The NFL Offseason/Pre-Draft Thread

[Gert T 0]

La Parka that is a fabulous video image. When I was watching the QB challenge, I thought, "great there goes the season".

 

VX, how is Rudi overrated? I think most people don't even see him as a Top 10 back, or at the very bottom of the Top 10. And he did rush for 1,454 yards last year. Which isn't bad since he has four games against Baltimore & Pittsburgh.

 

I think a knock on Rudi may be his lack of breakaway speed, but I expect his numbers to go up if the passing game gets more dangerous.

 

Chris Henry will be a red zone threat this year.

[Guest Vitamin X]

McDougle's a Miami guy so it's not suprising he's  down there.

 

Eugene Robinson was in Miami because of the Super Bowl.

 

I think one of the Blades brothers got in trouble in the area. Again they're both Miami guys.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

That doesn't explain Ty Law, Barret Robbins, or a host of other ones either. It's always here in Miami.

 

VX, how is Rudi overrated? I think most people don't even see him as a Top 10 back, or at the very bottom of the Top 10. And he did rush for 1,454 yards last year. Which isn't bad since he has four games against Baltimore & Pittsburgh.

 

Rudi overrates himself. Didn't he holdout or threaten to at least, to get a big fat contract and that was why the Bengals went ahead and drafted Chris Perry in case Rudi didn't work out? The Bengals' resurgence in the 2003 season was said to be because of Rudi, and they started proclaiming Kitna/Palmer-Johnson-Johnson as the Bengals' new "Triplets". From what I've seen of Johnson, he's slow, doesn't pick up an incredible amount of yards every play, and can't catch. Looking at his stats, he is about solid, but he's by no means a player to gameplan for. Since Palmer hasn't really hit his stride yet (though like I said, he'll take a step closer this year if not completely), who do the Bengals have that strike fear into the hearts of any defense outside of Chad Johnson?

 

Oh, and this piece of news amused the hell out of me:

Packers: Jackson fails his physical

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com

Friday, July 29, 2005

 

News

Packers nose tackle Grady Jackson, who threatened to hold out of training camp to protest his contract, failed his physical and may end up on the physically unable to perform list, reports the Green Bay Press Gazette.

 

Views

Well, this certainly isn't going to help him get a new deal. There's no word yet on which part of the physical Jackson failed. He has more than a month to get himself healthy, but don't be surprised if the team puts him on the physically unable to perform list first.

 

Thanks, Drew! Real smart move on behalf of your client to advise him to holdout of minicamps (after Jackson himself went and criticized Walker and Franks for not showing up and honoring their contracts, no less) and now he can't even pass the freakin physical? HA.

[JustJoe2k5 0]

It would be great to find out that Terrell Owens showed up for training camp, went out for drills, and Donovan McNabb didn't throw him a single pass. I just don't understand how they expect someone in a contract dispute to perform at training camp, especially someone like Terrell Owens who probably wouldn't think twice about making some kind of comment to different teammates.

[Robert 0]

The only good thing about summer was that the Kansas City Cheifs would come to Wisconsin for some early summer pratice. It was a small town, but it was cool meeting some of the Cheifs. Anway, anybody see this kid that the Dolphins draft in the supplemental draft completely start weeping after being bitched at by Nick Saban.

 

Here's the Saturday news from Pro Football Talk:

 

Cowboy's signed Demarcus Ware to a $13 million dollar deal.

 

Texan's signed first round pick Travis Johnson to a $10 Million dollar deal.

 

The Saints signed former disgruntled Packer's CB Mike McKenzie to a $22 million dollar, five year deal.

 

Both Peter Boulware and Ty Law are still on the market and demanding  guranteed pay. Both players season's were cut short because of injuries.

 

Fred Taylor and coach Jack Del Rio are at odds

 

The bullet that struck DE Jerome McDougle in the stomach hit no major organs; he's currently listed in stable condition.

 

The new-look Browns opened training camp with a low-key practice.

 

Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant is moving from the left side to the right side.

 

The Seahawks are "very close" to signing their top two picks.

 

Packers WR Javon Walker admits that he abandoned his planned holdout without getting any assurances from the team that they'll re-work his deal.

 

Mike Strahan now has a chip on his shoulder to go with that gap in his teefs.

 

Vikings S Corey Chavous and CB Brian Williams both reported for training camp after boycotting offseason sessions.

 

The Jags are interested in CB Ty Law, if he makes like Bob Barker.

 

Cadillac Williams made it to the Bucs' opening practice; said coach Jon Gruden, "I was going to change his name to Dodge Ram if he didn't get in here on time." 

