The NFL free agent frenzy continues as Antonio Cromartie returns to the NY Jets. The Arizona Cardinals sign Todd Heap and the Chicago Bears part ways with Olin Kreutz. Where did Cedric Benson sign? What are the latest 2011 NFL signings? Free Agent moves? NFL Trade rumors?
The Sportsbank.net has you covered better than Nnamdi Asomugha covers a wide receiver!
As our hottest addition to the Sportsbank of the year presses on, let’s get right to the latest signings, trade rumors and news from around the NFL:
The New York Jets have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with Antonio Cromartie. Last season he had 42 tackles and three interceptions for the Jets. After losing out on the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jets had to make this move.
The Titans also appear to be making a huge splash defensively signing Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker Barrett Ruud to a contract.
Fantasy Football players can breathe a sigh of relief as San Francisco 49ers stud running back Frank Gore will end his holdout Monday and report to camp. Gore will earn a $2.9 million in base salary and $2 million in a roster bonus during the final season of his contract.
The Cincinnati Bengals resigned RB Cedric Benson to a one year contract worth $3 million with incentives that could push the worth up to $5 million. After another offseason arrest, Benson is expected to serve a suspension at some point this season
For Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap signed a two-year deal worth between $5-$6 million with the Arizona Cardinals, his hometown team. Heap caught 40 passes for 599 yards and five touchdowns last season. He should make a decent valve target for QB Kevin Kolb when WR Larry Fitzgerald is covered.
The Chicago Bears have decided to part ways with clubhouse leader center Olin Kreutz on Sunday after he turned down their “take it or leave it” one-year, $4 million deal. The Bears then signed Seattle Seahawks center Chris Spencer, although he is expected to compete for the starting gig with Roberto Garza, who will try converting to the position. Is it possible the Bears offensive line will actually be worse this year?
Miami Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Jokes aside, it is awesome to see a player open about his challenges as he attempts to spread awareness on his illness.
Veteran running back Willis McGahee has signed with the Denver Broncos and will likely assume goal-line back duties, swiping scoring opportunities from starter Knowshon Moreno. McGahee has 1,541 career carries for 6,167 yards and 55 touchdowns.
Former Green Bay Packer linebacker Nick Barnett signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The Washington Redskins agreed to terms with tackle Jammal Brown on a five-year deal worth $27.5 million.
The Redskins acquired running back Tim Hightower from the Arizona Cardinals for defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday and a draft pick. Ryan Torain should start at running back for the Redskins, but Hightower could easily assume goal line or 3rd down duties. He rushed for 736 yards and five touchdowns last season.
The Seattle Seahawks cut linebacker Lofa Tatupu after he declined to restructure his contact. He was the leader of Seattle’s defense for six seasons, in which he also made three Pro Bowl appearances. He should quickly land on another team.
The Green Bay Packers signed wide receiver James Jones and fullback John Kuhn to contracts, both players agreed to three-year deals.
The Tennessee Titans signed tight end Daniel Graham to a contract. Graham has 222 catches with 24 touchdowns for his career but is known more for his blocking skills.
-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.