Porter Goes To Miami; Denver Making Big Moves

Just a quick update. The Dolphins signed Jerry Porter, who I thought would be a perfect fit for the Bears. Porter will get $20 million in guarantees and could make up to $35 million total. His signing continues the offseason trend of teams offering more guaranteed money than ever before.

On a positive note, the Minnesota Vikings took a step backwards today when LB Napolean Harris signed a 6-year deal to play in Kansas City and Fred Smoot received a 5-year deal to rejoin the Redskins.

Boy, have the 49ers been active. First they lure CB Nate Clements with the richest contract ever for a defensive player ($80 million). Then they add to their WR corps by signing the speedy Ashley Lelie and today they signed LB Tully Banta-Cain. Other than Clements, I think they wasted their money. Lelie is fast but as soft as a marshmellow and Banta-Cain (great name, average player) is nothing more than a backup. Hey, I said they were busy, not smart.

Other notable signings:

• The Patriots added to their offseason success, trading for WR Wes Welker. What a great move by New England. He'll fill the role that Troy Brown took on while in his prime as a slot receiver and punt returner. A couple of days earlier the Patriots inked the big fish of free agency, LB Adalius Thomas.
• The Denver Broncos signed RB Travis Henry who ran for over 1,200 yards with Tennessee. If he could do that with the Titans, imagine what he could do in Denver, a team with a blocking scheme that makes mediocre RBs look good. If he stays healthy, is 1,800 yards out of the question for Henry next year? Speaking of the Broncos, today they persuaded the best TE on the market, Daniel Graham, to play for them instead of Seattle. They also traded for massive DT Dan Wilkinson. Depending on Jay Cutler's progression in his second year in the league, look for the Broncos to make the playoffs. All three of Denver's signings are pictured above.
• The Dallas Cowboys gave average OL Leonard Davis $49 million to block for his hometown team.
• The Chargers kept OL Kris Dielman in San Diego for six-years $39 million.
• And last, but not least, Jeff Garcia landed in Tampa Bay.

As for the Bears, nothing to report thus far. If I hear of anything I'll post it right away.