Footballguys Offseason Email - Volume 9, Issue 1 (Thursday, March 27th)
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Hi Folks,
I know it's hard to believe but it's that time again where we're ready to start back up with your Footballguys Free Email Updates. If you're reading this right now, that means you're signed up and good to go. You don't need to do a thing but sit back and let us send you all the Football News and Notes you'll need to remain the most informed owner in your league. Our schedule for these will be that I'll send an email like this once a week up until the NFL Draft at the end of April. Then beginning April 28, we'll switch to a daily format for the updates. That's also the date when we'll kick off the 2008 season at Footballguys.com. As we have for the past 8 years, we'll do everything we possibly can to bring you the best and most useful information, analysis and tools all with one very clear goal in mind: Helping You Dominate Your League. In this week's update, our Footballguy Mark Wimer's helped me put together some quick recaps of some of the players that have changed teams over the offseason thus far. Plus, some scary news about Brandon Marshall. So sit back and enjoy. It's going to be a fantastic 2008 and we couldn't possibly be looking any more forward to it. Thanks for being a part of what we're doing and let's have a great season. Joe Bryant and David DoddsOwners, Footballguys.com
SITE NEWS
A.
Footballguys Free Agent Tracker
I know there are free agent trackers out there but we wanted to give you the Footballguys version again. Like we do with most things, it's very customizable to show you the things you want to see sorted the way you like to see them. Thanks to our Doug Drinen and Jason Wood for the efforts here.
B. Draftguys TV
Footballguys' staffers Sigmund Bloom, Cecil Lammey and Marc Faletti (all owners of Draftguys.com) have filled a void that has been missing for some time. Millions of fans tune in to the NFL Draft, but many of us have never had a chance to see more than a handful of the players selected each year... until now. With Draftguys TV, football fanatics will see the game as the NFL scouts see it – up close and personal. Episodes feature practice footage, training film, private workouts and exclusive interviews, as well as analysis from Sporting News Draft expert Russ Lande.
We'll introduce you to top sleepers like San Diego QB Josh Johnson and NW Missouri State RB Xavier Omon and review the game of some bigger names like LSU CB Chevis Jackson, plus bring you special episodes that include inside perspectives on scouting and training.
Draftguys TV is available at draftguys.com and draftguys.tv, and you can also find the show in iTunes, where you can subscribe so you won't miss an episode.
C. The Bloom Rookie 100 with comments
Sigmund Bloom rates the rookie class based on their possible values in deep dynasty leagues that have PPR (point per reception) and full IDP lineups. Get inside of the mind of the person who told us Brandon Marshall would be a stud way before he was even drafted.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. STL - QB Green Added to Roster2. MIA - QB Josh McCown Added to Roster
3. NYG - QB Carr Added to Roster
4. TB - QB Griese Added to Roster
5. JAX - QB Lemon Added to Roster
6. HOU - RB Brown Added to Roster
7. ATL - RB Turner Added to Roster
8. SEA - RBs Julius Jones and Duckett Added to Roster
9. SF - RB Foster Added to Roster
10. TB - RB Dunn Added to Roster
11. DEN - WR Marshall Injures Arm In Freak Accident
12. MIN - WR Berrian Added to Roster
13. OAK - WR Walker Added to Roster
14. CLE - WR Stallworth Added to Roster
15. CHI - WR Booker Added to Roster
16. SF - WR Bruce Added to Roster
17. CAR - WR Hackett Added to Roster
18. SF - WR Bryant Johnson Added to Roster
19. MIA - WR Wilford Added to Roster
20. JAX - WR Porter Added to Roster
21. TEN - TE Crumpler Added to Roster
22. DET - TE Gaines Added to Roster
23. TB - TE Troupe Added to Roster
24. CIN - TE Utecht Added to Roster
STL - QB Green Added to Roster
Source: Adam Schefter, Wire Reports, NFL.com
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports the contract is valued at $8.9 million. The deal includes a $2.1 million signing bonus and $4 million in the first year of the contract.
