Official NFL Offseason Thread

[arhymingape12]

D. hall just dont wont no more of smitty

 

[domair23]

Rotoworld:
The Jets have given ILB Jonathan Vilma permission to shop himself for a potential trade.
Vilma is coming off knee surgery, but was a Pro Bowl alternate his second season, and just doesn't fit well into Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense. He'llseek a long-term deal with a team that would then have to work out a trade with the Jets. Reuniting with former Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson inJacksonville is a possibility. There has also been talk in St. Louis of the Rams sending the No. 2 overall pick to the Jets for the No. 6 pick and Vilma,though that seems unlikely.

 

[allen3xis]

That whole Vilma situation the past year

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by allen3xis

That whole Vilma situation the past year

Despicable....

Lost mad respect for Mangini over that....

Hope he goes somewhere and beasts next year....

 

[allen3xis]

Him on Jax, is a good look


If we did that trade

.....just stay at 6 and take Gholston, tradeVilma for other pick(s)

 

[trillipinotrapstar]

Well down goes the drain any chance that Larry Fitzgerald will be traded in the offseason...........

Posted: 2 hours 45 minutes ago[h1]Cardinals: Fitzgerald not going anywhere[/h1]
By Jason Feller | NFL.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- The answer came in loud and clear: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be an Arizona Cardinal next year.

At the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, Cardinals Vice President of Football Operations Rod Graves put to rest any doubts that Fitzgerald would not be in Arizona for the 2008 season.

"No question, no question," said Graves, when asked if Fitzgerald would be back. "He's a core player, and like so many other players we're excited about with respect to our football team, we are going to do what we have to do to keep that core player."

The question arose because Fitzgerald is going to count $16 million against the salary cap next season, a hefty sum, even for one of the league's premier wideouts.

Graves acknowledged that he would like to renegotiate Fitzgerald's original six-year deal, but affirmed that the wide receiver would remain with the team regardless. Fitzgerald has two years remaining on his contract.

"He's earned the right to be where he is," Graves said, adding that he had no problem with the original deal Fitzgerald signed, which included several escalator clauses. "We also determined that when we got to this point, that we would be back at the bargaining table to try to reach a long-term deal that would make it a little bit more palatable for us as an organization, and that's where we are. If we can't, then we'll move forward (with his current contract)."

Fitzgerald, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, caught 100 passes for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007.

 

[sohi 23]

HOLY @$%$

Fitz is making 16 million next year?!!?

 

[berkeley boy]

Originally Posted by TrillipinoTrapstar

Well down goes the drain any chance that Larry Fitzgerald will be traded in the offseason...........

Posted: 2 hours 45 minutes ago

[h1]Cardinals: Fitzgerald not going anywhere[/h1]


By Jason Feller | NFL.com





INDIANAPOLIS -- The answer came in loud and clear: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be an Arizona Cardinal next year.



At the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday, Cardinals Vice President of Football Operations Rod Graves put to rest any doubts that Fitzgerald would not be in
Arizona for the 2008 season.



"No question, no question," said Graves, when asked if Fitzgerald would be back. "He's a core player, and like so many other players
we're excited about with respect to our football team, we are going to do what we have to do to keep that core player."



The question arose because Fitzgerald is going to count $16 million against the salary cap next season, a hefty sum, even for one of the league's
premier wideouts.



Graves acknowledged that he would like to renegotiate Fitzgerald's original six-year deal, but affirmed that the wide receiver would remain with the
team regardless. Fitzgerald has two years remaining on his contract.



"He's earned the right to be where he is," Graves said, adding that he had no problem with the original deal Fitzgerald signed, which
included several escalator clauses. "We also determined that when we got to this point, that we would be back at the bargaining table to try to reach a
long-term deal that would make it a little bit more palatable for us as an organization, and that's where we are. If we can't, then we'll move
forward (with his current contract)."



Fitzgerald, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, caught 100 passes for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2007.

I dunno, maybe he's saying that to generate more interest and keep the bids competitive.

 

[gunna get it]

Originally Posted by DomAir23

Rotoworld:
The Jets have given ILB Jonathan Vilma permission to shop himself for a potential trade.
Vilma is coming off knee surgery, but was a Pro Bowl alternate his second season, and just doesn't fit well into Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense. He'll seek a long-term deal with a team that would then have to work out a trade with the Jets. Reuniting with former Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson in Jacksonville is a possibility. There has also been talk in St. Louis of the Rams sending the No. 2 overall pick to the Jets for the No. 6 pick and Vilma, though that seems unlikely.

