NFL FREE AGENCY, SATURDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE
Chiefs' fans, I have news on Eric Winston
I said last night he had departed K.C. Friday afternoon for St. Louis. But he didn't, as soon as center Scott Wells signed with the Rams, they informed Winston's agent they were no longer interested in meeting with him. So he spent another night in Kansas City. If the Dolphins don't sign QB Matt Flynn, IMO Winston's chances of wearing red & gold increase significantly. Scott Pioli....Git-R-Done.
More news for Chiefs' fans
Former Jets & Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, will visit Kansas City Monday & Tuesday. Cotchery is a solidly-built, sure-handed possession receiver who understands coverages & knows how to get open. He would not be an expensive signing & would bring veteran leadership & work ethic to a receiving corps desperate for both. As a record-setting receiver for North Carolina State, Cotchery was Phillip Rivers' go-to guy all 4-years they played together. One thing to be mindful of is Bowe, Baldwin, Breaston, Cotchery, Hillis, & Charles don't play special teams. Battle, McClain, Urban & Copper all did.
And even more Chiefs
We know Luis Castillo came for a visit as will Cotchery & Marcus McNeill. Mike Tolbert(excellent on coverage teams) got a "no, we don't have any cap space" from the Steelers. Former Titan DT Jason Jones signed a 1-year deal with Seattle today, Hillis' deal with the Chiefs is also for just 1-year. There are a number of quality players signing for 1-year, hoping to have solid seasons & then re-enter the free agent market in 2013 when teams will be forced to spend nearly all their cap money. The cap will also be increased. If Pioli can strike the right deal with a number of these veteran free agents who aren't generating a lot of interest, the Chiefs could have, talent-wise, the best team they've fielded in nearly a decade. Yes, K.C. would lose some of these guys next year, no doubt. But with Dwayne Bowe & Brandon Albert needing new contracts, not being tied to long term deals with a bunch of veteran free agents gives Pioli some flexibility. It also gives him a much more talented roster to choose from next off-season. I would make an exception for Eric Winston & Marcus McNeill, no 1-year deals please.
Rams sign Langford to bolster D-line
DT Kendall Langford signed with St. Louis this morning. They had offered him & Jason Jones new contracts. Once Langford agreed to sign, they told Jones they were no longer interested & he signed a 1-year deal with the Seahawks. Langford's deal is a 4-year, $24 million deal with $12 guaranteed. IMO, St. Louis has done well in free agency with the exception of no front-line wideouts.
What is the potential fallout for the losers in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes?
It could be very damaging for several quarterbacks with shaky confidence. It could also be hugely disappointing to the losers' fanbase. Think about this, Alex Smith goes thru five very disappointing, boo-filled seasons with the Niners. He signs a 1-year deal for only $5 million(in starting QB dollars, that's pitiful) & has his best season by far leading Frisco to the brink of a Super Bowl appearance. He is once again a free agent & wants a 5-year deal. The Niners offer an unstructured 3-year deal with vague incentives in hopes he won't sign right away so that they may secretly explore their chances with Manning. If San Francisco isn't successful in their attempts to woo Manning to the bay Area, what becomes of Smith? The same goes for Denver & "Tebow-Mania." John Elway is almost God-like in the Mile High City, but his popularity could take a huge hit if this doesn't play out the way he wants it to go. Tennessee isn't in the same situation, Matt Hasselbeck is at the end of his career & Jake Locker is only in his 2nd season. Miami has already "screwed the pooch" IMO. They traded Brandon Marshall, Manning gave them a resounding "NO" plus Matt Flynn & his agent aren't happy with what they perceive as low-ball contract offers. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross promised South Florida an exciting football team. He's off to a pretty miserable start, firing the coaching staff but keeping a fairly lame GM, Jeff Ireland. Their in-state competitors, Tampa Bay & Jacksonville have accomplished much more in free agency & both teams are drafting right alongside Miami. No excitement on the horizon for Phish phans.
San Francisco QB Alex Smith had a career-year in 2011
WR Brandon Lloyd is close to signing with New England
He said after the season he wanted to go with Josh McDaniels to New England. The deal is oh so close except the Pats want Lloyd to take a little less money. How badly does he want to go with McDaniels? I guess we're going to find out soon enough.
I said last night he had departed K.C. Friday afternoon for St. Louis. But he didn't, as soon as center Scott Wells signed with the Rams, they informed Winston's agent they were no longer interested in meeting with him. So he spent another night in Kansas City. If the Dolphins don't sign QB Matt Flynn, IMO Winston's chances of wearing red & gold increase significantly. Scott Pioli....Git-R-Done.
More news for Chiefs' fans
Former Jets & Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, will visit Kansas City Monday & Tuesday. Cotchery is a solidly-built, sure-handed possession receiver who understands coverages & knows how to get open. He would not be an expensive signing & would bring veteran leadership & work ethic to a receiving corps desperate for both. As a record-setting receiver for North Carolina State, Cotchery was Phillip Rivers' go-to guy all 4-years they played together. One thing to be mindful of is Bowe, Baldwin, Breaston, Cotchery, Hillis, & Charles don't play special teams. Battle, McClain, Urban & Copper all did.
