In honor of one of my favorite days of the year, I am maintaining a massive spreadsheet of 138 NFL Free Agents. It will track ultimately who they sign with. Hopefully, for those few who read this blog, this post can operate as your one stop shop for tracking free agency. I hope you enjoy Pittsburgh's Native Son's 1st Annual Free Agency Smorgasbord!
Technical note: This has all been very spur of the moment. Therefore, the Smorgasbord is located at a Spreadsheet at this link. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but I hope to have a better situation for live blogging by the 2012 NFL Draft.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ag4HrRAgUz6bdE02azRmdzFRU2p4YXhCcEhKcWRMMHc#gid=0
Monday, March 12, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Peyton Manning a Bronco?
Out of nowhere, the Denver Broncos have become major contenders for now former Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning. This calls into question Denver’s entire philosophy, a philosophy that allowed the team to get to the Playoffs. However going from and errant, but surprisingly devastating passer in Tim Tebow to the precision of 4 time MVP Peyton Manning would represent a major upgrade. This article will look into the philosophy change that Denver would have to go through in order to accommodate Peyton Manning and in addition discuss the feasibility of this move.
2011 Denver
2011 Denver was built on running the ball and elite defense with a little big play passing thrown in. Denver won a lot of games with this simple formula. They didn’t make Tim Tebow throw 30-40 passes a game, but they had him carry the rock with carry totals higher than many NFL running backs. If Peyton Manning came into Denver there are a few questions and concerns people will have about how this team will work.
Denver doesn’t have the elite pass catchers Peyton manning will need for a high powered offense.
Wrong. Denver does have a surprisingly high powered group, but they never get used because Denver has had the likes of Orton and Tebow passing to them. Demariyus Thomas is a future star as indicated by his late season surge. Imagine what he could be with Peyton Manning behind center. Also, since when does Peyton Manning need elite talent? Look at the Colts’ wideouts this year. Tell me Peyton Manning didn’t make them look better than they proved to be. Plus, Peyton and Reggie Wayne would likely be a package deal. Throw in a rehabbing Knowshon Moreno who has solid pass catching ability and recent cap casualty Dallas Clark who could represent, at the very least, fill the roster spot of recently suspended tight end Virgil Greene. At that point look out because you have a VERY promising receiver corps in Thomas, Wayne, Clark, and Moreno.
John Fox has always relied on running the ball
This is true. Fox in Carolina turned away opportunities to acquire elite QB talent and forced Panther fans to endure a few too many years of Jake Delhomme. However, do you know the main reason John Fox implements offenses that rush to the point of excess? He is a defensive coach. Running the ball eats clock and keeps defenses fresh. Fox’s playoff teams have all had borderline elite defenses that shutdown opponents allowing the rushing attack to pound away at opposing defenses until they break. Having an elite QB under center would mean John Fox would have to change offensive philosophies, but quite frankly being able to put up 28+ points offensively would be a fresh change from his offenses, like Denver’s last year, that put up 10+. John Fox could let his defense on the field a little longer knowing Manning would be on the field soon capable of quick strike retaliation. The presence of Manning also makes the opposing offense feel the pressure to keep up reducing the burden on the defense. I would like to close this point mentioning that even if John Fox wants to run the ball a little more than Peyton may be used to, for a rehabbing QB that is not a bad thing whatsoever.
Why trade away a playoff QB for an injured Peyton Manning?
The Denver Broncos made it the playoffs with little to no passing game. The Denver defense carried this team through on multiple occasions. That defense will not have changed and if anything can get reloaded and improved with another offseason under John Fox. Tebow is not what got Denver to the playoffs, they got their in spite of Tebow. Peyton Manning is said to be well on the path to full recovery. If true, Denver has an offensive line capable of keeping him protected and a defense to take this team far. With Tim Tebow, Denver has a playoff team….with Peyton Manning…Denver could have a Super Bowl team. Thus, Manning would bring significant offensive philosophy changes, but those changes ultimately would not alter the course for a team that saw success come from an elite defense. Hence, those games that Denver couldn’t keep up offensively are altered considerably with Manning behind center and that represents a definitive upgrade.
Will Manning actually become a Bronco?
