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With this year's NFL free-agent signing period closing in on us (it officially cranks up at the stroke of midnight eastern Thursday night), teams around the league have started making the moves necessary to get their caps in order before the fun begins in earnest.

That means a number of players are getting the proverbial "apple and a road map." It also means the handful of players already released (and hence already eligible to be signed) are starting to find new homes.

Still others are getting new, cap-friendlier deals to remain with their current teams.

While you can follow the moves in (nearly) real time on the News & Views section of the site, I will begin doing regular roundups to help those of you who can't check in on a daily basis up to speed on all the latest.

So, without further adieu, we'll get the ball rolling in Carolina where David Carr is out of work again -- and where Muhsin Muhammad returns to the Panthers for a second run with the team that originally drafted him in the second round back in 1996.

Both moves were announced Wednesday.

Carr signed a two-year, $6 million deal last offseason after being released by Houston, the team that made him its first-ever draft pick -- and the first pick overall in 2002.

He had a 58.3 passer rating with just three touchdown passes and five interceptions after replacing the injured Jake Delhomme and was eventually replaced by 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde and then undrafted rookie Matt Moore.

"He did everything we asked, but unfortunately it didn't work out like anyone had hoped or expected," general manager Marty Hurney said.

I'll go out on a limb here and say nobody -- not Hurney, the Panthers and certainly not Carr -- ever expected it to reach the point where head coach John Fox would feel in necessary to list Carr as the team's No. 3 quarterback in order to protect him from the home crowd.

But it did.

As the Charlotte Observer reported last December, Fox was asked to elaborate on his decision to have Carr as the third quarterback behind Testaverde and Moore for a Week 13 win over the 49ers. Fox implied that part of that decision came because the game was in Bank of America Stadium.

"I don't know that I wanted to expose him to here at home, definitely yesterday and we'll kind of weigh that as we move forward," Fox said at the time. "Anytime you don't have success, it has an effect on you mentally. I still have confidence in David Carr. I still think he has good things to offer.

"I don't think it's gone as well for him or for us as we'd all expected. That doesn't mean to say that it won't moving forward either."

But of course, it didn't.

Given the overall dearth of quarterback talent available to NFL teams, it won't be a major surprise to see Carr catch on with one of the many teams in need of depth at the position. It will, however, be rather surprising if he's able to work his way into a contributing role any time soon. ...

Meanwhile, Muhammad, who turns 35 in May, spent nine seasons with Carolina before being released in a salary-cap move. He signed with Chicago and the Panthers struggled to replace him, leaving Steve Smith to face constant double-teams over the past few seasons.

The Bears released Muhammad after he had just 40 catches last season.

"I did talk to Steve and he felt like he needs another complement on the other side of him," Muhammad said. "He kind of coerced me into coming back. He welcomed me back with open arms. ... We're excited about playing again with each other.

"We've always maintained our friendship outside of football."

In fact, I was able to ask Smith about his relationship with Muhammad in an interview for the 2006 Football Diehards magazine. Smith told me it wasn't hard to stay close.

"When the kind of relationship we have built up and the things that we've done together -- we came close to winning the Super Bowl together, -- you just don't say 'Okay, well, bye. See you later,' he explained. "That doesn't happen. ..."

As for expectations heading into his second stint in Carolina, Muhammad said Wednesday night he's prepared for any role -- even if it means he's not starting.

"Coming in, I really expect to just do what the team needs me to do," he said. "I'm not sure exactly what that's going to be right off the bat. Whether that's a No. 2 receiver or a No. 3 receiver, we'll see what happens with that."

As Rock Hill Herald staffer Darin Gantt suggested, if Muhammad is No. 3, that means Dwayne Jarrett has progressed as they'd hoped. And if that's the case, Muhammad won't complain.

"Obviously as a No. 3 receiver, I don't think you can expect to come in and catch 100 balls and a thousand-and-some yards," he explained. "But if I'm a No. 3 receiver, then they're going to have a real good No. 3 receiver on the field."

All that said, I'll point out the consensus among observers in recent days suggests Muhammad will compete for that No. 2 spot. And based on what we saw of Jarrett last season -- or more accurately, what we didn't see, it's hard to dismiss Muhammad's chances out of hand. ...

In a related note. ... ESPN.com insider John Clayton noted today that Muhammad's return probably means that Drew Carter and Keary Colbert are both likely to leave via free agency. In Carter's case that's not unexpected (see more here). ...

Also in Carolina. ... The Panthers signed Stephen Davis to a contract this week, allowing the veteran tailback to retire with his hometown team.

Per Gantt, Davis might have been the best free-agent pickup of the Fox-Hurney era. Not only did he carry them to the Super Bowl, but he also allowed Delhomme to learn on the job without the facing the kind of pressure other young QBs have had to deal with. ...

One last note here. ... On Monday, the Panthers signed running back Alex Haynes, an exclusive rights free agent, to a one-year deal. Haynes signing was a formality since he couldn't negotiate with other teams.

