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POSTED 11:13 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

ROGERS-TO-BENGALS RAN AFOUL OF CAP RULES

It has been reported that the trade that would have sent Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to Cincinnati was rejected by the league. The reason for the rejection isn't clear -- Mark Curnutte of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the deal ran afoul of salary-cap rules.

It's still not clear what about the proposed trade was a problem.

Meanwhile, the Browns will be getting Rogers, for a third-round pick and defensive back Leigh Bodden.

POSTED 10:53 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BROWN WILL BE HIGHEST-PAID KICKER

When he signs his contract with the Rams, Josh Brown will become the highest-paid kicker in league history.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Brown will sign a five-year, $14.2 million deal, with a $4 million signing bonus.

POSTED 10:47 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BROWN KICKING IT WITH THE RAMS

On Friday, long-time Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins retired. Later in the day, the team has his replacement lined up.

Per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Rams have agreed to terms with former Seahawks kicker Josh Brown. The five-year veteran is on his way to St. Louis to finalize the deal.

In 2006, two late field goals by Brown gave the Seahawks a sweep of the Rams.

With Wilkins gone, only three players remain for the Super Bowl champions known as the "Greatest Show on Turf": receiver Torry Holt, tackle Orlando Pace, and defensive end Leonard Little.

POSTED 10:28 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

LITO HAS BEEN BENCHED

In the offseason, NFL teams don't spend much time updating their depth charts.

But sometimes, they do.

As a reader has pointed out, the Eagles already have revised their on-line to show Asante Samuel as the first-string left cornerback -- and Lito Sheppard as a second-string player. There are reports that the Eagles will try to trade Sheppard.

Despite rumors that right cornerback Sheldon Brown will move to safety, he's still listed as the starter at right cornerback.

POSTED 10:18 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

TANNENBAUM EVASIVE ON MOSS INTEREST

We've been fascinated of late by the possibility that the New York Jets might make a play for Patriots receiver Randy Moss.

The net impact could be huge; the Pats would lose a field-stretching difference-maker who helped fuel the greatest offense ever, and the Jets would pair him with college teammate Chad Pennington.

On Friday, Jets G.M. Mike Tannenbaum was asked whether the team is interested in Moss. Here's what Tannenbaum said: "Obviously he did a lot of great things up in New England, [a record] 23 touchdowns. We are going to just keep working our plan here, so let's just see what happens. Right now, we're proceeding with the plan that we have and we'll see what happens."

Hmmm. It's not a yes, it's not a no, and it's not a maybe. It's simply not an answer at all.

Then again, it could be that the Jets simply aren't interested but that they want to make the Pats nervous.

POSTED 10:09 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

CONFLICTING REPORTS ON PACE

We're certain of one thing -- either Calvin Pace has struck a deal with the Dolphins, or he hasn't.

The Miami Herald says that the soon-to-be-former Cardinal hasn't signed with the Fins, and that he'll visit the Jets on Saturday.

But Pace sounds like he's leaning toward signing with Miami. ''I'm happy here,'' Pace said. "But I just feel like I should still take that trip. I've got one more trip to take, and we'll see what happens."

Bucky Brooks of SI.com reports that Pace has agreed to terms with the Fins.

We suppose that both reports could be accurate, and that Pace has a tentative arrangement in place with the Dolphins but wants to hear the Jets out before finalizing things. We suppose that we'll find out more soon.

POSTED 9:47 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

ROGERS TO BROWNS A DONE DEAL

According to Hondo Carpenter of SpartanNation.com, who as we understand it is very well plugged in as to the goings on in Motown, the Lions have finalized a trade of defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to the Browns.

In return, the Lions reportedly will get cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round draft choice.

Carpenter says that the league office rejected a trade that would have sent Rogers to the Bengals for a third-round and a fifth-round pick.

POSTED 9:22 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

REPORTS OF FLORENCE TO JAGS PREMATURE

In response to a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune that cornerback Drayton Florence has a deal "all but done" with the Jags, a league source tells us that a deal is not imminent, or close.

Florence will visit with the Jags on Saturday, and he might work out a deal with them. But we're told that he's scheduling other visits and talking with other teams and isn't poised to sign with the Jaguars, or anyone.

With Asante Samuel signed and Marcus Trufant and Nnamdi Asomougha wearing the franchise tag, Florence is arguably the best free-agent option on the market at the position.

POSTED 9:07 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SAME STATE, DIFFERENT TEAM?

On Friday, the Detroit Lions agreed to trade defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to the Cincinnati Bengals. The trade somehow fell through.

Now, Rogers could still be coming to Ohio. But as a member of the Browns.

Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press, citing an unnamed source, reports that the Lions are working on a deal with Cleveland.

Earlier on Friday, the Browns sent a second-round pick to the Packers for defensive tackle Corey Williams.

POSTED 8:59 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

LITO OUT THE DOOR?

With cornerback Asante Samuel in the fold, the Eagles are now going to attempt to trade cornerback Lito Sheppard, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Calls are already coming in for Sheppard, a first-round draft pick in 2002 who is still only 26 years old.

In recent weeks, there were rumors that that Sheppard was on the block, and the team strongly denied it. In hindsight, it's likely that the Eagles didn't want to tip their hand regarding their plans to pursue Samuel.

Sheppard is under contract for four more seasons, with base salaries of $2 million in 2008, $3 million in 2009, $3.7 million in 2010, and $4.25 million in 2011.

POSTED 8:41 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

FLORENCE A JAG?

Chargers cornerback Drayton Florence is looking for a new team. On Friday, he visited with the Bucs. But now he's on his way to Jacksonville, and he's expected to join the Jaguars.

Per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, a deal with the Jags is "all but done."

Meanwhile, former Chargers running back Michael Turner remains in Atlanta, and his agent is negotiating with the team about a contract.

POSTED 8:31 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BRUCE LANDS IN SAN FRAN

You know, we thought for a second about setting this story up by tapping into certain stereotypes about San Francisco and men named Bruce. But we're now officially above such attempts at obvious and lowbrow humor.

Anyway, the 49ers have signed receiver Isaac Bruce to a two-year deal, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

The move reunites Bruce with Mike Martz, who was the Rams' offensive coordinator for their only Super Bowl win and thereafter the head coach for six seasons.

POSTED 8:17 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

ROGERS TRADE OFF

The trade between the Lions and the Bengals for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is apparently off.

According to Mike O'Hara of the Detroit News, the deal was not consummated and the Lions will be looking to send Rogers elsewhere. The two teams had agreed that Rogers would head to the Bengals for a third-round and a fifth-round pick.

