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Latest NFL free-agent movement

Published Jul. 29, 2011 5:45 p.m. ET

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WEDNESDAY

Saints, Dolphins agree to Bush deal

A surprising trade has popped up in this hectic NFL week.

The New Orleans Saints traded former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush to the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday, FOXSports.com has learned.

The deal was contingent upon Bush’s agent Joel Segal working out a new contract with the Dolphins, which was finalized Thursday morning as the RB/punt returner settled on a two-year contract. It is unclear what the Saints are receiving in return.

New Orleans had no intention of keeping Bush this season under the terms of his current contract — an $11.8 million base salary and a cap figure of $16 million.

— Jay Glazer

McNabb to Minnesota is official

The deal first reported by Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com on Tuesday is now complete: The Minnesota Vikings have acquired quarterback Donovan McNabb from the Washington Redskins in exchange for a 2012 sixth-round pick and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2013.

The trade was contingent on McNabb agreeing to restructure the five-year, $78 million extension he signed with the Redskins. Minnesota simply did not have the cap room to accommodate that contract.

McNabb, 34, is a six-time Pro Bowler but the Redskins seem content to go with John Beck as their starter, at least in Week 1.

Glazer also reported that McNabb was the Vikings’ second choice; the team initially sought to acquire quarterback Tyler Thigpen. Thigpen, a former Vikings draft pick, has started 12 NFL games. — Nancy Gay

Longwell returns to Vikings

Mr. Reliable is headed back to Minnesota.

Kicker Ryan Longwell said in a text message to The Associated Press on Wednesday night that he has agreed to terms on a four-year contract to return to the Vikings. ''We're excited to be back!'' Longwell said.

The Vikings didn't hesitate to give the steady, 15-year veteran a four-year deal, even though he will turn 37 in August. If anything, Longwell has gotten better with age, posting the two highest field goal percentages of his career over the last two seasons in the comfy confines of the Metrodome.

Read full story ...

Report: Breaston signs with Chiefs

Wide receiver Steve Breaston is reuniting with Todd Haley, signing with the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Star.

Breaston caught 187 passes for 2,528 yards and seven touchdowns in four seasons with the Cardinals. In Arizona's Super Bowl season of 2008, with Haley serving as offensive coordinator, he had career highs of 77 catches for 1,006 yards. Bothered by a knee injury much of last season, Breaston caught 47 passes for 718 yards.

Breaston's departure leaves the Cardinals without a consistent receiving threat alongside star Larry Fitzgerald.

Source: Steelers to cut LT Starks

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to release left tackle Max Starks on Thursday, a source told FOXSports.com.

Starks had signed a four-year, $26.3 million contract extension that included a $10 million signing bonus in the 2009 offseason. The Steelers, though, still made a Super Bowl run without him last season after Starks missed the final nine regular-season games with a neck injury that required surgery.

The 29-year-old Starks was set to earn $5.14 million in 2011 according to rotoworld.com. Starks was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2004.

Read full story . . .

Chargers sign second-round LB

The San Diego Chargers have agreed to a four-year $3.263 million contract with second-round linebacker Jonas Mouton, according to a league source

The former University of Michigan standout will receive an $873,360 signing bonus.

The deal also includes base salaries of $375,000, $523,335, $671,670 and $820,000.

Read full story . . .

Ravens sign rookie receiver

One day ago, Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith predicted that it wouldn't take long for his contract to be finalized.

The second-round draft pick was correct in his assessment as he agreed to terms tonight, according to a league source.

Read full story . . .

Source: Chargers agree two-year deal with DE

Antwan Barnes agreed to a two-year, $3.2 million deal with the San Diego Chargers, according to a league source.

Barnes is a former Baltimore Ravens draft pick who also has played for the Philadelphia Eagles.

An undersized pass rusher, Barnes played collegiately at Florida International.

Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for scout.com at www.profootball.scout.com

Jets agree to terms with K Folk

Kicker Nick Folk is rejoining the Jets after agreeing to terms with the team on a one-year deal.

