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THURSDAY
Report: Patriots land DT Haynesworth
The New England Patriots obtained defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins Thursday, The Washington Post reported.
The Patriots reportedly surrendered a fifth-round pick in the 2013 draft to obtain the former All-Pro.
After establishing himself as one of the game's best defensive linemen as a Tennessee Titan, Haynesworth struggled in two seasons in Washington, collecting only 6.5 sacks in 20 games. He also had numerous run-ins with head coach Mike Shanahan in 2010, including during last year's training camp when Shanahan questioned Haynesworth's conditioning.
The trade is contingent on Haynesworth passing a physical with his new team.
Eagles finally make free-agent splash
The Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms Thursday on a five-year contract with defensive end Jason Babin, FOX Sports reported.
According to The Tennessean, the 31-year-old Babin's deal is worth about $28 million, with $5-6 million in guaranteed money. The deal cannot become official until Friday.
Babin made the Pro Bowl last season with the Tennessee Titans, recording 12.5 sacks. Babin spent the 2009 season with the Eagles and his return will reunite him with defensive line coach Jim Washburn, who was with the Titans last season.
Babin, a first-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2004, was reportedly disappointed the Titans did not offer him a contract, according to the paper.
Randle El joins Starks among Steelers cuts
The Pittsburgh Steelers cut versatile wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and tackle Max Starks on Thursday, the start of what could be a significant roster overhaul.
Players arrived for the start of training camp Thursday with the team more than $10 million over the $120.4 million salary cap.
Randle El, a college quarterback at Indiana who became a receiver in the NFL, threw a touchdown pass to Hines Ward to clinch Pittsburgh's win over Seattle in the 2006 Super Bowl. He parlayed his Super Bowl success into a lucrative contract with the Redskins, but struggled in four seasons in Washington before returning to Pittsburgh in 2010.
He failed to make a significant impact, posting career lows in receptions (22) and yards (253) as his playing time diminished following the rise of wide receiver Mike Wallace.
Redskins send players packing
Center Casey Rabach and defensive end Phillip Daniels are among the veterans cut by the Washington Redskins on the first day of training camp.
Rabach said in a text message Thursday that the Redskins told him they were ''going younger and had enough depth'' at offensive line.
Daniels announced his news via Twitter, saying: ''Sad news guys. I just got released.''
The 33-year-old Rabach has been reliable for the Redskins, missing only one game in six seasons. But he also had surgery on his right shoulder during the offseason.
WEDNESDAY
Saints, Dolphins agree to Bush deal
A surprising trade has popped up in this hectic NFL week.
The New Orleans Saints traded former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush to the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday, FOXSports.com has learned.
The deal was contingent upon Bush’s agent Joel Segal working out a new contract with the Dolphins, which was finalized Thursday morning as the RB/punt returner settled on a two-year contract. It is unclear what the Saints are receiving in return.
New Orleans had no intention of keeping Bush this season under the terms of his current contract — an $11.8 million base salary and a cap figure of $16 million.
— Jay Glazer
McNabb to Minnesota is official
The deal first reported by Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com on Tuesday is now complete: The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Donovan McNabb from the Washington Redskins in exchange for a 2012 sixth-round pick and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2013.
The trade was contingent on McNabb agreeing to restructure the five-year, $78 million extension he signed with the Redskins. Minnesota simply did not have the cap room to accommodate that contract.
McNabb, 34, is a six-time Pro Bowler but the Redskins seem content to go with John Beck as their starter, at least in Week 1.
Glazer also reported that McNabb was the Vikings’ second choice; the team initially sought to acquire quarterback Tyler Thigpen. Thigpen, a former Vikings draft pick, has started 12 NFL games. — Nancy Gay
Longwell returns to Vikings
Mr. Reliable is headed back to Minnesota.
Kicker Ryan Longwell said in a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday night that he has agreed to terms on a four-year contract to return to the Vikings. ''We're excited to be back!'' Longwell said.
The Vikings didn't hesitate to give the steady, 15-year veteran a four-year deal, even though he will turn 37 in August. If anything, Longwell has gotten better with age, posting the two highest field goal percentages of his career over the last two seasons in the comfy confines of the Metrodome.
