NFL Buzz: Latest free-agency updates

The Ravens picked up Anquan Boldin in a trade with the Cardinals in Friday's biggest move (full story), as free-agency action is in full swing. Follow every rumor here in our NFL free-agency blog.

Bookmark this page, and make sure to keep refreshing the page often for the latest news.

For the latest free-agency rankings — overall and by position — click here.

NOTE: All times are Eastern.

MORE BUZZ: March 4 (eve of free agency)

March 5 News and Notes

Giants make Rolle highest-paid safety — 11:50 p.m.
The New York Giants have made Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle the richest safety in the NFL with a five-year, $37 million contract that has $15 million in guaranteed money.

— The Associated Press, Full story ...


Report: Dansby, Dolphins agree to contract — 11:01 p.m.
Linebacker Karlos Dansby agreed to a $43 million, five-year deal with Miami on Friday, a person familiar with the negotiations said.

— The Associated Press, Full story ...


Broncos add DL Bannan, CB Jones — 9:24 p.m.
The Denver Broncos announced they've agreed to terms with unrestricted free-agent defensive lineman Justin Bannan and cornerback Nathan Jones.

Terms of the deals were not disclosed, however, a league source confirmed to Scout.com that Jones' contract is a four-year pact worth a maximum of $13.6 million if he reaches all the incentives, which are based on playing time and performance levels. The source said if Jones stays healthy, he should be able to hit on a reasonable amount of incentives. The base deal is worth just over $4 million (base salaries and $1 million signing bonus).

Denver general manager Brian Xanders said of the additions: "Besides being a quality football player who is versatile, tough and smart, Justin Bannan is a quality person. He is the type of player we are looking for as we build our football team. Nathan Jones has experience playing outside cornerback, nickel cornerback and safety. He makes plays on defense and has been a core contributor on special teams."

Bannan is a ninth-year defensive lineman who was a fifth-round selection in the 2002 draft by Buffalo. He played for the Baltimore Ravens during the past four years after spending his first four seasons with the Bills.

Jones is a seventh-year cornerback who was selected by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2004 draft. He appeared in every game over the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins after spending his first four seasons with Dallas.

— Ed Thompson and Adam Caplan, Scout.com



Broncos want to keep Holliday — 9:14 p.m.
Broncos defensive end Vonnie Holliday became an unrestricted free agent this week, but that doesn’t mean he’s not returning to Denver for his 13th NFL season.

An NFL source has told Scout.com the Broncos are still showing interest in Holliday, and the Seattle Seahawks have also entered the mix.

Holliday, 34, led Broncos defensive linemen with five sacks last season. The former first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins. He has posted 379 tackles and 60 sacks during his NFL career.

— Ed Thompson, Scout.com


OL Hicks to talk with 'Skins — 8:59 p.m.
Free-agent OL Artis Hicks is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Saturday, a league source told FOXSports.com.

The versatile offensive lineman appeared in 56 games and started 27 of them over the past four seasons with the Vikings.

Hicks, who is capable of playing four positions on the offensive line, could be looked upon by the Redskins as a possible replacement at left tackle for the recently retired Chris Samuels.

— Alex Marvez, FOXSports.com, and Adam Caplan, Scout.com


LB Foote to visit Redskins, Cardinals — 8:51 p.m.
An NFL source has confirmed for Scout.com that former Steelers and Lions linebacker Barry Foote will visit the Washington Redskins on Monday and Tuesday before heading to Arizona for a visit with the Cardinals on Wednesday. Though Foote doesn’t have the Buffalo Bills penciled in on his itinerary yet, the team has been showing interest in the eight-year veteran.

Foote has appeared in 124 games with 98 starts. He spent seven years in Pittsburgh after being selected in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL draft before signing with the Detroit Lions last year.

The 6-foot-1, 239-pound linebacker has logged 351 tackles, 16.5 sacks and three interceptions during his NFL career.

— Ed Thompson, Scout.com


Westbrook officially released — 8:26 p.m.
The Philadelphia Eagles officially released veteran RB Brian Westbrook on Friday, the team confirmed to Scout.com.

Westbrook, who had two years left on his contract, is free to sign with any team. The team announced recently it informed Westbrook he was going to be released.

There's heavy speculation the veteran back will draw heavy interest from the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Brad Childress was Westbrook's offensive coordinator with the Eagles from 2003 to 2005.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com


Report: Falcons reach deal with CB Robinson — 8:24 p.m.
A person familiar with the negotiations says the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson, who had 13 interceptions in the past six seasons with Houston.

