Official 2011 NFL Free Agency Thread

[OnlyOneBeerLeft]

eagles get Jason Babin

"Philadelphia reached agreement with former Tennessee Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin on a five-year contract, according to a league source. Last season in Tennessee, playing for now Eagles defensive line coach Jim Washburn, Babin had 11.5 sacks. He now teams with Trent Cole to give the Eagles one of the league's best end combinations."


So, that earlier item about the idea that the slow pace of the Kevin Kolb trade talks might have been holding up the Eagles' offseason plans ... yeah, never mind.

With Brandon Graham still working his way back from his surgery, Washburn wanted a pass-rushing end to play on the opposite side of the line from Cole. The Eagles appear to be installing a new defense, under Washburn and converted offensive line coach Juan Castillo, that will rely more on the front four and pressuring the passer where the Eagles' defenses of years past relied on seeking and forcing turnovers. The question is whether Babin can be the player he was last year in Tennessee again. Washburn is well respected as one of the best defensive line coaches in the league. Babin is not his only success story. Washburn, Babin and the Eagles have reason to believe he can repeat his 2010 success in 2011, especially with the excellent Cole drawing attention on the other side.

[manchild24]

Suisham fucked up, not once, but twice, for both the Cowboys AND the Redskins - I don't see it happening.

Suisham is fucking Terrible with a capital T. @Thomas I thought you'd be right on board with assessment. I laughed when when the Cowboys took him, then thought Oh SHit when the Steelers got him. my wife and brother in law are Steelers fans and to listen to them about him missing a big kick. I prayed he made everything.

eagles get Jason Babin

I like Babin, nice pick up for the Birds.

[manchild24]

The Jets are expected to turn back to free agent Antonio Cromartie if they miss out on signing Nnamdi Asomugha.
The Jets called Cromartie on the first day teams were allowed to negotiate with free agents, so they're in contact. Cromartie is expected to be "considerably cheaper," probably only costing $7-9 million annually while Asomugha easily commands double digits. If the Jets sign "Aso", most signs point to "Cro" landing with the Raiders. They're the only team connected to him so far.

[manchild24]

Redskins agreed to terms with sixth-round WR Aldrick Robinson on a four-year contract.
Robinson isn't as gifted as fellow SMU alum Emmanuel Sanders, a revelation as a rookie in Pittsburgh last season. However, Robinson has drawn high marks from NFL Films guru Greg Cosell as a "dynamic slot prospect" who could eventually replace 32-year-old Santana Moss. All of the Skins' offseason receiver pickups may have Robinson ticketed for the practice squad in year one.

Make that WR 38 this offseason

[manchild24]

The Texans are "in the mix" for free agent Nnamdi Asomugha, sources tell the Houston Chronicle.
The problem for Houston is that Jets are now reportedly nearly $10 million under the cap -- and that's before they restructure contracts. It's going to be hard to pry Asomugha away from Broadway and coach Rex Ryan if they can't even offer the most money. The Texans may be better off turning their attention to free agent Johnathan Joseph.

[manchild24]

The Falcons confirmed they will not be bringing back free agent RB Jerious Norwood.
The Falcons had no interest in retaining Norwood even though Jason Snelling is a free agent. His inability to stay healthy has put him on the back burner during free agency and the change-of-pace back can likely be had on the cheap.

[manchild24]

ESPN's John Clayton expects the Vikings to pursue free agent Braylon Edwards.
The Vikings have also been linked to free agent Malcom Floyd after losing Sidney Rice. It's clear that they won't go into the season with Percy Harvin as their only legitimate wideout.

[manchild24]

Steve Smith will not be traded and will be at Panthers camp Friday, according to NFL Network's Michael Lombardi.
GM Marty Hurney met with Smith Wednesday night and somehow convinced the once-disgruntled receiver to stay through Carolina's rebuilding process. It's big news for Cam Newton, who begged for Smith to stay and now has his veteran target. But from a fantasy perspective, Smith doesn't have much upside despite his talents. Newton figures to be brought along slowly as the Panthers utilize a run-heavy scheme.

[manchild24]

The Vikings are making a "serious run" at free agent James Jones, according to beat writer Judd Zulgad.
The Vikings have already been linked to Malcom Floyd, Braylon Edwards and Jones this morning. Stealing the talented Jones away from the division-rival Packers would be a nice get for the Vikes. He'd start right away opposite Percy Harvin and give Donovan McNabb and immediate deep threat.

Now that Favre is gone and the Redskins will suck balls, Im jumping on the McNabb and Minny banwagon.

[manchild24]

Redskins released DE Phillip Daniels.
Daniels was only due a million bucks, but the Redskins are on the verge of completing a deal with Cullen Jenkins. They also used a second-round pick in April on Jarvis Jenkins. Daniels has slowed down considerably and turned 38 earlier in the offseason. It seems likely that he will call it a career.

I guess since our D will be out there so much we better bolster it up.

[G-men]

With Miami dropping out of the chase, free agent Ahmad Bradshaw is now likely to re-sign with the Giants.
Bradshaw lost a lot of leverage when the Dolphins completed their trade for Reggie Bush. He may have overplayed his hand and received weaker offers than expected. Beat writer Mike Garafolo says Bradshaw would still like a higher offer from the Giants, but suspects a deal will get done today.

I'm very happy that he is coming back and that we didn't lose out on all the running backs in this FA.

[Guest]

Suisham is fucking Terrible with a capital T. @Thomas I thought you'd be right on board with assessment. I laughed when when the Cowboys took him, then thought Oh SHit when the Steelers got him. my wife and brother in law are Steelers fans and to listen to them about him missing a big kick. I prayed he made everything.



I like Babin, nice pick up for the Birds.

It was time that he left the Redskins. However, it would be our luck with kickers for Suisham to stick with the Steelers and become a solid guy.

[manchild24]

Kevin Kolb's agent is working on a new contract with the Cardinals, according to WIP Radio's Howard Eskin.
The terms of this trade have likely already been decided and now the Cardinals just have to hammer out an extension with Kolb. We're expecting an official announcement on the trade as soon as today, with the Eagles landing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie plus a draft pick.


Looks more and more Aso will be a JET

[manchild24]

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area has confirmed that the 49ers cannot keep CB Nate Clements on the roster at his $17 million cap figure.
Clements hasn't been cut yet, but it's coming. The Niners are in pursuit of some of the top free agent cornerbacks available, and they can't do much while Clements is holding them hostage. Clements' release should be announced today.


They cant keep him on at 17million but are going to sign Aso for how much? 14-15million playing in SF or 12million tax free living, which will add another "free"million to this deal and go play for a potential Super Bowl Contender in NY.

[manchild24]

I know this isnt a signing but ladies and gentlemen let me introduce the NFLs Newest Diva.

DeSean Jackson's holdout is officially underway as he did not report to Eagles training camp Thursday morning.
No surprise here. Jackson is wise to force the Eagles' hand, as he easily could have been swept under the rug with the week's madness still in full swing. He's represented by Drew Rosenhaus and clearly has no intention of playing for $565,000 in the final year of his rookie deal. The Eagles will take care of Jackson -- the question is just how long hammering out a monster contract will take