Published: March 03, 2007 11:21 pm      

Redskins add Fletcher; Colts pare down

Once again, the Washington Redskins were aggressive on the first day of free agency Friday, wooing London Fletcher in hopes of filling a big spot at middle linebacker.

As they’ve done in past years, Daniel Snyder and his underlings seemed ready to make a big early splash, albeit in a market in which teams have cash to spend but few — if any — impact players on which to spend it.

Fletcher, a solid middle linebacker for nine seasons with the Rams and Bills, will be 32 in May. He isn’t likely to be highly sought elsewhere if he decides not to sign with a team that despite its aggressiveness in free agency finished 5-11 last season. But he could provide help for a defense that was the main reason for the losing record.

The biggest moves of the first day, in fact, were cuts by the Indianapolis Colts, who released receiver Brandon Stokley and defensive tackle Montae Reagor, two players who until they were hurt were integral parts of the team that won the Super Bowl. Stokley ruptured his right Achilles’ tendon in December and Reagor incurred facial injuries in an auto accident on the way to a game.

The cuts were for cap purposes: Stokley was due a roster bonus of $500,000 and Reagor $1 million.

“It’s a business,” said Rick Smith, the agent for Stokley, who in 2004 joined with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne to become the first trio of receivers to each have 1,000 yards in catches in a single season.

“Is he happy? No. Will he be fine down the road? Sure. But what are you going to do? It’s a business.”

The Colts also face the loss of other key players from their championship team, including cornerback Nick Harper and running back Dominic Rhodes, who rushed for 113 yards in the Super Bowl. Rhodes reportedly spent Friday visiting the New York Giants, who are seeking a veteran to pair him with third-year-man Brandon Jacobs as they try to replace the retired Tiki Barber.

Another running back officially came on the market when New England released 32-year-old Corey Dillon at the same time they were re-signing fullback Heath Evans. Dillon, who split time last season with rookie Laurence Maroney, had said earlier this week that he would ask for his release.

Although there was little action, there was no shortage of rumors, especially about quarterbacks.

There were also some real signings.

Jacksonville got a starter quickly, signing offensive tackle Tony Pashos, who started for Baltimore last season. Pashos will start at right tackle for the Jaguars, while right tackle Maurice Williams will compete with Khalif Barnes on the right side.

The Jaguars also re-signed kicker Josh Scobee.

Atlanta signed another former Raven, fullback Ovie Mughelli.

And linebacker Patrick Chukwurah left Denver and signed with Tampa Bay.

Cleveland agreed to contract terms with free-agent offensive lineman Eric Steinbach on a seven-year deal, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The versatile Steinbach, who played the past four seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, will sign the contract once he passes a physical, said the person within the NFL who asked to remain anonymous because the signing hasn’t been finalized.

The New York Jets, as expected, released quarterback Patrick Ramsey, a one-time first-round pick of Washington. Ramsey was expendable behind Chad Pennington and second-year man Kellen Clemens.

Atlanta let go of linebackers Ike Reese and Edgerton Hartwell. Tampa Bay re-signed cornerback Philip Buchanon, a former first-round pick of Oakland who they picked up last October; and Philadelphia re-signed defensive end Juqua Thomas.

Detroit traded defensive end James Hall to St. Louis for a fifth-round draft pick.

The Lions and Broncos made official a deal disclosed Thursday that sent cornerback Dre’ Bly to Denver for offensive tackle George Foster and running back Tatum Bell. Detroit got a fifth-round draft pick and gave Denver a sixth-rounder in the trade.

Buffalo completed a triple play, signing three offensive linemen, including guard Derrick Dockery. The Bills also signed tackle Langston Walker, who became a free agent after voiding his contract with Oakland, and journeyman lineman Jason Whittle.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free-agent quarterback Jeff Garcia and potentially nabbed even more competition for incumbent starter Chris Simms by obtaining the rights to Jake Plummer from Denver on Saturday.

Garcia, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who nearly signed with the Bucs as a free agent three years ago, agreed to a two-year deal that hopes will give him a chance to finally get to the Super Bowl.

A championship is missing from Plummer's resume, too, but its unclear if it remains a personal goal.

The Saints invited a pair of free agents to New Orleans over the weekend, players who could add depth to their defense if negotiations lead to contracts.

Linebacker Brian Simmons, who has spent his entire nine-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals, visited with the Saints on Saturday, team spokesman Greg Bensel said.

Safety Ken Hamlin, who has spent the first four years of his career in Seattle, was due in New Orleans on Sunday, Bensel said.

Simmons was a first-round draft pick by the Bengals and grew into one of Cincinnati’s defensive leaders, but he was released on Feb. 28 with two years left on his contract.