Defensive tackle Robaire Smith made a bold and interesting decision Tuesday by signing a one-year deal with the Titans at the NFL minimum of $710,000 instead of going for a $1 million signing bonus and accepting a four-year deal. Smith is gambling that a good season with his old team will make him a big player in the 2007 free agent market -- and he might not be wrong. Many of the Texans players were surprised Smith was released. He was a popular player among his teammates. Because he started his career with the Titans, he knew the coaching staff and felt he could make an immediate impact on the team. For the Titans, they get him as a bargain. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch signed a minimum deal in 2005 with a big contract this offseason from Tennessee after going to the Pro Bowl.
Redskins increase insurance: As they did a week ago in adding T.J. Duckett as an insurance policy for their backfield, the Redskins gave right tackle Todd Wade a $40,000 signing bonus and a $710,000 salary to come to Washington. Right tackle Jon Jansen struggled a bit toward the end of the preseason despite playing well with numerous injuries last year. Wade has had some knee troubles, so this gives him a chance to get his knee feeling better and helping out if Jensen has some injury issues.
Bills not shopping Holcomb: The Bills are wisely resisting the temptation to trade quarterback Kelly Holcomb, who's been connected to trade rumors throughout the league (none of them are true). The Bills are not shopping Holcomb. Most teams in the league do not have experienced backup quarterbacks. The Bills have Holcomb and Craig Nall behind J.P. Losman. For a team that is trying to build some depth at all positions, it would be silly for it to trade away a veteran backup.
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John Clayton
