After trading a 2008 3rd round pick and cornerback Leigh Bodden for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, the Cleveland Browns have now renegotiated his contract and awarded him a new 6-year $42 million deal that will keep him with the Browns until 2013 (or until they cut him). According to John Clayton of ESPN, the deal includes $20 million of guaranteed money, and is expected to pay out $23 million over the next 3 years.
The move is a risky one by the Browns, who in the past week have shelled out a combined $80 million for the next 6 year on two defensive tackles ($42 million for Rogers, and $38 million for Corey Williams). Rogers is one failed steroid/performance enhancing drug test away from a year long suspension, as he has already served a 4-game suspension in 2006 for a failed test, allegedly due to taking a banned appetite suppressant to help control his weight and an existing medical condition.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
White Sox Tab Steve Stone As Radio Color Analyst For 2008 Season
The Chicago White Sox have announced the hiring of Steve Stone as their full-time radio color analyst for the 2008 baseball season. Former Sox radio color analyst Chris Singleton recently vacated the position to join ESPN's "Basebeball Tonight" show, and Sox play-by-play man Ed Farmer will retain his duties.
Stone worked as a color commentator for the Chicago Cubs TV broadcasts on WGN for 19 years, before his left the team three years ago. He criticized the mangement and coaching of the Cubs in a postgame broadcast in October of 2004, and then after a meeting with then Cubs president Andy McPhail, GM Jim Hendry, and manager Dusty Baker, Stone left the team after a difference of broadcasting opinion, with his on-air opinion seemingly costing him his job. He was quoted at the time as saying, "You want the truth. You can't handle the truth. The truth of this situation is an extremely talented bunch of guys who want to look at all directions except where they should really look and kind of make excuses for what happened. At the end of the day, boys, don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." He has since worked as a baseball analyst for Chicago radio station WSCR 670 (The Score), and occasionally working on ESPN baseball broadcasts.
Stone worked as a color commentator for the Chicago Cubs TV broadcasts on WGN for 19 years, before his left the team three years ago. He criticized the mangement and coaching of the Cubs in a postgame broadcast in October of 2004, and then after a meeting with then Cubs president Andy McPhail, GM Jim Hendry, and manager Dusty Baker, Stone left the team after a difference of broadcasting opinion, with his on-air opinion seemingly costing him his job. He was quoted at the time as saying, "You want the truth. You can't handle the truth. The truth of this situation is an extremely talented bunch of guys who want to look at all directions except where they should really look and kind of make excuses for what happened. At the end of the day, boys, don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." He has since worked as a baseball analyst for Chicago radio station WSCR 670 (The Score), and occasionally working on ESPN baseball broadcasts.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Patriots Retain Jabar Gaffney With 1-Year $2 Million Deal
After losing Donte Stallworth to the Cleveland Browns earlier in the week, the New England Patriots today re-signed wideout Jabar Gaffney to a 1-year $2 million contract. This, paired with the re-signing of Randy Moss, Kelley Washington, and the acquisition of Sam Aiken, leave the Patriots with their receiver core in pretty good shape heading into next season, as they still have slot man Wes Welker under contract for 4 more years as well.
Bears Bring Back Booker For 2 Years, Decline to Match Jags Offer to DT Kennedy
Having recently cut veteran wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and letting Bernard Berrian seek out an exhorbitant deal via free agency, the Chicago Bears had a couple of roster spots open up this last week, and today filled one of them by signing free agent wideout Marty Booker to a 2-year deal for $3.5 million total. This will be Booker's second tour of duty with the Bears, who he played for from 1999-2004, before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in a deal that brought the Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. The Dolphins recently cut Booker, who was in the last year of a 7-year $28 million contract he originally signed with Chicago in 2002.
The Bears also notified the agent for defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy that they will not match the Jacksonville Jaguars' 1-year $655,000 offer (including a $50K signing bonus). The Bears held the right of first refusal due to a clause they inserted in his contract last year when they signed Kennedy off the scrap heap. Kennedy came into the league as a 1st round pick by the Rams in the 2003 NFL Draft, and was quickly declared a bust. He was traded to the Broncos for a 6th round pick on June 8 2007, and then was cut September 1. Needing help at the tackle position because of injuries, the Bears signed him to a deal for the rest of the season, and Kennedy went on to contribute next to nothing in 3 games with Chicago, notching 0 sacks, 0 solo tackles and 2 assisting tackles.
The Bears also notified the agent for defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy that they will not match the Jacksonville Jaguars' 1-year $655,000 offer (including a $50K signing bonus). The Bears held the right of first refusal due to a clause they inserted in his contract last year when they signed Kennedy off the scrap heap. Kennedy came into the league as a 1st round pick by the Rams in the 2003 NFL Draft, and was quickly declared a bust. He was traded to the Broncos for a 6th round pick on June 8 2007, and then was cut September 1. Needing help at the tackle position because of injuries, the Bears signed him to a deal for the rest of the season, and Kennedy went on to contribute next to nothing in 3 games with Chicago, notching 0 sacks, 0 solo tackles and 2 assisting tackles.