We have now solidified our quarterback position," Rams Head Coach Scott Linehan said in a statement. "You will be hard-pressed to find the quality we have at that position. Now we have another quarterback that has played in the Pro Bowl (Bulger 2004, 2007; Green 2004, 2006). Trent not only brings experience, but adds leadership to our team."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Green is a savvy veteran who can be effective when healthy - however, his recent history of severe concussions limits his upside in both real-world NFL and fantasy football terms. Green's counterpart, Marc Bulger, has played a full 16 game slate once during the last 5 seasons, so it would be no surprise to see Green taking snaps for at least a game or two during 2008. But at this point, he's purely backup material.
MIA - QB Josh McCown Added to Roster
Source: Alex Marvez, FoxSports.com
FOXSports.com has learned Oakland's Josh McCown has agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million contract with the Dolphins. McCown will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus.
The Dolphins were seeking to address the position after releasing Trent Green and, as FOXSports.com first reported, allowing Cleo Lemon to leave via free agency today to Jacksonville. Before the McCown signing, unproven 2007 second-round draft pick John Beck was the only notable quarterback on the roster.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
McCown has bounced around the league in recent years, but he may have found a long-term home in Miami. McCown's only competition as of this writing is wet-behind-the-ears John Beck (who completed 60/107 for 559 yards, 1 TD and 3 interceptions over 5 appearances last year). We'll see how McCown performs in the new offensive system - this stop marks his fourth new team in as many years ('05 Arizona; '06 Detroit; '07 Oakland and now Miami).
Source: Mike Garafolo, Newark Star-Ledger
Carr will serve as the veteran backup to Eli Manning, and is aware he's not competing for the starting job, but he's happy about the chance to get his career back on track in a positive, post-Super Bowl championship environment, said a person familiar with Carr's thinking. He is also excited to work with Giants quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer, who was the Texans' offensive coordinator during Carr's first four seasons in Houston.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Carr flopped in Carolina, and wasn't exactly a fantasy stud when he started under the guidance of Chris Palmer years ago. Some of that can be blamed on the offensive line play in Houston but there's no way around Carr taking significant blame as well. However, given how often QBs miss time due to injury, Eli Manning owners in dynasty leagues may want to add Carr as a cheap insurance policy if he looks decent in camp. Carr might be a late-round "flyer" pick in redraft leagues.
TB - QB Griese Added to Roster
Source: St. Petersburg Times Staff
Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Griese has been traded to the Bucs.
Terms of the deal were undisclosed, but it is believed to be for a second-day draft pick in 2009. Griese was owed a $300,000 roster bonus Tuesday, prompting the Bears to part ways with their veteran backup. Rather than risk bidding for him in free agency, the Bucs completed a trade. It's Griese's second stint with Tampa Bay. He quarterbacked the Bucs to a 5-1 start in 2005 before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Griese provides veteran depth but the QB position is crowded in Tampa with Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski and Jake Plummer all also under contract to the team. If Griese recaptures his 2005 form in training camp, he could cement the #2 backup position, but he isn't likely to be the starter with Garcia atop the depth chart.
He does seem to be glad to be back with Tampa. ""He likes (Jon) Gruden and he was obviously very successful there,'' agent Ralph Cindrich said. ""During the course of this deal, they let it be known they had tried to trade for him a couple times over the last few years.''JAX - QB Lemon Added to Roster
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Jaguars also have signed free-agent quarterback Cleo Lemon to a three-year contract worth just under $9 million.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Lemon will likely end up as the #2 QB behind David Garrard. He should be on the shopping list of Garrard owners during 2008 as Lemon may see the field a few times (Garrard managed to play 12 out of 16 games last year during his first full season as a starter).
HOU - RB Brown Added to Roster
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Houston Texans have signed unrestricted free agent running back Chris Brown, the team announced today.
NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports the deal is for two years.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Brown has never played a full 16 game season during his 5 year career, producing over 1000 yards rushing only once (2004 - 220/1067/6 rushing with 20/147/0 receiving over 11 games). Last season, in the Titans' committee with LenDale White, Brown posted 101/464/5 rushing and 19/128/0 receiving (he was active for 12 games). With Ahman Green and Darius Walker as the other options at RB, the Texans appear to be planning some sort of committee this season - keep an eye to see who rises to the top of the depth chart during mini- and training camps.
