Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Free Agency

First up, new signings.

Redskins got former Houston KR/WR Jerome Mathis. The guys comes with a few character issues, battery and stuff like that, so this isn't exactly a character signing... but if he acts out they'll just cut him. I thought Rock Cartwright did a great job doing kick returns last year, but I guess they just want an insurance policy. He's probably also decent as a 4th or 5th receiver due to his speed. 

Falcons signed DB Omare Lowe. Basically this a depth signing, possible training camp cut depending on what they draft. In terms of DBs, watch for Zbikowski out of Notre Dame to go late but do something special this year. I called it. 

Garrard got a huge extension. I don't know about this one. I know that they can't risk letting him go, so they really had no choice, but I would have looked at copying more Derek Anderson's contract rather than Tony Romo's. The reason for this is that I think Garrard was protected a lot of last season by Jacksonville's running game, and when Fred Taylor retires I think you might find out Garrard isn't as much of a playmaker as you might think. 

San Diego Chargers signed their starting SS Clinton Hart to a new deal. He's a hard worker and came up from Arena League Football rather than through college. His coverage skills need work though. 

Patriots signed Jets LB Victor Hobson. He's basically a passable starter. Belichick will find a way to use him I'm sure. And at 28, he's a lot younger than most of their LBs. He's an insurance policy in case Junior Seau retires. 

Saints signed CB Aaron Glenn. The Saints have been aggressive about pursuing free agent CBs, which is good because it's a hole they need to fill. The weird news is that you have to look at their current CB roster. They have Mike McKenzie (who is coming off an ACL injury), Jason David, Aaron Glenn, Usama Young, Randall Gay and possibly whoever they pick in the draft. Too much cap room to carry at the position in my opinion. Someone will get cut. 

Bengals signed WR Doug Gabriel. He was out of the league last year, but they really need some depth since if Johnson somehow holds out, all they have is Houshmanzadeh and Antonio Chatman. 

Vikings signed QB Gus Frerotte to be a backup. Good signing here. As we saw last season in St. Louis, he can be a passable starter. The Vikes' running game will be better, and their line will be too, although he'll have less in the way of targets. Anyways, what counts is that this is Tarvaris Jackson's chance at being a starter. If he fails this season, they'll throw in Frerotte and get a QB in the draft next year. Good stuff. 

Danny Baugher, a punter, got signed by the Broncos. It's to replace Sauerbrun, who they had to get rid of because of character issues. Baugher got drunk and punched his father and got arrested for it this year though, so watch that. 

Denver also signed WR Darrell Jackson. Another good hire here. With more consistent QB play, he should be able to put up a decent season. They need someone to start opposite Brandon Marshall, and it would be nice if they could keep Stokely in the slot where he's most effective. 

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