Footballguys Daily Email - Volume 10, Issue 6 (Thursday, April 16th)
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Hi Folks,
Hope you had a great Holiday weekend last week. There isn't much left of the chocolate Easter Bunny at my house which must mean the NFL Draft is right around the corner. We're gearing up in a big way as things are about to get pretty interesting. It's also a big day as Hall of Famer John Madden has decided to hang it up. In a classy move, he did it without huge fanfare or making it all about him. (I wonder if Keith Jackson was paying attention...) Thank you Mr. Madden - you will be missed Big Fella. Thanks to Footballguy Mark Wimer for the help here as we've got the News and Notes you'll need to stay on top of everything. Plus Site News and more. Let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Footballguy's Girlfriend in Final of College's Hottest Girl Contest
A long-time regular from our message board happens to be dating Kristy pictured here. Both are avid fantasy football players with Kristy winning her league last year. We are hoping everyone can take a few seconds out of their day and vote for Kristy before this closes on Friday night. She would greatly appreciate any votes to help her win $5,000 to put towards her college tuition. Simply click on her photo to go to the voting area.
B.
Matt Waldman's Rookie Scouting Portfolio (RSP)
Scouting Portfolio, a fantasy-focused draft publication written by Matt Waldman. AND IT'S FREE TO 2009 FOOTBALLGUYS SUBSCRIBERS. You can download the free 75-page sample here. The full publication profiles 165 offensive prospects at the fantasy skill positions and provides a convenient draft guide with rankings by position. When you see the detail Matt takes to break down the film of each prospect, you'll see why downloading the 2009 RSP is the equivalent of landing Tom Brady in the sixth round. And getting it free with a Footballguys subscription is like signing Kurt Warner after he loaded your trunk with groceries.
C.
Dodds as Elmo in Easter Madness
Co-owner David Dodds took to the streets of San Francisco dressed as Elmo in the 9th Annual Bring Your Own Big Wheel event. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are a few that should bring smiles to you all:
Full Speed Ahead
The Crash
Stop Action Lens Required
D.
Early-bird Subscriptions available now
From now until May 15th, you can get a Footballguys subscription for just $22.95. After May 15th, a Footballguys.com subscription will cost $27.95. Grab your subscription now and get an early start on the NFL Draft this weekend devouring Matt's RSP.
E.
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!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. JAX - RB Jones-Drew Gets $31 Million Extension, $17.5 Million Signing Bonus2. NFL - NFL and TV Great John Madden Retires From Broadcasting
3. ARI - WR Boldin Available for Trade
4. TB - QB Leftwich Inks $7.5 Million Deal with Bucs
5. PIT - QB Batch Re-Signed After Leftwich Moves to TB
6. NYG - Trade for CLE WR Edwards Not Imminent
7. BUF - WR Roster Juggled; Hardy to back up TO; Parrish May Be Traded
8. BAL - TE Sypniewski; WR Williams Re-signed
9. NYG - Mum On Edwards - Boldin Price Too Steep For Giants?
10. PIT - RB Russell Released
11. DEF - KC Signs LB Thomas
12. DEF - PIT Inks LB Harrison to 6-Year, $51.75 Million Deal
13. DEF - MIN LB Henderson Claims Foot is 100% Healed
14. DEF - IND CB Jackson Recovering From Knee Surgery, Aims to Be at Training Camp
15. DEF - CIN DE Geathers Had Microfracure Knee Surgery in January
16. DEF - HOU LB Ryans to Report for Workouts, Ends Protest
17. NFL - Full Schedule Released
JAX - RB Jones-Drew Gets $31 Million Extension, $17.5 Million Signing Bonus
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
Jones-Drew signed a four-year extension, that makes for a five-year deal worth $31 million. A $17.5 million signing bonus in guaranteed, sources told ESPN.com.
