Here are some thoughts on the first few weeks of the 2018 NFL offseason.
1. The Minnesota Vikings have been a passive free agency participant for nearly all of the 25 years of it's existence. In the first year of the Brad Childress era, 2006, the Vikings went on something close to a spending spree.
Steve Hutchinson
Chester Taylor
Ben Leber
Ryan Longwell
Tony Richardson
The highlight of the spending was the $49 million Poison Pill contract given to Hutchinson. This was a huge and league-shaking deal, certainly Seahawk-shaking. In both quantity and quality of the free agents signed, 2006 was an offseason rarely seen in Minnesota. 2018 might top it. It contains a quarterback.
Kirk Cousins
Sheldon Richardson
Trevor Siemian
Kendall Wright
Like the Hutchinson deal was in 2006, the Cousins deal is league-shaking as it's the first fully guaranteed contract. Not only that, the $28 million per season average makes Cousins the highest-paid player in the league. Paying that sort of money and the position that Cousins plays makes this offseason another spending outlier for the Vikings. The addition of a franchise, free agent quarterback overshadows the addition of Richardson. An addition that strengthens a very strong defense and gives the Vikings one of the best defensive lines in the league.
Based on their appearance, disappointing as it was, in the NFC Championship game the Vikings came out of the 2017 season as one of the four best teams in the league. Over the first few weeks of the offseason they got better.
2. There has been a lot of overreaction to the new "helmet" rule. "they are killing the game" "there will be mass ejections" "the games will take forever" etc., etc., etc. About four years ago the league added a rule that would penalize ballcarriers that strike defenders with the crown of their helmet. There was an uproar then. Especially from fans that were partial to running backs like Adrian Peterson. That penalty has been called about six times in the years since. I don't recall seeing Peterson penalized for leading with his helmet despite the fact that he still did so. These player safety rules, and like it or not they are rules that are necessary, are always worse in theory than they are in practice.
3. Mock Drafts. I love them. We all love them. Despite being utter nonsense, these damn things are fun. Addicting too. As much as I love mock drafts I hate the inclusion of trades into these projections. In my humble opinion, guessing at trades is pushing the guesswork of mock drafts to an absurd level. Pairing players with teams is silly enough. If the teams are no longer in a set draft spot, what's the point?
4. I like any mock that has the Minnesota Vikings picking Georgia guard Isaiah Wynn. It's optimistic but I like it.
5. The Minnesota Vikings-Philadelphia Eagles game was picked to open the 2018 NFL season. Seeing as those were the last two NFC teams standing at the end of the 2017 season it's a fine choice. As a fan of the Vikings it's disappointing to open the season and then have to wait about 1.5 weeks for game two. If it satisfies the Vikings Thursday game obligation that long early break is worth it.
6. The following teams will open the 2018 season with new starting quarterbacks
Minnesota Vikings: Sam Bradford-Kirk Cousins
Chicago Bears: Mike Glennon-Mitchell Trubisky
Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins-Alex Smith
San Francisco 49ers: Brian Hoyer-Jimmy Garoppolo
Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer-Sam Bradford
Cleveland Browns: DeShone Kizer-TBD
Buffalo Bills: Tyrod Taylor-TBD
Miami Dolphins: Jay Cutler-Ryan Tannehill
Indianapolis Colts: Scott Tolzien-Andrew Luck
Houston Texans: Tom Savage-DeShaun Watson
Denver Broncos: Trevor Siemian-Case Keenum
Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith-Patrick Maholmes
7. Entering the 2018 offseason the Cleveland Browns had a lot of holes to fill and a lot of cap space to spend. After an 0-16 season they had to get busy. And they did.
Added in trades:
Jarvis Landry
Tyrod Taylor
Damarious Randall
Added in free agency
Chris Hubbard
Carlos Hyde
Chris Smith
T.J. Carrie
E.J. Gaines
Terrence Mithchell
Darren Fells
Donald Stephenson
Jeff Janis
Drew Stanton
These aren't high-priced additions but they are solid additions. The sort of additions that improve a team. Through trades they got nice returns on players that didn't fit their future plans (DeShone Kizer and Danny Shelton). The Browns biggest problem over the last two decades was a lack of direction. It's still early but they appear to have that now. But they have to get that quarterback pick right.
8. It's mind-numbing that a British singer named Ed Sheeran will significantly impact the 2018 NFL schedule. He has tour dates at NFL stadiums this fall that will interfere with potential games in Weeks 1-10. The Vikings won't be playing a home game in Week 7. Sheeran has booked that date. Who does this guy think he is? The Beatles?
