NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter (via Twitter):

Filed to ESPN: Washington traded DT Albert Haynesworth to the New England Patriots for a fifth-round pick in 2013.

Assuming the trade is finalized – no reason it shouldn't/won't be – the fact that the Redskins front office was able to acquire even two late round draft picks for such completely devalued assets like Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth is an absolute coup.

Haynesworth's departure finally severs the team from one of the worst free agent signings in the history of the franchise, if not the NFL outright. At no point during his tenure in Washington did Haynesworth live up to his $100 million contract.

Redskins fans will remember Haynesworth a lot more for taking plays off, rolling around on the ground and "faking" injuries, as well as a few off-the-field legal incidents, as opposed to anything positive he may have contributed to the team's defense. Sure, every so often, he'd show flashes of being the best defensive tackle in the NFL, and the player the Redskins thought they were getting, but those plays became fewer and far between during his days as a member of this team.

However, the bottom line is, the Redskins will be able to sever themselves from two gigantic distractions, and finally move on in rebuilding this team.

Legendary senior writer jclombardi reports G Colledge gone & WR Jones maybe.

Breaking news: According to published reports free agent guard Daryn Colledge is signing with the Arizona Cardinals. First, the agent for guard Daryn Colledge reports he is not coming back to the Packers and maybe joining the Arizona Cardinals.Of course, teams cannot officially sign players until Friday at 5:00 p.m. Now, a report confirmed Colledge will agree to a new deal with the Cardinals.  For a scathing account of these shocking events, fans can read the solid Packers Report story, “Colledge: Packers Never Showed Interest In Deal“.

Credit: Mark Hoffman

Meanwhile, QB Aaron Rodgers said that the Packers need to keep free agent WR James Jones saying, “”James is extremely talented and he’s a guy that I think we have to bring back without a doubt,” Rodgers said. “He should be priority No. 1. We don’t win the Super Bowl without him. And we need him.” Writer Wilde reports that the Packers are interested in keeping him. 

Commentary: We have mixed emotions wondering who will replace iron man Colledge at LG. Coach McCarthy must choose from 1st round pick Derek Sherrod and veterans T.J. Lang, Marshall Newhouse and Nick McDonald and so on. Finally, the Packers should keep WR Jones.

It’s not a Ray Edwards but it’s a defensive end of note.

According to sources the Seattle Seahawks are set to bring in DE Jimmy Wilkerson on Friday.

Wilkerson has been a target of the Seahawks on several occasions, they held him for a free agent visit last off season.

His best campaigns date from the 2008-2009 seasons when he finished with a combined 11 sacks and 69 tackles over two seasons for Tampa Bay. Last season for New Orleans he finished with 2 sacks; which actually tied with starter Alex Brown.

This will be a low cost, depth move, most likely bracing for the departure of someone like Raheem Brock, especially if Pete Carroll has his eyes on Ray Edwards.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker.

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

A List of all Seahawks undrafted rookie free agent signings.

You can view NFL rumors and signings for all teams at here.

According to sources the Seattle Seahawks are in the mix for free agent linebacker Zac Diles, along with the Rams and Bears.

This news should come as no surprise as the Seahawks lost utility linebacker Will Herring to the Saints yesterday; Diles would presumably directly fill the Herring void and provide an upgrade.

Over the past three seasons in 30 starts and 39 total games for the Houston Texans, Diles has recorded 210 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 3 FF.

Look for many more of these announcements to roll through as Seattle has about half a roster to fill.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker.

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

A List of all Seahawks undrafted rookie free agent signings.

You can view NFL rumors and signings for all teams at here.

It appears that unless they are ready to promise him a starting safety role that “big play Babs” may very well end up in another uniform for 2o11.

Reports are that a near half dozen teams are hot on his trail, including the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas is bracing for the loss of Gerald Sensabaugh and may be pursuing him as a starter, ditto for the New York Jets where he could be brought in to compete with Eric Smith as well.

Seattle has not hesitated on getting younger, letting Hasselbeck, Stokely, and Mare walk so far. Don’t be surprised if they let Babs do the same in an effort to get younger. Believe it or not he is one of the better options available after Eric Weddle and Quintin Mikell were both signed by the Chargers and Rams respectively.

Always a good highlight to watch that has helped him keep his monikor despite his fair share of missed tackles.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker.

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

You can view all free agency news, updates, and signings at NFL Gridiron Gab.

A List of all Seahawks undrafted rookie free agent signings.

Now that the Seahawks have hauled in arguably two of the best players at their positions in guard Robert Gallery and wide receiver Sidney Rice rumblings are they will now turn their attention to defensive end Ray Edwards.

