Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

My free agency spreadsheet is almost done, but in the meantime, I thought I'd throw up a "best available" players cheat sheet. Available implies a UFA who does not wear a franchise tag.

1. Julius Peppers, DE, Age 30, Rating 92
2. Ben Watson, TE, Age 29, Rating 91
3. Gary Brackett, LB, Age 30, Rating 91
4. Kevin Walter, WR, Age 29, Rating 89
5. Bobbie Williams, G, Age 33, Rating 88
6. Darren Sproles, RB, Age 27, Rating 88
7. Chad Pennington, QB, Age 34, Rating 87
8. Aaron Kampman, DE, Age 30, Rating 86
9. Nate Burleson, WR, Age 29, Rating 86
10. Keith Bulluck, LB, Age 33, Rating 86

I'm going to use this thread to throw up all the "player x released" news links, which will leave it all in one place to add to the FA spreadsheets.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

the only guy i would even think about is Brackett. and thats only if the skins dont get Dansbury

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Glad to see Kevin Walter on the list. Perfect, affordable replacement for ARE with knowledge of the young Shanny offense.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Darren Sproles is just what this offese needs....besides 3-4 line men. lol. But if we don't have to give up draft picks to get him then make the move asap.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

He's ok, i dont see exactly why we need him though

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Frost;666898]He's ok, i dont see exactly why we need him though[/quote]

Because our runningbacks can't score unless we are at the one (and that has been elusive too). We could also use a boost in the return game.

That being said, if his market value is more than a 2 or 3 million a season, I would rather draft someone.

Is there any chance we could trade Betts to San Diego for the right to wear the powder blue jerseys?

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Chico23231;666895]Glad to see Kevin Walter on the list. Perfect, affordable replacement for ARE with knowledge of the young Shanny offense.[/quote]

I would like to see Walter. I would also like to see if we could get Sage from Minny for a reasonable price.

When ARE is gone, I am doing a jagrbomb.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

I'd like to see Sproles here, and Bullock might not be bad if we signed him to play the other LB spot in the 3-4.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Pocket$ $traight;666900]Because our runningbacks can't score unless we are at the one (and that has been elusive too). We could also use a boost in the return game.

That being said, if his market value is more than a 2 or 3 million a season, I would rather draft someone.

Is there any chance we could trade Betts to San Diego for the right to wear the powder blue jerseys?[/quote]

You definitely have a point i just think RB are a dime a dozen, we could just draft one in the lower rounds, kinda tired of picking up other team's players who are looking for a big payday.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

I think the days of us paying everybody big bucks are over. (I hope they are.)

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Pocket$ $traight;666900]Because our runningbacks can't score unless we are at the one (and that has been elusive too). We could also use a boost in the return game.

That being said, if his market value is more than a 2 or 3 million a season, I would rather draft someone.

Is there any chance we could trade Betts to San Diego for the right to wear the powder blue jerseys?[/quote]
If? You think we could sign him for 1.5 or something? haha

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

I don't get this whole RBs are a dime a dozen thing either. Sure they're not valued as high or for as long anymore, but it's not just the line that makes the back, the line can make a back look a lot better, but a line doesn't add vision, adjustments, breaking tackles, ball control, etc.

There's a reason why guys get cut every year, not because everyone in front of them is amazing, because some guys suck (relatively). If great RBs were so easy to come by we wouldn't have bounced around Marcus Mason so much and we'd already have Betts riding the pine full time.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=tryfuhl;666984]I don't get this whole RBs are a dime a dozen thing either. Sure they're not valued as high or for as long anymore, but it's not just the line that makes the back, the line can make a back look a lot better, but a line doesn't add vision, adjustments, breaking tackles, ball control, etc.

There's a reason why guys get cut every year, not because everyone in front of them is amazing, because some guys suck (relatively). If great RBs were so easy to come by we wouldn't have bounced around Marcus Mason so much and we'd already have Betts riding the pine full time.[/quote]

true, I was mostly implying enough of sloppy seconds we don't need every player out there

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

JLC is reporting that the Saints aren't going to tender Jahri Evans! I wonder if he's gong to get the tag?

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Franchise tags had to be placed by 4pm yesterday I believe.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Where do these ratings come from?

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;667008]Franchise tags had to be placed by 4pm yesterday I believe.[/quote]

Sweeeeeeet!