. MAKE THAT DEAL

Vilma & Spoon would be SICK!

 

[osh kosh bosh]

DaJoka gotta be put on suicide watch.

It's hilarious how bad the Eagles need real wide receivers.

 

[Chester McFloppy]

Asante is lookin for a deal in the 10 yr./$100 million range with $30 mil. guaranteed.

Dude wants that Peyton Manning/Mike Vick (pre-stepping on pooch head days) paper.

 

[the wizard]

Vilma needs to get outta NY. My fave LB right there.

 

[mr fizzy womack]

Bye.

 

[mart1n payne]

Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT

Originally Posted by DomAir23

Rotoworld:
The Jets have given ILB Jonathan Vilma permission to shop himself for a potential trade.
Vilma is coming off knee surgery, but was a Pro Bowl alternate his second season, and just doesn't fit well into Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense. He'll seek a long-term deal with a team that would then have to work out a trade with the Jets. Reuniting with former Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson in Jacksonville is a possibility. There has also been talk in St. Louis of the Rams sending the No. 2 overall pick to the Jets for the No. 6 pick and Vilma, though that seems unlikely.

. MAKE THAT DEAL

Vilma & Spoon would be SICK!

what about Tinoisamoa? How did he do last season? Other than that, that is a deal that the JETS should def. take. Who would they use the #2 pick for?McFadden?

 

[mr fizzy womack]

Originally Posted by MART1N PAYNE

Originally Posted by GUNNA GET IT

Originally Posted by DomAir23

Rotoworld:
The Jets have given ILB Jonathan Vilma permission to shop himself for a potential trade.
Vilma is coming off knee surgery, but was a Pro Bowl alternate his second season, and just doesn't fit well into Eric Mangini's 3-4 defense. He'll seek a long-term deal with a team that would then have to work out a trade with the Jets. Reuniting with former Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson in Jacksonville is a possibility. There has also been talk in St. Louis of the Rams sending the No. 2 overall pick to the Jets for the No. 6 pick and Vilma, though that seems unlikely.

. MAKE THAT DEAL

Vilma & Spoon would be SICK!

what about Tinoisamoa? How did he do last season? Other than that, that is a deal that the JETS should def. take. Who would they use the #2 pick for? McFadden?

That's OD just to move up 4 spots IMO...

I'd rather the Jets use the 6th pick, then trade Vilma & 3rd or 4th pick for D. Hall.

Revis + Hall + Rhodes + Coleman =

 

[domair23]

Report: Raiders' safety Huff ontrade block
Two league sources tell the Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald that it's "no secret" Raiders S Michael Huff is on the trade block.

Huff is going to be hard to trade with that $43 million rookie deal he signed in 2006. It's very surprising that the Raiders would be looking to unload Huff with no viable alternative behind him. Oakland needs a hitter at strong safety so Huff can move to center field and capitalize on his strengths. Feb. 24 - 1:23 pm et
Source: Oakland Tribune

 

[bullsrepeat3peat]

^ Huff ain't going anywhere..... That's gotta be just a rumor

he was the 7th overall pick and has played well enough to warrant that pick, why would the Raiders trade him? It doesn't make much sense to me

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by Chester McFloppy

Asante is lookin for a deal in the 10 yr./$100 million range with $30 mil. guaranteed.

Dude wants that Peyton Manning/Mike Vick (pre-stepping on pooch head days) paper.

I cant fault him....But damn....

Get ya money!!!!!!

 

[jville819]

[h1][/h1]

[h1]Vet cornerback Bryant released after four seasons with Lions[/h1]
Associated Press

Updated: February 25, 2008, 4:39 PM ET

Bryant
ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Veteran cornerback Fernando Bryant was released Monday by the Detroit Lions after four seasons with the Lions.
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound defender signed with Detroit as an unrestricted free agent in 2004 after five seasons with Jacksonville, who took him in the first round of the 1999 draft, 26th overall. He had seven interceptions in 109 starts in his nine NFL seasons, two of them for the Lions last year.

Bryant played and started in 38 games for the Lions, including all 16 games last season.

