NFL Free Agency is here, so how better to react to breaking news with the Pro Football Focus Free Agency blog.
Every deal and some of the rumors that come through, our team will be responding to. Letting you know what they think and what it means.
Be sure to check out our twitter feed @Profootbalfocus for constantly tweets reacting to these most exciting of crazy times in the NFL. Keeping checking back and clicking refresh, this station will be manned at all times!
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02:12 That's all the deals caught up on but what about the rumors that are coming through? What can we expect tomorrow?
● Brandon Mebane looks like he's either staying in Seattle or going to Denver. You'd think Denver would make more of an effort with this one. They need him. In other Seattle news they're hosting Jimmy Wilkerson. I imagine Seattle will want to run more of a hybrid than they did last year, and Wilkerson would be a scheme fit. The problem is he peaked in 2008, and seems to have declined big time since.
● Bears tight end Greg Olsen is available for trade. If you're a Bears fan you must be a little confused here. Last year you spent on a guy like Brandon Manumaleuna essentially because he's the biggest tight end out there. Watched him get beaten badly (he scored a -31.0 rating – the lowest we've ever given to a TE). Now he stays on the roster while you get rid of a weapon like Olsen. Well shucks, it really is silly season.
● Ravens cornerback Fabien Washington is interesting the Bucs, Vikes and other teams whose names can be shortened. Is it coincidence or some sort of conspiracy – you decide.
● For some reason Eric Smith is interesting the Broncos. Smith hasn't exactly flourished in the Jets safety friendly system and the Broncos are deep at the safety spot. This would be extremely uninspiring for a Broncos team that needs to pick up defensive linemen.
● A name that is attracting a lot of attention – Kevin Burnett. He's in demand and I wonder if San Diego, with Takeo Spikes signed and Brandon Siler a capable player, may let him walk. Burnett is a pretty active player and was efficient and then some with blitzing. Bills, Seahawks, Titans and Dolphins are interested. Buffalo needs help, but pairing him with Andra Davis could be a coverage disaster.
● The Texans are putting a full court press on cornerbacks, apparently realizing that if they don't act now they may spend the rest of the year watching them getting burnt. Johnathan Joseph seems the most likely name, but they'll have to pony up for his services. Joseph's best year was 2009, and going to Houston would give him money, status (top corner) and probably an easy life (wouldn't you rather throw at Kareem Jackson).
● The Rams seem to be sniffing around a lot of fringe players. A move for Jason Snelling, makes a lot of sense. He can spell Steven Jackson and take over third down duties. If you've watched Jackson pass protect, that's an upgrade. They're also in the market for underused Bucs linebacker Adam Hayward. Because no matter what happens they're determined they won't let David Vobora prove he's as good as we say he is. Oh and if that doesn't excite you Rams fans I'm guessing the prospect of Brian Finneran doesn't. Sure he's 35 and has had two knee surgeries that have sapped him of much of what speed he had – why not throw a bit more mud at the wall?
● The Falcons may have some serious competition for Tyson Clabo. The Bills want to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick or Tyler Thigpen upright. It's a logical move since it's a lot easier for your quarterback to make passes when he isn't eating turf. In any case Clabo is a sound technician who holds his own in pass protection whenever he doesn't go up against Charles Johnson. Would upgrade the Bills line, and be a blow for Atlanta, but not the loss some people would make it out to be.
● Are the Jaguars going to ignore the safety position? Seems like their chief interest is now Chris Carr. Carr is coming off a very good year, and can outside in base, inside in nickel. That kind of versatility is great to have. Could prove harsh on William Middleton who has done a decent job in the slot, especially when the real problem has been with the outside corners. They were brutal at times last year.
● Barrett Ruud may be on the move, but to where? The Bucs seem to have taken a different direction, while I'm hearing no reports of interest in our second lowest ranked MLB from last year. Ruud is athletic enough in coverage, but is just a bit lightweight in his approach to the running game. He'll need a 4-3 defense that has a defensive line that eats up blockers.
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02:07 SIGNING! The Cowboys are taking a shrewd approach to free agency. After cutting their entire right side of their offensive line that was under contract, they've now resigned the entire left side that wasn't. Kyle Kosier, who is coming off something of a down year after a good 2009, has resigned for a reasonable $9m over three years. A solid move, the Cowboys measured approach to free agency (so far) is likely to pay off. They're a team that doesn't have anywhere near as many holes as their record would suggest.