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Aren't alot of these guys just going to be resigned by their own teams after their value is set through free agency?

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=53Fan;667015]Aren't alot of these guys just going to be resigned by their own teams after their value is set through free agency?[/quote]

Not if DS get's his checkbook out in time! So far I'll take Sproles, Walter, Bullock. Kid in a candy shop time!!!

Ok, not really, but I would seriously look Sproles as a KR, change of pace back.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;667016]Ok, not really, but I would seriously look Sproles as a KR, change of pace back.[/quote]

Why can't Alridge be the "change of pace back"? Shanahan was the one who recommended Vinny when last summer, which led us to sign him 2 (or 3?) times last season.. Also if I recall correctly, I remember someone on this board said that Shanahan was going to make Alridge the starter, if he wasn't fired..

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=GridIron26;667018]Why can't Alridge be the "change of pace back"? Shanahan was the one who recommended Vinny when last summer, which led us to sign him 2 (or 3?) times last season.. Also if I recall correctly, I remember someone on this board said that Shanahan was going to make Alridge the starter, if he wasn't fired..[/quote]

I certainly didn't say Alridge couldn't be the change of pace back, but Sproles is definitely a proven commodity, and would give an explosive player if the decided to bring him in. What would be a reason not to atleast discuss a contract with Sproles agent?

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=GridIron26;667018]Also if I recall correctly, I remember someone on this board said that Shanahan was going to make Alridge the starter, if he wasn't fired..[/quote]
straight from the horse's mouth huh

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=53Fan;667015]Aren't alot of these guys just going to be resigned by their own teams after their value is set through free agency?[/quote]

You are correct. The speculation is that some folks, unfortunately like Jahri Evans, did not get tagged because they are in good-faith negotiations for long-term deals with their teams.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Lotus;667039]You are correct. The speculation is that some folks, unfortunately like Jahri Evans, did not get tagged because they are in good-faith negotiations for long-term deals with their teams.[/quote]

JLC says that sides are "far apart" so maybe we might get a crack at him?

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Adam_Schefter

Bills today informed DE Ryan Denney, WR Terrell Owens and WR Josh Reed that the team will not offer them contracts, making them free agents.

Doubt any interest us though.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;667058]Adam_Schefter

Bills today informed DE Ryan Denney, WR Terrell Owens and WR Josh Reed that the team will not offer them contracts, making them free agents.

Doubt any interest us though.[/quote]

Well, T.O. interested Shanahan last year while he was in Denver. He tried to pick him up but Buffalo got him. I'm indiferent but I could see us picking up T.O. for a one year deal to see how he works out in Shanahan's offense and picking up Antonio Bryant. Then either trading or cutting Moss and ARE. Bring the young guns more into the scheme of things while still having some top WR talent ready in case they don't work out.

I like Marshall like everyone else but he'll require a draft pick or something and I'm not interested unless they come up with a clever trade that does not involve draft picks.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Son Of Man;667042]JLC says that sides are "far apart" so maybe we might get a crack at him?[/quote]

It'd be sweet. If we could get Jahri Evans for a reasonable price, it might really help the OL.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Lotus;667071]It'd be sweet. If we could get Jahri Evans for a reasonable price, it might really help the OL.[/quote]

I thought Jahri Evans was a RFA and he just has not been tendered (as opposed to be given the franchise tag). I believe teams have until March 4th to offer tenders.

That being said, I do hope that he's not tendered, but that'd be foolish for N.O. to do.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=tryfuhl;666984]I don't get this whole RBs are a dime a dozen thing either. Sure they're not valued as high or for as long anymore, but it's not just the line that makes the back, the line can make a back look a lot better, but a line doesn't add vision, adjustments, breaking tackles, ball control, etc.

There's a reason why guys get cut every year, not because everyone in front of them is amazing, because some guys suck (relatively). If great RBs were so easy to come by we wouldn't have bounced around Marcus Mason so much and we'd already have Betts riding the pine full time.[/quote]RB is probably the second most important position on the entire football field. Problem is that the peak for a running back is universally quite short, and when it happens varies widely from player to player. So even if you have a great prospect, you never really know what you have at the position in any given season.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Ruhskins;667075]I thought Jahri Evans was a RFA and he just has not been tendered (as opposed to be given the franchise tag). I believe teams have until March 4th to offer tenders.

