WR Bruce Signs 2 Year, 6 Million Deal with 49ers

He was a 1000+ yard receiver just a year ago, but I don't know about this move. Starting Darrell Jackson and Isaac Bruce at WR is not the way for a team to get younger. The links between Bruce and Martz are pretty strong, but all that might mean is that Martz is going to get angry at Smith for not being what Martz is going to want at QB. I think that maybe the 49ers should have stood pat with Jackson, Battle and TE Davis, but there you go. 

The side note of this is that if Martz has his kind of players he's not going to try to adapt his system for Alex Smith. I don't think he'll be able to handle a pass-first offense at his age, and Frank Gore won't be happy about that either. 

K Brown Signs with Rams

Probably one of the premiere young kickers in the league, Josh Brown has an accuracy rate of a little above 80% and immediately replaces the retired Jeff Wilkins. As for where this leaves Seattle... well... between a rock and a hard place. He's leaving Seattle because they have failed to provide a quality long snapper for him, as well as for accuracy reasons since it's easier to kick inside a dome. 

Shaun Rogers Trade Falls Through

In what was supposed to be a sure thing, it appears that the trade of Shaun Rogers to Cincinnati has fallen through. Instead, a different deal has evolved. It would appear that the Browns are going to be dealing for Rogers in return for a third round draft pick and CB Leigh Bodden. He's coming off a 6 INT season, also his first season as a full-time starter. He clearly has great potential to be productive starting CB in the NFL, but the coaching staff in Cleveland soured on him after this season. In the end, I think this is a much better trade for Rogers than the one offered by the Bengals. Bodden will be able to start immediately in the Detroit secondary and is certainly better than a 5th round draft pick. I'll five the Lions credit for this one, it's not a half bad deal. 

Seattle Releases Offensive Tackle Tom Ashworth

A very serviceable backup, Ashworth was released mostly because he was being paid 2 million per year and Seattle is struggling to deal with the cost of the franchise tag on Marcus Trufant (about 9 million a year). Any team in desperate need of a Tackle or Guard could sign him as a starter (Dolphins? Falcons?), but most likely a team will pick up a great backup. 

Broncos Release, Saints Sign

Broncos released WR Javon Walker and LB Ian Gold. In many ways Walker's potential has always exceeded his production, and he's a player who has always had the potential to be a top-flight WR, but will most likely not be. Both him and Gold would be solid hires by any team that picks them up. 

Saints resigned Mark Simoneau. This is a bit interesting. It's unlikely that he would start anywhere else, but he now knows he has to compete against Vilma for the starting spot in training camp. 

Free Agent Roudup

S Gibril Wilson signs with Raiders from the Giants. It's very interesting that the Raiders are targeting safety. The Raiders are actually already very deep at Safety, with the tandem of Stuart Schweigert and Michael Huff. Schweigert had 68 Tackles last season and 2 interceptions, and he is 26. Michael Huff, the former first round draft pick, had 87 tackles and 1 INT. I can only assume they'd be inserting Wilson into the lineup instead of Schweigert, and he did have 92 tackles and 4 INTs last season, but it still seems like a bit of a weird hire. 

Dolphins sign LB Reggie Torbor. Torbor was a very quiet part of the Giants pass rush last season, playing mostly as a situational rusher and filling in for the injured Mathias Kiwanuka. His stats (39 tackles, 1 sack) belie his effectiveness as occupying blockers and opening lanes to the QB. 

Dolphins sign QB Josh McCown. Clearly he was on his way out now that Oakland will be starting JaMarcus Russell full time next season, but he did very well with the limited resources he had as a fill-in for the QB of the future and he's expected to play much the same role in Miami. 

Eagles Sign CB Samuel to 6 Year Deal

Siigh. So the Saints don't manage to capture him. The terms haven't been announced, but I'd guess somewhere around 65 or 66 million a year. The goal would probably be to move Sheldon Brown to Safety and replace either Considine or Dawkins and have Sheppard start opposite Samuel. There's a lot of different opinions on whether Samuel is worth this, and I honestly couldn't tell you. Watch next season. 

Jets Sign LG Faneca

Well here it is, another record breaking contract, 4 year, 32 Million dollars for Alan Faneca. I think that it could be this signing above any other that takes the Jets back to the playoffs next year. Faneca will have a positive effect on the play of both LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold, if not the whole line, in much the same way that Pete Kendall did, except even more so. Of all the players signed so far, I think Faneca deserves this the most. At 31 he has a realistic chance of playing out the rest of this contract and is certainly good enough to be paid that kind of money. This is not an investment in his potential, this is accurate compensation for his skills and abilities. Good stuff. 

Vikings Sign FB Tapeh

In an interesting move, the Vikings have basically announced they won't be keeping Pro Bowl FB Tony Richardson and instead going 9 years younger by signing FB Thomas Tapeh, who is 27. Adrian Peterson has said that he likes running behind Richardson, so it's weird to me that they wouldn't keep Richardson until he retired, and unless I'm wrong Tapeh is kind of the talent you can pick up most off-seasons. 

Anyways. It is what it is and I guess Richardson was just who we thought they were. Dennis Green, come back. We miss you. 

Lions' DT Rogers Traded to Bengals

Well, apparently Shaun Rogers is worth the same as Kris Jenkins to the Lions, who shipped him to the Bengals for a 3rd and 5th round draft pick. Coach PoundTheRock (Marinelli) talked a lot about his weight being out of control, etc. but the fact remains that his production has been pretty decent from the DT position. Since his rookie season in Detroit in 2001 he's had 29 sacks, hovering from a low of 2.5 to a high of 7 this season (average of 3.something per season). He's been fairly durable, missing only 14 games, the majority of which were in 2005 when he missed 10, and is also a good run stopper, having an average of 50.7 tackles per season. People talk a lot about how much potential he has, but the fact of the matter is that he has been pretty productive over the course of his career. He's only 28, so I'd be willing to say this is a pretty good catch by the Bengals. The only downside of this trade that I can see is I have no idea where that leaves the Lions' defense. QUICK! Name a starter! ..... Cory Redding? 37 Tackles and 1 Sack last season from the formerly highest paid DT in the NFL? Uh oh. 

Jaguars Sign WR Porter, QB Lemon

Watch out Coach del Rio, your new QB is a Lemon! 

Oh I crack myself up. Seriously, Lemon is an upgrade at backup QB since Gray was pretty useless last season. The hiring of Jerry Porter is an interesting one. The guy doesn't have breakaway speed, but he has a knack for making some big catches. He's 30 years old and wants to get out of Oakland because he doesn't have the time to wait around while JaMarcus Russell decides if he wants to be a good QB and win some games or not. I won't bother looking at stats since last season Coach Art Shell and Porter hated each other, while the obvious result on Porter's playing time, nonetheless he's racked up two 900+ yard seasons in his career and has 30 career TDs, so here's hoping the Jags finally found their #1 WR. 

K Jeff Wilkins of St. Louis Rams Retires

Well I honestly don't know a whole lot about him. He's one of the most accurate kickers in the history of the NFL and won the Super Bowl with the Rams in 2000. Since the franchise doesn't have anyone in the wings and I don't know of any good Kickers in free agency, I think it's safe to say that Wilkins will be missed. 

Bengals Bringing Back LB Dhani Jones with 3 Year Deal

Not a bad move here. He was bounced around quite a bit after being released by Philly (he had a brief stint with the Saints) and was brought into Cincinnati a couple hours before their game against the Patriots and actually put onto the field because of the hideous amount of injuries they had suffered at LB during the season. He ended up having a couple 10 tackle games a few FFs, so it's nice to see him rewarded with a long deal. He's 30 years old and will probably now finish his career in Cincinnati. 

Buccaneers Hire TE John Gilmore

The Buccaneers, after having turned some heads with the Jeff Faine signing, were very quiet by signing Bears backup TE John Gilmore. They already have Alex Smith, who is more of a pass catcher, and Jerramy Stevens who is... well... high on potential but low on production... so this gives them a well-rounded group of TEs without any real star power. It does, however, effectively announce that they will not be pursuing Alge Crumpler. 

Madieu Williams Signs 33 Million, 6 Year Deal With Vikes

In an off-season that has already seen the largest contracts for a center and a defensive tackle ever, and Asante Samuel figuring to break the bank, we can add safety to that list. Madieu Williams, formerly of the Bengals, signed with the Vikings today. Although many would immediately point to the idiocy of going to the Bengals for help of defense, Williams has actually put up some very good numbers in the four seasons he's played in the NFL. Despite missing 12 games in 2005 and 3 games this season, he still has a fairly respectable 290 career tackles, making him average 5.9 tackles in every game he's played in. Combine that with 34 career pass deflections and 9 career INTs, the Vikings may have picked up a good player. I'm not saying that he's worth the money... but he might not be a total bust. It's worthwhile noting that his biggest liabilities was always his tackling, which won't be so much of an issue since in Minnesota he'll be the last line of defense after Kevin and Pat Williams as well as E.J. Henderson and Darren Sharper. Whatever gets through that, I wouldn't want to touch anyways. He's always been good in coverage and I think that's what Minnesota needs the most. 

