The Green Bay Packers announced the signing of fifth-round pick Andrew Quarless (TE, 6-4, 254), who agreed to terms on a four-year deal late last week. As previously noted, the Penn State product's contract is worth just over $1.97 million with a signing bonus near $182,500, a source said.
Quarless is an interesting prospect and possesses good athleticism. The team seemingly was in good shape already at tight end, so Green Bay likely was just selecting the highest player on their draft board with the 154th overall selection. Quarless becomes the fourth of seven Packers draft picks to sign with the team. He's also the fifth tight end under contract on the 80-man roster.
It's also important to note veteran TE Donald Lee, who is slated to back up third-year TE Jermichael Finley this season, carries a base salary of $2 million for 2010 and $2.2 million for 2011.
The New England Patriots announced the signing of seventh-round pick Brandon Deaderick (DE, 6-4, 305), who agreed to terms on a contract late last week. As reported previously, the former Alabama defensive lineman signed a four-year deal worth roughly $2.2 million with a signing bonus of just over $40,000, according to a source.
Deaderick, who was selected with the 247th selection overall, started 31 of 44 career games at Alabama and accumulated 82 total tackles and 8.0 sacks. He was unable to work out during the NFL Combine in February because of shoulder surgery.
Because New England is deep on the defensive line, he's considered a long shot to make the 53-man roster to open the regular season. However, he has good enough developmental skills for the team to take a shot with him on their practice squad.
The New York Jets waived UDFA DT Simi Toeaina (6-4, 292, Oregon), the team announced. The Jets are deep at nose tackle, so Toeaina wasn't likely to stay on their 80-man roster very long.
The Oakland Raiders signed fifth-round pick Walter McFadden (CB, 5-10, 180, Auburn), the team announced. According to a source, McFadden signed a four-year deal worth roughly $1.99 million with a signing bonus worth around $200,000.
McFadden, selected 138th overall, is the third of Oakland's nine draft picks to agree to terms on a contract.
The rookie defensive back figures to compete for the team's fourth cornerback job in training camp.
The San Francisco 49ers announced their sixth-round pick, TE Nate Byham (6-4, 265, Pittsburgh), agreed to a four-year deal. Byham's contract is worth just shy of $1.9 million with a signing bonus worth roughly $107,000, according to a source.
Byham, selected 182nd overall, was known in league circles as one of the better blocking tight ends available for this year's draft.
He'll compete for the No. 3 tight end role in training camp
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