Stallworth makes jump to Cleveland

By John Tomase / NFL Roundup Sunday, March 2, 2008 http://www.bostonherald.com N.E. Patriots

Former Patriots [team stats] wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth, set free last week before $8 million in bonuses came due, signed a seven-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
In his lone season with the Pats, Stallworth caught 46 passes for 697 yards and three touchdowns. His production flagged down the stretch, however, and he was eventually passed on the depth chart by fellow free agent Jabar Gaffney [stats].
The Browns are intimately familiar with what Stallworth can do when on his game. He caught a 34-yard touchdown against them in the Patriots’ 34-17 victory on Oct. 7, breaking a number of tackles along the way.
Stallworth gives newly re-signed quarterback Derek Anderson an outside threat opposite Braylon Edwards, and figures to see more passes in Cleveland than he did in New England, where the bulk of the action went to Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
The Browns also made a trade, sending cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round draft pick to the Detroit Lions for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.
The Jets and Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca have agreed to terms on a five-year, $40 million contract, making the former Steeler the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.
The Dolphins signed former Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor to a four-year deal. They also signed linebacker Charlie Anderson, defensive tackle Randy Starks and guard Justin Smiley.
Linebacker Lance Briggs has re-signed with the Chicago Bears, agreeing to a six-year deal. The Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune both reported that Briggs would receive $36 million.
The Bills acquired Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud in a trade with Jacksonville for undisclosed draft picks.
Buffalo also signed former Minnesota defensive tackle Spencer Johnson to a five-year contract, and the Jaguars signed cornerback Drayton Florence.
The Eagles signed defensive end Chris Clemons to a five-year deal.
The 49ers signed defensive end Justin Smith. The ex-Bengal reportedly inked a six-year deal worth $45 million.
The Vikings reached an agreement on a six-year contract with wide receiver Bernard Berrian.
The Rams signed kicker Josh Brown to a five-year, $14.2 million contract.
Pro Bowl safety John Lynch took a pay cut to remain with the Broncos.
The Falcons signed defensive backs Erik Coleman and Von Hutchins.
Ex-Cowboys cornerback Jacques Reeves signed with the Texans.
The Saints re-signed receiver Devery Henderson and terminated linebacker Brian Simmons’ contract.
Tight end John Gilmore and defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson signed with the Buccaneers.
The Panthers agreed to terms with cornerback and kick returner Ricardo Colclough on a two-year, $4 million deal.Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?articleid=1077177