2008 NFL Offseason Thread

[stevew]

If it were held this week, the Patriots would have the #4 or #5 pick overall in the draft, depending on tiebreakers. WTG Niners!!!!

[Cringer]

This is the year I get drafted into the NFL.

[rkmsuf]

Love it live. Please let them pic ahead of the Jets. Hilarity will ensue.

[MikeVic]

Who did the 49ers get from the Pats?

[RPI-Fan]

Who did the 49ers get from the Pats?

Wasn't it the Joe Staley trade?

[MikeVic]

Wasn't it the Joe Staley trade?

Who? Man I'm out of the loop on the 49ers i guess.

[sabotai]

Who? Man I'm out of the loop on the 49ers i guess.

Joe Staley was one of the top offensive linemen prospects in the draft last year.

[Icy]

Who is the best special teamer? I want him drafted as #1 overall by the Dolphins so we can start rebuilding around him.

[MikeVic]

Joe Staley was one of the top offensive linemen prospects in the draft last year.

Oh ok. How did the Pats end up with him late in the 1st then?

[Surtt]

San Francisco traded their fourth-round selection (110th overall, used to select John Bowie) and their first-round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft to New England for their last first-round selection (28th overall, used to select Joe Staley)

[gstelmack]

From ESPN:

http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/trans/sfo.gif http://espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/trans/nwe.gif San Francisco 49ers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sfo): Acquire pick No. 28 (selected OT Joe Staley).
New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe): Acquire pick No. 110 and a first-round pick in 2008.
Scouts take: The 49ers aggressively moved up in the backend of the first round to acquire LT Joe Staley. By selecting Staley the 49ers can move LT Jonas Jennings to the right side and drastically improve their offensive line. The 49ers have been shopping both RG Justin Smiley and the underachieving RT Kwame Harris throughout the offseason. Staley was a former TE who was converted to RT in 2004. He is a very good athlete with outstanding feet, balance and control but needs to improve his total body strength.
The Patriots got great value acquiring the 49ers' first-round pick in 2008 and a fourth this season. The Patriots like to acquire future No. 1 picks.

[sabotai]

Oh ok. How did the Pats end up with him late in the 1st then?

Lucky? He was projected to get picked in the middle of the 1st round, I think. But most of the players taken in the 1st were defensive players. I think when the Pats pick came up, the Niners traded picks with them so they could get him. He was the third OL player taken.

I don't think anyone thought the Niners were going to be this bad this year. I think most people thought they'd be an 8-8 team, or around there, so it's not like anyone thought the Niners were trading a Top 5 pick this year for a Bottom 5 pick last year.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Who is the best special teamer? I want him drafted as #1 overall by the Dolphins so we can start rebuilding around him.
This made me laugh. Thanks, Icy!

[Logan]

Niners also added the Colts' 1st this year after they traded their 2nd rounder last year as a result of acquiring Staley. So we'll go from #4 to #30 probably. Wahoo.

[molson]

I don't think anyone thought the Niners were going to be this bad this year. I think most people thought they'd be an 8-8 team, or around there, so it's not like anyone thought the Niners were trading a Top 5 pick this year for a Bottom 5 pick last year.

I've never heard of a "protected" first round pick in the NFL, which is the cool thing to do with pretty much every NBA trade that involves picks. I wonder if that's just not allowed in the NFL.

I know the 49ers had some optimism, but this was just a huge risk to take. It's something that I always thought was way too easy to do in FOF.

[Logan]

I've never heard of a "protected" first round pick in the NFL, which is the cool thing to do with pretty much every NBA trade that involves picks. I wonder if that's just not allowed in the NFL.

I know the 49ers had some optimism, but this was just a huge risk to take. It's something that I always thought was way too easy to do in FOF.

As a Niner fan, the optimism was pretty warranted though I feel. There were major problems on the defensive side of the ball, and the offense was progressing nicely. The FA upgrades to the defense should have been enough to, at worst, bump them up a game or two from last year which would have been enough to contend for the division.

Instead, the offense regressed probably more than any team's offense ever has. We miss Norv, and have probably the worst OC in the league. A guy who has proven why his last OC job was for the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania.

[SirFozzie]

it would be a shame to not mention that this fourth round pick became Randy Moss


Oofda

[Atocep]

As a Niner fan, the optimism was pretty warranted though I feel. There were major problems on the defensive side of the ball, and the offense was progressing nicely. The FA upgrades to the defense should have been enough to, at worst, bump them up a game or two from last year which would have been enough to contend for the division.

Instead, the offense regressed probably more than any team's offense ever has. We miss Norv, and have probably the worst OC in the league. A guy who has proven why his last OC job was for the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania.

I expected more out of Alex Smith this year. Norv had done an excellent job with him, but I figured part of it would carry over to this year regardless. Unfortunately, the Niners have put Alex Smith in a situation where he's getting a new OC every year and things like that will kill a quarterback's development.

I saw the Niners as a team that could break through and win 9 or so game this year. What I saw last night was an embarassment of an offense and a defense that should be better than it is. Not substantially, but still better.

As for their current OC, if John Shoop is still the niners OC then the best this guy can do is 2nd worst.

[RPI-Fan]

Who is the best special teamer? I want him drafted as #1 overall by the Dolphins so we can start rebuilding around him.

Umm.... what if he doesn't come from "a good family"?!!?!?!

[RedKingGold]

Hopefully, Norv will be fired from the Charger's this year and the Niner's can get him back as their OC.

[Rizon]

Who is the best punt returner? I want him drafted as #1 overall by the Dolphins so we can start rebuilding around him.

Fixed for what the Dolphins will really do.

[Apathetic Lurker]

Who is the best kickoff tee retriever ? I want him drafted as #1 overall by the Dolphins so we can start rebuilding around him.

No, I fixed it for ya!

[Honolulu_Blue]

This is the first November in six years I haven't even thought of the draft. I will re-visit this thread in a few more weeks.

[Atocep]

This is the first November in six years I haven't even thought of the draft. I will re-visit this thread in a few more weeks.

I'm sure there will still be receivers on the board no matter where the Lions end up picking.

[SunDevil]

This is the first November in six years I haven't even thought of the draft. I will re-visit this thread in a few more weeks.

I wouldn't be thinking of the draft either if my team just lost to the Cardinals. :D

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Pats essentially traded Joe Staley for Randy Moss and the fifth overall selection (and getting better every week) in 2008. I like how that team operates.

[JeeberD]

Stupid Cleveland winning games...we were supposed to have a top ten pick because of the trade that got them Quinn. :mad:

[Subby]

Pats essentially traded Joe Staley for Randy Moss and the fifth overall selection (and getting better every week) in 2008. I like how that team operates.
Heh this made me laugh :)

Pats front office is just far ahead of almost every other team - it's pretty sick.

[nilodor]

I wonder who the Patriots would pick at 4 or 5. What do they really need? I got to imagine given their history that they are trading down and maybe going corner like Ikegwuonu or something like that. I imagine the top 5 is going to be in no particular order Brohm, Ryan, McFadden, Jake Long, Dorsey, maybe a Calais Campbell, Kenny Phillips or Chris Long.

[Warhammer]

If I was the Pats, I would get McFadden or Dorsey.

[Swaggs]

I would be shocked if they didn't trade down. I don't think they like to sink a huge signing bonus/contract in unproven talent. But the last time they picked in the top 10 it worked out well with Seymour.

It will be interesting to see if some teams will want to deal with/help the Patriots after this season. I know GMs can have short memories when they are doing what they think is best for their teams, but I think a lot of teams will be hesitant to help them out, both because of their dominance and because of the way they are running scores up on people. For example, I am guessing that the Redskins wouldn't be too receptive to fielding calls from them after their game this season.

[Crapshoot]

The thing, I bet trading down simply isn't that easy anymore - unless a team absolutely falls in love with someone, would they want to move up and pay a $25 million in guaranteed money?

[Atocep]

The thing, I bet trading down simply isn't that easy anymore - unless a team absolutely falls in love with someone, would they want to move up and pay a $25 million in guaranteed money?


Exactly, the past couple drafts there's been rumors of at least half of the top 10 teams trying to trade down and teams simply don't want to pay the price it takes to move up.

The team trading up is in a situation where they have to give away extra picks (which is cost effective talent) and spend considerably more money signing a player. A team has to absolutely be in love with a player to seriously consider moving up now.

[twothree]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d805a3a57

Current First Round Draft Order

1 Miami Dolphins
2 St. Louis Rams
3 or 4 Oakland Raiders
3, 4 or 5 Atlanta Falcons
4 or 5 Kansas City Chiefs
6 New York Jets
7 San Francisco 49ers (owned by New England Patriots)
8 Baltimore Ravens
9 Cincinnati Bengals
10 New Orleans Saints
11 Buffalo Bills
12 Denver Broncos
13 Carolina Panthers
14 Chicago Bears
15 Detroit Lions
16 Arizona Cardinals
17 Minnesota Vikings
18 Houston Texans
19 Philadelphia Eagles

So which team, Atlanta, Kansas City, or Oakland will be calling for the coin to land on it's side? ;)

[twothree]

dola

New England owns San Francisco's 7th overall pick. I think that is the only 1st round pick from 2008 that has been traded.

[Logan]

SF has Indy's 1st.

[stevew]

dola

New England owns San Francisco's 7th overall pick. I think that is the only 1st round pick from 2008 that has been traded.

Niners own the Colts #1 pick, which should theoretically be between 28-31

[twothree]

So which team, Atlanta, Kansas City, or Oakland will be calling for the coin to land on it's side?

And because I forgot to put a smiley face at the end of that sentence, the answer from the linked article is:

Atlanta, Kansas City, and Oakland had the same strength-of-schedule. Since Kansas City finished third in the AFC West and the Raiders fourth (the tie was broken on the basis of the Chiefs’ 3-11 record in common games while the Raiders were 2-12), the Raiders will draft ahead of the Chiefs. Atlanta and Oakland will flip a coin for the third position; if Atlanta wins, the Falcons will draft third, the Raiders fourth, and the Chiefs fifth. If the Raiders win the coin flip, they will draft third, and the Falcons and Chiefs will flip a coin to determine the fourth and fifth positions.

[Atocep]

Doesn't Cleveland's pick also go to Dallas in the Brady Quinn deal?

[twothree]

Doesn't Cleveland's pick also go to Dallas in the Brady Quinn deal?

Yeah, so the Cowboys got last year's 36th overall pick and this year's 22th overall pick for last year's 22nd overall pick (Quinn). That is unless Tampa Bay or Washington makes the Superbowl, in which case it will be the 21st overall pick going to Dallas this year.

[dervack]

Way to go Bears. You ruin the Saints playoff chances and give them a higher pick.

[Huckleberry]

AP reporting Jamaal Charles will enter the draft. Becoming a very deep RB draft.

Bad timing for him, IMO, but he's a good talent and comes from a, shall we say, not overly privileged background.

