Thursday, February 28, 2008

First Free Agency Moves

Are as follows:

Kelley Washington, who saw little playing time with the Patriots last season but will probably become the 3rd WR in the Patriots scheme next season, was given a contract extension. I can't find the terms of the deal. 

The Texans signed Andre Davis to a 4 year, 16 million deal. He hopes to start next season opposite Andre Johnson, but will face stiff competition from Kevin Walter. Even if he ends up as the 3rd WR his deep speed will help him play the position well. If the Texans update their O-line/RB position with the draft/Free Agency and Schaub stays healthy... look for a MUCH improved Texan offense next season. 

The Detroit Lions continued their streak of building high quality defensive secondaries by resigning CB Keith Smith. In all fairness, Smith was a 2002 Draft Pick of the Lions and had 3 INTs last season. He's played mostly as a nickel corner, but I guess the Lions are hoping he will be able to start. For the sake of football in Detroit, I hope so. 

The Panthers signed FB Brad Hoover. He's been a quietly effective blocker for various Panther RBs through his career and his contract will probably finish his career there. More good news from Charlotte. 

To clear up the Isaac Bruce release, it turns out that the circumstances surrounding it were that he refused to take a pay cut and so the Rams cut him to save 5 million in cap room. 

The Bills cut CB Kiwaukee Thomas, but resigned TE Tim Massaquoi, S Dustin Fox, WR Scott Mayle, and DT Corey Mace. This is basically a procession of people I don't know anything about (except Thomas, for some weird reason, always becomes an interception machine whenever my friend takes over the Bills in franchise mode. One time I remember seeing him make a one handed INT in the end zone. The pass he caught was a Tom Brady throw for Randy Moss. My best memories of this man are virtual... but my god. What a player.) but after watching the Bills build a defense centered around the golden son of Saginaw Valley State, John DiGiorgio... well.. anything is possible. 

The Broncos resigned backup DE John Engelberger. Pretty sweet stuff. 

Eagles signed backup S J.R. Reed. I think I remember seeing him making a huge play against the Patriots during the Eagles' game. He has been signed and cut by the Eagles about 4 times since  since 2005, but I think he could develop into a pretty decent player... mostly a coverage safety. 

The Cowboys released FB Oliver Hoyte. He's young and I thought showed some spark on the few snaps I've seen him play. A team in need of developing a young FB should pick him up. 

Thank you for being with us tonight, we'll be back in the early afternoon with more updates. 

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