THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks have traded pass-rushing defensive end Darryl Tapp to Philadelphia for defensive end Chris Clemons and the Eagles’ fourth-round choice in next month’s draft.
The Seahawks announced the deal Tuesday.
They drafted Tapp in the second round in 2006 out of Virginia Tech and re-signed him Monday. He has 18 sacks, two interceptions, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 65 NFL games. He had four sacks in a game against St. Louis in 2007.
Clemons played two seasons with Philadelphia after posting a career-high eight sacks in 2007, his only season with Oakland.
Eagles sign free agent RB Bell to offer sheet
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have signed free agent running back Mike Bell to an offer sheet.
The Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints have seven days to match the contract offer. They wouldn’t receive compensation for letting Bell go.
Bell had 654 yards rushing and five touchdowns last season. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Bell ran for 677 yards and eight TDs as a rookie with Denver in 2006.
Bell, who turns 27 next month, would join LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia’s backfield. Former all-pro Brian Westbrook was released last month.
Rams sign former Eagles centre Fraley
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Rams have added depth to the offensive line, signing veteran centre Hank Fraley.
The 32-year-old Fraley, a 10-year veteran, was released by the Cleveland Browns and landed with the Rams on Tuesday. Fraley made 52 starts in 63 games with Cleveland and had been due a roster bonus.
The six-foot-three, 310-pound Fraley spent his first six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles while Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo and offensive co-ordinator Pat Shurmur were with that franchise. Shurmur was Fraley’s position coach in 2000 and 2001.
Fraley has made 123 career starts and has started 10 post-season games, including a Super Bowl with the Eagles. He has been primarily a centre but also has started at guard and played at right tackle early in his career.
Bears sign cornerback Jennings; release fullback McKie
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears have signed free agent cornerback Tim Jennings to a two-year contract and released fullback Jason McKie.
A second-round draft pick by Indianapolis in 2006, Jennings recorded 157 tackles and four interceptions in four years with the Colts. He was not offered a tender after the season, making him free to sign elsewhere.
McKie spent seven seasons with the Bears, catching 62 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 84 yards and three TDs on 29 carries. He also had 15 special teams tackles for Chicago.
Jets, Richardson agree on 1-year deal
NEW YORK — The New York Jets and fullback Tony Richardson have agreed to terms on a one-year deal, keeping one of the league’s best lead blockers in the backfield for the NFL’s top-rushing team.
Richardson, 38, will be entering his 16th season and has paved the way for several 1,000-yard rushers, including Thomas Jones the last two seasons. The move Tuesday comes on the same day the Jets officially signed LaDainian Tomlinson.
Richardson is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who helped Priest Holmes to three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Kansas City from 2001-03, and Larry Johnson in 2005. He did it again the following season in Minnesota with Chester Taylor, and was instrumental in Adrian Peterson rushing for 1,341 yards as a rookie in 2007.
