Recap all the action from Day 1 of free agency
by FOXSports.com
Day 1: Friday | | | Mon.
NFL FREE AGENCY
News and rumors:
- UFL considers Vick for debut season
- Jags deal WR Northcutt to Lions
- Source: Lions C scores new deal
- Peppers ends stalemate; signs tender
- Chiefs add ex-Pro Bowl safety
Analysis:
- Czar: Riskiest offseason signings
- Marvez: Offseason winners & losers
- Schein: Ranking every NFL franchise
- Schrager: Under-the-radar moves
- Scout.com: Top 20 FAs | Who's left?
Player Trackers:
11:27 p.m. 'Skins reach deal with G Dockery
Left guard Derrick Dockery is returning to the Washington Redskins after agreeing to terms.
He was released by Buffalo on Thursday, when the Bills cleared salary cap space to prepare for free agency.
Dockery was a third-round draft pick of the Redskins in 2003, and played his first four NFL seasons with the team starting every game in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons. He left for Buffalo as a free agent after the 2006 season.
-- Associated Press
10:32 p.m. Rams OK deal with Ravens C Brown
Ravens starting center Jason Brown has agreed to a 5-year, $37.5 million deal, according to reports.
Brown would receive $20 million in guaranteed money.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Baltimore Sun
10:20 p.m. Bills land QB Fitzpatrick
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has signed with the Buffalo Bills, providing the team an experienced backup behind starter Trent Edwards.
The signing came after the former Cincinnati Bengals player spent the day meeting with Bills executives. A seventh-round pick out of Harvard in 2005, Fitzpatrick went 4-7-1 in a career-high 12 starts for the Bengals in place of injured starter Carson Palmer last season.
Fitzpatrick spent his first two seasons with St. Louis before being traded to Cincinnati.
-- Associated Press
8:34 p.m. Warner still out there
Kurt Warner's agent declined to say whether his client had scheduled visits with any other teams now that the Arizona Cardinals quarterback has become a free agent.
"I really don't want to get into the specifics with that," Mark Bartelstein said. "Obviously, people are calling."
Warner became a free agent Friday after he and the Cardinals failed to reach a deal on a new contract. The 37-year-old quarterback has made it clear that he wants to remain in Arizona for what probably would be the final two years of his career. Full story ...
-- Associated Press
8:27 p.m. Rex Ryan's Ravens raid
Rex Ryan may not be finished raiding his former team during the opening of free agency.
Free agent Baltimore safety Jim Leonhard is planning to visiting the New York Jets Saturday, a source told FOXSports.com.
This comes on the heels of New York's free-agent addition of linebacker Bart Scott, who signed an eight-year, $48 million contract with the Jets on Friday. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
8:11 p.m. Saints re-sign MLB
The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms with linebacker Jonathan Vilma on a five-year contract Friday, bringing back the team's leading tackler from last season. he team didn't disclose the financial terms.
Vilma became a free agent after his first season in New Orleans. He led the Saints with 151 tackles and three forced fumbles and added a sack and an interception. Full story ...
-- Associated Press
7:08 p.m. 'Skins cut Springs
The Washington Redskins released veteran CB Shawn Springs on Friday. The move was expected since they re-signed CB DeAngelo Hall to a six-year, $54 million deal earlier in the day.
Springs was on the final year of his contract and had a cap number of $8.48 million, but they'll actually save $6 million with the move. His base salary was $6 million and he had $2.48 million left in bonus proration.
-- Adam Caplan, Scout.com
6:58 p.m. Detroit inks Seattle RB
The Detroit Lions have reached a three-year, $7 million deal with free agent RB Maurice Morris, Scout.com has confirmed. Morris has played his entire seven-year career with the Seattle Seahawks and was selected in the second round of the 2002 draft.
Morris will compete for playing time against RB Kevin Smith and has more speed than the younger back.
-- Adam Caplan, Scout.com
6:55 p.m. Bengals re-sign two
The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed safety Chris Crocker and halfback DeDe Dorsey. Terms and lengths of the contracts were not released Friday.
Crocker, who joined the Bengals at midseason in 2008, had become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expired. In the final eight games, he had 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception and a forced fumble. Full story ...