[B]That being said, I do hope that he's not tendered, but that'd be foolish for N.O. to do.[/B][/quote]

Yeah, I don't think he'll come free. But the discussion above was "what-if?"

Plus, if he does come free, he'll have teams all over him like flies on a blueberry pie.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

I'd take Sproles as long as the team traded or cut Cartwright. I'd rather have a KR that actually does more then just KR meaning KR/PR and possibly being 3rd down back vs. taking a roster spot to just KR. I don't care how much of a locker guys he is.

I'd like for us to get rid of Portis's big contract and has anyone heard anything about whether the doctor will clear him to play in the future? Does he still get the head aches?

If you would have asked me a few weeks ago I'd have figured Portis would be gone due to contract, Betts and Cartwright gone due to age, leaving us with Ganther, Mason, and Alridge, then a draft pick and possibly someone like Sproles who could be a KR/PR and
3rd down back. But since Shanahan has said Portis will be back then Betts and Rock are expendable for someone healthier and younger to take over next year when they know the offensive plays better.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

I didnt see Duanta Robinson on the FA list, hes not getting tagged by the Texans so he should be a UFA

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Adam_Schefter

Filed to ESPN: Thomas Jones will not be restructuring his contract with Jets + will be released this week. He'll be a free agent March 5th.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=tryfuhl;666982]If? You think we could sign him for 1.5 or something? haha[/quote]


Is 2 or 3 = 1.5? I don't know what he is worth so I threw some numbers out there. He is viewed as a part time back and we are already paying a runningback 10 million so how much should we really commit to the postion.

If Sproles is looking for Reggie Bush $? If so, pass.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[QUOTE][quote]If? You think we could sign him for 1.5 or something? haha[/quote]


Is 2 or 3 = 1.5? I don't know what he is worth so I threw some numbers out there. He is viewed as a part time back and we are already paying a runningback 10 million so how much should we really commit to the postion.

If Sproles is looking for Reggie Bush $? If so, pass.[/QUOTE]
I think his asking price is in the 7mill mark, saw that somewhere. But this season what difference does it make? if they sign him to a long term high salary maybe i would be less happy, but Sproles is a playmaker in his prime years and i would take him regardless of this year's salary/signing bonus.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;667213]I think his asking price is in the 7mill mark, saw that somewhere. But this season what difference does it make? if they sign him to a long term high salary maybe i would be less happy, but Sproles is a playmaker in his prime years and i would take him regardless of this year's salary/signing bonus.[/quote]It still makes a difference in the way that salary, more than anything else, seems to dictate usage patterns. If you sign a guy at 7 million to play RB, then he's pretty much playing three downs.

Maybe that's not a bad thing, but Sproles is one of the rare guys in the league who has never run behind zone blocking at any level. Not at K-State, and not with the Chargers. Marty and Norv, independantly, are two of the only offensive minded coaches who have really not embraced zone blocking concepts in any capacity, at least to this point.

Zorn's scheme was primarily zone blocking, but there were some man elements in the week to week gameplan (likely due to Bugel).

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4954227]Source: Arizona Cardinals will release Antrel Rolle this week - ESPN[/url]

Rolle will be a free agent he and Landry would make a nice tandem.

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

A little bit surprising move but...

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-reid/redskins-make-an-offer-to-dani.html]Redskins Insider - Redskins make an offer to Daniels[/url]

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

[quote=Redskin Warrior;667314][URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4954227"]Source: Arizona Cardinals will release Antrel Rolle this week - ESPN[/URL]

Rolle will be a free agent he and Landry would make a nice tandem.[/quote]

Unless we are going to offer Rolle a boatload of money, it sounds like Rolle is going to be back with Cardinals with different structure contract..

re: Mega-Merge: 2010 Free Agency Rumors and Reports Thread
 

Rolle becomes one of the better players in the free agent market upon his release, but it's critical that people don't think of him as a pro bowler. He doesn't consistently perform at a pro bowl level at safety, and especially not at corner. With that said, league average performance has a lot of value, and Rolle could be a valuable pickup.

The problem is that I don't think a Rolle-Landry tandem fixes anything. Landry needs to develop into a very good free safety (or just 'safety' who doesn't line up in the box 80% of the time), or he needs to hit the road. Strong safety can be an intermediate step to that getting cut part, but putting Landry at strong safety is the opposite of a career saver. Develop or get the crap out.