-=Official NFL Free Agency Thread=-
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
WASHINGTON (AP)—After a year of “Dancing With the Stars” and struggling with the Washington Redskins, Jason Taylor wanted some family time.
He’s got his wish.
The former NFL defensive player of the year’s disappointing turn in the nation’s capital came to an end Monday when he was cut by the Redskins for refusing to commit to the team’s offseason workout program.
The Redskins wanted to add a workout clause to Taylor’s hefty contract, but the 34-year-old defensive end declined. The clause would have required Taylor to take part in 25 days of offseason workouts.
“He wanted to spend the offseason with his family,” said Taylor’s agent, Gary Wichard. “He just kind of chose family over going up there.”
He’s got his wish.
The former NFL defensive player of the year’s disappointing turn in the nation’s capital came to an end Monday when he was cut by the Redskins for refusing to commit to the team’s offseason workout program.
The Redskins wanted to add a workout clause to Taylor’s hefty contract, but the 34-year-old defensive end declined. The clause would have required Taylor to take part in 25 days of offseason workouts.
“He wanted to spend the offseason with his family,” said Taylor’s agent, Gary Wichard. “He just kind of chose family over going up there.”
CINCINNATI (AP)—All the Cincinnati Bengals needed was one day to replace their top receiver.
The Bengals agreed to a four-year deal with former Jets receiver Laveranues Coles on Wednesday, a day after T.J. Houshmandzadeh left for Seattle as a free agent and suggested that Cincinnati wasn’t sincere about trying to keep him around.
The Bengals agreed to a four-year deal with former Jets receiver Laveranues Coles on Wednesday, a day after T.J. Houshmandzadeh left for Seattle as a free agent and suggested that Cincinnati wasn’t sincere about trying to keep him around.
Despite the current economic climate, NFL teams are throwing around money the way Wall Street banks used to. Instead of having to defend the use of corporate jets, they’re minting a class of free agents who could afford to fly to games on magic carpets.
Albert Haynesworth got $100 million for seven years by moving from Tennessee to Washington, though a more accurate measure is the $41 million he received in guaranteed money. Bart Scott took $48 million for six years, almost half of it guaranteed, by shuttling from Baltimore to the New York Jets. Jason Brown’s move to St. Louis from Baltimore earned him $37.5 million for five years, including $20 million guaranteed.
And that was just in the first 24 hours of the unrestricted free-agency signing period. So buckle up—it extends until mid-July.
A total of 132 UFAs changed teams last season, compared with some 30 so far. Another three dozen have already re-signed with their current employer, but there’s still 300 or so UFAs on the loose, including big-money targets Ray Lewis, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Kurt Warner. In most years, the average NFL team turns over about a third of its roster.
So rather than guess whether the current feeding frenzy will eventually outstrip previous years, the better question to ask at the moment is why now?
Granted, the NFL doesn’t appear anywhere as vulnerable to an economic downturn as North America’s other pro sports leagues, MLB, NASCAR, the NBA and NHL. It plays in stadiums filled to capacity, has the best TV deal in sports— some $3 billion annually, more than the four rivals combined—and the ratings show few signs of slippage. Just last week, salary caps for each team climbed from $123 million to $127 million.
Albert Haynesworth got $100 million for seven years by moving from Tennessee to Washington, though a more accurate measure is the $41 million he received in guaranteed money. Bart Scott took $48 million for six years, almost half of it guaranteed, by shuttling from Baltimore to the New York Jets. Jason Brown’s move to St. Louis from Baltimore earned him $37.5 million for five years, including $20 million guaranteed.
And that was just in the first 24 hours of the unrestricted free-agency signing period. So buckle up—it extends until mid-July.
A total of 132 UFAs changed teams last season, compared with some 30 so far. Another three dozen have already re-signed with their current employer, but there’s still 300 or so UFAs on the loose, including big-money targets Ray Lewis, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Kurt Warner. In most years, the average NFL team turns over about a third of its roster.
So rather than guess whether the current feeding frenzy will eventually outstrip previous years, the better question to ask at the moment is why now?
Granted, the NFL doesn’t appear anywhere as vulnerable to an economic downturn as North America’s other pro sports leagues, MLB, NASCAR, the NBA and NHL. It plays in stadiums filled to capacity, has the best TV deal in sports— some $3 billion annually, more than the four rivals combined—and the ratings show few signs of slippage. Just last week, salary caps for each team climbed from $123 million to $127 million.
With word late Wednesday that the Dallas Cowboys have cut Terrell Owens, here are three teams that could use T.O.
1. Miami Dolphins
Owens would be more than just a splashy acquisition. They desperately need a No. 1 receiver with the size, strength and speed to make big plays. Also, Bill Parcells has made it work in the short-term with Owens before, and South Florida would be an attractive destination.
2. New York Giants
If their management and coaching staff are willing to take the risk, Owens would fill a big void with Plaxico Burress’ future uncertain. At least Owens would stay out of off-field trouble, and he’ll be driven to shine in the four tough division games against the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.
3. Minnesota Vikings
It would be hard for coach Brad Childress to forget what happened in Philadelphia, but considering Minnesota’s pursuit of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a big-time receiver such as Owens may be the sole missing piece in a team that is ready to win big now. T.O. can elevate the Vikes to NFC favorites.
1. Miami Dolphins
Owens would be more than just a splashy acquisition. They desperately need a No. 1 receiver with the size, strength and speed to make big plays. Also, Bill Parcells has made it work in the short-term with Owens before, and South Florida would be an attractive destination.
2. New York Giants
If their management and coaching staff are willing to take the risk, Owens would fill a big void with Plaxico Burress’ future uncertain. At least Owens would stay out of off-field trouble, and he’ll be driven to shine in the four tough division games against the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.
3. Minnesota Vikings
It would be hard for coach Brad Childress to forget what happened in Philadelphia, but considering Minnesota’s pursuit of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a big-time receiver such as Owens may be the sole missing piece in a team that is ready to win big now. T.O. can elevate the Vikes to NFC favorites.
Cowboys cut safety Roy Williams ... as requested
Fans of the Dallas Cowboys won't have safety Roy Williams to kick around any longer. The Dallas Morning News reported the team cut the five-time Pro Bowl safety Thursday.
The Cowboys tried to trade Williams, their former No.1 pick in 2002. Williams confirmed his release Thursday morning in a text message. By cutting Williams, the Cowboys save roughly $2 million in salary-cap space in 2009, according to The Morning News.
Fans of the Dallas Cowboys won't have safety Roy Williams to kick around any longer. The Dallas Morning News reported the team cut the five-time Pro Bowl safety Thursday.
The Cowboys tried to trade Williams, their former No.1 pick in 2002. Williams confirmed his release Thursday morning in a text message. By cutting Williams, the Cowboys save roughly $2 million in salary-cap space in 2009, according to The Morning News.
O'Sullivan to back up Palmer
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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive
For the fourth year in a row, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has a new backup.
O'Sullivan
O'Sullivan
Much-traveled veteran J.T. O'Sullivan, who started eight games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2008, has reached agreement on a two-year contract. Financial details of the deal were not yet available.
O'Sullivan, 29, should be a good fit for the Cincinnati offense and, given Palmer's injury history, he could get some playing time for the Bengals.
Comment Email Print Share
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive
For the fourth year in a row, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has a new backup.
O'Sullivan
O'Sullivan
Much-traveled veteran J.T. O'Sullivan, who started eight games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2008, has reached agreement on a two-year contract. Financial details of the deal were not yet available.
O'Sullivan, 29, should be a good fit for the Cincinnati offense and, given Palmer's injury history, he could get some playing time for the Bengals.