-- Associated Press
6:46 p.m. Browns'-Eagles' safety dance
Free agent S James Sanders (New England Patriots) has received plenty of interest on Friday, Scout.com has confirmed. In particular, the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles have showed the most interest because of openings.
Cleveland has an opening with SS Sean Jones unsigned.
Philadelphia has an opening at FS with Brian Dawkins headed for Denver.
-- Adam Caplan, Scout.com
6:41 p.m. Source: Scott confirmed with Jets
The Jets had reason to get nervous after originally appearing near to landing Ravens LB Bart Scott early in the day.
But the Jets finally got their man, inking Scott to a 6-year, $48 million contract including $21.8 million guaranteed, according to a source. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
6:23 p.m. Bills CB visiting Lions
Free agent CB Jabari Greer is scheduled to visit the Detroit Lions over the weekend, Scout.com has confirmed.
The versatile defensive back has played his entire five-year career with the Buffalo Bills and was signed by the team as an unrestricted free agent in 2004.
Greer is expected to make visits with other teams in the coming days.
-- Adam Caplan, Scout.com
6:09 p.m. 49ers score TKO
San Francisco has re-signed linebacker Takeo Spikes to a two-year contract, a source told FOXSports.com. More details to follow ...
UPDATE: San Francisco has re-signed LB Takeo Spikes to a two-year contract, a source told FOXSports.com. Financial details weren't immediately available.
Spikes wasn't signed by San Francisco until the 2008 preseason but he became one of the team's most productive defensive players. Starting alongside Patrick Willis at inside linebacker for the final 13 games, Spikes finished the season second on the 49ers in tackles with 122.
Spikes, 32, was a first-round draft pick by Cincinnati in 1998.
-- Alex Marvez
6:06 p.m. Denver on FA frenzy
The Denver Broncos have made a big splash in free agency on Friday by completing five deals.
In addition to deals with RBs Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia) and J.J. Arrington (Arizona), Denver inked WR Jabar Gaffney (Patriots), S Renaldo Hill (Dolphins) and LS Lonnie Paxton (Patriots) to new deals. Full story...
-- Adam Caplan, Scout.com
5:50 p.m. Patriots get RB deal done
Confirming an earlier report, the Patriots have officially announced the signing of former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor.
After spending 11 seasons with Jacksonville, Taylor was cut by the Jaguars in a salary-cup move. On Friday, he joined a team in which running back Laurence Maroney has been bothered by injuries for most of his career.
-- Associated Press
5:27 p.m. Saints court RT
New Orleans isn't waiting to lose right tackle Jon Stinchcomb in free agency before courting a potential replacement.
A source said Jacksonville's Khalif Barnes will visit Sunday with the Saints.
Barnes started 57 of a possible 64 games during four seasons in Jacksonville, including all 16 at left tackle in 2008. Barnes, 26, is versatile enough to play either tackle position. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
5:06 p.m. Jaguars stay centered
The Jacksonville Jaguars opened free agency by re-signing center Brad Meester and cornerback Scott Starks.
The Jags' offseason has been filled with turnover, highlighted by the releases of Florence, Porter, running back Fred Taylor and defensive end Paul Spicer.
-- Associated Press
5:00 p.m. Titans keep QB Collins
Kerry Collins agreed to a new contract with the Titans on Friday after leading Tennessee to an NFL-best 13-3 record last season.
Coach Jeff Fisher had said he wanted the 36-year-old veteran back. Collins had said he wanted to play again in Tennessee.
-- Associated Press
4:44 p.m. Texans retain TE
The Houston Texans signed tight end Joel Dreessen to a three-year, $3.6 million contract extension, a source told FOXSports.com.
Dreessen caught 11 passes for 77 yards last season as the backup for Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
4:32 p.m. Broncos finalize RB deals
Updating our original report, a source confirms that the Denver Broncos have added two running backs to their stable in Day One of free agency.
Both Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia) and J.J. Arrington (Arizona) have agreed to multiyear contracts with Denver, confirmed to be four-year contracts for each. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
4:11 p.m. Will Dawkins leave Philly?
Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins, Cleveland linebacker Andra Davis and Miami safety Reynaldo Hill are taking free-agent visits with Denver, sources told FOXSports.com.
Dawkins is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection who was a mainstay in Philadelphia's defense since being drafted in 1996. A combination of Dawkins' age (he turns 36 in October) and contract demands could lead to his departure from the Eagles. Full story...
