Month: March 2007 (Page 11 of 12)

The NFL Network is reporting that the 49ers signed cornerback Nate Clements to an 8-year, $80 million contact. Clements apparently will get $22 million in guaranteed bonuses, which makes him the highest paid defender in the history of the NFL.

Clements is without a doubt the best DB in the free agency, and a player that should make a significant impact in San Fran’s secondary. San Fran still has plenty of cap space left, so expect the team to make more efforts to sure up the defense. In fact, the team also reached a deal with safety Michael Lewis, formerly of the Eagles.

The NFL Network is reporting the Cleveland Browns have struck a 7-year deal worth $49.5 million with top free agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach (Bengals).

Once again, the Browns have apparently signed the best o-lineman free agency has to offer. Last year, Cleveland inked C LeCharles Bentley (Saints), and LT Kevin Shaffer (Falcons) to multiyear contracts. Bentley never made it past the first practice, suffering a career-threatening knee injury, while Shaffer often acted as a revolving door for defensive linemen on their way to the quarterback. Either way, at least Cleveland is spending the money to build their line, a group often spurned in free agency by other teams. Plus, Steinbach is regarded as a highly versatile player who can line up in the interior or at tackle.

With free agency kicking off in full swing today, teams are on the lookout for this season’s Jeff Garcia, the undervalued veteran who will provide plenty of bang for the buck.

Check out Bullz-Eye.com for a look at the potential bargains and busts of this year’s NFL free agent class.