Free Agency Rumor Warehouse (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

Things I'm reading around dem innerwebs...

Rumors of a discussed Mike Peterson for DeWayne Robertson swap between Jacksonville and the Jets.

New England has interest in Dan Morgan (better fit than Zach Thomas IMO anyway) in an incentive-based role.

Vikings really like Madieu Williams.

Bengals and Saints interested in Ian Gold.

Steelers, Jaguars, Browns and Niners interested in Justin Smith.

Other than the Lions, teams are showing guarded interest in Jonathan Vilma.

Jaguars and Eagles interested in Gibril Wilson.

Free agency starts Friday night.

 

[pretender]

 

[erymer]

Things I'm reading around dem innerwebs...

Rumors of a discussed Mike Peterson for DeWayne Robertson swap between Jacksonville and the Jets.

New England has interest in Dan Morgan (better fit than Zach Thomas IMO anyway) in an incentive-based role.

Vikings really like Madieu Williams.

Bengals and Saints interested in Ian Gold.

Steelers, Jaguars, Browns and Niners interested in Justin Smith.

Other than the Lions, teams are showing guarded interest in Jonathan Vilma.

Jaguars and Eagles interested in Gibril Wilson.

Free agency starts Friday night.

Good stuff Jene. As a Browns fan I would love this. Also saw a tidbit in the shark pool from Jeter23 that bears mention:*We've been told Cleveland could meet the parameters of a long term deal to sign Patriots free agent cornerback Asante Samuel....They have no first rounder, so they can look at him as their first rounder and will pay up handsomely to reunite him with Romeo Crennel.

Have you heard anything on the Samuel rumor?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Things I'm reading around dem innerwebs...

Steelers, Jaguars, Browns and Niners interested in Justin Smith.

Free agency starts Friday night.

Good stuff Jene. As a Browns fan I would love this. Also saw a tidbit in the shark pool from Jeter23 that bears mention:*We've been told Cleveland could meet the parameters of a long term deal to sign Patriots free agent cornerback Asante Samuel....They have no first rounder, so they can look at him as their first rounder and will pay up handsomely to reunite him with Romeo Crennel.

Have you heard anything on the Samuel rumor?

I can't imagine Smith would do well as a 3-4 OLB -- he's not explosive enough from a three point stance so it's hard to see him closing the edge as an WOLB and he's never and probably can't succeed well enough in coverage to play the SOLB spot. And he'll completely disappear as a 3-4 end. I'm not sure I get the Pittsburgh or San Francisco interest either, but both of those teams have coaching staffs with 4-3 experience in the past.All I'm hearing about Samuel is that somebody is going to have to give him a truckload of coin.

 

[erymer]

Things I'm reading around dem innerwebs...

Steelers, Jaguars, Browns and Niners interested in Justin Smith.

Free agency starts Friday night.

Good stuff Jene. As a Browns fan I would love this. Also saw a tidbit in the shark pool from Jeter23 that bears mention:*We've been told Cleveland could meet the parameters of a long term deal to sign Patriots free agent cornerback Asante Samuel....They have no first rounder, so they can look at him as their first rounder and will pay up handsomely to reunite him with Romeo Crennel.

Have you heard anything on the Samuel rumor?

I can't imagine Smith would do well as a 3-4 OLB -- he's not explosive enough from a three point stance so it's hard to see him closing the edge as an WOLB and he's never and probably can't succeed well enough in coverage to play the SOLB spot. And he'll completely disappear as a 3-4 end. I'm not sure I get the Pittsburgh or San Francisco interest either, but both of those teams have coaching staffs with 4-3 experience in the past.All I'm hearing about Samuel is that somebody is going to have to give him a truckload of coin.

good point about Smith. I had heard the same about Samuel. I am not sure the cost to get him couldn't be used to address other issues. Mainly the front seven. I just don't buy the angle that Romeo has the best shot to get him.

