The NFL 2011 Offseason/Strike/Lockout Thread

[Rizon]

Rex Grossman is still available.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Wasn't Matt Moore pretty awful last year? He doesn't sound like much of an upgrade over Henne.

Moore started the last four games two years ago after Delhomme got hurt and looked really good. After the usual "this backup needs to be a starter!!!" hype (hype i was thrilled with b/c it made it easier to tell Delhomme to gtfo), Moore went into last season as the starter... and was pathetic.

Last year he started 6 games, 5 TD/10 INT with a 55 passer rating before losing his starting job to Jimmy Clausen.

[GrantDawg]

Ray Edwards getting a 5 year deal from the Falcons. Woot-ness!

[GrantDawg]

John Clayton:

By getting Tyson Clabo to take a $5 million a year contract, the Falcons were able to squeeze in a Ray Edwards deal at $6Mil. Huge move

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by Arles

Dolphins decided to pass on Orton and signed Matt Moore from the Panthers instead.

I hope that's just a leverage move vis a vis the Broncos.

[Galaril]

Shaun Smith agreed to 3 years at 7.5 million with Titans .That is not bad for a 325LB dt whom had 56 tackles last year in just 10 games.

[JPhillips]

God the Bengals are a disaster. They cut Odom which is a fine football move, but adds to how far the Bengals are under the floor. Zimmer came out with some pretty harsh language on losing Joseph. Pretty sure he's gone after this year. Morgan Trent was cut and then the cut was rescinded. Three other defensive players were put on PUP.

Here's hoping the Bengals offer Asomugha 30 mil per year just for the comedy.

[Rizon]

What happens if a team doesn't make the cap floor?

[Dr. Sak]

Eagles got Nnamdi

[The Jackal]

At least the Redskins are actually being competent this offseason. But ugh, the Eagles are scary.

[The Jackal]

I wonder if EF knows I'm a redskins fan.

[Lathum]

fuck

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Rizon

What happens if a team doesn't make the cap floor?

This year, nothing. Teams have to spend 99% of the cap over 2011 and 2012, so if the Bengals are 20 mil under this year they need to be 20 mil over next year. Of course I'm not sure how you get 20 mil over, but that's what I've read.

[Scoobz0202]

Originally Posted by Lathum

fuck

+1

[Arles]

I just heard that the Eagles are probably going to cut Samuel now. If that's the case, this isn't that huge of a move.

[Comey]

Samuel isn't what he used to be; he's still good, but he gambles a ton, can't tackle worth a damn...I'll be happy if they keep him, but if they don't, not a big deal. It's still a large upgrade.

[Arles]

Actually, word is they will try to trade Samuel, not cut him.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

This year, nothing. Teams have to spend 99% of the cap over 2011 and 2012, so if the Bengals are 20 mil under this year they need to be 20 mil over next year. Of course I'm not sure how you get 20 mil over, but that's what I've read.

Considering most top free agents will have no desire to play in Cincinnati I have no idea how they are going to comply with this.

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

This year, nothing. Teams have to spend 99% of the cap over 2011 and 2012, so if the Bengals are 20 mil under this year they need to be 20 mil over next year. Of course I'm not sure how you get 20 mil over, but that's what I've read.

That's actually an interesting strategy (at least for a team that is a attractive destination for free agents i.e. not the Bengals). If you are rebuilding you could stay 20-30 million under the cap, and then really try to go all out on 2 year deals. Of course in year 3 you'd be screwed but in a league with as much parity as the NFL, most teams windows aren't much bigger than that anyway.

[CleBrownsfan]

Eagles are 14-1 odds in Vegas to win it all... I may be putting some cash down on that.

Asomugha, Cromartie, and Samuel (if they keep them) as your corners - wow!

[SirFozzie]

No, each team doesn't have to spend 99% of the cap, the TOTAL of the NFL Teams have to spend 99% of the cap: Here's a good nutshell explanation:

The CBA in a nutshell | ProFootballTalk


Players accepted a relatively low salary cap in exchange for the raising the minimum teams have to spend. This can’t be underestimated. 99% of the salary cap must be spent in cash in aggregate between 2011-2012. The league-wide number falls to 95% after that. Teams must spend at least 89% of the cap from 2013-2016 and 2017-2020.

[Rizon]

Originally Posted by CleBrownsfan

Eagles are 14-1 odds in Vegas to win it all... I may be putting some cash down on that.

Asomugha, Cromartie, and Samuel (if they keep them) as your corners - wow!

Is Andy Reid still coaching the team?

[stevew]

Is Vick still the QB?

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

No, each team doesn't have to spend 99% of the cap, the TOTAL of the NFL Teams have to spend 99% of the cap: Here's a good nutshell explanation:

The CBA in a nutshell | ProFootballTalk


Players accepted a relatively low salary cap in exchange for the raising the minimum teams have to spend. This can’t be underestimated. 99% of the salary cap must be spent in cash in aggregate between 2011-2012. The league-wide number falls to 95% after that. Teams must spend at least 89% of the cap from 2013-2016 and 2017-2020.