That is tough to say. The Redskins are obviously out given their recent acquisition of the 2nd Overall, but Miami and Arizona constitute two teams that Manning would likely go to. Denver plays in a cold weather, outdoor stadium at a higher altitude. These are all turnoffs to a QB trying to stay healthy after a nasty neck injury. Miami represents a warm weather town, but it is also a media circus and has Tom Brady and blitz happy Rex Ryan. I can’t imagine Miami is the most ideal location, but it does have Brandon Marshall to throw to.
Arizona plays in warm weather and a dome, much more suited to Peyton’s talents. Plus, Arizona has Larry Fitzgerald who, no offense to Demaryius Thomas, presents much better receiver talent than Denver offers. Also the competition in the form of Seattle and a rebuilding St. Louis would mean only San Fran stands in Manning’s road to the playoffs. Subsequently, my money is on Peyton choosing Arizona ultimately. Keeping Miami and Denver on the hook allows Manning to get the best offer possible from Arizona. This article may seem like a waste of time if I am making this pick, but this article’s purpose was not to argue why Manning will be a Bronco. Rather, this article involved laying out the argument that Manning would fit in at Denver and make them a Super Bowl contending team. For the reasons I have provided Peyton Manning would make an excellent Broncos team much better. So, if this does happen, what happens to the man on the right?
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Randy Moss: He'd Like To Call It A Comeback
Randy Moss is reportedly working out for one team this week. As such, it seems as good a time as any to discuss what teams could make a run at the future Hall of Famer and his impact on those rosters. Moss stipulates that he can still run a 4.35-4.38 40. In addition he is willing to take a contract with no guaranteed money to prove that he is about football, not money. If Moss still has his speed and can put forth actual effort, look for some team to make a steal similar to the 4th round pick the Pats used to get Moss way back when. The question is what team is going to give Moss a shot?
I have listed the teams according to likelihood they would sign Moss, starting with the most likely. In between, we will pause for reflection on the teams Moss has played for...however briefly.
Good Beginnings, Bad Ending:
As We Begin our Journey so does Moss. Here is his first stop in Minnesota where he and Daunte Culpepper neared legend status. They could have been Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, but alas it was not meant to be.
1. New York Jets
Moss has been strongly linked to the Jets who want to find a dynamic replacement for Plaxico Burress. I think the Jets will inevitably turn to Braylon Edwards, but having Moss on the squad would be nice…for the other Jets wide receivers because there is little chance that Sanchez is going to be able to consistently get the ball to Moss when he hasn’t been able to do so with the likes of Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards.
2. Chicago
Cutler NEEDS a dynamic #1 wide receiver. There are no if ands or buts about it. If Chicago lets another year pass with Cutler trying to make Hester and Knox into #1s, Chicago is going to remain the third best team in the NFC North. From what I have heard, Bears OC Mike Tice has a good rapport with Moss despite the first blowup Moss had at Minnesota when Tice was on staff. If Moss went to Chicago Jay Cutler could return to his Denver days as an elite QB.
3. Tampa Bay
New Head Coach Greg Schiano may want to install a power run game, but adding Moss to operate opposite Mike Williams may be very tempting for a Tampa Bay team needing to generate some buzz.
4. Detroit
Imagine the headache combo of Calvin Johnson and Randy Moss with Stafford’s arm. Who do you cover? Already teams have to shift double and triple coverage in order to moderately cover Megatron. With Moss around defenses will be unable to slide coverage fully to Megatron. A move like this could put Detroit on the road to a deep playoff run.
Moss Raids Oakland's Payroll:
Moss and Oakland did not get along in the least. Al Davis traded for one of the NFL's fastest, but gave this speedster Kerry Collins as a QB. This did not end well as Moss phoned it in for a paycheck...a sad tradition in Moss' career.
5. Baltimore
The Ravens claim to need a deep threat, why I am not sure given the development and promise of Torrey Smith. Nevertheless they claim to need one and are pretty cash strapped. Bringing in Randy Moss could help them maybe get over that hump of close playoff losses…maybe…
6. San Francisco
Lots of people say San Fran is going to target a deep threat, which is a need, but Alex Smith is hesitant to let the long ball loose to anybody not named Vernon Davis. Smith is a big time trust QB. He only regularly throws to people he trusts. Give him somebody dynamic like Moss who can catch anything awkwardly thrown and the 49ers could secure an actual deep passing game.
7. Philadelphia
The Eagles are rumored to be interested in signing Plaxico Burress and trading Desean Jackson. Why not bring in a player with Jackson’s speed and Burress’ height?