ATL - RB Turner Added to Roster
Source: Steve Wyche, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons signed Michael Turner, a free-agent running back from San Diego, to a six-year contract Sunday. In doing so, they landed the player it desperately sought to bolster their running game. Atlanta also signed Tennessee free-agent tight end Ben Hartsock to a four-year, $9 million contract with $2.25 guaranteed...
Turner, though, was the biggest catch. The 5-foot-10, 237-pounder was considered the best free-agent running back available. His age (26), experience (four years), bruising style and game-breaking speed fit what the new coaching staff desires.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The new Atlanta RB will be the player everyone is scrambling for as we will finally answer the age old question - What could Michael Turner do as a #1 RB? We'll find out soon enough. Turner's average yards per carry slipped last season - down to 4.5 yards per tote (71/316/1). During the 2 seasons prior, he hovered around an astounding 6 yards per carry, with 80/502/2 rushing during 2006 and 57/335/3 rushing during 2005. Assuming that the Atlanta offensive line can create some holes for Turner, he could be an explosive fantasy RB now that he'll be featured (rather than backing up LaDainian Tomlinson). Turner is entering the prime of his career, and he has been able to play in a full 16 games during 2 out of the last 3 seasons (albeit in a backup role).
SEA - RBs Julius Jones and Duckett Added to Roster
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
The Seahawks reached an agreement in principle Friday night with former Cowboys running back Julius Jones, the second running back move made by the team this week.
Jones agreed to a four-year deal worth around $3 million a year. The contract is similar to the five-year, $14 million contract reached with halfback T.J. Duckett earlier this week. With Jones and Duckett on Seattle's roster entering the season, the question is whether or not Shaun Alexander will be around. The Seahawks decided to keep Alexander until they found replacements and now they have two potential replacements. Jones is expected to compete for the starting job. Duckett was signed to be a short-yardage back as well as a backup fullback and power back. Jones is considered a more elusive back than Duckett.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With Jones and Duckett in the mix for carries and scoring opportunities, this situation appears to be heading down the same path we saw with Jones and Marion Barber III in Dallas - a running back by committee. Shaun Alexander is probably on the way out of the picture, although he hasn't been released as of today. We expect to see Jones, Duckett and Maurice Morris working as role players in the Seattle offense during 2008 (not exactly the ideal situation for fantasy RBs).
SF - RB Foster Added to Roster
Source: John Crumpacker, San Francisco Chronicle
ESPN reported that the 49ers reached deals with Panthers running back DeShaun Foster, Lions quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, Vikings linebacker Dontarrious Thomas and Steelers kick-returner Allen Rossum.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Foster will be the backup to Frank Gore, who compiled his second consecutive 1000+ yard season last year, gaining 260/1102/5 rushing and 43/436/1 receiving during a injury-marred campaign (Gore missed stretches of game time and one complete game during the season). Foster will be a valuable insurance policy for Gore owners during 2008, and could post some decent numbers from time to time in a change-of-pace/backup role.
Source: NFL.com Wire Reports
Six years after leaving the franchise he helped turn into a Super Bowl contender, running back Warrick Dunn is coming back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection signed Monday with the Bucs, who needed to bolster their running game because Carnell "Cadillac" Williams missed most of last season with a knee injury. There are also lingering questions about when Williams will be able to play again. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports it's a two-year, $6 million contract, including $2 million in guaranteed money and $3 million in the first year of the deal.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Dunn enters a crowded RB stable that features one of last year's surprise players, Earnest Graham, atop the depth chart and also the above-mentioned Cadillac Williams as part of the equation. We'll see who emerges as the top ball carrier during the 2008 preseason - the Buccaneers could also go with a committee approach, depending on how the stable develops. This is a fluid situation as we head into the NFL college draft at the end of April.
DEN - WR Marshall Injures Arm In Freak Accident
Source: Frank Schwab, Colorado Springs Gazette
Broncos WR Brandon Marshall seriously injured his arm when he crashed into the entertainment center and TV.
