Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 1 (Friday, March 13th)
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Draftguys TV is the ONLY show anywhere devoted to film breakdown and interviews with the best sleepers in the 2009 draft - plus it's shot in beautiful HD quality and available for purchase on DVD! Last year, we brought you three undrafted free agents who ended up starting by the end of the season (Eric Foster, Benjarvus Green-Ellis, and Gary Guyton), and a fourth rounder who started on opening day (Dwight Lowery). This year we've led off with overlooked future stars like Jarett Dillard (WR-Rice) and Frantz Joseph (LB-Florida Atlantic) - go to Draftguys.com to see who else caught our eye. Draftguys.com is the home of Draftguys TV, and it's also the home of rankings, mock drafts, player breakdowns, and a live blog from press row at Radio City Music Hall on draft weekend. Draftguys.com - The players you'll be talking about tomorrow... today. |
Hi Folks,
We're baaaack. Rested and ready after the post Super Bowl nap and we're off and running with the 2009 Season. This is the first of a few hundred emails we'll be sending to you for FREE this spring and summer. For March and April, we'll be sending one email update a week and then after the NFL Draft, we'll start up on the Daily schedule. In year's past, we'd waited until the end of March to start these updates but we're constantly trying to improve what we do and we wanted to get an earlier jump on things this season. Bottom line is we want to make sure you know everything you need to know to REMAIN the most knowledgeable owner in your league. We've got some very cool news about the Footballguys Street Teams, Footballguys Site News, NFL News and Notes, plus more. Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for the help in putting the news stories together. Some of these stories are "catchup" type stories that have happened a while back but we wanted to start here and recap a few of the bigger items. Plus some that have happened just recently. It's going to be a fun ride. Sit back and let us do the work bringing you the info this year. We appreciate you letting us be a small part of your Fantasy Football Season. Let's get to it. JSITE 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. Note: Full comments/contract terms will be entered in the coming weeks.
B.
Footballguys Street Team
Want to get a free three-year subscription to Footballguys and two free one year subscriptions to give out to your friends? Do you already tell anyone who will listen about the greatness of Footballguys? Do you love talking football and meeting people? Sounds like you'd be perfect for the FBG Street Team!
Street team members will be entrusted with collecting email addresses of fantasy football players to add to the FBG Email List and get the word out about what we're doing here. In addition to the free subscriptions, Street Team members will get a team polo shirt, access to an exclusive Street Team forum, a chance to win $1500 in a league reserved for the best Street Team members, and cash bonuses when email addressed gathered turn into subscribers.
Apply Here: to become part of the FBG family!
C.
Draftguys TV
Footballguys are Draftguys, too! Footballguys staffers Sigmund Bloom, Marc Faletti, and Cecil Lammey go on the ultimate draft road trip every year to bring you the best footage of the best sleepers in the draft, and turn it into Draftguys TV, the ONLY show anywhere devoted to film breakdown and interviews with the best overlooked prospects in the draft! By breaking down exclusive HD footage of a player's strengths and areas for improvement, Draftguys TV gives you our opinion and lets you form your own from the tape at the same time.
Draftguys TV is very excited about our class of 2009. We've already released profiles of the biggest "Who's that guy?" story of the combine, Abilene Christian WR Johnny "4.34 40" Knox, a linebacker every team should want, Frantz Joseph, and the video that really matters of Youtube star Jarron Gilbert. Go to Draftguys.com to catch the latest profiles and coverage of the draft beat from fellow Footballguys!
D.
Footballguys Hires Matt Waldman
Footballguys is pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Waldman to be part of what we are doing here in 2009 and beyond. He has been a big part of FFToday.com the past few years where he penned the columns "The Weekly Gut Check" and "20/20 Hindsight" and created the "Rookie Scouting Portfolio". He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and will be a valuable addition to our staff.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. SEA - WR Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks2. DEN - QB Cutler's feud simmering?
