May

9

Offseason Overview: Titans Fail to Address Many Offseason Needs

Posted by Matt Loede under Offseason Overview, Tennessee Titans
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Young

FRANCHISE PLAYER: DT Albert Haynesworth (tendered at $7.25M).

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• CB Chidi Iwuoma ranks behind a lot of cornerbacks on the roster.

• WR Eric Moulds was a very good leader, but his production and lack of separation may not be enough to warrant a contract anywhere.

• LB Robert Reynolds only stayed on roster because of injury; no future in Tennessee.

• LB Rich Scanlon played hard, but upgrading the reserve linebackers will be an offseason project in Tennessee.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• RT David Stewart (tendered at $2.017M with 1st-round pick as compensation) should be targeted for a long-term deal.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

• DE Sean Conover is a role player that will face more competition.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• TE Dwayne Blakley: UFA Falcons; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• CB/S Chris Carr: RFA Raiders; $2M/1 yr (Raiders did not match Titans offer).

• TE Alge Crumpler: FA Falcons; $5M/2 yrs, $1M SB; 2008 cap: $1.7M.

• DE Jevon Kearse: FA Eagles; $6M/2 yrs, $1.3M SB; 2008 cap: $2.35M.

• WR Justin McCareins: FA Jets; $1M/1 yr, $270,000 SB.

• P Josh Miller: FA; terms unknown.

• OG Jake Scott: UFA Colts; $19.5M/4 yrs, $4M SB/$2M RB.

• LB Josh Stamer: UFA Bills; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• K Rob Bironas: RFA; tendered at $1.47M; terms unknown.

• TE/FB Casey Cramer; RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• S Vincent Fuller: RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• WR Justin Gage: Potential UFA; $14M/4 yrs, $6.5M guaranteed.

• FB Ahmard Hall: ERFA; terms unknown.

• CB Reynaldo Hill: RFA; tendered at $927,000; terms unknown.

• T Daniel Loper: RFA: $927,000/1 yr.

• S Donnie Nickey: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

• TE Bo Scaife: RFA; $1.47M/1 yr.

PLAYERS LOST

• G Jacob Bell: UFA Rams; $36M/6 yrs, $7M SB/$13M guaranteed.

• RB Chris Brown: UFA Texans; $3.6M/2 yrs, $800,000 SB.

• LB Gilbert Gardner: UFA Lions; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• WR David Givens (released).

• TE Ben Hartsock: UFA Falcons; $9M/4 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

• CB Kelly Herndon (released).

• CB Pacman Jones (traded Cowboys).

• DE Travis LaBoy: UFA Cardinals; $22M/5 yrs, $7.5M guaranteed.

• DE Antwan Odom: UFA Bengals; $29.5M/5 yrs, $11M guaranteed.

• OG Benji Olson (retired).

• DT Randy Starks: UFA Dolphins; $21M/5 yrs, $7M guaranteed.

• TE Ben Troupe: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.

• CB Michael Waddell: Not tendered as RFA/Raiders; terms unknown.
 
The Tennessee Titans were a bit of a surprise playoff team in 2007, starting the year red-hot, losing grip in the middle of the year, then recovering and putting on a late surge to make the postseason. Many think that the Titans are still in need of a true offensive playmaker, mostly in the receiving game. The team though, went the other way in the draft, taking speedy back Chris Johnson from East Carolina, and passing on wide outs till they took Lavelle Hawkins in the 4th round.

The team did add pass catching TE Alge Crumpler, who should help Vince Young. There is some concern on the defense, as last year this unit was outstanding most of the year, but this past offseason they lost DE’s Travis LaBoy and Antwan Odom. Getting Albert Haynesworth locked up and happy is a big stumbling block right now. Young had better progress this year as well, as in 2007 he threw just 9 TD’s and 17 picks, as compared to his rookie season of 12 TD’s and 13 picks. This team may go though a season of growing pains, and they really failed to address the need at wide out.

Offseason Grade to Date: D

May

8

What Is On The Matt Walsh Tapes?

Posted by Matt Loede under New England Patriots, Patriots Spygate Case
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May

8

Alexander Talks to the Saints; Will Talk Again to Cincy

Posted by Matt Loede under Cincinnati Bengals
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Alexander

Running back Shaun Alexander spoke with the Bengals Monday and the Saints on Wednesday.  The Cincy Enquirer is reporting today that talks about bringing Alexander in to play for the Bengals in 2008 will continue, and the Florence native for now will remain unsigned.  “We’ll be talking to Shaun today and in touch with Bengals today or tomorrow,” Alexander’s agent, Jim Steiner said this afternoon in an e-mail to the Enquirer.

The Bengals already have a feature running back in Rudi Johnson, and last season when he got hurt they found another solid back on the roster when Kenny Watson took over and did well in the role.  It would be interesting to see if Alexander would fit in with the team, and just how much playing time he would get.  He was the MVP of the League back in 2005, when he was a big reason the Seahawks made the Super Bowl, but for now, he’s a player without a team.

