By Bryan Mongeau-Eastmond

NEW YORK (RushPRnews) 03/02/09– Free agency or shopping season has begun in the NFL and players are on the move. Teams are looking for that perfect fit or last piece of the puzzle that will  propel them to the next level with the goal of always improving from last season. Here what’s been going on since the free agency opened its doors.

(left image Haynesworth)

Haynes-worth every penny.

The Washington Redskins did not hesitate to sign All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to a seven-year, $100M deal, snagging the biggest name available in the first few hours of the open market.

Arguably the best in the NFL at stuffing the run and controlling the line of scrimmage, Haynesworth will immediately improve the Redskin’s defensive unit along with his team’s 8-8 season.

After seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Haynesworth finally landed the big contract and has set the bar in terms of how much other marquee players are worth during free agency.

Fred Taylor signs with the Patriots

Since the Jaguars drafted a young Maurice Jones Drew, Fred Taylor’s days in Jacksonville were numbered. He shared his knowledge of the game with his backup and now the student has taken over for the master.

Taylor, now on the downside of his illustrious season, has moved on and signed with the New England Patriots. He isn’t going to be terrible with his new team, but don’t expect an outstanding performance just because the Pats rely heavenly on Tom Brady’s arm- and with reason and they are not known for pounding the rock. Look for Taylor to compete with Laurence Maroney for the starting job.

Kerry Collins reaches agreement with Titans

At the end of the last season, Titans’ quarterback Kerry Collins told the media that he felt that he should be a starter in this league. Hard to argue with the way he handled the Titan’s offense after Vince Young went down with a knee injury in week one.

He also said that if a descent offer wasn’t available that he was willing to retire.

Put those talks to rest as Collins who led his team to an NFL-best 13-3 record, signed a two-year deal is worth $15 million.

Bart Scott relocates to New York

In a defensive squad headed by Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs, it’s easy to be overlooked. But the Ravens’ former defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, now coach of the New York Jets, is fully aware of Bart Scott’s ability.

Having pilled up 82 tackles during the 2008 season, Ryan jumped on the opportunity to be reacquainted with Scott.

The 28-year-old linebacker will make $27 million during the first three years of the contract.

Kevin Winslow traded to Tampa

We all knew that Kevin Winslow was a soldier. In fact, he said it himself. But now he is a Buccaneer. The current wasn’t always smooth in his stay with Cleveland so the trade is a good fit for him.

In exchange for the Pro Bowl tight end, the Browns and new head coach Eric Mangini will get draft picks as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season.

Winslow’s acquisition continues a busy week for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay cut linebacker Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, Warrick Dunn and Cato June. Talk about cleaning out your closet.

Other Notables

Brian Dawkins, S–Signed a five-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

Matt Cassel, QB­–Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs along with teammate Mike Vrabel.

Kurt Warner, QB–Just a matter of time before he reaches an agreement with the Arizona Cardinals.

Byron Leftwich, QB­ –Has a Super Bowl ring, but this time wants to participate in the actual game. He’s looking to be a starter.

Jeff Garcia, QB­ –Cut by the Buccaneers. Could find a job with his old team in San Francisco.

Ray Lewis, LB­ –The man has seen and done it all. Especially valuable for his leadership skills alone.

T.J Houshmandzadeh, WR­ –They may not be able to pronounce his name on televised commercials, but make no mistake- defenders know his name, number and that he is a No. 1 wideout.

Photo courtesy of the National Football League

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