The second round of free agency was full of movement. Here’s a review of the latest activity.

QUARTERBACKS

Arizona resigned Kurt Warner to a 2-year contract worth 23 million dollars.  Kurt Warner's flirtation with San Francisco was never serious.  It was a negotiating ploy to get Arizona to cough up more guaranteed money and it worked.   Warner didn’t talk with any other quarterback-starved team such as the Jets or Bucs and only visited with a division rival – that’s not a coincidence.   J.T. O'Sullivan signed with the Bengals to be Carson Palmer's backup.  O'Sullivan might actually get some run if Palmer has any injury setbacks.  The 49ers bolstered their quarterback backups by restructuring Alex Smith's contract and signing veteran Damon Huard.  Even if they somehow overtake Shawn Hill, both players present little fantasy upside.  The Texans chose to fill the hole created by the Sage Rosenfels trade with Lions' castaway Dan Orlovsky.  Chris Simms signed a 2-year deal with the Broncos.  He consistently garners his fair share of interest despite little professional success.  Officially, Jeff Garcia signed with the Raiders to be a backup.  But, JaMarcus Russell’s pudgy frame makes him susceptible to injury.  Don’t be surprised if Garcia starts a few games for the Silver & Black in 2009.

Other signings:

Saints - Joey Harrington

Titans – Patrick Ramsey

RUNNING BACKS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Derrick Ward to a four-year contract.  Fantasy owners would have loved to see Ward end up in a primary role, but he was destined to be in a committee.  Last year, Earnest Graham had to contend with Warrick Dunn’s 186 rush attempts; so adding Ward may be a wash (182 carries in 2008).  The Broncos added LaMont Jordan to their running back committee.  Denver is constructing their backfield in the New England mold, so expect similar fantasy output in 2009.  Cincinnati Bengals resigned Cedric Benson.  Owners shouldn't be 100% convinced of his resurgence, proceed with tremendous caution.  The Saints cut Mike Karney in favor of Heath Evans.  Karney moved north to join Steven Jackson in the St. Louis backfield. 

Other signings:

San Francisco 49ers  - Moran Norris

Chicago Bears - Kevin Jones

Detroit Lions - Aveion Cason

Philadelphia Eagles - Leonard Weaver

WIDE RECEIVERS

Buffalo is rolling the dice with Terrell Owens, but he tends to behave in the first year of a contract (especially if it’s a 1-year deal).  The biggest benefactor is Lee Evans who finally has another threat to deflect defensive attention.  The Seattle Seahawks  inked  T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a four-year deal.  New offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp is a bit conservative and Matt Hasselbeck experienced an injury-plagued season, so there is some legitimate question marks.  The thought of Seneca Wallace taking snaps is troubling, but Houshmandzadeh still managed 92 catches in 2008 with Ryan Fitzpatrick.  The Bengals signed Laveranues Coles to help replace the loss of Houshmandzadeh.  He’s also a decent hedge if Cincinnati deals Ocho Cinco.  Nate Washington signed with Tennessee after Brandon Jones defected for San Francisco.  The Titans are rumored to have significant interest in Torry Holt after he was released.  Joey Galloway landed in New England giving the masters of the veteran-resurgence another project.  Bobby Engram signed with Kansas City and has the chance for some WR3/4 value in Todd Haley’s spread offense.  The Browns brought in David Patten as a little bit of insurance in case Donte Stallworth’s legal troubles get worse.  Bryant Johnson signed a three-year deal with the Lions.  He’s the default second option behind Calvin Johnson.

Other signings:

Minnesota Vikings - Glenn Holt 

Kansas City Chiefs - Terrance Copper

TIGHT ENDS

The Ravens signed L.J. Smith to a 1-year deal.  Incumbent starter Todd Heap always has an injury so Baltimore needs more depth at the position.  Smith’s presence hurts both plays’ fantasy potential by a good amount.  Jeb Putzier resigned with the Broncos.  He’s a backup, but it also gives Denver more room to trade Tony Scheffler.

KICKERS

Jay Feely is staying put with the Jets and Shaun Suisham will be back with the Redskins.  Tampa Bay brought in Matt Nugent to battle Matt Bryant for the starting job.