Javon Walker Cashes In With Raiders, Signing 6-year $55 Deal
In another unimpressive offseason move, the Oakland Raiders have signed unrestricted free agent wideout Javon Walker to a stunning 6-year $55 million contract that includes $16 million in guarantees, and will pay out approximately $27 million over the first 3 years of the deal. The move is the latest in a series of stunningly bad contracts doled out by Oakland over the past week.
Long on potential, but short on production, Walker has been limited to just 25 games the past 3 years, due to a torn ACL in 2005 and recurring knee problems that required a second and third surgery in 2007. Unhappy in Green Bay and wanting a new contract in early 2006, Walker was traded by the Packers to the Denver Broncos for a 2nd round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He then signed a 5-year $40 million contract, in which he collected over $16 million the past 2 years, before declaring his unhappiness with the Broncos, and asking to be traded. Unable to find a trade partner before a March 4th roster bonus of $5.4 million was due, the Broncos cut Walker, who now latches on with the perennially dysfunctional AFC West rival Oakland Raiders. $9.16 million per year is an absurd amount to pay for someone who's generally regarded as a clown, and who hasn't demonstrated he can stay healthy and provide a consistent explosive threat and Pro Bowl caliber talent for a team for longer than a year.
Long on potential, but short on production, Walker has been limited to just 25 games the past 3 years, due to a torn ACL in 2005 and recurring knee problems that required a second and third surgery in 2007. Unhappy in Green Bay and wanting a new contract in early 2006, Walker was traded by the Packers to the Denver Broncos for a 2nd round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He then signed a 5-year $40 million contract, in which he collected over $16 million the past 2 years, before declaring his unhappiness with the Broncos, and asking to be traded. Unable to find a trade partner before a March 4th roster bonus of $5.4 million was due, the Broncos cut Walker, who now latches on with the perennially dysfunctional AFC West rival Oakland Raiders. $9.16 million per year is an absurd amount to pay for someone who's generally regarded as a clown, and who hasn't demonstrated he can stay healthy and provide a consistent explosive threat and Pro Bowl caliber talent for a team for longer than a year.
Seahawks Sign RB Duckett For 5 Years, TE Jeb Putzier For 1 Year
In an attempt to bolster a rushing attack that ranked 20th in the league last year, the Seattle Seahawks have signed unrestricted free agent running back TJ Duckett to a 5-year contract for an undisclosed amount. Duckett joins Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris in the backfield for Seattle, where the rushing attack was once a strength but is now a liability.
Seattle signed running back Shaun Alexander to a 8-year $62 million contract on March 6, 2006, but since then he has been plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness, starting just 20 games since signing his big new deal, averaging just 3.51 yards per carry. Maurice Morris signed a 3-year $3.75 million contract on March 27, 2006, and was fairly productive in filling in for Alexander, but probably wouldn't be able to carry the load himself over a 16-game schedule. Per Mike Florio of PFT, rumors swirled around the combine that Alexander could be dumped sometime this offseason, and this latest signing could hasten his departure. Seattle could probably get at least the same production of last year if they burn a mid round draft pick on a new running back, and use a combination of Morris, Duckett, and aforementioned draft pick in 2008.
The Seahawks also announced the signing of tight end Jeb Putzier to a 1-year contract for an unspecified amount. Putzier will compete with Will Heller and presumably a draft pick for playing time in 2008.
Seattle signed running back Shaun Alexander to a 8-year $62 million contract on March 6, 2006, but since then he has been plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness, starting just 20 games since signing his big new deal, averaging just 3.51 yards per carry. Maurice Morris signed a 3-year $3.75 million contract on March 27, 2006, and was fairly productive in filling in for Alexander, but probably wouldn't be able to carry the load himself over a 16-game schedule. Per Mike Florio of PFT, rumors swirled around the combine that Alexander could be dumped sometime this offseason, and this latest signing could hasten his departure. Seattle could probably get at least the same production of last year if they burn a mid round draft pick on a new running back, and use a combination of Morris, Duckett, and aforementioned draft pick in 2008.
The Seahawks also announced the signing of tight end Jeb Putzier to a 1-year contract for an unspecified amount. Putzier will compete with Will Heller and presumably a draft pick for playing time in 2008.
Warren Sapp Officially Retires After 13-Year Hall of Fame Bound Career
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp has officially filed his retirement paperwork with the NFL, more than two months after he told teammates he would retire following the close of the season. The move will free up about $4 million in salary cap space for the Raiders.