3. WAS - DE Haynesworth the $100 million man
4. KC - QB Matt Cassel to Chiefs
5. DEN - RB Torain continues rehabilitation
6. DEN - RB's Buckhalter, Arrington signed to compete for time
7. MIN - QB Sage Rosenfels to compete with Tarvaris Jackson in 2009
8. CHI - RB Jones stays with Bears
9. BUF - RB Marshawn Lynch in Trouble
10. CLE - Eric Mangini new Head Coach
11. DEN - Josh McDaniels new Head Coach of Broncos
12. DET - Jim Schwartz New Head Coach
13. KC - New Head Coach Todd Haley Assembles Staff
14. NYJ - Rex Ryan the new Head Coach
15. OAK - Tom Cable becomes official head coach
16. SEA - Jim Mora forging new coaching staff
17. STL - Steve Spagunolu hired as Head Coach
18. TAM - Raheem Morris new Buc's coach
19. DET - WR Bryant Johnson Added to Team
20. CIN - WR Laveranues Coles to Bengals
21. BUF - WR Terrell Owens added to the mix
22. IND - Colts Make Caldwell Head Coach
SEA - WR Houshmandzadeh to the Seahawks
Source: Danny O'Neil, Seattle Times
On Tuesday, Houshmandzadeh was introduced at the Seahawks facility, given jersey No. 18 with his name on the back, and as he sat down to say hello to a new city, that watch was back around his wrist.
"I just got it back about 20 minutes ago," Houshmandzadeh said. Some Seahawks fans would say it was about time he made up his mind. Houshmandzadeh visited Seattle on Friday, the first day of free agency, but didn't decide to become a Seahawk until three days later and after a visit to Minnesota.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Houshmandzadeh has some wear on the tires but many feel he can still be a premier WR. Escaping the craziness that Cincinnati can sometimes be, he'll be a hot fantasy prospect with Matt Hasselbeck slinging him the football. This is one of the bigger player moves that fantasy owners will want to keep an eye on this season.
He'll have a new system to learn as he dives into offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp's and new head coach Jim Mora Jr's playbook. At first blush, I'm a little cautious here as I have a hard time envisioning Houshmandzadeh seeing as many passes thrown his way in this offense. And there is the question about how quickly he can pick up the nuances of Knapp's system. He'll draw lots of attention, but I'm cautious as of now.DEN - QB Cutler's feud simmering?
Source: John Niyo, The Detroit News
The Lions tried trading for Jay Cutler once already this offseason.
Now the question is whether they'll get another shot, as a simmering feud between the Pro Bowl quarterback and his new head coach, Josh McDaniels, continues in Denver. If Tuesday's conference call between the camps was an attempt to mend fences and soothe Cutler's feelings after the Broncos contemplated a three-way deal that would've reunited McDaniels with Matt Cassel, his former protege in New England, it failed. But if it was an attempt by the team to remind Cutler who's calling the shots -- owner Pat Bowlen and his top two front-office executives joined McDaniels on the call -- time will tell if it worked. Cutler's still miffed and reportedly hasn't decided if he'll show up Monday in Denver for the teams first voluntary workouts. The next move belongs to Cutler and his agent, Bus Cook, who certainly is no stranger to offseason soap operas as Brett Favre's longtime representative. And Cutler might be wise to heed the advice of Chauncey Billups, the former Pistons star who was traded to Denver last fall. "Obviously it's a humbling experience to be talked about in a trade or to be traded," Billups told KCNC-TV in Denver. "But you have to learn from it, know it's a business, and you just have to go out and play great."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This one will be very interesting to see how it plays out. One one hand, some are saying this trade talk severely damaged Cutler's position in Denver. On the flip side, some are saying he's mentally tough enough to shake this off and go out to prove that the team was crazy to consider trading him. This is a guy who's compared his arm to Elway's. That's pretty big when you're the Denver QB. My personal feel on it is that he'll be OK. He's a confident, borderline cocky player with the skills to back it up. But given the uncertainty around Brandon Marshall, Cutler and his receivers deserve some caution as of March. This will be one we'll watch closely this spring.
WAS - DE Haynesworth the $100 million man
Source: Ryan O'Halloran, The Washington Times
Haynesworth would later describe the offer as "astounding."
