Free Agency Headlines

[Kapaibro]

Vikings sign kicker Longwell

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings lured kicker Ryan Longwell away from their division rival, signing the former Green Bay Packer to a contract Saturday.

The Vikings also had running back Chester Taylor and linebacker Ben Leber in town for visits.

Longwell has been the Packers' kicker since 1997, when he was a rookie on their second Super Bowl team. In 2000, Longwell totaled a career-best 131 points and went 33-for-38 on his field goals -- including 20 makes from 40 yards and longer. In 2005, the nine-year veteran posted career lows in several categories, making only 74 percent of his field goals (20-for-27) and finished with 90 points. He went 6-for-10 between 30 and 39 yards and 3-for-5 between 40 and 49 yards.

In Minnesota, Longwell is best known for twice giving Green Bay victories on game-ending field goals during the 2004 season.

Paul Edinger had modest success, including three game-winning field goals, as the Vikings' kicker last season. But he is a free agent and now likely won't be retained.

[Spice 1]

OMG you silly washington redfaces! once again! they just throw away their draft picks like yesterday's leftovers! daniel snyder has lost his freakin' mind! how did he become a billionaire again?!

Hey Lloyd played tough last season. He's only got 3 years under his belt, and the 9ers coaching staff treated him like he was a 6th grader on the sidelines. I don't think this was a bad move by Was. Last year he unloaded Coles for Moss, wich was a no brainer, but he still got the deal done.

[Charlie Brown]

I am soo glad that the Browns signed Bentley and Jurevicius. Two local boys. Both grew up around Cleveland and were Browns fans growing up. Things are already on the right track. OL, OG, and WR have so far been signed through free agency. Bentley will play guard for sure. For that jerk that said the team will suck - you need to crawl out of the hole you've been in.

[dogfish]

I am soo glad that the Browns signed Bentley and Jurevicius. Two local boys. Both grew up around Cleveland and were Browns fans growing up. Things are already on the right track. OL, OG, and WR have so far been signed through free agency. Bentley will play guard for sure. For that jerk that said the team will suck - you need to crawl out of the hole you've been in.

not only are they good players, but the signings allow the team to focus on defense in the draft. . .

[Kapaibro]

I am soo glad that the Browns signed Bentley and Jurevicius. Two local boys. Both grew up around Cleveland and were Browns fans growing up. Things are already on the right track. OL, OG, and WR have so far been signed through free agency. Bentley will play guard for sure. For that jerk that said the team will suck - you need to crawl out of the hole you've been in.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you guys do this year. Last year wasn't too bad, room for improvement.

[Kapaibro]

Vikings do sign Leber and Chester Taylor

March 11, 2006, 7:32PM

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI AP Sports Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings surged into free agency Saturday, signing running back Chester Taylor and linebacker Ben Leber.

Taylor was the backup in Baltimore to Jamal Lewis. He rushed for 487 yards on 117 carries last year, his fourth in the league, after carrying 160 times for 714 yards and two touchdowns in 2004. Taylor also caught 41 passes for 292 yards and a score in 2005.

Paul Edinger had modest success, including three game-winning field goals, as the Vikings' kicker last season. But he is a free agent and now likely won't be retained.

Leber started for San Diego at outside linebacker since his rookie year in 2002, losing his job to star rookie Shawne Merriman last October and landing on injured reserve in November with a foot injury that required surgery.

Leber played at Kansas State and was drafted by the Chargers in the third round. Leber has 12 sacks in his four-year career and could replace incumbent starter Keith Newman, who isn't expected to be re-signed.

[RunYouOver]

Break up the Browns!

[Kapaibro]

Break up the Browns!

They looks to be a tricky bunch! The Viks are a shopping mad team! Like women in a shoe shop with Donald Trumps Gold Card!

[Spice 1]

I am soo glad that the Browns signed Bentley and Jurevicius. Two local boys. Both grew up around Cleveland and were Browns fans growing up. Things are already on the right track. OL, OG, and WR have so far been signed through free agency. Bentley will play guard for sure. For that jerk that said the team will suck - you need to crawl out of the hole you've been in.

So whats this mean for Bryant? He was good last season.

[Charlie Brown]

So whats this mean for Bryant? He was good last season.

Yea he was good. At dropping balls. He's no more than a servicable reciever. He's not a starter.

[Spice 1]

Yea he was good. At dropping balls. He's no more than a servicable reciever. He's not a starter.

OUCH
I thought he did pretty good down the stretch there.

[Charlie Brown]

OUCH
I thought he did pretty good down the stretch there.

Nope he didn't. He was decent at best. He was an improvement over Morgan but that isn't saying much.

[dogfish]

OUCH
I thought he did pretty good down the stretch there.

dawgfan is right-- he made some plays, and clearly has talent, but he drops way too many catchable balls, and has a propensity for doing it at the worst time. . . other than being a little more physical getting off the jam, he's basically lelie with a big mouth and some serious attitude problems. . . from what i read, romeo was on his a$$ all year to work harder and show some focus-- he won't be back in cleveland next year. . .

[Kapaibro]

dawgfan is right-- he made some plays, and clearly has talent, but he drops way too many catchable balls, and has a propensity for doing it at the worst time. . . other than being a little more physical getting off the jam, he's basically lelie with a big mouth and some serious attitude problems. . . from what i read, romeo was on his a$$ all year to work harder and show some focus-- he won't be back in cleveland next year. . .

Remember that after the 2004 season everyone was saying ditch Tiki Barber cos he was a dropping fool, and look at his stats for this past season. 1 fumble.

Players can fix stuff like that

[dogfish]

Remember that after the 2004 season everyone was saying ditch Tiki Barber cos he was a dropping fool, and look at his stats for this past season. 1 fumble.

Players can fix stuff like that

true, kap, but i think you may be comparing apples to oranges-- tiki learned to hold onto the ball by altering his technique. he is very smart and coachable, and always plays hard. . . bryant drops the ball because he doesn't focus-- that's something that only he can improve, it's not something that can be fixed by coaching. . . not saying he can't do it, but i won't hold my breath. . .