— The Associated Press, Full story ...

Barnes back with Raiders — 8:13 p.m.
The Oakland Raiders have re-signed LT Khalif Barnes, Scout.com has confirmed through a league source.

The veteran offensive lineman was not tendered by the Raiders as a restricted free agent, but both sides were able to agree to a one-year deal.

Barnes, who broke his ankle last August, appeared in six games for the Raiders in 2009 and started two.

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported Barnes' deal.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com


Arrington signs deal — 7:50 p.m.
The Denver Broncos have announced they have signed free-agent running back J.J. Arrington. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The fifth-year running back, who originally signed with Denver a year ago, was waived by the team on May 28, 2009, and wasn’t signed by another club for the 2009 season. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft.

The 27-year old running back has played in 58 regular-season games (eight starts) and has rushed for 654 yards on 183 attempts (3.6 average) with three touchdowns. He has also caught 91 passes for 693 yards (7.6 avg.) and two scores. Arrington has returned 114 kickoffs and has a 23.6 yards-per-return average, including two touchdowns.

— Ed Thompson, Scout.com

'Skins eyeing TE — 7:38 p.m.
An NFL Source has told Scout.com that the Washington Redskins are showing interest in former Chiefs tight end Sean Ryan.

Since being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth-round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Ryan has played for six teams, including the Jets, Dolphins, Saints, 49ers and the Chiefs.

The veteran tight end has started 15 games and appeared in 53. He’s caught 26 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns.

— Ed Thompson, Scout.com

Packers make moves — 6:32 p.m.

The Green Bay Packers have released S Matt Giordano and DE Michael Montgomery, the team announced.

Giordano was signed Sept. 23, 2009, and appeared in five games during the regular season. He generally only saw time on special teams during his time with the Packers.

Montgomery, a sixth-round selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, appeared in 56 games over the course of five seasons with Green Bay.

Montgomery only played in less than 10 percent of the defensive snaps last season, according to a league source.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Jets cut Jones, Strickland — 5:52 p.m.

The New York Jets, as expected, released veteran RB Thomas Jones. The Jets also released veteran CB Donald Strickland. The team announced both moves on Friday.

Jones, whose contract had one year remaining, carried a base salary of $2.8 million for 2010 along with a roster bonus of $3 million. The team wanted to renegotiate his contract before his roster bonus became due, but Jones refused, so he was released. Second-year RB Shonn Greene becomes the starter with Jones gone.

Strickland's job became expendable once the team acquired veteran CB Antonio Cromartie via a trade with the San Diego Chargers. Strickland had two years left on his contract and carried a base salary of $1.115 million for 2010.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Porter talks way out of Miami — 5:22 p.m.

As expected, the Miami Dolphins released FS Gibril Wilson and OLB Joey Porter on Friday. They also released LB Akin Ayodele, the team announced all three moves.

Ayodele was originally acquired by the Dolphins from the Dallas Cowboys on April 26, 2008 in exchange for a 2008 fourth-round draft choice. Ayodele started 15 games in 2009 and finished third on the team in tackles with 70 stops. Ayodele had one year left on his contract with a base salary of $3.25 million. He had a $500,000 roster bonus due soon, a source said.

Porter originally signed with Miami as a free agent on March 7, 2007. Porter started 14 games in 2009 and finished the season with 41 tackles, nine sacks and one forced fumble. Porter had two years left on his contract with a base salary of $3.6 million in 2010 along with a roster bonus of $1 million due on March 9.

Wilson had 91 tackles along with one sack for seven yards in losses and eight passes defensed in 2009. The safety originally signed with the Dolphins as a free agent on February 26, 2009.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Eagles cut linebacker — 5:11 p.m.

The Philadelphia Eagles have released WLB Will Witherspoon on Friday, the team announced. Witherspoon was acquired last season from the St. Louis Rams for WR Brandon Gibson and a 2011 draft selection.

Witherspoon 17 games last season for the Rams and Eagles.

After a solid start for Witherspoon after the trade, his play significantly regressed, sources said. Akeem Jordan will take over as the starter at WLB for the time being.

Witherspoon had two years left on his contract and was set to make $5 million in base salary for 2010.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Team sniffing ex-Pats TE — 4:35 p.m.

