The NFL draft is always exciting because it's the beginning of a career for many players. How long is never known. NFL truly means Not For Long. It gets even more difficult for undrafted free-agents.
Punter Jeff Feagles of the New York Giants was an exception to the rule. After he went undrafted in 1988, he signed with the Pats and played for two seasons. He still ranks 3rd on the all-time list for punters with the Pats. He had 244 punts for 9,626 yards and a 39.5 yard average. He later made stops in Philadelphia, Arizona, and Seattle before spending the last seven seasons with the Giants.
He announced his retirement today at the age of 44 after 22 seasons and an NFL record of 352 consecutive games. He never missed a game in his career. He holds the NFL record with 1,713 punts.His records may never be broken.
Feagles was having knee problems and realized that the clock had run out on him. For an undrafted free-agent, he certainly had a long run at it.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Distored Views
NFL teams were willing to take a chance on players with questionable backgrounds because of character and legal issues. The Pats were criticized for drafting TE Aaron Hernandez who admitted to flunking a drug test for marijuana.
Teams passed on Safety Myron Rolle of Florida State until the 6th round. Coaches, scouts, genernal managers and other "experts" openly questioned his commitment to play in the NFL. What was Rolle guilty of ? He decided to skip his 4th years of eligibility and attend Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He graduated from Florida State in 2 1/2 years and decided to pursue a master's degree in medical anthropology. He has openly stated that he plans to attend medical school when his playing days end.
At the Senior Bowl, Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris asked him directly how he felt about "quitting " on his team. Quitting meant going to Oxford because he was a Rhodes Scholar and leaving his team after three seasons.
The NFL is distorted in so many ways. They select players with questionable character, but pass on a guy who should be a model for young men.
The same happened to TE Scott Sicko from the University of New Hampshire. He was considered to be a late round pick. He stated before the draft that he would not pursue a NFL career unless he was drafted. He would attend graduate school and study for a mater's degree in history. His pursuit of education scared many teams on draft day. He was not selected, but did agree to sign as an undrafted free-agent with the Dallas Cowboys.
Both of these players will be under a microscope, not for their behavior, but to determine whether they are truly committed to play in the NFL.
Once again, the NFL has their priorities out of order.
Teams passed on Safety Myron Rolle of Florida State until the 6th round. Coaches, scouts, genernal managers and other "experts" openly questioned his commitment to play in the NFL. What was Rolle guilty of ? He decided to skip his 4th years of eligibility and attend Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He graduated from Florida State in 2 1/2 years and decided to pursue a master's degree in medical anthropology. He has openly stated that he plans to attend medical school when his playing days end.
At the Senior Bowl, Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris asked him directly how he felt about "quitting " on his team. Quitting meant going to Oxford because he was a Rhodes Scholar and leaving his team after three seasons.
The NFL is distorted in so many ways. They select players with questionable character, but pass on a guy who should be a model for young men.
The same happened to TE Scott Sicko from the University of New Hampshire. He was considered to be a late round pick. He stated before the draft that he would not pursue a NFL career unless he was drafted. He would attend graduate school and study for a mater's degree in history. His pursuit of education scared many teams on draft day. He was not selected, but did agree to sign as an undrafted free-agent with the Dallas Cowboys.
Both of these players will be under a microscope, not for their behavior, but to determine whether they are truly committed to play in the NFL.
Once again, the NFL has their priorities out of order.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Holt No Risk
The signing of WR Terry Holt to a one year $1.7 million generated some concern that it might be the 2010 version of Joey Galloway. Holt, who will turn 34 in June, is seen as a possession receiver. Skeptics point out that the team will feature 33 year old Randy Moss as well as 37 year old re-tread David Patten.
Holt is no Galloway, who was able to run deep, but could not run the routes that QB Tom Brady needed. Holt is very durable and has only missed three games in 11 seasons. The seven-time Pro Bowler caught 51 passes for 772 yards with Jacksonville last season during his first year with them.
