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Roster-Move Roundup: Role Players Come Into Focus
Those wondering what "phase two" of the free-agent signing period looks like need look no further than the last two days. With a vast majority of high-end talent off the market, it's time for some of the lesser lights to shine, if only briefly.

Sure, there are still some names out there -- Corey Dillon, Chris Brown, Kevan Barlow, Antonio Bryant and Eric Moulds among them, but the focus has clearly shifted from front liners to role players. Indeed, today's Roster-Move Roundup, which features a pair of reserve tailbacks and a journeyman wideout, is indicative of where things currently stand.

We'll get the ball rolling tonight in Philadelphia. ... After entertaining conversations with running backs from other teams, including a visit from a free-agent veteran, the Eagles decided their own player best fit the job description.

So, coming off his first healthy season since 2003, free agent running back Correll Buckhalter re-signed with the Eagles on Friday.

Last year was a strong one for Buckhalter, who as philadelphiaeagles.com insider Dave Spadaro suggested, made an improbable return after missing three of the last four seasons due to knee injuries.

Buckhalter rushed for 345 yards and two touchdowns last season as Brian Westbrook's backup. He missed all of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with a torn tendon in his right knee and sat out the 2002 season with a torn ligament in his left knee.

"Buck worked extremely hard to get back on the field in 2006 and did a solid job for us," said general manager Tom Heckert. "He's a tough kid both mentally and physically and is a proven performer at running back when he's been healthy. He's a real good compliment to Brian Westbrook in our offensive scheme."

A fourth-round draft pick out of Nebraska in 2001, Buckhalter has averaged 4.4 yards per carry for his career.

Buckhalter had attracted some interest in free agency, but instead of going elsewhere, stayed with the Eagles. The Eagles had visited with Ron Dayne on Thursday and admitted to having conversations with veterans Dillon and Brown before making the move with Buckhalter.

According to those who follow the situation closely, Dillon is looking for a more substantial role than what the Eagles have to offer as Westbrook's backup. ...

In Houston. ... It didn't take Dayne long to figure out where his future lies.

A day after visiting the Eagles -- and just hours after Philadelphia decided to go back to Buckhalter -- Dayne agreed to a new contract with the Texans on Friday.

According to Houston Chronicle staffer Megan Manful, Dayne will return as a situational back and play behind newly acquired free agent Ahman Green. Dayne started six games last season and finished with 612 rushing yards (4.1 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.

The Texans acquired Dayne as a free agent last September. His total rushing yards were more than his previous three seasons combined. His five touchdowns were the most since he collected seven with the New York Giants in 2001.

While I would suggest Dayne has never really been especially impressive in short-yardage situations, ESPN.com insider Len Pasquarelli points out that head coach Gary Kubiak is familiar with Dayne from their stint together in Denver and seems to know how to get the best out of him. ...

In Tennessee. ... The Titans agreed to terms with receiver Justin Gage on Friday, moving to fill a gaping hole on its roster.

"Justin is a big, physical and athletic receiver, who has a good deal of playing experience with the Bears," Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said in a statement. "He gives us a different body-type and he will compete for a role within our receiving corps."

Gage was drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 draft by Chicago. He posted his best season in 2005 with a career-high 31 receptions for 346 yards and two touchdowns.

The four-year veteran has 64 career receptions for 908 yards and four touchdowns in 49 games, 16 starts, for the Chicago Bears.

He was signed a day after Philadelphia signed wide receiver Kevin Curtis, who had also visited Tennessee.

Tennessee released Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade at the start of free agency, creating a big need at wide receiver. Unfortunately, Gage has done nothing to this point to prove he's capable of filling the need. My guess is the Titans aren't done at this position. ...

That's all for now. ... Remember, you'll always find breaking items in the News & Views section of the site with more in-depth reviews of top stories available here in the Headline News section, where you'll also find the weekly Fantasy Notebook each Sunday during the offseason.