The Washington Redskins' offer: seven years for $100 million, $41 million guaranteed, including $32 million in the next 13 months. "I was like to myself, 'He said what?' " Haynesworth said. "But it kind of all worked out." Worked out for the 27-year-old defensive tackle, who got his record-setting contract, and worked out for the Redskins, who believe they have acquired a difference-maker on the defensive front who will prevent slumps like the 2-6 skid that ended last year.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Not a shocker the Redskins broke the bank here. Time will tell but Haynesworth doesn't strike me as the kind of guy that you want to hand over 32 million dollars to right off the bat. On the other hand, he was clearly a giant factor in the success of Tennessee's defense. Let's see him earn that money.
Source: Staff, Adam Schefter, NFL.com
The Kansas City Chiefs have found their starting quarterback. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports the Chiefs completed a trade for New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel on Saturday.
The teams have agreed on compensation, according to Schefter, but no details of the deal were immediately available.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If you were looking for the real story on how Tom Brady's knee was coming along - this was the most telling thing you could see. Obviously the Patriots are very comfortable with Brady's progress. It'll be interesting to see how Cassel works out in Kansas City - he's worked with new K.C. GM Scott Pioli in New England so they are familiar with each other. I'm excited as this will be a great "experiment" for us geeks that like to argue whether it's the player or the system / supporting cast. Bill Belichick and Randy Moss can make a lot of quarterbacks look pretty good. But will Cassel be able to pick up in Kansas City where he left off in New England?
Another interesting angle will be watching how new head coach Todd Haley handles Cassel. Haley obviously was very successful with Kurt Warner in Arizona. But not so much with Matt Leinart. How he fares with Cassel will be fun to watch. Tyler Thigpen was coming on but you have to like what this does for Dwayne Bowe.DEN - RB Torain continues rehabilitation
Source: Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
Broncos running back Ryan Torain's biggest challenge in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee: restraint.
He already has done some treadmill work and ridden a stationary bike. The next big step in his recovery comes soon. "I'm probably about a week away from starting jogging drills and a doing a few agility drills," Torain said. "I've just got to be patient with it." He was injured in a Nov. 7 game at Cleveland. His latest rehabilitation has been "long" and comes after two others stemming from a college foot injury and a dislocated elbow suffered in training camp. "It's probably one of the easier ones," he said. "The foot was the hardest to get over. I couldn't walk for a couple months. So that was a struggle." Torain is expected to be ready for training camp and possibly some mini-camp work.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It'll be interesting to see if Torain can claim the "Bronco Back" role under new head coach Josh McDaniels. Torain is definitely a fantasy prospect to watch during mini-camps and training camp.
DEN - RB's Buckhalter, Arrington signed to compete for time
Source: Alex Marvez, Fox Sports.com
The Broncos went strong and signed both Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia) and J.J. Arrington (Arizona) to four-year contracts, a source told FOXSports.com.
Buckhalter can be considered a frontrunner for a starting spot, while Arrington is likely to fill a niche as a third-down specialist and kickoff returner. A backup behind Brian Westbrook for most of his eight seasons in Philadelphia, the 30-year-old Buckhalter has battled back from knee injuries that forced him to miss the 2002, 2004 and 2005 campaigns. Buckhalter started two games in 2008 and finished the season with 369 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 76 attempts. He also is an effective receiver coming out of the backfield. Arrington never fulfilled the expectations that came with being Arizona's second-round draft pick in 2005. But he did start three games for the 2008 Cardinals team that reached Super Bowl XLIII. Arrington tallied 432 combined yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving) and averaged 25.6 yards on kickoff returns with one touchdown. Denver finished last season with seven running backs on injured reserve.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As the Broncos learned last year, depth is a good thing. Mike Shanahan may be gone, but Denver throwing two dozen running backs against the wall to see who sticks still seems to be the plan...
