Category Archives: Free Agency
Even After Deion Sanders Hall of Fame Induction, Prime Time Forever in NFL
Deion Sanders a.k.a. “Prime Time” was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the weekend.
The noun primetime is defined as the regularly occurring period for which a television or radio audience is expected to be it’s largest, generally regarded in the television industry as the hours between 8 and 11 p.m. When Deion Sanders stepped his foot on the football field he electrified audiences during any hour he was on television playing the game he loved. Deion Sanders, also known as Prime Time, inducted the big chains, do-rag and the high stepping into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
There are very few athletes who lived up to the hype; Prime Time did not live up to the hype, he blew up the hype.
Deion joined tight end Shannon Sharpe, Rams and Colts running back Marshall Faulk, Chicago Bears Richard Dent, Washington Redskins linebacker Chris Hanburger, the late Les Richter and NFL films founder Ed Sabol in being inducted in the hall. The history of professional football cannot be written without Deion Sanders, arguably the greatest shut down corner who ever played.
Deion created the persona of Prime Time in 1985 when he turned FSU into a national powerhouse. In his Hall of Fame speech he explained the persona was created in a Florida State University dorm room because he knew NFL cornerbacks didn’t make nearly the money quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers earned. The money was for his mother. The high stepping, the celebrations were for his mom, too. Everything he did was to gain attention and put dollars in his pocket, so he could take care of his mom, which is all he ever wanted to do.
When I played high school football, I did not want to play quarterback like Dan Marino or wide receiver like Jerry Rice. I wanted to play cornerback like Deion Sanders. Prime Time, maybe the most imitated football player in the history of the NFL.
“You would have to deal with me on first, second and third down then again on fourth down when returning punts and back on first when on offense” Sanders said. He was inducted in the hall as a corner and return specialist moreover his fulltime profession did not have an off-season. For nine years he juggled careers in the NFL and Major League Baseball.
Sanders is considered one of the most versatile athletes in sporting history because he played two sports at multiple positions. His most successful campaign on the diamond came in 1992 when he led the national league in triples and helped the Atlanta Braves to the post season. Sanders hit a home run and scored a touchdown in the same week. In true Prime Time fashion he topped that playing in an NFL game and major league playoff game in the same day. However Deion was dedicated to playing football.
He had revolutionary cover skills on the football field. The 1994 NFL season was arguably his finest. After five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Prime Time signed on to play one season with the San Francisco 49ers. Recording six interceptions and returning them for an NFL best 303 yards and three touchdowns. “I would play this game for free as long as other players do it for free,” said Deion. He became only the fourth cornerback to receive defensive player of the year honors. In Super Bowl XXIX, Deion recorded an interception in the 49ers 49-26 win over the San Diego Chargers in Miami, Fl. He was the first man ever to play in a World Series and Super Bowl.
When you have a title “shut down corner,” covering the best receivers on a weekly basis is just what Deion did. He made a career out of it with his intention and goal to put the corner back position on the map. Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice stated, “ it was like Michael Jordan vs. Magic Johnson, that’s the rivalry we had. You wanted to go out and play your best and I know I had a challenge with Deion Sanders”.
Many of his critics claimed Prime Time did not tackle as a corner, “since 1989 I have tacked every bill my mother has given me. I have not missed one. Next time they say prime did not tackle say yes he did” Sanders said. He is tackling issues off the field these days coaching and being a mentor to the kids in his youth organization. He wants to open a charter school next year. He capped off the powerful evening in Canton, OH with a moving tribute to his mother and by tying his trademark do-rag around his bust. NFL fans witnessed it all in person and primetime television.
–West Lamy
Roy Williams Expected to Sign with the Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler could soon be getting some much-needed help in the form of a receiver.
Citing a league source, Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that free agent wideout Roy Williams is “expected” to sign with the Chicago Bears. No time frame was given as to when this potential pact would take place.
