OK, Patriots fans, you can breathe easy again; the reports of the so-called "liquored-up kicker" coming to Foxboro were apparently greathly exaggurated, as Mike Vanderjagt has agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys, who were extremely challenged in the kicking game last season. Vanderjagt was the most accurate kicker in the NFL in 2004 and was considered a top-tier kicker last season, but it bears mentioning that the Colts play in a (windless) dome; he'll find it much more difficult to be as consistent as he's been when kicking outdoors for home games as well as away games.

Brooks to Moss, all season long? It's a distinct possibility, now that the Raiders have signed the beleaguered ex-Saint to their roster. Coach Art Shell won't go so far as to call him the starter, but with Marques Tuiasosopo as the only other QB on the roster who could conceivably fill the role (and the odds of the new Raiders regime reliving that particular failed experiment are fairly slim), it's hard to say how he couldn't be, unless he's just being brought in to keep things warm for a promising rookie QB, since the Raiders have been showing a lot of interest in Mensa candidate Vince Young. We'll have more on this as it develops.

Scott's on vacation again, but Steve is joined by very special guest host Mrs. B from the Patriot World Podcast to break down the second wave of free agency movements! On this episode: T.O. saddles up, Culpepper moves to a port town, a new Brees in New Orleans leaves Rivers behind, and the Patriots try to turn lead into gold, once again.

Links:
Mrs. B's Patriot World

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's the end of an era. Adam Vinatieri has reached a deal in principle with the Indianapolis Colts. From a fantasy perspective, Adam's still Adam, and kicking in a dome for at least eight games a year can only help one of the most accurate and clutch kickers in the game. As a Patriots fan, though, this royally, royally sucks...

In a move that should not come as a surprise to anyone following the signings of Jon Kitna and Josh McCown, the Detroit Lions have finally parted ways with Joey Harrington, closely following statements from offensive coordinator Mike Martz that Harrington is "their man." It's not clear whether Harrington has been released or not, but the fact remains that he will not be playing in a Lions jersey in 2006.

Yup, that's right, just a few years after standing triumphantly on the star in Texas Stadium, Terrell Owens has signed a multi-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Suffice it to say that this will have an immediate effect on every member of the Dallas offense. Look for in-depth analysis on the next episode of Extra Points.

Well, despite my comments on this week's show, all-Pro LB Willie McGinest, a free agent after being released by the Patriots last week, yesterday signed a new contract with the Cleveland Browns. I guess it's not that unexpected, as the Cleveland head coach is Romeo Crennel, former Patriots defensive coordinator. But it's still sad to see McGinest, a Patriot for his entire career up to now (12 years), go to a different team. See, you never know what will happen with free agency! --Scott

To join Scott's NCAA tourney group, go to http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com. Use the group ID# 26366 and the password *indy* to sign up. You will need a Yahoo ID to participate, but it's free to set one up if you don't already have one.

Also, this is a free group, no money involved at all. You have until 11:55 am tomorrow (Thurs. Mar. 16) to submit your brakcet. Good luck!

It's March, and you know what that means! No, not March Madness! (OK, maybe a little, but that's not the point.) It's free agency, and Scott and Steve have the scoop on all the early signings!

On this episode: Will Edge thrive or wither in the desert? Is Chester Taylor worth a first round draft pick now that he's a starter in Minnesota? Are Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson two great tastes that taste terrible together? And why are the Redskins collecting wide receivers like they're going out of style? Answers to all these questions, and more!

Links:
Explanation of the NFL Salary Cap
Our Frappr Map

Podcasts Mentioned:
Manic Mommies
Mrs. B's Patriot World
Podcast Pickle

The golden goose gets to live another day. The NFL and NFLPA have finally agreed on an extension to the collective bargaining agreement, after numerous delays, avoiding financial chaos and an impending work stoppage in 2008. No word yet on what the salary cap under the new agreement will be, or when exactly free agency will begin, though it's almost certainly going to be delayed to give teams a chance to understand the new financial landscape.

Apparently, it's not just cuts before the CBA deadline. Both Shaun Alexander and Ahman Green have signed deals tonight to stay with their current teams. This makes Alexander a sure top-3 pick for this year's fantasy draft. Ahman, on the other hand, might be worth a later pick if he can stay healthy, if Samkon Gado doesn't win the starting job, and if new coach Mike McCarthy sticks with the run more consistently than Mike Sherman did...

While we're waiting for free agency to start (get that labor agreement signed any day now, NFL!), Scott and Steve break down the finer points of fantasy football for the new player. We cover what it is, how to get started, and where we get our information,. If you're looking to get your fantasy football career started on the right foot, or you're a veteran looking to brush up on the basics, this episode is a must-hear!

Fantasy Football Resources:
Fantasy Football Today
RotoWorld
Pro Football Talk

Podcasts Mentioned:
New England Podcasting
Mrs. B's Patriot World
Financial Aid Podcast
The Poddog Show

Vote for Extra Points:
Podcast Alley
Podcast Pickle

I hate to disagree with my cohost, but I couldn't care less what Vince Young's Wonderlic score is, and the fact that people are even talking about this is absolutely ludicrous. First of all, there is now some conjecture over whether or not that report of his score of 6 is accurate. But let's leave that aside. I looked at the test that Steve provided a link for, and all I can say is that unless he'll be talking about fractions and logic puzzles in the huddle, there is no way a score on the Wonderlic test can possibly predict Vince Young's ability as an NFL quarterback.

The Wonderlic, like the SAT or any other standardized test, does not test a person's intelligence. It simply measures a person's ability to take a standardized test. It is a way to provide a common basis of comparison for people with widely variant backgrounds. But as with the SAT for college admission, you cannot use a standardized test as the sole basis for determining someone's ability or potential.

What people should really look at with Young, both actual NFL owners and fantasy team owners, is how the U. of Texas offense was structured, and how similar that could be to NFL offenses. This will give you an idea about his ability to run an offense of a certain complexity. Or once he is drafted in real life, look at his "supporting cast" and coaches, to see if he'll be able to ease in to a starting role or if he's being thrown into the fire and will have to carry a team by himself right away. Obviously the first scenario is preferable.

Here's what, to me, says the most about Vince Young's potential. I went into the Rose Bowl this year with great anticipation about seeing Reggie Bush, who I had heard many amazing things about but hadn't actually seen play very much. When the game was over, I was mildly impressed with Bush, but was mesmorized by Vince Young. He, virtually singlehandedly, carried Texas to victory. When the Longhorns had the ball down the stretch needing a touchdown to win, I remember thinking to myself, "Self, Vince Young is going to win this game for Texas." Which is exactly what happened. When you can drive for the winning score in the national championship game, one of the most pressure-packed environments in all of American sports, you're ok in my book.

Now, I'm not saying Young is perfect. Espn.com Page 2's Bomani Jones points out some other reasons to be skeptical about him (and while I agree with Jones that it's not such a smart move to have a family friend as your agent, I can understand it). So if you're not going to look at Young as a possible (high) draft selection, make sure it's for the right reasons. In other words, don't base your decision solely on the supposed results of a questionable and completely irrelevant test.

--Scott