8. New Orleans
Rumors had flashed that Moss was going to join the Saints last year, but nothing ever came of it. If this bounty business results in player suspensions, then much of the Saints defense is going to be gone and the offense will have to pick up the slack. Having a Brees/Moss could be devastating enough to compensate for the lack of defense. Plus, Moss could help ease the seemingly impending loss of Colston.
So Close and Yet So Far:
In New England Randy Moss broke Jerry Rice's single season touchdown record while almost achieving Super Bowl glory. However, shortly after this mind blowing touchdown the Pats parted with Moss and not on good terms.
9. Houston
The Texans desperately need to get a wide receiver to operate opposite Andre Johnson/fill in when Johnson is hurt. Moss could be the High end wideout needed to help the Texans attain back to back playoff berths.
10. Jacksonville
This would be the big splash move the new Jaguars ownership could be looking to make, but it is unlikely Moss would pick a team in a major rebuild with terrible QB prospects. Mike Mularkey may be in town, but so is Blaine Gabbert and that hinders any possibility of Moss making a phenomenal return.
11. San Diego
AJ Smith may be putting the franchise tag on Jackson yet again. If however Jackson hits the free agent market, then the Chargers could turn to Randy Moss to operate as a cheap replacement and deep threat to fill in the time when Rivers isn’t throwing to Gates.
12. St. Louis
Jeff Fisher pulled the trigger on snatching Moss off the waiver wire at the end of his Titan coaching tenure. It would not be out of the realm of reason for the Rams to take a shot and give Sam Bradford a much needed target, and Steven Jackson his first ever seven man front.
Favre and Moss Or The Story of What Could Have Been:
When Moss got traded to the Brett Favre led Vikings I was pumped and traded away Brandon Marshall and Anquan Boldin to get Moss on my team. This touchdown aside, the trade did not really work out for either of us. I still think the Vikes should have fired Childress before Moss, but what do I know.
13/14. Washington/Cleveland
Randy Moss would have to be desperate to sign with either of these teams before seeing what they do to fix their QB situations. If Peyton/Flynn ends up at one of these teams a cheap Randy Moss would help add a weapon to these rosters in great need of offensive firepower.
15. Buffalo
Stevie Johnson is going to be expensive to retain, but ultimately I think Buffalo goes ahead and brings the wideout back. However, adding Randy Moss could help put a team that suffered considerably after the loss of Fred Jackson in contention for the AFC East. At the very least it would keep Buffalo competitive in a division that may be adding Peyton Manning.
16. Indianapolis
If the Colts clean house like most believe, bringing in low risk contract like Moss may help compensate for the bumps that rookie QB Andrew Luck will experience. Also, this becomes a stronger possibility as Pierre Garcon plays hardball with the Colts.
17. Arizona
Arizona is very cash strapped and any cheap player needs to be discussed. If the Cards are discussing bringing in Peyton, I doubt Moss comes along, but if the plan is to stay with Kolb…a Moss/Fitzgerald combo may be too tempting to pass up.
They Told Him to go to Nashville:
A desperate Titans squad turned to Randy Moss and although he made almost no in game impact, the Titans swear up and down that he was an excellent teammate. Teams willing to take a chance on Moss need to hope that the 2010 season was a humbling experience for Moss and that his off the field behavior in Tennessee is duplicated in their club.
18. Seattle
Seattle spent big money on now injury prone Sidney Rice. In order to get this offense off the ground a wide receiver like Moss may be necessary. However, I am sure Moss would wait to see Seattle’s plans to improve their QB situation before signing with a near end of rebuilding phase Seattle.
19. Carolina
Moss, Steve Smith, and Cam Newton would be a nasty combo that would put Carolina in competition for the NFC South. This would be a nice grab by the Panthers especially if the Saints defenders get hindered/suspended by league discipline for their bounty scheme.
20. New England
This could be slightly possible given the return of Josh McDaniels, but a reunion is very unlikely. The Pats will look for younger deep threats that don’t have questionable history.
