CB Shawn Springs (All B1G, All-American, B1G DPOY, OSU HOF, Pro Bowl, All Pro)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Link

Springs out at least this week



Cornerback Shawn Springs just told me that his reinjured calf, which sidelined him for the seocnd time in three games yesterday against Cleveland, will keep him out for Sunday's game at Detroit and probably the following game against Pittsburgh.
"I'm, trying to figure out how I'm going to come back for the second half our season and get six or seven picks and have a great year," Springs said.

 

[3074326]

Washington Times - Unsettled secondary in limbo

Talks about Washington barely being under the cap, and mentions that Springs could play more safety..

With the Redskins barely under the $123 million cap, it's still possible Springs - who last year played a little safety - could move there alongside LaRon Landry with Hall and Rogers at the corners. That quartet would give the Redskins top-10 draft picks starting at each position in the secondary and allow them to move safety Chris Horton, who last season had a team-high three interceptions and 76 tackles as a rookie, into a reserve role.

 

[Buckskin86]

Springs to Be Released Today (Updated)
The Redskins have informed veteran cornerback Shawn Springs that he will be released from the final year of his contract, according to Springs. A free-agent signing in 2004 and a Silver Spring native, Springs will become an unrestricted free agent.

"They did what's best for the team, and I'm happy for them," Springs said in a telephone conversation. "I'm going to miss my friends there, but as long as it makes the team better, I understand. I'm a true fan of the sport."

The Redskins will save $6 million in cap space by letting him go and Springs could draw interest from New England, Dallas and Baltimore, among other teams. The Redskins are still trying to sign their former guard Derrick Dockery, who was released by Buffalo, as well.

Springs to Be Released Today (Updated) - Redskins Insider

 

[3074326]

There you go, Browns.

 

[Buckskin86]

Free-agent cornerback Shawn Springs to visit Patriots on Sunday
09:36 PM EST on Saturday, February 28, 2009
BY SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs, released by the Redskins in a salary-cap move, will visit the New England Patriots on Sunday.

The number three overall pick in 1997 out of Ohio State, Springs spent the last five seasons in Washington, and was cut in order for the Skins to save more than $6 million against the salary cap -- money that will go to DL Albert Haynesworth, whom the team signed to a $100 million contract hours after the start of free agency, and OL Derrick Dockery.

Springs played in nine games last season, with 36 tackles, one interception and seven passes defensed; there apparently was some talk of having the 6-foot, 207 pounder play some safety.

Free-agent cornerback Shawn Springs to visit Patriots on Sunday | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal

 

[Buckskin86]

Posted on Wed, Mar. 4, 2009
Springs visits Eagles; Sheppard discusses trade to Jets
By LES BOWEN
Philadelphia Daily News
[email protected]

After saying goodbye to Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard and Sean Considine over the past week, the Eagles have some openings in their secondary.

It isn't entirely clear how Shawn Springs fits into that picture, but the veteran corner arrived at the NovaCare complex yesterday for a visit that will culminate in a press conference at 12:30 this afternoon. It would be a surprise if the Eagles haven't signed Springs by then.

Springs, 33, wouldn't seem a great fit for the dime corner job Lito left, and the Birds just finished paying Joselio Hanson - likely the only one of the half-dozen Eagles who began February as potential unrestricted free agents who will actually stay with the team - to a new contract that seems to ensure he's the nickel guy. Could Springs play some sort of hybridish safety role? Is the fact that Sheldon Brown's cap number for this season is about half the guaranteed money in Hanson's deal a factor here at all? Hard to see the Eagles getting rid of a soon-to-be-30-year-old corner to sign one who's about to turn 34.

Injuries limited Springs to nine games last season and nine in 2006, though he played all 16 Redskins games in 2007. Seattle made him the third overall choice in the 1997 draft, out of Ohio State, also the alma mater of his father, ex-Cowboys running back Ron Springs.

Springs visits Eagles; Sheppard discusses trade to Jets | Philadelphia Daily News | 03/04/2009

 

[Buckskin86]

Eagles consider signing CB Shawn Springs
The Associated Press
Published: March 4, 2009

PHILADELPHIA: Looking to bolster a depleted secondary, the Philadelphia Eagles met with veteran cornerback Shawn Springs on Wednesday.

Springs, who turns 34 next week, was released by Washington in a salary-cap purge. He spent the last five seasons with the Redskins after playing his first seven with Seattle.