In our view, that's not bad news for the Bengals. Maybe it means that someone within the organization raised an alarm about the 2007 allegations against Rogers regarding his conduct in a strip club. Though he wasn't charged, is that really the kind of guy that the team should be signing giving its recent history of struggles with off-field issues?

POSTED 8:09 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

VOLEK GETS $9 MILLION

A league source tells us that, in exchange for Billy Volek's agreement to remain with the Chargers for three years, he'll be paid $9 million.

Per the source, Volek also will receive a signing bonus of $3 million.

Not bad for a guy whose primary job on game day is to not play.

POSTED 8:03 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

MORE ON ANDERSON

We need to clarify our earlier post on Derek Anderson. With a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $6 million or $8 million and an initial payment due in April, the Browns can trade him without owing any money to Anderson.

To be clear, they'd still take the cap hit. But, hey, at a time when teams are crying about how much money they now have to spend on players, chewing up some cap money without spending a dime might not be a bad thing.

With all that said, it's our understanding from talking to multiple sources that Anderson won't be traded.

POSTED 7:40 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

VOLEK STAYS PUT

A strong performance in the AFC divisional round against the Colts wasn't enough to get Chargers quarterback Billy Volek any big offers in free agency.

And so he'll stay with the Bolts, with a three year deal.

"This is a great team," Volek told the San Diego Union Tribune.

Volek reportedly drew interest from the Bears, Vikings, Raiders, and Bills.

POSTED 7:30 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BROWNS COULD STILL TRADE ANDERSON

Throughout the afternoon, we were flooded with e-mails from folks peddling rumors that the Browns might have signed quarterback Derek Anderson to a three-year contract merely in advance of trading him.

Our first reaction was that the Browns wouldn't want to make a huge bonus payment to Anderson and then trade him and an incur a huge cap hit.

But then it occurred to us that maybe the trigger date for the first payment is far enough into the future (for example, one or two weeks) to gives the Browns an opportunity to move him. It wouldn't be definitive proof that there will be a trade; it would merely be evidence that a trade could happen.

And we've learned that the first payment is due to Anderson . . . in April.

Again, this doesn't mean that he'll be traded. But unless and until that big payment is made there will be a window of opportunity for the Browns to move him.

Stay tuned.

POSTED 7:11 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

NO FANECA DEAL YET?

ESPN.com has reported that guard Alan Faneca will sign with the Jets. Tom Rock of Newsday reports that Faneca's agent, Rick Smith, claims that the report is false.

Previously, it was reported that Faneca would spend the next two days deciding whether to sign with the Jets, Rams, or 49ers.

So, apparently, Faneca is still available.

POSTED 7:07 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

MOSS ON THE MARKET

Though free agency opened 19 hours ago, receiver Randy Moss is now officially on the market.

Per Adam Schefter of NFL Network and John Clayton of ESPN, Moss isn't close to a deal with the Patriots, and he is open to entertaining offers from other teams.

The questions now become: (1) who is interested; and (2) how much will they offer?

Our take? Moss wants to know what else is out there before accepting the Pats' best offer, if for no reason other than to know what he is sacrificing. He's a guy with a reputation for being selfish and moody; what better way to improve his image than to walk away from a bigger offer and sticking with the Pats?

But the problem is that teams likely have vivid memories of his behavior in Oakland. He was all smiles and "committed to excellence" and "I just wanna win, baby" when the trade from Minnesota went down, but before too long he was a malcontent.

Maybe it wasn't really his fault. It's not as if the Raiders are the model professional sports franchise. But it's a huge gamble to take if Moss expects $25 million or more in guaranteed money.

This one could get very interesting. Especially if the Jets decide to visit the ultimate indignity upon the Pats by trying to swipe the guy who made an above average offense into a pinball machine.

And so concludes a month that has seen the pendulum swing as sharply as it ever has for any NFL team. On January 31, the Patriots were awaiting their coronation. With February 1 came the names Arlen Specter and Matt Walsh. February 2 brought the report that the Pats cheated the Rams out of Super Bowl XXVI. On February 3, 18-0 became 18-1.

Things haven't gotten much better since then. The only thing we're sure of is that, in March, things surely can't get much worse.

POSTED 6:45 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

$8 MILLION PER YEAR FOR FANECA

Former Steelers guard Alan Faneca wanted a lot of more. He wanted more than the Steelers would pay him, and both sides knew it.

Faneca got his payday on Friday, courtesy of the New York Jets.

Per Michael Smith of ESPN.com, Faneca will be paid $32 million over four years, with $23 million guaranteed.

Faneca immediately stabilizes an enormous weakness on the offensive line, filling the hole between left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold.

POSTED 6:39 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

WILSON TO RAIDERS

Winning a Super Bowl is the NFL's equivalent of the time-honored "beer goggles." Suddenly, the players on the team with the trophy look better than they really are.

And the Giants are experiencing some of that on the first day of free agency, less than four weeks after securing their first championship of the free-agency era. Gone are linebacker Kawika Mitchell, linebacker Reggie Torbor, and (per Nancy Gay of the San Francisco Chronicle and Adam Schefter of NFL Network) safety Gibril Wilson.

Schefter reports that the deal is for the six-year, $39 million package that Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reported the Raiders had offered.

POSTED 6:34 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

HAZARD PAY IN OAKLAND?

With the Raiders giving defensive tackle Tommy Kelly a deal with $18 million in guaranteed money and with the team now reportedly (per Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com) offering $16 million in guaranteed money to safety Gibril Wilson, there's talk in league circles that the Raiders are coughing up the coin in an effort to shed a perception of dysfunction.

Though officials with other teams weren't happy with Kelly's haul, since it screws up the market for the rest of them, the agents are now paying attention to the Raiders.

Of course, there's only so much that the Raiders can spend. But they appear poised to spend it in order to get players to choose to play there.

POSTED 6:23 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

TRIPPLETT TERMINATION CLEARING SPACE FOR STROUD?

In 2006, the Bills signed defensive tackle Larry Tripplett to a five-year deal. Today, Tripplett got dumped.

The move might have something to do with the fact that the Bills are courting Marcus Stroud, a Pro Bowler who has received permission from the Jags to shop himself to other teams.

If other deals are any indication, Stroud can be had for a three and a five.

POSTED 6:06 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

'HAWKS HAULING IN ALGE?

After flirting with teams in Tampa and Tennessee, former Falcons tight end Alge Crumpler could be re-joining his former head coach.

Per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Crumpler is close to signing with the Seahawks. He would provide a significant upgrade at a tight end position that has underachieved of late.

Jerramy Stevens couldn't consistently catch in 2006 and previously, and Marcus Pollard was a little over the hill in 2007.

