Free Agency news and signings

[NinerSickness]

Cromartie would make us cringe when it comes to his tackling ability.

That's true, but he'd still be the best cover CB since Carlos Rogers' first season in SF. Maybe even since the 90's.

 

[michaelwarner]

Jason La Canfora ‏@JasonLaCanfora 20m

Corner market continues to constrict - the Colts nearing a deal with Vontae Davis. Every expectation it will get done Monday

 

[Ray_Dogg]

The Baltimore Sun reports the Cardinals are expected to sign free agent LT Jared Veldheer to a contract worth $7 million to $7.5 million per year.
As Eugene Monroe is expected to land $8.5 million to $9 million from the Ravens, Branden Albert $9.5 million in Miami, and Rodger Saffold $8 million annually via the Raiders, we'd like this number and player as the best fit on the left tackle market. It's very possible Cardinals QB Carson Palmer put in good words for Veldheer, his former blindside protector in Oakland. Veldheer, 27 in June, is the youngest of the group with the best run-pass block combination.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

If true McKenzie needs to be finally canned. The guy is atrocious.
Rodger Saffold - T - Rams
The Baltimore Sun reports the Raiders are expected to sign free agent T/G Rodger Saffold "for roughly $8 million per year."
The Raiders must value Saffold over in-house free agent LT Jared Veldheer, as the report states the Cardinals are expected to sign Veldheer for "between $7 million and $7.5 million." Saffold has generally been stretched as a starting left tackle in the league. He's fared better at right tackle and most productively at guard. Versatile but injury prone, Saffold would certainly be locked into the blindside in Oakland if they're going to shell out that kind of money.
Related: Raiders
Source: Baltimore Sun Mar 9 - 8:02 PM

 

[Ray_Dogg]

The Baltimore Sun reports the Buccaneers are expected to sign free agent OT Anthony Collins "provided that he doesn't re-sign with the Bengals."
Per the report, Tampa would pay Collins $6.5 million to $7 million per year. The Bengals remain very much in play, as the Buccaneers are also negotiating with Rodger Saffold. If the Bucs signed Collins, it's quite possible they'd release LT Donald Penn. Collins is a left tackle. Saffold is a guard/right tackle.
Related: Buccaneers
Source: Baltimore Sun Mar 9 - 8:16 PM

 

[whysies]

Our cap hit for Staley is 3.4 million this year.

Hey guys, make sure none of you tell Staley that mediocre tackles get paid 7 million a year.

 

[sjballer03]

If true McKenzie needs to be finally canned. The guy is atrocious.
Rodger Saffold - T - Rams
The Baltimore Sun reports the Raiders are expected to sign free agent T/G Rodger Saffold "for roughly $8 million per year."
The Raiders must value Saffold over in-house free agent LT Jared Veldheer, as the report states the Cardinals are expected to sign Veldheer for "between $7 million and $7.5 million." Saffold has generally been stretched as a starting left tackle in the league. He's fared better at right tackle and most productively at guard. Versatile but injury prone, Saffold would certainly be locked into the blindside in Oakland if they're going to shell out that kind of money.
Related: Raiders
Source: Baltimore Sun Mar 9 - 8:02 PM

wtf is he thinking?

 

[Crimsoncrew]

If true McKenzie needs to be finally canned. The guy is atrocious.
Rodger Saffold - T - Rams
The Baltimore Sun reports the Raiders are expected to sign free agent T/G Rodger Saffold "for roughly $8 million per year."
The Raiders must value Saffold over in-house free agent LT Jared Veldheer, as the report states the Cardinals are expected to sign Veldheer for "between $7 million and $7.5 million." Saffold has generally been stretched as a starting left tackle in the league. He's fared better at right tackle and most productively at guard. Versatile but injury prone, Saffold would certainly be locked into the blindside in Oakland if they're going to shell out that kind of money.
Related: Raiders
Source: Baltimore Sun Mar 9 - 8:02 PM

Paying more for a guy with major questions over a solid young player already on the roster? Dubious, IMO.