Report: Breaston signs with Chiefs
Wide receiver Steve Breaston is reuniting with Todd Haley, signing with the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Star.
Breaston caught 187 passes for 2,528 yards and seven touchdowns in four seasons with the Cardinals. In Arizona's Super Bowl season of 2008, with Haley serving as offensive coordinator, he had career highs of 77 catches for 1,006 yards. Bothered by a knee injury much of last season, Breaston caught 47 passes for 718 yards.
Breaston's departure leaves the Cardinals without a consistent receiving threat alongside star Larry Fitzgerald.
Source: Steelers to cut LT Starks
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to release left tackle Max Starks on Thursday, a source told FOXSports.com.
Starks had signed a four-year, $26.3 million contract extension that included a $10 million signing bonus in the 2009 offseason. The Steelers, though, still made a Super Bowl run without him last season after Starks missed the final nine regular-season games with a neck injury that required surgery.
The 29-year-old Starks was set to earn $5.14 million in 2011 according to rotoworld.com. Starks was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2004.
Chargers sign second-round LB
The San Diego Chargers have agreed to a four-year $3.263 million contract with second-round linebacker Jonas Mouton, according to a league source
The former University of Michigan standout will receive an $873,360 signing bonus.
The deal also includes base salaries of $375,000, $523,335, $671,670 and $820,000.
Ravens sign rookie receiver
One day ago, Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith predicted that it wouldn't take long for his contract to be finalized.
The second-round draft pick was correct in his assessment as he agreed to terms tonight, according to a league source.
Source: Chargers agree two-year deal with DE
Antwan Barnes agreed to a two-year, $3.2 million deal with the San Diego Chargers, according to a league source.
Barnes is a former Baltimore Ravens draft pick who also has played for the Philadelphia Eagles.
An undersized pass rusher, Barnes played collegiately at Florida International.
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for scout.com at www.profootball.scout.com
Jets agree to terms with K Folk
Kicker Nick Folk is rejoining the Jets after agreeing to terms with the team on a one-year deal.
Folk wrote on his Twitter page Wednesday night that he's ''Happy to be headed back to Jersey on Friday.'' Folk was 30 of 39 on field-goal attempts last season, his first with the Jets after three years kicking for the Dallas Cowboys. He was also two for three on field goals in the postseason.
-- The Associated Press
Source: Seahawks agree to terms with Rice
Wide receiver Sidney Rice is headed to the Great Northwest, agreeing to a five-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Yet another former Vikings offensive player is now reunited with former Minnesota offensive coordianator Darrell Bevell, who joined Pete Carroll’s staff last January. On Tuesday, former Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson also agreed to a contract with the Seahawks.
Rice excelled under Bevell’s offense before sustaining a hip injury in 2010 that limited his playing time and effectiveness; he had only 17 receptions for 280 yards and two touchdowns. In Seattle, a healthy Rice should quickly establish himself as the top receiving threat.
A second-round pick by Minnesota in the 2007 draft, Rice has 146 career catches for 2,129 yards (14.6 average) and 18 touchdowns.
--Jay Glazer
Source: Josh Wilson, Redskins agree on terms
Baltimore Ravens free agent cornerback Josh Wilson is defecting to the Washington Redskins after agreeing to a three-year, $13.5 million contract that includes $6 million in guaranteed money, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
Wilson played collegiately at the University of Maryland and was drafted in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks. He was acquired by Baltimore via a trade last year and eventually replaced Fabian Washington as the starter in Baltimore.
Now, the Maryland native will remain in the area with a new employer.
The Ravens are expected to try to retain free agent cornerback Chris Carr now that Wilson is leaving the AFC North franchise.
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for scout.com at www.profootball.scout.com
Conflicting reports surface about 49ers' Clements
In a prime example of the confusion that a hectic free agency market can create, conflicting reports have surfaced on the roster status of San Francisco 49ers veteran cornerback Nate Clements.
NFL Network reported today that Clements will be cut on Thursday.
However, a league source close to the situation said that the report is incorrect at worst and premature at best.
Cutting Clements couldn’t become official until Thursday at the soonest.