The Eagles traded two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard to the New York Jets and lost seven-time Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins (Denver) and backup safety Sean Considine (Jacksonville) in free agency.

Springs said the Eagles would move him to safety. He'd probably compete with second-year pro Quintin Demps for a starting spot opposite Quintin Mikell. Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are the starting cornerbacks and Joselio Hanson is the nickel back.

"When I played for Washington, I was all over the field," Springs said. "I wasn't a full-time safety, but we had a lot of packages where I was like a safety."

Springs already visited New England and indicated he had another trip planned. He's familiar with Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who was a linebackers coach with Seattle when Springs was drafted by the Seahawks with the No. 3 overall pick in 1997.

"I always liked his system," Springs said.

Springs missed seven games with a calf injury last season and finished with 36 tackles and one interception. He's played a full season just four times in his career.

Springs, who earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1998, has 32 career interceptions and 8 1/2 sacks. He recorded six of those sacks in 2004 with the Redskins. Springs also had five picks that season and became the first defensive back to lead his team in interceptions and sacks.

Eagles consider signing CB Shawn Springs - International Herald Tribune

 

[Buckskin86]

Posted on Thu, Mar. 5, 2009
Eagles Notes: Springs ends visit without signing
By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer

MATT ROURKE / Associated Press
Shawn Springs said the Eagles' Jim Johnson was more interested in himas a safety than a cornerback.

Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs completed his free-agent visit with the Eagles yesterday without signing a contract.
A team source said the Eagles might eventually try to sign Springs, but neither the player nor the team was in a rush.

Springs, 33, said defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was more interested in him as a safety than a cornerback. The Eagles, of course, are shorthanded at safety after having lost both Brian Dawkins and Sean Considine to free agency.

"Jim mainly said safety and that was fine with me," said Springs, who had also visited the Patriots since being released by Washington on Sunday. Springs said he wouldn't even try to fill the large shoes left by Dawkins' departure.

"I wouldn't even be worried about those comparisons," Springs said. "He's a true safety and one of the best that ever played. That's not even a comparison."

Eagles Notes: Springs ends visit without signing | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/05/2009

Posted on Thu, Mar. 5, 2009
John Smallwood: Shawn Springs doesn't want any comparisons to Dawkins
By John Smallwood
Philadelphia Daily News
Daily News Sports Columnist

SHAWN SPRINGS wants to make one thing clear.

If he does sign on with the Eagles as a free agent, it will not be to fill the void left by the recent departure of respected safety Brian Dawkins.

It's not a role he relishes. It is not a role he wants to be put in. And frankly, it's not a role he feels he could accomplish.

"First off, the guy you are talking about, Brian Dawkins, he's a guy who I know Philly fans really appreciate," said Springs, the veteran cornerback who visited the Eagles yesterday, "but he's a guy around the league that's well-respected.

"He's a guy who will never, ever be replaced in Philadelphia. He will always be a part of this community. Brian Dawkins is one of those guys who when you see him in a Denver uniform, you will still think he's an Eagle."

It's been a half-week since Dawkins' 13-year career with the Eagles ended and he signed a free-agent contract with the Denver Broncos.

For the most part, Eagles management has taken a beating from fans enraged that it could not, or would not, find a way to create a financial package that would keep one of this city's most respected athletes in midnight green.

Springs, a 12-year veteran who turns 34 next week, had the misfortune of being the first free agent to come to the NovaCare Complex since the Dawkins signing went from sad rumor to sorry fact.

Considering he is a cornerback who has had some experience playing at safety in certain defensive packages, Springs knew he would not be able to avoid the inevitable questions about himself in relation to Dawkins.

"We're a totally different style of players," Springs said of those thinking he is being viewed as a replacement for Dawkins. "I wouldn't even be worried about those comparisons because we are totally different.

"[Dawkins] is a true strong safety and one of the best that ever played. I came into this league as a true cover corner - one who can play safety because of my size and different things.

"I can blitz. I actually led my team in sacks 1 year. But Brian Dawkins is a true safety. You all know what he's done here. It would be like comparing apples and oranges."

Again, Springs had the misfortune of being the first, but this is likely to be the routine for every veteran who comes in to talk to the Eagles during the free-agency period.

Obviously, there will be questions about playing ability, but right after that will come those about off-field personality and locker-room presence.

