The New Orleans Saints have acquired Jonathan Vilma from the NY Jets. The Saints run a 4-3 defense that suits Vilma’s style of play. This is a good move for both him and the Saints. They needed a running back and the Jets need everything.

The Minnesota Vikings acquired safety Madieu Williams from the Cincinnati Bengals. As of right now, he’s the highest paid player in that position. He’s set to earn $33 million over 6 years.

Wide receiver Jerry Porter got the hell out of Oakland and ran to the arm of David Garrard and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Raiders are a team that is rich in talent, but no direction. Jerry knew this and took the first opportunity to ride out. He’s expected to sign a six-year, $30 million contract later on Friday. Porter has been in the league for 8 years but you wouldn’t know that unless you were a fan or lived on the west coast.

Kawika Mitchell of the Super Bowl champs NY Giants has moved to the only team that really plays in New York. Mitchell signed a deal with the Buffalo Bills for $17.5 million over five years, with a $3.5 million signing bonus. Once you get the ring, then you get the money. Go visit Niagara Falls Kawika!

The Carolina Panthers sent Chris Jenkins to the New York Jets for a third- and fifth-round draft pick. He signed a five-year contract worth $35 million, including $20 million in guaranteed money. The defensive tackle has been to the pro bowl 3 times before being placed on the trading block last year. Here’s too a fresh start Jenkins! Damn $20M guaranteed!

FIRST…Happy Leap Year? Is this an official holiday of some sorts? Are the people born on this day 25% younger than those born on Feb. 28 or Mar. 1? huh? Ok, let’s talk football.
There’s a total of 400 players that are free agents. The labels placed on players are a bit confusing and until today, I didn’t have a complete understanding. So, if you were like me, here are the definitions:
EFA (Exclusive restricted FA) - A player whose contract expires at a time when he has less than three accrued seasons.
UFA (Unrestricted free agent – A player who has completed four or more accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.
RFA (Restricted free agent) – A player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.
Franchise – A restricted free agent who has been designated as a franchise player.

To check out the complete of EFAs, UDAs, RFAs, and F’s visit www.nfl.com.

The San Fransisco 49ers have been the busiest team signing free agents thus far. They are clearly ready to compete with the Seahawks and Cardinals for the NFC West title. They’ve signed Vikings linebacker Dontarrious Thomas on a two-year deal, Lions quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan to a one-year, $645,000 contract. The also signed, DeShaun Foster, of the Panthers to a two-year, $1.8 million deal. Allen Rossum, the ex-Pittsburgh Steeler, will run back kick offs for a year, plus, $870,000.

Flozell Adams will continue to guard Romo’s blind side. The Cowboys signed the four-time Pro Bowl left tackle to a six-year deal, for more than $42 million with $15 million in guaranteed money over the first three years of the contract. That’s a whole lotta money!

Derek Anderson was free for long. The Browns offered him a 3 year deal worth $20 million. If he had rejected the offer, they were prepared to move forward with Brady Quinn running the offense. Which might still happen if last season, Anderson’s performance was a fluke.

There’s a plethora of recognizable names still available. If you’re looking for a veteran, back-up QB, Trent Green, Byron Leftwich, and Billy Volek need a home.

How about a pair of sure hands or a slot receiver? Try calling Isaac Bruce, Reche Caldwell, Bryant Johnson, Keenan McCardell, Jerry Porter, Alge Crumpler, Ernest Wilford and of course, RANDY MOSS. Who says he has to stay in New England?

The injuries that plagued the running back position last season hindered teams down the stretch. Organizations need heed the warning and sign at least 3 in my opinion. Willing to run the rock and block for your #1 are: Jesse Chatman, Ron Dayne, T.J. Duckett, Julius Jones and Michael Pittman, Michael Turner, and Lorenzo Neal.

ThEN…A “Party for the Planet”, was held at the Stingaree on February 28, 2008 in San Diego.

Matt Nordgren, a player with the Philadelphia Eagles
and his guest, Natalie DeMay

Courtney Reum (left), managing partner with Veev,
Matt Nordgren (center) and Carter Reum

FIRST…If you don’t have a contract by midnight, then you’re a free agent. Majority of NFL players are secure with their teams, but there’s a few notable ballers looking for a new home. Let’s see who’s out shopping their goods.

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Jets LB Jonathan Vilma was in the Detroit area for a physical and to explore a trade to the Lions. The Jets gave Vilma permission to seek a trade to any team with the exception of the New England Patriots.

The Bills are expected to listen to trade offers for quarterback J.P. Losman, according to the Buffalo News. Rookie Trent Edwards replaced Losman last season when he went down with an ankle injury.

Published reports are linking DeShaun Foster to the San Fransisco 49ers. According to The San Jose Mercury News, if signed, the former second-round draft pick out of UCLA would be in line for the No. 2 job behind Frank Gore.

There’s a possible switch between the Patriots and Eagles with Lito Sheppard and Asante Samuel. The two teams are “talking.” The Patriots’ organization has Eugene Wilson, Randy Moss, and Rosevelt Colvin on the market as well.

I’ve heard rumors that Dallas will make a play for Randy Moss. They have the money, a QB and the possibility of making it to the Super Bowl. Do you think Randy Moss and Terrell Owens and coexist on the same team? Even if they don’t sign him, the thought is just as fun.

ThEN…ESPN Zone celebrated Black History Month in NYC.

Deion Sanders

Shaun Powell, Deion Sanders, Rob Parker and Steve Harvey

Larry Johnson and Lee Lyon attend B.E.D. in Miami

The NY Giants held a screening of their Super Bowl XLII Champions DVD at the Empire 25 Theater in NYC. Proud fans and teammates were on hand to watch and revel once again about winning the NFL’s biggest game. When you’re the champion, one, two, or three celebrations are never enough. Keep partying guys, you’ll be reporting to mini camp before you know it.

Michael Strahan – We’re #1

Eli Manning and fiancee Abby McGrew

Osi Umenyiora

Eli Manning and David Tyree – w/out that catch, who knows….

Antonio Pierce

Brandon Jacobs and Amani Toomer

photos courtesy of wireimage