NFL Offseason 2010: Free Agency!

[Gard]

Big signinings already:

Julius Peppers is now a Bear, as is Chester Taylor.

Jets signed Antonio Cromartie (which may blow up in their faces, he's an off-field liability).

So far no one has tried to pull any of my team's FA's, but I expect a few attempts on Sharper, Fujita (who is visiting the Browns tomorrow), and Pierre Thomas. I think that the Saints will retain these guys, however. Jahri Evans is still an RFA and hasn't been tendered, but I'm expecting to see the Saints sign a long-term deal with him soon, he's too valuable to allow him to get away. They'll also be redrawing Brees' contract, he will be getting a pretty good payday.

Big surprise release: Jake Delhomme was released by the Panthers. Of the wall prediction: he ends up as the #2 QB in NOLA next year.

[chondro776]

Atlanta is/has signed/signing Robinson. We get back Brian Williams, Jerry, and Moore. 4 New Starters on D as of the first day of Free Agency. That leaves linemen or possibly a linebacker in the draft.

The 'aints better watch out. The NFC south is going to get rough.

[burk48237]

The Lions signed Nate Burleson, I'm not nuts over it, but he's a good number two to Calvin Johnson. They also traded for Corie Williams DT and signed Kyle Vandon Bosch a three time pro bowler at DE. With the second pick and a shot at Sue or McCoy, I suspect the defense will be much improved next year. So far they've made good moves. Mayhew is definitely a step up from Millen.

The Ravens just got Boudin in a trade with the Cardinals. I suspect Flaco is in for a pretty good year. The Peppers deal could be interesting, on paper the Bears just got a lot better. BUT, Peppers has a reputation for taking plays off, last season he took the whole season. The North could be interesting.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by chondro776

The 'aints better watch out. The NFC south is going to get rough.

When your Foulclowns have more SB wins than the SAINTS, you might get away with that "'aints" garbage. But for now, you guys have lost one more than the SAINTS, so bragging rights belong in NOLA until you catch up.

Dunta Robinson isn't going to be enough for that to happen.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by burk48237

The Lions signed Nate Burleson, I'm not nuts over it, but he's a good number two to Calvin Johnson. They also traded for Corie Williams DT and signed Kyle Vandon Bosch a three time pro bowler at DE. With the second pick and a shot at Sue or McCoy, I suspect the defense will be much improved next year. So far they've made good moves. Mayhew is definitely a step up from Millen.

The Ravens just got Boudin in a trade with the Cardinals. I suspect Flaco is in for a pretty good year. The Peppers deal could be interesting, on paper the Bears just got a lot better. BUT, Peppers has a reputation for taking plays off, last season he took the whole season. The North could be interesting.

I think the Lions did well, actually, they addressed needs, and I agree that it looks like they'll get a very good player in the draft for the D line. I'm thinking they'll end up with Suh, because the Rams will go all "duuuuhhhh quarterback?" and take Bradford (which they will regret eventually as Suh is the best choice for everyone right now, IMO - I'd rubber stamp a Ricky Williams-esque trade for my Saints to pick him up!). Lions will have a fighting chance in a year or two if they continue on this path.

Boldin will make a difference in Baltimore, but their aging defense will mitigate that advance on the offensive side.

As for Peppers in Chicago, looks good on paper, but on the field, trust me it won't be enough. Peppers plays when he wants to, he will look motivated at first, but once the offense shows its continued incompetence, they start losing, Peppers stops caring, and the jig is up. Lovie Smith's last season in Chicago is coming up. They need OFFENSIVE linemen, not defensive. The reason they lost games last year was a total lack of pass protection for a reasonably good QB, and a total lack of run blocking for a pretty damn good RB, not because other teams scored too easily.

[LilRay]

I hear rumor of Boldin being released. Anybody else heard anything?

God Bless, Ray

[Gard]

Originally Posted by LilRay

I hear rumor of Boldin being released. Anybody else heard anything?

God Bless, Ray

Catch up Texas, he was TRADED to the Ravens, they took his contract and extended it.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

Catch up Texas, he was TRADED to the Ravens, they took his contract and extended it.

Ya man my old comp runs slow. Apparently as I was typing you posted the info above me. That and I didn't watch any NFL network yesterday.

You buyin' that?

God Bless, Ray

[Gard]

Originally Posted by LilRay

Ya man my old comp runs slow. Apparently as I was typing you posted the info above me. That and I didn't watch any NFL network yesterday.

You buyin' that?

God Bless, Ray

Well, your 'boys aren't looking to get too jiggy in FA this year, sorta like my Saints. Both teams are probably going to stand pat (kinda forced to by the "Final 8" rule), and build through the draft for '10. I'm only paying attention because we have a couple of UFA's that I really don't want to see us lose...

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

Well, your 'boys aren't looking to get too jiggy in FA this year, sorta like my Saints. Both teams are probably going to stand pat (kinda forced to by the "Final 8" rule), and build through the draft for '10. I'm only paying attention because we have a couple of UFA's that I really don't want to see us lose...

If I was yous' I'd keep an eye on Sharper BUT I wouldn't be too concerned. I think he'll get a fat check, but I don't see him going anywhere.

As far as the 'Boys go, they've got a damn good team. Their mistakes have come about through coaching (ala JJ). Let the young cats play and drop Roy Williams off the starting roster, and I say Dallas will be dangerous. If Jerry tries to force the Williams thing into a "success" we're in for a long season.

God Bless, Ray

[Gard]

Originally Posted by LilRay

If I was yous' I'd keep an eye on Sharper BUT I wouldn't be too concerned. I think he'll get a fat check, but I don't see him going anywhere.

