Even though they didn't hear their names called during the NFL draft, unlike former Boston College teammates B.J. Raji and Ron Brace two days ago, a pair of ex-Eagles graduated to the NFL yesterday by signing rookie free agent contracts.
Wide receiver Brandon Robinson agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles, augmenting a depth chart that includes first-round pick Jeremy Maclin of Missouri. Robinson led BC last season with 646 receiving yards and ranked second with 42 receptions, three of which went for touchdowns.
The Vikings signed linebacker Robert Francois, who started BC's final eight games at weakside linebacker. Francois was third on the Eagles with 82 tackles (nine for losses) and added a pair of sacks and an interception.
Five other undrafted players from New England colleges also signed free agent contracts: UMass cornerback/kick returner Courtney Robinson (Eagles); Brown tight end Colin Cloherty (Colts); and strong safety Dahna Deleston (Bears), center Keith Gray (Panthers), and defensive end Julius Williams (Jaguars) of UConn.
Burress call made
Jets general manager
Mike Tannenbaum worked the phone lines hard during the NFL draft, making a pair of trades to move up to take his top two picks. Tannenbaum also contacted the agent for
Plaxico Burress before the draft, inquiring about firearms charges facing the former Giants receiver.
"Consistent with our normal approach of performing our due diligence, we contacted Drew Rosenhaus several days ago prior to the draft to inquire about Plaxico's pending legal situation," Tannenbaum said. "However, we have had no discussions with Drew about Plaxico since that time."
Burress, who was released by the Giants April 3, faces significant jail time if he's convicted on two counts of possession of an unlicensed handgun. Burress, who due back in court June 15, also is facing the possibility of a league-ordered suspension.
Scaife's on board
The Titans' 2009 franchise player, tight end
Bo Scaife, will sign his one-year tender for $4.46 million and join the team's offseason program. Scaife's agent,
Kevin Robinson, said the timing of the decision was not based on the fact Tennessee drafted a tight end,
Jared Cook of South Carolina, in the third round Sunday . . . The Seahawks are moving on without starting outside linebacker
Leroy Hill after they rescinded his 2009 franchise tag Sunday. Seahawks president
Tim Ruskell said the team is having "just conversations" with Hill's agent on a possible long-term contract, although the move was made to give the team flexibility to sign other veteran free agents. Yesterday, Seattle signed cornerback
Ken Lucas and fullback
Justin Griffith to one-year contracts.
Beach bummed
The Dolphins released
John Beck, two years after taking the quarterback in the second round of the draft. Beck didn't play last season after going went 0-4 as a starter in 2007.
Beck's release wasn't a surprise after Miami drafted West Virginia quarterback Pat White in the second round Saturday. The Dolphins have two other quarterbacks under contract - starter Chad Pennington and Chad Henne.
Bengals cut Perry
The Bengals released running back
Chris Perry, ending an injury-plagued career in Cincinnati for the former first-round pick. The Bengals also terminated the contracts of safety
Mike Doss and former Yale tight end
Nate Lawrie, and waived linebacker
Eric Henderson and running back
Gary Russell . . . Ex-Colts punter
Hunter Smith formally signed with the Redskins. Washington also agreed to terms with undrafted Missouri quarterback
Chase Daniel . . . After going undrafted, former Texas Tech quarterback
Graham Harrell has agreed to attend the Browns' rookie minicamp this weekend without being under contract . . . The Jets waived punter
Reggie Hodges and running back
Marcus Mason. Hodges had made a side agreement Sunday with first-round pick
Mark Sanchez to let the rookie quarterback have his No. 6 jersey . . . Chargers linebacker
Shaun Phillips was been cited for misdemeanor battery for allegedly striking a security guard in the face at a downtown hotel in San Diego early Sunday morning. It is Phillips's second run-in with the law in three seasons . . . Former Bears defensive lineman
William "The Refrigerator"
Perry was upgraded to fair condition in a South Carolina hospital. Perry, 46, has been hospitalized for two weeks to deal with complications from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a chronic inflammation disorder of the peripheral nerves . . . Former Chiefs coach
Frank Gansz, 70, died in a Dallas hospital after developing complications following knee replacement surgery last week.
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