Sapp played the last 4 seasons with the Oakland Raiders, after spending the previous 9 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a Super Bowl win against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. He will be remembered as one of, if not the premier "three technique" defensive tackle in NFL history.
Originally one of the top prospects in the 1995 NFL Draft, Sapp slid on draft day amid concerns he had smoked pot in college, and that infatuation with Mary Jane use might affect his future NFL performance. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers nabbed him with the 12th overall pick in the 1st round, and he went on to be a 7-time Pro Bowl selection, and 6-time NFL All-Pro selection, and was awarded the 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Sapp will leave the game with 573 tackles and 96.5 sacks, good for second most in NFL history by a defensive tackle, only behind John Randle.
Sapp played the last 4 seasons with the Oakland Raiders, after spending the previous 9 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a Super Bowl win against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. He will be remembered as one of, if not the premier "three technique" defensive tackle in NFL history.
Originally one of the top prospects in the 1995 NFL Draft, Sapp slid on draft day amid concerns he had smoked pot in college, and that infatuation with Mary Jane use might affect his future NFL performance. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers nabbed him with the 12th overall pick in the 1st round, and he went on to be a 7-time Pro Bowl selection, and 6-time NFL All-Pro selection, and was awarded the 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Sapp will leave the game with 573 tackles and 96.5 sacks, good for second most in NFL history by a defensive tackle, only behind John Randle.
Rockies Lock Up Hawpe With 3-Year $17.425 Million Deal
The Colorado Rockies are attempting to lock up their young nucleus that helped them get to the World Series last year, and today agreed to a 3-year contract with outfielder Brad Hawpe that will be worth $17.425 million. The deal will keep him with the team through 2010, and there is also a team option for 2011. Hawpe hit .291 last year, with 29 home runs and 116 RBIs (both career highs).
Hawpe is the latest young player the Rockies have locked up for the near future. They have recently agreed to deals with pitcher Aaron Cook (4 years, $34.5 million), outfielder Matt Holiday (2 years, $23 million), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (6 years, $31 million), and closer Manny Corpas (4 years, $8.025 million). Similar to the Eagles or Patriots in the NFL, the Rockies have been extremely smart about locking up and rewarding their core young players early, and not letting them hit the market to sign overpriced deals.
Hawpe is the latest young player the Rockies have locked up for the near future. They have recently agreed to deals with pitcher Aaron Cook (4 years, $34.5 million), outfielder Matt Holiday (2 years, $23 million), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (6 years, $31 million), and closer Manny Corpas (4 years, $8.025 million). Similar to the Eagles or Patriots in the NFL, the Rockies have been extremely smart about locking up and rewarding their core young players early, and not letting them hit the market to sign overpriced deals.
Seahawks Hire Mike DeBord As Offensive Assistant
The Seattle Seahawks have announced the hiring of Mike DeBord to their coaching staff, but have not announced his official position, or the length of the deal. It has been speculated that it is a multi-year deal, and that he will either serve as the running backs coach or an "offensive assistant coach."
DeBord has spent been a coach in the collegiate ranks since 1987, including two stints as the offensive coordinator for the University of Michigan from 1997-1999, and 2006-2007. After the 1999 season he left to take the head coaching job at Central Mighigan, until he resigned after the 2003 season and returned to Michigan as an assistant. The Detroit Free Press has an interesting full writeup found here.
DeBord has spent been a coach in the collegiate ranks since 1987, including two stints as the offensive coordinator for the University of Michigan from 1997-1999, and 2006-2007. After the 1999 season he left to take the head coaching job at Central Mighigan, until he resigned after the 2003 season and returned to Michigan as an assistant. The Detroit Free Press has an interesting full writeup found here.
Favre Packs It In
Living legend Brett Favre has called it quits from the NFL and the Green Bay Packers, according to numerous reports from media outlets in both Mississippi and nationally. Having waffled over retirement the past few years, Favre has decided to hang up the cleats for good, and goes out on his own terms, holding most of the NFL's career passing records. Favre will leave the game holding the records for most career touchdowns (442), interceptions (288), pass attempts (8,758), completions (5,377), yards (61,655), and games with at least 3 touchdowns (63), wins by a starting quaterback (160). Favre will go down as the NFL's "Iron Man," as he also holds the record for most consecutive games started by a quarterback (253 games), which ranks second at all positions only to defensive end Jim Marshall (270 games).When NFL historians look back at the career of Favre, they will see the NFL's only 3 time MVP winner, and a man who overcame substance addiction and personal loss on his way to eventually becoming the League's most prolific passer in history. Adored by Green Bay fans, and hated by Chicago Bears fans, who he continually tormented in his personal domination of the Bears, Favre lead the Packers to two Super Bowls, including a win in Super Bowl XXXI. He was a 9 time Pro Bowler, and was elected to the NFL's distinguished All-Pro team a whopping 7 times.