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02:02 SIGNING! This one makes a lot of sense. The Lions need linebackers who can shed blocks (with their defensive lines ability to at times sell out pass rushing). They've been working hard, apparently, on a deal for Stephen Tulloch, but sneaked in a two year deal for Justin Durant. If they get the former Jaguar on the field for two downs he's superb. If they get him backpeddling and moving around in coverage … not so much. In terms of 4-3 outside linebackers the new Lion ranked fourth from bottom in our coverage rankings. The good news though is they he ranked second, behind Jarret Johnson, in run defense. Great move by the Lions.
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01:55 SIGNING! It will be interesting to see how he's used, but given it's only a two year deal for $3.2m total it looks like the Chargers plan to use Antwan Barnes as they did last year. That means life in the AFC West is going to be tough for tackles, because Barnes is a pass rushing beat. Especially on third downs.
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01:50 CUTS! In the tackle world, offensive line junkies are taking the news of Marc Colombo failing to renegotiate a deal with Dallas, and Max Starks being cut in their stride. Colombo looked shot last year and was clearly destined for nothing more than a back up role (at best) with the way Dallas drafted. Starks has, according to some rumors, ballooned up to 400lbs which isn't ideal for a left tackle. He's a capable player but just how out of shape is he? We'll find out if any team takes a chance on him. Interesting note is how hard the Steelers seem to be pushing to resign Willie Colon. His agent has been saying all year that the Steelers had no intention of resigning. Maybe Pittsburgh realizes how bad their line was without Colon. Maybe …
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01:45 SIGNING! The Cardinals are at least making an effort to get better on the offensive line as they prepare to usher in the so-talked-about-I'm yawning-when-it-gets-mentioned Kevin Kolb regime. The big guy they've brought in is Super Bowl winning guard, Daryn Colledge. Want to know my thoughts? It's a decent move, but there's better value to be had in the guard market. If Colledge can play like he did in 2008 then it's a home run transaction. Considering how he's played the last two years? Not so much. Very inconsistent he should fit right in on the Arizona line.
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01:40 TRADE! So the big news is Miami have agreed a trade for Reggie Bush. If I'm honest I thought there running back situation required a little bit more substance than style. Bush will help lessen the load for Daniel Thomas (who fantasy players just fell in love with a bit more), and will likely find himself the back in passing situations. For a gage of Bush's true ability (and not the hype) watch the 2009 season. We all know it already but Bush the runner is at best inconsistent. Bush the receiver is a dangerous weapon. Maybe this stops the Dolphins going to max protect all the time? This I doubt.
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01:36 You thought the PFF blog was done? You thought wrong. Cardigan wearing hipster, Khaled is up and ready to help all you insomniacs with some quick insight and analysis on what has been going on since sleepy stat fiend, Nathan Jahnke fell asleep.
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END OF PLAY WEDNESDAY
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20:35 TRADE! First the PFF Reaction Blog trades Khaled for Nathan. Then according to SportsCenter, the McNabb trade to the Vikings is done. Again I was able to predict the Vikings future quarterback over a year in advance. My guess is Ponder sometime in the future. Also I'm guessing McNabb's stay in Minnesota will be better then it was in Washington, in large part to a better offensive line and better weapons around him. Whispers are saying Kolb to Arizona and Orton to Miami are going to follow soon.
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19:49 SIGNING! Jim Trotter doesn't let Jay Glazer bask in his scoop for long. No, he reports (as was mentioned earlier) that the Chiefs are adding Steve Breaston to their roster on a five year deal. Hard to get a read on Breaston who had success with Kurt Warner, but looked off the pace last year (even considering how poor the quarterback play was). Surprised Chiefs are looking at wide receiver, when there are still some serious question marks at OLB and with their pass protection. Oh well, it's not like they don't have the cap room.
