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.
Showing posts with label alge crumpler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alge crumpler. Show all posts
Monday, March 3, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Falcons Cut Crumpler, Leftwich, and 5 Others In Beginning of Dimitroff/Smith Era
The Atlanta Falcons have begun their dramatic roster overhaul under new GM Tom Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith, releasing 7 veteran players today, including Alge Crumpler (TE), Byron Leftwich (QB), Rod Coleman (DT), Wayne Gandy (OT), Lewis Sanders (CB), James 'Jammin' Elliot (WR), and Marcus Wilkins (OLB).
Many of the players were significant contributors and starters on last year's Falcons team, and the move to dump Crumpler without receiving any sort of compensation is a bit of a head scratcher. The 4 time Pro Bowler is regarded as one of the better tight ends in the league, and with a base salary for 2008 of only $3.4 million, the Falcons could have most likely unloaded Crumpler to another team for somewhere in the neighborhood of a 3rd or 4th rounder, at least. Instead, the Falcons seem to be quick to purge any dissenters from last year's squad, which could mean a trade of Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who frequently questioned the direction of the Falcons last year. Unless Hall is on board with the new management and plans to commit to the team long term, expect him to be unloaded for at least a 2nd rounder (if not higher), as he will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and undoubtedly will be asking for Nate Clements type money.
The release of starting left tackle Wayne Gandy, (partial) starting quarterback Byron Leftwich, starting cornerback Lewis Sanders, and starting defensive tackle Rod Coleman is leaving the cupboard looking a little bare. The move to dump Sanders means they will most likely promote 2nd year CB Chris Houston to starter in his wake. The Falcons are drafting 3rd overall, and will be taking a long hard look at top QB prospect Matt Ryan from Boston College, along with DT Glenn Dorsey from LSU, and OT Jake Long from Michigan, all of whom are expected to be drafted in the top 5 or 10 picks of the first round. With so little talent and athleticism on their depleted roster, the Falcons would be wise to go with the 'best available player' strategy, rather than drafting for need or want.
Many of the players were significant contributors and starters on last year's Falcons team, and the move to dump Crumpler without receiving any sort of compensation is a bit of a head scratcher. The 4 time Pro Bowler is regarded as one of the better tight ends in the league, and with a base salary for 2008 of only $3.4 million, the Falcons could have most likely unloaded Crumpler to another team for somewhere in the neighborhood of a 3rd or 4th rounder, at least. Instead, the Falcons seem to be quick to purge any dissenters from last year's squad, which could mean a trade of Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who frequently questioned the direction of the Falcons last year. Unless Hall is on board with the new management and plans to commit to the team long term, expect him to be unloaded for at least a 2nd rounder (if not higher), as he will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and undoubtedly will be asking for Nate Clements type money.
The release of starting left tackle Wayne Gandy, (partial) starting quarterback Byron Leftwich, starting cornerback Lewis Sanders, and starting defensive tackle Rod Coleman is leaving the cupboard looking a little bare. The move to dump Sanders means they will most likely promote 2nd year CB Chris Houston to starter in his wake. The Falcons are drafting 3rd overall, and will be taking a long hard look at top QB prospect Matt Ryan from Boston College, along with DT Glenn Dorsey from LSU, and OT Jake Long from Michigan, all of whom are expected to be drafted in the top 5 or 10 picks of the first round. With so little talent and athleticism on their depleted roster, the Falcons would be wise to go with the 'best available player' strategy, rather than drafting for need or want.
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