POSTED 5:58 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

LIONS GETS A THREE AND A FIVE FOR ROGERS

The going rate for overweight interior defensive linemen who used to be good is a third-round and a fifth-round draft pick.

The Panthers got that from the Jets for Kris Jenkins. And, per media reports, the Lions got the same deal from the Bengals for Shaun Rogers.

Maybe the packages would be bigger if these guys didn't do so much damage at the buffet line . . . and to the plumbing.

POSTED 5:52 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SIX YEARS, $57 MILLION FOR SAMUEL

He wanted $10 million per year. In the end, $9.5 million will have to be enough.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network and John Clayton of ESPN.com, cornerback Asante Samuel has signed a six-year, $57 million deal to join the Eagles.

Per Schefter, the deal includes $20 million in guaranteed money and pays out $32 million over the first three years.

The guaranteed money is less than the amount paid to Nate Clements of the Niners in 2007, but the average is higher. Clements' deal is for seven years, $64 million.

POSTED 5:18 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BRONCOS CUT WALKER, GOLD by Michael David Smith

The Denver Broncos have released wide receiver Javon Walker and linebacker Ian Gold, the team said on its web site.

Both were once among Denver's top players, but both are also coming off knee injuries, and both were due roster bonuses next week.

The Broncos acquired Walker in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2006, and he had a very good first year in Denver. But injuries slowed him down in his second season, and the Broncos were looking to trade him.

Although the Dallas Cowboys were among the teams interested in acquiring Walker's services, the $5.4 million roster bonus he's due may have been too much for any team to want to take on.

Gold was once a Pro Bowler, and he started all but the last two games for the Broncos last year, but the quality of his play has declined in recent years.

POSTED 5:01 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

EAGLES SIGN ASANTE SAMUEL by Michael David Smith

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel.

According to Schefter, Samuel signed the six-year deal just moments ago. He arrived in Philadelphia today, and it had been widely reported that the Eagles wanted to do all they could to keep him from leaving without a signed contract in place.

No financial details are yet available. Samuel was said to be seeking a contract that paid in the $10 million a year range.

POSTED 4:50 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

RANDALL GAY DRAWING INTEREST by Michael David Smith

Although he won't sign as big a contract as his teammate Asante Samuel, New England Patriots free agent cornerback Randall Gay is drawing significant interest.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe is reporting that Gay, a native of Louisiana who played football at LSU, is set to visit the New Orleans Saints on Saturday morning. If he leaves his hometown team without a contract, he'll head to a visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.

Meanwhile, Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Gay is also drawing interest from Atlanta, Seattle, Detroit and Kansas City, and that it's also still possible that he'll stay in New England.

Robinson cites a source who says Gay is hoping to command a five-year deal in the range of $15 to $25 million in total money. Gay played in all 16 games for the Patriots last season, starting three.

POSTED 4:30 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

DOLPHINS SIGN JOSH MCCOWN by Michael David Smith

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Miami Dolphins have reached a contract agreement with free agent quarterback Josh McCown.

Per Schefter, the contract is a two-year deal worth $6.25 million. Although that's a contract more in line with what a backup usually makes, McCown may very well be the Dolphins' starter in September. Of the three quarterbacks on the Dolphins' 2007 roster, two -- Trent Green and Cleo Lemon -- are already gone, and the third -- John Beck -- was unimpressive in the four games he started.

McCown started nine games for the Raiders last year, completing 58.4 percent of his passes and throwing 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He previously started 22 games for the Cardinals from 2003 to 2005, and he spent the 2006 season with the Lions, where his only regular-season playing time came at wide receiver.

The Dolphins have been the busiest team in the league on a very busy first day of free agency.

POSTED 4:19 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

ALL QUIET ON THE REDSKINS FRONT by Michael David Smith

Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post reports that the Redskins do not have a single free agent visit planned.

Per La Canfora, the Redskins' actions have been limited today to "checking in with the agents for their own free agents, monitoring the market and holding internal discussions about possibilities on the trade or free agent market."

That's a rather stunning departure for a team whose owner, Daniel Snyder, has never shied away from making a big splash with big contracts for big-name free agents. But considering that the Redskins are barely under the $116 million salary cap for 2008, the team doesn't have much choice.

The Redskins' top priority in free agency was to re-sign their own free agent quarterback Todd Collins, and now that they've done that, they're not expected to make any big news any time soon.

POSTED 3:55 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BEARS LOOK TO TRADE GRIESE by Michael David Smith

The Chicago Bears have given quarterback Brian Griese permission to seek a trade, the team says on its web site.

After the Bears reached contract agreements with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman, Griese is the odd man out. The Bears are likely to acquire a third quarterback in the draft or free agency.

Griese is owed a $300,000 roster bonus next week, and it is presumed that the Bears will cut him before then if no team steps forward to offer something up in a trade.

Meanwhile, the Bears also say they're not going to break the bank in free agency.

"The thing that you have to do is you have to create sobriety in the marketplace," General Manager Jerry Angelo said. "Because you have the money doesn't mean you have to spend all the money."

POSTED 3:41 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BENGALS BAG ROGERS by Michael David Smith

Michael Smith of ESPN.com is reporting that the Detroit Lions have traded defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to the Cincinnati Bengals.

No word is out yet on what the Lions got for Rogers, who had been on the trade block for several weeks and had been rumored to be heading to the Jaguars, Jets, Dolphins and Broncos, among other teams.

For the Bengals, acquiring Rogers gives them just the kind of big defensive tackle head coach Marvin Lewis has always employed in his defense. The 340-pound Rogers is in the mold of Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa, the huge defensive tackles who played for the Super Bowl-winning Ravens team on which Lewis served as defensive coordinator.

POSTED 3:33 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

COWBOYS CALLING ON BELL? by Michael David Smith

Although he doesn't represent quite the kind of "wow" Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has vowed to add to his offense, running back Tatum Bell may be coming to Dallas.

ESPN.com is reporting that Dallas is showing interest in Bell, an unrestricted free agent who spent 2007 with the Detroit Lions.

Bell never looked like a good fit with the Lions, finishing his one and only season in Detroit with 182 yards. But in 2006, Bell's only year as a starter, he ran for 1,025 yards with the Broncos, and his pure speed could make him just the kind of player Jones craves.

POSTED 3:16 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

JAGUARS MAY TRADE FOR ROGERS by Michael David Smith

The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to trade veteran defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, and now they may be looking to replace him by trading for veteran defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

The Jacksonville Times-Union reports that the Jaguars are in discussions with the Detroit Lions about acquiring Rogers, whom the Lions hope to trade before a $1 million roster bonus comes due Saturday.

