Chris Johnson has a new backfield mate to help share the load.
The Tennessee Titans reached an agreement Wednesday with former New York Jets running back Shonn Greene on a three-year deal worth $10 million, according to a person who has reviewed the financial terms of the deal.
The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the details weren't to be discussed publicly, said Greene will receive $4.5 million in guarantees.
The 5-11, 226-pounder has gained 3,243 yards in his first four seasons, one of seven backs to have posted better than 250 carries and 1,000 yards in each of the last two years. The others? Arian Foster, Marshawn Lynch, Chris Johnson, Frank Gore, Steven Jackson and Ray Rice.
Greene is also good near the goal line and had a career-high eight touchdowns last year -- only two fewer rushing TDs than the Titans scored as a team. According to Stats.com, Greene was an NFL-best 11-for-11 converting third-down runs of fewer than three yards.
Greene said he knows Chris Johnson is the feature back.
"I know this is C.J's backfield," said Greene, who spent the past four seasons with the Jets. "I am just here willing to help this team get wins. I am completely fine with what."
The Titans also added some beef to their defensive line, agreeing to terms with former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Sammie Lee Hill. The 331-pound Hill received a three-year deal worth $11.4 million with $4 million guaranteed.
In busy day, Cardinals grab Stanton
The Cardinals have signed former Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Drew Stanton to a three-year deal.
Stanton's agent, Mike McCartney, confirmed the signing on Twitter.
Stanton has played in 12 games, including four starts, during his five-year career.
The Cardinals also signed running back Rashard Mendenhall, cornerback Jerraud Powers, linebacker Lorenzo Alexander and safety Yeremiah Bell. In addition, the team released veteran safety Kerry Rhodes.
Linebacker Jasper Brinkley is on his way to visit the team after meeting with the Giants on Wednesday.
Steelers add a quarterback
Pittsburgh native Bruce Gradkowski on Wednesday signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers to be a backup quarterback to Ben Roethlisberger.
Gradkowski's agent, Rick Smith, confirmed the signing on via Twitter.
Gradkowski has started 20 games over seven seasons with four teams. By joining the Steelers, Gradkowski will now have spent time with three of the four teams in the AFC North, along with the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. His brother, Gino, plays for the Baltimore Ravens.
Gradkowski attended Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, and his return leaves the future of Steelers free agent backup Charlie Batch in question.
Batch, 38, said this month he intends to play another season after starting two games in Roethlisberger's place last season, a 20-14 loss to the Browns and a 23-20 victory vs. the Ravens.
Gradkowski's career highlight to date coming as a member of the Oakland Raiders against Pittsburgh in 2009.
He led a come-from-behind 27-24 victory over the Steelers at Heinz Field in Week 13, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Louis Murphy with 9 seconds left to play. In dropping the Steelers to 6-6, he became the first Raiders passer to throw three fourth-quarter touchdowns since Ken Stabler did it in 1979.
Also on Wednesday, the Steelers released longtime offensive lineman Willie Colon, one of Roethlisberger's best friends on the team.
49ers host defender
Free agent safety Charles Woodson is scheduled to meet with the San Francisco 49ers in the Bay Area on Wednesday.
Agent Carl Poston confirmed the meeting. Woodson, released by Green Bay on Feb. 15 with two years remaining on his contract, has one important thing in common with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh: They're former Michigan stars.
As safety Dashon Goldson makes the rounds and weighs his options in free agency, the NFC champion Niners clearly are preparing in case he leaves.
Woodson is familiar with Northern California, too. He spent the first eight years of his career with the Oakland Raiders, who selected him No. 4 overall in the 1998 draft. Woodson hopes to play for a contender.
Bill gets versatile linebacker
Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Manny Lawson has agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports' Robert Klemko.
Lawson's agent announced the deal on Twitter, but did not disclose the terms of the deal. The person spoke on the condition on the anonymity because the specifics had not been disclosed by the team.
Drafted 22nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006, Lawson tore his ACL in 2007 but managed to produce 6½ sacks two years later. In his two seasons in Cincinnati, he collected 3½ sacks and 91 tackles. However he showed the ability to play in two vastly different schemes by starting in the Niners' 3-4 alignment before transitioning to the Bengals' 4-3.
The move reunites Lawson with former N.C. State teammate and fellow 2006 first-round pick Mario Williams. Lawson's versatility lends itself well to new Bills coordinator Mike Pettine's hybrid defensive scheme.
Jags let Robinson go
JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Jaguars released receiver Laurent Robinson on Wednesday, the latest high-priced player let go as part of the team's rebuilding project.