As far as the 'Boys go, they've got a damn good team. Their mistakes have come about through coaching (ala JJ). Let the young cats play and drop Roy Williams off the starting roster, and I say Dallas will be dangerous. If Jerry tries to force the Williams thing into a "success" we're in for a long season.

God Bless, Ray

Agreed on all counts. Sharper is testing the waters, the Saints will see what he's offered, then make him a REASONABLE offer to spend the remainder of his career in NOLA on a team with a good shot at another SB during that time, and on a defense that is tailor made to fit his strengths. If someone offers him STOOPID money, they can afford to shrug and wave goodbye, because we have a couple of pretty good FS's on the team already (Vaughn, Young) that can probably carry their water in the system.

I fear that your 'boys are going to have a rough year, despite the talent on the roster. Until JJ stops meddling, hires a REAL head coach, gets rid of the OC that can't figure out how to use the talent he has and how to dump the dead weight (Williams), Dallas will be an "also ran". Sorry, callin' it like I see it.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

I fear that your 'boys are going to have a rough year, despite the talent on the roster. Until JJ stops meddling, hires a REAL head coach, gets rid of the OC that can't figure out how to use the talent he has and how to dump the dead weight (Williams), Dallas will be an "also ran". Sorry, callin' it like I see it.

Hey man, I ain't sayin' I see it much different. Phillips/Garrett "could" be decent coaches if left alone. I think JJ meddles at the most inopportune times.

IMO it all falls back there. No different if NOLA'S owner would've told Payton "oh no we can't go for an onside, thats TOO RISKY"

Feel me?

God Bless, Ray

[stratovani]

Our Patriots signed Vince Wilfork and Tully Banta-Cain yesterday. I was hoping for a bit more interest in Julius Peppers since the lack of a decent pass rush absolutely killed us last year. Oh well, we'll see what comes up in the draft.

That's the problem with dynasties. They grow old, then you have a bi_ch of a time getting good replacements. You guys in Pittsburgh, San Fran and Dallas know what I'm talking about!

[jrthebassguy]

Originally Posted by chondro776

Atlanta is/has signed/signing Robinson. We get back Brian Williams, Jerry, and Moore. 4 New Starters on D as of the first day of Free Agency. That leaves linemen or possibly a linebacker in the draft.

The 'aints better watch out. The NFC south is going to get rough.

Have fun with Robinson...he'll have two or three GREAT games per season, and then have poor-to-mediocore production in the rest. Oh, and expect a big crybaby in the media when things don't go his way.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by jrthebassguy

Have fun with Robinson...he'll have two or three GREAT games per season, and then have poor-to-mediocore production in the rest. Oh, and expect a big crybaby in the media when things don't go his way.

Hey, he's a Foulclowns fan, they always think the latest guy they signed will put 'em on top.

Reality will show up about week 7 or 8...

[Gard]

Originally Posted by stratovani

Our Patriots signed Vince Wilfork and Tully Banta-Cain yesterday. I was hoping for a bit more interest in Julius Peppers since the lack of a decent pass rush absolutely killed us last year. Oh well, we'll see what comes up in the draft.

That's the problem with dynasties. They grow old, then you have a bi_ch of a time getting good replacements. You guys in Pittsburgh, San Fran and Dallas know what I'm talking about!

I'm hoping to find out in about 7-8 years...

[Number27]

Originally Posted by Gard

I'm hoping to find out in about 7-8 years...

not every team that wins a superbowl goes on to become a perennial contender you know

[Gard]

Originally Posted by Number27

not every team that wins a superbowl goes on to become a perennial contender you know

I did say "hoping"!

However, based on the players that are "locked down" for the team, the fact that the coaching staff and front office are committed to continuing to put the same level of team on the field, let's say I have a good feeling about the upcoming few seasons right now.

Why don't we all start talking about how no team has repeated since the Broncos back in the 90's...that'll be up there with "no team has ever lost their last 3 regular season games and won a SB"....

[Gard]

Well, SB success casualty #1: Scott Fujita.



What he is thinking signing with the BROWNS however is beyond my ability to even begin to comprehend. He surely can't think he's going to manage to get a 2nd ring THERE.

Must be one heck of a payday...

...sorry to see the guy go in one sense, good person, good presence on the team and sidelines. I'm guessing that the Browns just made him an offer the Saints weren't comfortable matching due to his age and production. He's good, but there are plenty of "good" OLB prospects out there, and a couple already on the roster in NOLA.

[LilRay]

Originally Posted by Gard

Well, SB success casualty #1: Scott Fujita.



What he is thinking signing with the BROWNS however is beyond my ability to even begin to comprehend. He surely can't think he's going to manage to get a 2nd ring THERE.

Must be one heck of a payday...

...sorry to see the guy go in one sense, good person, good presence on the team and sidelines. I'm guessing that the Browns just made him an offer the Saints weren't comfortable matching due to his age and production. He's good, but there are plenty of "good" OLB prospects out there, and a couple already on the roster in NOLA.

Gard My illustrious Saints brotha, how quickly you forget . Back in the day when Fujita went to Dallas (Tuna brought him there), he claimed several times in the media that the Tuna and Dallas was the place he had the best shot at "Getting a Ring". Both Payton and Fujita left Dallas for NOLA, Payton to get a shot at being a Head Coach and Fujita (primarily) for the $. Fujita at the time had no idea what overall situation was like in NOLA or the probability of "Getting a Ring". He left Dallas for the Dime and now he's left NOLA for the Dime. My man's a Dolla Hoe.

As you said, there are better OLB's and alltogether I say the Saints should be better off without Fujita.

But having said that, I believe the notion of a "Dynasty" is dead.

$ reigns supreme.

God Bless, Ray