Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

EDGERRIN “PLEADS” WITH CARDINALS FOR RELEASE
Posted by Mike Florio on March 3, 2009, 8:52 p.m.

With free agency in full gear and guys getting paid (albeit not the huge chunks they might have wanted), one player continues to be kept on the sidelines.

Cardinals running back Edgerrin James, to whom the team surely won’t pay $5 million in base salary next season after being benched midway through the last one, has been asking for his release since last November.

He has said he was under the impression that it would come after the season. But it still hasn’t.

Per a league source, James has spoken to G.M. Rod Graves, and James has pleaded with Graves to release the veteran tailback. James’ thinking is that, if they’re going to cut him anyway at some point before the season, why not cut him now?

The Cardinals are fully within their rights to squat on James’ contract. But what do they gain from it? More than a few veteran players were dumped prior to free agency to give them a fair crack at the open market.

If the Cardinals plan to keep James and pay him $5 million in 2009, they need to say so. If they don’t, then they should let the guy try to find a job elsewhere.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Igor Olshansky looks good. He has good height and weight to stuff the run and probably muster some pressure on the QB. He was overshadowed by Jammal Williams on SD's d-line but if we put him next to Haynesworth, Jacobs and Barber will have trouble running up the gut. For me its between Igor and Demetric @ DE unless a better DE is released between now and September and also, Chris Wilson proved he has good pass rushing skills to rotate in pass situations.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Isn't khalif barnes and angelo crowell still on The market

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=Ruhskins;533238]Just a random note, Ebenezer Ekuban is from the area (I went to high school with him). Too bad he's getting up there in age (33) otherwise I would say let's take a look at him.

For anyone interested here are the Scouts Inc rankings on these players (highest ranking given to a DE is to Seymour in NE - 91)

[B][I]Name Team Rank (notes)[/I][/B]
Berry, ARZ, 71 (note age: 33; 22 tkls/5 sacks in '08)
Davis, ATL, 58 (young: 26; 38 tkls/4 sacks in '08)
Ekuban, DEN, 58 (age an issue: 33; local ties; 38 tks/5 sacks in '08)
Thomas, IND, 57 (age: 27; 28 tkls/0 sacks in '08; face looks weird)
Roye, PIT, 54 (too old: 36; missed a lot of games last season)
Olshansky, SAD, 79 (young: 26; 29 tkls/2 sacks in '08; 3-4 DE, pass rusher)
Green, SAF, (listed as a LB on ESPN)
Carter, TAB, 63 (old: 36; 49 tkls/1 ff/4 sacks)[/quote]

Thanks for the rank numbers Ruhskins. I was told Davis got signed. I havnt seen anything on that. can anyone else confirm this?
Chauncey Davis, DE Height: 6-2 Weight: 274 Age: 26 [url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7304]Chauncey Davis - Atlanta Falcons - NFL - Yahoo! Sports[/url]

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=44ever;533496]Thanks for the rank numbers Ruhskins. I was told Davis got signed. I havnt seen anything on that. can anyone else confirm this?
Chauncey Davis, DE Height: 6-2 Weight: 274 Age: 26 [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7304"]Chauncey Davis - Atlanta Falcons - NFL - Yahoo! Sports[/URL][/quote]Confirmed.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=Hamoskinz;533459]Igor Olshansky looks good. He has good height and weight to stuff the run and probably muster some pressure on the QB. He was overshadowed by Jammal Williams on SD's d-line but if we put him next to Haynesworth, Jacobs and Barber will have trouble running up the gut. For me its between Igor and Demetric @ DE unless a better DE is released between now and September and also, Chris Wilson proved he has good pass rushing skills to rotate in pass situations.[/quote]We're not going to get a shot at Igor, I hear he's signing in GB soon.

Unless Demetric has a terrible visit, he's probably with SF signing tomorrow.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533504]We're not going to get a shot at Igor, I hear he's signing in GB soon.

