NFL Offseason 2015

[Slyder]

Admins if you want to lump all the NFL Offseason Threads into one fine. I didn't want to detract from the Bengals fans and thread with a simple NFL one and not hijack the Manziel thread any more.

Here is the 2015 NFL schedules for all teams:
http://www.fbschedules.com/nfl/2015-nfl-football-schedules.php

Raiders get a much fairer and balanced schedule IMO.
Home Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Minnesota, NY Jets
Away Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Tennessee

I will gladly take this over traveling 36,000+ miles this year. Including a "home game" in London. I do need to pay attention as there will be multiple opportunities for me to see the Raiders within reason.

[Kingspoint]

I think this is his last shot. We have to show substantial growth for him to keep his job. The schedule for Oakland next year isn't nearly as insane as it was this year (if you look at just 2014 results).

I imagine you read the Contra Costa Times. They're usually pretty good with stories on the Raiders. Their beat reporters have generally asked tough questions. You need that from a beat reporter.

[Slyder]

I imagine you read the Contra Costa Times. They're usually pretty good with stories on the Raiders. Their beat reporters have generally asked tough questions. You need that from a beat reporter.

Moreso gut instinct. GMs are still determined largely by Ws and Ls, and frankly there hasn't been much. I know hindsight 20/20 but they should have canned Allen LAST Year and started fresh with the team this year.

[Kingspoint]

No team comes close to traveling as far as the Seahawks do every season. They usually log on one trip the total number of miles the Bengals do for an entire season. It's rare when the Bengals ever have to travel past the Mississippi River, yet the Seahawks make 5000-6000 mile round trips two times a year. People forget that Arizona, a Division opponent, is 2232 miles roundtrip with Seattle. Cincinnati to Atlanta (what one considers a "long" distance for the Bengals), roundtrip is only 741 miles.

[Caveat Emperor]

My team (Tampa) has the number 1 pick. I hope they stay as far from Jameis Winston as possible.

[GaiusBallstar]

My team (Tampa) has the number 1 pick. I hope they stay as far from Jameis Winston as possible.

If I were running the Bucs I would try to trade down, let someone else sate their QB hunger on Winston or Mariota. I don't like either of them as prospects.

Then if you are Tampa you can pick up one of the well regarded DEs or the tackle from Iowa in the middle of the top 10, fill one of the other most important positions on the field for a few years if you get it right, and draft a project QB with less investment in the third round or so. Though, the QB class is really, really weak this year from top to bottom.

[bucksfan2]

If I were running the Bucs I would try to trade down, let someone else sate their QB hunger on Winston or Mariota. I don't like either of them as prospects.

Then if you are Tampa you can pick up one of the well regarded DEs or the tackle from Iowa in the middle of the top 10, fill one of the other most important positions on the field for a few years if you get it right, and draft a project QB with less investment in the third round or so. Though, the QB class is really, really weak this year from top to bottom.

IMO Tampa either takes Mariota or Winston. You can't win in the league with out a QB. I don't see them trading down and taking a project unless they fall in love with a Brett Hundley type QB. Project type QB's that actually make it in the league are few and far between. For every Russell Wilson there are countless QB's taken as projects who end up out of the league very quickly.

[Tom Servo]

The Bucs should probably do the opposite of what Lovie Smith thinks they should do. Ditto that with the Titans and Ken Whisenhunt.

[Kingspoint]

If I was Tennessee, I'd draft Mariota, and let he and Mettenberger play out the next two seasons and see who comes out on top. As many games as are played now (with more potentially in the near future by the greedy owners) you need two good Quarterbacks (in a league where there's only 20 in any given year).

[Dom Heffner]

My team (Tampa) has the number 1 pick. I hope they stay as far from Jameis Winston as possible.

I've lived here 20 years...I can't get into them.

Though I do live off the same road as their stadium. Which is nice.

[Revering4Blue]

IMO Tampa either takes Mariota or Winston. You can't win in the league with out a QB. I don't see them trading down and taking a project unless they fall in love with a Brett Hundley type QB. Project type QB's that actually make it in the league are few and far between. For every Russell Wilson there are countless QB's taken as projects who end up out of the league very quickly.

Agreed.

IMO, the choice for Tampa Bay is easy due to the fact that one of the top two projected QBs has already demonstrated that he can make the type of throws that some current starting QBs cannot. And, as much as I like him, it's not Mariota.

[GaiusBallstar]

IMO Tampa either takes Mariota or Winston. You can't win in the league with out a QB. I don't see them trading down and taking a project unless they fall in love with a Brett Hundley type QB. Project type QB's that actually make it in the league are few and far between. For every Russell Wilson there are countless QB's taken as projects who end up out of the league very quickly.

If you don't think Mariota or Winston is a bonafide franchise guy then there is no point in wasting a pick on one of them. I don't think either of them will be that kind of guy.

Investing in a QB early in the draft that isn't gonna be the guy is the worst thing you can do. You either get someone terrible and are set back at least a year, or someone who is just good enough to make you keep thinking he can be the real deal, so you keep running him out there. I'd be happy to just take the best non QB and wait until a deeper QB class or a very promising free agent arises. You can win in this league without a real deal QB, just look at the Bengals, Dalton is below average at best. What you probably won't do is win it all unless your average guy gets hot for 3 or 4 games (see Flacco, Joe).

[GaiusBallstar]

I've lived here 20 years...I can't get into them.

Though I do live off the same road as their stadium. Which is nice.


Oh Dale Mabry... everything really is right there.

Traffic can be a ***** though.

I miss Publix.

[Caveat Emperor]

Agreed.

IMO, the choice for Tampa Bay is easy due to the fact that one of the top two projected QBs has already demonstrated that he can make the type of throws that some current starting QBs cannot. And, as much as I like him, it's not Mariota.

The problem with Winston is that the NFL's new conduct policy takes past violations or actions (even in college) into consideration when handing down punishment in the future. That means he won't be a first time offender and would, potentially, be subject to suspensions and enhanced punishment on his first incident.

That's not good, given the fact that he's been so prone to mental lapses off the field.

[Kingspoint]

Good article by LaCanfora on the mess that is the Browns...

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25038103

Alec Scheiner, the team president who grew in power and influence a year ago after Banner and Lombardi were shown the door after just one season together, has become a divisive figure in the organization as well, gaining an increasing voice in personnel matters, well beyond just analytics. At 6 a.m. every Monday, Pettine is joined by Farmer and Scheiner to watch film, with the division between ownership and day-to-day coaching decisions becoming increasingly blurred.

"Jimmy is way too hands on," said one team source. "He's like Jerry Jones, only without the football knowledge. There's tension between Alec and Pettine. Everybody sees that. Alec is involved in everything; it's too much for him. There are no divisions. The guys on the business side want to run football operations. The GM wants to coach the team and have input on play calling. Jimmy calls the shots, and everyone is afraid of him with that quick trigger finger. If you stand up to Jimmy, he's done with you. Jimmy's own worst enemy is Jimmy." "It's a mess," another team source said. "Everyone is trying to do everyone else's job. It's crazy."

[Kingspoint]

The Browns don't have sole possession of stupidity....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Colts ILB D'Qwell Jackson was arrested for assault in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night.

Jackson allegedly punched a pizza delivery boy in the face and in the back of the head in a fight over a parking spot. You can't make this stuff up. Jackson is being charged with simple assault. The Colts are on a record pace for off-field issues and have become the new Bengals. Jackson, 31, started all 19 games for the Colts this past season, playing over 1000 snaps. He was flamed in coverage. Jackson signed a four-year, $22 million deal with the Colts last March.

Source: ABC Washington (http://www.wjla.com/articles/2015/02/-indianapolis-colts-linebacker-d-qwell-jackson-who-allegedly-sparked-deflategate-arrested-for-assaul.html)



Cowboys RB Joseph Randle was arrested on drug charges in Wichita, Kan. on Wednesday morning.

Details remain unknown, but this is Randle's second arrest in the past four months. As you may recall, Randle was jailed for stealing underwear back in October. This is obviously a much more serious arrest. With DeMarco Murray's Cowboys future uncertain, Randle isn't helping himself by breaking the law.

Source: KAKE Wichita (http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/Dallas-Cowboys-Randle-arrested-in-Wichita-290790911.html)



Packers NT Letroy Guion was arrested for felony possession of a firearm and marijuana in Starke, Fla. on Tuesday night.

It's apparently the NFL offseason. Three players were arrested overnight, including Colts ILB D'Qwell Jackson (assault) and Cowboys RB Joseph Randle (drugs). Guion was a steal for Packers GM Ted Thompon this past season, as he started all 18 games at nose tackle. The Packers had been in discussions to lock Guion up with a long-term deal before he hits free agency next month.

Source: SB Nation (http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2015/2/4/7977987/letroy-guion-arrested-possession-marijuana-packers-report)

[Kingspoint]

BTW, it's crazy talk to consider Mariota or Winston outside the Top-5. QB is too high of a need in the NFL. A QB only has to remotely hint of being a franchise QB and they're going at the top of the draft...especially now that teams get to use the new Rookie scale to pay them while they learn the position. Both Mariota and Winston have plenty of assets that give them the opportunity to be a franchise Quarterback.

They will go 1 and 2. Who goes which will merely be a matter of preference and style for the team taking them.

[Revering4Blue]

The problem with Winston is that the NFL's new conduct policy takes past violations or actions (even in college) into consideration when handing down punishment in the future. That means he won't be a first time offender and would, potentially, be subject to suspensions and enhanced punishment on his first incident.

That's not good, given the fact that he's been so prone to mental lapses off the field.

I fully understand this side of the argument. Plus, I also understand the argument to a certain extent from the faction who state that the Bucs won a SB with Brad Johnson and were possibly a blown call (Bert Emanuel caught that ball against the Rams in NFC championship years ago) away from a trip to the SB with Shawn King at QB. However, it is a different game now, geared toward offense, so playing it close-to-the-vest offensively won't get it done.

Maybe it is just me, but I fully believe that Winston is a special talent -- not that I believe that Mariota is just a system QB -- who is clearly worth the risk. As I mentioned, Winston makes throws from the pocket that several starting QBs can't, while displaying under-appreciated athleticism, which leads me to believe that Winston has an Andrew Luck type of ceiling, much higher than that of Mr. Mariota. Doug Williams was the closest thing this franchise has had to a franchise QB, so given that, it's long past time to swing for the fences in Tampa.

[Joseph]

So having officially given up on the Bengals and to avoid being labeled a bandwagon fan I've decided this coming NFL season I'm going to adopt two teams to follow and see which one feels better for me. Neither are threats to win it all next year, so I feel safe in choosing between the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears. Whatever team I connect with more next year will be my new team.

Now back to your regularly scheduled NFL talk.

[Kingspoint]

With your choice of those two teams, Joseph, nobody's going to be claiming "bandwagon fan" to you. But it's good you made it official.

If I had to switch from the Bengals, I'd pick the Eagles. Saw too many losing Seahawks seasons, and I'd definitely be seen as a bandwagon fan if I did that.

[Slyder]

So having officially given up on the Bengals and to avoid being labeled a bandwagon fan I've decided this coming NFL season I'm going to adopt two teams to follow and see which one feels better for me. Neither are threats to win it all next year, so I feel safe in choosing between the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears. Whatever team I connect with more next year will be my new team.

Now back to your regularly scheduled NFL talk.

Theres always room in the Raider Nation.. There hasn't been many bandwagon fans since 2007. You won't find a truer group of fans to their team. I like where Reggie has us going, but he has to get at least 1 home run out of Free Agency. If you have any questions feel free to send me a message.

[Kingspoint]

I like where Reggie has us going, but he has to get at least 1 home run out of Free Agency.

He hit a Grand Slam in Khalil Mack in the draft last season.

[M2]

I'm just waiting for the league to come down like a ton of bricks on the Colts for tampering with a football in a pathetic attempt to cause problems for an opponent they couldn't beat on the field.

[IslandRed]

So having officially given up on the Bengals and to avoid being labeled a bandwagon fan I've decided this coming NFL season I'm going to adopt two teams to follow and see which one feels better for me. Neither are threats to win it all next year, so I feel safe in choosing between the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears. Whatever team I connect with more next year will be my new team.

Now back to your regularly scheduled NFL talk.

I don't know, man. That's like throwing good money after bad. :cool: The thing with the NFL is, there are only about half a dozen teams that are so consistently excellent or popular that you'd be accusing of bandwagoning. Subtract a few more that you don't like just because you used to hate them as a Bengals fan, and there are still plenty of choices.

Having said that, the Bears aren't a bad choice, really, because at least you'll find fellow fans everywhere. But if you can't stomach Andy Dalton, don't try the Bears until you don't have to watch Jay Cutler.

[Kingspoint]

I don't know, man. That's like throwing good money after bad. :cool: The thing with the NFL is, there are only about half a dozen teams that are so consistently excellent or popular that you'd be accusing of bandwagoning. Subtract a few more that you don't like just because you used to hate them as a Bengals fan, and there are still plenty of choices.

Having said that, the Bears aren't a bad choice, really, because at least you'll find fellow fans everywhere. But if you can't stomach Andy Dalton, don't try the Bears until you don't have to watch Jay Cutler.

To be a Bears' fan, you need to grow a mustache.

[Kingspoint]

Two days in a row where no news is good news in Cleveland.

[Slyder]

To be a Bears' fan, you need to grow a mustache.

And have a shrine to Coach Ditka in your man cave.

Raider Nation the original nation!

[Chip R]

I don't know, man. That's like throwing good money after bad. :cool: The thing with the NFL is, there are only about half a dozen teams that are so consistently excellent or popular that you'd be accusing of bandwagoning.


So much for that fabled NFL parity.

[redsfanmia]

I'm just waiting for the league to come down like a ton of bricks on the Colts for tampering with a football in a pathetic attempt to cause problems for an opponent they couldn't beat on the field.

Are you serious?

[M2]

Are you serious?

100%. Those dirty, scheming cheaters should be banned from the league.

[Kingspoint]

bigredmechanism, as I mentioned before that the Starting Center and RTare good fits for Shanahan's new blocking style, I never mentioned the Guards. One may need to be replaced. It's too bad as he played well in last year's scheme. (Steven Jackson also doesn't fit the style, but they'd be wise to keep him as a short-yardage and 3rd-down back, where he's efficient in both areas).

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution admits Falcons LG Justin Blalock may not be a fit for new OC Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Shanahan is heavily-reliant on the zone-blocking system, which needs athletic linemen to function. Blalock tips the scales at 6-foot-4 and 326 pounds. Bigger linemen are fine, but big linemen that can't get out in space and move don't work for Shanahan. Blalock battled a back injury this past season and had poor agility scores coming out of Texas in 2007. He carries a $7.91 million cap number.

Source:*Atlanta Journal-Constitution

[Kingspoint]

Raider Nation the original nation!

They should move to LA.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Inglewood, Cal. mayor James Butts hopes to break ground on Rams owner Stan Kroenke's stadium proposal by next December, and for it to be completed in 2018.

According to Butts, Inglewood is mulling whether a ballot initiative would be necessary for approval. Either way, he anticipates "minimal opposition" to the plan, even though that's rarely the case in California. Butts also insists the town is willing to abide by the league's relocation guidelines. That's something Kroenke's anonymous sources have been saying in recent weeks, as well.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

[Kingspoint]

Throw the Chargers seriously into the mix of teams that may soon be calling Los Angeles their home.

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Chargers admit they are "keeping a close eye on developments in Los Angeles," and hint they are considering a move to "protect the future of the franchise."

The team appears out of patience as it searches for a stadium solution in San Diego, and has warned the city not to explore any more "half-baked (schemes)" to get around the California law that requires two-thirds voter approval to raise taxes for specific projects. It's a shot across the bow from a team that's obviously spooked by Rams owner Stan Kroenke's stadium power play in L.A. After two decades without a team, L.A. appears to be barreling toward a return to the NFL. We are likely to have clarity by this time next year.

Source: chargers.com (http://www.chargers.com/news/2015/02/16/chargers-remarks-stadium-task-force-extended-version)


REMARKS TO THE MAYOR’S STADIUM TASK FORCE
Mark Fabiani, Special Counsel to the President of the Chargers February 16, 2015

We appreciate the enormous difficulty of the challenge before you. We are now in the midst of our 14th year of work on this issue – an effort that has cost the Spanos family more than $15 million, has explored sites all over San Diego County, and has resulted in nine different proposals – all unsuccessful so far.

.....

The second guiding principle is this: The Chargers have no intention of quietly participating in any effort to provide political cover for elected officials. Former elected officials have tried to exploit the Chargers and the stadium issue for their own political advantage. It might be worth checking with Dick Murphy and Mike Aguirre to see how that worked out for them. We have already heard the talk around City Hall that the November 2016 ballot is going to be a graveyard for ballot measures involving revenue increases – so much of a graveyard, in fact, that the Convention Center expansion proponents have decided already that they do not want their next financing scheme to appear on that ballot. And yet, that is the very same ballot that the Chargers are being urged to try for. Simply put, we have no intention of allowing the Chargers franchise to be manipulated for political cover – and we will call out any elected official who tries to do so.

[Kingspoint]

In today's press conference, Lovie Smith was already doing damage control about Jameis Winston. He's made his pick.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution expects the Falcons to target Julius Thomas in free agency.

After watching Levine Toilolo stumble through a dismal 2014 campaign, it's clear Atlanta will have to address tight end in free agency. Thomas is the best tight end on the market, but he won't come cheap. Last offseason, he turned down an offer from Denver that would have paid him $8 million annually. Thomas is a prime candidate to get overpaid in March thanks to his Peyton-inflated numbers.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Even if they overpay, it would be the right thing to do. Pressure needs to be taken off of Julio Jones, and this will do it.


Also, like the previous DC of Seattle who left to Jacksonville and took a slew of Seattle players with him, Quinn could do the same thing in Atlanta.

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo is hearing the Falcons will be "strong players" for free agent CB Byron Maxwell.

It makes sense given Maxwell's connection to new coach Dan Quinn, Seattle's former defensive coordinator. Seahawks GM John Schneider acknowledged the team wants to keep Maxwell, but he may be out of Seattle's price range. There will be a robust market for Maxwell, our No. 1 corner available in free agency.

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

[Caveat Emperor]

In today's press conference, Lovie Smith was already doing damage control about Jameis Winston. He's made his pick.

The next 2 months will be the team getting their fans prepared for this inevitable truth -- you're about to be cheering for a rapist.

[Kingspoint]

Why not?

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Chargers and Raiders have teamed up to plan a $1.7 billion stadium in Carson, Ca. "in the event they can't get deals done" in their current cities by the end of 2015.