Yeah. Where I got the info has now updated to reflect that. It also looks like there is no team floor until 2013. So the Bengals could be banking as much money as possible.

I hate Mike Brown.

[SteveMax58]

Originally Posted by stevew

Is Vick still the QB?

No, I am.

[The Jackal]

Originally Posted by stevew

Is Vick still the QB?

yes

[rowech]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Yeah. Where I got the info has now updated to reflect that. It also looks like there is no team floor until 2013. So the Bengals could be banking as much money as possible.

I hate Mike Brown.

Is it too much to hope that he moves the team to LA? I want to switch to a new team to root for and I think that's one of the only ways you are allowed to switch allegiances to a team.

[JPhillips]

As long as he owns the Bengals they can go wherever they want. They won't ever be a winner under his direction.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Eagles got Nnamdi

Very excited about their off-season.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by Arles

Dolphins decided to pass on Orton and signed Matt Moore from the Panthers instead.

....

[Matthean]

At this point anything that helps the Jets not win the Super Bowl and thus increasing their already smugness is fine by me.

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by rowech

Is it too much to hope that he moves the team to LA? I want to switch to a new team to root for and I think that's one of the only ways you are allowed to switch allegiances to a team.

I'm pretty sure they fall under the law of management incompetence as well.

[Comey]

Eagles sign Cullen Jenkins, deal Broderick Bunkley to Cleveland...rumors are swirling about Plaxico, from what I read, too.

This reminds me of 2004, times 100. When they fall short again, the disappointment will be immense. We Philly fans have finally been spoiled after a century of ineptitude, bad management, and constantly falling short of the goal. What the Phillies have done in the last five years have exceeded anything I'd *ever* expected of that franchise...the same goes for the Eagles over the last decade. But it's still Philly...I love them to death, but in the end, I expect nothing.

That said...what they're doing is beginning to sway me towards optimism. ; )

[EagleFan]

Originally Posted by Comey

Eagles sign Cullen Jenkins, deal Broderick Bunkley to Cleveland...rumors are swirling about Plaxico, from what I read, too.

This reminds me of 2004, times 100. When they fall short again, the disappointment will be immense. We Philly fans have finally been spoiled after a century of ineptitude, bad management, and constantly falling short of the goal. What the Phillies have done in the last five years have exceeded anything I'd *ever* expected of that franchise...the same goes for the Eagles over the last decade. But it's still Philly...I love them to death, but in the end, I expect nothing.

That said...what they're doing is beginning to sway me towards optimism. ; )

+1

[sabotai]

Preface this by saying I'm Giants fan and may be seeing what I want to see, but I can't say what the Eagles have done really scares me at all. It's the same as what they've done over the last several years. Get some buzz going with some names at the "diva" positions and then do nothing else.

I don't recognize any of the offensive linemen, they're best TE is very average, they (allegedly) run a west coast offense and have nothing but small, speedy WRs, they're D-Line doesn't scare me and their linebackers make me smile. Rodgers-Cromartie and Asomugha will make people ohh and ahh with some nice picks and deflections, but they'll get burned too (according Arizona fans from what I've seen, DRC more times than not lately) and they have no one at safety to cover their ass for when they do.

Evey year they make a few moves and make the talking heads on TV say "OMG How do you stop them?" and that question is usually answered by half time in week 1. So, a big ol' shrug from me.

And as far as my expectations for the Giants go, it's looking like maybe an 8-8 season for them. They can't do much because of the cap, 10-6 last year with a few of their veterans cut and Osi holding out (and will probably be traded....I'm sorta hoping. He's been underperforming since Strahan retired and has been a bit of a headcase. I'd be fine with just Tuck and Kiwi at the DE positions). Unless some of their young talent from last year gained a few years of experience during this off season, can't say I'm expecting much from the G-Men this year.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Comey

Eagles sign Cullen Jenkins, deal Broderick Bunkley to Cleveland...rumors are swirling about Plaxico, from what I read, too.

This reminds me of 2004, times 100. When they fall short again, the disappointment will be immense. We Philly fans have finally been spoiled after a century of ineptitude, bad management, and constantly falling short of the goal. What the Phillies have done in the last five years have exceeded anything I'd *ever* expected of that franchise...the same goes for the Eagles over the last decade. But it's still Philly...I love them to death, but in the end, I expect nothing.

That said...what they're doing is beginning to sway me towards optimism. ; )

There's only so much an organization can do, and the Eagles are doing it. No matter what, it's still going to be a longshot for any particular team to win the championship any given year. Last I checked the "favorites" were only 6 1/2 to 1 or something to win it all. Going into any season with the "championship or the season is a failure" mentality saps the energy out of a fanbase because its just not realistic. That's happened with the Yankees, the Red Sox to some degree, the Patriots, and probably the Phillies in the last few years. If you can't enjoy your team being good as those kinds of teams, you're missing out. Try being a Bengal fan.

[Dr. Sak]

Plex is going to be an Eagle sometime tomorrow.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Plex is going to be an Eagle sometime tomorrow.

They're only Pacman Jones and Cedric Benson away from hitting for the criminal cycle. Lets go Eagles!!!


