Free agency begins tonight at 12 ET. Let me save you some time. This wont be an in-depth analysis of all the available free agents. I won’t be discussing the needs of teams and drawing the connect-the-dots lines tying the free agents to said teams. If you want something like that— then try google. (Or you could try bing which I already hate, seriously if they decide to advertise one more place it'll have to be the inside of my eyelids. Sleep is pretty much the only place I don't see their annoying ads)
No this brush with free agency is only here to discuss crap that matters to me.
Crap 1)I like to make predictions. I think if you are going to say you know and love sports, predictions are a part of that. Then again, I said JP Losman was going to be the best QB in his class(See Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger) OOPS. With the humble pie having been consumed, here is my prediction; Marcin Gortat will be a player in this league.
I'd love to tell you I've seen a lot his game time in the league. Then I'd love to follow up by recounting the numerous times I saw him play for the Anaheim Arsenal which play 15 min from my palatial condo.
None of that is true though. The only games I have seen Gortat play were in this years playoffs. But as a religious reader of my blog you know about my A-rod rule. "It's what you do when it counts, not what you do with no outs". Gortat played solid through out. Not only is he a solid player, he is a big man in a league suffering for them. He also brings the fundamentals you'd expect from a European player without the glaring softness you normally associate with those players.
Crap2) This only comes second because it is going to be a bit sweeter and a lot shorter. LAMAR ODOM I love your game. I love the way you played for the Lakers this year. But don't lie to yourself; You like being a #2. You defer, and you do it well. Nothing wrong with that. Johnny needed Ed Mcmahon. Batman needed Robin. And my man, Kobe needs you. Ariza is good, but all this hogwash that he can replace you is ridiculous. Stick around, by the time you all quit this run your hand will look like chandeliers
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A Brush With Free Agency
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Brett Favre Retires; Like Everything Else, It's the Patriots Fault
It appears as though Brett Favre is retiring for what will likely be the final time. There seems to be no question why he retired. The Moss factor.
I find it less than coincidental that less than 24 hours after Randy Moss's deal to return to the Patriots was announced Favre's decision was made. Favre spent a good portion of last years offseason publicly asking that the Packers make the moves required to bring Moss to Green Bay. Green Bay apparently felt that Moss was not worth the 4th rounder that ended up pulling him out oh Oakland. (Hindsight is twenty-twenty, but that record setting season Moss put up in New England makes that 4th round pick look like a real bargain now.) With Moss leading the Free Agency market this offseason, Favre had to be hoping to see the Packers make the move they were to short sighted to see last season. Instead the Packers missed out on Moss and now, no matter what Aaron Rodgers does, they will miss the legend for years to come.
Though Favre has contemplated retirement during the past few offseasons, this time seems official. With a statement released by Packers GM Ted Thompson
Brett Favre has informed us of his intention to retire from the Green Bay
Packers and the NFL, he has had one of the greatest careers in the history of
the National Football League, and he is able to walk away from the game on his
own terms — not many players are able to do that.
The Brett Favre is the greatest thing since sliced bread comments continued from Thompson, but here at the Opinion that started a month ago with our letter that Brett must have missed. We can surely find some time to heap on more praise.
Favre gave the Packers the rare blessing of long running consistency of his 16 years in Green Bay, crushing the games-started streak and continuing it right up until the end of his career. The end of his career is certainly not the ride off into the sunset that one would dream up for a gritty legend. Favre ended a magical season by throwing an interception in overtime of the NFC Championship game. The teams season was a great one, made even more so by the fact it was unexpected. That interception being the final ball that Favre will wing down the field while scrambling under pressure is a little hard to swallow.
