2006 NFL Off-Season

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

They had Paul Hackett, and I don't like that they play in a stadium with another team's name on it. I just want to see Leinart reunite with Norm Chow, that's all.

 

You make no sense, considering the Titans play in the same divison as the Jags.

[Guest]

Yes, I make no sense considering that the Titans aren't half the team that Jacksonville is. I'm not worried about them, and if you had half the brain to fucking comprehend what I tried to post, I said that I want the USC GUYS to do well. I didn't say I wanted their teams to beat my team. Do you think I wanted the Pats to beat the Jaguars because they had Willie McGinest? Idiot.

[mike546 0]

Can any Raven fans give me some info on Will Demps? ESPN is saying him and Gibril Wilson could make a "great young safety tandem" but I've never heard of this guy.

[dh86 0]

 

[2GOLD 0]

New England's linebacker core is ravaged right now. They are going to need a very good draft to find guys who can step up and make the plays Willie could. Times like this I wish the Patriots had trading strength to get up and grab Hawk. Still confident but damn, the linebacker core looks old and tired now. Willie wasn't exactly young, but he was a huge pass rusher when they needed him.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Yes, I make no sense considering that the Titans aren't half the team that Jacksonville is. I'm not worried about them, and if you had half the brain to fucking comprehend what I tried to post, I said that I want the USC GUYS to do well. I didn't say I wanted their teams to beat my team. Do you think I wanted the Pats to beat the Jaguars because they had Willie McGinest? Idiot.

 

Fuck you asshole, don't need to resort to name calling. Your problay one of those internet tough guys who have to resort to name calling on the internet because you get punked in real life. Go get laid.

 

And no your post doesn't make sense, wishing talent to go on your rival team to increase their chances of winning. That'd be like me wishing Vince Young went to the Redskins, Cowboys or the Giants, considering I'd want the Eagles to destroy who ever plays QB on that team.

[Guest]

don't need to resort to name calling.

Ok, that's fine.

Fuck you asshole,

Then you followed it up with that, and that.

Your problay one of those internet tough guys who have to resort to name calling on the internet because you get punked in real life. Go get laid.

I guess I should just leave logic out of this, so I'll let this end with that. How can you have no emotional attachment to players and not want them to do well when they leave their team to go pro?

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Theres a difference between wanting them to do well, and wanting them to play for your rival team.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Yeah it's not cool to want Leinart to be a Titan if you're a Jags fan. Even as an USC fan. Put him anywhere else but Tennessee, Indy, Houston and you said Oakland. I'm an USC fan too and I don't want Leinart playing for the Packers/Lions/Vikings.

[Guest]

As long as he doesn't hurt the Jags down the road, I have no problem with it.

[LaParkaMarka 0]

I thought the Jets had a giant boner for Jay Cutler. I'd rather see Cutler go to the Jets, Leinart to the Titans, and Young to the Raiders (Young to Moss = funny).

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I would feel funny seeing Cutler drafted in the top 5, even if he turned out to be a Marino or something.

[Guest]

It's that Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt, isn't it?

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Yes. Then again an UTAH QB was drafted first overall last year. Reggie Bush's high school teammate too. Two years in a row will Helix Charter High School produce 1st overall picks in the NFL draft.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Why is Reggie Bush still being considered the consensus #1 overall pick? Don't the Texans have more pressing needs than RB, where they have a more than serviceable back in Domanick Davis?

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Why is Reggie Bush still being considered the consensus #1 overall pick? Don't the Texans have more pressing needs than RB, where they have a more than serviceable back in Domanick Davis?

 

Yeah but according to most experts Bush isn't exactly a RB. He will probably get about 10 to 15 carries tops.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

So what the hell is he? Will he take literal use of the fantasy football position of w/r?

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

I thought the Jets had a giant boner for Jay Cutler. I'd rather see Cutler go to the Jets, Leinart to the Saints, and Young to the Raiders (Young to Moss = funny).