[Butter]

I would beg the Bengals to trade up to get Dorsey... but our big-time draft selections have been... star-crossed, to say the least. Best just to stay where we are and try to get an impact LB or DL.

[Bearcat729]

AP reporting Jamaal Charles will enter the draft. Becoming a very deep RB draft.


Great, hopefully there will be a good running back available for Cleveland in the second or third round as they will need another option to Lewis incase of injury.

[rowech]

I would beg the Bengals to trade up to get Dorsey... but our big-time draft selections have been... star-crossed, to say the least. Best just to stay where we are and try to get an impact LB or DL.

Very much agreed....they should desparately try to move up to 1 or 2 to get Dorsey or Long.

[MalcPow]

The Bears grabbed Tommie Harris at #14 a few years ago, maybe it's a lucky spot for them? (I've got nothing...)

Edit to add: They also grabbed Michael Haynes the year before at #14, so, um, maybe not...

[watravaler]

Mendenhall from Illinois should announce any day now, as I think he played himself into the #2 RB slot with his big runs against USC.

[MrBug708]

There are a lot of backs that could go #2 this year. Rice, Sloan, Stewart, Mendenhall

[Travis]

Looking better and better for the Seahawks to potentially wait until the 2nd or 3rd round to nab a quality back and go offensive line/TE early on. Should be an interesting offseason no matter how Alexander performs in the playoffs.

[JPhillips]

I would beg the Bengals to trade up to get Dorsey... but our big-time draft selections have been... star-crossed, to say the least. Best just to stay where we are and try to get an impact LB or DL.

I'd prefer they take Ellis or Lauriniatis at 9 and then trade up to the mid to late first round and get a DE like Campbell or Harvey. They should get 3 or 4 sandwich picks this year, so they have the opportunity to get two high quality defensive starters if they're just a little aggressive.

[Sublime 2]

I'd prefer they take Ellis or Lauriniatis at 9 and then trade up to the mid to late first round and get a DE like Campbell or Harvey. They should get 3 or 4 sandwich picks this year, so they have the opportunity to get two high quality defensive starters if they're just a little aggressive.

I'd like to see the Pats grab Laurinitis at #7 if they decide to keep the pick. More likely though is that they trade down, and if they do I'd like to see them grab a CB: Cason from Arizona or one of the Jenkins (tOSU's or South Florida's). I haven't seen a lot of the other LB's aside from Laurinitis, Highsmith from LSU, and Hall from V-Tech, who are some of the other big name LBs in this draft?

[Galaxy]

The Bears grabbed Tommie Harris at #14 a few years ago, maybe it's a lucky spot for them? (I've got nothing...)

Edit to add: They also grabbed Michael Haynes the year before at #14, so, um, maybe not...

I don't know where the Bears will go in the draft. It depends on what they do at the quarterback spot. I think they made a dumb move last year by trading away Jones.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I'd like to see the Pats grab Katzenmoyer at #7 if they decide to keep the pick.

Really? :D

I see them looking at a corner to replace Samuel (should they let him go.)

[Atocep]

I don't know where the Bears will go in the draft. It depends on what they do at the quarterback spot. I think they made a dumb move last year by trading away Jones.

I don't think trading Jones was necessarily dumb, I think what they did with the draft pick they got from the Jets was dumb. Jones wouldn't have done any better than Benson did behind that O-Line this year. Angelo was an idiot for relying on an O-Line with 4 starters in their 30s to remain strong.

[flere-imsaho]

I don't know where the Bears will go in the draft. It depends on what they do at the quarterback spot. I think they made a dumb move last year by trading away Jones.

They were dumb to draft Benson in the first place, after Jones had already proven he could carry the load. Besides, nowadays we've seen that if you put up a good enough O-Line, you can put Coffee Warlord at tailback and still get 100 yards/game.

I'd like to see the Bears go all-out and try to get Donovan McNabb instead of getting a QB in the 1st round. The team's more in the position of being ready aside from the QB. The receiving corps isn't bad, Adrian Peterson's a good back, and the defense started showing some signs of life (provided they just replace Archuleta). Stick a good QB in there and they're right back in the hunt, to my mind.

[Galaxy]

They were dumb to draft Benson in the first place, after Jones had already proven he could carry the load. Besides, nowadays we've seen that if you put up a good enough O-Line, you can put Coffee Warlord at tailback and still get 100 yards/game.

I'd like to see the Bears go all-out and try to get Donovan McNabb instead of getting a QB in the 1st round. The team's more in the position of being ready aside from the QB. The receiving corps isn't bad, Adrian Peterson's a good back, and the defense started showing some signs of life (provided they just replace Archuleta). Stick a good QB in there and they're right back in the hunt, to my mind.

I agree with you in the drafting Benson.

[TazFTW]

Davone Bess has hired an agent, so he's leaving. He was given a 2nd round grade from the NFL draft advisory board.

Ryan Grice-Mullins is considering leaving.

[Warhammer]

Two thoughts: The Rams better get a stud guy for the OL. Not only do they need depth, but there is no guarantee that Pace comes back fully from his injury.

Second, I thought Mendenhall was a sophomore. I would definitely stick around another year if I was him.

[dervack]

They were dumb to draft Benson in the first place, after Jones had already proven he could carry the load. Besides, nowadays we've seen that if you put up a good enough O-Line, you can put Coffee Warlord at tailback and still get 100 yards/game.

I'd like to see the Bears go all-out and try to get Donovan McNabb instead of getting a QB in the 1st round. The team's more in the position of being ready aside from the QB. The receiving corps isn't bad, Adrian Peterson's a good back, and the defense started showing some signs of life (provided they just replace Archuleta). Stick a good QB in there and they're right back in the hunt, to my mind.
Ugh, Other than Berrian, who is as good as gone, who do they have at WR? Mushin? Devin?

[Blade6119]

Two thoughts: The Rams better get a stud guy for the OL. Not only do they need depth, but there is no guarantee that Pace comes back fully from his injury.

Second, I thought Mendenhall was a sophomore. I would definitely stick around another year if I was him.

Hes a junior

[Galaxy]

Looks like Mendenhall is coming out.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7641446?MSNHPHMA

I didn't get a chance to watch the Rose Bowl or much of Illinois this year. What kind of back is he?

[Balldog]

Looks like Mendenhall is coming out.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7641446?MSNHPHMA

I didn't get a chance to watch the Rose Bowl or much of Illinois this year. What kind of back is he?

Thank god he is leaving. I'd compare him to a McFadden type back, but less hype. He had a great game against USC, 17 car for 155 yds and 5 rec for 59 yds.

[JPhillips]

Zook, though, said he needed to come back because he was a poor blocker. Wonder how much that will effect him.

[Atocep]

Zook, though, said he needed to come back because he was a poor blocker. Wonder how much that will effect him.

Thats Zook trying to make an excuse to get him to come back. Just about every back coming out of college is a poor blocker because its rare for college teams to use their top back as a blocker.

It won't affect his draft position at all, the only thing it would affect is how he's used as a rookie.

[Logan]

Adrian Peterson needs work as a blocker and obviously did great in his first year. It really wouldn't surprise me if Mendenhall followed him as the Offensive ROY.

[TazFTW]

Davone Bess has hired an agent, so he's leaving. He was given a 2nd round grade from the NFL draft advisory board.

Ryan Grice-Mullins is considering leaving.

RGM is leaving as he has signed with an agent. He reportedly received a 4th round grade.

LB Adam Leonard has decided to stay in school. I was expecting him to leave so that's a nice surprise.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Wasn't sure where to put this, didn't think it really merited it's own thread.

Saw a little blurb on ESPN News that the Raves are very interested in Donovan McNabb. Wasn't a big story, just a 1 line item in the "News Wired" segment. I believe it was reported by Mort, but not certain. They said the move would have to include Baltimore's #8 overall pick.

[stevew]

Franchise tag # for this year

Franchise tag salaries for 2008 by position:
Position | Millions
Quarterback $10.73
Cornerback $9.465
Defensive end $8.879
Linebacker $8.065
Wide receiver $7.848
Offensive line $7.455
Defensive tackle $6.363
Running back $6.538
Tight end $4.522
Safety $4.396
Kicker/punter $2.514


Thus far the Eagles have franchised TE LJ Smith, but that's about it.

[JetsIn06]

Here are some rumored franchise tag applicants.
(from thejetsblog.com)

Confirmed
L.J. Smith - TE, Eagles [AP Newswire (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/02/07/eagles.smith.ap/index.html?eref=si_nfl)]
Rumored
Randy Moss — WR - Patriots [Sun Chronicle (http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/02/08/sports/sports1.txt)]
Albert Haynesworth — DT - Titans [ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3235174)]
Terrell Suggs — OLB - Ravens [Rotoworld (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=2237&line=112273&spln=1) via NFLN]
Nnamdi Asomugha — CB - Raiders [RealFootball365 (http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/21223.html) via NFLN]
Karlos Dansby — LB - Cardinals [East Valley Tribune (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/108514)]
Jordan Gross — OT - Panthers [HeraldOnline (http://community.heraldonline.com/where_to_put_gross)]
Jared Allen — DE - Chiefs [Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=348983)]
Dallas Clark — TE - Colts [Colts.com (http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=b990005e-d1b9-456c-8e23-218d5bd4e4a4)]
Rumored but Unlikely
Bernard Berrian — WR - Bears [Rotoworld (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=36&line=112301&spln=1) via NFLN]
Flozell Adams — LT - Cowboys [Dallas Morning News (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/020108dnspocowdate.3175b78.html)]

[stevew]

I hold out some hope that the Steelers will decide to franchise G Alan Faneca, but that seems unlikely.

[MikeVic]

Yeah, I'm not reading good things with Faneca. Just pay him already. :(

[jbergey22]

Adrian Peterson needs work as a blocker and obviously did great in his first year. It really wouldn't surprise me if Mendenhall followed him as the Offensive ROY.

It really will depend on who drafts him but I also wouldnt be surprised. I would say AP has that once every 10 year talent however and dont expect any back close to his talent in this draft.

[watravaler]

Mike Mayock's draft rankings...

Mendenhall ahead of McFadden...

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story;jsessionid=1986F08B323D90825074191140617631?id=09000d5d80406b71&template=with-video&confirm=true

[st.cronin]

Mike Mayock's draft rankings...

Mendenhall ahead of McFadden...

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story;jsessionid=1986F08B323D90825074191140617631?id=09000d5d80406b71&template=with-video&confirm=true

Also, Sedrick Ellis ahead of Glenn Dorsey, and Chad Henne the #2 QB. I would say his opinions are at odds with the mainstream.

[bhlloy]

Also, Sedrick Ellis ahead of Glenn Dorsey, and Chad Henne the #2 QB. I would say his opinions are at odds with the mainstream.

Kiper agrees with Ellis over Dorsey (last I checked), and Todd McShay has Ellis as his fastest rising player in the whole draft.

