~ The Patriots have gained a player as the Ravens continue to lose them. Much sought after LB Adalius Thomas is leaving Baltimore and heading to New England for a 7-year deal. Financial terms were not yet disclosed.
~ The Saints kept last year’s top-ranked offense together by re-signing OL Jon Stinchcomb to a 2-year $7 million contract which will pay him $5 million in 2007 between his signing bonus and his salary.
~ The Eagles have re-signed two key players in hopes of moving further next season. DL Juqua Thomas signed a 5-year deal worth $12.5 million to stay in Philadelphia.
Earlier this week, S Quintin Mikell was made one of the highest paid nickel defenders in the league as he signed a 4-year deal that is said to include a seven figure bonus.
~ Titans‘ RB Travis Henry was cut on Saturday so the team could avoid having to pay him an $8.3 million bonus he would have been due on Monday. The cut allows Henry to sign with any other team immediately.
~ The Bucs were shunned by Jake Plummer who was contemplating retirement rather than compete for a starting spot; so they went out and signed Eagles’ QB Jeff Garcia to a 2-year deal. Plummer was originally to be traded for a 4th-round pick, but the trade has been completed now and the Broncos are to receive a 2008 conditional draft pick. If Plummer does not report to Bucs’ camp, then Denver does not receive the pick.
Financial terms of Garcia’s contract were not revealed, but it is believed to be close to the same contract QB Chris Simms was re-signed for at $2 million a year.
~ The Rams signed Titans’ WR Drew Bennett to a 6-year deal worth $30 million including $10 million in guarantees. This guarantees the Rams a valid third WR going into camp since Kevin Curtis could possibly sign elsewhere.
~ The Patriots continued their spending spree Saturday by signing Dolphins’ FB Sammie Morris and Jaguars’ TE Kyle Brady. Terms were not fully available but Brady did sign a 2-year contract.
The Pats also plan to give out an offer sheet to Dolphins’ WR Wes Welker. Once the contract is offered to Welker, the Dolphins will have seven days to match the offer or pass on it which would allow Welker to officially join the Patriots.
~ The Broncos continued their fast-paced moves by trading for Dolphins’ DE Dan “Big Daddy†Wilkinson. The first overall pick in the 1994 draft was acquired for a 6th-round pick in the 2007 draft.
~ WR Terry Glenn is staying put as a Cowboy: after receiving a $5 million roster bonus.
~ CB Fred Smoot who played last year with the Vikings will be with the Redskins this season as he signed a 5-year deal. Financial terms were not yet disclosed.
~ The Chargers came to terms with OG Kris Dielman to keep him with the team. Perhaps the most coveted O-lineman in the entire free agency mall, Dielman decided he’s rather return to San Diego. Terms of the deal are still being discussed.
~ The 49ers and Falcons’ WR Ashley Lelie have agreed to a 2-year deal as the team continues it’s heavy spending early into the free agency period.
~ LB Na’il Diggs will be back in Carolina as the Panthers re-signed him on Saturday with a 1-year contract.
Rumors:
~ After the re-signing of back-up (and sometimes starter last year) Damon Huard, QB Trent Green may be weighing his options to determine if Kansas City is the place for him.
~ Steelers‘ LB Joey Porter may end up in Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Miami.
~ Jaguars’ S Deon Grant made it clear that he would like to stay in Jacksonville, but it doesn’t seem as if the team would like him back. Grant has a visit in New Orleans on Sunday before traveling to visit Seattle on Tuesday.
~ Titans‘ RB Travis Henry was already on his way to Denver on Saturday night to meet with team officials after being cut just Saturday afternoon.
