THE ATL REPORT
The Past Week's BIG HEADLINES:
- Redskins sign Haynesworth to 7-yr $100million deal.
- Buccaneers trade for TE Kellen Winslow Jr.
- Broncos sign former Eagle Brian Dawkins to 5yr deal.
- Jets sign former Raven LB Bart Scott.
- Giants add FA's Canty and Bernard to bolster defense.
- Cowboys sign LB Keith Brooking.
- Redskins sign Hall for bargain price of $54million.
- Broncos add help to defense with FA's Davis and Reid.
- Patriots trade Cassel to Chiefs for 2nd Round pick
- McDaniels faced with serious damage control in Denver.
THIS WEEK AROUND THE LEAGUE
[Football news]
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
ARIZONA
The Cardinals continue to stick to their guns. Warner remains unsigned at this time, although he now appears intent on visiting other clubs. Monday he's expected to visit San Francisco. The expectation is Warner will ultimately sign with Arizona, but if Frisco comes across with the right numbers, it's doubtful he would need to move his family.
ATLANTA
The Falcons have remained relatively quiet in the free agent market as they watch many of their former defensive players leave the nest ; Brooking (to the Cowboys), Boley (to the Giants), Foxworth (to the Ravens), and Milloy (released). The team played well offensively last season and should only get better, but their defense is going to need lots of work this offseason.
DALLAS
The Cowboys have yet to sign linebacker Ray Lewis and despite what DeMarcus Ware was reported as saying prior to free agency, it is not likely they will either. The team did however add some insurance (not the best policy) behind quarterback Tony Romo when they traded for quarterback Jon Kitna. Team also added veteran linebacker Keith Brooking, who will likely start inside to replace release veteran Zach Thomas. Not much of an upgrade.
DETROIT
The Lions have yet to do much shopping this offseason, although they did pick up free agent wide receiver Bryant Johnson. He's not going to be a difference maker in Detroit and his new home won't add much fantasy value to him or Culpepper.
MINNESOTA
The Viking are shopping hard for free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who's been in town since Saturday. He was expected to have made his decision by Sunday, but if the Vikes want him they need to come up with the right numbers by Monday morning. T.J. along with Berrian in Minnesota would make the Vikings offense one of the more explosive on paper going into the 2009 season.
NEW ORLEANS
The Saints have been linked with having interest in Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson, but who wouldn't be. LT with Bush would be interesting, but it's starting to sound more like the team will be content with Thomas and Bush going into next season. In fantasy leagues neither would be considered starters, but in Sean Payton's offense they'd get plenty of work to be adequate mid-level RB3.
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants continue to help themselves as they continue to stock the defensive line cupboard with the additions of Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty. With the prospect of Osi Umenyiora back in 2009, this Giants will be deep along the defensive front and one of the more formidable defense in the NFL.
PHILADELPHIA
The defense continues to get pick-pocketed through free agency with the loss of safety Brian Dawkins (to the Broncos) and cornerback Lito Sheppard (to the Jets). Defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson is talented, but it looks like he'll have to do the hard way in 2009 with new faces and filling the large hole left by Weapon X; Wolverine.
ST. LOUIS
The Rams have not been big noise makers in free agency just yet, but it is said that they are still trying to shop offensive lineman Orlando Pace and wide receiver Torry Holt. Holt is definitely on the decline of his career, but could still prove to be productive in right place; Minnesota, Atlanta, or Seattle?
SAN FRANCISCO
The Niners have signed free agent Wide receiver Brandon Jones and re-signed linebacker Takeo Spikes, but this is not the big news coming out of the Bay area. There are reports indicating free agent quarterback Kurt Warner will visit the team on Monday. If Warner should shock the NFL world and sign, he'll need a lot of help at the receiver position to be as effective as he's been the last two seasons.
TAMPA BAY
The Buccaneers made a bit of a splash early in free agency pulling off a trade with the Cleveland Browns for tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. With the recent resigning of wide receiver Antonio Bryant, the trade is an upgrade for the offense, but they still need a proven signal caller to make a difference. Something there were chasing, but fell short (see Cassel trade).
WASHINGTON
The Redskins were by far the biggest shoppers in the free agent market, spending over $180million to lock up defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, defensive back DeAngelo Hall, and offensive lineman Derrick Dockery. A hefty price for just three players, but no matter who they got, this team is more than a defensive tackle away from winning a championship.
The Cardinals continue to stick to their guns. Warner remains unsigned at this time, although he now appears intent on visiting other clubs. Monday he's expected to visit San Francisco. The expectation is Warner will ultimately sign with Arizona, but if Frisco comes across with the right numbers, it's doubtful he would need to move his family.
ATLANTA
The Falcons have remained relatively quiet in the free agent market as they watch many of their former defensive players leave the nest ; Brooking (to the Cowboys), Boley (to the Giants), Foxworth (to the Ravens), and Milloy (released). The team played well offensively last season and should only get better, but their defense is going to need lots of work this offseason.