Dorsey is bigger and wider and will probably be the better run defender at the NFL level, but Ellis is faster and almost as strong and will be a dominant pass rusher from the 3 technique. Depends what you are looking for I guess. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

[st.cronin]

Kiper agrees with Ellis over Dorsey (last I checked), and Todd McShay has Ellis as his fastest rising player in the whole draft.

Dorsey is bigger and wider and will probably be the better run defender at the NFL level, but Ellis is faster and almost as strong and will be a dominant pass rusher from the 3 technique. Depends what you are looking for I guess. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

I'm not arguing the merits of one player or another. I just don't think it means a lot if one guy with a bunch of eccentric rankings has Mendenhall ahead of McFadden.

[Atocep]

I'm not arguing the merits of one player or another. I just don't think it means a lot if one guy with a bunch of eccentric rankings has Mendenhall ahead of McFadden.

I've read a couple comments from NFL scouts on concerns over McFadden's vision and they like both Felix Jones and Mendenhall over McFadden. So I don't think its out of the realm of possibility to see McFadden slipping a bit as teams start breaking down his film.

His ranking of Andre Woodson 5th is also in line with what I've read. Woodson was so bad at the All Star game he played in that he's almost assured to have dropped out of the 1st round and if he's just as bad at his pro day the scouts I read that commented say he may drop out of the first day entirely.

[st.cronin]

I've read a couple comments from NFL scouts on concerns over McFadden's vision and they like both Felix Jones and Mendenhall over McFadden. So I don't think its out of the realm of possibility to see McFadden slipping a bit as teams start breaking down his film.

His ranking of Andre Woodson 5th is also in line with what I've read. Woodson was so bad at the All Star game he played in that he's almost assured to have dropped out of the 1st round and if he's just as bad at his pro day the scouts I read that commented say he may drop out of the first day entirely.

There's always a lot of hyperbole after all-star games and combines.

[JetsIn06]

I hold out some hope that the Steelers will decide to franchise G Alan Faneca, but that seems unlikely.

I'm pretty sure that I've heard he really wants to head to Arizona, but I've also heard the Jets will be very interested. Hoping the Jets give him some good money to fix their terrible offensive line.

[bulletsponge]

I'm pretty sure that I've heard he really wants to head to Arizona.


he must be nuts

[Galaxy]

Who are the top "realistic" free agents? (That opens March 1st, correct?)

Any salary cap links?

[Blade6119]

he must be nuts

All of the steelers coaches are in AZ now, so it makes perfect sense.

[stevew]

There's no way Woodson should fall out of the first 3 rounds. I think technically "first day" is rds 1 and 2 this year. But Woodson in the 3rd is an educated gamble for probably 75% of the NFL franchises, at that round he's worth it as a developmental talent alone. Pull the FOF move, develop him and trade him for a couple 2's in a few years.

[JetsIn06]

Some of the better UFA's at first glance

RB Michael Turner
WR Bernard Berrian
WR Terrance Copper
WR D.J. Hackett
WR Bryant Johnson
WR Randy Moss
WR Ernest Wilford
OG Jacob Bell
OG Alan Faneca
OT Flozell Adams
OT Stacy Andrews
DL Jared Allen
DL Albert Haynesworth
DL Tommy Kelly
DL Justin Smith
DL Randy Starks
DL Terrell Suggs
LB Boss Bailey
LB Lance Briggs
LB Karlos Dansby
LB Calvin Pace
CB Asante Samuel
SS Yeremiah Bell
FS Madieu Williams

Here's a list I stole from another forum of some of the better unrestricted free agents. If you open up the spoiler button it will show the whole list.

QUARTERBACKS
QB Todd Collins
QB Daunte Culpepper
QB Quinn Gray
QB Rex Grossman
QB Tim Hasselbeck
QB Sam Hollenbach
QB Cleo Lemon
QB Jared Lorenzen
QB Jamie Martin
QB Josh McCown
QB Craig Nall
QB J.T. O'Sullivan
QB Jake Plummer
QB Tim Rattay
QB Chris Redman
QB Brian St. Pierre
QB Marques Tuiasosopo
QB Billy Volek
QB Chris Weinke

RUNNING BACKS
RB Michael Bennett
RB Chris Brown
RB Aveion Cason
RB Ron Dayne
RB T.J. Duckett
RB Justin Fargas
RB Verron Haynes
RB Maurice Hicks
RB ReShard Lee
RB Jamal Lewis
RB Reno Mahe
RB Travis Minor
RB Mewelde Moore
RB Musa Smith
RB LaBrandon Toefield
RB Michael Turner
RB Derrick Ward
RB Shaud Williams

FULLBACKS
FB Brad Hoover
FB Bryan Johnson
FB Dan Kreider
FB Ryan Neufeld
FB Tony Richardson
FB Cecil Sapp
FB Thomas Tapeh

WIDE RECIEVERS
WR Sam Aiken
WR Bernard Berrian
WR Troy Brown
WR Reche Caldwell
WR Drew Carter
WR Tim Carter
WR Antonio Chatman
WR Keary Colbert
WR Terrance Copper
WR Devard Darling
WR Andre' Davis
WR Tim Dwight
WR Robert Ferguson
WR Doug Gabriel
WR Jabar Gaffney
WR Justin Gage
WR Bryan Gilmore
WR D.J. Hackett
WR Bryant Johnson
WR Michael L. Lewis
WR Ruvell Martin
WR Keenan McCardell
WR Aaron Moorehead
WR Randy Moss
WR Eric Moulds
WR Samie Parker
WR David Patten
WR Marcus Robinson
WR Troy Walters
WR Ernest Wilford

TIGHT ENDS
TE Stephen Alexander
TE Courtney Anderson
TE Richard Angulo
TE Mike Bartrum
TE Dwayne Blakley
TE Mark Bruener
TE Casey Cramer
TE Christian Fauria
TE Bryan Fletcher
TE Michael Gaines
TE John Gilmore
TE Ben Hartsock
TE Nate Jackson
TE Eric Johnson
TE Bennie Joppru
TE Brian Kozlowski
TE Ryan Krause
TE Billy Miller
TE Matt Murphy
TE John Owens
TE Marcus Pollard
TE Jeff Robinson
TE Sean Ryan
TE Bo Scaife
TE Mike Seidman
TE Jerramy Stevens
TE Ben Troupe
TE Ben Utecht
TE Aaron Walker
TE Jermaine Wiggins
TE Kris Wilson

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
OG Larry Allen
OG Jacob Bell
OG Martin Bibla
OG Milford Brown
OG Ruben Brown
OG Tyson Clabo
OG Rick DeMulling
OG Jason Fabini
OG Alan Faneca
OG Rex Hadnot
OG Matt Lehr
OG Ryan Lilja
OG Chris Liwienski
OG Seth McKinney
OG Gene Mruczkowski
OG Scott Peters
OG Tutan Reyes
OG Justin Smiley
OG Barry Stokes
OG Ross Tucker
OG Keydrick Vincent
OG Fred Weary
OG Jason Whittle
OG Floyd Womack
OT Flozell Adams
OT Stacy Andrews
OT Nat Dorsey
OT Adam Goldberg
OT Brandon Gorin
OT Cornell Green
OT Jordan Gross
OT Scott Jackson
OT Sean Locklear
OT Stockar McDougle
OT Mike Rosenthal
OT Jake Scott
OT Max Starks
OT Todd Steussie
OT Chris Terry
OT Torrin Tucker
OT Kyle Turley
OT Travelle Wharton
OT Maurice Williams
OT Mike D. Williams
C Ethan Albright
C Rob Davis
C Lennie Friedman
C Nathan Hodel
C Ryan Kuehl
C Nick Leckey
C Andy McCollum
C Jeremy Newberry
C Lonie Paxton
C Mike Pucillo
C Brett Romberg
C Wade Smith
C Alex Stepanovich
C Tyson Walter
C Casey Wiegmann

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
DL Jared Allen
DL Tim Anderson
DL Rodney Bailey
DL Marcus Bell
DL Ryan Boschetti
DL Chris Clemons
DL Colin Cole
DL Chuck Darby
DL Russell Davis
DL Marques Douglas
DL Nick Eason
DL Ebenezer Ekuban
DL Antonio Garay
DL Bobby Hamilton
DL Anthony Hargrove
DL Albert Haynesworth
DL Grady Jackson
DL Spencer Johnson
DL Trevor Johnson
DL N.D. Kalu
DL Ethan Kelley
DL Tommy Kelly
DL Jimmy Kennedy
DL Cedric Killings
DL Travis Kirschke
DL Dan Klecko
DL Ross Kolodziej
DL Travis LaBoy
DL Damione Lewis
DL Anthony Maddox
DL Bobby McCray
DL Langston Moore
DL Rashad Moore
DL Kindal Moorehead
DL Antwan Odom
DL Bryan Robinson
DL Mike Rucker
DL Bo Schobel
DL Darrion Scott
DL Josh Shaw
DL Corey Smith
DL Justin Smith
DL Isaac Sopoaga
DL Montavious Stanley
DL Randy Starks
DL Terrell Suggs
DL Joe Tafoya
DL Josh Thomas
DL Kimo von Oelhoffen
DL Al Wallace
DL Ted Washington
DL Jimmy Wilkerson
DL Corey Williams
DL Ellis Wyms
DL Bryant Young

LINEBACKERS
LB Keith Adams
LB Charlie Anderson
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo
LB Boss Bailey
LB Kevin Bentley
LB Rocky Boiman
LB Lance Briggs
LB Tedy Bruschi
LB Brandon Chillar
LB Chris Claiborne
LB Danny Clark
LB Marquis Cooper
LB Donte' Curry
LB Karlos Dansby
LB Na'il Diggs
LB Keyaron Fox
LB Gilbert Gardner
LB Tony Gilbert
LB Randall Godfrey
LB Roderick Green
LB Nick Greisen
LB Mario Haggan
LB Clark Haggans
LB Victor Hobson
LB Larry Izzo
LB Leon Joe
LB Landon Johnson
LB Dhani Jones
LB Isaiah Kacyvenski
LB Niko Koutouvides
LB Teddy Lehman
LB Lemar Marshall
LB Darrell McClover
LB Terrence Melton
LB Caleb Miller
LB Kawika Mitchell
LB Keith O'Neil
LB Shantee Orr
LB Calvin Pace
LB Derrick Pope
LB Rich Scanlon
LB Junior Seau
LB Mark Simoneau
LB Raonall Smith
LB Donnie Spragan
LB Josh Stamer
LB Matt Stewart
LB Jashon Sykes
LB Dontarrious Thomas
LB Chaun Thompson
LB Reggie Torbor
LB Jeremiah Trotter
LB Mason Unck
LB Tracy White
LB Demorrio Williams

