2006 NFL Off-Season

[Guest Vitamin X]

The Vikings are doing everything possible to sign away all of Green Bay's old veterans.

 

Just keep on adding fuel to the fire, huh?

[jimmy no nose 0]

So now the Redskins have picked up Adam Archuleta as well. I don't understand how they're going to remain under the cap after the draft and everything.

 

Anyone else get a strange feeling the Skins are going to try giving Randle El more than his fair share of snaps at QB?

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

So what WILL the Bears do this offseason besides scratch their heads about who starts the 2006 season as their QB?

 

I think QB is the least of their worries. They proved they can win their division with the "Murderous D, Offense doesn't fuck up" strategy. Grossman has a lot of promise if he stays healthy, and if not, Orton proved himself last year that he can get the job done. The Bears need BIG PLAYS. A deep burning WR, and a fucking return game. The Bears were dead fucking last in the league in KR/PR if I remember right, and they muffed or fumbled nearly 33% of their returns. That's pathetic.

 

For a team that lives and dies on field position and D, they HAVE to have good special teams players more than an all-star QB that hands the ball off 6 of 10 plays.

[the pinjockey 0]

You can get a return man in the middle rounds of the draft. I wouldn't worry too much about that.

 

Also, Archuleta at 5 mil per with a 10 mil SB is downright asinine.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

I'm hearing rumblings of Bears draft Sincero(think that's how his name is spelt) Moss, Santana's younger brother. He plays alot like his bro.

[the pinjockey 0]

He wouldn't be a bad pick for them, he would be a nice compliment for Muhammad and at the rate he is rising there isn't any chance that Chad Jackson is still around for them to jump on. Moss seems to be the consensus third best (at worst majority third best) WR in the draft.

[Red Baron 0]

I heard that Steve Hutchenson signed a 7 year deal with the Vikings today.

[Guest guerillagenius]

Luckily the Seahawks can match. If they decide not to match, then they get 2 first round draft picks from the team that signs him.

 

Nope, he doesn't have the Franchise Tag, he has the Transitional Tag.

 

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings have signed All-Pro Steve Hutchinson to the richest offer sheet for a guard in NFL history, the latest move in their aggressive approach to free agency.

 

The Vikings offered Hutchinson a seven-year deal worth $49 million, with $16 million in guaranteed money, a person close to the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been completed.

 

The Seattle Seahawks placed the transition tag on Hutchinson in the offseason, giving them a week to match the deal or lose him to the Vikings without compensation.

 

With $31 million in salary cap room, the Vikings have been one of the fastest teams out of the gate in free agency. They signed running back Chester Taylor, kicker Ryan Longwell and linebacker Ben Leber on Saturday, the first full day the market opened. They also re-signed receiver Koren Robinson, who made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner.

 

The Vikings decided on signing Taylor, Jamal Lewis' backup in Baltimore to a four-year, $14.1 million contract that includes $5.6 million in guarantees, a relatively modest deal for a No. 1 running back. They resisted going after higher-priced backs like Lewis and Edgerrin James, perhaps so they could save up money to make such an enormous offer to Hutchinson, who would shore up their offensive line.

 

Hutchinson arrived in the Twin Cities for a visit Saturday night and signed the offer sheet Sunday afternoon. Getting him would be a big boost for the Vikings, whose offensive line was injury-riddled and inconsistent last season.

 

But with former Pro Bowl center Matt Birk coming back after missing all of last season after hip surgery and the possibility of putting Hutchinson, one of the best guards in the league, alongside an improving Bryant McKinnie at left tackle, things are looking up.

 

This season, Hutchinson and Walter Jones led a Seahawks rushing attack that paved the way for NFL rushing champion Shaun Alexander, who had a team-record 1,880 yards and a league-record 28 touchdowns.

 

The Seahawks refused to comment Sunday, preferring to let their seven-day window to match the offer play out. Seattle entered the weekend about $17 million below the league's $102 million salary cap for 2006. With such a large offer on the table, however, the Vikings have made it as difficult as can be for the Seahawks, who have already put a lot of money into their offense.