Bryant, who played in college at Alabama, was due to make $3.35 million next season.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

 

[knockoutned]

Rundown of players that the 49ers are rumored to be targeting
Monday, February 25, 2008 at 14:41:36 PT | Recommend | Print |

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Various news sources are reporting players that the 49ers may show some interest in this week, whether it be on Thursday, the start of free agency, or soonerfor those players that were cut by other teams.

RB DeShaun Foster
ESPN's John Clayton expects the 49ers to sign free agent running back DeShaun Foster "in the next couple of days." San Francisco was quick tocontact Foster after he was cut last Thursday. The Niners would reportedly use him as a complement to Frank Gore, but he'd be the biggest threat forcarries Gore's faced since Kevan Barlow in '05.

DE Justin Smith
Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com is reporting that the 49ers are negotiating with defensive end Justin Smith.

WR Muhsin Muhammad
According to ESPN, the 49ers are one of three teams that may be interested in acquiring the services of wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad. ESPN states that he"would likely fill the slot in San Francisco, as Mike Martz needs speed and quickness outside." The other teams that may be interested are theRedskins and Panthers and ESPN seems to feel that a spot in Carolina would make the most sense.

WR Javon Walker
According to the Denver Post, the San Francisco 49ers are one of nine teams that are expected to at least inquire about a trade for Denver Broncos widereceiver Javon Walker. The other teams include Tampa Bay, Dallas, Washington, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Carolina, Chicago and the New York Jets.

LB Lance Briggs
Various rumors that the 49ers are interested in linebacker Lance Briggs. However, the NFL is currently investigating charges that the 49ers tampered lastseason making overtures to the linebacker.

49ers negotiating with DE Justin Smith
Monday, February 25, 2008 at 11:18:08 PT | Recommend | Print |

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Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com is reporting that the 49ers are negotiating (four days early) with defensive end Justin Smith.

Smith, a seven year veteran, played in 16 games for the Bengals last year and had 78 tackles with 2 sacks. He has 466 tackles and 43.5 sacks in his career. Hewas drafted in 2001 out of Missouri.

From Bengals.com:
An NFC source said Sunday he expects Bengals right end Justin Smith to go to the 49ers in free agency ("They were working on the deal last night," the source said), but he's shocked Mike Nolan is going to make Smith a 3-4 end, as well as drop him in coverage.

At 270 pounds, Smith has been relentless and good against the run during his seven seasons in Cincinnati but the source has some doubt Smith can hold up in a 3-4. Still, Smith is going to give supreme effort wherever he plays and that can overcome plenty.

 

[jville819]

Offensive Free Agents in a Nutshell

The NFL isn't big on patience. While baseball's Hot Stove season lasts months, football teams snap up quality free agents with the fervor of day-after Thanksgiving shoppers. Unrestricted free agency opens on Friday, February 29th and most of the big names will be signed within a week.

With that in mind, teams and fans must be prepared for the splurge. Releases and re-signings make this list subject to change, but here's a quick overview of the best available players this free agent seasons.

Top Five Quarterbacks

1. Derek Anderson, Browns (Restricted Free Agent): Anderson has a promising future, but there are still questions about his staying power. The Browns and Anderson are far apart on contract talks, so look Cleveland to tender him at the highest amount for a restricted free agent. Don't expect another team to mortgage their franchise's future to acquire him. After ten years of searching for a quarterback, the Browns can live with two quality options for one more year.

2. Byron Leftwich, Falcons: Joining the Falcons in-season was a disaster waiting to happen, and it did. But Leftwich is still a 28-year-old former top-ten pick with 45 career starts and a 52/38 TD/INT ratio. He's a huge injury risk, but still has some upside.

3. Daunte Culpepper, Raiders: He's a long way from his NFL MVP runner-up form of 2004, but Culpepper showed in Oakland that he can be a capable backup.

4. Billy Volek, Chargers: Volek had some big days as a starter with the Titans, but left an ugly situation and angry coach behind. That will cost him. His drive against the Colts in the AFC Championship could make him some money back.

5. Cleo Lemon, Dolphins: Played competently in a tough situation for the Dolphins in 2007. Cam Cameron could bring him to Baltimore.

Sleepers

Todd Collins, ********: Was a revelation in the Washington playoff run, but he's 36 and won't fit most offenses.

Quinn Gray, Jaguars: Two 300-yard games in 2007 shows he can play.

