Quick Thoughts: Rumors, Free Agents & Trades
Gridiron Experts takes a shot at predicting the next few weeks of free agency and off-season moves from around the league.
Arizona: The Cards have lost both coordinators, possibly Kurt Warner to retirement, and A. Boldin to a hold-out forced trade, not to mention the handful of starters that are free agents and want a monster payday.
Verdict: Back to the drawing board Arizona! Even if you can convince Kurt Warner and A. Boldin to return, the Super Bowl hangover is never easy. Many players carry that chip on their shoulder right into training camp. Only 1 team in the last 7 years has bounced back from a Super Bowl loss to make the playoffs. With the NFC West opponents combining for a total of 13 wins in 2008, the chance of winning the division again is very possible, but odds that all 3 of those teams are bottom feeders in the NFC again is unlikely. The biggest hit was losing Todd Haley, an underrated offensive mind; with rumors of Mike Martz maybe replacing him, the future doesn’t look bright.
Tennessee: Albert Haynesworth is going to become a free agent and the richest defensive player, but for what team?
Verdict: The Titans have to suck it up and pay Haynesworth whatever he wants, if not the fans will rip the team apart. After a 13-3 dominating season, an early first round playoff exit is all the Titans can think about. The missing piece is a wide receiver, but should be a priority in the draft, not free agency. Get the big man locked up, or get ready for rough season.
Philadelphia: Free Agent list includes: Tra Thomas (34), Jon Runyan (35), Brian Dawkins (35), along with backups RB C. Buckhalter and CB J. Hanson, who are also deserving of new contracts. While people can’t stop talking about McNabb, the Eagles have probably their worst headache in the Andy Reid era on their hands. Trying to figure out who stays and who goes will be very difficult, as they were so close to getting to a Super Bowl.
Verdict: With J. Runyan now going under the knife and being out up to 4-6 months, the Eagles should use one of their two 1st round picks on an offensive tackle. Tra Thomas will get re-signed, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will be the big signing day move. Fans will freak out (as they should) with no go-to receiver; since T.O. left, the red zone offense has been a joke. A running back needs to be another top priority with Brian Westbrook turning 30 this year. Buckhalter wants a starting gig (good luck), but if available, the Eagles should draft a RB with their other 1st round pick, preferably one with good hands.
Baltimore: Ray Lewis, Terrel Suggs, and Bart Scott are all free agents.
Verdict: Baltimore has already came out and said that they’ll break the bank to re-sign Ray Lewis. In our opinion, they should let him go and re-sign Suggs instead. Ray Lewis is turning 34, while Suggs is in the prime of his life. I’m sure there are other available free agents that could help the Ravens improve, maybe a guy like Darren Sproles to help out on third down and special teams. Ray Lewis is a great leader, but is he really worth breaking the bank for?
Kansas City: Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez want out.
Verdict: Neither player goes anywhere! Maybe Larry Johnson to New England, as new GM Scott Pioli has ties with his old club. But Tony Gonzalez just said at the Pro Bowl that he might stick around….meaning there’s no holdout coming if a trade can’t be made.
Lightning Round:
Dallas Cowboys- T.O. stays.
New England- Cassel plays until Brady’s ready, and the Patriots go back to the playoffs.
