The 2013-2014 NFL Offseason/Coaching/Free Agency (non-draft) Thread

[tucker rocky]

Originally Posted by miami_fan

Sam Bradford of St. Louis Rams out for season with torn ACL - ESPN

Bradford is done for the season.

What other options do the Rams have at QB?
Waiver wire pick-ups?
Available FA's? Trades?

[chadritt]

TJ Yates might be available?

[Bigsmooth]

Doubt Redskins would do it but the Rams should be going after Cousins big time. Also, Terrell Pryor might be available soon.

[Matthean]

Shaun Hill wasn't that terrible in Detroit and they already seem to have 4 QBs on staff. I'm not sure how much they do here when it is obvious they will be drafting a QB next year.

[CU Tiger]

Curious to hear from you guys.

I barely follow the NFL the last few years, but what is the general consensus on Sam Bradford?

He obviously hasn't delivered #1 overall results, yet he isnt aa true bust either. Of course now it looks like injuries may be his career story but just curious if he didnt get injured what the synopsis of his career to date is from others around the country.

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by Matthean

Shaun Hill wasn't that terrible in Detroit and they already seem to have 4 QBs on staff. I'm not sure how much they do here when it is obvious they will be drafting a QB next year.

It doesn't seem to make much sense to bring in a QB now from another team. By the time they learn the playbook and form any type of chemistry and timing with the receivers, they'll be deep into the season.

They're gonna have to ride with the guys they've got and I doubt there's another Kurt Warner ready to ride to the rescue.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Bigsmooth

Doubt Redskins would do it but the Rams should be going after Cousins big time. Also, Terrell Pryor might be available soon.

Yeah, I dunno. I have always gotten the impression that Griffin isn't exactly comfortable with Cousins being there, and that Cousins would like to get a shot at being a starter somewhere. There's always been talk about flipping Cousins (2 2s; a 1!) on the local radio, but there never seems to be enough interest. Now, maybe there will be. Seems like a good time - STL has a need, Cousins has been playing well. If WAS is sold on RGIII, that is.

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Bigsmooth

Doubt Redskins would do it but the Rams should be going after Cousins big time. Also, Terrell Pryor might be available soon.

If you're the Rams would you offer a first round pick?

If you're the Redskins would you take that?

[Bigsmooth]

Originally Posted by BillJasper

It doesn't seem to make much sense to bring in a QB now from another team. By the time they learn the playbook and form any type of chemistry and timing with the receivers, they'll be deep into the season.

They're gonna have to ride with the guys they've got and I doubt there's another Kurt Warner ready to ride to the rescue.

True. Might be best to have a shitty season and make a play for Mariota, Winston, Hundley in the draft. They still have a pretty young nucleus for the most part.

[MizzouRah]

We need Chase Daniel.

[tarcone]

Cousins in St Louis would be ideal. That would allow them to cut bait on Bradford next year. And not worry about a QB in the next draft. Cousins could manage the Rams. A 1st would be risky.
Or the Rams ride it out with Hill. Can he manage an offense? Rams better hope so.

[bulletsponge]

ill be the first to say it: Tim Tebow

[NobodyHere]

Maybe the Browns should offer the Rams one of their QBs as an apology.

Or would that be adding Insult to Injury?

[Warhammer]

Hill should be fine as the Rams QB. They will ride the running game this year again and finish 9-7.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Warhammer

Hill should be fine as the Rams QB. They will ride the running game this year again and finish 9-7.

In their division?

7-9 and now with Bradford out.. 5-11

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by tarcone

Cousins in St Louis would be ideal. That would allow them to cut bait on Bradford next year. And not worry about a QB in the next draft. Cousins could manage the Rams. A 1st would be risky.
Or the Rams ride it out with Hill. Can he manage an offense? Rams better hope so.

I wouldn't give up more than a third for Cousins.

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

If you're the Rams would you offer a first round pick?

If you're the Redskins would you take that?

Hell no.

Hell yes.

Again, ride it out and suck this year for when a top QB in the draft will be easier to get. Cousins might be solid, but I don't think he's worth investing in when Mariota or someone else could be sitting in your lap next year.

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by Matthean

Again, ride it out and suck this year for when a top QB in the draft will be easier to get. Cousins might be solid, but I don't think he's worth investing in when Mariota or someone else could be sitting in your lap next year.

If they make a play for a QB, it will be a desperation move on the part of Fisher and Company. They have Shaun Hill and Zac Stacey and Tre Mason, and a pretty decent defense. Grind it out old school and hope your defense is the real deal. Win 2000 Ravens style.

[JPhillips]

I can't see the Redskins trading Cousins for a third. They might do a second, but it will probably take a first. RG3 is too much of a talent and injury risk to get rid of Cousins without a great return.

[Thomkal]

Palmer not looking good for my beloved Cardinals tonight. Has an INT (run back for a TD) and has been overthrowing receivers left and right, including twice in a row with wide open guys/easy TD's, Only connection he seems to have is with Fitz. Running game looks better at least.