"It really was a matter of wanting more Maurice," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "We want Maurice on the field more often. We believe he's a feature guy and it's his time. We're excited about that." The contract is believed to top the six-year, $49.1 million deal signed by Clinton Portis of the Redskins in 2006. Steven Jackson of the Rams is the highest-paid running back. He signed a five-year, $48.5 million deal last season. Larry Johnson of the Chiefs is next. He has a five-year, $43.14 million contract.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is where the owners like you paying attention will prosper. Jones-Drew is pretty much the same player today he was last season. That hasn't changed too much. What HAS changed radically is his team situation. He now becomes one of the more exciting fantasy prospects for 2009, now that Fred Taylor has left the team. This clears the way for Jones-Drew to become the "featured" back in the offense. The team obviously believes in him, or they wouldn't have awarded him with such a lucrative deal. We really like the situation for him now that the contractual details have been attended to - what's not to like about a running back whose coach is openly stating "We want Maurice on the field more often."?
NFL - NFL and TV Great John Madden Retires From Broadcasting
Source: ESPN.com News Sources
John Madden is retiring from football announcing, where his enthusiastic, down-to-earth style made him one of sports' most popular broadcasters for three decades.
The Hall of Fame coach spent the last three seasons on NBC's "Sunday Night Football." His final telecast was the Super Bowl in February. "You know at some point you have to do this -- I got to that point," Madden said on his Bay Area radio show Thursday. "The thing that made it hard is not because I'm second guessing, `is it the right decision?' But I enjoyed it so damn much. "I enjoyed the game and the players and the coaches and the film and the travel and everything."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We wish Mr. Madden all the best in his retirement, and salute him for many, many accomplishments in the NFL and in broadcasting. It's going to feel weird to not have him in the booth for prime-time games during 2009.
ARI - WR Boldin Available for Trade
Source: Darren Urban, Reported at NFL.com
"Before the draft, you know there is going to talk about Anquan and his situation and a trade," Whisenhunt said. "Since not a whole lot has changed with his contractual situation, we know that will come back up.
"It would be foolish from our standpoint not to listen to those opportunities and see what actually exists. But I want to make the point... our goal is to re-sign him to a long-term deal. That hasn't changed." Said general manager Rod Graves, "We just think it is prudent for us to evaluate all our options." The Cardinals have already talked some with other teams, although Graves declined to say which ones.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There was a lot of acrimony between Boldin and the team last year in the wake of Larry Fitzgerald's monster contract and Boldin's reaction to that deal. If Boldin were to move on, it would be a huge blow to Kurt Warners' 2009 prospects. But if that were to happen, WR Steve Breaston would likely see a lot more work and that could be a great opportunity for fantasy owners. Boldin would upgrade any team that acquired him, but his prospects could be negatively impacted, depending on where he lands. We'll keep an eye on this one as right now, it's important to hear what they're saying - they're evaluating options. Nothing more specific than that right now.
TB - QB Leftwich Inks $7.5 Million Deal with Bucs
Source: ESPN.com News Services
Free-agent quarterback Byron Leftwich signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.
Leftwich's deal is for $7.5 million, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton. Leftwich, the source indicated to Clayton, will be scheduled to make $2 million this year. He will have a $3.5 million roster bonus in 2010 that has to be paid at the start of the free-agency period. If they pay it, Leftwich could make $5.5 million in 2010. The Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers also were interested in Leftwich, who joins a depth chart in Tampa that includes Luke McCown, Josh Johnson, and Brian Griese. Leftwich, 29, a first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Marshall in 2003, won a Super Bowl ring last season as a backup with the Steelers.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It looks like Tampa Bay expects an all-out brawl at the QB position, with McCown, Griese and Leftwich all in the running to capture the starting job. With rejuvenated Antonio Bryant at WR and Kellen Winslow manning the TE position, whoever prevails will have some quality targets to work with - pay attention to how the QB derby works out as the starter in Tampa will be flying below a lot of fantasy owners' radars...
PIT - QB Batch Re-Signed After Leftwich Moves to TB
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
A day after Byron Leftwich's departure, the Pittsburgh Steelers moved quickly to retain Charlie Batch.
