Sass 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2004 Troy Hambrick (RB) signed with the Oakland Raiders. If the team signs Warner (Kurt, you're crazy if you think NY's O-line can protect your ass) then this season could be a hell of a ride for the Raiders compared to last season. Kurt Warner > Kerry Collins, something I hope Coach Turner realizes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2004 Kurt Warner > Kerry Collins, something I hope Coach Turner realizes. When he's at his best, and at 100%, I wholeheartedly agree. But can Warner stay healthy all year? I doubt it. And can Warner play like he's capable of when it's oustide in the snowy, windblown Giants Stadium (to a decent but not spectacular set of wideouts) instead of in a dome, throwing to a track team? Again, I doubt it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2004 Packers give McKenzie permission to seek trade Mike McKenzie's departure remains a longshot, but the Green Bay Packers have granted the disgruntled cornerback permission to negotiate with other teams. He has retained agent Drew Rosenhaus in an attempt to facilitate a trade. The hiring of Rosenhaus was completed Monday. Rosenhaus becomes the fifth different agent that McKenzie has retained since entering the league in 1999. Rosenhaus spoke with Packers officials Tuesday and the team was preparing to fax him permission, in writing, to shop his newest client. Such permission, however, rarely results in a trade and is typically more cosmetic than consequential. "Basically, Mike hired me to resolve the differences," Rosenhaus said. "So we have put together a list of teams that we feel need a veteran cornerback of Mike's abilities and we will begin contacting them. Everyone is aware of what Mike would like to see happen. As usual, we'll be very proactive and try to settle this to everyone's satisfaction." McKenzie, 28, split from former agent Brian Parker about three weeks ago. But even for the ever-resourceful Rosenhaus, who will travel to Jacksonville early next week to pitch McKenzie to owners and general managers assembled for a two-day NFL meeting there, satisfying the cornerback's demands for a change of scenery could prove a daunting task. For openers, the Packers possess great leverage, with McKenzie only two seasons into the five-year contract extension he signed in 2001. Even if McKenzie and Rosenhaus are able to locate a suitor, Green Bay is likely to seek a first-round draft choice in exchange for the former University of Memphis star. While McKenzie is a proven commodity, a solid cover man despite less-than-blazing speed, many teams addressed their cornerback needs already this offseason through free agency and the draft and will be reluctant to part with a high-round draft choice. In fact, it was the spending spree on unrestricted veteran cornerbacks at the outset of free agency in March that, in part, further outdated McKenzie's current contract. The contract that McKenzie signed after his first three years in the league is worth $17.1 million, and it included a $3.5 million signing bonus, numbers dwarfed by more recent deals. Reflecting his displeasure, McKenzie has been a no-show for all of the various offseason programs to date, and he was fined an unspecified amount by coach Mike Sherman for skipping a mandatory three-day minicamp. McKenzie has also essentially forfeited an offseason workout bonus of $200,000. His base salary for 2004 is set at $2.75 million and McKenzie has a salary cap charge of $4.087 million. McKenzie has threatened to retire if his trade request isn't met but, if he follows through with that unlikely action, Green Bay almost certainly will try to recover at least a portion of his signing bonus. The Packers extended trade feelers before the draft, but it is believed those generated little interest. Green Bay wisely protected itself against a possible training camp boycott by using its first two picks in this year's draft on cornerbacks, choosing Ahmad Carroll of Arkansas in the first round, and then taking Joey Thomas of Montana State in the third. A third-round pick in the 1999 draft, McKenzie has been a starter at left cornerback since his rookie year, with double-digit starts in all but one of his five seasons. He started 14 games last season and finished with 58 tackles, four interceptions and 20 passes defensed. For his career, he has 15 interceptions, 92 passes defensed and 219 tackles, appearing in 69 games and starting 67 of them. Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com. I don't think most teams would want to give up a 1st rounder for him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LaParkaMarka 0 Report post Posted May 18, 2004 Packers give McKenzie permission to seek trade Mike McKenzie's departure remains a longshot, but the Green Bay Packers have granted the disgruntled cornerback permission to negotiate with other teams. He has retained agent Drew Rosenhaus in an attempt to facilitate a trade. The hiring of Rosenhaus was completed Monday. Rosenhaus becomes the fifth different agent that McKenzie has retained since entering the league in 1999. Rosenhaus spoke with Packers officials Tuesday and the team was preparing to fax him permission, in writing, to shop his newest client. Such permission, however, rarely results in a trade and is typically more cosmetic than consequential. "Basically, Mike hired me to resolve the differences," Rosenhaus said. "So we have put together a list of teams that we feel need a veteran cornerback of Mike's abilities and we will begin contacting them. Everyone is aware of what Mike would like to see happen. As usual, we'll be very proactive and try to settle this to everyone's satisfaction." McKenzie, 28, split from former agent Brian Parker about three weeks ago. But even for the ever-resourceful Rosenhaus, who will travel to Jacksonville early next week to pitch McKenzie to owners and general managers assembled for a two-day NFL meeting there, satisfying the cornerback's demands for a change of scenery could prove a daunting task. For openers, the Packers possess great leverage, with McKenzie only two seasons into the five-year contract extension he signed in 2001. Even if McKenzie and Rosenhaus are able to locate a suitor, Green Bay is likely to seek a first-round draft choice in exchange for the former University of Memphis star. While McKenzie is a proven commodity, a solid cover man despite less-than-blazing speed, many teams addressed their cornerback needs already this offseason through free agency and the draft and will be reluctant to part with a high-round draft choice. In fact, it was the spending spree on unrestricted veteran cornerbacks at the outset of free agency in March that, in part, further outdated McKenzie's current contract. The contract that McKenzie signed after his first three years in the league is worth $17.1 million, and it included a $3.5 million signing bonus, numbers dwarfed by more recent deals. Reflecting his displeasure, McKenzie has been a no-show for all of the various offseason programs to date, and he was fined an unspecified amount by coach Mike Sherman for skipping a mandatory three-day minicamp. McKenzie has also essentially forfeited an offseason workout bonus of $200,000. His base salary for 2004 is set at $2.75 million and McKenzie has a salary cap charge of $4.087 million. McKenzie has threatened to retire if his trade request isn't met but, if he follows through with that unlikely action, Green Bay almost certainly will try to recover at least a portion of his signing bonus. The Packers extended trade feelers before the draft, but it is believed those generated little interest. Green Bay wisely protected itself against a possible training camp boycott by using its first two picks in this year's draft on cornerbacks, choosing Ahmad Carroll of Arkansas in the first round, and then taking Joey Thomas of Montana State in the third. A third-round pick in the 1999 draft, McKenzie has been a starter at left cornerback since his rookie year, with double-digit starts in all but one of his five seasons. He started 14 games last season and finished with 58 tackles, four interceptions and 20 passes defensed. For his career, he has 15 interceptions, 92 passes defensed and 219 tackles, appearing in 69 games and starting 67 of them. Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com. I don't think most teams would want to give up a 1st rounder for him. He's not worth more than a 2nd. Heck, Corey Dillon and Terrell Owens(the original deal to Baltimore) went for 2nds, and they are better players than McKenzie. Maybe a team that picked up an extra 2nd rounder could ship it for him....did San Diego get an extra pick? Maybe Detroit? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 22, 2004 Browns resign Northcutt which is a huge surprise to me. That should give Garcia plenty of targets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USC Wuz Robbed! 0 Report post Posted May 22, 2004 Didnt Northcutt have problems with the Browns? Must have realized no other teams cares about him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 22, 2004 They offered him 3 yrs. for 9 million. I think he realized he wasn't going to get a better deal than that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KingPK 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Patriots tickets sold out in 15 minutes today. I tell ya, Kraft could sell the worst seats for $100 each, and he'd still sell the place out every week. Maybe I'll look into going to NY or Buffalo or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USC Wuz Robbed! 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 They offered him 3 yrs. for 9 million. I think he realized he wasn't going to get a better deal than that. If that's not a serious case of overpayment I don't know what is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LaParkaMarka 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 They offered him 3 yrs. for 9 million. I think he realized he wasn't going to get a better deal than that. If that's not a serious case of overpayment I don't know what is. The deal is loaded heavily on the last couple of years, they can cut him about a year from now, when a 2 million bonus kicks in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 23, 2004 They offered him 3 yrs. for 9 million. I think he realized he wasn't going to get a better deal than that. If that's not a serious case of overpayment I don't know what is. Not really. The guy was the biggest clutch player when they were 9-7. He's a good return guy and a running threat. A great 3rd wide receiver option IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USC Wuz Robbed! 