ThomasTomasz
03-29-2007, 08:58 PM
In this off-season, the second under a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams have seen an upswing in player contracts. With a shallow free agent market, the prices have been blown higher than expected.
While there are a few good players left on the market, there was little available at the skill positions on offense. Matt Schaub was the best quarterback out there. Donte Stallworth and Drew Bennett were the best available options at wide receiver. There were no top tier running backs on the market, save for arguably Travis Henry.
Perhaps the best positions out there for teams, even with the expenses, was offensive guard. There were some good options at safety and linebacker, but overall, top talent was scarce, and whatever was available was expensive.
This article will break down three winners and losers to far in the off-season. There will also be a section on teams that have made moves that can not be judged yet. After the draft and June 1st cuts and signings, this list will be re-evaluated for the start of Training Camp.
Winners
1.) Denver Broncos
Denver didn't stand pat this off-season, that is for sure. No player was safe, as evidenced by the rumors of the team still attempting to trade Al Wilson, starting middle linebacker and team leader.
Their first addition was to trade running back Tatum Bell to Detroit for cornerback Dre Bly. While Bly has made a stink about playing for the Broncos without a contract extension, he will almost certainly play for them this year, and provides a Pro Bowl cornerback to place next to Champ Bailey, allowing for the defense to bring extra pass rushers.
The team also brought in Travis Henry, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, to a five year contract, with $12 million in guarentees. Henry provides a great rushing presence to this team, as he gained 1200 yards in just three-quarters of a season.
In addition to those moves, the Broncos also brought in run-stuffer Dan Wilkinson for just a sixth round pick, traded away Jake Plummer and signed Patrick Ramsey as his replacement and then signed tight-end Daniel Graham of the New England Patriots to a five year deal with $15 million in guarentees. Brandon Stokley, the oft-injured Indianapolis Colts receiver, was signed to a one year contract as well.
While I have no love for Patrick Ramsey, and dislike the deal given to Graham (the highest for a tight end) the Broncos can not be denied a great off-season. Graham has the tools, and fits the system. Henry finally brings a star-caliber back to a system that had relied on churning out players. Wilkinson shores up the run defense, and Bly provides an excellent corner for this team.
2.) Detroit Lions
Perhaps one of their biggest weaknesses was offensive line last season, specifically the guards. Jon Kitna is a solid quarterback, and Mike Martz's offense brought out two 1,000 yard receivers in Roy Williams and Mike Furrey.
That said, the Lions were not involved in the early mayhem over Derrick Dockery, Leonard Davis and Eric Steinbach. Instead, they waited and signed two veterans, Ed Mulitalo from Baltimore to a three-year deal and the Titans' Zach Piller. Both provide veterans still in their prime, and a solid presence to an above-average looking offensive line.
Dre Bly was sent out, and in return, the Lions got a solid running back in Tatum Bell. Depending on Kevin Jones' recovery from surgery, Bell will be used in a feature role, a split role or could find himself on the trading block. However, with some promising corners on the horizon, including some good guys to be had in the second round, Detroit needed Bell more than Bly.
On defense, the club really needed a pass-rushing presence, so they went out and signed one of Rod Marinelli's former players in Tampa Bay, end Dewayne White. He should provide a solid rushing presence.
The Lions have a far way to go, don't get me wrong. They have the draft, as well as some other options out there in free agency. What they have done, especially on the offensive line, is a start. Now, it is up to Matt Millen in the draft to make this an even better off-season, or bring down the success with free agents.
3.) Washington Redskins
They didn't make what many consider the traditional splash, but so far, the Redskins have signed players who they know will work in their system. That was important for them, especially after the debacles of Brandon Lloyd and Adam Archuleta.
Two off-seasons ago, the Redskins made few additions. The prime additons were only Casey Rabach and Santana Moss. A quiet off-season by Redskins standards. This off-season, the Redskins have added players that the coaches are familiar with.
