With free agency beginning Friday, the transactions are coming fast and furious:

– The end might be now for David Carr, whom the Panthers cut Wednesday. He had a chance to prove it was just the Texans that caused his poor play, but after a move to Carolina, he proved he was a No. 1 bust. Somewhere, Tim Couch is commiserating.

– The Panthers also signed Muhsin Muhammad, who originally borke into the league in Carolina. He might take some of the pressure off Steve Smith, but it won’t help if Jake Delhomme doesn’t stay healthy and return to form.

– With Marshawn Lynch emerging as a top-flight running back, the Bills let Anthony Thomas go. Fred Jackson was solid enough as Lynch’s backup — a good thing considering Buffalo running backs in recent years haven’t been the healthiest lot.

– David Givens is gone in Tennesee after a knee injury derailed his success. Oh, he left New England to be cut by another team.

–The Browns are offering Derek Anderson $20 million for three seasons, which makes you wonder what’s going to happen to Brady Quinn if he takes the offer. Remember, Philip Rivers was in a similar situation in San Diego before Drew Brees departed. Will the Browns wait on Quinn, or vice versa?

– Finally, the Ravens released Mike Anderson. Though he’s not far removed from a 12-touchdown season with Denver, the former Marine was nothing more than a backup in Baltimore. He’ll be remembered for winning Rookie of the Year at age 27.