2-19 “Analyzing the News”

In this first edition of the weekly “Analyzing the News”, we will look at the week’s headlines and decide what they mean for the players, the teams, and the league for the following season.

1. Michael Vick Returning to Football?

The fact that he is being considered by NFL teams is a testament to how talented an individual Vick is. There is no guarantee that he will ever play in the NFL again, however, as his legal issues may force Goodell to never reinstate him.

 In the NFL, if he can play in 2009, the 49ers are linked to possibly being interested, but also the Jaguars, Chiefs, Raiders, Vikings, and Lions all are in need of a great playmaker at both receiver and quarterback, both which Vick could play if he returns. Another possibility being bounced around is Vick’s 2009 return to football will be in the new UFL (United Football League) or UNGL (United National Gridiron League) for a year or two. In my opinion, that would be Vick’s best option, as he would get a year to become the face of an entire league and build up his reputation (a little) again. Then, a year later, he could move onto the NFL and resume his career there.

2. Terrelle Owens Out in Big D?

Jerry Jones has made it crystal clear in years’ past that Terrelle Owens is his guy and has given TO almost free rein of the clubhouse. Problem is, now, that with TO running the show, the team’s chemistry, production, and wins have taken a hit. As much as Jerry Jones loves the fanfare associated with a media-hungry player like Owens, Jones needs to understand that the Cowboys will have a brutal time reaching their potential with a cancer like TO present. I really think that Jones will understand the problem Owens causes, cut him, and sign a solid receiver opposite Roy Williams for Romo to blossom with. Owens could go to the Jets, Ravens and Carolina, possibly, but odds are, he will be playing on Sunday’s next season, somewhere.

3. To Trade or Not To Trade

Since drafting Brady Quinn, the Browns have had the past two seasons to think about the future of their quarterback position. Or, better yet, whether to go with the player of the now (kind of) in Derek Anderson, or move on to the future franchise player Brady Quinn. Last year would have been the prime time to trade Anderson, as a 1st rounder was a legit possibility. Now, they must find a way to cut salary cap, and could look to a team wanting a proven quarterback if Cassel isn’t on the market. Maybe a team like the Jets, where Rex Ryan has seen him before, the 49ers, linked to every quarterback on the market, or the Chiefs, where Pioli is probably looking for a stop gap quarterback until he finds his Tom Brady. Whatever happens, it doesn’t make sense for the Browns to have two healthy quarterbacks under contract.

4. Faces of the Franchises plus Others Need Work

Fred Taylor and Deuce McCallister not only were the record holders for their respected Jaguars and Saints teams, but they were the reasons fans came to see their teams play. They were the jerseys fans donned at home and away games. And they were the gold standard for how an NFL player should be, especially Taylor. But, as we see on a year to year basis, teams must relieve themselves of salary to make room for the future, and occasionally franchise players get cut. Among Taylor and Deuce, Chris McCallister of the Ravens, Jason Taylor of the Redskins, Leigh Bodden of the Lions, Dre Bly of the Broncos, Ahmad Green of the Texans, and Mike Furrey of the Lions, among others, were cut this week in an effort to better the team’s financial outlook. Bly, Bodden, and Furrey should find jobs fairly easily, with Fred Taylor and Chris McCallister also being probables to land jobs. However, injury-prone guys like Deuce, Green, and Jason Taylor all should have trouble, and could be forced into retirement.

5. Franchise Tag Deadline One Day Away

Since its induction to the game a while back, the Franchise tag has allowed teams to keep their star or “franchise” players on their teams and off the market. This year, an above average number of teams will be using it on players from every position. So far (click here for an up-to-date list) have been franchised. I understand the franchising of Jacobs, and Suggs, and maybe even Dansby. But Darren Sproles? He is not a top 3 running back, yet will be paid like one. And Antonio Bryant? He wouldn’t get Top 5 salary on the open market, so why couldn’t they sign him to a long-term deal if they wanted him that bad? Matt Cassel’s franchising will be debated for a while, unless they trade him. Cassel will likely be held onto undoubtedly until Draft Day or when Brady’s injury is more well-known. Plus, don’t forget, the Patriots did invest a 3rd rounder last year in QB Kevin O’Connell, who looks like a very solid NFL backup as of now. I agree a team needs 2 solid quarterbacks, but 3 starting-able throwers? A little too many for my taste.