If the 49ers were to release Clements and clear his eight-year, $80 million deal off their salary cap, then it would be to acquire an even higher profile cornerback: Oakland Raiders free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
The 49ers are interested in trying to land Asomugha and keep him in the Bay Area, but the New York Jets are very much in the picture for his services as well. Asomugha played collegiately at Cal-Berkeley.
Since joining the 49ers after leaving the Buffalo Bills, Clements has recorded 10 interceptions.
However, he hasn’t been named to a Pro Bowl.
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for scout.com at www.profootball.scout.com
Quincy Black gets $29 million to stay a Buc
Quincy Black isn't leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via free agency.
He agreed to a five-year, $29 million contract to remain in town, according to a league source.
The deal includes an $11.5 million signing bonus.
Drafted in the third round out of New Mexico, Black has started for two years in Tampa Bay.
Source: 'Skins agree to terms with Stokley
A person familiar with the deal says the Washington Redskins have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent receiver Brandon Stokley.
The 35-year-old Stokley becomes the fourth wideout age 30 or older to reach a deal with the Redskins in 24 hours. The team has also agreed to terms to sign Donte' Stallworth and re-sign Santana Moss. Plus, it traded for Jabar Gaffney.
Stokley has played for four teams over 12 NFL seasons. He had 31 catches for 354 yards last year with the Seattle Seahawks.
Gradkowski to Bengals
Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agent, Rick Smith.
The Bengals' need at quarterback stems from Carson Palmer's refusal to play for the team after demanding a trade.
The Bengals drafted Texas Christian quarterback Andy Dalton, who seems to be unusually well-prepared for a rookie.
Colts agree to terms with Vinatieri
The Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms with kicker Adam Vinatieri on a three-year deal.
Vinatieri, who has played the last five seasons with the Colts, is one of the most accurate kickers in the game.
Last season, Vinatieri hit 26 of 28 field goal attempts and was perfect in 51 PAT's -- FOX Sports
Source: Saints, Moore agree to 5-year deal
A person familiar with the deal says Lance Moore has agreed to terms on a new five-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.
Moore, who was a free agent, has been with the Saints since 2005 and steadily worked his way up from the practice squad to become one of quarterback Drew Brees' favorite receivers.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the Saints had not announced the move.
Last season, Moore played in all 16 regular season games and had 66 receptions for 763 yards and eight touchdowns.
Redskins acquire Gaffney from Broncos
The Washington Redskins have acquired receiver Jabar Gaffney from the Denver Broncos in exchange for defensive end Jeremy Jarmon.
The 30-year-old Gaffney has 375 receptions over nine NFL seasons with Houston, New England and Denver. He had 65 catches for 875 yards and two touchdowns last year.
He joins a Redskins receiving corps that will include Santana Moss, Anthony Armstrong and Donte' Stallworth. Moss is re-signing with the team, and Stallworth agreed to a deal Wednesday.
Report: Leinart staying with Texans
Quarterback Matt Leinart won’t reunite with his college coach after all.
In a somewhat surprising move, Leinart ignored multiple media reports predicting he would sign with the Seattle Seahawks and instead, agreed to remain with the Houston Texans, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Leinart was looking for a team that would give him a starting opportunity, the Chronicle reported, but Seattle moved in a different direction on Tuesday by agreeing to contract terms with former Brett Favre backup and erstwhile Vikings starter Tarvarvis Jackson.
As along as Matt Schaub remains with the Texans and stays healthy, Leinart seems destined to remain a backup in Houston. In training camp, he’ll have to beat out Dan Orlovsky and rookie T.J. Yates for the No. 2 QB job.
-- Nancy Gay
Agent: Seahawks sign Robert Gallery
Veteran offensive lineman Robert Gallery will be reunited with former Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable in Seattle.
Gallery's agent, Rick Smith, confirmed that the Seahawks have agreed to a three-year deal for the former first-round draft pick from Iowa.
Gallery was drafted second overall in 2004 and eventually emerged as a well-respected offensive guard after not making the grade as a left offensive tackle.
Reports: Panthers retain RB Williams
The Carolina Panthers retained DeAngelo Williams, having reached terms on a five-year contract, according to multiple reports.