Batch agreed to a one-year, $895,000 deal, according to a source, including a $50,000 signing bonus. Batch, 34, is entering his 11th season, his seventh with the Steelers. A native of Pittsburgh, Batch joined the Steelers in 2002 and has played in 22 games, including four starts. His first four seasons were with the Detroit Lions, where he was a starter most of his time. Batch suffered a broken clavicle last August, forcing him to spend the season on the injured reserve list. That created the opening for Leftwich to join the team as the backup.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Does this seem a little odd to anyone else? Batch was the perfect backup to Roethlisberger last year. He went down with injury and the team smartly signed Leftwich to fill Batch's role. Now Leftwich moves on for $2 million a year. And Batch is back at $895,000. Interesting. Batch is good enough to sub for Roethlisberger in the event that Roethlisberger is forced from a game or if he misses a few contests. Batch is versed in the Steelers' system and solidifies the QB rotation now that his clavicle is healed up.
NYG - Trade for CLE WR Edwards Not Imminent
Source: Tom Rock, Newsday.com
Basically we're at the same place we've been for the last few weeks: The Giants have an interest in Edwards but are not willing to overpay for him (in terms of the trade or the requisite contract he'd be given). It's a possibility that a trade will go down -- as Jerry Reese always says in terms of personnel, "Never say never!" -- but right now it's not a probability.
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We'll see how the draft shakes out - if the Giants still percieve a need at WR, this exchange could go down. Right now, though, it appears both sides are playing their cards close to the vest. Stay tuned...
BUF - WR Roster Juggled; Hardy to back up TO; Parrish May Be Traded
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
According to a source, [Roscoe] Parrish is being shopped by the Bills in trade discussions. It is not known what the asking price is, but Parrish is available because of the team's abundance of wide receivers. Lee Evans is the team's No. 1 receiver and Terrell Owens will be the starter on the other side. The Bills also have Josh Reed, who plays his best when he works out of the slot. They are also developing James Hardy at split end.
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In leagues where kick return yardage/scores are included, Parrish had additional value - that value could go up if he lands in a good situation where he can have a shot at starting. It looks like Hardy owners in dynasty leagues aren't going to get much production out of him during 2009, as he is buried on the depth chart heading into training camp.
BAL - TE Sypniewski; WR Williams Re-signed
Source: Mike Duffy, Baltimore Ravens.com
Wideout Demetrius Williams and tight end Quinn Sypniewski officially signed their one-year restricted free agent tenders this week, extending the stay for two players that ended the 2008 campaign on Injured Reserve.
Both Williams and Sypniewski were expected to be major contributors last season, but injuries derailed those plans. Sypniewski didn't even make it to training camp after tearing ligaments in his knee in the Ravens' first minicamp last April. Williams, however, was off to a promising start, playing in seven games before a bone spur in his Achilles tendon required surgery. He had dealt with the injury since the summer, but the growth eventually needed to be removed. But even though they have worked to make sure that doesn't happen in 2009 at the Ravens' offseason conditioning program, there is still a possibility that either position could be addressed in the upcoming NFL Draft. Receiver and tight end have both been identified as potential areas of need for Baltimore.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
With Todd Heap and L.J. Smith in front of Sypniewski, he'll have an uphill battle to make a fantasy splash - but on the other hand, neither of those guys have been particularly durable in recent years. Keep Sypniewski in mind as a possible waiver wire acquisition if the team suffers injury setbacks at the TE position. Williams showed flashes of talent before going on IR (6/53/0 receiving vs. Indianapolis during week 6 last year; 1/70/1 receiving vs. Oakland during week 8). He's another backup who might make a splash if he gets an opportunity during 2009.
NYG - Mum On Edwards - Boldin Price Too Steep For Giants?
Source: Tom Rock, Newsday.com
There have been rumors surrounding the Giants and Braylon Edwards for weeks now, but Jerry Reese wouldn't comment on them, saying only: "I'm not talking about Braylon. That's somebody else's player, he's under contract, and there's nothing to talk about that. A lot of chatter, a lot of false reports."
