The Best Free Agency Moves so Far

The Best Free Agency Moves.

1. Chiefs- Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel
2. Seahawks- T.J. Houshmandzadeh
3. Broncos- Brian Dawkins, Jabar Gaffeny, Correll Buckhalter
4. Redskins- Albert Haynesworth
5. Giants- Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard
6. Patriots- Fred Taylor
7. Eagles- Stacy Andrews
8. Texans- Dan Orvlosky
9. Jets- Lito Sheppard
10. Cowboys- Kieth Brooking

Harsh times over at Denver

This past weekend before the deal between the Chiefs and the Patriots fell through, Denver had attempted to get Matt Cassel. There have been reports that the Broncos were discussing a trade with the Buccaneers and the Patriots, sending Cassel to the Broncos and Cutler to Tampa and New England in return getting draft pick(s) (I believe, not certain). Another scenario involved the Lions, Broncos, and Patriots, where the Lions would get Cutler and the Broncos get Cassel.

Wow! Imagine if that fell through. That would’ve been a big trade and would’ve shaken up the landscape a whole lot more than the Chiefs and Patriots trade. Well, guess what, it didn’t happen and now Broncos QB Jay Cutler isn’t very happy. “I'm upset. I mean, I'm really shocked at this point,” Cutler told The Post. “I could see why they want Cassel. I don't know if they think I can't run the system or I don't have the skills for it. Or if they don't think they can sign me with my next contract. I just don't know what it is. I've heard I'm still on the trading block.” I really feel bad for Cutler even though I’m not a big fan of the guy and his cockiness (thinks his arm is stronger than Elway). Pretty much what the Broncos organization is doing is spitting at Cutler’s face and his ability to be the Broncos QB. Even though they said that they never wanted to trade him, it was a slap to his face. They still thought about the possibility of trading him.

Head Coach Josh McDaniels said that the team got inquires for a number of players. “He's not the only person in the last few days we've received calls on,” new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels told the Denver Post. “We've received trade calls on a number of players, which is not uncommon this time of the year. I also think the sensitivity of the other trade that was occurring, with my relationship with New England and the whole Cassel thing, I think that stirred the pot even more.” That’s pretty much saying, we tried to get Matt Cassel, but that didn’t work out. O well, we have Jay here and he’ll do fine even though we tried to trade him. We can work with him and let’s move on. To me that seems like a bad apology even though it’s not an real apology. Jay Cutler was Mike Shanahan’s experiment which at times has worked out and at other time hasn’t. Cutler is still a work in progress and last year he had one hell of a season and his best numbers (25 TD’s, 18 INT, and 4526 yds).

As a whole, the Broncos are pretty much saying that they are not confident in Cutler to lead the team to a playoff game and potentially a Superbowl appearance. I would be lying if Cutler didn’t think that’s what the organization thinks of him right now. Also we can’t blame head coach McDaniels totally either. He tried to get Mat Cassel because he was familiar with his style of play and had a great relationship with him at New England. I can’t blame him for that. Both sides need to reconcile before the season starts. If you’re a Denver fan, you were on a big high with the recent signings going on. When this took place, that high has gone done because if the QB and head coach can’t look each other eye to eye, there will be some problems in the upcoming season. For the fan’s sake, I hope they can settle this issue out in time for next season and not create a rift between them, but it will make for good TV.

Also, can someone babysit Brandon Marshall? Really dude? The guy was arrested in Atlanta, for fighting. The guy needs to be careful. I don’t want to say the guy is becoming like Pac Man, but he’s getting close. He needs to understand that he’s employed in the NFL and many people are depending on him like his teammates and the people who sign his checks. He needs to watch his actions. Be a role model in Denver and everywhere else bro, kids do look up to you. The guy is in trouble every year. This is not good for the team in general. That Denver high must be wearing down now with the debacle between Cutler and McDaniels and the Marshall run with the law.

Isaac Bruce and Kurt Warner to reconnect for a Second Time?

Sources are saying that QB Kurt Warner is meeting with the 49ers early in the upcoming week. The Cardinals couldn’t sign the QB, where they offered him a new contract between the $10-$12 million dollars for about two years and a third year option. Warner has said that he would retire if the Cards couldn’t sign him to a new deal.

If Warner does sign with the 49ers, it will help them out a lot. Warner is a vet who can still play, but with good offensive weapons which the 49ers don’t have aside from Vernon Davis, who is still kind of growing/developing as a player and Frank Gore. The 49ers have Arnaz Battle and Isaac Bruce at the wide receiver position, but they’re not considered to be elite receivers (Bruce still has some left in the tank). Last year Battle had 24 receptions for 318 yards and no touchdowns. Nothing against Bruce, he was a great player with the Rams, but he can’t have the entire load on him. The 49ers need to get another WR to help him out. Last season, Bruce caught 61 passes for 835 yards and 7 touchdowns. The guy can still play and I think he could lure in his old teammate from the Rams days to throw him a few more touchdowns passes next season.