But the Lions may be willing to pay Rogers the bonus, even though they don't expect him to be in Detroit next season, just to give themselves more time to orchestrate a trade. Other teams said to be interested in Rogers include the Broncos and Jets.

Both Stroud and Rogers are big, talented defensive tackles who have had injury problems. Both have also served four-game suspensions for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

POSTED 2:58 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

DOLPHINS ADD TORBOR, WILFORD, STARKS by Michael David Smith

No team has gotten off to a faster start to the free agency period than the Miami Dolphins, who have added two more players to their defense and one to their offense this afternoon.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel is reporting that the Dolphins have signed free agent linebacker Reggie Torbor, previously of the Giants.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Dolphins have signed free agent defensive tackle Randy Starks, previously of the Titans.

And the Miami Herald is reporting that the Dolphins have agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Ernest Wilford, previously of the Jaguars.

Bill Parcells, the new boss in Miami, has vowed to remake the Dolphins' roster. And he's not wasting any time.

POSTED 2:38 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

MITCHELL HEADS TO BUFFALO

The next time linebacker Kawika Mitchell faces the Patriots, it won't be with quite the same level of talent around him.

Mitchell agreed to terms on Friday with the Buffalo Bills, jumping into the division that currently is ruled by the Pats.

Per Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Mitchell's deal is for five years and $17.5 million, with $5 million in guaranteed money.

SPRINT MAKES "UNPRECEDENTED" MOVE

It's fitting, we suppose, that on the same day that PFT is enjoying a level of traffic and exposure that some Internet hack would have regarded as impossible not too long ago, our official telecommunications partner has launched a truly revolutionary approach to wireless service.

Starting today, Sprint has made available to all of its customers the "Simply Everything" plan.

For $99.99 per month, Sprint customers get (you guessed it) everything. Simply.

The "everything" includes unlimited voice, data, text, e-mail, Web-surfing, Sprint TV, Sprint Music, GPS Navigation, Direct Connect, and Group Connect.

"This is a bold, unprecedented move," said Sprint Nextel President and CEO Dan Hesse. "Wireless today is about much more than just voice. It is about data services -- texting, email, video, pictures, music, navigation, surfing the Web and more. Customers want these applications, but without complexity and without having to worry about their bill. The $99.99 Simply Everything plan delivers it all right to the palm of their hand now.

"Today's handsets are powerful data devices. Each day they get better, faster and easier to use with more intuitive user interface designs and full Internet access. Our high-speed networks were built with this in mind and it's where we believe the battleground lies -- offering fast access to the best content and data services. We are removing the barriers for customers to feel free to use all of the features of their phones."

A second line is $5 cheaper, and the third line is $5 less than that.

"All major carriers have good voice networks," Hesse said. "Our network is about more than voice and more than just being the largest wireless data network. It is about allowing customers to connect with people, information and entertainment. It is about simplicity, usability and real value. The $99.99 Simply Everything plan eliminates overage surprises and provides a worry-free environment."

Folks, if there was ever a time to switch to Sprint, it's right now. If you don't think so, go home and look at your cellular bill, and also take a gander at some of the "everything" that you'll get for $99 per month from Sprint.

POSTED 2:19 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

MADIEU GETS $13 MILLION GUARANTEED

Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings safety Madieu Williams will receive $13 million in guaranteed money.

Williams and fullback Thomas Tapeh officially will be introduced by the Vikings later today.

They also are pursuing receiver Bernard Berrian and defensive end Justin Smith.

POSTED 2:14 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

PFT HAS OFFICIALLY BLOWED UP

We need to stop for a second and thank each and every one of you (not in the Steve Martin way) for your support of the site. The last 24 hours have been, as Chris Farley would say, "awesome."

We ended up with 686,000 page views on Thursday, more than twice our traffic from the day before the start of free agency in 2007.

And, already, we have shattered the single-day all time traffic record of the site. With like 10 hours to go.

Last year, we had roughly 750,000 page views for the full 24-hour period after free agency launched. This year, we're already north of 800,000.

Meanwhile, the site's exposure has been unprecedented in the past day, with appearances on NFL Network and The Dan Patrick Show and The Jim Rome Show and radio spots on WFAN and WJFK and various other stations in NFL cities.

POSTED 1:53 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SAMUEL SET TO JOIN THE FLOCK

Various media reports, collected and referenced by our good friends at SportingNews.com, indicate that cornerback Asante Samuel will indeed sign a contract with the Eagles on Friday.

It's reportedly a five-year, $47.2 million deal. To the casual fan, that's short of the $10 million per year average from the eight-year, $80 million deal signed last year by Nate Clements of the 49ers. As everyone in PFT Planet knows, the Clements deal is actually seven years and $64 million, making it worth a hair over $9 million per year.

Samuel's deal carries an average of nearly $9.5 million. They could have added a phony final year that would have pushed the average to $10 million per year or more, and we respect both sides for doing what looks to be a "real" deal.

Also, there's a certain irony regarding the five-year duration of the contract. Typically, the Eagles like to lock players up for looooong periods of time. As it now stands, Samuel's deal will expire before the contracts signed by some of the young players who cashed in early.

POSTED 1:26 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

NO VISITS FOR FANECA

For Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, free agency isn't about wining and dining or touring facilities or meeting with other players already on the team.

It's about getting paid.

And so Faneca won't be making any visits. Instead, per Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports, Faneca will assess offers from the Jets, Niners, and Rams, and then sign with one of them on Sunday.

He's expected to receive a deal worth $8 million per year, at a length of four or five years.

POSTED 1:23 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

TAPEH RETURNS HOME

The Vikings have announced that they have signed fullback Thomas Tapeh, an unrestricted free agent who previously played for the Eagles.

Tapeh attended the University of Minnesota and grew up in the Twin Cities. He spent two seasons working with Vikings coach Brad Childress when Childress was the offensive coordinator in Philly.

His arrival means that Pro Bowl fullback Tony Richardson likely won't be re-signed.

POSTED 1:18 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

JERRY IS A JAG

The Jaguars continue to re-make a receiving corps that isn't as well known for catching football as they are for, well, not catching them.

Though trading for Troy Williamson wasn't exactly the way to improve the overall quality of the hand-eye coordination at the skill positions, signing Jerry Porter should help. A lot.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Jags have reached an agreement with Porter on a six-year deal worth $30 million, with $10 million in guaranteed money.

Porter was a chronic malcontent in Oakland, but he definitely has talent. A good Jacksonville offense will be better with him on the team.

