NFL Free Agency

Addressing a need it missed in the draft, Philadelphia signed former Chicago free-agent defensive tackle Ian Scott to a one-year, $1 million deal. Scott visited the New England Patriots on Wednesday, then flew straight to Philadelphia, where he linked up with his new team. The Bears now have lost Scott and Alphonso Boone from last season's defensive line.

This is a great pickup for the Eagles. Scott is not All-Pro caliber by any means, but he's a solid performer who has started on a Super Bowl team. Scott plugs the middle and eats up space for the linebackers to make a play. With the addition of Montae Reagor and Scott, Philadelphia should be much better against the run in 2007.

*****
In the same week the Jacksonville Jaguars released him, punter Chris Hanson reached agreement with the New Orleans Saints on a one-year, $630,000 deal. New Orleans punter last season was Steven Weatherford, who averaged 43.8 yards per punt.

Also, Buffalo and Cincinnati each put in a waiver claim for former USC and Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Wright on Tuesday. But on the basis of records, Wright's services were awarded to Buffalo.

Wright, along with Marcus Vick were released this week by the Dolphins. Wright has talent, but his immaturity has hurt his chances of having a solid NFL career.

*****
Seattle's free-agent kicker Josh Brown signed his one-year, $2.078 million tender, meaning the player that the Seahawks franchised last winter will be kicking for them this fall. The two sides will continue talking about a long-term contract, but they haven't made significant progress toward one just yet. The highest paid kicker in the game is Indianapolis' Adam Vinatieri, who makes an average of $2.4 million per season.

Brown is a clutch kicker and the Seahawks were wise to keep him in the fold. Brown collected three game-winning field goals last season, two of those were against the division rival Rams.