Also if the 49ers sign Warner, they will have a QB who can help develop the fallen star in San Francisco known as Alex Smith. Many believe that Alex Smith is a busted draft pick, but I think if Warner comes in, he can help the kid a lot. Warner is a great leader and Warner will be the role model Smith needs to help him get back on track. I wouldn’t give up on Smith now, you drafted him # 1, develop the kid. Try to salvage what you can.

What are the Cards doing? Do they really want to go to Matt Leinart next season? If it wasn’t for Warner, the Cards wouldn’t have made it to the Superbowl. They should do everything in their power to keep the guy. If they don’t, it will be another 60 years or so until they reach the Superbowl. I’ll tell you this, if Warner is gone, Fitz will be extremely mad and Boldin will be gone for sure.

Cassel is Chief

Free agency is taking in effect in full swing already with the signing of Haynesworth and many other trades around the league. We saw Bart Scott signed with the Jets and the Jets have also got a new corner for next season in former Eagle, Lito Sheppard for two future draft picks sent to the Eagles. Also, it was announced officially that Brian Dawkins signed with the Denver Broncos. Most surprisingly in the day was the trade between the Patriots and Chiefs. The New England Patriots sent QB Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs gave up their second round draft pick (34th overall) for Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel.

This trade between the Patriots and Chiefs caught me by surprise. I knew ahead of time that Mike Vrabel was going to the Chiefs a day ago. Then I heard Matt Cassel was going too, it really got me off guard. I was not expecting that at all. I would have thought that the Patriots would’ve kept Cassel as an insurance policy if Brady was not ready by next season or couldn’t perform like he did before he got hurt. Maybe the Patriots believe that Brady will be ready by then and will be able to perform at a 100% level when the season starts. Let’s hope they got a new insurance plan.

When I thought about this trade, I could see why the Chiefs got Cassel and Vrabel…Scott Pioli. Pioli was the director of personnel with the Patriots and he knew the players very well. He knew of their work ethic and that they could play well on the field. “I have a long history with both players,” Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli -- and former Patriots personnel director -- said in a statement. “Mike and Matt are men that I respect both personally and professionally. I look forward to having them as new members of the Chiefs family.” So the trade made sense. The Chiefs needed a linebacker and got a great one in Vrabel who can fill in the leadership role that the Chiefs defense lacks. He can even play a little offense too at tight end. Getting Matt Cassel helps the Chief’s QB situation as well. Before the trade the starter looked like it was going to be Tyler Thigpen. Thigpen can play and has showed that last season, but he’s not a quarterback you’re too sure about as of yet. Now the Chiefs’ have two decent quarterbacks on the roster with Thigpen and Cassel who will compete for the job, but I believe Cassel will get the job come September. So they have some wiggle room in the QB position. If Cassel can’t play like he was in New England, they can bench him and move on with Thigpen. Let’s remember that Cassel was good because of the coaches in New England and the supporting cast on offense. So there is no real 100% guarantee on how this deal will work out as of now. On paper this looks like a great deal, but that could change when he begins to play come next season.

Overall, I think this deal will help the Chiefs out tremendously. They got a QB and a LB where they needed some help on their roster. With that set, they can focus on getting some help for Cassel at the wide receiver position. They already have Dwayne Bowe, but they should add another wide receiver that will compliment Bowe in the offense. A good option could be to get one from free agency. Maybe get Lance Moore or Laveranues Coles. If not in free agency, draft one in the late rounds. Or if LB Aaron Curry is taken before the third pick in the first round, then draft a wide receiver in Crabtree or Maklin, but I believe Curry will be there at that spot and they should take him. There are other options at wide receiver that will be available by the second/third round like Hakeem Nicks, Brandon LaFell, Jauquin Iglesias, or Derrick Williams. Hopefully Tony Gonzalez is happy with the moves the Chiefs are making this off season.

Weapon X to the Broncos?

Aside from the Albert Haynesworth deal on Friday, the Broncos made a splash too. The Broncos made some deals in free agency. They went out and got running backs J.J. Arrington (ex-Cardinal) and Correll Buckhalter (ex-Eagle). In addition to the running backs, the Broncos also got safety Renaldo Hill who was a Dolphin last year. They even beefed up their offense by adding wide receiver Jabar Gaffney to the team from the Patriots. The biggest move has yet to be made. Brian Dawkins is meeting with the team and could be signed by this weekend with the team.