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/spo..._doesn_t_want_any_comparisons_to_Dawkins.html

 

[BuckNutty]

NFL.com Blogs ? Blog Archive Patriots reach agreement with free-agent CB Springs ?

Patriots reach agreement with free-agent CB Springs
Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter | Tags: New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Shawn Springs

Continuing to use the salary-cap space freed up by the Matt Cassel trade, the Patriots reached an agreement with former Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs on Thursday.

Within the past week, Springs visited Philadelphia, where the Eagles wanted to use him at safety, and New England, where the Patriots would like to use him as a veteran cornerback. Ultimately, Springs opted for the Patriots, and he is expected to sign later today.

:(

 

[Buckeneye]

Not only would I have loved to seen him in Cleveland, but it makes it harder to pull for our Buckeyes when they play under the Anit-Christ...

 

[osucollegebuck]

Even though he plays for an AFC East rival if the Pats get to another Super Bowl there is no greater guy who deserves a Super Bowl ring!!! Go Shawn!!!! :osu:

 

[Buckskin86]

Patriots, CB Shawn Springs agree to 3-year deal
Posted: March 9, 2009
Sporting New staff reports


Free-agent cornerback Shawn Springs and the New England Patriots have agreed to a deal in excess of $10.5 million over three years, according to ESPN.com's John Clayton.

The Patriots, in an effort to bolster their secondary with a veteran cornerback, also agreed to incentives that could push Springs' deal to as much as $13 million.

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NFL Football stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from NFL Football columnists

By the way, it's worth noting that T.O.'s presence has already created a stir in the AFC East. Did anyone notice who signed former Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs? Looks like somebody wearing a gray sweatshirt wants to virtually guarantee two victories next season.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/on-to-i-think-we-get-the-message.html

SPRINGS, T.O. CONTINUE TO BE LINKED
Posted by Mike Florio on March 9, 2009

Amid word that the Patriots have, as first reported recently by Shalise Manza Young of the Providence Journal, agreed to terms with cornerback Shawn Springs, a reader has pointed out an interesting connection between Springs and receiver Terrell Owens.

With both players taking up residence with separate AFC East teams in 2009, Springs and Owens will continue their seven-year string of playing on teams that face each other twice per year.

It started in 2002, when Springs’ Seahawks moved from the AFC West to the NFC West. Owens at the time played for the Niners.

Both men landed in the NFC East in 2004, with Owens in Philly and Springs in Washington.

Owens signed with Dallas after two years, staying in the division for three more thereafter.

So, now, Spring and T.O. will take their on-field rivalry to yet another division.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/03/09/springs-to-continue-to-be-linked/

 

[Buckskin86]

Springs can't shake Owens
By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / March 12, 2009

It's usually receivers who can't shake cornerbacks, but it's the other way around for new Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs. He just can't shake newly minted Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens.

Springs, whose signing became official yesterday, has enjoyed a friendly and healthy rivalry with T.O. over the years. With each joining the AFC East in 2009, it will mark the eighth straight season they'll be playing in the same division, dating to 2002, when Springs's first team, the Seattle Seahawks, switched to the NFC West.

Springs joined the Redskins in 2004 and Owens went from the 49ers to the Eagles, and then jumped to the Cowboys in 2006.

"I texted him and told him, 'Stop following me around,' " joked Springs.

"With me and Terrell, people know that I think he's a competitor, and I'm a competitor. We never made it about us. It was always both of us trying to work really hard to help our teams win."

Both sides have had their moments in the rivalry. T.O.'s famous Sharpie touchdown celebration came against Springs in 2002, and last season Springs was part of the Redskins' coverage that frustrated Owens to the point that he said he didn't get the ball enough in a 26-24 Dallas loss, even though the Cowboys threw his way 18 times and he had seven catches for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Springs, who hurt his calf in the third quarter of that game, said he shouldn't be regarded as the T.O. stopper.

New Patriot Springs can't shake Owens - The Boston Globe

Springs explains picking Patriots
Redskins 360 (View Blog)
POSTED March 12 2009 11:20 AM BY David Elfin Print

Shawn Springs, the Redskins' No. 1 cornerback for most of the past five seasons, was cut on Feb. 27. Springs, who turned 34 on Wednesday, celebrated his birthday by explaining in a conference call why he chose to sign with the Patriots last week. Here's a partial transcript, courtesy of New England's official team site.

Q: What drew you finally to the Patriots?

