February 24th, 2008 11:37pm PST
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK
Since the NFL offseason began GMs around the league having been gearing up for Friday Feb 27, the opening of free agency. Along the way it seems many teams have started emptying their cupboards and perhaps making room for more. As a general rule before you can go forward, sometimes you have to take a step back and before you can add new talent, you must let go of old.
Letting Go...
It came without a surprise today as the Colts announced the release of veteran wide receiver Marvin Harrison. The team made attempts to renegotiate a new contract, but Harrison was not interested, so he became an obvious cap casualty. Listening to the NFL Network crew working at the combine describe how they could not imagine linebacker Ray Lewis anywhere but Baltimore reminded my of the Colts receiver. Isn't that true of Marvin? A Colt for 13 seasons, he hold just about every franchise receiving record. Harrison along with Manning were the "Heart (Marvin) and Soul (Peyton)" of the Colts offense.
In Oakland the popular trend has become the unloading of overpaid and highpriced talent. The most recent casualty came at the expense of defensive back Gibril Wilson, who was cut by the team last Friday. This was following the release of wide receiver Ronald Curry. Since, the team has also released players like offensive tackle Kwame Harris and defensive lineman Kalimba Edwards. Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is also reporting that wide receiver Javon Walker could be soon to join the unemployment line. Walker is due to earn a $5million bonus on March 3.
More releases across the league included Redskins linebacker Marcus Washington, the move will save the team $4million. The Jets also jettisoned their tight end Chris Baker saving the franchise $9million, he was due to make on March 5.
What's Blogging....
It's been just another "banner night at the old Bender family," football noodles and gridiron fun. As much as I enjoy writing about my favorite past-time, I find it just as entertaining and great learning checking out what else is on the Net. With so much exciting news and juicy 4-1-1, let see who's blogging what.
It sounds like the Arizona Cardinals are going to have their plate of current business filled with many tough decisions to make. Reading "Football news from a Chick" with a host of free agents and the free agent deadline fast approaching the Cards countdown has begun. As I mentioned before the Colts and Marvin Harrison have parted ways, but "Football By Barbie" explains, this should have come as no surprise. Harrison's declining performances in 2008 and Gonzalez increased productivity were a big hint. If you are keeping track of this year's franchise moves, check out "NFL Business News" for the leagues current tag theme. Could defensive tackle Shaun Rogers be done in Cleveland and want out? That's seems to be the word, but there is more to the story at "NFL Gridiron Gab" where there's never a shortage of news.
If you're like me with lots of free time and an enormous appetite for football fun, check out these sites for up to dates news, notes, or just interesting banter about the sport you enjoy.
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK
Since the NFL offseason began GMs around the league having been gearing up for Friday Feb 27, the opening of free agency. Along the way it seems many teams have started emptying their cupboards and perhaps making room for more. As a general rule before you can go forward, sometimes you have to take a step back and before you can add new talent, you must let go of old.
Letting Go...
It came without a surprise today as the Colts announced the release of veteran wide receiver Marvin Harrison. The team made attempts to renegotiate a new contract, but Harrison was not interested, so he became an obvious cap casualty. Listening to the NFL Network crew working at the combine describe how they could not imagine linebacker Ray Lewis anywhere but Baltimore reminded my of the Colts receiver. Isn't that true of Marvin? A Colt for 13 seasons, he hold just about every franchise receiving record. Harrison along with Manning were the "Heart (Marvin) and Soul (Peyton)" of the Colts offense.
In Oakland the popular trend has become the unloading of overpaid and highpriced talent. The most recent casualty came at the expense of defensive back Gibril Wilson, who was cut by the team last Friday. This was following the release of wide receiver Ronald Curry. Since, the team has also released players like offensive tackle Kwame Harris and defensive lineman Kalimba Edwards. Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is also reporting that wide receiver Javon Walker could be soon to join the unemployment line. Walker is due to earn a $5million bonus on March 3.
More releases across the league included Redskins linebacker Marcus Washington, the move will save the team $4million. The Jets also jettisoned their tight end Chris Baker saving the franchise $9million, he was due to make on March 5.
