March 2007 Fantasy Football Newsbreaker Updates

March 10, 2007 12:44 AM ET
Browns: Restricted free agent Smith signs
	The News Hoping to take a key defender away from a division rival, the Browns have signed restricted free agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith to an offer sheet. ESPN is reporting that the details of the offer were not immediately available, nor was it known if the Bengals have yet received the paperwork involved in the transaction. Once the offer sheet is officially executed, Cincinnati will have seven days in which to match the offer in order to retain Smith.
	Our View Smith isn't a statistical monster, but he should compete for a starting job at nose tackle in the Browns 3-4 scheme. This is a tactical move that could help Cleveland immensely, but we wouldn't be surprised to the Bengals match this offer. If they choose not to, Cincy will receive no compensation because they made Smith the lowest qualifying offer for a restricted free agent.
March 9, 2007 11:50 PM ET
Titans: White won't be featured
	The News Despite having no other clear options at the running back position on their current roster, the Titans are not planning to feature LenDale White as their workhorse in 2007. The Nashville Tennessean is reporting that White will be in the Titans' mix, however, he won't be a true feature-back. Philosophically, the Titans don't want to let one runner carry the load. "We drafted LenDale for a reason," Fisher told the paper. "We feel like he has a chance to be a very productive back. With that said, we expect to have two that we can call upon, at least."
	Our View This is a very interesting quote by coach Fisher. He's saying that LenDale will share carries, but he doesn't know who will help him shoulder the load. The Titans had to let Travis Henry walk this offseason because he was due a huge bonus, and they have finally realized that Chris Brown is just an injury-plagued stiff. LenDale's owners in keeper leagues are crossing their fingers, but it sounds as if the team will be using a platoon situation next season. Look for the Titans to add a few more tailbacks through free agency, or in the upcoming NFL draft.
March 9, 2007 11:06 PM ET
Lions: Duckett in the fold
	The News Free agent running back T.J. Duckett has signed a contract with the Lions. ESPN is reporting that Duckett's deal is a one-year offer that will pay the former first-round draft choice between $1.5 million-$2 million for the 2007 season.
	Our View Duckett didn't see much action last season in Washington, and obviously wasn't drawing tons of interest if he was willing to settle for a one-year contract. He is a logical signing for Detroit, as he will likely pair with Tatum Bell, who the Lions acquired via trade last week. This move somewhat confirms the notion that Kevin Jones may not be fully healed in time for the beginning of the season, as it appears the team is preparing to replace him with the Bell-Duckett combination. However, when Jones is ready, this has now become an awfully crowded backfield.
March 9, 2007 8:56 PM ET
Broncos: Smith restructures deal
	The News Wide receiver Rod Smith, who recently underwent surgery on his hip, took a $5 million paycut when he restructured his contract on Friday. ESPN reports that he reduced his base salary for next season from $6.5 million to $1.5 million.
	Our View The Broncos are making room under the cap after giving Daniel Graham a rich deal. Smith is moving down the depth charts as he gets older, and realized $1.5 million is better than nothing.
March 9, 2007 8:52 PM ET
Seahawks: Russell moves to the northwest
	The News Safety Brian Russell reached an agreement to join the Seahawks on Friday, ESPN reported. Terms of the deal have not been reported.
	Our View By bringing in Russell and Deon Grant over the past two days, the Seahawks have waved goodbye to Ken Hamlin.
March 9, 2007 7:02 PM ET
Titans: Pacman on his way out?
	The News Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher doesn't expect troubled cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to return to the Titans' facility with the rest of his teammates when they report later this month, although the team is still assessing the situation. "As an organization it's always been our policy to gather facts and to make sure we have all the information, and that's what we're doing," Fisher told the Associated Press. "At this point, I don't see him coming back on the 19th." Apparently the NFL is looking at 10 separate incidents in which when Jones has been questioned by police since being drafted, including the triple shooting at a Las Vegas strip club last month.
	Our View The Titans knew Jones was a troublemaker when they drafted him, so they have only themselves to blame. Judging by Fisher's comments, Pacman's days in Tennessee appear to be numbered.
March 9, 2007 6:38 PM ET
Falcons: Horn to 'lead by example'
	The News Joe Horn is excited about his recent change of address, and is vowing to be a leader during his tenure in Atlanta. "I didn't come here to be flashy, I didn't come here to stand in front of the cameras," Horn told the Associated Press after signing a four-year, $19 million contract with the Falcons on Thursday. "I came here to lead by example."
	Our View Horn was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Saints, so he has the best resume of any member of the Falcons receiving corps. He is saying all of the right things at this time, but will need to back up this talk with solid play before he earns the trust of fantasy owners once more. Joe has certainly lost a step, but the Falcons are hoping that by mentoring Roddy White and Michael Jenkins he can make an impact in more ways than one. They are also hoping that he keeps his cell phone in his locker during games.
March 9, 2007 6:24 PM ET
Texans: Quinn coveted?
	The News The Houston Texans have apparent interest in a quarterback change this offseason and rumors are swirling that the man they covet may be Notre Dame's Brady Quinn. ESPN's Len Pasquarelli is reporting that Houston, who owns the eighth selection in April's draft, has been talking to teams higher in the order about moving up in the round, if necessary, to snag Quinn. Specifically, the Texans feel they might have to leap-frog the Vikings, who sit one slot ahead of them and will also be tempted to grab Quinn.