Other possible spots for Alexander could include the Lions, Cardinals, Jets, and Eagles.

May

8

Offseason Overview: Health a Key for a Big Chargers Season

Posted by Matt Loede under Offseason Overview, San Diego Chargers
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Gates makes a great grab

Franchise Player: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

• RB Tyronne Gross (not tendered as ERFA).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• OT L.J. Shelton: FA Dolphins; terms unknown.

• LB Derek Smith: FA 49ers; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; terms unknown.

• WR Malcom Floyd: ERFA; terms unknown.

• CB Cletis Gordon: ERFA; terms unknown.

• CB Steve Gregory: ERFA; terms unknown.

• LB Marques Harris: RFA; tendered at $1.47M; terms unknown.

• DT Brandon McKinney: ERFA; terms unknown.

• G Scott Mruczkowski: Potential RFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

• QB Billy Volek: UFA; $9M/3 yrs, $3M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

• CB Drayton Florence: UFA Jaguars; $36M/6 yrs, $12M SB.

• S Marlon McCree (released).

• FB Lorenzo Neal (released).

• OT Shane Olivea (released).

• K Dave Rayner: Not tendered as RFA/Dolphins; terms unknown.

• RB Michael Turner: UFA Falcons; $34.5M/6 yrs, $15M guaranteed.

Many people pegged the Chargers as the AFC Super Bowl team last season, and while they did make it to the AFC Title game, they clearly did not play as well as many thought they would. An 11-5 record did not come easy, and by the time the playoffs rolled around, they were hit hard by the injury bug that in the title game forced them to go with a one legged QB, a hurt franchise back, and a TE that was well below 100 percent. The team vows to learn from the mistakes of 2007, and feel that if they are healthy for the whole year, are as good as any team in the league. It will be hard to bet against them with the talent they have.

The team did little on the free agent market, and other than releasing players such as S Marlon McCree, FB Lorenzo Neal and OT Shan Olivea, the biggest loss will be backup RB Michael Turner. They did acquire OT L.J. Shelton from Miami, and LB Derek Smith who was released from the 49′ers. If the big three of Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates are close to 100 percent, there is no reason the Chargers are not a 10-12 win team. They do need to be more focused in tight spots, and should start the season fast with home games vs the Panthers, at Denver and vs the Jets at home.

Offseason Grade to Date: B

May

8

Gridiron Gabbin w/ Bengals 2nd-Year Safety Chinedum Ndukwe

Posted by Matt Loede under Cincinnati Bengals, Gridiron Gabbin
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Ndukww

In this latest edition of Gridiron Gabbin, Site Editor Matt Loede chats with Bengals second-year safety Chinedum Ndukwe. A former 7th round pick from Notre Dame, Ndukwe came on with the Bengals to not only make the team, but made an impact with playing in 14 games, starting the final two with two big picks in week 16 vs the Browns in a Bengals win. Matt and Chinedum talk about that, his involvement with Reebok and their new shoe - the Reebok RexRide Rally, as well as the outlook for the 08 Bengals. Click below for this latest Gridiron Gabbin.

 
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May

8

Offseason Overview: Can the Eagles Fly High in the Tough NFC East?

Posted by Matt Loede under Offseason Overview, Philadelphia Eagles
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Brian Westbrook

FRANCHISE PLAYER

• TE L.J. Smith (tendered at $4.522 million); re-signed April 2.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

• RB/KR Reno Mahe wasn’t signed until just before the season when Eagles found themselves without a punt returner. If he’s still the team’s punt returner in September, they’re in trouble. Won’t be re-signed.

• DT Kimo von Oelhoffen was claimed off the waiver wire last September. Got a lot of playing time down the stretch as a run-stuffer and played well. If he doesn’t retire, Eagles might be interested in re-signing him.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

• LB Rocky Boiman: UFA Colts; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• RB Lorenzo Booker (trade Dolphins).

• DE Chris Clemons: UFA Raiders; $13.585M/5 yrs, $4M SB; 2008 cap: $1.5M.

• FB Dan Klecko: UFA Colts; terms unknown.

• CB Asante Samuel: UFA Patriots; $59.475M/6 yrs, $6M SB/$7M RB 08-09; 2008 cap: $9.145M.

• TE Kris Wilson: UFA Chiefs; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

• CB Joselio Hanson: RFA; $1.47M/1 yr.

• S J.R. Reed: Potential RFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

• TE L.J. Smith: Franchise FA; $4.522 million/1 yr.

PLAYERS LOST

• CB Will James: UFA Bills; 2 yrs, terms unknown.

• DE Jevon Kearse (released).

• DT Ian Scott: UFA Panthers; terms unknown.