 

The NFC champions gave Jones $20 million in guaranteed money and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck $16 million last season before giving Alexander $15.1 million guaranteed last week.

 

Seahawks president Tim Ruskell elected to place the transition tag on Hutchinson, a three-time Pro Bowler and former Michigan standout, rather than making him the franchise player, a move that could be costly.

 

Had the Seahawks made Hutchinson their franchise player, the Vikings would have had to give up two first-round picks as compensation should Seattle not match the offer.

 

^------=

 

AP Sports Writer Gregg Bell contributed to this report.

 

So in other words Seattle F'd up.

[SpikeFayeJettEdBebop 0]

I have no idea how the Skins are under the cap either, although, they don't have to pay any big money in the draft. They have one second round draft pick(that they may trade) and then just 4th and above. 4th round players and up don't command a lot of money.

 

I can't say I'm not happy with the moves, but my god Snyder is out of his mind.(I've only been a big Skins fan for about 2 years, so I'm not really used to him just blowing money away). They've made some great moves, but I also have NO IDEA how it will all fit under the cap.

 

Skins already also signed TE Christian Fauria and just recently former 49 DE Andre Carter.

[the pinjockey 0]

I think it is questionable that they have made great moves.

 

Wasn't huge into Randle El to start and at $30 mil it's nuts.

 

Brandon Lloyd is inconsistent and to give up a 3rd and a 4th (two cheap assets they are going to need eventually), plus reportedly getting ready to do a new deal is giving up way too much

 

Archuleta is a joke at that money and now they have two safeties who are better towards the line of scrimmage, you do have to cover people downfield eventually.

 

Looking at his stats Carter seems to be a signing with some upside, but not seeing many Niners games I don't know if his sacks came from DE or as a stand up rusher in a 3-4 scheme. People who see Niners games would know better there.

 

Are they improvements? Sure. Is Washington turning into something special? I just don't see it.

 

And it will fit under the cap the same way they got under the cap. You only need $10 million in real cap room to give out $50 million dollars in bonuses this offseason by prorating it for 5 years. Spend up to the brink and when it appears time for the cap reaper to come around another labor dispute will bail them out.

[SpikeFayeJettEdBebop 0]

Not that it matters really but the Skins gave up 3rd round pick this year and 4th next year, so they still have a 4th pick with for this year. Otherwise, I'd have to say they're overpaying all the people they have so far....by a lot.

[the pinjockey 0]

What I don't get is why sign all of these middling FAs? Granted it isn't a great FA market, but if you are going to sink a ton of assets into WR you might as well make a play for TO. You put TO and Moss together with Cooley and Portis, and that is sick. Take the money they gave ARE, Archuleta and will probably end up giving Lloyd and that will get you TO with a big enough contract to feed his ego enough to where you might get two years out of him. In the short term, that could put them in the SB. These moves just do nothing short or long term, IMO.

[the pinjockey 0]

Culpepper to the Fins for a 2nd rounder, pending physical (a big pending the way they have seemingly hid Culpepper from the Miami doctors). http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5411538

 

Has to be considered a good deal assuming he passes the physical as they desperately need a QB and he has the ability to be a top QB. That said there are some big risks even throwing out the injury. He did blow last year before getting hurt. How much did Moss fluff him?

 

Amusing fact (to me of course): The Eagles got more for AJ Feeley from Miami than Culpepper brought in. Reggie Brown for Feeley will end up as one of the best couple trades, if not the best, in franchise history.

[therealworldschampion 0]

Daunte Culpepper to the Dolphins for a 2nd round pick from ESPN Radio.

 

David Givens and Kevin Mawae also sign with the Titans.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Drew Brees signs with New Orleans Saints for 6 years, $60 million ($10 million signing bonus):

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304

 

This puts an interesting spin on the draft, as Vince Young probably falls to the Raiders, if not lower.

