Since the 2011 NFL free agent signing period began, the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles have without a doubt been making NFL news. That trend continues. Former Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller has a new home in Seattle and Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown joins the Eagles backfield.
What is the hottest NFL news of the day? Latest 2011 free agent signings? NFL Rumors? The sportsbank.net has you covered without holding out for a better contract.
Here’s the hottest NFL news, trade rumors and free agent signings directly from the gridiron:
Tight end Zach Miller, arguably one of the top offensive free agents available has signed a five year, $34 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. $17 million of the deal is guaranteed. In a busy NFL free agent signing period, the Seahawks have retooled offensively, also adding former Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson and WR Sidney Rice. The biggest question on Seahawks fans minds is: “What does this mean for John Carlson’s future?” As of right now the plan is to use them both, just as the New England Patriots have successfully used Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. While many argue that Zach Miller’s numbers are overrated because there were no better receiving options in Oakland, he has 226 career receptions for 2,712 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2010 he had 60 catches for 685 yards with 5 TD. With the deep threats in Rice and Mike Williams, there should be plenty of quick out passes and red zone targets for Miller and Carlson.
The Philadelphia Eagles grabbed the last of the big-name running backs yesterday, signing former Miami Dolphin Ronnie Brown to a one year deal. The Eagles are showing their fans that they are truly “All In” with sights set on a Super Bowl run in 2011. They have made the biggest splash in the 2011 NFL free agency and trade rumor department signing cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin and Vince Young, while trading Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Brown will back-up LeSean McCoy, who rushed for 1,080 yards had 592 yards receiving in 2010.
Running Back Frank Gore practiced with the San Francisco 49ers for the first time this offseason, ending all hold out talks and focusing on the season ahead. Gore had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2006-2009 and is only 931 yards away from becoming the leading rusher in 49ers history.
How much do the New York Giants now want to trade DE Osi Umenyiora? Enough that they have reportedly lowered their asking price from a first-round pick to a second rounder. Umenyiora’s name has been tied to the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers , St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
Houston Texans superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson will miss a couple of days of practice after dislocating his left index finger.
Cornerback Carlos Rogers inked a one year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. He fell out of favor with the Washington Redskins with the strong emergence of DeAngelo Hall last season.
QB Marc Bulger had decided to retire after 13 years in the NFL. The two-time pro bowler ends his career with 22,814 passing yards and 93 touchdowns.
Cleveland Browns Punter Reggie Hodges tore his Achilles tendon and will have season-ending surgery.
-Soxman
Soxman is a Sportsbank senior contributor and a White Sox columnist and sports reporter for Chicago Tribune Red Eye Edition. He’s also a frequent guest on local television and radio programs in Chicago. You can e-mail him at thesoxman72@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter: @thesoxman72.