So far, lets start with a quick recap of the top moves of the off-season so far. As most of you have been pummeled by these moves via ESPN, I promise it will be “quick” recap.
Albert Haynesworth to the Redskins
The Redskins love to stock pile free agents, and this move coupled with the re-signing of DeAngelo Hall and the maintaining of other overpriced free agent signings could make this defense a Top 5 defense, while still being not worth it.
Bart Scott to the Jets
Rex Ryan wasted no time in getting his most talented linebacker back on his side. Scott has the versatility to help Ryan wherever he needs it in year one, and Scott will lead the charge with many new acquisitions coupled with an already solid defense.
TJ Houshmanzadah to the Seahawks
Jim Mora Jr. shockingly got Houshmanzadah to turn away other more playoff ready teams to pair up with Matt Hasselback and compete immediately. Houshmanzadah can really give this team a consistent threat at receiver and fills a huge need.
Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs for the 34th Pick
Some have called it a steal, but both teams got the best of the deal. The Patriots didn’t need 3 solid backups behind All-Pro Tom Brady, and Vrabel was on the down-slope. The Chiefs got an adequate (not great) quarterback and a veteren for a pick they could have used on a QB anyways.
Jay Cutler and a 5th Rounder to the Bears for the 18th Pick, 2009 3rd Rounder, 2010 1st Round Pick, and Kyle Orton.
In probably the biggest move since the Ricky Williams deal, Cutler (most likely his agent Bus Cook) whined his way out of Denver, and landed in the offense-deficient Chicago area. The Bears are getting one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and their best in some time. The Broncos get an “opportunity” to make good on the deal if they can get two good players in the 1st round, as well as draft/trade for a quarterback to compete with Kyle Orton. The winner of this deal won’t be determined until 2012.
As noted before, this off-season in the NFL is more hectic than the average NBA trading frenzy. However, teams are always looking for that physical receiver, and with no great in the draft at that big receiver position, up to 4 may be on the move, as well as some more quarterbacks and a record holder.
Braylon Edwards
Eric Mangini wants to shake up the roster according to numerous reports, and the inconsistant play of Edwards has landed him on the block. In my opinion, he is a Top 5 receiver talent, almost as athletic as Calvin Johnson. The Plax-less Giants, Harrison-less Colts, and the play-maker-less Jets all could be calling Cleveland, willing to give up a 1st rounder and maybe more.
Anquan Boldin
The Boldin contract situation hasn’t been fixed yet, and although both sides are starting to make an effort, nothing is finished yet. Boldin has said he would be content to stay in Arizona, he has also expressed interested in other teams. The Cardinals could look to trade him for a mid rounder and take him replacement like Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks. The Dolphins and Giants have expressed the most interest, and it would only take a 1st rounder and mid round pick as well..
Chad Ocho Cinco
The Redskins offered 2 1st rounders last year, and the Bengals are likely kicking themselves now for not grabbing that. Ocho Cinco is again discontent, and has been quietly trying to get out. The Bengals have Laveranues Coles now, along with last years mid round picks Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson, so they could be willingly to part with their “headache” for a 1st rounder. The Redskins will likely be interested again.
Plaxico Burress
Burress has just been released by the Giants, as it now seems he will be spending some jail time. He likely won’t get signed immediately, but if his sentence is in months, not years, look for him to get picked up mid-season and the team will wait on him for the 2010 season.
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Brady Quinn + Derek Anderson
Don’t think that Cassell and Cutler are going to be the only two traded. The Browns are apparently not wowed by either Quinn or Anderson, and there’s no reason for both to be on the roster when neither is in the favor of the organization. With teams like the Lions, Bucs, Jets, Seahawks and Broncos all looking for a future franchise caller, both could be enticing for a price. I’ve heard second rounders could do the trick, but if it comes to a bidding war, I expect a mid to low first rounder will be needed. Also, I’ve heard whispers that the Browns do like Mark Sanchez, so don’t be shocked if BOTH are traded, the Browns draft Sanchez, sign another quarterback, and really shake up things.
LaDanion Tomlinson
Some may think that this situation is over, as the contract is re-signed. But, the Chargers are known for having no conscience, as they fired Marty Schottenheimer after going 14-2. The Chargers have brought in Chris Wells and Knowshon Moreno for workouts, and I doubt they want 3 starting backs on the roster. Being on the down-slope, LT could be the odd-man-out, and a team like 49ers or Saints could be prime contenders for him. He will likely garner a 1st rounder, multiple non-1st rounders, or even another player involved.
Julius Peppers
Peppers has openly expressed his displeasure with the Panthers and wants out. He may be the most unlikely trade scenario here, but because he is often regarded as the best defensive end by the casual fan, a team looking for an athletic, versatile freak could be intrigued. The Dolphins come to mind, as well as the Browns or Broncos, but it’s likely he will remain a Panther. The asking price could be a late 1st to a mid 2nd rounder, depending on how willing the Panthers are to get rid of him.
Jason Taylor
The free agent former stud is still out of work, as his latest stop in Washington lasted only a year. The most ironic situation in this scenerio is that the team liked ot Taylor is his former team, the Dolphins, who are going to pick for the Redskins in the 2nd rounder courtesy of the Jason Taylor to Washington trade. He likely won’t be signed until a team is desperate for the defensive end after the draft.
Shaun Rodgers
Rodgers is another guy who is having problems in camp this season, a year after being transferred to Cleveland from the hopeless Lions. Rodgers was somewhat effective this season, and is key to the Browns continuing to build this defense. If both sides can’t work this out, look for Rodgers to be courted by many teams looking for a big nose tackle, and could garner 2nd round consideration.
Dunta Robinson
The speed demon “shut-down” corner for the Texans is also displaying displeasure in camp this season, and has been linked to trade rumors for some time. The Texans have Jaquee Reeves, who they love, as well as Fred Bennett who has been playing well so far in his time in the league, and Robinson may be expendable. The Texans could look to the Dolphins, Broncos, Browns, or Packers in exchange for a 2nd-3rd rounder.
Michael Vick
The hot-button issue in the league this off-season, as many sites are chronically giving updates as if they were Peter Gomez stalking Bonds through the Balco investigation (if you remember, Gomez was in the dugout and locker-room seemingly everyday). Vick is out of jail, and IF (big ‘if’) he is reinstated, I guarantee teams will be jumping on him. He definitely won’t screw up again, or else he’s done for good, and has the talents that scouts dream up. Pat White is considered a 2nd-3rd rounder in some areas because of his talent, and no question Vick is better than White. The 49ers and Raiders are two that make sense to me, as the Raiders have no conscience when it comes to free agents, and the 49ers are looking for a running quarterback to run Mike Singletary’s offense.
As you can see, up to three 1st round worthy receivers, two Day One pick worthy quarterbacks, one record-breaking running back, and a handful of other great players are available for the taking this off-season. Cutler may be the prize of the month so far, but Edwards, Boldin, Ocho Cinco, Quinn, LT, and others could be the next man on the move.
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