Spurred by Rams owner Stan Kroenke's stadium proposal in Inglewood, Ca., the Chargers and Raiders are turning the thermometer up to 100 on their current cities. "We are pursuing this stadium option in Carson for one straightforward reason: If we cannot find a permanent solution in our home markets, we have no alternative but to preserve other options to guarantee the future economic viability of our franchises," the teams said in a statement. A proposal will be publicly unveiled on Friday. The battle to bring football back to L.A. is fast turning into a street fight. Kroenke has a leg up in the planning, but could be held back by St. Louis' surprisingly robust response to his threat to move.

Source: Los Angeles Times

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Falcons released RB Steven Jackson.

The move clears $3.75 million in cap space, and was a no-brainer based on Jackson's play the past two seasons. S-Jax averaged 4.23 yards per carry in nine years as a Ram, but saw that number dip to 3.60 in Atlanta. Constantly battling leg injuries, S-Jax was running on fumes from the moment he arrived in Atlanta. Going on 32 with 3,203 career touches to his name, it's quite possible Jackson's playing days are at an end. For now, Devonta Freeman is the new lead back in Atlanta, but he'll undoubtedly face competition in the form of a draft pick.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

The purge continues....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Falcons released LG Justin Blalock.

The move clears $3.8 million in cap room, but creates a need in Atlanta. The Falcons' starting left guard since he entered the NFL in 2007, Blalock was likely deemed a poor schematic fit for new OC Kyle Shanahan's zone-run game. Pro Football Focus gave Blalock above-average marks in 2014, and he just turned 31. Expect Blalock to draw interest from power-blocking teams.


Falcons released WR Harry Douglas.

Douglas has been a productive wideout in Atlanta when either Julio Jones or Roddy White has been injured, but he’s going to be 31 this season and new OC Kyle Shanahan's offense is going to go through Jones even more than it has in the past. There was no reason to pay all three of Jones, White, and Douglas. The Falcons can get Douglas’ production as the No. 3 receiver at a much cheaper rate via a bargain free-agent signing or mid-round draft pick. The Falcons pick up $3.5 million in cap space by cutting Douglas, who posted a 51-556-2 line in 2014.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

[Kingspoint]

Chip Kelly wastes no time. (If only the Bengals didn't set the bar so low and had the drive of Kelly.)

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Free agent DE/OLB Brandon Graham is expected to reach the open market.

The Eagles freed up $14.925 million in cap space by releasing Cary Williams and Trent Cole on Tuesday, but apparently won't give Graham what he's looking for before the start of free agency on March 10. A February report said Graham was seeking a four-year deal in the neighborhood of $30 million. Philly will be extremely thin on outside linebackers if Graham joins Cole as an ex-Eagle.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News


Bills acquired RB LeSean McCoy in exchange for LB Kiko Alonso.

It's a stunning trade in a league bereft of them. The move gives new Bills coach Rex Ryan a centerpiece for his "ground-and-pound" offense, and reunites Alonso with his college coach in Chip Kelly. The Philadelphia Daily News' Paul Domowitch reported late last month that the Eagles were unlikely to keep Shady at his $11.95 million cap number. McCoy is coming off a year where he averaged just 4.2 yards per carry and was eased off goal-line duties, but remains one of the league's premier runners. He is still only 27 (in July). From a fantasy perspective, he remains a clear RB1. As for the Eagles, they now have a gaping hole at running back. For better or worse, Kelly is proving more than ready to exercise his absolute control of the Eagles' roster.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


The trade is slated to occur next week when the new league year opens.

[Tom Servo]

Wow, that McCoy trade is ballsy. I see the logic in it, but it's gonna be controversial.

[Slyder]

Wow, that McCoy trade is ballsy. I see the logic in it, but it's gonna be controversial.

They had trouble running the ball when they had McCoy at times... They better strike it right with a draft RB. This is the year to pull something like this though, its a GREAT and DEEP running back draft.

[Slyder]

The next 2 months will be the team getting their fans prepared for this inevitable truth -- you're about to be cheering for a rapist.

I don't know why but when I see Winston I can't help but think of JaWalrus esque attitude. Yes he was down to 231 or whatever at the combine but he had to lose 17 lbs to get there.. where was his off season conditioning for the single most important job interview he'll probably ever have?

I'm glad Oakland isn't in a position to make that decision again. Lets get our Carr some accessories!

#starttheCarr!

[Kingspoint]

Wow, that McCoy trade is ballsy. I see the logic in it, but it's gonna be controversial.

They'd already saved a ton of money by deciding to let go of Cole last week (releasing him today). They spent yesterday and today to try to get an "amiable" deal done with Brandon Graham, and Graham's side didn't compromise (Philly's side obviously was compromising as they had it in their minds to give it their best shot before the end of the day, going another direction immediately once it was clear that their best shot wasn't good enough). Recall the quick release of Dexter Jackson last season. Chip Kelly doesn't waste time. He's going to get Mariotta, one way or another. While Nick Foles would be good enough to be a Bengals' Quarterback, he's nothing close to what Kelly wants in order to win the Super Bowl trophy.

Kiko Alonso is better than Brandon Graham, so they improved their Linebacker situation both now and in future years (because of Alonso's age and current salary). McCoy may have had 2000 total yards in 2013, but in 2014, he spent his entire season dancing around the backfield. He rarely hit what holes were there. His 2014 version is easily replaceable. There were no signs that improved blocking would help him last season as the Eagles got most of their injured O-line back half-way through the seasons, yet McCoy continued to dance around in the backfield.

On Buffalo's end, a combination of Fred Jackson (who seems ageless) and the potential of McCoy to get back to something resembling his 2011-13 form, makes Buffalo's backfield strong enough to overcome the lack of a Quarterback.

[Kingspoint]

Alonso's base salary is $745K w/ a $50K workout bonus. McCoy's is $9.75M plus another $250K each for workout and roster bonus.

The Eagles freed up $14.925 million in cap space by releasing Cary Williams and Trent Cole on Tuesday. The Eagles have a ton of money available.

[Tom Servo]

Yeah they saved a lot of money, got a good young player at an important position, and give themselves a chance to find a running back who perfectly fits their system. So I think it's a good move...but McCoy is a superstar and plays one of the most visible positions, so opinions are gonna be divergent.

[WrongVerb]

I think the trade for McCoy will come back to bite the Bills in the butt. Running backs have a very short shelf life, and there's really no reason to think McCoy might be any different. They still better get a good RB in the draft. Great trade for the Eagles, though.

[Tom Servo]

Buffalo just traded for Matt Cassel, which I think is better than signing Josh McCown to a 3 year deal. Neither is very good though, obviously.

[Kingspoint]

Buffalo just traded for Matt Cassel, which I think is better than signing Josh McCown to a 3 year deal. Neither is very good though, obviously.

And, the Vikings get to write off $4.7M off their books, while adding two draft picks. They're going to write off another $12M+ when Peterson is gone. Give Zimmer draft picks and money to get the players that he wants and he's going to put together a pretty dominant team. He never once got the players that he asked for while with the Bengals. He took what was given him and made it work, but he didn't get what he wanted. He already worked miracles with that Defense his first year there, taking them from the very bottom of the NFL to middle-of-the-pack. He'll soon have the Vikings in the Top-5 in Sacks and QB Pressure.

[Kingspoint]

So I think it's a good move...but McCoy is a superstar and plays one of the most visible positions, so opinions are gonna be divergent.

Two years ago you could say he was a SuperStar, but not after last year's performance. Mark Ingram would be better for the Eagles this coming season than McCoy.

And, then, there's this...

A source informed ESPN's Josina Anderson that LeSean McCoy is "frustrated" over being traded to the Bills and is "not going to make it easy, that's for sure."

"Of course he's not happy," added the source. "It'll be interesting to see how this process plays itself out because he's an interesting individual. ... He was like 'why me?'" Some are leaving the door open to McCoy possibly refusing to go to Buffalo, leading to the Bills possibly pulling out of the trade prior to it officially going through when the new league year opens March 10. But in all likelihood, the Bills will hand McCoy a new contract with more guaranteed money through 2015 and 2016 and let coach Rex Ryan work his magic as a coach with the ability to convince his players to "buy in." Ryan's the ultimate players coach.

Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter


It had already been reported earlier that McCoy had the audacity to be seeking more money than he's scheduled to make, and that after having a terrible season running and catching the ball. Here's the contract he signed:

5/17/2012: Signed a six-year, $45.615 million contract. The deal contains $20.765 million guaranteed -- an $8.5 million signing bonus, McCoy's 2012-2014 base salaries, and $1 million of his 2015 salary. McCoy is eligible for annual $100,000 workout bonuses in years two and three, and $250,000 workout bonuses in years four through six.
2015: $9.75 million,
2016: $6.9 million,
2017: $7.6 million

[Slyder]

In a down year he still rushed for over 1300 yards and averaged 4.2 yds per carry. He had a career low in targets in the passing game. In no universe would I want Ingram over McCoy. And I like Ingram A TON!


Two years ago you could say he was a SuperStar, but not after last year's performance. Mark Ingram would be better for the Eagles this coming season than McCoy.

And, then, there's this...

A source informed ESPN's Josina Anderson that LeSean McCoy is "frustrated" over being traded to the Bills and is "not going to make it easy, that's for sure."

"Of course he's not happy," added the source. "It'll be interesting to see how this process plays itself out because he's an interesting individual. ... He was like 'why me?'" Some are leaving the door open to McCoy possibly refusing to go to Buffalo, leading to the Bills possibly pulling out of the trade prior to it officially going through when the new league year opens March 10. But in all likelihood, the Bills will hand McCoy a new contract with more guaranteed money through 2015 and 2016 and let coach Rex Ryan work his magic as a coach with the ability to convince his players to "buy in." Ryan's the ultimate players coach.

Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter


It had already been reported earlier that McCoy had the audacity to be seeking more money than he's scheduled to make, and that after having a terrible season running and catching the ball. Here's the contract he signed:

5/17/2012: Signed a six-year, $45.615 million contract. The deal contains $20.765 million guaranteed -- an $8.5 million signing bonus, McCoy's 2012-2014 base salaries, and $1 million of his 2015 salary. McCoy is eligible for annual $100,000 workout bonuses in years two and three, and $250,000 workout bonuses in years four through six.
2015: $9.75 million,
2016: $6.9 million,
2017: $7.6 million

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

NBC Washington's Dianna Marie Russini reports the Eagles are expected to pursue free agent OLB Jason Worilds "as soon as free agency starts."

Russini is based on D.C., but seems to be quite plugged-in around the NFL and has issued a long list of accurate reports as long as we've been sourcing her. Worilds-to-Philadelphia was a popular rumor even before Russini's report came to light. The Eagles badly need weak-side edge-rush help after cutting Trent Cole. Worilds is nearly six years younger than Cole.

Source: Dianna Marie Russini on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

In a down year he still rushed for over 1300 yards and averaged 4.2 yds per carry. He had a career low in targets in the passing game. In no universe would I want Ingram over McCoy. And I like Ingram A TON!

Based on the holes that were there, he should have rushed for 4.8 yards per carry or more. He cost me a 1st and a 3rd in a draft in FFB, while I also had Foles as my Starting QB in both leagues I was in. I watched the Eagles games closely and McCoy danced in the backfield all season long. He went East and West nearly every time he touched the ball. With Chip Kelly telling him to stop doing it, he continued to do it. If you can't follow Chip Kelly's instructions and think team-first, then you're gone. No need for a player like that, regardless of their talent.

He had a career low in targets because he shared them with Sproles, but he also wasn't as reliable in the passing game anymore, as he dropped more passes than he should have, while again dancing with the ball once he got it.

Here's a short analysis on McCoy: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/03/04/inspecting-mccoys-production/

Take a player like Mark Ingram's North-South style of running, and he should out-perform what Shady did last season. Prior to last season, I wouldn't want anything to do with Ingram. But, the light turned on for him for some reason (contract year), and he played the way he was envisioned to play like when he was taken as a 1st Round draft pick out of Alabama. If Shady could get 4.6 yards per carry behind a healthy Eagle's Offensive line the second half of last season, Ingram can get 4.8 or better at a much, much cheaper rate. And, they still have Darren Sproles and now have a much younger Linebacker in Alonso instead of Graham. Ingram also has had fewer touches in his career than Shady, and won't be a sourpuss in the lockerroom complaining that he's not getting paid enough.

When Kelly took over this team, it was void of talent. He got them to outperform it's expectations and talent level. There still needs to be an influx of talent and the money saved with the trades and releases going on here allows them to improve the overall talent-level of the roster.

Here's another short read on it: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/03/03/bills-eagles-make-splash-with-alonso-mccoy-swap/

Last year there were 57 Runningbacks who played at least 25% of their team's Offensive snaps. An Offensive Line can create holes for players, but once they're hit, it's the Runningback who has to get the rest. A Runningback who dances gets holes closed sooner than those Runningbacks who run North and South. In the rankings of Yards-After-Contact-Per-Attempt, McCoy was in a five-way-tie for 41st at 2.1. Ingram tied with Le'Veon Bell at 22nd w/ 2.3. Where McCoy also was poor in the passing game, while also not doing real well as a Blocker, there is the Free Agent, Steven Jackson available, who excelled in all three areas of Pass-catching, Running, and Blocking. Jackson was in a three-way tie for 8th at 2.7 yards per carry after contact. His problem is that he was getting hit at one-yard past the line of scrimmage because of Atlanta's Offensive Line problems. Steven Jackson doesn't dance and does what the Coaches ask of him. He's a great teammate and leader, and I wouldn't be surprised if he found his way into an Eagles uniform next season sharing runningback duties with Ingram, while Sproles continues to be a pass-catcher only back.


Bengals fans early on recognized the greatness in Jeremy Hill (even though Hue "clueless" Jackson and Marvin "head-in-the-sand" Lewis did not). Hill tied for 5th in the league with a 2.8 yards-per-carry-after-contact in 2014.

In addition, no team runs more Offensive Plays the last two seasons than the Philadelphia Eagles. There are going to be more Total Yards available. Getting 1300 yards in Philadelphia isn't difficult to accomplish. If somehow they have both Ingram and Jackson sharing the load, I wouldn't be surprised if together they get 2000+ yards with Ingram getting 1300+ and Jackson getting 700+.

[Kingspoint]

Roy Helu is another player who would be outstanding in Kelly's Offense.

Helu just announced that he's going to enter Free Agency per Chris Russell on Twitter.

Helu was second behind Jordan Todman in Yards-After-Contact-per-Attempt, averaging 3.4 yards per carry after he was hit. Todman finished at 3.8, while #3 was "Beast-mode", quite a bit back at 3.0 per attempt. Helu also didn't fumble (Steven Jackson also didn't fumble, while McCoy fumbled three times last season).

Helu struggled in blocking, so he'd be more of an eventual replacement for the 32-year old Darren Sproles. Sproles is due $3M this season and $3.5M in 2016.


.........................


Quality Runningbacks continue to flood the market....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Saints released RB Pierre Thomas.

The Saints begin the difficult process of cutting veterans amid their salary-cap nightmare. Currently projected about $20 million over the cap, the Saints save just $1.735 million with the move. Thomas took a pay cut last offseason to return and went on to total 600 yards and three touchdowns on 90 touches. Thomas can still be productive but shouldn't command more than $2-3 million. The Saints have an in-house replacement option in Travaris Cadet.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter


Pierre Thomas finished 9th overall in production among RB's per ProFootballFocus rankings. He finished 3rd overall as a Receiver among Runningbacks. (Gio finished 13th.)

As far as RB's catching passes, Ingram finished tied for first in fewest dropped passes with none on 29 catchable passes. Pierre Thomas (5th) dropped one on 49 catchable passes. Gio (6th) dropped one on 44 catchable passes. Helu (16th) dropped two on 44 catchable passes. Jeremy Hill (22nd) dropped two on 29 catchable passes. McCoy (26th) dropped three on 32 catchable passes. Sproles (30th) dropped five on 45 catchable passes.

Runningbacks should not be dropping "catchable" passes as they are usually standing near the LOS, less than ten yards from the Quarterback.

For reference purposes, last season Gresham (#1 among all TE's) only dropped one pass on 63 catchable passes, and everyone around Cincinnati thinks he's drop-prone, which obviously is a very, very wrong conclusion based on old information. Sadly, this rep seems to be with him around the team, also, as the Bengals are letting him walk for nothing (Gresham also finished as a Top-5 Run-blocker among TE's in 2014). And, the Bengals act like they need a TE when they have what they need with a name on the locker already. They can be really obtuse at times.


One more huge stat to throw out there.....

Helu and Thomas finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in Yards-per-Pass-Route-Run at 2.20 and 1.83. Helu ran 217 Pass Routes for 477 yards, while Thomas ran 206 Pass Routes for 378 yards. Shady finished DEADLAST (42nd) and 0.43. He ran 361 Pass Routes for only 155 yards.

Hill (23rd) was at 1.22 and Gio (13th) was at 1.59. Bernard's number should rise as he'll be more fresh and less beat up by not having been used between the tackles anywhere near the amount he was used last season on a per game basis.

Fred Jackson (5th) was at 1.74. It's going to be interesting to see how Rex Ryan uses Jackson and McCoy. I envision him using Jackson as the 3rd-down back, though both he and McCoy struggled with keeping pressure off the Quarterback last season. I couldn't justify paying McCoy as much as he'll get to be used on just 1st and 2nd downs.

[Tom Servo]

Bears just shipped Brandon Marshall off to the Jets.

[Sea Ray]

Bears just shipped Brandon Marshall off to the Jets.

What'd they get for him?

[Revering4Blue]

What'd they get for him?

According to Rotoworld.com, a fifth-round pick.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Jaguars declined to tender restricted free agents RB Jordan Todman, FB Will Ta’ufo’ou, CB Teddy Williams, G/C Jacques McClendon, and TE Fendi Onobun.

All five become unrestricted free agents, as the Jags deemed none of them worthy of a $1.54 million lowest-possible tender. Todman served as a situational passing-down back in 2014, behind Toby Gerhart and Denard Robinson. Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell has had 14 restricted free agents on his watch through three years on the job. He has not tendered a single one of them.

Related: Jaguars


I really like David Caldwell, but I question this move. I can't believe that not one of 14 RFA's would be worth it. In Todman's case, here's a guy who led all NFL Runningbacks in Yards-after-contact-per-carry. With a player as plodding as Toby Gerhardt on the roster, letting Todman go, when you could get him for $1.54M for one season, makes little sense. Todman isn't a 20-carry Runningback, but used seven times a game, he's a very valuable asset to the young Quarterback. Todman also led the NFL in Yards-per-carry at 5.8. Gerhardt was at 3.2. Denard Robinson was at 4.3. Todman was also the team's best Blocker, another asset one needs for a young Quarterback.

[Kingspoint]

Another questionable move is one by the Raiders (surprise, surprise)....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Raiders are expected to move on from free agent G/C Stefen Wisniewski.

Wisniewski is a rare "homegrown talent" on the Raiders, but was drafted by the old Al Davis regime. The 26-year-old is an above-league-average interior offensive lineman. The most surprising part is the Raiders' willingness to let a young starter walk. They don't have many quality young starters.