While it lacks the final moment Favre's Career was made up of those. Favre's overall numbers will lead to my kids likely, and their kids surely under appreciating him. But the moments , where he truly shined made up for the bad games and even the bad seasons. His greatness was not only so impressive but so fun to watch it made the hard times a little easier to swallow. (Note: I'm a Vikings fan so while I have enjoyed his magic, his hard times actually went down like bourbon for breakfast. In my world that's GRRRREAAAAT)
One of his finest moments wasn't that long ago. If you didn't have the pleasure of seeing the Monday Night Football game that Favre played against the Raiders mere hours after his father's passing, it was inspiring. He threw for 5 million yards and every thing he put up there was escorted by angels and the almighty himself to the hands of his receivers. Ok that might be a little grander than it actually was but the second most interesting thing in that game was listening to Madden call the game. He went nuclear-Fanboy about Favre. basically describing his play as divine he was gushing so much.
I have to say while the fans will be saddened I think Madden is going to be crushed, unless they get Favre in the booth which just might make his life. The saddest person though will be Frank Caliendo, since the only funny impersonation he does is Madden gushing about Favre.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Free Agency: Reconsidering the Early Leaders
I posted a few hours ago about the New York Jets being the early leader in this years NFL Free Agency. I would like to repeat what I said then.
It is too early to pick a winner but it's never to early to pick a leader.It is also never to late to change your mind. With the moves that Cleveland has made already, not only helping themselves but hurting division rival, Cincinnatti, they were making a strong case as the number one team in free agency. Now they have added to their wide receiver corps.
The Browns have come to terms with receiver Donte Stallworth, who spent last season on the Patriots, who have to be the losers of free agency. The seven-year, $35 million dollar deal comes with 10 million guaranteed.
Stallworth joins a receiver corps that includes Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicious, and tight end Kellen Winslow.With those kind of weapons in place Derek Anderson reprising his 2007 breakout, while Jamal Lewis keeps old age and injury at bay one more year could be just what the Browns need to take all these new additions deep into the playoffs.
Free Agency: Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn
In the middle of the night, early Friday morning, just hours into the NFL's Free Agency period, Derek Anderson signed a big deal, with the team he was on. While it cleared up some issued for the team it left some remaining.
One of the biggest questions last year was "How long until we start the guy we just drafted. The one we are paying a lot more than Derek Anderson." The Browns eliminated that question by guaranteeing Anderson just a bit more than they guaranteed Brady Quinn. It doesn't get rid of the questions though it just changes them.
It still leaves the issue of the amount of money a team that didn't even make the playoffs is shelling out for the quarterback position. The "How can we give so much to guy on the bench" questions are right around the corner. if they aren't beaten to the punch by "Look at the
The biggest contributing factor to the Browns trouble might just be success. If the Browns young talent on offense can get them in the neighborhood of the playoffs, the cries for using one of the two quarterbacks for trade bait will be loud and frequent.
Free Agency, The Patriots Second Loss This Year
The NFL's most dominate team during the 07-08 season is not having the same success during Free Agency. Already suffering a few setbacks with big name players, the New England Patriots have managed to lock up one of their key guys.
The loss of Asante Samuel, was expected. After the year he had the Patriots, who are not known for paying big money to defensive backs, knew that they weren't going to come to a number that worked for them and kept Samuel happy. Samuel signing with the Eagles wasn't devastating but the accumulation of losses will add up.
Prior to Free Agency officially starting Zach Thomas was released by the Miami Dolphins. On his first trip to Foxboro the Patriots offered Thomas a contract. The offer was tabled while Thomas shopped his services to New Orleans and Dallas. Signing with Dallas a few days after the Patriots made their offer, Thomas began the trend of players opting not to sign with the Patriots.
The latest addition to the list of guys shopping their services, Randy Moss, is now weighing his options. The Patriots chose not to franchise tag Moss. The feeling prior to free agency was that it was a matter of when, not if the Patriots would bring Moss back into the fold. Now that guys are moving all over, it appears the two parties are any where near a deal. The Patriots it seems are trying to get Moss to give a hometown discount to a team he has only played one season for.
