NFL Offseason Thread

Alright.


The Colts resigned Wayne, but they may not resign James (which may be a horrible idea due to how valuable he is to the team). Though there are A LOT of RBs in the draft this year. We also resigned Brackett (Linebacker) and Brock (Defensive Lineman). Now we're trying to make sure we keep everyone we can - though it looks like we're giving up Vanderjagt for missing that kick...

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by BucPride

The owners agreed about 15 mins ago that there will be a 6 year extension to the NFL's salary cap and Collective Bargaining Agreement. With that, about 10 million dollar just got added to this years salary cap. Alot of the details have yet to be released, which we'll find out prior to midnight, but it is now known that teams have alot more room.

As of right now, free agency is scheduled to begin at 12:01 Friday morning.

Thank God. The push from 94.5 Million to 105 Million will give breathing room to a lot of teams. Also, I was not too fond of the idea of an uncapped 2007...

Well everything is better again in the world of the NFL - let's get to signing those Free Agents.

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Originally Posted by DragoonKain

There are reports out that Culpepper will be traded tomorrow or soon after, but the team isn't announced yet.

Speculation is either the Dolphins, Ravens, Raiders, or Rams.

Vikings are doing A LOT this offseason:

"They signed running back Chester Taylor, kicker Ryan Longwell and linebacker Ben Leber after retaining receiver Koren Robinson and safety Willie Offord -- and continued to talk to other teams about trading disenfranchised quarterback Daunte Culpepper." - ESPN.com

They also signed former Giant Jason Whittle.

As for Culpepper, a lot of teams may not try and get him as teams only wish to trade a third round pick rather than the Viking's wish of a second round pick. Raiders may not be trying, though the Dolphins are in the middle - looking at both Brees and Culpepper.



Oh, and the Browns got Widereceiver Joe Jurevicius - great move.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

That's good for the Cards but horrible for the Colts.

The Colts need to get a running back in the draft or find someone in free agency 'cause Rhodes is not going to be cut out for the starting position.


Browns also got a punter - I have to say that the Browns are doing a great job this offseason.



Oh and the Redskins got Randel El.

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Originally Posted by Wojo

Do you have source for this? I cant find anything saying that yet.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2365504

I got it from ESPN.com. That should link you to the article.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Quote:

Antwaan Randle El (2005) -
Receptions: 35
Yards: 558
Touchdowns: 1

Steelers lost a lot of defense compared to offense: Kimo von Oelhoffen, Ike Taylor, and Deshea Townsend.


Anyways, there some decent WRs that could somewhat make up for Randle El's leaving (though Special Teams and the WR trick plays may need a lot of help now...): Burleson (Vikings), Price (Falcons/Cowboys), Brown (Patriots), Bryant (Browns), etc.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Well yeah, I'm just saying that Randle El did more on Special Teams instead of being an actual second starting WR.

Well anyways, take Bryant off the list of WRs, he's gone to the 49ers.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by Capo

Bryant? Antonio Bryant? Bryant Johnson?

Also, Randle El got waaay more than he was worth.

Antonio Bryant.

And yeah, the 31 million and 11 million in bonuses is a crazy amount, though good for him. Definitely a lot more than the 18 million the Bears wanted to give him.

Anyways, I'm guessing the Redskins' depth chart for WR will be Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd and then Antwaan Randle El.

[Edit:]
Oh, and I guess some important news.


Drew Brees of the Chargers has agreed to a six year deal with the Saints (which means Aaron Brooks will probably be released). Also, Dante Culpepper has been traded to the Dolphins for a 2nd Round Draft pick.

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Eagles and Cowboys may end up trading WR without intentially meaning to.

Cowboys want Owens, which is apparent by Johnson being cut. Eagles need a WR and they can get one in Keyshawn Johnson.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Well T.O. is usually "good" his first year with a new team. So perhaps the drama won't come until next season *shrugs*. Still, he'll probably do well for the Cowboys, however I doubt even Jones (the owner of the 'Boys) can control him.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

According to Yahoo Sports:

T.O. has played the Eagles 4 times in his career with 21 receptions, 300 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Indeed. He did a great job with the new NFL deal before he decided to retire. He was great.