Also, great post by Molson. While the Eagles surely aren't perfect (concerns about Vick going a full season at the top of the list IMO), they seem to have put themselves into position to be one of the NFC favorites behind the Packers, and what more can you ask from your favorite team at this point in the season?

[sabotai]

Bill Simmons seems to think the Eagles can't not win the Super Bowl now.

"Congrats to the Philadelphia Eagles + their fans on winning Super Bowl 46. Just schedule the parade now, there's no way you won't win."

Twitter

[molson]

Originally Posted by sabotai

Bill Simmons seems to think the Eagles can't not win the Super Bowl now.

"Congrats to the Philadelphia Eagles + their fans on winning Super Bowl 46. Just schedule the parade now, there's no way you won't win."

Twitter

I think he's just screwing with Eagle fans. But in reality, what are their chances, even if they're the favorites now. 4-1? They have a good shot. It's not even better than 50% though, let alone some kind of slam dunk. But if they don't win it all, everyone will still be jumping of bridges.

[sabotai]

Osi's ending his holdout......but, it doesn't look like he'll stay.

Osi Umenyiora is on his way back to the Giants, according to his agent, and he's ready to end his holdout after a little more than 24 hours.


The anger and bitterness that sparked the hold out in the first place, though, remain.
According to a source who spoke to Umenyiora earlier today, the disgruntled defensive end is still disgruntled and is particularly angry at Giants GM Jerry Reese.


"Osi will never talk to Jerry ever again -- ever," the source said. "I have no doubt he's going to say that when he gets there, too."


In other words, though the holdout is ending, this situation could get very, very ugly in the coming days.

Still-angry Osi ready to end holdout | New York Daily News


Of course, money solves these kinds of personal problems. But it seems like Osi wants out of New York.

[Dr. Sak]

Oh don't get me wrong...I don't expect the Eagles to win it all but it is nice to see them spend the money instead of bragging how much under the cap they are.

[stevew]

If Osi poops on people he likes, I shudder to think how he treats his enemies.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Oh don't get me wrong...I don't expect the Eagles to win it all but it is nice to see them spend the money instead of bragging how much under the cap they are.

Sure, that's my point - the Eagles will be really good and they could win it all. But any Eagle fan who somehow sees a failed season if they fall short is just miserable turd. Those people are all too common in the Boston/NYC/Philly triangle of sports fandom self-hatred (that's the fire Bill Simmons is flaming already). Me, I know the Pats haven't won in the playoffs for a while, but I'm just still giddy that they're relevant, have winning seasons, are high-profile, and are on TV all the time even in Idaho. Maybe that's just because I got through the lean years.

[Radii]

Simmons is a big fan of the reverse jinx. /shrug.

[ColtCrazy]

Very happy to see Manning signed long term and nice to see him asking for less money.

Still won't be enough to save Kelvin Hayden, it looks like. Shame, I really like him as a corner and will always remember his INT TD in the Super Bowl win. But he's been injured and has a 6 mill hit this year. Hopefully he can be resigned for less.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by molson

Sure, that's my point - the Eagles will be really good and they could win it all. But any Eagle fan who somehow sees a failed season if they fall short is just miserable turd. Those people are all too common in the Boston/NYC/Philly triangle of sports fandom self-hatred (that's the fire Bill Simmons is flaming already). Me, I know the Pats haven't won in the playoffs for a while, but I'm just still giddy that they're relevant, have winning seasons, are high-proifle, and are on TV all the time even in Idaho. Maybe that's just because I got through the lean years.

Only one team can win it all a year. Will I be disappointed if they don't win...yes. Will I think it is a failure...only if they crap the bed and don't make the playoffs. The playoffs are hard to win. It's all about match ups and part of it is being lucky enough to be healthy at the end of the season and peaking at the right time.

[Comey]

Originally Posted by molson

Sure, that's my point - the Eagles will be really good and they could win it all. But any Eagle fan who somehow sees a failed season if they fall short is just miserable turd. Those people are all too common in the Boston/NYC/Philly triangle of sports fandom self-hatred (that's the fire Bill Simmons is flaming already). Me, I know the Pats haven't won in the playoffs for a while, but I'm just still giddy that they're relevant, have winning seasons, are high-profile, and are on TV all the time even in Idaho. Maybe that's just because I got through the lean years.

Whoa whoa whoa...did I *ever* say I see a failed season? I totally enjoy that they've been relevant for the past decade. I think I stated that, too.

However, when they get so close, so close, so close...and then fall short, it's disappointing. Especially when it's never happened before. The Pats have won it three times in the last decade...beating the Eagles in the only time they broke through.

This is why I *expect* nothing. I hope for everything. And, when they do fall short, it's disappointing, but not the end of the world. If I'm a miserable turd for what I wrote...well, let the fling. ; )

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by molson

I think he's just screwing with Eagle fans.

Bingo. And you wonder why we start to see Boston fans as being dickish.

[MrBug708]

Kluwe, McNabb Agree To Terms On No. 5

Once again, Chris Kluwe is awesome