Let the Frenzy Begin: Tuesday's Moves and Rumors

The team-by-team moves started with Baltimore announcing the release of four players, and continued with numerous transactions this afternoon.

Among the Tuesday news were a couple of key quarterbacks for would-be contenders in the 2011 playoffs.

It was announced that 35-year old Matt Hasselbeck would not return to the 2010 NFC West champion Seahawks. Moments later they announced the signing of ex-Vikings backup signal-caller Tarvaris Jackson, who backed up Brett Favre and Gus Frerotte for a couple of seasons.

Jackson will compete with the rest of the quarterback depth chart, including Charlie Whitehurst, in Seattle's training camp. Looks like, with Whitehurst being the biggest competitor, that Jackson has already won the starting job just by signing his name on the contract. Ouch.

Other quarterbacks making headlines? San Francisco's Alex Smith signed a deal to stay in San Fran, while Cincinnati Bengals' owner/GM/President Mike Brown made the announcement that he will not grant Carson Palmer's wish of a trade, meaning it will be likely that Palmer will sit out 2011 and possibly make a comeback with a different team in 2012.

Donovan McNabb continues to be the talk of D.C., except it looks like he could head to Minnesota in the next few days. Minnesota seems to be the biggest negotiator for the veteran QB so far, and they are likely one of the few teams that would be in the proper situation to take advantage of a veteran such as McNabb.

Suitors for Hasselbeck? As of right now Minnesota also seems to fit that bill, along with the Titans–and surprisingly the 49ers, despite the recent Smith signing.

Kevin Kolb trade rumors are wide-spread, as expected, and I would think they would continue to be the talk of the town in Arizona.

Among other news around the League (7/26):

*Cowboys cut former Pro Bowlers Marion Barber (RB), Roy Williams (WR) and Leonard Davis (G).

*Broncos to entertain trade offers for QB Kyle Orton–shows they have confidence in Tebow as offensive general.

*Tennessee's Chris Johnson thinks a holdout is still possible.

*Panthers plan to sign rookie quarterback Cam Newton quickly.

*Jaguars land former Buffalo LB Paul Posluszny with six-year deal

*Redskins re-sign wideout Santana Moss with three-year, $15 million deal.

*New England's Mankins to sign franchise tender.

*NYJ: Sanchez wants both Holmes and Edwards back for 2011.

*Panthers sign D-end Charles Johnson to six-year, $72 million contract.

*Giants sign undrafted FA linebacker Mark Herzlich out of Boston College.

*Former Colts, Cardinals running back Edgerrin James–four Pro Bowl appearances; 11th on all-time rushing list–officially announces his retirement (late last night).

To cap it off, I think I'll leave you with a quote from Bengals' owner Mike Brown (on Palmer) to think about while you get your football fix (source: USA Today):

"I honestly like Carson Palmer. He was a splendid player for us. He is a good person. I wish him well, and he has retired. That is his choice. I'm not expecting him to be back. Carson signed a contract, he made a commitment. He gave us his word. We relied on his word and his commitment. We expected him to perform here. If he is going to walk away from his commitment, we aren't going to reward him for doing it."

Oh, no he didn't! (^^^)

Photo credit

Tarvaris Jackson image found on thesportsbank.net

Marion Barber image found on rumorsandrants.com