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Vol. 13 No. 12 March 21, 2004

AROUND THE LEAGUE: proach. After all, it is March, and every get back to actual football stuff." The first round of teams' offseason plans team is tied right now. The Cowboys and Henson targeted each are just about complete with most of the no- "It really isn't overpaying for players," other for the same reasons. table free agents having found new homes said Bears general manager Jerry Angelo, Dallas is not certain that current starter or re-upped with their former teams. whose Bears gave right John Tait a Quincy Carter or backup Chad Hutchinson Rosters will continue to change shape six-year, $33 million contract that opened will develop into the franchise with teams still planning for the NFL Draft eyes around the league. "That's what players they have been looking for since Troy Aik- and post-June 1 cuts to fill holes. But Gi- cost. That is what the marketplace is. We're man retired in 2000. ants, Browns and Chargers fans are among competing with other teams, and we did Henson felt the questions about Carter and those likely scratching their heads by their what we felt we had to do, and we felt he Hutchinson made Dallas an ideal place for teams' lack of activity during the opening was a very critical piece to our plan." quick playing time. weeks of free agency. All three missed the Henson, who has not played football since playoffs last year, yet were decidedly quiet ======his junior year at Michigan in 2000 and had as big-name free agents signed elsewhere. only starts in three years there, has been Then again, so were the reigning Super ======working out exclusively on football since Bowl champion Patriots. New England has November. He says he doesn't know what, built its roster around re-signing it's own HOT TOPIC if any, effect the layoff will have on his players and selectively picking up has always been clear about skills. Nor will he predict when he will be moderately-priced free agents. his offseason program. ready to play. All he knows is that he is "A lot of those (high-priced) guys don't Attendance is mandatory. ready to get started on football again. work out," Patriots Vice President of Player So it should come as no surprise that the "I don't know," Henson said. "I don't Personnel Scott Pioli said. "Historically, Cowboys made a late push to get quarter- know if the coaches know. I don't know if I that has shown itself to be true. We're try- back and receiver Keyshawn know exactly. The plan is for me to get their ing to build a team and if you deviate too Johnson in the fold before the offseason pro- Monday. The plan is to get acclimated to much and go too much on the high end with gram starts on Monday. the system. I don't know when that time too many players, you're not going to be Both much-anticipated acquisitions came (when I'm ready to play happen), but hope- able to build a team and spread the avail- to fruition on Friday. fully it will. For now, I'm just going to try to able cash to be strong at all positions." For Henson, the former Michigan quarter- contribute and help." Of course, the Patriots' blueprint isn't for back and New York Yankees baseball Said owner Jerry Jones: "My goal has al- everyone. player, his arrival came in Dallas after the ways been to try to get us in as good a Philadelphia went after NFL management council finally approved shape as we can to be good at quarterback. because the Eagles believe an eight-year contract, which includes $3.5 This gives us several opportunities to be his big-play ability will get them to the next million in guaranteed money and a 2004 able to do that. That is what we ought to be level after losing in three consecutive NFC base salary of $238,000. Henson can void doing. It gives us that many more chances Championship Games. the last four years of the contract if he plays to come up with the kind of quarterbacking "I've also said the more tools you've got either 15 percent of the Cowboys' offensive we want with the Cowboys." in the toolbox the better off you are," Ea- plays this season or 30 percent in any of the The biggest key in the process for Jones gles Brad Childress following three years. and Henson is that the quarterback will be said. "This is a nice tool in the tool box. Johnson came to Dallas via a trade with able to start working out with the team im- This is the multi-faceted Swiss army knife. Tampa Bay for receiver , who mediately. He will work with the receivers This guy can do some different things from finally came to terms on a one-year deal for in the offseason program the next two different spots on the field. It's like Jerry $2.6 million. months, well before mini-camps, quarter- Rice in his heyday when the 49ers would Henson's approval came almost a week af- backs and training camp, giving the Cow- put him all over the field. There's a lot of ter Henson came to terms with the Cowboys, boys an idea of how close he is to contribut- angst for a defense in knowing where he's as the league needed to closely review a ing or how far he still has to go. going to be." deal that was creatively crafted to navigate Henson completed 214 of 374 passes (57 For the Eagles, bringing in Owens and the Texans' 2003 salary cap. Once approved, percent) for 2,946 yards and 24 might be a the Cowboys shipped a third round pick in with only seven in his three matter of survival of the fittest after watch- 2005 to the Texans, who drafted Henson in seasons at Michigan. ing NFC East rival Washington go on its the sixth round of the 2003 draft. There was a slight alteration to the much- annual offseason spending spree. Henson said he just can't wait to get back anticipated receiver to receiver trade with Whether teams are trying to copy the Pa- to football. the Buccaneers. The swap was originally triots' model or shooting for a big splash in "It's a great relief," Henson said. "The contingent on both players signing restruc- free agency, everyone is selling they're ap- tough part is out of the way now and I can tured contracts with the respective teams. Pro Sports’ Best Information Source NFL NOTES 3/21/2004 The Sports Xchange Page 2

The trade will now be consummated with pressed to make the team in training camp); came up with defensive end Jevon Kearse the Cowboys taking Johnson's current deal RB Troy Hambrick (tendered at $628,000 and, after a bit of a comedic drama, wide re- with the Buccaneers as is. with no compensation; is not a featured ceiver Terrell Owens, among others, al- The Cowboys and Johnson came to terms back but could help as part time running though it remains to be seen whether T.O.'s on a four-year, $20 million deal two weeks back, part time fullback and special teams on-the-field help will be neutralized by his ago that includes a $4 million signing contributor); C Matt Lehr (tendered at damaging off-the-field distractions. bonus. But in an effort to get the trade com- $628,000 with 5th-round pick as compensa- The Dallas Cowboys didn't have a quar- pleted as soon as possible, the Cowboys tion; though not a long term answer, emer- terback to speak of, at least not to speak of will now redo Johnson's deal once he gets to gency stint a 16-game starter last year en- well, and so they took the plunge with for- Dallas. deared him with Bill Parcells); S Lynn Scott mer Michigan superstar Drew Henson, who With roughly $10 million available under (tendered at $628,000 with no compensa- spent three years in the New York Yankees' the league's 2004 salary cap of 80.6 million, tion; produces little on special teams and no organization proving conclusively that he the Cowboys have the room to accommo- way close to starting potential, might have couldn't hit a curve or handle the short hop date the Johnson's current contract, which seen final days with Cowboys); LB Markus at third base. includes a $5 base salary for 2004, along Steele (tendered at $628,000 with 4th-round They also engineered a trade of Joey Gal- with a $1 million roster bonus on April 1. pick as compensation; improved as a special loway to acquire , who is However, the cap-strapped Buccaneers teams performer in 2003 ... could return in not just a wide receiver but a big, solid, pos- needed Galloway's deal restructured, which similar role next season); TE James Whalen session receiver as well. Now they need a is why the Cowboys signed him to his one- (tendered at $628,000 with 5th-round pick -- let's bet that they get one. year, $2.6 million deal before making the as compensation; a niche player who never The Washington Redskins didn't stop with trade. found a role in 2003 ... don't know how that signing the storied Joe Gibbs in a splendid changes for 2004); WR Randal Williams Back to the Future feel-good move. No, in- PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES (tendered at $628,000 with no compensa- deed. They acquired a bevy of quality play- --Eagles Bobby Taylor contin- tion; solid special teams player who must fi- ers, including quarterback , ues to make it clear that he would love fin- nally find a way to contribute as a receiver running back , defensive end ish his career with the Cowboys. However, if he hopes to stick in 2004). Philip Daniels and Cor- the team has yet to reciprocate the enthusi- EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS nelius Griffin, who was scene skipping mer- asm for the Longview native who is consid- (1): CB Andrew Davison (must be a con- rily down the highway from Giants Stadium ered the best cornerback left on the market. tributor on special teams). to wherever the Redskins told him to report. "He wants to be in Dallas," Taylor's agent PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: RB Erik Bicker- This all begs the question of what did the Jason Medlock said. "But I don't think it's staff (ERFA; $305,000/1 yr); PK Billy Cun- Giants do? going to happen. I called (vice-president) diff (ERFA; terms unknown); C Gennaro Well, they made major salary room by re- Stephen Jones last week about a visit. But I DiNapoli (UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown); OG leasing middle linebacker Mike Barrow. haven't heard from them."' Torrin Tucker (ERFA; $685,000/2 yrs; 2004 They signed strongside linebacker Carlos Taylor is currently trading contract pro- cap: $305,000). Emmons from Philadelphia, weakside posals with the Bengals. He has also drawn PLAYERS ACQUIRED: QB Drew Hen- linebacker Barrett Green from Detroit, of- interest from the Redskins and Seahawks. son (Trade with Texans; Eight years undis- fensive tackle Barry Stokes from Cleveland --It didn't take long for closed, 2004 cap: $238,000); DE Marcellus and center/guard Shaun O'Hara from Cleve- to get acclimated to Dallas. The former San Wiley (FA Chargers; $16M/4 yrs, $4.5M land. Diego Chargers defensive end who signed SB; 2004 cap: $1.785M); WR Keyshawn But in the give-and-take, they lost Griffin, with the Cowboys last week has already Johnson (Trade with Buccaneers: $20 mil- weakside linebacker (to purchased a house in the north Dallas' sub- lion/4 yrs, $4 million signing bonus; 2004 Philadelphia) and center/tackle Chris Bober urb of Plano. cap: $2.8 million) (to Kansas City). They are not expected to PLAYERS LOST: DE try to re-sign veterans such as defensive end STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL (UFA Browns; $7.5M/3 yrs, $2M SB); WR Kenny Holmes and quarterback Jesse UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): Joey Galloway (Trade with Buccaneers; 1 Palmer, while such as cornerback Ralph RB Michael Bates (solid kick returner but yr/$2.6 million); P (released); Brown and cornerback (who the veteran minimum of $750,000 might be OT Ryan Young (released/failed physical). played for new head coach too much for him to return); CB Mario Ed- in Jacksonville) are expected to move on. wards (A three-year starter who best suited ======So what did they do? Not much. But they as a third corner ... the Cowboys want him are well on their way to securing the top back but only at a bargain price). ======draft pick on merit, not by trade, next year. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (9): DT Willie Blade (tendered at $628,000 with HOT TOPIC PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES 3rd-round pick as compensation; developed While the other three teams in the NFC Despite winning only four games and just into a starter and strong contributor in East Division appear to have shopped in one at home, the Giants raised season ticket 2003); RB Aveion Cason (tendered at Cartier's and at the local Rolls-Royce deal- prices by $5 per seat/per game. $628,000 with no compensation; will be ership, the Giants' adventures in free agency Still, the Giants, sitting in the nation's hard-pressed to make the team in training this winter seem to have emanated from ex- most affluent market, moved to an average camp); OT Javiar Collins (tendered at cursions to K-Mart and Hyundai. ticket price per game of $61.99 -- 16th in $628,000 with no compensation; has shown The , already the best the NFL. The new prices are $65 for upper little progress in three years, will be hard- team of the four, spent a little money and and lower tiers and $75 for the mezzanine level.

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STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL RB/KR Brian Mitchell (released); CB Reg- PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): S gie Stephens (not tendered as --Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is Johnnie Harris (he's a possibility if he ERFA/Broncos; terms unknown). ecstatic over the addition of wide receiver doesn't demand much money); DE Kenny Terrell Owens. "I want a guy that wants the Holmes (too many injuries and letdowns, ======ball when it's time," said McNabb, whose won't be offered anything); TE Tony PHILADELPHIA EAGLES team finished 20th in the league in passing McGee (a veteran signed late in the season); ======last season. "I want a guy that will pump ev- CB Kato Serwanga (not much chance); LB erybody up in the huddle, on the sideline. (played well, Giants would HOT TOPIC Guys can't say, `Well, I'll wait for the next like to re-sign him). Even though Donovan McNabb is consid- series,' or `If the ball comes to me, then I'll UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not ered one of the league's top , make a play.' I want somebody to say, `I'm tendered offers): DE Frank Ferrara (not ten- the Eagles' passing attack has not been sta- open. If you don't have anything, throw me dered as RFA). tistically productive in the four seasons he the ball."' RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): DT has been the club's starter. Owens has lost just five in his Lance Legree (tendered at $628,000 with no In the last four years, they've finished eight years in the NFL and hasn't lost any in compensation; serviceable); QB Jesse 20th, 19th, 20th and 20th in passing yards. the last three years. Palmer (tendered at $628,000 with 4th- But with the addition of Terrell Owens, that --Eagles right tackle Jon Runyan has pur- round pick as compensation; started the fi- almost certainly is about to change. chased a minority interest in the San Diego nal three games and came up wanting); TE Owens' presence on the field is going to Riptides of Arenafootball2. Runyan has Marcellus Rivers (tendered at $628,000 create matchup nightmares for opposing de- been interested in getting involved in arena with no compensation; can't block, has diffi- fenses, who also will have to deal with ball for a while now. culty catching, why keep him?). speedy running back Brian Westbrook and "I am very excited to be on board with the EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS talented young L.J. Smith. Riptides," he said. "Arena football is an ex- (3): OT Ian Allen (they'll be looking to re- "Let's say, for instance, we elect to go citing game with a bright future, and I think place him); RB Delvin Joyce (could be with an empty backfield, which we've been the Riptides have a chance to play a major valuable as a return specialist); OG Omar known to do," said offensive coordinator role in the growth of the sport." Smith (nothing there). Brad Childress. "That means you've got Said Riptides GM Gil Saidy: "We wanted PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: TE Darnell three guys on one side and two on the other. to get Jon in some games. But he wasn't too Dinkins (ERFA; terms unknown); CB Ray Now let's go across the board. You've got interested in the $200 per game salary." Green (had been released); S Clarence Brian, you've got L.J., you've got Terrell LeBlanc (not tendered as RFA; terms un- somewhere. Then you've got Todd Pinkston STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL known); CB William Peterson (RFA; terms and maybe James Thrash or (slot receiver) UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): unknown); DE Keith Washington (Potential . DT Jim Flanigan (came out of retirement to UFA; terms unknown). "The other team has to have some real sign with injury-ravaged Eagles last year; PLAYERS ACQUIRED: S Jack Brewer questions in terms of how they're going to was unproductive and will go back to retire- (WV Vikings); DT Martin Chase (UFA deploy their people. Do you walk a ment); CB Bobby Taylor (he's looking for a Redskins; $1.3M/2 yrs, $160,000 SB); LB linebacker out on L.J.? Do you walk a lot more money than the Eagles are willing Carlos Emmons (UFA Eagles; $16.5M/5 linebacker out on Westbrook? Do you to give); OG Bobbie Williams (started sev- yrs, $2.5M SB/$2M OB '05, $1.8M guaran- double-team Terrell? You have some issues eral games at RG after Jerome Mayberry teed; 2004 cap: $1.13M); LB Barrett Green and you can't double-cover them all. You got hurt, but doesn't pass-block well enough (UFA Lions; $13.25M/5 yrs, $2.75M SB; also have the issue of a quarterback who to suit the Eagles). 2004 cap: $1.085); C/G Shaun O'Hara (UFA might break the line of scrimmage (and run) RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): LB Browns; $5.4M/3 yrs, $2M SB); DT Fred too." Keith Adams (tendered at $628,000 with Robbins (UFA Vikings; $20M/6 yrs, $4M Childress and head coach Andy Reid al- 7th-round pick as compensation; valuable SB); OL Barry Stokes (UFA Browns; 5 yrs, ways have said that they prefer the Eagles' special teams player that the Eagles want to terms unknown). spread-the-ball-around approach to a situa- hang onto); RB PLAYERS LOST: LB Mike Barrow tion where you have one go-to guy. Now (tendered at $628,000 with 4th-round pick (released); C Chris Bober (UFA Chiefs; they've got a guy in Owens who has aver- as compensation; with Staley leaving, he $10M/5 yrs, SB unknown); CB Ralph aged 92.5 receptions per year over the last and Westbrook will share the RB load). Brown (UFA Redskins; $1.4M/2 yrs, four seasons. In those four seasons, the Ea- EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: $250,000 SB); CB Ike Charlton (UFA gles never have had a receiver catch more None. Raiders; terms unknown); OT Pat Crummey than 63 passes. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: DT Paul Gras- (waived); WR Ron Dixon (released); DE "I've also said the more tools you've got in manis (UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown). Frank Ferrara (no tender); QB Jason Garrett the toolbox the better off you are," Chil- PLAYERS ACQUIRED: LB Dhani Jones (UFA Buccaneers; $760,000/1 yr); DT Cor- dress said. "This is a nice tool in the tool (UFA Giants; $12.6M/5 yrs, $2M SB/$2M nelius Griffin (UFA Redskins; $31M/7 yrs, box. This is the multi-faceted Swiss army RB); DE Jevon Kearse (UFA Titans; $8.35M SB); OT Jeffery Hatch (released); knife. This guy can do some different things $66M/8 yrs, $12M SB/$4M RB '04); WR PK (released/failed physical); from different spots on the field. It's like Terrell Owens (trade Ravens). LB Dhani Jones (UFA Eagles; $12.6M/5 Jerry Rice in his heyday when the 49ers PLAYERS LOST: DE yrs, $2M SB/$2M RB); SS Clarence would put him all over the field. There's a (UFA Broncos; terms unknown); LB Carlos LeBlanc (no tender); RB Dorsey Levens lot of angst for a defense in knowing where Emmons (UFA Giants; $16.5M/5 yrs, (released); DT Keith Hamilton (retired); he's going to be." $2.5M SB/$2M OB '05, $1.8M guaranteed);