SAINTS TRADE FOR MLB JOHNATHAN VILMA!

I'm sorry guys. I know he's not exactly a sure thing since he's coming off knee surgery and all, but man am I happy. The Jets got a 4th round Draft pick in 2009, or a conditional 3rd if Vilma meets certain playing standards. It's a little bit of a weird trade since they gave away a 3rd and a 5th for Kris Jenkins, and Vilma is only 25 with a lot more upside, but it's tough to trade injured players who teams know don't work well in your scheme (Vilma being too small to take on guards and centers routinely from the 3-4). 

The Saints also resigned DT Brian Young. He's 30 years old with 21.5 career sacks (3 last season, although he missed 6 games) and and 298 Tackles. 

QB Redman Resigns with Atlanta

Here's a bit of a shocker, the former insurance salesman is being kept on even after the departure of Bobby Petrino. He proved last season he can at least play backup, and he'll probably compete with Joey Harrington and whoever they draft for the starting job in September. 

LB Kawika Mitchell Signs with Buffalo

Kawika Mitchells signs with Buffalo Bills. I can't really argue with this move, since he's been a solid starter since 2004 (74 Tackles). He had his best years in Kansas City during 2005 and 2006 (105 and 104 Tackles), and played for the Giants last season (76 Tackles). For the last three years in a row, he's had one interception. I'm pretty amazed at how quickly the Bills have built a solid LB group. With Angelo Crowell and Paul Posluszny/John DiGiorgio, and now Kawika Mitchell, the Bills are getting together a very solid defense. Safety Donte Whitner is already a great player, and as is DE Aaron Schobel. Ko Simpson plays opposite Whitner and should maybe be replaced since he can't stay healthy, and Buffalo really does need a #1 CB to play opposite Terrance McGee, but after that all they really have to add is maybe one great DT to play with either Kyle Williams or John McCargo. I think the Bills might be going to the playoffs next season. 

DT Jason Ferguson Traded to Miami

Well, didn't take Parcells long to pick up Ferguson again. He got out of the Cowboys for next to nothing, two 6th round draft picks (2007 and 2008), but his value to a team with Jay Ratliff signed to a long term deal and Tank Johnson as a backup is minimal. He's 33 and probably won't be around to see the Dolphins win anything, but at least it fixes the nose tackle spot for a season or two. I guess this makes the likelihood of the Dolphins drafting a DT about zero. 

Todd Collins Resigned

Well, the Redskins are keeping backup Todd Collins. I don't know if he's ever going to be as productive as he was last season since his advantage was his familiarity with Al Saunders' system, but he clearly has a desire to win and the perfect backup mentality of stepping in when he can and doing his best. Although I don't wish Campbell ill, I hope Collins gets a few more chances to throw the ball. 

Derek Anderson Signs 3-Year, 20 Million Deal

Well it didn't take long into free agency for the Browns to get Anderson. I think he wants a long term deal and is also wary about Brady Quinn waiting in the wings to replace him if he struggles. He was probably searching for a more secure situation, but nobody wants to take a long term risk on a guy who throws as many INTs as he does. So he signs a 3 year deal with Browns, but we might see him leaving Cleveland after maybe 2. 

Faine Signs With Tampa Bay

Well Tampa had 40 million in cap room, so I guess they have room, but they just made Jeff Faine the highest paid centre in the NFL today, topping LeCharles Bentley's 36 million over 6 six years (with 37.5 million over 6) that he signed with the Browns a year ago. Unfortunately, his knees basically exploded during training camp in a freak accident and then, during the surgery to repair them, he got a hideous infection and lost almost 90% of his tendon tissue. My main issue with this signing is this though:

List of Pro Bowl Centres since 2004 (Year Faine Entered the League):

LeCharles Bentley

Matt Birk (x3)

Mike Flanagan

Nick Hardwick

Jeff Hartings (x2)

Olin Kreutz (x2)

Kevin Mawae (x2)

Tom Nalen

Jeff Saturday (x2)

Robbie Tobeck

7 of these 10 guys played in the NFL last season and Faine's contract tops all of them. It just appears that the performance isn't there. He's never been an All-Pro either, an MVP of something... nothing. The money they're giving him is inexplicable. 

And Now for Something Completely Different

I may try to make this into a regular section. Like a Fridays thing? I dunno. Give me some feedback. Anyways... trampoline videos. Enjoy.

Trampoline Basketball (kind of sad)

Double Flip Slam Dunk Goes Wrong (He was Okay)

Elephant on a Trampoline (Computer)

Late Breaking FA Moves

The 49ers have made several big signings in the wee hours since Free Agency has begun. Biggest on the list? DeShaun Foster. Two year, 1.8 million dollar deal. For an organization that I just burned maybe two posts ago, that was a shrewd deal. He'll be an excellent back-up to Frank Gore and give the 49ers a very flexible running attack. They also signed QB J.T. O'Sullivan, of NFL Europa fame, to a one year deal close to the minimum salary. I think Martz likes him and he'll probably fill out the 49ers' QB roster along with Smith and Hill. They also picked up LB Donatarrious Thomas from the Vikings and KR Allen Rossum. I think Rossum is pretty washed up, but I suppose you never know. Thomas will probably be a better fit in the 49ers' 3-4 defense because he's kind of a tweener between DE and LB. 

DT Corey Williams, of Green Bay Franchise Tag Fame, is headed to the Browns for a 2nd round pick. I'm seeing him fitting in at DE in their 3-4, since at 313 lbs. he's probably a little bit too small to play nose tackle. Pretty shrewd move by them, and he'll help along their line. Although they lack a first round pick, and now a 2nd round pick too, there's a good chance they'll pick some up if someone bites on the Derek Anderson deal and gives them a 1rst and a 3rd in exchange. 

DT Kris Jenkins of the Panthers is moving to NY.... well, let's be honest, New Jersey... to play for the Jets in exchange for a 3rd and 5th round draft pick. As of last season, Carolina wanted a 1rst round pick in exchange for him... but this doesn't really surprise me. Nobody gives a team a 1rst rounder in exchange for a player that wants out. At 335 lbs. he's probably just big enough to play nose tackle in the Jets' 3-4... but I'm not entirely convinced. Plus, I don't think the Jets are exactly the winning situation he wants. 

The Saints are also apparently very close to trading for Jets MLB Johnathan Vilma. They'll be surrendering a draft pick. I would probably guess something along the lines of 3rd and something else, or maybe 2nd. He's never missed a game due to injury since joining the league in 2004, except for this season when he missed 9. With 441 career tackles, the guy is usually fairly reliable. I think the biggest reason he's leaving is because  he's not such a good fit in the Jets' 3-4. He plays much better in the 4-3 (as shown by his statistically best season in 2004, back before the Jets had started experimenting with the 3-4). Luckily, the Saints run a 4-3 and I truly hope this guy can become our franchise player on defense. Back in Madden 2006 I always used to trade for him because he was pretty much the best young MLB in the league and I couldn't be happier than to see him in Saints uniform come August. 

First Free Agency Moves

Are as follows:

Kelley Washington, who saw little playing time with the Patriots last season but will probably become the 3rd WR in the Patriots scheme next season, was given a contract extension. I can't find the terms of the deal. 

The Texans signed Andre Davis to a 4 year, 16 million deal. He hopes to start next season opposite Andre Johnson, but will face stiff competition from Kevin Walter. Even if he ends up as the 3rd WR his deep speed will help him play the position well. If the Texans update their O-line/RB position with the draft/Free Agency and Schaub stays healthy... look for a MUCH improved Texan offense next season. 

The Detroit Lions continued their streak of building high quality defensive secondaries by resigning CB Keith Smith. In all fairness, Smith was a 2002 Draft Pick of the Lions and had 3 INTs last season. He's played mostly as a nickel corner, but I guess the Lions are hoping he will be able to start. For the sake of football in Detroit, I hope so. 

The Panthers signed FB Brad Hoover. He's been a quietly effective blocker for various Panther RBs through his career and his contract will probably finish his career there. More good news from Charlotte. 

To clear up the Isaac Bruce release, it turns out that the circumstances surrounding it were that he refused to take a pay cut and so the Rams cut him to save 5 million in cap room. 

The Bills cut CB Kiwaukee Thomas, but resigned TE Tim Massaquoi, S Dustin Fox, WR Scott Mayle, and DT Corey Mace. This is basically a procession of people I don't know anything about (except Thomas, for some weird reason, always becomes an interception machine whenever my friend takes over the Bills in franchise mode. One time I remember seeing him make a one handed INT in the end zone. The pass he caught was a Tom Brady throw for Randy Moss. My best memories of this man are virtual... but my god. What a player.) but after watching the Bills build a defense centered around the golden son of Saginaw Valley State, John DiGiorgio... well.. anything is possible. 

The Broncos resigned backup DE John Engelberger. Pretty sweet stuff. 

Eagles signed backup S J.R. Reed. I think I remember seeing him making a huge play against the Patriots during the Eagles' game. He has been signed and cut by the Eagles about 4 times since  since 2005, but I think he could develop into a pretty decent player... mostly a coverage safety. 