The first addition was middle linebacker London Fletcher with a five year deal with $10.5 million in guaranteed money. He quarterbacked the defenses for Gregg Williams and Jerry Gray in Buffalo, and they know exactly what he is bringing. The same goes for former Redskin Fred Smoot, who had his best season under Williams, and was brought on board with a five year deal.
In addition, the club brought back defensive back Omar Stoutmire, who excelled with the Redskins as a dime back.
Washington also solved some key depth problems on the line with three additions. Ross Tucker was brought back after leaving a few seasons ago, Todd Wade was re-signed and long-time Jet tackle/guard Jason Fabini was signed to a contract. All three are expected to compete for the open guard spot left by Dockery's departure, with the rest serving as depth.
I like the moves by this club. They know what they are getting with the signed players, and there were no outrageous bonuses given to players. This has yet to become a traditional Redskins off-season, and it looks like the only major move left is whether or not they trade down the #6 pick or stick with it.
Losers
1.) Oakland Raiders
What do you expect from the worst team in the league last season? They look intent on getting worse. AL Davis started by firing Art Shell, and replacing him with 31 year old Lane Kiffin. While he does have the pedigree, I am still wondering what in the world Davis was thinking with this one, especially with Rob Ryan as an in-house candidate.
The Raiders have made few additions. Dominic Rhodes is a good back-up running back, who can be a change-of-pace player, but with a reconstructed knee and running behind a shabby offensive line, don't expect much from Rhodes.
Justin Griffith is one of the better blocking fullbacks in the league, and should make a few wider holes for LaMont Jordan and Rhodes, but without much help line, Griffith will take some pounding as well.
It goes downhill from there. A few years ago, Jeremy Newberry was one of the better centers. Many knee surgeries later and thoughts of retirement, Newberry could struggle to hang on with the Raiders this season. Josh Booty, who has never thrown a pass in the NFL, was also brought along as their quarterback addition.
While the Raiders can do some work in the draft, it already looks like a lost season for Oakland. The team may also be trading either Jerry Porter or Randy Moss, which takes away another NFL caliber player. Regardless, a good draft won't put the Raiders up for a winning off-season.
I think the Raiders have a ton of work to do. In the draft, they would serve best to bid up teams for the #1 pick, and take the best offer to move down for more picks. What this team needs is some depth, some players to groom, especially for the offensive line. It also remains to be seen if Kiffin, an extremely young coach, can control this team.
2.) Seattle Seahawks
Seattle overcame a lot of adversity last season, especially with injuries. At some point, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander and Darrell Jackson were injured and all three battled inconsistency.
So, Seattle came into the off-season intent on fixing some problems, especially along the defensive side of the ball.
They made two big splashes. First was signing Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney to a six year deal to help with an anemic pass rush. Paired with defensive end Grant Wistrom, the Seahawks had a very good pair of ends on their hands.
But, Seattle settled for a lateral move, deciding to release Wistrom to make room for Kerney. Unexpected, considering that there is still no one opposite Kerney to scare teams away from double-teams.
In the wake of the Kerney deal, Seattle also agreed to a six year deal with safety Deon Grant. Grant is a solid safety, a little better in coverage than against the run.
However, the team ignored re-signing Ken Hamlin, a popular player and leader who successfully came back from a serious injury the year before. Again, another lateral move for the Seahawks, just to say they did something.
I feel that the Seahawks have a very good offense, one that can beat anyone. However, they believe that just adding new players on defense, despite being similar to the ones released, will make much of a difference. Lateral moves won't get it done in the NFL.
3.) Houston Texans
Houston has just released David Carr and Dominack Williams. That is all that needs to be said.
In just one day, the Texans have admitted defeat for who they thought their franchise quarterback was in releasing Carr. In releasing Williams, they just admitted that running back is a problem, leaving ESPN 25 and Reggie Bush fans all around to further criticize the club. Same goes for Vince Young fans.
To be fair, Houston has done some good moves. Franchise receiver Andre Johnson received a six year contract extension. They kept blocking back Vonta Leach, who opened up the running game during the second half of last season. Danny Clark, a high energy playmaker at linebacker and Shawn Barber, a pass-rushing specialist, will fit in well with Demeco Ryans.
