Notable 2012 NFL Free Agents

Here are some of the more notable unrestricted free agents at "caste positions" that many here at CF will be following in the coming weeks. I might try to update whenever a player signs. Either way, this could be a good thread for free agent discussion. Hopefully 6 or 7 of the safeties will get the chance to become entrenched starters somewhere, as there is supposedly a shortage of quality safeties in the NFL.

Running backs

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland -- Signed by Kansas City
Jacob Hester, San Diego
Spencer Larsen, Denver -- Signed by New England
Owen Schmitt, Philadelphia

Wide receivers

David Anderson, Washington
Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis -- Signed by New England
Brett Swain, San Francisco -- Re-signed by San Francisco
Jerheme Urban, Kansas City
Wes Welker, New England

Defensive Ends

Ryan Baker, Miami -- Re-signed by Miami
Dave Ball, Tennessee
Kroy Biermann, Atlanta -- Re-signed by Atlanta
Tyler Brayton, Indianapolis
Adam Carriker, Washington -- Re-signed by Washington: 4yr, 20 mill (7 mill bonus)
Jeff Charleston, New Orleans
Trevor Scott, Oakland -- Signed by New England
Dave Tollefson, New York Giants -- Signed by Oakland

Defensive tackles

Tim Bulman, Houston
Gary Gibson, St. Louis
Kelly Gregg, Kansas City
Nick Hayden, Cincinnati
Chris Hoke, Pittsburgh (retired?)
Derek Landri, Philadelphia -- Re-signed by Philadelphia
Brian Schaefering, Cleveland

Outside linebackers

Russell Allen, Jacksonville -- Re-signed by Jacksonville
Patrick Bailey, Tennessee
Keith Brooking, Dallas
Bobby Carpenter, Detroit -- Signed by New England
Chris Chamberlain, St. Louis -- Signed by New Orleans
Jarret Johnson, Baltimore -- Signed by San Diego
Brady Poppinga, St. Louis
Matt Roth, Jacksonville
Jordan Senn, Carolina
Dan Skuta, Cincinnati

Inside linebackers

Chase Blackburn, New York Giants
Dan Connor, Carolina -- Signed by Dallas
Blake Costanzo, San Francisco -- Signed by Chicago
Niko Koutouvides, New England -- Re-signed by New England
Matt McCoy, Seattle
Barrett Ruud, Tennessee -- Signed by Seattle
Tim Shaw, Tennessee -- Re-signed by Tennessee


Safeties

Sean Considine, Arizona -- Signed by Baltimore
Craig Dahl, St. Louis
Matt Giordano Oakland
Steve Gregory, San Diego -- Signed by New England
Jim Leonhard, New York Jets
Corey Lynch, Tampa Bay
Kyle McCarthy, Denver
Jon McGraw, Kansas City
Sabby Piscitelli, Kansas City
Craig Steltz, Chicago -- Re-signed by Chicago
Tom Zbikowski, Baltimore -- Signed by Indianapolis



Complete List of Free Agents: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/02/25/2012-free-agents-by-position

Kroy Bierman re-signed with Atlanta.....I think he got $10 million over three years.

Thanks for the update on Kroy...hopefully he'll be more than a reality TV star soon....he'll become an entrenched starter and an impact player for the Falcons.

Some more free agent news:

Looks like safety Steve Gregory is really getting serious attention from the Patriots and several other teams. He's from Staten Island, NY, so the Pats could be a nice fit if he has too leave his best freind (Eric Weddle) on the West Coast. According to the link below, quite a few other teams are going after him hard, so he should remain a starter. I think ball-hawking Matt Giordano would be a better fit for the Pats, but Gregory seems like a nice option, also.

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...gency-and-how-it-all-relates-to-the-patriots/

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Article also notes the Patriots are looking at ex-Redskin free safety LaRon Landry, who was a top 10 pick and seen as a sure-fire NFL super-star coming out of college due to his speed and athletic ability. He's had some good moments in Washington, but in recent years has been inconsistent and too often injured. Recently he posted a picture that might explain why he can't run as fast as advertised (too bulky) and why he might be too often injured -- steriods turning him into a modern day Mark McGwire, who couldn't run 10 feet without popping a hamstring?



Caption: Defensive end Adam Carriker supposedly mocking Landry wearing his wife's shirt

The Patriots are reportedly interested in signing Danny Amendola, which is curious considering they already have Welker and Edelman. I'd much rather see them sign one of the White safeties (or draft Harrison Smith), or draft a White defensive player early.