 

[MAC_32]

Romeo and Phil, please get your eyes off of Justin Smith and Asante Samuel and get your hands on Calvin Pace.

 

[Rozelle]

Justin Smith in to Minnesota for a look.

February 28th, 2008 – 11:42 PM by Judd Zulgad

In addition to Bears receiver Bernard Berrian, word is the Vikings also have arranged for Bengals right defensive end Justin Smith to be at Winter Park on Friday. Obviously, receiver and defensive end — along with safety — are Minnesota’s primary needs this offseason. Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier held the same job with the Bengals.

LINK

 

[Chachi]

Justin Smith in to Minnesota for a look.

February 28th, 2008 – 11:42 PM by Judd Zulgad

In addition to Bears receiver Bernard Berrian, word is the Vikings also have arranged for Bengals right defensive end Justin Smith to be at Winter Park on Friday. Obviously, receiver and defensive end — along with safety — are Minnesota’s primary needs this offseason. Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier held the same job with the Bengals.

LINK

Justin Smith is visiting the 49ers 1st per John Clayton. He might never make the trip to Minny.

 

[Rozelle]

Justin Smith in to Minnesota for a look.

February 28th, 2008 – 11:42 PM by Judd Zulgad

In addition to Bears receiver Bernard Berrian, word is the Vikings also have arranged for Bengals right defensive end Justin Smith to be at Winter Park on Friday. Obviously, receiver and defensive end — along with safety — are Minnesota’s primary needs this offseason. Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier held the same job with the Bengals.

LINK

Justin Smith is visiting the 49ers 1st per John Clayton. He might never make the trip to Minny.

The way the Niner's spend, thats a good bet.

 

[Rozelle]

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.

The He will be made available to the media at 4:30 p.m. EST thing makes it sound like this could be a done deal.

 

[Jene Bramel]

ProFootballTalk reporting the Dolphins are offering a mega-deal to Calvin Pace.

 

[obxlegends]

The Vikings have reached a six-year agreement with Madieu Williams, formerly of the Bengals.

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/benga...ith-vikings.asp

 

[pretender]

KFFL Updating a previous item, Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the Cleveland Browns have agreed in principle on a trade to acquire Green Bay Packers DT Corey Williams in exchange for a second-round pick. As part of the trade, Williams is expected to sign a long-term deal with the Browns.

 

[pretender]

Eagles | Team to meet with Clemons Published Fri Feb 29 3:31:00 p.m. CT 2008

(KFFL) Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports the Philadelphia Eagles will meet with free-agent DL Chris Clemons (Raiders) Saturday, March 1. The Eagles are the leading bidder to land Clemons, according to his agent, Don Henderson. "They're the first team we're going to visit, and maybe the last," Henderson said. "We're excited about Chris coming to Philadelphia."

Edited to add

Eagles in pursuit of FA Clemons Published Fri Feb 29 2:26:00 p.m. CT 2008

(Rotoworld) The Eagles are in pursuit of free agent DE/OLB Chris Clemons.

Impact: Clemons would be a situational pass rusher if he landed with Philadelphia. The Birds seem currently to be focusing their efforts on Asante Samuel.

 

[pretender]

Eagles | Team to meet with Clemons Published Fri Feb 29 3:31:00 p.m. CT 2008

(KFFL) Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports the Philadelphia Eagles will meet with free-agent DL Chris Clemons (Raiders) Saturday, March 1. The Eagles are the leading bidder to land Clemons, according to his agent, Don Henderson. "They're the first team we're going to visit, and maybe the last," Henderson said. "We're excited about Chris coming to Philadelphia."

Edited to add

Eagles in pursuit of FA Clemons Published Fri Feb 29 2:26:00 p.m. CT 2008

(Rotoworld) The Eagles are in pursuit of free agent DE/OLB Chris Clemons.

Impact: Clemons would be a situational pass rusher if he landed with Philadelphia. The Birds seem currently to be focusing their efforts on Asante Samuel.

