Man is that title bad...
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has made it abundantly clear that he has no interest in continuing to be a Chicago Bear. It has been clear for the past couple of seasons that something wasn’t clicking between Briggs and the team, but until now no one had come right out and said something…
But Briggs did. He criticized the Bears “organization,” with out alienating his team mates and said he wants out of town. Though his candor comes as a surprise, his sentiments do not. Briggs has been angling for a long term deal for a while now, and the failure of the Bears and Brigg’s agent to come up with one will ultimately cost the team, and greatly benefit the player.
This off-season has seen money thrown around to anyone and everyone who happens to be in the vicinity. The two most relevant signings to Briggs at this point are the $35 million deal signed by new Patriot linebacker Adalius Thomas, (Thomas’s deal guarantees him $20 million.) and new Dolphins backer Joey Porter, who also signed a contract guaranteeing him $20 million. That will likely be the new starting point for a deal in the minds of Briggs and his agent.
The point is that the Bears can’t, and probably shouldn’t rap that much money in Briggs. With the kind of talent on the field that the Bears have to offer, plugging in another guy that can do a serviceable job shouldn’t be too difficult.
I hate it when players wine for more money. I hate it when they claim they are being underpaid. I hate it when franchised players hold out. However, in this case I can kind of, KIND OF, see Briggs’s point. The money is flowing ridiculously, and Briggs is not really under contract. Though I would prefer him to suck it up and make his millions with the team he has played for for seasons, I can some what understand the desire to lock up his financial situation for the rest of his life with guarantees exceeding $20 million.
SO where will Briggs end up?
My money is on Arizona at this point, they have the cap room to put a lot of money in to Brigg’s pocket quickly, and they could use the help on defense. Another possibility is San Francisco, though I think they are probably done spending at this point. Though I think the Bears should get a high price for Briggs, Their leverage has been damaged slightly by Brigg’s obvious desire to get out of town.
Just for fun how about this for a trade:
The Bears two second rounder’s to Carolina for the 14th over all pick
Pick 14 and Briggs to the Cards for the 5th pick overall
One final thought, this case should show teams that it isn’t necessarily the worst idea to agree to the high asking price of a player now, considering that the NFL salary cap is rocketing up, and a good deal this year is just average in a season or two.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Free money in Dallas!
Its being reported that the Dallas Cowboys have signed former Cardinals, um, “guard,” Leonard Davis to a contract worth $49.6 million over seven years. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that $18.5 of that is guaranteed.
Are you kidding me?
Did the Cowboys see the same player that the entire rest of the world did? Note to Jerry Jones, there is a reason that the Cards line sucked, because of the mostly bad players on it. If this guy can get that kind of money, any other potential free agent o-linemen should be licking his lips. Davis owes his agent a lot more then the small percentage he will get.
If Davis plays up to the all pro money he is getting, then I guess I will have to eat my words, but I have a feeling I will have to go hungry.
Are you kidding me?
Did the Cowboys see the same player that the entire rest of the world did? Note to Jerry Jones, there is a reason that the Cards line sucked, because of the mostly bad players on it. If this guy can get that kind of money, any other potential free agent o-linemen should be licking his lips. Davis owes his agent a lot more then the small percentage he will get.
If Davis plays up to the all pro money he is getting, then I guess I will have to eat my words, but I have a feeling I will have to go hungry.
Three is Company
Things could get very interesting in Tampa Bay…
Yesterday the Bucks agreed to terms with free agent quarterback Jeff Garcia. This move comes just a day after it was anounced that the Bucks traded for Broncos QB Jake Plummer, who subsequently retired rather then play in Tampa. However, I have a hard time believing that Plummer is just ready to quit that easily. So what is to stop him from “unretiring?” That would put the Bucks in a sticky situation with three quarterbacks all making pretty decent cash to be there. In this way, Plummer could likely force a trade to where ever it is he wants to go. Some rumblings have the Buccaneers attempting to trade Plummer’s rights to the Oakland Raiders.
