NFL News & Rumors

Cardinals add Joey Porter

Cody Benjamin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:32:34 +0000

Earlier in the offseason when the team lost top-tier free agent LB Karlos Dansby to the Dolphins, the Cardinals seemed to have few options to rebuild their middle of the defense immediately. However, over the past few weeks–and specifically the last few days–they’ve really shown and executed their desire to instantly make their defensive unit better. First, they brought in the experienced Larry Foote for a visit. Though negotiations didn’t work out and Foote inked a deal with the Steelers, the Cards failed to give up and acquired someone just as talented today in Joey Porter.

Formerly of Pittsburgh and Miami, Porter has amassed an impressive 92 sacks over his lengthy, successful career. He is expected to take over for Chike Okeafor in Arizona’s LB corps, and should provide them with a thrilling play maker. He’s arguably on the decline, as he will turn 33 years old in the coming days, but remains one of the better pass rushing linebackers in the league, and was actually one of the top defenders on the market after being cut by the Dolphins for off-field and financial issues. His deal with the Cardinals is reportedly worth $24.5 million over three years, with $17.5 million in guaranteed money.

Darren Howard, Kevin Curtis cut loose

Cody Benjamin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:28:27 +0000

It’s been a tough offseason so far for veterans on the Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to the free agency period, they announced the expected, yet stunning release of RB Brian Westbrook. They also cut loose LB Will Witherspoon and offensive lineman Shawn Andrews–who only a year ago were among the better members of their respective teams–and today, the organization confirmed yet another string of sudden releases. 10-year defensive lineman Darren Howard and 31-year-old WR Kevin Curtis were ridden of, and while their contract terminations came as somewhat of an anticipated decision, they also add some tension/action to what has lately become a thrilling off time away from games.

Howard, 33 years of age, spent 4 seasons with the Birds, and both failed in his role with the team, yet was one of the most reliable at what he did. While that doesn’t seem to make sense, he was brought in prior to the 2006 campaign with the intentions of stepping into the starting lineup and dominating. He lacked consistency and ultimately stumbled in his role as a leading lineman. However, his production as a rotational DE and occasional DT improved as his tenure with Philadelphia progressed, and he was regarded by the staff and fans as one of the top reserve defenders on the roster. His best season in midnight green came in ‘08, in which he notched 10 sacks and an interception (impressive, seeing that he played no games that year as a starter). This past season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 21 solo tackles, and was simply released this offseason because of a high salary and an obviously aging body.

As for Curtis, the former Rams’ receiver began his stint with the Eagles with clear success. Injuries and failure to get on the field for a consistent amount of playing time as of late assisted the fall of his career as a Bird. Signed in 2007 to a 6-year contract, he exploded in his first season in Philadelphia. Making 77 catches, he finished the year with an astounding 1,110 yards and 6 scores. In addition, he climbed among the franchise record books by performing amazingly in Week 3 vs. the Lions (in which he caught 11 passes for 221 yards and 3 touchdowns). The following year, he was limited to 9 games and managed to produce only in the later part of the season. A surgery for a sports hernia injury and a sprained knee left him questionable heading into 2009, and he wound up appearing in all but 3 contests. In addition to his recent health struggles, Curtis was also among the players due to receive large payments, hence his release.

“Darren Howard has been one of our most productive and versatile members of our defense in the last couple of years. He is nothing but a solid player, leader and person on and off the field…Kevin is one of the classiest players I have ever been around. He’s the type of player and person we like to build our team with. We just feel good about the young corps of receivers we have on our team at this point.” –head coach Andy Reid

Seattle Seahawks Acquire Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst

Andy Auger — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:15 +0000

According to multiple sources, the Seahawks have acquired former Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who has yet to throw a pass in the NFL.

The teams will swap second round picks, costing Seattle 20 slots in that round and the Seahawks will send San Diego their third round pick in next year’s draft as well.

In addition, Seattle has extended Whitehurst’s contract by two years, and $10 million.

The price the Seahawks were willing to pay and the contract doled out makes it likely thatJimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford are off Seattle’s draft board, although it’s still possible that Clausen will be available later in round one or early in round two.

This deal also takes the Seahawks out of the running for restricted free agent wide receiver Brandon Marshall, as the cost to acquire him (a first round pick) would seem to be too much to give up at this juncture.

Chicago Bears Release Nathan Vasher

Andy Auger — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:36:35 +0000

The Chicago Bears released former Pro Bowl cornerback Nathan Vasher one day after signing veteran cornerback Tim Jennings to a two year contract. Vasher had fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, who slowly reduced his role to mop up duty, recording 15 tackles, one interception, and one pass defensed .

Vasher was a fourth round pick in 2004, and has started 46 games in six seasons with the Chicago Bears. He had a career high eight interceptions in 2005.

He immediately becomes the top available unrestricted free agent cornerback and he will likely find a starting role somewhere else this off-season.

Eagles make big move, release OL Andrews

Cody Benjamin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:31:52 +0000

After roughly two years filled to the brim with injuries, inconsistency, and debate, the Eagles have made a big decision and executed what was somewhat of a predictable, yet impacting move nonetheless: offensive lineman Shawn Andrews has been released.

In spite of signs early in his career that pointed to a lengthy, successful, and dominant tenure in the NFL, Andrews struggled with personal issues and recurring physical pain over the last few seasons, and finally reached the end of his short-lived stint in midnight green that not too long ago was projected to be magnificent.

