Not every free agent making the rounds this week is a household name. In fact, with the first wave of signings over, the bargain shoppers are out and about, looking for a deal.

The New England Patriots have extended contract tenders to G Logan Mankins and K Stephen Gostkowski, according to NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi.

One week after facing the Jets without Wes Welker, the Patriots could be without Welker and fellow WR Randy Moss, who was held out of Friday’s practice with a back injury. Welker, who’s nursing a knee injury, also missed practice Friday, and his status for Sunday’s meeting with the Falcons is expected to be a game-time decision.

Former Broncos TE Shannon Sharpe, just days away from his induction into the team’s Ring of Fame, offered a few choice words directed toward disgruntled Denver WR Brandon Marshall.

The Patriots released TE Alex Smith, just months after trading a fifth-round draft pick to the Buccaneers for his services.

So far, so good for Patriots QB Tom Brady in his comeback from a knee injury. In his first game action since Week 1 of last season, Brady started and played nearly all of the first half in Thursday’s <a preseason opener against the Eagles.

Patriots receiver Randy Moss tweaked his contract to allow the Patriots to make some moves in the early days of free agency.

One of football’s top rivalries got a little spicier Friday when New England reached agreement with former New York Jets tight end Chris Baker.

Continuing to make moves and create salary-cap space, the New York Jets will release starting guard Brandon Moore. While the Jets will lose a guard who now will be free to sign with any team, they will save nearly $7.5 million against their salary cap.

A standoff between the New York Jets and disgruntled tight end Chris Baker ended without fanfare and attention over the weekend when the two sides connected on a new deal.