 

The Saints arent drafting a QB, thats why i spent a big fat check on Drew Brees. They most likely, and should do is go after DBrickashaw. He will help block for Brees.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Sooo they have Andre Johnson, one of the best receivers in the league who went quiet last year probably due to their horrendous offensive line not giving Carr enough time to throw.

 

Why don't they just take D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who's not only a HUGE need for them, but pretty much a sure thing?

[Ced 0]

Yeah, I'm still hoping Houston finds a way to pick up D'Brickashaw Ferguson. I'm not knocking on Reggie Bush and I think he's a good enough prospect to go #1, but the bottom line is the Texans wouldn't fill a need by drafting him.

 

Like VX said, Domanick Davis is a completely serviceable RB for Houston that can consistently run 1,000+ yards per season, so drafting Bush isn't going to help them loads. I still think it would help them alot if they solidify their offensive line with players like Ferguson so Carr doesn't get sacked as often.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Don't forget the other side of the ball as well. Houston ranked dead last in the league against the run, and 24th against the pass (probably because their front seven was so horrible that it was pointless to pass on them constantly because they could just control the clock) for an overall ranking of 31st. Only team worse was the Niners, who had the league's 18th ranked run defense and were dead last against the pass.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

I'm not saying I think the Texans should draft Bush. Just that a lot of experts are claiming that is what will happen, and I'm going along with it. I'd be happy if D'Brickashaw went 1st, because it throws the whole draft out of whack.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Let's just say Texans do draft DBrickashaw(which wont happen), would Reggie go to the Saints even tho they have Deuce???

[LaParkaMarka 0]

I thought the Jets had a giant boner for Jay Cutler. I'd rather see Cutler go to the Jets, Leinart to the Saints, and Young to the Raiders (Young to Moss = funny).

 

The Saints arent drafting a QB, thats why i spent a big fat check on Drew Brees. They most likely, and should do is go after DBrickashaw. He will help block for Brees.

 

I meant Leinart to the Titans. I'll edit that above too, and pretend that little typo never happened.

 

The Texans are going for Bush because he's considered a once-in-a-lifetime player. Servicable backs can be found pretty easily, Thomas Jones or Chester Taylor type guys are always going to be available in free agency. Apparently a guy like Bush isn't so easy to obtain.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Bush isn't your typical runningback though, he has amazing atheltic talen that only few runningbacks had. He can provide you with 6 catches a game and return punts.

 

Think Marshall Faulk in his prime, and how much of a recieving threat he was.

[nl5xsk1 0]

My bet is that both Willie & D.Givens end up going to the Browns. Crennel would LOVE to have 55 to anchor his D, and the Browns are way under the Cap. Both players will be signed to contracts that outweigh what their current worth would actually indicate.

Well, I was half-right ... 2/3, technically, because I guessed the Willie to the Browns correctly, and the fact that both Willie & Givens were going to be overpaid.

 

I'm sad to see McGinest go, the guy is literally one of my 10 favorite Patriots of all time ... but I'd rather see the Pats let players like him & Givens go than overpay to keep them.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Let's just say Texans do draft DBrickashaw(which wont happen), would Reggie go to the Saints even tho they have Deuce???

 

No, not at all. Deuce is a hell of a player when healthy, and all signs point to him being back at full strength for next season. Their lack of balance plus Aaron Brooks' inconsistency is probably what led New Orleans to finishing 20th in total offense. They also had a terrible run defense, but that's beside the point.

 

Bush isn't your typical runningback though, he has amazing atheltic talen that only few runningbacks had. He can provide you with 6 catches a game and return punts.

 

Think Marshall Faulk in his prime, and how much of a recieving threat he was.