Source: Vic Tafur on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Jets re-signed ILB David Harris to a three-year, $21.5 million contract with $15 million guaranteed.

The deal locks up Harris through his age-33 season. Rex Ryan's Bills were poised for an aggressive run at Harris had he hit the open market, but the Jets were even more aggressive about keeping him, guaranteeing Harris nearly 70 percent of this contract. Harris is a three-down linebacker who struggles in coverage but is a highly productive tackler. He'll likely be new coach Todd Bowles' defensive signal caller at "Mike" 'backer.

Source: Rand Getlin on Twitter


This is in response to the McCoy for Alonso trade. The Jets overpaid (just slightly) for Harris, as they would have lost him to Buffalo had he hit the open market on Tuesday.

[Kingspoint]

The Redskins took Niles Reed off of the market.

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Redskins re-signed TE Niles Paul to a three-year contract.

Paul has only missed four games in four seasons, which makes him a much safer bet than injury-prone starter Jordan Reed. Paul entered the league as a wideout, evident by the fact he hauled in 75 percent of his targets last season. If given a consistent role in the offense, he could be a fantasy sleeper. Prior to re-signing in D.C., Paul drew interest from Atlanta. We wouldn't be surprised if he became Washington's new starter over Reed.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Dolphins are confident they'll sign free agent Ndamukong Suh, according to the Miami Herald.

Suh is expected to command in the neighborhood of six years and $102 million with over $60 million guaranteed. That would make Suh the richest defensive player of all-time, ahead of J.J. Watt. Miami recently released Brian Hartline, Nate Garner, Brandon Gibson, and Cortland Finnegan to make room for a top-flight free agent. The Raiders and Colts have also been linked to Suh, who can begin negotiating with teams Saturday.

Source: Miami Herald

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

According to the Clarion Ledger, a mix of 13 NFL and CFL scouts ended the workout for any prospect who did not run at least a 4.50 forty during Jackson State's pro day.

Thanks to James Dator for pointing this story out. "They were cutting people after the 40, so I guess if your time wasn't perfect, they were cutting you," former WR Tobias Singleton said. "I was looking forward to doing everything. I thought it was going to be a regular pro day." Apparently the scouts on hand huddled following the forty yard runs and told the prospects the news. Only one player qualified, West Alabama WR Stephanio McNair. It was 28 degrees. This is incredible laziness displayed by employees of professional teams, and another example of "just because the NFL does something does not mean it is right."

Source: The Clarion Ledger

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

ESPN's John Clayton reports Marshawn Lynch's new contract is a one-year, $11 million deal.

Lynch was scheduled to make $8.5 million, so it's a $2.5M raise with more upfront money. He's now owed $1 million in base salary, with a $9 million signing bonus and $1M roster bonus. Lynch's new deal makes him the third highest paid running back behind Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy.


Next time, they hand it off to Lynch.

[Sea Ray]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

ESPN's John Clayton reports Marshawn Lynch's new contract is a one-year, $11 million deal.

Lynch was scheduled to make $8.5 million, so it's a $2.5M raise with more upfront money. He's now owed $1 million in base salary, with a $9 million signing bonus and $1M roster bonus. Lynch's new deal makes him the third highest paid running back behind Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy.


Next time, they hand it off to Lynch.

I'm surprised he'd take a one yr deal rather than try free agency

[cincrazy]

Suh to the Dolphins. I believe it's a $114 million contract with $60 million guaranteed.

[Dom Heffner]

Why do these guys sign with the Dolphins? Talk about not going anywhere.

[Slyder]

Why do these guys sign with the Dolphins? Talk about not going anywhere.

No income tax in Fla is a nice incentive.

[Big Red Smokey]

Kaepernick on the trade block.

[Tom Servo]

Patrick Willis may retire.

Jeremy Macklin to Kansas City.

Texans resign Ryan Mallett and sign Brian Hoyer.

Bills resign Jerry Hughes.

Rodney Hudson signs a big deal with Oakland.

Frank Gore to the Eagles, Julias Thomas to the Jaguars, and Torrey Smith to the 49ers are all imminent.

[Slyder]

Patrick Willis may retire.

Jeremy Macklin to Kansas City.

Texans resign Ryan Mallett and sign Brian Hoyer.

Bills resign Jerry Hughes.

Rodney Hudson signs a big deal with Oakland.

Frank Gore to the Eagles, Julias Thomas to the Jaguars, and Torrey Smith to the 49ers are all imminent.

Nice start for Oakland, I'll miss Wis but I still believe he'd be a better guard than center.

[Dom Heffner]

Julius Thomas to the Jaguars...what better way to say, "It's all about money."

Why do these guys go these teams that are awful?

[Revering4Blue]

Julius Thomas to the Jaguars...what better way to say, "It's all about money."

Why do these guys go these teams that are awful?

Top-to-bottom, the Jaguar's roster is arguably stronger than the Colts' roster. A franchise QB like Luck makes a roster look much stronger than it actually is.

[Slyder]

The Yorks putting fun back in dysfunctional. First time in many years that the Raiders aren't the most dysfunctional team in the bay? Justin Smith also gonna announce his retirement.

[Dom Heffner]

Top-to-bottom, the Jaguar's roster is arguably stronger than the Colts' roster. A franchise QB like Luck makes a roster look much stronger than it actually is.

With no QB...you can have all the talent you want, you're going nowhere.

[Kingspoint]

The Yorks putting fun back in dysfunctional. First time in many years that the Raiders aren't the most dysfunctional team in the bay? Justin Smith also gonna announce his retirement.

A franchise with so much promise and so much history has gone really bad, really fast. They look like a bottom-five NFL team right now.

They officially have no Receivers. Steve Johnson just got released.

[Kingspoint]

I really like the Jaguars, Dom. I see nothing but upward progression for them each of the last two seasons (more, if you count the purchase of the team by the current owner), and I think this off-season is leading to another better-than-the-year-before season. I especially like Blake Bortles. I would trade the entire Bengals' roster for the Jags in a heartbeat, as long as we could swap Coaching Staffs, too. I wish I was a Jaguars fan. They're going to be challenging Luck and the Colts for the next eight seasons for the Division crown.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms free agent Frank Gore has gotten "cold feet" on signing with the Eagles, and is drawing interest from the Colts.

Per Schefter, the Eagles are "now in the market for other running backs." Considering GM/coach Chip Kelly's low tolerance for nonsense, this potential union might be irreparable after every weekend report suggested Gore-to-Philly was a done deal. From a fantasy standpoint, Indy would be almost as good a landing place for Gore as Philly.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


Also....

According to FOX's Mike Garafolo, all indications are free agent Frank Gore in now "intent" on joining the Colts.

Gore appears set to leave the Eagles at the alter, instead choosing to hitch his wagon to Andrew Luck. He'd move ahead of Dan Herron as Indy's feature back and give Luck one of the game's best pass-protecting running backs. It's reasonable to think the Eagles' apparent lack of direction in personnel moves gave Gore cold feet and he sees a better chance to win a Super Bowl in Indy.

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

As the 49er's slide, the Cardinals (through addition) and Rams (through subtraction) rise...

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports free agent OG Mike Iupati intends to sign with the Cardinals.

It would be a coup for the Cardinals, as Iupati is one of the league's very best guards, and the Cards have had an atrocious run-blocking line for years. Iupati is Rotoworld's top-rated interior lineman on the open market. He's also drawn interest from the Jets, Bills, 49ers, Vikings and Raiders. He's reportedly seeking $8.5 million per year, and if interest is as robust as the rumors suggest it is, he should get it.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


Rams released C Scott Wells.

Wells was a massive free-agent bust after signing a four-year, $24 million deal with the Rams prior to the 2012 season. He was oft-injured and a huge liability when on the field, grading out as Pro Football Focus' worst center last season. The Rams could be looking for three new starters on the offensive line.

Source: Jim Thomas on Twitter


Rams released LT Jake Long.

The move saves $8 million in cap room. This decision was an easy one for the Rams, who will move forward with Greg Robinson at left tackle. Long spent two years in St. Louis, finishing both on injured reserve. Turning 30 in May, Long is currently rehabbing an ACL tear and may be weighing retirement.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

Getting Jared Odrick makes an already good Jaguars Defense much better. In addition, they made a significant move to their Offensive Line.

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

News coming in from Ian Rapoport who says that Jermey Parnell has informed him he’ll be heading to Jacksonville. The Jaguars have been trying to retool their offensive line the past two years and they clearly see Parnell as a player who can add a bit of toughness and grit after a long time in Dallas playing the role of sixth lineman. It’s something of a gamble considering Parnell had just eight career starts at tackle during his time as a Cowboy, but the upside is there given how well he played when replacing an injured Doug Free in 2014. He ended the year with a healthy +8.7 grade and never looked a liability in pass protection. Still more will be expected out of him now and he wouldn’t be the first tackle to look good in a limited sample size only to collapse under the weight of a 16 game schedule.


Reports suggest they may get the next best thing to Suh,.... Jared Odrick is exactly the kind of versatile chess piece that Gus Bradley will love getting his hands on, with experience at end and tackle in the Dolphins 4-3 and end when they ran a 3-4. At this stage it’s hard to know where he’ll land on that line but we can expect a significant role in their sub package defense, teaming up on the inside with Sen’Derrick Marks to cause havoc. Odrick didn’t finish the year particularly strong but still finished the year with the 16th highest pass rushing grade for a defensive tackle after logging 28 quarterback disruptions and five batted passes.

[Kingspoint]

Right after I praise David Caldwell, he goes and does this...

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars agreed to terms with LB Dan Skuta on a five-year, $20.5 million contract.

It's one of the first truly eye-opening deals of free agency. A six-year veteran going on 29, Skuta has made just 22 career starts, but he was routinely effective in place of Aldon Smith in San Francisco. Five of his 5.5 career sacks came in 2014. He'll likely play outside linebacker, though ESPN's Adam Caplan reports he could also kick inside. The Jaguars are gambling they've found a diamond in the rough.

Source: CSN Bay Area


Outrageous as this contract is, it's no more outrageous than the contract Maualuga received.

[Sea Ray]

Who would have thought that Dan Skuta would ever have this sort of NFL career?

[Kingspoint]

Who would have thought that Dan Skuta would ever have this sort of NFL career?

He was our best Special Teamer for several seasons. The potential was there. He also learned to play Defense under Zimmer. I like him. Wanted the Bengals to keep him. It's just the money seems extravagant.

[Sea Ray]

He was our best Special Teamer for several seasons. The potential was there. He also learned to play Defense under Zimmer. I like him. Wanted the Bengals to keep him. It's just the money seems extravagant.

Sounds similar to the Kevin Kaesviharn story. I'm happy for him

[Kingspoint]

Tuesday's (March 10th, 1st "official" day of Free Agency) update:

Vikings resign Asiata and his 10 TD's to an incentive-laden deal. Asiata played 85 snaps on Kickoffs and Punts last season. He's their #3 RB.

DeMarco Murray is going somewhere...probably Jacksonville, but it's just not going to be Dallas, as Murray erased all evidence of Cowboy logo's on his twitter account after meeting with Dallas brass last night.

Buffalo continues to completely revamp their organization. News that the Dolphins' 2nd-Round tender on TE Charles Clay is not scaring them off and they'll take a serious look at making him available for Rex Ryan's Offense.

As expected, Atlanta may get the steal of Free Agency if they lure O'Brien Schofield away from Atlanta. It's an obvious move as former Seahawks DC and new HC Dan Quinn was expected to lure away some of the Seahawks' Defensive talent. I wanted badly Schofield for the Bengals, but the Bengals lack the insight, cahones, smarts, (place your adjective here) to make such a move early in Free Agency and Schofield is going to pick O'Brien over anyone else all day long. The Jaguars did the same thing to Seattle (but on a grand scale) when Quinn's former DC in Seattle left to be HC of Jacksonville. Schofield has Top-5 4-3 RDE potential written all over him.

Seattle fixed one of it's holes (the loss of CB Byron Maxwell) with a much cheaper, albeit less talented, version by signing Cary Williams to a long-term deal as the Eagles and Seahawks swap CB's.

Percy Harvin will be released. No news here. Hopefully, no team I care about chases after this over-priced, over-hyped soul-sucking NFL player. I do hope some team I root against chases that glitter.

Atlanta will try to add a possession Receiver in Leonard Hankerson. Not someone who should ever start, but Hankerson could be a reliable #3 or #4 Receiver with Ryan.

Chiefs take Saftey Tyvon Branch from the Raiders to replace cancer-stricken Eric Berry.

Colts are getting serious this off-season. They're upgrading areas all over the team, with both Frank Gore and Andre Johnson reportedly done deals. They also kept versatile Joe Reitz on their O-Line, paying him for three more seasons. He's important, as the Colts stick with only six O-linemen (a recipe for disaster).

Cardinals are adding Sean Weatherspoon and now are going after Nate Irving as new Linebackers. They were devastated at Linebacker last season, losing their Top-4 to either Free Agency, Suspension, or Injury.

The Jaguars continue to throw money around at unproven players with the signing of CB Davon House ($6.25M/season).

The Jets are retaining Bilal Powell. Chip Kelly better make a move soon at RB.

Kelly should be going after Helu and Pierre Thomas, but Helu is more heavily on the Patriots target after they lost Shane Vereen to the Giants today.

Pierre Thomas is looking to be part of Forsett's replacement in Baltimore.

Brian Hoyer has picked the Texans. He'll compete against Tom Savage and Ryan Mallett. I like Savage best among the three, but Savage needs to sit and learn for another year while getting in some snaps here and there.

Bengals make a great re-signing in Eric Winston. A real steal late in the season last year, he adds insurance in case they don't get a deal done with Andre Smith. It's possible that Winston outplays Smith next season, anyway. Of big concern is that Andre Smith had a down year in a "contract" year. Even before his injury, Smith had fallen to middle-of-the-pack as a RT, instead of being the best in the league the year before.

Colts get one of the NFL's best 4-3 EDGE DE's in Trent Cole. Unfortunately, he'll be playing in a 3-4 in Indy, where he's less effective as an OLB. He's still good, just not great.

The Titans make a great signing! Try often enough and you eventually get some good ones. They added Safety Da'Norris Searcy to play in the box. He's big upgrade over the departed Bernard Pollard.

The Jaguars continue their busy spending with a quality add of Safety Sergio Brown.

The Titans added a solid veteran to be their 3rd Receiver in Harry Douglas. Will Mecklenberger ever get him the ball? Can't see him throwing it to anyone other than Justin Hunter, Kendall Wright and Delanie Walker.

Cardinals HC reunites with LaMarr Woodley, as the Cardinals add their third new LB to the team.

Owen Daniels will once again follow Gary Kubiak to a new destination, this time in Denver. The Broncos will add Virgil Green, also.

The Broncos are also looking to replace Terrance Knighton with Kendall Langford.

Ed Dickson returns to Carolina.

Free Agency officially starts at the top of the hour.

[Kingspoint]

Sam Bradford to the Eagles for Foles and a pick.

[Tom Servo]

WOW. Bradford to Philly for Foles and a draft pick.

[Kingspoint]

Jimmy Graham for Unger.

The trade is Graham and a fourth-round pick to Seattle for C Max Unger and a first-round pick.

Seahawks give up their best Offensive Lineman for the league's best Tight End. Seahawks were devoid of Receivers, so it's a needed, high price to pay.

Both Unger and Graham are equally injury-prone.

[Tom Servo]

And Jimmy Graham was traded to Seattle. what is going on.

[Kingspoint]

Rotoworld's take...

Lions acquired DT Haloti Ngata from the Ravens for fourth- and fifth-round draft picks.

Out of the blue, the Lions have their Ndamukong Suh replacement. The Ravens and Ngata had been trying to agree on a restructured contract. It's unclear if his deal will be tweaked in Detroit. Ngata has spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore. He was suspended for the first four games of last season, but was typically disruptive upon his return. He's no Suh at this point of his career, but it's a strong get for the Lions.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld....

Falcons signed LB Brooks Reed, formerly of the Texans, to a five-year, $22 million contract.

Reed can play both inside and outside linebacker and should be a movable chess piece for new coach Dan Quinn. He's best against the run, as his pass-rush skills really never developed in Houston after being the No. 42 overall pick in the 2011 draft. He has just 14.5 career sacks, but the Falcons are starved for help.

- - - Updated - - -

PFF's take...

The Ravens have announced they’ve traded away Haloti Ngata to the Detroit Lions as the ability of free agency to generate surprises continues. Ngata is still a dominant player and a much needed get for a Lions team that are about to lose their best defensive player, but will represent a dropoff from what was previously manning the middle. Nonetheless he’s coming off a strong year where he was our ninth ranked 3-4 defensive end, earning positive marks against both the run and pass despite his low sack total. Expect more on this when details of what was traded for Ngata goes down.

- - - Updated - - -

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Colts re-signed FS Mike Adams to a two-year contract.

Adams, 34, stabilized Indianapolis' previously shaky free safety position last season, earning elite coverage marks from Pro Football Focus and intercepting five passes. He added two forced fumbles. Father Time will eventually catch up with Adams, but there are no indications that will occur in 2015.

[Kingspoint]

Damn it. I wanted Paea for the Bengals. Extremely affordable, and not your classic Nose, he can play it very well at an affordable price.

Redskins signed DL Stephen Paea to a four-year contract.

[Tom Servo]

Jake Locker is retiring, I always wanted to see how he would do over the course of a full season but he could never stay healthy.

[Kingspoint]

It's official....Carson Palmer has protection up front.

Cardinals signed OG Mike Iupati, formerly of the 49ers, to a five-year, $40 million contract.

- - - Updated - - -


Jake Locker is retiring, I always wanted to see how he would do over the course of a full season but he could never stay healthy.

Wow. He couldn't even target his career length accurately.

[Kingspoint]

Rotoworld....

Jets signed CB Buster Skrine to a four-year, $25 million contract with $13 million guaranteed.

The Jets are players for all the top-flight corners, including Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis. They'll at least land Skrine, who was PFF's No. 82 corner last year while playing opposite Joe Haden. He can play both the slot and the perimeter, and is entering his age-26 season. Skrine will be a nice get if he can clean up the penalties.


Repeat.....PFF's #82 Corner.

- - - Updated - - -

Vikings get Shaun Hill to back up Bridgewater. That's a lot better than what they had.

- - - Updated - - -

Rotoworld...

NBC Washington's Dianna Marie Russini reports the Bears will sign free agent WR Eddie Royal. Royal reportedly "loves" Jay Cutler, for what it's worth. In Chicago, he'd man the slot between current outside starters Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson.

[Kingspoint]

49er's pay a king's ransom for Torrey Smith.


Five-year, $40 million contract that includes $22 million guaranteed.

[RedTeamGo!]

Has the entire NFL gone crazy?

Note the Browns and Bengals doing absolutely nothing.

[Kingspoint]

Who is better right now?