-- Alex Marvez
3:55 p.m. Stability for Titans' secondary
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a contract with veteran Vincent Fuller, the team's primary nickel back for the past two seasons.
Last season Fuller played in all 16 games and had a career-high 43 tackles and one forced fumble. In 2007 he returned an interception for a touchdown in consecutive games against New Orleans and Atlanta.
-- Associated Press
3:22 p.m. Reports: Pats trade Mike Vrabel
Multiple reports say that Kansas City Chiefs new general manager Scott Pioli is already doing business with his old business partner, New England head coach/czar Bill Belichick, as LB Mike Vrabel is in Kansas City to undergo a physical. If he passes, the Pats will trade him to the Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick.
3:01 p.m. Report: Scott still negotiating
Despite several reports calling it a done deal between LB Bart Scott and the New York Jets, the New York Daily News cites a source saying that the unrestricted free agent has called the Ravens to give them a chance to match the Jets' 5-year, $40 million offer.
2:50 p.m. Report: Steelers keep "Little Kemo"
Despite ongpoing reports that he was close to signing a more lucrative free-agent deal with the Jets, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported that guard Chris Kemoeatu whose big brother is Carolina Panthers DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu agreed to stay in Pittsgurgh with a five-year, $20 million deal.
-- Associated Press
1:14 p.m. Reports: Jets close with Scott
Free-agent linebacker Bart Scott and the Jets are getting closer to a deal.
Multiple published reports Friday say that the two sides have agreed in principle to a five-year, $40 million deal, though it is not yet finalized.
FOXSports.com's Alex Marvez reported the makings of a deal between Scott and the Jets earlier Friday.
-- FOXSports.com
12:35 p.m. Buccaneers trade for Winslow
The Cleveland Browns have traded talented and troublesome tight end Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks.
Winslow's five years in Cleveland were marked by injuries and controversy. He missed most of his first two seasons with injuries, but made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after making 82 catches for 1,106 yards. He demanded a new contract after the '07 season.
-- Associated Press
12:18 p.m. Ravens sign CB Foxworth
The Baltimore Ravens have signed free-agent cornerback Dominique Foxworth away from the Atlanta Falcons, a source told FOXSports.com. Full story...
-- Alex Marvez
11:45 a.m. Andrews to visit Eagles
Free agent offensive lineman Stacy Andrews will visit the Philadelphia Eagles today. He will be available to the media at the NovaCare Complex on Saturday at 11:30 am.
The older brother of Eagles RG Shawn Andrews, Stacy (6-7, 342) spent the first five years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted by the team in the fourth round in 2004. After being designated as the club's franchise player in 2008, the 27-year-old Andrews started at right tackle in the first 15 games before suffering a knee injury at Cleveland on Dec. 21.
Andrews saw his first significant action as a starter in 2007, when he began the season as the team's starting left guard before shifting to right tackle after the first six games. That season, he was part of an offensive line that set a team record for fewest sacks allowed (17). For his career, Andrews has played in 62 regular season games (32 starts).
-- FOXSports.com
10:34 a.m. Vikings trade for Rosenfels
The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Sage Rosenfels from the Houston Texans on Friday and signed him to a two-year, $9 million contract.
Rosenfels' agent, Rick Smith, said his client "is extremely excited for this opportunity."
The 31-year-old Rosenfels will compete with incumbent Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job.
It's the second season in a row that the Vikings have tried to trade for Rosenfels. Last year, the two teams could not agree on compensation, so Minnesota brought in veteran Gus Frerotte as a backup.
-- Associated Press
10:24 a.m. Source: Giants' Butler to meet with Rams
New York Giants safety James Butler may be reunited with his former defensive coordinator in St. Louis.
A source confirmed to FOXSports.com that Butler is taking a free-agent visit today with the Rams, which is where Steve Spagnuolo is entering his first season as head coach. A four-year Giants player, Butler started 26 games the past two seasons and finished 2008 with a career-high 68 tackles.
While the Rams placed a franchise tag on free safety O.J. Atogwe, the franchise is seeking an upgrade at strong safety. Journeyman Todd Johnson ended last season as the starter after Corey Chavous was benched. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
10:11 a.m. Fred Taylor picking Patriots?