The deal is believed to be worth a total of $43 million, with $21 million guaranteed.
The six-year veteran was hampered by a foot injury last season but broke the 1,000-yard mark the previous two years. He rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2008 and 1,117 in 2009. The Memphis product has averaged 5.0 yards a carry in 64 NFL games.
-- Kevin Huhn
Source: Browns release Delhomme
The Cleveland Browns are releasing quarterback Jake Delhomme, two sources told FOXSports.com
Delhomme, 36, was scheduled to earn $5.4 million in base salary in 2011.
Delhomme was 2-2 as a Browns starter in an injury plagued 2010 campaign. He had spent the past seven seasons as a starter in Carolina, which could have interest in re-signing him as a backup and mentor for 2011 first-round pick Cam Newton.
Colt McCoy will enter this season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback.
-- Alex Marvez
Source: Taylor remains a Steeler
The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms on a four-year contract with veteran cornerback Ike Taylor, a league source confirmed.
By retaining the speedy 6-foot-2, 195-pounder, the Steelers held onto their top cover cornerback. Taylor is regularly assigned to cover opponents' most dangerous wide receivers.
Source: Weddle stays in San Diego
After testing the market and being hotly pursued by multiple NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, veteran safety Eric Weddle decided to remain with the San Diego Chargers, according to a league source.
Weddle remained with the Chargers on a multi-year contract.
Panthers agree to terms with DT Edwards
The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Ron Edwards.
The 32-year-old Edwards could start right away at nose tackle, alongside rookie defensive tackle Terrell McClain from South Florida.
Stallworth says he'll sign with 'Skins
Donte' Stallworth says he'll be joining the Washington Redskins.
The veteran receiver told 106.7 The Fan on Wednesday that he's ''excited to be a Redskin now.''
Stallworth is expected to sign his deal Friday, the first day teams are allowed to finalize free agent contracts under the labor rules implemented at the end of the NFL lockout.
Texans re-sign WR Jones, T Butler
The Houston Texans have agreed to terms with free agent receiver Jacoby Jones and tackle Rashad Butler.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Jones caught 51 passes for 562 yards in 2010, his fourth season with Houston. Jones also was the Texans' top punt returner, averaging seven yards on 29 returns.
The 6-4, 308-pound Butler played in all 16 games last season. He started four games at left tackle when regular starter Duane Brown served a suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Bills agree to 3-year deal with Thigpen
The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a three-year contract with free agent quarterback Tyler Thigpen.
Thigpen's agent, Joel Turner, confirmed the deal Wednesday, saying that his client is looking forward to playing for Buffalo coach Chan Gailey again.
Gailey was Thigpen's offensive coordinator in Kansas City in 2008. Thigpen started 11 games with the Chiefs that season, completing 54.8 percent of his passes, and throwing 18 touchdowns.
Report: Cofield agrees to Redskins deal
A person familiar with the negotiations says free agent defensive tackle Barry Cofield has agreed to a 6-year, $36 million deal with the Washington Redskins.
In the deal $12.5 million is guaranteed, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because free agent contracts can't be signed until Friday.
Cofield has been a steady presence up front for the New York Giants for five seasons, although he'll have to make the transition to nose tackle in the Redskins' 3-4 defense.
Cowboys ink top priority LT Free
The Dallas Cowboys have come to terms with offensive lineman Doug Free, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News has confirmed with a league source.
The deal is for four years at $32 million, with a $17 million signing bonus.
Free became an unrestricted free agent after the terms to the new collective bargaining agreement was signed. Re-signing Free was considered the Cowboys' top priority during this hectic free agency period.
Report: Jets re-sign star WR Holmes
The New York Jets took care of their top priority quickly Wednesday, coming to terms with wide receiver Santonio Holmes on a five-year deal, according to a source.
FOXSports.com's Adam Schein reports that the contract is for five years and $24 million guaranteed after Holmes turned down more money from other teams.
It took the Jets just about 24 hours from the time free agency began to bring back their top receiver and provide QB Mark Sanchez with a premiere target for the next several years.