However, they made a deal with the Atlanta Falcons to acquire Matt Schaub as their starter, and gave him a huge contract to boot. Schaub has no wins under his belt in only a handful of starts. This is another make or break decision for Houston.
They have also failed to add a big body to take up extra blockers on the defensive line. Mario Williams was double and triple teamed all year because no one else demanded that double team. Houston desperately needs that kind of player.
They also made few moves to upgrade the offensive line. They are waiting for some young players to develop, but like the Redskins, Houston could have benefited from adding a veteran or two for depth purposes on the line.
I desperately want Houston to succeed. However, I have to put them over in the Losers category because of the releases of D. Williams and Carr and the admittance of failure. They did not provide any help to M. Williams, the player that desperately needed it. To top it all off, Schaub is no sure bet and could hurt them salary cap and development wise.
Undecided
1.) Dallas Cowboys
Bill Parcells out; Wade Phillips in. Nothing more needs to be said.
Parcells built this team from the ground up. He supervised the change over to a 3-4 defense, drafted those players and built an offense around his players from various stops.
Terrell Owens came along, and everything changed. No one needs to hear about Owens (we all know from the media saturation) but in this case, Parcells was not allowed to shop for his groceries. Owens was forced on him and from day one, it was clear Parcells didn't like that.
When Jones promised Owens a spot on the team for 2007, Parcells left. Instead of signing a disciplinarian, or a new coach with new ideas, Jones went out and found a retread in Wade Phillips, who immediately began schmoozing Owens. He could be the downfall of that team, including Phillips latest coaching chance, but the Cowboys have suffered elsewhere.
Their marquee free agent signing this year, Leonard Davis, was vastly overpaid. He has never lived up to his potential, and seven years, $49 million and close to $20 million in bonus money. He is a good player, but not worth Steve Hutchinson money.
The other big free agent addition was Ken Hamlin. While it was a one year deal, Hamlin does not fit in with this team. Roy Williams is not a coverage safety. He is more like a fifth linebacker, and has been constantly burnt in coverage. Hamlin is much the same player, but a little better in coverage. Still, he does take a ton of chances in coverage, which leads to just as many big plays. Dallas is taking a huge risk with Hamlin in their backfield.
Overall, the Cowboys have a ton of talent. We said that about the 2005 Eagles as well, but Terrell Owens destroyed that. We'll have to see how he decides to walk over Phillips this season. Dallas also needs to hope that their biggest addition can live up to his contract. Huge question marks right now.
2.) San Francisco 49ers
The Niners were a surprise team last season. Norv Turner got the offense and Alex Smith running, even without much contribution from Vernon Davis. The defense was pretty good.
However, Turner has left to coach the San Diego Chargers. While Nolan knows the basics of Turner's offense and will keep the basic pillars, Smith has to adjust without Turner. In addition, Antonio Bryant was released and Eric Johnson was not welcomed back.
To replace Bryant, the Niners signed Ashley Lelie. Lelie has great speed, and is a good deep threat, but he has never worked to build muscle on his frame and become a more physical receiver. He will struggle in the #1 role he will be assuming.
The Niners spent some huge money on defense. A six year, $80 million deal was handed out to corner Nate Clements, making him the highest paid corner on the market. Clements is a Pro Bowl caliber corner, but he is not among the top five in the game. No way is he worth this kind of money and cap space.
They also spent big money on safety Michael Lewis, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. Lewis struggled this season, yet San Francisco gave him $10 million in guarenteed money, despite losing his job in the middle of the season.
San Francisco will need to adjust to not having Norv Turner around, first of all. That will be difficult for Alex Smith, with yet another offensive coordinator. The Niners also need to have immediate and positive contributions from Clements and Lewis, so the guarenteed money isn't wasted. They have put themselves in the hole before with contracts like these, so they are definitely on the watch list.
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I don't have all the answers and I don't pretend that I do. I welcome any opinions on the matter, both on my writing style and content wise. If you wish to debate my choices, that is great. If you want to provide some extra teams and/or your own teams, that is great as well.