Unless Demetric has a terrible visit, he's probably with SF signing tomorrow.[/quote]

Why do u suppose the FO let Evans go? Why cut Taylor but not turn around and address our needs?

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=The Goat;533506]Why do u suppose the FO let Evans go? Why cut Taylor but not turn around and address our needs?[/quote]Oh, we'll spend, we just never even offered Evans a contract. We're simply not interested in bringing him back.

The DE market goes about 11 deep with average talent, so we'll have no problem finding a LE if we don't get Orakpo in the draft. No problem at all.

Redskins Insider is reporting that Pete Kendall is the next target. I'd imagine we will make a serious run at Ray Willis very soon.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533508]Oh, we'll spend, we just never even offered Evans a contract. We're simply not interested in bringing him back.

The DE market goes about 11 deep with average talent, so we'll have no problem finding a LE if we don't get Orakpo in the draft. No problem at all.

Redskins Insider is reporting that Pete Kendall is the next target. I'd imagine we will make a serious run at Ray Willis very soon.[/quote]

Well that thats the only logical way to see it GT. If we wanted Evans, obviously we could get him.. Guess we sit tight and watch

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Terrell Suggs 26 Baltimore 99 ← Franchise
Julius Peppers 29 Carolina 94 ← Franchise
Chris Canty 26 Dallas NY Giants 87
Bertrand Berry 34 Arizona 84
Jason Taylor 35 Washington 82
Paul Spicer 34 Jacksonville 81
Kevin Carter 35 Tampa Bay 80
Josh Thomas 28 Indianapolis 80
Antonio Smith 27 Arizona Houston 80
Marques Douglas 32 Baltimore 79
Demetric Evans 29 Washington San Francisco79 (projection)
Igor Olshansky 27 San Diego 79
Chauncey Davis 26 Atlanta Atlanta 79
Ebenezer Ekuban 33 Denver 79
Phillip Daniels 36 Washington 78
Anthony Weaver 29 Houston 78
C.J. Mosley 26 NY Jets Jacksonville 78 (projection)
David Bowens 32 NY Jets 78
Michael Montgomery26 Green Bay 78
Vonnie Holliday 33 Miami 77
Jason Babin 29 Kansas City 75
Jerome McDougal 30 NY Giants 71

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533508]Oh, we'll spend, we just never even offered Evans a contract. We're simply not interested in bringing him back.

The DE market goes about 11 deep with average talent, so we'll have no problem finding a LE if we don't get Orakpo in the draft. No problem at all.

Redskins Insider is reporting that Pete Kendall is the next target. I'd imagine we will make a serious run at Ray Willis very soon.[/quote]

I know we all have our favorite resources (disclaimer) but walterfootball has from the beginning of the off-season listed Evans as one of the top DE available, and more specifically the best coming out of a 4-3 system. The guys listed after him are either 1) older (and probably much more worn because Evans really hasn't taken much abuse and hasn't suffered any injuries 2) designated as situational pass-rushers 3) coming off injuries.

... i can't really understand why the FO is down on Evans.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Just throwing this idea out there: Terrell Suggs is the best linebacker in the game. If we sign him to an offer sheet, it costs us two first round picks. But he's only 26, so if say, we're planning on locking on Orakpo, why not instead just give Suggs a poison pill loaded deal to leave Baltimore?

There's a bunch of problems with that, like it would cost us our first round pick in 2010 as well as the No. 13 pick this year...but it IS Terrell Suggs.

This only occurred to me because I was contemplating why no team ever uses the Exclusive Franchise Tag. The obvious reason is that teams feel that they'd take two first round picks for ANY player on their team.

But if I am Ozzie Newsome, and some team -- let's say the Giants -- offers me a first rounder in 2009 and a first rounder in 2010 for a 26 year old Terrell Suggs, I'm telling them to get lost.