Robinson signed a five-year, $32.5 million free agent-contract last season before missing considerable time with concussions. The team also cut cornerback Aaron Ross and safety Dawan Landry last week, and told veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis he would not be re-signed.
The team said Robinson passed a physical last month and was completely healthy.
But the receiver disagreed, telling the Associated Press "there's no way he could line up and play a game tomorrow."
Robinson said he told team trainers he felt lightheaded during a workout Tuesday.
"I'm just starting to get back into it," Robinson said. "I'm hungry to play again. Once I get 100% healthy, I'll be back. I just want to be with a team that really wants me."
Robinson's deal paid him $11.1 million in 2012 and included $14 million guaranteed. He was due a $2 million roster bonus later this week, prompting the team's decision.
Jacksonville also likes the development of young receivers Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts III, two starters who made Robinson expendable.
Robinson's health might have been a factor, too.
The former Dallas Cowboys slot receiver missed nine games last season because of concussions - the first one happened when he landed on a small strip of concrete pavers near the practice field during training camp - and finished with 24 receptions for 252 yards.
Robinson sustained three more concussions during the season, the last one landing him on injured reserve for the final six weeks of the season.
And with general manager Gene Smith and coach Mike Mularkey fired after the season, the Jaguars started cleaning house.
Giants switch kickers
Last year, the New York Giants gave punter Steve Weatherford a fat contract. This year, they tried to do the same with kicker Lawrence Tynes but were unable to reach an agreement before Tynes hit the free agent market.
So the team went with what was surely a cheaper option.
The Giants have agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with Josh Brown, according to a person informed of the progress of talks between the sides. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports' Mike Garafolo on condition of anonymity because the contract is not yet signed.
Tynes had a good run with the Giants that included two NFC Championship Game-winning field goals to beat the Green Bay Packers in 2008 and the San Francisco 49es in 2012. The one in rainy San Francisco was a chip shot compared to the 47-yarder he nailed in icy Lambeau Field five years ago after missing two shorter attempts.
At 33, Brown is a year younger than Tynes. He played in only four regular-season games plus a playoff game with the Cincinnati Bengals last season after losing out to Nick Folk for the New York Jets' job in the preseason. However by making 11 of 12 field goals, Brown was named last December's AFC special teams player of the month.
Panthers keep Newton's backup
CHARLOTTE - Quarterback Derek Anderson is remaining with the Carolina Panthers as Cam Newton's backup.
Anderson told The Associated Press has agreed to a one-year deal and that he will sign the contract later Wednesday. Financial details were not disclosed.
"I'm excited to come back be a part of such a great locker room," Anderson said. "It's a team that I feel is on the rise. We have some work to do but we feel like we ended on a high note last season."
Anderson hasn't seen much action in his two previous seasons with Carolina - attempting only four passes - because Newton has been so durable. However, the eight-year pro gives the Panthers the veteran presence they want from a No. 2 quarterback.
In another deal, the Panthers announced they have also signed 10-year NFL veteran cornerback Drayton Florence, a free agent from the Detroit Lions. He also signed a one-year deal, although terms were not disclosed.
Florence, 32, brings some experience to an otherwise young group of cornerbacks.
A 10-year NFL veteran, Florence played in eight games with three starts for the Lions in 2012 after being released by the Denver Broncos at the end of the preseason. Florence entered the NFL from Tuskegee as a second-round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers.
He has played in 143 games with 99 starts for San Diego (2003-07), Jacksonville (2008), Buffalo (2009-11) and Detroit (2012). He has career regular season totals of 444 tackles, 18 interceptions and 96 passes defensed.
The Panthers did lose a free agent on Wednesday as backup tight end Gary Barnidge signed with the Cleveland Browns. Barnidge's decision came one day after the Panthers re-signed their other backup tight end Ben Hartsock.
Bears cut tight ends
One day after signing Martellus Bennett, the Chicago Bears cut the guys Bennett replaced.
The team released tight ends Matt Spaeth and Kellen Davis, who signed a two-year contract with the Bears last offseason and was due $2.5 million in total compensation this year. But the Bears were looking for more production than what Davis gave them last season ?? 19 catches, 229 yards and two touchdowns.
Bennett signed a four-year deal worth $20 million.
Chicago also parted with defensive tackle Matt Toeaina.
Chiefs sign speedy wideout
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to add pieces to Andy Reid's offense.
The team has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with wide receiver Donnie Avery, according to a person informed of the deal. The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports because the team hasn't announced the deal yet, did not provide financial details.