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Hmmm...

What do you all think about the possibility of Keyshawn Johnson joining the Giants. This would give their offense: Toomer, Burress, Johnson, Barber and Shockey in terms of receiving alone.

I just can't see Keyshawn functioning on the Giants though if any such idea does happen. Him working with a third year QB in Manning, and the fact that he would be second to Burress makes the idea of him joining the Giants dismissable.



Oh and I <3 irony. Patriots ex-Kicker Vinatieri is going to the Colts lol.

How ya doing, buddy?

Meh.

Well, Mike Vanderjagt is with the Cowboys, and Keyshawn Johnson is with the Panthers.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Colts vs. Giants in Week 1. I've been waiting for this one.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by ESPN.com

Favre still hasn't decided whether to play next season


TUNICA, Miss. -- Brett Favre, one of the NFL's great quarterbacks, is still unsure if he will play another year with the Green Bay Packers.

"No change. I don't know, once again," he said at a brief news conference Saturday from the site of his charity golf tournament. "I don't know why you guys wasted a trip down here. The Packers and I will make a decision at some point soon."

The 36-year-old Favre -- whose grit, durability and cannon arm have become his trademark -- is the NFL's only three-time MVP (1995-97).

"I know people are getting impatient," he said. "But enjoy baseball right now."

The Packers finished 4-12 last season, their first losing season since he joined the team in 1992. Asked about the makeup of the team, he said the Packers need to "make a statement," and he mentioned the acquisition of Reggie White before the 1993 season, which immediately upgraded that team.

Favre insisted he has not made up his mind, and he is not withholding his decision.

"No, I don't think that's fair to the Packers," he said. "If I knew one way or the other, for sure, and I wouldn't tell the Packers or not tell the media, that's unfair."

"I think the Packers have to go in a certain direction at some point," he added. "When I do know, I would tell them as soon as possible -- maybe within the next week. It has been a strain on the family as well."

Favre ranks second behind Dan Marino on the NFL's career list in touchdown passes (396), yards passing (53,615) and completions (4,678). He holds the NFL record for most consecutive starts for a quarterback with 221 (241 including the playoffs).

Favre has led the Packers to six division crowns, restoring success to one of the NFL's most famous franchises. The Packers won the 1997 Super Bowl in New Orleans, a 35-21 victory over New England, returning the Lombardi Trophy to Green Bay for the first time in 29 years.

Last season he threw a career-high 29 interceptions and failed to throw for more than 20 touchdowns for only the second time since 1993.

There are concerns about the team's offensive line, which struggled last season after the departure of stalwart guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera to free agency. Favre also wants to make sure the Packers are going to be competitive after a dreadful last season.

Speculation about Favre's future has become an annual rite of winter in Wisconsin. He has spoken of retirement in years past, only to return.

Through it all, there has been a string of family troubles. His father died in December 2003. His wife, Deanna, survived breast cancer and mourned the death of her brother in an all-terrain vehicle accident. Several members of Favre's family in Mississippi were displaced because of Hurricane Katrina.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a shame. The draft is coming up, and he's putting the Packers in an awkward position. If Farve comes back, they can add to the offense and defense to support him, but if he doesn't then they can go out and see what fits Aaron Rodgers. But since he can't decide, he's basically placing them in limbo.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Well news away from Farve.

Moulds was sent to the Texans, so to replace him, Buffalo got Peerless Price once again (if you recall, Buffalo sent him to Atlanta a few years ago).


I'm really excited about this upcoming year, so many trades and moves have been made - it's crazy. I'm surprised at how many WRs were moved around: Owens, Johnson, Bryant, Price, Moulds, Randle El, Gaffney, Lloyd, Jurevicious, etc.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by bighunt

That Moulds news is new to me. i thought he couldn't get along w/the management up there? He's a quality receiver, but to go back to Buffalo doesn't make sense to me.

