NFL News & Rumors

Ben Watson joining Browns in three year deal

Chris Kolb — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:49:59 +0000

This off-season has already brought about plenty of changes across the board for Cleveland, and that process continued this morning with the signing of former Patriots tight end Ben Watson.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Browns and Watson reached an accord on a three year contract that will pay him $12 million, with $6.35 million of that guaranteed.

Drafted in 2004, Watson has spent his entire career up to this point in New England, racking up 167 receptions for 2,102 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’ll bring unquestioned leadership to the locker room in Cleveland and a solid work ethic on the field, which will undoubtedly assist whoever the Browns choose to play at quarterback this fall.

RB Justin Fargas meeting with the Eagles

Cody Benjamin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:28:55 +0000

The Eagles were quiet throughout the first few days of this offseason’s free agency period, but lately they’ve exploded with some moves. Earlier in the week, Philadelphia traded wide receiver Reggie Brown to the Buccaneers for a 6th-round draft pick, and yesterday they agreed on a contract with veteran defensive back Marlin Jackson, formerly of the Colts.

Today they made more announcements, most notably in which they confirmed adding young offensive hybrid Chad Hall via a three year deal. The Eagles also are believed to be meeting with free agent running back Justin Fargas (Raiders) this evening regarding a potential contract.

It was also learned recently that the Eagles offered a contract to versatile runner Kevin Faulk before he re-signed with the Patriots, so it is clear the team is looking for a veteran back to complement LeSean McCoy at the position.

Fargas, a bruising player who was most recently recorded as being 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, gained 491 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns in 12 games. In previous seasons, he’s gone from being a backup to rotational player to full-time starter, and overall has a career total of 3,369 rushing yards, to go along with 32 games played in the starting lineup and 77 receptions.

Fargas was originally drafted by Oakland in 2003, and was let go by the team this offseason after reportedly failing a physical examination. He remains upbeat about his future though, and has made it clear he’d be ready to play football today.

Philadelphia Eagles seeking Jay Cutler esque bounty in return for Kevin Kolb

Andy Auger — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:06:32 +0000

In spite of little substantive evidence behind them, the rumors surrounding both Eagles quarterbacks this off-season have run wild in recent days, even going so far as to inspire a fake website passing itself off as a legitimate ESPN report. The speculation spiked when ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio dropped in a juicy tidbit about Seattle pestering Philadelphia nonstop about starting quarterback Donovan McNabb and backup quarterback Kevin Kolb.

It is now being reported that the Seahawks are not seriously interested in obtaining McNabb, but rather are centering their attention on Kolb. This makes complete sense, as Kolb is someone who could be regarded as a quarterback of the future, while McNabb is an aging veteran akin to current Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. A deal for Kolb would allow the Seahawks to continue to utilize Hasselbeck until they see fit to part ways with the franchise’s most successful signal caller.

Now NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora is reporting that Eagles have set the bounty they want in return for Kolb at two first round picks, similar to the haul Denver received for then Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler from the Chicago Bears.

If the Eagles stick true to that asking price, they are sending a strong signal to the rest of the league that unless you bust the door down with an irrefutable offer, Kolb is not for sale.

It’s doubtful that Seattle will be bidding anywhere near that for Kolb, given that they are reluctant to spend one of their first round picks for Brandon Marshall, who would be a dramatic upgrade for a wide receiving corps that struggled immensely last season.

Former Air Force standout Hall inks deal with Eagles

Cody Benjamin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:34:00 +0000

A day after signing their first free agent of the offseason, the Eagles have announced the addition of another player. Chad Hall, a former star wide receiver at Air Force Academy, was signed to a three year contract and is expected to provide some serious competition for a reserve spot on the roster.

Hall has not played extended amounts of football for the past two seasons, as he has been serving as a lieutenant at Hill Air Force Base in Salt Lake City, UT, but is now free to pursue what he hopes will be a lengthy and successful career in the NFL.

At 5′8″, 180 lbs, he is certainly not a huge target in the passing game, but is proven to have extremely well-rounded agility and speed. In addition to surpassing his school’s all-time record for yardage as a wide receiver, Hall played as a running back and on special teams as a kick/punt returner.

During the 2007 season, he managed to gain 1,478 rushing yards and 15 running touchdowns, while also catching 50 passes. Once considered by some to be a candidate for the Heisman Trophy Award and a definite high-round draft selection, Hall seems to be an interesting young player and also appears to be a sure “low risk, high reward” project.

“I’m definitely excited to be an Eagle. It’s a great offense to be in. I’m looking forward to learn it. I’m in better shape [than I was two years ago]. Physically, I’m stronger. I weigh more and it’s all good weight. I’ve been working out constantly for the last year and a half. It’s not like I’ve been taking a break or anything.”

– Philadelphia wide receiver Chad Hall

Hall was the only player in the entire collegiate football league to lead his team in rushing yards, receiving yards, and all-purpose yards in ‘07, and set Air Force’s franchise record for most career yardage (4,098). He was also nominated for several NCAA All-American honors, and is expected to make a strong push to make the final roster and play in a backup receiver/special teams role with the Eagles.