Tedi Bruschi on the other hand did resign with Patriots. Whether he got the discount or gave the discount isn't known yet. The details of the one-year deal aren't public yet. Though the fact he wanted a deal for more than one year is known.
That maybe the key point for guys who are deciding to look elsewhere. The Patriots now have a consistent trend of getting rid of guys if they anticipate any kind of decline in performance. I don't fault them it is a business and the team has to do what's best for it. They shouldn't be surprised though when players start to look elsewhere to take care of their own best interest.
Free Agency: New York Jets Your Early Leaders
NFL's Free Agency period is just one day old, a little early to be declaring a winner. Just right for declaring a leader. The early lead has to go to the Jets. Teams have made bigger splashes in single moves, but no franchise has done as much to improve their whole team. Moves involving big names like Jonathan Vilma, and Alan Faneca are sure to help your team even if one of them is addition by subtraction.
No one, not even the brass at the New York Jets thinks Vilma isn't a standout talent. He just doesn't fit with the Jets defense. Vilma was originally a nice fit for the 4-3 that the Jets ran prior to head coach Eric Mangini's arrival. As Mangini has worked to integrate the 3-4 defense Vilma has seemed more and more out of place. The trade to New Orleans will hopefully get Vilma's career back on track, while getting the Jets some value for the linebacker. The Saints are sending a 4th round pick to the Jets. That could get upgraded to a 3rd or even 2nd round pick based on Vilma's playing time and him signing an extension with the Saints.
The "guys finding a better fit" theme continues with the Jets signing of left Guard Alan Faneca. Faneca who felt the Steelers who had played for 9 years let him down heading into the 07-08 season, his 10th with the team. He felt that for the team to make him play the whole year with no security should he get injured, wasn't a fair reward for his 10 years of service. He showed a fair amount of class; after explaining his side logically, he informed everyone he would be showing up for all required functions, he would play just as hard as he always had, and he would find a new team at the end of the year. He did just that, signing with the Jets for $32 million over 4-years, the first $23 of that is guaranteed. Did somebody say security?
Alan Faneca brings more than just his impressive skills at left guard. He will line up between D'Brickashaw Ferguson and center Nick Mangold; both have only 2 years experience, and will benefit from Faneca's leadership between them. Once the three of them develop a little chemistry they should provide some nice lanes between the tackles for Thomas Jones
Free Agency: Isaac Bruce Signs with the Niners
Looks like the Niners are trying to recreate that old magic. That VERY old magic. The San Francisco Forty-Niners threw their hat in the NFL's Free Agency ring. Signing long time St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce to a two-year $6 million dollar contract.
The move reunites him with former Rams Coach Mike Martz who was recently added to try and get the 49ers offense to look more like the Rams offense circa 2000. Apparently the role of Isaac Bruce; sure handed receiver will be played by Isaac Bruce; washed up receiver. With role of Kurt Warner; the quarterback no one believes in being played quite convincingly by Alex Smith; the quarterback no one, including Niners head coach Mike Nolan, believes in.
Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the San Franciso 49ers
Friday, February 29, 2008
Free Agency: Corey Williams traded to the Browns
With all the action in the NFL Free Agent market, it is not surprising to see some trades to balance out the wins and losses teams are suffering. The Browns are involved in yet another move. Getting Corey Williams from the Packers for a second round pick this year.
The details weren't released but it will likely involve Williams signing the tendered offer tied to the Franchise tag that the Packers placed on him. He will get the average of the top 5 defensive tackles in 2007.
Williams is a good addition to a team that needs to strengthen its defense. The Browns young weapons scored a lot in 2007, but their defense gave up even more.
It's Never To Late To Admit You Were Wrong Minnesota
As the NFL's Free Agency machine continues to whirl. I can't help but think back to this time of year a few years back. What could have been and what could still be.
