By Allen Wilson — BuffaloNews.com

The Bills agreed to terms with former Philadelphia cornerback William James on a two-year contract, The Buffalo News has learned. James, 28, is a seven-year veteran who has started 45 games in his career. The 6-foot, 200-pounder gives the Bills more size at cornerback, something they lacked. James is expected to challenge Greer for the starting spot opposite McGee.

“Will is looking forward to going to Buffalo and competing for a starting job,” his agent said. “Will has a lot of confidence in himself and his ability and he’s excited about the opportunity to go in and win a starting job.”

James, formerly known as Will Peterson before legally changing his name, is a former third-round draft pick of the Giants. He started 39 games in 51 appearances with the Giants from 2001 through 2005. His most productive year was 2004, when he had 69 tackles (61 solos), two interceptions and one forced fumble.

James, who has overcome two serious back injuries in his career, spent the past year and a half in Philadelphia. He played in 14 games with six starts last season, but lost his nickel cornerback job to Joselio Hanson by the end of the year.

The Ravens added experienced depth by agreeing to terms with free agent linebacker Nick Greisen, league sources said.

Greisen, 28, who was a backup for the Ravens last season, will sign a three-year, $4 million deal, which includes a $1 million signing bonus. He had 38 tackles on defense and 13 on special teams. Greisen is a proven veteran that has seen time in 84 NFL games with 33 starts. A versatile defender that can play all three linebacker positions, the 6-foot-1, 244-pounder has totaled 275 tackles and four sacks during his six-year career.

Greisen started 10 of 16 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006, where he produced career-best numbers with 82 tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception.

Originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2002 draft by the New York Giants, where he spent four seasons, Greisen saw action in 54 contests with New York, starting 21.

By DenverBroncos.com

On the second full weekend of free agency, the Broncos didn’t rest. Saturday night, the team capped a hectic week in the free-agent signing period by signing safety Marquand Manuel. Manuel hit the market as an unrestricted free agent after spending the 2007 season with the Carolina Panthers, for whom he started two games. The Panthers were his third team in as many seasons; he was in Green Bay in 2006 and with the Seattle Seahawks a season earlier for their run to Super Bowl XL.

Manuel got $4.5 million over three years with $500,000 guaranteed. The total package could swell by another $1.5 million based on playing time incentives.

Manuel, 28, has played 91 games in six NFL seasons with Cincinnati, Seattle, Green Bay and Carolina. His best season came in 2006 with 81 tackles for the Packers.

The durable seven-year veteran hasn’t missed a game in the last three years, including one of which he spent as a full-season starter for the Green Bay Packers in 2006, with whom he established career highs in tackles (81) and solo stops (62) while scoring the only touchdown of his career on a 29-yard interception return.

Manuel had a solid season for the Seahawks in 2005, starting 11 regular-season games and all three postseason contests, including Super Bowl XL. He also played 2004 for the Seahawks after beginning his career with a two-season stint in Cincinnati.

The Atlanta Falcons today re-signed defensive tackle Tim Anderson. Anderson, 6-3, 324 pounds, joined the Falcons last season after he was signed as a free agent on November 1, 2007. He started the year with the Buffalo Bills where he saw action in four games. In nine total contests last season (five with the Falcons), Anderson totaled nine tackles (five solo) and saw action on special teams.

Anderson was originally selected as a third round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Following four seasons in the NFL, he has tallied 82 tackles (50 solo), one sack for a loss of seven yards and five passes defensed.

A graduate of Ohio State, Anderson registered 125 tackles and 11 sacks in his collegiate tenure. As a Buckeye, he spent four seasons with Falcons’ teammates wide receiver Michael Jenkins and tight end Ben Hartsock in Columbus, Ohio.

Doug Miller, NewOrleansSaints.com

The New Orleans Saints announced today that they have agreed to terms on a contract with unrestricted free agent RB Aaron Stecker, it was announced today by Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.

“Aaron showed again last year that he’s an important part of everything we do,” said Loomis. “His teammates elected him captain, he carried the load when we had injuries at running back, and he gives us excellent play on special teams.”

“We made re-signing Aaron a priority because it takes continuity to build on what we’ve been able to accomplish on offense the last two seasons,” said Loomis. “Aaron showed again last year that he’s an important part of everything we do. His teammates elected him captain, he carried the load when we had injuries at running back, and he gives us excellent play on special teams.”

Stecker, originally signed in 2004, proved to be invaluable again last season after injuries weakened the running back position late in the year. Named one of the club’s five captains prior to the season for his traditionally-excellent special teams play, Stecker posted career-highs with 448 yards rushing, five touchdowns and 36 receptions while starting six contests.