Williams was dumped by the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.
Assuming this happens — which would be no surprise at all — it’s a smart one by the Bears, and a fit that is almost too logical.
To say Williams has familiarity with Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz would be an understatement. The tandem enjoyed quite a bit of success with the Detroit Lions in 2006, when Williams was catching passes from Jon Kitna and Martz was calling the plays from the Lions sideline.
In that year, the veteran wideout had the best season of career, posting 82 receptions for 1,310 yards and seven touchdowns.
Chicago immediately starting pursuing Williams once his release made official, and especially after they traded away tight end Greg Olsen, a receiving threat wasted in Martz’s system. They also lost receiver Devin Aromashodu to the Vikings earlier in the week.
So, at the very least, the Bears filled a position of need. Though, for the sakes of those involved, they better hope that Williams can recapture some of that ’06 mojo, and not bring the dismal play he exhibited in Big D along with him.
Be sure to check out other great articles at Helmet2Helmet.net.
What’s Better? Talking About Sports or Watching Sports?
The other day, Jeff Pearlman of Sports Illustrated penned a column over at the Wall Street Journal arguing that in today’s world talking about sports has surpassed watching sports.
Pearlman found himself riveted by the media coverage of the Tennessee Titan’s search for a head coach despite the facts that he can’t name more than 3 players on the Titans and hasn’t watched an entire Titans game in over a decade. Pearlman continued:
Yet for some reason, when Josh Elliott, an ESPN anchor, mused, I listened, fascinated by the whole ordeal. I refused to leave the exercise machine until I knew every detail—when was Mr. Munchak scheduled to have an appointment? Who else had been called? What’s the time frame? And that’s when the truth hit me.
Watching sports is mostly boring. Talking and speculating about sports is riveting.
He then talked about all the constant frenzy of Carmelo Anthony trade-talk chatter. Where will he go? New York? L.A.? How about New Jersey? How much will he help his new team?
When he finally gets traded, Pearlman said we will cover his first game with “tremendous fanfare” and then move on to a new subject right after and it’s hard to disagree with him.
The truth is, offseasons are 8,000 times as engrossing as seasons. Transaction listings trump box scores. Status updates kill service points. Ken Griffey Jr.’s return to Seattle? Riveting! Ken Griffey Jr., overweight and 40, regularly popping up to shortstop in his return to Seattle? Not so great.
Every NFL fan debates Pro Bowl worthiness, but maybe one in 100 watches the actual event. The Major League All-Star Game is so insufferably dull that baseball actually had to make it count for something (the winning league receives home-field advantage for the World Series). Yet we’ll argue the worthiness of Ryan Howard vs. Albert Pujols until the opening pitch.
Today, Jason Gay offered a rebuttal to Pearlman’s column arguing that the action is always better than the chatter.
Here’s the thing: In the end, the action always wins. Yes, there’s lots of drudgery—somnambulant midseason contests, dopey college bowls, hopeless franchises playing out the string. But even a pointless game offers the opportunity for wonder—witness the genuine excitement over Blake Griffin, a thrilling, highlight-reel rookie marooned on the 20-35 L.A. Clippers. It doesn’t matter if it’s Mr. Griffin thundering for a dunk or Mr. Rooney flipping upside down—that sliver of chance to witness on-field greatness is more pleasurable than any off-field discussion could ever be. It may sound hopelessly corny, but it’s moments, not words, that fundamentally drive our love of sports. Without them, there is nothing to talk about at all.
Both writers bring up some excellent points and I see both side of the argument.
Football wise, I’m siding with Gay. I love all the talk about whose the best team, who is overrated/underrated, and who will sign where, but there’s nothing quite like Sunday football. I’m sit on my couch from 1:00 to 7:30 every Sunday from September through January. Right now, I can’t wait for it to be September already and the season ended less than two weeks ago.