The Bengals or the Dolphins?

[Kingspoint]

I could really use some good news from the Bengals.

My favorite hockey team lost the league's leading scorer for the season in Patrick Kane.

My favorite basketball team lost the team's leader for the season (after the trade deadline, so there's zero chance to replace his lost), best outside threat, and best exterior defender in Wesley Matthews.

My favorite baseball team will be lucky to play .500 next season (the REDS).

My favorite football team is on a downward trend in it's franchise after going OFER under the Carson Palmer/Mike Zimmer window.

I'll be at the Houston/Portland game tomorrow night, with the winner taking over 3rd in the Western Conference. Portland laid an egg in it's first post-Wesley-Mathews era game by allowing the Offensively-challenged (93 pts/gm) Minnesota Timberwolves 121 points.

[Kingspoint]

It's official...

Two years for Trent Cole for $16M w/ $8M guaranteed.

That makes the Maualuga signing look like a joke (on the Bengals' fans), although Cole would have played RDE for the Bengals, but the point is the money spent on that extremely horrible side of the Bengals' Defense).

[Kingspoint]

McCoy has a blocker...

From Rotoworld....

Bills signed FB Jerome Felton. It's not the flashiest free agent signing, but Felton is definitely going to help the Bills' running game. Felton's blocking expertise helped Adrian Peterson rush for over 2,000 yards in 2012. He turned down $2.45 million to stay in Minnesota, so we're guessing Felton's new deal will at least match that.

[Kingspoint]

This 72-hour window to meet and discuss contracts with players prior to "officially" signing has been good for the players and the league.

[Stray]

Haven't been following closely, but it sounds like a lot of D-Lineman in the AFC East, and the Ravens lost a couple of guys that regularly killed us with Ngata going to Detroit and T Smith to San Fran.

I'm okay with all of this :thumbup:

[Kingspoint]

It will be crazy if DeMarco Murray ends up in the Eagles' backfield.

[Kingspoint]

The Saints gain one of the league's best Centers (who can play LG, RG and RT, too). Since Brees can make anybody look like a good Receiver (his Receivers lead the league in yards-after-contact because he places the ball in the right position for them to catch the ball in stride), it's a better asset for Brees having Unger instead of Graham.

Since the Saints are losing assets left and right (CB Keenan Lewis just threatened that he wants out if he doesn't get his last three years guaranteed.....fat chance of that), it's probably a great idea to protect the team's greatest asset in Brees. Graham was a luxury they couldn't afford right now.

[Kingspoint]

From Profootballfocus...

A confirmation of a deal that was announced earlier even though it was agreed over the weekend. That deal of course is Orlando Franklin joining up with the Chargers where we presume he’ll form a formidable tackle-guard partnership with either King Dunlap or D.J. Fluker. Franklin spent his first year at guard in 2014 and largely impressed after finishing 13th overall in our guard rankings and missing just 37 snaps. Before that he was a more than solid right tackle so will bring with him some much needed versatility given their injury woes on the line last year. He’s a big get for the Chargers and is sweet revenge after the Broncos stole away Louis Vasquez two years ago.

[Sea Ray]

I could really use some good news from the Bengals.

My favorite hockey team lost the league's leading scorer for the season in Patrick Kane.

My favorite basketball team lost the team's leader for the season (after the trade deadline, so there's zero chance to replace his lost), best outside threat, and best exterior defender in Wesley Matthews.

My favorite baseball team will be lucky to play .500 next season (the REDS).

My favorite football team is on a downward trend in it's franchise after going OFER under the Carson Palmer/Mike Zimmer window.

I'll be at the Houston/Portland game tomorrow night, with the winner taking over 3rd in the Western Conference. Portland laid an egg in it's first post-Wesley-Mathews era game by allowing the Offensively-challenged (93 pts/gm) Minnesota Timberwolves 121 points.

I guess the good news is the Bengals haven't lost anyone of note yet

[Sea Ray]

Why did the Hawks let Unger go?

[Kingspoint]

A Window just opened Wide-Open for the Bengals, but is likely to close just as fast if they don't act quickly....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Raiders are not pursuing free agent DT Terrance Knighton.

Knighton says both Oakland and Denver are "out of the race" for his services. He says he was low-balled by Oakland. Knighton appears frustrated and surprised by his slow-developing market. Perhaps Oakland or Denver will eventually swoop in and buy low. Knighton has also been connected to the Redskins, Colts and Bears.

Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter

He's not going to the Redskins, as they just signed Paea.

[Kingspoint]

From PFF...

Ian Rapoport reports that Derrick Morgan is visiting with the Atlanta Falcons, a team desperately in need of a pass rusher like Morgan. He is among the more underrated edge defenders in the league even after showing his versatility by switching to outside linebacker with relative ease, though in Atlanta he’d likely perform the Cliff Avril role in new Head Coach Dan Quinn’s defense. Morgan had the eighth highest pass rushing grades of all 3-4 outside linebackers last year whilst finishing in the top six of 4-3 defensive ends the previous two years. His work in the run game? Not quite as impressive but Atlanta don’t need a guy in the run game nearly as much as they need someone to get to the quarterback.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Bengals signed LB A.J. Hawk, formerly of the Packers.

Continuing to show concern about WLB Vontaze Burfict's microfracture surgery via their actions, the Bengals bring aboard a declining veteran in Hawk. He should be a steadying presence in the Bengals' locker room, but was a disappointment throughout his Packers career and a major liability in 2014.

Related: Packers


:rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol: :rolol:

[Kingspoint]

The Dolphins are officially better than the Bengals.

Couldn't imagine they could accomplish it, but the Bengals' Defense is now worse than it was last season.

[Slyder]

A Window just opened Wide-Open for the Bengals, but is likely to close just as fast if they don't act quickly....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Raiders are not pursuing free agent DT Terrance Knighton.

Knighton says both Oakland and Denver are "out of the race" for his services. He says he was low-balled by Oakland. Knighton appears frustrated and surprised by his slow-developing market. Perhaps Oakland or Denver will eventually swoop in and buy low. Knighton has also been connected to the Redskins, Colts and Bears.

Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter

He's not going to the Redskins, as they just signed Paea.

That's kind of disappointing as a Raider fan. We have to spend the money and its not like Knighton will break the bank. I do like the other moves Reggie has made so far but we need a ton more if we're even going to sniff Denver or San Diego in the AFC West.

So far: Lost Wisnewski, Gained Hudson and expected to sign Malcolm Smith. We really need some more impact.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Buccaneers released OT Anthony Collins.

The five-year, $30 million deal Collins signed with the Bucs last offseason was doomed from the start. Collins didn't even play in Tampa Bay's final four games. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, pulling the plug on Collins will only cost them $3 million in dead money while saving $3 million against the cap. Demar Dotson is a candidate to fill the hole left by Collins at left tackle.

Source: Rick Stroud on Twitter


The expected release is a reality check for Collins.

[Kingspoint]

That's kind of disappointing as a Raider fan. We have to spend the money and its not like Knighton will break the bank. I do like the other moves Reggie has made so far but we need a ton more if we're even going to sniff Denver or San Diego in the AFC West.

So far: Lost Wisnewski, Gained Hudson and expected to sign Malcolm Smith. We really need some more impact.

From Profootballfocus...

Oakland Raiders fans fear not, you’ve got your men (presuming the men you were hoping for were Malcolm Smith and Lee Smith). Malcolm is a former Super Bowl MVP (though we still don’t understand how we won given the play of their defensive linemen) but could never crack an every down role in Seattle where he was limited to just 286 snaps in 2014 (with a terrible -9.0 grade). Oakland better hope they get the 2013 version who was like a different player in earning a +10.9 score on 490 snaps. The turnaround in his fortunes should provide plenty of motivation.

As for the other Smith, Lee, he’s more of a blocking tight end (which kind of goes without saying when you look at his receiving totals). With the team also rumored to be bringing in Jermaine Gresham for a visit we can’t say we’re entirely sure we’ll know what the offense will look like come opening day. Smith was our fifth highest ranked run blocking tight end and excels in this area.

[Sea Ray]

The Dolphins are officially better than the Bengals.

Couldn't imagine they could accomplish it, but the Bengals' Defense is now worse than it was last season.

Lucky for them the season doesn't start tomorrow. I'm still thinking they'll end up with Michael Johnson returning.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

A league sources tells Profootballtalk the Raiders are "making a run" at free agent DeMarco Murray. PFT reports the Jaguars are also interested. The Raiders are desperate to reach the salary floor, and Murray is desperate to get paid, so perhaps we have a match. Oakland represents Murray's best shot at getting his annual $8 million. Considering California taxes and how noncompetitive the Raiders are, however, their money would likely have to vastly outstrip anyone else's.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

- - - Updated - - -


Lucky for them the season doesn't start tomorrow. I'm still thinking they'll end up with Michael Johnson returning.

Must be nice to not have an income tax in order to attract Free Agents.

[Kingspoint]

It's official....

From Rotoworld....

Jaguars signed TE Julius Thomas to a five-year, $46 million contract with $24 million guaranteed.

Rumored all weekend, Thomas officially went onto the Jaguars' books Tuesday at 4pm ET. The 26-year-old adds elite ball skills and pass-catching ability to a position where those qualities have been lacking since the Jaguars' inception. Thomas' fantasy outlook takes a severe hit, but he should remain a primary red-zone target. Unfortunately, his TD projection goes from the double digits with Peyton Manning to 5-6 per year with Blake Bortles.

[Slyder]

From Profootballfocus...

Oakland Raiders fans fear not, you’ve got your men (presuming the men you were hoping for were Malcolm Smith and Lee Smith). Malcolm is a former Super Bowl MVP (though we still don’t understand how we won given the play of their defensive linemen) but could never crack an every down role in Seattle where he was limited to just 286 snaps in 2014 (with a terrible -9.0 grade). Oakland better hope they get the 2013 version who was like a different player in earning a +10.9 score on 490 snaps. The turnaround in his fortunes should provide plenty of motivation.

As for the other Smith, Lee, he’s more of a blocking tight end (which kind of goes without saying when you look at his receiving totals). With the team also rumored to be bringing in Jermaine Gresham for a visit we can’t say we’re entirely sure we’ll know what the offense will look like come opening day. Smith was our fifth highest ranked run blocking tight end and excels in this area.

I can understand the Smith signing, behind Rivera we've not got much and at worst he'll be in on extra points. Maybe Smith can be the 2015 version of Roach (under the radar signing who plays well).

I just hoped we'd have a bigger impact on this free agent class but Florida with their 0% income tax is a popular place right now.

[Kingspoint]

Dan Williams would be a great addition...a rock on the Defensive side of the ball.

From Rotoworld....

The Raiders are hosting LB Curtis Lofton and NT Dan Williams for free agent visits on Tuesday. The Raiders' starting middle linebacker would be Miles Burris if the season began today. That's not good enough. Williams would fill a role-player run-stopping need in Oakland, upgrading on Pat Sims at nose tackle.

Source: John Middlekauff on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

I just hoped we'd have a bigger impact on this free agent class but Florida with their 0% income tax is a popular place right now.

Most people forget this, but the tax only applies to the games in Florida. Wherever a player's team plays (in any sport,...baseball...basketball...football...soccer ...etc), they get taxed that game's salary for that State/County/City/Burrough/etc. But, still, to have half of your game checks be untaxed by that State (Federal still applies, of course), makes quite a bit of a difference.

[Kingspoint]

The Giants continue their questionable moves....

From PFF...

Not a year seems to go by without the Giants brining in linebackers. This year the first they’ve landed is J.T. Thomas on a $12m deal with $4.5m guaranteed over three years. Thomas had a tough 2014 being asked to play inside and outside linebacker, earning a poor -14.8 grade after a similarly poor grade in 2013 -6.3. We’re not huge fans of some of the moves the Giants have made so far, bringing in players who don’t really add anything to a roster that needs adding to. We wouldn’t ticket Thomas in for a starting job by any stretch especially given the long history of rotation the Giants have at linebacker.

[Kingspoint]

Falcons re-signed RB Antone Smith.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld.....

Colts signed DE Kendall Langford, formerly of the Rams. With Cory Redding contemplating retirement, Langford will be a candidate to start at five-technique end opposite Arthur Jones. Langford was an early-career beast at the "five" with the Dolphins, before struggling as a 4-3 defensive tackle in St. Louis. He's 29 years old.

[Kingspoint]

Officially, Byron Maxwell signs with the Eagles.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld....

Free agent DT Henry Melton will visit the Bucs. Melton, 28, played three years under coach Lovie Smith in Chicago and went to a Pro Bowl. Coming off a torn ACL, Melton notched five sacks across 433 snaps for the Cowboys last season. He should be even closer to 100 percent in 2015.

Source: Sports Talk Florida

[IslandRed]

Kingspoint, thanks a bunch for posting all this stuff. Since I'm time-challenged right now, checking Reds news and catching up on NFL news in the same place is a big help.

[Kingspoint]

Kingspoint, thanks a bunch for posting all this stuff. Since I'm time-challenged right now, checking Reds news and catching up on NFL news in the same place is a big help.

You're welcome. That was the purpose.

[Kingspoint]

Great addition for the Raiders. Again, Helu was second in the league in Yards-After-Contact (1st for those with over 40 carries) on rushes, while also being 1st in the league in Yards-after-the-catch at over 11 yards per!. He's 220, and one of the best Receivers out of the backfield. This makes them better.

From Rotoworld...

Raiders agreed to terms with RB Roy Helu on a two-year contract.

If this is the extent of Oakland's offseason running back additions, it will bode well for Latavius Murray's chances of being a workhorse. It's also a nice signing by the Raiders. Helu, 26, has 4.4 straight-line speed and is one of the top pass-catching backs in football. He figures to change the pace behind Murray, and potentially replace him on passing downs. The Raiders intend to install more hurry-up, no-huddle packages under new OC Bill Musgrave. Because Helu is so versatile, he should work well in the fast-paced sets.

Source:*Adam Caplan on Twitter


Agent driven, or not, the Raiders are still being rumored to be interested in Murray.

The additions of blocking TE Lee Smith and a top Center, has made the Raiders O-Line much improved. If they could add a Tackle in the 1st Round, they'd be making a great leap forward in 2015.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Jets agreed to terms with CB Darrelle Revis, formerly of the Patriots, on a five-year, $70 million contract with $39 million guaranteed.

He's baaaack. Revis' agents made the announcement on Twitter. Revis continues to make bank and is now the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. After the Patriots failed to pick up Revis' $20 million team option, word immediately began circulating that Revis was planning a return to New York. After a two-year hiatus with stops in Tampa Bay and New England, Revis and the Jets get back together with the man who ousted him -- ex-GM John Idzik -- no longer working for the team. Revis will turn 30 this summer, but is still elite. He and Buster Skrine should make up Gang Green's new corner duo.

[Kingspoint]

From profootballfocus...

The Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds has elected to retire from the NFL. He was slated to be an unrestricted free agent, but reportedly there was interest in him from a few teams. For each of the last two years Worilds led the Steelers outside linebackers in pressure with 50 this past year. Worilds is the third player today to announce his retirement.

[Tom Servo]

Raiders picked up nosetackle Dan Williams and linebacker Curtis Lofton as well.

Eagles signed Ryan Mathews after missing out on Gore. Good pickup if he can stay on the field...which he probably won't.

[Slyder]

Ryan Matthews is to teams what Kevin Nash was to WWE. 1 good show and then he tears something.

[dabvu2498]

Can anyone explain what Chip Kelly is doing? I'll hang up and listen.

[Assembly Hall]

Can anyone explain what Chip Kelly is doing? I'll hang up and listen.

That is one hell of a good question. I am just scratching my head.

[Puffy]

Can anyone explain what Chip Kelly is doing? I'll hang up and listen.

No idea. Seems intent on proving its the system and not the players but who the heck knows

[Assembly Hall]

Chip knows what he is doing.........

http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2015/03/11/with-two-trades-philadelphia-eagles-chip-kelly-has-proven-to-be-a-terrible-gm/

[bucksfan2]

Chip is an egomaniac who thinks that his system will work regardless of talent. All the great ones have a streak in them like that. If it works Kelly will be hailed as genius, if it doesn't well there will be a nice cushy college gig waiting for him.

[Tom Servo]

At least he's going with a former #1 pick at QB and not Danny Wuerffel/Shane Matthews.

[Kingspoint]

Chip Kelly inherited a crappy team that should have missed the playoffs the last two seasons based on how much talent was on the team. Andy Reid left it in a mess void of talent and loaded with bad contracts.

Not only was the Defense full of crappy talent, but it was talent designed to operate in a 4-3 Defense. He's having to completely rebuild the entire Defense from the ground up. Kelly had no Quarterback. Kelly had prima-donna's on the team that Reid let run loosely and exhibit whatever behavior they felt best suited them, and not the team.

Kelly has a no-nonsense approach to believing that if anyone isn't buying into the "team" concept, then they are out on their butts the next day.

Like Pete Carroll, he's doing things his way and getting great results. It's amazing how much Kelly has accomplished in such a short time.

No team's Offensive Line was more devastated last season than Philadelphia's, and no team had more injuries to their Quarterbacks than Philadelphia, yet, they still won the Division. I expect nothing less than another Division Title, while Kelly attempts in his third season to find a Quarterback who can lead the franchise to more wins and a playoff push. At any one time, there are only 12 or so Quarterbacks who can lead a team to a Super Bowl title. It's hard to come by. Kelly has gotten each of his teams in his first two years to maximize the talent that was there.

Kelly's Coordinators have already been snapped up just two years into his NFL career. He's producing quality Coaches. LeSean McCoy sucked last season, is bitter, and was not a team player. He wasn't coming back to the team at any price. No room for a Runningback who dances around in the backfield and doesn't follow instructions.

[Kingspoint]

From Profootballfocus...

The Eagles already plucked Ryan Mathews from San Diego, but they may not be done signing free agent running backs. Chris Mortenson is reporting that DeMarco Murray himself called Chip Kelly to express interest in playing for Philadelphia. The Eagles are a running back’s dream with the number one overall line in 2013 and number two line last season. The only hold up is the money. Chip Kelly stated earlier today in a press conference that he wasn’t going to overpay in free agency so this is one to keep an eye on.

[Kingspoint]

From Profootballfocus' Ben Stockwell...

