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Hi Folks,
Wow. I think I'm going to ask Roger Goodell if we can do Free Agency like this every year. This has been a blast and we've got more to do. Remember that Friday 7/29 is the LAST day to get the special price on the Footballguys Insider Subscription. Starting Saturday, it goes back to the regualar $27.95 price. Don't miss out. We've got all the news and note you need so let's get to it. JSITE NEWS
A.
Discounted Price on Footballguys Insider Subscriptine ENDS FRIDAY 7/29
As I said in the opening, we're celebrating the new CBA this week by offering our Footballguys Insider subscription at a $3 discount. It's normally $27.95 but through Friday of this week, it's just $24.95. And don't worry, for you guys that bought at the regular $27.95 price, you'll be receiving a credit of $3. It's our way of saying thanks for being a part of what we're doing.
But don't wait. After today, Friday 7/29, the price goes back to the regular $27.95. And as always, we have a rock solid MONEY BACK GUARANTEE so there is zero risk. C'mon.
B.
Free Agency Winners and Losers - Day 3
Our Sigmund Bloom continues to knock the Free Agency stuff out of the park each day breaking down what happened and more importantly, his take on what it means and how it affects your fantasy draft.
C.
Reading the Defense (Preseason Part 4)
Jene Bramel digs into the last 48 hours of IDP player movement.
D.
Players in the News
Clayton Gray logs all the news for this very hectic week in an easy to read format
E.
Beginner's Guide To Dynasty Leagues
Jeff Tefertiller steps through the process of dominating your dynasty league.
F.
The FPC and the Action Scoring Rule
Jeff Pasquino examines the impact of the FPC Action Scoring Rule
G.
The FPC and the Dual Flex Rule
Jeff Pasquino examines the impact of the FPC Dual Flex Rule
H.
The FPC and the Tight End PPR Bonus Rule
Jeff Pasquino examines the impact of the FPC's Tight End PPR Bonus Rule
I.
The FPC and the Waiver Wire
Jeff Pasquino examines the impact of the FPC's Waiver Wire
J.
Non Football Note - Music Stuff - Free Album
If you're a long time reader, you know that after the NFL, music is my second love. I've been on a roll this week with U2 in the Meadowlands last week, a new CBA deal Monday, then Bon Iver at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Wednesday night. That's about as good as it gets for me. But today, I wanted to throw out a free album for you by some friends of mine - a local Knoxville TN band called
The Dirty Guv'nahs. It's good old fashioned Rock and Roll. Think early Stones meets the Black Crowes. Their latest album is called "Youth Is In Our Blood and you can download it for free by clicking here. Tell your friends. Rock on.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. PHI - Kevin Kolb traded2. STL - Different role coming for RB Steven Jackson?
3. CIN - WR Chad Ochocinco traded to Patriots
4. GB - WR Jordy Nelson could be strong starter
5. GB - Randall Cobb best in the slot?
6. GB - WR Donald Driver has to prove himself
7. DEN - QB Kyle Orton working as starting quarterback
8. CAR - WR Steve Smith off trading block; wants to retire a Panther
9. MIA - Reach deal with RB Reggie Bush
10. CHI - TE Greg Olsen traded to Carolina Panthers
11. TEN - QB Vince Young to be released
12. CIN - Still talking with RB Cedric Benson
13. OAK - QB Jason Campbell is the starting QB
14. CHI - Interested in WR Roy Williams
15. MIA - Interested in QB Vince Young
16. JAX - Blaine Gabbert signed
17. PIT - Willie Colon agrees to five-year deal
18. PHI - QB Vince Young interested in Philly
19. MIA - Could design plays for RB Reggie Bush
20. MIA - Working on a new deal for QB Kyle Orton
21. BUF - WR Brad Smith agrees to terms
22. HOU - WR David Anderson on trade block
23. CIN - RB Joseph Addai on radar?
24. SF - Reach agreement with Colin Kaepernick
25. OAK - RB Darren McFadden in great shape
26. CIN - QB Bruce Gradkowski veteran mentor for young QBs
27. HOU - Leaders for CB Nnamdi Asomugha
28. WAS - DE Albert Haynesworth traded
Source: FOXSports.com - Adam Caplan
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded QB Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals for CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft choice.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wow. The Eagles get a king's ransom here for Kolb. Now Philadelphia will be in the market for a backup QB. Mike Kafka is their third-string guy and his a nice developmental prospect but they need someone more proven behind Michael Vick. We think Vince Young would make a nice addition for the team.
