New Orleans Saints 02/29/2008 1:36 PMThe Times-Picayune reports with teams eligible to sign free agents today, the Saints appear satisfied to allow several key contributors to test their marketability league-wide. But the Saints appeared close to a deal Thursday night to obtain middle LB Jonathan Vilma from the New York Jets, Vilma's agent, Tony Fleming, said. Vilma was in New Orleans on Monday to take a physical. The Jets and Saints were trying to work out compensation details Thursday night.Read more
New York Jets 02/29/2008 1:33 PMThe Star-Ledger reports the Jets have finally found the beef for the middle of their 3-4 defense. This morning, the Jets put the finishing touches on a trade with the Panthers to acquire 6-4, 350-pound DT Kris Jenkins for a third- and fifth-round pick in the April draft. The club is expected to announce the move early this afternoon. As for the trade of LB Jonathan Vilma to the Saints, the Jets will get a conditional draft pick in 2009, depending on how he performs next season. It's believed to be a third or fourth-rounder that could go higher. The deal has yet to be officially announced. Jenkins, who had two years left on his contract, signed a new five-year, $35-million deal that includes $20 million in guaranteed money and roster bonuses.Read more
Chicago Bears 02/29/2008 1:22 PMThe Chicago Sun-Times reports the Bears have lost their first player in free agency. TE John Gilmore is at the airport in Philadelphia headed to Tampa, Fla., where he will sign a three-year contract with the Buccaneers tonight. The Bears negotiated with Gilmore’s agent this week and went back-and-forth but their offer did not measure up after Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden called Gilmore this morning at 12:15.Read more
Atlanta Falcons 02/29/2008 1:18 PMThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports QB Chris Redman re-signed with the Falcons on Friday, agreeing to a two-year deal. Redman appeared in seven games for the Falcons last season, completing 59.7 percent of his passes for 1,079 yards with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. "I'd like to thank Mr. Blank, head coach Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff for giving me the opportunity to return," Redman said in a statement. Redman could enter the season as the starter. The Falcons also have quarterbacks Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley under contract.Read more