 

See, but the problem is here, that no matter how good Reggie looked in college, he's still unproven in the NFL. The comparisons to Gale Sayers while he was running over mediocre Div-IA defenses were ridiculous. Don't make Marshall Faulk comparisons yet- Bush is a bit undersized and played in a system where he wasn't THE featured back, since that USC offense also had Lendale White, and a great passing game with Leinart and Smith. I personally don't think that he'll bomb (not as much as Leinart will anyways), but he'll be probably around the level of a Warrick Dunn. Domanick Davis was a very good value for the Texans in the 2nd round a couple years back, and HAS been NFL-proven. Besides, with that incredibly awful offensive line, a small back like Bush who practically relies on great blocking at times to get upfield and start working his magic, won't be able to get past the line of scrimmage. The Texans will only just doom themselves and what could've been a great career.

 

I think Bush would be better served on the 49ers, who only have Frank Gore and Kevan Barlow as their featured backs. Plus, he gets to reunite with high school teammate Alex Smith, and that's a cute little story ESPN could shove down our throats for a while. So, in all likelihood I see the top few picks going like this if teams draft like they should, to actually fill needs instead of trying to put "name" players on their squads:

 

1. Houston- D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T, Virginia

2. New Orleans- Mario Williams, DE, NC State

3. Tennessee- Matt Leinart, QB, USC

4. NY Jets- Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt OR this is also a good candidate to take Reggie Bush as Curtis Martin is entering the twilight of his career.

5. Green Bay- A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State

6. San Francisco- Reggie Bush, RB, USC OR if Bush is taken, they'd probably go for Winston Justice, T, USC or help on defense, maybe Michael Huff, S/CB from Texas (they desperately need help in their secondary and can also resign Julian Peterson and help he returns to Pro Bowl form).

7. Oakland- Any one of the top three QBs that hasn't been taken yet, which would probably be either Jay Cutler or Vince Young.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Eagles sign Jabar Gaffney. Nice pickup, in my humble opinion.

[C Dubya 04 0]

Good signing by the Eagles, especially if they use my plan of trading Pinkston for J Walk!

[Guest Vitamin X]

Oh, this might be helpful to some of you guys. Here's the wrapup thus far in this ridiculously busy 2006 NFL Offseason in terms of free-agents:

 

[Note: Movements reflected below are through 3 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2006.]

 

AFC East

 

Buffalo Bills

 

Acquisitions: WR Andre Davis; TE Robert Royal; C Mike Schneck; DT Larry Tripplett

 

Re-signed players: T Greg Jerman; LB Josh Stamer

 

Released: T Mike Williams; S Lawyer Milloy; DT Sam Adams; TE Mark Campbell

 

Snapshot analysis: The Bills parted ways with the disappointing Williams, a former 2002 fourth overall pick. They covered themselves by re-signing Jerman to a two-year deal, which gives the team depth on the offensive line. Buffalo signed Davis as insurance in case they release veteran Eric Moulds. Royal, a blocking tight end, allows the team to develop second-year pro Kevin Everett, who missed his rookie season with a knee injury.

 

Miami Dolphins

 

Acquisitions: QB Daunte Culpepper via trade with Vikings; LB Sedrick Hodge; T Lonnie Shelton; CB Andre Goodman

 

Re-signed players: RB Travis Minor

 

Released: QB Gus Frerotte; S Tebucky Jones; CB Sam Madison; CB Reggie Howard; T Damion McIntosh; LB Junior Seau

 

Snapshot analysis: Coach Nick Saban entered free agency with one thing on his mind - get a franchise quarterback. The Dolphins courted Drew Brees, but balked at paying $10 million in guarantees Brees wanted despite coming off surgery to his throwing shoulder. While Culpepper returns from knee surgery after shredding his ACL, PCL and MCL, he assured the team he'll be ready to play when the season opens. Culpepper to WR Chris Chambers is an intriguing connection provided Culpepper is healthy. The Dolphins need to find a veteran backup quarterback after parting ways with Frerotte and allowing unrestricted free agent Sage Rosenfels to sign with the Texans. Hodge is expected to compete for the starting linebacker job left vacant by the release of Seau. Goodman adds depth to the secondary after former Pro Bowler Madison became a cap casualty.