Folk wrote on his Twitter page Wednesday night that he's ''Happy to be headed back to Jersey on Friday.'' Folk was 30 of 39 on field-goal attempts last season, his first with the Jets after three years kicking for the Dallas Cowboys. He was also two for three on field goals in the postseason.

-- The Associated Press

Source: Seahawks agree to terms with Rice

Wide receiver Sidney Rice is headed to the Great Northwest, agreeing to a five-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Yet another former Vikings offensive player is now reunited with former Minnesota offensive coordianator Darrell Bevell, who joined Pete Carroll’s staff last January. On Tuesday, former Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson also agreed to a contract with the Seahawks.

Rice excelled under Bevell’s offense before sustaining a hip injury in 2010 that limited his playing time and effectiveness; he had only 17 receptions for 280 yards and two touchdowns. In Seattle, a healthy Rice should quickly establish himself as the top receiving threat.

A second-round pick by Minnesota in the 2007 draft, Rice has 146 career catches for 2,129 yards (14.6 average) and 18 touchdowns.

--Jay Glazer

Source: Josh Wilson, Redskins agree on terms

Baltimore Ravens free agent cornerback Josh Wilson is defecting to the Washington Redskins after agreeing to a three-year, $13.5 million contract that includes $6 million in guaranteed money, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.

Wilson played collegiately at the University of Maryland and was drafted in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks. He was acquired by Baltimore via a trade last year and eventually replaced Fabian Washington as the starter in Baltimore.

Now, the Maryland native will remain in the area with a new employer.

The Ravens are expected to try to retain free agent cornerback Chris Carr now that Wilson is leaving the AFC North franchise.

Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for scout.com at www.profootball.scout.com

Conflicting reports surface about 49ers' Clements

In a prime example of the confusion that a hectic free agency market can create, conflicting reports have surfaced on the roster status of San Francisco 49ers veteran cornerback Nate Clements.

NFL Network reported today that Clements will be cut on Thursday.
However, a league source close to the situation said that the report is incorrect at worst and premature at best.

Cutting Clements couldn’t become official until Thursday at the soonest.
If the 49ers were to release Clements and clear his eight-year, $80 million deal off their salary cap, then it would be to acquire an even higher profile cornerback: Oakland Raiders free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

The 49ers are interested in trying to land Asomugha and keep him in the Bay Area, but the New York Jets are very much in the picture for his services as well. Asomugha played collegiately at Cal-Berkeley.

Since joining the 49ers after leaving the Buffalo Bills, Clements has recorded 10 interceptions.

However, he hasn’t been named to a Pro Bowl.

Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for scout.com at www.profootball.scout.com

Quincy Black gets $29 million to stay a Buc

Quincy Black isn't leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via free agency.

He agreed to a five-year, $29 million contract to remain in town, according to a league source.

The deal includes an $11.5 million signing bonus.

Drafted in the third round out of New Mexico, Black has started for two years in Tampa Bay.

Read the full story . . .

Source: 'Skins agree to terms with Stokley

A person familiar with the deal says the Washington Redskins have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent receiver Brandon Stokley.

The 35-year-old Stokley becomes the fourth wideout age 30 or older to reach a deal with the Redskins in 24 hours. The team has also agreed to terms to sign Donte' Stallworth and re-sign Santana Moss. Plus, it traded for Jabar Gaffney.

Stokley has played for four teams over 12 NFL seasons. He had 31 catches for 354 yards last year with the Seattle Seahawks.

Gradkowski to Bengals

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agent, Rick Smith.

The Bengals' need at quarterback stems from Carson Palmer's refusal to play for the team after demanding a trade.

The Bengals drafted Texas Christian quarterback Andy Dalton, who seems to be unusually well-prepared for a rookie.

Read full story . . .

Colts agree to terms with Vinatieri

The Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms with kicker Adam Vinatieri on a three-year deal.

Vinatieri, who has played the last five seasons with the Colts, is one of the most accurate kickers in the game.