Man, what an impact has first time head coach Josh McDaniels has made so far. He has gotten a WR in Gaffney from his Patriots offensive play calling days. I think Gaffney will be a great slot deep threat in the Broncos passing game. With corner’s locking up with Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall as the number 1 and 2 WR’s, Gaffney will make the big plays like he did in New England (let’s hope he catches them). Plus, head coach McDaniels knows how to use Gaffney properly and will use him in the offense well. Let’s not forget about Tony Scheffler, the guy can catch. So they have weapons on offense. In addition to the passing game, the Broncos added some running backs where last year they were thin in the position losing many to injuries. Buckhalter was a great player when Westbrook was hurt last season for the Eagles, and played well in the games when he was called upon. I think I can see Buckhalter as the number one running back with Selvin Young as the number 2 running back. Also the guy is from Nebraska, there is something I love about Nebraskan running backs. Ahman Green and Brandon Jackson are Nebraska alumni who have played well for the Packers. You just can’t go wrong with a running back from Nebraska in my opinion.

With the reports that Dawkins is meeting with the team and could become a Bronco by this weekend, will help the team which didn’t play well on defense last season. The defense will get a big boost with Champ Bailey at cornerback and with the additional help from Dawkins and Hill. Along with Dawkins, comes his leadership ability and the way he motivates his team. I think that leadership mentality will help the Broncos next season play well on defense and not give up. The guy plays tough and never gives up on any play. The man is a true wolverine. If he does join the Broncos, it will be very odd seeing him in anything else, but Eagle green. Also, I’m just saying, if Dawkins comes to the Broncos…is there a possibility that Ray Lewis might not be far behind? The defense will be stacked with Bailey, Dawkins, and Lewis. With the draft coming in about 2 months, I think the Broncos should draft a defensive tackle in BJ Raji or a linebacker in Rey Maualuga or Everett Brown, but if Aaron Curry is still available and falls to them at that spot, take him, but that will be very unlikely.

A lot of money[Haynes]worth to the Redskins

It wasn’t long for Albert Haynesworth to find a new home. Haynesworth found a new home in Washington, as the Redskins offered the big guy a 7 year $100 million dollar deal. In the deal, $41 million is guaranteed with incentives as well. It was a day ago, where the Redskins also gave CB DeAngelo Hall a six year deal worth up to $54 million.

Was this a good move? I don’t know. I was surprised that the Redskins offered him a deal after a couple hours into free agency. The Redskins did need an interior tackle and they got him, but they could’ve gotten someone else without spending so much. The Skins are known for being big spenders with Dan Snyder at the helm. That is what they did, by spending $100 million worth on Haynesworth. I know the guy can play and he is a monster for opposing lineman to cover, but there are some uncertainties with him. The guy hasn’t even played an entire NFL season due to injuries and has been known to take plays off. What if the Skins lose Haynesworth in the middle of the season due to another injury for a few weeks or even the entire season? What do you do now? You’ve invested so much money on the guy and in return he won’t be on the field. You won’t be getting you monies worth from the guy.

To me, the Redskins mentality is “we want to win a Superbowl and we want to win it now” type of mindset. I understand that, every team wants to win the Superbowl. That’s what you’re competing for every season, but it’s their approach in how they’re pursuing it, which I do not like. The Redskins are buying their way to the Superbowl. This isn’t the first time where the Redskins have paid a large sum of money for a player. Dan Snyder is known for spending a lot of money in free agency. I’m a true believer in building the team from drafting young talent and developing them over a time period. I’m not saying don’t get free agents, but it has been a trend with the Redskins year in and year out. Being a Packers fan, the Packers have drafted well for the past 2/3 years and are developing their younger guys. Their first round draft picks have been questionable at first, except for Aaron Rodgers. Last year the first player they selected in the second round was Jordy Nelson, the year before it was Justin Harrell in the first round and Hawk in 2006. The Packers are building their team via the draft. Greg Jennings was drafted as a second rounder in the 2006 draft along with Johnny Jolly and Will Blackmon. Now Jennings is the second WR on the depth chart and a very good one along with Donald Driver. The Packers usually don’t spend too much in free agency because they building their team with young talent instead paying big contracts for big name players like the Redskins and Cowboys.

Top 5 Free Agents by Position

Top 5 Free Agents by Position:

QB:
1. Bryon Leftwich
2. Kurt Warner
3. Kerry Collins
4. Jeff Garcia
5. Dan Orlovsky

RB:
1. Derrick Ward
2. Fred Taylor
3. Correll Buckhalter
4. Warrick Dunn
5. Maurice Morris

WR:
1. TJ Houshmandzadeh
2. Jabar Gaffney
3. Marvin Harrison
4. Laveranues Coles
5. Lance Moore

OL:
1. Jeff Saturday
2. Mark Tauscher
3. Matt Birk
4. Jon Runyan
5. Jason Brown

DL:
1. Albert Hanyesworth
2. Chris Canty
3. Bertrand Berry
4. Rocky Bernard
5. Jovan Haye

LB:
1. Ray Lewis
2. Monty Beisel
3. Derrick Brooks
4. Kieth Brooking
5. Cato June

CB:
1. Chris McAlister
2. Jarrett Bush
3. Dre’ Bly
4. Joselio Hanson
5. Ricky Manning Jr.