MIN - QB Sage Rosenfels to compete with Tarvaris Jackson in 2009
Source: Judd Zulgad
The Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans completed the rumored trade from earlier this week. QB Sage Rosenfels will go to the Vikings. The trade became official when the quarterback agreed to a two-year contract extension. The extension is for two years and $9 million; Rosenfels had a year left on his deal with the Texans that would have paid him $1.35 million. Rosenfels will compete against Tarvaris Jackson for the starting quarterback job.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jackson was on thin ice last year, and the addition of Rosenfels has to be seen as a negative for his prospects during 2009. It's purely just talk at this point but there are rumors in Minnesota that Tarvaris Jackson was introduced to potential free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh presumably as the starting QB and some are speculating that had some factor in Houshmandzadeh signing with Seattle. Either way, it looks like it'll be a full fledged QB battle for the Vikings.
CHI - RB Jones stays with Bears
Source: Adam Schefter, NFL.com
Running back Kevin Jones has returned to the Chicago Bears on a two-year, $3.5 million contract. Jones will receive a $1 million signing bonus and $2 million in the first year.
Jones came to the Bears last season and rushed for 109 yards in 11 games. Before that, he spent four seasons with the Detroit Lions and rushed for 1,133 yards as a rookie in 2004.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If Matt Forte suffers an injury, this could be an important signing. Keep Jones on your radar if you have Forte in a dynasty league or if he's one of your lead backs in a redraft league during 2009.
BUF - RB Marshawn Lynch in Trouble
Source: AP, Democrat and Chronicle .com
Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was charged with three gun-related misdemeanors Thursday after his arrest last week in Southern California.
Lynch was charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court with possessing a concealed, loaded and unregistered firearm, police Detective Ryan Thompson said. Lynch was arrested on Feb. 11 after police smelled marijuana coming from a parked car that Lynch occupied with two other men. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded pistol and four marijuana cigarettes. They did not book any of the men for any drug offenses. "We would have preferred no criminal charges. However, given that charges were filed we are pleased that they are misdemeanors as opposed to felonies," said Lynch's attorney, Gerald Schwartzbach.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Lynch has been on thin ice since he hit a pedestrian with his SUV last season. The presence of drugs - which are likely to bear on his status in the NFL substance abuse policies - doesn't help matters. Most observers expect a NFL suspension of 2-4 games, but that is just a guess, really. If you are a dynasty leaguer and have Lynch on your roster, Fred Jackson is a guy you should have on your roster to back up Lynch.
CLE - Eric Mangini new Head Coach
Source: Terry Pluto
Browns owner Randy Lerner set out to hire the "best football man" available, and that's why he picked Eric Mangini as his new coach.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mangini's hiring is just the tip of the iceberg. With a new offensive coordinator (Brian Daboll), a new defensive coordinator (Rob Ryan) and a new general manager (George Kokinis), Cleveland is undergoing a major overhaul of their front office. We'll see how well all the new pieces mesh during 2009.
DEN - Josh McDaniels new Head Coach of Broncos
Source: Mike Klis, The Denver Post
No NFL owner will have a bigger head coaching budget for the 2009 season than Pat Bowlen.
Contrary to belief, the Broncos' owner did not hire Josh McDaniels on the cheap. According to an NFL source, McDaniels has a four-year, $11.9 million contract, exceeding the four-year, $11.5 million deal the St. Louis Rams paid to their newly hired coach, Steve Spagnuolo. McDaniels' salary will begin at roughly $2.2 million this year and rise to about $3.7 million in 2012, the final season of his deal.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We'll see how well McDaniels and QB Jay Cutler can work together in a few months. There are a lot of hard feelings on Cutler's part due to the attempt Denver made to sign/trade for Matt Cassel. McDaniels has some big shoes to fill following Mike Shanahan but many close to the situation are excited about the energy and potential he brings to the team. They've got some weapons. But they've their share of issues to overcome as well.
DET - Jim Schwartz New Head Coach
Source: Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Detroit Free Press
After his introductory news conference Friday, Lions coach Jim Schwartz headed right to work. His first order of business: talking personally to each of the Lions' remaining assistant coaches and players.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Schwartz has a steep hill to climb in Detroit. Given the lack of talent at most positions, the Lions are not likely to produce top fantasy talent in the next year or two.
KC - New Head Coach Todd Haley Assembles Staff
Source: Adam Teicher, The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs now have a staff of assistants to work with new head coach Todd Haley. The Chiefs wouldn't disclose the duties of their assistant coaches.
