David's Daily Digest
[of football]
With the February 19th deadline for clubs to designate franchise and transition players, many NFL teams are moving quickly to tag potential free agents that could flee their current place of business. Wednesday was definitely a big day for clubs to make lateral moves to keep certain players in place to allow their front offices to further evaluate their cap space, personnel needs, and ultimately the best move for the future.
This week's stories...
BOLTS TAG SCAT-BACK SPROLES
The Chargers decided not to let another one get away, at least not without getting something in return. The Bolts slapped the franchise tag on running back Darren Sproles, but I have to wonder if there may be a trade here? Can they really pay Sproles $6.6 million and afford the pay LT? That's a lot of coin in your backfield and that doesn't even include Rivers.
COWBOYS APPEAR ON PEPPER'S LIST
Apparently the Panther's defensive lineman Julius Peppers still wants out of Carolina. According to a person close to Peppers, there are only four teams that he is willing to be traded to and one of those teams is the Dallas Cowboys. This is just what Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones needs to hear. It is would be not unlike the extravagant owner to throw his hat in the ring and make a bid to trade for Peppers. The only problem I see is coming up with the components to offer in the deal.
CARDS TAG LINEBACKER DANSBY
As expected the Cardinals placed the franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby. Dansby is due to make $9.6 million in 2009 if the team does not re-sign him to a long term deal prior to the July 15 deadline. The Cardinal's linebacker played extremely well in 2008 leading the team in tackles with 119 total and four sacks. Now that Dansby has been tagged, I believe the team will work even more diligent to sign Warner before free agency opens.
BRADY ON SCHEDULE
All fingers point towards quarterback Tom Brady making his return in time for the 2009 season opener. According to both Brady and the Patriots his recovery remains on schedule, although it does not look like any exact timetable has been set for his return to the field. With Cassel franchised and Brady expected to return, the summer in Foxboro should be interesting to watch. Could a healthy Brady mean an early exit from the New England state for Cassel?
RAVENS MAKE SUGGS FRANCHISE
Something that was predicted by others, but not necessarily expected by Terrell Suggs, the Ravens linebacker was tagged for the second consecutive year. The team opted to use the franchise tag at this time, rather than negotiate a long term deal with the three-time Pro Bowl selection. Suggs is expected to earn $10.2 million in 2009.
HAYNESWORTH TO TEST WATERS
The Titan's defensive tackle is showing less loyalty these days and expressing more interest in testing the free agent waters, by not coming close to reaching a long term deal with the Titans. Haynesworth is a catch-22, he's a huge impact player that can make a difference, but he's coming with a lot of luggage. Is the risk worth the reward, will his impact bring a championship? Sound familiar T.O.?
CHARGERS AND LT SET TO TALK
Now that the team has secured their other running back, it appears now it's time to sit down with LaDanian Tomlinson according to general manager A.J. Smith. The hopes to meet with LT soon to renegotiate his contract. If the team chooses to hang onto Sproles, he'll be due a $6.6 million dollar payday and LT is currently expected to make around $9 million in 2009. For Charger fans, it's probably wishful thinking to hope that the team can hang onto both backs, unless LT is willing to restructure.
COLTS SHELL OUT BIG BUCKS
In need of big help in the secondary the Colts threw big dollars at defensive back Kelvin Hayden. The cornerback was inked to a five-year deal worth $43 million. Hayden played well for the Colts last season, but that's a rather steep dollar amount to spend on the 25-year old. The team's pass defense did rank 6th, but that could be more of a reflection of it's 24th ranking against the run. This was clearly a big move just before the Feb. 27 free agent deadline. Did they overpay? We won't know until late December.
HARRISON ON THE WAY OUT
With the team shelling out big dollars to resign younger talent, it's very obvious in Indy wide receiver Marvin Harrison has likely seen his last days as a Colt. Harrison is expected to make over $13 million next season, but releasing him could free up over half of those dollars. We hate to see him go, but at 36-years old Marvelous Marvin is not the same player he once was and unless he's willing to restructure his deal he's all but gone.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411.
No comments:
Post a Comment