Though they have a longstanding rivalry on the field, Rodney Hudson has crossed the divide leaving the Kansas City Chiefs to join the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs and Raiders boasted our No. 1 and No. 2-ranked free agent centers and the Raiders clearly weren’t content with re-signing their own, Stefen Wisniewski, instead going out and poaching Hudson from the Chiefs with a lucrative deal. Entering the league at the same time as Wisniewski, Hudson found playing time slower to come by with an injury only three games into his sophomore season. That injury, after having sat behind Casey Wiegmann as a rookie, left Hudson with only 185 snaps at center after two seasons. His performances proved to be worth the wait, though, as he developed over his last two seasons with Kansas City into a quality starter, finishing third overall in our 2014 rankings and with positive grades as a run blocker and pass protector in each of the last two seasons. In 2014 as a pass protector he surrendered only 11 pressures all year with his pass protection grade of +4.2 bettered by only Nick Mangold and Will Montgomery. Meanwhile as a run blocker it was his consistency rather than his dominance that shone through. In his 16 starts last season Hudson earned a positive grade 11 times, only grading below -1.0 twice. After a strong 2013, the Raiders didn’t see development from Stefen Wisniewski in 2014 and they will hope that in Hudson they have acquired a player on the rise to being an elite center.


by Nathan Jahnke

The biggest concern for a number of running backs on the free agent market was their injury history. For Helu, his market was limited because his experience was as a receiving back. In 2014 he had 477 receiving yards, which was fourth-best for all backs in the NFL, and he did this on 44 targets. The Raiders targeted their running backs 77 times and only had 484 from them. One reason for the difference is 95.5% of passes thrown Helu’s way were caught. Helu also has performed well after the catch. His 11.7 yards after the catch per catch led all backs with more than 15 targets. He hasn’t been given many opportunities to run, but recently when he has, he has succeeded. His 3.4 yards after contact per carry was among the best for backs. This helped him to an Elusive Rating of 108.6 which was the best for backs with over 50 touches. In Oakland they have Latavius Murray who has shown himself as a decent runner but not much of a receiver. Helu can have a bigger role than he had in Washington and should be able to make a bigger name for himself.

[Kingspoint]

From PFF's Nathan Jahnke...

The Colts were a game away from the Super Bowl, and it seems like they are ready to make a few moves to try and get them there in 2015. Without Robert Mathis last year, the pass rush was not nearly as good as it had been in years past. Erik Walden is better against the run than the pass. Former first-rounder Bjoern Werner managed just 27 pressures on 416 pass rushes, and saw a significant drop in playing time by Week 16 due to ineffective play. Fifth-round rookie Jonathan Newsome was the most efficient player with seven sacks and five hits. The Colts tried to use players like Andy Studebaker and Shaun Phillips to help as well but with not much success. With Trent Cole they are getting a player who can play against both the run and the pass. He had a Pass Rushing Productivity of 10.3 which was in the Top 10 for all 3-4 outside linebackers in 2014. If Mathis isn’t healthy, then the duo of Newsome and Cole can give the Colts a successful 1-2 pass rush punch. If Mathis is healthy, then we could see all three players at the same time — late last year the Colts started using formations with three or four outside linebackers on the field to rush the passer. Even though he is getting up there in age, he can bring an immediate impact to the front seven.

[Kingspoint]

From PFF...

09::40 An update comes from Geoff Mosher who states that Ryan Mathews has not yet signed his deal with the Eagles that was rumored to be a done deal yesterday. It could be that Mathews will be left playing a waiting game for Murray to decide on his destination before he either signs on with Philadelphia or moves on elsewhere for a visit.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Eagles agreed to terms with RB DeMarco Murray on a five-year, $42 million contract.

The deal includes $21 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $8.4 million. It's what Murray has been looking for all along, and what Dallas was unwilling/unable to pay. Free agent Ryan Mathews, who was on the verge of signing on the dotted line, now heads back to the open market. Detractors and skeptics will argue that Murray's breakout 2014 was a product of Dallas' dominant offensive line, but Philadelphia's is arguably better. Murray was also quite productive before 2014, averaging 4.94 yards per carry. Murray is a more north-south runner than LeSean McCoy, but his 497 2014 touches are a valid concern, as is his injury history. That being said, his ceiling is through the roof in Chip Kelly's offense, even if he'll be catching fewer passes. Dallas will now move forward with Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and likely a draft pick.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Chiefs will release WR Dwayne Bowe.

They needed the cap room to fit in Ben Grubbs and Jeremy Maclin, among others. Going on age 31, Bowe becomes a top-five free agent wide receiver, joining Percy Harvin, Michael Crabtree, Stevie Johnson, and Kenny Britt. Unfortunately for him, that won't necessarily amount to much guaranteed on the open market. Bowe is coming off a 60-754-0 season in Kansas City. It's not entirely on Bowe, but he's gone 17 straight games without a touchdown catch.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Eagles are trying to trade LG Evan Mathis.

It's a surprising development as Mathis comes off a dominant year, but he is going on age 34 and the Eagles are probably trying to get younger up front. They may believe they can plug-and-play a rookie at left guard. Mathis' 2015 base salary is a reasonable $5.5 million. He's a lock to attract interest.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

And, this is how they could acquire draft picks that would help them move up in order to get Mariotta. The Rams and Dolphins have already made contact. For those unaware, Mathis has been the NFL's #1 Guard, Left or Right, for three straight seasons. He's been in a class all by himself.


NFL Network's Albert Breer reports free agent Ryan Mathews' 2015 whereabouts are a "fluid" situation.

DeMarco Murray-to-Philadelphia is apparently a done deal. Mathews is waiting for Murray to sign on the dotted line, and may back out of his verbal agreement with the Eagles at that point. The Chargers were known to be interested in retaining Mathews before his wink-nod deal with the Eagles. San Diego just wasn't willing to match Philadelphia's three-year, $11.5 million offer.

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter


Chiefs acquired LG Ben Grubbs from the Saints in exchange for a 2015 fifth-round pick.

It's wheeling and dealing season. Grubbs was in danger of getting cut by the Saints due to his insanely-high $9.6 million cap number as he enters year four of a five-year, $36 million deal. The Chiefs have lost a ton of offensive linemen in free agency the past two years. Grubbs, a two-time Pro Bowler, will solidify it. He hasn't missed a start in three seasons as one of the league's better guards.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


Free agent DE/LB Akeem Ayers is currently visiting Rams Park.

St. Louis is attempting to enhance a strength, flirting with Ayers and Nick Fairley as potential supplements to an already-elite defensive front seven. Ayers seems like a good bet to land with the Rams from the standpoint that he's drawn no known interest elsewhere. He is a 25-year-old edge presence.

Source: Jim Thomas on Twitter


Dolphins transition player Charles Clay is scheduled to visit the Browns.

He left Buffalo without a contract. Before Clay signs an offer sheet, he's going to be the subject of a bidding war between the Browns and Bills. The Dolphins will then have the opportunity to match that offer sheet due to his transition tag. Miami has lined up a fallback option, pursuing free agent Jordan Cameron to tag-team with Dion Sims if Clay gets away.

Related: Bills, Browns


Jaguars released DL Red Bryant.

Bryant lasted one season in Jacksonville. He was likely only signed as veteran leadership for a young Jaguars team when he inked a four-year, $19 million deal last spring. The move saves the Jaguars $4.5 million. It's possible newly-signed DL Jared Odrick will take over for Bryant as the Jaguars' starting "big" end on the left side. Bryant, 31 next month, still plays elite run defense.

Source: Ryan O'Halloran on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

Ravens agreed to terms with RB Justin Forsett.
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


Saints signed CB Brandon Browner, formerly of the Patriots, to a three-year contract.
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Jets agreed to terms with CB Antonio Cromartie, formerly of the Cardinals, on a four-year, $32 million contract.

Cro began working on a Jets reunion the day the Cardinals' season ended. A disaster in 2013, Cromartie got back on track in the desert, and reunites with ex-Cardinals DC Todd Bowles in New York. That must give the Jets confidence that the famously inconsistent Cromartie's rebound won't just be a one-year phenomenon. Cro will again be paired with Darrelle Revis. His return takes pressure off a rehabbing Dee Milliner (Achilles'). Cromartie turns 31 next month.

Source: Connor Hughes on Twitter


Saints signed CB Brandon Browner, formerly of the Patriots, to a three-year, $15 million contract.

The deal makes sense on paper as the Saints needed to shore up their secondary and Browner was one of the best cornerbacks left available. Browner was pursued by Cleveland and Washington prior to signing with New Orleans. The Saints could use a playmaker in the secondary after forcing just 12 interceptions last season, ninth-fewest in the NFL. Unfortunately for them, Browner has more of a tendency to get flagged for pass interference flags than take the ball away from the offense.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


From PFF...

The Falcons take to Twitter to beat the newshounds to announce the signings of defensive end Adrian Clayborn and cornerback Phillip Adams. After an impressive rookie season as a pass rusher Clayborn failed to really develop with division rival Tampa Bay. In 2011 he earned a +13.7 pass rushing grade (50 total pressures) but since then has played only one full season and in that full season he couldn’t match that performance, earning a -13.6 pass rush grade to go with a negative run defense grade (in spite of an improved second half of the season) in 2013. Adams joins from a stint in New York with the Jets and after impressing in limited snaps with the Raiders in 2012 has not been able to continue those performances with more extended playing time. Tackling has been a real problem for Adams the last two year with 15 missed tackles since the start of 2013 on 663 snaps.

[Kingspoint]

For those who didn't hear it, it was the Saints who contacted Seattle about Max Unger, and then Seattle was left with asking,...let's see what you got that we need.

A source with knowledge of the situation tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the Saints "appear" to have placed every member of their roster on the trade block "but Drew Brees and Brandin Cooks."

Fowler reports the Saints want a "complete retool." Everyone "but Brees and Cooks" is obvious hyperbole, but there's no doubt New Orleans is undergoing a massive makeover, having dealt Ben Grubbs and Jimmy Graham already, while allegedly placing rising star Kenny Stills on the trade block. From ownership on down, the future of the Saints is in serious question after a 7-9 year.

Source: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Eagles signed RB Ryan Mathews, formerly of the Chargers, to a three-year, $11.5 million contract.

It's a deeply bizarre move for a team that just unloaded LeSean McCoy's odious contract before giving DeMarco Murray $18 million fully guaranteed. It could spell trouble for Darren Sproles' future in Philadelphia, but it wouldn't be surprising if mad scientist Chip Kelly decides to go with a three-man backfield. Where that leaves Mathews' role is up for debate. Murray is a far superior early-down runner, while Sproles is the far superior pass catcher. It's possible Mathews is signing up for a Donald Brown-esque reserve role. Murray and Mathews both have long injury histories, so perhaps Kelly is just paying a pretty penny to ensure he isn't caught short. It's up for debate if Kelly's backfield is better off than it was two weeks ago.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

To comment on Rotoworld's comments:

First...the last comment: "It's up for debate." Of course, it is. Like anything in life, two people can look at the same thing and see it completely differently.

Second, why would a website that covers "fantasy" football suggest that there could be a 3-headed backfield in Philly. Sproles was never handed the ball in the backfield last season. He's strictly a Receiver. That's not going to change. Sproles blew so many drives last season by dropping a catchable pass that he became untrustworthy. If Kelly could get rid of him, he would. But, he's got to eat that Sproles contract for one more season. After 2015, Sproles is gone. And, then there's Sproles age, but that's just more reason why he's gone. Sproles will be lucky to get 40 targets this season. That's 2.5 per game. In the fast-pace Offense of Kelly's that generates plays-per-game at a record pace, 2.5 per game is less usage than a Long Snapper.

Third, the annual winner of the NFL lottery is the team that survives the injuries that plague all teams throughout the season. By the end of a year, success is often a result of having less injuries than your opponent on a week-to-week basis. Seattle lost the Super Bowl because they lost their Cornerback early in the game. Once that happened, Brady picked on his replacement endlessly. Chip Kelly isn't going to let "blind luck" dictate his chances of winning the Super Bowl. Name five Runningbacks who don't get injured from year to year. It's nearly impossible. Why settle for a poor replacement when it happens? Why not be able to put a RB in who can run as good as the one he's replacing? Cost is the only reason. The Jets decided that shutting down one section of the field or shutting down the opponent's #1 WR is the best place to spend money. Miami decided that shutting down ground the middle in the run game while putting more pressure on the QB up the middle is the best place to spend money. John Elway and Denver decided that the best way to spend money is on an experienced, veteran Quarterback. Mike Brown decides that the best way to spend money is to keep it in his pocket and grow the family's bank accounts (he obviously doesn't care about winning).

Fourth, for some reason, unorthodox scares people. The first thing they seem to do is chastise it as "bizarre", "I don't understand what he's doing", "he's nuts". They roll their eyes because they don't have the open-mindedness to take it for what it is...another approach that might be right, but that would be admitting that the way they have been doing it or looking at it is wrong. And most people hate to be wrong. Bill Belichick was calling up Chip Kelly at Oregon four years ago and asking him about what he was doing because he knew Kelly had something that could work in the NFL. They met and spoke many times as Belichick looked for ways to get an edge on the rest of the NFL. Bill Belichick would never care one iota if he was wrong about something because he's always ready to admit there's a better way of doing things than the way he does them. It's why he succeeds. It's why Pete Carroll succeeds. It's why John Elway succeeds. Elway had to ignore an entire community that adores him and dump the dope that was Tim Tebow. When a G.M. worries more about his job than he does about winning, that's when he's no longer a good G.M. and will be bested by another one who values winning over everything else.

[Kingspoint]

Elway signed DL Vance Walker to 2 years @ $4M. One more replacement for Peko that's off the market.

[Kingspoint]

As expected, HC Dan Quinn stole another player from Seattle, this time the up-and-coming DE/LB O'Brien Schofield.

Source: Jay Adams on Twitter

He was my #1 target, as he was the most affordable while offering the most production per dollar. I doubt if Mike Brown spent two sentences on the guy over the last year. Schofield is going to be a stud in Atlanta.


Profootballfocus' take...

The Atlanta Falcons have signed LB O’Brien Schofield, as reported by Aaron Wilson. A former Seahawk and Cardinal, Schofield becomes the Falcons’ fifth defensive addition, joining Justin Durant, Brooks Reed, Adrian Clayborn and Phillip Adams. Schofield has experience as a rush linebacker or a 4-3 end and will slip right into the pass rush rotation in Atlanta. He had limited opportunities to rush the passer in 2014, recording one sack and ten total pressures on 70 pass rush snaps for an encouraging 11.1 Pass Rushing Productivity score.



New HC Quinn has Atlanta heading in the right direction. Mike Smith was a buffoon carved out of the same mold as Marvin Lewis.

Schofield's best games were Wk17, WC1, WC2, Super Bowl.

[Kingspoint]

Surprise!

Browns re-signed TE Jordan Cameron to a two-year, $15 million contract.

The Browns decided not to franchise tag Cameron, and they've been rewarded with a reasonable two-year deal. With Josh Gordon suspended indefinitely, Cameron is easily the Browns' most talented pass catcher, but he has a troubling concussion history. As it is, the Browns were not going to be a better team by letting Cameron walk, and they've now made a smart move in a free agency where they've been very quiet. The Browns' quarterback situation is an absolute mess, but Cameron is firmly on the TE1 radar for 2015.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

And....the first wave of Free Agency is over. (once again without the Bengals improving their team)

[Kingspoint]

For the exact same amount Peko is being paid...(an out-of-shape Knighton is ten times better than Peko)

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Redskins signed NT Terrance Knighton, formerly of the Broncos, to a one-year, $4 million contract.

The report that teams were wary of Knighton because he is "out of shape" appears to be true, as Knighton settles for a one-year deal in an effort to rehab his value. It was extremely telling when even new Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, who has always been by Knighton's side, picked Dan Williams over him. Knighton will presumably man the nose tackle spot for the Redskins, replacing Barry Cofield.

Source: Josina Anderson on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

More on the Knighton signing from PFF...

Although the contract is short, Washington is getting great value at $4 million and makes it seem curious as to why he did not receive a better offer elsewhere. Knighton has amassed a +41.7 overall grade over the last two seasons including the playoffs, playing well against the run and as a pass rusher. After signing Stephen Paea earlier in the week, Washington has now added the fourth-ranked defensive tackle in pass rush grades (Paea) and the ninth-best in run defense (Knighton) from 2014.

Would have loved for the Bengals to have gotten Paea and Knighton for the peanuts Washington paid for them. We get Peko for $3.7M. Oh, boy!

[Kingspoint]

More on the Eagles from PFF...

The big move of the day has finally happened as the Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed that DeMarco Murray has put pen to paper on a five year deal worth up to $42m and with $21m in guarantees. Murray is arguably a better fit than LeSean McCoy for what Chip Kelly wants from his running backs, and on 2014 form at least, gives the team a potential upgrade. The league’s leading rusher, Murray averaged 6.5 YPC on runs outside the left tackle in 2014 (76 carries, 492 yards), a more than useful trait for a back who will now be running behind Jason Peters, the best run blocking left tackle in the league last season. This move will help appease some of the fan unrest over the recent talent drain in Philadelphia, though Kelly doesn’t give the impression of a man who is overly bothered by negative reactions to his decisions. It also guarantees (fitness permitting) two NFC East showdowns per year with the Dallas Cowboys, the team that let him walk; adding yet another juicy storyline to the NFL season.

[Kingspoint]

Surprise!

Browns re-signed TE Jordan Cameron to a two-year, $15 million contract.

The Browns decided not to franchise tag Cameron, and they've been rewarded with a reasonable two-year deal. With Josh Gordon suspended indefinitely, Cameron is easily the Browns' most talented pass catcher, but he has a troubling concussion history. As it is, the Browns were not going to be a better team by letting Cameron walk, and they've now made a smart move in a free agency where they've been very quiet. The Browns' quarterback situation is an absolute mess, but Cameron is firmly on the TE1 radar for 2015.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter


I should have known that it was too good to be true that Cleveland was actually doing something right for a change, as I posted "Surprise!" at the top of the post. Turns out (and I did cross-check it with another source before posting, but both had it wrong) that both sources were wrong.

From PFF...

It was reported earlier today that Jordan Cameron would be returning to Cleveland on a two-year deal, but after a quick turn of events Charles Robinson is now reporting that Cameron is instead finalizing a contract with the Miami Dolphins. We will continue to to keep an eye out for developing news out of Miami, which could also affect whether Charles Clay stays or ends up with another team.

[Kingspoint]

Gore's contract with the Eagles...

8785

[Sea Ray]

And....the first wave of Free Agency is over. (once again without the Bengals improving their team)

As a caution to those teams signing FAs (particularly Philly) look at how many of past year's FA signings are now being cut or traded. There's quite a voluminous list. Starting with two ex-Bengals, Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins. Then there's Ben Grubb, Jimmy Graham, Darelle Revis, Red Bryant and I'm sure there are many more. A lot of these FA signings do not work out. From the Bengals standpoint, what did our AFC North opponents do to improve themselves?

[Kingspoint]

As a caution to those teams signing FAs (particularly Philly) look at how many of past year's FA signings are now being cut or traded. There's quite a voluminous list. Starting with two ex-Bengals, Michael Johnson and Anthony Collins. Then there's Ben Grubb, Jimmy Graham, Darelle Revis, Red Bryant and I'm sure there are many more. A lot of these FA signings do not work out. From the Bengals standpoint, what did our AFC North opponents do to improve themselves?