The Cowboys released FB Oliver Hoyte. He's young and I thought showed some spark on the few snaps I've seen him play. A team in need of developing a young FB should pick him up. 

Thank you for being with us tonight, we'll be back in the early afternoon with more updates. 

G Smiley signs 5 Year, 25 Million Deal

Probably a good move for the Dolphins since they pretty much need new starters everywhere along their O-line. Smiley was part of an underachieving unit in San Francisco last year, and I can't say I believe that he'll show star power in Miami, but they need more guys and I'm sure they'll plug him in somewhere. 

A Note on Free Agency

There are rules in the NFL that representatives (player agents) for Unrestricted Free Agents cannot discuss contract terms with interested teams until after midnight Thursday (about 1 hour ago). Nonetheless, minutes after that deadline, Justin Smiley, formerly a G for the 49ers, signed a 5 year, 25 million dollar deal with the Miami Dolphins. You can't pretend that the Dolphins called his agent in the opening minute and offered a deal he couldn't refuse. These rules are constantly broken, especially at the combine, and rules that are not enforced shouldn't exist. The NFL should either eliminate these rules or alter them (allow discussions but no signings before the start of Free Agency for example). 

Cowboys Resign LT Flozell Adams

Keeping the Cowboys O-line intact for a couple more playoff runs was important and it's good that they kept Adams on board. He'll be dominant for the next 2 - 3 years just due to his size alone and hopefully will help them get back to the Superbowl in the next season or two. 

WR Isaac Bruce Released

Wow this is a snap. Isaac Bruce was a cornerstone of the Rams and I honestly can't believe they cut him. That's crazy. It basically destroys the WR depth they had (Holt and Bennett being their other talented WRs) and I mean this guy was still productive. I wouldn't be surprised if he retires, but if a team can convince him to stick around then that's all the better for them. 

Patriots Resign LB Bruschi to Multi Year Deal

Terms of the deal were unavailable. Don't really have much to say about this, he's still productive... so good move. 

QB Alex Smith Extended to 2010, HB Robinson Extended to 2012

The surprising part of this move is the Alex Smith extension. The 49ers have acknowledged that he is going to face competition in training camp from Shaun Hill and maybe a free agent QB/a draft pick... and you extend this guy to 2010? After a brutal season, a separated shoulder, a terrible relationship with his coach.. they give the guy an extension. I guess it's about keeping him confident? But do you really want to be coddling your franchise QB? Can you protect him from the losses? Or the opposing D-linemen? And what the HELL happens if he isn't the starter next season? We just throw away the money we spent resigning this guy? And the money we lose cutting him? I thought this franchise was trying to fix itself. What a dumb bunch of idiots. 

Robinson is mostly a special teams/3rd Down RB. Just keeping some depth behind Frank Gore. 

Three Players Request Release from Chargers

The players are FB Lorenzo Neal, FS Marlon McCree, and RT Shane Olivea. They all felt that next season they would be having diminished roles in the offense and thus wanted to get jobs elsewhere. McCree was set to be replaced by FS Eric Weddle (drafted last season) and Olivea lost his starting job this season to Jeromy Clary. Even Neal, a four time Pro Bowl selection, was set to be replaced by FB Andrew Pinnock. All of these players can contribute to a team, and I especially think Olivea has some upside. 

I think my favorite part of this story is how the Chargers are just constantly able to turn up talent at Offensive Tackle. It's pretty spectacular. 

Ravens Cut C Mike Flynn

This move surprised me. Flynn was a good player for the Ravens for a very long time. His cutting saved the Ravens 2 Million dollars, but along an O-line that's been losing a lot of players recently (and don't pretend Ogden isn't going out the door very, very soon). I guess they have to get younger at some point, but one would think that they wouldn't try to develop a young QB and a young O-line in the same year. Any team needing on last lineman to make a push to the playoffs should look here. He's 33, and already had his Super Bowl ring from the Ravens in 2000, and might just decide to retire. But, on the other hand, he could be a great transition centre for a team while they bring up a young guy. I only hope the Ravens have already found that young guy. 

Raiders Sign DE/DT Tommy Kelly to 7 Year 50.5 Million Deal

Wow. Mixed reactions from Raider nation to this one. This deal tops the one Cory Redding got last season and makes Kelly the highest paid DT in the league. The deal with him is that he's been a tough DE who excels more at the bull rush than the finesse move, so the idea is that putting him at DT puts him closer to the QB. He's supposed to replace Warren Sapp. He did miss 9 games last season with a torn ACL, and it's difficult to see why the Raiders would risk so much money on what might not be a sure thing... but at the same time they can't afford to lose many more players along what is a fairly weak D-line (only other great player: Derrick Burgess). Interestingly though, let's look at some figures:

Tommy Kelly

Height: 6'6

Weight: 300

Career Sacks: 13.0

Career Tackles: 166

Games Played: 39, missed 9 due to injury

Age 27

Albert Haynesworth

Height: 6'6

Weight: 320

Career Sacks: 15.5

Career Tackles: 221

Games Played: 76, missed 13 due to injury

Age 26

When you look at those stats, it becomes a bit of a different question. There is something to be said for the fact that Haynesworth has played DT all his career and Kelly played DE, and sacks are easier to come by at DE, whereas tackles are easier to get at DT, with the run stopping. I'll let you decide for yourselves. 

Eagles Cut DE Kearse

In what is probably a pretty good move, the Eagles cut DE Jevon Kearse. They already have two great ends in Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas (17.5 Sacks this season combined) and didn't really need Kearse, especially with Darren Howard as a backup. Kearse hasn't really been healthy since an injury suffered in 2002 and he's missed 33 games over 5 seasons since then, his last full 16 game season having been in 2001. He's still a good pass rusher when healthy, but that's not very often these days. His injuries also limit his effectiveness against the run. He's 31, and probably not done in the NFL. Some team will mostly likely take a chance on him... but if GMs avoid panicking and giving him a massive contract, he would still be great as a situational pass rusher (not as many snaps would keep him healthier) on say, a 3 or 4 year deal. 

Panthers Continue Signing Spree, Lock up CB Wesley

I think I already reported how the Panthers resigned FS Chris Harris, who had an insane 8 FF this season. that was a few weeks ago. Anyways, they also resigned Dante Wesley, who is apparently a key backup, but he's getting close to the minimum salary. Don't really have much to say about him since he hasn't actually played since 2003. 

Coughlin Signs 4 Year, 21 Million Extension

A very well deserved raise. He won when nobody gave the Giants a chance. I've always supported him because of the frequency with which he brought the Giants to the playoffs despite a sometimes mediocre roster, and it's good to see he finally gets the recognition he deserves. 

Lots of Rumors about Bears LB Briggs

The growing buzz is that Briggs will be signing with the 49ers. I don't think that people are remembering why Briggs is leaving Chicago. He wants to be paid lots of money, he wants to win, and (most important of all) he wants to be the number 1 linebacker for a franchise. Just like Javon Walker doesn't want to play with another top flight wide receiver (which I don't think he is), Briggs is tired of playing in Urlacher's shadow. The reasons for this are more than egotistical. Pro Bowl votes are partially decided by fans, and fans often vote more for big plays than skill. So, in Briggs' mind, his chances of Pro Bowl/Hall of Fame nominations are reduced as long as he plays under the shadow of Brian Urlacher, or any other highly talented LB. This is why it seems to me that the likelihood of him signing anywhere with very skilled linebackers is unlikely.  So, let's go over a possible list.

Bengals

Obviously he could be the main man here, but could he win?

Bills (maybe)

They do have Posluszny, but we don't know how good he'll be yet. It's unlikely they'll give him top money though.

Buccaneers (maybe)

Barrett Ruud is good, but not great yet. 

Chiefs

Also have no real LB prospects, but could he win here?

Dolphins

They do have Channing Crowder, but I don't think he's great so much as he is lucky. Depends how much Briggs minds playing with DE/LB Jason Taylor

Falcons

They have up and coming LBs, but no real superstars yet. They're also at the short end of a long rebuilding process. 

Jets (maybe)

Johnathan Vilma hasn't impressed recently, but this is also a team that might find it difficult to get back to the playoffs. 

Lions

They have a pathetic defense desperately in need of help at LB, once again, depends if Briggs can decide he can win here. 

Rams

Have a legitimate shot at the playoffs next year, especially with an improved defense if Briggs signs. 

Saints

Have absolutely no big guys at LB and would immediately replace either Scott Shanle or Mark Simoneau. They were also a underachieving Super Bowl favorite this year. 

Vikings (maybe)

They do have E.J. Henderson and a first round pick invested in Chad Greenway, but no superstars. They also have a good shot at the playoffs.

Leonard Little Restructures Contract with Rams

Leonard Little, the 33 year old Rams DE restructured the final two years of his contract to save his team 3.5 million. It wasn't a very unpredictable move, since the former pass rusher had only one sack last season, although 13 the year before that. I personally wish the Rams had cut him. Four years ago in fact, when he was charged with his second DUI (the first having killed a woman and mother), but Goodell wasn't the commissioner then. I can only hope that had he committed the same kind of crimes in today's NFL he would have been quickly shown the door, much like Adam 'Pacman' Jones. 