New England Patriots Finally Hear Those Wes Welker-Danny Amendola Comparisons

by Dan Moore • Mar 14, 2012 8:00 AM CDT

St. Louis Rams fans who didn't have much else to enjoy on the receiving side in 2010 got a lot of mileage out of the idea that Danny Amendola, for all his limitations, was similar in a lot of superficial and, uh, ficial ways. In addition to being short, white, and unheralded, he was a safety valve for an offense that needed one, catching 85 balls for not nearly so many yards as you might expect or hope for. Now the New England Patriots have apparently caught wind of the comparisons: They're reportedly interested in offering a compensatory second-round pick for the Rams' number-one-by-default.

After all that Brandon Lloyd-Josh McDaniels speculation, this was not the Patriots-Rams wide receiver conflagration I was expecting. I suppose it makes sense, though: If anybody knows how to value wide receivers with limited breakaway abilities and sure hands, it's the Patriots.

As for the Rams' part in all this, there's a school of thought that suggests slot receivers are more fungible than their stats might indicate. If that's the case, a second-rounder would be more than adequate compensation for a team that's looking to stockpile picks and remake itself in Jeff Fisher's image.

http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-loui...956/new-england-patriots-danny-amendola-trade

I've been updating the list, when I get the chance...Looks like Jarrett Johnson has signed with the Chargers. Him leaving Baltimore should open up a spot for Paul Kruger to be a full time starter. Johnson is better @ the run; Kruger should bring more pressure on opposing QB's.

Weenie world is reporting Dan Connor could sign with the Cowboys. Hopefully that means as a starter...and not the Keith Brooking (quasi starter) role from last season. Lee and Connor starting would help the Cowboys a lot. Not sure Jerry Jones would allow his coaches to start two white LB's fulltime?

They are also reporting Hillis is vising Kansas City....per weenieworld:

We like the fit better than BenJarvus Green-Ellis, as Hillis is more skilled as a runner as well as a receiver. He also has plenty of experience in new coordinator Brian Daboll's offense. On the other hand, a Hillis signing would bode poorly for Jamaal Charles' fantasy value.

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Hopefully Craig Steltz will also get a long look as a starter elsewhere, because I really believe Hatie won't allow a Conte/Steltz starting tandem. Here's what an objective (black) ESPN writer posted about him recently:

Craig Steltz, S, unrestricted: Even though three safeties were recently given the franchise tag by their respective teams (Dashon Goldson, Michael Griffin, Tyvon Branch), there is still expected to be a fairly deep safety class when free agency begins Tuesday. Steltz saw his stock rise last year when he started a career-best five games, finishing with 48 tackles, three tackles for lost yardage, two forced fumbles and a sack. Steltz always has been an excellent special teams player. He ranked fourth last season with 12 special teams stops, and is considered by many to be one of the best tacklers on the team. It's unclear if the Bears would let Steltz compete for a starting job next year if he comes back -- they should -- but one thing is clear: The Bears are a better team in 2012 with Steltz on the roster than without.

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Well, it's not a "caste position", but I'd call him a Notable Free Agent.
The Browns released Eric Steinbach today. Sumo Jason Pinkston will take over permanently.

Bonehead prima donna DeSean Jackson was re-signed for 5 years by the Eagles. Bad news for Riley Cooper, who now looks fated to permanent journeyman status barring injury to Jackson or Maclin. Riley probably won't even be used in the racially appropriate slot position, as the mediocre Jason Avant is beloved by DWFs and media alike.

Hillis is a Chief. 1 year 3 million.

Hillis signs with the Chiefs.
One year, $3 million.

Best case scenario is that Jamaal Charles doesn't come back completely healthy from his season ending knee injury. Even if he does Hillis should see the field a fair amount of the time. At least we can hope. Then again they also have McCluster the scatback, who's been a bust but who will undoubtedly get several more seasons to tap into his "unlimited potential."

I'm thinking/hoping the Cheifs have Jacobs/Bradshaw type combination in mind with Hillis/Charles. If Charles is healthy that'll be a devastating running combo!

Don Wassall said:

Bonehead prima donna DeSean Jackson was re-signed for 5 years by the Eagles. Bad news for Riley Cooper, who now looks fated to permanent journeyman status barring injury to Jackson or Maclin. Riley probably won't even be used in the racially appropriate slot position, as the mediocre Jason Avant is beloved by DWFs and media alike.

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I figured they'd let Jackson get away as he was giving the Eagles a hard time all season.