I'm more worried about Indianapolis and New England than I am our AFC North opponents. I take no solace in winning a Division Title, but only to lose in the first round of the playoffs. But, even more importantly, I worry more about the lack of the Bengals improving themselves when opportunity after opportunity were there for them to do so. Instead they waste money on scrubs Peko, Maualuga and Hawk. The Bengals have a long list of signing their own Free Agents that never work out. They need to be trying to sign others that they didn't draft.

Rather than look at the free agent signings that didn't work out, look at the ones that did, as there's more of those (and I'm confused....it seems like you listed the ones that did as Revis led New England to a Super Bowl Victory, Jimmy Graham led the NFL in TD's over the last few years while returning Max Unger and a 1st Round pick this year, Ben Grubb hasn't missed a start in 3 seasons giving Drew Brees outstanding protection while the former Raven had one of his worst years in 2014 as the Saints struggled, earning a -0.2 grade. Still it’s telling that he considers that a bad grade when most Chiefs linemen last year would have killed to get close to that. His previous two years in New Orleans were far more impressive, averaging a +18.6 grade and proving well worth the money invested in him. As far as Red Bryant, his former DC in Seattle brought him into Jacksonville to show the younger Jags' Linemen what their Head Coach wanted out of them. Bryant still gave them outstanding Run Defense, and like the Anthony Collins and Michael Johnson signings, the contracts were designed to allow each of them to be cut after one season. You can't win if you don't buy a ticket.)

[Tom Servo]

Darren McFadden to Dallas on a cheap pact. I like the idea of finally putting Run DMC behind a good o-line.

Rams pick up Nick Fairley.

[Kingspoint]

Darren McFadden to Dallas on a cheap pact. I like the idea of finally putting Run DMC behind a good o-line.

Rams pick up Nick Fairley.

That's how you add a Nick Fairley.....add him to a Front Seven that's already elite. If he doesn't work out, then the front-seven is still elite. If he does work out, then the front-seven is really scary. In addition, by adding him in as a rotational player, he has a ton of competition for snaps, while being fresher on the season.

The Bengals could have gotten Greg Hardy, Dan Williams, Michael Johnson and Nick Fairley (cut Peko, and never sign Hawk and Maualuga to begin with, while giving Nugent just $1M for two seasons instead of $4M, and if he didn't like it, there's dozens of kickers who are better than Nugent). 4 of 7 from beyond 50 over the last two years when 50+ kicks are routine in the NFL. He couldn't make the ones shorter than 50 last season, either.

And, that Fairley contract? Just one year in length, and only $1.3M more than Peko gets. The Bengals match the Browns in ineptness to let that opportunity slip away.

[Kingspoint]

Titans have had a field day this morning.

Signed Brian Orapko, Derrick Morgan, Karl Klug and Ryan Succop.

It's Steelers South with Dick LeBeau joining Whisenhunt, after Lou Spanos (with Steelers '96-'09) joined them last year to be Linebackers' Coach. Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton (Steelers '04-'10) should be putting a lot of pressure on opposing QB's. Mecklenberger will get a lot of chances to work with short fields.

If Tennessee can turn that #2 pick into multiple draft picks, they should be able to fill a lot of needs on this roster that boasts many of them. It will make them much more attractive to any potential suitor, if the rumors are true that the team is for sale.

[Kingspoint]

From PFF and Rotoworld...

The Dolphins are working on a trade to bring in Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills. In his second season, Stills put up a +6.3 receiving grade that had him 18th among the 110 receivers who saw at least 275 snaps. The Saints enjoyed a 112.0 passer rating on throws his way last year and his 64% catch rate on deep balls (9 of 14) topped the league. Saints acquired LB Dannell Ellerbe and a 2015 third-round pick from the Dolphins in exchange for WR Kenny Stills.


In more Saints news, CJ Spiller is joining the team, per Adam Schefter’s tweet. After not working out a deal with the Bills and seeing them move on to bring in McCoy, Spiller had taken his time finding his next team. He comes into a backfield that already features recently re-signed Mark Ingram and youngster Khiry Robinson. Spiller’s 2014 was cut short by injury and his 2013 was not his most productive — a -4.2 run grade had him 49th of 55 runners — but he has shown considerable ability in the past, coming in second overall in our HB rankings with a +23.4 overall grade and topping our Elusive Rating table with a 94.6 mark in 2012.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero reports Mike Wallace will "likely" be traded to the Vikings.

Salguero reports Wallace has been on the phone with the Vikings for over an hour. After acquiring Kenny Stills earlier Friday, the Dolphins placed Wallace on the trade block for at least the second time this offseason. This time it appears they have found a taker. The Vikings are in need of playmakers around second-year QB Teddy Bridgewater, and Wallace would be a great fit in OC Norv Turner's downfield passing attack. Along with 2014 revelation Charles Johnson and Greg Jennings manning the slot, Bridgewater will be surrounded by a much improved arsenal in 2015.

Source: Armando Salguero on Twitter


****UPDATE****

Dolphins traded Mike Wallace and a 2015 7th-round pick to the Vikings for a 2015 5th-round pick. A clear salary dump, the move will rid the Dolphins of an expensive and ill-fitted player that has clashed at times with the coaching staff and quarterback. With most of Wallace's contract off the books, Miami now has the money to lock up transition tagged TE Charles Clay to a long-term deal. For the Vikings, they are getting a talented playmaker that should meld well with OC Norv Turner's downfield passing attack. Wallace will line up opposite Charles Johnson on the outside, with Greg Jennings playing in his more natural slot receiver role. The acquisition of Wallace leaves perennial disappointment Cordarrelle Patterson's future with the Vikings in doubt.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

Raiders signed QB Christian Ponder, formerly of the Vikings. Ponder has ties to Raiders OC Bill Musgrave and is the favorite to back up Derek Carr, where he'll likely be competing with Matt McGloin. His signing makes Matt Schaub expendable. The Raiders can save $5.5 million by cutting Schaub.


Adding Christian Ponder isn't necessarily a good thing.

Cutting Matt Schaub is.

[Sea Ray]

I'm more worried about Indianapolis and New England than I am our AFC North opponents. I take no solace in winning a Division Title, but only to lose in the first round of the playoffs. But, even more importantly, I worry more about the lack of the Bengals improving themselves when opportunity after opportunity were there for them to do so. Instead they waste money on scrubs Peko, Maualuga and Hawk. The Bengals have a long list of signing their own Free Agents that never work out. They need to be trying to sign others that they didn't draft.

Rather than look at the free agent signings that didn't work out, look at the ones that did, as there's more of those (and I'm confused....it seems like you listed the ones that did as Revis led New England to a Super Bowl Victory, Jimmy Graham led the NFL in TD's over the last few years while returning Max Unger and a 1st Round pick this year, Ben Grubb hasn't missed a start in 3 seasons giving Drew Brees outstanding protection while the former Raven had one of his worst years in 2014 as the Saints struggled, earning a -0.2 grade. Still it’s telling that he considers that a bad grade when most Chiefs linemen last year would have killed to get close to that. His previous two years in New Orleans were far more impressive, averaging a +18.6 grade and proving well worth the money invested in him. As far as Red Bryant, his former DC in Seattle brought him into Jacksonville to show the younger Jags' Linemen what their Head Coach wanted out of them. Bryant still gave them outstanding Run Defense, and like the Anthony Collins and Michael Johnson signings, the contracts were designed to allow each of them to be cut after one season. You can't win if you don't buy a ticket.)

I'm not saying these are bad players but they were all moved because they were deemed "not worth the money" and most of them signed big contracts very recently

[Sea Ray]

The Bills and Rex Ryan are stocking up on malcontents. They signed Percy Harvin today and they previously signed Richie Incognito. Anyone hear what kind of money Harvin got?

[Sea Ray]

Raiders signed QB Christian Ponder, formerly of the Vikings. Ponder has ties to Raiders OC Bill Musgrave and is the favorite to back up Derek Carr, where he'll likely be competing with Matt McGloin. His signing makes Matt Schaub expendable. The Raiders can save $5.5 million by cutting Schaub.


Adding Christian Ponder isn't necessarily a good thing.

Cutting Matt Schaub is.

Matt Schaub's another guy who was signas a FA last yr. You are correct. He'll be cut for salary reasons. Sure hope the Raiders were thrilled with the $8mill they dropped on him last yr

[Tom Servo]

Even worse, the Raiders actually traded for Schaub.

[Kingspoint]

Matt Schaub's another guy who was signas a FA last yr. You are correct. He'll be cut for salary reasons. Sure hope the Raiders were thrilled with the $8mill they dropped on him last yr

That was just the Raiders being the Raiders. Don't know what they were thinking.

[Kingspoint]

Anyone hear what kind of money Harvin got?

Agree with Harvin, but Rex had him last year in New York, so I guess he figures he can work with him.

Harvin actually hasn't signed his contract yet as the 49er's made a last-second push, but "both sides agree a deal is done with the Bills".

Also, Vince Wilfork's agent said that he hasn't signed with the Texans, yet, and that he'll take his time making a decision. But, it's believed the Texas is still his destination.

[kaldaniels]

Chris Borland from the 49ers retires at 24 due to CTE/safety concerns.

These early retirements could be a game-changer and the ball just may only be starting to roll...

[Tom Servo]

Chris Borland from the 49ers retires at 24 due to CTE/safety concerns.

These early retirements could be a game-changer and the ball just may only be starting to roll...

The amount of internet tough guys calling him a '*****' on Twitter is ridiclous.

[Kingspoint]

It's been proven you can't wait for the NFL to warn you of the dangers. You have to be proactive, which is what Borland says he is doing.

"I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been. For me, it's wanting to be proactive," Borland said. "I'm concerned that if you wait till you have symptoms, it's too late. ... There are a lot of unknowns. I can't claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long healthy life, and I don't want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise."

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/12496480/san-francisco-49ers-linebacker-chris-borland-retires-head-injury-concerns


Borland said he began to have misgivings during training camp. He said he sustained what he believed to be a concussion stuffing a running play but played through it, in part because he was trying to make the team. "I just thought to myself, 'What am I doing? Is this how I'm going to live my adult life, banging my head, especially with what I've learned and knew about the dangers?'"

He said the issue "gathered steam" as the season progressed. Before the fourth game of the preseason, at Houston, he wrote a letter to his parents informing them that he thought his career in the NFL would be brief because of his concerns about the potential long-term effects of head injuries. After the season, Borland said, he consulted with prominent concussion researchers and former players to affirm his decision. He also scheduled baseline tests to monitor his neurological well-being going forward "and contribute to the greater research." After thinking through the potential repercussions, Borland said the decision was ultimately "simple."

[Trajinous]

Chris Borland from the 49ers retires at 24 due to CTE/safety concerns.

These early retirements could be a game-changer and the ball just may only be starting to roll...

For some but do you really think a job opportunity that pays a million dollars will stay vacant? There are hundred of thousands of jobs that are more dangerous and pay waaaaaaay less like Loggers, Roofers, Fishers, Pilot/Flight engineers and Steel workers are the top 5 deadliest jobs in America. I think the NFL is right that the game is safer than ever before too.

It comes down to a personal question of is it worth it for you? Borland said no but the guy behind him on the depth chart would disagree.

[Kingspoint]

After copping O'Brien (Happy St. Patrick's Day!) Schofield from the Seahawks, there's no way that this would be the last theft of Defensive players from the Seahawks by new Head Coach Dan Quinn.

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Seahawks DE Michael Bennett is seeking a trade to Atlanta, and a new contract.

It's a bizarre source for a Seahawks/Falcons trade rumor, but Clarence Hill is a respected reporter. Bennett played his high school and college ball in Texas. Atlanta is not a random destination, as it would reunite Bennett with his defensive coordinator for both his seasons in Seattle, Dan Quinn. Coming off a seven-sack campaign, Bennett is just one season into a four-year, $32 million contract.

Source: Clarence Hill on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

PFT's Mike Florio reports the Bucs have "lost interest" in free agent DE Greg Hardy.

It appears Hardy will join the Cowboys as long as no other team joins the mix. Hardy has been in Dallas the past two days and took a physical for the team Wednesday morning. We suspect Hardy was using the Bucs, a team he had yet to even visit, as leverage to squeeze more money out of Jerry Jones.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

PFT's Mike Florio reports the Bucs have "lost interest" in free agent DE Greg Hardy.

It appears Hardy will join the Cowboys as long as no other team joins the mix. Hardy has been in Dallas the past two days and took a physical for the team Wednesday morning. We suspect Hardy was using the Bucs, a team he had yet to even visit, as leverage to squeeze more money out of Jerry Jones.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Cowboys signed DE Greg Hardy, formerly of the Panthers, to a one-year, $11.3 million contract.

The 2014 Cowboys finished 28th in sacks. Hardy recorded 27 sacks from 2012-2013 before sitting out all but one game last season on the Commissioner's Exempt List. He'll be a "closer" for the Cowboys, who got pressure on quarterbacks last season but couldn't finish the job. Expect Hardy to slide in at right end, with Demarcus Lawrence opposite him. Hardy is a three-down player, though he may be looking at a short suspension to start the season.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports


The Bengals were never, ever, in a million years, in the running, as they would never take a chance to pay someone that much no matter how good they have been in the past.

[Kingspoint]

In 2014, Browns top receivers Bowe, Hartline, and Hawkins combined for four touchdowns on 162 catches. Browns K Garrett Harley is headed for a record-breaking year.

[Kingspoint]

The Falcons are trying to find more targets for Matt Ryan by signing TE's Jacom Tamme and Tony Moeaki. Moeaki will never avoid being injured, but if he could string together some healthy games he offers a ton of upside. Tamme should win the starting job.

[Kingspoint]

Owner's Spring Meeting...

All 32 teams meet today through Wednesday. Trades will obviously get discussed. This is where future trades in the draft get set up.

First news of the meeting...

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Yahoo!'s Charles Robinson reports Adrian Peterson's agent refused a dinner meeting with Vikings GM Rick Spielman at the NFL owners' meetings.

This is turning into a messy divorce. Peterson's camp has been at odds with Minnesota's front office since the Combine and it doesn't look like the two sides will ever see eye-to-eye again. The Vikings seem to be in denial about Peterson's future with the team. A trade to the Cardinals seems more likely by the day.

Source: Charles Robinson on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News is hearing the Browns are the "front-runner" to be featured on HBO's 2015 Hard Knocks series.

This would be a doozy. The Browns have reached a new low in terms of organizational dysfunction under (accused) federal criminal Jimmy Haslam, drafting Johnny Manziel per the owner's orders and also whiffing (so far) on No. 8 overall pick Justin Gilbert. Manziel has been in rehab for more than six weeks. GM Ray Farmer proved in well above his head in his first year on the job, illegally text messaging the Browns' sideline during 2014 games. The dysfunction led to OC Kyle Shanahan essentially quitting after the season. Currently, the Browns have easily the NFL's worst offensive depth chart. The Browns opening their doors to HBO's cameras would give the world a real chance to see what a perennial loser looks like, and why bad teams in the NFL tend to stay bad.

Source: Vic Carucci on Twitter

[Chip R]

It appears there is strong movement towards moving the extra point try from the 2 yard line to the 1 yard line so more coaches will go for two.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/nfl-rule-change-one-most-211300711.html

[Kingspoint]

And, the Bengals received a compensatory 3rd and 4th round pick today for the 2015 draft. Compensatory picks cannot be traded.

[Kingspoint]

It appears there is strong movement towards moving the extra point try from the 2 yard line to the 1 yard line so more coaches will go for two.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/nfl-rule-change-one-most-211300711.html

Tom Brady has a 90% career success rate on 3rd or 4th and 1. Seattle will throw to a no-name, rookie WR.

[Kingspoint]

Oh, darn. It would have been so fun to watch....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Browns have informed NFL Films and HBO they don't want to be featured on Hard Knocks.

The Browns wisely don't want to expose Johnny Manziel and their wayward program to further public scrutiny. "When we decided not to volunteer for 'Hard Knocks,' we discussed everything that was involved with it," said coach Mike Pettine, who was with the Jets when they did the show in 2010. "[Manziel] is certainly something we needed to consider." The Browns could still be forced to do the series, but NFL Films prefers that a team volunteers.

Source: ESPN.com

[Sea Ray]

Oh, darn. It would have been so fun to watch....

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The Browns have informed NFL Films and HBO they don't want to be featured on Hard Knocks.

The Browns wisely don't want to expose Johnny Manziel and their wayward program to further public scrutiny. "When we decided not to volunteer for 'Hard Knocks,' we discussed everything that was involved with it," said coach Mike Pettine, who was with the Jets when they did the show in 2010. "[Manziel] is certainly something we needed to consider." The Browns could still be forced to do the series, but NFL Films prefers that a team volunteers.

Source: ESPN.com

It would have been fun but I think we all can figure out why they won't participate

[Kingspoint]

Mike Brown has pretty much stated that he's not going to resign Green. Here's why (if you don't plan on keeping a WR that's picked in the Top-5 in the draft that proves he deserved to be taken there, then why take him in the first place? If your goal is to survive as a franchise instead of winning, then it makes sense. If your goal is winning, then it makes no sense)...

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

CBS Sports' Joel Corry expects Julio Jones to aim for $50 million-plus guaranteed on a long-term extension.

Both coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff have stated that signing Jones to an extension is a priority as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. With all four of Jones, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, and A.J. Green looking for new contracts, we're just waiting for one of them to set the bar. Jones has past foot issues, but is expected to command around $15 million annually.

Source: ESPN.com (http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/165117/julio-jones-extension-a-matter-the-falcons-should-address)

[Boss-Hog]

When did he state (or imply) this? It's not going to be easy ($$$), but I'd be very surprised if he doesn't eventually sign a LTC with the Bengals.

[Kingspoint]

When did he state (or imply) this? It's not going to be easy ($$$), but I'd be very surprised if he doesn't eventually sign a LTC with the Bengals.

But Brown also acknowledged that has an impact on others because, “I’m not sure and we won’t be sure until we try whether we have a shot with everyone. We might only have a shot with some of them.”

http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Brown-future-is-now/4b1a1130-05ce-40b2-9196-8719464ac25f?campaign=cin:fanshare:twitter


To get "some of them", you can't sign the most expensive one. Dalton (or McCarron) can't take advantage of Green, as it is. They are building themselves to be a running team first and foremost, and only need a WR who can take the top off the Defense and occupy a Safety. He doesn't have to be even a good Receiver. That person can be had after the 3rd Round of this draft. (I have a list of several and what Round I would take them in, if you'd like me to post them.)

Whoever sets the bar first of Julio, Green, Dez and Demaryius, the other three will get as much or they won't sign (because they'll get more the next season). I haven't looked for the quote where Mike Brown said that the franchise tag is available in 2016, implying that he wouldn't hesitate to use it and then let Green go.