"My arm went right through the TV," he said. Marshall, whose cast covered his right hand, said he didn't know how many workouts he would miss and added he needs to be re-evaluated by doctors. A report on the NFL's Web site detailed Marshall's injuries and said he could miss three months but should be ready for training camp. The report said Marshall severed an artery, vein, nerve and tendons to five muscles in his right forearm and had surgery. The report also said Marshall was wrestling with family members when the incident happened, something Marshall didn't divulge when talking about the incident Monday.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The hits keep rolling for Marshall. Nerves and tendons are no small matter. Especially for a guy that makes his living with his hands. We'll keep a close eye on this one for you. File this "should be ready for training camp" note away for this summer.
MIN - WR Berrian Added to Roster
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Vikings reached an agreement with free agent wide receiver Bernard Berrian on Saturday. Berrian signed a six-year, $42 million contract, with $16 million guaranteed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Berrian is a clear upgrade over last year's dubious stable of WRs - however, the question is can Tarvaris Jackson become a NFL caliber passer? Having a decent target or two will help, but it takes two players to make a reception (or a receiver's season) come off successfully - the QB has to deliver the ball properly, first of all...
OAK - WR Walker Added to Roster
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Oakland Raiders signed free-agent wide receiver Javon Walker to a stunning six-year, $55 million deal that includes $27 million in the first three years and $16 million guaranteed, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter.
The deal is staggering when you consider the contract the record-setting Randy Moss received from the New England Patriots on Monday: $27 million over three years. Since last Thursday, the Raiders have doled out more than $144 million in contracts to defensive tackle Tommy Kelly ($50.1 million), safety Gibril Wilson ($39 million), and Walker ($55 million). The final one came Tuesday night, when the Raiders and Walker's agent, Kennard McGuire, agreed to a deal that instantly became the talk of the league as the single-most stunning free-agent contract this off-season -- maybe ever. Denver severed ties with Walker late last week. The Broncos tried to trade Walker, but couldn't find any takers and released him to avoid having to pay him a $5.4 million option bonus on Tuesday.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wow. Gotta love Al Davis. Walker struggled to come back from his right knee surgeries last year, and ended up on the bench due to injury most of the year (he served as a backup/role player late in the season after Brandon Marshall shot to the top of the Bronco's WR depth chart). If Walker is truly 100% coming into this year, he could be an elite fantasy WR, but his recent injury history makes us very wary as of today. Keep an eye on Walker to see how his legs hold up during mini- and training camps before spending a high draft pick on him.
CLE - WR Stallworth Added to Roster
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Browns reached agreement with former New England free-agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth on a seven-year deal worth $35 million including $10 million guaranteed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Stallworth contributed 46/697/3 to the Patriots' offensive juggernaut last year, but has seen his yardage totals and TD receptions drop for 3 straight years (70/945/7 in 2005 with New Orleans; 38/725/5 during 2006 with Philadelphia). In Cleveland he'll play across from Braylon Edwards and also compete with Kellen Winslow Jr. for receptions. It's hard to see Stallworth rebounding to stand-out fantasy production given the Browns' roster entering 2008, but he'll probably start for the Browns and should be a valuable insurance policy for Braylon Edwards owners.
CHI - WR Booker Added to Roster
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
Chicago reached an agreement with Marty Booker, the former Bear who spent four seasons in Miami. The 31-year-old Booker was traded to the Dolphins in 2004. He spent the past four years as a Dolphins starter.
In Chicago, Booker had a 100-catch season in 2001 and a 97-catch season in 2002. The Bears hope he can regain some of that consistency because they expect him to start.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Booker is going into a "cupboard is bare" situation in Chicago, with only Mark Bradley to compete with as far as starting WRs go on this squad. The bad news is that Booker is on the wrong side of 30 years old, and will play with the feast-or-famine Rex Grossman under center (at least to start the season). This player/situation combination doesn't inspire us with a lot of hope for an elite fantasy season, but Booker could be worth a look as your #3 fantasy WR (or as a solid #4), assuming he can connect with Grossman during training camp.
Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com
In a move that reunites him with former head coach Mike Martz, free-agent wide receiver Isaac Bruce, released by St. Louis this week after 14 seasons with the Rams, has signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
The contract, ESPN.com confirmed, is worth $6 million. "I have a lot left. If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't be here in San Francisco," Bruce said after making the deal official on Tuesday. "I haven't really thought about football for the last two months. I haven't set my goals yet. My hopes are very high. I'm going to set my goals very high, and I believe I will attain them."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bruce was a top 20 fantasy WR for many years in St. Louis, but over the last 3 years he's ranked 58th (36/525/3), 25th (74/1098/3) and 41st (55/733/4) in fantasy points - he's played a full slate of 16 games only once in that time span (during 2006, his best showing out of the past 3 seasons). Martz's system is familiar to Bruce, but with so many miles on his tires we expect Bruce to be closer to last year's numbers than the numbers he put up in his hey-day with the greatest show on turf.
CAR - WR Hackett Added to Roster
Source: Charles Chandler, Charlotte Observer
"He's (Hackett) obviously proven he can play at a high level in this league," said general manager Marty Hurney. "We feel fortunate to have an agreement with him."
The negatives account for why Hackett was available more than two weeks into the signing period and settled for a two-year, $3.5 million contract Monday rather than a blockbuster six-year deal like receivers Jerry Porter ($30 million) and Bernard Berrian ($42 million) got from Jacksonville and Minnesota. Hackett was ranked one of the top five available receivers entering the free agency signing period and was rated the No. 24 prospect at any position by Sporting News. The market didn't move quickly for him and the Panthers' patience allowed them to land a potential high-impact player at a bargain price with very little long-term risk.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The negatives the story refers to are Hackett's durability questions - he missed over half the season last year due to a high ankle sprain, and has never played a full 16 game slate during his 3 year career. However, if he can stay healthy for a full season, Hackett could be fantasy gold. Hackett is just now entering the prime of his career - if he reaches his potential, the Panthers will have a strong 1-2 combination with Steve Smith and Hackett on the field.
SF - WR Bryant Johnson Added to Roster
Source: Daniel Brown, Mercury News
Adding to their collection of receivers plucked from NFC West rivals, the 49ers on Friday agreed to a one-year deal with Bryant Johnson.
Johnson spent his previous five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was an afterthought behind stars Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. But Johnson's agent, Joel Seagal, said the receiver is capable of more than the 46 catches for 528 yards and two touchdowns he produced last season. "Obviously, when you play behind two perennial Pro Bowlers, you're going to be overshadowed," Seagal said. "We're ready to see the best of Bryant." Johnson has yet to live up to his billing as the 17th overall pick in the 2003 draft. He has never had a 100-yard game (his career-high is 87). He has only nine touchdown catches in 77 career games. Johnson, 27, thinks 49ers new offensive coordinator Mike Martz will find a way to maximize his talent. Martz specializes in multi-receiver sets and tends to keep even the No. 3 receiver heavily involved.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Johnson has been waiting for his chance to shine, and now he'll have his shot, starting across from Isaac Bruce at Walsh Field on Sundays. Now, we'll have to wait and see if either Alex Smith or Shaun Hill can get the ball to Johnson and Bruce on a consistent basis...
MIA - WR Wilford Added to Roster
Source: Jeff Darlington, Miami Herald
The Dolphins have agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Ernest Wilford, who started 14 games for the Jaguars last season, sources told The Miami Herald. He has played in Jacksonville for all four years of his NFL career.
Wilford, who caught 45 passes for 518 yards last year, is the second receiver who will join the team in as many days, as the team signed former Broncos receiver David Kircus on Thursday.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wilford, who had 74 passes come his way in each of his last 3 seasons, compiled 41/681/7, 36/524/2, and 45/518/3 from 2005-2007, while playing 16 games in each campaign. If Wilford can elevate his game and become the featured receiver for Josh McCown and the Dolphins, he could be positioned to land among the top ranks of fantasy WRs. Keep an eye on Wilford to see how well he settles in with the Dolphins during mini- and training camps.
JAX - WR Porter Added to Roster
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Jaguars bolstered their receiving corps on Friday as they signed former Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter to a six-year, $30 million deal that includes $10 million worth of guaranteed money.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Porter has loads of talent, but has yet to put together a truly explosive season - his best effort occurred in 2004, when he managed 64/998/9 with the Raiders. We'll see if a fresh start with a new organization will jump-start his fantasy production during 2008. The Jaguars certainly have room for a bona-fide #1 WR on their roster - the question is, will Porter elevate his game to that level week in and week out? They're certainly paying him as if he will.