While there are a few good players left on the market, there was little available at the skill positions on offense. Matt Schaub was the best quarterback out there. Donte Stallworth and Drew Bennett were the best available options at wide receiver. There were no top tier running backs on the market, save for arguably Travis Henry.
Perhaps the best positions out there for teams, even with the expenses, was offensive guard. There were some good options at safety and linebacker, but overall, top talent was scarce, and whatever was available was expensive.
This article will break down three winners and losers to far in the off-season. There will also be a section on teams that have made moves that can not be judged yet. After the draft and June 1st cuts and signings, this list will be re-evaluated for the start of Training Camp.
Winners
1.) Denver Broncos
Denver didn't stand pat this off-season, that is for sure. No player was safe, as evidenced by the rumors of the team still attempting to trade Al Wilson, starting middle linebacker and team leader.
Their first addition was to trade running back Tatum Bell to Detroit for cornerback Dre Bly. While Bly has made a stink about playing for the Broncos without a contract extension, he will almost certainly play for them this year, and provides a Pro Bowl cornerback to place next to Champ Bailey, allowing for the defense to bring extra pass rushers.
The team also brought in Travis Henry, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, to a five year contract, with $12 million in guarentees. Henry provides a great rushing presence to this team, as he gained 1200 yards in just three-quarters of a season.
In addition to those moves, the Broncos also brought in run-stuffer Dan Wilkinson for just a sixth round pick, traded away Jake Plummer and signed Patrick Ramsey as his replacement and then signed tight-end Daniel Graham of the New England Patriots to a five year deal with $15 million in guarentees. Brandon Stokley, the oft-injured Indianapolis Colts receiver, was signed to a one year contract as well.
While I have no love for Patrick Ramsey, and dislike the deal given to Graham (the highest for a tight end) the Broncos can not be denied a great off-season. Graham has the tools, and fits the system. Henry finally brings a star-caliber back to a system that had relied on churning out players. Wilkinson shores up the run defense, and Bly provides an excellent corner for this team.
2.) Detroit Lions
Perhaps one of their biggest weaknesses was offensive line last season, specifically the guards. Jon Kitna is a solid quarterback, and Mike Martz's offense brought out two 1,000 yard receivers in Roy Williams and Mike Furrey.
That said, the Lions were not involved in the early mayhem over Derrick Dockery, Leonard Davis and Eric Steinbach. Instead, they waited and signed two veterans, Ed Mulitalo from Baltimore to a three-year deal and the Titans' Zach Piller. Both provide veterans still in their prime, and a solid presence to an above-average looking offensive line.
Dre Bly was sent out, and in return, the Lions got a solid running back in Tatum Bell. Depending on Kevin Jones' recovery from surgery, Bell will be used in a feature role, a split role or could find himself on the trading block. However, with some promising corners on the horizon, including some good guys to be had in the second round, Detroit needed Bell more than Bly.
On defense, the club really needed a pass-rushing presence, so they went out and signed one of Rod Marinelli's former players in Tampa Bay, end Dewayne White. He should provide a solid rushing presence.
The Lions have a far way to go, don't get me wrong. They have the draft, as well as some other options out there in free agency. What they have done, especially on the offensive line, is a start. Now, it is up to Matt Millen in the draft to make this an even better off-season, or bring down the success with free agents.
3.) Washington Redskins
They didn't make what many consider the traditional splash, but so far, the Redskins have signed players who they know will work in their system. That was important for them, especially after the debacles of Brandon Lloyd and Adam Archuleta.
Two off-seasons ago, the Redskins made few additions. The prime additons were only Casey Rabach and Santana Moss. A quiet off-season by Redskins standards. This off-season, the Redskins have added players that the coaches are familiar with.
The first addition was middle linebacker London Fletcher with a five year deal with $10.5 million in guaranteed money. He quarterbacked the defenses for Gregg Williams and Jerry Gray in Buffalo, and they know exactly what he is bringing. The same goes for former Redskin Fred Smoot, who had his best season under Williams, and was brought on board with a five year deal.