Tomlinson taking physical with Vikings

Chris Kolb — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:13:02 +0000

More often than not, one of the biggest indicators of where a free agent player will end up signing is the report of that player taking a physical with a club. Even though it’s usually not much more than a formality for most players, the physical is a definite requirement for every player before a contract can officially be signed.

According to Paul Allen of KFAN 1130 in Minneapolis, former Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is still in town at this moment visiting with the Vikings front office/coaching staff, and is expected to take a physical with the team at some point today.

While it is certainly possible that the two sides have not reached an accord as of yet, Tomlinson submitting to the medical check by Minnesota’s team doctors would seem to indicate that a deal is on its way. If he does decide to join the Vikings, Tomlinson would be the team’s backup running back behind fellow All-Pro Adrian Peterson, and would help Minnesota replace an important part of their offense that is missing now, after Chester Taylor signed in Chicago last weekend.

As always, we’ll keep you posted if more information becomes available.

Faulk strikes deal to return to Patriots

Cody Benjamin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:04:39 +0000

11-year veteran running back and longtime member of the Patriots, Kevin Faulk, has agreed on a contract extension that will keep him in New England, according to the Associated Press.

Despite being 33 years of age, Faulk was considered to be one of the better rotational runners on the free agent market, and was rumored to be receiving some interest from teams like the Dolphins and the Eagles. However, he decided that reprising his role on the Patriots’ offense was a better option, and should provide the club with at least one more season of reliable pass cactching and rushing out of the backfield.

Last season, Faulk compiled 335 yards on the ground, but also added 37 receptions and three touchdowns. Throughout his entire career, he’s recorded 3,505 rushing yards and 418 catches for 3,605 yards.

In addition to his expected return to New England, other Patriot free agents Leigh Bodden, Vince Wilfork, Stephen Neal and Tully Banta-Cain were able to reach new deals with the organization.

Seattle Seahawks Interested In Chester Pitts

Andy Auger — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:58:23 +0000

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Seahawks have expressed formal interest in free agent guard Chester Pitts .

Pitts conveyed the interest in his services, during an interview with Sirius NFL Radio, also listing the Lions, Dolphins, and Bengals as his other suitors. Pitts has extensive experience, starting 114 consecutive games before falling victim to a knee injury last season.

He has also expressed his desire to return to the Houston Texans, the team he has played for his entire career, but is keeping his options open.

The Seahawks have also met with former Broncos guard Ben Hamilton this offseason as well, indicating they want to add at least one starter on the open market to aid arguably the league’s worst blocking unit.

Former Indianapolis guard Ryan Lilja would seem to be a perfect fit in the zone blocking scheme used by Seattle as well, and is currently the top player available at his position.

Derrick Mason returning to Baltimore Ravens

Andy Auger — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:43:06 +0000

Seemingly overnight, the biggest weakness on the Baltimore Ravens roster has now become one of their biggest strengths.

The Ravens have re-signed savvy veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason to a two year deal, further bolstering a unit that has already added new No. 1 receiver Anquan Boldin, and former No. 1 receiver Donte Stallworth, this off-season.

The cupboard was somewhat bare behind Mason last season, but with the new additions and the re-signing of Mason, the Ravens now have arguably one of the deepest four wide receiver sets in the league when you throw in last seasons No. 2 receiver Mark Clayton.

This move balances out their offense well, giving the quarterback Joe Flacco plenty of weapons to work with. They have one of the most heralded rushing attacks in the league anchored by arguably the best young offensive line in the game. If everyone in the bolstered receiving corps can stay healthy and be productive, there is no reason to count this team out of playoff contention next season under any circumstance.

Jerheme Urban joins Todd Haley in Kansas City

Chris Kolb — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:24:05 +0000

The exodus out of the desert continued late last evening, with wide receiver Jerheme Urban leaving the Cardinals to sign with the Chiefs. The story was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. No terms have been released as of yet.

Urban was likely swayed by his former coach, Todd Haley, who is now in his second season as head coach in Kansas City. He’ll join a receiving corps that was lackluster at best last season, and could push for playing time from day one depending on what the Chiefs choose to do in next month’s draft.

Cleveland Browns to host former Panther Jake Delhomme

Andy Auger — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:36:56 +0000

After acquiring Seneca Wallace and showing Derek Anderson the door, Cleveland’s czar Mike Holmgren is not done addressing the quarterback position.

The Browns are set to host Jake Delhomme for a visit, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. After his surprising release late last week, Delhomme quickly became the top free agent quarterback on the market, and Cleveland is one of the few matches for him as a potential starter.

Considering the Browns got Wallace fairly cheap, if Delhomme is signed he would likely be the starter at quarterback and Wallace would remain the backup option.

Delhomme led the Carolina Panthers to a pair of NFC Championship games and came within three points of beating the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl during his inaugural season with the team.

His poor play, including tossing 18 INTs to only eight TDs in 11 games last season, was the main factor in his release from the team he guided through their most successful period in franchise history.