Manning signs, Free Agency and Trading Period Begins
Tuesday March 2, 2004
On the eve of the NFL's free agent signing period, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they have signed quarterback Peyton Manning to a $99.2 million seven-year contract that includes a record $34.5 million bonus. And this signing should be just the beginning of what promises to be a fast and furious week of trades and free agent signings.
The Redskins, who just signed defensive end Phillip Daniels, are rumored to be set to make a heavy push for the Titans Jevon Kearse. They are also rumored to be interested in Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and as has been widely reported, they are set to announce deals for Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell and Broncos running back Clinton Portis shortly after the trading period begins on March 3rd.
The San Francisco 49ers gave the pink slip to quarterback Jeff Garcia (Bears, Bucs, Cowboys and Raiders seem interested) on the same day they gave free-agent-wannabe Terrell Owens permission to seek a trade with another team. And speaking of the Bucs, they could be nearing a Keyshawn Johnson-for-Joey Galloway swap with the Cowboys very soon. Look for Dallas to make a push for veteran running back Duce Staley as well.
There are also rumblings that the Cincinnati Bengals, who recently named second-year quarterback Carson Palmer the team's starter, are not likely to pay Jon Kitna more than $4 million to ride the bench. If a trade can't be worked out, Kitna could be released. The veteran QB has indicated that he would not mind playing for the San Diego Chargers.
Others that should draw early interest include Raiders running back Charlie Garner, Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom, Eagles cornerbacks Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent, and Buccaneers running back Thomas Jones.
The Redskins, who just signed defensive end Phillip Daniels, are rumored to be set to make a heavy push for the Titans Jevon Kearse. They are also rumored to be interested in Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and as has been widely reported, they are set to announce deals for Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell and Broncos running back Clinton Portis shortly after the trading period begins on March 3rd.
The San Francisco 49ers gave the pink slip to quarterback Jeff Garcia (Bears, Bucs, Cowboys and Raiders seem interested) on the same day they gave free-agent-wannabe Terrell Owens permission to seek a trade with another team. And speaking of the Bucs, they could be nearing a Keyshawn Johnson-for-Joey Galloway swap with the Cowboys very soon. Look for Dallas to make a push for veteran running back Duce Staley as well.
There are also rumblings that the Cincinnati Bengals, who recently named second-year quarterback Carson Palmer the team's starter, are not likely to pay Jon Kitna more than $4 million to ride the bench. If a trade can't be worked out, Kitna could be released. The veteran QB has indicated that he would not mind playing for the San Diego Chargers.
Others that should draw early interest include Raiders running back Charlie Garner, Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom, Eagles cornerbacks Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent, and Buccaneers running back Thomas Jones.
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