He flourished during a three-game stretch as the primary starter at running back (at Atlanta, Dec. 10-through-Dec. 23 vs. Philadelphia), rushing for 248 yards on 56 carries (4.4 avg.) with a pair of TDs and catching 12 passes for 84 yards over that span. Included in that stretch was a 20-carry, 100-yard day against the Falcons followed by a pair of two-touchdown rushing performances.

Since joining the Saints, Stecker has played in 59 games with 14 starts and has rushed for 1,066 yards on 272 attempts with seven touchdowns. He has added 119 catches for 856 yards and has returned 65 kickoffs for 1,494 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown return in 2004 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Stecker was originally signed by the Saints in March of 2004 after a four-year stint with the Buccaneers, where he played in 55 contests and departed ranked first in team record books in kickoff return yards with 2,376. Stecker took the road less traveled before becoming an established NFL veteran, playing for the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe in 1999 and earning Offensive MVP honors.

The Detroit Lions announced today that they have re-signed RB Aveion Cason to a one-year deal. Cason (5-10, 204) is in his second stint with the Lions after re-joining the club in 2006. Last season, Cason was fifth in the NFC in both kickoff return yards (1,041) and kickoff return average (24.8), despite not playing in four games. Offensively, he totaled 11 rushing attempts for 38 yards, 14 receptions for 129 yards, and contributed four tackles on special teams. Cason returned to Detroit in 2006 and played in six games (two starts) during the latter part of the season. He joined the club November 9, 2006 and tallied 120 yards of total offense (24 rushing attempts for 94 yards; 5 receptions for 26 yards) and returned four kickoffs for 110 yards (27.5 avg.).

The veteran running back, now in his eighth year, has utilized his speed to provide valuable depth to the offensive backfield and is also a proven kickoff returner. Since entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent for St. Louis in 2001, Cason has played in 49 career games (five starts), while recording 122 carries for 555 yards (4.5 avg.) and three touchdowns. As a receiver, he has notched 60 receptions for 628 yards (10.5 avg.) and three touchdowns. As a kickoff returner, he has recorded an average of 23.4 yards per return (73 returns for 1,711 yards).

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist, BuffaloBills.com

The rights to defensive tackle Jason Jefferson have been retained as the restricted free agent was tendered a qualifying offer prior to Thursday’s 4pm deadline by the Bills. Jefferson saw action in a career-high 11 games in 2007 and contributed a career-high 20 tackles. The defensive tackle actually saw a good portion of his playing time at defensive end throughout the course of last season. Injuries hit the end position hard and Jefferson was called upon to help fill the void several times. Jefferson is a former sixth round pick of the New Orleans Saints (2005).

By Jim Wexell, SteelCityInsider.com

PITTSBURGH – The Steelers agreed to terms with their first free agent this offseason when center Sean Mahan signed a contract Saturday morning. Mahan signed a five-year deal averaging just under $3.5 million per year. He’ll be paid close to $5 million in the first year of the deal.

According to a Mahan, he could’ve taken more money elsewhere, but signed with the Steelers because of the opportunity to start at center in an organization with a tradition of success at the position.

Mahan also enjoys a comfort level with Mike Tomlin, who was a member of the Tampa Bay coaching staff during the first three seasons of Mahan’s career. He also noted that he’s excited to join an organization with the “tradition, success and history of stablity” that the Steelers have enjoyed.

Mahan hopes to replace the retired Jeff Hartings as the Steelers’ starting center, a position that’s been held on a full-time basis by only four players since 1964.

Mahan’s competition will come from Kendall Simmons, who’s been a disappointment at right guard for the Steelers. Simmons enters the final year of his contract and the team would like to find out if he’s better suited for center.

Chukky Okobi will likely be released, due to his $2 million salary and lack of versatility.

The Steelers plan to look at both Mahan and Simmons at center during the April 20-22 minicamp preceding the draft.

Mahan, who’ll turn 27 on May 28, is a 6-foot-3, 301-pounder who’s considered a technician with the quickness and agility the Steelers seek at the position.

A fifth-round pick by Tampa Bay out of Notre Dame in 2003, Mahan renewed acquaintances Friday with Steelers coach Tomlin, who was part of the Tampa Bay coaching staff during Mahan’s first three seasons in the league.

“He’s a great coach. I admire him. I have a lot of respect for him,” Mahan said. “I’d be here even if he wasn’t here, but it’s nice knowing he’s here.”

