Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1287 of 1503)

– A year after saying he’d played his last down in Chicago, LB Lance Briggs re-upped with Da Bears for six-years and $36 million.

– After giving up their first rounder last year for QB Brady Quinn and their second rounder just a day ago for DL Corey Williams, Cleveland parted with its third round pick (and CB Leigh Bodden) for DT Shaun Rogers, formerly of Detroit. Rogers is a fantastic player, but he’s also been hammered about his work ethic.

– The Browns also reached an agreement with WR Donte Stallworth. Even though he’s a major injury risk, Stallworth adds another weapon to a Cleveland arsenal that already features Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr.

– The Vikings added WR Benard Berrian (Bears). Berrian has always been an intriguing player and one that could blow up at any time. I don’t know if he’s worth $42 million, but that’s the way the market is right now.

– The Bills landed DT Marcus Stroud (Jaguars) for a third and fifth round pick. Stroud will give the Bills’ run defense a definite boost.

– The Dolphins and DE Jason Taylor have decided to part ways. Miami will now seek a trade for the 33-year-old end.

– The Jets agreed to terms with G Alan Faneca, inking him to a five-year, $40 million contract.

Here are some of the more intriguing NFL free agency rumors circulating the net right now:

– According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Saints are “very close” to acquiring Jets’ linebacker Jonathan Vilma. If healthy, Vilma could really upgrade the Saints’ undersized linebacker corps. He wasn’t a great fit in the Jets’ 3-4 scheme, but could be fantastic in the middle of New Orleans’ defense. (Once again, if he’s healthy.)

– More Saints news: NO has contacted the Giants about the availability of TE Jeremy Shockey. NY will probably rebuff, but remember all the talk following the Super Bowl about how the Giants might have been more focused without Shockey running his mouth? He would be fantastic in Sean Payton’s offense.

– NFL Network’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Michael Turner will visit the Falcons Friday. Turner would be a good fit in Atlanta with Jerious Norwood, but I can’t see them shelling out a ton of money early in free agency with so many holes to fill. The Lions are also reportedly interested.

Update: The Saints nabbed Vilma for a fourth round pick…A FOURTH ROUND PICK! Either his knees are shot or the Saints just got a hell of a steal.

– The story of the offseason thus far has been the Browns desire to sign QB Derek Anderson to a multi-year contract. They finally accomplished that feat Friday, inking DA to a three-year deal, which includes $14 mil in guaranteed money. Looks like the Brady Quinn era has been shelved for now.

– Cleveland also acquired Packers’ DL Corey Williams, who GB franchised last week. The Browns gave up a second rounder for Williams, but at least they fortified their d-line, which they were likely to do in the second round anyway.

– The Jets acquired former Carolina Panthers DT Kris Jenkins for a third and fifth round pick.

– The 49ers signed former Panther RB DeShaun Foster to a two-year, $1.8 million contract. I really like this move. With Frank Gore getting most of the carries, Foster should stay healthy and thus, productive.

– Redskins brought back their backup QB Todd Collins. He did very well down the stretch last season to get the Skins into the playoffs, but he was also best suited for Al Saunders’ offense. Will he fit in a West Coast scheme?

– New England re-signed “Mr. Patriot” LB Teddy Bruschi. It’s hard to think about the Pats’ LB corps getting even older next year, but even at 34, Bruschi can still play and obviously knows the scheme well.

The NFL’s free agency period kicked off Friday and I’m sure I’m not the only one geeked that another offseason is upon us. Are Michael Turner and Lance Briggs worth the big bucks? Who’s a sleeper in a brutal quarterback class? In my latest column for Bullz-Eye.com, I list the studs, duds and sleeper free agents for every position.

According to Rotoworld.com, Browns’ GM Phil Savage says that he’s fine with starting youngster Brady Quinn next season if Derek Anderson doesn’t accept the team’s multi-year contract.

Savage doesn’t expect Anderson to return if he passes on the three-year proposal currently on the table. The Browns don’t plan to match any deal Anderson gets in restricted free agency. “We can look in the mirror and know we put a strong offer out there,” Savage said. The Browns would be happy to take the first- and third-round picks they’d receive when Anderson signs an offer sheet, and appoint Brady Quinn as their 2008 starting QB.

This is quickly turning into the most intriguing offseason situations in the league. Reports have surfaced that Anderson wants a six-year deal, but the Browns don’t want to make that kind of commitment after trading a first rounder for Quinn last year. So the question becomes: Is any team willing to give up a 1st and a 3rd for Anderson?