He was selected 6th overall in the 1999 draft by the St Louis Rams. He became part of the "Greatest Show on Turf" offense which lost to the Pats in Super Bowl XXXVI. He set an NFL record for most receptions in a decade (2000-2009) with 868. During his first 10 years with the Rams, he averaged 87 catches and 1,266 yards. He also has 74 career TD's. He is the fastest receiver to gains 10,000 yards in their career by doing so in only 166 games.
With Wes Welker likely to miss most of the season, look to Holt to be in the starting line-up on opening day.
Holt is no Galloway, who was able to run deep, but could not run the routes that QB Tom Brady needed. Holt is very durable and has only missed three games in 11 seasons. The seven-time Pro Bowler caught 51 passes for 772 yards with Jacksonville last season during his first year with them.
He was selected 6th overall in the 1999 draft by the St Louis Rams. He became part of the "Greatest Show on Turf" offense which lost to the Pats in Super Bowl XXXVI. He set an NFL record for most receptions in a decade (2000-2009) with 868. During his first 10 years with the Rams, he averaged 87 catches and 1,266 yards. He also has 74 career TD's. He is the fastest receiver to gains 10,000 yards in their career by doing so in only 166 games.
With Wes Welker likely to miss most of the season, look to Holt to be in the starting line-up on opening day.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Relationship Ends
It started off like a nice romance. Coach Belichick was directing the AFC team in the 2007 Pro Bowl following the 2006 season. LB Adelius Thomas got to spend some time with him. Thomas soon became a free-agent and signed a 5 year $35 million contract with the Pats.
Thomas was a vital cog in the Pats defense as they rolled through their undefeated season in 2007. Who can forget the Sports Illustrated cover with him, along with fellow LB's Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Roosavelt Colvin and Junior Seau. Things couldn't get any better.
Thomas played great defense in the Super Bowl XLII loss to the Giants. There was nothing negative to say about his performance, but things went downhill after that.
Nine games into the 2008 season, Thomas broke his arm and ended up done for the season. He rehabbed and got himself back onto the field for 2009. In site of a great opening game against Buffalo, his role as pass rusher changed. His poor play against Denver in Week 5 resulted in him being benched against Tennessee the following week. It was never the same after that.
Ultimately, he became one of four players sent home from practice by Coach Belichick after being late for a meeting because of a snow storm. He was very vocal about his feelings and was subsequently benched for the game against Carolina.
He recently gave an extensive interview in the Boston Globe and was at loss to explain the demise of his relationship with Coach Belichick. It appeared that they had reached a point of no return. The team was unable to trade him on draft day.
Yesterday, the team released a short statement saying that Thomas had been released. Coach Belichick during an interview on WEEI lauded Thomas for his play in 2007 and indicated that the team was ready to move in another direction. Nothing else was said.
Thomas is expected to sign with another team in the near future.
Thomas was a vital cog in the Pats defense as they rolled through their undefeated season in 2007. Who can forget the Sports Illustrated cover with him, along with fellow LB's Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Roosavelt Colvin and Junior Seau. Things couldn't get any better.
Thomas played great defense in the Super Bowl XLII loss to the Giants. There was nothing negative to say about his performance, but things went downhill after that.
Nine games into the 2008 season, Thomas broke his arm and ended up done for the season. He rehabbed and got himself back onto the field for 2009. In site of a great opening game against Buffalo, his role as pass rusher changed. His poor play against Denver in Week 5 resulted in him being benched against Tennessee the following week. It was never the same after that.
Ultimately, he became one of four players sent home from practice by Coach Belichick after being late for a meeting because of a snow storm. He was very vocal about his feelings and was subsequently benched for the game against Carolina.
He recently gave an extensive interview in the Boston Globe and was at loss to explain the demise of his relationship with Coach Belichick. It appeared that they had reached a point of no return. The team was unable to trade him on draft day.
Yesterday, the team released a short statement saying that Thomas had been released. Coach Belichick during an interview on WEEI lauded Thomas for his play in 2007 and indicated that the team was ready to move in another direction. Nothing else was said.