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QB A.J. Feeley (traded Dolphins); RB Duce George Washington law professor Gregory bright (UFA; $785,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; Staley (UFA Steelers; $14M/5 yrs, $4M E. Maggs said. 2004 cap: $480,000); S (ERFA; SB); CB (UFA Bills; $20M/6 Proving fraud is one of two ways to alter a terms unknown); OG Lennie Friedman yrs, $3.6M SB); DL Brandon Whiting signed contract, said Maggs, who special- (UFA; terms unknown); LB Lemar Marshall (traded 49ers). izes in contract law. The other way is by (ERFA; terms unknown); LB Kevin claiming a mutual mistake was made by Mitchell (UFA; $785,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; ======both parties in preparing the document, 2004 cap: $480,000). WASHINGTON REDSKINS which almost certainly isn't the case in this PLAYERS ACQUIRED: CB Ralph ======instance. Brown (UFA Giants; $1.4M/2 yrs, $250,000 But fraud is a serious charge that carries a SB); QB Mark Brunell (trade Jaguars); DE HOT TOPIC high standard of proof. Phillip Daniels (FA Bears ($11M/5 yrs, Don't look now, but the Redskins' shop- "You can't simply testify, 'We previously $3M SB); DT Cornelius Griffin (UFA Gi- ping spree is over. agreed,'" Maggs said. "What you have to ants; $31/7 yrs, $8.35M SB); CB Walt Har- Washington officials stayed true to their say is, 'When I signed, you told me, with the ris (FA Colts; 3 yrs, terms unknown); RB word after a surge into the market in early intent to deceive me, that the clause was in Clinton Portis (trade Broncos; $50.5M/8 March and sought only to fill reserve slots the contract. And I relied on what you yrs, $11.585M SB/$1.415M RB '04); TE with modestly priced players. said.'" (UFA Saints; terms un- Defensive tackle had been --It seems fishy that CB known); C (FA Chargers; linked to the Redskins in recent months, but canned agents Carl and Kevin Poston right $3.105M/3 yrs, SB unknown); CB Shawn agreed to a deal with Oakland on Saturday. around the same time the Postons, in filing Springs (UFA Seahawks; $30M/6 yrs, Defensive tackle Daryl Gardener remains Arrington's grievance against the Redskins, $10M SB); P (UFA Buccaneers; on the market, but Washington isn't biting, admitted that they didn't read the final ver- $3.74M/4 yrs, $675,000 SB; 2004 cap: instead focusing on Brandon Noble's rehab sion of Arrington's contract extension. $928,750); LB Marcus Washington (UFA and attempt to get back as the starting nose But Smoot said his switch to James "Bus" Colts; $24M/6 yrs, $7M SB). tackle. Cook was a decision he had mulled since PLAYERS LOST: LB Jessie Armstead A bevy of safeties also remain out there, his rookie year. According to Smoot, it had (released); CB (traded Bron- but the Redskins aren't so eager to upgrade nothing to do with the Postons' increasingly cos); P (released); DT Martin over Ifeanyi Ohalete that they'll jump at a controversial role in a variety of contract Chase (UFA Giants; $1.3M/2 yrs, $160,000 30-year-old. Instead, they'll strongly con- situations around the NFL. SB); DT Lional Dalton (released); WR sider Miami's Sean Taylor with their first- "I went with my gut," Smoot said. "[Any Patrick Johnson; DE Bruce Smith round pick (fifth overall) and, barring that connection to Arrington] was probably just (released). selection, perhaps bring in some competi- bad timing." tion for Ohalete late in the summer. ======In a minor miracle considering the club's STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL BEARS salary-cap management in recent years, the UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): ======Redskins actually might get through this TE Zeron Flemister (has some talent but offseason without renegotiating any con- motivation is lacking); DT Bernard Holsey HOT TOPIC tracts. (would give 10-15 snaps a game if he re- OT John Tait became the highest paid un- The club could have turned to tackle Chris turns); DT Darrell Russell (Redskins won't restricted free agent in Bears history on Samuels, defensive end Renaldo Wynn or re-sign him; character remains an issue after March 12 when the Chiefs declined to linebacker to have fi- 2003 NFL return); OL Daryl Terrell (could match the six-year, $33 million offer sheet nanced more pickups. And in recent years, be back as reserve tackle); S David Terrell that the offensive tackle signed a week ear- Washington has restructured basically every (unlikely to return after rough 2003); DE lier. possible contract. Peppi Zellner (did a few things as a Tait significantly upgrades a Bears offen- But Samuels, Wynn and Trotter all could minimum-salary guy, but club is eyeing sive line that struggled last season because be on their way out before the 2005 seasons, Bears' Phillip Daniels). of injuries, inexperience and a lack of tal- and the Redskins would be well-served not RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): FB ent. Critics have argued that, despite his to hit the trio up for cap room. The last con- Bryan Johnson (tendered at $628,000 with large salary, Tait doesn't solve the Bears' tract the Redskins reworked was LaVar Ar- no compensation; solid blocker, great lingering problem at the all-important left rington's, giving the linebacker a special-teams guy); WR Darnerian McCants tackle spot. nine-year, $68 million extension in Decem- (tendered at $628,000 with 5th-round pick Tait, a 6-foot-6, 323-pound, 29-year-old, ber. as compensation; stork has straight-line has played both tackle spots, but he is pen- Currently the club has a bit over $4 mil- speed and knack for touchdowns); S Ifeanyi ciled in as No. 1 on the right side, where lion of room, which might be enough to get Ohalete (tendered at $628,000 with no com- started all 16 games last sea- to the season, especially considering center pensation; two-year starter at safety will be son. Tait has started 66 of the Chiefs' last 67 Larry Moore and running back Trung replaced in lineup); LB regular-season games, the last 32 at right Canidate remain expendable. (tendered at $628,000 with no compensa- tackle and the previous 34 at left tackle. tion; has some potential but little opportu- If Tait is as valuable to the rejuvenation of PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES nity in Washington). the Bears' as the team hopes, his LB LaVar Arrington is expected to have EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: $33 million salary will be money well spent an uphill battle in proving the Redskins None. according to G.M. Jerry Angelo. committed fraud in contract negotiations, PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: LS Ethan Al- "It really isn't overpaying for players,"

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Angelo said. "That's what players cost. That We just need a few improvements at some EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: is what the marketplace is. We're competing key positions on offense." None. with other teams, and we did what we felt PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: OG Steve Ed- we had to do, and we felt he was a very crit- PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES wards (ERFA; terms unknown); CB Todd ical piece to our plan." The Bears may have not made as much of McMillon (UFA, had been released; terms Tait's cap number of $11.5 million this an offseason splash as the Eagles, but they unknown); WR Ahmad Merritt (ERFA; season is $3 million more than believe they've bettered themselves in some terms unknown); FB (FA, Ravens Pro Bowl left tackle Jon Ogden, key positions. had been cut; terms unknown). who was the NFL's highest paid offensive "I don't know exactly how far we've PLAYERS ACQUIRED: RB Thomas linemen prior to the current free-agency pe- come, but I know we've improved a lot of Jones (UFA Buccaneers; $10M/4 yrs, riod. The average salary in Tait's heavily areas," coach Lovie Smith said. "I know our $3.5M SB); QB (UFA front-loaded, six-year contract is a more offensive line is in a lot better shape right Chiefs; $1.6M/2 yrs, SB unknown); OT reasonable $5.5 million, but the total value now. We feel really good about the running John Tait (Transition FA Chiefs; $33.65M/6 is still a benchmark for right tackles. An- back position, getting Thomas Jones. Our yrs, $3MSB/$7.5MRB, $4M RB '05; 2004 gelo considers it the price of doing business. quarterback situation is a lot better with cap: $11.535M). "When we came out of our meetings, the Jonathan Quinn. "We're closer to where PLAYERS LOST: DE Phillip Daniels tackle position was very much a critical we're trying to go. We know we still have a (released); LB Warrick Holdman (released); piece for this offense," the Bears G.M. said. little ways to get there, but we're making QB Kordell Stewart (released); OG Chris "(Director of pro personnel) Bobby DePaul progress." Villarrial (UFA Bills; $11.85M/4 yrs, $3M said it best (when) he said, 'We're really --A consideration in the Bears' pursuit of SB). looking for two left tackles.' free-agent OT John Tait was his familiarity "(While) the right side is usually a posi- with offensive coordinator Terry Shea's ======tion more of power and strength, ours is go- scheme, the same one Shea coached and ing to be more finesse and athleticism. So Tait played in last year with the Chiefs. ======we took on a different perspective. The mar- "They don't want to give the same look ketplace (doesn't) bare a lot of those types twice," Tait said of the offense. "By having HOT TOPIC of players, and John was really the only that much volume, it forces the defense to The "help wanted" sign is still hanging player we felt that fit that bill." prepare for all those looks and it kind of outside Tom Rathman's door in the Lions Between his base salary and roster bonus, forces (defenses) to be really plain and keep offices. Or, at least, it should be. Tait will earn $11.5 million this year. He it simple or to try and keep pace with us and The Lions had the least productive run- will receive a total of $14 million in guaran- have as much volume on defense as we ning game in the NFL last year - through no teed money between this year's roster bonus have on offense. That's difficult to do, espe- fault of Rathman, the running backs coach - and his signing bonus. The largest previous cially when you only have a week to pre- and have been unable to make any signifi- free-agent contract in team history was pare for a game." cant offseason improvements. Phillip Daniels' five-year, $24 million deal Tait said there's a lot to learn, but he plans They released James Stewart, who rushed in 2000. Tait said the money wouldn't to help his teammates, especially the for more than 1,000 yards - despite injury change him. younger ones. problems - in two of his first three seasons "I hope I'll still practice and play as hard "It's not rocket science," Tait said. "It'll be with the Lions, before missing the entire as I have to get here," Tait said. "I don't something that people will be able to pick 2003 season with a shoulder injury. want to freak myself out with a lot of pres- up really quickly." They have not re-signed , sure, but I'm going to be asked to be a last year's leading rusher with 606 yards and leader, and I'm ready for that responsibil- STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL three touchdowns on 158 carries. Bryson ity." UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): was also the Lions' leading receiver with 54 As the Chiefs' designated "transition" OL Corbin Lacina (started one game and catches for 340 yards. player, Tait was guaranteed a 2004 salary of then rarely played; past his prime); DT That leaves them with Olandis Gary, who $6,012,000, which left the team about $4 (he's 34 and doesn't fit the averaged just 3.4 yards (384 yards on 113 million under the salary cap. In order to new defensive scheme); WR Dez White carries) splitting the running back duties match the Bears' front-loaded deal, the (inconsistent catcher who doesn't do much with Bryson through much of the season, Chiefs would have had to cut players or re- after the catch and has never seemed to get and last year's fourth-round draft pick Ar- structure contracts. They were unwilling to as much as he should out of all his physical tose Pinner, who gained 99 yards on 39 car- do that for a player who was considered tools. Unlikely to return). ries (2.5 yards per carry) when he was fi- their third-best offensive lineman behind RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): OL nally healthy enough to play the final three left tackle and right guard Will Mike Gandy (tendered at $1.368M with 1st- games of the season. Shields. round pick as compensation; should be a And it appears there is little available in Tait leaves a 13-3 team, but he said he's guard but has filled in at LT the past two the free agent market to help the Lions up- excited and encouraged about his new situa- seasons with mixed results, at best. Could grade the offense that ranked 32d in the tion. be a solid starter at guard); DE NFL last year, averaging only 83.6 yards "I don't think they're on a rebuilding (tendered at $628,000 with 7th-round pick per game rushing. course," he said of the Bears. "They have a as compensation; undersized pass rusher They made a run at Duce Staley but when solid core and I think they're close to being who has played in situations and filled in as he learned he would probably be part of a a lot better than people think they are. The a backup. Also a solid special teams two-man or three-man rotation, he signed defense is solid, the special teams are great. player). with Pittsburgh. They have also talked to

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Garrison Hearst and Amos Zereoue, and (tendered at $628,000 with no compensa- ======might consider re-signing Bryson if the tion; capable backup and good on special price is right later in the spring. teams); P (tendered at $628,000 ======The Lions' best chance of getting Rath- with 4th-round pick as compensation; was man the player he needs is probably in the inconsistent after being signed as a tempo- HOT TOPIC draft. They reportedly were impressed with rary replacement for P John Jett, but will get P didn't find his big payday Oregon State running back Steven Jackson's first shot at the job if Jett retires); QB Mike in unrestricted free agency. At least he workout and might consider him in the first McMahon (tendered at $1.368M with 1st- found a lot better weather to in. round. round pick as compensation; hasn't shown Late last week, Bidwell ended 48 hours of Otherwise, they could be looking at an- accuracy in three years but coaches love his deliberation by accepting a modest three- other season with very little chance of mov- athletic ability); CB Leonard Myers year, $1.845 million contract with Tampa ing the ball on the ground. (tendered at $628,000 with 6th-round pick Bay. as compensation; signed by Lions when "We respect his wish to go elsewhere," PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES they were desperate for CBs but did not Packers vice president Andrew Brandt said. -- With Charles Rogers' slow recovery play on defense); WR "We talked to Josh about staying. He made from a broken collarbone, there has been (tendered at $628,000 with no compensa- a decision to go elsewhere that he felt was speculation that he might be injury-prone or tion; good speed and shows occasional best for his family and his career." fragile. He also missed significant practice bursts on P and KO returns); FB Stephen Bidwell, 28, received a $125,000 signing time in training camp with a dislocated fin- Trejo (tendered at $628,000 with no com- bonus. He will receive minimum base ger. pensation; a good special teams player salaries of $535,000 in 2004, $540,000 in Nevertheless, Rogers says he's not con- who's had virtually no playing time in three '05 and $545,000 in '06, plus a roster bonus cerned that his NFL career will be limited NFL seasons). of $100,000 in the final year. by injuries. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Bidwell played his final season in Green "It's another situation, going through ad- (4): CB Chris Cash (tough little CB who Bay for $605,000. versity," he said. "I'm going to bounce back. would have started in 2003 but spent the The Packers offered Bidwell slightly more That's all I know how to do - bounce back. year on IR with a knee injury); S Julius than the Bucs did but Bidwell still opted for I've been bouncing back since Day One. It's Curry (spent most of his rookie season in Tampa Bay, where he no doubt hopes that just another thing you've got to do. 2003 on the ); LS Jody Little- warm weather will help improve his statis- "As far as being fragile, I don't even know ton (filled in when Bradford Banta was lost tics and perhaps lead to a more lucrative what that means. Fragile or tender, I don't with a broken collarbone late in the season); contract three years from now. know what that means. I play ball; that's OG Josh Lovelady (former line coach Carl Tampa Bay wanted to re-sign Tom what I do." Mauck thought he could play, hasn't had Tupa but brought in Bidwell quickly for a many chances, however). visit after Tupa signed a four-year, $3.74 STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: WR/KR Eddie million contract with Washington that con- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (9): Drummond (ERFA; terms unknown); DE tained a $675,000 signing bonus. OG Kerlin Blaise (adequate backup who has James Hall (UFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown); The Packers will either sign a veteran or not distinguished himself in few starting op- WR (ERFA; terms unknown); expend a draft choice. They do have one portunities); OG Ray Brown (at 41, it's DT (UFA; $760,000/1 yr; punter on their roster. He's Travis Dorsch, probably over for a solid player and excep- 2004 cap: $455,000); RB who bombed out as the Bengals' fourth- tional leader); RB Shawn Bryson (effective (Potential UFA; terms unknown); S Bracy round pick in 2002 out of Purdue. backup who might have to wait to see what Walker (UFA; terms unknown). "You've got to make decisions and that's the Lions do in free agency and the draft); PLAYERS ACQUIRED: CB Fernando pretty much what we've done," vice presi- QB Ty Detmer (veteran backup whose Bryant (UFA Jaguars; $24M/6 yrs, $7.25M dent of football operations Mark Hatley knowledge and awareness is source of reas- SB); CB Dainon Sidney (UFA Bills; said. "Seems like there's always punters that surance for coach Steve Mariucci); CB $535,000/1 yr; 2004 cap: $455,000); WR come available. Hopefully, it will be the Doug Evans (Lions need to get younger and (UFA 49ers; $1.5M/1 yr, same that it's been in the past." faster in the secondary); WR Shawn Jeffer- $750,000 SB); OG (UFA Bidwell, a fourth-round draft choice in son (extremely good influence on young Patriots; $30M/6 yrs, $9M SB/$500,000 1999, had to sit out his entire rookie season WRs but age and injuries are piling up); P RB; 2004 cap: $4M). because of testicular cancer. He won the job John Jett (tore a calf muscle in 2003 and is PLAYERS LOST: OG Eric Beverly (UFA in 2000 and punted in 64 straight regular- thinking about retirement); CB Otis Smith Falcons; 3 yrs, terms unknown); DT Luther season games, averaging 41.1 yards. (a desperation signing last fall who gave the Elliss (released); LB Jeff Gooch (UFA Buc- Based on gross average, Bidwell tied for Lions a solid season, but age works against caneers; terms unknown); LB Barrett Green 29th in the NFL in 2000 (38.5), tied for 13th him); LB Brian Williams (hasn't been able (UFA Giants; $13.25M/5 yrs, $2.75M SB); in '00 (42.5), tied for 16th in '02 (41.7) and to stay healthy long enough to match previ- S Corey Harris (released); WR Bill ranked 14th in '03 (41.7). ous level of performance). Schroeder (released); RB James Stewart Based on net average, he ranked 19th in RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): WR (released). 2000 (34.6), tied for eighth in '01 (36.5), Scotty Anderson (tendered at $628,000 with ranked 10th in '02 (35.7) and ranked 15th in 5th-round pick as compensation; played '03 (35.1). well until suffering a season-ending ankle Counting playoff games, his average hang injury in November but can't avoid trouble time was 4.13 seconds in 2000, 4.22 in '01, in his personal life); LB Donte' Curry 4.10 in '02 and 4.08 in '03.

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The ability to catch the ball and get it off for 2003. The purpose of the program is to (ERFA; $380,000/1 yr). despite the weather was the amiable Bid- reward players whose playing time was dis- PLAYERS ACQUIRED: T/G Steve Mor- well's strong suit. The only blocked punt proportionate to their compensation. ley (FA CFL; $1.01M/3 yrs; $100,000 SB). that he suffered came against in the Last year, Anderson played 57.4 percent PLAYERS LOST: P John Bidwell (UFA 2002 playoffs when Matt Bowen blew an of the Packers' defensive and special-teams Buccaneers; $1.87M/3 yrs, $150,000 SB); assignment. snaps and received $26,923 out of the per- NT Gilbert Brown (released/failed physi- Nevertheless, the Packers reached the team allocation of $472,000. This year, he cal); NT Rod Walker (not tendered as conclusion that not only wasn't Bidwell an played 53.8 percent and will receive RFA/Panthers; terms unknown). elite punter but he didn't meet their stan- $55,040. dards for consistency, either. He struggled Twenty players in the NFL earned more ======getting the ball down inside the 20, most than $70,000, paced by MINNESOTA VIKINGS critically on his 46-yard touchback with 2 safety Brian Russell. He played all 1,006 ======1/2 minutes left that helped doom the Pack- snaps of the Vikings' snaps on defense and ers in their divisional loss to Philadelphia. was given an extra $114,258 on top of his HOT TOPIC Dorsch, 6-6 and 221, was signed by Green minimum base salary of $300,000. As good as the Vikings' offense is, they Bay Jan. 10. Since then, he has been driving Here's a list of the top 10 Packers in the can't help but think how much better it from his home in West Lafayette, Ind., to performance pool: could be if hadn't gotten work out with special teams coach John Marques Anderson, S, $55,040; Aaron fat, suspended by the league for Ephedra Bonamego in Green Bay. Kampman, DE, $44,717; Tony Fisher, RB, use and eventually released early last sea- "We feel good about (Dorsch) as far as leg $42,120; , T, $41,677; Mark son. strength," Hatley said. "He's never done it Tauscher, T, $39,524; Nick Barnett, LB, That's why coach Mike Tice and tight but he's got a nice leg and he's really im- $37,684; , TE, $35,839; Kevin ends coach John Tice sought out and added proved since he's been here." Barry, T, $33,676; Paris Lenon, LB, Panthers free-agent tight end Jermaine Wig- GM Ron Wolf lived to regret his decision $32,321; Al Harris, CB, $31,460. gins even though they have five tight ends not to prevent from leaving on the roster. That's including Jim Klein- for Tennessee as an unrestricted free agent STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL sasser, who re-signed on the eve of free in February 1998. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): S agency for $15 million over five years. When Sean Landeta arrived a week later Antuan Edwards (has nothing going on in While Kleinsasser is one of the best and bailed the Packers out in 1998 with a free agency but almost certainly won't be blocking tight ends in the league and an im- club-record net of 37.1, Wolf doubled his back in Green Bay); WR Antonio Freeman proving force in the passing game, he plays mistake by not even attempting to keep him. (no reason to bring him back); CB/S stiff and never will be the fluid receiver Despite his age (42), Landeta has a new Michael Hawthorne (they'd like back but Chamberlain was during his 2001 Pro Bowl one-year contract with St. Louis and re- won't break the bank to do it); QB Doug season. mains a highly effective punter. Pederson (he's 35 and has no value); DT Chamberlain caught 57 passes for 666 And now late last week, when Bidwell ob- Larry Smith (had a solid season as a rota- yards and three touchdowns that year. He viously wanted to return, the Packers went tional player and is more than welcome had 28 first downs and 12 catches of 20 or counter to their philosophy of re-signing back for near minimum); OT Marcus more yards. their own and let him walk to Tampa Bay. Spriggs (probably won't be back); TE Wes- Veteran Hunter Goodwin replaced Cham- Probably the fairest method to evaluate ley Walls (wants to play another year but berlain in the two-tight end sets, which the Bidwell's performance over the last four Packers won't make a move until after the Vikings use often. Goodwin is a valuable seasons is to compare him against the op- draft). blocker but a non-factor in the passing posing punter in each of the last 64 regular- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not game. season games. Obviously, the weather was tendered offers): S Bobby Jackson (not ten- Wiggins is 6-2, 260 pounds and has some the same. dered as ERFA). speed and good hands. He played on New Collectively, the punters for the Packers' RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): CB England's champion team three foes from 2000-'03 had a gross of 41.49 and Bhawoh Jue (tendered at $628,000 with 3rd- years ago and the Carolina team that lost to a net of 36.19, better than Bidwell's 41.10 round pick as compensation); LB Torrance the Patriots in the most recent Super Bowl. and 35.50. Bidwell had the better touchback Marshall (tendered at $628,000 with 3rd- Wiggins hasn't been used as a receiving ration (9.1 percent to 11.5 percent) and the round pick as compensation); TE David tight end as often as he'd like. But when better fair-catch ratio (27 percent to 22.1 Martin (tendered at $628,000 with 6th- given the opportunity, he has delivered. He percent), but the opponents were better in round pick as compensation). caught a Patriots' playoff-record 10 recep- inside-the-20 ratio (31.9 percent to 27.6 per- EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS tions against Oakland three years ago. cent). (4): OT Kevin Barry (very valuable com- Wiggins visited the Vikings on Thursday modity); RB Tony Fisher (valuable com- and agreed to terms by Friday. The Panthers PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES modity); LB Paris Lenon (OK on special wanted to re-sign him, and Houston, Atlanta --For the second year in a row safety Mar- teams); CB/S James Whitley (impressed on and Washington also expressed interest. ques Anderson received more money than special teams late in year). The Vikings still like their three young any other player on the Packers as part of PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: OT Chad tight ends: Steve Farmer, Richard Angulo the NFL's performance-based pay program. Clifton (potential UFA; $32.35M/6 yrs, and Sean Berton. All were rookies in 2003. Anderson was among 59 Packers who $10M SB/$1M RB '04; 2004 cap: shared in the $1 million that the NFL allo- $3.205M); S Curtis Fuller (potential RFA; PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES cated to each team out of league revenues $455,000/1 yr; no SB); LB Marcus Wilkins --The Vikings released special teams cap-