Two reports say the recently released running back plans on accepting a deal with the Patriots later this morning.
The Providence Journal and NFL.com's Adam Schefter both say the former Jaguar chose New England over an offer from Buffalo.
9:55 a.m. 'Skins, Haynesworth reach $100M deal
Moving swiftly in the first hours of free agency, the Washington Redskins opened their deep pockets and snagged the biggest name available: Albert Haynesworth.
The Tennessee Titans' All-Pro defensive tackle agreed Friday to a seven-year deal worth about $100 million, including an NFL-record $41 million in guaranteed money. The Redskins, known for their expediency in such matters, scheduled an afternoon news conference for their latest marquee signing.
Haynesworth's deal came shortly after another Redskins blockbuster: a six-year, $54 million agreement to re-sign cornerback DeAngelo Hall. The team also planned to release expensive and oft-injured cornerback Shawn Springs.
-- Associated Press
9:52 a.m. Houshmandzadeh to meet with Seahawks
Seattle could be addressing its need at wide receiver with Cincinnati free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Two sources told FOXSports.com that Houshmandzadeh -- one of the NFL's top receivers the past five seasons -- is headed to Seattle today for a meeting with Seahawks officials. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
9:34 a.m. Brooking, Falcons parting ways
Keith Brooking, the last remaining player from Atlanta's Super Bowl team, became a free agent Friday after failing to work out a new contract with the Falcons.
The 33-year-old linebacker is a five-time Pro Bowler and the team's leading tackler each of the last eight seasons. But he struggled in pass coverage and was caught out of position when Arizona converted a third-and-16 to clinch its playoff victory over the Falcons. Full story ...
-- Associated Press
7:48 a.m. Ravens' Brown to visit Rams
Baltimore Ravens center Jason Brown is set to visit today with St. Louis, FOXSports.com has learned.
The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Brown is considered the top interior lineman in this year's free-agent class. He was moved from guard to center in 2008 and started every game for a second consecutive season. Brown also is only 25 years old.
Offensive line is considered the weakest position group for the Rams, which finished with a 2-14 record in 2008.
-- Alex Marvez
6:32 a.m. WR Jones visiting Niners
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Brandon Jones is visiting today with San Francisco, a source told FOXSports.com.
A four-year NFL veteran, Jones is coming off his best season with the Titans. He had career-highs in catches (41) and yards (449) while starting seven of 16 games.
Both of San Francisco's starting wide receiver may not return in 2009. Isaac Bruce, 36, is contemplating retirement and Bryant Johnson has become an unrestricted free agent.
2:13 a.m. Report: Nate Washington to visit Lions
Former Steelers wide receiver Nate Washington will visit the Detroit Lions on Friday, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Washington and Calvin Johnson could form a nice duo for a Lions team that lacks certainty at quarterback.
2:11 a.m. Report: Saints, Broncos eye Rams DB
Rams defensive back Ronald Bartell received immediate interest from the Saints and Broncos when the free-agent market opened Friday, according to the Denver Post.
The Saints look like the front-runner to get him.
12:59 a.m. Redskins sign CB DeAngelo Hall
DeAngelo Hall has agreed to a six-year, $54 million deal to remain with the Washington Redskins.
Hall's agents completed negotiations just as the cornerback was eligible to become a free agent at the stroke of midnight. The contract will include $22.5 million in guaranteed money. Full story ...
The Associated Press
12:35 a.m. Richardson to re-sign with Jets
Fullback Tony Richardson will be re-signing with the New York Jets.
Richardson, 37, appeared in all 16 games for the Jets last year, his first season in New York. He rushed for 65 yards on 10 carries.
He was an All-Pro selection in 2007 after paving the way for Adrian Peterson during his final season in Minnesota.
-- Alex Marvez
12:26 a.m. Broncos expected to acquire two RBs
Running backs Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia) and J.J. Arrington (Arizona) have agreed to multiyear contracts with the Denver Broncos. The deals will become official when both pass physical exams.
Buckhalter can be considered a frontrunner for a starting spot, while Arrington is likely to fill a niche as a third-down specialist and kickoff returner. Full story ...
-- Alex Marvez
Jay Glazer and Alex Marvez are FOXSports.com's senior NFL writers.
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