Thomas is expected to sign with another team in the near future.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
It Took Nine Years
Coach Belichick has an incredible knowledge of the players in the league. It was a small story back on April 10th when they signed free-agent DL Demione Lewis. He was the 12th selection in the first round of the 2001 draft. He spent 2001-2005 with the St Louis Rams before moving on to the Carolina Panthers for 2006-2009. He was released by the Panthers at the end of last season.
Yesterday, the team announced the signing of free-agent DL Gerrard Warren who spent the last three seasons with the Oakland Raiders before being released. He was the number three overall pick in the 2001 draft when he was selected by the Cleveland Browns. He spent four seasons with them before being traded to the Denver Broncos for the 2005 & 2006 seasons. Another trade put him with the Oakland Raiders for the last three years.
Both Lewis and Warren have been dependable starters for their respective teams throughout their careers. Coach Belichick shed some light on why he signed both players. They were part of the group of defensive linemen in the 2001 draft that included Richard Seymour. Belichick had coveted all three players before settling on Seymour. All three have lasted nine years in the league. Seymour was traded to Oakland, but Coach Belichick was able to sign two players he considered nine years ago.
They appear to have a lot of gas left in the tank and should provide considerable depth on the roster.
Yesterday, the team announced the signing of free-agent DL Gerrard Warren who spent the last three seasons with the Oakland Raiders before being released. He was the number three overall pick in the 2001 draft when he was selected by the Cleveland Browns. He spent four seasons with them before being traded to the Denver Broncos for the 2005 & 2006 seasons. Another trade put him with the Oakland Raiders for the last three years.
Both Lewis and Warren have been dependable starters for their respective teams throughout their careers. Coach Belichick shed some light on why he signed both players. They were part of the group of defensive linemen in the 2001 draft that included Richard Seymour. Belichick had coveted all three players before settling on Seymour. All three have lasted nine years in the league. Seymour was traded to Oakland, but Coach Belichick was able to sign two players he considered nine years ago.
They appear to have a lot of gas left in the tank and should provide considerable depth on the roster.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Can't Please the "Experts"
If you listen to the talk shows and all of the draft "experts" virtually every first round pick was a wrong one by their respective team. Such is the case with the Pats first round pick of CB Devin McCourty of Rutgers. Coach Belichick refers to him as a "four down player". He has excelled on special teams.
Some of the local "experts" panned the pick feeling there was no reason to draft a special teams player in the first round.They also feel the team is overloaded with defensive backs. They said drafting McCourty validated their thoughts that Terrance Wheatley and Johnathan Wilhite were wasted in 2008.
In a pre-draft report in the New York Post, McCourty was lauded as being one on the top cornerbacks in the draft and was a possible choice of the Jets. Reading that report, paints him in a totally different light.
Only time will tell how any of the first round picks will work out. It's going to be a long few days as the Pats select more players in the next rounds. I'm sure the "experts" will find some fault in each of the selections.
Some of the local "experts" panned the pick feeling there was no reason to draft a special teams player in the first round.They also feel the team is overloaded with defensive backs. They said drafting McCourty validated their thoughts that Terrance Wheatley and Johnathan Wilhite were wasted in 2008.
In a pre-draft report in the New York Post, McCourty was lauded as being one on the top cornerbacks in the draft and was a possible choice of the Jets. Reading that report, paints him in a totally different light.
Only time will tell how any of the first round picks will work out. It's going to be a long few days as the Pats select more players in the next rounds. I'm sure the "experts" will find some fault in each of the selections.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Draft Memories
The NFL draft is tonight. I have many memorable draft moments during the course of my time as a fan. It's hard to select my favorites, but I have several drafts that I would like to mention.
1971
QB Jim Plunkett (1st) DT Julius Adams (2nd)
Plunkett brought credibility to the team after the AFL/NFL merger. The 1970 Heisman Trophy winner played with the Pats from 1971-1975. He ranks 6th on the all-time Pats list with 9,932 passing yards.
Adams is 2nd in team history with 15 seasons played from 1971-987 and 2nd with 207 games.
1973
G John Hannah, RB Sam Cunningham and WR Daryl Stingley were all drafted in the first round. Hannah became a Hall of Famer. Cunningham is the Pats all-time leader rusher with 5,453 yards on 1,385 carries. Stingley was on his way to a brilliant career before being paralyzed in a game against the Oakland Raiders.
