Longsnap.com

A couple of new snapping developments to report from the last few days.  The Steelers released Jared Retkofsky, who filled in for Greg Warren last season.  Warren and client Mark Estermyer are left to compete for the spot.  Two other Draft prospects, James Smith of Florida and Craig Gelhardt from Tulane, have reportedly been invited to mini-camp with the Bengals and Jaguars, respectively.  Finally, some positions players with snapping ability have also signed free agent deals.  Center Cecil Newton from Tennessee State signed with the Jaguars, while tight end Jamar Hunt from UTEP signed with the Cowboys.

Client Mark Estermyer from the University of Pittsburgh has agreed to a three-year free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Estermyer, who snapped in the Senior Bowl, is expected to compete with Greg Warren, who is returning from a season-ending injury.

The NFL Draft is now just weeks away and, for some teams, the snapping position remains uncertain. There was uncharacteristic movement among snappers during the start of free agency earlier this month, as Patriots snapper Lonie Paxton signed a long-term deal with the Broncos. Paxton’s departure caused a ripple effect, as the Broncos soon released Mike Leach and the Cardinals did the same with Nate Hodel after he failed a physical. Hodel eventually filled the Patriots spot, while Leach signed with the Cardinals. Another veteran snapper, JP Darche, was recently released by the Chiefs, leaving Thomas Gafford, who filed in for Darche at the end of last season, as the snapper.

Heading into the Draft, the Seahawks and Panthers have the biggest needs, although the Panthers’ cap problems may be hampering their ability to re-sign Jason Kyle. The Seahawks recently worked out Leach before he signed with the Cardinals and client Bryan Pittman. The Seahawks currently have Ryan Senser, who was in training camp with the Saints last year, and Tyler Schmitt, a Sixth Round pick who spent last year on injured reserve.

The latest rankings of the Draft-eligible snappers have Jake Ingram of Hawaii at the top according to NflDraftScout.com, Pro Football Weekly and Scouts, Inc. NflDraftScout.com has Sean Griffin (Michigan), client Mark Estermyer (Pitt), Clint Mower (Utah) and Bret White (Georgia Tech) following Ingram, while Griffin, Dave Peck (Wisconsin), Nick Sundberg (California) and TJ O’Leary (Nebraska) follow Ingram on Pro Football Weekly’s latest rankings. Finally, Scouts, Inc. lists Estermyer, White, Sunberg, Mower, Griffin and O’Leary behind Ingram.

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