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19:45 SIGNING! As soon as Tarvaris Jackson went to Minnesota it was inevitable – Sidney Rice is going to be a Seahawk on a five year deal per Jay Glazer. That's big, real big for the Seahawks. Remember that great year Brett Favre had in 2009? Well a lot of that was because he was able to throw the ball up to Sidney Rice who is about as good as it gets going up for balls. They may not have someone who knows how to use them, but the Seahawks have got some weapons on that offense now. NFC West is getting that little bit more competitive (and it could get a little bit more if Rams make serious run at Malcolm Floyd).
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19:29 Adam Caplan has put his reputation on the line (to a degree) in claiming that Jason Babin will, by the weekend, be returning to Philadelphia. All I can think is for all the good moves the Redskins have made today, they're going to have sub standard protection and twice a year going to be coming up against Babin and Trent Cole. That doesn't bode well. At least the inevitable sacks coming won't hurt that most precious of stats, the QB rating for Beck and Grossman
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19:15 Word from the agent of Clint Session is that he's locked in talks with the Jaguars. With two thirds of their linebackers set after picking up Paul Posluszny to join the ‘best player most people haven't heard of', Daryl Smith, could Jags be intent on stealing a guy from a divisional rival? Session has had some of his stronger games as a Colt against the Jags so that won't be lost on the coaching staff. That said, if they're in the market for two down players, there are better options out there.
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19:09 The Raiders have been pretty quiet today, outside of chatter of them snuggling up to Jared Gaither and telling him they'll treat him like no other. But reports suggest they could be the market for a Cromartie. Yes with Asomugha set to leave, they could be turning a lustful eye to Antonio Cromartie and hoping he can bring some of that big play ability to the Raider Nation. Because it worked so hell when the picked up DeAngelo Hall.
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19:05 Nobody seems to have a clue what is going on in Houston. Are they in the market for Johnathan Joseph or Carlos Rogers? Will they bring in Gerard Sensabaugh or Dawan Landry? Are they clearing room for Nnamdi Asomugha? Essentially while nobody is in agreement, they all recognize the Texans will be making some form of splash, and they will be improving that secondary. They really need two bodies in there and then they're not far from making it to the promised land.
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19:03 You don't want to mess with Chris Kluwe, as Nate Jackson recently found out. Well the Vikings didn't want to deal with a disgruntled word smith like Kluwe, so responded to his tweet calling for them to tie down Ryan Longwell, by … well tying down Ryan Longwell with a multi year deal. Fear the punter.
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18:57 Interesting that the Cowboys are possibly pursuing a couple of guys from Rob Ryan's old defense in Cleveland. Both Kenyon Coleman and Robaire Smith are bigger space eater types. What does this mean for what kind of defense Cleveland will run? Bigger bodies on the line like Ryan had in Cleveland? It's an interesting development as the demand for Stephen Bowen, a more penetrating defensive lineman grows. It's probably nothing, but the mind does wander.
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18:37 SIGNING! Business picking up. 49ers preparing for life with Isaac Sopoaga moving to the nose tackle spot, by giving Ray McDonald a five year contract. You don't give five year deals to guys you just want to play in sub packages. McDonald needs to do a better job of closing plays (or at least beating Justin Smith to the quarterback), but he gets plenty of pressure. Big contract ($20m with $7m guaranteed) for a guy who hasn't been a starter before.
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18:32 Confusion reigns over whether Nate Clements has been released or not. One things for sure, San Fran won't be taking that $17m cap hit with them into the new season. Normally you'd say a restructure would suit, but it appears Niners are the Jets prime competition in the game for Scrabble. Does Asomugha want to join a real contender? Are the 49ers investing their time and energy well?
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18:23 SIGNING! Redskins take a break from signing wide receivers, to pick up someone to line up opposite them in training if reports are to be believed. Josh Wilson, our number five ranked corner on the year, was one of the more underrated players heading into free agency. That's easily the best piece of business the Redskins have done. He's got experience in the slot so can move inside in nickel, effectively replacing and upgrading on Carlos Rogers. Ravens must be disappointed, but probably means Chris Carr‘s chances of returning to Baltimore improved.
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18:05 You normally can't go wrong when you quote Omar Kelly regarding Miami news. He's saying Dolphins are baulking at Ahmad Bradshaw price so it looks like he's staying in New York. That's a shame for Miami. He would have paired well with Daniel Thomas, and been able to handle the third down back role as well. Isn't another guy on the market with as complete a skill set as Bradshaw.