So as a situational pass rusher his value as a DE would take a huge drop, at least in leagues that value tackles over sacks?

 

[FTRWRTR]

ProFootballTalk reporting the Dolphins are offering a mega-deal to Calvin Pace.

I'm praying that happens

 

[Jene Bramel]

Eagles | Team to meet with Clemons Published Fri Feb 29 3:31:00 p.m. CT 2008

(KFFL) Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports the Philadelphia Eagles will meet with free-agent DL Chris Clemons (Raiders) Saturday, March 1. The Eagles are the leading bidder to land Clemons, according to his agent, Don Henderson. "They're the first team we're going to visit, and maybe the last," Henderson said. "We're excited about Chris coming to Philadelphia."

Edited to add

Eagles in pursuit of FA Clemons Published Fri Feb 29 2:26:00 p.m. CT 2008

(Rotoworld) The Eagles are in pursuit of free agent DE/OLB Chris Clemons.

Impact: Clemons would be a situational pass rusher if he landed with Philadelphia. The Birds seem currently to be focusing their efforts on Asante Samuel.

So as a situational pass rusher his value as a DE would take a huge drop, at least in leagues that value tackles over sacks?

Yes. But he was more or less a situational guy last year, too. Trent Cole started out in a similar role with the Eagles, but I don't believe Clemons has anywhere near the upside that Cole had.

 

[Rozelle]

Samuel, done deal ... he's an Eagle

 

[5Rings]

Justin Smith in to Minnesota for a look.

February 28th, 2008 – 11:42 PM by Judd Zulgad

In addition to Bears receiver Bernard Berrian, word is the Vikings also have arranged for Bengals right defensive end Justin Smith to be at Winter Park on Friday. Obviously, receiver and defensive end — along with safety — are Minnesota’s primary needs this offseason. Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier held the same job with the Bengals.

LINK

Justin Smith is visiting the 49ers 1st per John Clayton. He might never make the trip to Minny.

I don't get why in the world the team is entertaining Smith. Not big enough to play 3-4 DE, and not athletic enough to play 3-4 OLB. Square peg, round hole. I'd much rather resign Marques Douglas and use the big $$$ savings for more DL depth.

 

[Rozelle]

Justin Smith in to Minnesota for a look.

February 28th, 2008 – 11:42 PM by Judd Zulgad

In addition to Bears receiver Bernard Berrian, word is the Vikings also have arranged for Bengals right defensive end Justin Smith to be at Winter Park on Friday. Obviously, receiver and defensive end — along with safety — are Minnesota’s primary needs this offseason. Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier held the same job with the Bengals.

LINK

Justin Smith is visiting the 49ers 1st per John Clayton. He might never make the trip to Minny.

I don't get why in the world the team is entertaining Smith. Not big enough to play 3-4 DE, and not athletic enough to play 3-4 OLB. Square peg, round hole. I'd much rather resign Marques Douglas and use the big $$$ savings for more DL depth.

I read somewhere, Nolan stated their in a 43 front (or plan to be) can't recall, 60% of the time.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Does Dontarrious Thomas take over Derek Smith's spot in San Fran, or will he compete with someone for the spot?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Does Dontarrious Thomas take over Derek Smith's spot in San Fran, or will he compete with someone for the spot?

Depends on the health of Jeff Ulbrich, whether the Niners move to a 4-3 and whether they make a move like the rumored signing of Lance Briggs. Thomas is more of a rangy, flow to the ball guy than a guy who wants to take on blockers, so I'd guess if nothing else happened he'd be more likely to provide depth behind Willis than play the SILB. At minimum, I think he'd have to win the job from Ulbrich.

 

[Rozelle]

Does Dontarrious Thomas take over Derek Smith's spot in San Fran, or will he compete with someone for the spot?

Did Thomas actually sign? Assuming he did and competes inside, he'll have to battle Brandon Moore. He may be nothing more than depth outside.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Justin Smith in to Minnesota for a look.