POSTED 1:10 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

GIANTS, VIKES WANTED CLEO, TOO

As it turns out, the Jaguars had a little competition for the services of quarterback Cleo Lemon.

Per a league source, the Giants and the Vikings were also chasing the free-agent quarterback, who became the starter in Miami last year after Trent Green ran his head into the knee of Travis Johnson.

Lemon opted to go to Jacksonville; in Minnesota, he might have had a better shot at beating out starter Tarvaris Jackson.

POSTED 1:07 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

REDMAN ISN'T A CAMP ARM

We joked earlier in the day that quarterback Chris Redman is under contract with the Falcons, but might not be on the opening-day roster.

As it turns out, Redman likely is a lock to make the team.

Per a league source, Redman got a $2 million signing bonus as part of his two-year deal with Atlanta.

Not bad for a guy who probably never would have gotten another shot if Bobby Petrino hadn't become the coach of the Falcons.

POSTED 1:00 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

WILKINS CALLS IT QUITS

The Rams have announced that veteran kicker Jeff Wilkins has retired.

Wilkins was signed through 2009, and was due to earn a base salary of $800,000 this season.

The move puts the Rams in the market for a kicker. Perhaps they'll try to lure Josh Brown from NFC West rival Seattle.

POSTED 12:52 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

TAMPA BAY TOGA PARTY GETS LARGER

Maybe they're gonna need a bigger boat.

There's yet another free agent who'll be visiting Tampa. It is Saints receiver Devery Henderson, according to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com.

The Bucs had a total of $44 million in 2008 cap space as of midnights. They have signed Saints center Jeff Faine, and they are exploring various other possible additions.

POSTED 12:46 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

CORRECTION ON COREY WILLIAMS NUMBERS

A league source tells us that the reported numbers on the contract for Browns defensive tackle Corey Williams are a bit off.

Williams gets $16.3 million in guaranteed money, and a six-year deal worth $38 million.

POSTED 12:42 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

JOIN US IN THE JUNGLE

Attention, PFT Planet. In roughly one hour, there will be a mandatory pit stop, in the Jungle.

So find your closest Jim Rome Show affiliate or sign up to listen on the Internet, and be there at 1:35 p.m.

You won't be missing anything here; my limited multi-tasking skills don't include updating PFT while doing a radio spot.

POSTED 12:22 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

LEMON STAYS IN THE LAND OF ORANGES

Quarterback Cleo Lemon has a new team, and he still won't be paying state income taxes.

According to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com, Lemon has agreed to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He previously played for the Miami Dolphins.

It's a three-year, $8.1 million deal. It includes a $2.95 million signing bonus and $4 million in incentives.

Lemon will serve as the backup to starter David Garrard.

POSTED 12:16 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

TUNA LANDS FERGUSON

The Dallas Morning News reports that the Cowboys will trade defensive tackle Jason Ferguson to the Miami Dolphins.

The two teams will swap sixth-round picks in 2008, and Miami will send its 2009 sixth-rounder to Dallas.

Ferguson suffered a season-ending injury in Week One of the regular season, and was regarded as expendable. Miami V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells drafted him to join the Jets in 1997, and then signed him as a free agent in 2005.

POSTED 12:06 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

JENKINS TO SIGN NEW DEAL WITH JETS

Former Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins has a new home. He also has a new contract.

According to Steve Reed of CarolinaGrowl.com, Jenkins will sign a five-year, $35 million contract with the New York Jets.

The Jets acquired Jenkins from Carolina for a third-round and fifth-round draft pick in 2008.

The deal includes $20 million in guaranteed money.

Apparently, the Jets hope that Jenkins becomes a space eater in the 3-4 defense, allowing linebackers to run free to the ball. Thus, for a change, it won't hurt Jenkins if/when he shows up for a weigh-in, and the scale squeals like a stuck pig.

POSTED 12:00 p.m. EST, February 29, 2008

VIKES LAND MADIEU

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Minnesota Vikings have worked out an agreement with free-agent safety Madieu Williams.

The deal for Madieu is six years, $34 million.

He's expected to sign the contract when he arrives in Minnesota later today.

POSTED 11:42 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BIG MONEY FOR FAINE

Adam Schefter of NFL Network and Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports report that the contract between the Bucs and center Jeff Faine is a six-year, $37.5 million deal, with $15 million in guaranteed money.

Faine will earn $20 million in the first three years of the deal.

In response to this development, some league insiders are baffled. Some folks don't regard him as a high-end player, and he tends to lose too much weight in the offseason, apparently because of how he wants his body to "look".

For now, though, it looks like the body of a man with $15 million in guaranteed cash.

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

VIKES TO BID HELLO TO MADIEU?

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

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

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

POSTED 11:12 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

TOGA PARTY IN TAMPA

Lock up the kids, break out the booze, and get the garbage bag full of one dollar bills ready -- there's a party being planned in Tampa.

With $44 million in cap room (before signing Jeff Faine), the Bucs are aggressively lining up free-agency visits.

PewterReport.com reports that 49ers defensive end Marquis Douglas and Vikings running back Mewelde Moore will visit as soon as Friday. Pewter Report also says that the Bucs are trying to line up a visit with cornerback Drayton Florence of the Chargers.

Other visits also are scheduled or in the planning stages.

Hey, if they're serious about getting Mewelde Moore, maybe they should have a party on that big-ass pirate ship in the end zone of Raymond James Stadium, and invite guys like Daunte Culpepper, Fred Smoot, Moe Williams, and Bryant McKinnie.

POSTED 11:02 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

TURNER TO VISIT FALCONS

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Atlanta Falcons are hosting Chargers running back Michael Turner for a free-agent visit.

Turner is an unrestricted free agent, and he is regarded as the best available running back in free agency. He would be paired in Atlanta with Jerious Norwood, and Warrick Dunn likely would be traded or released.

As Pat Kirwan of NFL.com pointed out during an NFL Network spot on Thursday that was sullied by the sunshine-and-sleep-deprived mug of yours truly, spending a ton of money on Turner might not be the best move in a year with so many running backs available in free agency.

Kirwan also said that the Lions are expected to make a big push for Turner, who drew raves as the backup to LaDainian Tomlinson.

POSTED 10:55 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

ANDERSON GETS $24 MILLION OVER THREE

A league source tells us that the full value of the contract to be $24 million over three years, along with the opportunity to earn more via incentives.

Per the source, the deal has not yet been signed.

The reported guarantee of $14 million is based on bonus money and first-year salary, since as a practical matter Anderson will be paid his full base salary in 2008.

