2006 Free Agent Tracker - Offense

[PhillyGirl]

Top lineman Shields might be cap casualty
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com


Thirteen-year veteran guard Will Shields, one of the most celebrated offensive linemen in recent NFL history and a fixture in the Kansas City community during his long career with the Chiefs, could be a salary cap casualty if his contract for 2006 is not readjusted.

Chiefs officials have been discussing with Shields and his representative various scenarios to reduce his cap figure for 2006, the final season of his current deal. Shields is scheduled to earn a $5.1 million base salary, and is due a $400,000 roster bonus, and he carries a 2006 cap charge of $6.67 million.

Like many teams in the league, the Chiefs may have to make some roster moves to get into compliance with a 2006 cap projected to be $95 million-$96 million. The Tuesday breakdown of negotiations that would have extended the league's collective bargaining agreement, and the resultant likelihood that 2007 will be played as a so-called "uncapped" year, only makes that task more difficult.

Shields, 34, may have to weigh the advantages of staying in Kansas City, even at less money, against the prospect of being cast into an uncertain free agent market, one in which teams are expected to proceed with great caution and in which it could be impossible to meet players' financial expectations. Shields has deep roots now in the Kansas City community and leaving the Chiefs, the only franchise for which he has ever played during his stellar career, could be difficult.

A major component of one of the NFL's premier blocking units, Shields has been selected for 11 straight Pro Bowl games, and is one of the most respected players in the league. He has never missed a game, has appeared in 208 contests, and started all but one of them. The former Nebraska star has played in more game than any non-kicker in franchise history.

In addition to his contributions on the field, Shields has been a strong presence off field in Kansas City and he received the NFL's prestigious "Man of the Year" award in January 2004.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.   

[PhillyPhanInDC]

Simms re-signs with Bucs
QB completes one-year deal to avoid free agency
Posted: Wednesday March 1, 2006 2:45PM; Updated: Wednesday March 1, 2006 2:52PM

Chris Simms won six of his 10 starts and led the Bucs to an NFC South championship in 2005.
Doug Benc/Getty Images
 
 
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Quarterback Chris Simms agreed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wednesday.

The signing comes two days before Simms would have become a restricted free agent and allows the Bucs to keep the quarterback who started the last 10 games in the 2005 season after starter Brian Griese went down with a knee injury.

Terms of the contract were not released by the team.

Simms, drafted by the Bucs in 2003, won six of his 10 starts and led the team to an NFC South championship. He completed 191-of-313 passes for 2,035 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

In a playoff game against Washington, the 25-year-old Simms set new team postseason records by completing 25 passes on 38 attempts

[SD_Eagle5]

(Sirius) Carolina releases Stephen Davis and He Hate me

[Wingspan]

(Sirius) Carolina releases Stephen Davis and He Hate me

get davis

i mean that. i think he'd compliment westbrook nicely. as long as he's healthy.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

(Sirius) Carolina releases Stephen Davis and He Hate me

get davis

i mean that. i think he'd compliment westbrook nicely. as long as he's healthy.

Maybe 3-4 years ago he would have.  Dude is D-O-N-E.  C'mon, man.... jeezus.

[Wingspan]

(Sirius) Carolina releases Stephen Davis and He Hate me

get davis

i mean that. i think he'd compliment westbrook nicely. as long as he's healthy.

Maybe 3-4 years ago he would have.  Dude is D-O-N-E.  C'mon, man.... jeezus.

if he's healthy, i am sure he is good for 5 plays a game. he's only 32...for 1 year, it's a low risk signing. certianly lower risk than hoping for buckhalter

[Feva]

(Sirius) Carolina releases Stephen Davis and He Hate me

get davis

i mean that. i think he'd compliment westbrook nicely. as long as he's healthy.

Did I just log into the TATE and nobody tell me about it?

[Feva]

Let the bloodbath begin!

Broncos cut Mike Anderson and Jeb Putzier.   

(ESPNEWS)

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

he's only 32

Wrong.  His knees are more like 50.

[Feva]

Bills to have a 5pm Press Conference.  Announcing Moulds' release, maybe?

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Bills to have a 5pm Press Conference.  Announcing Moulds' release, maybe?

and maybe TV too

[Wingspan]

thank you for your opinion Dr Fast Freddie

[rjs246]

Damn this is going to be kind of exciting.

[SunMo]

Damn this is going to be kind of exciting.

you had it pegged right with the morbid curiosity to see how this all plays out.

[Wingspan]

this has the potential to replicate a Madden Fantasty Draft when you start up a franchise.