There have also been some rumors and reports that the Giants could be interested in Anquan Boldin, whom the Cardinals publicly put on the trading block yesterday. The Cardinals, who still hope to re-sign Boldin, are apparently seeking a package that includes a first, third and firth-round draft choice. Reese made it sound as if that was too steep a price to pay. "For the right player, you do whatever you can to make it happen," he said. "We'll do what's best for the Giants and I don't know if that's the best thing for us to do, to package up a deal that valuable. We like our draft picks, we like developing players, and we won't ... force anything." But, Reese, said, it doesn't mean the Giants won't spend that much for someone else. "Maybe not for anybody available," he said, "but there's a couple guys that might be worth that price."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jerry Reese is a smart guy. He's saying all the right things to appease the fan base but isn't appearing to anxious to deal. The Giants could certainly use a proven WR to replace Plaxico Burress and a guy like Boldin or Edwards would clearly be a big boost for Eli Manning.
Source: AP Report, Pittsburghlive.com
The Steelers also released running back Gary Russell, who signed with them as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He scored a touchdown during their 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl.
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From the fantasy point of view, this helps clear up the ball-carrying puzzle in Pittsburgh a little bit (Russell, as the article noted, was draining TDs away from Willie Parker and others) - we'll see who the team brings in to replace Russell, though. Stay tuned. Russell could be a "plunge back" for another team if he lands in the right situation - stay tuned...
Source: ESPN.com News Services
The Kansas City Chiefs and seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas reached a deal on Monday.
Thomas agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton. Thomas, 36, started 14 of 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2008 during his 13th NFL season, recording 94 tackles, 65 of which came solo. Thomas rounds out a linebacker corps that includes four-year veteran Derrick Johnson and Mike Vrabel. The Chiefs acquired Vrabel from the New England Patriots in a February trade that brought quarterback Matt Cassel to Kansas City for a second-round draft pick. His addition raises some question what the Chiefs might do in the draft. Many are thinking the Chiefs could draft linebacker Aaron Curry with the third pick. Curry is versatile enough to play outside or middle linebacker. So far, though, general manager Scott Pioli has three potential starting linebackers -- Thomas, Johnson and Vrabel. He's also brought in two backups -- Monty Beisel and Corey Mays. On the roster, the Chiefs also have another potential starter in Demorrio Williams.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Thomas has landed in a good situation in Kansas City, with a solid shot at starting in the interior of the linebacking corps. He could have another solid season in the tank - pay attention to how the roster shakes out in K. C. if you are an IDP owner.
DEF - PIT Inks LB Harrison to 6-Year, $51.75 Million Deal
Source: John Clayton, ESPN.com
Steelers linebacker James Harrison cashed in on his incredible 2008 season by agreeing to a new contract Monday that is worth $51.175 million over the next six seasons.
Harrison was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year last season and had a 100-yard interception return before the half in the Steelers' Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He was scheduled to make $1.4 million this season, the final year of his contract. Included in the contract, which will be officially announced Tuesday, is about $20 million in bonuses. "James is pleased he will be a Steeler for the rest of his NFL career, in all probability, which is what he wanted," Bill Parise, Harrison's agent, told The Associated Press. "The contract is reflective of him being the defensive player of the year."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Harrison is a blue-collar player who fought tooth and nail to get to the top of the heap at his position. It's great to see such a hard worker recognized for his grit and determination. This is a move that solidifies the Steelers' LB corps for years to come. Harrison is a premier IDP pick who led the LB in fantasy scoring last year, and was 2nd in scoring during 2007.
DEF - MIN LB Henderson Claims Foot is 100% Healed
Source: Chip Scoggins, StarTribune.com
Henderson said his left foot is completely healed and he's participating fully in the offseason program after dislocating two toes in Week 4, which required season-ending surgery. Henderson smiled when I asked him about getting to hit someone again.
"It's going to be exciting," he said. "I'm looking forward to camp. Those offensive guys are going to be mad at me this year."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is great news for the already-formidable Vikings' D - Henderson is a very talented linebacker.
