The shopping season is under way.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder made the first splash in the NFL's free agency/trading period with a huge contract for the enormous Albert Haynesworth. Can't say anybody is surprised that Snyder once again opened up his wallet to the reported tune of seven years and $100 million with $41 million guaranteed for the interior lineman.
Haynesworth, one of the game's finest defensive tackles who racked up 8.5 sacks last season, has never played more than 14 games in a season. And only hours before the Haynesworth acquisition, the 'Skins retained corner DeAngelo Hall to a six-year deal with $23 million guaranteed.
While the Jets haven't officially announced the signing of FB Tony Richardson, various media outlets have reported that the Jets have agreed to terms with the 37-year-old veteran. Richardson was a tremendous asset in the Green & White's ninth-ranked rush attack, helping pave the way for Thomas Jones' career-high 1,312 yards and first Pro Bowl appearance.
New York's AFC representative will continue to be active though. NFL Network reporter Adam Schefter wrote this morning that "the Jets are expected to spend $8 million per year on [Bart] Scott." And the National Football Post has reported that Scott "has just finalized a multi-year contract."
Scott, 28, would fill a need for a hole at Will 'backer for the Jets as the team decided to let Eric Barton explore free agency. The 6'2", 240-pounder, who was credited with 82 tackles a season ago, is familiar with Rex Ryan's defensive system and is five years younger than fellow Ravens free agent LB Ray Lewis.
If the Jets land Scott, they could then turn to the interior line to fill a hole with the release of RG Brandon Moore. Many people also think it's only a matter of time before the Jets add another Raven in S Jim Leonhard, a favorite of Ryan from their days in B-More.
According to Schefter, the Patriots have been busy. They apparently have signed not only veteran RB Fred Taylor but also former Jets TE Chris Baker. While the Jets have a special receiving threat at the position in Dustin Keller, they might look at beefing up tight end for the run game in either free agency or the draft.
Once we get any official news from GM Mike Tannenbaum, we'll let you know. And if you're scoring at home, the NFL cap increased this season to $127 million (from $116 million) and there is also a $107.7 million floor.
The NFL sent out an official free agency release in the wee hours this morning with all the names of this year's unrestricted free agents. Here is the list of the Jets' 13 UFAs:
| Name, Pos | Name, Pos | Name, Pos |
| Eric Barton, LB | Jay Feely, K | Hank Poteat, DB |
| Ahmad Carroll, DB | Bubba Franks, TE | J.R. Reed, DB |
| Jesse Chatman, RB | Ty Law, DB | Tony Richardson, RB |
| Laveranues Coles, WR | C.J. Mosley, DE | Cody Spencer, LB |
| Mike Nugent, K |