Buyer Beware

Trent Green, Dolphins - Forget his concussion problems for a minute, and watch how poorly he played in 2007.

Josh McCown, Raiders: Three teams have tried to make him an NFL quarterback, and none have succeeded.

Trade Bait

Chad Pennington: The Jets say they will keep him, but old friends Herm Edwards and Bill Parcells may show interest.

J.P. Losman: Another disappointing first-rounder looking for love.

Top Five Running Backs

1. Marion Barber (Restricted Free Agent): Barber is the most complete back available, although Dallas doesn't want him carrying the ball 300 times. The Cowboys are expected to get a long-term deal done with Barber to be their starter, but they need to act fast.

2. Michael Turner, Chargers: With Justin Fargas, Jamal Lewis, and Travis Henry staying with their teams, Turner will get huge bucks. Turner has the perfect combination of experience (four-year veteran), fresh legs (228 carries), and production (5.5 career yards-per-carry). He'll find a starting job.

3. Julius Jones, Cowboys: Jones' fast start to career stalled because of poor vision and receiving ability, but he's produced. He could develop late like his brother.

4. Derrick Ward, Giants: He's injury prone, but Ward flashed a complete game when he saw the field as a starter in 2007. Big upside for a low price.

5. DeShaun Foster, Panthers: Has some power and versatility, but he's struggled to rise above mediocrity in Carolina. He would make a fine backup.

Sleeper Picks

Mewelde Moore, Vikings: Versatile pro has 4.9 yards-per-carry career average and is excellent in the passing and return game.

Musa Smith, Ravens: Great speed and size combination for a bargain price.

Buyer Beware

Tatum Bell, Lions: If Mike Shanahan and Mike Martz couldn't make him look good, no one will.

Chris Brown, Titans: He's a tease. Brown starts fast, then fades as the hits pile up.

Top Five Wide Receivers

1. D.J. Hackett, Seahawks: He doesn't have the production of players below, but Hackett is the only potential "number one" receiver available. In seven full games in 2007, he topped 100 yards three times with four touchdowns. He can fit in any system.

2. Bernard Berrian, Bears: Berrian hits home runs. He may not be a complete receiver, but he's the best deep threat available and will get a huge contract.

3. Jerry Porter, Raiders: Quietly enjoyed a nice comeback season, making a lot of tough grabs on a terrible offense. He can start, but isn't fast and has some off-field baggage.

4. Donte Stallworth, Patriots: Nikko's alter ego has great after-catch ability, but three teams have given up on him in two years. He's a piece to the puzzle, but not a corner piece.

5. Bryant Johnson, Cardinals: Former first-round pick can step out of teammates shadows, but would best be used as a number three.

Sleepers

Ernest Wilford, Jaguars: Rugged third receiver can block well and be a red zone factor.

Marty Booker, Dolphins: Younger than you think (31), and always stuck with terrible quarterbacks.

Buyer Beware

Muhsin Muhammad, Bears: If Chicago doesn't want him, no one should.

Devery Henderson, Saints: Blinding speed has teased two Saints staffs who learned he has hands of concrete.

Top Three Tight Ends

1. Alge Crumpler, Falcons: Injuries and conditioning are big concerns, but 30-year old four time Pro Bowlers aren't available very often.

2. Ben Troupe, Titans: Imposing receiving threat never reached potential with Titans.

3. Eric Johnson, Saints: He knows how to catch a seven-yard pass. Just don't expect him to run with it.

Sleeper

Kris Wilson, Chiefs: Was stuck at fullback with Kansas City, but could fit in elsewhere as a pass-catching threat.

Top Five Offensive Linemen

1. Flozell Adams, Cowboys: Good young tackles don't make it to the market, but Adams, a 2007 Pro Bowler, is a fine short-term fix.

2. Jason Brown, Ravens (Restricted free agent): The Ravens should find a way to retain of the best run-blocking young guards in football.

3. Alan Faneca, Steelers: Spending huge dollars to aging interior linemen usually doesn't pay off, and Faneca's reputation may be better than his play of late.

4. Maurice Williams, Jaguars: Has starting experience at tackle for a great running team. A solid third tackle.

5. Jake Scott, Colts: Starting guard for the Colts might not break the bank to start elsewhere.

Sleepers

Jacob Bell, Titans: One of the few young linemen with starting experience who will be available.

