American football news

NFL Offseason Fallout

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 - David London

The first weekend of NFL free agency was an interesting one with several moves that left some scratching their heads. While you were all occupied with the Oscars:

Bears Go Big With Peppers

On a short leash, head coach Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo are running out of time as the Bears have had three straight losing seasons. The Bears made headlines earlier this offseason by bringing in Mike Martz to run the offense. While the offense struggled at times, the defense was awful with holes that made Michael Strahan’s gap in his teeth look small. For six years and $91 million, Julius Peppers will be wearing a Bears uniform. Despite being 30 years old, when defensive ends begin to decline, Chicago gave Peppers $40 million guaranteed. Peppers will have all eyes on him as he tries to revive the Bears defense. He’ll play alongside a healthy Brian Urlacher, but with 40 million guaranteed, Peppers will be expected to exceed his career average of ten sacks a season. Smith and Angelo better hope he can live up to his contract, otherwise they’ll likely be searching for jobs next season.

Ravens Hope Boldin Ends Search

Baltimore for years has played without a bona fide number one receiver. The Ravens gave Arizona a third and fourth round pick in this year’s draft to acquire Anquan Boldin. A pro bowl caliber receiver, Boldin gives Baltimore stability at a weak spot. Boldin may not be as explosive as Andre Johnson or his former teammate Larry Fitzgerald, but Baltimore gets a huge upgrade here. Boldin can break tackles and make the tough catches and is no slouch at run blocking. Throw Dante Stallworth into the mix and the Ravens have a decent receiving corps.

Jets Strengthen Secondary With Addition…By Subtraction?

First the Jets make a splash and trade a third round pick for DB Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers. Off the field issues aside, Cromartie is a talented DB who had ten interceptions in 2007. Paired up with Darrelle Revis, the Jets now have the best DB tandem in the NFL. The Jets focused on their secondary after Peyton Manning had a cakewalk against them in the AFC Championship. Now here’s the confusing part. Later this past weekend Kerry Rhodes was shipped to Arizona in exchange for a fourth and seventh round pick. This came after GM Mike Tannenbaum said that Rhodes would remain with the team. A pro bowl safety, Rhodes ranks near the top amongs safeties and head coach Rex Ryan saw Rhodes having an impact on the game ala Ed Reed. Rhodes struggled early in the season and was eventually benched, but responded and finished the season strong. The first move is solid; the second one leaves me scratching my head.

Dan Snyder Can’t Find Checkbook

How else would you explain the Redskins lack of activity to start free agency? A big spender, the league has become used to seeing Snyder and the Redskins sign big names for even bigger money. However the Redskins were merely spectators (for now) as they watched other teams throw big money such as $43 million for Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) and $37 million for Antrel Rolle (Giants).

Old Running Backs Continue Search

Several big name running backs over the age of 30 continued their pursuit of a job for next season. LaDanian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, and Thomas Jones all remain unsigned after the weekend. All three have been visiting with teams, but it remains to be seen where these players end up, reduced role and all. None of these guys will threaten to steal anyone’s job as they will serve as nothing more than a change of pace back.

Other Moves to Take Note Of

Along with Peppers, the Bears also brought in 30-year-old running back Chestor Taylor to back up Matt Forte. The Falcons desperately needed to upgrade their secondary and did just that with Dunta Robinson. The Panthers officially ended the Jake Delhomme era as they released him. It’s time to rise for Matt Moore. Lastly, Kyle Vanden Bosch reunited with Jim Schwartz as he signed with the Lions.