Free Agency Recap

Another big day, with more big moves. Here we go. 

Panthers sign WR Muhammad. That was fairly expected. They also cut David Carr. He was awful as a backup and I think his career was ruined by the beating he took in Houston. From now on he'll always be running scared if he's under centre, and that's trouble. 

Lions signed FS Dwight Smith to two year deal. I went over how he's a character risk, but the guy is a very talented safety otherwise. He is, as of right now, the most talented player in the Detroit secondary hands down. 

Colts cut two players: DT Anthony 'Booger' McFarland and LB Rob Morris. Now, unfortunately, these players were cut after they both failed physicals. Morris' career is probably over as he was a former Round 1 choice that never really worked out and is apparently hurt. McFarland, however, is a bit harder to predict. He has a torn patellar tendon, and those are sometimes career ending, nonetheless he has some really amazing skills, mostly suited to a 4-3. Any team in dire need of help at DT should probably sign him to a fairly incentive-laden contract, and reap the benefits if he gets healthy. Mind you, I'll bet there's a team out there who just gives him a big contract anyways because they want to win, but that won't be such a prudent move. 

Titans released WR David Givens. He's only played 6 games in two years and I'd bet that his injuries are severe enough that his career might be over. They did, however, resign young WR Justin Gage, who has a chance at being the #1 WR next season. 

Bills cut LB Coy Wire, HB Anthony Thomas, G Aaron Merz, and CB Jeremetrius Butler. The Thomas move is an interesting one, since the Bills have one of the largest cap spaces in the league, but it was probably done since they have both Marshawn Lynch and an excellent backup in Fred Jackson. Thomas could be picked up as a pretty decent backup by any team. Wire was a converted safety, and clearly it didn't work out, but if any team needs a backup safety, he could be an option. Butler was a marginal player and would be lucky to find work as a 5th CB. The Merz cut is a weird one. He was injured all of last season, but he was a 2nd round pick just two seasons ago. Any team looking to develop a G might pick him up, or it could be that the injury is too severe. 

The Vikings cut QB Kelly Holcomb. The guy is by now the definition of 'veteran journeyman' and although his skills probably don't impress that much anymore, any team looking for a better back-up might consider him. I wouldn't bet on it though, and I'd be surprised if he's on a roster come September. 

The Browns released 35 year old LE Orpheus Roye. The guy is old, and although he had 95 tackles two seasons ago, his productivity is on the decline and I think he will probably retire. 

The Saints released K Olindo Mare because he failed a physical. He is an 11 year pro and although he was known as a clutch kicker with a big leg just two seasons ago with the Dolphins, I'd bet his career is over as well. This clears the way for Martin Grammatica to be the unquestioned starter come training camp. 

The Buccaneers released veteran DEs Kevin Carter and Greg Spires. They are 34 and 33 respectively, but have been rendered fairly useless with the emergence of Gaines Adams. They'll still need a starter opposite Adams though, and this will probably be filled either through the draft or by promoting Patrick Chukwurah, who was previously a situational pass rusher at the position, to full time starter. He is 28. Spires and Carter have been proven starters before, and may pick up jobs as veteran backups before training camp. 

The Ravens cut RB Mike Anderson. He had two non-consecutive 1000 yard seasons with the Denver Broncos before being picked up by the Ravens, but he failed to rush for more than 250 yards in his first season with them, and was at the bottom of the depth chart for his second. He's another product of the Broncos' running system in my opinion, much like Reuben Droughns. 

Finally, the Chiefs continue their rebuilding with the release of CB Ty Law, LB Kendrell Bell, DT James Reed and TE Jason Dunn. Out of all of them, Law is the most interesting. He is 34, but is a 5 time Pro Bowl player and won 3 Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He and Darren Sharper are the only two active players in the league with over 50 interceptions, Law has 52. Only a year ago Ty Law had a brilliant performance with the Chiefs against the Colts in their only playoff game, intercepting two passes from Peyton Manning. I remember one throw where, on an option route by Marvin Harrison, Harrison went deep but Manning thought he was going to do a curls route, and by the time the ball got to where Manning thought Harrison was going to be, the only person standing there was Ty Law. It looked like he was psychic. Law is actually the player who has intercepted Manning the most times with 10 (most of them in the post-season). His performance in Kansas City last year was sub-par, especially his tackling, but I think that if put on a winning team, he could be counted on as a #2 CB. If this is the end for him, you can all expect an out-at-the-one column to follow. Kendrell Bell is probably done. He had three of four good years with Pittsburgh, one 100 tackle season, but then only managed two 40 tackle seasons until being demoted from the starting squad this season with the Chiefs. A team may take a chance on him, but at a very low salary. Dunn is still a good backup TE,  espeically at run blocking, and should find a new team. Reed was a career backup and probably won't find a new job. 

Saints Resign Several Players

They are: C Jonathan Goodwin, WR Terrence Copper, and LG Jamar Nesbit.

A bit of a grab bag with these signings, Copper has been productive as third or fourth receiver since he was signed from the Cowboys two seasons ago, I guess the idea here is to keep a proven player until Robert Meachem decides to play and not be a huge underachiever. 

Jamar Nesbit has started every game at LG since the retirement of Jermane Mayberry. He was mostly a career backup until he came to the Saints and is also 31. He's mostly a stop-gap measure until Andy Alleman develops, and the two will compete for the starting job in training camp this summer. 

Goodwin has been mostly a career backup, but he's young and might start next season since the Saints may not be able to come to terms with their current starting C Jeff Faine. He's been with the team since a draft day trade with the Browns in 2006 and was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2007, however he's only 291 lbs. and is more of a finesse centre than a mauler. For evidence, see this video. He missed a few games this season, and a lot of people liked how Goodwin played. The Saints would probably be happy to keep both, but Faine seems to think he deserves one of the largest contracts in the league for his position, and he's not Jeff Saturday or Olin Kreutz.

Browns Offer QB Anderson 3 Year, 20 Million Deal

Assuming he signs, this is a pretty shrewd move by the Browns. Anderson made the Pro Bowl, but as a third alternate or something like that, and he made tremendous strides last season, but isn't quite the polished passer people seem to think he is. 19 INTs in a season is a little ridiculous. The three year contract opens to door to keep him, but only long enough to determine if he will cut down on interceptions and, if he won't, get Brady Quinn ready to start. Good move. 

Busy Wednesday

Alright, so a huge list of cuts/contract rumors. Here we go. 

Jets cut LG Adrien Clarke, CB Andre Dyson, and WR Justin McCareins. All of these players were signed with starter money,  but never ended up being good starters. What this means is they can be picked up as good backups on the cheap. Dyson is probably best among them, and could serve as an excellent nickel corner of a stopgap measure at #2 CB. Clarke is probably going to be a career backup, but he's not a bad one and there's always a chance he could still develop. McCareins has suspect hands but great speed, and I'd look for a team to pick him up to play the slot. 

49ers resigned DT Isaac Sopoaga and LB Roderick Green. Sopoaga is unfortunately a marginal starter who is being kept because the 49ers don't have anyone better at the moment. Green was and will remain a situational pass rusher. 

WR Brandon Lloyd was cut by the Redskins. Not a huge surprise, in two years he failed to catch a touchdown. That's pretty awful. It's possible a team will give him another chance, but no production over two years normally means the athlete isn't really in it anymore. I'd expect a quiet retirement. 

Chiefs released 35 year old WR Eddie Kennison. The Chiefs are rebuilding and need some cap space. Not a big deal. This clears out the starting job for Dwayne Bowe. The interesting part about it is that they declined to try to renegotiate his deal and maybe keep him on as a 4th string guy, to keep his locker room leadership. It's likely that Kennison will retire. 

More good news for Panther fans. It looks like the Panthers are about to sign Muhsin Muhammad. It's hoped that either he or Dwayne Jarrett will be the starter opposite Steve Smith next season. The Panthers have also restructured the contracts of CB Ken Lucas and DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu to save 1 million in cap space. It's a pretty shrewd move, since both have had decreased production. 

In a bit of a strange move by the Patriots, they've released LB Rosevelt Colvin. He had 20.5 sacks with them over four years. although he only played in 2 games in 2003 and 10 games this season. His other two, he was healthy. I'm going to assume that the Patriots know something we don't about his health, since they don't need to just be releasing LBs. Whichever team picks him up should do a complete physical, but if he passes, consider it a big coup. The key part about his presence as a free agent is that it will probably reduce Lance Briggs' final contract, since there are other good LBs available now. 

Asante Samuel Headed to NEW ORLEANS?!

Okay. I never, ever give credence to rumors and rarely put them on this blog. This post is more a wish than real facts. But FOX is telling me that the Saints are currently the leaders to land Asante Samuel, paying him somewhere between 10 and 11 million a year. 

Asante Samuel, if you are out there, please sign with my team. 