But they retained Chan Gailey, who presumably will continue as offensive coordinator, and three other assistants from the staff of former coach Herm Edwards: Bob Bicknell, Joe D'Alessandris and Tim Krumrie. Haley also hired seven new assistant coaches, including Gary Gibbs, the likely defensive coordinator. Gibbs, 56, spent the last three seasons as the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. The head coach at Oklahoma during 1989-94, Gibbs has also served as linebacker coach for the Dallas Cowboys.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
K.C. has to upgrade their offense if they are to overtake the Chargers or Broncos in the AFC West. It'll be interesting to see what moves Haley and his staff make in the next 5 months to elevate their attack.
NYJ - Rex Ryan the new Head Coach
Source: Greg Bishop, New York Times
At his first news conference as head coach, Ryan said he wanted the Jets to be known as the most physical team in the National Football League. He expected the team to rank in the top five in total defense each season. He embraced the expectations of coaching in New York.
He talked candidly, saying the Jets would make drastic changes to their defensive style of play.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
IDP enthusiasts should take a close look at the Jets' players this year. It sounds like Ryan is going to be concentrating on the D during 2009.
OAK - Tom Cable becomes official head coach
Source: Jason Jones, Sacramento Bee
Cable was introduced at the team's training facility Wednesday after "interim" was removed from his title Tuesday.
Cable competed with another pro coach, whom Raiders owner Al Davis would not name, to put together a coaching staff. Davis said he considered five coaches, but it came down to Cable and the anonymous candidate.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Cable has a tough row to hoe in Oakland. As much as I've loved the Raiders over the years, it almost feels as if they're on a different level than the rest of the league. "Mystery" coaching candidates? Seriously? Good luck to Cable. Hopefully, he can turn JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden into the fantasy studs we all expected to see in the first place. I'm hopeful for McFadden but leery that this staff can turn Russell into the player they've been expecting.
SEA - Jim Mora forging new coaching staff
Source: Eric D Williams, The News Tribune
Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora added two more key cogs to his coaching staff on Saturday.
Team sources confirmed the Seahawks hired former Tampa Bay linebackers coach Casey Bradley as the team's defensive coordinator, and Dan Quinn, a defensive line coach with the New York Jets, as the team's defensive line/assistant head coach.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mora is making over the coaching staff to improve the defense. We'll see how well his adjustments work out when September rolls around. He'll have a new WR in T.J. Houshmandzadeh to work with on the other side of the ball which should make things interesting.
STL - Steve Spagunolu hired as Head Coach
Source: Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
On Saturday it all came together, and Spagnuolo was hired as Rams coach. League sources confirmed Saturday that it's a four-year deal averaging just under $3 million a year.
Spagnuolo, 49, has spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. He's known as a players' coach, but a coach who doesn't coddle players, either. Intense and energetic, he all but lived at the Giants' facility during the season, grinding film to find a weakness in the opponent, any nuance that might help. The Giants' stunning 17-14 upset of New England in last year's Super Bowl, a game in which quarterback Tom Brady looked mortal and the record-setting Patriots offense was held to 274 yards, catapulted Spagnuolo into up-and-comer status. This season, Spagnuolo showed he wasn't a one-hit wonder. Despite the retirement of defensive end Michael Strahan, the season-long loss of elite pass rusher Osi Umenyiora to injury and the defection of several defenders in free agency, the Giants were better statistically in '08 than they were in '07.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Rams have disappointed in recent years, with a 5-27 record over the past two seasons. We'll see if Spagnuolo can turn around the franchise.
TAM - Raheem Morris new Buc's coach
Source: Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times
The rapid rise of Raheem Morris reached its pinnacle Saturday after the Buccaneers made the 32-year-old the youngest head coach in the NFL.
Morris was as short on specifics as he is experience. His preferred system of offense? One that scores touchdowns. Players he wants to keep or the members of the coaching staff who might go elsewhere? Decisions to be made later. Displaying the giddiness of a lottery winner, the excitable Morris sped through his first news conference, slowed only by a few goose bumps. "Our players," Morris said before pausing. "Wow! My players. I'm just really fired up for this opportunity, and I can't wait."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Buccaneers are heavyweights in the NFC South. With Morris at the helm, Jeff Garcia and Antonio Bryant could flourish - or they could crash and burn. It's always tough to adjust to a new coaching regime - we'll see how the chemistry develops during training camp.