The 27-year-old had 52 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns despite missing four games due to a suspension in his first year with the Jets.
Report: Titans add Hasselbeck at quarterback
The Tennessee Titans have agreed to contract terms with free agent Matt Hasselbeck, according to several reports.
The acquisition of Hasselbeck, 35, who led Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2005, will usher in a new era at quarterback for the franchise under first-year head coach Mike Munchak. Whereas the Titans alternated for the last several years between the Vince Young-Kerry Collins drama, the organization has elected to part ways with Young and Collins, 38, retired several weeks ago.
Having drafted Jake Locker in the first round, the Titans now will have their quarterbacks of the present — Hasselbeck to play and tutor Locker — and of the future.
Burress talking with Giants?
Plaxico Burress is seriously considering a return to the New York Giants, an NFL source told the New York Post late Tuesday.
The source said the interest is mutual and Burress recognizes he would have to have a conversation with coach Tom Coughlin to repair the bridge he burned in a post-prison interview.
Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, who has developed a friendship with Burress, has called him, and so has Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
Asked point-blank whether Burress has ruled out the Giants, the source said, "No," before adding, "The Giants are a possibility."
A report on nj.com stated Burress will meet Wednesday with Coughlin at the Giants’ practice facility. Burress, according to the report, said, "I really don’t know what I’m going to say. I’m just going to go in there and speak from the heart, be truthful with him and let him know how I feel. I’m pretty sure there are things he wants to say, too."
TUESDAY
Source: Posluszny to Jaguars for $7 million annually
Inside linebacker Paul Posluszny has agreed to a six-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars that averages $7 million per year, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
Posluszny's pending addition, which can become official Friday when NFL teams are allowed to sign unrestricted free agents, should provide a run-stopping presence to the Jaguars' defense.
The former Buffalo Bills starter has had his share of injuries and isn't the most fluid athlete, but is regarded as a tough, coachable player who draws high marks for his character.
Player rep Spikes headed to Chargers
Linebacker Takeo Spikes, who served as the 49ers NFL Players Association team representative throughout the lockout and was a visible face for the players' side during the labor impasse, warned fans he was unlikely to be in a San Francisco uniform this season. Tuesday, his prediction became reality.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Spikes, 34, has agreed to terms of a new contract with the Chargers, beating out suitors such as the Seahawks, the Rams and the Titans.
Spikes told the Sacramento Bee in a series of text messages on Tuesday the 49ers showed little interest in keeping him. Asked by the Bee if he thought his career was over in San Francisco, Spikes wrote, “Yes. Didn’t have a choice.”
Like other NFL free agent players, Spikes cannot sign his new contract until Friday.
He was a 16-game starter in 2010, finished second on the team in tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three. Spikes was an acknowledged team leader and had developed a strong bond with All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis. — Nancy Gay
Ravens retain OL Marshal Yanda
The Baltimore Ravens are wasting no time shaping their roster for the 2011 season.
The Ravens on Tuesday night agreed to terms on a five-year, $32 million contract with offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, an unrestricted free agent who has spent his entire four-year career in Baltimore. Drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft, the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Yanda is equally effective at guard and tackle.
Retaining Yanda was a priority for general manager Ozzie Newsome, who cleared salary-cap space for the sturdy lineman dumping the contracts of four notable veterans.
Alex Smith officially back with 49ers
In what may be the biggest no-brainer of the disrupted offseason, quarterback Alex Smith is returning to the San Francisco 49ers after agreeing to a one-year contract. Multiple reports peg the deal at $5 million.
Before the lockout, new 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh forged a bond with Smith, giving the seventh-year pro and former No. 1 overall draft pick a copy of his new playbook. They went over schemes using Powerpoint slides.
After the lockout, Smith led the 49ers players in offseason workouts, establishing himself as a team leader more than he did before. Harbaugh told FOXSports.com in March he admired Smith’s work ethic, and thought the quarterback’s knowledge of the West Coast offense would be helpful if the 49ers opted to re-sign him.