• LB Takeo Spikes (released/failed physical).

• FB Thomas Tapeh: UFA Vikings; $6M/5 yrs, $1.2M guaranteed.

The Eagles were playoff and Super Bowl contender just about every year, but then injuries and some poor decision making finally caught up to them, leading them last season to an 8-8 record, missing the postseason again. This season the Eagles made the biggest free agent splash on the first day, signing corner back Asante Samuel away from New England. They also had a solid draft with 10 picks, using their two second round picks on DE Trevor Laws from Notre Dame and WR DeSean Jackson from Cal. One of the biggest questions remains on keeping Donovan McNabb healthy, as he goes, the team seems to go.

The team also looked to upgrade the D-line, bringing in Chris Clemons from the Raiders for $13.5 million for five years. They allowed 18.8 points per game in 2007, and know that in order to challenge the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins they are going to have to play better defense and put more pressure on starting QB’s. On offense, they were victims of one of the worst red-zone offenses we’ve seen in some time. Having a healthy TE in L.J. Smith back is going to help, but it’s still one area to be concerned about. The Eagles feel that they still have the talent and tools to get it done. The health and play of McNabb will be a key factor in just how far this team can go.

Offseason grade to date: C

May

8

Report: Walsh Sends NFL Eight Videotapes

Posted by Matt Loede under New England Patriots, Patriots Spygate Case
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Belichick

Former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh has reportedly turned over to the NFL eight videotapes that were recorded between the 2000 and 2002 seasons.  The “New York Times” says the footage shows the play-calling signals of five opponents in six games, but the tapes do not include video of the St. Louis Rams‘ practice the day before Super Bowl 36.  According to the paper, the Pats recorded the offensive and defensive signals of coaches in regular-season games against the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers. 

In addition, Walsh’s tapes show New England recorded the signals used by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2002 AFC Championship Game.  In that contest, the paper says the footage has been edited to show Pittsburgh coaches calling plays, followed by two different camera angles of the actual plays that were signaled in.  Walsh was employed by the Patriots from 1997 to 2003, and he will discuss with the league the team’s videotaping practices during his tenure with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on May 13th.

The Pats were caught videotaping signals used by the New York Jets during the first game of the regular season last year.  The “Spygate” scandal cost the Patriots 250-thousand-dollars and their first-round pick in this year’s draft.  Head coach Bill Belichick was also fined 500-thousand-dollars for the incident.  Goodell said additional penalties could be levied after his meeting with Walsh.

May

7

Colts Bring Back Rhodes After One Season in Oakland

Posted by Matt Loede under Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders
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Rhodes

After losing him last offseason to free agency, the Colts have brought back running back Dominic Rhodes to the team.  Rhodes signed a one-year deal worth $650,000 according to the Indianapolis Star.  The back was released by the Raiders just after the draft in an expected move.  The 29-year-old ran for over 100 yards in the Colts Super Bowl win over the Bears two years ago, and worked well with then rookie Joseph Addai.  Rhodes that season started all 16 games, but came off the bench for the four postseason games before being the star of the Super Bowl win.

With the Raiders, Rhodes was a big letdown, playing in just 10 games and rushing 75 times for 302 yards and one touchdown.  In seven NFL seasons, Rhodes has run for 2,567 yards with 20 touchdowns and 101 catches for 719 yards and one TD.

May

7

McGinest Tells Sports Illustrated 2008 Season will Be His Last

Posted by Matt Loede under Cleveland Browns
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McGinest

2008 will be the final season for longtime linebacker Willie McGinest, a Sports Illustrated report says today that he will retire at the end of the season. “This will be it,” McGinest told Sports Illustrated. “I’ve worked hard, I think I’ve done everything I set out to accomplish. I’ve been blessed to play with some of the best players in the world and play against some of the best in the world.”

McGinest has been with the Browns the past two seasons, and before that played 12 years with the Patriots, where he went to and won three Super Bowl rings. He has played in 198 games, with 85 sacks and 747 tackles. He has been a big locker room influence for the Browns the past two seasons. He has made seven sacks and 75 tackles in his two seasons with Cleveland.

May

7

Raiders Continue Defensive Overhaul with LB Hartwell

Posted by Matt Loede under 2008 Free Agency, Oakland Raiders
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Hartwell

The Raiders offseason of looking to upgrade their defense continued on Tuesday, as the team came to terms with free-agent linebacker Edgerton Hartwell. The 30-year-old hasn’t been much of a factor, as he has been hurt most of the last three years, and didn’t play at all last season after being cut by the Bengals before the start of the season.

In 2005 and 2006 with the Falcons, he played in just a total of 13 games due to injuries to his knee and Achilles tendon. If healthy, he will add some depth to the Raiders linebacker core of Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. Getting the Raiders defense has been a priority this offseason, as last year they allowed a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry.

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