Now for other sports, I would agree with Pearlman. I don’t know about you, but the last time I watched a 9 inning baseball game Barry Bonds was bombing 500 foot home runs and Roger Clemens was sticking needles in his but. Yet, I still like to talk about the merits of Derek Jeter winning gold gloves and how where the Phillies rotation ranks all-time.
So now, I I’ll leave this up to you, the people. What do you like more? Watching the game or talking about the game afterward?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s get a lively debate going here.
NFL Under the Radar Offseason Moves
All the big name free agents get all the hype and the talk, but they don’t always make the biggest impact. Sometimes it’s the forgotten guy who didn’t break the bank who winds up paying the greatest dividends. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the guys that are candidates for this year:
Steelers Trade for Byron Leftwich
Leftwich returns to the Steelers after one lackluster season with the Buccaneers. Though, he was hardly the only one to blame for the Bucs misfortune. He should start the season for the Steelers with Big Ben suspended for the first six games of the regular season.
He preformed well for the Steelers in 2008 when called upon and I would expect the same type of performance this season. He has weapons around him that will help him succeed, unlike in Tampa.
Titans Sign Will Witherspoon
The Eagles traded for Witherspoon during the season last year, but strangely decided to cut him in the offseason. The Eagles loss is the Titans gain.
He should start at one of the linebacker spots. He will be especially crucial after the Titans lost fellow-starting linebacker Gerald McRath to a four game suspension.
Jets Sign Brodney Pool
Lost in the shadow of the other big name moves the Jets made this offseason, Pool might have the greatest impact of them all. Pool was off to a great season last year (4 interceptions in 11 games) playing in Rex’s brother Rob’s defensive system before missing the last five games of the regular season.
He has the talent (was a second round pick in ’05), but injury concerns scared off team this offseason. However, it appears they were overblown. He has impressed coaches in the offseason and is a perfect fit for Rex Ryan’s defense. The Jets might have finally found their playmaker at safety, a role that Kerry Rhodes couldn’t fulfill.
Dolphins Sign Richie Incognito
The talent has always been there with Incognito, he just hasn’t been able to keep his head on straight. The Rams cut bait with them after he committed too many personal foul penalties and got into a verbal confrontation with coach Steve Spagnuolo. He was also voted the NFL ‘s dirtiest player last year in a poll by Sporting News.
Now, that may deter teams from Incognito and rightfully so, but the man still has talent and he fits in with the power scheme the Dolphins want to run. The Dolphins only signed him to a one year prove it deal so he will be on his best behavior or he will be out of town.
Jaguars Trade for Kirk Morrison
After the Raiders selected Rolando McClain in the first round of April’s draft, they had no need for Kirk Morrison anymore. So they dealt him to the Jaguars for a low draft pick.
With Morrison, the Jaguars are getting a tackling machine, who has amassed at least 100 tackles in all five of his seasons. He should help shore up a linebacking core that struggled last season.
Eagles Trade for Ernie Sims
To replace the aforementioned Witherspoon, the Eagles traded for Ernie Sims, surrendering a fifth round pick. Sims had fell out of favor with the Lions coaching staff this past season, but still has great potential.
He is a former top ten overall pick who looked like he was headed for greatness early in his career and has been compared to Derrick Brooks. The Eagles will hope he can regain his form.
Saints Sign Alex Brown
The Saints were hindered by the “final four” rules, so they couldn’t make a big splash in free agency. Alex Borwn might not be a flashy player, but he is a solid signing for the defending champs.
After releasing Charles Grant, the Saints had a glaring need at defensive end and Brown should help to plug the hole. He isn’t a spectacular pass rusher, but get his fair share of sacks and can hold his own against the run.
Best Offseason Moves
The offseason is filled with countless player movement.
Every team is trying to acquire the pieces that will put them over the top and into Super Bowl contention.
Even with the lack of a new CBA preventing over 200 players from being unrestricted free agents, there was still plenty of action especially on the trade market.