A day after being released by the New England Patriots, tight end Chris Baker is already in demand.

An NFL source has told Scout.com that the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins are all showing interest in the ninth-year veteran.

Baker spent his first seven seasons with the New York Jets before signing with the Patriots last year. While he's built a good reputation for his contributions to the running game with his blocking skills, Baker has also caught 159 passes for 1,647 yards and 14 touchdowns during his career.

— Ed Thompson, Scout.com

Lions make room with cuts — 4:26 p.m.

The Detroit Lions released veterans DT Grady Jackson and CB Phillip Buchanon, the team announced.

Jackson, who might be the heaviest interior defensive lineman in the NFL, appeared in 15 games last season for the Lions and started 13.

Jackson, who turned 37 earlier this year, signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal with Detroit last March.

Buchanon, who signed a two-year, $8 million deal last March, appeared in 13 games last season for the Lions and started.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Glazer: Bears land Peppers — 3:37 p.m.

The Bears are on the verge of landing the biggest free agent prize of the year.

Chicago has agreed to terms with Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers, FOXSports.com has learned. However, there is a hold-up in the language of the contract, so this is not a done deal just yet.

Peppers was still taking his physical as of Friday afternoon, and he has to pass that before the deal can finalized. Full story ...

— Jay Glazer

Marvez: Cribbs gets his cash — 3:34 p.m.

“Pay the Man” has been the unofficial rallying cry of Josh Cribbs and his supporters as he tried to secure a new contract with the Cleveland Browns.

On Friday, the franchise finally did.

A source told FOXSports.com that Cribbs has agreed to a new three-year deal. Full story ...

— Alex Marvez

Pats could get DT back — 3:33 p.m.

Although the Denver Broncos didn't put a qualifying offer on restricted free agent Le Kevin Smith, an NFL source has told Scout.com that the team is still in the mix to re-sign him, just at a lower figure.

But an even more interesting twist could be in the works.

According to the same source, the New England Patriots are also showing interest in the veteran defensive tackle. A year ago, New England traded Smith--who was originally a Patriots sixth-round draft pick in 2006--to Denver in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft. So the Patriots could end up with both Smith and the Broncos' fifth-round draft pick this year after loaning him out for a season.

Smith has started twice during his first four NFL seasons and has appeared in 44 regular-season contests.

— Ed Thompson, Scout.com

Bethea drawing big interest — 3:11 p.m.

A first-round tender makes it challenging for any restricted free agent draw interest from another NFL team, but that hasn't been the case so far for Indianapolis Colts safety Antoine Bethea.

An NFL source has told Scout.com that three NFC East clubs--the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and the Dallas Cowboys, have been showing interest in the highly reliable and durable defender despite the tender. And two teams in the AFC East--the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets--have been mulling over the possibility of signing the two-time Pro Bowl nominee to an offer sheet.

Originally a sixth-round pick by the Colts in the 2006 NFL Draft, the former Howard University star earned a spot in Indianapolis' starting lineup during his first training camp. During his 59 regular-season starts, Bethea's shown that he's an outstanding open-field tackler with strong pass coverage skills. He's amassed 421 career tackles, 11 interceptions, 13 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

If any team signs Bethea to an offer sheet, the Colts will have seven days to match the offer or accept the other team's first-round pick as compensation. Otherwise, he's guaranteed a one-year deal worth $2.521 million to return to the Colts.

— Ed Thompson, Scout.com

Colts cut Manning's backup — 2:51 p.m.

Veteran QB Jim Sorgi has been informed he will be released by the Indianapolis Colts, his agent, Matt Brei, noted on his Twitter account.

Sorgi has one season left on his four-year deal. His base salary for 2010 is $1.080 million. According to a league source, he has a roster bonus of $275,000 in his contract, which is due soon.

Once Sorgi is released, the team will have no veteran signal caller behind starter Peyton Manning.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Chargers keep two FAs — 2:31 p.m.

In addition to trading CB Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets for a 2011 draft choice, the San Diego Chargers have re-signed veterans TE Kris Wilson and DE Alfonso Boone to two year-year deals, the team announced.

Wilson is a six-year veteran who just completed his second season with the Chargers. Last year he caught four passes for 28 yards, including a two-yard touchdown reception in the Chargers’ 21-20 win over the New York Giants. Wilson fits in as a second tight end.