[nl5xsk1 0]

With Givens now a Titan, let me reiterate my desire for the Pats line up Watson as a WR more, and to use him to replace Givens as the #2 receiver. Cheaper than signing a guy off the street, and thus far Watson has proven to be a good route runner. Plus, he's a huge mismatch for DB's ... the idea of some tiny CB trying to wrangle him down is laughable.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

The lowest Vince Young will fall to is #10, the Arizona Cardinals.

 

I think the more interesting question is where will Matt Leinart go? I'm thinking the Jets.

 

Saints will problay draft D'Brickshaw.

[Brett Favre 0]

Yeah, I think Leinart will be a Jet. They're pretty high on him.

[Guest Vitamin X]

What I don't get is why sign all of these middling FAs? Granted it isn't a great FA market, but if you are going to sink a ton of assets into WR you might as well make a play for TO. You put TO and Moss together with Cooley and Portis, and that is sick. Take the money they gave ARE, Archuleta and will probably end up giving Lloyd and that will get you TO with a big enough contract to feed his ego enough to where you might get two years out of him. In the short term, that could put them in the SB. These moves just do nothing short or long term, IMO.

 

Not quite, since I don't see many teams making a huge play on a 31 year old receiver with tremendous character and locker room issues.

 

The thing that makes sense with all these teams signing "middling" free agents, is that teams are FINALLY starting to grasp the concept that most NFL players only have a few good years (note I said MOST, not all), and if you're lucky, you can sign a free agent who's talent and potential is on the rise (preferably while still relatively young, let's say 25-28) rather than going with a "name" player who's had some success but is due to decline soon. This is especially true for defensive linemen (see Warren Sapp, Joe Johnson, Ted Washington, La'Roi Glover, etc. etc.).

 

Has to be considered a good deal assuming he passes the physical as they desperately need a QB and he has the ability to be a top QB. That said there are some big risks even throwing out the injury. He did blow last year before getting hurt. How much did Moss fluff him?

 

Not quite so much as one would think. The Vikings' biggest problem last year was the inconsistent play of their defense (as evidenced by the turnaround in the second half of the season) as well as their offensive line getting constantly injured and moved around. Culpepper was having an MVP season in 2004, most of which he had to play without Moss (since Randy was injured), and while he appears inconsistent at times (no excuse for that one AWFUL season he had where he couldn't stop fumbling and throwing retarded interceptions- I forget if it was 2002 or 2003) when he's on top of his game, he's one of the elite QB's in the league, and at any rate, is an upgrade over Gus Frerotte and AJ Feeley. Keep in mind also Miami's offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, was Minnesota's offensive coordinator during and before Daunte's MVP season in 2004.

[Lt. Al Giardello 0]

Keep in mind also Miami's offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, was Minnesota's offensive coordinator during and before Daunte's MVP season in 2004.

 

Not no more, Linehan's head coach of the Rams. Mike Malurkey(Former Bills head coach) is the Miami offensive coordinator.

 

But Culpepper will have a better offense in Miami, then he would in Minny. Chambers exploded the 2nd half of last season, and Ronnie Brown is gonna be a great runningback. If Ricky Williams appeal comes through then there's another great weapon in the Miami offense for Culpepper.

 

They should draft another WR, they problay candraft Santonio Holmes with the 16th pick.

[TheDevilAndGodAreRagingInsideMe 0]

Saints will problay draft D'Brickshaw.

 

It's D'Brickashaw

 

Not trying to be a dick, but I see a ton of people spell it wrong here.

 

-

 

LaVarr Arrington is apparently visting the Giants facilities some point this week.

They've also signed Sam Madison, I didn't catch if anyone else mentioned it or not.

[the pinjockey 0]

The thing that makes sense with all these teams signing "middling" free agents, is that teams are FINALLY starting to grasp the concept that most NFL players only have a few good years (note I said MOST, not all), and if you're lucky, you can sign a free agent who's talent and potential is on the rise (preferably while still relatively young, let's say 25-28) rather than going with a "name" player who's had some success but is due to decline soon. This is especially true for defensive linemen (see Warren Sapp, Joe Johnson, Ted Washington, La'Roi Glover, etc. etc.).