In fact, five of the seven moves I’ve highlighted below were results of trades and not free agent signings.
Without further ado, here are the best moves this offseason.
Raiders Trade for Jason Campbell-For once it seems like Raiders are having a good season. Which leads us to wonder, what has gotten into Al Davis? He still can’t be running the show? Is he dead?
Regardless, picking up Campbell for a future fourth round pick was a steal. He can bring stability to the position that JaMarcus Russell couldn’t. While, I wouldn’t expect the Raiders to make the playoffs this year, seven wins aren’t out of the question. That’s saying a lot for a team that hasn’t won more than five games since 2002.
Dolphins trade for Brandon Marshall- This move grabbed the most headlines this offseason, and rightfully so. Marshall is a big time risk, but he is also a big time player.
For the Dolphins, this deal was a no brainer. Their best receiver last year was Davone Bess, who is best suited in the slot. Now they acquire a legitimate number one receiver in Marshall who has caught over 100 passes three years in a row. This move will also help the development of Chad Henne, who according to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross can be better than Dan Marino.
Jets Trade for Santonio Holmes- How often do you find a former Super Bowl MVP who had over 1,200 yards last season and is only 26, available? I certainly can’t remember another time. Kudos to Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets for taking advantage of this opportunity and swooping in to snag Holmes before any other team.
The best part was it only cost them a fifth round pick. To put that in perspective, the 49ers acquired Ted Ginn Jr. for a fifth round pick this offseason. I’ll just let that sink in for a little bit.
Ravens Trade For Anquan Boldin- The third receiver trade on my list, but I love it nevertheless. Boldin may not be the player Marshall is, but he gives the Ravens the same type of impact Marshall will give the ‘Phins.
Joe Flacco struggled last year at times when his only options to throw to were Derrick Mason and Ray Rice coming out of the backfield. Now, defenses will have to respect all threats and that should open up the passing game as well as the running game.
Cardinals Trade For Kerry Rhodes- The Cardinals lost Antrel via free agency to the Giants. The Giants signed him to a record-breaking deal for a safety. While he was a good player , he wasn’t worth that kind of money and the Cardinals knew it.
So to replace him, they acquired Kerry Rhodes via trade from the Jets. The Jets grew tired of Rhodes last season after he failed to fit into their new scheme, so they were willing to deal him. However, Rhodes was a big time playmaker earlier in his career and if he can regain that form, this deal will go down as a steal for the Cardinals.
Broncos Revamp Defensive Line- The Broncos made it a priority this offseason to address their defensive line after they finished in the bottom third of the league in run defense. The certainly were aggressive acquiring a whole new three man front for their 3-4.
Jarvis Green, Justin Bannan, and Jamaal Williams will now anchor the defensive line. When playing a 3-4, the defensive line is essential because they need to be able to occupy blockers so the linebackers can be free to roam and make plays. With these three players on board, the Broncos run defense should be significantly improved.
Bears Sign Chester Taylor- The Bears made some noise this offseason, but I liked the Taylor signing the most. While Taylor will turn 31 during this season, he still has fresh legs having only logged over 160 carries once in his career.
He can form a dynamic 1-2 punch with Matt Forte, who struggled carrying the load by himself last year. He is also a great receiver out of the backfield, which makes him a great fit in Mike Martz’s scheme.
Worst Offseason Moves
The big question heading into the offseason was how the upcoming uncapped year.
And while it certainly did limit player movement to an extent, there were still plenty of moves made as teams tried to improve.
However, occasionally some teams thought they were making an improvement when actually they were making a colossal mistake. It happens every year, and this year was no different.
So I have highlighted, the moves that were the worst this offseason in the NFL.
Browns Sign Jake Delhomee- I think Mike Holmgren is one of the best football minds in the game, but I’m still scratching my head over this one. Did anyone in the Browns front office watch any tape of Delhomme since his epic meltdown in the 2009 playoffs?