Boone joined the Chargers last year and started four of his 13 games played in San Diego. He is entering his tenth NFL season. Boone will give the Chargers some depth on their defensive line.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Active Lions deal for DL — 2:18 p.m.

The Cleveland Browns traded veteran DL Corey Williams and their 2010 seventh-round draft choice to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2010 draft, a pick obtained by Detroit from Denver, the Browns announced.

In his two seasons with the Browns (2008-09), Williams played in 32 games with 18 starts and registered 88 tackles, 4.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.

The Browns currently own 11 picks in the 2010 NFL Draft, including nine over the first five rounds.

As Scout.com noted recently, Williams looked uncomfortable playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He'll play in a 4-3 with the Lions.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Bears snag RB Taylor — 2:06 p.m.

It's only lunchtime in Chicago on the first official day of free agency, and the Bears have already signed two new players expected to help the offense immediately. First it was tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, and now running back Chester Taylor has agreed to a four-year, $12.5 million contract to be the secondary option behind Matt Forte. Not only does this make Chicago's ground game stronger, but it also takes away a valuable contributor from the NFC North-rival Vikings.

However, the prized catch is still yet to come. While nothing is done yet, a deal could be in place with defensive end Julius Peppers by the end of the day. If that happens, the Bears would have to be considered Day-1 winners of the free-agency sweepstakes.

— John Crist, BearReport.com

Redskins re-sign two — 2:01 p.m.

In addition to re-signing RFA DE/OLB Lorenzo Alexander, the Washington Redskins have re-signed veterans DE Phillip Daniels and OT Mike Williams, the team announced.

Alexander, 26, has played in 44 games with Washington over the last three seasons, playing mostly on the defensive line, while also seeing action on the offensive line and being a core special teams player. He originally joined the Redskins practice squad in 2006 from Carolina, where he entered the NFL as a college free agent in 2005.

The 37-year-old Daniels will be playing in his 15th NFL season after originally entering the league as a fourth-round selection (99th overall) of Seattle in the 1996 draft out of the University of Georgia.

Williams, who originally signed with Washington on April 24, 2009, played in nine games with eights starts for the Redskins last season. Williams was selected in the first round (fourth overall pick) by the Bills in the 2002 NFL Draft after a decorated career at the University of Texas.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Panthers DE visits Seahawks — 1:52 p.m.

Free agent DE Tyler Brayton (Carolina Panthers) is scheduled to visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, a league source told Scout.com. Brayton, who signed a two-year, $4.65 million deal with the Panthers in March of 2008, started 31 games during his time with the team.

What makes Brayton an attractive player to teams is his ability to play end and tackle.

Brayton was originally selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2003 draft.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Still a Bill — 1:25 p.m.

The Buffalo Bills re-signed veteran SS Bryan Scott, the team announced.

Scott was pressed into service at outside linebacker last season because of injury and started six games at that position. He started three games at safety.

Scott was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2003 draft.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Ravens consider WR Bryant — 1:13 p.m.

The Baltimore Ravens are in the mix to sign veteran WR Antonio Bryant, a league source told FOXSports.com.

Baltimore is one of a bunch of teams vying for the services of the talent wideout.

Bryant, who turns 29 this coming Tuesday, is coming off an injury plagued season which limited him to just 39 catches. However, when healthy, Bryant is a physical mismatch for defensive backs.

Bryant runs well for his size (6-1, 210) as shown by his career 15.1 yards per catch average.

— Alex Marvez and Adam Caplan

Rams Fine without TE — 12:38 p.m.

The St. Louis Rams waived TE Derek Fine, Scout.com confirmed through a league source. Fine was claimed off waivers from the Buffalo Bills last month.

Fine was selected by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2008 draft.

St. Louis now has just two tight ends left on their 80-man roster.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Source: 3 teams looking at Walter — 12:25 p.m.

Free-agent WR Kevin Walter (Houston Texans) is receiving solid interest so far at the start of free agency, a league source told FoxSports.com.

Walter is being recruited by the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs. The Texans are also trying to get him re-signed.

Walter signed as a restricted free agent with Houston back in March of 2006. The Cincinnati Bengals, who he played from 2003-2006, declined to match Houston's offer sheet.

Walter, who turns 29 in August, has posted 195 receptions over the past four seasons to go along with 2,470 yards, and 14 TDs. His best season as a professional came in 2008 when he posted 60 receptions for a career-high 899 yards, to go along with 8 TDs, and a career-high 15.1 yards per catch.

