Falcons get Lelie, Skins get Duckett

[wade moore]

This is a big deal to me as a Skins fan. I don't think Duckett is a feature back, but a great asset. But I think this is bigger for the Falcons. If they can get Lelie to live up to the potential he has yet to live up to, it could be huge for them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2558101

ATLANTA -- Filling their need for a No. 3 wide receiver, the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday night acquired disgruntled Denver Broncos veteran Ashley Lelie in a three-team trade, ESPN.com has learned.

The Falcons sent former first-round tailback T.J. Duckett to Washington. At worst, the Broncos will receive two draft choices from Washington -- third- and fourth-round picks -- and those picks could escalate based on a complicated formula.
The trade is expected to be announced Wednesday.
The deal sends to new teams two players, Duckett and Lelie, who have been the subject of considerable trade rumors for much of the offseason. Some Atlanta officials conceded on Tuesday night that the trade of Duckett, who enjoyed an excellent training camp and preseason, was a dicey one, because it leaves the club without a proven backup to starting tailback Warrick Dunn, who is 31 and entering his 10th season.
But the Falcons were so desperate for a No. 3 wide receiver, having lost veteran possession pass-catcher Brian Finneran to a season-ending knee injury early in camp, that they were forced to part with Duckett. None of the players in the Atlanta training camp had demonstrated any signs they were capable of seizing the No. 3 wideout job, and coach Jim Mora wanted the spot filled quickly.

Also, the Falcons, who were very thin at the position, wanted an experienced player they knew could step into the lineup if either of their starters was injured during the season.
The play at the No. 3 wide receiver spot was so poor in Atlanta's preseason loss at Green Bay on Saturday that Mora yelled to a team personnel official that the club had better make a move to fill the position. And after the game, Mora acknowledged the team "had no" No. 3 wide receiver.

In Lelie, the Falcons landed a receiver with top-shelf physical skills, but a four-year veteran who has been a bit of a tease throughout his career. It will also be interesting to see how Lelie, who skipped all of Denver's offseason conditioning program and did not report to training camp, reacts to the deal. Lelie was being fined at the rate of $14,000 per day, the maximum permitted, during his camp holdout.
The total fines for his camp absence came to $378,000. Lelie also lost a $100,000 workout bonus because he did not participate in offseason workouts, and one league source suggested late Tuesday that he also had to repay the Broncos a portion of his original rookie signing bonus.
Lelie, 26, had said that he wanted a situation where he could be the No. 1 wideout. But with the Falcons, he clearly is the No. 3 guy behind starters Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, Atlanta's first-round choices in the 2004 and 2005 drafts, respectively. A league source said Falcons officials had a long meeting with Lelie to discuss his role, and were satisfied he was willing to accept the No. 3 spot.
Interesting is that the Falcons did not extend Lelie's contract as part of the trade, meaning he could be a one-year rental, since he is entering the final season of his original rookie deal, and could be eligible for unrestricted free agency next spring. If the Falcons like Lelie and he is productive for them, they could approach him about an extension during the season. For now, though, his contract remains unaffected.

The Broncos' first-round choice in the 2002 draft, Lelie has appeared in 64 games and started in 40 of them. He has 168 receptions for 3,007 yards and 12 touchdowns and his gaudy career average of 17.9 yards per catch is impressive. The former University of Hawaii star, who ironically played for former Falcons head coach June Jones in college, led the NFL in yards per catch in 2004 (20.1) and 2005 (18.3).
His best season was in 2004, when Lelie posted 54 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. But the inconsistencies in his game were evident in 2005 and his production slipped, to 42 receptions for 770 yards and just one touchdown. Lelie is a long-strider whose forte is the deep ball up the boundary, and so there are some skeptics who wonder how he will fit into the No. 3 role, which is typically a possession receiver.

The Falcons' first-round pick in the 2002 draft, Duckett, 25, was not a good fit for the one-cut running game the Falcons now emphasize and is viewed around the league more as a "downhill" runner. Like Lelie, he is entering the final season of his original rookie contract and will be eligible for free agency next spring. Clearly, the Redskins wanted Duckett as insurance against the possibility that star tailback Clinton Portis might not be ready for the start of the season. Portis suffered a shoulder injury last week and, while he is said to be making good progress in his rehabilitation, there is no certainty he will be fully recovered when the Redskins open the season against Minnesota on Sept. 11.
Duckett, 25, gives Washington a proven, starting-quality back and a player whose style is a good fit with the Redskins' offense.