And they paid him $7 million dollars. Add that to the money Carolina is still paying him and Jake Delhomme is raking in almost $20 million this yearI can’t believe I just said Jake Delhomme and $20 million in the same sentence. The Browns will regret this decision when Delhomme throws his first pick six … in training camp.
Bills Hire Chan Gailey- Gailey was last a coach in the NFL in 1999, where he failed to win a playoff game. Since then he coached Georgia Tech for six years, failing to finish in the top 25 once, and was fired as the Chiefs offensive coordinator before the start of this past season. And that qualifies him to get another chance as an NFL head coach how?
There are some many guys who have never even gotten a first chance (Leslie Frazier, Russ Grimm, Ron Rivera) and yet Gailey gets a second chance.
Seahawks Trade for Charlie Whitehurst- I’m guessing the Seahawks know something we don’t know, at least I hope. In his three years in the league Whitehurst hasn’t even attempted a pass. His only action has been in the preseason when he’s playing second and third stringers.
I mean, he couldn’t even beat out Billy Volek for the backup job in San Diego. I think the Seahawks wish they could have kept the second round pick they traded for him and instead drafted Jimmy Clausen.
Bears Hire Mike Martz- Last time I checked it was 2010 and not 2001, the last time Mike Martz coordinated a high-octane offense. In his last stops in Detroit (‘06, ‘07) and San Fran (‘08) he left a lot to be desired as the offenses weren’t very good.
Jay Cutler led the league with 26 interceptions last season, the last thing he needs is a coordinator who wants to throw the ball 40 times a game. If the Bears are counting on him to save their offense, they’re in trouble.
Jets Sign LaDainian Tomlinson- I like most of what the Jets did this offseason, but this move didn’t set well with me. Did anyone watch his guy play last season? I feel like ever time I saw him he was running into his offensive lineman and falling forward for a 2 yard gain.
At least, he is only being counted on to spell Shonn Greene. However, keeping Thomas Jones in that role would have been a much better idea.
Eagles Trade Donovan McNabb to Redskins- Note that last part. I wasn’t a big fan of dealing Donovan McNabb in the beginning because the Eagles have a roster that is capable for contending for a Super Bowl. But I’ll give them a pass because they’ve had good success in getting rid of veterans at the right time except Brian Dawkins.
Anyway, I still don’t get why they would trade him to the Redskins of all teams. I mean c’mon. They’re your divisional rival and your going to play him twice next season. Imagine if McNabb beats the Eagles in Philly and the Redskins make the playoffs over the Eagles. I wouldn’t want to see what Philly fans would do.
Rams Draft Sam Bradford- I went into grave detail on this subject a few weeks ago, so I’ll be brief here. Bottom line, Bradford has a laundry list of question marks (durability, system quarterback, lack of weapons around him, awkward delivery) that make him a huge risk, a risk that a lowly Rams franchise can’t afford to go wrong.
They would have been much better off trading down (the Redskins were in love with Bradford) and stockpiling picks.
NFL Free Agency: Early Winners and Losers
We’re only five days into free agency, but already there has been tons of action.
The lack of a new CBA has had no effect on the opening wave of free agency.
Players were quickly scooped up by teams right after midnight of this past Friday.
There has been many surprises thus far, but the one that sticks out the most is the frugal approach taken by the Washington Redskins.
In an uncapped year many expected the Redskins to throw big money at the top free agents, but rather they have kept a low profile and have not signed any new free agents and actually cut a handful of overpriced veterans.
Perhaps the new regime in Washington may work out after all.
Anyway, here is a look at the top winners and losers of free agency thus far:
Winners
Detroit Lions
It’s not often you hear Lions and winners together, but I have to give the Lions some props for what they’ve done so far. Sure they overpaid for Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burelson, but that’s the only way they were going to come to Detroit. When you have been as bad as the Lions have been you need to overspend once in a while.