Last season, Vinatieri hit 26 of 28 field goal attempts and was perfect in 51 PAT's -- FOX Sports

Source: Saints, Moore agree to 5-year deal

A person familiar with the deal says Lance Moore has agreed to terms on a new five-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Moore, who was a free agent, has been with the Saints since 2005 and steadily worked his way up from the practice squad to become one of quarterback Drew Brees' favorite receivers.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the Saints had not announced the move.

Last season, Moore played in all 16 regular season games and had 66 receptions for 763 yards and eight touchdowns.

Redskins acquire Gaffney from Broncos

The Washington Redskins have acquired receiver Jabar Gaffney from the Denver Broncos in exchange for defensive end Jeremy Jarmon.

The 30-year-old Gaffney has 375 receptions over nine NFL seasons with Houston, New England and Denver. He had 65 catches for 875 yards and two touchdowns last year.

He joins a Redskins receiving corps that will include Santana Moss, Anthony Armstrong and Donte' Stallworth. Moss is re-signing with the team, and Stallworth agreed to a deal Wednesday.

Read full story . . .

Report: Leinart staying with Texans

Quarterback Matt Leinart won’t reunite with his college coach after all.

In a somewhat surprising move, Leinart ignored multiple media reports predicting he would sign with the Seattle Seahawks and instead, agreed to remain with the Houston Texans, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Leinart was looking for a team that would give him a starting opportunity, the Chronicle reported, but Seattle moved in a different direction on Tuesday by agreeing to contract terms with former Brett Favre backup and erstwhile Vikings starter Tarvarvis Jackson.

As along as Matt Schaub remains with the Texans and stays healthy, Leinart seems destined to remain a backup in Houston. In training camp, he’ll have to beat out Dan Orlovsky and rookie T.J. Yates for the No. 2 QB job.

-- Nancy Gay

Agent: Seahawks sign Robert Gallery

Veteran offensive lineman Robert Gallery will be reunited with former Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable in Seattle.

Gallery's agent, Rick Smith, confirmed that the Seahawks have agreed to a three-year deal for the former first-round draft pick from Iowa.

Gallery was drafted second overall in 2004 and eventually emerged as a well-respected offensive guard after not making the grade as a left offensive tackle.

Read full story . . .

Reports: Panthers retain RB Williams

The Carolina Panthers retained DeAngelo Williams, having reached terms on a five-year contract, according to multiple reports.

The deal is believed to be worth a total of $43 million, with $21 million guaranteed.

The six-year veteran was hampered by a foot injury last season but broke the 1,000-yard mark the previous two years. He rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2008 and 1,117 in 2009. The Memphis product has averaged 5.0 yards a carry in 64 NFL games.

-- Kevin Huhn

Source: Browns release Delhomme

The Cleveland Browns are releasing quarterback Jake Delhomme, two sources told FOXSports.com

Delhomme, 36, was scheduled to earn $5.4 million in base salary in 2011.

Delhomme was 2-2 as a Browns starter in an injury plagued 2010 campaign. He had spent the past seven seasons as a starter in Carolina, which could have interest in re-signing him as a backup and mentor for 2011 first-round pick Cam Newton.

Colt McCoy will enter this season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback.

-- Alex Marvez

Source: Taylor remains a Steeler

The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms on a four-year contract with veteran cornerback Ike Taylor, a league source confirmed.

By retaining the speedy 6-foot-2, 195-pounder, the Steelers held onto their top cover cornerback. Taylor is regularly assigned to cover opponents' most dangerous wide receivers.

Read full story . . .

Source: Weddle stays in San Diego

After testing the market and being hotly pursued by multiple NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, veteran safety Eric Weddle decided to remain with the San Diego Chargers, according to a league source.

Weddle remained with the Chargers on a multi-year contract.

Read full story . . .

Panthers agree to terms with DT Edwards

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Ron Edwards.

The 32-year-old Edwards could start right away at nose tackle, alongside rookie defensive tackle Terrell McClain from South Florida.

Read full story . . .