Favre's departure leaves former 2005 1st round draft pick Aaron Rodgers as the starting quaterback for the Pack, and journeyman Craig Nall as the backup. Rodgers has appeared in 7 games, mostly in mop-up or injury relief duty, and completed 35 of 59 passes for 1 touchdown and 1 interception, good for a 73.3 quarterback rating. A broken foot in 2006 and 2007 will raise questions about the durability of Rodgers, but now is his chance to shine. Favre was scheduled to count against the 2008 salary cap for $12.8 million ($12 million base salary, $800K prorated signing bonus), so the Packers will gain the $12 million minus the prorated signing bonus amount, and are now under the projected $116 million salary cap for 2008 by about $36 million.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Bengals Sign DE Odom to 5-Year $30 Million Deal, With $11 Million Guaranteed
After 'losing' defensive end Justin Smith via free agency earlier in the week, the Cincinatti Bengals quickly to sign unrestricted defensive end Antwan Odom to a 5-year $30 million contract, including $11 million in guarantees. In his first season as a starter with the Tennessee Titans last year, Odom rang up 21 tackles, 8 sacks, and a team high 29 quarterback pressures. He will be looked upon to help a lousy Cincinatti defense that generated a paltry 22 sacks, good for last in the League.
Odom was a 2nd round draft pick out of Alabama in 2004, and He had the benefit of constantly seeing single blocks, as opposite Pro Bowl defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was often drawing double teams, as was Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. For his 4 year career, Odom has appeared in 52 games, including 32 starts, and has totaled only 82 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
To fill the void left by Odom's departure, the Titans will probably draft another defensive end or two in the upcoming NFL Draft in April, and will rely more on third year man Sean Conover. Based on the size of the contract and assumed playing time for Odom, the Titans are probably at looking at receiving a 4th or 5th round pick (in the 2009 Draft) from the NFL when they award compensatory draft picks later this year.
Odom was a 2nd round draft pick out of Alabama in 2004, and He had the benefit of constantly seeing single blocks, as opposite Pro Bowl defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was often drawing double teams, as was Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. For his 4 year career, Odom has appeared in 52 games, including 32 starts, and has totaled only 82 tackles and 12.5 sacks.
To fill the void left by Odom's departure, the Titans will probably draft another defensive end or two in the upcoming NFL Draft in April, and will rely more on third year man Sean Conover. Based on the size of the contract and assumed playing time for Odom, the Titans are probably at looking at receiving a 4th or 5th round pick (in the 2009 Draft) from the NFL when they award compensatory draft picks later this year.
Jets Snare LB Pace With Monster 6-Year $42 Million Contract
The New York Jets continue to spend big bucks in an effort to get back to the playoffs, this time reaching a 6-year $42 million deal with linebacker/defensive end Calvin Pace. According to agent Pat Dye Jr. of ProFiles Sports Management, the deal will include a $20 million signing bonus, and total guarantees of $22 million. The contract will pay Pace $26 million over the first 3 years, making him one of the NFL's highest paid linebackers in history, even though he has done little in the NFL to merit such a deal.
Pace was a 1st round pick by the Cardinals in the 2003 NFL Draft, and has spent time at defensive end and outside linebacker, starting 38 games in his 5 years with Arizona. Last year was his best season, when he notched 98 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. For his career, Pace only has 186 tackles and 14 sacks, so $7 million per year seems pretty outrageous for limited production, especially if the Cardinals, whose defense isn't that great to begin with, didn't make a play to lock him up long term. If perenial Pro Bowler Lance Briggs could only get $6 million per year, there's no way Calvin Pace is worth that type of coin.
Pace was a 1st round pick by the Cardinals in the 2003 NFL Draft, and has spent time at defensive end and outside linebacker, starting 38 games in his 5 years with Arizona. Last year was his best season, when he notched 98 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. For his career, Pace only has 186 tackles and 14 sacks, so $7 million per year seems pretty outrageous for limited production, especially if the Cardinals, whose defense isn't that great to begin with, didn't make a play to lock him up long term. If perenial Pro Bowler Lance Briggs could only get $6 million per year, there's no way Calvin Pace is worth that type of coin.
Bears Dump Griese On Bucs For Conditional 6th Round Draft Pick
Having recently re-signed both quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman to compete for the starting nod in 2008, the Chicago Bears have managed to potentially get something of value for backup quarterback Brian Griese before cutting him. Griese, who is due a $300,000 roster bonus March 4th, was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a conditional draft choice. Specific terms of the deal were not released, but it is most likely a scenario where the Bears will get a 6th or 7th round pick in 2009 if Griese makes the 2008 Bucs opening day roster, and will get nothing if he doesn't.