21. Pittsburgh
Todd Haley likes to work with tall wide receivers who can get down field (evidence Owens, Fitzgerald, Bowe, and Baldwin) a role Moss would fulfill and then some. Also, given the potential for Mike Wallace’s departure and the Steelers’ delicate cap situation a no money down contract would be very beneficial. Not to mention Moss could decoy defenses much like Wallace did while giving the Steeler offense a tall red zone target they have been needing since Plaxico Burress left in 2005. The hindrance is Moss’ history, but to fill a roster spot for very little money, it may not hurt for the Steelers to kick Moss’ tires.
I will be anxiously seeing who decides to work out Moss this week and if his 40 time is as promised. Until then speculation we will just have to wait. However, I am excited at the prospect of a Randy Moss return. Football just wasn’t the same this past season without Peyton manning, Brett Favre, Terrell Owens, and Randy Moss. However, Moss does have a checkered past and any sort of slipup or lackluster effort on Moss' part needs to me met by a very swift pinkslip. Moss' talent and ability to entertain allows him a comeback attempt...it does not permit him to ruin a roster.
I have listed the teams according to likelihood they would sign Moss, starting with the most likely. In between, we will pause for reflection on the teams Moss has played for...however briefly.
Good Beginnings, Bad Ending:
As We Begin our Journey so does Moss. Here is his first stop in Minnesota where he and Daunte Culpepper neared legend status. They could have been Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, but alas it was not meant to be.
1. New York Jets
Moss has been strongly linked to the Jets who want to find a dynamic replacement for Plaxico Burress. I think the Jets will inevitably turn to Braylon Edwards, but having Moss on the squad would be nice…for the other Jets wide receivers because there is little chance that Sanchez is going to be able to consistently get the ball to Moss when he hasn’t been able to do so with the likes of Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards.
2. Chicago
Cutler NEEDS a dynamic #1 wide receiver. There are no if ands or buts about it. If Chicago lets another year pass with Cutler trying to make Hester and Knox into #1s, Chicago is going to remain the third best team in the NFC North. From what I have heard, Bears OC Mike Tice has a good rapport with Moss despite the first blowup Moss had at Minnesota when Tice was on staff. If Moss went to Chicago Jay Cutler could return to his Denver days as an elite QB.
3. Tampa Bay
New Head Coach Greg Schiano may want to install a power run game, but adding Moss to operate opposite Mike Williams may be very tempting for a Tampa Bay team needing to generate some buzz.
4. Detroit
Imagine the headache combo of Calvin Johnson and Randy Moss with Stafford’s arm. Who do you cover? Already teams have to shift double and triple coverage in order to moderately cover Megatron. With Moss around defenses will be unable to slide coverage fully to Megatron. A move like this could put Detroit on the road to a deep playoff run.
Moss Raids Oakland's Payroll:
Moss and Oakland did not get along in the least. Al Davis traded for one of the NFL's fastest, but gave this speedster Kerry Collins as a QB. This did not end well as Moss phoned it in for a paycheck...a sad tradition in Moss' career.
5. Baltimore
The Ravens claim to need a deep threat, why I am not sure given the development and promise of Torrey Smith. Nevertheless they claim to need one and are pretty cash strapped. Bringing in Randy Moss could help them maybe get over that hump of close playoff losses…maybe…
6. San Francisco
Lots of people say San Fran is going to target a deep threat, which is a need, but Alex Smith is hesitant to let the long ball loose to anybody not named Vernon Davis. Smith is a big time trust QB. He only regularly throws to people he trusts. Give him somebody dynamic like Moss who can catch anything awkwardly thrown and the 49ers could secure an actual deep passing game.
7. Philadelphia
The Eagles are rumored to be interested in signing Plaxico Burress and trading Desean Jackson. Why not bring in a player with Jackson’s speed and Burress’ height?
8. New Orleans
Rumors had flashed that Moss was going to join the Saints last year, but nothing ever came of it. If this bounty business results in player suspensions, then much of the Saints defense is going to be gone and the offense will have to pick up the slack. Having a Brees/Moss could be devastating enough to compensate for the lack of defense. Plus, Moss could help ease the seemingly impending loss of Colston.
So Close and Yet So Far:
In New England Randy Moss broke Jerry Rice's single season touchdown record while almost achieving Super Bowl glory. However, shortly after this mind blowing touchdown the Pats parted with Moss and not on good terms.
9. Houston
The Texans desperately need to get a wide receiver to operate opposite Andre Johnson/fill in when Johnson is hurt. Moss could be the High end wideout needed to help the Texans attain back to back playoff berths.
