The Green Bay Packers didn’t make a peep on day two of the free agency signing period and appear to be content waiting around for now, while trying to secure a visit from Dallas Cowboys defensive end, Chris Canty.
Several players signed contracts today, and the most interesting news out of Green Bay was that backup defensive tackle Colin Cole seems to be somewhat in demand.
Cole reportedly visited with the Seattle Seahawks today, but Tampa Bay appears to be leading the race to sign the defensive tackle, according to TampaBay.com. Former Packers defensive line coach Robert Nunn, who now holds the same position in Tampa, appears to be leading the push for Cole. The St. Louis Rams have also been mentioned as a suitor for Cole, but it would be surprising if he didn’t sign with Tampa Bay this weekend.
Off the Board
The Houston Texans locked up former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Antonio Smith (No. 4 on our list) on Saturday. Smith signed a 5-year deal for $35 million, including a $12.5 million signing bonus.
The Philadelphia Eagles signed the massive former Cincinnati Bengals right tackle, Stacy Andrews (No. 5). Andrews, who will play with his brother Shawn in Philly, got a 6-year contract, reportly worth about $7 million per season.
Right tackle Jon Stinchcomb (No. 10) re-signed with the New Orleans Saints as well on Saturday. Stinchcomb received a 5-year deal. The terms were not reported.
The New York Giants continued their aggressive approach to free agency by signing former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Boley. Boley signed for 5 years and $25 million. $11 million will be guaranteed. The Giants also picked up former Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, which could mean the team will pass on Canty, according to the New York Daily News.
Bernard was actually the Giants’ second choice at defensive tackle. They made a brief run at Albert Haynesworth Friday morning before the Redskins signed him to a seven-year, $100 million deal. Their third choice – the 6-7, 304-pound Canty – had dinner with Giants coaches last night and was ready to open negotiations if the talks with Bernard broke down.
Division Moves
The Detroit Lions have been busy making moves, although none of them terribly impressive. The Lions signed former Tennessee Titans cornerback Eric King and former Seattle Seahawks running back Maurice Morris. Both players were backups on their former teams.
The Lions also traded backup quarterback Jon Kitna to the Dallas Cowboys for cornerback Anthony Henry. Henry was a starter with the Cowboys, but the move also saved Detroit $4 million in salary cap space.
The Lions met with Pittsburgh Steelers’ receiver Nate Washington on Friday, and reports indicated that Washington may sign with Detroit.
Up in the land of the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is paying a visit. As they say, even the sun shines on a dog’s ass sometimes.
The Vikings also re-signed tight end Jim Kleinsasser to a 3-year deal.
