Archives for March 2, 2007

‘Whittle played in all 16 games last season for the Minnesota Vikings and started two in place of the injured Artis Hicks. In nine career seasons — with the New York Giants, Tampa Bay and Minnesota — Whittle has started 42 of 125 career games.’

‘The Bills weren’t stopping there, announcing that two other free agent offensive linemen — mammoth tackle Langston Walker and guard Derrick Dockery — were visiting the team’s Orchard Park headquarters Friday.’

‘Whittle (6’4″, 305) spent seven of his previous nine NFL seasons with the Giants (1998-2002, 2004-2005) and was part of the club’s Super Bowl team in 2000 that faced Baltimore in Super Bowl XXXV. He was originally a rookie free agent signing of the Giants in 1998.’

‘The 6’6″ 335 pound lineman has been Washington’s starting left guard since the time the Redskins made him a third round draft pick in 2003. Over the last two seasons one thing Washington has been able to do is run the football ranking 7th in rushing in 2005 and 4th in 2006.’

‘Fletcher, a free agent from the Buffalo Bills, was an immediate target for the usually aggressive Redskins. He was to visit Redskins Park on Friday, often a sign that a deal will be completed before the day’s end.’

‘Walker is a massive tackle/guard that has been a two-year starter for the Raiders. Last season he was Oakland’s starting right tackle for all 16 games. In 2005, Walker started the first six games at left guard before missing the rest of the season with a stomach injury.’

Ninth-year vet Jason Whittle, who appeared in 16 games for the Vikings with two starts in 2006, has signed a one-year contract with the Bills, agent Joe Linta said early Friday morning. The deal includes a base salary of $720,000, and Whittle received a $40,000 signing bonus.

‘If a trade can’t be completed, the Bills would consider releasing Spikes, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks and because the Bills have not announced their intentions for Spikes.’

‘Whittle’s agent, Joseph Linta, told The Associated Press that the deal was completed after the Bills contacted him shortly after midnight.’

‘But his departure remains a distinct possibility. The trade or release of Spikes would save $4.6 million in actual cash he is owed this year and about $2.8 million against the salary cap.’

‘As for the four restricted free agents, cornerback Jabari Greer and running back Shaud Williams were both re-signed to two-year contracts. The other two – defensive end Anthony Hargrove and defensive tackle Tim Anderson – were tendered the required one-year qualifying offers. This means if a team signs either player to an offer sheet, the Bills have the right to match the offer. If they choose not to match, they will receive draft pick compensation.’

‘Middle linebacker London Fletcher could become a member of the Washington Redskins as early as today…’.

‘The Redskins also figure to make a serious run at cornerback Nate Clements, the top corner on the market and Fletcher-Baker’s teammate. Clements reportedly wants a signing bonus that exceeds the record bonus for the position the Denver Broncos gave to Champ Bailey in 2004. Clements, a Pro Bowl pick in 2004, isn’t in the same class as Bailey, a perennial All-Pro, but he’s clearly the top available corner and is just 27 years old.’

‘Whittle is an eight-year veteran, having played for the New York Giants, Tampa Bay, and — last season — Minnesota.’

‘Finally, the main name to watch for the Bills could be Indianapolis’ Jake Scott. The three-year veteran entered the offseason as a restricted free agent, but he didn’t receive a tender offer from the Colts. That means Scott, a right guard, will hit the unrestricted free-agent market, where he’ll no doubt be actively pursued. Scott has started in 32 consecutive regular-season contests for Indy, and he’s one of the linemen chiefly responsible for keeping Peyton Manning upright. The 6-5, 295-pounder would be a vast improvement over Preston on the right side of the line.’