In two preseason outings, Duckett has rushed for 96 yards on 15 carries. The 96 yards are the sixth most in the NFL in the preseason and Duckett's healthy 6.4-yard average is second best among players with at least 15 rushing attempts.
The former Michigan State standout, the 18th player chosen overall in 2002, has carried 552 times for 2,175 yards and 31 touchdowns in 54 appearances, including 14 starts. His best season was in 2002, when he ran for 779 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a backup, Duckett rushed for 500-plus yards in each of his first three seasons in the league, but dropped off to just 380 yards in 2005. He has averaged nine rushing touchdowns over the last three seasons.
But dealing Duckett leaves Atlanta with no proven backup to Dunn, and the team may look to acquire a veteran back before the start of the season. The team chose Jerious Norwood of Mississippi State in the third round of this year's draft. The rookie has been impressive at times, but it is difficult to ascertain at this point of the preseason.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. To check out Len's chat archive, click here .

[MikeVic]

Yup, just as huge as when they got Price... I thought Betts was a serviceable backup/spot starting RB?

[Bee]

I think Denver comes out of this the best of all three teams. From everything I've heard Lelie is a team cancer. TJ Duckett is a decent back but it sounds like he's just a 1 year rental. Give me the draft pick baby!

[rkmsuf]

Not a big Lelie fan. Never thought he was very good. He was a huge loser in his little holdout especially not getting a new deal and the prospect of hitting free agency next year after what looks like a lean year numbers wise in the Falcons offense.

[VPI97]

Great steal for the Falcons....Duckett is a huge guy who always seemed to want to run the ball like Dunn. The only problem is that he doesn't have a fraction of the speed & agility of Dunn. If he ever realizes that he has to hit the whole hard, he'll be a good back, but who knows if that will happen.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Yup, just as huge as when they got Price... I thought Betts was a serviceable backup/spot starting RB?

I was just chatting about this with my brother.

It doesn't say it anywhere in the article, but my suspicion is that the nagging injury that Betts has is part of the concern here. I've always liked Betts and I've had the impression that Gibbs was very surprised and impressed by him. This tells me they're not confident that he'll remain healthy either.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Bee

I think Denver comes out of this the best of all three teams. From everything I've heard Lelie is a team cancer. TJ Duckett is a decent back but it sounds like he's just a 1 year rental. Give me the draft pick baby!

I tend to agree here, especially if Betts ends up healthy.

[Ben E Lou]

Nice move, and one that could also pay some fun dividends down the line, too.

[sovereignstar]

Lelie was the shit.. 3 years ago.

[wade moore]

Question for Falcons fans..

Lelie, 26, had said that he wanted a situation where he could be the No. 1 wideout. But with the Falcons, he clearly is the No. 3 guy behind starters Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, Atlanta's first-round choices in the 2004 and 2005 drafts, respectively. A league source said Falcons officials had a long meeting with Lelie to discuss his role, and were satisfied he was willing to accept the No. 3 spot.

From my perspective, I'd rather have Lelie at #2 than White, right?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Question for Falcons fans..



From my perspective, I'd rather have Lelie at #2 than White, right?

Short-term? Probably. Long-term? No. That being said, I can't say for sure how White's green bars have progressed to more red in the offseason.

[VPI97]

I'd rather have White #1 and Lelie #2...Jenkins? Pfft.

[JPhillips]

I thought it was a good deal for the Skins when I heard it was a third or fourth round pick, but a third and fourth with the possibility of it moving higher based on performance is a terrible trade for a guy with Duckett's record.

Of course the Broncos have to be simply amazed that they could get those picks for a guy that they were going to have to cut before the season started. Its clear that the Redskins want nothing to do with draft picks and will throw them around like beads at Mardi Gras.

[WSUCougar]

As was the case in Denver, if Lelie would just play to his potential he could be the Falcons #1 WR. But I'm betting he won't.

[Flasch186]

ewww, so does this make Dunn a viable keeper?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Its clear that the Redskins want nothing to do with draft picks and will throw them around like beads at Mardi Gras.

I just got a really raunchy image of Mike Shanahan flashing and yelling, "Throw me something, mister!"

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I just got a really raunchy image of Mike Shanahan flashing his evil teeth and yelling, "Throw me something, mister!"

Fixed

[Bee]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I just got a really raunchy image of Mike Shanahan flashing and yelling, "Throw me something, mister!"

Denver is definitely a regular customer.

[JPhillips]

Shanahan has simply raped the Skins since Gibbs took over. He got a pick for Campbell, a pick for Portis and now these picks. I may be wrong but I think he's now gotten a first, a second, a third and a fourth in the past three years.

[WSUCougar]

Didn't he trade Portis straight up for Champ Bailey?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

Didn't he trade Portis straight up for Champ Bailey?

