The Oakland Raiders and former Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall have made "significant progress" toward renegotiating his contract in one of the final steps needed to complete a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, a person familiar with the talks told the Associated Press yesterday.
While the Raiders and representatives for Hall are "still ironing out" parts of the deal, Hall planned to arrive in the Bay Area today, the person said on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been completed. Hall would need to pass a physical after a deal is reached.
The Falcons would acquire from the Raiders at least a second-round pick, the 34th overall, in next month's draft. The teams are still negotiating whether Oakland would need to send additional compensation to Atlanta, the person said.
ESPN, citing an unidentified source, reported that Hall and the Raiders had agreed to a seven-year, $70 million contract but were finalizing the amount of guaranteed money and bonuses in the deal.
The Raiders have been very active during the free-agency season after winning just four games last season and an NFL-low 19 the previous five.
Patriots -- Wide receiver Randy Moss is being honored with a commemorative envelope from the U.S. Postal Service. Charleston, W.Va., Mayor Danny Jones plans to make a presentation to Moss at the state Cultural Center on Friday. Besides featuring an illustration of the former DuPont High and Marshall University standout, the envelope lists his career and 2007 season statistics.
Steelers -- Restricted free-agent offensive linemen Chris Kemoeatu and Trai Essex accepted their one-year tender offers and will stay with Pittsburgh. Kemoeatu, a fifth-round draft pick in 2005, will make $1,417,000. Essex, selected a round ahead of Kemoeatu in that draft, accepted an offer of $927,000.
Bills -- Cornerback William James agreed to a two-year contract, leaving Philadelphia for the opportunity to become a full-time starter. Also, Buffalo re-signed safety Bryan Scott.
Titans -- Tennessee has agreed to terms on a contract with tight end Dwayne Blakley, an unrestricted free agent. Blakley played in 59 games in four years with Atlanta.