDaniels if they don’t want to pay Chris Canty a $50 million dollar contract.
Free agency is usually for losers. If that player was so good then why did the team let him go? Or if the players wants to go so bad there’s usually an attitude problem. Draft a good player and keep him.
A Sharp Idea- I hear what you are saying about any year can be ours, but how often does the AZ to SB senerio happen? As well as let us not forget their soft schedule till the playoffs and by then they had jelled so to speak. What AZ did was great I was pulling for them in the playoffs and the reallity is they won the SB, Pit got very very lucky, because AZ out played them all game. I am a Huge Bronco fan but I don’t get my expections up and over blown every year. I enjoy watching them play win, lose or suck. I am always hopeful we go all the way. But… I don’t comprimise myself to others and say every year like a lot of fans do that “oh this year we are going to the SB” I hear the same thing every year and it flat crazy to think from the start we will go every year. We were lucky to have won the games we did this year. Two we shouldn’t have.
I go to the games and talk with people. I hope we do make the playoffs this year and think we have a good chance too, but the SB that to me for this year would be icing on the cake. So the reality check is yours to be had my friend.
I do agee with you on the Paceman thing, way too risky but could be a bargain worth chancing if cheap enough.
I am out.
No No Nooooo Rudi Rudi! We have enough RB’s
McFadden to the Lions? Guess when you have 2 Super Bowl rings you can allow free agency to serve its main purpose…to cash in. Oh well. You’re right, CARAMELLOO…Maybin is versatile. Watching him at Penn State dominate games, he was never outplayed. People say he is too lean and needs more muscle, but trust me, the guy can play. McFadden to the Lions…ugh. Can I ask where you see that broncos14441?
Dawkins and Lewis? Are you kidding me, that would be great! Although Ray-Ray was alleged to have committed murder, he never was found guilty and he exudes confidence. A 52 in orange and blue with prominent pregame histrionics would make my day. The Broncos will be a tough team to deal with if that goes through. GO BRONCOS!!!
Ya probably not the best thought to run through myhead jst throughing it out there, I really don’t see us keeping any one but maybe Torain, Hall, Bell, Hillis, Buckhalter and Arington I only say the last two because tey were just signed and one or two more will probably becut after that, I realy hope we go after Laurinitus or Cushing neithe of them did vey well on their fourties but I understand Cushing has run a 4.4 and Laurinitus hasrun faster. I do like B.J.’s collage stats but I don’t know how that will translate I think Ian Johnson could be a solid starer for us you can see how hardhewill work as he has already gone from 197 to a solid 213, 16 pounds of muscle and he has realy shown what he can do second fastest forty amoung running backs and had one of the best bench press’s among running backs as well his sophmore preformence would have been mirrored by the rst of his career had Coach Petteson not decided to lighten te load.
Here is a link for the Reid signing, there is also a video inside. http://profootball.scout.com/2/843064.html
Special teams is starting to look a little better.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! 1
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
we definitely have the talent on offense to be high powered like Arizona was last year and if we keep patching our defense up in free agency and the draft we can make a run at the super bowl and it looks like we are getting closer to signing Dawkins Wyche N.F.L. network just said it’s almost a sure thing.BRONCO NATION 2009!!!!!!!!!!
Has everyone seen the Brian Dawkins weapon X vidio if ot look it up it gives me goose bumps
The amount of comments on here are ridiculous and hilarious. I’ve never seen anything like it… too funny.
And monodono – if you ever read this, I still got my faith but McD is REALLY pushing it. I’m not calling him stupid, an idiot or anything else but he’s starting to make some the decisions I was afraid of… supposedly signing players in positions we don’t really need. I mean if they haven’t even looked at defensive guys for us I will be really p’od. I mean they ought to know we need DEFENSE and then I come on here and all I hear is talk about 2 RBs and a longsnapper?!?!?! You got to be kidding me!! I’ll always have faith no matter how dumb the decisions may be or are and I will most definitely always back this team but sometimes I just don’t get it.
I still say it would be totally sweet if we could get Lewis but I know that’s probably more of a dream than reality… but you can’t blame me for dreamin!!!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Ha! Matt Cassell is a Chief now!
Veteran safety Brian Dawkins just signed a five-year, $17 million deal with the Broncos, including $7.2 million guaranteed. NFL.COM BABY!
it also adds,: but the deal also could be voided to two years, $9 million. either way, its a done deal, i can see it now…. cassell to dawkins. HAHAHA!
Yep, it’s official! They have changed it on nfl.com’s roster for free agency- it shows dawkins now in denver!! Finally, some passion on the D side of the ball..keep it rollin McD! To all you peeps who didn’t have faith, Dawkins should give you a boost of confidence for this new era of Blue and Orange…
We haven’t had a guy like this since Al Wilson, bring it on! I don’t think we need a Ray Lewis personality now, let’s bring in youngsters from the draft and keep this train going for awhile.
jazzyfrizzle: haha, cassell to dawkins… for the 3rd time today!! Dawkins had 6 forced fumbles just last year..turnovers is what we need. Then hand it over to a machine of an offense..
Now we need another CB to match Champ, LB’s to hook up with DJ and a pass rusher or two (from the draft!)…And if we do get Reid that’ll had some funk to our lowly special teams
Lets talk Al Wilson out of retirement if he has stayed in shape lets bring him back
Let me say- you guys just signed a great player and an even better human being. You are also getting a few new fans too. Right now I am tetering my loyalty- 5 years is a tough thing for the Eagles to match so I can understand why the Birds couldnt match that.
BUT he was the franchise so yes I still wanna jump ship. (plus I do have an incentive to root for Cutler). He may have lost a step or 2 but this guy will teach this franchise how to win. Huge signing!
man i really hope jay cutler doesnt flip out about hearing his name in trade rumors….i mean come on jay they called us we didnt call them….we really need you if we are gonna get back to the promise land…just cool off bro