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tain Jack Brewer, a former University of ======-- The Falcons created considerable salary Minnesota player who scrapped his way cap room when nine-year veteran defensive from undrafted rookie free agent two years ======lineman Travis Hall took a cut in pay from a ago to a respected member of the team. But salary of $3.1 million to $750,000. He also Brewer became expendable when one of his HOT TOPIC exchanged a $1 million roster bonus for a former Gophers teammates, , Falcons officials were still waiting late "signing bonus" of $500,000. His cap was signed. Brewer began to fall out of fa- last week to learn where UFA QB Billy charge was dropped from $6.378 million to vor with the coaches because of his many Volek would work next season. Atlanta has just under $3.7 million. interests outside of football. An aspiring en- pushed as hard as any team to sign the for- -- CB Tod McBride also agreed to a re- trepreneur, Brewer, who has a master's de- mer Titans backup, offering him a three- structured contract to create a little cap gree in sports studies, has his own sports year contract with a signing bonus of about space for the Falcons. marketing firm, JBE Sports. He also opened $3.5 million on the second or third day of -- Before the Falcons signed former De- a barber shop on the campus of his alma free agency. troit G/C David Beverly, former LG Travis mater, and was doing work for local radio But the four-year veteran, who suffered a Claridge - now a UFA - thought his agent, and television stations. ruptured spleen last fall in his only NFL David Dunn, and Atlanta officials had either --The Vikings signed former San Diego start (landing on injured reserve soon there- worked out a satisfactory contract, or were Chargers punter Darren Bennett. Bennett after), visited Green Bay, Denver and Buf- very close. There may have been some visited Winter Park on Thursday and left falo. Part of his delay appears to be related problem in both parties reaching each other, without discussing a contract, but signed on to the fact that Volek would like to go to a however, and Claridge was surprised to see Saturday. team where he could be the full-time starter the team sign Beverly. He said he wanted to within a year or two. remain in Atlanta, but, "business is busi- STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL That's not going to happen in Atlanta, ness, and I'm looking forward to getting a UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): where is not only entrenched, new start somewhere else." Claridge has OL Everett Lindsay (dependable veteran but young (23) unlike Buffalo QB Drew visited Cleveland. backup at tackle and guard); C Cory With- Bledsoe and Green Bay signal caller Brett row (never plays because he's behind Pro Favre. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL Bowler Matt Birk). The Titans also have made an offer to UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (8): UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not Volek, and the Bills, whom Volek beat in CB Juran Bolden (Feb. 20 indictment on tendered offers): P Leo Araguz (not ten- that lone start when he threw for 295 yards charges of driving a stolen vehicle and mar- dered as RFA); RB John Avery (not ten- and two touchdowns, made an offer March ijuana possession put the brakes on contract dered as RFA). 17 or 18. negotiations with almost certain starter); S RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (1): CB It is believed the Falcons' signing bonus Keion Carpenter (play slipped precipitously Eric Kelly (tendered at $628,000 with 3rd- offer is at least $1 million higher than any last year; will get one-year, minimum-value round pick as compensation; team still de- other team. contract offer if any); OG Travis Claridge ciding whether to make him a qualifying of- (stock improved once line coach Alex fer). PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES Gibbs, who seems to like what he's seen of EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS -- Falcons officials have asked QB Claridge on tape, was signed); RB Travis (1): S Brian Russell (had a breakout season Michael Vick, a former Tech star, Jervey (still has value as a special teamer, in 2003; still needs to improve his tackling). some questions about Hokie CB DeAngelo but durability a question; no lock to return); PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: OG Lewis Kelly Hall, who may be selected in the top 10 of QB Doug Johnson (performed way below (Potential UFA; $455,000/1 yr); TE Jim next month's draft. Vick is very friendly expectations last season; no better than 50- Kleinsasser (UFA; $15/5 yrs, $4.25M SB). with Hall, and has even counseled him on 50 to return); TE Brian Kozlowski (keeps PLAYERS ACQUIRED: P Darren Ben- some of the ways of the NFL on a recent signing one-year contracts; may not fit in nett (terms unknown); S Tyrone Carter (FA trip Hall made to Atlanta on Vick's behalf. with new coaching staff); S Gerald McBur- Jets; 1 yr, terms unknown); DT Steve Mar- Falcons president/general manager Rich rows (getting long in the tooth; probably tin (UFA Texans; 2 yrs, terms unknown); McKay also recently left the NFL's compe- won't be re-signed); LB WR Marcus Robinson (UFA Ravens; tition committee meetings for a day to at- (special teamer with a very worrisome left $9.4M/4 yrs, $2M SB); TE Jermaine Wig- tend Ohio State's pro day, where CB Chris knee; probably won't be re-signed, at least gins (UFA Panthers; terms unknown); CB Gamble - another first-round prospect - was not early in free agency). Antoine Winfield (UFA Bills; $35M/6 yrs, among those working out. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not $10.8M RB; 2004 cap: $12.5M). -- RFA K has drawn interest tendered offers): OT Dwayne Morgan (not PLAYERS LOST: S Jack Brewer from multiple teams, but said if he gets an tendered as ERFA). (released); WR D'Wayne Bates (released); offer sheet from another squad, it'll have to RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (5): PK DT (UFA Giants; $20M/6 yrs, be more than a token move for him to react. Jay Feely (tendered at $628,000 with no $4M SB); DL Talance Sawyer (released). "After ... not having the greatest year last compensation); OG Kynan Forney year," Feely said, "I'm pretty confident that (tendered at $1.368M with 1st-round pick as I'm going to sign the [Falcons' one-year of- compensation); G/C Roberto Garza fer of $628,000] tender, be the best kicker (tendered at $628,000 with 4th-round pick in the NFL, and then get a nice contract as compensation; seems to have problems next year. I'm not going to sign an offer staying healthy while trying to carry extra sheet [with another team] just to sign one. I weight); LB Karon Riley (tendered at like it here. It would have to be fair." $628,000 with 4th-round pick as compensa-

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tion; a reserve who you're always trying to The Panthers have second-year pro Bruce last year after Mike Seidman got hurt, so upgrade despite good speed); LB Matt Nelson set to fill in for Kevin Donnalley, don't expect him to return); LB Greg Favors Stewart (tendered at $628,000 with 4th- leaving them with less experience on the (Redskins have expressed interest in Pan- round pick as compensation; negotiations line. And, there appears to be no clear fa- thers starting outside linebacker from 2003. under way on three-year contract). vorite to win the job vacated by James. He won't be back in Carolina after the team EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS The secondary, which was torn apart by signed Jessie Armstead); DE Kavika (3): DE Raymond House (athletic and quick in the Super Bowl, is really in Pittman (will likely sign a one-year deal for guy who's very raw; will get another shot); shambles. league veteran minimum of $660,000); LB OL Matt Knutson (not much known about , who signed with Car- (has met with the Houston this guy; status unclear); CB Brandon olina after leaving Cincinnati, isn't as good Texans about employment); OT Melvin Williams (late-season acquisition won't as corner Reggie Howard, who signed with Tuten (spent all of last season on IR, proba- steal attention; status unclear). the . Also, the Panthers bly won't be retained); OT Matt Willig (was PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: TE Sean Brewer have yet to replace free safety . just a fill-in at backup left tackle when (potential RFA; terms unknown); RB The Panthers have also yet to fill nickel Melvin Tuten went down; he may be Woodrow Dantzler (ERFA; terms un- back Terry Cousin's position. headed to retirement to pursue an acting ca- known); FB George Layne (Potential Still, the Panthers are doing all they can reer). ERFA; terms unknown); WR John Lewis given how tight they are under the salary RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): LB (ERFA; $305,000/1 yr); C Todd McClure cap. The Panthers are still trying to free up Brian Allen (tendered at $628,000 with 3rd- (UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown); OL Michael money to sign quarterback round pick as compensation; two crucial Moore (ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); LB Artie to a long-term contract extension in May or penalties in the Super Bowl doesn't help his Ulmer (UFA; terms unknown). June. cause); S Jarrod Cooper (tendered at PLAYERS ACQUIRED: OG Eric Beverly $628,000 with 5th-round pick as compensa- (UFA Lions; 3 yrs, terms unknown); DT PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES tion; solid special teams gunner but has his- Rod Coleman (UFA Raiders; $28.5M/6 yrs, The have raised ticket tory of DUI arrests); FB Nick Goings $10M SB); OG Steve Herndon (not ten- prices by an average of $7 for the 2004 sea- (tendered at $628,000 with no compensa- dered as RFA by Broncos; $455,000/1 yr); son. Carolina's average ticket increased tion; well-liked by offensive coordinator LB Eric Johnson (UFA Raiders; $560,000/1 from $47 to $54, the largest increase in Dan Henning and likely will be retained); S yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); CB team history. Travares Tillman (tendered at $628,000 (UFA 49ers; $18.05M/6 yrs, The Panthers ranked 28th last year - the with 2nd-round pick as compensation; his $7M SB). fifth cheapest in the NFL -- in average status could depend on whether the team re- PLAYERS LOST: CB Ray Buchanan ticket cost, but the increase will give them signs Deon Grant). (released); LB Sam Rogers (released/failed with the 18th highest ticket prices in the EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS physical). league next season. The Panthers are still (3): WR Eugene Baker; LB Vinny Ciurciu; about $4 below the league average of CB William Hampton. ======roughly $58 per ticket. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: PK CAROLINA PANTHERS The announcement, which will be mailed (Potential UFA; $8.5M/5 yrs, $2M SB; ======out to PSL owners this weekend, marks the 2004 cap: $1.2M); LS (UFA; fourth time in 10 years the Panthers have in- $4.135M/5 yrs, $400,000 SB; 2004 cap: HOT TOPIC creased their ticket prices during the offsea- $740,000); TE Kris Mangum (UFA; The offseason has taken its toll on the de- son. $3.24M/4 yrs, $400,000 SB; 2004 cap: fending NFC champion Panthers. Phil Youtsey, the team's director of ticket $760,000); OG Tutan Reyes (UFA; $1.3M/2 It's hard to believe the Panthers are in bet- sales, said the increase in ticket prices is not yrs, $200,000 SB); RB (RFA; ter shape than they were two months ago af- a result of the team's success last season. terms unknown); WR (potential ter forging their way to the Super Bowl. "That is what most people will say, but RFA; $26.5M/6 yrs, $7M SB/$2M OB '05; Although the Panthers have made some the truth is we've had this planned long be- $1.25M RB '05 and '06); DE Al Wallace wise moves in re-signing receiver Steve fore the season ended," Youtsey said. (potential UFA; $7.5M/5 yrs, $1.5M SB). Smith, kicker John Kasay and defensive end Carolina also increased ticket prices after PLAYERS ACQUIRED: LB Jessie Arm- Al Wallace, the team's talent level on the a 1-15 season in 2001. stead (FA Redskins; $785,000/1 yr, $25,000 offensive line and in the secondary has Youtsey said the increases will help the SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); CB Artrell dropped off significantly. Panthers remain competitive with the rest of Hawkins (FA Bengals; 3 yrs, terms un- Carolina's inability to re-sign guard Jeno the NFL teams. known); OT Adam Meadows (FA Colts; James, the release of starting left tackle "It will allow us to keep up with the in- $10.5M/5 yrs, $2.5M SB); OG Rich Tylski and the retirement of Kevin crease in operating cost that comes with in- (FA; 1 yr, terms unknown); NT Rod Walker Donnalley all will be major blows to the creasing salaries, as well stadium mainte- (not tendered as RFA by Packers; terms un- continuity on the offensive line. The Pan- nance," Youtsey said. "With a privately known). thers should be fine with moving last year's funded stadium, the team absorbs all ex- PLAYERS LOST: LB Mike Caldwell rookie standout to left tackle, penses for a stadium mortgage, operating (released); CB Terry Cousin (released); OG but Adam Meadows will be a downgrade costs and increased taxes." Kevin Donnalley (UFA; retired); WR Kevin from Gross at right tackle. Overall, the Dyson (signed with Chargers/terms un- tackle positions have been downgraded with STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL kown); WR Larry Foster (released); S Deon Meadows certainly no better than the reli- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): Grant (UFA Jaguars; $9.6M/4 yrs, SB un- able and steady Steussie. TE (was just a fill-in player known); CB Reggie Howard (UFA Dol-

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phins; $21.6M/6 yrs, $4.5M SB); OG Jeno McAllister, the final numbers will likely set level); S Victor Green (injury replacement James (UFA Dolphins; $21.3M/6 yrs, a record for the Saints' franchise. last season who likely won't be offered a $4.25M SB); OT Todd Steussie (released); "At some point, we're going to have to sit contract); RB Fred McAfee (special teams TE (UFA signed down with Deuce and his agent (Ben Do- star wants to return); TE David Sloan w/Vikings). gra) and discuss it," Saints General Manager (signed late last season because of injuries, Mickey Loomis said. "Deuce has done ev- will probably not be back). ======erything we've asked of him since he's been UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not here. He earned the right to a new deal. And tendered offers): RB James Fenderson (not ======it's the right thing to do." tendered as ERFA). RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): S HOT TOPIC PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES Steve Gleason (tendered at $628,000 with The Saints haven't been very active when --The Saints filled a void in their back- no compensation; special teams standout); it comes to signing higher-priced free agents field when they signed former Baltimore LB Sedrick Hodge (tendered at $628,000 this winter, but there's a big reason for it: Ravens and fullback Sam with 3rd-round pick as compensation; start- the bills are going to come due fast enough. Gash to a one-year contract. ing strongside linebacker last two seasons); It may not happen this year or next offsea- Gash, who will be entering his 13th NFL DT Kenny Smith (tendered at $628,000 son, but the Saints will have to address run- season, will replace Terrelle Smith as the with 3rd-round pick as compensation; versa- ning back Deuce McAllister's contract. lead blocker for two-time 1,000-yard rusher tile player who can also play end). A two-time Pro Bowl selection, McAllis- Deuce McAllister. Smith signed a four-year, EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS ter still has two years left on the six-year $4.4 million contract with the Cleveland (1): LB Roger Knight (played mainly on deal he received as the team's top pick in Browns two weeks ago. special teams and was tendered). the 2001 draft (the sixth year has been The 35-year-old Gash, who started 10 PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: CB Fakhir voided), but the Saints will want to get him games for the Bills in 2003, was a member Brown (potential UFA; $1.3M/2 yrs, signed to another long-term deal. of the Ravens team that won Super Bowl $300,000 SB; 2004 cap: $685,000); OT The eight-year, $50.5 million contract XXXV after the 2001 season. The 6-foot, Spencer Folau (UFA; 3 yrs, terms un- Clinton Portis got from the Washington 242-pounder has also played with the New known); LB Derrick Rodgers ($5M/3 yrs, Redskins earlier this month made members England Patriots. $1.65M SB/$90,000 RB; 2004 cap: $1.4M); of the Saints' front office -- as well as the --The team continued to work at upgrad- RB Lamar Smith (UFA; $760,000/1 yr, rest of the league -- sit up and take notice. ing the fullback position with the signing of 2004 cap: $455,000); CB Fred Thomas The Saints certainly want to take care of restricted free agent Bryan Johnson to an of- (UFA; $14M/4 yrs, $5M SB/$90,000 RB; McAllister, who has rushed for more than fer sheet on March 19. 2004 cap: $2.19M); TE Boo Williams 3,000 yards in the last two seasons, so ear- Johnson, a three-year veteran, has played (Potential RFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown). marking some of the money they had to in 49 games with 25 starts for the Washing- PLAYERS ACQUIRED: RB Tavian spend this year for his signing bonus some- ton Redskins. A former practice squad Banks (FA; 1 yr, terms unknown); WR Ger- where down the road makes sense. player, Johnson was a starter in 2002 and mane Crowell (FA; 1 yr, terms unknown); The team has re-signed five of its own un- 2003 and served as the lead blocker for FB Sam Gash (UFA Bills; 1 yr/terms un- restricted free agents: Fakhir Stephen Davis when he led the NFC with known); RB (UFA Bucca- Brown and Fred Thomas, weakside 1,432 rushing yards in 2002. neers; $4.2M/4 yrs, $650,000 SB; 2004 cap: linebacker Derrick Rodgers, running back The Redskins will have a week to match $722,500); DT Brian Young (UFA Rams; Lamar Smith and guard/tackle Spencer Fo- the offer sheet for Johnson, who also ex- $10.035M/4 yrs, $3.6M SB/$350,000 RB; lau. The Saints also added defensive tackle celled on special teams with 65 tackles. If 2004 cap: $1.835M). Brian Young, running back Aaron Stecker the Redskins decline, the Saints would not PLAYERS LOST: CB Dale Carter and fullback Sam Gash. owe them any compensation because John- (released); TE Walter Rasby (UFA Red- Before signing Folau and Gash, the Saints son entered the league as an undrafted free skins; terms unknown); FB Terrelle Smith were under the $80.6 million salary cap by agent in 2000. (UFA Browns; $4.4M/4 yrs, $1.1M SB). more than $11 million. About $3 million --Contrary to reports, the Saints are not in- will be used to sign draft picks and some terested in linebacker Ian ======money might bring in one or two more vet- Gold. eran free agents. The club did some preliminary work on ======Some of the reserve cash may be for Gold before the start of free agency in case McAllister, who saw Portis rake in $17 mil- weakside linebacker Derrick Rodgers HOT TOPIC lion in signing and option bonuses. That's signed elsewhere. But Rodgers re-signed Call them counterfeit Bucs. significant because the numbers they've put and the Saints also have Cie Grant and Despite having what general manager up the last two years are similar. James Allen returning, so a weakside Bruce Allen called 'the worst salary cap sit- McAllister's 2,157 total yards last season linebacker isn't a need any more. uation in the NFC,' Tampa Bay has acquired set a club record and he accounted for 39.6 the most new players - 16 at last count - of percent of the Saints' offensive production. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL any NFL team since the free agent signing His 3,029 rushing yards in the past two sea- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (5): period began. sons is just 70 fewer than Portis, and McAl- RB Ki-Jana Carter (had foot surgery late in Nearly all of them have come on offense, lister has 3,897 total yards in that span 2003 and is an unknown going into free where changes to the offensive line were in- while Portis has 3,777. agency); C Jerry Fontenot (15-year veteran evitable. But the moves also will impact po- While a new deal is far from done for who wants to return after playing at a high sitions at running back (Charlie Garner,