— Nancy Gay
Report: Broncos looking to move Orton
QB Kyle Orton is headed to the trading block on the first day of the trading period, the Denver Post reported. The NFL’s trading period opened at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Orton has been clear that he does not want to serve as a backup to Tim Tebow under new head coach John Fox. He is coming off his finest two seasons as a pro, throwing 41 touchdown passes and only 21 interceptions in Denver.
Possible suitors for Orton, the Post reports, include the Vikings, Titans, Cardinals, Seahawks, Redskins, Bengals and Dolphins.
Report: Johnson, Panthers agree on deal
The Carolina Panthers have taken care of their top offseason priority: Lock down defensive end Charles Johnson.
Johnson, who led Carolina with 11.5 sacks last season, has agreed to a six-year, $72 million deal according to several reports. Johnson was considered one of the top defensive free agent prospects this offseason.
Johnson was picked in the third round from the University of Georgia in 2007 and looks to flourish in new head coach Ron Rivera’s 3-4 defense.
Jets agree with OL Hunter
The agent for offensive lineman Wayne Hunter tells The Associated Press that his client has agreed to terms with the New York Jets on a four-year deal.
Agent Kenny Zuckerman says Tuesday night that ''there was some other sincere interest from a few teams,'' but Hunter chose to remain with the Jets because ''Wayne and his family love the Jets organization.''
Hunter provides the Jets with depth on the offensive line, particularly at right tackle, where he filled in late last season when starter Damien Woody went down with a season-ending injury. Woody was cut before the lockout and could be considering retirement.
Report: Seahawks pick up Tarvaris Jackson
After two frustrating seasons serving as Brett Favre’s backup in Minnesota, QB Tarvaris Jackson is headed to the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent signee, the Seattle Times reported (confirming an earlier report on KJR-Radio). Terms of the agreement are not known.
Under the revised NFL personnel rules put in place as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Jackson cannot sign a contract with the Seahawks until Friday. He is expected to arrive in Seattle Tuesday evening.
The move is interesting on several fronts:
• Any notion that Matt Hasselbeck would remain in Seattle is now kaput.
• Jackson reunites with former Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who left Minnesota in January and signed a two-year contract with Seattle to join Pete Carroll’s staff. Bevell is familiar with Jackson’s talent and also his shortcomings. Used sporadically as a fill-in for an injured Favre, Jackson was wildly inconsistent. The Vikings’ second-round pick in 2006,
Jackson started 20 games for Minnesota, peaking in a 2008 game against the Arizona Cardinals in which he completed 11 of 17 passes for 163 yards and four touchdowns. He flopped in the Vikings’ home playoff loss to the Eagles, however, and then-coach Brad Childress made the move to acquire Favre.
— Nancy Gay
Wiegmann returns to Chiefs
Veteran center Casey Wiegmann has agreed to return to the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
Two other NFL teams made inquiries about the center.
Wiegmann hasn't missed a snap since 2001, playing over 10,000 consecutive snaps.
Is Ruud done in Tampa?
Draft picks Mason Foster and Daniel Hardy have agreed to contracts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, kicking off what figures to be a frenzied week of player transactions.
Foster's agreement on the first day following the end of the NFL lockout increased speculation that veteran middle linebacker Barrett Ruud has played his last game for the Bucs.
Ruud is an unrestricted free agent, and general manager Mark Dominik said little to dispel the notion that the seventh-year pro no longer fits in the team's plans.
Dallas Cowboys dump big names, salaries
The Cowboys wasted little time cutting ties to some of their most expensive and least productive players in 2010. Owner Jerry Jones met with several veterans to tell them they would not be on the team this season.
• WR Roy Williams: Disappointing, overpaid player whom Dallas acquired via trade for a first- and third-round pick to Detroit. Told by Cowboys not to report to camp, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.
• RB Marion Barber: No surprise here. Contract made him expendable, as did his 374 yards rushing in 2010. Got $16 million guaranteed from Dallas; Barber’s release saves the team $4.75 million in 2011.
• G Leonard Davis: Cap casualty; Davis was due $6 million in base salary this season. He may return if he agrees to a reduced contract.
• K Kris Brown: Also told not to report, probably due to his $910,000 base salary this season. Signed two days before the season finale against Philadelphia, Dallas signed a cheaper replacement, Oklahoma State kicker Dan Bailey.