Completely Unqualified Draft Coverage

I don't pretend to be some kind of draft expert. I don't watch/follow the college football game at all. I see the prospects, most of them, for the first time when I watch the Combine coverage on the NFL network. It's my reading week right now, and I can tell you I have actually watched almost 100% of the Combine. I've been watching the QBs this morning, and let me tell you, I really like Andre Woodson. Joe Flacco has a big arm, but he really lacks instincts. Woodson looks to me like the best pick at the QB class of this draft. I'm not saying Brian Brohm or Matt Ryan are going to be bad players, they'll probably play more/have better stats in their first couple years than Woodson. But taking them in the first round is a gamble, and for every Eli Manning (after 4 to 5 years of development) and Peyton Manning, there's going to be some Ryan Leafs (huge bust) or Alex Smith/Matt Leinart (guys with uncertain futures). Woodson isn't going to go in the first round. He's a 2nd or maybe even 3rd round pick. This means the team that gets him will have gotten, hopefully, a good player with their first and most important pick and gotten a QB with their 2nd. This, which is what I think the Bears will do, is a good move. Woodson played some tough schools and players, he's coming out of Kentucky, and he has some great throws, but also some bad ones caused  by poor footwork. But this guy, when he gets his footwork right (which a good coach can fix), can throw some nice balls on some NFL-calibre routes. He's been dealing with some of the best pass rushers out of this combine for the last four years of his careers, and he hasn't always come on top, but he looks good sometimes. I'm putting my money on this one, Andre Woodson will develop into a good NFL starter in 2 to 3 years. Watch him. 

Vikings Deal WR Williamson to Jaguars

Not exactly the marquee trade that the Jaguars were probably (hopefully) looking for at WR (you may remember I suggested Javon Walker), but the Jaguars are only giving up their 6th round pick, so it's no big loss. Williamson has raw speed, some return potential, but not much else. His struggles with actually catching balls have been blamed, by him, on vision problems, however his attempts to correct it have, thus far, failed. One can only really hope that the Jaguars find some way to get some production out of him and, if they don't, this is probably his last stop in the NFL. 

In an interesting sidebar, the Vikings originally drafted Troy Williamson, LB Napoleon Harris, and CB Adrian Tice with the picks they received for Randy Moss. None of those players are still with the team now. In addition, the Raiders, after giving up all that, eventually dealt Moss to the Patriots for only a 4th round pick. So he's managed to hurt quite a few teams on his way to the Pats. It's for this reason that I would never support his inclusion in the Hall of Fame, as too much of his career was spent not playing because the team he worked for didn't perform up to his standards. That's not the kind of attitude you want in the HoF. 

In another sidebar, Harris, long considered an underachiever, somewhat reinvented himself with the Chiefs this year, quietly putting up 116 Tackles. 

Formatting

As you guys can probably see, my Coffin Corner Tuesdays isn't the prettiest thing in the world. This thing uses HTML, and any tips anyone has on better formatting would be appreciated. 

Coffin Corner Tuesdays

Regular fans might be wondering what might have happened to the supposed 'regular' features of this blog. Well. I reserve Out at One columns not for every retirement (Kyle Turley), but only for players or coaches who I particularly admired or enjoyed watching. Monday Morning Ball Spot, Coin Flip, and Sundays with Coffin Corner (our live game blogs) sections are obviously seasonal things... but that does leave us with my promise to bring you guys regular power rankings, which you heard of once and then quietly let disappear. (As a side note, somebody out there, please tell me you're reading this.) I decided that when not during the regular season not enough happens during a week to justify doing these bad boys weekly, but as resigning periods close up and free agency opens... as well as the quiet half of the coaching carousel... I thought I'd give you guys my feelings of where things stand. To compare to our last column... please refer yourselves here.  I'll be including the team's movement as compared to the previous ranking in paraentheses beside their name (example: Patriots (-1)), and also have a brief blurb about why I moved any of the teams.

Biggest Rise: Bills, Eagles, Rams: +2

Biggest Fall: Lions: -4

1. Chargers (0)     Added a good player by signing Derek Smith. Still my Super Bowl favorite. 
2. Colts (+1) Kept Dallas Clark, still looking good for next season. If Harrison retires, they'll take a big fall
3. Patriots (-1) They released Donte Stallworth, have yet to get some younger LBs, and whether CB Samuel or WR Moss are returning is still up in the air. Not saying they aren't, but unless they're on the roster I can't put them above the Colts.
4. Giants (0) They kept D-Coach Spagnuolo and O-Coach Gilbride. Also looks like DE Strahan is returning for another season. They're riding a Super Bowl win, this team looks good.
5. Cowboys (0) I'm not willing to move this team down yet,  but if they don't have Flozell Adams in September, there might be some problems along the talented, but not very deep, O-Line. 
6. Seahawks (+2) They locked up their O-line and CBs early in Free Agency. Holmgren and Mora are working well together. Lost a couple position coaches, but they'll work things out. 
7. Packers (0) They're sitting pretty after retaining DT Corey Williams. Hope they can work out a long term contract.
8. Jaguars (-2) Losing D-Coach Mike Smith to the Falcons isn't very good. Gregg Williams is a good replacement, but he's not Mike Smith.
9. Browns (0) Nice move with franchising Derek Anderson. They need to get a long term deal done.
10. Eagles (+2) Have clearly decided to stick with McNabb as the starter going into next season, which is nice. They're also sticking with L.J. Smith at TE. They just need one more WR to have a great offense.
11. Broncos (-1) Not a big fan of how they're handling the Javon Walker situation, and Travis Henry was clearly a bit of a mistake, making some questions at RB.
12. Saints (-1) Not really doing much of anything. Would like to see more action on keeping Jeff Faine at Centre, or finding a replacement. 
13. Steelers (0) Nice move keeping RT Max Starks, he'll help their O-Line next year if he stays healthy. 
14. Bills (+2) They hired an O-Coach who's good with QBs (plus, I never liked Fairchild) and working on Trent Edwards as their guy. Finding stability at QB is important.
15. Vikings (-1) Lost FS Dwight Smith and LT Bryant McKinnie was involved in a street fight. Not a good week. 
16. Titans (+1) Good job with the franchising of DT Haynesworth. I'm sure a deal is in the works. Now work on the WR position.
17. Buccaneers (-2) Not their fault, but it looks like RB Cadillac Williams' career is over. Need to address issues at RB. 
18. Bears (0) Had some good moves (strategy at QB) and bad ones (Lance Briggs situation). Largely, they need to address the O-Line. 
19. Ravens (0) I'm not sure about the Harbaugh hiring, but good job keeping LB/DE Suggs. 
20. Redskins (0) To give Jim Zorn some credit, he might just save this ugly situation. Usually upwards is good, but for this team staying pat is probably just as good. 
21. Texans (+1) They're clearly cleaning house along the O-line, but I want to see some first day picks before I think they'll be winners. 
22. Bengals (+1) Moved up because of a lot of demotions. I was to see the Chad Johnson situation resolves and Marvin Lewis fired. 
23. Cardinals (-2) Not enough progress on their salary cap difficulties. Big trouble ahead. 
24. Panthers (+2) Acknowledged that they need to rebuild, took solid steps at RT, RB, and DT. Not sure about QB and WR (other than Smith).
25. Rams (+2) Good hire with Al Saunders. 
26. Chiefs (-2) Carl Peterson is doing it again. Alienating Jared Allen is a terrible move. Give the man a big deal. He's your only pass rusher. 
27. Raiders (+1) Nice job keeping CB Asomugha. Also, good stuff with not firing Lane Kiffin. 
28. Lions (-4) Fire Matt Millen. Enough is enough. More cuts, a terrible O-Coach situation (the position is split between Jim Coletto and Kippy Brown), and Marinelli is still your HC. Why?
29. Jets (-1) WR Coles is unhappy, and the Jets appear poised to get one of their best locker room leaders and players angry at the organization because they won't give him a contract that will let him finish his career as a Jet. 
30. Falcons (0) I'm tempted to put them below the 49ers, but not quite yet. Releasing Pro Bowl players is the easy part, now show me you're going to replace them. 
31. 49ers (0) I hate the Martz hiring, but nobody is as bad as the Dolphins. 
32. Dolphins (0) Can't rank them any lower. Parcells better have some tricks ready. 

Honestly, it'd be nice to get feedback from any members of our audience. I'd like to think I'm doing a decent job... but is there something you'd like to see more of? Something you'd like me to change? Please give me a shout on the Message Board. What about an Ask Coffin Corner section or something like that? Anything would be nice. 

QB Orton Signs One-Year Extension with Bears

In a move that is supposed to encourage a QB competition during training camp and hopefully get either the best out of Orton or Grossman, the Bears resigned Kyle Orton. Once again, these don't seem like great moves on their own, but probably are justified seeing as the Bears won't be able to draft a sure thing QB at their 14th overall pick, and are unlikely to pick one up in free agency without shelling out something major. Although their defense is declining, the o-line is aging, and they probably need some new talent at WR... their depth chart is serviceable enough that they don't need to declare themselves a rebuilding project yet and unload guys like Brian Urlacher and their CB tandem. What would probably be a good move for them though is picking up one of the early second round QBs available in this year's draft. Brian Brohm and Matt Ryan along with maybe one of the following guys are going to go in the first round, but if the Bears package their 2nd and 3rd round picks to get a 2nd round pick in the top 5 (Rams maybe, because they don't need a QB) they could pick up Joe Flacco, Chad Henne, John David Booty, or Andre Woodson. All of those guys are probably projects, but not much more so than Grossman or Orton, and picking them could probably placate Bears fans as well as adding one more option during Training Camp. 