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Jamel White, Greg Comella) and quarter- 6th-round pick as compensation; healthy ======back (, Jason Garrett). fullback Bucs want to re-sign with Mike Al- CARDINALS "We had to do something (with the offen- stott recovering from a herniated disc); DT ======sive line)," said Allen. "Our quarterback Chartric Darby (tendered at $628,000 with took some awful hits last season and we no compensation; could fill in at nose tackle HOT TOPIC couldn't let that happen again." if Anthony McFarland moves to under The Cardinals quickly have whittled down With all the changes, the Bucs are getting tackle to replace Sapp); S John Howell their $16 million salary-cap cushion to just older. But are they better? (tendered at $628,000 with 4th-round pick under $8 million with six signings, the most As many as nine starters on offense could as compensation; reserve at both safety po- noteworthy being pass-rushing defensive be at least 30-years-old next season. sitions). end Bertrand Berry. The Bucs are banking heavily on the addi- EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Veteran quarterback Shaun King, who ini- tions of Garner and receiver Joey Galloway (4): LS Ryan Benjamin; CB ; LB tially will be the backup to Josh McCown, to provide some playmakers to an offense ; CB Ronyell Whitaker. and cornerback David Macklin, who likely that struggled to score points last season. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: TE Rickey Dud- will step into the spot played last year by Galloway will provide speed to a receiv- ley (UFA; 1 yr/terms unknown); DT/DE El- David Barrett, also appear to address areas ing corps that lacks explosion with veterans lis Wyms (Potential RFA; $20M/6 years, of great need. Keenan McCardell and . He $1.5M SB). The team also signed backup fullback also allows the Bucs to save face in garner- PLAYERS ACQUIRED: RB Brandon Obafemi Ayanbadejo and cornerbacks ing something in a trade for Keyshawn Bennett (UFA Bengals; terms unknown); P Robert Tait and Dyshod Carter. Johnson to the Cowboys. Josh Bidwell (UFA Packers; $1.87M/3 yrs, Defending the passing game - from Bucs coach is banking he can $150,000 SB; 2004 cap: $585,000); LB putting heat on the quarterback to covering resurrect Griese's career and a capable (UFA Broncos; terms un- receivers in the secondary -- was the most backup is in order for the Bucs. Tampa Bay known); FB Greg Comella (UFA Texans; glaring among many Cardinals' weaknesses. has scored just one in the four terms unknown); OT Derrick Deese (FA The free-agent signings should be a huge games that starter Brad Johnson has missed 49ers; $15M/6 yrs, $2.5M SB); FB Deon step toward reversing those misfortunes. over the past two seasons. Dyer (FA; terms unknown); WR Joey Gal- The signings also add weight to specula- loway (UFA-Cowboys, 1-year, $2.6- tion that the Cardinals will take a hard look PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES million); RB Charlie Garner (UFA Raiders; at a receiver to play opposite Anquan --QB Brian Griese couldn't cut it in Den- $20M/6 yrs, $4M SB); QB Jason Garrett Boldin with their first-round draft pick, ver with coach or in Miami (UFA Giants; $760,000/1 yr; 2004 cap: which is third overall. with offensive coordinator . But $455,000); LB Jeff Gooch (UFA Lions; Dennis Green, the Cardinals new coach, the 29-year-old will get another shot with a terms unknown); QB Brian Griese (FA Dol- loves receiver Larry Fitzgerald of Pitts- third offensive guru, Bucs coach Jon Gru- phins; 1 yr, terms unknown); CB Tom burgh. den. Knight (UFA Ravens; $560,000/1 yr, Having addressed the pass rush with Gruden already has the son of a famous $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); TE Dave Berry and the coverage with Macklin, who quarterback on the roster - Chris Simms, the Moore (FA Bills; 1 yr, terms unknown); is expected to join Duane Starks, who son of Giants Super Bowl quarterback Phil WR (FA; terms unknown); missed all of last year with a knee injury, Simms. Let it be said he loves players with OG Matt O'Dwyer (UFA Bengals; should give the Cardinals an improved de- pedigree. $685,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: fense. "Griese's a guy who's thrown 60-percent $480,000); OT Todd Steussie (FA Panthers; They still could use a stud tackle or two to in a season," said Gruden. "He led the AFC $20M/6 yrs); OL (UFA shore up the run defense. The Cardinals in passing efficiency (in 2000 with the Raiders; $9.5M/2 yrs, SB unknown); RB have to hold back roughly $4.25 million for Broncos) with 19 touchdowns and four in- Jamel White (FA Browns; terms unknown). their rookie pool. They'll likely keep a cush- terceptions. He has some background into PLAYERS LOST: TE ion of $1.5 million to $2 million to guard the style of football which we play." (released); RB Thomas Jones (UFA Bears; against injuries. --DT Warren Sapp's tenure with the Bucs $10M/4 yrs, $3.5M SB); QB Shaun King That still leaves roughly $1.5 million to ended when he agreed to a seven-year, (UFA Cardinals; $2.2M/2 yrs, $500,000 $2 million to continue pursuing free agents. $36.6 million deal with Oakland on Satur- SB); S John Lynch (released); S Than Mer- day. rill (released); LB Dwayne Rudd (released); PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES DT Warren Sapp (UFA signed with Oak- -- DE Bertrand Berry has worn the red jer- STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL land); RB Aaron Stecker (UFA Saints; 4 sey of the Cardinals before - in Pee Wee UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): yrs, $650,000 SB); P Tom Tupa (UFA Red- football. And he brought his two-decades- WR (will not be re-signed); skins; $3.74M/4 yrs, $675,000 SB); LB old jersey with his name on the back along OG (improved in '03 and (UFA Bengals; $11.3M/ 5 to his introductory press conference as veri- Bucs would like back at the right price); S yrs, $2.5M SB); WR fication. David Gibson (strictly for depth and special (released); TE Roland Williams (released); "My first time around with the Cardinals, teams); OT Cornell Green (solid backup at TE (UFA Jaguars; 3 yrs, terms I won a Super Bowl, so hopefully, history right tackle). UNRESTRICTED FREE unknown). can repeat itself," he said. AGENTS (not tendered as offers): RB Tony Twenty-five million dollars sounds like a Taylor (not tendered as ERFA). huge chunk of change. It's the amount the RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): FB Cardinals have invested in Berry over five (tendered at $628,000 with years in hopes the return is a prolific pass

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rush they haven't had since the days of $1.8M SB); CB Robert Tate (FA; 1 yr, What's also disappointing to Zygmunt is . And while the figure is stag- terms unknown); WR/KR Karl Williams how Poston puts the player at odds with the gering, it's not quite what other defensive (FA Buccaneers; 2 yr, terms unknown). team, making the player believe the team is ends have received in this year's free- PLAYERS LOST: CB David Barrett being reasonable. agency marketplace, in fact it's a bargain. (UFA Jets; $21M/6 yrs, $4.5M SB); QB Jeff "It's like a scorch the earth approach," Berry had 111/2 sacks at Denver last sea- Blake (released). Zygmunt said. "It's the carnage he leaves. son. The Cardinals collectively had 21, He personalizes it. It should be his job not marking the third straight year they have ======to alienate the player, but that's what hap- been last in the NFL in that category. ST. LOUIS RAMS pens. He pits the player against the team, ======and it's very negative." STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL It was also odd what Poston did on the UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (5): C HOT TOPIC day of the deadline. Poston had been com- (veteran backup, can play It was no surprise when the March 17 plaining that Zygmunt didn't call him, so any of the three interior spots; just average deadline had passed and the Rams were un- that morning Zygmunt did just that. Twice and won't be offered a contract); S Justin able to reach a contract agreement with he left phone messages, but heard nothing Lucas (valuable in nickel packages, on spe- tackle Orlando Pace, the team's franchise until the FAX machine started up a 2:50 cial teams and as backup; worth keeping); player. p.m. Central time. CB Emmanuel McDaniel (played frequently But there was disappointment from within Here came another proposal from Poston, as a backup, mostly because there was no Rams Park, because the team could have which did have somewhat lower figures for one else because of injuries; won't be of- used the extra space that would have been the guaranteed money, but were in about the fered a contract); DT Derrick Ransom (was provided had a deal been reached. Pace cur- same neighborhood as his 2003 proposal. rarely used after being signed Sept. 16 and rently counts $7.021 against the salary, There was no way the Rams would accept won't be re-signed); C Jason Starkey which is the one-year tender for offensive it. (limited value with Frank Garcia emerging linemen designated as franchise players. But even if the Rams were tempted, it as backup to ; won't be back). "We were disappointed, but were not sur- would have been impossible to execute a UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not prised," said Jay Zygmunt, the team's presi- contract, have Pace sign it, and submit it to tendered offers): S Nijrell Eason (not ten- dent of football operations. "It's what we ex- the league office by the 3 p.m. deadline. dered as ERFA); PK Bill Gramatica (not pected. That's why we planned in our cap- Yes, that's correct. On the day of the dead- tendered as RFA); OG Teag Whiting (not planning strategies that we would probably line, Poston submitted an offer to the Rams tendered as ERFA). have to carry the franchise amount. 10 minutes before that deadline. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): DT Nonetheless, it's still disappointing." Now, there can be no negotiating until af- Marcus Bell (tendered at $628,000 with 4th- It wasn't surprising because there has been ter July 15 on a long-term deal if the Rams round pick as compensation; starter on a very little negotiating with Carl Poston, want to retain their franchise tag for next lame defense, some potential worth explor- Pace's agent. Last year, Pace played for the year. But, realistically, Pace will likely play ing); CB Renaldo Hill (tendered at $628,000 franchise tender of $5.734 million after Pos- for the tender again. The only question is with 7th-round pick as compensation; slow- ton's contract proposal was for about $80 when he shows up. Last season, it wasn't footed starter who has survived on smarts, million over seven years with a signing until Aug. 26. could be replaced); WR bonus of $23.75 million. (tendered at $628,000 with 6th-round pick In late January this year, the Rams offered PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES as compensation; saw little action even on a Pace a seven-year deal worth $42.5 million --Despite matching an offer made by Car- team full of novice receivers, can return with a bonus of $13 million, the larger than olina to tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, kicks); S Adrian Wilson (tendered at the team has ever paid. the Rams are still hopeful of adding another $1.368M with 1st-round pick as compensa- It took, Poston more than a month to re- tight end as a blocker and/or receiver. Cam tion; got middle tender to discourage bid- spond with a $71 million contract that in- Cleeland is an unrestricted free agent, but is ders). cluded a $27 million-plus signing bonus and still hoping to generate interest from other EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS a little more than $7 million of additional teams. Last year, Cleeland played for the (4): CB Jason Goss; LS Nathan Hodel; WR guaranteed money. That $34 million total veteran minimum. Nate Poole (cut four times but caught game- approaches the $34.5 million of guaranteed Denver free agent Patrick Hape visited St. winner in season finale, worth developing); money in the contract quarterback Peyton Louis March 18 and Baltimore's John Jones OT Kendrick Rogers (has size, a keeper). Manning signed with the Colts. has also visited. Several other tight ends PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: TE Lorenzo Di- "The offer speaks for itself," Zygmunt that visited have signed new contracts, in- amond (ERFA; terms unknown); S Quentin said. "It's not an offer, it's a ransom note. cluding Jason Dunn (re-signed with Kansas Harris (Potential ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); FB When you get totally unrealistic offers; of- City), Jed Weaver (Denver) and Mark Josh Rue (Potential ERFA; $230,000/1 yr). fers that are trying to be record-setting and Bruener (Houston). PLAYERS ACQUIRED: FB Obafemi that start comparing position players with --Last year, the Rams lost tight end Ernie Ayanbadejo (UFA Dolphins; $1.28M/2 yrs, franchise quarterbacks - there's nothing you Conwell to New Orleans when he signed a $200,000 SB); DE Bert Berry (UFA Bron- can really do. You have no ability to negoti- five-year contract worth $8.75 million that cos; $25M/5 yrs, $5M SB); CB Dyshod ate. included a $2.1 million signing bonus. The Carter (FA: 1 yr, terms unknown); QB "It's just a waste of time dealing with him. offer the Rams matched on Manumaleuna Shaun King (UFA Buccaneers; $2.2M/2 yrs, It makes no sense. Anyone can ask for any- was for $8.3 million and had a signing $500,000 SB; 2004 cap: $1.1M); CB David thing, that's easy to do. Why not ask for a bonus of $2 million. Macklin (UFA, Indianapolis, 3yrs, $7.8M, billion dollars? It wouldn't matter." One difference is that Conwell was 31 and

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had experienced injuries, while Manumale- phins; $2.6M/2 yrs, $600,000 SB); DE and one of the keys to our offense." una is 24 and has never been injured. Con- (UFA Seahawks; $33M/6 well missed the final six games last season yrs, $14M SB); DT Brian Young PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES because of a broken leg. ($10.035M/4 yrs, $3.6M SB/$350,000 RB). --Because the 49ers did not work out a Coach Mike Martz believes there's still an long-term deal with linebacker Julian Peter- upside to Manumaleuna even though he ======son last week, the club now has to wait until struggled at times with his blocking and as- June 15 before it can negotiate with their signments. Martz attributes some of that to ======franchise player. having him play fullback. Not that it really matters. "What we did with him retarded his HOT TOPIC The 49ers ended negotiations with Peter- growth as a tight end," Martz said. "We un- After losing a seventh offensive starter son's agent, Kevin Poston, early in the pro- derstood that at the time, but we had no from last season, the 49ers moved quickly cess when his demands were for $30 million choice. We didn't have a fullback. Bran- to fill his spot with someone who had that in guaranteed money. Because of Poston's don's best when he's at the point of attack role in the past. unwillingness to negotiate, the 49ers are and blocking defensive ends at the line of Despite sitting out all of last season with a content slapping Peterson with the franchise scrimmage." broken collarbone, tight end Eric Johnson tag every season until his production slips was rewarded with a three-year, $4.5 mil- below what he would make with the fran- STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL lion contract that includes a $1.5 million chise tag. Peterson is scheduled to make FRANCHISE PLAYER: OT Orlando signing bonus. If Johnson achieves an esca- somewhere between $5.834 million and Pace (tendered at $7.021M). lator clause, his salary yearly salary will av- $7.2 million in 2004. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): erage $2 million over the life of the deal. --Defensive lineman Brandon Whiting TE Cam Cleeland (interested in him return- "Eric is an outstanding down-field re- will always be known as the player who ing again, but only at the minimum salary); ceiver," 49ers general manager Terry Don- was traded for Terrell Owens, but the six- S Rich Coady (versatile and a good special ahue said. "We are looking forward to big year veteran does not see it quite that way. teams player, but they won't go overboard); things from him. Eric will be a major asset "It will be shown in media headlines and QB Scott Covington (few believe he is the for (quarterback) . We expect things like that, that was what the 49ers got eventual answer, but does provide some that he will be a major contributor this sea- for him," Whiting said. "I definitely don't level of backup experience); OG David son." believe that it was a direct trade. It is a little Loverne (active for just one game last sea- With only four full-time offensive starters strange, I know that. I hope that the 49ers son, but might be back for depth); S Jason returning from last season, Johnson might are happy with what they have received. I Sehorn (played injured when he returned have to play a significant role with the am the kind of player that is going to go out from foot injury, and might be back if team's offense. Tight end Jed Weaver, who there and play my hardest and that is all I healthy); CB Fred Weary (lasted all season posted career-high numbers after starting 15 can do." only because his contract was guaranteed). games due to Johnson's absence, signed a One thing to be certain, Whiting will not RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): QB three-year, $3 million contract last week come close to displaying the flamboyancy (tendered at $1.824M with 1st- with the Broncos. that Owens incorporated into his game. and 3rd-round picks as compensation;); DE Quarterback Jeff Garcia, running back "I was brought up by a football coach, and Bryce Fisher (tendered at $628,000 with Garrison Hearst, receivers Terrell Owens I have the utmost respect for referees and 7th-round pick as compensation; seems to and Tai Streets, and offensive linemen Ron the game," Whiting said. "The first time I have some pass rushing skills, but doesn't Stone and Derrick Deese have all been re- ever scored in high school I was half way get a lot of opportunities and Rams are con- leased, traded or left via free agency. off the field with the ball in my hand and I cerned he might get an offer from another Johnson has always been regarded as sprinted back onto the field and handed the team). more of a pass-catcher than a blocker at ball back to the referee and ran back off the EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS tight end. With the 49ers losing both start- field. I got made fun of for a while. That is (1): WR Dane Looker. ing receivers, he will be counted upon to something that has always stuck with me. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: C Jerametrius pick up some of the offensive slack with his So I don't plan on any celebration dances." Butler (RFA/matched Redskins offer; receiving skills. --There is a chance that Whiting might not $15M/6 yrs, $4M SB; 2004 cap: $1.12M); C Johnson's season was lost last season even officially join the 49ers. He was diag- Andy Eby (ERFA; $305,000/1 yr); P Sean when his collarbone did not heal properly nosed about 10 months ago with a torn Landeta (UFA; $785,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; after it was broken in an exhibition game. labrum in his left shoulder. Because it was 2004 cap: $480,000); LB Jeremy Loyd He underwent a surgical procedure in Jan- too late for him to have surgery and not (ERFA; $305,000/1 yr); TE Brandon Manu- uary to speed the healing. Johnson's agent, miss time during the 2003 season, he de- maleuna (RFA/matched Panthers offer; Steve Baker, said Johnson should be cleared cided to wait. $8.3M/5 yrs, $2M SB; 2004 cap: $1.2M); to practice in time for the post-draft mini- Whiting played last season with the in- OG Adam Timmerman (potential UFA; camp. jury. Eagles team doctors have talked to $14.26M/5 yrs, $5.5M SB; 2004 cap: Johnson has started 25 of 28 games in his him about the possibility of surgery. He is $1.76M). career. He was a seventh-round pick of the scheduled to undergo a 49ers physical, and PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None. 49ers in 2001. In his first two seasons, John- if he does not pass, the 49ers can take the PLAYERS LOST: S Kim Herring son caught 76 passes for 683 yards and Eagles' third-round pick in the 2005 draft (released); P Sean Landeta (UFA; three touchdowns. instead of Whiting. $760,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: "It's good to have Eric back," 49ers coach When asked if he believes he will pass the $480,000); OL John St. Clair (UFA Dol- Dennis Erickson said. "He is a real threat physical, Whiting said, "I don't know. It was

