Archives for March 2005

‘Williams’ contract includes a $6 million guaranteed bonus and a $1.5 million first-year salary, allowing the Vikings to count at least $3.5 million and as much as $7.5 million toward their 2005 salary cap, depending on the final structure of the deal. Entering free agency, the Vikings had nearly $36 million in salary cap space.’

‘Williams, 32, agreed to a reported three-year, $13 million contract that includes a $6 million signing bonus. The eight-year veteran was considered one of the top two defensive tackles in this year’s free-agent crop and is a favorite of Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell from his days in Buffalo.’

‘Deep snapper Kendall Gammon should be heading to Buffalo to meet with the Bills within the next few days.’

‘That’s because the 49ers reached a contract agreement with Buffalo Bills unrestricted free agent offensive tackle Jonas Jennings, arguably the highest-rated player at his position in the veteran pool. Jennings flew to the Bay Area early Wednesday, just after the signing period officially commenced, and his agent, Todd France, negotiated a deal over the course of the day.’

‘Williams entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 1997 out of Texas A&M and became a full-time starter in 2001. His best statistical season came in 2002, when he had 108 tackles, seven quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.’

‘Kwame Harris, a first-round draft pick who has struggled at left tackle in his two seasons with the Niners, probably will move to right tackle to accommodate Jennings. Harris and Kyle Kosier split playing time at left tackle last season, but Kosier is a natural guard.’

‘Williams will be reunited in Minnesota with former Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell and former defensive teammates Antoine Winfield, Keith Newman and Ken Irvin. When they were together in Buffalo, the Bills had the top-ranked defense in the NFL in 1999 and were ranked third the following year.’

‘The Vikings have agreed to terms with veteran Buffalo Bills free agent DT Pat Williams.’

‘Jennings made what became a permanent move to left tackle in 2002 when he started 15 games while missing one with a leg injury. Jennings was invaluable in anchoring an offensive line that saw quarterback Drew Bledsoe set 10 team passing records, Travis Henry rush for the 5th best single-season mark in team history and saw wide receiver Eric Moulds establish a new franchise mark for receptions.’

‘Williams availability appears to have played a role in Victor’s Seth Payne reupping with Houston. The Texans showed interest in Williams prompting Payne to accept a four year contract with a four and a half million dollar signing bonus. Payne started in 12 games for the Texans last year.’

‘Pat Williams will now be a tandom with Pro Bowler Kevin Williams, creating one of the toughest run defenses in the NFC. There are some familiar faces in Minnesota as Pat Williams joins Antoine Winfield and defensive co-ordinator Ted Cottrell as former Bills now wearing purple.’

‘Buffalo better make sure the right offer is on the table for Henry, as they’ll need to use that draft pick or sign a backup to McGahee. With all the talent in the draft at running back, the Bills should be able to find a gem within the first three to four rounds.’

FOXSports.com has learned that the Vikings have agreed to terms with former Bills defensive tackle Pat Williams on a three-year, $13 million deal that includes $6 million in bonus money. With incentives the contract can eventually reach $15 million.

‘Entering free agency, the Bills have only six returning linemen left on their depth chart not including hefty tight end Jason Peters.’

The prototypical 2005 free agent may be Buffalo’s Jonas Jennings, an offensive tackle who will probably be in demand simply because numerous teams need help at that position and he’s probably the best remaining available tackle. He’ll command big money even though he’s far below Jones and Pace.