Footballguys Offseason Email - Volume 9, Issue 5 (Thursday, April 24th)
|
Sign Up For Free Newsletter
85,000+ Mailing List |
Hi Folks,
It's almost here. The unofficial kickoff of the 2008 season is just around the corner as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting, also known as "The Draft" is here. Miami took a little air out of the sails wrapping up Jake Long with the first pick already but there will undoubtedly be plenty of drama in Radio City Music Hall and war rooms across the league. Stay tuned. Draft Weekend also means something very big for Footballguys as it's the signal for us to start cranking up the www.Footballguys.com site. I'll also switch these emails from a Weekly format to a Daily format beginning this Monday. That's right, we'll be sending you one of these every single day. For free. So kick back and catch up on the last week's worth of news. Enjoy the draft this weekend and when the dust settles in New York, we'll hit the ground running. It'll be a great ride and thanks for hanging out with us. See you Monday. JSITE NEWS
A.
Footballguy Cecil Lammey Called Out In The Denver Post
It's one thing for me to think our guys are the bomb. I've thought that forever. But it's really nice when people I have a ton of respect for in this industry agree with me. Jim Armstrong of the Denver Post is one of those guys.
You can click on the title link to go to Mr. Armstrong's article in the Post.
Here's a clip of the opening:
"It's late April, so that means my phone must be ringing.
My phone always rings in late April. Why? Because the NFL draft is only days away. If I'm not getting a phone call, I'm making one.
Which brings me to a recent conversation with Cecil Lammey of footballguys.com. If you're not familiar with the name, here's all you need to know: My man Cecil knows as much about the draft as Mel Kiper, Jr., and he has better hair."...
Mr. Armstrong continues on with an excellent article. Well worth the read. And I'll freely admit I'm biased toward any author astute enough to recognize the talent (and the hair) of our Footballguy Cecil Lammey.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. GB - QB Favre On Letterman: 'Something's Bound To Happen'2. CIN - HC Lewis Challenges WR Johnson
3. SEA - Seahawks Cut RB Alexander In Favor Of Jones and Duckett
4. NYG - To Trade Shockey? Or Not?
5. NE - Patriots Sign TE Pollard
6. MIA - Dolphins Sign #1 Pick OT Long
7. NFL - RB McFadden To Have Sisterly Help
8. GB - Packers Bring In QB Culpepper For Visit
9. DET - QB Kitna To Be Challenged For Starting Job
10. SF - OL Bates Tears Pec Muscle
11. NE - NFL To Finally Meet With Walsh Over Spygate
12. NYG - QB Manning Marries College Sweetheart
13. DEF - TEN - DAL - Titans Send DB Adam Jones To Dallas
14. DEF - KC - MIN - Chiefs Trade DE Allen To Vikings
15. DEF - CAR - DE Rucker Retires
16. DEF - CIN - LB Pollack To Retire
17. DEF - TEN - DT Haynesworth Getting Stronger
GB - QB Favre On Letterman: 'Something's Bound To Happen'
Source: Don Walker, Milwaukee Jounal-Sentinel
Brett Favre appeared on the "Late Show" with David Letterman on Thursday night and talked about going hunting on game days, the Green Bay Packers' loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game, and how the City of Green Bay is coping with Favre gone.
And, oh yes, the retirement question. Letterman asked Favre if he was retired or not. "I have retired. Watch TV a lot, don't you?" Favre said. Letterman then asked him whether he might start feeling something as mini-camps draw closer. "You know what, not with mini-camps," Favre said. Then Favre added: "I wasn't excited about it last year. I think when training camp gets close, I will - something's bound to happen." That got Letterman excited. "You just said, 'Something's bound to happen,' so this makes me think you're not retired." Said Favre: "Butterflies, or - I don't know, something's bound to happen."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Is this Favre playing coy or is there really something there? Your guess is as good as mine. Trying to guess what Brett Favre's going to do is risky business at best. He certainly isn't going out of his way to put to rest any retirement talk though.
CIN - HC Lewis Challenges WR Johnson
Source: Joe Kay, AP
The Bengals are calling Chad Johnson's bluff.