As a practical matter, Anderson is likely to receive the full $24 million, given the short length of the deal. Barring a serious injury -- or a previously unknown penchant for dog fighting -- Anderson will get his money. And then he'll get another contract in 2011, either from the Browns or someone else.

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

FINS TO BREAK BANK FOR PACE?

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

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

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

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

POSTED 10:32 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

EAGLES CHASING CLEMONS

A tipster advised us earlier today that the Eagles are chasing Raiders free-agent defensive end/linebacker Chris Clemons.

Several readers tell us that WIP's "Mini-Reid" is now reporting that Clemons will sign with the Eagles within the next 24 hours.

Since our tipster has proven himself, we'll also disclose that the tipster says cornerback Asante Samuel will be signed today and that the Eagles made a run at receiver Larry Fitzgerald but the Cardinals wanted too much, and that cornerback Sheldon Brown likely will be moved to safety.

Hey, maybe our tipster is Mini-Reid.

POSTED 10:25 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

ANDERSON STAYS PUT

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Browns have agreed to terms with quarterback Derek Anderson on a three-year deal.

Schefter reports that Anderson will receive over $14 million in guaranteed money.

The three-year contract gives the Browns an opportunity to defer the ultimate decision in the Derek v. Brady debate. It also allows the Browns to bench Anderson if he tanks as the starter; with a six-year, big-money deal, the Browns as a practical matter would have been required to give Anderson more opportunities.

The loser in all of this is Brady Quinn, and it traces to his 2007 holdout. If he had reported to camp on time, he likely would have been first in line to play after Charlie Frye.

Also, because Quinn's incentives are tied heavily to playing time, his chances of earning big money have now dropped dramatically.

POSTED 10:09 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

STROUD VISITING THE BILLS

Last year, a Drew Rosenhaus client who was unhappy with his situation was traded out of Buffalo. This year, a Rosenhaus client who is unhappy with his situation could be traded to Buffalo.

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that Jags defensive tackle Marcus Stroud will visit the Bills.

Marvez reports that the Falcons also have expressed interest in Stroud. Atlanta coach Mike Smith was the Jags' defensive coordinator before getting his new job.

The concern with Stroud is a foot/ankle problem that bothered him in 2007, and a four-game suspension for violation of the steroids policy, which he served last year.

POSTED 9:48 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

REDMAN RE-UPS WITH FALCONS

A guy whom the Falcons yanked out of mothballs last year has done enough to stick around.

Per a league source, the Falcons have re-signed quarterback Chris Redman. He had been out of football for several years before then-coach Bobby Petrino brought him back, due to his knowledge of Petrino's offensive system.

Of course, signing a contract and making the final 53-man roster are two different things. But the chances of making the roster are pretty slim if the guy isn't under contract.

POSTED 9:44 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

EAGLES CONFIRM SAMUEL VISIT

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced that cornerback Asante Samuel will visit the team on Friday. He will be made available to the media at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Meanwhile, there are rumors that Samuel's deal is done, and that he'll sign it after he passes a physical.

Stay tuned. Until the contract is signed, someone else can step to the plate with more money, and Samuel can choose to take it.

POSTED 9:38 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

WILLIAMS GETS KELLY MONEY

With the Raiders giving defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, who is recovering from a torn ACL, $18 million in guaranteed money, other defensive tackles are certain to get at least that much.

The first one to do so is Corey Williams, formerly of the Packers and now a member of the Browns.

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, Williams will receive $18 million in guaranteed money and $23 million over the first three years of his contract.

The Browns gave up a second-round pick to get Williams. As we explained last night, the fact that the Browns don't have a first-rounder or a second-round pick in 2008 could make them more inclined to hope for someone to sign Derek Anderson to an offer sheet, since it would give the Browns a first-rounder and a third-rounder if they choose not to match.

POSTED 9:00 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

FITZGERALD TRADE UNLIKELY

As the growing PFT Planet chapter in Philly watches and waits for the Eagles to inject some new talent into the roster, one of the lingering fantasies is that the team will swing a trade for Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

We don't see it happening, for two reasons.

First, Fitzgerald is due to earn total base salaries of $31 million over the next two seasons under the ridiculously stoopid contract that the Cardinals gave him as a rookie. Whoever trades for Fitzgerald has to assume that contract. And, surely, his new team would want to extend the deal.

But any new contract would have to have guaranteed money that matches the amounts he's due to earn over the next two years. And it would probably take a lot more than that to get Fitz to give up an essentially "guaranteed" $31 million over the next two seasons and a shot at unrestricted free agency in what very well could be an uncapped year.

Second, the Cardinals have to want to trade him. Though it might be in their best interests to do so, it wasn't in their best interests to give him that contract in the first place. So don't count on this franchise doing anything that reasonable people would regard as smart.

Our guess is that Fitzgerald will spend the next two seasons with the Cardinals, pocket his $31 million, and go elsewhere in March 2010 -- especially since the franchise tender for Fitzgerald in 2010 would exceed $20 million.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals now claim that their ability to sign new free agents and keep their own free agents is hampered by the Fitzgerald situation.

Hey, guys -- you only have yourselves to blame. And if you don't want to pay Fitzgerald what you previously agreed to pay him, you have an option.

You can cut him.

POSTED 8:31 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

McNABB EXPECTS TO BE IN PHILLY

The big news on Friday is that Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is back in Florida and, as far as we can tell, has not thrown up.

Appearing on ESPN Radio from a remote set at Disneyworld, McNabb said that he expects to be in Philly in 2008, and that it would be a shock to him if he wasn't.

To their credit the two Mikes spoke frankly with McNabb about the possibility of leaving. But they moved on once McNabb made it clear that he plans to be back.

POSTED 8:26 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

FANECA WON'T LAND IN 'ZONA

When Steelers guard Alan Faneca began loudly complaining about his contract last year (he was so upset at one point that team chairman Dan Rooney told a Pittsburgh television station that he was worried Faneca might "keel over"), many presumed that Faneca longed to join former Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and former Steelers offensive line coach Russ Grimm in the land of cacti and cap space.

But now that Faneca is finally on the market, the Arizona Cardinals aren't in the mix. As a league source told us, they simply aren't willing to spend the kind of money that it will take to sign him.

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that three teams currently are chasing the perennial Pro Bowler -- the Jets, the Rams, and the 49ers.

We're hearing that the Jets are considered to be the favorites.

POSTED 8:00 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

EERIE QUIET ON THE MOSS FRONT

Eight hours into the 2008 free agency period, the Patriots have yet to re-sign receiver Randy Moss.