Originally selected in the first round of the 2004 draft, Andrews became a fan favorite in his first few seasons in Philadelphia. A massive figure on the field at 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, the Arkansas product demonstrated many glimpses of quality play in practice and games. After missing nearly his entire rookie campaign because of a broken leg, Andrews returned in 2005 as a top-tier lineman, earning a Pro-Bowl appearance and helping running back Brian Westbrook gain over 1,000 yards on the ground.

Andrews’ stellar blocking at that time also helped Donovan McNabb achieve great measures at the quarterback position, benefitting greatly from the reduced pressure coming from opposing defenders. Andrews also went to the Pro Bowl in 2007, and seemed to be on his way to sure stardom when he received a contract extension from the Eagles that was set to keep him in Philly until 2015. However, a sudden bout with depression emerged into his life, and multiple injuries began to sideline him for extensive periods of time. He played in only two games in 2008, and missed all of them in 2009 after being placed on the season-ending injured reserve list.

Despite a load of potential and the distinct possibility that he could have returned in 2010 in a dominant form once again, Andrews clearly had not done enough this off-season and during the 2009 campaign to convince the organization that he can still be of assistance. Therefore, he was cut in a transaction that was both somewhat projected and also a bit of a shock, considering his high status around the league and early-career achievements. Money may have also played a big factor in his release, for Andrews was among the top recipients of salary space for Philadelphia

Shawn’s older brother Stacy was brought onto the team last off-season via free agency, and it was hoped that he could play many years alongside his sibling. However, that clearly will not happen (barring the extremely slight chance Shawn returns to the team at some other point in time). Stacy is likely to remain an Eagle, though, as he agreed to restructure his contract earlier in the offseason so that some money would be freed up and his lack of production in 2009 would be payed for, in a way.

“We appreciate the efforts and contributions of Shawn while he was in Philadelphia. We have, however, decided to move in another direction.”

– Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid

That other direction Reid mentioned is believed to involve Winston Justice, a four year veteran tackle who made played in Andrews’ position for the entire season last year and performed quite well. In fact, he received a new deal as a result of his success, and was expected to take over a leading spot on the offensive line.

Miami Dolphins Sign Richie Incognito

Andy Auger — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:28:32 +0000

The Miami Dolphins have agreed to a one year deal with one the league’s most penalized offensive players, guard Richie Incognito.

Incognito has had a less then sterling reputation wherever he has played, leaving Nebraska during his sophomore season, then subsequently getting kicked off the Oregon football team before entering the NFL draft. His release from the St. Louis Rams also stemmed from his erratic behavior both on the field and off it.

Once removed from St. Louis, Incognito lasted just three starts with the Buffalo Bills, who despite having needs on the offensive line decided not to retain his services this off-season.

Former Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson Signs With Arizona Cardinals

Andy Auger — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:23:10 +0000

Multiple sources have confirmed that the Arizona Cardinals have reached an agreement with former Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson on a two year, $7.25 million contract. He will be competing with Matt Leinart for the starting job.

Arizona has apparently “lost out” on Charlie Whitehurst, who has been said to prefer to go to the Seattle Seahawks.

Former Raven Dwan Edwards Signs With Buffalo Bills

Andy Auger — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:38:30 +0000

Multiple sources are reporting that the Buffalo Bills have signed free agent defensive end Dwan Edwards to four year contract, worth an estimated $18 million.

Edwards is slated to start in Buffalo’s 3-4 defense with the release of fellow defensive lineman Chris Denney and defensive end Aaron Schobel mulling retirement

Edwards also visited the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. Denver has already signed Justin Bannan, Jamaal Williams, and Jarvis Green to bolster their defensive line, and Seattle plays a 4-3. Both were likely significant factors in the result of signing with the Bills.

Mike Bell Signs Offer Sheet With Philadelphia Eagles

Andy Auger — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:31:32 +0000

We previously reported that restricted free agent running back Mike Bell was scheduled to visit with the Eagles this week, and after a bit of deliberation, that visit has resulted in Bell formally signing a one year offer sheet worth $1.7 million that includes $500,000 in bonus money, according to ESPN.

Bell’s current team, the New Orleans Saints, will have seven days to match this offer sheet, and because they tendered him with the right of first refusal, they will receive nothing in compensation if they decline to match.

It’s likely that Bell will be leaving the Big Easy, with the Saints deciding to hold onto Reggie Bush, in spite of his enormous salary and tendency to disappear through some parts of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs Sign Former Colt Ryan Lilja

Andy Auger — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:21:04 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs have reached an agreement with the top available free agent interior lineman, Ryan Lilja.

Lilja started 59 games on an Indianapolis Colts team that had the league’s best regular season record throughout his tenure there.

This move, in a way is admitting they were wrong; the Chiefs cut Lilja in 2004, hoping he would make their practice squad, and he was claimed by the Colts a day later, eventually starting in a pair of Super Bowls and actually beating the Chiefs in the 2007 playoffs.

The Chiefs have had a solid off-season coming off a 4-12 record last year, landing pro bowl running back Thomas Jones, and a pair of starters along a revamped offensive line in Lilja and center Casey Wiegmann, who’s back in Kansas City after his two year stint with the Denver Broncos.