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Meh I'm not a Browns fan but I always preferred Quincy Morgan over Dennis Northcutt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Northcutt doesn't have the tendancy to drop easy passes like Morgan does. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MikeSC Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Troy Hambrick (RB) signed with the Oakland Raiders. If the team signs Warner (Kurt, you're crazy if you think NY's O-line can protect your ass) then this season could be a hell of a ride for the Raiders compared to last season. Kurt Warner > Kerry Collins, something I hope Coach Turner realizes. I hope you don't expect Hambrick to be a difference maker for Oakland. You'll be sorely disappointed. -=Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sass 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Troy Hambrick (RB) signed with the Oakland Raiders. If the team signs Warner (Kurt, you're crazy if you think NY's O-line can protect your ass) then this season could be a hell of a ride for the Raiders compared to last season. Kurt Warner > Kerry Collins, something I hope Coach Turner realizes. I hope you don't expect Hambrick to be a difference maker for Oakland. You'll be sorely disappointed. -=Mike I have no expectations for Troy. But I'll be interested in seeing whether or not a change of scenary will help him. He might turn in another bust of a year like he did in Big D so I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude with him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sass 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Collins verbally agrees to join Raiders. It appears that Kerry Collins' short visit to the unemployment line is about to end. Released by the New York Giants on April 28, only four days after the club acquired Eli Manning in a blockbuster draft day trade, the nine-year veteran quarterback is poised to sign with the Oakland Raiders later this week, various sources told ESPN.com. The New York Daily News reported Sunday that Collins, 31, has agreed to a deal with the Raiders. Several sources to whom ESPN.com spoke over the last few days, said that there remains work to be done before the understanding between Collins and the club can even be termed an agreement "in principle." That said, all agreed that Collins made a verbal commitment to Oakland and that a deal will be in place this week. How the addition of Collins affects incumbent starter Rich Gannon, the league's most valuable player in 2002 but sidelined for all but seven games last season by a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, remains to be seen. Gannon is due a $7 million base salary and has a steep salary cap charge of $8.928 million. The Daily News reports that while the Raiders could try to restructure his deal, it is more likely Gannon will be released. One source close to negotiations with Collins allowed that the two sides are "moving pretty steadily" toward an agreement and that "nothing is going to queer the deal." Said one source from another team that had demonstrated interest in Collins: "The handwriting is on the wall. They've just got to get it on paper now." The contract will essentially be for three years although, given Oakland's penchant for stretching out deals to minimize salary cap impact, it could appear longer when filed with the league office. Collins will earn at least $4 million annually for the three years. The structure of the deal is not known, so it's unclear if Collins will even approximate the $7 million he was to have made with the Giants in 2004. He could have remained in New York and received all that money, although distributed differently, but clearly was miffed when the Giants acquired Manning. Basically, in a meeting with general manager Ernie Accorsi to discuss his future with the club, Collins forced a decision and his ouster quickly followed. Collins visited recently with Oakland officials and is believed to have rejected a two-year offer that would have paid him backup-type money. But he revisited the situation with the Raiders after realizing that Oakland offered the best opportunity among his very few realistic options. Last week, Collins canceled a two-day trip to Green Bay, and Packers officials actually believed it was because he was close to a deal with the Ravens. Baltimore offered Collins a one-year contract, and a chance to back up second-year veteran Kyle Boller, late last week, after the Ravens learned that No. 2 quarterback Anthony Wright will need shoulder surgery to correct at least a partially torn labrum. That surgery, which will occur Monday, could sideline Wright the entire season. But the