What about Plummer as a Raider? Plummer has a lot of the same skill set as Jeff Garcia, a guy that the Raiders wanted badly but couldn’t sign on Friday. . Another landing spot for Plummer could be Houston, who is looking to dump David Carr. Texans Coach Gary Kubiak has worked with Plummer before in Denver so that could be a good fit too. The idea of Plummer forcing Tampa’s hand does seem to have a lot of Marot. The only guy who will end up screwed regardless is current Bucks “starter” Chris Simms, who just weeks ago received an extension. Might he be regretting not testing the free agent waters now?
Something tells me this mess is going to blow up in the face of the Buccaneers, and it may not be pretty.
Yesterday the Bucks agreed to terms with free agent quarterback Jeff Garcia. This move comes just a day after it was anounced that the Bucks traded for Broncos QB Jake Plummer, who subsequently retired rather then play in Tampa. However, I have a hard time believing that Plummer is just ready to quit that easily. So what is to stop him from “unretiring?” That would put the Bucks in a sticky situation with three quarterbacks all making pretty decent cash to be there. In this way, Plummer could likely force a trade to where ever it is he wants to go. Some rumblings have the Buccaneers attempting to trade Plummer’s rights to the Oakland Raiders.
What about Plummer as a Raider? Plummer has a lot of the same skill set as Jeff Garcia, a guy that the Raiders wanted badly but couldn’t sign on Friday. . Another landing spot for Plummer could be Houston, who is looking to dump David Carr. Texans Coach Gary Kubiak has worked with Plummer before in Denver so that could be a good fit too. The idea of Plummer forcing Tampa’s hand does seem to have a lot of Marot. The only guy who will end up screwed regardless is current Bucks “starter” Chris Simms, who just weeks ago received an extension. Might he be regretting not testing the free agent waters now?
Something tells me this mess is going to blow up in the face of the Buccaneers, and it may not be pretty.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Mock Draft
As promised here is my mock of the first 16 picks. I put three hours in to this, and the funny thing is that the second I fall asleep one team will make a free agent signing and ruin the entire thing…
1. Oakland Raiders: Calvin Johnson, WR-Georgia Tech
Johnson has comparable size and athletic ability to Randy Moss with out the same, uh, disposition. Roomers continue to persist of Moss’s imminent departure from Oakland, and if the Raiders can sign or acquire via trade a qb, then Johnson would be the guy to take.
2. Detroit Lions: Joe Thomas, T-Wisconsin
Thomas has the right combo of size strength and athleticism to make him a premier blind side protector. He would be the unquestioned number one pick if it weren’t for a knee injury a season ago, and as it is it wouldn’t surprise me to see some team jump to number 1 to get him.
3. Cleveland Browns: Adrian Peterson, RB-Oklahoma
Peterson put up some pretty sick numbers at last week’s scouting combine, and he would be an exhalent fit in Cleveland. His one question mark is his ability, or lack there of, to remain healthy.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gaines Adams, DE-Clemson
To be honest if Calvin Johnson is off the board when the Bucks pick, I really don’t think they will stay where they are. Word is they covet Johnson, but they may have to trade up to get him. If he does go off the board before they pick, expect the Bucks to trade down and make a play for Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn. As far is Adams, the Bucks D is still productive but getting older none the less. It may not be bad for the Buccaneers to pick up some youth to insure the continued success of their famed defense.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Jamaal Anderson, DE-Arkansas
With no strong offensive linemen around at this point, The Big Red can add a great pass rusher to the mix. Anderson would give the Cards two solid ends to build around.
6. Washington Redskins: Alan Branch, DT-Michigan
This is where mock drafts start to get tricky. Everyone and their brother has the Skins taking Gaines Adams, but I have Adams going a couple picks ahead to the Bucks. I think in that situation, the Skins would again try to slide down and take a corner. However, trades in mock drafts are lame, so I have them taking the best available linemen, Alan Branch, no slouch himself.
7. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Meacham, WR-Tennessee
I’m making this pick working under the idea that the Vikings fail to sign WR Kevin Curtis. Call me a wishful thinker but the Rams fan in me still is holding out hope that Curtis will come back to St. Louis. Meachem has decent size, and good speed, he ran a 4.38 at the combine. His height and speed combination make him a good fit in the Vikings west coast offense.
