The New York Jets obtained quarterback Patrick Ramsey from the Washington Redskins on Friday for a sixth-round pick in next month's draft, giving them insurance if Chad Pennington is slow to recover from his second shoulder injury in two years.
Meanwhile, the NFL acted on behalf of the Seattle Seahawks, requesting that Minnesota's offer to All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson go to arbitration. It will be heard by a special master Monday, meaning that Seattle's deadline to match the $49 million, six-year offer will be extended past Sunday's deadline.
Ramsey, Washington's first-round pick in 2002, was benched when Joe Gibbs took over for Steve Spurrier and the team obtained veteran Mark Brunell to start.
In his four seasons, Ramsey has started 24 games, throwing for 34 touchdowns with 29 interceptions.
``I have a lot of respect for both Brooks Bollinger and Chad Pennington, and the work they have put into the Jets,'' Ramsey said in a statement. ``I look forward to working with my new teammates and coaches.''
The Jets also are trying to trade disgruntled defensive end John Abraham to the Seattle Seahawks. A person familiar with the negotiations, who didn't want to be identified because the talks were ongoing, said Friday the Seahawks have presented the best trade package for Abraham: a first-round pick.
Atlanta, which has also been talking to the Jets, is only willing to give up a second-rounder.
The source said the Jets are leaning toward Seattle because they want to get the most value for the three-time Pro Bowl selection. But the situation is more complicated than making a trade happen. The Seahawks must come to an agreement on a long-term deal with Abraham, and that hasn't happened so far.
Atlanta signed veteran safety Lawyer Milloy, cut earlier this month by Buffalo, as they try to bolster a defense that was shredded late last season.
As for Hutchinson, the Seahawks and the league challenged a clause in his contract with the Vikings that requires that if he's not the team's highest-paid offensive lineman after the first year, the final six years of his contract must be guaranteed. That would be difficult for the Seahawks, because left tackle Walter Jones is the team's highest-paid lineman.
The NFL Players Association said it will challenge the appeal, which could go to arbitration.
In other moves Friday:
-Green Bay signed former St. Louis defensive tackle Ryan Pickett and had Adam Vinatieri in town for a visit. Vinatieri, who kicked two Super Bowl-winning field goals for New England, had been the Patriots' franchise player for two straight seasons.
-New Orleans signed former Minnesota RB Michael Bennett as insurance for Deuce McAllister, who injured a knee last season. The Saints also signed former Seattle linebacker Anthony Simmons and journeyman safety Omar Stoutmire.
-Kansas City signed former Denver running back Quentin Griffin, giving them a backup for Larry Johnson if Priest Holmes decides to retire.
-Pittsburgh re-signed cornerback Deshea Townsend, their last remaining unrestricted free agent. The Steelers also signed veteran defensive lineman Rodney Bailey.
-Baltimore made tender offers to two restricted free agents, running back Musa Smith and defensive lineman Jarret Johnson.
-Buffalo re-signed Josh Reed, who has been their third wide receiver for the last four seasons.
-Miami signed cornerback Renaldo Hill, a former Raider, to a three-year contract and re-signed running back Travis Minor.
-Dallas cut offensive tackle Jacob Rogers, a second-round pick two years ago, who never played in a game because of injuries.
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Jets trade for Ramsey
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