The Blackaneers live up to their name and keep getting blacker under caste whore schiano

wtf, that's Landry? the safety? wow, roid much?!

Carriker is a big dude, but even his massive arms look smallish next to the roid freak!

PS mixed feelings about Hillis' signing... i mean they have a very good back there, is he going to be relegated to Alstott role? Can Chiefs have a Texan like one-two punch?

backrow said:

wtf, that's Landry? the safety? wow, roid much?!

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Yes, that is Landry a defensive back, as hard as it is to believe...That photo has been plastered everywhere on the Net in recent weeks. Here's a article about Patriots looking at him. It has a photo of him from last year:

http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2012/03/hard-hitting_safety_laron_land.html


Supposedly the Patriots, Jets and Eagles are going after Landry real hard, even though the Skins don't seem to even care if goes or stays. That's odd, considering he was the sixth overall pick (which is super high for a safety) less than 5 years ago.....Best case scenario would be the Eagles. I'd like to see the Pats sign Gregory or draft Harrison Smith...If Landry goes to the Jets Eric Smith or Leonhard (or both) will be gone or relagated to backup...actually, if Leonhard re-signs, which is possible (assuming he's healthy) Landry will takeover for Smith...but looking at how bulked (doing 'roids?) he is, I doubt he lasts long -- he'll either be too bulky to cover or constantly be injured -- and Smith could regain his job.

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Also, Chargers have signed Leron McClain to play 'fullback'...Hester will either have to be merely a special teams mascot or move onto another team...this could be the begining of the end of his NFL career (if he can't find a team that will use him as a runner/receiver), because he's not big enough to be a battering Ram blocker long term. Pretty sad if true, considering how much hope we had invested in him a couple years ago.

Never thought i would be cheering for the Chiefs but it could be a good fit.Hillis should get even carries with J.Charles or maybe the majority since Charles is a smaller back and has never been in a true featured roll with the team.It could be a record setting year for team rushing with the Hillis/Charles combo between Hillis pounding out yards and Charles getting some big breakaway runs if fully recovered from his knee injury.I have to admit that Charles is a "exciting" player with great breakaway speed and now having Hillis to split time with i guess i'll be glued to the tube when the Chiefs have the ball this year.

Mario Williams signed with the Bills for $100 million. And he was likely only the third best outside linebacker with Houston, given the emergence of Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed. Other than two good sack totals in his six year career, Williams' stats are quite pedestrian, especially for a first overall draft pick.

I'm amazed at the money (and accolades) being thrown at FA black players so far, most of them mediocre at best. Teams are really flush with money these days. Unfortunately it also heralds the usual disappointments at the Draft next month.

Cowboys just signed Dan Connor. Best scenario would be for him to start alongside Sean Lee on the inside, but Dallas drafted a black LB early last year, so we'll have to wait and see.

The Titans signed Steve Hutchinson, which should impress Peyton Manning.

The Patriots sign Steve Gregory to a three year deal! It looks like he'll be the starting free safety in New England.

From Rotoworld:

Patriots signed S Steve Gregory to a three-year contract.

The Broncos and Panthers were also interested in the long-time Bolt, but he'll head to a team that sported one of the league's most dysfunctional secondaries in 2011. The Union-Tribune San Diego's Michael Gehlken reports Gregory will be New England's starting free safety after he played strong safety for the Chargers.

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Kevin Boss signs with the Chiefs. Great signing, he is a great blocker and an underrated receiver. Looks like the Chiefs are serious about getting better.

First Hillis....now Boss.....I'll have to go out and get a Chiefs T-shirt tomorrow....and figure out a way to see their games in the Fall....

Some notes from Weenie World, followed by my two cents:

Chris Chamberlain - LB - Rams

The Saints are interested in free agent WLB Chris Chamberlain.

The Saints are casting a wide net in their search for linebacker help. Chamberlain played for new Saints DC Steve Spagnuolo the past three years in St. Louis.

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Never thought about it, but Spag's going to New Orleans (replacing odius whigger Gregg Williams) could mean the "whites need not apply on defense" sign might finally come down at the Super Dome....Would be nice real nice if Roger Goodell gives Williams, at least, a year long suspension for the bounty stuff, so he never gets to spew his caste venom with the Rams.

Trevor Scott - DL - Raiders

Free agent DE/OLB Trevor Scott will visit the Patriots.

Scott played just 251 snaps for the Raiders last season, and graded out as one of the worst defensive ends in the league by Pro Football Focus. He'd be a pass-rushing specialist if he ended up in New England.