Playing in 10 games last season, Haynes totaled 3 rush yards on three carries and 14 yards on three catches. Despite DeShaun Foster's recent release, Haynes will continue to fight for a spot on the depth chart this summer. ...

In Chicago. ... After officially signing a contract extension Tuesday, Kyle Orton told reporters he will get a fair shot to beat Rex Grossman for the starting job.

"Rex and I have been around each other for quite a while now, and I think we've got a good relationship and we're comfortable around each other," Orton said. "I expect it to be a stiff competition.

"I think that's how both of us want it. I know that's how I want it and I'm just looking forward to it."

As reported in last weekend's Fantasy Notebook, the Bears signed Grossman to a one-year, $3 million deal with $1.5 million possible in incentives. The team followed up by adding an extra year to Orton's contract with the possibility through incentives of earning more than $5 million the next two seasons. He received $1.6 million in bonuses.

As Chicago Sun-Times staffer Brad Biggs noted: "Basically, to the starter go the bonuses."

"I wouldn't have signed the deal if I didn't think [it would be a real competition]," Orton said. "I'm excited for this year. I've got a great opportunity here."

Orton started 15 games his rookie season in 2005 and helped the Bears make the playoffs, but then sat as a third-stringer all through the 2006 season during the team's run to the Super Bowl. He started three games last season.

"I'm sure you (reporters) all know it has been difficult for me and sometimes I handle it better maybe than other times. But that stuff is in the past and I think I've got a great opportunity here for the future and would love to make the best out of it and have a nice, long career here in Chicago," Orton said.

Orton completed 43 of 80 passes (53.8 percent) for 478 yards with three touchdowns, two interceptions and a passer rating of 73.9 in three games at season's end.

Orton believes he's better for starting those three games.

"Just my attitude, it made the offseason a lot easier and just left a little bit better taste in my mouth, and I'm obviously ready to get back to work and excited to get back and compete," Orton said.

Offensive coordinator Ron Turner said an open competition between the quarterbacks shouldn't hold the team back in preparation for the regular season. "They've both been around and they know the system, so we'll be able to get them both in and get plenty of reps," he said.

According to Biggs, Orton believes an increase in practice snaps is all he needs to excel. Mired as the No. 3 quarterback for most of the last two seasons, Orton has had few chances even to practice. That was the case during training camp last summer and in the preseason.

Now he figures he'll only get better once the off-season program starts and the coaches begin the task of evaluating their options.

For those keeping track, Orton has hit 190-of-368 passes as a pro for 1,869 yards with nine touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a career passer rating of 62.2. The Bears have won 12 of his 18 career starts.

In a related item. ... Several published reports have indicated the Bears' third quarterback, Brian Griese, will be released before a $300,000 signing bonus comes due next week. ...

In Tennessee. ... The Titans re-signed wide receiver Justin Gage, who was due to become a free agent, to a multi-year deal on Wednesday. The Titans also released veteran David Givens.

In 2007, his first season with the Titans, Gage led the team with 750 receiving yards and tied Roydell Williams for the team lead in receptions with 55.

"Justin is a player who made the most of an opportunity and we expect him to be a significant contributor to our offensive success," GM Mike Reinfeldt told the Nashville Tennessean. "He can play outside or inside, has the ability to make tough catches and should continue to grow as a receiver as he and Vince play together more. ..."

With the Titans well under the salary cap, we can only hope this is the first in a series of moves made to bolster -- and better still, improve -- their receiving corps.

Meanwhile, Givens, 27, signed a five-year, $24 million contract with the Titans after leaving the New England Patriots in free agency. He started 10 games in 2006, catching 59 passes for 738 yards. His season was cut short by a torn ACL, and he wasn't the same in 2007.

He caught eight passes in five games. The Titans saved $1.6 million of cap room by releasing him. ...

In Kansas City. ... The Chiefs on Tuesday released veteran Eddie Kennison, a starting wide receiver for the past six seasons. The team followed up by releasing reserve tight end Jason Dunn on Wednesday.

As Kansas City Star staffer Adam Teicher noted, the 35-year-old Kennison was a victim of the Chiefs' youth movement. With the Chiefs looking to get younger, Kennison was an obvious target. Between hamstring and shoulder injuries, he was able to play in only eight games last season. He caught just 13 passes for 101 yards.

Those numbers were far off those he posted earlier in his time with the Chiefs. Kennison caught at least 50 passes in each of his five full seasons in Kansas City and had more than 1,000 yards in both 2004 and 2005.

Kennison indicated he wanted to play elsewhere not just next season, but for several years to come.

"You'd better believe it," he told Teicher. "I've got great football left in me, even at 35. That's where a lot of people go wrong. They start to think negative things about a man just because of his age. I'm still a young man. I think you're old when you're 106."

The Chiefs obviously disagreed with Kennison's assessment of his skills. They released him despite the lack of a ready replacement. Dwayne Bowe, Jeff Webb and Samie Parker were their other main wide receivers last season.