10. Jacksonville
This would be the big splash move the new Jaguars ownership could be looking to make, but it is unlikely Moss would pick a team in a major rebuild with terrible QB prospects. Mike Mularkey may be in town, but so is Blaine Gabbert and that hinders any possibility of Moss making a phenomenal return.
11. San Diego
AJ Smith may be putting the franchise tag on Jackson yet again. If however Jackson hits the free agent market, then the Chargers could turn to Randy Moss to operate as a cheap replacement and deep threat to fill in the time when Rivers isn’t throwing to Gates.
12. St. Louis
Jeff Fisher pulled the trigger on snatching Moss off the waiver wire at the end of his Titan coaching tenure. It would not be out of the realm of reason for the Rams to take a shot and give Sam Bradford a much needed target, and Steven Jackson his first ever seven man front.
Favre and Moss Or The Story of What Could Have Been:
When Moss got traded to the Brett Favre led Vikings I was pumped and traded away Brandon Marshall and Anquan Boldin to get Moss on my team. This touchdown aside, the trade did not really work out for either of us. I still think the Vikes should have fired Childress before Moss, but what do I know.
13/14. Washington/Cleveland
Randy Moss would have to be desperate to sign with either of these teams before seeing what they do to fix their QB situations. If Peyton/Flynn ends up at one of these teams a cheap Randy Moss would help add a weapon to these rosters in great need of offensive firepower.
15. Buffalo
Stevie Johnson is going to be expensive to retain, but ultimately I think Buffalo goes ahead and brings the wideout back. However, adding Randy Moss could help put a team that suffered considerably after the loss of Fred Jackson in contention for the AFC East. At the very least it would keep Buffalo competitive in a division that may be adding Peyton Manning.
16. Indianapolis
If the Colts clean house like most believe, bringing in low risk contract like Moss may help compensate for the bumps that rookie QB Andrew Luck will experience. Also, this becomes a stronger possibility as Pierre Garcon plays hardball with the Colts.
17. Arizona
Arizona is very cash strapped and any cheap player needs to be discussed. If the Cards are discussing bringing in Peyton, I doubt Moss comes along, but if the plan is to stay with Kolb…a Moss/Fitzgerald combo may be too tempting to pass up.
They Told Him to go to Nashville:
A desperate Titans squad turned to Randy Moss and although he made almost no in game impact, the Titans swear up and down that he was an excellent teammate. Teams willing to take a chance on Moss need to hope that the 2010 season was a humbling experience for Moss and that his off the field behavior in Tennessee is duplicated in their club.
18. Seattle
Seattle spent big money on now injury prone Sidney Rice. In order to get this offense off the ground a wide receiver like Moss may be necessary. However, I am sure Moss would wait to see Seattle’s plans to improve their QB situation before signing with a near end of rebuilding phase Seattle.
19. Carolina
Moss, Steve Smith, and Cam Newton would be a nasty combo that would put Carolina in competition for the NFC South. This would be a nice grab by the Panthers especially if the Saints defenders get hindered/suspended by league discipline for their bounty scheme.
20. New England
This could be slightly possible given the return of Josh McDaniels, but a reunion is very unlikely. The Pats will look for younger deep threats that don’t have questionable history.
21. Pittsburgh
Todd Haley likes to work with tall wide receivers who can get down field (evidence Owens, Fitzgerald, Bowe, and Baldwin) a role Moss would fulfill and then some. Also, given the potential for Mike Wallace’s departure and the Steelers’ delicate cap situation a no money down contract would be very beneficial. Not to mention Moss could decoy defenses much like Wallace did while giving the Steeler offense a tall red zone target they have been needing since Plaxico Burress left in 2005. The hindrance is Moss’ history, but to fill a roster spot for very little money, it may not hurt for the Steelers to kick Moss’ tires.
I will be anxiously seeing who decides to work out Moss this week and if his 40 time is as promised. Until then speculation we will just have to wait. However, I am excited at the prospect of a Randy Moss return. Football just wasn’t the same this past season without Peyton manning, Brett Favre, Terrell Owens, and Randy Moss. However, Moss does have a checkered past and any sort of slipup or lackluster effort on Moss' part needs to me met by a very swift pinkslip. Moss' talent and ability to entertain allows him a comeback attempt...it does not permit him to ruin a roster.
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