 

[NinerSickness]

Kudos to Baalke for signing Anthony Davis to a 5-year 37.2 million dollar deal. He's gonna end up making about the same as or less than Mr. Bel-Veldheer, and Davis is easily the better player.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

@RapSheet: Among the teams expressing real interest in #Bills S Jairus Byrd? The #Dolphins. Gearing up for another big year in free agency

 

[Ray_Dogg]

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos are expected to pursue free agent SS T.J. Ward when the market opens Tuesday.
As we suspected. Denver is needy at strong safety, and Broncos exec Tom Heckert drafted Ward in Cleveland. The Broncos also have quite a bit of cap (roughly $25 million) for a team commonly perceived as old. Ward turned 27 in December. He is a difference-making run defender and not a liability in coverage.
Related: Broncos
Source: Denver Post Mar 9 - 9:29 PM

 

[Ray_Dogg]

According to ESPN's Adam Caplan, it would be a "small upset" if the Falcons didn't land free agent OG Jon Asamoah.
Caplan reports Asamoah would start at right guard, bookending LG Justin Blalock. The Falcons need multiple reinforcements on the offensive line, but securing Asamoah would be a good start. He's an effective pass blocker and plays with a mean streak. New assistant GM Scott Pioli drafted Asamoah in Kansas City.
Related: Falcons
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter Mar 9 - 11:13 PM

 

[Ray_Dogg]

According to the Chicago Tribune, DE Michael Bennett has emerged as the Bears' "top target" in free agency.
The Bears are in "strong pursuit" of Martellus' brother, and reportedly hope to replace Julius Peppers with Michael at right defensive end. Two club officials told the Tribune they expect Bennett to sign with Chicago "after free agency opens at 3 p.m. (CT) Tuesday." Bears GM Phil Emery has a strong working relationship with agent Drew Rosenhaus, who reps Bennett. It sounds like it's just a matter of time before Bennett is rushing quarterbacks in the Windy City.
Related: Bears
Source: Chicago Tribune Mar 9 - 11:09 PM

 

[Ray_Dogg]

SI's Peter King suggests the 49ers as a possible backup plan for free agent QB Michael Vick.
The obvious landing spots for Vick are places that can offer him a chance to compete for the starting job. King says the Jets make the most sense and lists the Raiders as well. But if those opportunities dry up, backup jobs with the Eagles and 49ers will come into play. Colin Kaepernick's No. 2 right now is McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Last year's backup, Colt McCoy, is a free agent.
Related: Eagles, 49ers, Jets
Source: SI.com Mar 10 - 9:18 AM

 

[supreme_clientele81]

SI's Peter King suggests the 49ers as a possible backup plan for free agent QB Michael Vick.
The obvious landing spots for Vick are places that can offer him a chance to compete for the starting job. King says the Jets make the most sense and lists the Raiders as well. But if those opportunities dry up, backup jobs with the Eagles and 49ers will come into play. Colin Kaepernick's No. 2 right now is McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Last year's backup, Colt McCoy, is a free agent.
Related: Eagles, 49ers, Jets
Source: SI.com Mar 10 - 9:18 AM

 

[MHSL82]

SI's Peter King suggests the 49ers as a possible backup plan for free agent QB Michael Vick.
The obvious landing spots for Vick are places that can offer him a chance to compete for the starting job. King says the Jets make the most sense and lists the Raiders as well. But if those opportunities dry up, backup jobs with the Eagles and 49ers will come into play. Colin Kaepernick's No. 2 right now is McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Last year's backup, Colt McCoy, is a free agent.
Related: Eagles, 49ers, Jets
Source: SI.com Mar 10 - 9:18 AM

Oh shit! I cursed us. I made a comment about how upset Sickness would be if we made Vick the highest paid backup ever. Now, in this off chance, we could get him as the backup (but not as the highest paid ever).

 

[Hangman]

Titans looking to trade or cut RB Johnson. He has a $10 mill cap number with the titans.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

@Eric_Branch 1h

Source: #Browns, #Bears, #Jets have expressed most interest in S Donte Whitner. #49ers “still pushing” to retain him.

@MaryKayCabot 56m

Source told Cleveland OH Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - cleveland.com #Browns "are very serious'' about signing Cleveland native Donte Whitner, 49ers safety. He'd replace Ward

 

[Ray_Dogg]

‏@AdamSchefter 1h

Seahawks have emerged as the favorite to land free-agent DT Michael Bennett, and keep him in Seattle, per sources.

 

[Ray_Dogg]

‏@JasonLaCanfora 28m

Falcons may be implementing more 3-4 elements on D. Very aggressively pursuing Miami NT Paul Soliai