STL - Different role coming for RB Steven Jackson?
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Jim Thomas
St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels strongly hinted RB Steven Jackson may have a little different role this year, particularly in the passing game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Steven Jackson should get the ball in any way possible. He's a good receiver out of the backfield, and we feel McDaniels will continue to use him as the team's all purpose back.
CIN - WR Chad Ochocinco traded to Patriots
Source: ESPN - John Clayton
The Cincinnati Bengals have traded WR Chad Ochocinco to the New England Patriots. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ochocinco has restructured his contract as part of the deal.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ochocinco is not the same player he used to be but it wouldn't surprise us if he quickly becomes a Tom Brady favorite. While not a downfield threat anymore he does know how to gain separation with his route running ability. Ochocinco's fantasy value gets a shot in the arm here. Draft him as a WR2 with upside now that he's a member of the Patriots.
GB - WR Jordy Nelson could be strong starter
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Bob McGinn
Green Bay Packers WR Jordy Nelson had trouble catching the ball at times last season, but was strong after the catch and ran tight routes. Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said Nelson could be a solid starter for the Packers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Nelson is an emerging talent who works hard and is fearless when running routes over the middle. He'll have a fierce battle with Donald Driver in training camp.
GB - Randall Cobb best in the slot?
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Bob McGinn
Green Bay Packers rookie WR Randall Cobb is best suited to play in the slot receiver position. Cobb excelled in college with his quickness, hands and ability to break tackles.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Cobb reminds many in the scouting community of Hines Ward or Antwaan Randle-El. He's a versatile player who creates mismatches every time he's on the field. The Packers will mix him into the rotation this year with an eye on him making a bigger impact in the future.
GB - WR Donald Driver has to prove himself
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Bob McGinn
Green Bay Packers WR Donald Driver (knee/ankle) spent two months in a walking boot this offseason after suffering an injury in the Super Bowl. Driver, 36, started to slow down last year for the first time, and his playing time also started to dwindle. He played more snaps (803), including the playoffs, than backup WRs Jordy Nelson (701) and James Jones (649), but both of them had more receiving yards than Driver did. Driver's yards after the catch also dropped to 3.06 last season, which was the lowest amongst the Packers receivers. In the last three seasons, he has dropped 25 passes compared to 14 in the three years before that. When training camp begins, Driver, who is still happy to do the dirty work and go over the middle, is going to have to prove himself once again. Head coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this year that he believes Driver has a lot left in the tank, but offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said Driver, like everyone else, is going to have prove how ready he is for 2011 just like everybody else. 'We haven't slotted 50 balls to go his way, or 75, or 25. We'll see,' Philbin said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The competition in the Packers WR corps will be fierce during training camp. Driver still has some left in the tank and will not be easily overtaken by Jordy Nelson on the depth chart. This is a battle to monitor in training camp.
DEN - QB Kyle Orton working as starting quarterback
Source: The Denver Post - Lindsay Jones
Despite having his name tied to plenty of trade speculation, Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton was listed at the top of the team's depth chart entering training camp. He worked with the first-string offense during drills Thursday, July 28. Tim Tebow was listed as the second quarterback, Brady Quinn as the third and rookie Adam Weber as the fourth.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Our very own Cecil Lammey was in attendance at Dove Valley today for practice. Orton looked good running the offense and was throwing with plenty of zip. Tebow struggled to complete passes, and looked a little nervous today. Broncos VP John Elway said in an interview on 102.3 The Ticket 'Like we've said all along, we expect Kyle Orton to be here.' The Dolphins are really the only team left to trade for Orton and so far the two sides have not come together on a deal.
CAR - WR Steve Smith off trading block; wants to retire a Panther
Source: CarolinaGrowl.com - Steve Reed
Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith met with general manager Marty Hurney and head coach Ron Rivera Wednesday, July 27, and said he wants to remain with the Panthers. The Panthers, in turn, have taken him off of the trading block. Smith told ESPN's Adam Schefter Thursday, July 28, that he wants to be with the Panthers until he retires. Smith has two years remaining on his contract, making $7 million this year and $7.5 million next season. It is not clear if the Panthers are considering giving Smith a contract extension or raise.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Smith's owners were hoping for a trade to the Chargers, but he is still undervalued as a Panther. #1 overall pick Cam Newton was pleading with Smith to stay, and Smith is the perfect receiver for Newton to look for downfield when he keeps plays alive. Brandon LaFell loses a chance to establish himself as a primary target, but the Panthers offense in general will be improved with Smith on board.