They also added defensive tackle Corey Williams via trade from Cleveland and corner Chris Houston via trade from Atlanta, both at low prices. With Vanden Bosch and Williams, the Lions suddenly have a good defensive line and if they add Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy it will be even better.
Burelson may not be an elite reciever, but he is a good number two target. He’s certainly better than Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt. His presence will also benefit Calvin Johnson as he won’t be getting double and triple teamed nearly as much.
Chicago Bears
While I’m not in love with all the moves the Bears made it’s hard to say the Bears aren’t a much better football team than they were last week at this time.
With no draft picks in the first two rounds the Bears had to make a splash in free agency. Also add in the fact that this is a make or break year from the coaching staff and front office and it’s hard to fault the Bears.
Joe Flacco
NFL Free Agency Preview
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Today marks the eve of NFL free agency.
Usually, the first day of free agency is a frenzy with countless players changing teams.
However, this year will be quieter than those of years past.
The reason being the lack of a new collective bargaining agreement.
This requires players to have six years of service in the league in order to be a unrestricted free agent instead of the usual three or four.
The result is that around 200 players that would have been unrestricted free agents are now restricted free agents, which has left the free agency rather bare.
Still, there are some big names on the market and without a salary cap there will be teams willing to pay top dollar.
Top Unrestricted Free Agents:
Julius Peppers, DE
The prize of this year’s free agent class, Peppers will command a huge contract on the open market. Though his effort can be questioned at times, there is no denying his ability to get the opposing quarterback (81 sacks in 8 years).
Signs with: Bears
Karlos Dansby, LB
After being franchised two years in a row, Dansby was too rich for Arizona’s blood and should have no problem landing a big pay day in free agency. He is versatile enough to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.
Signs with: Dolphins
Dunta Robinson, CB
Robinson’s production has never quite matched his talent, but as the top corner in an ultra thin corner market the man will overpaid. I wouldn’t give $20 million guaranteed to a corner that didn’t have an interception last season.
Signs with: Redskins
Thomas Jones, RB
Jones ran for over 1,400 yards last season and has five 1,000 yard seasons in a row, yet he was released by the Jets in order to clear the way for Shonn Greene. The key number with Jones is 32, his age before the start of next season.
Return of the Poison Pill?
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The free agency class this year will be rather bare compared to that of season’s past.
This is because of 2010 being an uncapped year, which requires that players need six years of service instead of four to qualify for unrestricted free agency.
This has prevented players such as Brandon Marshall, DeMeco Ryans, Braylon Edwards, Elvis Dumervil, Shawne Merriman, and a host of other players from being unrestricted free agents.
With few big name free agents on the market teams will have to get creative to fill their needs.
This brings up the possibility of the poison pill being brought back.
Back in 2006 the Minnesota Vikings signed Steve Hutchinson to a seven year $49 contract with $16 guaranteed. While that seems fair, they also included a clause that would have guaranteed his entire contract if he was the highest paid lineman on his team. At that time, the Seahawks had Walter Jones, whose salary was higher and thus could not sign Hutchinson without guaranteeing his entire contract.
The Seahawks file a grievance, but the arbitrator ruled in favor of the Vikings.
The Seahawks got back at the Vikings by signing Nate Burelson to an offer sheet including a stipulation that would have guaranteed his entire contract if he played five or more games in the state of Minnesota in one season.
Now, since that off season no team has attempted to sign someone with a poison pill included, but that may change very soon.
If some team tries to get cute and offers a low tender to one of their restricted free agents don’t be surprised if a team employs the poison pill to ensure they sign him.
Even if they are tendered with a first and third rounder, some team may be willing to pay the price. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see a team like Miami, Baltimore, or any receiver needy team go after a wide receiver like Marshall, Vincent Jackson, or Miles Austin.
Remember it was not even two years ago when the Cowboys traded a first, third, and sixth round pick for Roy Williams and these receivers are actually established number one targets.
