Empty the Bench

As the world turns, here’s the latest Empty the Bench update on the NFL’s always puzzling allotment of money during the free agency period.

- A week after releasing an immobile, aging, sack-waiting-to-happen quarterback in Drew Bledsoe, the Dallas Cowboys scooped up former Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson to back up Tony “Laces Out” Romo. The 15-year-veteran inked a 3-year deal, which includes a base salary of $3.5 million in 2007. Johnson is known as an immobile, aging, sack-waiting-to-happen QB in the mold of Bledsoe.

- If you can’t stop him, sign him. After being absolutely tormented by running back Jamal Lewis over the years (he put up a total of 500 yards on the team in 2003 alone), the Cleveland Browns signed Lewis to a 1-year deal after he was cut by the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis should step in immediately and take over the bulk of carries from incumbent Rueben Droughns.

- In an effort to give Ron Mexico a more consistent threat at the wide receiver spot, the Atlanta Falcons swung a multi-year deal with former New Orleans Saints Pro-Bowler Joe Horn. The now 35-years-old Horn is probably on the last leg of his career, but we feel this is a great move for ATL; not only does he give the team a reliable threat with big-play potential, he should also be a positive influence/mentor for their stable of young receivers that includes Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. Plus you know he’ll go off against his old team.

- Speaking of Falcons’ receivers, their former wideout Ashley Lelie has chosen the San Francisco 49ers as his next team to underachieve for.

– In true Detroit Lions fashion, the team made a play for defensive end Dewayne White, who topped a list from Yahoo’s Charles Robinson of marginal players who would likely cash in on the free-agent market. Oh, Matt Millen, what will you do next? To be fair, head coach Rod Marinelli and new defensive coordinator Joe Barry—who both coached White in Tampa Bay—are very high on the guy and are confident he’s starter material. We’ll see. The Lions have also been in negotiations with WRs Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald, and RBs Tico Duckett and Chris Brown.

- After acquiring former Pro Bowl cornerback Dre Bly from Detroit in exchange for RB Tatum Bell and some change, the Denver Broncos also signed former Patriots first-round pick Daniel Graham. The tight end has been on the fringe of fantasy radars since he was drafted, as a tight end needs to have a superior skill set to be taken in the first round. He was never a go-to guy for the Pats, and he also had to split TE duties for his entire stay there. Look for Graham to get more consistent playing time and looks with the Broncos. With a young and talented but inexperienced quarterback in Jay Cutler, Graham could be a nice safety valve on that offense and should produce at a slightly higher level than he did with New England.

In another significant move, the team also picked up RB Travis Henry to, we assume, step into the starting role and relegate second-year pro Mike Bell to backup status. It is Denver, however, so you never know if some undrafted free agent will be the one taking the majority of snaps next year, or Henry, or Bell, or Mike Shanahan himself. The head coach has proven he’ll do whatever it takes to piss off fantasy owners of his running backs. Henry got a 5-year deal, and career backup QB Patrick Ramsey was also brought onboard for 2 years, $4.5 million.

- The Minnesota Vikings took a gamble on the flashes of potential WR Bobby Wade showed as a member of the Tennessee Titans, signing him to a 5-year, $15 million agreement. Wade should step into a starting role immediately, most likely in the slot, and further cloud the future of former first-round pick Troy Williamson, who apparently looked at Medusa and has been cursed with hands of stone.

- It looks like oft-injured but highly skilled running back Domanick Davis’ future has gotten even cloudier in Houston. The unfortunately named Texans brought in former Green Bay Packer Ahman Green to compete for carries, signing the 30-year-old pounder to a 4-year, $23 million contract. He rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, but like Davis he’s always a threat to miss time.

- Hard-hitting, fast-talking outside linebacker Joey Porter moves from chilly Pittsburgh to balmy Miami, hooking up with the Dolphins to the tune of 5 years, $32 million. The ‘Phins already had a punishing defense with a knack for big plays and turnovers, and Porter clearly adds a big punch to it. Jason Taylor, the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year:

“It’s great that we were able to acquire a player of Joey’s caliber. He has been an impact player in this league for many years, and when you add someone who has the ability to make plays like he does, it will help not just the defense, but the entire team.”

- It’s finally time for Cedric Benson to sink or swim in Chicago. The talented fourth-overall pick of the 2005 draft was thrust into the starting role after the Bears shipped RB Thomas Jones to the New York Jets in exchange for a second-round pick in the upcoming draft. Jones, in turn, re-upped with the Jets for 4 years, $20 million. Great move by the Jets, who struggled to overcome the loss of Curtis Martin. It remains to be seen if Benson can handle the feature back responsibilities.

- The Kansas City Chiefs picked up linebacker Napolean Harris to compete with Kawika Mitchell, if he returns to the team.

- Rated as the #6 best free agent by ESPN, former Atlanta Falcons sackman Patrick Kerney is moving to the great Northwest, where he’ll drink coffee, wear rain galoshes, and suit up for the Seattle Seahawks after agreeing to a 6-year, $39.5 million deal. When healthy, this guy is a beast.

Notable players still out there and waiting for their payday include LB Cato June (he’s going to make somebody very happy), WR Kevin Curtis, WR Donte Stallworth (the Titans would be wise to sign him), SS Ken Hamlin, CB Nick Harper, DTs Ian Scott and Robaire Smith, and FS Deon Grant. Empty the Bench has more on previous free agent signings.