DEFENSIVE BACKS
CB Roc Alexander
CB Gary Baxter
CB Tony Beckham
CB Ralph Brown
CB Ricardo Colclough
CB Terry Cousin
CB Sammy Davis
CB Curtis Deloatch
CB Travis Fisher
CB Drayton Florence
CB Randall Gay
CB Aaron Glenn
CB Von Hutchins
CB Chidi Iwuoma
CB William James
CB Chris X. Johnson
CB Nathan Jones
CB Michael Lehan
CB Omare Lowe
CB David Macklin
CB Hank Poteat
CB Jacques Reeves
CB B.J. Sams
CB Asante Samuel
CB Chad Scott
CB Keith Smith
CB Donald Strickland
CB Frank Walker
CB Matt Ware
CB Jason Webster
CB Dante Wesley
CB Ronyell Whitaker
CB Dexter Wynn
SS Yeremiah Bell
SS Oliver Celestin
SS Jarrod Cooper
SS Keith Davis
SS Glenn Earl
SS Nick Ferguson
SS Sammy Knight
SS Marquand Manuel
SS Pierson Prioleau
SS Omar Stoutmire
SS Travares Tillman
SS Tank Williams
SS Gibril Wilson
FS William Bartee
FS Idrees Bashir
FS Erik Coleman
FS Deke Cooper
FS Chris Crocker
FS Will Demps
FS Mike Doss
FS Ken Hamlin
FS Bhawoh Jue
FS Hanik Milligan
FS Mel Mitchell
FS Donnie Nickey
FS J.R. Reed
FS Gerome Sapp
FS Lance Schulters
FS Bryan Scott
FS Jason Simmons
FS Nick Sorensen
FS Madieu Williams
FS Eugene Wilson

PLACE KICKERS
PK Morten Andersen
PK Josh Brown
PK Jason Elam
PK Aaron Elling
PK Dave Rayner
PK Shaun Suisham
PK Lawrence Tynes

PUNTERS
P Mitch Berger
P Jeff Feagles
P Derrick Frost
P Kyle Larson
P Matt Turk

[stevew]

Shorty's going to have to buy a new jersey.......

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23120543/

Redskins interested in trade for Chad Johnson
Report says Snyder wants to acquire elite receiver

The Washington Redskins may be looking to help their rookie coach Jim Zorn, as they are interested in pursuing a trade for disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson, according to the Washington Post.

The report said that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder was eager to add a top-notch receiver to his roster, and had Johnson at the top of his list. It also said that Johnson, according to two league sources, was "eager to land a hefty new contract from Washington."

The Bengals have said they do not want to trade Johnson, but the receiver's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is said to be working behind the scenes to facilitate a trade, the Post reported.

[rkmsuf]

Jim Zorn: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

[JPhillips]

No way that trade happens without it being multiple first round picks. The cap hit the Bengals would take means they would have to be ridiculously overpaid to get rid of Ocho Cinco.

[rkmsuf]

No way that trade happens without it being multiple first round picks. The cap hit the Bengals would take means they would have to be ridiculously overpaid to get rid of Ocho Cinco.

8 million in dead money approx

[stevew]

No way that trade happens without it being multiple first round picks. The cap hit the Bengals would take means they would have to be ridiculously overpaid to get rid of Ocho Cinco.

multiple #1's....lofl Maybe like a first and third max. 2008 Cap difference between trading him, and keeping him is only a difference of 2.5m. Bengals are a bunch of cheap bitches at the top of the organization, so it's possible they will pursue a standoff. They should have had balls and never re-did Chad's contract in the first place, that was a stupid move.

[JPhillips]

I don't think he's worth that much, but the organization shouldn't lose their most dangerous receiver and take an eight mil cap hit without a ridiculous offer.

[Butter]

The Bengals are usually so far under the cap, what's another $8 million?

[stevew]

Let's see....

bengals franchise Andrews.
Zach Thomas gets offer from Patriots, still hasn't signed anywhere.


This should make Suburban Rhythmn smile

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

The Steelers signed backup defensive end Travis Kirschke to a two-year contract, the team announced today

Combine is this weekend, I'm pumped.

[Fighter of Foo]

The Bengals are usually so far under the cap, what's another $8 million?

Have you seen their defense?

[rjolley]

Bears news:

DE Alex Brown signs a 2-year extension

WR Muhsin Muhammad and OT Fred Miller were released.

DT Darwin Walker's option was declined, making him a free agent.

Also, all 3 Bears' LB's (Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer) tallied 100+ tackles, first time that's happened, for the Bears, since 1986 (Mike Singletary, Wilber Marshall, and Otis Wilson).

[rkmsuf]

Have you seen their defense?

No, they are rarely seen much on the field.

[miami_fan]

Let's see....

bengals franchise Andrews.
Zach Thomas gets offer from Patriots, still hasn't signed anywhere.


Obviously the Dolphins had more talent than I thought. Pats are also talking to Marty Booker.

[johnnyshaka]

Obviously the Dolphins had more talent than I thought. Pats are also talking to Marty Booker.

Welker worked out so well, why wouldn't they go back to the well?!?!

[jbergey22]

Well I see the WR position is once again loaded with talent. I guess the Vikings will have to go sign Moss. Very weak FA class IMO. Id love to see them bring in former gopher Ben Utecht as well.

[Galaxy]

Bears news:

DE Alex Brown signs a 2-year extension

WR Muhsin Muhammad and OT Fred Miller were released.

DT Darwin Walker's option was declined, making him a free agent.

Also, all 3 Bears' LB's (Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer) tallied 100+ tackles, first time that's happened, for the Bears, since 1986 (Mike Singletary, Wilber Marshall, and Otis Wilson).

Seems like Jerry Angelo is trying to shake things up.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/800856,CST-SPT-bear19.article

[rjolley]

Glad they came to their senses and decided to try and resign Briggs. I was hoping they'd let Grossman go and worry about a RB and improving the OL. As '06 proved, a solid D + a solid running game = a trip to the superbowl.

[Doug5984]

The Saints need 2 new CBs, 1 new safety, could use a couple LBs, 2 DTs... Basically on defense we have some good ends, 1 good LB, and 1 good S...

On offense we need to either resign or bring in new guy at C & G. Could use another possession WR (I pray to god they let Devery Henderson walk)...a TE, a power back (assuming Duece won't be back to what he was)...

More or less, it's going to most likely be a long painful offseason and season next year for us Saints fans unless we improve the defense (I think we've been saying this since the mid 90s after the dome patrol)

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Lions need 3 new CBS, at least 1 new safety, 2 new LBs, and at least 1 DE... Basically on defense we have one good linebacker (Sims), 1 ok defensive end (White), 1 enigmatic tackle (Rogers), and possibly 2 semi-decent safeties.

On offense, they need a new right tackle, better guards, a couple of new running backs, and a good tight end.

The Lions, once again, find themselves in a sorry state. Despite the Lions having the best record last year in the Millen era (7-9!!!), there's less reason to be hopeful for next than there has the two years prior.

It's really hard being a fan of this team.

[Galaxy]

Glad they came to their senses and decided to try and resign Briggs. I was hoping they'd let Grossman go and worry about a RB and improving the OL. As '06 proved, a solid D + a solid running game = a trip to the superbowl.

They basically have to bring in, basically, a brand new crop of receivers. The offense just seems to a mess that needs to rebuild in every spot, with the exception of tight end. I just don't know you go about doing it in one off-season.

[Suburban Rhythm]

This should make Suburban Rhythmn smile




Dear God...how bad does he have to be to not make it to camp? Honestly, how much worse could one of these young guys be - McBean, is Shaun Nua still around!?!

Someone fwd that to me at work today and ruined my entire day.

[stevew]

Dear God...how bad does he have to be to not make it to camp? Honestly, how much worse could one of these young guys be - McBean, is Shaun Nua still around!?!

Someone fwd that to me at work today and ruined my entire day.

I wouldn't say it ruined my day, but it was a bit of a minor cock-punch. I half expect them to extend Cedric Wilson and Tuman tomorrow, or some other kind of dumbshit.

I'm really beginning to tire of our ownership, at least to some extent. For god sakes, the ticket waiting list is like 20 years. If you have to find another 10-20 million to bring in a quality FA occasionally, then jack up the tickets or something. Lord knows we sell a shitload of memorabilia every year too. Just quit retaining bumfuck stiffs every year, and ignore FA....that'd be a start.

[Galaxy]

I think the interesting wild card will be Derek Anderson. Will Cleveland keep him? If so, what do they do with Quinn?

[johnnyshaka]

I think the interesting wild card will be Derek Anderson. Will Cleveland keep him? If so, what do they do with Quinn?

I just can't see Cleveland willing to leave Quinn on the bench for another season. I'm sure the Browns would be happy with 1st and 3rd round picks from anybody willing to sign him...and I'm sure there are several teams who are likely very interested.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I wouldn't say it ruined my day, but it was a bit of a minor cock-punch. I half expect them to extend Cedric Wilson and Tuman tomorrow, or some other kind of dumbshit.

I'm really beginning to tire of our ownership, at least to some extent. For god sakes, the ticket waiting list is like 20 years. If you have to find another 10-20 million to bring in a quality FA occasionally, then jack up the tickets or something. Lord knows we sell a shitload of memorabilia every year too. Just quit retaining bumfuck stiffs every year, and ignore FA....that'd be a start.

The more I think about it, it cracks me up. First, because this actually represent a pay cut!! 2 years/$2.28M is a paycut! It's like $300K bonus, $880K the first year, and $1M the 2nd. And no huge loss of that bonus $ if he's cut. He made like $1.6M last year!

Also...was 2 years and a bonus necessary? I mean, who were we competing against?!

[Greyroofoo]

I just can't see Cleveland willing to leave Quinn on the bench for another season. I'm sure the Browns would be happy with 1st and 3rd round picks from anybody willing to sign him...and I'm sure there are several teams who are likely very interested.

I thought I read somewhere that Cleveland said they wouldn't mind keeping him on the bench since a lot of his contract is incentive based and they wouldn't have to pay him much more than the average backup QB.

[Greyroofoo]

dola,

Also nice to see the Colts sign Dallas Clark to a long term deal.

[stevew]

What the fuck?

The Steelers transitioned Max Starks for 6.9m. Franchising was 500k more. This makes no sense whatsoever, now we have no means to secure his rights for compensation.

Oh, and the guy started like 4 games last year....this is horrible.

[Suburban Rhythm]

What the fuck?

The Steelers transitioned Max Starks for 6.9m. Franchising was 500k more. This makes no sense whatsoever, now we have no means to secure his rights for compensation.

Oh, and the guy started like 4 games last year....this is horrible.

We are on the same page again here.

If you are giving Starks $6.9M, go after a player in FA who would actually help us out. Problem is, once Jordan Gross got franchised, who is available?

I am sure the yinzer Nation will cry foul and offer Faneca that money, difference being Faneca wants long term. If he'd agree to $21M over 3 years, I'd do that. But not $49 over 7.

[Honolulu_Blue]

There are very strong rumours about a trade between Detroit and Denver. Detroit would be sending DT Shaun Rogers to Denver for... some as of yet to be identified player and/or draft pick.

I don't know about all of this. This reminds me of the Detroit/Denver trade last year. Detroit ended up getting poopy Tatum Bell and crappy George Foster for annoying and mediocare Dre Bly.