Like any businessman, and there isn't a better one in the Tri-County area than Mike Brown, he has business-models filed away on the Bengals for the next 20 years. He already knows what he plans on doing in one year and two years on Green. I'm pretty sure he franchise-tags him in 2016, while making vailed attempts at an extension. He'll try, but the problem is going to be the difference between the "guaranteed money" that Green thinks he should get (and will get) and how much Mike Brown wants to give.

[Boss-Hog]

I don't necessarily disagree with most of that, but unless it's by his own choice (which is certainly possible), I don't see A.J. leaving. It's not the Bengals' MO to let their high-price stars walk (Palmer and Chad immediately come to mind). Even with JJ, by all accounts, their offer was every bit as competitive as the Texans' offer.

The Bengals are highly focused on keeping their own (perhaps to a fault), and I think that includes the most important of next year's free agents. When he was referring to it's likely possible that they'll only be able to keep "some", I take that to mean that's the case because A.J. will get such a huge slice of the pie.

[RiverRat13]

The Bengals may have upwards of $80mm in cap space in '16. There's plenty of room to sign A.J. and everyone else they'd like to keep.

[Kingspoint]

The Bengals may have upwards of $80mm in cap space in '16. There's plenty of room to sign A.J. and everyone else they'd like to keep.

NO.

[Kingspoint]

Currently, they have $80,245,337 under contract for 2016. But, that only covers 39 players....a long way from the number that make up the 2016 roster.

You can see who is missing from that list here (http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/2016/).

Another look at it here (http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/cincinnati-bengals).

[bucksfan2]

I have little doubt the Bengals will sign AJ to an extension. I would actually be shocked if they did not.

[Kingspoint]

I have little doubt the Bengals will sign AJ to an extension. I would actually be shocked if they did not.

They may do it, but it would be a huge waste of resources, as we don't have a Quarterback who can take advantage of his elite skills. But, then it wouldn't be the first time that Mike Brown has wasted resources by "keeping his own".

I think he franchise tags him in 2016 if Green doesn't agree to sign for a contract that is less than Julio Jones' contract (to be determined).

For kicks and giggles, try to fill out the remaining players to the 2016 roster and give dollar amounts for each one (remember that for each signing, any bonus money needs to be divided evenly among the years of the contract and included in the 2016 number). It will give you an idea of what they can afford to give to Green.

[bucksfan2]

They may do it, but it would be a huge waste of resources, as we don't have a Quarterback who can take advantage of his elite skills. But, then it wouldn't be the first time that Mike Brown has wasted resources by "keeping his own".

I think he franchise tags him in 2016 if Green doesn't agree to sign for a contract that is less than Julio Jones' contract (to be determined).

For kicks and giggles, try to fill out the remaining players to the 2016 roster and give dollar amounts for each one (remember that for each signing, any bonus money needs to be divided evenly among the years of the contract and included in the 2016 number). It will give you an idea of what they can afford to give to Green.

I thought it was stupid to draft AJ that high in the draft where they did. At the time I just don't think you get value drafting a WR that high, I didn't think a WR was that valuable. AJ Green proved me wrong quickly having a very good rookie season and has cemented himself as a top 5 or so WR in the game. In a passing league today a guy like AJ who can command a safety over the top or a defense to be shifted his way is worth his weight in gold.

I haven't the slightest idea how to run a NFL salary cap, the way the figure the numbers are mind boggling. What I do know is if you draft successfully you can keep your cap number down down. Looking at the 2016 figure, Jeremy Hill who could potentially be one of the better backs in the league will make cost around $1M. Really any rookie operating on a rookie contract drafted after the 1st round is very economically friendly.

I have said this about Dalton and will continue to say this about Dalton, IMO he isn't a great QB in this league. He is a guy who falls into that second category, the category that you can win with. I think the Bengals can do better than Andy, think they should be looking for a QB who is better (NOT McCarron) who could potentially replace Dalton, but not someone drafted in the first round or even second. Andy is good enough to win football games, he is good enough to take a team to the playoffs 4 years in a row now, not too many QB's can say that. Maybe he is snake bitten when it comes to playoffs, maybe he is just poor in primetime, or maybe it is a culmination of factors. Just looking at last year, I can't blame a QB for not winning a game when his 3rd string RB is a key WR that game.

[Kingspoint]

I thought it was stupid to draft AJ that high in the draft where they did. At the time I just don't think you get value drafting a WR that high, I didn't think a WR was that valuable. AJ Green proved me wrong quickly having a very good rookie season and has cemented himself as a top 5 or so WR in the game. In a passing league today a guy like AJ who can command a safety over the top or a defense to be shifted his way is worth his weight in gold.

I haven't the slightest idea how to run a NFL salary cap, the way the figure the numbers are mind boggling. What I do know is if you draft successfully you can keep your cap number down down. Looking at the 2016 figure, Jeremy Hill who could potentially be one of the better backs in the league will make cost around $1M. Really any rookie operating on a rookie contract drafted after the 1st round is very economically friendly.

I have said this about Dalton and will continue to say this about Dalton, IMO he isn't a great QB in this league. He is a guy who falls into that second category, the category that you can win with. I think the Bengals can do better than Andy, think they should be looking for a QB who is better (NOT McCarron) who could potentially replace Dalton, but not someone drafted in the first round or even second. Andy is good enough to win football games, he is good enough to take a team to the playoffs 4 years in a row now, not too many QB's can say that. Maybe he is snake bitten when it comes to playoffs, maybe he is just poor in primetime, or maybe it is a culmination of factors. Just looking at last year, I can't blame a QB for not winning a game when his 3rd string RB is a key WR that game.

Agree with everything.

[IslandRed]

Currently, they have $80,245,337 under contract for 2016. But, that only covers 39 players....a long way from the number that make up the 2016 roster.

You can see who is missing from that list here (http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/2016/).

Another look at it here (http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/cincinnati-bengals).

According to the Over The Cap site you linked, the Bengals have the second-most available cap space for 2016 -- almost $70 million based on their projected 2016 cap of $150 million. Some of the potential cuts between now and then could save millions more. So I think it's safe to say they can afford to sign Green. Whether they will, or will want to, that's another matter entirely.

[RiverRat13]

Currently, they have $80,245,337 under contract for 2016. But, that only covers 39 players....a long way from the number that make up the 2016 roster.

You can see who is missing from that list here (http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/2016/).

Another look at it here (http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/cincinnati-bengals).

1. Yes, only 39 players, but there are two drafts between now and June 1, 2016. The Bengals will have 16 picks between those two drafts, with at least 10 inexpensive rookies and second-year players making the team. With where the Bengals will be selecting, those 10 players will have maybe a $15mm cap number between them in 2016, and that's probably on the high side.

2. The 2016 cap will not be the $143mm listed on spotrac. Most believe it will be at least $150mm and some think it will be closer to $160mm.

3. They still have money under this year's cap that they will either use to start re-signing guys now or rollover into 2016.

4. The only "must-sign" guys are Green, Iloka, and Whit. Iloka and Green will be up for big paydays, but Whit isn't going to get a mega-deal at his age. Kirkpatrick might play his way into a bigger contract. They'll probably re-sign Sanu or Marvin Jones but not both. But even Geoff Hobson couldn't spin the cap numbers well enough to make me think the Bengals can't re-sign who they want, especially A.J.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The NFL has taken away a 2016 fifth-round draft pick from the Falcons for piping in crowd noise to the Georgia Dome during games.

The Falcons pumped in noise through the speakers when the opposing offense was huddling up. "I think what we've done in 2013 and 2014 was wrong," owner Arthur Blank admitted in February. "Anything that affects the competitive balance and fairness on the field, we're opposed to." The NFL has also suspended team president Rich McKay from the league's competition committee and fined the franchise $350,000.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter


Browns GM Ray Farmer has been suspended four games without pay for illegal gameday texting.

After an investigation, the NFL has deemed that Farmer acted as a lone gunman when he attempted to text playcalls to the sidelines during 2014 games. So they haven't lost a draft pick, but have been fined $250,000 and will have to go at it without Farmrer for the first month of 2015. He won't even be allowed in the team facility, although that may be a good thing. In Farmer's first year as an NFL GM, he blew two first-round draft picks (Johnny Manziel, Justin Gilbert), chased talented OC Kyle Shanahan away and assembled bottom-barrel offensive talent.

[Kingspoint]

So having officially given up on the Bengals and to avoid being labeled a bandwagon fan I've decided this coming NFL season I'm going to adopt two teams to follow and see which one feels better for me. Neither are threats to win it all next year, so I feel safe in choosing between the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears. Whatever team I connect with more next year will be my new team.

Now back to your regularly scheduled NFL talk.

Joseph, how about you take the Bears in the upcoming Redszone 2015 NFL Mock Draft? It's a great way to get into your new team....by studying their strengths and weaknesses. They have the #9 pick.

[Kingspoint]

M2, New England is available in the Redszone NFL Mock Draft. You can cap the 1st Round with pick #32, or if New England gets active in the First (always a chance), there may be an earlier pick.

[Kingspoint]

The next 2 months will be the team getting their fans prepared for this inevitable truth -- you're about to be cheering for a rapist.

Not much fun in taking the Bucs in the Mock Draft, but there are plenty of other teams still available for you, if you'd like to participate.

[Kingspoint]

We disagree on several points, but I appreciate the in depth reply.

For one, I don't see anywhere that Matthews was healthy by week 4. This article (http://atlantafalcons.blog.ajc.com/2014/11/13/jake-matthews-recovering-from-high-ankle-sprain/) right here is going into week 11 and he's talking about how he's still dealing with it, although it had made progress. High ankle sprains are notorious to take a long time to heal, and 3 weeks would be the absolute best case scenario, one which Jake Matthews wasn't afforded. I still think he will get it worked out and become a good lineman, and I expect 2015 to go a lot better for him than his rookie campaign. I don't think Baker is as bad as you depicted, nor as good as you seem to think I indicated. He's an okay tackle when healthy. But when you lose an okay tackle, and move a rookie into his spot, and temporarily move a tight end into the rookie's spot, there is really no way you could call that a positive. I don't expect him to be with the team next season. Hawley had by all accounts really improved coming into this season, and his loss was tough. The injuries they sustained should have resulted in worse on field production than we saw last year, but they didn't.

Listen, I'm a Falcons fan, and I didn't like the move to bring in Tice. I didn't buy into the reasoning for it, and I never liked Tice in the first place. But considering what hand he was dealt and the results he got, he did a superb job. I think he could very well just be one of those guys who's good at coaching a position but doesn't have the aptitude to be handed the keys for any more responsibility.

The season was shot before it started. Losing Weatherspoon, who isn't even that great, basically sealed the fate of the defense, which wasn't promising to begin with. WillyMo getting hurt just further cemented the fact that we were not stopping any decent offense in any way in 2014. We just got sort of lucky that all the other NFC South teams struggled and it left us with a chance. It's probably better that we finished so poorly because we'll give Quinn a good chance at an impact player at our draft position.

I'm not sold on Dimitroff as much as I once was. The guy has not addressed the team's most pressing need for several years, which has been getting any pressure on the opposing QB. Maybe Hageman can improve, but they really need someone to bring pass rush. I'd love for us to draft Shane Ray if he's available.


bigredmechanism, how about taking the Falcons in the Redszone NFL Mock Draft?

Just for kicks and giggles, here's Rotoworld's Evan Silva's take on the Falcons' current needs (and their Josh Norris making the first three picks)...

No. 1 Team Need: End/linebacker

Free agent signing Brooks Reed makes sense as the "Otto" strong-side presence in new Falcons coach Dan Quinn's Seahawks-like defense. The "Leo" position is a glaring need. Leos are generally long and athletic with explosive edge-rush ability. The Falcons have lacked threatening pass rushers for the majority of GM Thomas Dimitroff's tenure.

No. 2 Team Need: Running back

If you're going to hire run-game guru Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator, you need to give him a back. Shanahan's system doesn't necessarily require an early-round rusher, but does need one capable of handling a lot of volume -- a quality current first-stringer Devonta Freeman lacks. Shanahan's feature runner will need to have the capability of effectively reading blocks before making one cut, sticking his foot in the ground, and maximizing yards.

No. 3 Team Need: Offensive line

The current makeup of Atlanta's offensive line is probably a bit better than commonly perceived, assuming LT Jake Matthews makes sophomore strides. Jon Asamoah is a quality starting right guard, and Ryan Schraeder's 2014 emergence solidified right tackle. Former LT Sam Baker is a viable option at left guard. Atlanta's biggest up-front weakness is at center, where Joe Hawley struggled mightily last season before tearing his ACL. The zone scheme run by Shanahan prioritizes strong center play.

Norris’ Mock Draft

Round 1 (8): EDGE Dante Fowler, Florida - The obvious connection is there: Dan Quinn coached Fowler at Florida, where by all accounts the edge player was a fantastic teammate ... which plays into the Falcons’ preference history. Fowler tested like an average athlete in terms of SPARQ scores, but does have the requisite length. He uses it to convert speed to power and has an aggressive motor to finish plays.

Round 2 (42): RB Melvin Gordon III, Wisconsin - Evan mentioned a zone scheme. Gordon III has plenty of experience running behind slanting offensive lines to hit the bend, bang, bounce and cut lanes. Now, he’s far from perfect at them, but that experience could lead teams to a “at least we know what we are getting” mindset. Gordon stops his feet behind the line of scrimmage too often, but can make the most of yards blocked for him.

Round 3 (73): C Andy Gallik, Boston College - A number of centers could be selected here. I think the NFL has a higher opinion of Gallik than he is getting credit for from the media. He did not test like a great athlete which could cause some concern in the zone scheme, but from game watching I think Gallik can make an impact at the anchor spot. Young centers are playing earlier and earlier.

[Kingspoint]

The #1 overall pick has a new wrinkle to it.

While it was obvious in Lovie Smith's press conference when he began damage control over a month ago that he had already made Winston his choice for the #1 overall pick, it appears that he doesn't get to make that decision.

The daughter of deceased owner Malcolm Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, has more of a say in who will be the Buccaneers' Starting QB in 2015. She'll have final say over General Manager Jason Licht, also. This is all from Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. It's pretty obvious to all that Winston won't be speaking at any women's conferences over the next ten years. Winston's character could be enough to make Ms. Kassewitz go with the clean-cut, well-mannered Mariotta or another player of the team's choosing.

The point is that Winston is no longer a lock to be #1, as it has seemed for the past five weeks.

Do a little digging and you can see the personality of a person who won't think twice about passing over Winston based on character concerns.

As President of the Glazer Family Foundation, Ms. Kassewitz she has a duty to follow this mantra: The Mission of the Glazer Family Foundation is to better the lives of children and families by establishing lasting, impactful programs throughout Florida communities. There's no way one can sugar-coat Winston's actions as "a young man's poor decisions" as Lovie Smith tried to do at his press conference. Where I thought it was a 100% chance that the Bucs would take Winston, I'm now of the belief that it's a 50-50 chance that it's Winston,...or someone else.

[bucksfan2]

The #1 overall pick has a new wrinkle to it.

While it was obvious in Lovie Smith's press conference when he began damage control over a month ago that he had already made Winston his choice for the #1 overall pick, it appears that he doesn't get to make that decision.

The daughter of deceased owner Malcolm Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, has more of a say in who will be the Buccaneers' Starting QB in 2015. She'll have final say over General Manager Jason Licht, also. This is all from Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. It's pretty obvious to all that Winston won't be speaking at any women's conferences over the next ten years. Winston's character could be enough to make Ms. Kassewitz go with the clean-cut, well-mannered Mariotta or another player of the team's choosing.

The point is that Winston is no longer a lock to be #1, as it has seemed for the past five weeks.

Do a little digging and you can see the personality of a person who won't think twice about passing over Winston based on character concerns.

As President of the Glazer Family Foundation, Ms. Kassewitz she has a duty to follow this mantra: The Mission of the Glazer Family Foundation is to better the lives of children and families by establishing lasting, impactful programs throughout Florida communities. There's no way one can sugar-coat Winston's actions as "a young man's poor decisions" as Lovie Smith tried to do at his press conference. Where I thought it was a 100% chance that the Bucs would take Winston, I'm now of the belief that it's a 50-50 chance that it's Winston,...or someone else.

I always find it ironic when someone in the NFL decides to play holier than now at selective times. My opinion of Jamis Winston the person is not all that high, but I think it is a little hypocritical to care about woman issues without looking inward at your team and kicking anyone off who has domestic issues. If the NFL were full of chior boys then I wouldn't have an issue with this statement, but since that isn't the case, be careful what you wish for, Ms. Kassewitz.

[Sea Ray]

The #1 overall pick has a new wrinkle to it.

While it was obvious in Lovie Smith's press conference when he began damage control over a month ago that he had already made Winston his choice for the #1 overall pick, it appears that he doesn't get to make that decision.

The daughter of deceased owner Malcolm Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, has more of a say in who will be the Buccaneers' Starting QB in 2015. She'll have final say over General Manager Jason Licht, also. This is all from Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. It's pretty obvious to all that Winston won't be speaking at any women's conferences over the next ten years. Winston's character could be enough to make Ms. Kassewitz go with the clean-cut, well-mannered Mariotta or another player of the team's choosing.

The point is that Winston is no longer a lock to be #1, as it has seemed for the past five weeks.

Do a little digging and you can see the personality of a person who won't think twice about passing over Winston based on character concerns.

As President of the Glazer Family Foundation, Ms. Kassewitz she has a duty to follow this mantra: The Mission of the Glazer Family Foundation is to better the lives of children and families by establishing lasting, impactful programs throughout Florida communities. There's no way one can sugar-coat Winston's actions as "a young man's poor decisions" as Lovie Smith tried to do at his press conference. Where I thought it was a 100% chance that the Bucs would take Winston, I'm now of the belief that it's a 50-50 chance that it's Winston,...or someone else.

Good grief

[Kingspoint]

While Winston spent his time yesterday waiting word on whether a second woman was going to step forward on rape allegations, Mariota spent his time with Tony Dungy and fellow Christian Athletes speaking before 4500 at a church in Minnesota.

One is a leader of men with accountability as the foundation of his life, while the other is a leader of headlines with zero accountability in his life.

Pretty easy choice if you're the President of the Glazer Family Foundation.

[Caveat Emperor]

Except that Mariota spent his time in college staring at cue cards and letting his offensive coordinator read defenses and call plays while Winston actually read defenses and called plays.

Its a tough call -- there is a non-insubstantial chance that Mariota turns out to be Alex Smith or Blaine Gabbert.

[Kingspoint]

Except that Mariota spent his time in college staring at cue cards and letting his offensive coordinator read defenses and call plays while Winston actually read defenses and called plays.

Its a tough call -- there is a non-insubstantial chance that Mariota turns out to be Alex Smith or Blaine Gabbert.

The bottom line is that this is show business. What generates the most money is Quarterbacks who can throw the football well. Owners will do everything in their power to bury all transgressions by players they believe can throw the football well. Winston has a great future in the NFL if he can find a way to stop being a dummy.