In addition, the club brought back defensive back Omar Stoutmire, who excelled with the Redskins as a dime back.
Washington also solved some key depth problems on the line with three additions. Ross Tucker was brought back after leaving a few seasons ago, Todd Wade was re-signed and long-time Jet tackle/guard Jason Fabini was signed to a contract. All three are expected to compete for the open guard spot left by Dockery's departure, with the rest serving as depth.
I like the moves by this club. They know what they are getting with the signed players, and there were no outrageous bonuses given to players. This has yet to become a traditional Redskins off-season, and it looks like the only major move left is whether or not they trade down the #6 pick or stick with it.
Losers
1.) Oakland Raiders
What do you expect from the worst team in the league last season? They look intent on getting worse. AL Davis started by firing Art Shell, and replacing him with 31 year old Lane Kiffin. While he does have the pedigree, I am still wondering what in the world Davis was thinking with this one, especially with Rob Ryan as an in-house candidate.
The Raiders have made few additions. Dominic Rhodes is a good back-up running back, who can be a change-of-pace player, but with a reconstructed knee and running behind a shabby offensive line, don't expect much from Rhodes.
Justin Griffith is one of the better blocking fullbacks in the league, and should make a few wider holes for LaMont Jordan and Rhodes, but without much help line, Griffith will take some pounding as well.
It goes downhill from there. A few years ago, Jeremy Newberry was one of the better centers. Many knee surgeries later and thoughts of retirement, Newberry could struggle to hang on with the Raiders this season. Josh Booty, who has never thrown a pass in the NFL, was also brought along as their quarterback addition.
While the Raiders can do some work in the draft, it already looks like a lost season for Oakland. The team may also be trading either Jerry Porter or Randy Moss, which takes away another NFL caliber player. Regardless, a good draft won't put the Raiders up for a winning off-season.
I think the Raiders have a ton of work to do. In the draft, they would serve best to bid up teams for the #1 pick, and take the best offer to move down for more picks. What this team needs is some depth, some players to groom, especially for the offensive line. It also remains to be seen if Kiffin, an extremely young coach, can control this team.
2.) Seattle Seahawks
Seattle overcame a lot of adversity last season, especially with injuries. At some point, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander and Darrell Jackson were injured and all three battled inconsistency.
So, Seattle came into the off-season intent on fixing some problems, especially along the defensive side of the ball.
They made two big splashes. First was signing Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney to a six year deal to help with an anemic pass rush. Paired with defensive end Grant Wistrom, the Seahawks had a very good pair of ends on their hands.
But, Seattle settled for a lateral move, deciding to release Wistrom to make room for Kerney. Unexpected, considering that there is still no one opposite Kerney to scare teams away from double-teams.
In the wake of the Kerney deal, Seattle also agreed to a six year deal with safety Deon Grant. Grant is a solid safety, a little better in coverage than against the run.
However, the team ignored re-signing Ken Hamlin, a popular player and leader who successfully came back from a serious injury the year before. Again, another lateral move for the Seahawks, just to say they did something.
I feel that the Seahawks have a very good offense, one that can beat anyone. However, they believe that just adding new players on defense, despite being similar to the ones released, will make much of a difference. Lateral moves won't get it done in the NFL.
3.) Houston Texans
Houston has just released David Carr and Dominack Williams. That is all that needs to be said.
In just one day, the Texans have admitted defeat for who they thought their franchise quarterback was in releasing Carr. In releasing Williams, they just admitted that running back is a problem, leaving ESPN 25 and Reggie Bush fans all around to further criticize the club. Same goes for Vince Young fans.
To be fair, Houston has done some good moves. Franchise receiver Andre Johnson received a six year contract extension. They kept blocking back Vonta Leach, who opened up the running game during the second half of last season. Danny Clark, a high energy playmaker at linebacker and Shawn Barber, a pass-rushing specialist, will fit in well with Demeco Ryans.