1975
TE Russ Francis (1st) and QB Steve Grogan (5th). Francis was anointed the "All-World" TE by Howard Cossell. Perennial All -Pro with his blocking and pass catching. Grogan ranks 3rd in passing yards with 26,866 and completed 1,879 passes. He is the 15th leading rusher with 2,176 yards on 443 carries. His 35 rushing TD's rank 4th on the team.
1976
CB Mike Haynes, S Tim Foxx and C Pete Brock were all drafted in the first round. Haynes became a Hall of Famer. Fox and Brock had long careers at their positions.
1993
QB Drew Bledsoe was the number 1 overall pick and became the face of the franchise under the Kraft family through the 2001 season.
WR Troy Brown was drafted in the 8th round and became the team's all-time leading receiver with 557 receptions for 6,366 yards. Tied for 2nd with 15 seasons played and 4th with 192 games.
1996
WR Terry Glenn (1st), S Lawyer Milloy (2nd), LB Tedy Bruschi (3rd)
Glenn was the gifted, but flawed receiver. Played 6 seasons and ranks 6th with 329 receptions for 4,669 yards. Milloy played through the 2002 season before being released before the 2003 season. Bruschi became the heart and soul of the defense through 2008. He is tied for 4th with 13 seasons played and 6th with 189 games.
2000
QB Tom Brady (6th) Everyone wondered why they drafted a quarter back when they already had Drew Bledsoe, John Frieze and Michael Bishop. The rest is history.
So we never know how this draft will play out over the next few days. What will we think of it five years from now? Only time will tell.
1971
QB Jim Plunkett (1st) DT Julius Adams (2nd)
Plunkett brought credibility to the team after the AFL/NFL merger. The 1970 Heisman Trophy winner played with the Pats from 1971-1975. He ranks 6th on the all-time Pats list with 9,932 passing yards.
Adams is 2nd in team history with 15 seasons played from 1971-987 and 2nd with 207 games.
1973
G John Hannah, RB Sam Cunningham and WR Daryl Stingley were all drafted in the first round. Hannah became a Hall of Famer. Cunningham is the Pats all-time leader rusher with 5,453 yards on 1,385 carries. Stingley was on his way to a brilliant career before being paralyzed in a game against the Oakland Raiders.
1975
TE Russ Francis (1st) and QB Steve Grogan (5th). Francis was anointed the "All-World" TE by Howard Cossell. Perennial All -Pro with his blocking and pass catching. Grogan ranks 3rd in passing yards with 26,866 and completed 1,879 passes. He is the 15th leading rusher with 2,176 yards on 443 carries. His 35 rushing TD's rank 4th on the team.
1976
CB Mike Haynes, S Tim Foxx and C Pete Brock were all drafted in the first round. Haynes became a Hall of Famer. Fox and Brock had long careers at their positions.
1993
QB Drew Bledsoe was the number 1 overall pick and became the face of the franchise under the Kraft family through the 2001 season.
WR Troy Brown was drafted in the 8th round and became the team's all-time leading receiver with 557 receptions for 6,366 yards. Tied for 2nd with 15 seasons played and 4th with 192 games.
1996
WR Terry Glenn (1st), S Lawyer Milloy (2nd), LB Tedy Bruschi (3rd)
Glenn was the gifted, but flawed receiver. Played 6 seasons and ranks 6th with 329 receptions for 4,669 yards. Milloy played through the 2002 season before being released before the 2003 season. Bruschi became the heart and soul of the defense through 2008. He is tied for 4th with 13 seasons played and 6th with 189 games.
2000
QB Tom Brady (6th) Everyone wondered why they drafted a quarter back when they already had Drew Bledsoe, John Frieze and Michael Bishop. The rest is history.
So we never know how this draft will play out over the next few days. What will we think of it five years from now? Only time will tell.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day Before the Draft
It's the day before the NFL draft. The league has turned it into a made for television spectacle by putting it in prime time over the course of three days. It's really not a bad idea since the ratings are very good. The production is top rate. Since the NFL Network came aboard, there is good balance between them and ESPN with their coverages.