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something that was definitely of some con- ======put in a call to the durable veteran, the team cern last year and it was something that was was taking a measured approach. a fact that was the way that it was. My body ======is healing up from the season and I am able STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL to rest up now and my body is feeling a lot HOT TOPIC FRANCHISE PLAYER: OT Walter Jones better then it did two months ago." Barring a shocking reversal this summer, (tendered at $7.084M). Walter Jones will have to "settle" for $7.08 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL million in 2004. That's how much he'll earn DE (perhaps a change of FRANCHISE PLAYER: LB Julian Peter- as Seattle's three-time franchise player. scenery will allow King to tap into his po- son (exclusive; tendered at $5.834M, which The team didn't come close to striking a tential); S (will anyone pay could increase on April 16). long-term agreement with Jones before the starting money for him?); CB Willie UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): March 17 deadline for franchise players. As Williams (tough, reliable veteran could be DE Chidi Ahanotu (played well as a late- a result, the sides will not talk again until nearing the end). summer pickup, and could return at some mid-July, setting up another season of dis- RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (5): WR point in training camp again); C Brock content for the three-time Pro Bowl left Alex Bannister (tendered at $628,000 with Gutierrez (never got into a game in place of tackle. 5th-round pick as compensation; Pro Bowl Jeremy Newberry, can find a cheaper The money Jones will earn is substantial, performer on special teams should be a pri- backup elsewhere); S John Keith (has not of course. But he would presumably prefer ority to retain); FB (tendered been the same after sustaining two knee in- the greater security of a long-term deal. at $628,000 with 4th-round pick as compen- juries). Problem is, Jones wants a signing bonus in sation; his scholarship seems ready to ex- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not the $20 million neighborhood, while the pire); LB Orlando Huff (tendered at tendered offers): LB Cornelius Anthony team appears unwilling to meet him there. $628,000 with 4th-round pick as compensa- (not tendered as ERFA); CB Rashad Hol- Seattle's recent five-year, $33 million tion; there were rumblings last year that man (not tendered as RFA); P agreement with DE Grant Wistrom piqued Huff might be the odd man out); C Dennis (not tendered as ERFA). Jones' interest. The deal included a $14 mil- Norman (tendered at $628,000 with 7th- RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): CB lion signing bonus, more than Seattle had round pick as compensation; recently retired Jimmy Williams (tendered at $628,000 with offered to Jones. Wistrom has never played line coach Tom Lovat made Norman a per- 6th-round pick as compensation; never in a Pro Bowl, while Jones is a three-time sonal project, but what now?); OG Pork looked healthy after season-ending knee in- choice. Chop Womack (tendered at $1.368M with jury of 2002); WR Cedrick Wilson The Seahawks made the move for four 1st-round pick as compensation; the team (tendered at $628,000 with 6th-round pick reasons: Wistrom filled a glaring need; the projects him as its starting right guard). as compensation; team's No. 3 receiver in team sought a defensive leader; Wistrom EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS 2003 might get a lot more chances with was the only marquee end available after (1): LB D.D. Lewis (Seattle loves what he Owens' and Streets' likely departures). Philadelphia snapped up Jevon Kearse; and brings to the defense). EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS signing Wistrom away from St. Louis weak- PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: WR Darrell (2): LB Brandon Moore; RB Jamal Robert- ened the team Seattle must beat in the NFC Jackson (UFA; $25M/6 yrs, $8M SB); LB son. West. Isaiah Kacyvenski (UFA; $2.4M/3 yrs, PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: RB Kevan Bar- By all accounts, Seattle forked out more $600,000 SB); P (UFA; terms low (potential RFA; $20M/5 yrs, $8M guar- for Wistrom than other teams were willing unknown); DT Cedric Woodard (UFA; anteed in signing and option bonus); DE to pay. Doing so did nothing to help negoti- $15M/5 yrs, $4M SB). (UFA; $5.2M/3 yrs, ations with Jones, who is almost certain to PLAYERS ACQUIRED: DE Grant $1.2M SB); S Ronnie Heard (UFA; 1 yr, skip minicamps and training camp for at Wistrom (UFA Rams; $33M/6 yrs, $14M terms unknown); LS (UFA; least another year. SB; 2004 cap: $3.8M). $4.86M/6 yrs, $1.1M SB; 2004 cap: PLAYERS LOST: DT Chad Eaton $718,333); TE Eric Johnson (RFA; $4.5M/3 PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES (released/failed physical, but likely to be re- yrs, $1.5M SB); PK Todd Peterson (UFA; 1 The Seahawks took a long, hard look at signed for the minimum); LB Randall God- yr, terms unknown); CB former Bucs safety John Lynch before the frey (UFA Chargers; 3 yrs, $1.8M SB); DT (UFA; $25M/5 yrs, $11M SB). five-time Pro Bowl choice departed for John Randle (retired); CB PLAYERS ACQUIRED: DE Brandon more free-agent visits. Lynch has much to (UFA Redskins; $30M/6 yrs, $10M SB). Whiting (trade Eagles). offer in terms of leadership, but a lingering PLAYERS LOST: OT Derrick Deese neck injury is hurting his market. ======(released); QB Jeff Garcia (released); RB Seattle seemed more likely to pursue for- BUFFALO BILLS Garrison Hearst (released); DT Travis mer Eagles cornerback Bobby Taylor, but ======Kirschke (UFA Steelers; $6.4M/4 yrs, there was no rush. $1.1M SB); DE Sean Moran (released); WR --The Seahawks were beneath the $80.6 HOT TOPIC Terrell Owens (traded Eagles via Ravens); million salary cap by about $4.3 million as After cutting veteran backup Alex Van OG Ron Stone (released); WR Tai Streets of mid-March. For reference, Grant Pelt after he was unable to pass a physical (UFA Lions; $1.5M/1 yr, $750,000 SB); TE Wistrom's fat new deal with the team will following major wrist surgery, the Bills are Jed Weaver (UFA Broncos; $3.085M/3 yrs, count $3.83 million against the cap in 2004. in serious need of finding not just a quarter- $500,000 SB); CB Jason Webster (UFA Fal- --Former Giants linebacker Michael Bar- back who can eventually replace Drew cons; $18.05M/6 yrs, $7M SB). row remains an option for teams looking for Bledsoe long term, but someone competent help in the middle. And while Seattle has enough to back him up short term.

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Van Pelt steadily held that job for nine "Today I was able to look the coaches in on the roster - WR and DT Pat seasons in Buffalo and the only backups on the eye and let them know how I feel about Williams, meaning new GM Tom Donahoe the roster are the untested Travis Brown and this organization and what it would mean to will have 51 of "his guys" on Buffalo's Greg Zolman. me to be a hometown guy," Williams said. eventual 53-man roster. The Bills may still spend their 13th pick "In the same breath, I'm trying to have in the first round of next month's draft or something long term for myself and my STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL their 43rd pick in the second round on a family. If the Bills can come anywhere near UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (1): quarterback, but that player would not be that, they are certainly the team I want to be DE Keith McKenzie (eight-year veteran reliable insurance in the event Bledsoe were with." who signed as an UFA last season never got injured. Throwing a potential playoff drive Williams was a key member of the 1999 the playing time he deserved and was active away is a risk the Bills can't afford to take. St. Louis Rams who won the Super Bowl for just six games. Can still be a factor as a So where to turn? four- and the 2002 Oakland Raiders who ad- situational pass rusher. He's on Buffalo's year backup Billy Volek is the best candi- vanced to the Super Bowl and lost. He had radar screen but only after they explore date out there but after an encouraging visit knee and toe ligament surgeries after the other options). with the coaching staff, the Bills front office 2002 season and missed most of the 2003 RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): QB made a low-ball offer to Volek's agent. until signing with former Raiders' coach Travis Brown (tendered at $628,000 with no Heading into the weekend, the Atlanta John Gruden last November in Tampa Bay. compensation; will compete for backup Falcons and Titans were best positioned to The Raiders and Bucs want to re-sign him job); DT Ron Edwards (tendered at sign Volek, with Atlanta enticing him with and he was also scheduled to visit Denver, $628,000 with 3rd-round pick as compensa- a three-year deal and a whopping $3.5 mil- but he'd tell them all no if the Bills offered tion; hard-nosed young veteran who missed lion signing bonus. Making Volek hesitant him a fair deal. the final 11 games after shoulder surgery). to grab Arthur Blank's cash is that while "People know what I can do," he said. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS backing up the reckless Michael Vick may "I'm a seven-year vet, I've been to Super (2): RB Joe Burns (Bills like his toughness get him into a lot of games, he'll never be Bowls, I've started. I'm ready to make a and depth he provides. Will be retained); the starter there and Vick is only 24. great return for a team this year, and I hop- LB (solid backup The Bills still intrigue the Volek camp be- ing that it's the Buffalo Bills. who led team with a whopping 40 special cause it knows Bledsoe, 32, is a tired- --The Bills have Seattle restricted free teams hits. Will be retained). looking 11-year veteran who has been agent WR Alex Bannister on their radar PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: OG Marques sacked 365 times and is in danger of being screen. The 6-5 pro is No. 4 on Seattle's Sullivan (potential RFA; terms unknown); let go by Buffalo -- perhaps as soon as after depth chart at receiver but he's a Pro Bowl OG Ross Tucker (Potential RFA; $3.2M/3 next season when option clauses in his con- special teams player as a coverage man. He yrs; $225,000 SB). tract are up -- if he can't resurrect his career runs a 4.22 40-yard dash and obviously isn't PLAYERS ACQUIRED: OG Chris Villar- under a new offensive-minded coaching afraid to throw his lithe body around. Dur- rial (UFA Bears; $11.85M/4 yrs, $3M SB); staff. ing his visit to Buffalo, Bannister made it CB Troy Vincent (UFA Eagles; $20M/6 yrs, Volek, 27, has starter's potential. The for- clear he's looking for a chance to play re- $3.6M SB). mer Fresno State star, who threw 30 touch- ceiver and wouldn't sign an offer sheet if he PLAYERS LOST: OG downs and just three interceptions his senior didn't get that assurance. (released); FB Sam Gash (UFA Saints; year, blitzed the Bills' No. 2 defense last "I'm a receiver who can play special terms unknown); TE Dave Moore December while subbing for an injured teams, not a special teams player who can (released); RB (UFA Dol- Steve McNair for 295 yards and two scores. play receiver," he said. "I talked to both the phins; 2 yrs, terms unknown); LB DaShon The one fear among Bills fans is that he's a receivers coach and the special teams Polk (UFA Texans; terms unknown); CB remake of Rob Johnson, a one-game wonder coach. I think they're excited for me to be Dainon Sidney (UFA Lions; terms un- for Jacksonville who once cost Buffalo a able to do both." known); QB Alex Van Pelt (released/failed No. 1 pick and $25 million in what Buffalo's special teams have been spo- physical); CB Antoine Winfield (UFA amounted to a waste of time. radic for years and could never have enough Vikings; $34.8M/6 yrs, $10.8M SB). In terms of finding a competent backup, good players. there are other options to Volek, including --CB Troy Vincent's six-year deal is worth ======New England's , Atlanta's almost $21 million. While his $3.6 million MIAMI DOLPHINS Doug Johnson and Baltimore's Chris Red- signing bonus was less than what nine other ======man. less accomplished but younger free agent corners signed for, he's guaranteed to make HOT TOPIC PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES $6 million in the first year, $8.5 million WR said all the right things --The Bills, looking to add another tight over the first two seasons and $11.5 million in his first news conference as a member of end behind starter Mark Campbell, brought over the first three. The front-loaded deal is the Miami Dolphins. in seven-year veteran Roland Williams for a exactly what an older player is after. "I just want to be one of the pieces of the daylong visit - and didn't have to arrange for --The week saw the Bills lose three more puzzle to try to help them win," Boston his plane ticket. Williams simply made the players from the era of late general manager said. "If I have to catch 30 passes for 700 1 1/2-hour drive from his hometown of John Butler. Backup QB Alex Van Pelt was yards (and) that's what I have to do, that's Rochester to Ralph Wilson Stadium. Once released and running back Sammy Morris what I will do. I just want to win games there, he made sure the coaches understood (Miami) and linebacker DaShon Polk right now." how much he desires to play for the team he (Houston) signed elsewhere as free agents. But the big question is whether the rooted for as a boy. There are now just two Butler players left talented-but-troubled wide receiver will live

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up to his words after being acquired from are sometimes one-sided." with 4th-round pick as compensation; ex- the San Diego Chargers for a conditional pected to compete for a backup role in 2005 sixth-round draft choice and corner- PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES 2004). back . Ex-Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg will EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Such a low price for a player who signed cherish the two championship rings that he (1): T/G Greg Jerman (had one start at RG a seven-year, $47 million free agent con- wears after having four others stolen. in 2003; considered a serviceable backup). tract to leave Arizona in the 2001 offseason Kuechenberg, who was a finalist for the PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: S Arturo Free- speaks volumes about how much the Charg- Pro Football Hall of Fame the past two sea- man (Potential UFA; terms unknown); RB ers wanted to separate themselves from sons, still has his 1972 and Leonard Henry (Potential ERFA; Boston. But if Boston can avoid the same a 1984 Super Bowl ring honoring his five $380,000/1 yr); DT Dario Romero problems that curtailed his stint in San career appearances. But Kuechenberg re- (Potential ERFA; $380,000/1 yr); P Matt Diego, the Dolphins will have scored a bar- cently discovered that four other rings are Turk (UFA; $2.85M/3 yrs, $350,000 SB); S gain while giving their anemic passing missing from his collection. The jewelry in- (UFA; $660,000/1 yr; 2004 game a major upgrade. cludes a 1973 Super Bowl ring, AFC Cham- cap: $455,000). Dolphins General Manager Rick Spielman pionship rings from 1971 and 1982 and a PLAYERS ACQUIRED: S said the combination of Boston with wide 1966 Notre Dame championship ring. (UFA Patriots; $1.9M/3 yrs, $150,000 SB); receiver , tight end Randy Palm Beach sheriff's officials are investi- WR David Boston (T-San Diego; 5 yrs, McMichael and tailback gating the theft of the rings, which may $24M, No SB); QB A.J. Feeley (trade Ea- gives Miami the "potential to have one of have happened last year when Kuechenberg gles; $18M/5 yrs, $3M SB); CB Reggie the most impressive passing attacks in the moved from Palm Beach to Broward Howard (UFA Panthers; $21.6M/6 yrs, league next year." County. Kuechenberg said he hopes to get $4.5M SB); OG Jeno James (UFA Panthers; Said Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt, the rings back but he is prepared to order re- $21.3M/6 yrs, $4.25M SB); OT Damion whose team has missed the playoffs the past placements. McIntosh (UFA Chargers; $23M/6 yrs, two seasons: "We believe it'll get us closer $300,000 SB; 2004 cap: $585,000); FB to getting up the top." STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL Sammy Morris (UFA Bills; 2 yrs, terms un- The Dolphins are optimistic that Boston is UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (7): known); OT John St. Clair (UFA Rams; closer to the receiver who caught 98 passes CB (probably will be play- $2.6M/2 yrs, $600,000 SB; 2004 cap: for 1,598 yards with Arizona in 2001 than ing elsewhere in 2004 after Dolphins signed $900,000); WR/KR Terrence Wilkins (UFA the one whose two-season totals have fallen Carolina's Reggie Howard as their new Colts; $535,000/1 yr; No SB; 2004 cap: short of those statistics because of injuries nickel cornerback); DE Rob Burnett $455,000). and a one-game suspension in San Diego (expected to retire after 14 NFL seasons); PLAYERS LOST: FB Obafemi Ayan- for numerous violations of team rules. WR Oronde Gadsden (didn't make an im- badejo (UFA Cardinals; $1.28M/2 yrs, Boston wouldn't address his past Thurs- pact after re-signing with the Dolphins last $200,000 SB); OT Mark Dixon (released); day, but it appears he will make a major ef- November); OG Jamie Nails (struggled at CB Jamar Fletcher (traded Chargers); S fort to fit in with the Dolphins organization. times in 2003 in his first season back after Trent Gamble (released); QB Brian Griese Rather than conduct his own offseason suffering a ruptured Achilles' tendon); LS (released); LB (UFA workouts, which didn't fly with Chargers Ed Perry (his value became evident as Mi- Jaguars; $1.2M/2 yrs, $160,000 SB); S management, Boston has agreed to partici- ami struggled with its long snapping Brock Marion (released); WR James McK- pate in the Dolphins' in-town conditioning throughout 2003 with Perry on injured re- night (released); OG Todd Perry program starting March 22. Boston also is serve); RB/KR (failed to (released/failed physical); C willing to work under Dolphins strength solve Miami's long-standing woes at re- (released/failed physical); OT Todd Wade coach John Gamble, which is a pleasant turner in 2003); CB Jimmy Wyrick (a late (UFA Texans; $25M/5 yrs, $10M SB). change from when he got into a major con- addition in 2004 who has a chance to return frontation with the man (Dave Redding) and compete for playing time on special ======who held the same position with the Charg- teams and dime packages). ers. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): LB ======To protect themselves, Miami restructured Morlon Greenwood (tendered at $628,000 Boston's contract so that he will have to re- with 3rd-round pick as compensation; began HOT TOPIC main on the active roster to collect $5.1 mil- to blossom as a starter in 2003, but not ex- Former Tampa Bay safety John Lynch's lion of the $6.3 million he is slated to earn pected to draw major interest elsewhere as visit to Foxborough last week is a likely in- in 2004 and 2005. an RFA); RB Travis Minor (tendered at dication that the Patriots would like to move "Sure there was concern about (Boston's $628,000 with 3rd-round pick as compensa- Eugene Wilson back to his more natural past)," Spielman said. "But then again, you tion; a solid backup to Ricky Williams who cornerback position. look at what you're giving up for him and also is a heavy contributor on special Wilson was drafted in the second round the financial package that is committed to teams); DE Adewale Ogunleye (The two last year out of Illinois and started the sea- him. If something does go wrong, it doesn't teams expected to bid for his services - son as the Patriots' nickel cornerback. But cost us one penny against the cap. We didn't Seattle and Philadelphia - instead signed when was released and give up very much It was an opportunity to other ends in free agency; Because the Dol- proved unable to step in at take a chance on what we think is an excel- phins tender requires first- and third-round the back of the defense, lent receiver and feeling a lot more comfort- choices as compensation, Ogunleye is ex- moved Wilson to safety out of desperation able after talking with him. A lot of things pected to stay with the Dolphins in 2004); in Week 2 and was fortunate that the rookie that are reported aren't always truthful or QB Sage Rosenfels (tendered at $628,000 was able to make a smooth transition.

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Wilson proved to be a hard hitter and fin- the Patriots' recent signing of former Steeler a team and if you deviate too much and go ished with 66 tackles, nine passes defensed Josh Miller is certainly notable. too much on the high end with too many and four interceptions. He also gave Be- Miller's 41.9-yard gross average last year players, you're not going to be able to build lichick some coverage flexibility, allowing was 4.2 yards higher than Walter's and his a team and spread the available cash to be the Patriots to stay with four defensive 36.0 net average was 3.6 yards better than strong at all positions." backs in some nickel situations. But since Walter's despite New England's punt cover- good cover corners are obviously harder to age ranking among the league's best. Miller STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL find than safeties, it's likely that Wilson will had 27 punts downed inside the 20 with UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (11): switch back if another safety can be found. eight touchbacks compared to Walter's 25 TE (this 11-year veteran saw Defensive coordinator has and three, but Walter mis-hit so many punts very little action and will likely be replaced said that Wilson will work at both spots dur- that he often benefited from a favorable roll by a younger version. He was inactive ing the offseason, but Lynch wasn't visiting and rarely threatened to reach the end zone. throughout the final two months of the sea- to come in and sit behind the second-year Miller averaged more than 46 yards from son); FB (the veteran fullback defensive back. deep in his own territory, which was about 5 will likely take his newly won Super Bowl Lynch was the first safety to visit during yards better than Walter in that same area of ring and ride off into retirement. He played the free agency season and probably not the the field. So while it may be difficult to get well at times for New England, but wasn't last since the Patriots have no experienced excited about the signing of a punter, the the impact receiver he was throughout most depth at that position beyond Wilson and move was significant for a team that focuses of his career); DE Bobby Hamilton (he has . It could be a draft day tar- on field position as much as any other game started almost every game since joining the get, but certainly not an area the Patriots day strategical factor. Amazingly, Walter Patriots in 2000, but is a player who proba- will look with one of their first round picks never cost the Patriots a game last year, but bly has more value to New England than because of the cost a first round safety if it weren't for some huge plays by the Pa- other teams. He is a system player who has would command. Georgia free safety Sean triots defense, he certainly could have cost thrived under Belichick and despite his Jones could be a second round target. them at least two - Houston and Indianapo- starter status, may find slim pickings in the 's uncertain future also could pre- lis. marketplace); S Antwan Harris (he fell into cipitate Wilson's move back to corner. Law Miller has averaged 42.4 yards per punt in the doghouse early last season and has is on record saying he doesn't want to wear his seven-year NFL career. likely played his last game in New England. a Patriots uniform again while simultane- --WR is a survivor. Last The four-year veteran has been unable to ously admitting that he will report to train- year during training camp, there was specu- earn playing time); QB Damon Huard (he ing camp despite his severed relationship lation that Patten would be the odd man out won't be back as the team looks to get with Belichick -- a $1 million bonus serving in a wide receiver crunch that also included younger at the backup position, hoping Ro- as his motivation. and rookie han Davey and are ready to Law has two years left on the seven-year, among incumbents , Deion compete for Huard's job); LS $49 million deal he signed in 1999. He will Branch and . But Patten was (will retire and return to teaching Bible make just more than $7 million in 2004 and starting opening day and remained a starter study class); DT (will not be a almost $9 million if he remains with the until heading to injured reserve with a knee priority, but could return for a one-year club in 2005. He would like the Patriots to injury near midseason. minimum salary deal. He shouldn't have release him so that he can take advantage of Patten was due a $250,000 roster bonus much of a market); DE the free agent cash windfall cornerbacks are last week, which again created speculation (expected to retire); RB seeing this year while he is 30. He will turn that he and his $1.25 million cap figure (the Patriots turned him loose by failing to 31 next February and will be 32 when his could be released in favor of cheaper op- exercise a club option. Smith will test the contract expires. tions. But Patten apparently received the market and might return to New England The Patriots would absorb a $5.6 million bonus and remained a Patriot even while the late in the spring if the market doesn't pay cap hit if they cut him before June 1 and emerging third-year tandem of Branch and him the money he wants); P would obviously split that in half if they cut Givens has a combined cap numbers of less (was released during the season and it's hard him after that date. Law wanted an exten- than $1 million. Patten caught nine passes to imagine a scenario where the struggling sion to give him security beyond this sea- for 140 yards in five games last season after punter and his 33.6-yard net punting aver- son, but scoffed at the Patriots four-year, posting career reception highs in 2001 and age return to New England); WR Dedric $26 million offer. He came back with a de- 2002 (51 and 61). Ward (he gave the Patriots depth at receiver mand for $63 million over seven years with --The Patriots' foray into free agency has and contributed when called upon. There a $20 million signing bonus. New England been predictably slow. As other teams isn't likely room on the roster for Ward this then broke off talks, which led to Law's throw money around, the Patriots have sat season, but if he has no other takers, he well-publicized tirade through the media. on the checkbook and merely monitored the could be back in camp). Assuming Law remains, Wilson would comings and goings around the league, RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (0): give the Patriots four solid corners with Ty- signing a few of their own free agents along None. rone Poole and rounding out with former Steelers Josh Miller and Rod- RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (has indi- the group. ney Bailey. The high-priced free agents? vidually negotiated right of first refusal): They're for some other team. RB . PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES "A lot of those guys don't work out," Pa- EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Punters don't cause the masses to run to triots Vice President of Player Personnel (5): OT (emerged as the the streets in joy, but given the boos Ken Scott Pioli said. "Historically, that has starter at right tackle and will be tendered. Walter heard last season at Gillette Stadium, shown itself to be true. We're trying to build The Patriots will likely try to tie him up at