 

I agree wholeheartedly in that philosophy, but I do not think that describes the players the Skins have signed. When I said middling, it was in the sense that I think that this specific group of players are good players at best not real difference makers, not middling just in the sense of name or price range.

[Brett Favre 0]

There's a rumored John Abraham for the Redskins 2nd this year, 1st next year, and Patrick Ramsey trade.

[Vern Gagne 0]

John Clayton speculated the Saints are going to draft Mario Williams of NC State.

[Guest Vitamin X]

The thing that makes sense with all these teams signing "middling" free agents, is that teams are FINALLY starting to grasp the concept that most NFL players only have a few good years (note I said MOST, not all), and if you're lucky, you can sign a free agent who's talent and potential is on the rise (preferably while still relatively young, let's say 25-28) rather than going with a "name" player who's had some success but is due to decline soon. This is especially true for defensive linemen (see Warren Sapp, Joe Johnson, Ted Washington, La'Roi Glover, etc. etc.).

 

I agree wholeheartedly in that philosophy, but I do not think that describes the players the Skins have signed. When I said middling, it was in the sense that I think that this specific group of players are good players at best not real difference makers, not middling just in the sense of name or price range.

 

Well I'm thinking that, while they did overpay for AR-E, he does have quite a bit of potential to justify their signing him. Same with Lloyd and whoever else they've signed. That was my point is that they may not be good players now, but you take a chance on them and hope they turn out into something great.

 

That's pretty much what anyone this year might be looking for in a free agent. Ryan Pickett or Rocky Bernard just might end up being a steal for whoever signs them.

 

I'm a bit surprised that there's been little to no movement to grab Lavar Arrington or Julian Peterson. The common line when it comes to Peterson is that he's demanding too much money for the risks that would come with taking him and his injuries... But LaVar? Dude's turning 28 this year, and until his injury a couple years back, was one of the best rushing OLB's in the league. Between 2001-2003, he had 284 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions (with 2 defensive TD's). If he can show anything returning back to that, especially considering where he is at his age (PRIME! DO YOU DECLINE?!) he'd also be a great pickup.

 

Not no more, Linehan's head coach of the Rams. Mike Malurkey(Former Bills head coach) is the Miami offensive coordinator.

Ah, fuck you're right about that. There'd been so much movement on the head coach front I forgot who went where. I remember saying (and still sticking by it) that Linehan will be one of those Norv Turner types.. great offensive coordinator, mediocre head coach.

 

John Clayton speculated the Saints are going to draft Mario Williams of NC State.

That makes a lot of sense, much more than the talking heads who'd been thinking of Green Bay grabbing him.. I think that, especially with the release of Na'il Diggs, the Pack would probably make a run at a much better Ohio State linebacker, A.J. Hawk.

 

Also, I have a feeling that Maurice Drew is going to be a MAJOR steal for someone in the second-third round or so.

[the pinjockey 0]

Abraham would be a difference maker. Of course, if that happened, they wouldn't have a meaningful draft pick for about three years.

[mike546 0]

There's a rumored John Abraham for the Redskins 2nd this year, 1st next year, and Patrick Ramsey trade.

 

Are the Redskins going to have any draft picks left?

[SpikeFayeJettEdBebop 0]

Holy shit that would be terrible. No first pick again next year? I wouldn't do it personally, but I certainly wouldn't put it past Snyder & Gang. Abraham would be a nice edition although I don't think he's worth both picks and ramsey. 2nd round thisy ear and next and ramsey I think would be better, but whatever, I'm not in charge obviously.

[UZI Suicide 0]

T.O. has officially been released.

 

 

MAKE IT HAPPEN JERRUH!!!

[the pinjockey 0]

I think the concern with Arrington is fitting into a system, do you risk a big contract to someone who has a real shot of being a screwup. If you are just will to let him freelance, he is a fit. But fewer and fewer teams are doing that. He would probably be a good 3-4 pass rushing LB, but it doesn't look like there are that many 3-4 teams looking for that right now and that is a spot that can be filled easily in the draft (undersized college DEs are perfect for this, so why blow a double digit signing bonus on this position).