Tatupu sleeping in Seattle

by | Mar 22, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, NFL Breaking News

Lofa Tatupu landed a $42 million contract extension that will keep him in Seattle through 2015. Media reports indicate that four teammates restructured deals primarily so the team could re-sign Tatupu, who would have become a free agent after 2009.

About $18 million is guaranteed.

Reports also indicate that the Seahawks might be close to terminating the contract of RB Shaun Alexander. The team signed T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones early in free agency, making Alexander’s future in the city appear bleak.

The Seahawks have won the NFC West four years in a row.

Long-time Bronco kicker moves south, inside

by | Mar 22, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency

Jason Elam, long of the Denver Broncos, has left the snowy weather for climate-controlled Atlanta, according to media reports.

Elam has been one of the best, both in terms of accuracy and distance. But it’s hard to understand why the Falcons need a 38-year-old kicker when the rest of the team is pretty terrible, especially one that will cost $9 million for four years.

He did grow up in Snellville, an Atlanta suburb.

Rai-Duhs dump more cash

by | Mar 19, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, 2008 Trades

The Oakland Raiders have reportedly agreed to trade a second round draft choice to the Atlanta Falcons for disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

They also will pay him, allegedly, $70 million for seven years of service.

It just doesn’t end this off-season for the Raiders who continue throwing money around like Pacman Jones at a Las Vegas strip club.

That’s even better money than Asante Samuel got to leave New England for Philadelphia a couple weeks ago – and Samuel has not only outperformed Hall, but has played in Super Bowls.

This is almost like watching some horror movie – you can’t believe what you are seeing, but it’s too fascinating to turn away.

What is the old man in Oakland thinking?

Carolina steals Hackett

by | Mar 18, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football

In what might become one of the biggest under-the-radar signings of the free agent season D.J. Hackett has left Seattle for the Carolina Panthers – and he has done so for two-years, $3.5 million.

Hackett missed large chunks of 2007 with injuries but when he played he showed solid receiving skills. He’ll pair with Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad, who returned to Charlotte after playing in Chicago the last three years.

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Hit the Road Jack-son. And don’t come back

by | Mar 15, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football

A day after the San Francisco 49ers inked their second free agent wide receiver the team has severed ties with Darrell Jackson, the former Seattle Seahawk acquired last off-season for a fourth round pick.

After seven seasons in Seattle, Jackson’s year in the gold country was disappointing. He caught just 46 passes and didn’t eclipse 500 yards.

While Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson aren’t going to erase memories of Stallworth and Swann, Moss and Carter or Bruce in his younger days when he teamed with Torry Holt, the duo is an upgrade over the swill the Niners used to impersonate an offense last year.

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Utecht signs Bengals offer sheet

by | Mar 15, 2008 | 2008 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football

Indianapolis Colts backup tight end Ben “Ouch My” Utecht has signed a three-year offer sheet with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Colts have the option of matching the offer for Utecht, who has never played a full 16 game schedule, missing seven games in his three NFL seasons.

This seemed like a yawner at first, and I still don’t expect it to warrant front-page attention anywhere. But Utecht can contribute to a good team and the move might give him some sleeper fantasy potential. He can catch the ball. He’s amassed 71 catches for 800 yards and three touchdowns playing behind Dallas Clark, and he won a Super Bowl ring after the 2006 season.

He’s not someone I’d draft or buy in an auction but during bye weeks or if injuries hit a starter, Utecht could make a decent match-up play. It’s not like defenders are going to take their focus away from TJ Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson or Chris Henry to stop Utecht, so he could get some solid looks.

Utecht would complement Reggie Kelly, who is considered more of a blocker. He led Bengals tight ends with 20 catches in 2007. Their other tight ends are Deniel Coats, Nate Lawrie and Brad St. Louis, who is a long snapper.