 

New England Patriots

 

Acquisitions: None

 

Re-signed players: DB Artrell Hawkins; LB Done Davis; CB Hank Poteat; C Ross Tucker

 

Released: WR Cedric James; LB/DE Willie McGinest; CB Duane Starks; LB Chad Brown

 

Snapshot analysis: The Patriots lost unrestricted free agents WR David Givens to the Titans and TE Christian Fauria to the Redskins. McGinest, a cap casualty, will likely sign with another team - Browns' coach and former Patriots' defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is courting him. Unrestricted free agent Adam Vinatieri is currently testing the market, and could find a new home soon unless he re-signs with the Patriots.

 

New York Jets

 

Acquisitions: DE Kimo von Oelhoffen; LB Matt Chatham

 

Re-signed players: P Ben Graham

 

Released: QB Jay Fiedler; FB Jerald Sowell; C Kevin Mawae; T Jason Fabini; LB Barry Gardner; CB Ty Law; S Oliver Celestin; DT Lance Legree

 

Snapshot analysis: The Jets entered free agency after restructuring quarterback Chad Pennington's contract, thus preventing him from becoming a cap casualty. Pennington still has question marks surrounding his shoulder, but the team will likely address the position through the draft. New coach Eric Mangini is switching to a 3-4 base defense, a system von Oelhoffen knows well from his days with the Steelers. Chatham comes over from the Patriots, and is a special teams standout. DE John Abraham, the team's franchise player, continues to actively seek a trade, but his asking price of $18 million is scaring teams away.

 

AFC North

 

Baltimore Ravens

 

Acquisitions: RB Mike Anderson; DE Trevor Pryce; DT Justin Bannan

 

Re-signed players: RB Jamal Lewis; LB Bart Scott; TE Daniel Wilcox

 

Released: None

 

Snapshot analysis: The Ravens were hit hard by free agency as four of their unrestricted free agents - RB Chester Taylor; DE Anthony Weaver; DT Maake Kemoeatu; P Dave Zastudil - found new homes. Weaver and Kemoeatu were viewed as rising stars, but the team quickly recovered by signing former Pro Bowler Trevor Pryce. Signing Anderson gives the team insurance after losing Taylor to the Vikings, and re-signing Lewis ensures the team has a capable backfield entering training camp. Expect the Ravens to draft a running back, however. The team could decide to make a run at QB Kerry Collins, released by the Raiders, to compete with incumbent Kyle Boller for the starting job. Re-signing Scott gives the team quality depth at linebacker.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

 

Acquisitions: QB Doug Johnson; S Dexter Jackson

 

Re-signed players: P Kyle Larson

 

Released: DE Duane Clemons

 

Snapshot analysis: The Bengals ranked 26th against the pass last season, and they addressed this need with the signing of the hard hitting Jackson. We expect the team to look for upgrades through the draft as well. The team lost unrestricted free agent QB Jon Kitna to the Lions and need to find a capable veteran backup to Carson Palmer, who is recovering from ACL surgery.

 

Cleveland Browns

 

Acquisitions: WR Joe Jurevicius; C LeCharles Bentley; T Kevin Shaffer; DT Ted Washington; P Dave Zastudil; K Jeff Chandler

 

Re-signed players: DT Ethan Kelly; DE Orpheus Roye

 

Released: LB Kernard Lang; CB Michael Lehan

 

Snapshot analysis: The Browns entered free agency an estimated $25 million under the salary cap, making them major players, and they didn't disappoint. Jurevicius gives the team a reliable veteran receiver, and he'll see plenty of time alongside second-year pro Braylon Edwards. Bentley was the No. 1 center to enter free agency, and along with Shaffer are quality acquisitions for the offensive line, which is good news for RB Reuben Droughns, who was signed to a contract extension. Washington's best days are behind him, but he'll add a savvy veteran presence to the interior defensive line.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Acquisitions: FB Doug Easlick via waivers from 49ers; FB Brandon Joe; S Ryan Clark

 

Re-signed players: QB Charlie Batch; TE Jerame Truman; T Barrett Brooks; DE Brett Keisel; LB Clint Kriewaldt

 

Released: QB Tommy Maddox; CB Willie Williams; S Mike Logan

 

Snapshot analysis: Clark, signed from the Redskins, is expected to replace Chris Hope, who signed with the Titans. Keisel will replace Kimo von Oelhoffen, who signed with the Jets.