CB Fernando Bryant Released by Lions

An interesting (stupid) move by the Lions here, probably for salary cap reasons, although he was only due for 3.35 million next year. He's a former first round pick by the Jaguars in 1999 (30 years old) and so has plenty of NFL experience. It seems like the tendency of Matt Millen is to hire marginal starters, hope to get good seasons out of them, and when they don't, cut them out of spite. The fact of the matter is, to my knowledge, the Lions don't exactly have any up and coming starters at the CB position, unless they draft someone. Assuming that the Lions dedicate their first round pick to the position to pick up an immediate starter (and there are a few available) it still couldn't hurt to keep Bryant as either the second starter or nickel corner. He has a lot of starting experience. 

Chargers Sign MLB Derek Smith to 2 Year Deal

Another questionable hire in my opinion. Derek Smith, as I covered when he was released, is hardly back-up material and still has at least one or two starting years left in him. The Chargers, however, have some young guys at the MLB position who had spectacular seasons last year. Their starters from 2006-2007 were Stephen Cooper (28) and Matt Wilhelm (27). Cooper led the tandem (the Chargers play a 3-4) with 108 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 FFs, and 2 INTs, while Wilhelm followed with 97 Tackles, 1 Sack, and 3 INTs. Replacing one of them with Derek Smith is hardly productive for their development, and relegating Smith to backup is kind of a waste of his talent. To be honest, I'm not really sure why he signed this deal, as there's a chance he might lost the competition in training camp. I suppose that there's some allure to going to San Diego, since you have a good shot at winning the Super Bowl next season if you play there, even as a back-up. 

QB Grossman Resigns with Bears, 1 Year Deal

So here we are, last stop on the Grossman express. Probably his last chance to be an NFL QB. Should he have maybe tried to get out of Chicago? To a situation with better WRs? Better O-Line? Franchise RB? Debatable. It would come with a new system too. Looking at it on it's own, it's probably difficult to see the merits of this deal. The Bears lock themselves into what is (probably) another losing season and waste another year of a championship calibre defense. Although Grossman was the Bears' QB when they made it to the Superbowl, he wasn't exactly stellar. I remember at least two very key fumbles, several interceptions, only one TD pass (to Muhsin Muhammad), and a particularly memorable play where the man ran away from Dwight Freeney only to get sacked FURTHER behind the line. Nice. At the same time, there's something to be said for the fact that the only good QBs this year are available in a trade (and not Free Agency) and it's going to be very difficult to find an immediate starter at pick #15. The proof is in the pudding though, and this pudding won't be ready for another year.

I've always wanted to say that. Thank you for being here. 

Huizenga Sells 50% of Dolphins

In what is probably a good move for the health of the franchise. Wayne Huizenga sold 50% of his stake in the Miami Dolphins to Stephen Ross, a Florida based land developer. There's a little bit of good news and bad news to this, the good news being that this franchise, having failed to reach the AFC Championship under Huizenga's ownership or make the playoffs since 2001, probably needs a new owner who will take more of an active interest in the franchise. The bad news about this is that having a 50/50 split of a franchise can only mean that disagreements become fairly impossible to settle. All if well and good so long as the men agree on things, but as soon as either Huizenga or Ross decide that, for instance, Parcells isn't their man anymore or, more likely, they need to find a replacement, the sparks will fly. And turmoil in the ownership only means turmoil on the team. 

Dom Capers hired as Patriots' Special Assisstant

The former Head Coach of the Houston Texans as well as the Carolina Panthers, and the defensive co-ordinator of the Miami Dolphins before being fired by Parcells this off-season, was signed by the New England Patriots to oversee their pass-protection. This includes not only their linemen, but also helping RBs and FBs with keeping rushers away from the QB. Having a guy with head coaching ability in your staff is always a plus and will only help the Patriot's get stronger. I think it's an especially good hire for them since they really do need to get top effort out of their linemen, who are a pretty pedestrian bunch. They lack a guy with true franchise ability at any of the positions, even their star, LT Matt Light, is more of a finesse than power player. 

Bill Polian Speaks

Polian is the GM for the Indianapolis Colts, and he had a great interview recently about the pay structures of NFL rookies coming out of the Draft. He talked about how the purpose of the draft is to even out the NFL teams competitively, and in a league where teams went both 16 - 0 and 1 - 15, there's tons of parity. The problem comes with some teams, like the Cardinals (as I've recently written), who regularly pick in the top rounds of the draft. Salaries are getting so inflated, with examples like Larry Fitzgerald who, unless his contract is restructured, will be paid 17 million dollars in 2007-2008, that taking top picks for several years in a row causes a team to have all of its money tied up in just a few players (the Cards have NEGATIVE 2 million in salary cap space this season). This leaves little money left to pay the players needed to field a well rounded team, as well as making it a complete impossibility to keep drafted players past their rookie contracts. An argument could be made that this prevents superstars from staying with their teams, but there are quite a few examples of these players not panning out, and all you have to do is look at the Cardinals to see they aren't exactly laden with talent at positions past a select few (WR, QB, LOLB, SS, DT, maybe RT... see how Levi Brown develops). Nonetheless, you can see how those are mostly skill positions which they've filled with first round picks. The rest of their roster, especially the O-line, is amazingly pedestrian. For teams like this, who are trapped at the top of the draft, larger rookie contracts are becoming a vicious cycle. I think Bill Polian has a great idea, in that we need to start capping rookie contracts and slotting them, so that a certain pick is worth a certain amount, to prevent constant inflation as well as ridiculously overpaid veterans. JaMarcus Russell, first pick of the 2007 Draft and QB for the Oakland Raiders, earned somewhere between 6 and 10 million dollars last season, during which he threw for 373 yards, 2 TDs, and 4 INTs. How does that make a starter like Drew Brees, QB of the New Orleans Saints and a Pro Bowl-calibre player, feel about his 10 million dollar a year contract? The answer is probably not so great. Huge rookie contracts are a big problem for the league that I think is going mostly unaddressed. Anyways, I need to get back to football news. 

Cowboys Sign MLB Zach Thomas to 1 Year Contract

So that's it. Thomas is off the market. I think this is one of the first marquee signings (not resignings). It's a bit of a weird pick to me, since I seem to remember them getting pretty solid seasons out of their current MLBs, and they've also invested a lot of high picks to get young players at that position. They've got Bobby Carpenter heading the group, who unfortunately has mostly been a core special teams player for them (Career: 37 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks), with the 18th pick in the 1rst round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Following him they have Akin Ayodele who has played two seasons for the Cowboys after not resigning with the Jaguars who drafted him with the 89th pick in the 3rd round of the 2002 NFL Draft (393 Career Tackles, 9.5 Sacks, 8 FFs, 5 INTs). Next up we have the other starter from this year, Bradie James (103rd Overall Pick, 4th Round, 2003 Draft). He has 356 career tackles, 5.5 Sacks, 3 FF, and 1 INT. Finally, they have Kevin Burnett, who split time with Ayodele this year, who was a Round 2, 42nd Overall Pick in 2005. He has 110 career Tackles, 2 Sacks, 3 FF, and 1 INT. 

My problem with the Thomas hiring comes with the fact that taking him means they'll be replacing the Burnett, Ayodele combination and starting Thomas full-time. Those players obviously are great for insuring that in case Thomas gets injured they'll have capable back-ups, but it will also hinder their development. One of these players is on the verge of being a full time starter, perhaps both. The Cowboys have sunk high picks or money into that position for the last four years, and right when these guys are starting to get 100 tackles in a season (either as one person in the case of James, or split in the case of Ayodele and Burnett) they cut them off at the knees and send them to the bench for at least one season, depending on whether the Cowboys resign Thomas next year or if he retires. It's a really, really strange decision to me, halting the development of potentially franchise players to use a proven player for a single year. I've said it before and I will say it again. The best teams are those that are play-off contenders year in and year out, and for all the hype about the Cowboys last year, they fell flat because this is their first trip to the post-season in something like ten years. The Giants were a perennial one and out team, but they had been to the playoffs something like four years running. There's something to be said for the fact that a team built to get to the playoffs every year gets lucky at least once, instead of a team built to make one run that can be taken down by anything from a key injury (to Terrell Owens) to a bad opponent (Giants' pass rush, which negates Jason Witten, a key Cowboys player). The hiring of Zach Thomas would make sense for a team with no answers at MLB and needing a player to fill the hole, and very capably at that, while they draft/develop someone new. The Zach Thomas hiring does NOT make sense for a team that has developing, young players who will fuel playoff runs in the years to come. Nonetheless, Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, is the kind of guy who needs to win right now, and this hiring is a symptom of that. I wish him the best of luck, but you don't have to look outside the division to see what that kind of thinking does to a team (see Washington Redskins under Dan Snyder). 