What's Blogging....It's been just another "banner night at the old Bender family," football noodles and gridiron fun. As much as I enjoy writing about my favorite past-time, I find it just as entertaining and great learning checking out what else is on the Net. With so much exciting news and juicy 4-1-1, let see who's blogging what.
It sounds like the Arizona Cardinals are going to have their plate of current business filled with many tough decisions to make. Reading "Football news from a Chick" with a host of free agents and the free agent deadline fast approaching the Cards countdown has begun. As I mentioned before the Colts and Marvin Harrison have parted ways, but "Football By Barbie" explains, this should have come as no surprise. Harrison's declining performances in 2008 and Gonzalez increased productivity were a big hint. If you are keeping track of this year's franchise moves, check out "NFL Business News" for the leagues current tag theme. Could defensive tackle Shaun Rogers be done in Cleveland and want out? That's seems to be the word, but there is more to the story at "NFL Gridiron Gab" where there's never a shortage of news.
If you're like me with lots of free time and an enormous appetite for football fun, check out these sites for up to dates news, notes, or just interesting banter about the sport you enjoy.
Fantasy Football Watch
The 2009 fantasy football season may be months and months away, but don't tell the avid fantasy gamer. There are already a lot of things to look at with teams making deals, dumping salaries, cutting over-priced talent, and releasing aging veterans.
The latest deal to hit the wire that sounds imminent, is the Texans dealing quarterback Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings. Rosenfels played well in a few short stints in 2008 and would be an upgrade at the position for the Vikings. Rosenfels showed great chemistry at times with wide receiver Andre Johnson in Houston, so his arrival could be a big boost for Viking's receiver Bernard Berrian.
Recent reports have indicated that Eagle's quarterback Donovan McNabb has put a hold on contract extension talks and is more interested in seeing the team improve. Only a few weeks ago were the Eagles the talk of a possible trade for Cardinal's receiver Anquan Boldin, with McNabb's new position there's always the possibility talks could start up. Boldin in Philly would make the two a dynamic pair for fantasy football owners.
According to Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, team chemistry is not a critical issue, indicating that he's not concerned about his T.O. situation. This is good news for potential Terrell Owens drafters. A return to big D in 2009, with a healthy Romo has tremendous upside. T.O. has a tremendous work ethic, he's in great shape and a huge talent. If he's on the field in Dallas, he's still worth a top fantasy draft selection.
For the IDP people, the Ravens have some decisions to make as well as their linebacker Ray Lewis. With free agency right around the corner Lewis is set to become an unrestricted free agent. If the team makes an offer he'll have to consider resigning or fielding offers from other teams. A couple of teams that keep coming up are the Cowboys and Jets. Lewis however, will offer the greatest fantasy value staying put or possibly going to New York where he'll find a familiar face in head coach Rex Ryan.
Check back with me every Tuesday for more of my "Fantasy Football Watch."
Fantasy Fallout..
With free agency just a few days away now more teams are expected to unload some of their high-priced talent to free up some cap space. For most teams this process is already underway.
In Jacksonville, running back Fred Taylor was released. An 11 year veteran, Taylor does not figure to step into any starting job in 2009. If he manages to sign elsewhere, he likely has very little fantasy value if any.
With no Peyton Manning to throw him the ball, the just released former Colt's receiver Marvin Harrison is going to fall off most fantasy draftboards for next season. Unless he finds a great situation where he'll see significant time, he will likely be done in most fantasy leagues for 2009.
The impending releasing of Raider's wide receiver Javon Walker should be of no surprise to fantasy owners. This move, when it happens will likely come a year late. Before the 2008 season Walker tried to walk away, but was convinced by all people, owner Al Davis to stay with the team. Already a castaway Walker has no value in fantasy leagues and once released he will likely be done with football.
According to the Gaston Gazette it sounds like the Carolina Panthers are set to release wide receiver D.J. Hackett. Hackett was a 2008 bust for the team, not being able to stay healthy long enough to make a serious contribution. Hackett is relatively young and may have some playing days left, but his proneness to injury could keep him off quite a few rosters in 2009 and make him a non-factor in fantasy leagues.
Check back every Wednesday for more football at "The Watercooler!"
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