8. Houston Texans: JaMarcus Russell, QB-Louisiana State
I think it is safe to say that the David Carr experiment is over in Houston and it is time for the team to move on. Though once again the Texans are a team that could use help on the o-line, at this point Russell would be too big of a target (literally and figuratively) for the team to pass up. The only draw back is his lack of mobility coupled with the Texans protection woes.
9. Miami Dolphins: Brady Quinn, QB-Notre Dame
It is clear that the Dolphins are not pleased with Daunte Culpepper’s performance in 2006. Quinn is an obvious pick at this position, though don’t be surprised to see another QB overtake him. The overall view towards Quinn at this point in time seems to be very negative.
10. Atlanta Falcons: LaRon Landry, DB-Louisiana State
The Falcons have been looking for a solid safety for the past few seasons, and Landry seems to be an answer to those prayers. His skills should help to give the Falcons one of the most frightening secondaries in the NFL.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Ted Ginn, jr., WR-Ohio State
The 9ers are thin at wide out, at this posting they have just three receivers on their active roster. Ginn’s speed will give Alex Smith another weapon in an ever more dangerous 49er offense.
12. Buffalo Bills: Marshawn Lynch, RB-California
Roomers continue to fly about the pending trade of current Bills RB Willis McGahee. The free agent class at the position is thin to begin with, and with McGahee still on the roster as of this posting, it appears as though the few decent backs available will be scooped up by the time the Bills are ready to make a move. This means that their only option is to turn to the draft, and Lynch isn’t a bad option to have. His explosiveness would be a welcome addition to a Buffalo offense that needs it.
13. St. Louis Rams: Amobi Okoye, DT-Louisville
The Rams biggest need going into the off season is at defensive tackle, and Okoye could be the answer to the “Run the ball here” sign also known as the Rams defensive line. Many scouts are calling Okoye one of the best d-line prospects in generations, an impressive accomplishment for a man that will become the youngest person ever drafted in to the NFL.
14. Carolina Panthers: Patrick Willis, LB-Mississippi
Despite his recently announced attempt to make a come back from a serious concussion, current Panthers middle linebacker Dan Morgan can no longer be looked at as a dependable option in Carolina. If he isn’t able to continue, Willis would be a good replacement in the middle.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Moss, DE-Florida
With new Coach Mike Tomlin likely installing the Tampa 2 defense in Pittsburg, the Steelers will need to get a good end to Anker their pass rush, especially in light of the recent release of Joey Porter.
16. Green Bay Packers: Leon Hall, DB-Michigan
The selection of Hall would give the Packers some needed help in their secondary, look for them to possibly move up or draft a wide receiver if they are not able to put together a trade for Randy Moss.
1. Oakland Raiders: Calvin Johnson, WR-Georgia Tech
Johnson has comparable size and athletic ability to Randy Moss with out the same, uh, disposition. Roomers continue to persist of Moss’s imminent departure from Oakland, and if the Raiders can sign or acquire via trade a qb, then Johnson would be the guy to take.
2. Detroit Lions: Joe Thomas, T-Wisconsin
Thomas has the right combo of size strength and athleticism to make him a premier blind side protector. He would be the unquestioned number one pick if it weren’t for a knee injury a season ago, and as it is it wouldn’t surprise me to see some team jump to number 1 to get him.
3. Cleveland Browns: Adrian Peterson, RB-Oklahoma
Peterson put up some pretty sick numbers at last week’s scouting combine, and he would be an exhalent fit in Cleveland. His one question mark is his ability, or lack there of, to remain healthy.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gaines Adams, DE-Clemson
To be honest if Calvin Johnson is off the board when the Bucks pick, I really don’t think they will stay where they are. Word is they covet Johnson, but they may have to trade up to get him. If he does go off the board before they pick, expect the Bucks to trade down and make a play for Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn. As far is Adams, the Bucks D is still productive but getting older none the less. It may not be bad for the Buccaneers to pick up some youth to insure the continued success of their famed defense.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Jamaal Anderson, DE-Arkansas
With no strong offensive linemen around at this point, The Big Red can add a great pass rusher to the mix. Anderson would give the Cards two solid ends to build around.