 

The Giants have signed all draft picks except second-round CB Corey Webster.

 

CB Ty Law says that the Jets have made him an offer, but he won't talk about the terms of it.

 

The Ravens, Panthers, and Vikings are the finalists for the services of RB Jesse Chatham, who was cut this week by the Chargers.

 

DE Marcellus Wiley is fired up for his shot at redemption with the Jaguars:  "The only way to prove what happened in Dallas wasn't totally my fault is to go out and do well here," said Wiley.  "I can't do some of the things [the Cowboys] told me to do.  I'm glad I'm somewhere they won't ask me to do things that I've never done in nine years of football.  Let me play my game.''

 

With $100,000 less to buy food, the Meathead lost 24 pounds during the offseason.

 

Roughly 25 members of the Vikings will take a pill that monitors their body temperature during practice (and we assume that the device eventually will serve as a meat thermometer, of sorts).

 

Eagles FB Thomas Tapeh will miss the start of training camp due to lingering problems from a 2004 hip injury.

 

Vikings CB Fred Smoot might start training camp on the PUP list due to a neck thing that isn't considered serious.

 

Eagles coach Andy Reid reiterated that S/KR J.R. Reed will not play in 2005 after damaging a nerve behind his knee.

 

Agents Ralph Cindrich and Joe Linta have some free advice for Steelers WR Hines Ward -- and we think he should listen.

 

The Browns have made a new proposal to No. 3 overall pick WR Braylon Edwards.

 

Cowboys TE Dan Campbell will miss the first week of training camp due to appendicitis.

 

Could the guys the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution finally be starting to strip back the curtain on the great and powerful Wizard of Valtrex?

 

Panthers DT Kris Jenkins has made peace with his penchant for booze and 'burgers:  “I’m comfortable with my weight,” he said. “I’m always gonna be big.  Fat people are special.  I think us big guys, and big women, are special people.  In a time nowadays where everything is supposed to be thin, thin, thin, I like to break the mold.”  (And you'll eventually be breaking the casket, about 30 years prematurely.)

 

In a not-so-unrelated piece, WR Kevin Johnson will be the first Lions player to don jersey number 85 since Chuck Hughes suffered a heart attack and died on the field wearing that number.

 

The Vikes started training camp without their two first-round picks.

 

Colts LB Rob Morris isn't bitching about his fall from first-round pick to the second-string:  "There are a lot of first-round picks that are working at Piggly Wiggly after four or five years," said Morris.  (Hey, Rob -- are you lifting one of our lines?)

 

The Saints were pleased to see potential holdouts LeCharles Bentley, Mike McKenzie, and Fakhir Brown show up for the start of camp; of the trio, only Bentley and McKenzie's peeps are in talks for a new deal.

 

Browns receiver Andre Davis isn't miffed about offseason reports of a possible trade to the Seahawks.

 

Jets QB Chad Pennington says he is 85 percent healthy.

 

The Packers are optimistic that they'll get first-round QB Aaron Rodgers signed soon.

 

DB Aeneas Williams is unsigned at 37, but has yet to announce his retirement.

 

From the "Why Doesn't He Just Drive Around The Parking Lot With The Lombardi Trophy Tied To His Bumper" file, Packers DT Grady Jackson is bitching about the team's decision to place him on the PUP list.

 

Green Bay DT Cletidus Hunt is back with the team.

 

The Redskins and LB LaVar Arrington have settled the grievance relating to his phantom $6.5 million roster bonus.

 

The 'Skins have added S Omar Stoutmire as further insurance against the potential incarceration of S Sean Taylor.

 

Several veteran Bucs will be practicing only once per day, for now.

 

The bad news -- Moonshine Jones hasn't signed with the Jags; the good news -- he hasn't pulled a hamstring yet.

 

DT Travis Johnson is the first Texan to not be signed in time for training camp.

 

Pats QB Tom Brady won't be calling the offensive plays.

 

The chances of the Pats re-signing CB Ty Law got a little slimmer when they issued his jersey number to second-year S Dexter Reid.

 

Logan Mankings and Russ Hochstein will battle for the starting gig at left guard in New England.

 

Despite being on the PUP list (from which he could return later in the season), LB Tedy Bruschi will not play at all in 2005.

 

Seattle WR Darrell Jackson is in camp, but he's still unhappy about the team's failure to make good on verbal promises allegedly made by former team president Bob Whitsitt.

 

With four offensive linemen missing from camp for various reasons on Friday, the Nicktator cut short practice on Friday.