And even more Chiefs
We know Luis Castillo came for a visit as will Cotchery & Marcus McNeill. Mike Tolbert(excellent on coverage teams) got a "no, we don't have any cap space" from the Steelers. Former Titan DT Jason Jones signed a 1-year deal with Seattle today, Hillis' deal with the Chiefs is also for just 1-year. There are a number of quality players signing for 1-year, hoping to have solid seasons & then re-enter the free agent market in 2013 when teams will be forced to spend nearly all their cap money. The cap will also be increased. If Pioli can strike the right deal with a number of these veteran free agents who aren't generating a lot of interest, the Chiefs could have, talent-wise, the best team they've fielded in nearly a decade. Yes, K.C. would lose some of these guys next year, no doubt. But with Dwayne Bowe & Brandon Albert needing new contracts, not being tied to long term deals with a bunch of veteran free agents gives Pioli some flexibility. It also gives him a much more talented roster to choose from next off-season. I would make an exception for Eric Winston & Marcus McNeill, no 1-year deals please.
Rams sign Langford to bolster D-line
DT Kendall Langford signed with St. Louis this morning. They had offered him & Jason Jones new contracts. Once Langford agreed to sign, they told Jones they were no longer interested & he signed a 1-year deal with the Seahawks. Langford's deal is a 4-year, $24 million deal with $12 guaranteed. IMO, St. Louis has done well in free agency with the exception of no front-line wideouts.
What is the potential fallout for the losers in the Peyton Manning sweepstakes?
It could be very damaging for several quarterbacks with shaky confidence. It could also be hugely disappointing to the losers' fanbase. Think about this, Alex Smith goes thru five very disappointing, boo-filled seasons with the Niners. He signs a 1-year deal for only $5 million(in starting QB dollars, that's pitiful) & has his best season by far leading Frisco to the brink of a Super Bowl appearance. He is once again a free agent & wants a 5-year deal. The Niners offer an unstructured 3-year deal with vague incentives in hopes he won't sign right away so that they may secretly explore their chances with Manning. If San Francisco isn't successful in their attempts to woo Manning to the bay Area, what becomes of Smith? The same goes for Denver & "Tebow-Mania." John Elway is almost God-like in the Mile High City, but his popularity could take a huge hit if this doesn't play out the way he wants it to go. Tennessee isn't in the same situation, Matt Hasselbeck is at the end of his career & Jake Locker is only in his 2nd season. Miami has already "screwed the pooch" IMO. They traded Brandon Marshall, Manning gave them a resounding "NO" plus Matt Flynn & his agent aren't happy with what they perceive as low-ball contract offers. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross promised South Florida an exciting football team. He's off to a pretty miserable start, firing the coaching staff but keeping a fairly lame GM, Jeff Ireland. Their in-state competitors, Tampa Bay & Jacksonville have accomplished much more in free agency & both teams are drafting right alongside Miami. No excitement on the horizon for Phish phans.
San Francisco QB Alex Smith had a career-year in 2011
WR Brandon Lloyd is close to signing with New England
He said after the season he wanted to go with Josh McDaniels to New England. The deal is oh so close except the Pats want Lloyd to take a little less money. How badly does he want to go with McDaniels? I guess we're going to find out soon enough.
Rich,
Thanks for the updates. Your my first read.
I think no matter who gets Manning, they are behind the eight ball. (Except 49ers) I truly thought Manning would go to the team with the best chance of winning now and who could be competitive pay wise. I thought he would make up his mind before FA started so "his" team would know where they stood cap wise. Denver and Miami have both waited too long to compliment Manning with other players. Both teams have been set back no matter which one gets Manning.
I covet your opinion on Tebow. IMO, Tebow has traits that can't be taught. Leadership, winning attitude, unselfish, work ethic to name a few. He came in and brought Denver from no where to win the West AND win a playoff game. I would think that the Broncos would have spent their money on teaching Tebow how too throw rather than causing turmoil. Is Tebows mechanics unfixable or is it that Elway can't stand Tebow?
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Andy,
Thanks for the kind words. I mentioned in this post I believe there could possibly a huge downside to all three of the "Manning Finalists." Alex Smith finally played up to most of his potential, Tebow leads the Broncos to a playoff win & Miami owner Stephen Ross hyped his franchise as a playoff team. Even with Manning, unless he wins a Super Bowl, all three could lose big with members of their locker rooms & their fanbase.
I do not believe Tim Tebow will ever be a middle of the pack passer. What he brings to the table are the qualities you spoke of & they cannot be taught. John Elway is one of the all-time great QB's, in my book he's the best. But he isn't the least bit flexible running his team, which could be a real problem.
Thanks for reading.
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