• OT Marc Colombo: The Star-Telegram reports Colombo met Tuesday with Jones about his future with the team and that the longtime tackle “was very vague” when asked whether he’ll remain with the Cowboys.
Giants ax two offensive linemen
New York has told center and player representative Shaun O'Hara and guard Rich Seubert that they will be released.
A source close to each veteran told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the team told the players they would be cut on Thursday in what are salary-cap moves.
The Giants are roughly $10 million over the NFL's new $120.4 million salary cap. The releases of O'Hara ($3.45 million in 2011) and Seubert ($2.25 million) will reduce the problem by roughly $6 million.
Raiders agree to deal with Moss
Although he appeared in only five games for the Oakland Raiders in 2010, the club apparently saw enough of former first-round defensive end Jarvis Moss to want him back, and Len Pasquarelli has learned that the two sides on Tuesday reached a one-year agreement.
The unrestricted free agent will return to the Raiders for $1.25 million. The contract, agreed to in the opening hours of free agent negotiations under the provisions of the new collective bargaining agreement, can be officially signed on Friday after 6 p.m.
Moss, 26, was a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2007, the 17th choice overall in that year's draft. The former University of Florida star was released by the Broncos last November, and signed with Oakland six days later.
Vikings cut veteran defensive lineman
DT Jimmy Kennedy was nformed by the team on Tuesday that he will be let go, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The veteran lineman played in 13 games as a reserve last season; his departure saves the team $2.5 million.
Banta-Cain done in New England
Veteran LB Tully Banta-Cain’s days with the Patriots are over, ESPN reported. The team told Banta-Cain he will be released on Thursday. Banta-Cain played in 15 games in 2010, starting six and posting five sacks.
Herzlich signs with Giants
Mark Herzlich, the Boston College linebacker who survived cancer, has signed with the New York Giants as a free agent.
Herzlich announced his decision Tuesday morning in a tweet.
''Decision is made,'' he tweeted, adding that he's happy to be a Giant and can't wait to get to New York.
Barnett won't return to Packers
It looks like linebacker Nick Barnett is done in Green Bay.
Barnett was among the first Packers players to return to Lambeau Field on Tuesday morning. He left without talking with reporters, but tweeted that he had met with team officials and then thanked everyone ''for the great 8 years.''
Barnett says he was happy to be part of the team's run to the Super Bowl championship last season and Green Bay will always be special to him.
Bengals won't deal Palmer
The Bengals say they won't trade quarterback Carson Palmer, who wants to leave one of the NFL's least-successful franchises.
Owner Mike Brown said on Tuesday that he won't satisfy the quarterback's request for a trade. Brown says that a trade would reward Palmer for failing to play out the rest of his contract. Instead, they'll let him go ahead with his plan to retire rather than play for the Bengals.
Brown indicated that the team will look for another veteran quarterback in free agency, but plans to move ahead with second-round draft pick Andy Dalton as the possible starter.
Report: Hasselbeck done in Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks will not re-sign veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, The Seattle Times reported Tuesday.
Hasselbeck, an unrestricted free agent, has been with the Seahawks for 10 seasons.
According to The Times, the Seahawks attempted to re-sign the 35-year-old prior to the NFL lockout, but the team has reportedly struck a deal with another quarterback a day after the league's work stoppage came to end.
Ravens cut McGahee, Heap
The Baltimore Ravens have told running back Willis McGahee and former Pro Bowl tight end Todd Heap they will be cut.
Wide receiver Derrick Mason and nose tackle Kelly Gregg also were told their contracts will be terminated.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who welcomed several players to the team's training complex on Tuesday, confirmed the cuts. The moves won't become official until Thursday.
— The Associated Press contributed to this report
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2024 NFL Draft odds: Vikings, Patriots are clear favorites to draft J.J. McCarthy
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Dwight Freeney says Tom Brady was one of the toughest NFL QBs for him to sack
The art of NFL Draft misdirection: How teams use subterfuge to hide their plans
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
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2024 Green Bay Packers mock draft: Loading up on the defensive side
Robert Kraft reportedly warned Falcons 'not to trust' Bill Belichick
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