Granted, it's an obscene price to pay. But Suggs, Haynesworth, Rogers, and Landry on the same defense? Holy motherf-ing god.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533512]Terrell Suggs 26 Baltimore 99 ← Franchise
Julius Peppers 29 Carolina 94 ← Franchise
Chris Canty 26 Dallas NY Giants 87
Bertrand Berry 34 Arizona 84
Jason Taylor 35 Washington 82
Paul Spicer 34 Jacksonville 81
Kevin Carter 35 Tampa Bay 80
Josh Thomas 28 Indianapolis 80
Antonio Smith 27 Arizona Houston 80
Marques Douglas 32 Baltimore 79
Demetric Evans 29 Washington San Francisco79 (projection)
Igor Olshansky 27 San Diego 79
Chauncey Davis 26 Atlanta Atlanta 79
Ebenezer Ekuban 33 Denver 79
Phillip Daniels 36 Washington 78
Anthony Weaver 29 Houston 78
C.J. Mosley 26 NY Jets Jacksonville 78 (projection)
David Bowens 32 NY Jets 78
Michael Montgomery26 Green Bay 78
Vonnie Holliday 33 Miami 77
Jason Babin 29 Kansas City 75
Jerome McDougal 30 NY Giants 71[/quote]

Antonio Smith signed w/ the Texans. Josh Thomas is a decent run-stopper but almost never gets to the QB (and plays opposite a monster).

... it almost looks like in order to upgrade on Evans we're set on drafting a DE very high... worries the hell out of me.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

And if you think we can land any of the big four tackles or Alex Mack, then forget I wrote.

But ask yourself this: If your only two choices are to have Brian Cushing and a first round pick in 2010, or Terrell Suggs and no first round pick in 2010, what do you do?

I know what I'm doing.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533519]And if you think we can land any of the big four tackles or Alex Mack, then forget I wrote.

But ask yourself this: If your only two choices are to have Brian Cushing and a first round pick in 2010, or Terrell Suggs and no first round pick in 2010, what do you do?

I know what I'm doing.[/quote]

Take Rey Maualuga.

... and Evans :D

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=The Goat;533514]I know we all have our favorite resources (disclaimer) but walterfootball has from the beginning of the off-season listed Evans as one of the top DE available, and more specifically the best coming out of a 4-3 system. The guys listed after him are either 1) older (and probably much more worn because Evans really hasn't taken much abuse and hasn't suffered any injuries 2) designated as situational pass-rushers 3) coming off injuries.

... i can't really understand why the FO is down on Evans.[/quote]I like WalterFootball, but a lot of people operate under the assumption that he's a strong run defender because of his size...but he isn't at all.

He's a decent pass rusher, who can beat weaker blockers, but completely disappears against talented pass protectors.

Thus the 79 rating. He's a really bad fit in a 3-4, but San Francisco doesn't have any idea what they are doing anyway.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533519]And if you think we can land any of the big four tackles or Alex Mack, then forget I wrote.

But ask yourself this: If your only two choices are to have Brian Cushing and a first round pick in 2010, or Terrell Suggs and no first round pick in 2010, what do you do?

I know what I'm doing.[/quote]

Suggs, Haynesworth, Rogers, and Landry on the same defense. :food-smil
Who needs an Offense? Or picks:) Because in 2010 if suggs was available 1st round we would draft him.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Ok so why are letting Evans get away again?

53 do u have a link to the article u mentioned? Just wondering how recent it is...

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=The Goat;533549]Ok so why are letting Evans get away again?

53 do u have a link to the article u mentioned? Just wondering how recent it is...[/quote]My guess is that this years LE isn't getting a multi year deal or much by way of signing bonus.

Evans is going to command both to keep at this point.

I'm guessing he's going to get 5/20 from SF with about 8 or so guarenteed. We have the cap space to match it, but it doesn't make sense to do so (about 3.5 mil in cap space this year).

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

And for the record, it's been 10 years since Blache last coached a team that didn't have Phillip Daniels on it.

