Baltimore obtains McGahee from Buffalo
Willis McGahee is in place as Jamal Lewis’ replacement in Baltimore.
The day after Lewis signed with the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens obtained McGahee from Buffalo for three draft picks – a third and a seventh in this year’s draft and a third in 2008.
“We’re getting a dynamic back who has the potential to diversify our running game,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said. “We’ve studied him, and he brings the same passion and preparation that is common to Miami players, like our Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.”
Atlanta, meanwhile, reached agreement with wide receiver Joe Horn, who is expected to play a lead role in new coach Bobby Petrino’s efforts to add a better passing game.
St. Louis signed tight end Randy McMichael, who was released last week by Miami.
McGahee has been available since the end of the season and several teams had been thought to be interested. But none was willing to put together a package of draft picks that satisfied Buffalo.
McGahee is coming off a season in which he finished with a career-low 990 yards rushing, but led the Bills with six touchdowns rushing in 14 starts.
In 2005, he rushed for 1,247 yards and five touchdowns in 15 starts. He established himself as Buffalo’s starter in 2004 with 1,128 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts.
Horn, 35, a fixture in New Orleans who was cut by the Saints after seven seasons, missed nine games the last two seasons with groin and hamstring injuries, including six games last season. Negotiations with the Falcons gained momentum after Horn passed a physical exam administered by the team.
In other moves:
“Miami signed former New York Giants kicker Jay Feely and former Chicago safety Cameron Worrell and re-signed 350-pound defensive tackle Keith Traylor.
“Arizona signed safety Terrence Holt, a former Detroit Lion and the brother of Rams receiver Torry Holt.
“Cincinnati re-signed tight end Reggie Kelly.
“Philadelphia signed wide receiver and kick returner Bethel Johnson, who played for Minnesota last season.
“Washington signed offensive lineman Ross Tucker, who was out of football last season.
“The New York Jets signed fullback Darian Barnes, who started six games for Miami last year.
“Houston re-signed free agent punter Chad Stanley, who has been with the team since its inception.
“Punter Andy Lee will stay with San Francisco, which matched the Steelers’ contract offer to the restricted free agent. Lee agreed to a six-year contract worth more than $7 million with the Steelers on Monday. Lee had his best season in 2006, posting the highest average by a San Francisco punter in 41 seasons, 44.8 yards per kick.