I have been reading up on draft reports. Every year I have the same feeling. As much as I know about the NFL, I have a real weakness on college football. I follow teams and bowl games, but when the draft talk starts, I have a limited knowledge of the top players.
I enjoy watching the NFL Scouting Combine on the NFL Network and pick up some of my information there, but there are just too many players to follow. I just read some analysis of receivers in the Boston Globe. They list 22 wide receivers and 15 tight ends. My familiarity with them is quite limited.
I have seen some names thrown around on who the Pats will draft. It sounds like they will go with a defensive lineman in the first round, assuming they don't trade their pick. It also appears that a tight end is in order as well as outside linebacker. It does take much brain power to figure that out, but who knows what will happen.
I have been reading up on draft reports. Every year I have the same feeling. As much as I know about the NFL, I have a real weakness on college football. I follow teams and bowl games, but when the draft talk starts, I have a limited knowledge of the top players.
I enjoy watching the NFL Scouting Combine on the NFL Network and pick up some of my information there, but there are just too many players to follow. I just read some analysis of receivers in the Boston Globe. They list 22 wide receivers and 15 tight ends. My familiarity with them is quite limited.
I have seen some names thrown around on who the Pats will draft. It sounds like they will go with a defensive lineman in the first round, assuming they don't trade their pick. It also appears that a tight end is in order as well as outside linebacker. It does take much brain power to figure that out, but who knows what will happen.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Circling With Bill
It was great to hear Coach Belichick in his pre-draft press conference the other day. He was in mid-season form . Over the course of 15 minutes, he talked in circles about the plans for the draft.
He said there are parts of the team that need to be improved. Players drafted last year should progress more this year. He has fielded calls about trading some of their four 2nd round picks. They might consider a deal to get someone in the 3rd round.
Perhaps one of his biggest revelations was that they plan to select players who will help to improve the team. He also mentioned that all teams in the league will select players that make their team better.
It was so nice to hear these comments again. Football is still too far away, but we can count on Belichick to have some interesting comments on Thursday when day one of the draft is held. I always find his press conferences entertaining.
He said there are parts of the team that need to be improved. Players drafted last year should progress more this year. He has fielded calls about trading some of their four 2nd round picks. They might consider a deal to get someone in the 3rd round.
Perhaps one of his biggest revelations was that they plan to select players who will help to improve the team. He also mentioned that all teams in the league will select players that make their team better.
It was so nice to hear these comments again. Football is still too far away, but we can count on Belichick to have some interesting comments on Thursday when day one of the draft is held. I always find his press conferences entertaining.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Dancing With Jerry
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has always been the face of his franchise. He was recently caught on video making some very negative remarks about his former head coach Bill Parcells and future NFLplayer Tim Tebow.
The tape, posted on a celebrity gossip website, shows Jones clearly intoxicated and verbally slamming Parcells and Tebow.
Yesterday, Jones held a press conference to say that his comments had been taken out of context. He said he phoned Parcells and had a lengthy discussion. He claimed that all is well.
I watched the video and it appears that he certainly had some negative comments about Parcells and Tebow. When Parcells first became coach of the Cowboys, it was viewed by many as a marriage destined for failure because of the two over sized egos.
When Parcells left the team after the 2007 season, it appeared that everyone was on good terms. It would have been interesting to listen in on the conversation between Bill and Jerry.
The tape, posted on a celebrity gossip website, shows Jones clearly intoxicated and verbally slamming Parcells and Tebow.
Yesterday, Jones held a press conference to say that his comments had been taken out of context. He said he phoned Parcells and had a lengthy discussion. He claimed that all is well.
I watched the video and it appears that he certainly had some negative comments about Parcells and Tebow. When Parcells first became coach of the Cowboys, it was viewed by many as a marriage destined for failure because of the two over sized egos.
When Parcells left the team after the 2007 season, it appeared that everyone was on good terms. It would have been interesting to listen in on the conversation between Bill and Jerry.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Time Tolling For Big Ben
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Rothlisberger had a private meeting today with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall to discuss his latest off the field behavior issues.