As Draft day approached in 2005 the chemistry problems between Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss were ugly. The previous season their locker room issues spilled over, affecting their play on the field and their behavior on the side line. With Cris Carter a few years removed from mentoring Moss and keeping the peace between the Culpepper and Moss, things reached a breaking point.
Deciding that a premier quarterback would be harder to replace that an premier receiver they dealt Moss to the Oakland Raiders for Napolean Harris and the 7th over all pick. In a move clearly meant to replace Moss's presence as a deep threat, the Vikings took Troy Williams out of South Carolina.
It didn't work. None of it worked. Williamson was just traded after 3 years of poor production for a 6th round pick. Moss who was miserable in Oakland and played like it, was traded to New England before the 07-08 season. The worst part, the guy the Vikings decided to stick with has been on 3 teams since the Moss deal, he was cut by two of them and currently isn't on an NFL roster.
Moss got a small amount of redemption last year playing up to his old standards. He ended his final year with a bitter taste in his mouth, losing the Superbowl. Now he is a free agent and appears to be pretty far from a deal with New England. Oh, What could be.
Vikings please, swallow you pride and get Randy back in Minnesota. It shouldn't be that hard. It's pretty easy to see now that it was a bad move. It also wasn't their move, Rick Speilman now the Vikings GM wasn't brought in until a year later- probably as a result of the moronic Moss trade made by his predecessor. Moss still has ties in Minnesota and the people he had problems with are gone.
I am a huge Mike Tice fan and really enjoyed him as the coach. I am certainly not going to say that Randy Moss's behavior was his fault, but the issues Randy and Daunte had involved their own discipline. Tice was such a players coach that a stronger disciplinarian like Childress could be just the fit that Moss needs. He has shown he is willing to play for a tough coach. Whatever you may think of Belichick no one thinks he is soft.
I know it isn't likely to happen but this fantasy was going to run around my head 'til I got it out.
Jerry Porter Signs With Jacksonville Jaguars
NFL Free Agency action continues to come in a flurry. Former Oakland Raider has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
ESPN is reporting the Porter signed a deal for six-years, $30 million. Porter, 29, will try to follow in Randy Moss's footsteps when he start his 9th season with Jags in 2008. He spent the previous 8 seasons in Oakland.
Moss who was traded away after two lackluster years in Oakland went to the Patriots for next to nothing. Adding Moss's big play ability and the fact defenses had to roll coverage to him most certainly helped the Patriots to their perfect almost perfect season. He was in fact such a benefit that Tom Brady said publicly "They better resign him, wherever Randy goes, I go."
Jaguars quarterback David Garrard, who didn't have a big time receiver to throw to last year, hopes Porter as well as Troy Williamson, can propel the Jags past the early playoff exit they suffered last season. Williamson, acquired for a 6th round pick from Minnesota, has certainly not delivered on his 7th overall draft selection in the 2005 Draft. The Jaguars hope he will perform a little better, with Garrard throwing him the ball, than he did with the revolving door at quarterback Minnesota has employed over the last few seasons.
Looks like my projection of the Jags draft will involve a defensive end just got stronger.
Free Agency: Minnesota Vikings In The Mix
As the NFL Free Agency machine continues to roll forward faster than I can keep track of I can't help but take some time to wrap up the moves my team has made so far, and some moves they ought to make.
As will happen with Pro Bowl fullbacks Tony Richardson is gone to free agency. Pro Bowl fullbacks always go; in part because they are under appreciated, in part because they over value themselves. Just because they have to vote someone into the fullback position does not all of a sudden mean that you deserve an extra 3 million a year.
The Vikings signed former Philadelphia Eagles fullback Thomas Tapeh. I don't see any details on the deal yet, but it looks like it'll be a good fit. He has blocked for the shifty backs in Philadelphia's west coast offense. Tapeh will transition nicely to the Childress, a former Reid assistant, version of that same offense.