	Our View The Texans have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes in an attempt to replace David Carr. We believe Jake Plummer was atop their wish list, but now that he's announced his retirement, coach Gary Kubiak and company are considering all options. The NFL draft is always a source for crazy speculation, but it wouldn't surprise us at all if the Texans try to come away with a prized quarterback like Brady Quinn.
March 9, 2007 5:31 PM ET
Cowboys: Colombo returns
	The News Offensive tackle Marc Colombo re-signed with the Cowboys on Friday. ESPN reported that his new deal is for two-years and $7 million, with a $4 million signing bonus.
	Our View By signing Colombo the Cowboys can move Leonard Davis to guard, which is likely a better fit for him. The Cowboys now have a lot of money invested in their offensive line.
March 9, 2007 5:24 PM ET
Bengals: O'Neal finishes court case
	The News Cornerback Deltha O'Neal has resolved the legal problems stemming from his arrest in December. The AP reported that O'Neal pleaded guilty to reckless driving on Friday, and received a 30-day suspended jail sentence, probation, and a fine.
	Our View O'Neal is the third Bengals player to finish a court case this week. Do not expect this case to affect his fantasy value for 2007.
March 9, 2007 4:39 PM ET
Giants: Droughns acquired from Browns
	The News The Giants have acquired running back Reuben Droughns from the Browns in exchange for wide receiver Tim Carter, ESPN.com reported. Droughns, 28, became expendable after the Browns recently signed running back Jamal Lewis. He is due a $1.75 million roster bonus on March 17.
	Our View The Giants wanted a veteran to be a backup to Brandon Jacobs, and they paid a cheap price for a guy who has twice run for 1,200 yards. We still expect Jacobs to be the starter and the guy to have in fantasy leagues. Droughns will be the handcuff pick. Meanwhile, Carter's injury-plagued tenure with the Giants finally comes to an end. Maybe he can find good health and more playing time in Cleveland, but we don't expect Carter to be a fantasy factor.
March 9, 2007 1:41 PM ET
Jets: Barnes signed to block for Jones
	The News The Jets signed former Dolphins fullback Darian Barnes Thursday, according to Newsday. Terms of the deal have not been released.
	Our View Barnes has five career carries in six NFL seasons, so he's not being brought in to compete with Thomas Jones.
March 9, 2007 1:30 PM ET
Texans: Former Chief signed to upgrade line
	The News The Texans took a big step towards upgrading their offensive line, signing free agent tackle Jordan Black on Thursday. The former Chief inked a two-year deal worth $3.5 million, according to the Houston Chronicle.
	Our View The Raiders offered Black more money, but the Texas native preferred both the Houston organization and the fact that he could return to the Lone Star State. Black is capable of playing either side and offers insurance in case Charles Spencer doesn't come back from his knee injury in a timely fashion.
March 9, 2007 1:20 PM ET
Dolphins: Sign me, Feely
	The News The Dolphins signed free agent kicker Jay Feely to a three-year contract on Thursday. The Miami Herald reports that the former Giants' deal is worth $6 million.
	Our View The Giants showed relatively little interest in bringing feely back; maybe they'll end up with soon-to-be-former Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare, whom the team is now actively shopping.
March 9, 2007 11:46 AM ET
Raiders: Rhodes runs to Oakland
	The News Super Bowl hero Dominic Rhodes didn't get to go to DisneyWorld, but he will be going to Oakland. The NFL network reports that Rhodes has agreed to terms with the Raiders on a two-year contract that could be worth up to $7.5 million.
	Our View Dom has his ring, and he probably trickled any hopes of returning to the Colts down his leg while sitting in a squad car awaiting DUI charges, so what better place for Rhodes to go than Oakland? This is good fantasy news for Joseph Addai and not-so-good fantasy news for just about everybody else, including Rhodes and LaMont Jordan.
March 9, 2007 11:06 AM ET
Packers: James takes a visit
	The News Free agent cornerback Tory James visited the Packers Thursday, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
	Our View James would provide some depth, and with the frequency that Charles Woodson gets hurt during games, adding another veteran corner makes sense.
March 9, 2007 11:06 AM ET
Seahawks: Grant marches into town
	The News The Seahawks inked a six-year, $30 million contract with free agent Deon Grant on Thursday night, according to ESPN.com.
	Our View Grant spent his last three seasons with the Jaguars and his talents provide the Seahawks with an immediate upgrade at a position of need.
March 9, 2007 10:15 AM ET
Eagles: James agrees to one-year deal
	The News The Eagles and free agent cornerback William James agreed to terms on a one-year deal on Friday, the team's official web site reported.
	Our View The man formerly known as Will Peterson has played only five games the past two seasons due to back issues. However, the Eagles are expected to lose nickel corner Rod Hood this offseason, and James will likely step up into that role.
March 9, 2007 10:01 AM ET
Redskins: Tucker added
	The News The Redskins signed free agent offensive lineman Ross Tucker on Thursday, the Washington Post confirmed. Terms were not disclosed.
	Our View Tucker was out of football in 2006 and played only one game for the Patriots in 2005. He's not the guy Redskins fans should expect to replace Derrick Dockery.

---