Shaun Rogers can be a dominating force. He was the Lions' best and most important defensive player coming into the season. The problem is that he's fat, lazy and irritating. He will disappear for long stretches. The Lions defense will be terrible without him, but they wont get any better with him.

After this trade, the Lions will have a grand total of 1.5 actual NFL quality defensive players on their roster: Ernie Sims (1) and Dwayne White (0.5). Woo hoo!

[DeToxRox]

There are very strong rumours about a trade between Detroit and Denver. Detroit would be sending DT Shaun Rogers to Denver for... some as of yet to be identified player and/or draft pick.

I don't know about all of this. This reminds me of the Detroit/Denver trade last year. Detroit ended up getting poopy Tatum Bell and crappy George Foster for annoying and mediocare Dre Bly.

Shaun Rogers can be a dominating force. He was the Lions' best and most important defensive player coming into the season. The problem is that he's fat, lazy and irritating. He will disappear for long stretches. The Lions defense will be terrible without him, but they wont get any better with him.

After this trade, the Lions will have a grand total of 1.5 actual NFL quality defensive players on their roster: Ernie Sims (1) and Dwayne White (0.5). Woo hoo!

If it's a second, I say go for it. Rogers is such an enigma I just don't think he'll ever do much here. Better to start over (again .. again .. and again..) then let his salary eat up our books .. and well him to eat up our books

[Logan]

Saw something that said they would get a 4th for Rogers.

[MrDNA]

I just can't see Cleveland willing to leave Quinn on the bench for another season. I'm sure the Browns would be happy with 1st and 3rd round picks from anybody willing to sign him...and I'm sure there are several teams who are likely very interested.

No doubt the Browns would happily take a 1st and 3rd for Anderson, especially with contract talks the way they are - but do you really see anyone giving that up for him? That's a lot to give up for a QB with flaws like his. I think the Browns might even just take a first for him...

[Aylmar]

We are on the same page again here.

If you are giving Starks $6.9M, go after a player in FA who would actually help us out. Problem is, once Jordan Gross got franchised, who is available?

I am sure the yinzer Nation will cry foul and offer Faneca that money, difference being Faneca wants long term. If he'd agree to $21M over 3 years, I'd do that. But not $49 over 7.

I think they transition Starks because they're not quite sure what his value is on the open market. If he get a ridiculous offer, you let him go. If it's reasonable, you match and lock him up. He can play both tackles and, if Smith comes back, will probably free Colon up to move inside to guard. This way they can take a long look at Simmons at center (or over in Faneca's spot on the left side where his mobility will help him more in the Steelers strong side pull running game). I still think they'll go after Jacob Bell to play guard as well and then draft a lineman on the first day. Maybe not first round, but certainly first day.

[stevew]

I think they transition Starks because they're not quite sure what his value is on the open market. If he get a ridiculous offer, you let him go. If it's reasonable, you match and lock him up. He can play both tackles and, if Smith comes back, will probably free Colon up to move inside to guard. This way they can take a long look at Simmons at center (or over in Faneca's spot on the left side where his mobility will help him more in the Steelers strong side pull running game). I still think they'll go after Jacob Bell to play guard as well and then draft a lineman on the first day. Maybe not first round, but certainly first day.

I guess I'm more cautious that Starks discovers that he's only going to get a 5 year deal for 10m bonus on the open market, then says fuck it and signs the 6.9 guaranteed tender, figuring that he can get the same contract the next year(or close). 17m over the first 2 years of a deal is no chump change, that's my main worry.

[Aylmar]

I guess I'm more cautious that Starks discovers that he's only going to get a 5 year deal for 10m bonus on the open market, then says fuck it and signs the 6.9 guaranteed tender, figuring that he can get the same contract the next year(or close). 17m over the first 2 years of a deal is no chump change, that's my main worry.'

Do you ever let him actually sign the tender if you're the Steelers? You can rescind the tag at any time with no penalty, so if there isn't any real interest out there, why not just pull the tag (assuming you can't work out a suitable long-term deal with him yourself)?

[stevew]

Ideally, yeah, you pull the tag. But Stark's agent, if he's worth a damn, is not going to let his client get into a situation without a parachute. I can see him gauging offers for a few days, and then moving to plan B, signing the tender. I guess I just figure that at 26 you can take the tender, where if he was 36 it wouldn't be a good option.

[Anthony]

I just can't see Cleveland willing to leave Quinn on the bench for another season. I'm sure the Browns would be happy with 1st and 3rd round picks from anybody willing to sign him...and I'm sure there are several teams who are likely very interested.

Derek Anderson to the Vikings.


write it up, have both parties sign and let's move on. it makes too much sense.

[cartman]

Didn't see this discussed here, but there is a bit of smoke wafting around the NFL that the Cowboys might make a run at Randy Moss, since it appears that his negotiations with the Pats seems to have stalled.

[stevew]

Derek Anderson to the Vikings.


write it up, have both parties sign and let's move on. it makes too much sense.

Yep. Doubt they will want to give up 2 selections though.

[Anthony]

they already tried the rookie QB thing. didn't work, can't waste a talent like AP with a QB like Tavaris. get him an NFL-ready and proven QB and they'll make the playoffs for the next several years.

i can also see Baltimore going after Anderson. there you have it. Vikings or Ravens to aquire Anderson.

[Aylmar]

Ideally, yeah, you pull the tag. But Stark's agent, if he's worth a damn, is not going to let his client get into a situation without a parachute. I can see him gauging offers for a few days, and then moving to plan B, signing the tender. I guess I just figure that at 26 you can take the tender, where if he was 36 it wouldn't be a good option.

I can see that. I can also see a situation where, if you're the club, you talk back and forth with him to try and hammer out a long term deal. The longer and slower his agent drags his feet, the more you consider pulling the tag. Especially if it doesn't seem like he's working things to try and get an offer sheet from another club. I just think it's highly unlikely that, although you're getting a decent amount of money this year, you risk playing offensive line in the NFL for a one year contract with absolutely no security about what you might get next year. Of course, if you think the Steelers will start you at tackle, that might increase your value, you might roll the dice...

[Galaxy]

Didn't see this discussed here, but there is a bit of smoke wafting around the NFL that the Cowboys might make a run at Randy Moss, since it appears that his negotiations with the Pats seems to have stalled.

Do the Cowboys have the cap space for that, with all the quality players they have (Barber, Adams, ect.) as well as the big salaries of guys like Romo, Owens, Williams, and such?

[Cuckoo]

Do the Cowboys have the cap space for that, with all the quality players they have (Barber, Adams, ect.) as well as the big salaries of guys like Romo, Owens, Williams, and such?

Not if they want to keep Adams, I would think. I don't have the exact figures in front of me, but my understanding is they'll probably reduce their number a bit by signing Hamlin to a 2 or 3 year deal rather than the franchise tag. Barber's restricted and will probably get the highest tender, somewhere in the upper 2 million range, I think. But Adams is where the big money is going to come in, and I was surprised they gave Zach Thomas as much as they did.

All the financials aside, I really hope they don't go this route. I'm with Jeeber in the "tolerating Owens" camp, but Moss would just be too much for me to stomach. Draft a young receiver Dallas, for goodness sake.

[mrsimperless]

dola,

Also nice to see the Colts sign Dallas Clark to a long term deal.

I don't understand how the Colts can afford to have the "highest paid [insert position here] in the league" at seemingly every position. So now we have QB, TE, DE and K? And our 2 receivers are probably way high on the list as well.

I would love to see a cap breakdown over the next few years. If only IRL were as simple as FOF cap management. :)

[JPhillips]

No way I would give up even a single first round pick for Anderson. The second half of the season he wasn't great and in his last four games he had more INTs than TDs and only broke 200 yds once. If I were coaching the Browns I'd start Quinn regardless of Anderson's trade status.

[Atocep]

No way I would give up even a single first round pick for Anderson. The second half of the season he wasn't great and in his last four games he had more INTs than TDs and only broke 200 yds once. If I were coaching the Browns I'd start Quinn regardless of Anderson's trade status.

I'm in the same boat. If I were Cleveland I'd take whatever I could get for him this offseason and be thankful for what he gave me last season. 56.5% completion percentage, too many INTs, and a late season collapse are all red flags that would have me moving to Quinn next season.

If I'm a team considering him, there's no way I give up more than a 3rd rounder to get him.

[Greyroofoo]

I don't understand how the Colts can afford to have the "highest paid [insert position here] in the league" at seemingly every position. So now we have QB, TE, DE and K? And our 2 receivers are probably way high on the list as well.

I would love to see a cap breakdown over the next few years. If only IRL were as simple as FOF cap management. :)

Because at every position on defense other than Freeney and Sanders we have the lowest paid players.

[MrDNA]

I think the Falcons might be willing to part with their two second rounders to get Anderson. As a Browns' fan, I'd take it in a heartbeat.

[BishopMVP]

Patriots released Roosevelt Colvin today, saving over 5 million on the salary cap. If they don't re-sign him, Vernon Gholston becomes a possible pick at #7.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think the Falcons might be willing to part with their two second rounders to get Anderson. As a Browns' fan, I'd take it in a heartbeat.

I agree with those not too impressed with Anderson. He had a great start to the year, but it didn't end well. I didn't see too many Browns' games, but those I did watch made me realize that Anderson is an ok QB with some amazing receivers. Edwards and Winslow pulled down some remarkable catches on some questionably thrown balls.

Still, for a franchise that's struggled to find a QB for as long as the Browns have to trade away the first guy to put up decent numbers and show some promise in a long time would be very difficult to do on a few levels.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Patriots released Roosevelt Colvin today, saving over 5 million on the salary cap. If they don't re-sign him, Vernon Gholston becomes a possible pick at #7.

That whole Roosevelt Colvin thing didn't quite work out quite as expected when he signed with the Pats...

[st.cronin]

I think the way to look at the Browns qb situation is, what are the odds that Brady Quinn is BETTER than Derek Anderson.

[Atocep]

Still, for a franchise that's struggled to find a QB for as long as the Browns have to trade away the first guy to put up decent numbers and show some promise in a long time would be very difficult to do on a few levels.

From what I've read, he's seeking something in the 6 year $58 million range. The Browns countered with 3 years and $18 million and they're pretty far apart. I think even 3 years at $6 mil per is far too much for a guy with his limited success when you have a first round pick that you traded up to get locked up and ready to go.

If he was already signed for next season, I'd go with him and get a better idea of what I had (unless I someone blew me away with an offer). This guy has to be signed and is looking for a long-term commitment from a team, though, and its just not worth it with Quinn around.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think the way to look at the Browns qb situation is, what are the odds that Brady Quinn is BETTER than Derek Anderson.

50/50?

[st.cronin]

50/50?

I think that's about right. Which makes trading him for, say, 2 2nds a no-brainer imo.