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18:00 Reports say Sidney Rice is on his way to Seattle pending a physical regarding his hip injury. Big move from Seattle so it will be interesting to see what kind of money he gets. When Rice is healthy he's a star. Unfortunately we've only seen one quality season from the soon to be former Viking, so there are risks. Rice had our highest receiving grade in 2009. We can't confirm as to whether the prospect of playing with Tarvaris Jackson is what prompted Rice to go to Seattle.
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17:36 Braylon Edwards has taken to twitter to say he doesn't feel Jets management want him back. He seems disappointed, like a guy who has been dumped by the hot cool girl because she's seen someone better (Asomugha). But he needn't worry, he's a catch (pun intended now he's no longer dropping balls) and he'll rebound to a team that has more need for him. Hey, aren't Washington looking for receivers?
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17:30 So Nate Clements is a cap victim. Due a big wad of cash, Clements was never going to be brought back for that amount. He's never really lived up the deal the Niners gave him, but he's a solid cornerback who could help a team. Good enough in coverage, very willing and able in run support, he's also got plenty of experience working in the slot. Wouldn't be overly surprising to see him return with a more friendly salary to the 49ers.
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17:19 Rumors suggest Steve Breaston on his way to KC. Chiefs used their receivers in different packages last year so it would be interesting to see what they do next year if they get Breaston. We know what Bowe is, but how they use Baldwin, McCluster and potentially Breaston is intriguing for sure.
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17:15 Interesting that James Anderson got less money than Quincy Black. Black never had every down role and wasn't the player Anderson was last year. Conclusion, Bucs overpaid. Especially if Black is only on the field for two downs again.
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17:10 SIGNING! Because the Patriots needed more running backs. Sammy Morris has been resigned. Will they be using him as a full back as they did last year? 88 of his 148 snaps were at full back last year.
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16:52 SIGNINGS!!! The Panthers aren't letting us down today. Would they resign Thomas Davis or would they sign James Anderson? Turns out it's both! And on five year deals! What does this mean for the excellent Dan Connor? Anderson is coming off the back of a great year (ranked third in our 4-3 OLB rankings last year). Davis is something of a question mark. It took him years before he started living up to the hype of his draft pick, and he only really did so for half a season. Since then it's been two big time injuries. Can he produce over a 16 game season?
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16:48 SIGNING! Bruce Gradkowski may be in a competition with Andy Dalton for a starting job since he's just signed with the Bengals. Gradkowski was terrible with the Raiders last year, but behind protection like that it was never going to be easy for him. Cincinnati has a much better line. How much better? Well click here to find out.
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16:45 SIGNING! It's been too long since the Redskins signed a receiver. So they've remembered their responsibility to sign one one the hour, every hour, and picked up Brandon Stokely. After struggling since leaving the Colts, Stokely looked pretty good when he was on the field for Seattle. He's not getting any younger, but he's a pretty reliable target on shorter routes.
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16:32 SIGNING! The Bucs have locked the right linebacker up. Apologies to Barrett Ruud fans, but that means Quincy Black has signed a 5 year, $29m deal with $12m guaranteed. Not bad money if you can get the work. Black (our 12th ranked 4-3 OLB) isn't the flashiest player, but he's pretty consistent. Imagine this means a full time move to an every down role.
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16.23 It's all gone very quiet. After that frenzy of news nothing seems to be going on. Can I get a deal. Any deal. I won't even complain if it's a kicker being signed on a one year deal.
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15.47 Jim Wyatt is reporting that the Titans have been enquiring about ex-Vikings DE Ray Edwards. Edwards would be seen as a natural replacement for Jason Babin should they lose him to another team, and would also be a younger option at the positon.
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15.35 SIGNING: The Colts have re-signed one of the coolest names in football, safety Melvin Bullitt. He played only 227 snaps in 2010, but in 2009 he was forced into the starting lineup, playing over 1,000 snaps for Indy.
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15.24 SIGNING: Ravens have re-signed Prescott Burgess to a 1-year deal. 13 snaps in 2010, 11 in run D, 2 in coverage, 1 assist. This might be the most underwhelming news today, though Matt Leinart is reluctant to give up that crown.
