The Atlanta Falcons waived backup QB D.J. Shockley, who was selected in the seventh round in 2006. With Shockley gone, the team has three quarterbacks on the 80-man roster: Matt Ryan, Chris Redman and former University of Alabama signal-caller John Parker Wilson, who is handling the No. 3 role.
The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms on four-year deals with third-round pick Donald Butler (LB, 6-1, 248, Washington) and fifth-round pick Cam Thomas (DT, 6-4, 345, North Carolina). A source said Butler's deal is worth roughly $2.6 million. Butler, who had a tremendous string of practices during Senior Bowl week, is recognized in scouting circles as one of the best inside linebackers in this year's draft. He could get a chance to challenge for a starting job right away. Thomas' deal is worth slightly more than $1.98 million, a source said. Some personnel sources believe Thomas will be able to push for playing time right away at nose tackle after the team released starting nose tackle Jamal Williams.
The Arizona Cardinals signed sixth-round pick Jorrick Calvin (CB, 5-11, 184, Troy St.) to a four-year deal, the team announced. A source said the deal is worth roughly $1.88 million and points out that his fourth-year escalator is tied to participating in at least 90 percent of offseason workouts. Teams around the league started including workout language in almost all rookie contracts, even lower-round players, over the past few seasons. Because the team is not deep at the position, Calvin has a solid shot to challenge for a role as the fourth cornerback.
In other team news of note from earlier this week, the Cardinals placed Kurt Warner on the Reserve/Retired list, a source confirmed. By placing Warner on the list, he won't count against the Cardinals' roster limit and his salary is off the books unless he decides to come back. If Warner decides to play again, all he needs to do is notify the league in writing.
The Cleveland Browns signed sixth-round pick Carlton Mitchell, the team announced. Sources said the wide receiver actually agreed to a deal earlier this week, but the league office didn't receive the paperwork until Friday. Mitchell (6-3, 215, South Florida), who signed a four-year deal worth just over $1.9 million, impressed scouts with his 4.49 40-yard dash time. Because he runs well for his size, Mitchell could move up the depth chart quickly once he gets acclimated to Cleveland's offensive scheme.
The Green Bay Packers agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth just over $1.97 million with fifth-round pick Andrew Quarless. The former Penn State tight end has intriguing athleticism, according to a pro personnel source, who added that Quarless (6-4, 252) has above-average speed for his size and is a good receiver, comparing him to Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.
The New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with seventh-round pick Brandon Deaderick (DE, 6-4, 314, Alabama), a source said. While complete details weren't available, the deal figures to be worth roughly $1.83 million based on the slotting system. Deaderick didn't participate in the Combine because of shoulder surgery. Because New England is very deep at defensive end, Deaderick will have to have a strong training camp and preseason to have a legitimate shot to make the 53-man roster.
The Oakland Raiders have signed third-round pick Jared Veldheer (OT, 6-8, 312, Hillsdale) and fourth-round pick Bruce Campbell (OT, 6-6, 314, Maryland). Veldheer has a long frame but is considered a very raw talent. Scouts believe his upside is big, but he needs to improve his fundamentals and strength. Campbell, like Veldheer, has the kind of athleticism that is intriguing, but he also needs to improve in several areas.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed free agent guard Keydrick Vincent to a two-year deal. Vincent, who started 30 games over the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, figures to challenge for the starting left guard job against third-year pro Jeremy Zuttah. The Buccaneers waived guard Sergio Render to make room for Vincent on their 80-man roster.
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