 

Titans G.M. Floyd Reese says that there has not been much progress toward a contract with first-round CB Pacman Jones, and Tony Beckham hopes it stays that way.

 

Ravens CB Samari Rolle is expected to be suspended for one game due to an offseason domestic violence thing.

 

Saints DT Johnathan Sullivan finally has realized that he was McDonald'sing his big ass out of the NFL.

 

LB Ronald McKinnon is "giddy" about being a Saint (and only a guy who has spent his entire career with the Turdinals would feel that way).

[Gert T 0]

1st Round flop DT Wendell Bryant was released by the Arizona Cardinals.

 

I always thought he could be a decent pro, I assume someone will give him another shot.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Maybe Green Bay will, now that they have an open roster spot with Jackson on the PUP list. Then again, there's enough underachieving defensive linemen on the team, they really don't need another one.

 

Whatever happened with Peter Boulware? Did he ever end up signing with Seattle or is he still on the market? I'd love for Green Bay to take him and put him at end, maybe move Kampman inside.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

Moonshine Jones

Beautiful.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

Peter Boulware's still on the market. He is demanding guaranteed money which is scaring teams away, similar to Ty Law.

[Red Baron 0]

Koren Robinson went to rehab for alcohol.

 

I guess this was one of the reasons why he couldn't catch a ball last year.

[the pinjockey 0]

I am afraid that the Westbrook situation could get very ugly. Unlike TO, where I think they can get to the Super Bowl without him, I don't think the same about Westbrook. It has been proven in the last two years that this offense comes to a screeching halt when Westbrook isn't in the lineup.

 

The problem with the negotiations here is that there are arguements for and against paying him a boatload.

 

From the side of not paying him: he has never carried the ball more than 177 times in a season and has not gone a season without getting hurt yet.

 

From the side of paying him: he is the absolute perfect back for this offense. He is the best receiving back in the league and for the team that uses the RB as a receiver most how is this not a perfect fit? He sees how the offense runs when he is out of the lineup and (rightfully?) sees he is one of the bigger difference makers in the league.

 

It has been reported (leaked?) that the Eagles are offering a deal with a 5m signing bonus, while Westbrook wants a deal with a 12m bonus. IMO, I offer him a deal with 8-9m signing bonus and make him one of the top 5 paid RBs in the league. Is he worth a top 5 RB contract to any other team? Unknown. Is he worth a top 5 RB contract to the Eagles? IMO, absolutely.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

He's too injury prone to be worth top 5 RB money. There's no way I'd invest that much money in anyone with his injury history.

[JustJoe2k5 0]

I think Brian Westbrook and Terrell Owens are each other's best friend in this situation. No matter what the Philadelphia Eagles' front office says, they aren't going to let go of their two most talented offensive players. Brian Westbrook's holdout keeps Terrell Owens' shot at a new contract open, and Terrell Owens' possible holdout keeps Brian Westbrook's shot at a new contract open. If the Eagles lose both Owens and Westbrook, they go from NFC favorites to having to fight just to win the NFC East.

[Gert T 0]

Matt Millen got a five year contract extension.

 

 

Awesome.

 

 

BTW I'm not a Lions fan.

[the pinjockey 0]

The Eagles aren't going to lose both Owens and Westbrook. They likely aren't going to lose either as they are both in contract years (after all of this there is a 5% chance the Eagles keep Owens after this year). They will either be miserable or hold out now, but they aren't going to fuck up their entire careers by messing with their contract years.

 

And the extension for Millen is insane. I like what he has done for the past couple years and he MIGHT turn the Lions into a winner. But why rush to get him an extension now?!? I don't see other teams beating down the door to get him. While he might turn the Lions around, what would it have hurt to wait and see before jumping at that kind of commitment. Oh wait, they are the Lions....never mind.

[Guest Frank_Nabbit]

When did Aaron Rogers sign in GB? Over the weekend?

[Guest Vitamin X]

Yup. Supposedly the Pack gave him a deal similar to what the Bills gave J.P. Losman last year, it's a 5-year contract worth about 5-7 million, with incentives that could go up to about 25-30 million if he becomes the starter within the next 2-3 seasons. That's an excellent deal, and I'm really liking the kid's work ethic thus far, since he didn't holdout the entire time and still came to all the minicamps. Word is he'd been the "first guy to come, last guy to leave" type of people, which is really good to hear. I think everyone's a little nervous about life after Favre.

[Robert 0]

I cannot find an article to provide a link, but SportsCenter ran a piece tonight on McNabb calling out Favre over the Walker situation. Basically, McNabb felt Favre should not have gotten involved; he feels it was Walker's business, and Favre was being unprofessional by getting involved and it should've been done in private.

