Lions Sign Curry and Smith

The Detroit Lions said that they wanted to sign their top draft prospect before the draft began, and in typical Lions fashion they came close but not quite right. Wake Forest's LB Aaron Curry and Baylor's OT Jason Smith are two of the top prosepects but that is not who the Lions signed.

The Detroit Lions have added two more unrestricted free agents, with the announcement of WR Ronald Curry, and FB Terrell Smith signing contracts today, terms were not released on the contracts.

Curry, is listed at 6'2" and 210lbs, he spent the last seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders collecting 193 catches for 2,347 yards and 13 TD's. HE joins the Lions depth chart with Calvin and Bryant Johnson (not related).

Smith, is a 6' 246lbs fullback, he spent the last 2 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He has 58 carries for 185 yards, and 67 catches for 354yard and 3 touchdowns, but is a bruising lead blocker.

This maybe be the Lions way of telling everyone they intend to sign Georgia QB Matthew Stafford by getting the Curry and Smith signings out of the way first.

Garcia Lands In Oakland

Journeyman quarterback Jeff Garcia will be returning to the Bay where he enjoyed his most successful stint in the NFL. He has agreed to join the Oakland Raiders, the terms of his contract were not disclosed.

Raiders senior executive John Herrera has confirmed that the four-time Pro Bowler will join the club's off season workout program immediately alongside starter JaMarcus Russell.


Garcia has had several stops in both the NFL and CFL in his professional career, but the 39-year-old quarterback enjoyed the best seasons of his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, passing for more than 16,000 yards from 1999-2003.

It is not known if Garcia will receive the opportunity to compete with former first overall pick Jamarcus Russell for the team's QB1 spot, but this signing will likely end the Andrew Walter's experiment.

Saints Stay In-Division, Sign DT Coleman

The New Orleans Saints have stolen from division rival Atlanta Falcons by signing, DT Rod Coleman to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not released.

The 32-year-old former Pro Bowl selection did not play last season after being released by the Atlanta Falcons, where he had some of his best seasons under current Saints defensive line coach Bill Johnson. The 6-foot-2, 285-pound lineman led all NFL defensive tackles in sacks in 2004 (11.5) and 2005 (10.5) while Johnson was a Falcons assistant.

Coleman was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1999 and has played nine seasons, his last four with Atlanta. He has 293 career tackles and 58.5 sacks. Coleman has played in 109 regular season games, starting 70. He also has played in nine postseason games, including the 2003 Super Bowl with the Raiders.

Dolphins Trade Satele to Raiders

The Miami Dolphins have been busy improving their offensive line this offseason, before free agency started the brought back last seasons starting right tackle Vernon Carey and earlier this month they added free agent center Jake Grove to compete for the starting center position.

The Dolphins just made Grove's push to win the starting center battle that much easier by trading last seasons starter Samson Satele to the Oakland Raiders, ironically Groves former team, for undisclosed draft choices.

Satele has started all 32 games in his career, since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins, but apparently did not fit Bill Parcells and his "yes man" head coach Tony Sporano's system.

Grove, the 29-year old out of Virginia Tech. has played his entire 5-year career in Oakland and has started 46 of his 54 career games, but has struggled with injuries his whole career and has played in a full 16 game season only once in his career (2006).

Cornell Green Hits 'Baby Mama' with Mop Handle

Oakland Raiders' offensive lineman Cornell Green has been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Florida, according to an Associated Press report published in the Tampa Tribune.

A Tampa police report indicates that Green became violent Saturday during an argument with the mother of his two children in his home. Police say Green slammed 30-year-old Teriyonal Ebony Flowers into a wall, then struck her right arm with an aluminum mop handle.

Green then fled the scene and was later apprehended at the Tampa International Airport while waiting for a flight to Oakland, Calif.

The 32-year-old tackle was being held Sunday at the Hillsborough County jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Barnes Signs With Raiders

The Raiders were the early leaders in the race for Jaguars LT Khaliff Barnes, but then it appeared their interest had cooled. Well it has heated up again and the Raiders have inked the 5th year pro to a one-year deal. Financial terms were not released.

Barnes had been in contract talks with the Buccaneers but it was the promise of playing time in Oakland that sealed the deal. The Raiders have an opening at LT with Kwame Harris recently being released and Barnes has started ever since being a second-round choice of the Jaguars in in 2005 and was not willing to be a back-up.

"I think this is a great opportunity and place for me to start fresh," Barnes said. "I'm excited to be part of helping this franchise get back on top and I will have a shot to be the starter at left tackle and that's all I can ask for. I have a lot to prove and I'm betting on myself by agreeing to a one-year contract. [Raiders owner] Mr. [Al] Davis has a track record of taking care of his own guys and he promised me the same, if I take care of my business on and off the field."

Cooper's Wife Files for Death Certificate

TAMPA, Fla. - NFL player Marquis Cooper's wife is seeking a presumptive death certificate a week after the Coast Guard called off its search for the missing boater and two friends.