The move leaves Chicago with Orton and Grossman as the only quarterbacks on the roster, so look for them to bring in another young QB to develop in the mid to late rounds of this year's upcoming NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Jon Gruden and Tampa Bay continue to collect quarterbacks like they are trading cards. This will represent Griese's second stint with the team, and he will compete with Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms, and Luke McCown for playing time. The Bucs also have the rights to former Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer, who probably won't be returning to the NFL anytime soon.
UPDATE 03/04/2008 8:34 AM: Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun Times reports that the deal is for a conditional 6th round pick.
The move leaves Chicago with Orton and Grossman as the only quarterbacks on the roster, so look for them to bring in another young QB to develop in the mid to late rounds of this year's upcoming NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Jon Gruden and Tampa Bay continue to collect quarterbacks like they are trading cards. This will represent Griese's second stint with the team, and he will compete with Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowski, Chris Simms, and Luke McCown for playing time. The Bucs also have the rights to former Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer, who probably won't be returning to the NFL anytime soon.
UPDATE 03/04/2008 8:34 AM: Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun Times reports that the deal is for a conditional 6th round pick.
Patriots Officially Re-Sign Moss to 3-Year $27 Million Deal
Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the New England Patriots have officially re-signed Pro Bowl wide receiver Randy Moss to a 3-year $27 million contract. The Pats elected not to use the franchise tag on the mercurial wideout, and after Moss didn't find another offer when the free agency period opened up, ultimately ended up coming back to the Patriots to team up with quarterback Tom Brady for another run at the Super Bowl.
The troubled superstar receiver set the NFL record for touchdown catches in a season last year, hauling in 23 TDs, helping New England break the all time record for points in a season. Moss just finished a 1-year $3.4 million contract he negotiated with New England after being dealt last offseason for a 4th round draft choice by the Oakland Raiders. Details of the new contract have not yet been leaked, but expect there to be some kind of pay by game details, or other provisions to help protect the team if Moss goes off the deep end.
UPDATE 03/03/2008 6:22PM: Per Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, the deal includes a $12 million signing bonus and about $15 million in guaranteed money total.
Also per Mike Reiss, the Patriots have signed former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sam Aiken to a two year deal for an undisclosed amount. A former 3rd round pick by the Bills in the 2003 NFL Draft, Aiken has been a career backup at wideout, but has excelled at special teams, and was one of the key cogs of a special teams unit that ranked near the top of the league the past few years.
The troubled superstar receiver set the NFL record for touchdown catches in a season last year, hauling in 23 TDs, helping New England break the all time record for points in a season. Moss just finished a 1-year $3.4 million contract he negotiated with New England after being dealt last offseason for a 4th round draft choice by the Oakland Raiders. Details of the new contract have not yet been leaked, but expect there to be some kind of pay by game details, or other provisions to help protect the team if Moss goes off the deep end.
UPDATE 03/03/2008 6:22PM: Per Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, the deal includes a $12 million signing bonus and about $15 million in guaranteed money total.
Also per Mike Reiss, the Patriots have signed former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sam Aiken to a two year deal for an undisclosed amount. A former 3rd round pick by the Bills in the 2003 NFL Draft, Aiken has been a career backup at wideout, but has excelled at special teams, and was one of the key cogs of a special teams unit that ranked near the top of the league the past few years.
Titans Formalize 2-Year $5 Million Deal With TE Alge Crumpler
After a premature report yesterday that the team had agreed to a deal with free agent tight end Alge Crumpler, the Tennessee Titans formalized a 2-year $5 million contract earlier today and formally announced it, after ironing out the final details. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus, and looks to be a steal if Crumpler can return to his former Pro Bowl form.
Crumpler was a 2nd round pick of the Altanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, and after hauling in 4 Pro Bowl selections (2003 to 2006) and 2 NFL All-Pro selections (2003, 2006), the team cut him this offseason to save money and go in a new direction. Having been a favorite target and safety valve of quarterback Michael Vick, new teammate and quarterback Vince Young will probably be lobbing tons of sidearm throws to Crumpler the next couple of years, as he also loves to check down to a tight end in open space. If he is fully recovered from a knee injury last season, expect Crumpler to be a difference maker and new weapon for the Titans offense, which ranked 27th in the league in passing yards in 2007.
Crumpler was a 2nd round pick of the Altanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft, and after hauling in 4 Pro Bowl selections (2003 to 2006) and 2 NFL All-Pro selections (2003, 2006), the team cut him this offseason to save money and go in a new direction. Having been a favorite target and safety valve of quarterback Michael Vick, new teammate and quarterback Vince Young will probably be lobbing tons of sidearm throws to Crumpler the next couple of years, as he also loves to check down to a tight end in open space. If he is fully recovered from a knee injury last season, expect Crumpler to be a difference maker and new weapon for the Titans offense, which ranked 27th in the league in passing yards in 2007.