Walter is known in league circles as a solid possession receiver who has good hands and runs well after the catch.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Miami to cut veteran safety — 12:08 p.m.

The Miami Dolphins have informed veteran FS Gibril Wilson that he will be released, his agent, Alvin Keels, said via his Twitter account.

Wilson, after being released by the Oakland Raiders last February, signed a five-year, $27.5 million deal with Miami soon after he became available. A source said he pocketed nearly $8 million for his one season with the Dolphins.

Wilson appeared in all 16 regular season games last season for Miami and started 14. He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2004 draft by the New York Giants.

With Wilson out of the way, that could pave the way for the team to make a run at suddenly free-agent FS Antrel Rolle.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

>Denver to meet with ex-Dolphins CB — 11:56 a.m.

The Denver Broncos, in addition to bringing back veteran OL Russ Hochstein, have also reached a deal to re-sign veteran WR Brandon Lloyd, the team announced.

Lloyd, who originally was signed by the Broncos on June 15, 2009, is an eighth-year wide receiver who played in two contests during the 2009 season, including a start in Denver’s regular-season finale against Kansas City.

He has played in 81 career regular-season games (48 starts) and has totaled 164 receptions for 2,370 yards (14.5 avg.) with 15 touchdowns.

He fits in as a fourth or fifth receiver.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Denver to meet with ex-Dolphins CB — 11:51 a.m.

Free-agent CB Nathan Jones (Dolphins) has a visit set up with the Denver Broncos, Scout.com has confirmed.

Jones appeared in 16 game for Miami last season and started 4. Jones was one of Miami's best special teams players and also saw roughly 44 percent playing time on defense.

The Denver Post first reported Jones had a visit set up with the Broncos.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Broncos retain veteran OL — 11:04 a.m.

The Denver Broncos and veteran OL Russ Hochstein have agreed on a two-year deal, a league source told Scout.com. The deal could worth up to $3.5 million should he win a starting job.

Hochstein, who turns 33 in October, was acquired last August in a trade with the New England Patriots. He suffered a torn ACL late last season. He started 10 games for the Broncos.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Panthers announce cuts officially — 10:49 a.m.

The Carolina Panthers officially released QB Jake Delhomme, DTs Damione Lewis and Ma'ake Kemoeatu, and LBs Landon Johnson and Na'il Diggs, the team announced.

Delhomme will still be owed over $12 million over the next three to four yeas while not being on the team. Matt Moore takes over as the starting quarterback.

Lewis and Kemoeatu were both starters, so the Panthers are very thin on depth at defensive tackle. Kemoeatu, who is coming off of Achilles surgery, and Lewis had a large option bonuses due soon.

Diggs, a source said, had a small option bonus due. Dan Connor seems like the odds-on favorite to replace him in the lineup. Diggs started 46 games over the past four years at SLB for the Panthers.

Johnson started a bit last season due to the injury to starting WLB Thomas Davis.

All of these players were released largely as a result of the team trying to accommodate DE Julius Peppers' $16.683 million franchise salary of from last season. The team targeted several veterans for renegotiation just to get Peppers' salary under the 2009 salary cap.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Eagles make Weaver NFL's top-paid FB — 9:51 a.m.

The Philadelphia Eagles and starting FB Leonard Weaver have reached an agreement on a three-year, $11 million deal, a league source told Scout.com. The contract includes $6.5 million guaranteed plus incentives.

This new deal will make Weaver the highest paid fullback in the NFL. The contract will eclipse Jacksonville Jaguars FB Greg Jones' renegotiated deal from 2008 that averages $3.4 million per season.

After leaving the Seattle Seahawks last March, Weaver signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal last March with the Eagles that included $750,000 in guaranteed money.

Weaver turned out to be perhaps one of the biggest surprises for the Eagles last season. He posted a career-high in touches, carries, and touchdowns. What surprised personnel evaluators was how well he moved for his size.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Agent says Panthers will release linebacker — 9:17 a.m.

The Carolina Panthers will be releasing LB Landon Johnson Friday, his agent, Andy Simms posted via Twitter.

Johnson, who turns 29 next week, had one year left on his contract with a base salary at $1.33 million. A source said he had a $750,000 roster bonus due soon, so that could have contributed to Carolina's decision to release him.

Johnson appeared in 25 games over the last two years for Carolina and started three.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

WR Washington receiving interest — 8:39 a.m.