February 28th, 2008 – 11:42 PM by Judd Zulgad

In addition to Bears receiver Bernard Berrian, word is the Vikings also have arranged for Bengals right defensive end Justin Smith to be at Winter Park on Friday. Obviously, receiver and defensive end — along with safety — are Minnesota’s primary needs this offseason. Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier held the same job with the Bengals.

LINK

Justin Smith is visiting the 49ers 1st per John Clayton. He might never make the trip to Minny.

I don't get why in the world the team is entertaining Smith. Not big enough to play 3-4 DE, and not athletic enough to play 3-4 OLB. Square peg, round hole. I'd much rather resign Marques Douglas and use the big $$$ savings for more DL depth.

I read somewhere, Nolan stated their in a 43 front (or plan to be) can't recall, 60% of the time.

Post that link for us Rozelle, if you happen on it again. I'm interested in the context. In the games I saw last year, the Niners were in a 3-4 on nearly every base down (especially early in the season when everyone was healthy). Towards the end of the year, when Ulbrich was dinged, Banta-Cain was sucking and Lawson was gone, there was more 4-3. And they used a lot of 4-2-5 nickel packages.I think it's pretty clear the Niners will err on the side of the 4-3 if they can't improve the OLB and DL personnel needed to play the 3-4.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Broncos released Ian Gold today.

 

[Rozelle]

I'll try Jene, been on so many today, I can't recall where I read it. I think it was pertaining to Justin Smith and not a 49ers website.

 

[Rozelle]

Justin Smith in to Minnesota for a look.

February 28th, 2008 – 11:42 PM by Judd Zulgad

In addition to Bears receiver Bernard Berrian, word is the Vikings also have arranged for Bengals right defensive end Justin Smith to be at Winter Park on Friday. Obviously, receiver and defensive end — along with safety — are Minnesota’s primary needs this offseason. Smith played for Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier when Frazier held the same job with the Bengals.

LINK

Justin Smith is visiting the 49ers 1st per John Clayton. He might never make the trip to Minny.

I don't get why in the world the team is entertaining Smith. Not big enough to play 3-4 DE, and not athletic enough to play 3-4 OLB. Square peg, round hole. I'd much rather resign Marques Douglas and use the big $$$ savings for more DL depth.

I read somewhere, Nolan stated their in a 43 front (or plan to be) can't recall, 60% of the time.

Post that link for us Rozelle, if you happen on it again. I'm interested in the context. In the games I saw last year, the Niners were in a 3-4 on nearly every base down (especially early in the season when everyone was healthy). Towards the end of the year, when Ulbrich was dinged, Banta-Cain was sucking and Lawson was gone, there was more 4-3. And they used a lot of 4-2-5 nickel packages.I think it's pretty clear the Niners will err on the side of the 4-3 if they can't improve the OLB and DL personnel needed to play the 3-4.

Found it! ... PFW WWHI, would link it, but not sure if this is free

Defensive scheme won't factor in to free-agent moves

Team insiders have questioned the Niners’ heavily rumored interest in Bears unrestricted free-agent LB Lance Briggs, mostly on the grounds that Briggs comes from a 4-3 system and doesn’t seem like a great fit in the Niners’ defensive scheme. But after head coach Mike Nolan clarified what exactly the Niners’ defensive scheme is at the NFL Scouting Combine late last week, an aggressive attempt to go after Briggs — there were actually rumblings in Indy that the Niners might have illegally begun talks with both Briggs and Bengals UFA DE Justin Smith before the official opening of the ’08 free-agent period — certainly seems a lot more plausible. "We're about the best players, and whether we're a 3-4 or a 4-3, I really have no preference," Nolan told PFW. "And that is what you'll see. When teams look at us and break us down, they'll see a — I don't know if it's a straight 50-50, but it's pretty close to a 60-40 — split of 4-3, 3-4 in what we do. We (operate) one way, and that is to get the best player, and so, if that lends its way to a 3-4 or a 4-3, I'm not really particular about it." Team insiders believe a strong interest in Smith lessens the likelihood that veteran UFA DE Marques Douglas will return, in which case Smith would have to be counted on to help fill a fairly substantial leadership void if he signed in San Francisco.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Found it! ... PFW WWHI, would link it, but not sure if this is free