Stallworth says he'll sign with 'Skins

Donte' Stallworth says he'll be joining the Washington Redskins.

The veteran receiver told 106.7 The Fan on Wednesday that he's ''excited to be a Redskin now.''

Stallworth is expected to sign his deal Friday, the first day teams are allowed to finalize free agent contracts under the labor rules implemented at the end of the NFL lockout.

Read full story . . .

Texans re-sign WR Jones, T Butler

The Houston Texans have agreed to terms with free agent receiver Jacoby Jones and tackle Rashad Butler.

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Jones caught 51 passes for 562 yards in 2010, his fourth season with Houston. Jones also was the Texans' top punt returner, averaging seven yards on 29 returns.

The 6-4, 308-pound Butler played in all 16 games last season. He started four games at left tackle when regular starter Duane Brown served a suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Read full story . . .

Bills agree to 3-year deal with Thigpen

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a three-year contract with free agent quarterback Tyler Thigpen.

Thigpen's agent, Joel Turner, confirmed the deal Wednesday, saying that his client is looking forward to playing for Buffalo coach Chan Gailey again.

Gailey was Thigpen's offensive coordinator in Kansas City in 2008. Thigpen started 11 games with the Chiefs that season, completing 54.8 percent of his passes, and throwing 18 touchdowns.

Read full story . . .

Report: Cofield agrees to Redskins deal

A person familiar with the negotiations says free agent defensive tackle Barry Cofield has agreed to a 6-year, $36 million deal with the Washington Redskins.

In the deal $12.5 million is guaranteed, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because free agent contracts can't be signed until Friday.

Cofield has been a steady presence up front for the New York Giants for five seasons, although he'll have to make the transition to nose tackle in the Redskins' 3-4 defense.

Read full story . . .

Cowboys ink top priority LT Free

The Dallas Cowboys have come to terms with offensive lineman Doug Free, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News has confirmed with a league source.

The deal is for four years at $32 million, with a $17 million signing bonus.

Free became an unrestricted free agent after the terms to the new collective bargaining agreement was signed. Re-signing Free was considered the Cowboys' top priority during this hectic free agency period.

Read full story . . .

Report: Jets re-sign star WR Holmes

The New York Jets took care of their top priority quickly Wednesday, coming to terms with wide receiver Santonio Holmes on a five-year deal, according to a source.

FOXSports.com's Adam Schein reports that the contract is for five years and $24 million guaranteed after Holmes turned down more money from other teams.

It took the Jets just about 24 hours from the time free agency began to bring back their top receiver and provide QB Mark Sanchez with a premiere target for the next several years.

The 27-year-old had 52 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns despite missing four games due to a suspension in his first year with the Jets.

Read full story . . .

Report: Titans add Hasselbeck at quarterback

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to contract terms with free agent Matt Hasselbeck, according to several reports.

The acquisition of Hasselbeck, 35, who led Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2005, will usher in a new era at quarterback for the franchise under first-year head coach Mike Munchak. Whereas the Titans alternated for the last several years between the Vince Young-Kerry Collins drama, the organization has elected to part ways with Young and Collins, 38, retired several weeks ago.

Having drafted Jake Locker in the first round, the Titans now will have their quarterbacks of the present — Hasselbeck to play and tutor Locker — and of the future.

Read full story . . .

Burress talking with Giants?

Plaxico Burress is seriously considering a return to the New York Giants, an NFL source told the New York Post late Tuesday.

The source said the interest is mutual and Burress recognizes he would have to have a conversation with coach Tom Coughlin to repair the bridge he burned in a post-prison interview.

Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, who has developed a friendship with Burress, has called him, and so has Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Asked point-blank whether Burress has ruled out the Giants, the source said, "No," before adding, "The Giants are a possibility."

A report on nj.com stated Burress will meet Wednesday with Coughlin at the Giants’ practice facility. Burress, according to the report, said, "I really don’t know what I’m going to say. I’m just going to go in there and speak from the heart, be truthful with him and let him know how I feel. I’m pretty sure there are things he wants to say, too."

Read full story . . .

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