TEN - TE Crumpler Added to Roster
Source: Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
With an average of 13.6 yards per catch, Crumpler led all NFL tight ends over the past four seasons. He has 35 touchdown catches over seven seasons, all with the Falcons, who cut him last month.
If Crumpler can remain healthy ? he struggled at times after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last offseason ? he should bring a much-needed dimension to a touchdown-challenged offense. "Throughout the league over the last few years, a great deal of awareness has been placed at the tight end position,'' Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said. "Each and every team in the playoffs had a very, very productive tight end and it was an objective and a goal of ours at the start of the offseason to go ahead and upgrade this position. "As they say, 'Sometimes one person's loss is another person's gain.' Whatever the reasons were (for Crumpler's release by the Falcons) we figured we would take advantage of it.''[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The big question mark here is whether or not Crumpler is fully recovered from his knee surgery. If he can get back to his "A" game, the Titans will have scooped up one of the best receiving TEs available in free agency this year. As a top target in an offense lacking TD makers up to now, Crumpler could be a high-impact fantasy TE during 2008.
DET - TE Gaines Added to Roster
Source: ESPN.com, John Clayton, 3/3/2008
The Detroit Lions, shifting from a Mike Martz passing offense to a run-oriented offense, reached a four-year, $10 million agreement with Buffalo Bills tight end Michael Gaines.
Included in the deal is $3 million in guarantees. Gaines started his career as a blocking tight end in Carolina and ended up going to Buffalo, where he developed some of his receiving skills last season. The Lions hope he can be a 40-catch tight end, but they are counting on him to improve their run blocking.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gaines has proven durable over the past 2 years (missing only 1 game in that time span), and has increased the number of receptions each season over his 4 year career, to notch 25/215/2 with the Bills last year. If he can add another 15 receptions and 2-3 TDs during 2008, he'd be a solid option in TE-required leagues this year.
TB - TE Troupe Added to Roster
Source: ESPN.com News Services
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasted no time replacing Anthony Becht, who signed with the Rams. They reached a two-year deal with Tennessee Titans tight end Ben Troupe.
A second-round pick of the Titans in 2004, Troupe is hoping to rekindle a career that seemed so promising a couple years ago. The Titans made him the 40th pick in the 2004 draft because of his size (270 pounds) and pass-catching ability. In his second season with the Titans, Troupe caught 55 passes for 530 yards and four touchdowns. His productivity diminished over the past two seasons. In 2006, Vince Young's first season as starting quarterback, Troup started nine games but caught only 13 passes. Last year, he had two starts and only five catches. Troupe was looking for a new start and will have a chance to compete for the starting job against Alex Smith.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Troupe was a fantasy monster in 2005 - if he can recapture his top form in Tampa, Troupe would be a value pick in TE required leagues. His disappointing seasons in 2006 and 2007 will likely put him flying below the radar on most owners' screens. Keep an eye on how the positional battle with Smith shakes out during training camp.
CIN - TE Utecht Added to Roster
Source: NFL.com Staff
The Bengals acquired TE Ben Utecht, a restricted free agent from Indianapolis, when the Colts failed to meet a midnight deadline on matching Cincinnati's contract offer to Utecht on Saturday. The Bengals signed Utecht to an offer sheet for a three-year contract on March 14.
"Ben is a fine addition to our team, and he'll be a great complement to (TE) Reggie Kelly," said Bengals tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Utecht caught at least 31 balls in each of his past 2 campaigns with the Colts, but his receptions didn't convert to TDs (he had only 1 TD during the past 2 seasons). In Cincinnati, Utecht will be out from under the shadow of Dallas Clark - he could significantly improve upon his 2007 campaign (31/364/1 out of 37 targets - he caught 83.8% of the passes that came his way). Utecht should be rostered in TE required leagues this year, as he has a lot of upside as a target for the pass-happy Carson Palmer.
That'll do it for this week, Folks. Enjoy the NCAA Basketball and sit back knowing we'll be tracking all the NFL news and happenings you need to keep up with. Have a great weekend and we'll see you next week.
J