SS: I knew about the Patriots organization and how they believe in winning and the job that Mr. Kraft has done over there?him and coach Belichick. Being a football player, ultimately you want to go somewhere where you?re going to win and compete and get a chance to play in the postseason and maybe get a ring. You see them on TV all the time and everybody around the league watches them, so why wouldn?t you go to a place like that?

Q: What do you feel you have left at age 34?

SS: I have veteran experience that I can bring to the team ... and I still feel like I can run and I can play at a high level ... in the games I played last year, matching up on different guys.

Q: With Terrell Owens now in Buffalo, you?ll face him twice a year. How do you see that matchup and have you played against him in the past?

SS: I texted him and told him ?stop following me around.? We?ve been in the NFC West together, we were in the NFC East together and now we?re in the AFC East together. With me and Terrell, people know that I think he?s a competitor and I?m a competitor. We never made it about us. It was always both of us trying to work really hard to help our teams win. I guess the media people make it [seem] more like a rivalry, but it was never like that. I?ll play within the game, whatever the game plan is and he plays within his game plan and we just go out and play football.

Springs explains picking Patriots - Redskins 360 - Washington Redskins Blog - The Washington Times

Shawn Springs gushes
Defensive back expounds on Pats-Terell Owens tilts
By Karen Guregian
Thursday, March 12, 2009

With defensive back Shawn Springs riding into Foxboro as one of the club?s premier free agent signings, there are many questions that need to be answered about him.

For starters, at age 34, what does he have left? How can he possibly help one of the league?s most pass-porous secondaries on those aging wheels?

Springs answered those inquiries with relative ease yesterday during a conference call with the media, as his signing with the club was formally announced.

The most compelling questions, and answers, however, dealt with his past success marking mercurial wideout Terrell Owens, who is now a member of the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills.

Springs, a Pro Bowler at cornerback in 1998, is no stranger to twice-a-year duels with Owens. He faced that challenge when he began his career with Seattle and Owens was with San Francisco. Later, when Springs moved on to the Washington Redskins, their battles were renewed as Owens wound up on two division rivals, first Philadelphia and then Dallas.

?I texted (Owens) and told him, ?Stop following me around.? We?ve been in the NFC West together, we were in the NFC East together and now we?re in the AFC East together,? Springs said. ?With me and Terrell, people know that I think he?s a competitor and I?m a competitor. We never made it about us. It was always both of us trying to work really hard to help our teams win. I guess the media people make it (seem) more like a rivalry, but it was never like that.?

Last season, Springs held Owens to a pair of catches for 11 yards through two quarters before leaving with a calf injury during the Redskins? first meeting with Dallas. Springs didn?t play in the second meeting.

Despite being a 12-year veteran with the kind of skills that made him the No. 3 overall pick in the 1997 draft, Springs said he?s not sure why he?s been successful against T.O.

?I don?t know. I just think, honestly, I just go out there and compete,? he said. ?When we play against each other, we play hard. He?s had times where he?s beaten me on plays and I?ve had times where I?ve defended him and made plays on him.?

Shawn Springs gushes - BostonHerald.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Belichick on Sirius Radio
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff March 25, 2009
Patriots coach Bill Belichick was a guest on Sirius NFL Radio's "Movin' the Chains" program on Tuesday. Belichick spoke with hosts Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan.

A few nuggets from the interview:


1) Shawn Springs -- size and flexibility. When speaking on the addition of free-agent cornerback Shawn Springs, Belichick first mentioned his size (6-0, 207), which makes him the team's sturdiest corner. Belichick also said the team placed a value on Springs' versatility as he's played outside corner, slot corner, and safety. Belichick said Leigh Bodden, another free-agent signee at cornerback, has similar flexibility to play both outside corner and in the slot. "You can never have too many defensive backs," Belichick said. " It seems like every team's always got a handful of receivers, and you can never have enough guys to cover them."

Belichick on Sirius Radio - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 3, 2009

A closer look at the contract that free-agent CB Shawn Springs signed with the Patriots:

It is a three-year pact, with base salaries of $1.75 million in 2009, $2.25 million in 2010, and $2.75 million in 2011.

The deal includes a $2.7 million signing bonus and workout bonuses of $100,000 per year.

This is a sizable deal for the 34-year-old Springs, who will earn $4.55 million this season. The payout reflects that the Patriots are counting on Springs to step into the No. 1 role vacated by Asante Samuel.

Shawn Springs contract follow-up with Pats - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com