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15:17 SIGNING! From early, Jason Trusnik has joined the Dolphins. With Cameron Wake and Koa Misi on the roster, it may be hard for Trusnik to make anything more than a special teams contribution. In 46 pass rushes last year he mustered up just a sack, hit and pressure.
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15:12 SIGNING! Steelers traditionally don't do much in free agency, and all they're doing this year is resigning guys. In this kicker mad world, Shaun Suisham has signed on for another year. We really want some real news to talk about. Boo.
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14:46 Been a very quiet day on the Ray Edwards front. A consistent top ten defensive end who gets more criticism than he is due. Leaving Minnesota could be the making of him, not having to share in the spotlight/ stand in the shadow of the Williams Wall and Jared Allen. One of the most consistent rushers over the past three years. It may not be the sexiest move for him, but Cleveland could use a defensive end like him.
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14:45 So Lions cut Bryant Johnson for ‘cap reasons'. In totally unrelated news, stone handed drops will be going down in Detroit this year.
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14:39 Matt Leinart contract details. Two years, $5.5m with $3.75m in guarantees. If I knew holding a clipboard paid so well I would have altered my career path.
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14:32 SIGNING! Sam Monson has been replaced by me, Khaled Elsayed and I get to bring you the good news Panther fans. Olindo Mare has kicked his way to a $12m deal with the Panthers. That's an awful lot of money considering the new kick off rules. Still the Panthers seem intent on spending a lot of money. Agents everywhere are trying to get in touch with Panthers GM Marty Hurney.
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14.24 TRADE: According to Adam Schefter the Broncos have dealt WR Jabar Gaffney to the Redskins for DE Jeremy Jarmon. The Skins are presumably working on the basis that if they flood the field with enough non-descript receivers, the defense might just forget to cover one of them entirely. Jarmon played a whopping 65 snaps in 2010, so the Broncos were likely captivated by his durability.
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14.19 SIGNING: New Orleans have signed LB Will Herring to a 3-year contract. The good news in this deal is for the Seahawks fans because Herring won't be taking 3rd down snaps away from David Hawthorne. He'll also provide some special teams play for the Saints.
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14.13 The Panthers made a low-key move to replace departed TE Jeff King by signing blocking specialist Ben Hartsock to a two-year contract. Hartsock was a quality blocker back in 2008, but has seen his returns diminish despite a similar role for the Jets
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14.10 The Raiders reportedly have interest in Baltimore's man-mountain LT Jared Gaither. Clearly it's a match made in heaven, and this time the Raiders might actually secure a player with the play to match the measurables.
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14.05 SIGNING: Lance Moore's twitter feed is breaking the news that he has re-signed with the Saints. Moore may have the best hands in the game, and he gives them something their other receivers don't in that offense. He seems to constantly come up with key clutch plays for the Saints and Brees will go to bed a happier man that he's back in town.
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14.03 SIGNING: It's the big one, the QB deal we've all been waiting for… Matt Leinart has agreed to a deal with the Texans, ending the speculation that he would form part of the Holy Trinity of QBs up in Seattle with former college coach Pete Carroll.
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13.59 Presumably angling for another signing bonus, Jake Delhomme has been cut by the Browns. Per Andrew Brandt, Delhomme was paid $7m by the Browns last season, not to mention the $12.75m the Panthers paid him while he was on the Browns roster. All things considered, Delhomme has done pretty well for himself over the past year or so, and he'll likely have a couple of options as a veteran presence and mentor for somebody.
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13.55 Dashon Goldson is being talked about for a big-money contract somewhere. Anyone know why? Even with the top players at safety being taken off the market there are still several players we'd rather be throwing the dollars at than Goldson, who has never really shown anything to warrant it.
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13.49 SIGNING: Tom Cable and Robert Gallery are reunited in Seattle. Gallery and the Seahawks have reportedly agreed to a 3-year deal. Gallery didn't have the best of years in 2010, though he still graded positively as a run blocker, but in 2009 he was a fine OG, having obviously bombed at OT in the NFL. The Seahawks weren't able to nail down a solid starter at LG, and Gallery has the ability to do that for them.