So far Seattle has spent a combined $12.2 million on Rice and quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and the figures for Robert Gallery will average out to slightly below $7 million per year. With a reported $41.5 million in cap space and roughly $4 million coming off the books from the impending Stacey Andrews release, that means Seattle still has well over $25.5 million to spend on free agents. This is of course pending additional releases that would free up additional cap room. Cap figures aren’t anything close to the “annual” earnings so for all we know Seattle still has over $35 million to splurge with.

Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson set the market at $30 million guaranteed money with a 6 year, $72 million contract overall. If Seattle wants Edwards it appears it will be a deal costing at least $10 million annually. Even after locking Edwards up they can still pursue a cornerback like Jonathan Joseph or Antonio Cromartie, retain Brandon Mebane, and still have significant resources.

Regardless, Seattle is in the derby for a top flight cornerback and defensive end, as well as a new kicker, as they continue to be very aggressive in the open market.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker.

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

A List of all Seahawks undrafted rookie free agent signings.

You can view NFL rumors and signings for all teams at NFL Gridiron Gab.

According to sources the Seattle Seahawks have agreed to terms on a five year, $41 million contract with Sidney Rice that will pay him $18.5 million in guaranteed money.

This is a massive coup for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks as they plunge into rebuilding mode. Seattle finally has a dynamic vertical threat to build their new passing attack around. Seattle now has two big, pshycical receiving threats and this will just open things up more for breakout receiver Mike Williams.

This leaves Ben Obamanu, Deon Butler, Golden Tate, and Kris Durham to battle it out for playing time behind what is fast becoming a dynamic receiving unit in Seattle.

I was thinking it was going to be worse when Holmes got $50 million from New York; in comparison the Seahawks came away like bandits.

The deal is pending a very important psychical that can’t be taken until friday; Rice missed most of last season after microfracture surgery on his hip.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker.

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

A List of all Seahawks undrafted rookie free agent signings.

NFL Network’s Jay Glazer is reporting 6’4″, Pro Bowl free agent WR Sidney Rice has agreed upon terms to a 5-year deal to play for Pete Carroll in Seattle. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that it’s a five year deal with up to $41 million including $18.5 million guaranteed. His best season was 2009: 83 rec, 1312 yards, 15.8 avg, 8 TD.

Sports Illustrated’s Jim Trotter is reporting that former Arizona Cardinals receiver Steve Breaston has agreed to a 5-year deal, worth $9m guaranteed with the Kansas City Chiefs. His best season was 2008: 77 rec, 1006 yards, 13.1 avg, 3 TD.

Both receivers are being reunited with their offensive coordinators from last season. Breaston was my #5 available WR in my Twitter rankings, Rice was #1.

If you were worried the Seahawks weren’t going to try hard to retain Brandon Mebane, well, don’t.

Just because they’re dropping the ball at quarterback doesn’t mean the rest of the free agency haul isn’t going to be nice like Rice.

According to the agent for the top unrestricted free agent defensive tackle the Seattle Seahawks were the “in depth” team that he had discussions with amongst possible suitors (who were not listed).

By all means, retaining Brandon Mebane should be considered part of this free agency haul if done. Losing him would be a major hit and replacing him gets expensive as well. If these “in depth” talks fall through, look for Seattle to aggressively pursue Cullen Jenkins (they might be anyway), and Aubrayo Franklin.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker.

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

A List of all Seahawks undrafted rookie free agent signings.

You can view NFL rumors and signings for all teams at NFL Gridiron Gab.

The Seattle Seahawks lost their fourth (technically third), free agent of the day, luckily none of them are named Brandon Mebane.

Matt Hasselbeck (Titans), Olindo Mare (Panthers), Will Herring (Saints) have already found new homes.

Wide receiver Brandon Stokely has also decided to leave the team, joining the Washington Redskins one a presumed one year contract.

The 13 year veteran was terrific as an injury fill in for the Seahawks and I often saw him converting third down on many of those catches. He finished 2010 with 31 catches for 354 yards. His single handed domination of a triple blown coverage against the Saints in the playoffs will always have a place in my heart as one of the best plays I’ve seen at a football game. When Seattle actually went up 24-17 with 1:00 left before halftime it truly started to hit that “we can beat these guys!”. Besides the Lynch run, that was the loudest the stadium got that day.

Fast forward to 1:40 to see the beginning of the play. Or, for a much more significant reason if you’re feeling nostalgic, watch the whole highlight; it’s Hasselbecks last home game as a Seahawk.

You can view all Seahawks comings and goings as they happen on our Free Agency Tracker.

You can view up to date Seahawks free agency news and rumors by clicking here.

A List of all Seahawks undrafted rookie free agent signings.

You can view NFL rumors and signings for all teams at NFL Gridiron Gab.