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The 2008 NFL free-agent signing period has delivered its fair share of surprising developments. And Thursday yielded yet another unexpected twist to spice up the usual (and more expected) comings and goings.
So, let's get the ball rolling tonight in Detroit, where the Lions -- just days after retaining halfback Tatum Bell with a one-year contract -- suddenly decided to part ways with last year's starting running back, Kevin Jones.
As Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio first reported, Jones was informed Thursday morning by the team that he will be released. The team subsequently confirmed the news on their official web site.
"As I've said all along, we will always make decisions that we believe are in the best interest of our entire football team," head coach Rod Marinelli said in a statement this afternoon. "As the off-season has evolved from our postseason roster evaluation to the combine to the free agency period, we feel we've made several moves to improve our team.
"We sincerely appreciate the contributions that Kevin. ... Made to our football team and we wish [him] the very best. We appreciate [his] hard work and professionalism during [his] time with the Lions."
Jones was in the Detroit area a couple of weeks ago. He had returned to Arizona to rehab, was scheduled to return to Detroit later this week to continue his rehab until team president Matt Millen called this morning and told Jones of the Lions' plans to let him go.
The Lions gave Jones two reasons: The salary cap and injuries.
The call caught Jones off guard.
"They told me this morning that they were going to release me," Jones told Booth Newspapers beat writer Tom Kowalski. "Yeah, I was surprised. I was in two weeks ago and saw the staff and Millen and everything was OK. Two weeks later, they told me I was getting released.
"They said it was because of the injuries and the contract -- business decisions."
The former No. 1 pick was entering the final year of his rookie contract. Because of an escalator of his base salary and a roster bonus, Jones was scheduled to make $2.5125 million this season. His release will save the team that amount this season. The 25-year-old missed seven games over the past two years and averaged only 3.8 yards per carry in each of those seasons.
According to Detroit Free Press sports writer Nicholas J. Cotsonika, there is a possibility Jones could come back at a reduced salary.
He might even be willing to do so.
But I suspect Jones will want to gauge possible interest from other teams (perhaps even NFC North teams) before rejoining the Lions. ...
Meanwhile, looking for another running back option, ESPN.com's John Clayton is reporting the Lions are considering the possibility of visiting with Bucs halfback Michael Pittman, who is a free agent. ...
In Houston. ... The Texans signed free agent running back Chris Brown on Thursday. According to NFL Network insider Adam Schefter, Brown received a two-year contract.
Brown appeared in 12 games last season for the Titans and finished with 462 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He was taken by the Titans in the third round of the 2003 draft and ran for 2,757 yards and 16 TDs in five seasons with Tennessee.
As Houston Chronicle staffer John McClain explained, the Texans were interested in Brown because they wanted to add another veteran back who fits the running game new assistant head coach Alex Gibbs is putting in.
Brown, 26, is ideal for Gibbs' system. At Colorado, Brown excelled in an offensive system Gibbs helped the coaches install.
"We've known Chris since he was in college," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "We think he fits in with what we're doing."
Brown will join Ahman Green at running back with the Texans and his signing could mean the end of Ron Dayne's tenure in Houston. Green is expected to be healthy this season after missing nine games in 2007 and finishing with 70 carries for 260 yards.
The Texans have not re-signed Dayne, an unrestricted free agent who led the team in rushing the last two seasons. ...
In New Orleans. ... Washington Post staffer Jason La Canfora, citing an unnamed league source, first reported this afternoon that Mark Brunell agreed to terms with the Saints. Though the contract hasn't been finalized, ESPN.com reports that Brunell agreed in principle to the numbers and the opportunity to back up starter Drew Brees.
Brunell visited New Orleans this week and also drew significant interest from Atlanta and Green Bay.
The Saints were in the market for a veteran backup for Brees. Jamie Martin, who has filled that roll the last two years, is an unrestricted free agent. At 38, Martin is a year older than Brunell.
Brunell was the first player Joe Gibbs pursued after returning to coaching in 2004. He was the primary starter the next two seasons before losing his starting job to Jason Campbell midway through the 2006 season.
He should provide a nice upgrade over Martin. ...
In San Francisco. ... Santa Rosa Press-Democrat beat writer Matt Maiocco reports the 49ers today released veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer, who played two seasons with the club.
The 49ers have four quarterbacks already on their roster, and it was clear that Dilfer, 35, did not fit into the team's plans. Dilfer missed the final three and a half games of the season after sustaining a nasty concussion.
Dilfer was scheduled to be paid a $500,000 roster bonus on March 15, if he were still on the team. (This move saves the 49ers $1.5 million on the salary cap.)
He appears to have his post-football career chosen. Dilfer saw action with NFL Network prior to a 49ers game against the Bengals.
And as Maiocco suggested, Dilfer performed remarkably well for the network during the Super Bowl. ...
That's it for this installment. ... Once again, I'll remind those interested in following along more closely to keep an eye on the News & Views and ESPN News Feed sections 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.