DET - WR Bryant Johnson Added to Team
Source: John Niyo, The Detroit News
The Lions have agreed to terms on a three-year, $9 million contract with former San Francisco 49ers receiver Bryant Johnson. His agent, Joel Segal, confirmed the deal.
Johnson, a 2003 first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, played last season on a one-year contract in San Francisco, filling a starter's role alongside veteran Isaac Bruce in Mike Martz's offense. Johnson finished the season with 45 catches for 546 yards and three touchdowns. It was his fifth straight season with 40-plus receptions. Still, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound former Penn State standout has struggled to live up to his draft status in a six-year NFL career. Now he'll get another chance in Detroit, possibly as the No. 2 receiver opposite budding star Calvin Johnson.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Does Detroit sign any other position than wide receivers? If Bryant Johnson can elevate his game, Calvin Johnson is the likely winner in this scenario. Hopefully, Bryant Johnson will produce enough in his latest chance to draw at least a little attention from the defense. Calvin Johnson is incredibly talented, but when the defense can throw everything at him, he's going to be limited.
CIN - WR Laveranues Coles to Bengals
Source: Staff, Cincinnati Enquirer
The Newark Star-Ledger reported that former New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles is guaranteed $9.75 million for the 2009 season with the Bengals.
The report said Coles, who signed a four-year, $27.5 million deal with the Bengals last week, received a $3 million signing bonus, a $4.7 million roster bonus, a $1.9 million base salary and a $100,000 workout bonus for 2009. Coles' base salaries will be $4.6 million in 2010, $6.4 million in 2011 and $6.4 million in 2012 with a $100,000 workout bonus each year.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Coles is a solid receiver, and should complement Chad Johnson and Chris Henry. It remains to be seen exactly where he fits into the rotation and if he can replace the talent lost in T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
BUF - WR Terrell Owens added to the mix
Source: Mark Gaughan, The Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills coach Dick Jauron says he expects controversial receiver Terrell Owens will have a positive effect on the team.
"I heard it from many sources, many credible sources: People have never or very seldom been around anybody that works as hard at his craft as this guy," Jauron said Wednesday. "So that in and of itself is a big positive for us. We're a hard working team as it is. We'll become a harder working team. I think he'll be a good example for a lot of our younger players in how he prepares and certainly once again, his stats speak for themselves." Jauron spoke publicly for the first time since Saturday's acquisition of the talented wideout. While Jauron acknowledged he's well aware of Owens' reputation for being high maintenance, the coach said Owens will start with a clean slate in Buffalo. "We'll start with him just like we do with every player that's new here, and we'll start and build our relationship from this point forward," Jauron said.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Owens has been a premier fantasy WR for years - hopefully he and Lee Evans will be able to work together and make each other better. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only guy in the world who doesn't hate Owens, but I truly believe this guy can play. And for the redraft guys, don't discount the "T.O. In Year 1" factor. Things seem to eventually implode around the guy, but things usually start off rosy.
IND - Colts Make Caldwell Head Coach
Source: Mike Chappel, Indianapolis Star
Owner Jim Irsay made that clear as he introduced the second black head coach in franchise history. He gave Caldwell a four-year contract but declined to address its value. The recent market for first-time head coaches -- Baltimore's John Harbaugh, Miami's Tony Sparano, Houston's Gary Kubiak -- reportedly is in the $2 million-$2.5 million per year range. "This day's about moving forward," Irsay said. "This is going to be Jim Caldwell's team. It's not about trying to carry forward something that Tony Dungy did." "We're looking to get a second championship. We want another parade. We want another Lombardi Trophy. The window of opportunity is not closing."
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Colts field one of the most potent offensives in the NFL. Tony Dungy will most definitely be missed, but we expect Peyton Manning and company to continue to be successful under the new regime.
That'll do it for this week, Folks. We'll see you next Friday with another weekly update. Have a great one.
J