Webb will likely remain as the third or fourth receiver next season. Parker is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, and Teicher notes the Chiefs have shown no apparent interest in re-signing him. ...

In New York. ... The Jets released Justin McCareins on Tuesday. The announcement was made by Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum. McCareins, who finished his seventh season in the NFL, was acquired by the Jets from Titans in March of 2004.

Last season he had 19 catches for 232 yards -- and he dropped potential touchdown passes against Baltimore and New England. He was a due a roster bonus next week. In four years with the Jets, McCareins totaled 141 receptions for 2,062 yards and seven touchdowns.

According to Pro Football Weekly, the Jets are excited about the potential of Brad Smith, a converted quarterback who has game-breaking ability. McCareins, meanwhile, could be of interest back in Tennessee. ...

In Minnesota. ... The Vikings released quarterback Kelly Holcomb on Wednesday, clearing space to pursue another veteran backup for Tarvaris Jackson.

Holcomb was acquired in a trade from the Eagles late in training camp last year for a sixth-round pick in the 2009 draft. He started three games before suffering a neck injury on Oct. 28.

He was 42-for-83 for 515 yards, two touchdowns and one interception last season.

According to Minneapolis Star-Tribune staffer Judd Zulgad, Holcomb's departure makes it more likely the Vikings will attempt to sign a veteran QB in free agency. Cleo Lemon and Trent Green, who were both with the Dolphins, have been mentioned as potential candidates to sign with Minnesota, where head coach Brad Childress is clearly leaning towards sticking with Jackson as his starter.

That said, the coach is by his own admission a "competition guy."

Even though he selected Jackson with a second-round pick in the 2006 draft, Zulgad reminded readers the coach is not afraid to bring in a veteran or even a young prospect with potential to challenge Jackson for the starting spot. ...

In Washington. ... Brandon Lloyd was released by the Redskins on Tuesday, ending his disappointing stay with the team. The Redskins traded two draft picks to the San Francisco 49ers to acquire Lloyd before the 2006 season. They then signed him to a long-term contract that included $10 million in guaranteed money.

Unfortunately for all involved, Lloyd caught only 25 passes with no touchdowns in two seasons with the Redskins. His totals were two catches for 14 yards last season, when he broke his collarbone in November.

Lloyd already had fallen out of favor with the team because of his work ethic and lack of productivity, but new head coach Jim Zorn was said to at least be open to discussing the wideout's return as recently as last week.

Meanwhile, the Skins -- assuming they can't convince the Bengals to trade Chad Johnson -- are said to be interested in Denver's Javon Walker and Oakland's Jerry Porter. ...

In Buffalo. ... Running back Anthony Thomas was let go Wednesday after rushing for just 89 yards on 36 carries last season.

With Marshawn Lynch locked in as the starter -- and a player Buffalo will build their offense around -- Thomas, who finished the season on injured reserve, faced a battle for the No. 2 spot with Fred Jackson had he remained a Bill.

In fact, as the Sports Xchange recently noted, Jackson emerged as a nice complement to Lynch, averaging 5.2 yards on 58 carries and adding 22 catches.

The A-Train, meanwhile, is 31 and no longer has the explosiveness of Lynch or Jackson.

In Baltimore. ... The Ravens terminated the contract of veteran running back Mike Anderson, freeing up his $1.8 million salary. Anderson was under contract through 2009.

Anderson, 34, originally signed with the Ravens in 2006 after six seasons with the Broncos. He served mainly as a backup to Jamal Lewis and Willis McGahee during his tenure in Baltimore, playing in 24 games and rushing 54 times for 245 yards.

His playing time diminished greatly last season as Musa Smith emerged as an adequate third-down back.

Anderson rushed for 1,487 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2000, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors for the Broncos. For his career, the 6-foot, 230-pound Anderson has rushed for 4,067 yards and 37 touchdowns.

I suspect he'll have trouble attracting interest as a fee agent. ...

In New Orleans. ... Olindo Mare was released on Wednesday after one turbulent season with the Saints. He became expendable after the Saints re-signed veteran Martin Gramatica earlier this month.

Mare is still recovering from a season-ending hip injury he suffered in December and SportsLine.com is reporting the former Dolphin failed a team physical.

Profootballtalk.com, however, is reporting that Mare was released due to his unwillingness to accept a pay cut.

PFT's Mike Florio went on to remind readers the Saints claimed last year that aging receiver Joe Horn failed a physical in releasing him.

Whatever the circumstances, Gramatica, who made all five of his field-goal attempts last season after being signed as Mare's replacement, is now the sole place-kicker on the roster.

And finally, in Houston. ... The Texans on Tuesday signed free-agent receiver Harry Williams.

Williams, 25, appeared in two games for Houston last season, tallying two special teams tackles after being signed from the practice squad.

The 6-2 Williams, originally drafted by the Jets in the seventh round in 2005, played only one game for the Jets that season.

That's it for this installment. Again, I'll remind those interested in following along more closely to keep an eye on the News & Views section of the site. And as always, those looking for something a little more in-depth should keep an eye out here, in the Headline News section.