Jeff Blake left Cincinnati to become the starter in New Orleans on the first day of free agency. Other moves have had less impact, but there has been a ripple effect. On Monday, former Giants starter Kent Graham agreed to terms with the Steelers, where he will be the backup to Kordell Stewart. Mike Tomczak, who spent the last seven of his 15 NFL seasons as the primary backup in Pittsburgh, is looking for another job. Tomczak is hoping to visit the Lions this week.
Situations involving other teams have an influence on the quarterback market.
In San Francisco, Steve Young has not said whether he will return for another season after missing nearly all of 1999 with another concussion. That could clear the way for the return of Jeff George, Minnesota's starter for the last 10 games of '99. Trent Dilfer, who lost his starting job to rookie Shaun King at Tampa Bay and was released by the Bucs, has not attracted any firm offers. The Bucs have raided the Vikings, signing center Jeff Christy and guard Randall McDaniel. Bucs Coach Tony Dungy left Minnesota as defensive coordinator for Tampa Bay in 1996.