MIA - Reach deal with RB Reggie Bush
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Updating a previous item, the Miami Dolphins have reached agreement on a two-year contract with RB Reggie Bush. The Dolphins acquired Bush in a trade from the New Orleans Saints.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is great news for Daniel Thomas owners, as the Dolphins won't seek Ahmad Bradshaw's services or any other high-priced RB. Bush will get his usual share of receptions out of the backfield, but also miss his usual share of games. He's a player on the decline.
CHI - TE Greg Olsen traded to Carolina Panthers
Source: Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
The Chicago Bears have traded TE Greg Olsen to the Carolina Panthers for a player and a draft choice. The compensation isn't exactly clear yet, but it is not believed to be WR Steve Smith.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Panthers will now have 2 TEs on the roster that are Hurricanes. They signed Jeremy Shockey earlier in the offseason and now add a talent like Olsen. Panthers new head coach Ron Rivera came from San Diego where they have Antonio Gates, one of the best at his position. Olsen could be used similarly for the Panthers this year and will provide another quality target for young QB Cam Newton.
TEN - QB Vince Young to be released
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
The Tennessee Titans will likely release QB Vince Young Thursday, July 28.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This move was set in motion months ago. Young has spent this offseason training in South Beach and could be an option for the Dolphins. He could compete with Chad Henne for the starting job in training camp and try to jump start his career. We feel Young would be a great addition for the Eagles. Now that Kevin Kolb has been traded to Arizona we like Young as a potential backup behind Michael Vick.
CIN - Still talking with RB Cedric Benson
Source: Bengals.com - Geoff Hobson
The Cincinnati Bengals and free-agent RB Cedric Benson are still in talks about Benson returning to the Bengals.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We expect Benson to stay with the team. His recent legal trouble could mean he comes at a reduced price.
OAK - QB Jason Campbell is the starting QB
Source: ANG Newspapers - Steve Corkran
Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson is confident in QB Jason Campbell as the team's starting quarterback. 'Say that one more time,' Jackson said, when a TV reporter asked who the starting quarterback is going to be. 'You did not ask me that question. He did not ask that question out here today. Does anybody not know who the starting quarterback is of the Raiders? Are you kidding me? Doesn’t he wear No. 8? His name is Jason Campbell. He is the starting quarterback of the Raiders. Period! Any other questions?'
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No surprise here. Campbell has earned the trust of Hue Jackson and the team has pinned their hopes on him this year.
CHI - Interested in WR Roy Williams
Source: Chicago Tribune - Vaughn McClure
The Chicago Bears are interested in adding free-agent WR Roy Williams (Cowboys), who was cut by the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, July 28. Williams played in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's system with the Detroit Lions and Williams has ties to receivers coach Darryl Drake.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams had his career year with Martz back in 2006. He could compete with Earl Bennett to start if the Bears don't add another WR in free agency.
MIA - Interested in QB Vince Young
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Hyde
The Miami Dolphins are interested in signing free-agent QB Vince Young (Titans) if they aren't able to make a trade with the Denver Broncos for QB Kyle Orton.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Young's best chance to start would be with Miami, but the Eagles are also interested in him as a backup to Michael Vick now that Kevin Kolb has been traded.
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Tania Ganguli
The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed first-round draft choice QB Blaine Gabbert. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gabbert should get every chance to beat out David Garrard in training camp despite the non-existant offseason putting him behind in his development.
PIT - Willie Colon agrees to five-year deal
Source: NFL Network - Jason La Canfora
The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed on terms to re-sign OL Willie Colon. He will receive a five-year, $29 million deal.
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In typical Steelers fashion, they only spent on "their guys" that they already knew well from their time within the organization. Colon missed all of last year with an achilles injury, but the team must have great confidence that it will not hamper him in the future.
PHI - QB Vince Young interested in Philly
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Free-agent QB Vince Young (Titans) has his eyes set on the Philadelphia Eagles as a potential new home. Some league sources believe the Eagles are the favorite to land Young, and he would then serve as the backup quarterback to Michael Vick.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This move would make a lot of sense. Philly is in the market for a new backup QB now that Kevin Kolb is with the Cardinals. Young could develop as a passer under Andy Reid and revamp his career ala Michael Vick.