DEF - IND CB Jackson Recovering From Knee Surgery, Aims to Be at Training Camp
Source: Mike Chappell, IndyStar.com
Marlin Jackson uses the offseason to sharpen his body and hone his skills. But this year has been like no other for the Indianapolis Colts' starting cornerback. Jackson's trusted timetable was rendered moot Oct. 29 when he tore two ligaments in his right knee during practice. "I had to start working a lot harder and a lot earlier," Jackson said in a phone interview from Tempe, Ariz., where he spent the past three months rehabilitating after two procedures on his knee. "It's been real in-depth and the intensity has been very high, but I had to really get after it right from the get-go." The process will continue when Jackson returns to Indianapolis this weekend. The results, so far, have been encouraging. "I'm pretty far ahead of schedule," he said this week. "Originally, the things (doctors) were telling me were devastating to hear. Now, I know I'll be ready for training camp. No doubt." Jackson put his faith in Dr. James Andrews, a renowned orthopedic surgeon who addressed Jackson's torn anterior cruciate ligament by using a graft from Jackson's right patellar tendon. "It's simple to know to go to him because he's the best in the business," Jackson said. "You don't want to take a chance. You've got to get it fixed right."
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It's great to hear that Jackson is ahead of schedule in his rehab, but the normal time frame for recovery from this serious injury is 12 months - guys who try to come back too soon often aren't able to play at their normal level. We're crossing our fingers for Jackson, but IDP owners should be aware that Jackson is far from a sure thing to start 2009 at peak performance.
DEF - CIN DE Geathers Had Microfracure Knee Surgery in January
Source: Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
Left end Robert Geathers, the lone Bengal with a double-digit sack season, has also seen the differences in various meetings and drills with Zimmer and line coach Jay Hayes.
"We'll be a little different than what we've had," said Geathers, indicating the coaches seek more straight ahead one-gap rushes. Geathers insists he won't be any different once he gets back on the field for the first time in June's mandatory minicamp. He revealed Wednesday he's rehabbing from January's microfracture knee procedure performed by renowned surgeon James Andrews. Geathers suffered the injury Nov. 20 slipping on Pittsburgh's muddy field. But it is apparently a small tear to the articular cartilage, which is repaired with small fractures in the bone that Geathers says "promotes healing where the cartilage is removed. I feel good. It's coming along well. I'm pretty sure I'll be out there in June. It's going to be 100 percent. Because you don't want it to cut loose, you can't push it like an ACL (injury). So I'm making sure I don't overdo it, and it's responded."[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Geathers sounds like he is coming along well, but knee injuries can be tricky to recover from - keep an eye on his level of participation during the June mini-camps as well as training camp before picking him for your IDP squad.
DEF - HOU LB Ryans to Report for Workouts, Ends Protest
Source: Stephanie Stradley, Houston Chronicle
Craig Roberts of 790 am The Sports Animal and Sports Off Center on Channel 55 is reporting that DeMeco Ryans is coming back to Houston to participate in voluntary workouts next week. I have no link for you to that information, but he reported it on both his morning show yesterday and on his broadcast last night.
As you may know, Ryans was unhappy that he and the Texans could not agree to terms of a long term deal in the offseason. Ryans sat out the beginning of voluntary workouts as leverage to get a deal. TE Owen Daniels is participating in voluntaries even though he also wants a new deal and considered sitting out. Reports say that Daniels' rep is in negotiations with the team. Shortly after, Ryans fired his agent. Arizona linebacker Karlos Dansby fired the same agent around the same time. Dansby has been trying to get a long term deal as well, but has been franchised repeatedly. The Cardinals have a reputation for being cheap, but I guess Ryans didn't want his negotiations to go like Dansby's. Roberts reports that Ryans is going to hire the same agent that represents Mario Williams. Williams' agent is Ben Dogra.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's always good to see some give and take when contract negotiations are ongoing - Ryans made his point, and now is reportedly coming into workouts (part of showing that he's a team guy, we're guessing). Hopefully, this will all be settled well before training camp opens.
Source: NFL.com Staff
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Click the link above to view the upcoming NFL schedule in a variety of different ways. The primetime lineup week 1 looks outstanding - AFC powerhouses Pittsburgh and Tennessee open the party on Thursday night; Jay Cutler debuts with Chicago vs. Green Bay on Sunday night in a key divisional contest; and bitter rivals Buffalo/New England and San Diego/Oakland clash in the Monday Night Football double-header. September can't get here soon enough.
That'll do it for this week, Folks. Thanks for reading and we'll see you next week with the update. Remember that we'll hit these on Friday for a couple more weeks and then after the NFL Draft, we'll switch to a daily format. Have a great one.
J