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an affordable price now rather than wait an- man roster for the last few games and took sation; spotty backup but a great special other season); OG (will over for Szott, who was out with a knee in- teams player who will be brought back); RT likely receive a tender and return to com- jury. Moore actually played both guard po- Kareem McKenzie (tendered at $1.368M pete for a roster spot in training camp); WR sitions at the end of 2003 and quickly im- with 1st-round pick as compensation; a David Givens (former seventh round pick pressed coach Herman Edwards. breakout surprise the past few seasons, still emerged into a solid contributor this year "He really did a good job," said Edwards, needs work but the Jets need to lock him up and will be underpaid with an exclusive always a fan of the underdog and unher- long term); DT James Reed (tendered at rights tender, but he has very little leverage alded player. "You're talking about a guy $628,000 with 7th-round pick as compensa- with restricted free agency handcuffing him that's been developed here. He came as a tion; good backup who the Jets would like next year as well. He will not accept a long- defensive lineman, went over to Europe and to bring back but could be a victim of a term deal that will leave him underpaid after worked. Now he's actually playing in the stocked defensive line); LB Quincy Stewart the 2005 season when he would be eligible game. We're very, very happy with that." (tendered at $628,000 with no compensa- for unrestricted free agency, but a new deal Moore has moved ahead of third-year tion; a special teams standout whose future now will pay him more over the next two player Jonathan Goodwin, who was a fifth- could be determined by his ability to play years than he would otherwise be likely to round pick in 2002 but has never shown he's more regularly on defense); LB Kenyatta receive. It's a game of give and take for more than a backup. Goodwin will also be Wright (tendered at $628,000 with no com- Givens); S (tendered at given a chance to win a starting job, proba- pensation; talented reserve and special $305,000); OG (The oft- bly at left guard. teams player, the Jets will try to bring him injured former wrestler will be given a Smith will certainly be in the mix. He back but he's low on the priority list). chance to win a job this year with an exclu- can't be entirely to blame. A natural tackle, EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS sive rights tender). Smith was forced into the starting right (5): LB Mark Brown (the Jets like his up- PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: S Je'Rod Cherry guard spot when Tom Nutten, signed as a side and could be brought back for more (UFA, $660,000/1 yr); LB free agent, got hurt and suddenly retired in seasoning); WR Jonathan Carter (the Jets (UFA; terms unknown); RB the middle of training camp. Smith took a fastest player but likely just a third or fourth (UFA; $15M/6 yrs, $2M SB); G Russ while to get adjusted and the Jets running receiver and it's his kickoff skills that will Hochstein (RFA; $2M/3 yrs, $200,000 SB); game suffered in part because of that. bring him back); WR Lawrence Hamilton FB (UFA, $535,000, 1 yr); WR (intriguing speed but a fifth receiver at J.J. Stokes (UFA; $660,000/1 yr; 2004 cap: PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES best); CB Omare Lowe (could be brought $455,000) --The Jets played host to former Bucs back as a reserve); WR Ken-Yon Rambo PLAYERS ACQUIRED: DE Rodney Bai- strong safety for a visit Thursday after (possible fifth receiver). ley (RFA Steelers; $1.3M/1 yr, $650,000 Lynch had already visited with the Sea- PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: PK Doug Brien SB); P Josh Miller (FA Steelers; $5M/5 yrs, hawks, Broncos and Patriots. Because of the (UFA; $7.7M/6 yrs, $625,000 SB); OT $1M SB). incredibly close relationship between Lynch Brent Smith (UFA; $5M/5 yrs, $500,000 PLAYERS LOST: S Chris Akins (UFA and coach Herman Edwards formed back SB). Dolphins; $1.9M/3 yrs, $150,000 SB); OG when both were in Tampa, the Jets are the PLAYERS ACQUIRED: CB David Bar- Mike Compton (UFA Jaguars; 2 yr, front-runners. Lynch is also scheduled to rett (UFA Cardinals; $21M/6 yrs, $4.5M $1.8M/2 yrs, $200,000 SB); NT Ted Wash- visit with the Lions next week and probably SB); LB Eric Barton (UFA Raiders; ington (UFA Raiders; $14M/4 yrs, $4M the Colts. Lynch was said to be impressed $16.25M/5 yrs, $4M SB); WR Justin Mc- SB); G/C Damien Woody (UFA Lions; by the Patriots during his visit and it may Careins (trade Titans; new contract: $24M/7 $30M/6 yrs, $9M SB/$500,000 RB). come down to them, the Jets and Colts. yrs, $6M SB); QB (FA CFL; terms unknown). ======STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PLAYERS LOST: CB UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): (released); S Tyrone Carter (released); WR ======WR Kevin Lockett (not a priority but could Curtis Conway (released); S Sam Garnes be brought back as a cheap fourth or fifth (released); LB Marvin Jones (released); LB HOT TOPIC receiver); C J.P. Machado (backup who has Mo Lewis (released); LG Dave Szott The Jets had to move quickly to fill holes faltered in recent seasons and may not be (retired). at linebacker and corner, but one area of worth bringing back); DT Chester Mc- need that hasn't received much attention is Glockton (will retire); P Dan Stryzinski (not ======guard and the Jets could be going into train- the boomer the Jets had hoped he would be, ing camp looking for starters on both sides. they will try to sign someone else for the ======Left guard Dave Szott retired after the position). season and right guard Brent Smith was re- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not HOT TOPIC signed but likely as a backup. tendered offers): WR Kevin Swayne (not The three-team settlement that resolved One player expected to compete for a tendered as RFA). Terrell Owens' dispute over free agency -- starting role is Brandon Moore, who was a RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): LB and ultimately overturned the Pro Bowl re- defensive lineman in college but converted Jason Glenn (tendered at $628,000 with 6th- ceiver's trade to Baltimore -- cost the to guard when signed as an undrafted free round pick as compensation; good backup Ravens the most. agent before the 2002 season. and special teams player who could start While the Philadelphia Eagles got Owens Moore played well in NFL Europe last next year, the Jets want and need to bring and the San Francisco 49ers got targeted de- spring and after bouncing on and off the him back); CB (tendered fensive lineman Brandon Whiting, the practice squad roster, was added to the 53- at $628,000 with 4th-round pick as compen- Ravens were given the Eagles' fifth-round

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pick. In a matter of 12 days, the Ravens want to be here," Ravens offensive tackle (UFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown); went from being assured of having one of Orlando Brown said. LB (3 yrs/terms unknown); the game's top playmakers to being com- --Ravens officials confirmed they had QB Anthony Wright (UFA; 2 yrs, terms un- pensated with the 155th overall pick. been in discussions with DT Warren Sapp, known). The agreement between the league and but negotiations never became serious and PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None. the players union avoided an arbitration de- the seven-time Pro Bowl lineman signed PLAYERS LOST: CB Tom Knight (UFA cision, which likely would have declared with Oakland on Saturday. Buccaneers; $560,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB); Owens a free agent. Although he missed a WR Marcus Robinson (UFA Vikings; league-mandated Feb. 21 deadline, Owens' STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL $9.4M/4 yrs, $2M SB). contract stipulates he could void his con- FRANCHISE PLAYER: CB Chris McAl- tract at the end of the league year (March ister (tendered at $7.154M). ======2). UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): When asked if the Ravens were fairly LB Bernardo Harris (injuries and age may ======compensated, Baltimore coach Brian Billick preclude his return); TE John Jones (sound said, "What's fair and what's right can be special teams player may be pushed out by HOT TOPIC two different things. Yeah, I think we were second-year tight end Trent Smith); DE The Bengals thought they were on the injured in this process, as were our fans. We (could return since the verge of their biggest signing since NFL tried to do this the right way at every turn. Ravens favor veteran backups on defensive free agency started in 1993. We were told by the management council line); QB (never developed Friday night it appeared they were a mere that we were within our rights and now it in Brian Billick's system and will try to few hours from signing free agent DT War- goes the other way. To so summarily be dis- catch on elsewhere). ren Sapp. But Oakland made an 11th-hour missed, it's disappointing. It's very frustrat- RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (8): OG pitch to the seven-time Pro Bowler, and by ing. (tendered at $628,000 Saturday night Sapp had agreed to a seven- "But we'll move ahead. We always have a with no compensation; former undrafted year, $36.6 million deal with the Raiders. backup plan and we'll put that in effect." rookie could draw some interest since teams That's significantly more that the reported To make matters worse, a thin free-agent wouldn't require giving up a draft pick as four years and $16 million he was to receive market for receivers is essentially bare. compensation); OT Damion Cook (tendered from Cincinnati. During their ordeal with Owens, the at $628,000 with no compensation; viewed Signing Sapp would have been a coup for Ravens missed out on re-signing Marcus by team as a developmental player); DE the Bengals. He would have brought his Robinson, their leader last year with six Marques Douglas (tendered at $628,000 larger-than-life personality to Cincinnati touchdown catches. They missed out on with no compensation; better suited as a and given the Bengals their highest-profile pursuing . They missed out backup in Ravens' rotation despite making player since quarterback Boomer Esiason in on the trade talks for David Boston. strides last season); LB the late 1980s. Putting Sapp in Bengals If the season started now, the Ravens' (tendered at $1.368M with 1st-round pick as stripes also would have added a new degree starting receivers would be Travis Taylor compensation; running mate of ); of legitimacy to the Bengals' rebuilding ef- (39 catches last season) and Frank Sanders LS Joe Maese (tendered at $628,000 with forts under second-year coach Marvin (14). 6th-round pick as compensation; sound long Lewis. "Had Terrell been a free agent from the snapper could receive competition for his Perhaps most important, his interest in the get-go, he represented the only substantial job next season); C Casey Rabach (tendered Bengals would have been another clear sign move we could make in top-end free agency at $628,000 with 3rd-round pick as compen- the Bengals' reputation is changing. Instead, to better the team," Billick said. "Outside of sation; lack of physical presence has despite the Bengals' vastly improved image, his presence, there wasn't anybody out stopped him from emerging as a starter); FB he still becomes the latest A-list player to there. We'll now wait as we've done very Alan Ricard (tendered at $628,000 with no show interest only to use the Bengals as successfully to see what comes available compensation; could be in line for a con- leverage to up the market and force another over the next couple of months. tract extension after the draft); CB Ray- team into making a move. "In that sense, we're kind of where we mond Walls (tendered at $628,000 with 5th- Since the story broke last week, Cincin- were before. But it's still nonetheless disap- round pick as compensation; journeyman nati had been buzzing about the possibility pointing because clearly there are fewer op- has speed but did not receive much playing of acquiring Sapp. Even casual or non-fans tions available to us now." time last season). recognized Sapp's name. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Sapp has 77 career sacks, though his five PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES (3): S Will Demps (former undrafted rookie in 2003 were his fewest since he had three --In losing out on receiver Terrell Owens, has developed into a starter); WR Randy as a rookie in 1995. Coach the Ravens' biggest gain may be an incen- Hymes (could emerge as the No. 3 receiver has said he considers Sapp and Ravens mid- tive. if he rebounds from missing all of last sea- dle linebacker Ray Lewis as the two most The Ravens, who failed to get Owens to son with an injury); DE Ma'ake Kemoeatu dominating defensive playmakers in the report for a physical for the past two weeks, (dependable backup to Kelly Gregg). NFL. And the Bengals have to be disap- will finally get to meet him later this year PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: OT Orlando pointed that they won't be adding his inten- because they are scheduled to play at Brown (UFA; $17.5M/5 yrs, $4M SB/$1M sity and play-making ability to what re- Philadelphia this season. The NFL schedule OB '06; 2004 cap: $1.46M); C Mike Flynn mains a very suspect defense. will be announced next month. (UFA; $11.2M/5 yrs, $4M SB); PK Wade "It will probably be motivation for some- Richey (UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown); LS PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES body on this team, him saying he didn't Mike Solwold (ERFA; terms unknown); PK -- The Bengals announced the hiring of

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Cincinnati native Ray Oliver as their assis- role and led kicking game with 21 tackles. changed. tant strength and conditioning coach. He re- There's talk of seeing what he can do if Northcutt's date is spelled out in his con- places Kurtis Shultz, who was hired this off- given more opportunity on defense). tract, and even the NFL Players Association season for the Vikings top strength job. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: C Rich Braham agrees. Oliver, who attended Taft and Withrow (UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown); PK Shayne The best solution may come on draft day, high schools, spent the last three seasons as Graham (RFA/matched Jaguars offer; when Northcutt could be used as bait for the strength coach for the University of Mem- $6.5M/5 yrs, $2M SB; 2004 cap: $1.1M). Browns to make a deal. The team doesn't phis basketball team. He also worked in the PLAYERS ACQUIRED: S Kim Herring need a player on the roster who seems to be NFL (Tampa Bay, 1992) and in the NBA (FA Rams; $8.2M/5 yrs, $1.5M SB; 2004 as unhappy as Northcutt. (New Jersey, 1996-97). cap: $1.4M); LB Nate Webster (UFA Buc- caneers; $11.3M/5 yrs, $2.5M SB). PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL PLAYERS LOST: RB Brandon Bennett Fans are wondering where the new line- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): (UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown); CB Jeff men are, for good reason. Since free agency SS Rogers Beckett (started nine games and Burris (released); DT Oliver Gibson started the Browns have lost two linemen -- provided big plays. He has said he wants to (released); C/G Mike Goff (UFA Chargers; guard Shaun O'Hara and swingman Barry return but won't get big contract from Ben- $13.25M/5 yrs, $3.5M SB); CB Artrell Stokes -- and signed a defensive end and a gals that he might get from another team); Hawkins (released); OG Matt O'Dwyer quarterback. If Jeff Garcia isn't nervous QB Shane Matthews (it's hard to see him (UFA Buccaneers; $685,000/1 yr, $25,000 about his protection, he will be once train- coming back to be permanently stuck as No. SB). ing camp starts. 3 behind Palmer and ); FS Mark --QB said he has no rea- Roman (Bengals tried to sign him to con- ======son not to think he will be ready for the reg- tract extension before season ended. He ular season. Holcomb had surgery to repair made 16 starts and was fifth with 83 tack- ======a partial tear in the labrum of his throwing les); DT (he could be back at shoulder in the offseason and will be rehab- bargain price, but his backup job could go HOT TOPIC bing until July. Holcomb said doctors told to second-year tackle Langston Moore). No player was looking forward to free him he should be fine once the season starts. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not agency more than Browns receiver Dennis --Trade rumors on QB have tendered offers): LB Riall Johnson (RFA Northcutt. been quiet, with Dallas -- one rumored "hot" tender withdrawn). As the 2003 season went on, Northcutt destination for him -- settling on Drew Hen- RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (5): WR and his agent Jerome Stanley both made it son instead. Couch right now does not seem T.J. Houshmandzadeh (tendered at clear that he wanted a big contract and he to be a desired commodity around the $628,000 with 7th-round pick as compensa- would go on the open market. league. tion; missed significant time because of in- The day after the season ended, Northcutt jury and lack of special teams position. was asked what would keep him in Cleve- STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL Might not be back. Bengals might try to land. His answer: "This." As he spoke he RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): WR draft a fourth wide receiver from a deep rubbed his fingers and thumb together. Andre King (tendered at $628,000 with 7th- pool available in April); RB Rudi Johnson It was clear what meant most to him. round pick as compensation; veteran is good (tendered at $1.824M with 1st- and 3rd- But to reach free agency, Northcutt had to fourth or fifth receiver and very good on round picks as compensation; the team's inform the Browns he was going to void the special teams, so the Browns will not let possible featured back of the future, John- final three years of his contract. And he had him leave); OG Paul Zukauskas (tendered at son is expected to draw the highest tender); to do it by Feb. 19. When the Browns didn't $628,000 with 7th-round pick as compensa- S/CB Kevin Kaesviharn (tendered at receive the notice by the date -- which is tion; has started games and is worth keeping $628,000 with no compensation; he's an- clearly stated in his contract -- they were around). other player who just as easily could be privately gleeful. Northcutt and Stanley had EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS gone as could stay. Not expected to attract missed their chance. (1): OL Chad Beasley. major interest on market); G/C Victor The Browns now intend to hold Northcutt PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: LB Leyva (tendered at $628,000 with 5th-round to the final three years of his deal, but are (Potential UFA; 4 yrs, terms unknown); DT pick as compensation; Bengals like this not playing total hardball. They're willing to Michael Myers (UFA; 2 yrs, terms un- fourth-year player, but he hasn't been given increase his pay from the average of known); WR Frisman Jackson (to two-year an opportunity to show his stuff. Offensive roughly $700,000 he's due to make, but extension through 2006, terms unknown). line coach Paul Alexander considers Leyva aren't willing to match the offer they gave PLAYERS ACQUIRED: DE Ebenezer a key part of the line's depth); TE Tony him prior to free agency. Ekuban (UFA Cowboys; $7.5M/3 yrs, $2M Stewart (tendered at $628,000 with 5th- The result: Northcutt is not happy, and the SB); QB Jeff Garcia (FA 49ers; $25M/4 yrs, round pick as compensation; the best com- team has not talked to him -- on advice that $5M SB; 2004 cap: $1.75M); FB Terrelle bination of blocking and pass receiving tal- it would be best legally not to do so. Smith (UFA Saints; $4.4M/4 yrs, $1.1M ent at the position. He probably will be back A relationship is strained, and it's likely SB). as a valuable player on special teams, in the team will attempt to trade Northcutt and PLAYERS LOST: P Chris Gardocki spot offensive duty and as one of the most get something for him. One option that does (UFA Steelers; $6.3M/5 yrs, $1.06M SB); community-oriented people on the roster). not exist for Northcutt is the one Terrell C/G Shaun O'Hara (UFA Giants; $5.4M/3 EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Owens pursued. Owens, who was in a simi- yrs, $2M SB); CB Lewis Sanders (UFA (1): CB Reggie Myles (the Marvin Lewis lar situation as Northcutt when he failed to Jaguars; terms unknown/3 yrs); OL Barry favorite embraced expanded special teams void his years, claimed his date was Stokes (UFA Giants; 5 yrs, terms un-