Tired of the receiver's posturing for a trade, coach Marvin Lewis said Tuesday that Johnson should keep his word and sit out the season - the strongest comment yet from an organization that is reluctant to let him go. The Bengals also turned down Washington's offer of two high-round draft picks for Johnson, who had hoped to be traded before the draft this weekend. The move indicated that Johnson will be staying in Cincinnati, like it or not.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
I don't have a dog in this fight but I like the stance Lewis is taking here. "I've stated our case with Chad," Lewis said. "He has a contract through 2011. He's stated without an opportunity to go to a different team and a new contract, he wasn't going to play. I think he's a man of his word and says he's not going to play, so don't play."
The Bengals hold the real cards here. For as much posturing as Johnson wants to do, there is no way he sits out the season and forgoes that kind of money. Every year, we have the guys that talk this big talk and every year they cave. Johnson will be no different. What Lewis has to weigh out is whether the circus atmosphere and whining attitude once Johnson comes back is worth putting up with. He's incredibly talented. No one denies that. And certainly the Bengals can use the help at WR especially with Chris Henry gone. But there's something to be said for cutting your losses and eliminating the headache. Stay tuned as this one will be watched very closely.SEA - Seahawks Cut RB Alexander In Favor Of Jones and Duckett
Source: AP
Just a few years removed from an MVP season and also helping lead the way to a berth in the Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks are moving on without Shaun Alexander.
The Seahawks capped their promise to overhaul their running game by granting Alexander his unconditional release Tuesday, hours after doctors cleared his surgically repaired left wrist for spring minicamps. Alexander, 30, completed just two of the eight years in a $62 million deal he signed in March 2006 - two seasons of injuries, ineffectiveness and incessant boos. "This is one of the toughest decisions I'll ever have to make and be a part of while with an organization. At the same time, you have to make these tough decisions," Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's a cliche but it's true - the NFL is a tough business. Alexander was classy as he took the news. "I will be playing for another NFL team this fall, and doing everything I can to contribute," Alexander said. "I am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career," he said.
"My family will remain in the Seattle area, and when my days in the NFL do eventually come to an end, I plan to retire here. ... Thank you, Seattle." It seems like just yesterday that Alexander was one of the surest things in football. And then seemingly overnight he looked like a different player. Some want to point to the fat contract and I'm sure that factors in to a point but I think the bigger reality is this situation highlights the short lifespan of an NFL featured running back. Between injuries and wear and tear, it's a brutal position. With that said, Alexander will definitely draw interest from other teams. I'd expect most to see how their draft shakes out this weekend before making any offers but he can certainly help some teams out there. The real question in my mind would be whether he'll lean towards a team where he'll share the carries like maybe a Philadelphia or whether he'll try to latch on with a team where he could realistically be the primary guy. If he's going to do that, he'll need to turn his game around. We'll see. For the Seahawks, it's a reinforcement of them doing what they'd said they'd do - turn their running game around. They have a new offensive line coach in Mike Solari and a new left guard in Carolina's Mike Wahle to go with new running backs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett.NYG - To Trade Shockey? Or Not?
Source: Ralph Vacchiano, NY Daily News
Ralph Vacchiano of the NY Daily News lists some pros and cons as people bounce around the idea of trading TE Jeremy Shockey.
3 REASONS TO TRADE SHOCKEY 1. He is a disruptive influence. One teammate said the sideline was noticeably quieter after Shockey got hurt. With him gone, Eli Manning can focus on the game, not on getting Shockey the ball. 2. He's injury prone. He's missed only five games the last four seasons, but he's always playing hurt. Whether it's his leg, knee, ankle, shoulder, chest bone, he's often more limited than people know. 3. He's replaceable. The Giants don't need a 70-catch TE in their offense. Kevin Boss (below) looks like a keeper, especially as a receiver. And good blocking TEs can be found. 3 REASONS TO KEEP SHOCKEY 1. He's young and talented. He's averaged 62 catches for 700 yards the last four years, none of which has been considered a good season for him. And at 27, he's right in his prime. 2. He's a ball of energy. Nothing makes Giants Stadium go crazier than Shockey barreling over a defender and waving his arms afterward. It fires up his teammates, too. 3. They won't get equal value. What's the going rate for an injury-prone, unhappy tight end coming off a broken leg? Don't expect more than a second-round pick. And he's more valuable to the Giants than that.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Excellent points on both sides by Mr. Vacchiano. There had been rumblings about Seattle being interested in Shockey but Wednesday the Seahawks denied any interest. It's also thought that Shockey might want to be in New Orleans with coach Sean Payton. The Saints did make an offer but it wasn't enticing enough. Keep an eye on this one.