Rams Sign G Jacob Bell to 6-Year $36 Million Deal, With $13 Million Guaranteed
After the beating that Marc Bulger took last season, it seems that the St. Louis Rams front office is determined to make his protection a priority this offseason. Today the Rams signed unrestricted free agent guard Jacob Bell to a 6-year $36 million contract, including a $7 million signing bonus and $13 million in total guaranteed money. The Rams had been interested in speaking with guard Alan Faneca, but never got a chance as the New York Jets quickly snared him with a 5-year $40 million deal on the opening of free agency. Bell seems like a good alternative, as he is only 27 and has started basically 3 out his 4 years in the league, and is viewed as one of the up and coming guards to have recently hit the market.
Bell was drafted by the Tennesee Titans out of Miami (FL) University in the 5th round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and quickly became a starter for the Titans rebuilding line. In 4 years he appeared in 55 games, and started 46. The move leaves Tennesee with second year man Leroy Harris to fill in the spot vacated by the departure of Bell. Look for them to continue to use mid and late round draft picks to develop young offensive lineman, as has been the status quo for the franchise.
Don't be surprised if the Rams, who draft 2nd overall in this upcoming NFL Draft this year, end up selecting top rated offensive tackle prospect Jake Long. They were not hesitant to take Orlando Pace with the 1st overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, and he turned out to be a 7-time Pro Bowler for them, but is at the end of his career. An offensive line anchored by Jake Long and Jacob Bell, along with recent draft picks Alex Barron and Richie Incognito, would look pretty promising and provide a solid foundation for the Rams offense for the next 8 to 10 years.
Bell was drafted by the Tennesee Titans out of Miami (FL) University in the 5th round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and quickly became a starter for the Titans rebuilding line. In 4 years he appeared in 55 games, and started 46. The move leaves Tennesee with second year man Leroy Harris to fill in the spot vacated by the departure of Bell. Look for them to continue to use mid and late round draft picks to develop young offensive lineman, as has been the status quo for the franchise.
Don't be surprised if the Rams, who draft 2nd overall in this upcoming NFL Draft this year, end up selecting top rated offensive tackle prospect Jake Long. They were not hesitant to take Orlando Pace with the 1st overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, and he turned out to be a 7-time Pro Bowler for them, but is at the end of his career. An offensive line anchored by Jake Long and Jacob Bell, along with recent draft picks Alex Barron and Richie Incognito, would look pretty promising and provide a solid foundation for the Rams offense for the next 8 to 10 years.
RB Warrick Dunn Released By Falcons, Rumored to Visit Bucs
After the recent signing of free agent running back Michael 'The Burner' Turner by the Altanta Falcons, running back Warrick Dunn asked the team for his release, and today was granted his wish, as the team parted ways with the 11-year veteran.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rumored to possibly be in the hunt for Dunn's services, and are a seeking a reunion with the running back who played for the team for his first 5 seasons. Dunn has amassed 10,179 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns in his career, along with 4,009 receiving yards and 15 more touchdowns through the air.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rumored to possibly be in the hunt for Dunn's services, and are a seeking a reunion with the running back who played for the team for his first 5 seasons. Dunn has amassed 10,179 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns in his career, along with 4,009 receiving yards and 15 more touchdowns through the air.
Steelers Ink Big Ben to 8-Year $102 Million Deal, With $36 Million Guaranteed
The Pittsburgh Steelers tend to not overpay to keep their own players, but today they came to terms with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on an 8-year $102 million contract that will probably keep him with the team for the rest of his career (motorcycle accidents notwithstanding). The deal includes roughly $36-38 million in guaranteed money, depending on whose reports you read, and places him among the league's highest paid players, with a $12.75 million a year average. That can buy a lot of motorcycle helmets and/or reconstructive surgery.
After being drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Miami (of Ohio), Big Ben took over the reigns of a team searching for a leader since the departure of Terry Bradshaw, and was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. He then helped lead Pittsburgh to their first Super Bowl victory in 26 years, when the Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL, becoming the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. In 4 seasons Roethlisberger has started 55 games, thrown for 11,673 yards, 84 touchdowns, and 54 interceptions, good for a career passer rating of 92.5. He is coming off his best statistical season, throwing for a franchise record 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions, while generating a 104.1 quarterback rating.