Browns Sign HB Lewis to 3 Year Contract

In what is rapidly becoming a very thin free agent pool at HB, but a deep one in the draft, the Browns made an excellent move by securing the services of Jamal Lewis for another three years. He rushed for 1300 yards last season and although that is a far cry for his 2000 yard season in Baltimore only three years ago, it's still very impressive. He's clearly going to finish his career in Cleveland and probably end up sharing time with his replacement in 2 to 3 years time. In the meantime, his rushing attack might be able to get Cleveland to the playoffs next year and possibly allow them to top the Steelers for the the AFC North title. 

Seahawks Sign RT Locklear to 5-Year Contract

In a great move for the Seahawks, they secured the 26-year old Locklear for the next five years and probably fixed their offensive line overall for 2 to 3 seasons from now. He's a great player who still has a pretty big upside and potential for growth, combine him with their other signing of Mike Wahle and their current players Sims, Jones, and Spencer and you might be looking at what is now one of the better O-lines in football. 

Panthers Released HB DeShaun Foster

As soon as they drafted DeAngelo Williams in the first round two years back you had to know they would pull the trigger at some point. Foster's injury history shows he's clearly not a starter anymore, and the only team I could see trying him in that role would be maybe the Texans. Otherwise, he would be an excellent change of pace back for a team willing to take a chance on him. He still wants to win a Super Bowl, and could probably be good for 15 - 20 carries a game. He had speed and breaks tackles well, as a signing he might slip under the radar a bit, but I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back next in 2007-2008 with a quietly solid season as a backup. 

Cardinals Restructure Berry Contract

Bertrand Berry, who has missed around 21 games with injuries in the last three seasons, has restructured the final year of his contract with the Cardinals. The Cardinals actually have around negative (!!!) 2 million in cap space this offseason, and this kind of activity is very necessary. Part of the reason the situation is so bad has to do with poor free agent signings as well as having top ten draft picks in the last million drafts (just a rough figure) , therefore having to annually give out at least one massive contract. There are some pretty poorly run teams in the NFL (off the top of my head the Chiefs and GM Carl Peterson as well as the Lions and the Cards probably top my list), but the Bidwells (who own the Cardinals) own probably one of the worst. Part of the reason for this has to do with the team's location. Arizona gets very little in the way of prime time game slots as well as being kind of a dead zone(I think the last time I watched them play was in the preseason against the Raiders) and for this reason potential Free Agents see it as void of any prospect of a Pro Bowl berth (with several notable exceptions) or any post season prospects. But part of this, or perhaps all of it, can be blamed on the Bidwells. TV Slots are given out based on performance in previous seasons and if you don't have a winning team you don't get put on Monday Night Football. Furthermore, although a new stadium had multiplied the Bidwell's wealth by some ridiculous number, they remain some of the stingiest owners in terms of facilities. Ken Whisenhunt, embarassingly for the Cardinals, had to request that they update their weight room and training facilities before he would consider signing with them as their new Head Coach. The Cardinals, because of their undesirable situation and location, are forced to perennially overpay decent free agents and completely miss out on the opportunities to sign great ones. Look at Al Johnson, a marginal centre who they have on the roster this year for 4.5 million dollars. Another example would be their DEs, Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry. They get these guys in the twilight of their careers, get marginal production from them, but are forced to sign them to huge contracts befitting of veterans. They go to Arizona because they just want to have a couple years more collecting million dollar paychecks. Three or four years later, seeing how their investment has become a complete bust, they resign him to an incentive laden contract because the fact is they don't have any other options. The situation is completely insane. It shocks me that a franchise like this can go on existing in Arizona when the NFL still has nothing in Los Angeles. I know that the nearby Raiders and 49ers would never go for it, but it would benefit the league as a whole. 

Late News: Vikings Release FS Smith

I should have gotten this to you earlier, but the Vikings released their starting FS Dwight Smith, mostly due to character issues. He's good enough, especially in coverage, and any team that picks him up should get a pretty good player (you may remember a 94-yard interception return this season against the Giants, and he usually gets 3 or 4 picks a season), unfortunately he's a big risk in terms of whether or not he'll be arrested in any given season, most likely in connection to marijuana/late night parties. 

Cowboys Franchise FS Ken Hamlin

In an interesting move, the Cowboys franchised Hamlin before today's deadline. He had a fairly productive season, 60 something tackles and 5 interceptions, and the main reason they're doing this is so that they can keep him for another year while they look for a long term replacement. The only problem with it is that it means that they can't guarantee that LT Flozell Adams will be back next season, and that's a bit of a problem for their offensive line. 

TE Clark Signs 6 Year Deal with Colts

This deal makes him one of the most highly paid TEs in the NFL. It's going to raise the price for guys like Kellen Winslow Jr. and Antonio Gates, that's for sure. In the end, you can't really fault his decision making since the Colts are a proven winner. I guess my only problem with it is that he doesn't really deserve that kind of money. I suppose the Colts think they can coach him up a bit though. 

DTs Haynesworth, Williams Get Tagged

The Titans did it so that they could have more time to work on a long term contract without technically releasing him. Haynesworth wants to stay in Tennessee, and they like him, so it should be a no brainer. This, combined with Green Bay's franchising of DT Corey Williams (5 sacks, didn't get a lot of attention because of Haynesworth), makes the DT Free Agent market very slim. Don't look for too many huge hires at that position during the offseason, with probably the exception of wherever Rod Coleman ends up. 

DT Haynesworth Gets Tagged

The Titans did it so that they could have more time to work on a long term contract without technically releasing him. Haynesworth wants to stay in Tennessee, and they like him, so it should be a no brainer. This, combined with Green Bay's franchising of DT Corey Williams (5 sacks, didn't get a lot of attention because of Haynesworth), makes the DT Free Agent market very slim. Don't look for too many huge hires at that position during the offseason, with probably the exception of wherever Rod Coleman ends up. 

Corners Get Franchised

Well two big names were franchised yesterday before today's deadline, Seattle CB Marcus Trufant and Oakland CB Nnamadi Asomugha. Both are very good players who have, either this season or previous, posted 5+ INTs at least once. You can't really argue with the decision since the CB market in Free Agency will probably be pretty thin, depending on whether or not Samuel resigns with the PAtriots. If he doesn't, your premiere available CB is probably going to Drayton Florence of the Chargers. Not bad, but you could do better. The Raiders went so far as to give Nnamadi the exclusive tag, which pays 9.5 million, but means he can't so much as talk to other teams. Pretty nifty. 

Texans Make Cuts

C Mike Flanagan is out, which is no surprise. He's getting very old and will probably retire. He lost his starting job during camp but got it back because of injuries to other players on the line. Although he's a great backup and one of the few original players they got from the expansion draft, he costs too much money to keep and not start, so out he goes. Other players cut were C Drew Hodgdon (backup/special teams, little potential) and LB Shawn Barber (marginal starter, probably a serviceable backup for a team that hires him).

2007 Draft Do-Over

I was thinking to myself, with the ideas of busts and gems in the air, what would the 2007 draft look like if it could be done again today (with the knowledge we have about their performance this year). 

Oakland Raiders - Adrian Peterson

Obviously, this guy would have done so much for the Oakland offense it would have been   ridiculous. Combine him with the solid season Fargas turned in as a change of pace back and Oakland would have had a solid offense and maybe a play-off berth. 

Detroit Lions - Patrick Willis

Calvin Johnson, although a solid player, was hardly the spectacular receiver he was touted to be. Part of the blame for that lies with the coaching staff, and I am sure he will improve, but the stabilizing effect that a solid MLB like Patrick Willis would have had on their defense far outweighs the benefits of having Roy Williams, Mike Furrey, and Johnson

Cleveland Browns - Joe Thomas

They really had a genius pick with Thomas, he stabilized their line and enabled their offense to make major strides. Not much else to be said.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson 

While Johnson's starting opportunities were limited in Detroit, he could have had a lot of success beside Joey Galloway and opening up the field for Jeff Garcia.  This could have provided some real spark when combined with the emergence of Earnest Graham. 

Arizona Cardinals - LaRon Landry

I don't think Levi Brown made the kind of impact Arizona wanted him to and he was a bit of a desperation pick after Joe Thomas disappeared earlier than they hoped. I think they might have been a bit better off with a safety like LaRon Landry. He was occasionally a bit of a penalty risk, but he had good coverage abilities and was a huge hitter. Team him with Adrian Wilson and you'd have a very formidable coverage tandem that would let the Cardinals explore some pretty exotic blitz packages using Dansby, Dockett, Okeafor, and Berry. 

Washington Redskins - Michael Griffin

I think the Redskins had a good pick in Landry, but if he got taken then they probably still could have used some help at safety. Griffin is a bit less of a heavy hitter, but also has slightly better coverage skills. I think he could have benefitted from some extra playing time, but the Redskins probably could have traded down 5 or 6 spots and still snagged him, probably netting them a 3rd round pick in the process. 