Free-agent WR Kelley Washington (Ravens) has received interest from the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills since free agency started this morning, a league source said.

Washington fits in as a third receiver and is also a solid special teams player.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Manumaleuna agrees to deal with Bears — 8:14 a.m.

The Chicago Bears aren’t fooling around in free agency.

Ex-San Diego tight end Brandon Manumaleuna -- one of three players visiting with the team Friday -- already has agreed to a five-year contract, a source confirmed to FOXSports.com. The Chicago Tribune first reported the deal.

Financial details weren’t immediately available.

The 6-foot-2, 295-pound Manumaleuna will serve as the blocking tight end in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s system. Manumaleuna entered the league with St. Louis in 2001 when Martz was the Rams’ head coach. Manumaleuna spent the past four seasons playing in San Diego.

The Bears hope they can strike again quickly in free agency by signing defensive end Julius Peppers (Carolina) and running back Chester Taylor (Minnesota) during their Friday visits.

– Alex Marvez

Source: Alexander staying with Skins — 7:00 a.m.

At least one of Washington’s 10 restricted free agents will be around for the long haul.

A source told FOXSports.com that linebacker Lorenzo Alexander has agreed to a three-year contract. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

Alexander began emerging as a difference-maker on defense during his third season with Washington in 2009. He notched 23 tackles and two sacks as part of Washington’s defensive line rotation. He will be converting to outside linebacker in Washington’s new 3-4 scheme.

Alexander, 26, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Baltimore in 2006. The 6-foot-1, 297-pound Alexander was released and then signed by the Redskins, where he played on the offensive line and on special teams in 2007 before settling into a defensive role.

Alexander was tendered Thursday by Washington with a right-of-first-refusal offer that would require no draft pick compensation.

— Alex Marvez

Report: Peppers to visit Bears — 2:13 a.m.

Julius Peppers, who has been with the Carolina Panthers for eight seasons, will visit Chicago on Friday. Full story ...

Source: WR Burleson, Lions reach deal — 2:06 a.m.

Free-agent wide receiver Nate Burleson has reached a contract agreement with the Detroit Lions, a league source told Scout.com. No other details were immediately available.

The final year of Burleson's four-year contract with Seattle was voided, thus making him an unrestricted free agent.

Burleson joins Calvin Johnson, Dennis Northcutt, Bryant Johnson and Derrick Williams to form a very deep group of receivers.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Source: DT Bannan to visit Broncos, Browns — 1:25 a.m.

Free-agent defensive tackle Justin Bannan has visits set up with the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, a source said.

Bannan, who was with the Ravens last season, could be one of the top sleeper defensive players in free agency because of his versatility.

Denver and Cleveland run 3-4 defensive schemes, similar to the Ravens.

— Adam Caplan, Scout.com

Source: Veteran guard to visit Broncos — 1:17 a.m.

Guard Rex Hadnot will head to Denver for a free-agent visit, a source told FOXSports.com.

Entering his seventh season, the 6-foot-2, 320-pound Hadnot started nine games last year for the Browns after suffering a knee injury during training camp. Prior to that absence, Hadnot had missed only one start the previous four seasons in Cleveland and Miami combined.

Hadnot, 28, also can play center. The Broncos, who released center Casey Weigmann earlier this week, have a need at both interior line spots.

— Alex Marvez

RB Taylor to visit Bears — 1:07 a.m.

Free-agent running back Chester Taylor is scheduled to visit the Chicago Bears on Friday, his agent, Ken Sarnoff, confirmed.

Taylor could be a very solid backup to Matt Forte. He's also excellent in short-yardage and third-down situations.

A source told FOXSports.com's Alex Marvez that the bidding for Taylor has started at $8 million guaranteed with several teams besides Chicago in the mix.

— Alex Marvez and Adam Caplan

Report: Lions coach courts Vanden Bosch — 12:37 a.m.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz was at the home of free-agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, according to The Tennessean.

Vanden Bosch played for Schwartz when Schwartz was the Titans' defensive coordinator.

Texans re-sign Turk — UPDATED 12:13 a.m.

The Houston Texans have re-signed punter Matt Turk to a one-year contract, agent David Canter announced on his Twitter feed. Turk was set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Although one of the NFL’s oldest players at age 41, Turk remained among the top punters in 2009 with yardage averages of 42.8 (gross) and 39.4 (net) on his 67 attempts.

— Alex Marvez