Veteran TE Greg Olsen is heading to the Panthers in a trade from the Bears. Terms of the deal are unknown at this time.

Now with the Patriots, the value of Chad Ochocinco Is destined to rise. Just don’t expect him to re-emerge into an elite fantasy wideout.

Willie Colon is returning to the Steelers after all.

The Redskins did the right thing in dealing away Albert Haynesworth — this was addition by subtraction. The Patriots did the right thing — buying low on a uniquely skilled player (the Patriot way).

The Eagles fortified their pass rush on Thursday by reaching an agreement with Jason Babin, who’s leaving the Titans after a Pro Bowl season in 2010. Babin certainly gets a nice payday for his breakout campaign. His deal with Philadelphia is for five years and in the $30 million range, according to a league source. Babin, 31, appeared in all 16 games for the Titans last season, finishing with a team-high 12.5 sacks.

The Raiders want to be an active player in free agency, but they’ll have to clear some salary-cap space first. That means re-working contracts, with LB Kamerion Wimbley at the top of their list.

The Redskins and Chris Chester agreed to a deal worth $20 million over five years, according to a league source.

Kevin Kolb’s value rises as a member of the Cardinals, but it’s Larry Fitzgerald who should benefit the most.

Free-agent LB Clint Session will leave Indianapolis for Jacksonville, according to a league source, by agreeing to a five-year, $30 million contract that includes $11.5 million guaranteed with the Jaguars.

As part of Thursday’s trade from the Eagles to the Cardinals, QB Kevin Kolb agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $63.5 million with $21 million guaranteed, according to a league source.

The Texans are shopping WR David Anderson on the trade market, according to a league source.

A couple of expected transactions to watch: According to a league source, the Titans will release DE Tony Brown, and the Lions will cut LB Jordon Dizon.

Free-agent DT Derek Landri is receiving significant interest from the Broncos, according to a league source. Landri could visit Denver as early as tomorrow.

That’s right, football is back and the fellas could not be more thrilled about it’s return.

Many of the top free agents at defensive tackle are still available, and the market for their services has been slow to form, according to agents and general managers to whom I’ve talked.