Mahan is a native of Jenks, Oklahoma, and was a two-year starter at Notre Dame. He was Notre Dame’s most outstanding lineman in 2002.

Hollis Thomas agreed to a four-year, $12 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday.

Saints officials did not immediately comment on the negotiations Tuesday, but BTI Sports Advisors, Thomas’ representatives, said the contract will pay Hollis $6 million this season.

Thomas, who came to New Orleans last season after spending his first decade in the league with the Philadelphia Eagles, said he was pleased to stay in New Orleans.

“I wanted to stay; my heart was here,” said the 360-pound Thomas, who’s specialty is stopping the run but who also helped the Saints’ pass rush. In 12 regular season games, he was in on 43 tackles, including 3.5 sacks.

The NFL suspended Thomas for the last four games of the regular season because he tested positive for a banned steroid, which Thomas blamed on his asthma medication.

He returned for playoff games against Philadelphia and Chicago.

“As long as I still have the passion, I’ll keep playing,” said Thomas, who turned 33 in January. “I’m not going to kid myself. I’ll play each year one year at a time, come out and try to play my best. At the end of it, if I don’t feel like going back to work out at the end of the season, then that’s when I’ll know I’m not supposed to be here anymore.”

Source: [MSNBC]

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made their first foray into the 2007 free agent market, signing former Denver linebacker Patrick Chukwurah. As is team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

The Buccaneers will have additional significant news on the free agency front on Saturday. The team has scheduled a 1:00 p.m. ET press conference to announce the news.

While cornerback Phillip Buchanon was inked early on Friday, the opening day of the new league year, Chukwurah is the first player from another team to jump to the Buccaneers. He could boost Tampa Bay’s pass rush and provide help on special teams.

The 6-1, 250-pound Chukwurah is listed as a linebacker but has also played defensive end for the Broncos, as they made use of his quick burst off the edge of the line. The Bucs may envision using him most extensively in that sort of role.

Tampa Bay’s new defensive line coach, Larry Coyer, is certainly familiar with Chukwurah’s pass-rushing skills, as Coyer spent the last four seasons as Denver’s defensive coordinator. Last year, Chukwurah more than doubled his career sack total by recording 4.5 QB takedowns in 14 games as a situational pass-rusher. Chukwurah also contributed a career-best 25 tackles plus one forced fumble and one pass defensed.

The former Wyoming star first entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, selected 157th overall. He played two seasons in Minnesota, seeing action at both strongside linebacker and defensive end. His strong rookie season included 16 games played, three starts (two at linebacker, one at end), 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Following the 2003 season, Chukwurah was waived in late February and immediately plucked off waivers by the Broncos. Though he didn’t play for Denver in ’03, he was re-signed prior to the 2004 season and went on to play 14 games in each of the next two seasons, much of it on special teams.

In all, Chukwurah has played in 69 games and started five, amassing 69 tackles, eight sacks, four forced fumbles and three passes defensed.

Chukwurah started for three seasons at Wyoming and racked up 245 tackles and 27 sacks. He was a team captain and first-team all-conference choice as a senior. Chukwurah was born in Nigeria but played his high school football in Irving, Texas.

The New Orleans Saints signed a defensive tackle on Wednesday, inking Lance Legree to a one-year contract. The 6-foot-1, 300-pound Legree has recorded 134 career tackles and seven sacks.

Legree, 29, originally entered the NFL out of Notre Dame in 2001 with the New York Giants. He played with the Giants from 2001-04 and spent the 2005 season with the New York Jets, where he recorded three sacks. Legree played part of the 2006 season with the San Francisco 49ers.

Panthers.com

The Carolina Panthers have signed four free agents, including unrestricted free agent safety Deke Cooper from the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Monday.

Cooper (6-2, 210 pounds) appeared in one game for San Francisco last year and notched one special teams tackle and one fumble recovery. In four NFL seasons with Carolina, Jacksonville and San Francisco, he has played in 57 games with 22 starts and has recorded 190 tackles, three interceptions, 12 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Cooper entered the League as an undrafted rookie free agent from Notre Dame with Arizona in 2000. Cooper played in 10 games for Carolina in 2002.

By Dave Spadaro, www.philadelphiaeagles.com

Depth at cornerback has always been a trademark of this Eagles defense. The Eagles have always seemed to have an extra cornerback waiting, ready, willing. As the Eagles entered the off-season, one of the questions staring Jim Johnson in the face was this: Who would be the nickel cornerback?