Source: PA SportsTicker
The New England Patriots on Wednesday signed a trio of free agents, including veteran tight end Marcus Pollard.
A 13-year veteran, Pollard had 28 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Seattle Seahawks. The 36-year-old Pollard had his best season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2001, hauling in 47 catches for 739 yards and eight touchdowns - all career highs.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Conventional wisdom says that Pollard is too old. My gut says when you're talking about an offense with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, you can throw conventional wisdom out the window. Ben Watson had a solid season last year winding up as the #13 rated TE in the league. Entering his 5 season, he's just getting into his prime. But he's been nicked up. Pollard seems like a nice move here for the Patriots and you can be sure he's glad to be in an offense like New England's.
MIA - Dolphins Sign #1 Pick OT Long
Source: Bob Glauber, Newsday.com
The last time Bill Parcells had the first pick in the draft, he traded it away to a team that took an offensive tackle. Eleven years later, Parcells decided to keep the pick and opted for another blue-chip blocker.
The Dolphins signed Michigan tackle Jake Long to a five-year, $57-million contract and will make the first choice a formality Saturday when the draft begins. The Dolphins have made a major commitment toward improving the offensive line, already signing free-agent guard Justin Smiley. And now Long becomes the anchor at left tackle, where the Dolphins have been without a top blocker since the days of Richmond Webb. "Jake was our guy from the beginning," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said. "Jake Long was on the top of our board for a long time. There wasn't a whole lot of debate. We thought it was a very good fit with the Miami Dolphins."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
I found it interesting that Director Of Football Operations, Bill Parcells didn't comment on this one. Seems like the solid move for a team that was in a tough spot with them seeing little interest from teams that wanted to trade. They locked up the logical guy and will avoid a JaMarcus Russell type holdout. Now on to St. Louis...
NFL - RB McFadden To Have Sisterly Help
Source: Noah Trister, AP
Darren McFadden's sister can rattle off the list at a moment's notice.
"Miami, Atlanta, St. Louis, Oakland," Gaylon Muhammad says. Those four teams are picking at the top of this weekend's NFL draft in New York, and although McFadden's whole family is eager to find out where the star running back is headed, Muhammad might be affected the most. Wherever he goes, she goes. Muhammad plans to move in with her younger brother to help him adjust to life as a pro football player. "I'm not going to be a travel agent, I can tell you that," she says with a laugh. "Pretty much, if he has any questions or concerns, I'll be there for him to help answer anything. If it's something that he doesn't want to take care of, that'll be allocated toward me."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ok, this is a fluff story. But one of the fascinating aspects of the draft is the non football side where young men suddenly become millionaires and have to deal with all that goes with their new wealth. McFadden's past and tough upbringing has been well documented. But any player could likely use someone like this to keep them grounded. Best wishes to them both.
GB - Packers Bring In QB Culpepper For Visit
Source: Wheeler News Service
The Green Bay Packers met Wednesday with veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper who they are considering as a back-up to Aaron Rodgers.
Last year in Oakland, Culpepper completed 58-percent of his passes. He threw for 1,331 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. While other teams have expressed an interest in the 31-year-old free agent, Green Bay is the first place he actually visited.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Facing the prospect of Aaron Rodgers as their #1 QB will likely cause Packer fans to put aside any bad Minnesota Viking feelings they might harbor toward Culpepper. At this point, it's just purely talk but obviously there is some interest there. Stay tuned.
DET - QB Kitna To Be Challenged For Starting Job
Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika
The Lions do not appear to be in the market for a quarterback. They drafted Drew Stanton out of Michigan State in the second round last year.
Stanton sat out last season with a knee injury. But he has recovered, and Marinelli has said Stanton and Dan Orlovsky, a fifth-round pick in 2005, will have a legitimate shot to compete with veteran Jon Kitna.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This really isn't big news. Jon Kitna has fought for his starting job most every year. Don't sleep on Stanton as he was raising lots of eyebrows before his injury last year. And Orlovsky can play too. There are lots of rumors swirling about the Detroit WRs but if they remain intact, they're obviously a formidable unit. Whoever is throwing to those guys is worth a look.