Defense given the Darnell Dockett injury doesn't look too bad so far, but Bengals lead 13-3 at the half.

[chadritt]

Matt Prater to be suspended by NFL for first four games - The Denver Post

[Abe Sargent]

Good bye Sam Bradford. So long and thanks for all of the Rams. You are in pain from this game over and over again, probably time to head to the bench of eternal not-playing-anymore.

[stevew]

Rams looking good in preseason. As the last victims of the rookie salary madness, they've basically been forced into keeping Bradford to watch it all play out. The amount of money they've thrown in is too much to walk away. I suspect that if Bradford was on a scale deal, that he would have been discarded this off season for Bortles or even ManzIel. This Rams team looks able to compete at a high level now. Will be interesting to see if they attempt to bring in a veteran next off season. I wonder if Eli, Rivers, or Roethlisburger could be had for a 2nd career chapter. SD, NYG, and Pitt could all be ripe for a 3-13 type campaign that specifically isn't the QB's fault.

[Warhammer]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

In their division?

7-9 and now with Bradford out.. 5-11

They are a better team than last year and they went 7-9 with Clemens. Both Clemens and Bradford were a game under .500 in their starts.

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Curious to hear from you guys.

I barely follow the NFL the last few years, but what is the general consensus on Sam Bradford?

He obviously hasn't delivered #1 overall results, yet he isnt aa true bust either. Of course now it looks like injuries may be his career story but just curious if he didnt get injured what the synopsis of his career to date is from others around the country.

I thought Bradford had the skills and not the supporting cast. I think he would have been solid at the very least, but now I don't know where he will go from here. He wasn't a bust in my eyes, just never had much of a chance to really get going. Different coordinators for his first several seasons, very much an Alex Smith type of early career, but with injuries thrown in.

[whomario]

Originally Posted by chadritt

Matt Prater to be suspended by NFL for first four games - The Denver Post

am i interpreting this right ? Prater got suspended because he drank a few beers at home while no team activities were scheduled ("holiday") and then was surprise-tested or sth the next morning ? And that´s 4 games and no one is even fighting it because they are happy it is only 4 games and not the whole season ? How the hell is that even close to being a legal rule under any sort of non-NFL law ?

I get that the NFL (and NBA, NHL etc) operate largely outside the normal law, but at some point it´s got to boil over, right ?

Just imagine this scenario in the real world ...

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by whomario

am i interpreting this right ? Prater got suspended because he drank a few beers at home while no team activities were scheduled ("holiday") and then was surprise-tested or sth the next morning ? And that´s 4 games and no one is even fighting it because they are happy it is only 4 games and not the whole season ? How the hell is that even close to being a legal rule under any sort of non-NFL law ?

I get that the NFL (and NBA, NHL etc) operate largely outside the normal law, but at some point it´s got to boil over, right ?

Just imagine this scenario in the real world ...

Pretty sure the players agree to be bound by the rules and penalties of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when they sign their contracts.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Warhammer

They are a better team than last year and they went 7-9 with Clemens. Both Clemens and Bradford were a game under .500 in their starts.

Not with this year's schedule.

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

Not with this year's schedule.

I imagine that if Bradford had stayed healthy, they would've flipped spots with the Cardinals in the NFC West. Still no playoffs though.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by BillJasper

Pretty sure the players agree to be bound by the rules and penalties of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when they sign their contracts.

Yeah, but it doesn't make this penalty any more absurd.

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

Yeah, but it doesn't make this penalty any more absurd.

Prater had violated league rules and knew the outcome if he violated them again. These guys make an absurd amount of money, they should be prepared to follow an absurd set of rules.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by whomario

am i interpreting this right ? Prater got suspended because he drank a few beers at home while no team activities were scheduled ("holiday") and then was surprise-tested or sth the next morning ?

No, he got suspended because he got a DUI and THEN violated the terms of the collective bargaining agreement that deals with such matters.

Don't get the DUI in the first place & the beers at home wouldn't have been an issue.

[Butter]

I've rarely been able to identify the moments when a guy gets cut, but last night RJ Stanford made it easy on the Bengals by committing a pass interference on a long pass, then getting burned for a touchdown on the very next play. No way is that guy making the team.

Then the Bengals had like 3 backups get carted off in the space of about 10 minutes. That was also great.

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

I've rarely been able to identify the moments when a guy gets cut, but last night RJ Stanford made it easy on the Bengals by committing a pass interference on a long pass, then getting burned for a touchdown on the very next play. No way is that guy making the team.

Then the Bengals had like 3 backups get carted off in the space of about 10 minutes. That was also great.

I think Stanford makes it past this round of cuts, but won't make the final round. Lewis Harris probably goes on IR or something. But I could probably pick an easy 8 names to dump before Stanford. Then again, we'll find out today who goes, I imagine.

[ISiddiqui]

Reading the Prater article...

Prater has been in the league's alcohol program since soon after he was charged with driving under the influence Aug. 12, 2011.