He'll be the opening day LE, and likely at the vet min.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533550]My guess is that this years LE isn't getting a multi year deal or much by way of signing bonus.

Evans is going to command both to keep at this point.

I'm guessing he's going to get 5/20 from SF with about 8 or so guarenteed. We have the cap space to match it, but it doesn't make sense to do so (about 3.5 mil in cap space this year).[/quote]

So... where are we spending the money then. You mentioned Willis, which whether anybody can agree on his ability to start or not, i think the move makes sense cuz again the OT talent may not be there @ 13. Anyway, what is he likely to cost. I saw a blurb somewhere that he's going to get a surprisingly large contract because teams realize he's got serious potential.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=GTripp0012;533553]And for the record, it's been 10 years since Blache last coached a team that didn't have Phillip Daniels on it.

He'll be the opening day LE, and likely at the vet min.[/quote]

Well then let's hope he makes it through training camp huh. Any chance if we cannot get anyone to pull on Golston or Monty we try these guys @ LE part of the time, like obvious running downs? Or maybe Lorenzo?

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=The Goat;533554]So... where are we spending the money then. You mentioned Willis, which whether anybody can agree on his ability to start or not, i think the move makes sense cuz again the OT talent may not be there @ 13. Anyway, what is he likely to cost. I saw a blurb somewhere that he's going to get a surprisingly large contract because teams realize he's got serious potential.[/quote]The tackle market is going surprisingly lightly (and I think it's due to the strength of the draft class). I'm projecting 3 million per for Willis, and I think the Redskins are going to end up getting him at something like 5/17, with 5-6 million in guaranteed cash.

2009 Cap Hit would be something like 2.2-2.4 million at that price.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=The Goat;533557]Well then let's hope he makes it through training camp huh. Any chance if we cannot get anyone to pull on Golston or Monty we try these guys @ LE part of the time, like obvious running downs? Or maybe Lorenzo?[/quote]Uh, doubt it...We'll pick up somebody in the draft, plus we have Rob Jackson...

Yeah, we're crazy thin there. Guessing Orakpo is our target.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

i personally think haynesworth is going to come in and be a bust, I really hope i'm wrong though. i'm cool as long as he keeps stomping cowboys though.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

On Evans, is it possible we burnt the bridge there. He wanted to start, and we said no because of Taylor. Evans got mad, Taylor then refused to accept a clause that the FO figured was a no brainer, and now we are left in a bit of a lurch?

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=The Goat;533549]Ok so why are letting Evans get away again?

53 do u have a link to the article u mentioned? Just wondering how recent it is...[/quote]

March 2nd. Can't get the link to work. It's in the Washington Times article about JT.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

I think he was mentioned in an earlier thread, but any reason why the Redskins aren't going after Khalif Barnes? He seems (on paper) a better player than Ray Willis. I know the Jags sucked this past year, but he would seem to be an upgrade over Heyer and JJ.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

It is just a hunch and I have no solid facts to base it on but I think that the Redskins are going to make another play fo Chad Johnson closer to the draft. The Bengals signed Coles today to replace Housh and I think they are fed up with Chad and will be willing to deal him in the near future.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Kinda strange..?

THREE YEARS, $22 MILLION FOR LEWIS, EVENTUALLY
Posted by Mike Florio on March 4, 2009, 6:49 p.m.

Here’s a weird one.

The Ravens and Ray Lewis agreed to terms on Wednesday. According to Adam Schefter, it’s a three-year, $22 million deal.

[B]But, per Schefter, Lewis won’t be signing the deal for roughly two weeks.[/B]

No reason has been given for the delay.

Also, the amount of guaranteed money in the deal presently isn’t known.