Jeff Faine, Saints: Overlooked glue for the Saints interior line.

Buyer Beware

Ruben Brown, Bears: A fantastic career, but no longer a help.

Damien Woody, Lions: Plays (and eats) when he wants to.

 

[true 3 blue]

[h1]Giants have a Plan B if Hall slips by[/h1]
Monday, February 25, 2008
BY MIKE GARAFOLO
Star-Ledger Staff

INDIANAPOLIS -- In 2005, the Giants selected a cornerback with their first draft pick. The following year, they signed two veteran corners. And last year, they drafted the Jim Thorpe Award winner in the first round.

So why would they be looking to either trade for the Falcons' DeAngelo Hall or draft a corner in the first round of this year's draft? Well, because as much as the Giants believe they can never have enough pass rushers, they think they should have a wealth of cornerbacks as well.
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"Cornerbacks are premium in this league. Everybody wants cornerbacks," general manager Jerry Reese said Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "We want them, too."

If they don't get Hall (because another team offers a better deal to Atlanta or they can't negotiate a new contract with Hall's agent), the Giants will likely go to the draft to find their corner. And while it's still extremely early in the process, there's a chance they could wind up with their second consecutive winner of the Thorpe Award (for best defensive back in college football) after drafting Aaron Ross last year.

Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason is projected by many draft gurus to be selected late in the first round or early in the second. A few scouts, who requested anonymity because they don't want to publicly reveal their team's draft boards, agreed Cason is currently a late-first to early-second selection. The Giants, at No. 31 overall, are likely taking a long, hard look at Cason.

There are a few other cornerbacks who might be available late in the first round: Troy's Leodis McKelvin (5-11, 190 pounds), Tennessee State's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (6-2, 183) and Kansas corner Aqib Talib (6-1, 202), who grew up in Trenton before moving to Texas.

At 6-0, 191 pounds, Cason has a similar build to Ross'. And like Ross, Cason played a lot of zone coverage in college but has a long build -- something the Giants knew would help Ross play tough on receivers at the line of scrimmage. Cason has also shown the ability to play man-to-man coverage.

Plus, he's got a lot of confidence he can do it all.

"A good cover guy, who can play man (and) zone," Cason said yesterday when asked to describe a shutdown cornerback. "Good tackler, good awareness on the field and knows what's going on in the backfield, knows where his help is on the field. And just pretty much knows (everything) overall defensively and makes plays."

So, does Cason believe that's an accurate description of himself?

"Definitely," he replied.

Of course, a player who falls under that description would likely be an early first-round pick. Concerns about his speed are a reason Cason isn't up there.
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But that's partly because he missed his junior-day workout last year, resulting in an automatic estimation that he runs a 4.55 40-yard dash. Cason, who skipped the workout because he was busy running with the Wildcats' track team, is hoping to post a much better time today (something in the 4.4s) at the RCA Dome.

"It doesn't bother me at all," Cason said when asked about the perception that he's relatively slow, adding later about the importance of the 40-yard dash: "It's all part of the process."

Cason has a few intangibles that will make him attractive to teams.

He's the cousin of Lions running back Aveion Cason, the son of former NFL corner Wendell Cason and the cousin of former wide receiver Ken-Yon Rambo. He started all 46 games in college, so he's durable, which is something the Giants love about a player. And he has shown great character off the field by starting a foundation called "Cason Cares" in honor of his late grandfather, Royce Rambo, who died after a long battle with leukemia last February. Cason sold red bracelets with the charity's name in blue letters on campus, helping raise more than $7,000 for leukemia research.

"Everything is now about me. Me, me, all the time," Cason said of his decision to help others. "I wanted to give back and do something positive, and (something) pretty much everyone can relate to."

Perhaps the Giants will relate -- and be impressed -- enough to make Cason their latest attempt to firm up the corners of their defense.

Anybody have info on Cason?

Gunna?

 

[gunna get it]

Cason can play ball.
tune into NFL Network today and see what he runs in that 40. speed is his biggest question mark, other than that, he's da goods. If he runs 4.5 or slower,he can be grabbed in the 2nd round. if he puts up 4.4, Yall might not be able to get him at 30.

 

[shannonscrooks]

Looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Troy Williamson.

 

[gunna get it]

word, as long as they didnt give up more than a 2nd round pick, thats decent. that means they're going DE or OLine in the draft.