MIA - Could design plays for RB Reggie Bush
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - Omar Kelly
Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush's two-year deal is worth $9.7 million, and he will be paid $5 million in 2011. Bush is expected to be the scatback complement to rookie RB Daniel Thomas' power running. With Bush on offense, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll receives a dynamic playmaker the team could design plays specifically for. With his special teams abilities as a returner, Bush may also be used to enhance the team's special teams.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Now that they have a weapon like Bush we fully expect the Dolphins to use him to his full ability.
MIA - Working on a new deal for QB Kyle Orton
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - Omar Kelly
Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is working on a restructured contract for Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton, which would help pave the way for Orton to be traded to the Dolphins.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Orton has looked very good during the first day of Broncos training camp. The Broncos are unlikely to accept anything less than a second- or third-round pick for the veteran QB. Orton would compete with Chad Henne for the starting job in Miami. We think he would win that job in part because of his strong working relationship with Brandon Marshall.
BUF - WR Brad Smith agrees to terms
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
The Buffalo Bills have agreed to terms with free-agent WR Brad Smith (Jets) on a four-year deal worth $15 million.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Interesting move here by the Bills. Smith is a dynamic athlete who can help as a WR, KR/PR, and even run some Wildcat QB. Bills head coach Chan Gailey is very creative offensively and should find many different ways to use Smith.
HOU - WR David Anderson on trade block
Source: FOXSports.com - Alex Marvez
The Houston Texans are trying to trade WR David Anderson.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Anderson is a quality reserve receiver but we can't imagine the trade market being white hot for his services.
CIN - RB Joseph Addai on radar?
Source: Bengals.com - Geoff Hobson
The Cincinnati Bengals have apparently had talks with free-agent RB Joseph Addai (Colts).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Addai could be on the radar if the team can't re-sign Cedric Benson. If Addai was added to the roster he would help as a pass catching back. He is also known for good pass protection ability which could help keep pressure off rookie QB Andy Dalton.
SF - Reach agreement with Colin Kaepernick
Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco
The San Francisco 49ers have finalized a four-year deal with QB Colin Kaepernick. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Kaepernick is the QB of the future but will sit and learn behind Alex Smith this year.
OAK - RB Darren McFadden in great shape
Source: ANG Newspapers - Steve Corkran
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden showed up to training camp with the look of a man who hasn’t missed a day of workouts since last season ended. McFadden is predicting big things for himself this season. 'I try to just keep my goals to myself and just set them for myself and go out there and accomplish them,' McFadden said. 'But I have big goals set for this year.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
McFadden performed like an uberstud in PPR leagues last year, but he also hasn't come close to playing 16 games in a season. Make sure you draft Michael Bush in the 8th or 9th round if you take McFadden in the first or second.
CIN - QB Bruce Gradkowski veteran mentor for young QBs
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Joe Reedy
Cincinnati Bengals QB Bruce Gradkowski provides the Bengals with a veteran quarterback to help mentor rookie QB Andy Dalton. Gradkowski has experience with offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, as the two spent time together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bengals will enter training camp with Dalton, Gradkowski, Jordan Palmer and Dan LeFevour at quarterback, which marks the first time since 2008 they've entered camp with more than three quarterbacks.
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We have a feeling both Palmer brothers will not be playing for the Bengals this year. Gradkowski gives the team veteran insurance in case Dalton is hurt or simply isn't ready to be the starter. He could also help groom LeFevour who has good upside and a similar skill set.
HOU - Leaders for CB Nnamdi Asomugha
Source: NFL Network - Jason La Canfora
The Houston Texans have reportedly moved into the lead in the sweepstakes for free-agent CB Nnamdi Asomugha (Raiders) with a potential salary in the $12 million to $14 million range per year.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Texans arguably become division favorites if they land one of the few true shutdown corners in the league. Not just for his value on the defense, but for the message it sends to the team that they are serious about competing.
WAS - DE Albert Haynesworth traded
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
The Washington Redskins have traded DL Albert Haynesworth to the New England Patriots for a fifth-round draft pick in 2013.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Patriots do it again. None of Haynesworth 2011 or 2012 money is guaranteed, so the team is only risking a fifth-round pick (and they have an abundance of picks) if Haynesworth doesn't get with the program.
That'll do it for today, Folks.
Have a great Friday and thanks for hanging with us. We'll see you tomorrow with the update. Peace, J