6. Washington Redskins: Alan Branch, DT-Michigan
This is where mock drafts start to get tricky. Everyone and their brother has the Skins taking Gaines Adams, but I have Adams going a couple picks ahead to the Bucks. I think in that situation, the Skins would again try to slide down and take a corner. However, trades in mock drafts are lame, so I have them taking the best available linemen, Alan Branch, no slouch himself.
7. Minnesota Vikings: Robert Meacham, WR-Tennessee
I’m making this pick working under the idea that the Vikings fail to sign WR Kevin Curtis. Call me a wishful thinker but the Rams fan in me still is holding out hope that Curtis will come back to St. Louis. Meachem has decent size, and good speed, he ran a 4.38 at the combine. His height and speed combination make him a good fit in the Vikings west coast offense.
8. Houston Texans: JaMarcus Russell, QB-Louisiana State
I think it is safe to say that the David Carr experiment is over in Houston and it is time for the team to move on. Though once again the Texans are a team that could use help on the o-line, at this point Russell would be too big of a target (literally and figuratively) for the team to pass up. The only draw back is his lack of mobility coupled with the Texans protection woes.
9. Miami Dolphins: Brady Quinn, QB-Notre Dame
It is clear that the Dolphins are not pleased with Daunte Culpepper’s performance in 2006. Quinn is an obvious pick at this position, though don’t be surprised to see another QB overtake him. The overall view towards Quinn at this point in time seems to be very negative.
10. Atlanta Falcons: LaRon Landry, DB-Louisiana State
The Falcons have been looking for a solid safety for the past few seasons, and Landry seems to be an answer to those prayers. His skills should help to give the Falcons one of the most frightening secondaries in the NFL.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Ted Ginn, jr., WR-Ohio State
The 9ers are thin at wide out, at this posting they have just three receivers on their active roster. Ginn’s speed will give Alex Smith another weapon in an ever more dangerous 49er offense.
12. Buffalo Bills: Marshawn Lynch, RB-California
Roomers continue to fly about the pending trade of current Bills RB Willis McGahee. The free agent class at the position is thin to begin with, and with McGahee still on the roster as of this posting, it appears as though the few decent backs available will be scooped up by the time the Bills are ready to make a move. This means that their only option is to turn to the draft, and Lynch isn’t a bad option to have. His explosiveness would be a welcome addition to a Buffalo offense that needs it.
13. St. Louis Rams: Amobi Okoye, DT-Louisville
The Rams biggest need going into the off season is at defensive tackle, and Okoye could be the answer to the “Run the ball here” sign also known as the Rams defensive line. Many scouts are calling Okoye one of the best d-line prospects in generations, an impressive accomplishment for a man that will become the youngest person ever drafted in to the NFL.
14. Carolina Panthers: Patrick Willis, LB-Mississippi
Despite his recently announced attempt to make a come back from a serious concussion, current Panthers middle linebacker Dan Morgan can no longer be looked at as a dependable option in Carolina. If he isn’t able to continue, Willis would be a good replacement in the middle.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jarvis Moss, DE-Florida
With new Coach Mike Tomlin likely installing the Tampa 2 defense in Pittsburg, the Steelers will need to get a good end to Anker their pass rush, especially in light of the recent release of Joey Porter.
16. Green Bay Packers: Leon Hall, DB-Michigan
The selection of Hall would give the Packers some needed help in their secondary, look for them to possibly move up or draft a wide receiver if they are not able to put together a trade for Randy Moss.
A good Hall?
Earlier today the Rams attempted to shore up a weak defensive end spot by trading one of their two fifth round picks to the Lions for veteran end James Hall. The deal has been rumored to be in the works for a few days, so its execution today really doesn’t come as a big surprise. At first I wasn’t too happy with the move, on paper Hall is an average player who has had his production tale off over the past two seasons. ON top of that Hall is coming off an injury that sidelined him from November 10th on. However, after reexamining the other options at the position, this doesn’t seem like such a bad move. Hall managed 5 sacks last year until he was injured, and assuming he is able to make a full recovery, he should see a statistical rise due to playing across from Lenard Little. The acquisition of Hall also frees up the Rams first rounder to pursue a defensive tackle and worry about an end in a later round.