Well, this one may go under the radar a little bit, but I think it will pay off in a lot of ways: Agreeing to terms with William James on a one-year contract helps the cornerback depth enormously. James is a talented player who had some very good years with the Giants.

He had a severe back injury and then was forced out of the game for more than a year before returning to the league, and the NFC East with the Eagles, midway through the 2006 season.

And while more injuries hampered James last year, he showed enough to convince everyone that he was ready to come, hopefully, all the way back to the form that made him one of the game’s more promising young cornerbacks.

James tested the free-agency waters, made some visits, and then decided to return to the Eagles for another season.

Good move. Not a top-headline move on a day when the Eagles have wide receiver Kevin Curtis in town, and are introducing restricted free agent linebacker/special teams ace Ryan Fowler to the media and, thus, the fans, many of whom don’t know who Ryan Fowler is or why the Eagles would be interested in him (hint: He’s a GREAT special teams player and a prospect at linebacker).

James, though, is a sneaky-good signing, one that makes me look at this where-are-the-Eagles-going? question with better clarity.

To me, the cornerback position has been near the top of the “needs” list since the off-season officially began. Sheppard is a Pro Bowl cornerback and Brown is fine, but this is a league in which you just can’t have enough cornerbacks. Joselio Hanson showed he could play at this level and in this scheme last year. He’s a depth cornerback.

James brings some size to the position and he has the range and he can close and he also has the mindset that he is going to challenge for a starting job. Competition is good, very good.

The re-signing of James — the third Eagle re-signed in the last 10 days (including Quintin Mikell and Juqua Thomas and the fourth if you include A.J. Feeley) — brightens the cornerback position considerably. I would have told you a day ago that drafting a cornerback was the most important thing come April 28.

Now, maybe it isn’t at the very top of the list.

James has to stay healthy — it has been a bugaboo of his — and he has to become more and more integrated into the defensive scheme, but he has so much starting experience that it is really comforting to have him back.

Hood is gone, making the tour in free agency and interested in finding a starting job. Good luck to him.

Having James back, after trips to Atlanta and New Orleans, adds more depth. The defense, while not adding anybody from another team yet, retained some potentially very key players in Mikell, Thomas and James. There is depth at just about every position on this team now.

It’s a busy, busy time for the Eagles. They are entertaining Curtis right now. They are entertaining Fowler at this moment. How things go as far as contract talks and potential roles on this year’s team, well, those are conversations happening behind closed doors.

Really, this is the key period of time in the pre-draft period of free agency. The Eagles tidied up some business before free agency by nailing down Mikell and Thomas and squaring away the quarterback position with Feeley. Then they added some roster competition with a no-risk, potentnially high-reward signing of wide receiver/kick returner Bethel Johnson. Now they have James in for another year. And they have a very top target in Curtis in the house, along with another key target, Fowler.

Meanwhile, talks continue with a myriad of agents as the team contemplates a bunch of other scenarios.

You win in this league with front-line talent, yes, but you must have depth throughout the roster. James adds to that. It’s a frantice, fantastic time here, with more to come.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions announced today that they have re-signed RB Aveion Cason. Cason (5-10, 204) is entering his sixth NFL season and his fourth with Detroit. He returned for his second stint in Detroit November 9, 2006 after first playing for the Lions from 2001-02.

After re-joining the Lions last season, Cason contributed on offense and special teams in six games (two starts) and totaled 94 rushing yards (24 attempts; 3.9 avg.) in addition to five receptions for 26 yards (5.2 avg.). He saw his first action on offense at Arizona (11/19) after RB Kevin Jones left the game with an ankle injury and finished with 20 rushing yards on four attempts (5.0 avg.). Cason was the team’s primary kickoff returner for the Thanksgiving Day matchup against Miami (11/23) and had 110 yards on four returns, including a career-long 40 yarder.

The Green Bay Packers Monday re-signed Tyson Walter, an unrestricted free agent tackle/guard who had spent the season’s final six weeks with the team last year. Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson made the announcement.

Walter is a versatile offensive lineman who was an offensive tackle at Ohio State and has played both center and guard during his five years in the NFL, starting eight games at center as a rookie sixth-round draft choice in 2002 with Dallas. The 6′5″, 300-pounder is a strong drive blocker who has shown ability to perform several roles, with the quickness and intelligence to adapt to any position on the line he’s called upon to play.

Walter has appeared in 47 games as a pro, including seven with the Packers in 2006.

“He brings flexibility to our offensive line. He’s able to play every position. He’s been here a short time as we well know, and he’s done a really nice job picking up our scheme. He’s been a good addition to our football team.”
-Head Coach Mike McCarthy