Rebekah Cooper filed a petition for the certificate Wednesday in civil court in Florida.

The Oakland Raiders linebacker departed from Clearwater Pass west of Tampa Feb. 28 in a 6 1/2-metre boat. He was with free-agent NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith and two former University of South Florida football players.

Their boat overturned after encountering rough waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

Nick Schuyler was found clinging to the boat two days later. The other men have not been found.

With the presumptive death certificate, Cooper's beneficiaries can collect life insurance and other benefits.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Grady Jackson Joins Lions

The Detroit Lions signed unrestricted free-agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson to a three-year contract Wednesday. Financial terms on the coontract were not disclosed.

The 6-foot-2, 345-pound Jackson played most of the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round (193rd overall) in 1997 and also has played for New Orleans, Green Bay and Jacksonville.

Jackson, had 23 tackles and two sacks in 15 games last season with Atlanta. He was one of the players named in the StarCaps fiasco last season but was not suspended. Jackson filed suit against StarCaps in Alameda County Superior Court in California in November, seeking restitution for any lost salary and damages for "false advertising and unfair business practices."

Since being drafted by Oakland in 1997, Jackson has toured the NFL with playing stops in New Orleans, Green Bay, Jacksonville Atlanta and now Detroit.

Terrell Owens Cut by Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spent countless press conferences trying to convince you it wasn't going to happen, he placed a gag order on his coaches at the Scouting Combine, so his coaching staff couldn't answer the question. Despite all the smoke and mirrors, the Dallas Cowboys finally did what we all expected them to do, they have released WR Terrell Owens.

By cutting Terrell Owens the Cowboys will be able to rid themselves of a locker room cancer and sideline distraction, but the team will have to absorb a huge hit to the salary cap, a reported a $9.675 Million, stemming from the new contract Owens signed last summer, a four-year, $34 Million deal that included a $12 Million bonus.

Owens, who has always been known as a productive receiver, is remembered more often for his outlandish and bizarre touchdown celebrations, like the Sharpie in the sock, or pouring popcorn all over himself. Even more bizarre were his off the field antics, giving an interview while doing sit ups in his driveway, or the accidental overdose/suicide attempt.

It was all of these reasons that Jerry Jones loved T.O., with every outlandish act brought more media attention to "America's Team" and more attention means more money for Jones, but the one thing Owens did not bring to Dallas was playoff victories, and that may have been the straw that broke the camel's back for Jones. Owens is not worth the distraction if he is not winning you championships.

Over his 13-year career, he's a five-time All-Pro and ranks second in career touchdowns, fifth in career yards receiving and sixth in career receptions. He turned 35 in December, but remains a physical specimen.

Look for Owens to re-emerge in a place like New York, with the Giants. Owens would love the bright lights of New York and the Giants may need to replace the production of Plaxico Burress. Another possibe landing spot could be Washington, as owner Dan Snyder loves to spend money on big name players no matter how much baggage they bring with them. I think a wild-card team for getting Owens would be the Oakland Raiders, I think Al Davis will fall in love with T.O.'s production and is arrogant enough to think he could keep him happy.

Last season, the Denver Broncos lost a rediculously high number of running back to injured reserve last season, so in an attempt to prepare themselves for another injury backfield the Broncos keep adding depth at running back.

The Broncos have added LaMont Jordan, allowing the former Raider a chance to return to the AFC West, and an opprotunity to re-unite with his old offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

The Broncos also have signed former Philadelphia running back Correll Buckhalter in free agency. They had a deal in place for Arizona free agent J.J. Arrington, but it fell through. The two sides have been talking this week about a new deal.

Dolphins Add C Grove

The Miami Dolphins have signed C Jake Grove to a five-year contract worth $30 million.

A second-round choice in the 2004 draft, Grove has started at both center and guard for the Raiders, the for which he has played all of his 5 seasons. He is expected to compete with Samson Satele for the starting center position.

Several injuries have slowed the career of the former Virginia Tech standout, and he has had a hard time staying on the field, making double digit starts only twice in his career.

The Search Continues for Missing Boat

Despite reports that the search for the missing boat in the Gulf of Mexico was called off last night, we awoke this morning to a story in The Tampa Tribune, saying just the opposite.

The original area being searched Sunday, about 750 square miles west of Clearwater, "has about tripled," Coast Guard Petty Officer Sondra Kneen said this morning. "We are continuing to search," she said.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers are expected to join the search of inshore waters today.

Coast Guard Capt. Timothy M. Close said there was no communication with the men even before the weather started to pick up and no SOS call was received.
"That's not to say they didn't send one out," he said. "We didn't receive anything."

The Coast Guard said at a news conference Sunday that it intended to search overnight for the missing boaters. There was no determination of how long searchers will continue looking.

Information from reporter Neil Johnson and The Associated Press was used in this report.

Ekejiuba Re-Signs with Raiders

Veteran Raiders linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba signed a three-year contract worth $5.4 Million with $1.25 Million guaranteed

League source say Ekejiuba's contract is the largest one ever given to a core special teams player.

