A Trio of Signings

Over the past couple days two mediocre, past-their-prime players have signed, along with a full time special teamer. Their names: Troy Brown, Donovan Darius, and Bethel Johnson. Brown and Darius, the past-their-primers, still hope to provide their team with a boost. Johnson, typically a full time special teamer, will have a chance to compete for a starting job.

Troy Brown - New England

Troy Brown has been a hero for the New England Patriots. In a time where the Patriots had no good receivers, Brown stepped in and made the catches. All the weeks where the Patriots secondary was all beat up, Brown stepped in and made game saving interceptions. Now, the man who has done it all for the Patriots, will be fighting for playing time. The 36 year old Brown signed a one year deal with the New England Patriots according to the Boston Herald.

Now the question remains, why? Yes, Troy has spent a very long time in the league, all of which with New England, we know. However, for a guy who loves the game so much. For a guy who has played so well for so long, why sign with a team that's depth chart currently holds 13 wide receivers? The Patriots will most likely keep six receivers, unless they decide to keep a seventh for special teams purposes.

Look at the depth chart. The top seven wide receivers for the Pats are: Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker, Kelley Washington, Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell, and Chad Jackson. Can anyone possibly believe, can Troy possible believe, that he can beat out any one of those seven guys for a roster spot? Moss, Stallworth, Jackson, and Welker are absolute locks. One would have to believe Caldwell and Gaffney are great secondary receivers. Kelley Washington has potential, none of which could be reached when he was in Cincinnati, playing behind the Bengals star studded receiving group. Washington can also be a big help on special teams. The questions now arise, Troy where will you find any playing time? Why would New England keep a 36 year old veteran when they can have a 28 year old Washington?

Donovan Darius - Oakland Raiders

Veteran Safety Donovin Darius has a new home, after being cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars on June 14th, 9 seasons after being drafted by Jacksonville in 1998. Adam Schefter of NFL Network has reported a three year deal worth $7.1 million. A good deal for an Oakland Raiders team in desperate need of support for their run-stopping defense, well lack of run stopping defense.

Early in his career, while being named pro-bowl alternate twice, Darius was a tackling machine. He bolstered the Jaguars secondary with interceptions and pass deflections, while strengthening their run defense with spectacular tackling skills. His first seven years in the league for 1998-2004, Darius played in at least 14 games six out of those seven seasons, while playing just 11 in 2001. However, over the past two years, injuries have plagued the former star. Darius played just two games in 2005 and six games in 2006. Due to his lack of durability, the Jaguars had to let go of their seasoned strong safety.

Bethel Johnson - Houston Texans

Adam Schefter of NFL Network has also reported the signing of Bethel Johnson by the Houston Texans. The length of the deal is just one year, but the contract agreements are unknown. This is Johnson's fifth team in his short career.

A 2003 second round draft pick of the New England Patriots, Bethel Johnson had never become more than a disappointing receiver and full time special teamer for the New England Patriots. After three seasons in New England, the franchise had given up on the Texas A&M alum, sending him to New Orleans in exchange for another draft day bust in defensive tackle Jonathan Sullivan.

Johnson saw no action with the Saints and was soon cut by the organization. He was later signed by the Minnesota Vikings where he played in 11 games, starting two, in 2006. After his departure from Minnesota in March, Johnson signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was cut soon after in May. Now with the Texans, Bethel will be competing with Kevin Walter for a starting job. Bethel will look to make the Texans receivers a Johnson duo, hopefully starting opposite pro-bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Steve McNair - Baltimore Ravens

In other news, the "DUI by consent" charges filed earlier this year against Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Steve McNair have been dropped, that according to the Baltimore Sun. Although McNair was not driving the car at the time of the arrest, his brother in law was. By Tennessee law, charges can still be filed against McNair for allowing an impaired person to drive his vehicle. However, it is over and McNair is glad it is. "I'm glad it's over, that's all that matters."

Brandon