A Georgia District Attorney decided not to pursue sexual assault charges against the QB. It looks like he really dodged a bullet on this one as there was evidence that he had followed a woman into a bathroom in bar where the alleged incident took place. The victim, probably overwhelmed by the publicity associated with the case, became a reluctant witness. No further action was taken by the authorities as her testimony was deemed critical.
Rothlisberger still has a pending civil suit filed by a woman in Colorado alleging another sexual assault. Again, Rothlisberger was able to duck crimonal prosecution, although the civil suit is sure to drag on with sordid details emerging. His best option is to try and settle out of court.
He only needs to look at Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis to see how long a civil suit can drag on for. Lewis was implicated in a double murder, but nobody was ever prosecuted. Over the course of five years, he settled three different lawsuits out of court for a substantial amount of money.
The Commissioner has made the conduct of players a top priority and has not made any difference with the caliber of the individual. Rothlisberger's problems have been very troubling to Steeler's owner Dan Rooney who is considering suspending Big Ben no matter what happens with the NFL front office.
The Steelers recently traded troubled WR Santonio Holmes to the Jets after it was revealed that he was facing a four game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. He also has a pending court case for throwing a glass at a woman in a bar.
Rooney has publicly stated that he will not tolerate this type of behavior from his team. He made an example of Holmes. It will be interesting to see if he will do the same for his starting QB.
A Georgia District Attorney decided not to pursue sexual assault charges against the QB. It looks like he really dodged a bullet on this one as there was evidence that he had followed a woman into a bathroom in bar where the alleged incident took place. The victim, probably overwhelmed by the publicity associated with the case, became a reluctant witness. No further action was taken by the authorities as her testimony was deemed critical.
Rothlisberger still has a pending civil suit filed by a woman in Colorado alleging another sexual assault. Again, Rothlisberger was able to duck crimonal prosecution, although the civil suit is sure to drag on with sordid details emerging. His best option is to try and settle out of court.
He only needs to look at Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis to see how long a civil suit can drag on for. Lewis was implicated in a double murder, but nobody was ever prosecuted. Over the course of five years, he settled three different lawsuits out of court for a substantial amount of money.
The Commissioner has made the conduct of players a top priority and has not made any difference with the caliber of the individual. Rothlisberger's problems have been very troubling to Steeler's owner Dan Rooney who is considering suspending Big Ben no matter what happens with the NFL front office.
The Steelers recently traded troubled WR Santonio Holmes to the Jets after it was revealed that he was facing a four game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. He also has a pending court case for throwing a glass at a woman in a bar.
Rooney has publicly stated that he will not tolerate this type of behavior from his team. He made an example of Holmes. It will be interesting to see if he will do the same for his starting QB.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Masters Connection
There are many interesting connections in sports between fathers and sons. Such is the case of former Pats punter Bruce Barns. He is the father of Ricky Barns, a player on the PGA Tour with career winnings of over $1 million. Ricky played well in the Masters.
His father Bruce was drafted in the 12th round of the 1973 after a career at UCLA. He was in the same draft that produced three first round picks in John Hannah, Sam Cunningham and Daryl Stingley.
Bruce Barnes played 23 games from 1973-1974 and ended with a 37.4 yard average. He often serves as his son's caddy on the PGA tour.
His father Bruce was drafted in the 12th round of the 1973 after a career at UCLA. He was in the same draft that produced three first round picks in John Hannah, Sam Cunningham and Daryl Stingley.
Bruce Barnes played 23 games from 1973-1974 and ended with a 37.4 yard average. He often serves as his son's caddy on the PGA tour.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Taylor Dancing With the J-E-T-S
Free-agent DE Jason Taylor is apparently in serious contract discussion with the New York Jets. This seems very odd, given the horrible relationship Taylor has endured with Jets fans. In past years, he has been very critical of them and they have returned their rancor.
Taylor has been in stalled negotiations with the Miami Dolphins who are reluctant to increase the ante for the 35 year old 13 year veteran.
