Grbac and Blake cut, Armstead a Redskin in free agency moves

Like many of Baltimore's starters from last season, Elvis Grbac is no longer a Raven. But Jessie Armstead has a new team a day after being released by the Giants -- the Washington Redskins

Friday was the first day of free agency in the NFL and there were more cuts than signings -- other than by Washington, which also signed wide receiver Redial Anthony from Tampa Bay.

Grbac, a major disappointment after being signed last year to upgrade the Ravens' offense, was let go Friday after declining to renegotiate the $30 million, five-year deal he signed a year ago after Baltimore won the Super Bowl.

His release was not unexpected after a season in which his 71.1 quarterback rating ranked 24th in the NFL. He had 15 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions. On Tuesday, the Ravens suggested he would have to renegotiate to stay with the team.

Saints release QB

Another veteran quarterback, Jeff Blake, was released by New Orleans. And with team officials and agents tied up at the NFL scouting combine, most teams had no time to work out free agents let alone sign them.

But not Washington, which grabbed up Armstead, the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, released Thursday by New York. The move harkens back to two seasons ago, when owner Daniel Snyder snapped up big-name free agents Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders and Jeff George and still finished 8-8.

There were several re-signings.

Running back Antowain Smith, a major factor in New England's run to the NFL title last season, re-signed with the Patriots for a reported $21 million over five years. He signed last season after being released by Buffalo for $1.1 million, $600,000 of it in incentives, and gained 1,157 yards rushing.

Strong safety Darren Woodson of the Cowboys and fullback William Henderson of the Packers, both of unrestricted free agents, also were re-signed by their teams.

Linebacker Donnie Edwards, Kansas City's leading tackler, was released by the Chiefs after failing to reach agreement on a new deal. And St. Louis released starting right offensive tackle Ryan Tucker to clear $2 million in salary cap space.