 

AFC South

 

Houston Texans

 

Acquisitions: QB Sage Rosenfels; FB Jameel Cook; DE Anthony Weaver

 

Re-signed players: G Fred Weary

 

Released: QB Tony Banks; RB Tony Hollings; S Marcus Coleman

 

Snapshot analysis:Rosenfels becomes the primary backup to David Carr, on whom the team exercised an $8 million roster bonus, February 10. The signing of Cook, a blocking fullback, could signal the team is preparing to take Reggie Bush in April's draft, as widely speculated. Weaver fills the need for a pass rusher.

 

Indianapolis Colts

 

Acquisitions: None to date

 

Re-signed players: WR Reggie Wayne; G Ryan Lilja; LB Gary Brackett; DE Raheem Brock; TE Ben Utecht; K Jose Cortez

 

Released: QB Josh Brown; T Joaquin Gonzalez; T Josh Williams

 

Snapshot analysis: Getting Wayne re-signed is big, but the Colts made news with the players they lost through free agency. Gone are starters RB Edgerrin James to the Cardinals, LB David Thornton to the Titans and DT Larry Tripplett to the Bills. To cover the loss of James, the Colts exercised a $1.45 million roster bonus on RB Dominic Rhodes, who will enter training camp atop the depth chart. Still, expect the Colts to draft a running back in April's draft. Cortez is insurance if unrestricted free agent K Mike Vanderjagt moves on as expected.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

 

Acquisitions: T Mike Williams; CB Brian Williams

 

Re-signed players: C Dennis Norman; DT Rob Meier; DE Marcellus Wiley; CB Terry Cousin

 

Released: None to date

 

Snapshot analysis: The Jaguars are hoping Mike Williams can turn his career around with unrestricted offensive linemen Mike Pearson and Ephraim Salaam not expected back. Brian Williams adds depth at cornerback.

 

Tennessee Titans

 

Acquisitions: WR David Givens; C Kevin Mawae; LB David Thornton, Chris Hope

 

Re-signed players: DE Kyle Vanden Bosch

 

Released: T Brad Hopkins

 

Snapshot analysis: The Titans were in need of veteran help at wide receiver, and Givens will be asked to make an impact alongside WR Drew Bennett. While the team re-signed Vanden Bosch, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, the defense still needs more upgrades to improve on their 19th overall rank from 2005. Getting Thornton to pair with Keith Bulluck at outside linebacker is a step in the right direction.

 

AFC West

 

Denver Broncos

 

Acquisitions: None to date

 

Re-signed players: RB Ron Dayne; T Matt Lepsis; DT Gerard Warren; DE John Engelberger; S Sam Brandon

 

Released: RB Mike Anderson; TE Jeb Putzier; DE Trevor Pryce

 

Snapshot analysis: The Broncos saw two players they wanted - RB Jamal Lewis and LB/DE Andre Carter - slip through their grasp. They were able to re-sign Dayne, who is considered the front-runner to win the starting tailback job left vacant by the release of Anderson. Still, look for the team to draft a running back to compete with Dayne and Tatum Bell. The Broncos considered Warren a priority and re-signed him the first day of free agency.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

 

Acquisitions: None to date

 

Re-signed players: G Will Shields

 

Released: LB Shawn Barber; LB Gary Stills; CB Eric Warfield; CB Dexter McCleon

 

Snapshot analysis: Re-signing the All-Pro Shields, who considered retirement this offseason, is big for Larry Johnson and the continuity of the offensive line.