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I've always liked this kid's athletic ability and game...a lot. Whenever he was healthy and got a chance to play regularly, he was productive in Oakland. I really believe he will be better suited at OLB and has the talent to start and be a Ninkovich type, given the chance.

Dan Connor - LB - Cowboys

ESPN Dallas reports the Cowboys agreed to terms with ILB Dan Connor, formerly of the Panthers.

According to the Wilmington News Journal, Connor had a one-year offer from the Eagles, but it wasn't close to what the Cowboys were offering. Although the organization was impressed with Bruce Carter in his return from ACL surgery late last season, the singing of strong run defender Connor suggests they're not ready to hand him a starting job. The odds favor Connor starting alongside former Penn State teammate Sean Lee at inside linebacker.

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Hope he does start. Any time a guy gets signed so early in free agency and gets good money, it's a positive sign that he was really coveted by that team...love to see Conner/Lee starting ILB tandem in Dallas.

So far, it's business as usual in regards to mystifying moves by both players and teams.

Hillis signing such a low ball offer means that he certainly never turned his nose up at offers from the Browns. How much less could they have offered him? Or, maybe he just really does make constantly stupid decisions. There's a chance he does well in KC, but Charles is perhaps the most talented back in the league when healthy. Let's hope they give him decent touches.

Peyton Manning choosing between Denver and Tennessee makes absolutely no sense. Either way, he screws over a young, athletic QB. The Titans are awful all around- no weapons, no defense. Does he really think they're close to a championship? The Broncos are better, but again is that the best he can do? The Texans would be perfect, but their idiotic owner inexplicably publicly disavows any interest, and takes a nasty swipe at Peyton in the process ("We beat him when he was healthy...") And why would the Texans cut a great lineman (Winston) and then probably allow Myers to get away, too? Oh well, they have some chubby sumo to insert at right tackle. To top if off, they just cut Matt Leinert, who looked good before having that hard luck injury. Talk about not getting any breaks....

What did Jake Locker have to show to get a chance to start? This kid is purposefully being thwarted from getting a chance, by his own team. Which of course wants to put the best players on the field and win...
As for Tebow, apparently the only team interested in him at all is the Jaguars, who have the most awful core of receivers ever assembled. And if he goes there, yet another young QB gets screwed over. You know, Blaine Gabbert, whom the jock sniifers claim had "one of the worst" rookie seasons ever. Look at his stats, then just go back a few years and look at Josh Freeman's sterling rookie season. It's just incredible the way they lie and lie.

Isn't it funny how John Carlson chooses a team with a fine young TE (Vikings), while mediocrity Marcellus Bennett walks into the perfect situation with the Giants? And why would the Patriots be interested in Danny Amendola? They can only play so many "slot" receivers at once. More importantly, why are the Rams sending clear signals they don't want him? Btw, I read a story where Tom Brady is still a "big fan" of Jabar Gaffney. What? How can anyone explain that?

Meanwhile, Tavaris Jackson may very well still have no real competition in Seattle. They seem to be looking at a lot of lower tier options to "compete" with this complete bust. Even worse, the Bucs sign Orlovsky as the backup to Freeman, who has now had two awful seasons sandwiched around a very good one. Why doesn't he deserve some competition?

I told everyone I knew that the Redskins would sign Garcon, and wildly overpay him in the process. He has Dan Snyder written all over him- overhyped, a clear case of being famous for nothing. And the signing of Josh Morgan was nearly as stupid. When they insert that magical RGIII in there, it is really going to be something special. To top it off, they resign some unknown turd who tried to kill his little boy last year, and now sign utter failure Meriweather at safety. No rational person can root for the Redskins.

Brilliant rant, Bigunreal!

As for Amendola, I'm not surprised in the least that the new Rams regime doesn't want him. The Rams will rapidly become exceedingly black in no time at all.

I would like to see Amendola go the the Chiefs. They have had no consistency in the slot from any of their receivers, and would be a tremendous compliment to Hillis and Boss. Even Bowe would benefit immensely from the addition. The Pats signing him would probably be detrimental to Julian Edelman's snaps, unless they plan on making Edelman a full-time corner......

I'm glad about some of these player moves. Gregory to Pats seems ok, as does Conner to Dallas (apparently he was offered quite a bit more money than Eagles were), and Jarret Johnson to Chargers. If Flynn signs with Seahawks that would be great.
Bad moves that standout are Carlson to Vikings. This seems really dumb, but the money was pretty good.