When the Pats didn't use the franchise tag on Moss by the February 21 deadline, many presumed that Moss and the Pats had a verbal deal in place, and that he would sign it once the 2008 league year commenced. (Due to a quirk in the CBA, it appeared that Moss couldn't sign a new deal with the Patriots before February 29; we've heard rumblings that the Patriots might have believed otherwise.) Others concluded that the Pats knew that applying the franchise tag to Moss wouldn't be the best way to keep him happy over the long haul.

Agent Tim DiPiero declined to comment on the situation when reached by the Boston Globe after midnight. (I tried to get in touch with DiPiero before Thursday's NFL Network appearance so that I might have actually had something useful to say on the air, but DiPiero wasn't available and didn't return the call.)

Folks, it's reasonable to conclude that something is up on this one. At a minimum, we think Randy wants to see what will be on the table elsewhere before re-signing with the Pats. And if that number in another town is big enough, he might opt to take the money and run.

POSTED 7:51 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BROWNS INCREASE OFFER TO ANDERSON

So much for the Cleveland Browns taking money off the table once quarterback Derek Anderson forced the team to use a restricted free agency tender on him.

James Walker of the Columbus Dispatch reports that the Browns have upped the offer to Anderson, pushing the guaranteed money on a three-year deal from $10 million to $12 million and the total take from $20 million to a number between $21 million and $23 million.

Our guess is that the Browns are trying hard to create the appearance that they did all that they could to keep Anderson in the event that he goes elsewhere and: (1) plays as well or better in his new city than he did last year in Cleveland; and (2) Brady Quinn doesn't.

And we're getting a stronger sense that the Browns are ready for Anderson to move on. If the Browns thought enough of Quinn to give up the fourth pick in the second round of the 2007 draft and their first-rounder in 2008 to get him, why wouldn't they want him to start?

The fact that the Browns were willing to part with a one and a two might shed some light on whether the Browns believe that Anderson will be given an offer by another team. If a totally unproven Quinn is worth a first-round and a high second-round pick, surely a guy like Anderson is worth a first-rounder and a third-rounder.

POSTED 7:24 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

JENKINS TO THE JETS

The first of the several defensive tackles on the trade market have indeed been traded.

According to John Clayton of ESPN.com and Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com, the Panthers have shipped defensive tackle Kris Jenkins to the Jets for a third-round and a fifth-round pick.

In New York, Jenkins presumably will become a space-eating nose tackle in the 3-4 front, which means that his annual battle of the bulge will be a good thing, for a change.

POSTED 7:18 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BUCS EYEING NEW PLAYERS

With a pre-free agency total of $44 million in 2008 cap dollars to spend and a minimum expenditure of $28 million in order to comply with the salary floor, the Buccaneers are looking hard for new players.

Our friends at Pewter Report report that the Bucs are interested in Seahawks receiver D.J. Hackett, Seahawks linebacker Niko Koutouvides, Saints running back Aaron Stecker, and Bears tight end John Gilmore.

Visits are being arranged for Stecker and Gilmore.

Also, a league source tells us that Chiefs defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson is heading to Tampa on Friday for a visit with the Bucs. Pewter Report reports that the Bucs are not pursuing Bengals defensive end Justin Smith.

POSTED 7:11 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

McCOWN, PACE VISITING MIAMI

The Miami reclamation project continues without, for now, any of the Tuna's "guys".

Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins will host on Friday free-agent quarterback Josh McCown and free-agent linebacker Calvin Pace.

The talk in league circles is that Pace thinks he's going to cash in significantly on the open market. Last year, the Fins gave a contract with $20 million in guaranteed money to linebacker Joey Porter.

Neither player has any experience with Bill Parcells. The Cowboys passed on Pace in round one of the 2003 draft, Parcells' first season with the franchise.

POSTED 2:48 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

'SKINS KEEP COLLINS

A league source tells us that the Redskins have reached an agreement to retain the services of quarterback Todd Collins.

Collins, 36, helped lead the 'Skins to the playoffs after starter Jason Campbell went down with a knee injury.

The Rams were believed to be interested in Collins, given that former Redskins' assistant Al Saunders, who brought Collins to D.C., is now the offensive coordinator in St. Louis.

Collins will presumably stay in the No. 2 spot behind Campbell, but Collins provides a quality insurance policy in the event of further injury to the 2005 first-rounder.

POSTED 2:43 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

REPORT OF NINERS SIGNINGS PREMATURE

A league source tells us that the report from the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat that the Niners have signed quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, linebacker Dontarrius Thomas, and running back DeShaun Foster are premature.

Per the source, contact has been made by the 49ers with each player, but no deal has been done. Yet.

POSTED 2:38 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

KIRCUS LANDS IN MIAMI

When Dolphins V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells said that he doesn't want "thugs and hoodlums," maybe someone should have asked him to define those terms.

Parcells has signed former Broncos receiver David Kircus, who a year ago (allegedly) beat the crap out of a guy who asked Kircus to leave a party.

Kircus thereafter passed a polygraph test in Denver, but the questions posed to Kircus presumably focused on whether he acted in self-defense. There was no apparent dispute as to whether the end result was Kircus beating the crap out of a guy.

So if that's not the action of a "thug" or a "hoodlum," we'd love to know what is, primarily because I'm currently trying to instruct Florio Jr. on how not to be a "thug" or a "hoodlum," and I could use some help establishing the boundaries for him.

POSTED 2:14 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

NINERS START SPENDING

Though none are all that high in profile, the 49ers have already made a few moves in free agency.

The Niners reportedly have agreed to terms with Lions quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, running back DeShaun Foster, and Vikings linebacker Dontarrius Thomas. Foster recently had been released by the Panthers.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rose Press-Democrat also reports that the Niners will host defensive end Justin Smith on Friday. Smith is scheduled to visit the Vikings, too.

Finally, receiver Isaac Bruce could be heading to San Fran, where he'd be reunited with former Rams coach Mike Martz, who's now the offensive coordinator of the Niners.

POSTED 2:04 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

NO CONTRACT YET FOR KWAME

In response to our report that tackle Kwame Harris has agreed to terms with the Raiders, agent Ryan Tollner advised us that there is no deal yet with Oakland.

Tollner says that several teams are interested, and that a deal isn't expected to be reached before the end of the weekend.

POSTED 1:59 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

WOY DID ADAMS DEAL

A league source tells us that the contract negotiated on Thursday between the Cowboys and left tackle Flozell Adams was handled by agent Jordan Woy.

This means that Adams at some point fired his prior agents, Roosevelt Barnes and Eugene Parker.

NFLPA records indicate that Woy is currently listed as Adams' agent.