[BishopMVP]

That whole Roosevelt Colvin thing didn't quite work out quite as expected when he signed with the Pats...Eh... he was fantastic before he got injured his first season, and very good this year (in fact, I could argue a healthy Colvin could have made the difference as a pass rusher on Eli in the SB.) No way to predict the injuries.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Eh... he was fantastic before he got injured his first season, and very good this year (in fact, I could argue a healthy Colvin could have made the difference as a pass rusher on Eli in the SB.) No way to predict the injuries.

Yeah, that hip injury sounded awful. At least there was a valid reason for things not working out unlike, say, all of the Detroit Lions' "big" free agent moves over the last few years like Az Hakim, Bill Schroeder, Damien Woody, Fernando Bryant, and Dre Bly. Those guys didn't work out because they all pretty much just sucked.

[BishopMVP]

The hip injury was bad, and it took 2 years to recover from. I would gladly take him back as a starting OLB for 2008, but 7.5 milion was too much (base was about 5.5.)

On the Derek Anderson front, I haven't watched enough Cleveland games to tell whether he is inaccurate, but if that's his problem Brady Quinn is no better. Samardzija, McKnight and to a lesser extent Stovall saved his ass numerous times in college.

[Anthony]

why should the Brown essentially start over from scratch and start Quinn? they have a Big Three in Anderson, Edwards and Lewis (Four, if you count Winslow). they can build on last year's momemtum. now you put in Quinn and you wipe the slate clean. and you aren't even guaranteed Quinn can duplicate what Anderson did. Browns have a chance to legitimately compete for the division crown vs. the Steelers for the 1st time since their inception. all that goes away once they go with the unproven Quinn.

this is why i wouldn't select QBs with my 1st round pick if i was a GM. too much money to be paid to the most important position, and as people like Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Marc Bulger have shown you need not risk a 1st round selection on a QB. so now the Browns are forced into giving an unproven guy like Quinn the job just because. stupid, stupid, stupid.

[Atocep]

why should the Brown essentially start over from scratch and start Quinn? they have a Big Three in Anderson, Edwards and Lewis (Four, if you count Winslow). they can build on last year's momemtum. now you put in Quinn and you wipe the slate clean. and you aren't even guaranteed Quinn can duplicate what Anderson did. Browns have a chance to legitimately compete for the division crown vs. the Steelers for the 1st time since their inception. all that goes away once they go with the unproven Quinn.

this is why i wouldn't select QBs with my 1st round pick if i was a GM. too much money to be paid to the most important position, and as people like Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Marc Bulger have shown you need not risk a 1st round selection on a QB. so now the Browns are forced into giving an unproven guy like Quinn the job just because. stupid, stupid, stupid.

Can you guarantee that Anderson can duplicate his play from last year (which was rather mediocre to begin with)?

Remember that this is a guy that barely beat Charlie Frye out for the starting job last season, was up and down all year, and played badly at the end of the year.

Most people saw Quinn as a very solid pick for the Browns at 22 and they're in a situation where they have him locked up. Why take a risk by making a long term commitment to a player that has a total of 6-7 good games?

Yes, this is a situation where we can use hindsight to say that they shouldn't have taken Quinn, but looking at the roster as it is right now it doesn't make sense to give Anderson a long term contract at somewhere between 6 and 8 million per.

[DeToxRox]

VILMA TO LIONS?

The New York Jets are shopping linebacker Jonathan Vilma, a 4-3 defender who has struggled in coach Eric Mangini's 3-4 system.

A league source tells us that the current favorites to land Vilma are the Lions.

Another question mark regarding Vilma is a knee injury that significantly limited him in 2007. If healthy, he's capable of creating real havoc.

[Clark]

ESPN is reporting the Vikings are trading Troy Williamson to the Jaguars for a 6th round pick. What a huge bust he was for the Vikings. Maybe he will do better in a different environment.

[stevew]

I thought Anderson was fairly good, yeah he faded towards the end though. I think maybe their gameplanning wasn't adjusted like it could have been, however.

[stevew]

Not if they want to keep Adams, I would think. I don't have the exact figures in front of me, but my understanding is they'll probably reduce their number a bit by signing Hamlin to a 2 or 3 year deal rather than the franchise tag. Barber's restricted and will probably get the highest tender, somewhere in the upper 2 million range, I think. But Adams is where the big money is going to come in, and I was surprised they gave Zach Thomas as much as they did.

All the financials aside, I really hope they don't go this route. I'm with Jeeber in the "tolerating Owens" camp, but Moss would just be too much for me to stomach. Draft a young receiver Dallas, for goodness sake.

They have more than enough money on hand so that they could restructure a lot of deals if they had to free up space.

[DeToxRox]

From profootballtalk.com

POSTED 9:03 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

SAMUEL SAID TO BE A "DONE DEAL" IN NEW ORLEANS

There's increasing chatter in league circles that the Saints have worked out a deal with cornerback Asante Samuel.

Yeah, it's tampering. But no one seems to care about that.

Samuel supposedly is looking for a contract with an average value in excess of $10 million per year.

[JPhillips]

83.4
73.8
96.5
71.6
83.3
57.1
53.4
75.4

12 tds-10 int-6.21 yds/att

Those second half numbers don't equal 6/58 mil to me. Anderson isn't much different than John Kitna IMO.

[BishopMVP]

Agreed. I don't see how Anderson is worth 5 million a year over a journeyman starter.ESPN is reporting the Vikings are trading Troy Williamson to the Jaguars for a 6th round pick. What a huge bust he was for the Vikings. Maybe he will do better in a different environment.Well, he's a WR going to the Jaguars. Those guys always bust (Jimmy Smith excepted.)

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Lions appear to get an early jump in free agency. They signed safety Dwight Smith to a 2 year/$5 million deal.

[Galaxy]

I take it if your released, you are able to sign regardless of the date?

FA starts Saturday, correct?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Yep, because earlier Seattle signed Mike Wahle after Carolina released him, and one other move where a player was released and signed by another team...but I can't remember who now, so couldn't have been important.

[kurtism]

Colts cut Booger McFarland, Rob Morris, save $8mm.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/SPORTS03/80227051

[Galaxy]

Yep, because earlier Seattle signed Mike Wahle after Carolina released him, and one other move where a player was released and signed by another team...but I can't remember who now, so couldn't have been important.

Zack Thomas to Dallas?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dwight Smith is certainly an improvement. Kennoy Kennedy was pretty awful. How well the Lions will be at safetly depends on how well Bullocks recovers from his knee injury.

Still, the Smith signing is filling one of the about 8 or 9 holes that need to be filled on the defensive side of the ball.

[DeToxRox]

Dwight Smith is certainly an improvement. Kennoy Kennedy was pretty awful. How well the Lions will be at safetly depends on how well Bullocks recovers from his knee injury.

Still, the Smith signing is filling one of the about 8 or 9 holes that need to be filled on the defensive side of the ball.

Agreed. I want Travis LaJoy from Tennessee. A Dwayne White type at DE, puts up big sack #s in limited play but the guy in my opinion can be a full time DE in this league.

[DaddyTorgo]

From profootballtalk.com

POSTED 9:03 p.m. EST, February 26, 2008

SAMUEL SAID TO BE A "DONE DEAL" IN NEW ORLEANS

There's increasing chatter in league circles that the Saints have worked out a deal with cornerback Asante Samuel.

Yeah, it's tampering. But no one seems to care about that.

Samuel supposedly is looking for a contract with an average value in excess of $10 million per year.

if there's tampering i hope the commish throws the fucking book at the saints. we ought to get draft picks for that.

[ColtCrazy]

Colts cut Booger McFarland, Rob Morris, save $8mm.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/SPORTS03/80227051

Not surprised about Booger, he was do some big $$$. I hate seeing Morris go. He was never great, but I do think he was underappreciated. He came on really well the Super Bowl year. I'll miss seeing him around. He might come back at the minimum though.

Still, it freed up, what, 8 mil. Not bad.

[JetsIn06]

Some Jets news...

Vilma is in Detroit right now getting a physical. Most likely the deal would be for DT Shaun Rogers.

OLB Calvin Pace has narrowed his choices down to the Jets, Dolphins, and 49ers.

[bhlloy]

How big are the chances that Vilma's injury will significantly affect his career from here on out? On the face of it, seems like a great move for the Lions, that is going to be a hell of a linebacker corps with Sims already in town.

[Honolulu_Blue]

How big are the chances that Vilma's injury will significantly affect his career from here on out? On the face of it, seems like a great move for the Lions, that is going to be a hell of a linebacker corps with Sims already in town.

Vilma's injury and condition sound pretty bad. He's a great player when healthy, but I wonder weather he'll ever really be healthy again. Depending on what the Jets are asking for, this could be a huge risk.

Vilma+Sims = 2/3 of a decent linebacker corps.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Some Jets news...

Vilma is in Detroit right now getting a physical. Most likely the deal would be for DT Shaun Rogers.

OLB Calvin Pace has narrowed his choices down to the Jets, Dolphins, and 49ers.

Maybe I'm missing something, but wouldn't give the Jets 2 DTs not suited to play NT while trying to switch to a 3-4?

[rjolley]

Come on Bears, resign Briggs. And Berrian turned down a nice contract. $25M over 5 with an $8M signing bonus. Would love to keep him, but save the money for a solid back like Turner and a lineman like Fanica, then draft a lineman to replinish the group.

[DeToxRox]

New Lions rumor is an exchange of DT's Rogers to Jax for Stroud

[Dunleavy]

Berrian picked a good year to be FA, weak WR class and a lot of teams need help there. he had a few suspect games last season so i'm not buying him as a #1 wr but someone else will leaving the Bears without it's two starting wr's from a year ago

and Briggs is 99% gone

i'm interested to see what happens at midnight but the bears seem to put a lot of time and energy into resign players, and they did resign several but not those two above, so i'm not sure if they have anything else cooking as far as a big money signing, historical if they are going to do that they do it quickly. and Greise will be cut shortly

[stevew]

Man, Clayton was suggesting that 2nd tier guys like Drew Carter and DJ hackett might get 5m a year. Seems as if the NFL is quickly turning into MP FOF.

[TazFTW]

Rams cut Isaac Bruce and the Cowboys re-signed Flozell Adams keeping him from entering FA.

[Doug5984]

Reports flying around here- Vilma is VERY close to becoming a Saints, saw something on NOLA.com, as well as something from the Washington post.

[Galaxy]

Rams cut Isaac Bruce and the Cowboys re-signed Flozell Adams keeping him from entering FA.

I guess that means the Moss to Cowboys rumors are pretty much dead now?

The Saints are pretty aggressive.

[Galaxy]

Does Free agency open tonight or March 1st (midnight)?

[Mustang]

Sounds like DT Corey Williams is going to be traded to the Browns. Packers were believed to be wanting a 2nd rounder.

If that turns out to be the case, not a bad deal to get a 2nd rounder for a guy you were going to lose in FA anyways.

[Mustang]

Does Free agency open tonight or March 1st (midnight)?

I thought 11 PM CST tonight.

[JAG]

Rams cut Isaac Bruce and the Cowboys re-signed Flozell Adams keeping him from entering FA.