No, the pick that was used on Tatum Bell went to Denver in that trade. That's the beauty of it.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by VPI97

I'd rather have White #1 and Lelie #2...Jenkins? Pfft.

Outsiders perspecitve... but aren't all 3 basically the same receiver?

[Fighter of Foo]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

Outsiders perspecitve... but aren't all 3 basically the same receiver?

Falcons receivers are rated by their ability to block.

[rkmsuf]

Actually saw Jenkins make some plays in the limited Falcons highlights I've seen.

[JPhillips]

WSU; The amazing thing about that trade is that Denver got the more valued position and a second round pick.

[QuikSand]

I believe history will record Denver as the winners of this deal. They got something.

[Dutch]

The most intriguing part of this story was the fact that Warrick Dunn is entering his 10th season. Good lord, time flies.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Dutch

The most intriguing part of this story was the fact that Warrick Dunn is entering his 10th season. Good lord, time flies.

Originally Posted by SkyDog

Nice move, and one that could also pay some fun dividends down the line, too.

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

WSU; The amazing thing about that trade is that Denver got the more valued position and a second round pick.

No doubt! I didn't recall the 2nd round pick at all.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dutch

The most intriguing part of this story was the fact that Warrick Dunn is entering his 10th season. Good lord, time flies.

Heading into last season, there was an NFL commercial with different guys giving their pre-season insights from the prior year, including the guy saying "Who was that guy the Steelers took? Roethly-something? Nice pick, Cowher!"...

Reading it's his 10th year makes me think back to all the "He's too small. He'll never be a full-time starter/every down back/ make it 3/5/7/10 years in the NFL" people in 1996.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Dutch

The most intriguing part of this story was the fact that Warrick Dunn is entering his 10th season. Good lord, time flies.

Actually, it seems like he's been in the league longer than that, since he was on FSU's 1993 National Championship team. It's hard to remember/believe he was only a freshman that year.

[Riggins44]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

Outsiders perspecitve... but aren't all 3 basically the same receiver?

Yep, they now have three #3 WR's. Being a WR sent to Atlanta isn't exactly like a homeless man going to a buffet. You've got to share your 170 passing yards between 2 other guys, Crumpler and Dunn.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by VPI97

I'd rather have White #1 and Lelie #2...Jenkins? Pfft.

Jenkins looks a lot better now than White. He does a better job catching the ball, and fighting for it.

As for Lelie as a number 2- no, no, no, no, no. Lelie sucks as a run-blocker and will not make a catch across the middle. The plan that I understand is that in 2 receiver sets White and Jenkins will line up one-two. Then in the three receiver set Jenkins will line up in the slot because he is willing to catch the tough middle of the field passes, and Lelie will be used as a down-field threat.

The bigger get for the Falcons is 400 pound Grady Jackson to plug up the middle. That D-line just got much better.

Oh, and Redskin fans: enjoy watching Duckett fall down like he was shot every time a defender looks at him hard. Softest big-man ever.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

ewww, so does this make Dunn a viable keeper?

Maybe. He'll may get more touches near the goal line, but look for Griffith to take some of those carries. I think Griffith is really what made Duckett expendable.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Maybe. He'll may get more touches near the goal line, but look for Griffith to take some of those carries. I think Griffith is really what made Duckett expendable.

Not Jerious Norwood?

[Noble_Platypus]

What does it matter who the Falcons start at WR, Vick blows and is only good when he tucks it and takes off.

[st.cronin]

I don't think Kathy Griffith will have the durability they're looking for in a back.

[Buccaneer]

How many days till Lelie whines and cries that he's not the #1 WR?

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Logan

Not Jerious Norwood?

Not likely. He'll be used to spell Dunn, but they're not going to use him like Duckett.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Buccaneer

How many days till Lelie whines and cries that he's not the #1 WR?

Supposedly he is fine with being the number three. Team officials have already talked to him about it and he has agreed to play in that role in Atlanta.

[Crim]

Originally Posted by Riggins44

Yep, they now have three #3 WR's. Being a WR sent to Atlanta isn't exactly like a homeless man going to a buffet. You've got to share your 170 passing yards between 2 other guys, Crumpler and Dunn.

Winner.

[k0ruptr]

I'm still a lelie fan, guess I'm biased after watching him walk on to hawaii, and just dominate. he definetly has the potential to be a great reciever in this league. hope all the best for him in atl with vick and co.

[JAG]

From the Washington Post:

The draft-pick compensation for Duckett will not be known until season's end depending on how the Redskins and Broncos fare in the standings, league sources said. There are four possibilities, and each equals the value of a high third-round pick on a chart used by most NFL teams, with a numerical value attached to each pick.