In regards to the suggestion that Hall would have been cut later today if he wasn’t traded in order for the lions to avoid paying out a roster bonus; with the scarcity existing in the free agent end market Coach Scott Linehan hits the nail on the head when he says, “Who knows?” “There was absolutely no guarantee if he gets out and becomes a free agent.”
Next up for the Rams is addressing the wide receiver position, Titans wide out Drew Bennett was around today, and his signing would be a strong addition to the Rams offence.
In regards to the suggestion that Hall would have been cut later today if he wasn’t traded in order for the lions to avoid paying out a roster bonus; with the scarcity existing in the free agent end market Coach Scott Linehan hits the nail on the head when he says, “Who knows?” “There was absolutely no guarantee if he gets out and becomes a free agent.”
Next up for the Rams is addressing the wide receiver position, Titans wide out Drew Bennett was around today, and his signing would be a strong addition to the Rams offence.
Big Splash in the Bay
According to several publications, the San Francisco 49ers have busted out the check book, and will apparently have a lot of balancing to do. As first reported by Adam Schefter, the 9ers started their spending spree by signing cb Nate Clements to a massive 8-year $80 million deal, making him the highest paid defensive player ever. San Fran has also reportedly signed safety Michael Lewis formerly of the Eagles. The team went into the off season with nearly $30 million under the cap to play with, and it seems that they have decided to put it to use. However, in my mind this big spending will keep the 9ers out of the race for former Ravens lb Adalius Thomas. Thomas is also being pursued by the New England Patriots, and my guess is that they will have him signed some time tonight. The interesting thing to watch with the Thomas deal is its potential impact on Lance Brigs. Brigs and his agent will undoubtedly base their demands on the deal signed by Thomas. If the number is high, the possibility of Lance Brigs playing somewhere other then Chicago becomes a stronger one. Arizona anyone?
Steinbach signs deal
According to profootballtalk.com, the Cleveland Browns have signed guard Eric Steinbach to a seven year deal worth $49.5 million, just 500 thousand more then The deal signed by Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson a year ago. I would expect to hear Kris Dielman sign a deal for around 50 million with the Seahawks within the next few hours. The other interesting aspect of this signing is what it will mean for Tampa. One strong option in my mind is former Giant Lou Petitgout who has reportedly already interviewed with the Bucks.
Lets talk Guards
Ok, time to get going with my ramblings...
scout.com's Adam Caplan is reporting that it is expected that former Chargers guard Chris Dielman wil not leave Seattle with out a contract in hand. If he does, his next stop would be Cleveland, who is entertaning former Bangle Eric Steinbach. What happens in the Northwest will greatly effect what is to happen with the o-line market for the rest of free agency. If Dielman gets a contract, I expect the Browns to throw a similar offer into Steinbach's lap. However, if Dielman leaves Seattle a free man, look for Steinbach to head for Tampa. Dielman's deal should also set the bar for the contracts for other guards this off season.
scout.com's Adam Caplan is reporting that it is expected that former Chargers guard Chris Dielman wil not leave Seattle with out a contract in hand. If he does, his next stop would be Cleveland, who is entertaning former Bangle Eric Steinbach. What happens in the Northwest will greatly effect what is to happen with the o-line market for the rest of free agency. If Dielman gets a contract, I expect the Browns to throw a similar offer into Steinbach's lap. However, if Dielman leaves Seattle a free man, look for Steinbach to head for Tampa. Dielman's deal should also set the bar for the contracts for other guards this off season.
Lets Kick things off
Today is a significant day for two reasons, one, the start of NFL free agency, and two, the launch of my NFL blog. As anyone who knows me, (or has spent more then a minut and a half with me) knows, i am a crazy football adict. So i decided to try to feed my own adiction by tossing my two cents in to the blogosphere about the various NFL related happenings. Later today i will begin the maddness with version number one of my mock draft. It will also be presented on my radio show tomorrow morning on 88.1 WESN. I'll also be back with my thoughts on todays transactions and what they could mean for the NFL. So get excited, it should be good time
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