NFL Offseason Player Re-signings, Releases, Rumors, and More

The NFL has no offseason.  Players are already re-upping with their team and some have been cut.  The Panthers and Dolphins have not been shy in getting rid of players as they feel needed.  A few Pro Bowl players and even Hall of Famers have either been cut or decided to retire.  Trade rumors about two of the game’s premier players.  We may only be two weeks removed from the Super Bowl but the offseason never sleeps.  We’ll go over these and then I’ll start getting into more of a live, day-to-day basis of updating the NFL offseason.

-  Chad Johnson being traded?  To the Redskins?

Rumors have circled the past few days about whether or not “Ocho Cinco” would be moved.  Trade talks have cooled off the past few days but, hey, you never know.

-  Jeremy Shockey on his way out?

Umm …. not so much.  GM Jerry Reese has made it very clear that Shockey is going nowhere.

-  DeShaun Foster on the block?

It appears the Carolina front office has seen enough from DeAngelo Williams to make the decision of trying to part ways with Foster …. more on this as it develops.

-  Arizona Cardinals place franchise tag on Karlos Dansby (2/14)

The four year pro has played great for this team on the rise.  This past year he racked up 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 INTs, and 4 forced fumbles.  8 million may be a high tender but if someone signs him to an offer sheet, the Cardinals may just take the two 1st round picks.

-  Miami Dolphins release LB Zach Thomas (2/14)

What a class act.  One of the best linebackers of his generation.  In his 12 seasons in Miami, he went to 7 Pro Bowls and recorded over 1,800 tackles.  Sad to see, but the Dolphins are moving in a different direction.  With Thomas at the age of 34, compiling numerous injuries over the past few seasons, and having a cap number of 5.6 million – the Dolphins had to do this.  Hopefully after given some needed time off, Thomas will come back to the NFL as a coach.

-  Buffalo Bills release WR Peerless Price (2/14)

He had one good year way back when.  He didn’t fit in with the Falcons offense.  The Bills re-acquired him hoping to rekindle his 2002 season.  Not so much … he’s back on the streets now.  Someone’s gotta take a gamble on him though … right?

-  Oakland Raiders re-sign RB Justin Fargas (2/14)

Smart move here.  Finally given a chance to get carries, he averaged 4.5 yards a carry this past year.  Lot of running backs on their roster – possibly more moves coming?

-  Seattle Seahawks sign G Mike Wahle (2/14)

It wasn’t going to be long before someone picked him up.  Good move.

-  Carolina Panthers re-sign T Travelle Wharton and S Chris Harris (2/14)

The Panthers are taking care of business right away – keeping a key piece of their O-Line and their defensive secondary.

-  Jacksonville Jaguars re-sign FB Greg Jones (2/13)

Wise decision re-signing the man who paved the way for top notch running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.  He will now be the highest paid fullback in NFL history with his 5 yeard/17.4 million dollar deal.  Well worth it for a man who was part of the reason why the Jags had the best rushing attack in the AFC this past season.

-  New Orleans Saints re-sign K Martin Gramatica (2/13)

Long live the Gramaticas!!!!  But honestly, who cares?  Yea, not even Saints fans.

- Miami Dolphins release QB Trent Green, WR Marty Booker, and DT Keith Traylor (2/11)

First of all, I think this clearly signals that Matt Ryan will be the first overall pick in this year’s draft (barring a trade).  Trent Green has taken way too many hits in his career and needs to retire.  Booker’s an interesting case – had a few good years with the Bears and only one with Miami.  I still think he can be a valuable #3 guy for a quarterback.  Keith Traylor – the human fossil.  He’s played 17 seasons at D-Tackle.  Does he have one more in him?  I don’t think so.

-  Carolina Panthers release LB Dan Morgan and G Mike Wahle (2/11)

Unfortunately, concussions and most recently an ankle injury have cut Morgan’s stint with the Panthers short.  A one time Pro Bowler, Morgan was a fierce linebacker when on the field.  He may catch on with another team as a nice depth or insurance policy plan.  Mike Wahle – a cap casualty, will likely go somewhere else.  Still in his prime at the age of 30, Wahle still has something left in the tank.

-  Philadelpha Eagles place the franchise tag on TE L.J. Smith (2/7)

Huh?  Why?  For a guy who had only 22 catches last year, it is certainly a head scratching move.  And to be quite honest, Eagles fans were most likely pleasantly surprised by the play of rookie TE Brent Celek.  To make him one of the top 5 paid tight ends in the league, to be quite frank, is a crime.

-  Denver Broncos release LB Warrick Holdman (2/11)

Unfortunately, two knee injuries (left and right) have pretty much ended his career.  Always liked him in Chicago.  Hopefully, he catches on somewhere.

-  San Francisco 49ers re-sign QB Shaun Hill (2/7)

Sure.  Why not?  He led them to victory in two of their five games.  Could give Alex Smith some competition.

-  Tampa Bay Buccaneers FB Mike Alstott announces his retirement (1/24)

Kudos to another guy who was a great player during his time.  Alstott played 12 seasons for Tampa and even got a Super Bowl ring in his time there.  He banged in 71 career touchdowns and made 6 Pro Bowls.  Opened up lots of holes for guys like Warrick Dunn, Michael Pittman, and Cadillac Williams.  Just a good guy.  He’ll be missed.