After being drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of Miami (of Ohio), Big Ben took over the reigns of a team searching for a leader since the departure of Terry Bradshaw, and was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. He then helped lead Pittsburgh to their first Super Bowl victory in 26 years, when the Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL, becoming the youngest starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. In 4 seasons Roethlisberger has started 55 games, thrown for 11,673 yards, 84 touchdowns, and 54 interceptions, good for a career passer rating of 92.5. He is coming off his best statistical season, throwing for a franchise record 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions, while generating a 104.1 quarterback rating.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Falcons Sign TE Ben Hartsock to 4-Year Contract
After having cut fan favorite Alge Crumpler earlier this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons have signed unrestricted free agent tight end Ben Hartsock to a 4-year contract to help fill the void left at the position. Terms of the deal were unannounced/leaked, but it probably was a relatively small contract, as Hartsock has been a career backup in his four years in the League.
Not a household name by any stretch of the imagination, Hartsock was originally a 3rd round pick out of Ohio State University in the 2004 NFL Draft, when the Indianapolis Colts drafted him. Being flush with quality tight ends at the time, the Colts put him on waivers and the Tennessee Titans grabbed him after week 8 of the 2006 season, and he went on to be a solid blocking tight end in the 2 tight end sets the Titans frequently used in their rushing attack last year.
Not a household name by any stretch of the imagination, Hartsock was originally a 3rd round pick out of Ohio State University in the 2004 NFL Draft, when the Indianapolis Colts drafted him. Being flush with quality tight ends at the time, the Colts put him on waivers and the Tennessee Titans grabbed him after week 8 of the 2006 season, and he went on to be a solid blocking tight end in the 2 tight end sets the Titans frequently used in their rushing attack last year.
Falcons Nab Turner the Burner With 6-Year $34.5 Million Contract
After a run of bad luck, poor planning, and poor performances in 2007, the tide may be starting to turn for the Atlanta Falcons, who today signed unrestricted free agent running back Michael Turner to a 6-year $34.5 million contract. The deal reportedly includes $15 million in guaranteed money, although no signing bonus figures have yet been released/leaked. All of the Atlanta brass allegedly put the full court press on Turner during the wooing period, including a grandiose dinner with GM Tom Dimitroff, owner Arthur Blank, and head coach Mike Smith.
Turner was a 5th round pick out of Northern Illinois in the 2005 draft for the San Diego Chargers, and in limited duty has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Generally regarded as the best free agent running back in this year's thin class, Turner has only carried the ball 228 times for 1257 yards and 6 touchdowns in his 4-year career, but has shown the ability to run inside between the tackles, an explosive burst in space, and the ability to break tackles.
The arrival of Turner the Burner likely means that the Falcons will cut ties with aging running back Warrick Dunn, and will pair Turner with young complementary back Jerious Norwood, who has also shown flashes of brilliance in limited duty with Atlanta. The Falcons stand to gain about $3 million against this year's salary cap of $116 million with a potential release of Dunn. The signing and loss of Turner also means San Diego will receive a compensatory draft pick in next year's NFL Draft, likely to be a 3rd rounder based on playing time and the contract signed by Turner. Chargers general manager AJ Smith rebuffed offers for Turner around last year's draft, knowing he would receive a high compensatory pick this year, and he valued Turner as a good insurance policy in case LaDainian Tomlinson suffered an injury during a potential Super Bowl run. The Chargers will now look to Darren Sproles to backup LT, and may draft another running back in the mid to late rounds of this year's NFL Draft.
Turner was a 5th round pick out of Northern Illinois in the 2005 draft for the San Diego Chargers, and in limited duty has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Generally regarded as the best free agent running back in this year's thin class, Turner has only carried the ball 228 times for 1257 yards and 6 touchdowns in his 4-year career, but has shown the ability to run inside between the tackles, an explosive burst in space, and the ability to break tackles.
The arrival of Turner the Burner likely means that the Falcons will cut ties with aging running back Warrick Dunn, and will pair Turner with young complementary back Jerious Norwood, who has also shown flashes of brilliance in limited duty with Atlanta. The Falcons stand to gain about $3 million against this year's salary cap of $116 million with a potential release of Dunn. The signing and loss of Turner also means San Diego will receive a compensatory draft pick in next year's NFL Draft, likely to be a 3rd rounder based on playing time and the contract signed by Turner. Chargers general manager AJ Smith rebuffed offers for Turner around last year's draft, knowing he would receive a high compensatory pick this year, and he valued Turner as a good insurance policy in case LaDainian Tomlinson suffered an injury during a potential Super Bowl run. The Chargers will now look to Darren Sproles to backup LT, and may draft another running back in the mid to late rounds of this year's NFL Draft.
Cubs' Soriano Fractures Finger, May Miss Up to 5 Days of Camp
Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano fractured his right middle finger while working on fly ball drills, and is expected to miss up to 5 days of the Cubs training camp in Mesa, Arizona. The injury is not considered serious, and he should be back working with the club in full capacity by next week.