DALLAS
The Cowboys have yet to sign linebacker Ray Lewis and despite what DeMarcus Ware was reported as saying prior to free agency, it is not likely they will either. The team did however add some insurance (not the best policy) behind quarterback Tony Romo when they traded for quarterback Jon Kitna. Team also added veteran linebacker Keith Brooking, who will likely start inside to replace release veteran Zach Thomas. Not much of an upgrade.
DETROIT
The Lions have yet to do much shopping this offseason, although they did pick up free agent wide receiver Bryant Johnson. He's not going to be a difference maker in Detroit and his new home won't add much fantasy value to him or Culpepper.
MINNESOTA
The Viking are shopping hard for free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who's been in town since Saturday. He was expected to have made his decision by Sunday, but if the Vikes want him they need to come up with the right numbers by Monday morning. T.J. along with Berrian in Minnesota would make the Vikings offense one of the more explosive on paper going into the 2009 season.
NEW ORLEANS
The Saints have been linked with having interest in Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson, but who wouldn't be. LT with Bush would be interesting, but it's starting to sound more like the team will be content with Thomas and Bush going into next season. In fantasy leagues neither would be considered starters, but in Sean Payton's offense they'd get plenty of work to be adequate mid-level RB3.
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants continue to help themselves as they continue to stock the defensive line cupboard with the additions of Rocky Bernard and Chris Canty. With the prospect of Osi Umenyiora back in 2009, this Giants will be deep along the defensive front and one of the more formidable defense in the NFL.
PHILADELPHIA
The defense continues to get pick-pocketed through free agency with the loss of safety Brian Dawkins (to the Broncos) and cornerback Lito Sheppard (to the Jets). Defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson is talented, but it looks like he'll have to do the hard way in 2009 with new faces and filling the large hole left by Weapon X; Wolverine.
ST. LOUIS
The Rams have not been big noise makers in free agency just yet, but it is said that they are still trying to shop offensive lineman Orlando Pace and wide receiver Torry Holt. Holt is definitely on the decline of his career, but could still prove to be productive in right place; Minnesota, Atlanta, or Seattle?
SAN FRANCISCO
The Niners have signed free agent Wide receiver Brandon Jones and re-signed linebacker Takeo Spikes, but this is not the big news coming out of the Bay area. There are reports indicating free agent quarterback Kurt Warner will visit the team on Monday. If Warner should shock the NFL world and sign, he'll need a lot of help at the receiver position to be as effective as he's been the last two seasons.
TAMPA BAY
The Buccaneers made a bit of a splash early in free agency pulling off a trade with the Cleveland Browns for tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. With the recent resigning of wide receiver Antonio Bryant, the trade is an upgrade for the offense, but they still need a proven signal caller to make a difference. Something there were chasing, but fell short (see Cassel trade).
WASHINGTON
The Redskins were by far the biggest shoppers in the free agent market, spending over $180million to lock up defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, defensive back DeAngelo Hall, and offensive lineman Derrick Dockery. A hefty price for just three players, but no matter who they got, this team is more than a defensive tackle away from winning a championship.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
BALTIMORE
The Ravens have seen more leave than arrive so far in free agency with the departures of defensive players, LB Bart Scott and DB Dominique Foxworth. With day three coming to a close more and more it is being reported that linebacker icon Ray Lewis is more likely to return to Baltimore. Even though he's about to turn 34, the Raven's defense has suffered a few losses and could use Ray's leadership to keep the train on the track.
BUFFALO
The Bills have not done much this offseason in free agency, but at the moment they are courting former Jets receiver Laveranues Coles and trying hard to sign the free agent. The Bills have a solid number one wideout in Lee Evans, but have yet to find a worthy number two to help deflect some of the attention from opposing secondaries. Coles would add that dimension.
DENVER
Apparently new head coach Josh McDaniels is causing more waves in Mile High city than affirmative action with the recent Cutler trade rumors. While the team will have to work hard to repair the damage, they remain busy in free agency remaking the entire defense. With likely the best value free agent pick up with the signing of former Eagle's safety Brian Dawkins, the team is already taking huge strides in the right direction. The team has also added inside linebacker Andra Davis and defensive tackle Darrell Reid. The team does not appear to be done just yet, with a meeting with free agent running back Derrick Ward and interest in nose tackle Grady Jackson.
KANSAS CITY
The Chiefs made big waves in the league during the early days of free agency with trade for quarterback Matt Cassel. The Team adds a needed veteran QB, but not without controversy (see Cutler rumors). The Chiefs also added 12-year veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel to a defense that will need leadership and direction.