 

Oakland Raiders

 

Acquisitions: G Toni Fonoti

 

Re-signed players: None to date

 

Released: QB Kerry Collins; DT Ted Washington; CB Denard Walker

 

Snapshot analysis: Obviously, the biggest news coming out of Oakland is the release of Collins. The Raiders were in the running for Daunte Culpepper, but eventually withdrew when they deemed the risk too high. Collins could return, albeit at a lower price. Expect the Raiders, owners of the seventh overall pick in April's draft, to address the position then. Vince Young is a possibility if he's available. Fonoti moves to the left guard position with Brad Badger moving to the right side to replace Ron Stone.

 

San Diego Chargers

 

Acquisitions: None to date

 

Re-signed players: WR Kassim Osgood; FB Andrew Pinnock; DE Jacques Cesaire; LB Carlos Polk; S Clinton Hart

 

Released: S Jerry Wilson

 

Snapshot analysis: The Chargers allowed QB Drew Brees to enter free agency, and he's now with the Saints. QB Phillip Rivers is the new starting quarterback, and we expect growing pains from the offense despite the team's optimism.

 

NFC East

 

Dallas Cowboys

 

Acquisitions: G Kyle Kosier; LB Akin Ayodele

 

Re-signed players: WR Patrick Crayton; WR Terrance Copper; G/C Andre Gurode; P Matt McBriar

 

Released: WR Keyshawn Johnson; DT Willie Blade; DT La'Roi Glover

 

Snapshot analysis: Signing Kosier and re-signing Gurode provides insurance if coach Bill Parcells chooses to part ways with veteran G Larry Allen. Ayodele, expected to replace the retired Dat Nguyen, adds experience to a young linebacker corps. Johnson's release came moments after the Eagles released WR Terrell Owens leading to speculation the Cowboys could make a hard run at Owens to pair with WR Terry Glenn.

 

New York Giants

 

Acquisitions: CB Sam Madison; CB R.W. McQuarters; CB Jason Bell; S Quentin Harris

 

Re-signed players: None to date

 

Released: G Jason Whittle; LB Barrett Green; S Brent Alexander

 

Snapshot analysis: The Giants ranked 27th against the pass in 2005, making the upgrades in the secondary a priority. Madison, a former Pro Bowler from Miami, McQuarters, Bell and Harris provide the team quality depth and options.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

 

Acquisitions: QB Jeff Garcia; WR Darnerien McCants; TE Matt Schoebel; DE Darren Howard; LB Shawn Barber

 

Re-signed players: None to date

 

Released: WR Terrell Owens

 

Snapshot analysis: Garcia is familiar with the West Coast Offense, and should be QB Donovan McNabb's primary backup. Schoebel, a capable receiver, will back up starter L.J. Smith. There are concerns with Howard's right knee, which caused him to miss extensive time the last two seasons with the Saints, but he and Jevon Kearse could be a force if both are healthy. Barber provides the team depth alongside Jeremiah Trotter. The Eagles ended their contentious relationship with Owens by releasing him a day before he was due a $5 million roster bonus. Look for the Eagles to seek receiver help yet again.

Washington Redskins

Acquisitions: WR Brandon Lloyd via trade with the 49ers; WR Antwaan Randel El; TE Christian Fauria; LB/DE Andre Carter; S Adam Archuleta

 

Re-signed players: RB Rock Cartwright

 

Released: C Cory Raymer; DT Brandon Noble; LB LaVar Arrington; CB Walt Harris; S Matt Bowen; P Tom Tupa

 

Snapshot analysis: The Redskins weren't shy to pull the trigger within the first 48 hours of free agency and immediately addressed wide receiver by acquiring Lloyd via trade and signing Randel El to complement Pro Bowler Santana Moss. Randel El's signing is intriguing considering he's viewed as a third down receiver, but he'll keep defenses honest with his penchant for trick plays. The Redskins made a run at Jets DE John Abraham, but settled for Carter, who can play DE and LB in a 3-4 or 4-3 base defense. Archuleta, once regarded as an elite safety, will need to stay healthy - he replaces Ryan Clark. Moreover, Archuleta is insurance if Sean Taylor misses time due to pending aggravated assault charges in Florida. Fauria provides depth behind Chris Cooley.