 

I find it ironic that McNabb wants to call out Favre for getting involved in another player's situation. Afterall, isn't that what McNabb is doing by calling out Favre in the media? Seems like a bit of a hypocrite to me.

 

Good god, either McNabb is a idiot or McNabb didn't even think while saying it. With the exception of PHILEDALPHIA reporter Stephen A. Smith, a good amount of the media has ripped the fuck out of McNabb. Woody Paige, Bill Plachske and alot of people are laughing at him. Patrick McEnroe ripped McNabb today while filling in for Jim Rome on ESPN. He said McNabb has no business taking shots at a 3-time MP and a Super Bowl champ - especially when he's come up so small in big games. Couldn't have said it better myself.

[CanadianChris 0]

Good god, either McNabb is a idiot or McNabb didn't even think while saying it. With the exception of PHILEDALPHIA reporter Stephen A. Smith, a good amount of the media has ripped the fuck out of McNabb. Woody Paige, Bill Plachske and alot of people are laughing at him. Patrick McEnroe ripped McNabb today while filling in for Jim Rome on ESPN. He said McNabb has no business taking shots at a 3-time MP and a Super Bowl champ - especially when he's come up so small in big games. Couldn't have said it better myself.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You must have missed PTI right after, where both Wilbon and Mariotti defended McNabb and said he was right and Favre was out of line. They also provided the context: McNabb was specifically asked the question about Favre by good old Screaming A., and he answered it honestly.

[the pinjockey 0]

What does not having Super Bowl rings have to do with pointing out that you do not get involved in another players contract dispute? I don't agree with Walker holding out, but who the hell is Brett "Already set for life" Favre to call him out over it.

 

And CC, already discussed the context issue, so no need to reiterate that.

[CanadianChris 0]

And CC, already discussed the context issue, so no need to reiterate that.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was reiterating it for the original poster, who didn't seem to have it.

[USC Wuz Robbed! 0]

What does not having Super Bowl rings have to do with pointing out that you do not get involved in another players contract dispute?  I don't agree with Walker holding out, but who the hell is Brett "Already set for life" Favre to call him out over it. 

 

And CC, already discussed the context issue, so no need to reiterate that.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Favre's a team player. He would like to see his team in camp. He's also considered the leader. I don't see a problem in him commentating on his WR's boneheaded antics.

[Robert 0]

He's a team leader. That's what team leader's do, they are the cornerstone of the franchise. Favre was stating his opinion on Walker, because that's what a team leader does. When Emmit Smith held out, Troy Aikman spoke his mind on it. CC, I don't even watch PTI so how the hell would I know what they did? Everybody has their damn opinion on it, it's like OJ. Didn't we go over this like five pages ago?

[the pinjockey 0]

CC, I was saying you had already said it, so I did not need to reiterate it. I think I threw in an extra comma making it look wrong. My bad.

[CanadianChris 0]

CC, I was saying you had already said it, so I did not need to reiterate it.  I think I threw in an extra comma making it look wrong.  My bad.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No problem. You had me looking back over the last two weeks of this thread trying to figure out where it was already discussed, though.

[Sass 0]

Does Aeneas Williams have any gas left in the tank? He was one of the few bright spots for the Cardinals during the 90's.

 

The Ford family is nuts giving Millen a contract extension before his (well-gelled) team has won anything. I still say the Lions will win their division this season. Minny, completely retooled. Plus, Mike Tice is still their head coach. The Bears are defense, defense, with little else on the offensive side. The Packers are in limbo until we get to at least week 4 to see where they're really at. They are hurting at defense...something the other 3 teams in their divisions have in *spades* aside from maybe Minny's new and "improved" defense.

[Guest El Satanico]

Unless he was directly asked to give his opinion, Favre should've kept his mouth shut publically.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Well, it's not like he held a press conference over it or anything. I'm pretty sure in most of these situations the players are asked what they think, and Favre just gave his opinion, and expanded on it. If McNabb has a problem with it, that's fine, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with what Favre did. Both guys are great leaders, but each has their own style of leadership, if Brett felt it appropriate to voice his opinion and make his intentions known, then I'm all for it, not just as a fan, but if I were a teammate, and the most legendary, single most important player and veteran on the team was sticking up for the guys and the organization as well as its fans, that's the way to go. Even though Walker's back in camp and supposedly has had a great attitude there with what he's doing, I still don't like him as much as I did during last season.