I'm with whomario... wtf?! A DUI 3 years ago means you can't ever have alcohol again?

[NobodyHere]

He should've beat his wife instead, it would've given him less time.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Reading the Prater article...



I'm with whomario... wtf?! A DUI 3 years ago means you can't ever have alcohol again?

As I said, it's absurd. It may be the CBA that was agreed to but that doesn't mean that it's not absurd.

[gstelmack]

Perhaps he has not been living up to the terms of his penalty since that DUI, that this was not the first incident of relapse?

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

He should've beat his wife instead, it would've given him less time.

This is simply bullshit bellyaching. While I disagree with the Ray Rice punishment, that was a first offense. Matt Prater is, obviously, violating the terms of his punishment from the DUI. So he got four games. Whether or not I agree or disagree is immaterial. Prater knew what the fallout would be from failing a urine test while still in the NFL.

[molson]

As a total side point on Prater, just looking at that article, field goal kicking stats are getting so ridiculous. He was 25 out of 26 last year. Even though that was best in the league, there's a lot of guys not far off from that. We're not too far from every field goal attempt being as automatic as an extra point. Kickers made 86.5% of their field goal attempts last year (despite kicking more and more regularly from 50 yards+) It's crazy to think that as recently as the late 70s, kickers only made around 91% of their extra point attempts and 58% of their field goal attempts. (And in the laste 70s, 50+ yard Field goals were only attempted 30-40 times in a season across the entire league - in 2013, they were attempted 143 times.)

NFL Season By Season Kicking & Punting | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Maybe it's good on some level that kicking is less important in that everyone can kick accurately. But there's something about not even getting to your opponent's 40-yard line and getting a reliable 3 points out of it. I wonder if the league will ever push back here, narrow the goal posts, or something.

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by molson

As a total side point on Prater, just looking at that article, field goal kicking stats are getting so ridiculous. He was 25 out of 26 last year. Even though that was best in the league, there's a lot of guys not far off from that. We're not too far from every field goal attempt being as automatic as an extra point. Kickers made 86.5% of their field goal attempts last year (despite kicking more and more regularly from 50 yards+) It's crazy to think that as recently as the late 70s, kickers only made around 91% of their extra point attempts and 58% of their field goal attempts. (And in the laste 70s, 50+ yard Field goals were only attempted 30-40 times in a season across the entire league - in 2013, they were attempted 143 times.)

NFL Season By Season Kicking & Punting | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Maybe it's good on some level that kicking is less important in that everyone can kick accurately. But there's something about not even getting to your opponent's 40-yard line and getting a reliable 3 points out of it. I wonder if the league will ever push back here, narrow the goal posts, or something.

I hope not. I enjoy the game the way it is.

[Danny]

Yeah I don't think there's any need for a change

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by Danny

Yeah I don't think there's any need for a change

I don't think narrowing the goal posts some would change the game at all. It'd be like lowering the mound or moving the 3-pt line back. The NBA has a longer 3-pt shot than NCAA, why shouldn't NFL kickers be expected to be more accurate than NCAA or HS ones?

[albionmoonlight]

Rams would be foolish to give up anything of value to get a band-aid at QB that would take 8 weeks to get comfortable with the playbook. If you didn't trust your backups going into the preseason, you needed to get better backups. Now is not the time to remedy that problem.

[albionmoonlight]

dola:

I'd be fine with narrowed goalposts. Kickers have evolved, and the game should evolve with them. A 45-yard fieldgoal does not mean in 2014 what it meant in 1994.

[stevew]

Why Your Team Sucks 2014: Pittsburgh Steelers


Epic, I think Sak probably contributed to this.

[bhlloy]

Fucking Meriweather - his sixth discipline for illegal hits and only a two game suspension. NFL suspensions are all kinds of fucked up

[JonInMiddleGA]

Broncos Kicker Matt Prater: Shotgun Willie's DUI + Two Beers = Four Game Suspension | Westword

Those "couple beers" mentioned by Steinberg rated a violation that could have earned Prater a suspension for an entire year, but the attorney is said to have bargained the punishment down to four games.

edit to add: Let's also note that this wasn't just a routine checkpoint or traffic stop DUI. He picked up a waitress at a local bar, went to a nearby hotel but hit a car backing out of a parking space. He then fled the scene before being picked up at a hotel next door. THAT was his second DUI.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_18673267

There are reasons he's still in the program after three years.

[Subby]

Completely agree with Jon. Where the NFL erred is not suspending him for a full year after his second DUI. Letting him negotiate down was a mistake. Four games is light for what he did, which is essentially violating parole.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Subby

Completely agree with Jon. Where the NFL erred is not suspending him for a full year after his second DUI. Letting him negotiate down was a mistake. Four games is light for what he did, which is essentially violating parole.

Best I can figure they didn't have that option. He was not put into the program after the first one (for whatever reason ... I think it occurred before he was signed but was adjudicated afterwards, something like that)