Saints Sign CB Randall Gay to 4-Year Deal Worth Up to $17.8 Million
The New Orleans Saints' pass defense couldn't get much worse last year, and looking to improve upon an achilles' heal in the secondary, have signed free agent corner back Randall Gay to a 4-year deal worth up to $17.8 million, including a $3.75 million signing bonus. Gay stands to make $6.7 million in the first 2 years of the contract, and that could increase to as much as $9 million, based on playing-time triggered incentive clauses.
Coming to the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent signing in 2004, Gay has been a decent but not spectacular player in New England's system, and will look to break out in a possible full-time starting role with the Saints. After growing up in Louisiana and playing the nickel back (3rd cornerback) on LSU's 2003 national title winning team, Gay often filled in for injured starters on the Patriots the past four years, including 14 starts.
The signing of Gay most likely means the end of the road for former free agent acquisition Jason David, whom last year signed a 4-year $15.6 million contract, and was promptly burned time and time again last year like a piece of bread permanently stuck in a toaster. David was a restricted free agent at the time, so the Saints ended up surrendering a 4th round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft when the Indianapolis Colts chose not to match the Saints' offer, which will go down in New Orleans annals as another wasted pick. Exact numbers of David's deal aren't known at this time, but the remaining portion of his small signing bonus would accelerate to the current year, and count against this year's $116 million salary cap if he/when he is released.
Coming to the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent signing in 2004, Gay has been a decent but not spectacular player in New England's system, and will look to break out in a possible full-time starting role with the Saints. After growing up in Louisiana and playing the nickel back (3rd cornerback) on LSU's 2003 national title winning team, Gay often filled in for injured starters on the Patriots the past four years, including 14 starts.
The signing of Gay most likely means the end of the road for former free agent acquisition Jason David, whom last year signed a 4-year $15.6 million contract, and was promptly burned time and time again last year like a piece of bread permanently stuck in a toaster. David was a restricted free agent at the time, so the Saints ended up surrendering a 4th round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft when the Indianapolis Colts chose not to match the Saints' offer, which will go down in New Orleans annals as another wasted pick. Exact numbers of David's deal aren't known at this time, but the remaining portion of his small signing bonus would accelerate to the current year, and count against this year's $116 million salary cap if he/when he is released.
Saints Re-Sign Devery Henderson to 1-Year $2 Million Deal, Cut LB Simmons
The New Orleans Saints re-signed wide receiver Devery Henderson to a 1-year $2 million contract. The former 2004 2nd round pick out of Tennessee looked to see what he was worth on the free agent market, and not many teams came calling. For his career, the drop-prone wideout has amassed only 74 catches for 1497 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Saints will see if he can improve any more this year, and if he can't they won't be on the hook for a bad long term contract (see Bernard Berrian).
In other Saints news, New Orleans has released veteran linebacker Brian Simmons, whom they signed last offseason to a 3-year contract at relatively small salaries. Simmons is now 32, and has been cut in successive offseasons by the Cincinatti Bengals and New Orleans Saints, two of the most linebacker-needy teams in the league. Don't expect him to pop up again anytime soon, as there must be absolutely no tread left on those tires if the Bengals and Saints are cutting him.
In other Saints news, New Orleans has released veteran linebacker Brian Simmons, whom they signed last offseason to a 3-year contract at relatively small salaries. Simmons is now 32, and has been cut in successive offseasons by the Cincinatti Bengals and New Orleans Saints, two of the most linebacker-needy teams in the league. Don't expect him to pop up again anytime soon, as there must be absolutely no tread left on those tires if the Bengals and Saints are cutting him.
Eagles Bag DE Chris Clemons With 5-Year $18.5 Million Contract
The Eagles continue to look to rebuild a dissapointing team from last year, and have signed unrestricted free agent defensive end Chris Clemons to a 5-year $18.5 million contract. A backup for his entire career, Clemons rushing ability is what attracted teams to him, as he racked up 8 sacks in spot duty last season, and there aren't very many pass rushers currently available on the market.
Clemons came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and signed with the Washington Redskins, and prompty suffered a torn ACL and landed on injured reserve. He spent 2004 and part of 2005 with the Redskins, as well as a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns (on the practice squad), and was out of football in 2006. In 2007 the Oakland Raiders rescued Clemons from the scrap heap, and he appeared in all 16 games, totaling 20 tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
Clemons came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and signed with the Washington Redskins, and prompty suffered a torn ACL and landed on injured reserve. He spent 2004 and part of 2005 with the Redskins, as well as a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns (on the practice squad), and was out of football in 2006. In 2007 the Oakland Raiders rescued Clemons from the scrap heap, and he appeared in all 16 games, totaling 20 tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
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