NFL Offseason wire

[YoFuggedaboutit]

The Altanta Falcons has signed kicked Jason Elam to a 4 year, $9 million contract.  That's a LOT of money for a kicker. 

Lofa Tatupu has signed a $42 million contract extension that will keep him with the Seattle Seahawks until 2015

The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed DB Donald Strickland.  Wonder if stroke has any insight on this.

Ben Utecht, a restricted free agent TE with the Indianapolis Colts, officially went to the Cincinatti Bengals after the Colts decided not to match the offer sheet. 

[simeon]

Elam has been an elite kicker in the NFL, he has a strong leg and co holds the record for the longest field goal. However I have to wonder what Atlanta is thinking by paying a kicker this much especially one who is entering into his later years.

[Denver_Bronco]

Bye Jason Elam, I love you..........

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Elam has been an elite kicker in the NFL, he has a strong leg and co holds the record for the longest field goal. However I have to wonder what Atlanta is thinking by paying a kicker this much especially one who is entering into his later years.

You also realize that his "strong leg" was boosted by the thin air in Denver.  Let's see how far he can really kick at sea level. 

Again, over $2 million a year is pretty excessive for a kicker, especially one who's in the twilight of his career.

[Dave Gray]

I doubt Elam will see all that money.  Contracts aren't worth dick in the NFL.  They'll cut/restructure if they decide to keep him, I bet.

[fyo]

Elam is a good match for the Falcons, which unfortunately means that the, by far, oldest player in football will have to hang up his cleats (Morten Andersen, 47). The unique thing about the Falcons is that they don't need a kicker who can kick off - or necessarily make very long kicks. They have Koenen, their punter, for that. He's one of the best players at kicking off in the league and Atlanta have tried to make him their sole kicker, but he just doesn't have the short range accuracy that's required. That made Atlanta a perfect match for Andersen (who's still extremely accurate, but can't hit a field goal at 40+ yards)... and now a perfect match for Elam.

By the way, Elam made $2.245 million in base salary alone in his last year with the Broncos, so it's not like $9 million for 4 years is unreasonable in that light.

[bsfins]

Denver is rumored to have Intrest in Olindo Mare.... to replace Elam...

How sad is it when we're sitting here talking kickers...Lol

[bsmooth]

Niners lost a pick today over tampering with Lance Briggs.

[simeon]

You also realize that his "strong leg" was boosted by the thin air in Denver.  Let's see how far he can really kick at sea level. 

How many other kickers have 63 yard field goals in thin air ?

[StL FinFan]

Rams signed Reche Caldwell to a 1 year contract.

[stinkfish]

Rams signed Reche Caldwell to a 1 year contract.

Sorry

[StL FinFan]

Don't be sorry.  I really don't care what the Rams do, I just hear about it.
Do ya see a Rams logo on my sig?  There's a reason for that.

[MaineDolFan]

Bye Jason Elam, I love you..........

One of my favorite moments in the NFL was when Elam nailed a 50+ yarder against Miami with under a minute to play on MNF in Denver.

And then Fiedler led Miami down the field and Mare nailed a 55+ yarder to win it!

[YoFuggedaboutit]

^^^^^^

Yep. 

And then Lucas came in and the season went down the drain.

And then Wayne kept Wanny on the staff two more years, which was two years too long

[YoFuggedaboutit]

BUMP

Other news and notes. 

Denver apparently is loading up at wide receiver.  The Broncos have just signed former Seattle wideout Darrell Jackson to a one year deal, to go with the recent signings of Keary Colbert and Samie Parker. 

Steelers WR Nate Washington has signed his one year tender offer with the Steelers.   Seeing as this is his fourth season, this will make him eligible for free agency at season's end. 

Chargers LB Stephen Cooper has been suspended for the first four games for testing positive for a banned stimulant.

Suspended Titans DB Pacman Jones has decided to delay his application for reinstatement until a trade can be worked out. 

Los Angeles business mogul Edward Roski will unveil his concept for a new stadium to several local business chambers and city/countycommissioners in hopes of luring an NFL team to the area.