Cleveland and the New York Jets expressed interest in Ekejiuba before the Raiders intensified their pursuit of the player who has spent most of the past four seasons in Oakland.

REPORT: Three NFL Players on Missing Boat Continuing Updates

More information regarding the Missing Boat 50 miles off Clearwater Pass, more names have been revealed.

In a previous update we mentioned that 2 of the players on the boat were NFL players. The coast guard has revealed the neames of all four passengers on the missing boat; Victor "Marquis" Cooper, who plays for the Oakland Raiders, Corey Smith of the Detroit Lions, Will Bleakley and Nick Schuyler, former University of South Florida football players, did not return from their fishing trip as expected last night.

Cooper and Smith played together for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2004 before bouncing around the league.

"Weather conditions continue to hamper the search and rescue efforts," said Capt. Timothy Close commander of the commander of the St. Petersburg Sector of the Coast Guard.

The St. Petersburg Times asks that anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at (727) 824-7506, or by marine VHF radio channel 16.

BREAKING NEWS: Missing Boat Update

Neil Johnson of TBO.com is reporting that the coast guard has identified 3 ofthe people on board the missing boat.

The Coast Guard say the missing boaters are Victor "Marquis" Cooper (of the Oakland Raiders), Corey Smith (ex-Detroit Lions) and Nick Skyler. Skyler does not appear to be an NFL player, meaning if reports are true and a 4th person is on the boat he may be the 3rd NFL player.

The Coast Guard search team includes a 47-foot boat, a helicopter, airplane and cutter.
The searchers are encountering winds of about 45 mph and waves ranging from 6 to 10 feet high with white caps.

We will continue to keep you updated as more details develop.

REPORT: Three NFL Players on Missing Boat

This report comes from ABC Action News,

The Coast Guard is searching for a missing fishing boat about 50 miles off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico, the 21-foot fishing boat left from a boat ramp in Clearwater Pass Saturday about 6:30 am with 4 people on board.

The report claims that of the 4 people on boars 3 of them were NFL players. one of them plays for the Detroit Lions, and one plays for the Oakland Raiders.

The Boat was due to return after dark, but never did. The Coast guard believe the boat may be in distress and described the water in the gulf as extremelt choppy.

Air and marine crews from the Sand Key and Clearwater Coast Guard stations are searching a 750 square mile area west of Clearwater Pass.

Stay tuned for more information.

Broncos Sign Hill for Four Years

The Denver Broncos have signed former Miami Dolphin free safety Renaldo Hill to a 4-year, $10 Million contract with $3 Million guaranteed.

Hill, 30, an eight-year veteran, played his last three seasons in Miami, after stints in Oakland and Arizona.

In his 8 year career Hill has 474 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 15 int's and 1 TD.

Hall Re-Signs in Washington

Free Agency started out as expected with a CB signing a monster sized deal, DeAngelo Hall has re-signed with the Washington Redskins to a six-year $54 Million deal that included $22.5 Million in guarantees. This is the second consecutive year that Hall has signed a huge contract.

Hall signed a seven year, $70 million contract he signed a year ago with Oakland Hall with around $24 million guaranteed, but was released after 8 games. He signed a week later in Washington and played in the final seven games of the season, starting four.

On the season, Hall had 5 interceptions - three in Oakland and two in Washington.

Safety Wilson Signs in Miami

Recently released by the Oakland Raiders, safety Gibril Wilson was scooped up today by the Miami Dolphins, who are getting a head start on free agency. Terms of the contract were not released.

Wilson finished last season as Oakland's second-leading tackler with 129. Wilson, 27, spent his first four seasons with the New York Giants and was a starter on the team that defeated New England in Super Bowl XLII. His release from Oakland came as a surprise as he was signed to a six-year, $39 million contract in March 2008.

The Wilson signing is the third major personnel move Miami has already made this offseason. Within the past week, the franchise also inked right tackle Vernon Carey and linebacker Channing Crowder to multiyear contract extensions.

Raiders Continue Purge

The Oakland Raiders continue to purge the roster to improve their salary cap position. Their most recent cuts cleared up $8.6 Million and resulted in starting left tackle Kwame Harris and fullback Justin Griffith hitting the unemployment line.

With these recent moves the team has saved approximately $14.6 million in cap room, but also left team lacking some talented players like safety Gibril Wilson, wide receiver Ronald Curry and defensive end Kalimba Edwards. The five releases have also put $11.5 million of dead money onto their $123 million cap. If you include the carryover cap losses from DeAngelo Hall who was cut last year, the Raiders have close to $20 million of dead money on their salary cap.

Harris was signed last year from the San Francisco 49ers. He signed a three-year, $14 million contract and was due a $6 million roster bonus by the end of the week. Harris struggled late in the season with his blocking and with penalties.

Griffith tore up his knee against Baltimore on Oct. 26, would have counted just over $1 million against the cap. The Raiders also have a replacement on hand in Oren O'Neal.