Lewis had no other options. As we’ve heard it from multiple sources, Lewis’ salary demands caused the Jets to focus on Bart Scott. The Cowboys were never interested, and no other teams emerged.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=Ruhskins;533821]I think he was mentioned in an earlier thread, but any reason why the Redskins aren't going after Khalif Barnes? He seems (on paper) a better player than Ray Willis. I know the Jags sucked this past year, but he would seem to be an upgrade over Heyer and JJ.[/quote]

Khalif Barnes, wasn't he the tackle who gave up the most sacks last year??? I know he was injured but somebody mentioned the above statement (unsubstantiated though). He is a mauler in the running game making room for MJD and Taylor but don't know much about his pass protection. Anybody got any inside info on Barnes?

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=Ruhskins;533821]I think he was mentioned in an earlier thread, but any reason why the Redskins aren't going after Khalif Barnes? He seems (on paper) a better player than Ray Willis. I know the Jags sucked this past year, but he would seem to be an upgrade over Heyer and JJ.[/quote]

One thing I've noticed about the Redskins over the past few years is that if you don't hear anything (doesn't mean they have to go after him right away) about a prospective player as soon as they're available then the chances are the team won't go after them at all. We've heard about Ray Willis so I don't doubt that the team will try and make a run at him should he still be available. Kalif Barnes on the other hand hasn't been mentioned outside of the message boards.

Of course you end up with random guys like Fred Davis and Justin Tryon that no one had the slightest clue were being looked at but those instances seem to be rare. In fact I can't remember the last time we signed a possible starter where no one had any idea we were trying to sign them.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Can someone tell me why the hell we did'nt go after jason brown or matt birk?

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

CB Greer signs with NO. Does that mean Springs is out of the mix and will land in Philly or w/ the pats..?

SAINTS LAND JABARI
Posted by Mike Florio on March 4, 2009, 7:26 p.m.

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with former Bills cornerback Jabari Greer, according to Adam Caplan of Scout.com.

The contract, which has not yet been signed, covers four seasons.

Greer, who joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004, visited the Lions, Browns, and Buccaneers. The Broncos, Dolphins, Jets, Eagles, and Rams also were interested.

He became a starter in 2007, the season after Nate Clements left Buffalo for San Francisco as a free agent.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;533894]One thing I've noticed about the Redskins over the past few years is that if you don't hear anything (doesn't mean they have to go after him right away) about a prospective player as soon as they're available then the chances are the team won't go after them at all. We've heard about Ray Willis so I don't doubt that the team will try and make a run at him should he still be available. Kalif Barnes on the other hand hasn't been mentioned outside of the message boards.

Of course you end up with random guys like Fred Davis and Justin Tryon that no one had the slightest clue were being looked at but those instances seem to be rare. [B]In fact I can't remember the last time we signed a possible starter where no one had any idea we were trying to sign them.[/quote]

[/B]I didn't hear one word about Hanyesworth before he was signed.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=WaldSkins;533937][/B]I didn't hear one word about Hanyesworth before he was signed.[/quote]

R U for real ? Wow. Thats all we heard about for weeks.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=horse;533919]Can someone tell me why the hell we did'nt go after jason brown or matt birk?[/quote]

We were interested in Brown but we blew our load on Albert.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

Last I heard I thought K. Barnes was talking to the Raiders. His future is probably most definitely as a RT

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=SOUL-SKINS;533939]R U for real ? Wow. Thats all we heard about for weeks.[/quote]

I can't believe you bought it.

Re: 2009 Free Agents
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;533894]One thing I've noticed about the Redskins over the past few years is that if you don't hear anything (doesn't mean they have to go after him right away) about a prospective player as soon as they're available then the chances are the team won't go after them at all. We've heard about Ray Willis so I don't doubt that the team will try and make a run at him should he still be available. Kalif Barnes on the other hand hasn't been mentioned outside of the message boards.

Of course you end up with random guys like Fred Davis and Justin Tryon that no one had the slightest clue were being looked at but those instances seem to be rare. In fact I can't remember the last time we signed a possible starter where no one had any idea we were trying to sign them.[/quote]

they talked to davis, but only briefly. he was pretty surprised about the whole thing too though.