Free Agency Thread - Should the Texans go after them?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2350136

The Broncos shaved $14.99 million of cap room Wednesday, but it came at a big price for talent.

The Broncos released three starters -- defensive end Trevor Pryce, running back Mike Anderson and tight end Jeb Putzier in moves that pull the team within a couple of millions of the $92 million salary cap.

Pryce had a $10.2 million cap number and his release saves $8.5 million of cap room. There had no been much talk about him adjusting his salary. The same happened to Anderson, who had a $2.565 million salary that he is now not going to receive.

Putzier and Stephen Alexander shared the tight end position, but Alexander ended up starting more games.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-panthers-moves&prov=ap&type=lgns

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers trimmed about $4 million off the salary cap Wednesday by releasing defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, running back Stephen Davis and kick returner Rod Smart.

The Panthers are still about $3 million over a salary cap that is projected to be about $95 million, pending developments in the ongoing labor talks between the NFL and the players union. They can reach that number through more cuts, or restructuring other contracts.

The moves Carolina made Wednesday were obvious, but not easy for anyone in the organization.

"Each of these men played an important role in the success we have enjoyed here," coach John Fox said. "It is not easy saying goodbye to them. They were productive players and their contributions played a major role in our going to the Super Bowl in 2003 and returning to the NFC Championship game last season."

Davis was Fox's first major signing as head coach. He brought Davis to Carolina after seven productive seasons with the Washington Redskins and Davis instantly became the Panthers' featured back.

He became the workhorse of the offense, setting a team record in 2003 with 1,444 yards rushing. But he missed most of last season with a knee injury that led to microfracture surgery and put his career in doubt.

Although Davis returned at the start of last season and ran for a team-record 12 TDs, he averaged just 3.1 yards a carry. He eventually lost his starting job to DeShaun Foster and the Panthers placed him on injured reserve in December.

Davis had a $3.8 million cap figure and was due a $1.05 million roster bonus Friday. Letting him go saves Carolina about $1.8 million toward the cap.

In Buckner, the Panthers lose a 13-year veteran and locker room leader. He signed with Carolina as a free agent in 2001 and set a team record for games started at defensive tackle with 65. He finished with 226 tackles and 14 1/2 sacks in five years with Carolina.

Buckner was scheduled to have a $2.5 million cap figure, and his release clears about $1.5 million. But letting him go is risky: defensive tackle Kris Jenkins has missed most of the past two seasons with injury, and the tandem of Jordan Carstens and Kindal Moorehead are a long way away from Buckner's caliber.

Smart -- known as "He Hate Me" during his year playing in the XFL -- was Carolina's kickoff returner for three years, but lost his job this season to Jamal Robertson. His release saves the Panthers about $700,000.

The Panthers still have a lot of work to do to get under the cap and at a number that helps them negotiate with free agents when the signing period begins Friday. They'd like to re-sign linebacker Will Witherspoon, safety Marlon McCree and center Jeff Mitchell, but financial concerns could make it difficult and Hurney said he's not close to making a deal with any of them.

Hurney can begin by looking at the contracts of several veterans, including safety Mike Minter, defensive ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker, who is due a $500,000 roster bonus this week.

Others due money this week are linebackers Brandon Short, who will be owed a $250,000 bonus, and Chris Draft, up for a $100,000 bonus.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2350228

Dolphins release tackle Damion McIntosh

MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins released left tackle Damion McIntosh Wednesday, making their first major cut of the offseason.

With a $3.3 million base salary, plus a $500,000 roster bonus due later this month, the cut saves the team $3.8 million against the salary cap.

The Dolphins held talks with McIntosh and his agent about restructuring his contract, but the sides couldn't reach an agreement. McIntosh's agent said the Dolphins have yet to offer the player a new contract because of limitations of the salary cap if the collective bargaining agreement is not extended.

The Dolphins, who were approximately $9 million over the projected cap of $92 to $95 million, are also expected to cut strong safety Tebucky Jones. That will save the team another $6.5 million.

 

Here's the updated cut list. Any interests?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AubddvS8qrWQwF_TT021avs5nYcB?slug=marchcuts&prov=st&type=lgns

The following are the NFL players who were released after
March 1.


ATLANTA FALCONS
---------------
Brady Smith, de


BUFFALO BILLS
-------------
Sam Adams, dt
Mark Campbell, te
Lawyer Milloy, s


CAROLINA PANTHERS
-----------------
Brentson Buckner, dt
Stephen Davis, rb
Brandon Short, lb
Rod Smart, kr


DALLAS COWBOYS
--------------
La'Roi Glover, dt


DENVER BRONCOS
--------------
Mike Anderson, rb
Trevor Pryce, de
Jeb Putzier, te


GREEN BAY PACKERS
-----------------
Na'il Diggs, lb
Ryan Dutton, p


HOUSTON TEXANS
--------------
Tony Banks, qb
Marcus Coleman, s
Tony Hollings, rb


KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
------------------
Shawn Barber, lb
Dexter McCleon, cb
Gary Stills, lb
Eric Warfield, cb


MIAMI DOLPHINS
--------------
Damion McIntosh, t
Tebucky Jones, s
Reggie Howard, cb
Sam Madison, cb


OAKLAND RAIDERS
---------------
Ron Stone, g
Denard Walker, cb
Ted Washington, dt


PITTSBURGH STEELERS
-------------------
Tommy Maddox, qb
Willie Williams, cb


ST. LOUIS RAMS
--------------
Chris Claiborne, lb


SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
----------------
Andre Dyson, cb
Michael Harden, cb
Jamie Sharper, lb


TENNESSEE TITANS
----------------
Brad Hopkins, t

 

Well, you can add Issac Bruce, Kerry Collins, and LaVar Arrington to the list. Some big names for the Texans to go after.

Issac Bruce - 2nd or 3rd receiver
Kerry Collins - backup QB
LaVar Arrington - engineer our defense?