NEW ENGLAND
The team has made big news trading back-up quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs. While the team received only a second round pick in the deal, they have cleared huge cap space and could be poised to make more noise. The Pats also inked free agent running back Fred Taylor who will join the other over thirty backs Morris and Faulk in a now crowded backfield (which included Maroney and Green-Ellis).
NEW YORK JETS
The Jets didn't waste much time landing free agent linebacker Bart Scott. The team followed this move trading for and signing former Eagles corner back Lito Sheppard who will be expected to start opposite Darelle Revis. Former Ravens defensive coordinator and new Jets head coach Rex Ryan has wasted little time putting his stamp on the Jets defense, a unit that was pretty good a year ago and should only get much better in the 2009 season. The team has met with, but as of Sunday has yet to sign ex-Ravens Cory Ivy and Jim Leonhard.
SAN DIEGO
The Chargers are not making any big waves in free agency at this time as they try to sort out their running back situation. The team is currently trying to work a deal to restructure LT's contract. It's hard to imagine the team moving forward with both Tomlinson and Sproles earning over $6million this season, but I also don't see LT taking a huge pay-cut. A trade seems more likely than anything at the moment.
TENNESSEE
The Titans did some bargain shopping in the free agent market re-signing quarterback Kerry Collins to a two-year deal. The team also tried to get the offense some help, but settled for newly acquired wide receiver Bryant Johnson. Collins was a mid-level fantasy option last season and with the addition of B.J., that won't change.
Check back every Saturday for the weekly ATL Report!
The Ravens have seen more leave than arrive so far in free agency with the departures of defensive players, LB Bart Scott and DB Dominique Foxworth. With day three coming to a close more and more it is being reported that linebacker icon Ray Lewis is more likely to return to Baltimore. Even though he's about to turn 34, the Raven's defense has suffered a few losses and could use Ray's leadership to keep the train on the track.
BUFFALO
The Bills have not done much this offseason in free agency, but at the moment they are courting former Jets receiver Laveranues Coles and trying hard to sign the free agent. The Bills have a solid number one wideout in Lee Evans, but have yet to find a worthy number two to help deflect some of the attention from opposing secondaries. Coles would add that dimension.
DENVER
Apparently new head coach Josh McDaniels is causing more waves in Mile High city than affirmative action with the recent Cutler trade rumors. While the team will have to work hard to repair the damage, they remain busy in free agency remaking the entire defense. With likely the best value free agent pick up with the signing of former Eagle's safety Brian Dawkins, the team is already taking huge strides in the right direction. The team has also added inside linebacker Andra Davis and defensive tackle Darrell Reid. The team does not appear to be done just yet, with a meeting with free agent running back Derrick Ward and interest in nose tackle Grady Jackson.
KANSAS CITY
The Chiefs made big waves in the league during the early days of free agency with trade for quarterback Matt Cassel. The Team adds a needed veteran QB, but not without controversy (see Cutler rumors). The Chiefs also added 12-year veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel to a defense that will need leadership and direction.
NEW ENGLAND
The team has made big news trading back-up quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs. While the team received only a second round pick in the deal, they have cleared huge cap space and could be poised to make more noise. The Pats also inked free agent running back Fred Taylor who will join the other over thirty backs Morris and Faulk in a now crowded backfield (which included Maroney and Green-Ellis).
NEW YORK JETS
The Jets didn't waste much time landing free agent linebacker Bart Scott. The team followed this move trading for and signing former Eagles corner back Lito Sheppard who will be expected to start opposite Darelle Revis. Former Ravens defensive coordinator and new Jets head coach Rex Ryan has wasted little time putting his stamp on the Jets defense, a unit that was pretty good a year ago and should only get much better in the 2009 season. The team has met with, but as of Sunday has yet to sign ex-Ravens Cory Ivy and Jim Leonhard.
SAN DIEGO
The Chargers are not making any big waves in free agency at this time as they try to sort out their running back situation. The team is currently trying to work a deal to restructure LT's contract. It's hard to imagine the team moving forward with both Tomlinson and Sproles earning over $6million this season, but I also don't see LT taking a huge pay-cut. A trade seems more likely than anything at the moment.
TENNESSEE
The Titans did some bargain shopping in the free agent market re-signing quarterback Kerry Collins to a two-year deal. The team also tried to get the offense some help, but settled for newly acquired wide receiver Bryant Johnson. Collins was a mid-level fantasy option last season and with the addition of B.J., that won't change.
Check back every Saturday for the weekly ATL Report!
3 comments:
i'm drinkin my orange kool aid D!!
what the hell is goin on in Denver? i need feedback from you, you know this team better then i do!
Oh don't even get me started! LoL...If I only knew the answer to that Million dollar question I would gladly share...
two things that are puzzling,...if you're the Pats, why take less, if you CAN get more?
If you're Denver why take the calculated risk, why dangle Cutler like this?
I think there's more here than what we've seen so far..
...not smart, sheesh, you'd think our coach was only 32.
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