SF - OL Bates Tears Pec Muscle
Source: AP
San Francisco offensive lineman David Baas probably will be out until the regular season after tearing his right pectoral muscle.
Baas, the 33rd overall pick in the 2005 draft, was slated to start at right guard for the 49ers this season after starting nine games at the position last year. He will undergo surgery Friday after injuring himself while lifting weights last week.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's tough when your players start dropping in April. But the league is a year round venture these days and things like this happen. Hopefully he'll be ready for the start of the season.
NE - NFL To Finally Meet With Walsh Over Spygate
Source: David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
An agreement was reached between the NFL and former Patriots employee Matt Walsh on Wednesday that will allow him to share information with the league about the team's videotaping activities during his employment with the club.
Walsh, a Coventry native who worked for the Patriots from 1997-2003, is scheduled to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on May 13 at the league offices in New York. Walsh is now an assistant golf pro in Hawaii. As part of the agreement, the NFL and the Patriots have promised not to sue Walsh and the league will compensate him for expenses, both travel and legal fees, that he incurs in connection with the interview. "I am pleased that we now have an agreement that provides Mr. Walsh with appropriate legal protections," Washington, D.C., attorney Michael N. Levy, Walsh's lawyer, said in a statement. "Mr. Walsh is looking forward to providing the NFL with the materials he has and telling the NFL what he knows."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The official company line is that Commissioner Goodell will approach this with an "open mind". It's my opinion though this will go under the rug right next to the ashes of the videotapes handed over and immediately destroyed by the league and I'd be shocked if anything comes of it.
NYG - QB Manning Marries College Sweetheart
Source: AP
A Super Bowl championship isn't the only big event this year for New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
Manning married college sweetheart Abby McGrew during a sunset ceremony Saturday at the One & Only Palmilla resort on Mexico's Baja Peninsula.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
According to the New York Daily News, the minister looked down at Eli Manning's hands during the ceremony and joked that they were "quite large." That's the kind of hard hitting journalism we'll continue to bring to you guys...
DEF - TEN - DAL - Titans Send DB Adam Jones To Dallas
Source: Jeff Carlton, AP
The Tennessee Titans finally washed their hands of suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones on Wednesday, agreeing in principle to trade him to the Dallas Cowboys.
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple confirmed the teams had an agreement, but no terms had been filed with the NFL office, which already had closed for the day. The Titans also confirmed the deal, adding that terms had to be finalized. The team had no further comment beyond a two-sentence e-mail. Dalrymple declined to discuss specifics of the trade. "What I can confirm is that we have agreed in principle with the Tennessee Titans on a trade that will bring Adam Jones to the Cowboys," Dalrymple said. He declined to say who or what the Cowboys might give up in the trade. Specifics likely will be announced Thursday or Friday, Dalrymple said. ESPN.com reported the deal involved a fourth-round draft pick this weekend and another in 2009 if Jones plays this season. The Titans would pay back that selection in 2009 if Jones is not reinstated for this season.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The on again, off again deal looks like it finally is done. ESPN.com is reporting that the deal involved a fourth round pick in this weekend's draft and another pick in 2009 if Jones plays this season.
Agent Manny Arora sounded optimistic Wednesday night. "We recognize the fact of where we are with regards to the league," Arora said. "We recognize the fact he's got a guaranteed contract with Tennessee, and we recognize the fact there's risks involved at this point. We also recognize there's significant public relations implications for the teams, and in fact Dallas has to sell tickets, the knowledge their fan base has a point of view. "With all that in mind, we've said from Day 1 we're willing to rework our contract. Once the trade gets completed or official, we'll be ready to do our part because we want to play for Dallas. I don't have any hesitation saying we can get this done and get it done quickly." It's important to note that Commissioner Goodell has stated that there are no guarantees in place that he will reinstate Jones for this season. That may not be decided until later in June. Bottom line is it looks like the Titans have unloaded a player that was incredibly talented, but not worth the headaches. If there's an owner in the league who thinks he can "turn around" problem players, it's Jerry Jones. This should be interesting.DEF - KC - MIN - Chiefs Trade DE Allen To Vikings
Source: Jon Krawczynski, AP
Four years ago this week, Jared Allen was an unknown defensive lineman at Division I-AA Idaho State projected to be little more than a long snapper in the NFL.