When Dwight Smith was released last week, the need for a safety became almost as big as the Vikings wide receiver needs. Signing former Bengal Madieu Williams to a 6-year $33 million dollar deal answers the safety question and let's the Vikings get back to the wide receiver issue.
Troy Williamson has certainly not lived up to the 7th overall pick that the Vikings used on him in 2005. With a trade to the Jaguars for their 6th round selection this year the Vikings receiving core got even more shallow, especially in the area of deep threat guys. The Vikings are currently talking to Bernard Berrian about coming to Minnesota to be that deep threat.
As teams scramble over the top of each other during free agency I think the Vikings need to take some time before bringing in Berrian. He hasn't set the world on fire in Chicago. That could be blamed on the lack of consistent quarterback play in Chicago but the situation in Minnesota hasn't been any more stable than the Bears have been.
Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the Vikings offseason
Free Agency: Asante Samuel Signs With Philadeplhia
The NFL Free Agency Carousel has come to a stop again. This time corner back Asante Samuel, got off in Philadelphia. The Eagles are reportedly paying him $57 million over the next 6 years.
The Eagles are getting Samuel at a bargain. Expected to command a little higher price, it's likely he is in Philly as much for money as personal preference. His press conference this afternoon was full of comments about the future and helping a team that is close to the Superbowl to get there.
The Eagles have to be pleased with the addition. Having Samuel in the secondary should free up Brian Dawkins to concentrate even more heavily on playing the run. With teams likely to throw away from Samuel, Dawkins will also be able to cheat towards the other side of the field in deep coverage.
I am sure Donovan McNabb wasn't referring to cornerbacks when he said the Eagles needed play makers, but he should still be happy to see some help arrive in Philly.
Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for Philadelphia
Dallas Cowboys Feeling the Flo-Zell Adams
Just hours before the Free Agency period began Friday morning the Dallas Cowboys locked up stand out left tackle Flozell Adams.
The 4-time pro-bowler has been keeping Tony Romo's backside and blindside safe for the last two years. His services convinced the cowboys to give him $42 million for 6 more years. After the deal was announced he was asked about if he had considered leaving he of course said the right thing "Nope, not at all." It's not like he was going to say he really wanted to get the hell out of Dallas but the money was too good.
Not only was he saying the right thing he also did the right thing, for the Cowboys and for himself. He fits well on that line and he has played well there. That doesn't always translate to a new team and a new system. With the Cowboys offering him good money with nearly a third of it guaranteed there is no reason for him to leave.
The Cowboys got a good deal as well. For a guy performing as well as Adams, they could have been forced to pay more. The fact he wouldn't have performed as well elsewhere doesn't lower his value to them. After a year that started with an offensive bang and ended with a whimper, the last thing the Cowboys need is to mess with the chemistry on the offensive line.
Check out my Pre-Free Agency Projections for the Cowboys Offseason
Free Agency: Todd Collins
NFL Free Agency isn't even 24 hours old yet and the hits keep on coming. The Washington Redskins re-signing QB Todd Collins is a hit to Jason Campbell's job security.
The Redskins signed Collins to a three year deal. It's somewhat surprising that Collins didn't test the waters a little longer. After a Jason Campbell knee injury, Collins took the helm with 4 games remaining in the season. He led the team well enough to beat out the Minnesota Vikings for the final Wild-Card spot. His performance against Seattle in the first round of the playoffs didn't help him but it wasn't bad enough to have really hurt him either.
Maybe he didn't leave because he has his eye on the quarterback spot in Washington. New head coach Jim Zorn doesn't have any more ties to, Campbell, than he does Collins. Campbell will likely get the benefit of the doubt for the first few tough games. If Campbell struggles consistently it will be hard for a new coach, already facing accusations that he is not cut out for the job, to stick with him. Especially with a back up that has shown already that he can lead the team to wins.