However, they made a deal with the Atlanta Falcons to acquire Matt Schaub as their starter, and gave him a huge contract to boot. Schaub has no wins under his belt in only a handful of starts. This is another make or break decision for Houston.
They have also failed to add a big body to take up extra blockers on the defensive line. Mario Williams was double and triple teamed all year because no one else demanded that double team. Houston desperately needs that kind of player.
They also made few moves to upgrade the offensive line. They are waiting for some young players to develop, but like the Redskins, Houston could have benefited from adding a veteran or two for depth purposes on the line.
I desperately want Houston to succeed. However, I have to put them over in the Losers category because of the releases of D. Williams and Carr and the admittance of failure. They did not provide any help to M. Williams, the player that desperately needed it. To top it all off, Schaub is no sure bet and could hurt them salary cap and development wise.
Undecided
1.) Dallas Cowboys
Bill Parcells out; Wade Phillips in. Nothing more needs to be said.
Parcells built this team from the ground up. He supervised the change over to a 3-4 defense, drafted those players and built an offense around his players from various stops.
Terrell Owens came along, and everything changed. No one needs to hear about Owens (we all know from the media saturation) but in this case, Parcells was not allowed to shop for his groceries. Owens was forced on him and from day one, it was clear Parcells didn't like that.
When Jones promised Owens a spot on the team for 2007, Parcells left. Instead of signing a disciplinarian, or a new coach with new ideas, Jones went out and found a retread in Wade Phillips, who immediately began schmoozing Owens. He could be the downfall of that team, including Phillips latest coaching chance, but the Cowboys have suffered elsewhere.
Their marquee free agent signing this year, Leonard Davis, was vastly overpaid. He has never lived up to his potential, and seven years, $49 million and close to $20 million in bonus money. He is a good player, but not worth Steve Hutchinson money.
The other big free agent addition was Ken Hamlin. While it was a one year deal, Hamlin does not fit in with this team. Roy Williams is not a coverage safety. He is more like a fifth linebacker, and has been constantly burnt in coverage. Hamlin is much the same player, but a little better in coverage. Still, he does take a ton of chances in coverage, which leads to just as many big plays. Dallas is taking a huge risk with Hamlin in their backfield.
Overall, the Cowboys have a ton of talent. We said that about the 2005 Eagles as well, but Terrell Owens destroyed that. We'll have to see how he decides to walk over Phillips this season. Dallas also needs to hope that their biggest addition can live up to his contract. Huge question marks right now.
2.) San Francisco 49ers
The Niners were a surprise team last season. Norv Turner got the offense and Alex Smith running, even without much contribution from Vernon Davis. The defense was pretty good.
However, Turner has left to coach the San Diego Chargers. While Nolan knows the basics of Turner's offense and will keep the basic pillars, Smith has to adjust without Turner. In addition, Antonio Bryant was released and Eric Johnson was not welcomed back.
To replace Bryant, the Niners signed Ashley Lelie. Lelie has great speed, and is a good deep threat, but he has never worked to build muscle on his frame and become a more physical receiver. He will struggle in the #1 role he will be assuming.
The Niners spent some huge money on defense. A six year, $80 million deal was handed out to corner Nate Clements, making him the highest paid corner on the market. Clements is a Pro Bowl caliber corner, but he is not among the top five in the game. No way is he worth this kind of money and cap space.
They also spent big money on safety Michael Lewis, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. Lewis struggled this season, yet San Francisco gave him $10 million in guarenteed money, despite losing his job in the middle of the season.
San Francisco will need to adjust to not having Norv Turner around, first of all. That will be difficult for Alex Smith, with yet another offensive coordinator. The Niners also need to have immediate and positive contributions from Clements and Lewis, so the guarenteed money isn't wasted. They have put themselves in the hole before with contracts like these, so they are definitely on the watch list.
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I don't have all the answers and I don't pretend that I do. I welcome any opinions on the matter, both on my writing style and content wise. If you wish to debate my choices, that is great. If you want to provide some extra teams and/or your own teams, that is great as well.