POSTED 1:51 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

LEAGUE LAUGHING AT KELLY DEAL

Reaction in league circles to the $50 million contract paid to defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, which included $18 million in guaranteed money, generally has been bewilderment and laughter.

Kelly has 13 sacks. In his entire career. And he played in only seven games in 2007.

He joined the Raiders in 2004 as an undrafted free agent.

POSTED 1:40 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

YOUNG, SIMONEAU STAY WITH SAINTS

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that the Saints have reached agreements with two of their own free agents.

Defensive tackle Brian Young will sign a three-year, $12 million deal.

Also, linebacker Mark Simoneau will stay put.

POSTED 1:36 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

WILLIAMS LINES UP VISITS

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Falcons free-agent linebacker Demorrio Williams has already lined up visits with the Chiefs, Bucs, and Bears.

Williams plays on the weak side. In Chicago, he could be the replacement for Lance Briggs.

POSTED 1:30 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

HARRIS TO THE RAIDERS

A league source tells us that the Oakland Raiders have reached an agreement with former 49ers tackle Kwame Harris.

Harris was a first-round pick in 2003.

No financial details are presently available.

POSTED 1:26 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BRAYTON TO VISIT PANTHERS

Adam Caplan of Scout.com reports that Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton will visit the Panthers.

The Raiders tried to re-sign Brayton before the start of free agency.

Brayton, a first-round pick in 2003, has played defensive tackle, too.

POSTED 1:19 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

PORTER TO VISIT JAGS

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that free-agent receiver Jerry Porter will visit the Jaguars on Friday.

Porter would be the second new receiver added by Jacksonville. A trade soon will be official (if it isn't already) to send Vikings receiver Troy Williamson to the Jags.

POSTED 1:12 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

FAINE TO TAMPA

That $44 million in cap space has burned a hole in the pockets of the Buccaneers.

Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times reports that the Bucs have reached an agreement with free-agent center Jeff Faine, previously of the Saints.

Per Holder, the deal makes Faine the highest-paid center in the game.

POSTED 1:09 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

FUN WITH WIKIPEDIA

A reader has pointed out to us a curious quote at the bottom of the Wikipedia entry of Browns quarterback Derek Anderson:

"It is rumored that he has signed a $47 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, with $17 million guranteed [sic]. Browns would receive a 1st and 3rd pick in the 2008 draft. Panthers pick 13th."

It's probably a load of crap, but it's intriguing nevertheless.

And even if it's accurate that Anderson will sign with the Panthers, the Browns would have seven days to match the offer sheet. It's highly unlikely, however, that they would.

[Update: The Anderson Wikipedia page is now officially a mess.]

POSTED 1:00 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

MOSS STAYING PUT?

Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that receiver Randy Moss is "signed, sealed, and delivered" to remain in New England.

There has been no official word from the team of any deal.

On Thursday, the Panthers emerged as an unlikely potential candidate for his services.

POSTED 12:58 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SAMUEL VISITING EAGLES

Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com reports that free-agent cornerback Asante Samuel will visit the Eagles on Friday.

On Thursday night, it was reported that Samuel already has a deal in place with the Eagles.

Samuel is looking for at least $10 million per year.

POSTED 12:55 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SMITH TO VISIT VIKES

As owner Zygi Wilf's plane heads to California to fetch receiver Bernard Berrian, the Vikes also have made arrangements for a Friday visit from Bengals defensive end Justin Smith.

Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier worked in that same role with the Bengals.

The Vikings have a need for help at defensive end because Kenechi Udeze recently was diagnosed with leukemia. Smith was Cincinnati's franchise player in 2007.

POSTED 12:49 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SMILEY SIGNS WITH FINS

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a signing.

In roughly a half hour of negotiations that started from scratch (eye roll), the Dolphins have signed 49ers guard Justin Smiley to a five-year, $25 million contract with a $9 million signing bonus.

The story announcing the move was posted 27 minutes into free agency by Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat. And given that the article has three paragraphs of quotes from Smiley, and assuming that the conversation between Maiocco and Smiley lasted at least five minutes, there's no way in hell that the Dolphins first initiated contact with Smiley at 12:01 a.m. EST.

Then again, anyone who thinks that Fins V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells gives a crap about any of that would be sorely mistaken.

POSTED 12:42 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

BERRIAN TO VISIT VIKES

Barely a half hour into free agency, and the Vikings have set up a Friday visit with Bears receiver Bernard Berrian.

Berrian wants a contract that pays out $24.5 million over the first three years, and that includes $12 million guaranteed.

He would provide a deep threat for the Vikings' West Coast offense. Having a guy who can stretch the field opens up the various underneath routes in the system.

POSTED 12:39 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SAINTS SNAG VILMA

Tom Rock of Newsday reports that the Jets have struck a deal with the Saints for linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

Vilma will go to New Orleans, apparently for a conditional pick in the 2009 draft.

The conditional nature of the selection suggests that there are lingering concerns about Vilma's knee.

POSTED 12:34 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

SAINTS WANT SHOCKEY

With tight end Jeremy Shockey possibly on the outs in New York, there already are teams interested in his services.

According to John Clayton of ESPN.com, via our friends at Rotoworld.com, the Saints have contacted the Giants regarding the availability of Shockey. Giants G.M. Jerry Reese previously has suggested that Shockey won't be traded.

Shockey suffered a broken leg in December, and rookie Kevin Boss played well in his place. Also, some think that the stunning development of quarterback Eli Manning had a lot to do with the absence of Shockey.

Saints coach Sean Payton was the offensive coordinator in New York during Shockey's rookie season of 2002.

POSTED 12:25 a.m. EST, February 29, 2008

START THE INSANITY

Free agency officially is opened.

And, as far as we can tell, no players have changed teams yet.

In past seasons, deals have gone down not long after the launch of the signing period. We suspect that the league office has asked teams not to consummate multi-million-dollar deals in the 60 minutes or so after the signing period opens. The obvious implication in such situations is that there were discussions before discussions were technically permitted.

But we'll still be monitoring the situation, deep into the night and early in the morning and all day long.

And we'll be talking about the free agency free-for-all on radio in NFL cities throughout the day, including visits with Angelo Cataldi and his crew on WIP in Philly at 7:30 a.m., Joe Rose on WQAM in Miami at 8:00 a.m., Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton on WFAN in New York at 8:40 a.m., the Junkies on WJFK in D.C. at 9:00 a.m., Mike Dempsey and Frank Frangie on 1010XL in Jacksonville at 5:25 p.m., and Steve Davis of WBAL at 7:30 p.m.

We'll also stop by the Dan Patrick Show, which streams live via SI.com, at 9:25 a.m.

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