6 yrs 42mil 15 mil guaranteed the first three years. High price, but good move for Dallas. They had options for replacing him, but he did a fantastic job last season against some pretty good pass rushers.

[JPhillips]

I thought 11 PM CST tonight.

It's 9 pm PST

[Arles]

Sounds like DT Corey Williams is going to be traded to the Browns. Packers were believed to be wanting a 2nd rounder.

If that turns out to be the case, not a bad deal to get a 2nd rounder for a guy you were going to lose in FA anyways.
After that nuts deal the Raiders just gave Kelly, I thought there was no way we would keep Williams (who's probably our 3rd or 4th best DT when healthy). Getting a 2nd rounder for him would be great. Not a bad deal for Cleveland, too, as he is a solid DT. GB is just stacked with talent at DT.

ESPN seems to be confirming it as the #57 pick in the draft for Williams.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I guess that means the Moss to Cowboys rumors are pretty much dead now?

The Saints are pretty aggressive.

Dead as soon as they were spoken. There is absolutely no way Moss was signing in Dallas. He hates T.O. Why would you want to share the spotlight. That made no sense from the get go. I am pretty positive Moss will be staying in NE. Samuel, on the other hand, is pretty much out the door. The Pats will have a lot of work to do in the secondary. In a couple of days, they pretty much won't even have a quality #2 CB ('cause let's face it, Hobbs is not good).

[jbergey22]

Why do I see the Buc's or Panthers making an effort to swipe Moss from the Pats? I thought this was pretty much a done deal as well but the more I look over things I have no reason to believe the Panthers arent in the process of making a big attempt and the Bucs HAVE to spend 28 million to reach the salary cap floor.

[TazFTW]

Kris Jenkins to the Jets for 3rd and 5th round picks.

[Doug5984]

Ok so Vilma is now a Saints
C Jeff Faine is now a Bucc (or at least will be)... He is pretty good, but he isn't that good...they gave him a lot of $$$

[stevew]

Anderson re-signed with the Browns, 14m guaranteed, something like 24m in salary.

[Butter]

So, how have the Bengals not cut Rudi Johnson?

[Anthony]

Anderson re-signed with the Browns, 14m guaranteed, something like 24m in salary.

stupid, stupid, stupid.

he's gonna be looking over his shoulder every day for the next 3 years, and won't even be the starter next season. he's really stupid and now i will openly and actively root for him to fail. why would you stick with a team where they've heavily invested in the guy backing you up? coulda been the #1 bona fide starter with Minny.

nice job, Derek.

[stevew]

Yeah, but he'll be looking over his shoulder with his pockets full of life changing cash. He must not have heard anything good out in FA is the only thing I can suspect.

Quinn doesn't make that much money, and they can afford to keep him around indefinitely should Anderson fail.

[korme]

My favorite Bengal, Madieu Williams, signed with the Vikings.

Fuck you mckerney

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lions back-up QB J.T. O'Sullivan has signed with the 49ers, reuniting him with Mike Martz.

Thank god. O'Sullivan was awful. If the Lions are going to have crappy back-up quaterbacks, they might as well be young guys who may be crappy due to lack of experience.

I am sure Martz is thrilled.

[Anthony]

Yeah, but he'll be looking over his shoulder with his pockets full of life changing cash. He must not have heard anything good out in FA is the only thing I can suspect.

Quinn doesn't make that much money, and they can afford to keep him around indefinitely should Anderson fail.

he's making 1st round money though. that's not to sneeze at.


and it isn't even about the money. he would've been best served taking a comparable offer with another team - as their undisputed starting QB - then resigning with the Browns where they'll be all too quick to pull him. teams like Miami, Minny, Baltimore and Atlanta are in sire need of a starting QB. and the whole reason why the Browns resigned him to that deal was they were afraid of what he'd be offered as a FA. and the point isn't to just take the money and be happy with it and if you get benched - who cares? the point is to make money, perform well and set yourself up for another, even bigger contract. if he gets yanked for Quinn, spends the last 1-1.5 years as Quinn's backup no way he gets a chance at a monster payday when his current deal is over.

[Butter]

My favorite Bengal, Madieu Williams, signed with the Vikings.

Fuck you mckerney

So, you like guys who are often out of position and regress from one season to the next?

I will admit the defense was a lot better when they let Thurman and Williams do whatever the hell they wanted. But there is a reason they sucked so bad last year. And it wasn't just Dexter Jackson getting burnt to a crisp down the middle.

[JAG]

I can't imagine Anderson would be worried about payday #2. He's a guy who was making (for an NFL player) nothing before this season. Now he's getting over 10 million guaranteed. So long as he keeps playing well he'll get paid. He's got a good team around him where he is with a very good LT, and a TE and WR who are talented. Miami's not signing him because they aren't giving up the #1 overall pick. MN / Baltimore might have signed him though with the draft pick compensation that's iffy, but neither have the pass catchers the Browns have. I think he clearly made the right and only good call he had.

[JAG]

Dallas trades DT Ferguson to Miami for a swap of 6th rounders this season and their 2009 6th round pick. A no-brainer for Dallas because they need some cap space and Jay Ratliff emerged this past season. It's also a good value for the Dolphins as if Ferguson is healthy he's a lot better than the draft picks they gave up, though as old as their defense is you'd think they'd avoid adding another 30+ yr old to the mix.

[rkmsuf]

man, the jags are batting a thousand getting these wideouts

Troy Williamson and now Jerry Porter.

uh, ok.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Trade rumor. Philadelphia has offered KC their 2008 1st round pick (18th overall), their 4th round pick and Lito Sheppard in exchange for Jared Allen (who currently has the franchise tag).

I doubt that KC takes this offer, but with some improvement on that 4th round pick, they may have a tough time turning it down. Sheppard would be a great replacement for Ty Law, who was released.

[Swaggs]

Without having the benefit of knowing what other types of offers were out there, I cannot blame Anderson one bit for jumping on that type of deal. If he was just a flash in the pan, he has a $14M guarantee to set himself ridiculously well off for the rest of his life.

If he is as good as you (and some others) seem to think, it is only a three-year deal, so he can get back into free agency pretty quickly or renegotiate with the Browns again in two-years. In addition, if he completely blows up and becomes a huge star, he can always hold out and renegotiate.

Anyway, since he is only 24, I think it was smart to put cash in on what could be his biggest opportunity and set himself up for cash AND get a short enough deal that he can be a free agent again when he is still relatively young.

If anything, I would question the Browns, not Anderson. They are either overpaying him from a fluke season OR he becomes a legit starting QB and they have to worry about him again in two-years.

he's making 1st round money though. that's not to sneeze at.


and it isn't even about the money. he would've been best served taking a comparable offer with another team - as their undisputed starting QB - then resigning with the Browns where they'll be all too quick to pull him. teams like Miami, Minny, Baltimore and Atlanta are in sire need of a starting QB. and the whole reason why the Browns resigned him to that deal was they were afraid of what he'd be offered as a FA. and the point isn't to just take the money and be happy with it and if you get benched - who cares? the point is to make money, perform well and set yourself up for another, even bigger contract. if he gets yanked for Quinn, spends the last 1-1.5 years as Quinn's backup no way he gets a chance at a monster payday when his current deal is over.

[DeToxRox]

This FA is out of control. Way too much money going around for mid to lower level talent.

[Honolulu_Blue]

My favorite Bengal, Madieu Williams, signed with the Vikings.

Fuck you mckerney

Doesn't it seem like the Vikings are always adding big name free agents every year? They always seem to be very active, but are always well under the salary cap. It's odd.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Doesn't it seem like the Vikings are always adding big name free agents every year? They always seem to be very active, but are always well under the salary cap. It's odd.

It's reportedly a bug. Jim is working on a patch to fix the Viking salary cap error.

[Eaglesfan27]

This FA is out of control. Way too much money going around for mid to lower level talent.

This offseason is starting to remind me of some of the recent complaints I've seen in FOF MP Leagues: Plenty of teams with huge cap space and not that many FA's leading to huge contracts being offered to lesser talents.

[watravaler]

This FA is out of control. Way too much money going around for mid to lower level talent.

No kidding...Tommie Kelly? I know the NFLPA loves this kind of ish, but for crying out loud. How much are the Bears going to have to give Tommie Harris now? $50 million guarenteed?

I heard Berrian is on a place to Minnesota, and while there is no denying he has some elite tools, I'm not sure he deserves top 10 WR money...nevertheless, if you have him stretching the D in Minnesota with Adrian Peterson and the Vikes o-line pounding defenses, I'm not sure it matters who is playing QB...

[JAG]

Trade rumor. Philadelphia has offered KC their 2008 1st round pick (18th overall), their 4th round pick and Lito Sheppard in exchange for Jared Allen (who currently has the franchise tag).

I doubt that KC takes this offer, but with some improvement on that 4th round pick, they may have a tough time turning it down. Sheppard would be a great replacement for Ty Law, who was released.

Can I ask where you saw this rumor? I'm sure you're just reporting what you saw, but it sounds like the type of BS that gets thrown around a lot during the offseason leading up to the draft. I don't see that deal happening for either team though. Philly has said they're shifting Sheldon Brown to safety, presumably to accomodate Asante Samuel, so they would be giving up their starting CB plus a first round pick. Jared Allen is a beast, but considering Lito seems to get an INT every season against Dallas, I wouldn't be sorry to see him gone in the event this actually were to happen.

[Arles]

This FA is out of control. Way too much money going around for mid to lower level talent.
Now I am beginning to understand Ted Thompson's theory of avoiding the first month of FA and stocking up on picks. Paying some of these 28-32 year old FAs big money doesn't seem like the best move.

[Abe Sargent]

man, the jags are batting a thousand getting these wideouts

Troy Williamson and now Jerry Porter.

uh, ok.

I'm pissed off at my team. I love Porter, and he's a fellow Mountaineer, but he's old and we paid THIRTY MILLION for him, and he's argubaly over the hill in a major way.

I mean, if you are going to overpay for an older WR< why don't you really get a #1 like Moss and quit this flirting stuff.

[Abe Sargent]

This FA is out of control. Way too much money going around for mid to lower level talent.

There's a minimum cap to what teas can spend, so they have to spend up to the minimum amount, even when teh FAs aren;t that great.

EDIT: I'm starting to doubt this. I rememberd it, but now that I analyze it, i'm not sure anymore. Someone know this for sure?

[JAG]

Here's another Lito rumor I just read:


You hear things working the phones. And here's just about the wildest rumor I've heard ...

Lito Sheppard to the Cardinals. And ... wait for it ... Larry Fitzgerald to Philly.

That's all conditional on the Eagles signing Patriots free agent Asante Samuel, something that several reports, including this one, have as a done deal.