Did you see today where Winston's own lawyer threw him under the bus. This is the same lawyer who defended Alex Rodriguez and Ben Rapelisburger. This lawyer said that Winston is too immature to play in the NFL right now....that he has an awful lot of growing up to do. Nice lawyer. He then tried to clarify himself by saying that almost all rookies aren't prepared emotionally to play in the NFL, which is true, of course. But, he made his point. I'm guessing Winston didn't exactly win this guy over with his con talk.

[Kingspoint]

Except that Mariota spent his time in college staring at cue cards and letting his offensive coordinator read defenses and call plays while Winston actually read defenses and called plays.

I watched Mariota read defense and make play calls and change calls. He did it well when he needed to do it. There isn't anything he can't do.

[Stray]

ESPN reporting that the Browns are 90% done with Manziel (whatever that means), and that they're interested in trading this year's two 1st round picks and next year's first round pick to move into the top 5 and get Mariota.

Hilarious.

[IslandRed]

At this point, it doesn't really matter. Winston will be drafted #1 or very shortly thereafter, and once he gets into the league, he'll take care of his business or he won't. Either way, most people aren't going to change their opinions.

Really, with the way college offenses have trended, Mariota is the rule now, Winston is the exception. Not many schools run pro-style passing games with all the reads/adjustments involved. Winston does have a significant initial advantage from having that training. But, of course, that doesn't mean Mariota can't do those things, it just means he shouldn't be expected to do them right out of the gate. This is what NFL teams have to do nowadays -- identify spread QBs who have it in them to adapt to the NFL way of doing things.

[Caveat Emperor]

I watched Mariota read defense and make play calls and change calls. He did it well when he needed to do it. There isn't anything he can't do.

Mariota rarely read defenses and made call changes of any sort. The entire Oregon offense is run at a tempo that demands everyone look over to the sideline for the play call, get it as quickly as possible, and snap the ball on one. In the NFL, he'll be doing things he rarely did in college -- huddling up, communicating the play to teammates with verbage, going under center, changing protections and play calls based on defensive looks, etc. You can count on one hand how many times any of those things happened during his time in college. This isn't to say he can't do that, it's just that there is almost no evidence to suggest he can as well.

[Kingspoint]

At this point, it doesn't really matter. Winston will be drafted #1 or very shortly thereafter, and once he gets into the league, he'll take care of his business or he won't. Either way, most people aren't going to change their opinions.



Agree. I don't change my opinions about people who rape women.

[Kingspoint]

Mariota rarely read defenses and made call changes of any sort. The entire Oregon offense is run at a tempo that demands everyone look over to the sideline for the play call, get it as quickly as possible, and snap the ball on one. In the NFL, he'll be doing things he rarely did in college -- huddling up, communicating the play to teammates with verbage, going under center, changing protections and play calls based on defensive looks, etc. You can count on one hand how many times any of those things happened during his time in college. This isn't to say he can't do that, it's just that there is almost no evidence to suggest he can as well.

It certainly was rare compared to getting the plays called for him, but.....

I can use two hands to count the number of times he did these things in individual games. It was more often than you think. Must not be an issue, or so many teams wouldn't be clamoring to move up to get him. He's the most sought after player in this year's draft.

With Cleveland rumored to be going all in trying to get Mariota after their new Offensive Coordinator spent a couple of weeks working with Mariota on all the things you're speaking about, and San Diego having a second interview with Mariota, this time a private workout with much of management in Eugene today, and of course, Philadelphia's obvious interest in him, and then there's the New York Jets' clear need for a real Quarterback and Chicago is clearly done with Cutler. Tennessee is going to get a haul for Mariota...if he's still there, as there truly is a 50-50 chance that Tampa Bay's Ownership stays away from Winston (whom the Chargers have zero interest in) and takes Mariota themselves.

[Kingspoint]

If it was really about having experience or not in a pro-ready Offense, nobody has more experience at it than Oregon State's Sean Mannion. He spent four years in it under Mike Riley. Riley had his players at Oregon State more pro-ready than any Coach I can think of over the last ten years. He was always void of talent at the small school, but his players that had any talent at all always performed ahead of where they were drafted in the NFL. This year is Riley's last draft class as he now heads Nebraska's program (and Oregon State should go back to being an also-ran), and Mannion will have a long career in the NFL, just as Derek Anderson has had (who played much better than Cam Newton did last season for Carolina).

But, it's not about experience in a particular Offense in College that is going to make a Quarterback successful or not in the NFL. What goes on between the ears is very important. Whether or not a player has the physical size to play Quarterback is very important. But, it always comes down to whether or not a Quarterback can learn to make second reads in the NFL that determines whether or not he's a Super Bowl caliber QB, or just another in a long line of "Nice try, see you later" Quarterbacks. And, that quality doesn't show itself for a couple of seasons for the elite of the elite Quarterbacks and four years or more for the very good Quarterbacks.

So, you draft based on potential, that they have the physical ability to make all the throws in the NFL, while looking for intelligence (never used to need that) to make the reads you're talking about, while trying to identify "composure". Russell Wilson was a once-every-ten-years type of find. Then you have to have the right Coaches (plural) in place, along with protection (so they don't get shocked into fright by the speed of the NFL) to develop the right Quarterback. It's why at any one time in the NFL, there are only about 16 decent Quarterbacks (or about two per draft, on average) who have Super Bowl winning capability. I can't think of anyone who believes Sean Mannion has that, but after watching Derek Anderson play the best football of his career this season, it shows that "experience" in the NFL, if you have the right intangibles, can lead to qualities in a Quarterback one wouldn't have expected to see...again, if they aren't dummies like Manziel who hasn't a clue what it means to work hard and listen to your Coaches.

[Sea Ray]

With Cleveland rumored to be going all in trying to get Mariota after their new Offensive Coordinator spent a couple of weeks working with Mariota on all the things you're speaking about, and San Diego having a second interview with Mariota, this time a private workout with much of management in Eugene today, and of course, Philadelphia's obvious interest in him, and then there's the New York Jets' clear need for a real Quarterback and Chicago is clearly done with Cutler. Tennessee is going to get a haul for Mariota...if he's still there, as there truly is a 50-50 chance that Tampa Bay's Ownership stays away from Winston (whom the Chargers have zero interest in) and takes Mariota themselves.

Ironically a lot of those teams in the top 5 don't need a QB so I kinda like Cleveland's chances of getting one of these top 2 QBs. What do you think?

[Kingspoint]

Ironically a lot of those teams in the top 5 don't need a QB so I kinda like Cleveland's chances of getting one of these top 2 QBs. What do you think?

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Cleveland Browns will have Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon III in for a visit on Friday, according to Yahoo Sports Rand Getlin.

With the Browns set to bring in Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley in for visits this week, the front office could be serious about bringing in a play-maker at running back or be setting up a smoke screen. With two first-round selections at No.12 and No.19, the Browns could hope that a RB-needy team is willing to trade up for their second selection. The Chargers, Lions, Cardinals and Cowboys have all shown interest in both Gordon and Gurley as of late.

Source: Rand Getlin on Twitter


"Shhhh, we're bluffing."


https://scuppernongspringsnaturetrail.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/elmer_fudd.jpg

[Kingspoint]

Since I don't believe the Browns have any clue how to bluff, I think there's about a 2% chance that they're serious about moving up to get Mariota. I think they trade one of their 1st Round picks for Bradford and use the other for a RB, either Gordon or Gurley.

[Trajinous]

Since I don't believe the Browns have any clue how to bluff, I think there's about a 2% chance that they're serious about moving up to get Mariota. I think they trade one of their 1st Round picks for Bradford and use the other for a RB, either Gordon or Gurley.

If the Browns trade for Bradford, then who would quarterback for the Eagles? To me that doesn't make any sense for Philly since they wouldn't be able to move up for Mariota/Winston.

[Chip R]

Too bad that they don't have the option for underclassmen to go back to college after the draft like the NBA does. I would think any underclassman drafted by the Browns would go back to school rather than be a part of the failure that is the Browns.

[Kingspoint]

If the Browns trade for Bradford, then who would quarterback for the Eagles? To me that doesn't make any sense for Philly since they wouldn't be able to move up for Mariota/Winston.

Two 1st Round picks this year, a 1st Round pick next year and a Starter, would be enough to get the #2 pick from Tennessee. It's a huge price to pay, but without the right Quarterback, how does one win a Super Bowl? Kelly isn't in it just to win Division Crowns.

[sonny]

http://youtu.be/81QwWOpkTMI

Nike Exec talks new Browns uniforms.

[Kingspoint]

It's looking like a pretty sure thing that San Diego is going to trade Phillip Rivers, their #17, and more for Mariota. Whether that's to Tennessee or Tampa Bay, it depends on how greedy Tennessee gets.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer insists that Cleveland is going to make a stab with their #12, #19, and more, but I'm not buying it.

Tennessee's Head Coach, Ken Whisenhunt, was Rivers' Offensive Coordinator last season. Rivers had the highest passer rating of his career (105.5), and turned around a career that was heading downhill fast. Rivers would be ecstatic (from a football perspective) if he was traded to Tennessee. Whisenhunt "should" keep G.M. Ruston Webster from being greedy. Webster has done well in adding ex-Cardinals HC Whisenhunt and Ray Horton as DC and Dick LeBeau as Special Assistant. Whisenhunt convinced Webster to bring on ex-Chargers TE Coach Jason Michael (2011-13) to be the Offensive Coordinator, which only means that Whisenhunt will be dictating the Offense with Michael as his Assistant.

This team is built for Phillip Rivers.

Last year, they brought in Delanie Walker in Free Agency, G Andry Levitre, power back Shonne Green, while picking up in last year's draft power RB Bishop Shankey and T Taylor Lewan. It's good that Webster is listening to Whisenhunt because not all of his Free Agent moves the last couple of years were good ones. Levitre looked like a bad one until he turned it around the second half of last season. The drafting of O-Linemen Chance Warmack and Brian Schwenke makes this Offensive Line immediately better than anything Rivers saw in San Diego the last seven seasons. San Diego seemed to care very little about protecting Rivers, their most important asset. They invested heavily in Free Agency on Defense, too, the last two seasons, and are seriously trying to get back into contention in the AFC South against a fast-rising Jacksonville squad, an up-and-down Houston organization and one of the three best franchises in the AFC (thanks to Luck) in Indianapolis.

Rivers can start in Tennessee while Mettenberger rides the pine and learns the way Rodgers did for years in Green Bay. It would take a fortune for Cleveland to come up with enough to make Tennessee not take Rivers, the #17, and whatever else goes into the deal.

[WrongVerb]

It's looking like a pretty sure thing that San Diego is going to trade Phillip Rivers, their #17, and more for Mariota. Whether that's to Tennessee or Tampa Bay, it depends on how greedy Tennessee gets.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer insists that Cleveland is going to make a stab with their #12, #19, and more, but I'm not buying it.

Tennessee's Head Coach, Ken Whisenhunt, was Rivers' Offensive Coordinator last season. Rivers had the highest passer rating of his career (105.5), and turned around a career that was heading downhill fast. Rivers would be ecstatic (from a football perspective) if he was traded to Tennessee. Whisenhunt "should" keep G.M. Ruston Webster from being greedy. Webster has done well in adding ex-Cardinals HC Whisenhunt and Ray Horton as DC and Dick LeBeau as Special Assistant. Whisenhunt convinced Webster to bring on ex-Chargers TE Coach Jason Michael (2011-13) to be the Offensive Coordinator, which only means that Whisenhunt will be dictating the Offense with Michael as his Assistant.

This team is built for Phillip Rivers.

Last year, they brought in Delanie Walker in Free Agency, G Andry Levitre, power back Shonne Green, while picking up in last year's draft power RB Bishop Shankey and T Taylor Lewan. It's good that Webster is listening to Whisenhunt because not all of his Free Agent moves the last couple of years were good ones. Levitre looked like a bad one until he turned it around the second half of last season. The drafting of O-Linemen Chance Warmack and Brian Schwenke makes this Offensive Line immediately better than anything Rivers saw in San Diego the last seven seasons. San Diego seemed to care very little about protecting Rivers, their most important asset. They invested heavily in Free Agency on Defense, too, the last two seasons, and are seriously trying to get back into contention in the AFC South against a fast-rising Jacksonville squad, an up-and-down Houston organization and one of the three best franchises in the AFC (thanks to Luck) in Indianapolis.

Rivers can start in Tennessee while Mettenberger rides the pine and learns the way Rodgers did for years in Green Bay. It would take a fortune for Cleveland to come up with enough to make Tennessee not take Rivers, the #17, and whatever else goes into the deal.

I know there are Browns fans on this board, but nothing would warm the cockles of my heart more than having McCown or Manziel starting under center for the Browns next year. Then again, there are those who don't think Mariota is a lock to succeed in the NFL and if Bad Marcus showed up in Cleveland after they spent all that they could to get him, well, that wouldn't bother me during my peaceful nights sleep either.

[Kingspoint]

I know there are Browns fans on this board, but nothing would warm the cockles of my heart more than having McCown or Manziel starting under center for the Browns next year. Then again, there are those who don't think Mariota is a lock to succeed in the NFL and if Bad Marcus showed up in Cleveland after they spent all that they could to get him, well, that wouldn't bother me during my peaceful nights sleep either.

Mariota would fail miserably in Cleveland. He'll succeed in probably half the places.

[Slyder]

I know I hope for Mariotta to be there at 4 for trade purposes but if SD is going to make a play for him I want to see the following happen.

Ten and SD agree to the deal before draft. Tampa Bay swerves everyone and takes Mariotta and SD gets stuck with Winston at 2. Winston is this years Ryan Leaf and I want to see this blow up right in SDs face.

[Boston Red]

TEBOW!!!!!

[WrongVerb]

I know I hope for Mariotta to be there at 4 for trade purposes but if SD is going to make a play for him I want to see the following happen.

Ten and SD agree to the deal before draft. Tampa Bay swerves everyone and takes Mariotta and SD gets stuck with Winston at 2. Winston is this years Ryan Leaf and I want to see this blow up right in SDs face.

I think Winston is less Leaf and more Art Schlichter. Football talent to the moon, a willingness to work hard, but off the field issues are going to bite him in the butt.

[Caveat Emperor]

I think Winston is less Leaf and more Art Schlichter. Football talent to the moon, a willingness to work hard, but off the field issues are going to bite him in the butt.

Best case scenario is Ben Roethlisberger -- where you know he's a deplorable person off the field, but he manages to keep his focus on football while the nonsense swirls around him.

I'm not confident he'll be able to manage that, though.

[Kingspoint]

...

[Kingspoint]

NFL suspended Cowboys RE Greg Hardy 10 games for conduct detrimental to the league.

[Slyder]

NFL suspended Cowboys RE Greg Hardy 10 games for conduct detrimental to the league.

What I don't understand is wasn't he already punished by being put on that stupid made up Commish exempt list or w/e for 15 of the 16 games last year... isn't this double jeopardy just waiting for a good lawyer to come sue?

[Kingspoint]

What I don't understand is wasn't he already punished by being put on that stupid made up Commish exempt list or w/e for 15 of the 16 games last year... isn't this double jeopardy just waiting for a good lawyer to come sue?

So, this actually makes it a 25-game suspension.

[Kingspoint]

Hardy got the Commissioner on a bad day. (Cowboys and the rest of us expected a four-game suspension, with six being the most.)

From http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCAKBN0ND2B520150422

A federal judge gave final approval on Wednesday to a settlement in a lawsuit brought by about 5,000 former National Football League players who accused the league of covering up the dangers of concussions. The settlement, approved by Judge Anita Brody, includes allowing for monetary awards of up to $5 million per retired player for serious medical conditions associated with repeated head trauma and could cost the league $1 billion over 65 years.


It's been mentioned that 6,000 of an estimated 20,000 NFL players are expected to have Alzheimer's-related diseases.

[bucksfan2]

What I don't understand is wasn't he already punished by being put on that stupid made up Commish exempt list or w/e for 15 of the 16 games last year... isn't this double jeopardy just waiting for a good lawyer to come sue?

The NFL is governed by its collective bargaining agreement, not the US court of law. Hardy was convicted by a judge, opted to have a jury trial (which NC law allows), and then all the evidence proves to him paying his ex-girlfriend off.

Frankly Hardy is the type of guy the NFL shouldn't want in its league. He is about as bad of a human being as you could be. Being suspended for 15 games while getting paid 13M isn't that bad of a deal. Being suspended for 10 games isn't that bad of a deal when you consider he beat his ex, threw her on a bed of guns, and had her fearing for her life. Nice guy.

[Kingspoint]

Nashville puts together 3 goals in 2-1/2 minutes early in the 3rd to quickly put the game away and stay alive.

No "Blackhawks in 5".

[Sea Ray]

Nashville puts together 3 goals in 2-1/2 minutes early in the 3rd to quickly put the game away and stay alive.

No "Blackhawks in 5".

Are you sure you meant to put this in the NFL thread?

[Kingspoint]

Are you sure you meant to put this in the NFL thread?

That would be no.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Vikings GM Rick Spielman revealed that his organization's increased use of analytics led to last year's third-round selection of Jerick McKinnon.

Vikings WR Charles Johnson and QB Teddy Bridgewater are also regarded highly in analytics circles, and were both acquired by Spielman within the last year. A 2014 article on Rotoworld published by Field Gulls' Zach Whitman explained how McKinnon's SPARQ score made him a "truly unique" athletic prospect and was linked by Vikings beat writer Matt Vensel in the blog post below.

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune (http://blog.startribune.com/sports/access-vikings/five-things-we-learned-about-the-vikings-and-their-use-of-analytics)

[Stray]

Literally the only thing more ridiculous than purposely deflating footballs to gain a competitive advantage is taking 103 days to write a 243 page report that states it's "more probable than not" that the Patriots deflated the balls, and that Brady was "generally aware".

[BuckeyeRed27]

Literally the only thing more ridiculous than purposely deflating footballs to gain a competitive advantage is taking 103 days to write a 243 page report that states it's "more probable than not" that the Patriots deflated the balls, and that Brady was "generally aware".

Yeah seems pretty vague. I don't really want to read the whole report, but a little more info on why they feel that way would be good.

[Stray]

The text messages making fun of Brady's hair and passer rating are the best part of the report so far.

[757690]

The report itself is a little vague, but very damning as well. It makes Brady look really bad, considering his press conference, and makes Belicheck and all those arguing that the balls deflated naturally, look foolish.

Considering the pattern of cheating that has existed under Belicheck's reign, I'm guessing the NFL will come down hard on him and the team.

The report also claims that the Patriots likely deflated balls for many games in both the off season and regular season. Their entire championship season is very tainted.

[Chip R]

There are rumors - just rumors - that Chip Kelly is going to coach the Tennessee Titans

http://philadelphia.suntimes.com/phi-sports/philadelphia-eagles/7/96/124641/report-rumbles-eagles-coach-chip-kelly-heading-titans/