Defensive scheme won't factor in to free-agent moves

Team insiders have questioned the Niners’ heavily rumored interest in Bears unrestricted free-agent LB Lance Briggs, mostly on the grounds that Briggs comes from a 4-3 system and doesn’t seem like a great fit in the Niners’ defensive scheme. But after head coach Mike Nolan clarified what exactly the Niners’ defensive scheme is at the NFL Scouting Combine late last week, an aggressive attempt to go after Briggs — there were actually rumblings in Indy that the Niners might have illegally begun talks with both Briggs and Bengals UFA DE Justin Smith before the official opening of the ’08 free-agent period — certainly seems a lot more plausible. "We're about the best players, and whether we're a 3-4 or a 4-3, I really have no preference," Nolan told PFW. "And that is what you'll see. When teams look at us and break us down, they'll see a — I don't know if it's a straight 50-50, but it's pretty close to a 60-40 — split of 4-3, 3-4 in what we do. We (operate) one way, and that is to get the best player, and so, if that lends its way to a 3-4 or a 4-3, I'm not really particular about it." Team insiders believe a strong interest in Smith lessens the likelihood that veteran UFA DE Marques Douglas will return, in which case Smith would have to be counted on to help fill a fairly substantial leadership void if he signed in San Francisco.

Awesome, thanks. I think the way they play the 1-gap 3-4 at times, it'll look a lot like a 4-3. It's clear that Nolan (rightfully, but not always the case) fits his scheme to his personnel. If Smith and Briggs come, it's going to be a 4-3.

 

[John Black]

Erik Coleman went to Atlanta. Will he start?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Erik Coleman went to Atlanta. Will he start?

He could. Neither Crocker or Milloy is likely to be around. Daren Stone is in the mix and Jimmy Williams is still in the background. Did he get a decent sized bonus or yearly salary?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Jason Taylor rumored to be traded/moved out of Miami before draft day.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Unlike last year, when starters like Cato June and Kawika Mitchell were still swinging in the wind in late March, there's not much left to be determined.

Second tier guys like Marques Douglas, Landon Johnson, Dan Morgan, Ian Gold, Clark Haggans, Boss Bailey, Eugene Wilson and Marlon McCree are still out there. None are likely to find themselves in great spots at this point, though. I think the most interesting player left is clearly Dan Morgan, but he's a tough IDP sell no matter where he lands.

 

[5Rings]

Marques Douglas could be a huge steal for a team who will allow him to play one gap.

The guy, while undersized at 3-4 DE, was probably the best DL last year for the Niners. Not saying too much, but the guy was in the backfield quite a bit. Not sure if Prof Drinen has the stat for TfL, but my guess is he probably was amongst the league leaders last year even while in a 2gap system.

Shoot, I'd love to have him back in SF, since it sounds like (once again) the team is going to try and play both 3-4 and 4-3 this year.

 

[pretender]

FFMastermind 3/5/08

Marlon McCree to Sign Soon

The Buffalo Bills official website reports S Marlon McCree said he'll also be visiting with Denver Wednesday, but hopes to make a decision on where he's going to play by Thursday or Friday. So it sounds as if he'll be leaving without a contract. He does have a history with Perry Fewell and that carries weight with him as he said he's ruled out Cincinnati where he's already visited. "It's whittled down to 2 teams," said McCree. "Yeah. I took a visit to Cincinnati and it went well there too. But I think my relationship with Perry Fewell would outweigh what was offered to me in Cincinnati.