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13.42 SIGNING: The second most elusive back in football over the past 3 years had agreed to stay in Carolina, as DeAngelo Williams signs a 5-year, $43m deal with $21m in guaranteed money. As much as the Panthers could have taken the hit of losing Williams, they had money to burn in cap room and locking him up makes as much sense as anything.
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13.32 Denver and Miami are said to be deep in trade negotiations for QB Kyle Orton. Reports are that the deal could be done in the next 6 hours, with compensation in the region of a 3rd round pick and Phillip Merling being talked about.
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13.29 The numbers for the Eric Weddle contract are in. 5 years, $40m, with $19m guaranteed. It's a lot of money, and you can argue whether he deserves to be the best paid safety in the game, but before this deal that title belonged to Giants safety Antrel Rolle, and he certainly deserves the title more than Rolle does.
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13.21 The Randy Moss to the Jets rumors just won't die, and he would likely represent a much cheaper option for a deep threat than Braylon Edwards. Moss mailed it in all last season but even before he was visibly slowing down and showing questionable hands. He's reportedly ‘in freakish shape' (according to his entirely impartial agent no less), but who knows what he can actually bring to a team anymore.
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13.17 Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Lions have serious interest in LB Stephen Tulluch from the Titans. Tulloch has played before under Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, and so a reunion makes sense, then again Detroit is so LB-needy so is interest in just about any LB.
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13.09 No numbers yet for the Eric Weddle contract but his agent David Canter just tweeted that it'll make him the highest paid safety in league history – ie topping Rolle's Giants contract.
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13.07 OK so this is firmly in the tinfoil hat, conspiracy theory realm of things, but this picture is currently doing the rounds on twitter – an opportunity to buy a DRC #29 jersey on the official Eagles store. Trade rumors abound!
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13:00 SIGNING! And hopefully you don't your back on the boy who cried wolf because this one is significant. Eric Weddle has resigned with the San Diego Chargers! Weddle, who ranked third in our safety rankings for 2010 is coming off his best year to date, and where there was significant interest in his services. No terms available on the deal yet, so ask the question; if Antrelle Rolle is worth $37m over five years, then just how rich have the Chargers made Weddle?
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12:57 SIGNING! And it's the one you've all been waiting for. Tony Wragge has picked up a new one year deal with the 49ers. He's seen the field for 136 snaps the past two years with 45 of those at the center spot. Is he the answer to the 49ers center woes? Probably not.
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12:54 Giants lost a defensive tackle in Barry Cofield, and now they've released Rocky Bernard. The former Seahawk actually played pretty well last year (+7.1 rating) as part of a rotation that saw him behind Cofield and Chris Canty. The problem is he may not be able to handle too many snaps (averaging 341 the past two years) so is more a guy to relieve the starters at this point in his career. Could still help out a team like the Rams who look thin at DT.
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12:50 Soon to be former Titans defensive end, Jason Babin? It has a ring to it for sure but Babin is playing coy right now. Says he's narrowed it down to three teams (rumored to be Bears, Eagles and Titans). After our interview with Babin you can imagine him wanting to end up in the best situation to take advantage of his skill set – that would suggest Eagles. Whoever gets him is getting a guy that makes plays. He finished 11th in our Pass Rushing Productivity rankings for 2010.
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12:45 This Nnamdi Asomugha talk to the Jets is really starting to pick up steam. If the move happens then teams are going to have to challenge one of Asomugha or Revis. As a fan of football, we should all be rooted to see teams trying to pick on those cornerbacks. Between them last year they allowed 35 receptions. That's less than what 70 cornerbacks managed individually last year.
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12:40 SIGNING! Tony McDaniel has decided home is where the heart is and won't be leaving Miami. The end made some plays in the sub package defense Miami uses, but seemed surplus to requirements with four other guys on the books. Does this make someone like Randy Starks disposable? Miami doesn't just have depth but has talent at the spot so could they use one as potential trade bait? It will be interesting to see the contract details for McDaniel and whether the Dolphins see him as anything more a situational pass rusher on the inside.