Some Jet fans feel that Taylor is merely using their team to extract more money from the Dolphins. Taylor has met with the brain trust of the Jets and toured their facility. The Jets are in a unique situation with the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. As one of the "final four" teams, they are limited in signing unrestricted free-agents and can only use a $1.5 million slot they have available.
Rumors have also circulated about his annual flirting with the Pats. Taylor seems to be in no hurry, but I expect things to heat up if he is unsigned before the NFL draft starts on April 22nd.
Taylor has been in stalled negotiations with the Miami Dolphins who are reluctant to increase the ante for the 35 year old 13 year veteran.
Some Jet fans feel that Taylor is merely using their team to extract more money from the Dolphins. Taylor has met with the brain trust of the Jets and toured their facility. The Jets are in a unique situation with the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. As one of the "final four" teams, they are limited in signing unrestricted free-agents and can only use a $1.5 million slot they have available.
Rumors have also circulated about his annual flirting with the Pats. Taylor seems to be in no hurry, but I expect things to heat up if he is unsigned before the NFL draft starts on April 22nd.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Eagle Departs
I think everyone was expecting it, but it was still a shock to hear that QB Donovan McNabb got traded by the Philadelphia Eagles to the Washington Redskins for a 2nd round pick in this year's draft and a 3rd or 4th next year.
McNabb, 33, was the 2nd overall pick in the 1999 draft and played 11 seasons with them. Eagle fans were outraged when he was picked instead of RB Rickey Williams. It proved to be a great selection as he owns all of the important passing records for the team.
He was on the last year of his contract and was caught in a logjam with QB's Michael Vick and Kevin Cobb. There was talk of trading him last year, but he made it through the 2009 season. The Eagles attempted to trade him to the Oakland Raiders, but the team tried to accommodate him and traded him within their division to the Redskins.
It's a great chance for McNabb to get a fresh start with a team that really wants him. He was an outstanding citizen while an Eagle and represented the city very well. In this era, that doesn't get you anywhere. Coach Andy Reid spoke noting but positive comments about McNabb, but the bottom line is the team made a decision to move him.
There was always talk that he couldn't win a Super Bowl or the NFC Championship game. It doesn't matter now. His time in Philadelphia is over and it's time to move on.
McNabb, 33, was the 2nd overall pick in the 1999 draft and played 11 seasons with them. Eagle fans were outraged when he was picked instead of RB Rickey Williams. It proved to be a great selection as he owns all of the important passing records for the team.
He was on the last year of his contract and was caught in a logjam with QB's Michael Vick and Kevin Cobb. There was talk of trading him last year, but he made it through the 2009 season. The Eagles attempted to trade him to the Oakland Raiders, but the team tried to accommodate him and traded him within their division to the Redskins.
It's a great chance for McNabb to get a fresh start with a team that really wants him. He was an outstanding citizen while an Eagle and represented the city very well. In this era, that doesn't get you anywhere. Coach Andy Reid spoke noting but positive comments about McNabb, but the bottom line is the team made a decision to move him.
There was always talk that he couldn't win a Super Bowl or the NFC Championship game. It doesn't matter now. His time in Philadelphia is over and it's time to move on.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Dining With Bill
The other night Coach Belichick and Nick Casserio, Director of Player Personnel, were spotted dining with QB Tim Tebow in the North End of Boston. Tebow was in town for a private workout with the Pats.
This seems highly unusual for Coach Belichick. He has dined with free-agents and draft choices before, but it has always been low keyed in places near Foxboro.
This time it was done out in the open. The Pats appear to really have Tebow in their sights. There is great speculation as to where he will end up on draft day. Some think he could go as high as the first round or drop to the lower part of the second. It looks like they might try to do something to ensure Tebow is there for them.
This seems highly unusual for Coach Belichick. He has dined with free-agents and draft choices before, but it has always been low keyed in places near Foxboro.
This time it was done out in the open. The Pats appear to really have Tebow in their sights. There is great speculation as to where he will end up on draft day. Some think he could go as high as the first round or drop to the lower part of the second. It looks like they might try to do something to ensure Tebow is there for them.
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