Moulds went to the Texans...

I think you meant Price, right?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Wojo

What the fuck is this? Alcatraz?

That's what I thought when I saw that lol.


Anyways, one more year with the Packers then. I really wish the Packers did more in the off-season. Like, I don't even think they did much of anything really.

As for the draft, I'm looking forward to it - at least the first round, though maybe the second as well. I never usually watch past that - though then again, I never actually sit there and watch the draft for hours straight either. *Shrug* We'll see how long I'll last, probably the Top 5-10, and then I'll come back from the final few in the first round into the top couple in the second round.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I was shocked. I really thought the Texans would take Bush no matter what.

Wow.


But yeah, Bush will still end up the top 5 - though nevertheless, ESPN is saying (via Television) that the Saints, Titans, and Jets are thinking of getting Bush. However, if no one trades with the Saints, there's the good chance they're going to go out and grab him.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Well, this is interesting for the Dolphins.

Culpepper may not be ready, well 100% ready, by the start of the new season. Ricky Williams is suspended for the whole year. The trade talks for Harrington aren't going as planned.

So...what are the dolphins working on?

They may sign ex-Va Tech QB Marcus Vick (Michael Vick's younger brother). Now this may be good or bad. Marcus has some issues off the field (and, of course, on the field if any of you watched the bowl game). However, Vick can nevertheless be used at QB or even WR.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Quote:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jimmy Smith cleared his throat, finished his sentence and then bowed his head and started to cry.

One of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, Smith found himself in another rough spot Thursday. But just as he has done so many times before in his career, he regrouped and moved on without hesitation.

Jimmy Smith
Al Messerschmidt/WireImage.com
Jimmy Smith had 862 receptions with the Jaguars.

No wonder he earned the nickname J-Smooth.

Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who overcame several health problems and drug addiction during his 13 seasons, abruptly retired Thursday to "move on to the next phase of my life."

"It's hard because I know I can still go out there and do it," Smith said. "I just figure it's not in my heart to [continue]. If I'm going to play, it's got to be 100 percent. I won't get out there and not give it my all. If I can't give it my all to this organization and the fans, I'm just not going to do that. This is just not the type of person that I am.

"It's best for me to leave on a high note. I want to be able to enjoy my legacy."

The 37-year-old receiver led the Jags with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th with 12,287 yards receiving. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has had more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996.

Jeremy Green: Replacing Smith
Smith's career is now in the past, and it's time for the Jaguars to think about the future. That future looks extremely cloudy right now, especially on the offensive side of the ball where Smith has basically been their entire passing offense in recent seasons.
• To read more, click here.

Smith contemplated retirement earlier this offseason, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice. His announcement came a day before the team opened a three-day mini-camp.

"I thought I had another year in me," Smith said. "I've been struggling with whether I should play an extra year or leave while I can still walk away, while my knees are still intact.

"It's best to leave on top. Not many players in the NFL get a chance to do what I'm doing today and walk away from the game happy. I can live the rest of my life happy."

Smith's longevity was surprising -- even to him -- especially considering what he overcame.

In 2001, he had three operations to remove scar tissue from his abdomen. Some questioned whether he would play again, but he caught 112 passes for 1,373 yards -- despite being arrested in November that year for suspicion of drunken driving. Tests later revealed he had cocaine in his system. He vehemently denied using the drug.

All-time NFL receptions leaders
Jerry Rice 1,549
Cris Carter 1,101
Tim Brown 1,094
Andre Reed 951
Art Monk 940
Marvin Harrison* 927
Jimmy Smith 862
Irving Fryar 851
Larry Centers 826
Keenan McCardell* 825
*Active

He was suspended for the first four games of the 2003 season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He then publicly acknowledged an addiction and spent several weeks in rehab.

He had other issues early in his career, too.

The third receiver selected in the 1992 draft behind Desmond Howard and Carl Pickens, Smith broke his leg and missed most of his rookie season. In 1993, he needed an emergency appendectomy and suffered through infection and stomach problems. He missed the entire year. He didn't play in 1994, either, after getting cut by Dallas and Philadelphia.