 

NFC North

 

Chicago Bears

 

Acquisitions: None to date

 

Re-signed players: G Terrence Metcalf

 

Released: None to date

 

Snapshot analysis: The Bears are hibernating.

 

Detroit Lions

 

Acquisitions: QB Jon Kitna; QB Shaun King; WR Corey Bradford; TE Dan Campbell

 

Re-signed players: RB Shawn Bryson; WR Eddie Drummond; DE Kalimba Edwards

 

Released: G David Loverne

 

Snapshot analysis: Kitna, who entered free agency looking for a place to start, agreed to a four-year deal. It remains to be seen how the Lions will open competition with incumbent quarterback Joey Harrington, but it wouldn't surprise us if Kitna were under center in Week 1. The team is high on Bryson, and he returns to provide depth behind starter Kevin Jones. Drummond will continue to contribute on special teams.

Green Bay Packers

 

Acquisitions: DT Ryan Pickett; S Marquand Manuel

 

Re-signed players: RB Ahman Green; C Rob Davis; DE Aaron Kampman; CB Jason Horton

 

Released: LB Na'il Diggs

 

Snapshot analysis: QB Brett Favre recently said he would determine if he were coming back based on moves the Packers make during the offseason. Getting Green re-signed is a plus, as are the signings of Pickett, an unrestricted free agent from St. Louis, and Manuel, an unrestricted free agent from Seattle. WR Javon Walker recently made noise about wanting out of Green Bay, however. Obviously, Favre's status is at the top of the radar screen.

 

Minnesota Vikings

 

Acquisitions: RB Chester Taylor; FB Joey Goodspeed; G Jason Whittle; LB Ben Leber; K Ryan Longwell

 

Re-signed players: WR Koren Robinson; S Willie Offord

 

Released: None to date

 

Snapshot analysis: The Vikings made big moves the past week, topped by trading Daunte Culpepper to the Dolphins for a second round pick. Veteran QB Brad Johnson will start, though he is a short-term solution given his age. The Vikings entered free agency an estimated $31 million under the salary cap. That figure allowed them to make an astounding seven-year, $49 million offer, with $16 million in guarantees, to Seattle All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson, the Seahawks' transition free agent. The Seahawks are now deciding whether to match the offer or let Hutchinson go without compensation. Taylor is expected to compete for the starting tailback job with unrestricted free agent Michael Bennett not expected back. Longwell comes over from the Packers and should be a strong option kicking indoors.

 

NFC South

 

Atlanta Falcons

 

Acquisitions: None to date

 

Re-signed players: FB Fred MCrary; WR Brian Finneran

 

Released: DE Brady Smith

 

Snapshot analysis: The Falcons made re-signing Finneran a priority. The dependable wide receiver gives the team time to develop receivers Michael Jenkins and Roddy White.

 

Carolina Panthers

 

Acquisitions: C Justin Hartwig; DT Maake Kemoeatu; DT Damoine Lewis; S Shaun Williams

 

Re-signed players: RB DeShaun Foster

 

Released: RB Stephen Davis; RB Rod Smart; DT Brentson Buckner; LB Brandon Short

 

Snapshot analysis: The Panthers re-signed Foster before the start of free agency, and then turned their attention to Hartwig, considered the second-best available center behind LeCharles Bentley, who signed with the Browns. Hartwig replaces unrestricted free agent Jeff Mitchell. Kemoeatu is viewed as a rising star, and along with Lewis, gives the team two stout interior defensive linemen to offset the loss of Buckner. Williams, who played with the Giants in 2005, needs to stay healthy, but adds depth to the secondary.