The teams could swap first-round picks in 2007; swap first-rounders with the Broncos getting an additional fourth-round pick in 2008; swap first-rounders with Denver getting a third-round pick in 2007; or swap first-round picks with Denver getting a third-round selection in 2007 and a fourth-round pick in 2008.

I feel like I'm missing something here (or the article is). If Denver finishes with a better record than Washington, would they really want to swap first round picks? The other observation is this deal could be even sweeter for Denver if there's a huge disparity in their teams' records this season (like Washington going 4-12 and Denver going 12-4). Of course, it's highly unlikely that will happen, but injuries and other unforseeable events are always possible.

EDIT: Although, after reflection, the Redskins probably protected themselves against that and it's just a detail not mentioned in the article.

[Bee]

The main thing from the article is that Washington is giving Denver the equivalent of a high 3rd round draft pick (after Denver shopped Lelie for a 4th rounder without success). Where the teams end up is pretty much irrelevant, it just determines how Denver gets their compensation.

[jamesUMD]

Everyone creamed the Redskins when they traded Laverneous Coles for Santana Moss too, so I'll hold judgement. If anyone's seen the Redskins recent draft history with the exception of Cooley, rarely do 3rd through 7th rounders do much anyways because we seem to always pick the wrong guys so I'm fine with this.

While I like Betts, he always seems to be nicked up. I think with Portis' injury they felt Duckett would prove more durable than Betts. I think they trade Betts for a DB in the immediate future.

the 2nd rounder used for Tatum Bell hurt until I read articles saying he might be beat out by an undrafted free agent.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by jamesUMD

Everyone creamed the Redskins when they traded Laverneous Coles for Santana Moss too, so I'll hold judgement. If anyone's seen the Redskins recent draft history with the exception of Cooley, rarely do 3rd through 7th rounders do much anyways because we seem to always pick the wrong guys so I'm fine with this.

While I like Betts, he always seems to be nicked up. I think with Portis' injury they felt Duckett would prove more durable than Betts. I think they trade Betts for a DB in the immediate future.

the 2nd rounder used for Tatum Bell hurt until I read articles saying he might be beat out by an undrafted free agent.

They'll probably just sign Ike Taylor this offseason.

[stevew]

Holy cow....what a dumbass

Wide receiver Ashley Lelie, traded from the Denver Broncos to the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday as part of a three-team swap that also included the Washington Redskins, might go beyond that.
Depending on how Broncos officials resolve various fines and potential penalties pending against Lelie as a result of his decision to boycott all the team's offseason activities, and his failure to report to training camp despite having a contract, the four-year veteran could go into the red for 2006.
And we're not just talking about the primary color in the Falcons' uniforms.
Under the terms of his original contract, signed as a first-round choice in the 2002 draft, Lelie was to have made $700,000 for the 2006 season -- an offseason workout bonus of $100,000 and a $600,000 base salary.
Lelie forfeited the workout bonus, though, when he chose to skip the Broncos' offseason program. He was then fined slightly more than $11,000, the maximum allowed by the collective bargaining agreement, when he was a no-show at Denver's mandatory three-day minicamp July 6-8. And his failure to report to camp drew daily fines of $14,000, totaling $378,000.
In addition, it is believed that the Broncos will seek to recover a prorated share of the $3.3 million signing bonus that Lelie received in 2002. The total for fines and potential penalties accrued by Lelie is close to $1.1 million and, as part of the trade agreement, the wide receiver reportedly signed a document that allows the Broncos to seek that amount.
There is a chance that, finally rid of Lelie, the Broncos might forgive a portion of that amount or be willing to negotiate a lower figure. To this point, however, Denver officials have not been inclined to do so. Conventional wisdom is that Denver coach Mike Shanahan wants the penalties against Lelie to have some teeth, in part to dissuade other players from adopting a strategy similar to the wideout's failed approach.
What did Lelie's holdout accomplish for him on the field? The boycott was precipitated in part by the Broncos' acquisition of former Green Bay standout Javon Walker and by Lelie's desire to be more than the No. 3 wide receiver on the roster. But with the Falcons, he will be the No. 3 wideout, behind starters Roddy White and Michael Jenkins.
In a statement released by the Falcons on Thursday morning, Lelie, who was expected to participate in his first practice with his new team later in the day said: "I don't even know how to put it into words, that is how excited I am. The most exciting part is that I get to step back on the football field. I've missed it." If the Broncos penalize Lelie to the maximum, and recover part of his signing bonus, practice time might be the least expensive thing missing for him.

[Izulde]

I'm giving this win to the Broncos, but then I'm a draft picks whore.