In 1995, he caught on with the expansion Jaguars after his mother sent coach Tom Coughlin a binder of press clippings to help him earn a tryout.

He made the most of his chance, teaming with Keenan McCardell to help land the Jaguars in the playoffs in only their second season.

"He was one of the great Jaguars and certainly one of the great receivers in NFL history," said James Harris, the team's vice president of player personnel. "Jimmy is not one of the most acclaimed guys, but he's one of the most respected receivers in the game.

"Most people will say that he's one of the best pure route runners in the game, and we all hate to see Jimmy go."

-ESPN.com

Well it seems that Jags receiver Jimmy Smith is retiring.

I just can't believe "He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame." Like I wouldn't have thought of the possibility. Though Rice and many others have yet to be eligble for induction or have not been inducted. Though I take nothing from him - he had a great career.

He's got a good chance at becoming a Hall of Famer, obviously.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

So yeah. McNair is going to Baltimore for an apparent 4th Round Pick.

Spoiler:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...ohn&id=2473771

McNair could have playoff impact in Baltimore


Two years ago, the Ravens felt they made the move that would put them over the top.

After Terrell Owens and his former agent failed to submit the paperwork that would have voided Owens' contract and made him a free agent, the Ravens worked out a trade with the 49ers. Ray Lewis and other Ravens felt they had done a good job of recruiting Owens at the Pro Bowl and that he'd be a good fit in Baltimore.

Naturally, because it involved Owens, the situation blew up and there was plenty of collateral damage. Owens whined to the league and got his way. The trade was voided, burning the Ravens. By the time the NFL ruled in Owens' favor, clearing the path for him to end up in Philadelphia, the wide receiver market had diminished, leaving Baltimore without other options. The Ravens went through a 9-7 season against a very tough schedule.

The Ravens are at it again this offseason, only this time, they got their man. It took a while, but Steve McNair is headed to Baltimore for what is believed to be a fourth-round choice, which is a steal if the team makes the playoffs. The Ravens have had a standing contract offer for McNair since the second day of the 2006 draft, but it took until now for the Ravens and Titans to agree on a trade. Under the deal with the Ravens, McNair will get an $11 million signing bonus and a $1 million salary for this season. That is significantly better than the $9 million he was scheduled to make with the Titans, a team that wanted him to cut his salary in half to lower his cap number.

Owens going to Dallas might be the headline acquisition of the offseason, but McNair heading to Baltimore isn't far behind. In many ways, McNair carries more weight than Owens because he's a quarterback. If he's healthy, you can pencil in two or three additional wins for the Ravens.

It's no wonder the Titans made his exit the most painful in years. The Titans don't want to hand a playoff spot to Baltimore by giving them McNair. There is still some bad blood between the two franchises. The Titans didn't like comments made by Ravens coach Brian Billick prior to a 2000 playoff game. The Ravens didn't appreciate those clips being shown on the big screen to inspire Titans fans during the game, which the Ravens won 24-10 on their way to winning Super Bowl XXXV.

What's a shame is how McNair was treated. Without question, he was the league's toughest player during his 10 years in Nashville. He endured about every possible injury. He'd miss practice yet he played like a Pro Bowler every Sunday. His career peaked with a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV, where he came within inches of forcing overtime against the Rams.

The sad part for the Titans and McNair is that he won't retire in a Titans uniform. He wanted to, but his contract had a $50 million option bonus strategically inserted to spur negotiations this offseason between the two sides. But the timing for a new deal was all bad. Collective bargaining extension talks were stalled as the bonus came due. With the Titans not knowing how much the cap would grow for the 2006 season, they opted not to exercise the option, forcing McNair's cap number for the 2006 season to shoot up to $23 million.

Ideally, McNair would have stayed in Tennessee for a year or two while rookie QB Vince Young learned as his understudy. The Titans have a young roster, but with McNair leading them for this season, they probably would have jumped from four to seven wins as a number of their younger players matured.