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known); RB Jamel White (released, Bucs; "I think we did all right," Kevin Colbert, $380,000/1 yr). terms unknown). Pittsburgh's director of football operations PLAYERS ACQUIRED: P Chris Gar- said of the first few weeks of free agency. docki (UFA Browns; $6.3/5 yrs, $1.06M ======"We were happy. We looked at all the play- SB); DT Travis Kirschke (UFA 49ers; ers that went and we made decisions not to $6.4M/4 yrs, $1.1M SB); RB Duce Staley ======get involved when things got like they did." (UFA Eagles; $14M/5 yrs, $4M SB). PLAYERS LOST: DE HOT TOPIC PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES (RFA Patriots; $1.3M/1 yr, $650,000 SB); Other than signing their own players, the -- Pittsburgh natives left in droves when TE (released), P Josh Miller Steelers are virtually out of the first phase the steel industry went caput in the 1980s, (released); CB Dewayne Washington of the free agent market. From here on, they but the Steelers' industry kept a few in town (released); RB Amos Zereoue (released). will search for bargains. last week. Center Chukky Okobi, who lived With virtually no room left under their his first 10 years in Pittsburgh, preceded ======salary cap, the Steelers will concentrate on safety Mike Logan in re-signing with their the draft and on possibly signing one or two hometown team. ======more of their restricted free agents. There "I look at it as working for a company and are no more of their unrestricted free agents this is one of the best companies to work HOT TOPIC other than backup offensive tackle Barrett for," said Okobi, who is 6-1, 310. "Not only Texans general manager Charley Casserly Brooks and backup defensive tackle that, for sentimental reasons, being from the took a calculated risk last April, the kind of , neither of whom would city, I can't imagine playing anywhere else. move that generated some buzz from execu- be important signings. Can I see myself playing for Cincinnati? tives around the NFL that suggested The past week they signed three of their What sense does that make? The Steelers Casserly wasted a pick by drafting the own free agents - safety Mike Logan, unre- are in my blood." baseball-committed Drew Henson. stricted, and two restricted players - center -- Logan's grandfather worked at a steel Nearly a year later, Casserly has shown Chukky Okobi and defensive tackle Chris mill on Pittsburgh's South Side. The mill the low risk, high-reward gamble was worth Hoke. was torn down and now the grandson works it. Logan became their starter at strong at the same spot - it's the site of the Steelers' The Texans completed a deal this month safety last season and was wooed by the training facility. that sends Henson, a sixth round selection Green Bay Packers. He will move to free "It's just priceless for me to be able to be in last year's draft, to the Dallas Cowboys safety in 2004 because last year's first-round home and be a part of my family's life," said for a third-round pick in 2005. draft choice, Troy Polamalu, will start at Logan. "We were always confident that a deal strong safety. Brent Alexander, who has could get done," said Casserly, who had un- been their starting free safety since he STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL til April 24 to deal Henson or he would re- joined them as a free agent in 2000, may be UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): enter the draft. released. OT Barrett Brooks (there's not a lot of inter- Citing that only 10 percent of sixth-round Logan, a Pittsburgh native, had a slightly est in him); NT Kendrick Clancy (nice draft selections ever make an NFL roster, better offer from the Packers, but decided to backup, but not worth a big price); LS Mike Casserly and the Texans drafted Henson stay home. His father, a camera man for Schneck (solid snapper that the Steelers with one of their sixth round picks last year KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, was recently diag- want back). with the intention of trading his rights. This nosed with diabetes and that became a fac- RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): CB despite the fact Henson remained adamant tor in Logan's decision to remain with the Chidi Iwuoma (tendered at $628,000 with about continuing his professional baseball Steelers. no compensation; one of their best special- career as a prospect in the New York Yan- There are some big-name free agents who teamers but is too short to play a position); kees organization. might interest the Steelers if their asking OT Mathias Nkwenti (tendered at $628,000 Even so, the Texans scouted Henson ex- prices plummet over the coming weeks. with 4th-round pick as compensation); OG tensively in previous years and considered Ruben Brown, an eight-time Pro Bowl Keydrick Vincent (tendered at $628,000 drafting him had he come out of school guard released this month by the Buffalo with no compensation; could become a early, but instead selected David Carr with Bills, is one of them. Others include outside starter and the player most likely to receive the No. 1 overall pick in 2001. linebacker Warrick Holdman, released by an offer elsewhere). During the past year, the Texans met with the Bears, and Eagles cornerback Bobby EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: Henson to discuss possible destinations, Taylor, an unrestricted free agent. None. careful "not to eliminate any teams" from Brown earned $4.5 million last season, PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: TE Matt Cush- consideration, according to one team Holdman $3.5 million and Taylor $4.1 mil- ing (UFA; $535,000/1 yr); WR Chris Doer- source. Meanwhile, the Texans sent out lion. The Steelers have a history of picking ing (UFA; $480,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB); LB trade proposals to all teams outlining the pa- up valuable players late in the free agent Clark Haggans (UFA; $10.2M/4 yrs, $3M rameters for any potential deal. The idea: to game, among them Alexander, starting SB); DL Chris Hoke (RFA; 2 yrs, $1.45M, keep Henson, who has not played in a foot- quarterback Tommy Maddox and backup $50,000 SB); FB Dan Kreider (UFA; ball game since the 2001 , fresh quarterback Charlie Batch. Jerome Bettis $4.04M/4 yrs, $840,000 SB; 2004 cap: in the minds of NFL executives. was a draft-day trade in April 1996. Court- $745,000); S Mike Logan (UFA, 3 yrs, "We went through every team in the ney Hawkins came to them late in 1997 and $3.1M, $850,000 SB); C Chukky Okobi league," Casserly said. "There was never caught 111 passes over the next two sea- (RFA; $6M/4 yrs, $692,000 SB; 2004 cap: any pre-ideas of where he was going." sons. $628,000); PK Jeff Reed (Potential ERFA; The Texans asked and were denied per-

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mission for Henson to work out at the NFL QUOTE TO NOTE: "Michigan, the Yan- $8.35M SB; 2004 cap: $2.083M); OT Todd scouting combine because the league said kees and Cowboys. That's a pretty talented Wade (UFA Dolphins; $25M/5 yrs, $10M he was not eligible for this year's draft while athlete to be with those teams." -- Yankees SB). the Texans owned his rights. So the team general manager Brian Cashman on Drew PLAYERS LOST: FB Greg Comella strategically held an open audition, attended Henson. (UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown); LB by coaches and scouts from 20 teams, in (UFA Chargers; $3.6M/3 yrs, mid February. With the scouting combine STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL $1.25M SB); DT Steve Martin (UFA less than two weeks later, teams were able UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): Vikings; 2 yrs, terms unknown); QB Mike to take notes and compare Henson against CB (with the Texans expected to Quinn (UFA Broncos; terms unknown); S the other top quarterbacks in this year's concentrate on the secondary in the draft (released). draft. he'll like get pushed out of the mix); OT Henson began taking recruiting visits in (expected to retire after ======early March and went to Dallas, Cleveland missing all of last season with a knee in- and St. Louis. He also received serious in- jury); C Ben Lynch (hard to imagine he will ======terest from Buffalo. return even in a reserve role); RB Stacey The Cowboys were his top choice all Mack (Mack has been told by the team that HOT TOPIC along. Now came the hard part - making a he will not be asked back for next season); In what has been a very busy veteran free deal work until some tight parameters. OT (Randall becomes the agent market in the National Football Not only were the Texans against the odd-man out after the team signed tackle League this winter, the Indianapolis Colts clock, but the deal had to be creative Todd Wade to a multi-year deal and re- have remained on the outside looking in. enough to work Henson into the team's signed versatile offensive lineman Todd While that's not a surprise, since the Colts sixth-round rookie pool from 2003 and be Washington); DE (with De- haven't been particularly big players in the attractive enough that Henson would be loach being pushed into a reserve role and free agent scene for the past several offsea- willing to leave $12 million on the table the team hoping to re-sign Martin there does sons, it's hard for many of their fans to un- with the Yankees and return to football. not appear to be any room for Sears). derstand. "We had to make it interesting enough UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not "People just have to know we're trying to from day one," one team source said. tendered offers): C Chris Lorenti (not ten- put the best team possible out there," Indi- The Texans also researched what people dered as ERFA). anapolis coach said. "But thought of Henson the baseball player. After RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): CB we're trying to remain competitive well into hitting .233 in Triple-A last year and the Jason Bell (his ability to play special teams the future." fact the Yankees said he wasn't in their should help cause); DT Jerry DeLoach (with Dungy admits the Colts aren't the Wash- plans when third baseman Aaron Boone was the signing of Robaire Smith to play right ington Redskins, who have spent more than lost with an injured knee for this season, defensive end, Deloach likely will sign to $50 million in signing bonuses this offsea- Henson decided to return to football. For the be the top backup); TE son. past four months, he had been preparing (with last year's second round pick Bennie "People see that and think that's the solely to play football. Joppru back from injury there won't be any norm," Dungy said. "But everybody has a Finally, after targeting the Cowboys as his room on the roster for Holloway); FS Mar- different strategy and a different theory and preferred destination, Casserly, Dan Ferens, lon McCree (did a nice job after taking different amounts of cash they can use. the Texans' director of negotiations, agent away job from Matt Stevens but the Texans "We've got to add and we will add, either Tom Condon and Dallas owner-general would like to upgrade one of their weakest in the draft or before we go to camp. We manager Jerry Jones began hashing out the areas); FB (improved block- can't go in with what we have right now, but details of a contract. They finally reached ing made him a key component in Doman- we can't get alarmed." agreement on a complex eight-year deal that ick Davis rushing for more than 1,000 Personnel decisions have stripped the includes $3.5 million in guaranteed money yards; he'll have to fight for starting job Colts' defense of several major contributors and is voidable after four years if he reaches with Jarrod Baxter); CB Darrick Vaughn -- LB Marcus Washington (now with Wash- certain playing-time incentives. (his speed is a plus on special teams). ington), DE Chad Bratzke and CBs Walt "It's a great relief to have the deal done," EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Harris (also with the Redskins) and David Henson said. "The tough part is out of the (13): S Curry Burns; LB Travis Carroll; DE Macklin (has signed with Arizona). way now and I can get back to actual foot- Jason Davis; DT Curry Dawson; LB Troy Indianapolis' philosophy on free agent ball stuff. Dallas has probably been my top Evans; CB DeMarcus Faggins; OT Garrick personnel decisions has been offensive in choice all along. I was just happy they were Jones; TE Rashod Kent; WR J.J. Moses; TE nature in recent years. Upgrades for the de- the team that showed the most interest." Matt Murphy; LB Shantee Orr; LS Bryan fense, however, will most likely come from Pittman; DT Jeremy Slechta. the April 24-25 draft, the secondary phase PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: CB Jason Sim- of veteran free agency and from within. --Drew Henson spent a day on the Texans' mons (UFA; $560,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB; The Colts' two-deep defensive chart is a roster, which was required by league rules, 2004 cap: $480,000); DE Gary Walker (FA, pretty good barometer of that way of think- before he was officially traded to the Dallas had been released; terms unknown); C Todd ing -- 15 of the top 22 are draft picks. Five Cowboys for a third-round draft pick in Washington (UFA; $2.9M/3 yrs, $500,000 others are free agents the team signed as 2005. SB). rookies. Only two -- LB Jim Nelson and DT "Whether he ever played for us or not, PLAYERS ACQUIRED: LB DaShon Montae Reagor -- were acquired as veteran he's a part of our history," Texans GM Polk (UFA Bills; terms unknown); DT free agents. Charley Casserly said. Robaire Smith (UFA Titans; $26.3M/6 yrs, "You get young players and develop

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them," Dungy said. "They grow and you get month of the season with a lower back in- Jaguars had the worst team kicking percent- better and better and you improve gradually. jury); RB Dominic Rhodes (tendered at age in the league. You build for the long term. I'm not one to $628,000 with no compensation; showed "I kind of know what to expect now," look at, 'Well, the window of opportunity is flashes of what he can do after undergoing Chandler said. "Nothing is guaranteed." one year or two years, so you've got to do knee surgery early in 2002). After being waived by the 49ers, he had this or that.' EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: workouts with the Giants, Cardinals and Pa- "You explore every way you can (to) im- None. triots last year and got an offer to come with prove your team whether that's trade, free PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: QB Peyton camp with the Patriots this fall. But he agency, draft choices. But in the long run, Manning (potential UFA; $98M/7 yrs, passed because he had no chance to beat out you have to continue to bring young talent $34.5M SB; $9M RB '06, $10M RB '07; . in. That's the only way you're going to get 2004 cap: $8.3M); RB James Mungro Chandler said he's looking forward to the to the top and stay on top long term." (ERFA, 1 yr./terms not disclosed); LB Jim opportunity of working with new special Building from within is a concept that Nelson (UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown); OG teams coach Pete Rodriguez. team president seriously adheres Tupe Peko (ERFA; 1 yr/terms unknown); "He's well respected around the league as to. WR-KR Brad Pyatt (UFA, 2 yrs./terms not a great coach. I've talked to a bunch of guys "Growth from within is the principal way disclosed); QB Cory Sauter (UFA; $4.6M/4 who worked for him and they say he knows we're going to do it," Polian said. "We al- yrs, SB unknown); DT Josh Williams his stuff," Chandler said. ways place heavy emphasis on the draft and (potential UFA; $19.3M/6 yrs, $3.6M SB). When Chandler was drafted in the fourth even collegiate free agency." PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None. round by the 49ers in 2002, he was consid- PLAYERS LOST: DE Chad Bratzke ered the best kicker in the draft and got a PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES (released); CB (released, signed $330,000 signing bonus. --Coach Tony Dungy has not ruled out the with Washington, 3 yrs./terms not dis- But when incumbent Jose Cortez had a Colts pursuing S John Lynch, a former closed); QB (released); CB good training camp, the 49ers decided to Tampa Bay standout. But financial consid- David Macklin (UFA Cardinals; 3 yrs, keep both kickers and Chandler didn't see erations make a relocation to Indy unlikely. terms unknown); OT Adam Meadows any action until the final six games when he --Despite the loss of CBs Walt Harris and (released, signed with Carolina, 5 made 8 of 12 field goal attempts. David Macklin, Dungy is hopeful that his yrs./15M); FB (released); LB Last year, he took over the job but lasted starters for 2004 will come from a group Marcus Washington (UFA Redskins; only two games before he was waived even that includes returnees Nick Harper, Donald $24M/6 yrs, $7M SB); WR/KR Terrence though he missed just one field goal attempt Strickland and Joseph Jefferson. Strickland Wilkins (UFA Dolphins; $535,000/1 yr). in seven tries and one extra point in eight played safety for most of the 2003 season attempts. while Jefferson sat out the year after under- ======In his eight games with the 49ers, he going surgery to repair a herniated groin. made 14 of 19 and didn't miss inside the 40. ======It remains, though, to be seen whether ei- STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL ther Chandler or Marler will be the answer. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): HOT TOPIC It's likely they'll continue to look for kick- CB Cliff Crosby (outstanding special teams Ending a frustrating search for a kicker, ers in case neither Chandler not Marler is player, can also play in the nickel package); the Jaguars found one in their own back- impressive in training camp. WR JaJuan Dawson (might not be re- yard. signed); TE Pete Mitchell (was signed as in- They signed Jeff Chandler, the former PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES surance after injury to rookie Dallas Clark). University of Florida kicker, who grew up Don't be surprised if the Jaguars don't tag UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not in Jacksonville and went to high school safety next year. Instead, tendered offers): TE Joe Dean Davenport there, to a one-year contract Monday after they might him to allow him to become a (not tendered as RFA); S (not failing to sign a veteran kicker in free free agent. tendered as RFA); LB Donnel Thompson agency. It would cost them at least $4.9 million to (not tendered as RFA); RB Ricky Williams "It's just a great opportunity," said Chan- tag him in 2005 when Deon Grant is due for (not tendered as ERFA). dler, who'd been hoping to hear from the a $2.28 million salary cap number. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (5): S Jaguars since working out for them about a That would mean the Jaguars would have (tendered at $628,000 with 3rd- month ago. $7.2 million tied up in the two starting round pick as compensation; has yet to have The Jaguars first tried to find a veteran safety positions in 2005 and they might de- a full, healthy season since coming to the kicker, signing Shayne Graham of Cincin- cide that's too expensive for the safety posi- Colts); OG Rick DeMulling (tendered at nati to a five-year $6.5 million offer year tion. $1.368M with 1st-round pick as compensa- only to have the Bengals match it and made -- Linebacker Greg Favors of Carolina is tion; may have had the best season of any of an offer to Jeff Stover of Baltimore only to among the free agents still on the market the Colts' offensive linemen in 2003); OT have Stover decide to stay with the Ravens. who've been contacted by the Jaguars, but it (tendered at $1.368M with 1st- Chandler said he'll be ready for the chal- remains to be seen if he'll reach an agree- round pick as compensation; was moved lenge of dueling with Seth Marler for the ment. The Jaguars have a need at the posi- from guard to tackle prior to last season, starting job after being waived by San Fran- tion. was injured for part of the year); CB Nick cisco last year even though he made six of The Jaguars are waiting for their prices to Harper (tendered at $1.368M with 1st-round seven field goal attempts last year. drop before making a move. pick as compensation; won the starting job Marler, an undrafted rookie last year, in training camp but was limited the last made only 20 of 33 attempts when the

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STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL terms unknown); TE Todd Yoder (UFA some manner. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): Buccaneers; 3 yrs, 2004 cap: $635,000; OL Jamar Nesbit (a solid backup who terms unknown). PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES played in every game and started two and PLAYERS LOST: DE With Billy Volek on the free agent market the Jaguars hope to keep him); P Mark Roy- (released); QB Mark Brunell (traded Red- and Neil O'Donnell effectively retired, the als (signed when Chris Hanson was lost for skins); CB (UFA Lions; Titans faced the possibility of having two the season in the ax incident and the Jaguars $24M/6 yrs, $7.25M SB); LB Danny Clark new backups for Steve McNair for the first don't plan to bring him back); DB James (UFA Raiders; $3.91M/3 yrs, $525,000 SB); time since 1999. That was the year they Trapp (he ended the season on the IR list OG Leander Jordan (UFA Chargers; signed O'Donnell as a free agent, and fifth- and he is no longer in the Jaguars plans). $3.035M/3 yrs, $250,000 SB). round pick Kevin Daft was the number- UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not three. As a result, much effort will be put tendered offers): DE Javor Mills (not ten- ======into finding ways to keep McNair healthy. dered as ERFA); LB Joe Tuipala (not ten- TENNESSEE TITANS "We're going to go back and look at every dered as RFA); LB (not ======hit -- every time he was on the ground -- tendered as RFA). and see how it could have been avoided, RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None. HOT TOPIC and we'll address it," coach Jeff Fisher said. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS The Titans spent 12 weeks of the 2003 "We've done a real good job protecting from (7): CB Blue Adams (signed last Oct. 8 and season among the top five in the league in a sack standpoint, but our sack numbers played in eight games, making three tackles passing offense ... and apparently liked it. don't correlate to his injuries right now." on the special teams); RB David Allen Salary cap decisions made prior to March --Coaches plan to spend a great deal of (ranked fourth in AFC with a 12.0 average 2 clearly favored the offense as three time during the summer looking for a bona on punt returns, but was only 15th in kick- starters on the offensive line -- including fide threat in the return game. Tennessee off returns with a 20.3 average as he be- both tackles -- had their contracts restruc- was 31st in the league in kickoff return av- came the leading kick returner after Jer- tured, which allowed that unit to stay intact, erage and eighth in punt return average. maine Lewis was injured); S Deke Cooper while wide receiver Drew Bennett and tight "You can see if you watch today's game, it's (signed on Sept. 16 after being cut by Car- end each were signed to long- all about the returner," coach Jeff Fisher olina to bolster the special teams but wound term contracts before they would have be- said. "(Kansas City's ) makes so up starting 10 games. Played in NFL Europe come free agents. many people miss. You can have everybody in 2001 and 2002); LB Tony Gilbert (signed The only subtractions were wide receiver blocked, but the returner has so much to do off the Arizona practice squad and wound Justin McCareins, who was traded to the with your success in the return game." up playing eight games on special teams New York Jets after having finished second and made seven tackles); QB Quinn Gray on the team in receptions, receiving yards STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL (spent much of the last two years on the and receiving touchdowns, last season and UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (2): S Jaguars practice squad and hopes to win the tight end Frank Wycheck, who retired. Scott McGarrahan (if he gets a starting op- No. 3 job this year behind Byron Leftwich In many cases, those moves only delayed portunity or decent money elsewhere, he'll and David Garrard. Quarterbacked Frank- an impending, cap-induced roster purge. go); QB Billy Volek (hard to imagine he furt to the title in NFL Europe in 2003); S "We're sitting here with an MVP quarter- doesn't find better opportunity somewhere Ray Perryman (signed to the practice squad back and an offense that for six or eight else). on Oct. 30 and wound up playing in four weeks was as prolific as any offense in the RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): WR games and making nine tackles on the spe- league," general manager Floyd Reese said. Eddie Berlin (tendered at $628,000 with cial teams); WR Jimmy Redmond (a good "It's hard to give that up. "It's hard to back 5th-round pick as compensation; has some gunner on the special teams, he was waived off and say, 'We'll take this guy out and that value for depth); TE (tendered and then resigned after Micah Ross was in- guy out and see if we can make it work.' So at $628,000 with 3rd-round pick as compen- jured in the opener and wound up playing in the tendency is to fight to keep it together." sation; provides depth behind Erron Kin- 12 games). Tennessee finished the season eighth in ney); DE Juqua Thomas (tendered at PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: S Donovin Dar- total offense and fifth in passing offense. $628,000 with no compensation; might be ius (Franchise FA; $4.113M/1 yr); P Chris Those were the highest rankings ever needed for depth if others depart). Hanson (potential RFA; $6.5M/5 yrs, achieved under coach Jeff Fisher. Five EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS $1.3M SB); DT Matt Leonard (ERFA; 1 times under Fisher the team has been in the (1): OT Matt Martin (had agreed to terms, yr/$305,000 tender); DE bottom half of the league in passing offense. but agent change put things up in the air.) (potential UFA; 4 yrs, terms unknown); OT Quarterback Steve McNair was the co- PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: LS Ken Amato Sammy Williams (UFA; terms unknown); MVP and the league's leader in passer rating (ERFA; terms unknown); WR Drew Bennett LS Joe Zelenka (UFA; terms unknown). with a career-high 100.4. Wide receiver (RFA; $4.09M/3 yrs, $550,000 SB/$2M OB PLAYERS ACQUIRED: K Jeff Chandler Derrick Mason's 1,303 receiving yards were '05; 2004 cap: $638,333); LB Brad Kassell (FA; 1 yr/$305,000); OG Mike Compton the fourth-highest ever in franchise history (potential ERFA; $380,000, 1 yr); RB Ray (UFA Patriots; $1.8M/2 yrs, $200,000 SB; and the most in an NFL season. Jackson (potential ERFA; $305,000, 1 yr); 2004 cap: $860,000); S Deon Grant (UFA It remains to be seen what will happen TE Erron Kinney (UFA; 5 yrs, $2.2M SB); Panthers; $9.6M/4 yrs, $2.5M SB); LB with the run game, specifically whether or LB Jordan Kramer (potential ERFA; Tommy Hendricks (UFA Dolphins; not there will be a reduction in Eddie $305,000, 1 yr); S Lamont Thompson $1.2M/2 yrs, $160,000 SB); CB Lewis George's role and/or salary in 2004. If he (Potential ERFA; $380,000, 1 yr). Sanders (UFA Browns; terms unknown); still is considered vital to the offense, it PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None. CB Dewayne Washington (FA Steelers; seems certain he'll be accommodated in PLAYERS LOST: C/G Tom Ackerman