Minnesota Vikings - Levi Brown

This is a little bit closer to where Brown should have gone, and adding a possible franchise RT to an already solid but aging O-line would have cleared a lot of room for a still very servicable Chester Taylor. I rule out the possibility of a QB since they are still very high on Tarvaris Jackson. 

Atlanta Falcons - JaMarcus Russell

Well, since the jury is still very out on whether Russell is truly better than Quinn, well have to trust the Raiders on this one. Atlanta had no way of knowing that their franchise QB would be jailed, but with that hindsight, developing a franchise QB could accelerate the rebuilding process by years. Atlanta's O-line isn't any worse than Oakland's, and neither are their WRs. 

Miami Dolphins - Brady Quinn

I remember when Miami passed on Quinn I almost fell off my couch. The Browns don't really need him and Ted Ginn is a nice returner but a huge project at WR. Beck was, at this point, a massive mistake with probably no upside who will be passed over by the incoming Parcells and Sparano. Trent Edwards was a QB who deserves mention here, but I can't justify taking him over a guy with Quinn's potential.

Houston Texans - Marshawn Lynch

Okoye was quietly a very good player, especially for a rookie DT, but that doesn't even come close to how badly the Texans need a franchise RB like Lynch. Green was clearly not the answer, and Lynch could have really helped take some pass rush away from Schaub. 

San Francisco 49ers - Jon Beason

Here was a guy who was overshadowed by Patrick Willis, but came in third in the league in tackles. He's pretty skilled and since their pick was too low to get a guy like Willis, Beason isn't that bad of a pick. I would also consider Okoye here, but at 270 he's a little bit undersized to play nose tackles in their 3-4 scheme. 

Buffalo Bills - Brandon Jackson/Dwayne Bowe

This is a bit of a tough pick. They stumbled into Marshawn Lynch and it worked out for them, but they definitely should have traded down if they had this pick in this situation. Brandon Jackson showed promise, but he was injured most of the season and they could have gotten him later. A real WR opposite Lee Evans would have been nice, and Bowe ended the season with 5 TD. Darrelle Revis was given strong consideration at this pick too, but their secondary actually wasn't terrible this year and they lost too many close games due to a bad offense. 

St. Louis Rams - Gaines Adams

Well, a rookie DE who got 6 sacks shouldn't have fallen this far, but I stand by my previous choices. The Rams, who will need to replace Leonard Little and James Hall because of age, would not be able to pass this guy up and have him at a steal right here. 

New York Jets - Darrelle Revis

I don't think any given pick could have saved the season for the Jets. They just have too many holes all over the depth chart. Revis was good enough in coverage, although he could be more of a ball hawk. He's a necessary building block and something to work with in the coming seasons.

Pittsburg Steelers - Ben Grubbs

Although it's a little early for him, the Steelers will be losing Faneca and their biggest problem this season was their lack of a solid O-line. Their actually pick, Timmons, was a non-factor on the defense with the emergence of James Harrison. Joe Staley would be another consideration here. 

Green Bay Packers - Jamaal Anderson

Corey Williams and his subsequent franchising makes the Justin Harrell pick fairly unlikely now. Anderson had a solid but unspectacular rookie season and although he hurries the QB regularly, he fails to actually sack him so far. The Packers would be looking to replace an aging KGB (Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila) and have a pass rusher opposite Aaron Kampman, so this pick makes a lot of sense here. 

Denver Broncos - Amobi Okoye

The 19 year old wonder finally stops his free fall here. He would have definitely helped solidify a pathetic Denver defensive line for years to come. It's difficult to say what Jarvis Moss would have accomplished if he hadn't been placed on injured reserve in November, but I think it was commonly agreed that Okoye had more talent. 

Cincinnati Bengals - Leon Hall

A good and developing corner overshadowed by a terrible defense. There was nothing wrong with their pick, they just have too many holes on defense to fix in one draft. 

Tennessee Titans - Anthony Gonzalez

A bit of a stretch here, but one of Young's biggest problems is that he lacks any offensive weapons. Somebody to play opposite the fairly pedestrian Givens would be great combined with pass catching TE Bo Scaife. Adam Carriker, to make a great tandem with Haynesworth, was considered, but it seemed to be overkill when the offense clearly needs players. 

New York Giants - Aaron Ross

Nothing wrong with the selection here. He played well, developed as a player, and helped the Giants win a Super Bowl. 

Jacksonville Jaguars - Reggie Nelson

Not a bad pick in the secondary, since they needed to fill in for Deon Grant and Donovin Darius. I briefly considered them picking to replace a player around their aging D-Line, but that can probably wait another year.

Dallas Cowboys - Adam Carriker

Since it was a trade day trade for Brady Quinn, we're counting this as a Cowboys pick instead of the Browns pick it actually was. Carriker fits nicely here since he's far superior to Anthony Spencer and fits in nicely as a big DE (300 lbs.) in the 3-4 front (probably replacing Chris Canty).

Kansas City Chiefs - Joe Staley

I think they would have gone for a T here if they had known their line was going to fall apart. Thomas is obviously off the board, but it's a bit late in the third round so taking Staley is not that bad of a decision. 

New England Patriots - Paul Posluszny 

He was good for the Bills before he got injured and the Patriots need someone to develop a LB. An alternative to this pick would be Lawrence Timmons, who is still on the board. I guess Meriweather is a decent choice, but I felt like safety wasn't as big a need for the Pats. 

Carolina Panthers - Greg Olsen

I could see them taking Timmons with this pick, since his upside outweighs the limited production of his rookie season. The other option would have been Anthony Spencer, who didn't do well in the Cowboys 3-4 scheme as a hybrid OLB/DE, but might be a better fit at DE in the 4-3 scheme to replace an aging Julius Peppers. The nice thing about Olsen is that he is clearly going to be an able player and fixes a position that Carolina has wanted for some time, a pass catching TE to complement Steve Smith

Philadelphia Eagles - Ted Ginn Jr.

This is a bit more of a realistic place to take Ginn Jr. The Eagles could use a returner to take the pressure off Westbrook, and they desperately need a top flight WR (which Ginn might develop into). Reggie Brown is, ideally, a second option and Kevin Curtis is a third. Obviously, you'd phase Ginn in as the slot but gradually increase his responsibility. It would give McNabb the weapons to make another couple runs at the Big Dance, as well give Kevin Kolb a good situation to develop into. 

New Orleans Saints - Alan Branch/Chris Houston

As a Saints fan, I can't tell you how disgusted I was with the Meachem selection. I understand that Devery Henderson isn't exactly the ideal secondary WR, but we got good production out of David Patten. Anyways, Meachem is, in my opinion, a total bust. Prove me wrong, I dare you. Anyways, this is a bit of a tough selection because both of these players are slight stretches at the position, especially for Houston. Unfortunately, the Saints really need a CB. Alan Branch is a bit of a better option, and would help to put some real size in the middle beside either Hollis Thomas or Bryan Young to compensate for their tinier but speedy and effective pass rushers, Will Smith and Charles Grant. At this point you might be wondering why I chose Branch over Harrell, and that's because I'm not really sold on Harrell's potential. Although GM Ted Thompson (Packers) has a good eye for talent, I'm just not sure how much he's going to amount to. It's a gut feeling I guess.

San Francisco 49ers - Brandon Meriweather

Not a draft day trade, so we're including it. The 49ers need some help on their secondary, and Meriweather is a good place to start. He can play both safety and corner to start (because of his coverage skills) until they figure out which fits him best. Weddle deserves a mention here, but I prefer Meriweather's potential. 

Baltimore Ravens - Ryan Kalil

Since Grubbs goes a lot earlier in this draft, I'd have to suggest that Baltimore would have taken Kalil. He's a skilled centre and can step in immediately at guard to replace the departed Keydrick Vincent. He can develop there for a few years before replacing Mike Flynn at C after his retirement. You could consider a guy like Kevin Kolb at this spot, but I'm not sold on his potential. 

San Diego Chargers - David Harris

He had a solid rookie season in the Jets' 3-4 defense filling in for an injured Vilma and I don't see why he couldn't find equal or greater success with the Chargers. The MLBs they found to replace to the free agents they lost last season were fairly unspectacular and Harris could have shaken that situation up a bit. I think they could have gotten away with drafting a later WR since they had no idea that they'd get Chris Chambers in a trade.  

Chicago Bears - Kevin Kolb

They would have done well to address their O-line this draft, since it is the oldest in football. You could have made a case for a guy like Arron Sears, however I think that the more pressing issue this season was doing something at QB before your team becomes a rebuilding project. You put Kolb in there, have a competition at training camp, and if he wins he wins and if he doesn't you start someone else, but at least it looks like you're not just sitting on your hands.

Indianapolis Colts - Sidney Rice

They still needed a WR because of Harrison's injury and age, and Rice becomes the next best WR on the board and was frankly a bit of a steal for the Vikings in the second round. I think he probably could have done even better than he did with Peyton Manning throwing to him instead of Tarvaris Jackson.