But by this point in the offseason, McNair staying with the Titans was a longshot at best. General manager Floyd Reese could try to talk McNair into staying, but Reese wasn't going to give McNair the $12 million this season that the Ravens were offering. For McNair to stay in Tennessee, he would have had to take a paycut, and why would he do that for a franchise that he had to file a grievance against just to be allowed in the building to work out?

The Ravens were prepared to wait until close to the start of training camp in late July if necessary. But getting it done now will allow McNair to get a jump on learning the Ravens' offense.

Adding McNair makes the Ravens the AFC's sleeper team for the playoffs. Ravens president Dick Cass caused a few people in the front office to squirm when he spoke about the Ravens' future before some prime season-ticket holders. He talked about the Ravens finances and said there was a two-year window for the team to win.

Quietly, the Ravens have been stacking the roster with big-name veterans over the past couple of years for some kind of run. In the past two offseasons, they've signed four players -- Mason, cornerback Samari Rolle, defensive end Trevor Pryce and linebacker Gary Stills -- who have been to Pro Bowls. Add those to the list of current Ravens with Pro Bowl experience and that gives the Ravens an impressive 13 former Pro Bowlers.

McNair is now the 14th current or former Pro Bowler on the roster if the trade goes through, and he would be the most important. Despite his age (33) and health, McNair would be the missing piece. Adding McNair fills out the equation of being strong at the five most important positions on the roster -- quarterback, left tackle (Jonathan Ogden), defensive end (Pryce and Terrell Suggs), cornerback (Rolle and Chris McAlister) and wide receiver (Derrick Mason).

Those players are all leaders who -- with the exception of Suggs -- have been to Super Bowls.

Mason was sixth among wide receivers with 86 catches last season, and 2005 first-round choice Mark Clayton should develop into a good one this season. Pryce is an impact player at end but he won't be asked to make the sacks in the 4-3 defense. That's the job of Suggs. Rolle and McAlister are a talented cornerback tandem. Ogden is coming off an off season but he's still one of the league's most gifted blocker.

But McNair gives the Ravens what they've been seeking since their trip to Super Bowl XXXV -- solid quarterback play.

Despite one of the most unsettled receiving situations in the league last year, McNair put up adequate numbers: He completed 61.3 percent of his passes. He averaged 225.8 passing yards a game. He threw 16 touchdown passes in 14 games and had a 82.4 quarterback rating.

More than anything else, McNair is a threat at quarterback and that's what the Ravens have been missing. The Ravens have been waiting on Kyle Boller, but it is time to find a veteran to challenge him. The Ravens watched how the McNair situation unfolded in Tennessee and felt they had a chance to get him. They sat quietly until the second day of the draft, and once they had a two- or three-hour window, they made a financial offer that McNair couldn't refuse and the Titans refused to match.

McNair gives the Ravens a chance to challenge the Steelers and Bengals in the AFC North, and his addition puts them on the map again as far as the playoffs are concerned. As much as Owens signing in Dallas changed the balance of power in the NFC, McNair's arrival in Baltimore could have just as big of an impact on the AFC.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by BucPride

Arizona Cardinals sold out their season tickets this year. Jesus, that franchise is actually showing some signs of life.

Well they got Edge this year, so they actually have a solid running back. They have a solid 1-2 WR combo in Boldin and Fitzgerald. They went out and got Leinhart from USC (which is a University that isn't far away from Arizona). Plus their kicker, Neil Rackers was a kicking machine.

They were number one in passing offense (eigth in total offense, but that was due to being last in rushing and they got Edge now).


They're actually starting to look like the 2004 Colts (strong offense and weak defense - they just don't have Peyton Manning).

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

It'll help the Chiefs as it would give them Ty Law and Patrick Surtain at the CB positions. Ty Law had some 60 tackles and about ten interceptions so it'll help a lot.

The problem is age - 32 and 30 respectively, though I do find it interesting that Ty Law followed Edwards from the Jets to the Chiefs.

Jam it back in, in the dark.