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(released); PK Gary Anderson (UFA; re- mum with incentives); WR Chris Cole who remained a free agent - tired); DE Jevon Kearse (UFA Eagles; (Broncos like his speed but he hasn't made - took top priority among the people at One $66M/8 yrs, $12M SB/$4M RB '04); WR progress as hoped as wideout and coaches Arrowhead Drive. Justin McCareins (RFA/traded Jets); QB want to upgrade return position so it's ques- It created a ton of interest, certainly, when Neil O'Donnell (UFA; retired); DT Robaire tionable he'll be back); LB Drew Rosenhaus -- Sapp's agent -- con- Smith (UFA Texans; $26.3M/6 yrs, $8.35M (coaches love his quickness but he's looking tacted the Chiefs and said the one-time SB); TE Frank Wycheck (retired). for payout as big as . Broncos cite dominating seven-time Pro Bowl defensive his ACL injury as reason not to pay him big tackle would be interested in playing in ======bucks. He could be gone unless Denver Kansas City. Chiefs president Carl Peterson, DENVER BRONCOS steps up its offer); TE Patrick Hape (he's who normally talks about free agent ======stuck around this long, chances are he'll be prospects with a secrecy more common to back for more at minimum); S Ryan McNeil the CIA, even voluntarily dropped Sapp's HOT TOPIC (he may be back but only to provide some name into a radio interview. Will it be Snake and Slash? depth); LB Johnny Rutledge (should re-sign But the Chiefs never entered serious nego- Perhaps. to provide depth at position). tiations as Sapp joined the Raiders a day af- The Broncos went with last RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): OG ter he appeared on the verge of signing with year when they decided to dump Brian (tendered at $628,000 with Cincinnati. Kansas City wasn't a big player Griese, though there was plenty of fan senti- 4th-round pick as compensation; look for a for Sapp's services for a few reasons. ment to sign Kordell Stewart instead. new long-term deal to be done); DE Reggie Foremost, the Chiefs are more cash- Now there's a chance Denver will end up Hayward (tendered at $1.368M with 1st- strapped than cap-strapped right now. with both. round pick as compensation); LB Donnie They've spent a lot of Lamar Hunt's bud- Stewart, who starred at the University of Spragan (tendered at $628,000 with no com- geted bucks this winter paying deferred , visited the Broncos recently. pensation). bonuses to the likes of Priest Holmes, Trent "Clearly Colorado is a place that's attrac- EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Green and Shawn Barber. They've also had tive to him from the standpoint of having (2): CB Kelly Herndon (Denver loves this to shell out to retain their own coveted free success there before, playing well in the scrappy DB and will try to lock him up agents -- , Greg Wesley, John weather, having fans there and a storehouse long-term to play nickel); S Chris Young Browning and Eric Hicks. of memories," agent Leigh Steinberg said. (coaches love him and want to keep him in Finding the cash to give Sapp the kind of Should he sign with the Broncos, Denver the mix). signing bonus he wanted (he received $7 would have the ability to make a fairly PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: FB Reuben million from Oakland) could have been seamless transition from starter to backup Droughns (UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown); more problematic than making it fit under because of their similar styles. TE/LS Mike Leach (not tendered as RFA; the cap, which now has some breathing Plummer's ability to get outside the $535,000/1 yr; 2004 cap: $455,000); CB room after the free-agent departure of right pocket and make plays on the run gave Jimmy Spencer (UFA; $785,000/1 yr, tackle John Tait and the $6 million he com- Denver's offense a major boost last season. $25,000 SB; 2004 cap: $480,000); CB Scott manded as the team's transition player. But when he missed four games with foot Turner (UFA; terms unknown); LB Al Wil- The secondary concern was how an out- and shoulder injuries, the Broncos strug- son (Potential UFA; $42M/7 yrs, $11M SB). spoken player like Sapp might have fit into gled. is a pocket passer PLAYERS ACQUIRED: CB Champ Bai- a Dick Vermeil team. Asked early in the with no mobility, and very well may retire, ley (trade Redskins; $63M/7 yrs, $6M offseason whether the Chiefs might be inter- and Danny Kanell and did SB/$12M OB); WR Willie Jackson (FA; ested in the often controversial Tampa Bay little to instill confidence that they could terms unknown); QB (UFA player, Vermeil showed little interest. handle the No. 2 job. Texans; terms unknown); CB Reggie That interest didn't change even after Pe- Stewart, though he struggled last year in Stephens (not tendered as ERFA by Giants; terson revealed that the Chiefs and Sapp Chicago, would be a definite upgrade. terms unknown); TE Jed Weaver (UFA might be talking. And while Vermeil 49ers; $3.085M/3 yrs, $500,000 SB). couched his reticence in financial concerns - PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES PLAYERS LOST: DE Bert Berry (UFA 'I've been told we didn't have enough money --The Broncos may not know who their Cardinals; $25M/5 yrs, $5M SB); LB Keith to entice (cornerback) Troy Vincent. We starting running back is, but they have one Burns (UFA; terms unknown); OG Steve don't have the cash," he said -- it was of their top fullbacks back in the fold. Herndon (not tendered as RFA/Falcons; equally clear that his enthusiasm for Sapp , unable to convince terms unknown); RB Clinton Portis (traded didn't match that of Chiefs fans thinking other teams to give him a shot at tailback Redskins); OT Ephraim Salaam (released). that an impact defensive tackle might be the full-time, chose to re-sign with Denver. He missing piece of the team's puzzle. understood teams' reluctance: he has only ======"Right now, this is all talk," he said sim- 40 carries in 40 pro appearances. ply. "I don't think it will materialize." "It's kind of hard to depend on a guy you ======haven't seen run the ball much in four yeas," PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES Droughns said. HOT TOPIC Carl Peterson knew within moments of re- The buzz on talk radio was all about War- ceiving Chicago's contract offer to John Tait STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL ren Sapp, who agreed to a deal with that the Chiefs were in no position to match UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): division-rival Oakland on Saturday, but a the deal. OT Blake Brockermeyer (could return to couple of Chiefs reserves -- tight end Jason Still, Kansas City took the full week it compete for backup job if he plays for mini- Dunn, who re-signed with the team, and was allowed before officially cutting loose

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its designated transition player, a right PLAYERS LOST: QB Jonathan Quinn own eagerness may have something to do tackle who came into the league as the heir (UFA Bears; $1.6M/2 yrs, SB unknown); with it. apparent to team Hall of Fame left tackle OT John Tait (Transition FA Bears; Dillon is campaigning for the deal to John Alt. $33.65M/6 yrs, $3MSB/$7.5MRB, $4M RB come to pass and, in fact, showed up on a "As soon as I got the offer sheet, I knew '05). national television talk show last week we wouldn't be matching it," Peterson said. MEDICAL WATCH: Mike Maslowski, a wearing a Raider jersey with Bo Jackson's "Specifically, the (2004) cap number of starting MLB, has undergone an offseason old No. 34 on it. $11,585,000 in that offer would cost almost arthroscopic surgery on the knee that caused The Raiders are still lying low on a deal in 15 percent of our cap room for this season. him to miss the final six games of the 2003 terms of public posture, however. While We believe that cap number is too excessive season. He likely will miss some of the coach Norv Turner acknowledged there has for the services of one player." team's offseason conditioning program, but been talk of acquiring Dillon, he said "we've Especially when that number represented should be ready for the opening of training talked about a couple of running backs peo- more than the Chiefs have ever paid for any camp. ple don't even know about that we thought player -- including recent signings Priest Starting LB Shawn Barber has undergone might become available. Certainly, we have Holmes, and . arthroscopic surgery on an injured thumb. talked about Dillon. If there is a guy that "Through this offer sheet, John and his might come available that's going to make agent have asked for more compensation ======us better and maybe be the featured guy, than our two nine-time Pro Bowl offensive OAKLAND RAIDERS yeah, you're going to talk about him." linemen (Willie Roaf and Will Shields), our ======A Raider source said the reported talk of five-time Pro Bowl tight end (Gonzalez), Cincinnati demanding a No. 2 and the our three-time Pro Bowl running back HOT TOPIC Raiders offering a No. 3 was off base and (Holmes) and our starting quarterback The Raiders will go slow with rehabilitat- premature, however -- that nothing that spe- (Green)," Peterson said. ing quarterback Rich Gannon this spring. cific had as yet been discussed. Very slow. Turner also noted that he was not about to STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye say the Raiders were in search of running UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): said the new coaching staff will proceed back help. "You guys are going to be saying CB William Bartee (after losing his role as a from scratch, right down to the drops, the those guys (on the roster currently) aren't starter last year, he's welcomed back if he'll progressions -- all the fundamentals. good enough." take a reserve's pay); CB "Just like you would with a freshman kid He added that he was impressed with (little used reserve might not get a better in college ... so when we get to the real what saw of , who finished deal anywhere else); S Lyle West (solid football part of it, he is fundamentally the season with 541 yards in 124 carries and special teams performer has a spot here that back," Raye said. a 4.4 average over the second half of the he might not find elsewhere). Although at first glance such a regimen is season. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (4): P Ja- somewhat unsophisticated for a player who son Baker (tendered at $628,000 with no was the NFL's Most Valuable Player just STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL compensation; his job was on the bubble all two seasons ago, Raye has his reasons and FRANCHISE PLAYER: CB Charles season, the Chiefs will look for an upgrade); it isn't entirely due to the fact Gannon is Woodson (tendered at $6.801M). LB Monty Beisel (tendered at $628,000 coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (8): with 4th-round pick as compensation; criti- "When I watched film of him on tape DE Lorenzo Bromell (was perhaps the cal special teams player has a spot here un- from last year when he was playing, he had team's best outside rush threat after joining less someone else is ready to give him a kind of gotten away from (fundamentally the team late in the year; has been effective better shot on regular defense); RB Derrick sound football)," Raye said. "He was trying in previous stints in Miami and Minnesota); Blaylock (tendered at $628,000 with 5th- to make plays rather than play football. He S Anthony Dorsett (may have had best sea- round pick as compensation; backup to had gotten away from what he does best. son as a Raider playing on a one-year con- Priest Holmes probably won't get the multi- "The image of himself is what he had be- tract and can play both positions but club is year deal he deserves just yet); DT Eric come. So I think we have to get back and intent on starting Derrick Gibson; could re- Downing (tendered at $628,000 with 3rd- get started in a fundamental sense and go turn at right price); DT Sean Gilbert round pick as compensation; has seen stock from there." (stopgap relief when injuries shelved Par- slip to reserve status; may not have a better Like every other player on the Raiders rella and Stubblefield but wound up on in- prospect elsewhere). roster, he faces a new beginning with new jured list himself); QB Rob Johnson EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS supervisors and must win them over and ex- (another fill-in after injuries took out Rich (2): S Shaunard Harts; DE R-Kal Truluck. pect no guarantees. Gannon and Marques Tuiasosopo; made just PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: TE Billy Baber "I think all the players will be trying to one quality appearance and not considered a (ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown); LB Quinton prove to us they deserve to be the starter," major player for '04); QB Caver (RFA; terms unknown); TE Jason Raye said. "If it wasn't that way, if a guy (started entire second half of year, had three Dunn (UFA; $7M/6 yrs, $1.5M SB/$1M OB comes in with any different mantra than straight promising outings before regressing '05); LS Kendall Gammon (UFA; terms un- that, then he is probably going to be disap- and finishing with a 2-6 record as a starter; known); DE Eric Hicks (UFA; $19M/6 yrs, pointed." considered no more than a No. 3); TE O.J. $3M SB); S Jerome Woods (Potential UFA; Santiago (finished the season as the starter 6 yrs, terms unknown). PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES but the future lies in the hands of second PLAYERS ACQUIRED: OT Chris Bober If the proposed trade of Cincinnati's Corey round picks Teyo Johnson and Doug Jolley; (UFA Giants; $10M/5 yrs, SB unknown) Dillon to Oakland comes to pass, Dillon's valued as a blocker primarily); CB Terrance

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Shaw (played well in '02, started ahead of and the fall as well. STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL Phillip Buchanon at beginning of '03 sea- Boston agreed to a trade to Miami, which UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6): son, then lost job; wants to start but won't in benefits him and the Chargers. PK Steve Christie (team looks to get Oakland even if Woodson is gone); DT "He just wasn't a good fit here," Chargers younger, and stronger, here); OL Ed Ellis (a Dana Stubblefield (at age 33 and coming off general manager A.J. Smith said. Band-Aid last season; won't be back); OG a serious ankle injury, is probably not in the That's the opposite of what the Chargers' (might be some interest, but team's plans). brass was saying last spring, when doing only on the Chargers' terms); OL Bob RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (1): OT cartwheels over the acquisition of the free- Hallen (always hurt; Chargers will pass); Chad Slaughter (tendered at $628,000 with agent from Arizona. But it took just one OL (as one Chargers official no compensation; huge prospect who has season of the working with the moody -- but put it: just a guy); DT Joe Salave'a (could hung around for several years without much productive -- Boston for the Chargers to de- return, for the minimum). of an impact). cided they were better off without him. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS A 4-12 team void of offensive weapons tendered offers): WR Tim Baker (not ten- (1): WR (former quarterback better off without a 25-year-old with a Pro dered as ERFA); WR Dondre Gilliam (not wound up on other end of the football with- Bowl on his resume? That just illustrates tendered as ERFA); C Michael Keathley out much fanfare; showed grit by leading how desperate the Chargers were to part (not tendered as RFA). team in special teams tackles). ways with Boston. RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3): DE PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: G Brad Badger Here's another: the Chargers received but Otis Leverette (tendered at $628,000 with (UFA, $11.5M/5 yrs, SB unknown); WR a sixth-round pick in 2005 and backup cor- 6th-round pick as compensation; might get a Ronald Curry (ERFA, $305,000/1 yr); FB nerback Jamar Fletcher for a pass-catcher sniff -- a backup); MLB Zeke Moreno Chris Hetherington (UFA, $600,000/1 yr); some predict could change the position. (tendered at $628,000 with 5th-round pick QB (RFA; terms unknown); WR Still, for all his muscles and speed, the as compensation; team looking to upgrade Alvis Whitted (UFA, $1.895M/3 yrs); S Chargers couldn't get him out of town fast here; if it doesn't Moreno returns); LB Car- Keyon Nash (ERFA, $230,000/1 yr). enough. los Polk (tendered at $628,000 with 4th- PLAYERS ACQUIRED: CB Ike Charlton "You always want to get players and up- round pick as compensation; team would (UFA Giants; terms unknown); LB Danny grade the position and do things for the like to keep this special teams dynamo, but Clark (UFA Jaguars; $3.91M/3 yrs, football team," Smith said. "It just didn't at the right price). $525,000 SB; 2004 cap: $710,000); LB work out, and we move on. He wasn't a fit EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS Dwayne Rudd (FA Raiders; terms un- for the Chargers, he might be a terrific fit (7): C Jason Ball; DT Clenton Ballard; RB known); DT Warren Sapp (UFA Bucs; for Miami." Jesse Chatman; CB Kevin House; TE Josh $36.6 M/7 yrs, $7M SB); OG Ron Stone For his one year in San Diego, Boston ex- Norman; WR Eric Parker; DT DeQuincy (FA 49ers; $8.35M/3 yrs, $2M SB); DT Ted its with $6.5 million. And in doing so, has a Scott. Washington (UFA, New England, $14M/4 lot of people around the NFL saying "I told PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: LS David Binn yrs, $4M SB). you so," when the Chargers were among the (UFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown); OG David PLAYERS LOST: DE Trace Armstrong few teams interested in the receiver with as Brandt (not tendered as ERFA; terms un- (released); LB Eric Barton (UFA Jets; much baggage as skills. known); S Vernon Fox (not tendered as $16.25M/5 yrs, $4M SB); DT Rod Coleman "I don't know about that," countered ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown); RB Leon (UFA Falcons; $28.5M/6 yrs, $10M SB); Smith. Johnson (UFA; 1 yr, $535,000); WR Micah RB Charlie Garner (UFA Buccaneers; But we do know this: Boston is playing Ross (not tendered as ERFA; 1 yr, terms un- $20M/6 yrs, $4M SB); LB Eric Johnson for his third team in three seasons. known); CB Jerry Wilson (UFA; 1 yr, terms (UFA Falcons; $560,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB); unknown). OT Lincoln Kennedy (retired); OG Frank PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES PLAYERS ACQUIRED: WR Kevin Middleton (released); LB --The Chargers will attend workouts on Dyson (UFA from Carolina); CB Jamar (released); OG Matt Stinchcomb (UFA Buc- consecutive days next week for quarter- Fletcher (trade Dolphins); LB Steve Foley caneers; $9.5M/5 yrs, SB unknown). backs , Philip Rivers and (UFA Texans; $3.6M/3 yrs, $1.25M SB); MEDICAL WATCH: Since he began . LB Randall Godfrey (UFA Seahawks; 3 yrs, throwing in late February, Rich Gannon's --Some speculate the Chargers need to $1.8M SB; 2004 cap: $1.36M); C/G Mike arm strength has improved markedly, ac- turn to the wide receivers position in the Goff (UFA Bengals; $13.25M/5 yrs, $3.5M cording to coach Norv Turner. "About a draft, considering second-round bust Reche SB); OT Leander Jordan (UFA Jaguars; month ago, he was throwing it 20 yards ... Caldwell, injury-prone and $3.035M/3 yrs, $250,000 SB). fairly firm. Last week he said he threw 40- Eric Parker are the main targets at wide out. PLAYERS LOST: TE Stephen Alexander to-45 balls and was throwing 35-to-40 yards "Everyone is assuming now that our receiv- (released/failed physical); P Darren Bennett and felt real good -- the best he had felt ing corps is stripped of David Boston, that (UFA signed with Minnesota); WR David since the surgery. we have to do something there," GM A.J. Boston (traded Dolphins); DE Raylee John- Smith. If they do, USC's Mike Williams and son (released/failed physical); OT Damion ======Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald would be fine McIntosh (UFA Dolphins; $23M/6 yrs, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS catches. $300,000 SB); OT Vaughn Parker ======--Former Chargers DE Raylee Johnson (released/failed physical); C Cory Raymer has agreed to a deal with the Broncos. (released); DE Marcellus Wiley (released). HOT TOPIC --Ex-Chargers P Darren Bennett landed in The Dolphins asked David Boston to Minnesota. please come to Miami for the springtime --

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