Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1424 of 1503)

In the past three days, the Buccaneers have attempted to trade for Broncos’ quarterback Jake Plummer twice, were informed of his retirement, and signed veteran Jeff Garcia. On Sunday, the team once again was informed that Plummer would follow through on his retirement.

Uh, why the hell would the Bucs sign Garcia and still complete a trade for Plummer when they knew he was willing to retire than play for them? Why would Tampa need Garcia, Plummer, Chris Simms (who was signed to an extension last year) and Bruce Gradkowski? Unless the Bucs were planning on trading Plummer once they acquired him, this doesn’t make any sense. Either way, it doesn’t look like Plummer will play for Tampa – if anyone – next season, and Garcia will be the starter.

By the way, I think Plummer will play next year. I just think at this point in his career, he wants to control where he goes next, especially after the beating he took by media and fans in Denver over the past few years. There was no way he was going to let the Broncos determine where he played next season, hence the “retirement” decision.

The Boston Globe is reporting the Patriots inked free agent LB Adalius Thomas. Details are still to follow, but what a find for New England.

Traditionally, the Patriots are about the last team to dole out major bucks for a free agent, but this makes sense. Thomas is arguably the biggest free agent catch, excelling in coverage, rushing the passer and in run support. Given the Patriots’ 3-4 front, Thomas is an outstanding fit and should do wonders for a linebacker corps that had to rely on Junior Seau’s tired legs for most of ’06. He is so versatile, that he can line up with his hand in the dirt too, and provide a steady pass rush.

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.