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12:32 Craziest thing we've heard today? Rumors that Jermon Bushrod may be looking for a contract that rivals that of Doug Free. To put things in perspective Free graded out our fourth ranked tackle in 2010. Bushrod 73rd. The Saint only gave up four sacks, but did so because Drew Brees knows how to get rid of the ball. 51 total pressures allowed and a terrible run blocking grade (-20.1) reflect why he was our sixth lowest ranked tackle last year.
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12:27 Atlanta want to get a deal done for Tyson Clabo but it may not be as easy as that. Both Seattle and Buffalo are showing interest as they look to upgrade their lines. Interesting that the Seahawks said goodbye to one right tackle who was a good pass protector but struggled to make a consistent impact in the run game. Clabo is an upgrade on Sean Locklear with his work run blocking, but he's not exactly a superstar (-0.4 grade) in that regard. The former undrafted free agent would be better protected staying with a Falcons team that has managed to get the most out of him.
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12:05 And how about the Redskins picking up Barry Cofield. Cofield's best fit is in a 4-3 defense, and he doesn't look like a match at all for what the Redskins did last year with their defensive line. It's fair to say now that the ‘Skins have more players suited to a 4-3 on defense, than 3-4. Does this mean it's time for a shift in schemes, possibly to one of a hybrid? Or will Cofield fit into what they did last year? If they use him right, Cofield can be extremely effective (12th in our defensive tackle rankings last year). If they use him right …
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12:00 Little lull in action means we can look back at a few things retrospectively. Interesting that Cardinals have brought in Jeff King. King has it in him to be a top notch blocker, but often flatters to deceive. The less said about his impact in the passing game the better. Does this mean Arizona are going to commit to running the ball? We'll believe it when we see it.
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11.49 Some talk coming out that the 49ers could be interested in Olin Kreutz. The Bears center isn't getting any younger and ranked 33rd out of 34 centers in our grading last year. Younger, cheaper and potentially better available players include Lyle Sendlein and Kyle Cook. Just saying.
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11.27 The contract numbers coming out for Matt Hasselbeck's 3-year deal with the Titans are $21m over those 3 seasons. That seems both too long and too rich for our money, especially given his inability to stay on the field recently with injuries (and the Titans line not exactly rocking the world last year).
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11.15 We were wondering with the release of Shaun O'Hara how the Giants were planning on rebuilding the left side of their O-line, and today they've gone some way towards that by agreeing to terms with ex-49er David Baas. Baas graded well as a run blocker last season but struggled in pass protection, and he has had an up and down career thus far. That being said he brings position flexibility (having played both C and G in the past) and is at least capable of starting.
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10:30 No real surprise that Santonio Holmes has re-signed with Jets. They couldn’t afford to lose their top receiver if they want Sanchez to develop. Not hard to see why Holmes was one of the most sought after free agents. Ever since making ‘that’ catch in the Super Bowl, he’s taken his game to another level. Look for him to build on his ninth placed receiving ranking for us, remarkable given the time he missed.
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10:20 All that talk of Stephen Nicholas to the Giants was folly. He’s resigned with Atlanta for 5 years and a contract up to $17m. That’s starter money and may signal the end of Mike Peterson’s time in Atlanta. Nicholas played well last year (+6.5 rating) after taking over from rookie first rounder Sean Weatherspoon, and figures to play an every down role (if the Falcons continue to use a 3-3-5 sub package look).
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10:13 It’s not a blockbuster move, but the Panthers picked up a guy for their defensive interior in Ron Edwards on a three year, $8.25m deal. Edwards is coming off a decent year and upgrades the unit. Don’t expect much pass rush, but he’s a body that can be relied on not to stink the joint up.
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10:01 Redskins moving for Donte Stallworth should eliminate them from Santonio Holmes sweepstakes, especially after snapping up Santana Moss. Stallworth didn’t really get much of an opportunity in Baltimore but the Redskins weren’t afraid to throw it deep, so this move makes more sense for him. Could replace Joey Galloway and take time away from Anthony Armstrong.
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10:00 While CBS’ Mike Freeman may think signing Matt Hasselbeck to a multi year deal is going to propel the Titans to the playoffs, I’d temper down that expectation. Outside of that game against New Orleans in the playoffs, Hasselbeck struggled and he’s moving to a line that gave up far more pressure on a per play basis than the Seahawks. He’ll keep Jake Locker from taking a beating, but not much more at this point.
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