Ravens emphasized to Collins that Boller is their unchallenged starter and that he would not have an opportunity to oust him in camp. The only attractive element to the Ravens' offer is that it would have allowed Collins to go into the unrestricted free agent market again next March. The opportunity with the Raiders, though, was too good to pass up, especially after the team raised its contract proposal. At worst, Collins will compete with Gannon for the starting job. More realistically, if Gannon continues to balk at reducing his salary, the Raiders will release him and Collins will move to the No. 1 spot on the depth chart. Known for his strong arm and ability to get the ball up the field, Collins figures to be a very good fit for the offense being installed by new coach Norv Turner and coordinator Jimmy Raye. Both men prefer a vertical passing game, as does Raiders owner Al Davis, rooted in a powerful inside running attack. In nine NFL seasons, Collins has started 117 of 123 games, in stints with Carolina (1995-98), New Orleans (1998) and the Giants (1999-2003). Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Sass's Thoughts: Good. Gannon can't throw long down field while Collins can. I was not looking forward to this upcoming season after I heard the team hired Coach Turner. But the Raiders might very well have a solid shot at making the playoffs and taking their disivion again this season (I see the Chiefs nipping at their toes this season but I think Denver is going to fall apart this season since the Jury's still out on Plummer and SD still has Marty as their head coach so they're screwed). I heard Collins didn't show up in Geern Bay this week when he was supposed to meet with Coach Sherman and his staff. This told me that Collins' meeting with the Raiders went well enough that he wouldn't have to keep shopping himself around. I'm also going to retract my comment about Warner > Gannon because I have my doubts that Warner can stay healthy for a whole season and Collins hasn't been known to be injury prone like Warner has become over the last couple of years. Raiders are apparently interested in picking up Terry Allen from Dallas so he might be the next guy on their shopping list (Coach Parcells apparently doesn't care much for Allen so this looks probable). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Good decision by the Raiders. Warner is a serious question mark since he hasn't proven he can play post-thumb injury. And Collins will be less of a headache than Warner and his wife. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 HAHA. 9 MILLION for Northcutt? Who in the bloody hell pays 9 million for a third reciever? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 The Browns dumbass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 23, 2004 A team that wants Garcia to have as many options as possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 ...oh. Well, at least they didn't spend it on a punter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 23, 2004 I would spend that much on Gradowki if I were the Steelers. Lord knows their offense won't be moving much this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Pfft. At least they have an O-Line this year. If Maddox can throw anywhere near their recievers, they'll have an explosive (if not erratic) offense. If not, throw Roth in there and see what he can do. Either way, it should be a fun season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted May 23, 2004 Is Burress even going to take the field, he seems to be flaking out right now and his constant no shows. Yeah, I'm praying the Browns somehow manage to land 2 linemen before the season starts. I'm not looking forward to seeing Garcia run for his life the whole season. Though I don't see anyone in the North being able to compete with the Bengals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BX 0 Report post Posted May 24, 2004 Raiders are apparently interested in picking up Terry Allen from Dallas Terry Allen? You must mean Larry Allen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoCalMike 0 Report post Posted May 24, 2004 Raiders are apparently interested in picking up Terry Allen from Dallas Terry Allen? You must mean Larry Allen. Larry Allen is pretty much spent. I don't see him lasting the entire season as a starter unless the rotation is HEAVY. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sass 0 Report post Posted May 24, 2004 Raiders are apparently interested in picking up Terry Allen from Dallas Terry Allen? You must mean Larry Allen. Whoops. My bad. "That's tha fat bastard!" - Jay Mohr on SNL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lando Griffin 0 Report post Posted May 24, 2004 I think I read that Oakland cut Hambrick a few days after signing him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted May 24, 2004 Kerry Collins joins the Raiders. 3 years $16mill total Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted May 24, 2004 They'd better sign a quick-moving barn for a tight end. Kerry Collins is an unreliable turnover artist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