Pre Free Agency projection for Washington's offseason
Raiders Give Biggest DT Contract Ever To John Doe
The Raiders doled out an NFL-record seven-year, $50.5 million contract. Just over $18 million is guaranteed. This guy came into the league as AN UNDRAFTED FREE-AGENT. I am all for guys getting money they earned, not being held back by draft status and all that but this is just bat shit crazy.
While the other 31 teams are cursing AL Davis right now for driving the value of defensive tackles with actual talent through the roof. Those same tackles are right now counting the increase their contracts are going to see. Right before they upgrade their mistresses to the more expensive model.
All of them except for Warren Sapp. Sapp, who retired at he end of the 2007-2008 season has got to be thinking about unretiring. If that stiff Kelly got $50 Million, Sapp should be able to get $7-$10 for a year.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
NFL Teams Begin Offseason Shakeups
As the NFL Offseason gets into full swing several teams attempt to superman the MO-mentum.
It is nice to see teams that had such disappointing performances last season not settling. I mean as a Vikings fan I have watched several offseasons come and go wondering why nothing was done to improve, when I assume they were as unhappy with the previous season as I was.
This Offseason the long suffering Dolphins and Falcons fans can at least take solace in the fact that their teams seem commited to getting better. The Panthers fans while not nearly as bad off as those two camps, can at least see small signs of improvement.
The Dolphins began their offseason remodel under Bill Parcells. They kicked things off first by dumping Marty Booker(WR), Trent Green(QB), L.J. Shelton(OT), Keith Traylor(DT),Anthony Alabi(OT), Anthony Bryant(DT), Marion Dukes(OT), Marquay Love(DT), Joe Toledo(OT). Then they commited the de-aging process by telling Zach Thomes(LB) he would no longer be needed. Honestly, it would seem lik a scary proposition to dump almost 20 percent of your teams roster, especially a face of the franchise guylike Thomas. Then again when you're 1-and-15 you probably ought to look to dump even more. Bottom line while I may not be sure move to move about the Dolphins decision. I am sure I would have confidence in Parcells.
The Panthers came to the get younger, and cut salary party just a little later than the Dolphins. The cut Dan Morgan(LB) as well as Mike Wahle(OG). While Wahle is a little better right now, and will probable alnd a gig sooner. Morgan is still a great prospect, he won't draw the kind of interest(or money for that matter) that he did a few years ago as a free agent. But there are teams that will take a shot on him recovering his health. Especially teams that could use the kind of leadership he has shown, for their defense.
The Falcons are rounding out this trend for now. They announced to day that they are releasing Alge Crumpler(TE), Byron Leftwich(QB), Wayne Gandy(OT), Lewis Sanders(CB), Jamin Elliott(WR), Marcus Wilkins(LB), Rod Coleman(DT). Ok some of this was clearly the other shoe dropping. I mean even Leftwich had to figure he was gone. I am surprised to see Gandy and Coleman on this list. They will be on new teams by the time, it really matters. But those could be the result of financial concerns so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
Where I can't seem to keep from flapping my arms(Read: Dirty Bird) in disgust, is Alge Crumpler. You have got to be kidding me. Hey new gm, (who's name I am not even taking the time to look up, because with moves like this he'll be gone before I can research it) don't make a big move to make a big move. No matter who your quarterback is next season I am sure it wont be anyone established. With that as a given, you might want to consider hanging onto that security blanket of a tight end. Every new quarterback loves a safe dump off guy, and hates new gm Thomas Dimitroff(Did you really think I wasn't even gonna look it up. :-). It really is a blessing to Alge Crumpler though. He is definitely moving up no matter where he goes. He will have a new jersey by the time I hit publish on this post.
Like I said the expected portion of this Leftwich. If he was on thin ice as the season ended. He had to hear that ice cracking when head coach Mike Smith was brought over from the team he was just released from to start last season.
While all the turnover is interesting. The best part of this is the fact that the league gets better overall. Being a huge football fan every move that makes the whole league more interesting I am a supporter of. Is it pre-season yet??