 

New Orleans Saints

 

Acquisitions: QB Drew Brees; LB Scott Fujita

 

Re-signed players: None to date

 

Released: TE Boo Williams

 

Snapshot analysis: The Saints signed Brees to a six-year, $60 million contract meaning former starter Aaron Brooks is likely on the way out. Fujita will be asked to fill the hole left by unrestricted free agent Sedrick Hodge, who signed with the Dolphins.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

Acquisitions: K Billy Cundiff

 

Re-signed players: QB Chris Simms; FB Mike Alstott; DT Chris Hovan; CB Juran Bolden

 

Released: QB Brian Griese; G Matt Stinchcomb; LB Jeff Gooch

 

Snapshot analysis: Getting Simms re-signed before the start of free agency allowed the team to part ways with Griese, who was returning from an ACL injury and expected to count $7.1 million against the cap. While Griese could re-sign for less money, Simms is the clear starter.

NFC West

 

Arizona Cardinals

 

Acquisitions: RB Edgerrin James; G Milford Brown; DT Kendrick Clancy

 

Re-signed players: QB Kurt Warner; RB Damien Anderson; FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo; DE Anton Palepoi; LB Isaac Keys; CB Robert Tate

 

Released: None to date

 

Snapshot analysis: James will be expected to energize a running game ranked last in the league in 2005. The Cardinals must address the offensive line, but James, who rushed for 1,506 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 44 catches for 337 yards with the Colts last season, is a threat out of the backfield. He's also a strong blocker. Brown needs to stay healthy to make an impact for the offensive line, and, of course, Warner needs to stay healthy at the quarterback position.

 

St. Louis Rams

 

Acquisitions: DT La'Roi Glover; LB Will Witherspoon; CB Fakhir Brown; S Corey Chavous

 

Re-signed players: QB Jeff Smoker; WR Isaac Bruce; G Blaine Saipaia; LS Chris Massey; LB Drew Wahlroos

 

Released: LB Chris Claiborne

 

Snapshot analysis: The Rams ranked 30th overall in defense last season, and upgrading this unit was a priority. Despite losing unrestricted free agent Adam Archuleta to the Redskins, the team addressed needs with Glover, a former Pro Bowler, and added secondary depth with Brown and Chavous. The speedy Witherspoon is expected to start at middle linebacker.

 

San Francisco 49ers

 

Acquisitions: WR Antonio Bryant; WR Bryan Gilmore

 

Re-signed players: FB Chris Hetherington; LB Derek Smith; LB Brandon Moore; K Joe Nedney

 

Released: WR Johnnie Morton; DE Chris Cooper; CB Ahmed Plummer

 

Snapshot analysis: After trading Brandon Lloyd, the 49ers were in need of wide receiver help and quickly signed Bryant and Gilmore to contracts. Bryant comes with character issues, and it remains to be seen if he'll be a good fit for second-year QB Alex Smith. The 49ers re-signed Moore a day after unrestricted free agent Andre Carter signed with the Redskins.

 

Seattle Seahawks

 

Acquisitions: None to date

 

Re-signed players: RB Shaun Alexander; WR Peter Warrick; DT Rocky Bernard

 

Released: LB Jamie Sharper; CB Andre Dyson

 

Snapshot analysis: Outside of re-signing Alexander and Bernard, the Seahawks' lack of activity is likely linked to their pending decision on All-Pro G Steve Hutchinson, who signed a seven-year, $49 million offer sheet with the Vikings. The team is currently $17 million under the cap, and they would like to re-sign unrestricted free agent Pro Bowl FB Mack Strong. Still, the direction the team goes will depend on whether they match the offer sheet on Hutchinson. The loss of Joe Jurevicius, signed by the Browns, leaves the team without dependable experience behind starters Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram. Warrick was re-signed, but he comes with durability concerns.