Just some musings on NFL free agency so far-
1. Apparently, the Washington Redskins have moved to Chicago and changed their name to the Bears. Lovie Smith must realize how hot his seat is. Peppers, Taylor and Manumaleuna all on the first day. In my opinion, the other two deals are far more important than Peppers. Sure, when Julius feels like playing, he can have a lot of impact. But Matt Forte had a down year, and the Bears need a running game to keep defenses honest and let Jay Cutler throw. Adding a great run-blocking TE and one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL will help a lot. Chester Taylor helped make Adrian Peterson great, and he could have the same impact with young Forte. Speaking of Adrian Peterson...
2. The Vikings cannot be happy with free agency so far. Losing Taylor is a big blow, because there were games where Taylor had more impact than Mr. All Day. Losing him to a division opponent is even worse. Having Julius Peppers in their division also means Bryant McKennie is going to get embarrassed at least 2 times a season. Mr. Favre needs to watch his back, if he comes back. Also, the Vikings lost Artis Hicks, one of their best backup O-Linemen, to the Redskins. He will probably get a chance to start here in DC, and it only takes one injury on the line to make losing Hicks the biggest loss of the offseason for Minnesota.
3. The Redskins have only signed Hicks. They also cut 10 vets, most over 30. This is not the Redskins I know. Fast Willie Parker is in town tomorrow for a visit. He might be a good pickup to split time with Portis.
4. Signings I love- Antrelle Rolle for the G-Men. Did they overpay him? Probably. But if he is healthy, he is fantastic, and they needed secondary help. Karlos Dansby for the Dolphins. I really thought the Skins would pay him. Instead, he goes to a good young team in Miami. Who doesn't want to live there? From Phoenix to Miami, not bad.
5. Moves I don't like that much- Dunta Robinson to Atlanta. He is ok, but they paid too much for him. Nate Burleson to the Lions. Ok, this is kind of nitpicking, cause they just need weapons and they have to pay more since they are bad. I just don't know if he is worth the big money he got.
6. Biggest cut- Jake Delhomme. Poor guy. His arm gets hurt and he goes from Pro Bowl to cut. Sad to see him cry like he did. John Fox cried too. He really brought that franchise back. Could have been a Super Bowl champ if not for John Kasay kicking the ball out of bounds on a kickoff. Buffalo, St. Louis, Arizona, Washington and San Fran could all be good landing spots for Delhomme. I think he'd be great in Arizona as insurance if Leinart just doesn't pan out.
7. Biggest (and best) Trade- Anquan Boldin to the Ravens for a 3rd and 4th round pick. Wow. Giving up fairly little for a fantastic WR. Joe Flacco has another option to throw to now. If Derrick Mason comes back, it will be Mason, Boldin, Donte Stallworth and Todd Heap to throw to, with Pro Bowler (and Big East product) Ray Rice coming out of the backfield. The Ravens have just become a great offensive team. Watch out, AFC.
I'll have more updates as more moves are made.
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Jim,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Rolle was a good signing for NYG. If K. Phillips can stay healthy on the other side, they could have a good safety tandem. But that's the thing,,,,Phillips can't stay healthy! Giants need to trade up to get McClain from Alabama (they need a middle linebacker). Osi U., who hasn't been happy since his demotion, or Kiwanuka may be put in a trade.
The Jets signing of Cromartie may be good but this is NOT a good guy. He's fathered 7 kids with 5 different women! It's amazing that he has the strength to play!
A Packer friend of mine says that the NFC North is loading up/