The Ford family is nuts giving Millen a contract extension before his (well-gelled) team has won anything. I still say the Lions will win their division this season. Minny, completely retooled. Plus, Mike Tice is still their head coach. The Bears are defense, defense, with little else on the offensive side. The Packers are in limbo until we get to at least week 4 to see where they're really at. They are hurting at defense...something the other 3 teams in their divisions have in *spades* aside from maybe Minny's new and "improved" defense.

Sass knows what he's talking about, I'm in complete agreement with him.. except for Detroit having defense in "spades". They're good enough, but I'm not sure if they're even top 10 quality or anything yet, it really depends on how the youth on the team progress. So maybe we'll just leave it at Chicago having the tough defense.

[snuffbox 0]

Walker didnt holdout so why is he still being discussed. Move along folks. Now, Grady Jackson, thats a fat sack of worthless shit...he should call Vince McMahon about a job.

 

Prediction - Over the next ten years or so Detroit fans will develop a theory of a curse for the front office never building a decent team around the great Barry Sanders.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

I think the Lions are going to be the new Bears this season. Losing tough close games on penalties, turnovers, and poor special teams play. The Packers will be the new Lions.

[Robert 0]

Thursday One-Liners from Pro Football Talk:

 

Giants RB Tiki Barber has bulked up in the offseason.

 

Giants WR Plaxico Burress will miss several days with a strained hip flexor.

 

Packers WR Javon Walker says he has no regrets regarding his holdout that never was.

 

Steelers RB Duce Staley was kept out of practice of Wednesday afternoon due to a little inflammation in his knee.

 

Ravens TE Todd Heap still isn't practicing (but he's earning plenty of interest on that signing bonus).

 

Colts WR Brandon Stokely has separated a shoulder in the Land of the Rising Sun.

 

Fresh from getting a salary increase to $4 million from a team that had no obligation to give him a dime beyond his $2.87 million base pay, DE Richard Seymour says that he wants to retire as a Patriot (we would, too, if they gave us a free $1.13 million).

 

In response to a statement from Steve Young that the Pats have it all "figured out," coach Bill Belichick said: "I wish Steve would come here and tell us what we've figured out. Maybe he could tell us what we need to know. It didn't look to me like we have it figured out. I don't know what he is talking about. I have no idea."

 

Lions WR Mike Williams put the pads on for the first time in 19 months.

 

Agent Michael Huyghue says that Robert Gaddy demanded payment of $250,000 from Pacman Jones.

 

Packers RB Ahman Green, in his contract year, wants to be paid among the top guys at his position (unfortunately for Ahman, he's even older than two elite running backs who can't land long-term deals, Shaun Alexander and Edgerrin James).

 

Jets CB Ray Mickens knows that his chances of winning a starting job are greater if a dude named Ty doesn't join the team.

 

Ravens coach Brian Billick is starting to bristle regarding the absence of WR Mark Clayton.

 

Fins QB Gus Frerotte says that the offense will be throwing the ball down the field a lot in 2005.

 

Fins coach Nick Saban seems to recognize that No. 2 overall pick Ronnie Brown's agent is a-scared that the No. 3 pick, Braylon Edwards, will get a better deal if Brown signs first.

 

Vikings CB Fred Smoot (stiff neck) will make his training camp debut on Monday.

 

T.O. finally talks: "God put me in the situation to go out here and still play the game. That's why I'm here."

 

Four guys are fighting for the right to backup Bills RB Willis McGahee.

 

Fins OT Damion McIntosh is listed as a backup to Vernon Carey and Stockar McDougle.

 

The Milwaukee/Green Bay press continues to write stories about Packers DT Grady Jackson's quest for more coin without recognizing that the team CANNOT increase his 2005 salary because his deal was already re-done once this year.

 

Vikings LB Donatarrious Thomas is beating out Raonall Smith for the starting job on the weak side.

 

Packers OT Brad Bedell injured a hamstring on Wednesday.

 

Minnesota first-round DE Erasmus James has blown his shot at starting at right end via his absence from camp.

 

 

The Rams are still waiting for first-round OT Alex Barron (if all else fails, they can re-sign Crazy Joe Davola).

 

Bucs coach Jon Gruden gave his team Wednesday afternoon off.

 

Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo doesn't expect to sign a free-agent corner to fill in for Jerry Azumah will he recovers from hip surgery.

 

Vikings CB Ken Irvin says that the presence of Randy Moss in past training camps made the defense better (we wonder just how bad the team's defense would have been over the past five years if Randy hadn't been there to help pull them up to, you know, No. 31).

 

Pic of the day:

 

 

Oh yeah, if your like the football world before holdouts were as common as an Ahmad Carroll holding call, buy the three disc HOF DVD.