On Wednesday, the former fourth-round draft pick became the richest defensive player in the league, and is viewed as one of the missing pieces that could propel the Minnesota Vikings into the NFC's elite. Allen, the All-Pro defensive end who led the league in sacks last season with 15 1/2 , was traded from Kansas City to Minnesota in a blockbuster deal, making the Chiefs one of the major players in this weekend's NFL draft and the Vikings a serious contender in the NFC.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Allen is obviously thrilled. "I have chills right now," Allen said after signing a six-year deal that includes $31 million in guaranteed money. The deal could be worth more than $74 million with incentives. "It's just starting to sink in. As a player it's cool because it shows appreciation for what you have done. But at the same time, personally, I look at it as a new challenge."
This move puts the draft spotlight on the Kansas City war room. The Chiefs get Minnesota's first-round pick, No. 17 overall, and both of the Vikings' third-round selections. The teams also swapped sixth-rounders in the deal announced Wednesday. It's a high price to pay for the Vikings, both in salary and in draft picks. "You don't often get the opportunity to get a player of this caliber at his age," vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said. We'll see.Source:
Carolina defensive end Mike Rucker didn't have an easy time of it Tuesday afternoon in Charlotte, N.C..
His eyes teared. His lip quivered — and his wasn't the only one, "I'm done," Rucker said, closing the door on a nine-year NFL career with the Panthers. The decision means that when younger brother Martin, a Missouri tight end, enters the NFL he will be carrying on the family name alone. He ranks second in team history in tackles and sacks and third in games played. He ranks first in the heart of many in the organization because he was the guy who asked the low-level employee about his family, the guy who would sign up to visit sick children in hospitals. "I just want you to know that I gave you everything I got," Rucker told coach John Fox. "The tank is empty. It's empty."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hats off to Rucker. He's a class act and he'll be missed. Best wishes to him in whatever he finds himself doing next.
DEF - CIN - LB Pollack To Retire
Source: Sportsticker
Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis announced Tuesday that linebacker David Pollack will retire.
The club's first pick (17th overall) in the 2005 NFL draft, Pollack suffered a broken neck in September 2006 in the second game of the season trying to tackle Cleveland running back Reuben Droughns. Lewis said Pollack told him last week that he wasn't comfortable with the neck medically, despite being cleared to play. "He spent some time with me well over a week ago and (retirement is) where it was headed," Lewis said. "It's a tough, tough decision for his family. ... (But) he's going to have an outstanding life. ... We know the quality of the person. He's got such a bright future in whatever he does."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This was obviously a tough decision for Pollack and bad news for the Bengals. Best wishes to Pollack in whatever is next for him.
DEF - TEN - DT Haynesworth Getting Stronger
Source: AP
Albert Haynesworth considers himself a Tennessean, having spent six seasons with the Titans following his college career at the University of Tennessee.
He'd like to stay in Tennessee, but that's up in the air as he and the Titans continue to negotiate his status as a franchise player. "I'm not really worried about it, I guess I'll have a job next year. Hopefully we can work something out long-term so I can stay here," Haynesworth said Monday. The Titans tagged Haynesworth as their franchise player in February to keep him from becoming one of several players leaving as an unrestricted free agent. Tennessee must reach a long-term contract deal with Haynesworth by July 15. If that doesn't happen, the team can only sign him to a one-year deal worth $7.8 million. "We've negotiated, but it's really, really, really slow. My agent thinks it will pick up when it gets closer to the deadline," he said. Haynesworth said he's enjoying the workout program he's doing on his own and trying some things he's never done before. "I'm seeing a change. My body is getting stronger and more explosive," he said. "This season, I think you'll see a difference."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
A stronger more and more explosive Albert Haynesworth is exactly what opposing offenses do NOT need to see...
That'll do it for this week, Folks. Enjoy the draft and we'll catch you Monday when we start these updates in a Daily format. Have a great weekend.
J