Avery, the first wideout drafted in 2008 (second round, St. Louis Rams) is coming off of a nice rebound season in which he caught 60 passes for 781 yards and three touchdowns for the Indianapolis Colts after being limited to three receptions in just 10 games for the Tennessee Titans in 2011.
In Kansas City, Avery joins tight end Anthony Fasano, who signed a four-year deal with the team on Tuesday. Kansas City has also re-signed wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, signed backup quarterback Chase Daniel and put the franchise tag on left tackle Branden Albert.
Giants mulling linebackers
The New York Giants have allowed middle linebacker Chase Blackburn to explore the market. While he does, they're courting another player at the position.
Jasper Brinkley, the Minnesota Vikings' starter in the middle last season, will visit the team Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the team doesn't comment on meetings with free agents.
Brinkley, a fifth-round pick of the Vikings in 2009, became the starter for Minnesota in the middle last year when the team let E.J. Henderson go. He was credited with 99 tackles.
Blackburn has received some interest from teams who are up against the cap and looking for a veteran bargain. He has no visits lined up at this point, though.
Browns continue to bolster linebacking corps
The Cleveland Browns continued a spending spree to upgrade their defense in free agency, signing former Arizona linebacker Quentin Groves to a two-year, $2.8 million contract on Wednesday.
Groves is the third defensive player signed already by the Browns, who agreed to terms with linebacker Paul Kruger and lineman Desmond Bryant on Tuesday. The Browns entered free agency $47.4 million under the salary cap and have so far been among the NFL's most aggressive teams.
The team guaranteed $21 million to Kruger, Baltimore's sacks leader last season, and dished out another $15 million in guaranteed money to Bryant, who had a career-high 48 tackles and four sacks for the Raiders in 2012.
The Browns made upgrading their pass rush a priority. They are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 multi-front defensive scheme this season under new coordinator Ray Horton.
The 30-year-old Groves will be reunited in Cleveland with Horton, who came over from the Cardinals. Groves played with Jacksonville and Oakland before signing with Arizona last season. He had a career-high four sacks and made seven starts.
Tight end numbers in
The Tennessee Titans moved quickly to recover from the loss of free agent tight end Jared Cook by signing versatile former San Francisco 49er Delanie Walker.
Called San Francisco's "Swiss Army Knife'' by 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, Walker received a 4-year, $17.5 million deal with $8.6 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the terms told USA TODAY Sports. That person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the contract isn't signed yet.
Walker, heading into his eighth season, gives coach Mike Munchak positional flexibility as a veteran with experience lining up as an H-back, in-line or flexed out tight end. His fierce blocking in the Super Bowl was on display when he buckled safety Ed Reed on Frank Gore's 6-yard touchdown run in San Francisco's 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Walker caught 21 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns last season and added three more catches for 48 yards in the Super Bowl.
Cook's five-year deal with the St. Louis Rams, agreed to Tuesday, is valued at $35.1 million, and he could make up to $38.5 million in incentives as part of the deal, a person with knowledge of the contract told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because terms of the deal have not been announced.
Cook received $19 million in guarantees, which is 54% of the contract. The deal puts him among the five highest-paid tight ends, by average annual salary, in the NFL, at least for now.
The Titans had planned to retain Cook with the franchise tag but opted not to take on the looming fight with an arbitrator over whether he should be paid as a tight end or a receiver. The one-year deal would've ended up costing the Titans $6.066 million if Cook were classified as a tight end, or $10.537 million if he were classified as a receiver.
Chargers add CB from Jacksonville
The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox, the player's agent wrote in an email to USA TODAY Sports.
Cox will sign a four-year deal on Thursday, provided he passes a physical.
Cox is a former third-round pick who has been rather efficient when it comes to getting his hands on passes. He has 12 career interceptions in 47 games and had 11 passes defensed both as a rookie in 2009 and again last season.
The Jaguars are completely wiping their top three cornerbacks from 2012 off of their roster. Cox and Rashean Mathis are free agents, while Aaron Ross was released last week and will sign with the New York Giants.
Meanwhile, one of the Chargers' starting cornerbacks from 2012 is visiting another team. Antoine Cason is meeting with the Arizona Cardinals, and his agent Ron Slavin is expected to talk numbers with the team on Thursday.
***
Contributing: USA TODAY Sports' Mike Garafolo, Robert Klemko, Lindsay H. Jones, Jim Corbett, Nate Davis, Jim Wyatt and the Associated Press
Copyright 2013 USATODAY.com
Read the original story: Wednesday's moves: Shonn Greene becomes a Titan
No comments:
Post a Comment