The idea makes sense of several fronts. First, Arizona is planning to move former first-round pick Antrell Rolle inside to safety, where he'd be paired with Adrian Wilson, and the Cardinals have been quiet on free-agent corners despite a looming need. Second, the Eagles have a considerable amount of cap room -- they would even after signing Samuel -- and the Cardinals would create space to extend Sheppard by dealing Fitz. Third, the Eagles' offense has been in perpetual need of a big-time wideout, save for the one great season they got out of T.O.

If all this happens (UPDATE: Yes, I do know it would all be contingent on a Fitzgerald renegotiation), the NFC East would get even more interesting than it already was, with the one team that didn't make the playoffs getting a little bit better at one important position and a lot better at another one. Do I expect this to happen? Not at this point. But it sure is interesting to hear.

Fitz is getting $31M the next 2 years though, so it'd have to be a pretty insane contract for him from the Eagles if this actually goes down.

[DeToxRox]

Rogers to Cinncy. That works on SOOOOOO many levels.

[NoSkillz]

LB Kawika Mitchell signs with the Bills. I think he benefited quite a bit from the awesome defensive ends the Giants had last year but a good signing nonetheless.

Supposedly, Jags DT Marcus Stroud is in Buffalo talking with the team. He's still Jags property but has evidently been put on the block.

[sabotai]

LB Kawika Mitchell signs with the Bills. I think he benefited quite a bit from the awesome defensive ends the Giants had last year but a good signing nonetheless.

I was never really sold on Kawika Mitchell so I don't care much that he's gone. Safety Gibril Wilson, though, will probably be gone too and that one hurts. With all the money being spent on defensive backs this FA, his price keeps going up and there are too many teams interested in him for the Giants to be able to afford to keep him.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Rogers to Cinncy. That works on SOOOOOO many levels.

The Lions get a 3rd and a 5th round pick for Rogers.

Given Millen's draft record getting more picks is really not a good idea.

[JAG]

Getting players in a trade (Tatum Bell? Foster?) didn't work too well either.

Yes, there is a minimum teams are required to spend.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Getting players in a trade (Tatum Bell? Foster?) didn't work too well either.

No. Not so much...


Yes, there is a minimum teams are required to spend.

Isn't it something like 84% of the cap, so something close to $100 million.

[Travis]

Haven't noticed it in here yet, but buddy of mine (Eagles fan) just emailed me saying the Eagles just announced the signing of Samuels to a 6 year deal.

[sabotai]

Haven't noticed it in here yet, but buddy of mine (Eagles fan) just emailed me saying the Eagles just announced the signing of Samuels to a 6 year deal.

I just heard that on the news as well.

[Galaxy]

I just heard that on the news as well.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7856010?MSNHPHMA

[Travis]

Anybody heard firm numbers? I'm mostly curious as I think that contract might set the market for a long term deal for Trufant.

[JS19]

I was never really sold on Kawika Mitchell so I don't care much that he's gone. Safety Gibril Wilson, though, will probably be gone too and that one hurts. With all the money being spent on defensive backs this FA, his price keeps going up and there are too many teams interested in him for the Giants to be able to afford to keep him.

Not gonna lie, I liked Mitchell and was hoping they brought him back if it was a reasonable price. Wilson, however, although I would love for him to be come back, he won't be worth probably half of what he's is gonna get on the market.

Any word on Shockey's future?

[Travis]

Apparently 6 years, $57 million for Samuels including $20 million guaranteed and $32 million in the first 3 years.

And the countdown to the Seahawks trading Trufant begins now.

[Eaglesfan27]

Glad to see the Eagles use some of their cap room on a quality player.

[Thomkal]

I just cannot believe that Cardinals-Eagles trade rumor to have any basis in reality. I know they are having cap problems due to his contract, but I just cannot see them trading Fitz. He's their best receiver, one of the best in the league, and they struggled to find enough receivers as it was last season due to injuries. I think this would be a horrible move for them to make.

[Thomkal]

So I went looking to see if I could find anything from the Cardinal brass about a Fitzgerald trade, and as recent as the scouting combine, their VP of Player Personnel was saying Fitz absolutely would be back in Arizona this year. They are trying to restructure his contract, but he has two years left on his remaining one, and if they can't renegotiate, plan on keeping him for those two years. Plus they just cut their #3 WR Bryant Johnston today.

So doesn't sound like they will trade him, thank the football gods.

[stevew]

This offseason is starting to remind me of some of the recent complaints I've seen in FOF MP Leagues: Plenty of teams with huge cap space and not that many FA's leading to huge contracts being offered to lesser talents.

It'd be even worse in FOF MP if you were allowed to bank cap space with likely to be achieved incentives like they do in the NFL.

[JS19]

Wow. Gibril Wilson is now the 3rd highest paid safety in the NFL, 6 yrs 39M with the Raiders. How the hell are the Raiders allowed to be a franchise? I always liked Wilson, seemed like he had/has lots of potential, but never fulfilled it. All the luck in the world to him and i'm glad he got his $$$.

[TazFTW]

Shaun Rogers to the Browns for Leigh Bodden and a 3rd round pick.

[dime]

Wow. Gibril Wilson is now the 3rd highest paid safety in the NFL, 6 yrs 39M with the Raiders. How the hell are the Raiders allowed to be a franchise? I always liked Wilson, seemed like he had/has lots of potential, but never fulfilled it. All the luck in the world to him and i'm glad he got his $$$.

raiders must be done with schweigert...I didn't think he was the worst safety in the world but he didn't seem to fit with whatever they were trying to do last year. wilson and hugg are an athletic pair of safeties but I don't think it suddenly makes their defense that much better than it was yesterday.

[Mustang]

Shaun Rogers to the Browns for Leigh Bodden and a 3rd round pick.

The Cleveland management must have something else going on the weekend of the draft.

[sabotai]

Any word on Shockey's future?

He's not costing the Giants much in cap space, so the Giants really have no financial reason to trade him. All I've heard is that a couple of teams have called asking about him, but no negotiations to trade him have started. Reese doesn't seem to have any interest in trading him, either.

[sabotai]

Giants LB Reggie Torbor (mostly backup, started in place of Kiwanuka) was signed by Miami. And the Giant's 2003 first round bust Will Joseph is officially gone.

Looks like the Giants are not going after any big LB signings to replace Torbor or Mitchell and are going to try to have Gerris Wilkerson start in place of Mitchell.

[johnnyshaka]

Glad to see the Eagles use some of their cap room on a quality player.

Agreed...just curious about what is going to happen with Sheppard. I wouldn't be adverse to seeing him stay but if he is indeed disgruntled then dealing him for a few picks makes sense. We could use some youth in the secondary.

[JAG]

The Lions get a 3rd and a 5th round pick for Rogers.

Given Millen's draft record getting more picks is really not a good idea.

Just read that the trade to Cinci was denied by the league for something relating to the salary cap. So Detroit turned around and traded him to the Browns for a 3rd round pick and CB Leigh Bodden. The Cleveland GM is by all rights pretty decent, so how do you explain giving up a young starting CB for an overweight DT and then convince yourself to throw in a 3rd round pick? I gotta give props to Millen on this one. Meanwhile, Cleveland has no picks this draft until round 4.

[st.cronin]

Sorry if this has already been mentioned, but Miami signs Josh McCown. Anybody know what they're planning as far as QB?

[Eaglesfan27]

Sorry if this has already been mentioned, but Miami signs Josh McCown. Anybody know what they're planning as far as QB?

Sign 10 QB's and see which ones creep?

[mattlanta]

Miami is most likely going to see how Beck develops. I don't know if he's really a Parcells type of player, but I think Beck will be given a chance to start in that organization instead of drafting someone like Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.

I was actually expecting Parcells to go after Chad Pennington due to Pennington's role in New York and how loyal Parcells is to his past players. For example, Parcells tried getting Keyshawn Johnson out of retirement.

[Schmidty]

Just read that the trade to Cinci was denied by the league for something relating to the salary cap. So Detroit turned around and traded him to the Browns for a 3rd round pick and CB Leigh Bodden. The Cleveland GM is by all rights pretty decent, so how do you explain giving up a young starting CB for an overweight DT and then convince yourself to throw in a 3rd round pick? I gotta give props to Millen on this one. Meanwhile, Cleveland has no picks this draft until round 4.

Much, MUCH better trade for the Lions. Did Millen actually do something right for once?

Probably not.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Much, MUCH better trade for the Lions. Did Millen actually do something right for once?

Probably not.

I agree. I'd much rather have a lower 3rd round pick (Cleveland's) and an actual starter at a position of serious need than a higher 3rd (Cinci's pick) and a 5th rounder who is likely to be cut during training camp.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Much, MUCH better trade for the Lions. Did Millen actually do something right for once?

Probably not.

I agree. But remember, many offseason moves Millen has made have looked very good at the time, but there is this tricky thing called a football game that seems to get in the way of success for Millen.

[damnMikeBrown]

I was annoyed that we were going to be importing other teams malcontents. I mean, we do such a great job breeding our own, I didn't see the need to go outside of our own blood lines to do it. Having said that, Rogers being a potential all-pro is absolutely the answer to the question..well, who's our DT?

Now..fast forward to we can't even get the trade done. I'm annoyed we're bringing in another idiot, but now I'm PISSED that at the ineptitude that can't even properly get another malcontent here.

Damn Mike Brown

[Bad-example]

Justin Smith to the 49ers. The 49ers already have a decent secondary. Coupled with the Dontarrious Thomas signing, the 49ers appear close to assembling a pretty solid defense.

[NoSkillz]

Bills complete the trade with Jacksonville to get Marcus Stroud. I wonder if Stroud is going to hold out for a renegotiated contract now...

[JetsIn06]

Woot Woot!

Alan Faneca to the Jets, 5 years, 40 mil.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

WR Berrian to Vikings on 6 years deal, no terms announced.

[Thomkal]

Woot Woot!

Alan Faneca to the Jets, 5 years, 40 mil.

damn I was really hoping he would sign with the Cards given his history with the coaches there.

[st.cronin]

Donte Stallworth to the Browns, 7 years 35 million dollars.

[TazFTW]

Jacques Reeves got 5 years for $20 million from the Texans.

[stevew]

Woot Woot!

Alan Faneca to the Jets, 5 years, 40 mil.

Hopefully he doesn't pull a porter. That's not even that much money, I wish the steelers weren't so goddamn cheap sometimes. And would quit payign worthless guys too much money.

[Abe Sargent]

Sign 10 QB's and see which ones creep?

That was the Cowboys plan until they found Romo

[tucker rocky]

Jaguars pick up Drayton Florence from the Chargers.
Interesting to see if Brian Williams or Rashean Mathis move to safety, to help out Reggie Nelson.

Maybe Williams or Mathis dealt?

[tucker rocky]

Maybe the Jaguars could make a trade to get Lito Shepard.

[Galaxy]

What did the Bills give up to get Stroud?

[tucker rocky]

What did the Bills give up to get Stroud?

A 3rd and 5th round '08 draft pick.

[TazFTW]

Hmmm, Lance Briggs stays with the Bears.

[Galaxy]

Hmmm, Lance Briggs stays with the Bears.

Woot!