Redskins prepare to spend away
Once again, the Washington Redskins were aggressive on the first day of free agency Friday, wooing London Fletcher in hopes of filling a big spot at middle linebacker.
As they’ve done in past years, Daniel Snyder and his underlings seemed ready to make a big early splash, albeit in a market in which teams have cash to spend but few – if any – impact players on which to spend it.
Fletcher, a solid middle linebacker for nine seasons with the Rams and Buffalo Bills, will be 32 in May. He isn’t likely to be highly sought elsewhere if he decides not to sign with a team that despite its aggressiveness in free agency finished 5-11 last season. But he could provide help for a defense that was the main reason for the losing record.
The biggest moves of the first day were cuts by the Indianapolis Colts, who released receiver Brandon Stokley and defensive tackle Montae Reagor, two players who until they were hurt were integral parts of the team that won the Super Bowl. Stokley ruptured his right Achilles tendon in December and Reagor incurred facial injuries in an auto accident on the way to a game.
The cuts were for cap purposes: Stokley was due a roster bonus of $500,000 and Reagor $1 million.
49ers make big moves
The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Nate Clements and safety Michael Lewis, making two bold moves in the opening hours of free agency.
Clements, the star cornerback from the Bills, agreed to an eight-year, $80 million contract. The six-year veteran was considered one of the top prizes in free agency, and the 49ers rewarded him accordingly with what’s believed to be one of the richest contracts for a defensive back in NFL history.
Lewis, a safety from Philadelphia, will become an immediate starter in the 49ers’ inconsistent defensive secondary alongside Clements, coach Mike Nolan said. Lewis started in the Pro Bowl following the Eagles’ trip to the Super Bowl in the 2004 season.
Steelers keep Davenport
The Pittsburgh Steelers decided not to pursue a free-agent running back to complement Willie Parker, choosing instead to re-sign Najeh Davenport to a $2 million, two-year contract.
Davenport joined the Steelers a game into last season – after Green Bay released him – and eventually became Parker’s backup.
The 6-foot-1, 247-pound Davenport gained 221 yards on 60 carries.
Panthers re-sign Diggs
The Carolina Panthers re-signed linebacker Na’il Diggs to a one-year contract.
Diggs started 10 games at outside linebacker and had 68 tackles last season, his first with Carolina after spending the first six years of his career with Green Bay.
Colts land DB coach
Rod Perry, defensive backfield coach for the Carolina Panthers the past five years, was hired in the same capacity for Indianapolis.
Perry, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive back with the Rams, previously coached at Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston and San Diego.
During his time with Carolina, the Panthers ranked among the NFL’s top defenses with 96 interceptions.
Dolphins release two
Defensive end Kevin Carter and guard Jeno James were released by the Miami Dolphins at the start of the NFL’s free agency period.
Carter’s release came after he was unable to reach an agreement on a restructured contract with Miami. James was slowed by knee trouble but started 11 games.