9. Shaquem Griffen.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Another Mock Draft
A few days have passed since the last mock. It's about time for another Mock Draft.
1. Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. New York Jets-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
4. Cleveland Browns-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
5. Denver Broncos-Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
6. Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
8. Chicago Bears-Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB. Alabama
9. San Francisco 49ers-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
10. Oakland Raiders-Derwin James, S, Florida State
11. Miami Dolphins-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
12. Buffalo Bills-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
13. Washington Redskins-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
14. Green Bay Packers-Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
15. Arizona Cardinals-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
16. Baltimore Ravens-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Connor Williams, T, Texas
18. Seattle Seahawks-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
19. Dallas Cowboys-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
20. Detroit Lions-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
22. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
23. Los Angeles Rams-Kolton Miller, T, UCLA
24. Carolina Panthers-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
25. Tennessee Titans-Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
26. Atlanta Falcons-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
27. New Orleans Saints-Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
30. Minnesota Vikings-Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
31. New England Patriots-Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Until the next one.
1. Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. New York Jets-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
4. Cleveland Browns-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
5. Denver Broncos-Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
6. Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
8. Chicago Bears-Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB. Alabama
9. San Francisco 49ers-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
10. Oakland Raiders-Derwin James, S, Florida State
11. Miami Dolphins-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
12. Buffalo Bills-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
13. Washington Redskins-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
14. Green Bay Packers-Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
15. Arizona Cardinals-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
16. Baltimore Ravens-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Connor Williams, T, Texas
18. Seattle Seahawks-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
19. Dallas Cowboys-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
20. Detroit Lions-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
22. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
23. Los Angeles Rams-Kolton Miller, T, UCLA
24. Carolina Panthers-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
25. Tennessee Titans-Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
26. Atlanta Falcons-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
27. New Orleans Saints-Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
30. Minnesota Vikings-Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
31. New England Patriots-Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Until the next one.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Throwback Thursday: Where's The Bubble?
This Throwback is being thrown back for a second time. It's a favorite of Mrs. Flicker so it's a favorite of mine. It made it's initial appearance on March, 19 2011. The Flea Flicker was a month old at the time and I was having some fun with one of my favorite draft evaluation terms. With the draft evaluation process in full swing the timing felt right. Where's the Bubble?
I've been reading NFL draft prospect analyses and projections for years. They are everywhere now, dozens of magazines, Internet, etc. They can never replace watching game tape but for fans this is often all we have. These analyses can be fairly generic for particular positions. They have also taken on a bit of "coach- or scout-speak". So much so that it can sound like a whole other language. A couple of years ago, nearly every player analysis contained a reference to a "bubble". I was a bit stumped at first. Through the usage of the word, it was soon obvious that the authors were referring to a part of the player's anatomy. With delicious Chicken McNuggets, one wonders where on a chicken a nugget is found. Where is a "bubble" found on a football player? You're probably ahead of me. The "bubble" is the tushy, the derriere, the butt. I'm not sure how this impacts a player's draft status, or if it even should. I can see the potential benefits of a big "bubble" on a lineman, but I can also see it getting in the way. The odd thing about the "bubble" and it's draft importance is that it hasn't been used too often since that one big "bubble" year. The "bubble" is no longer important to the NFL. For whatever reason, the "bubble" is no longer part of the draft evaluation game.
I've been reading NFL draft prospect analyses and projections for years. They are everywhere now, dozens of magazines, Internet, etc. They can never replace watching game tape but for fans this is often all we have. These analyses can be fairly generic for particular positions. They have also taken on a bit of "coach- or scout-speak". So much so that it can sound like a whole other language. A couple of years ago, nearly every player analysis contained a reference to a "bubble". I was a bit stumped at first. Through the usage of the word, it was soon obvious that the authors were referring to a part of the player's anatomy. With delicious Chicken McNuggets, one wonders where on a chicken a nugget is found. Where is a "bubble" found on a football player? You're probably ahead of me. The "bubble" is the tushy, the derriere, the butt. I'm not sure how this impacts a player's draft status, or if it even should. I can see the potential benefits of a big "bubble" on a lineman, but I can also see it getting in the way. The odd thing about the "bubble" and it's draft importance is that it hasn't been used too often since that one big "bubble" year. The "bubble" is no longer important to the NFL. For whatever reason, the "bubble" is no longer part of the draft evaluation game.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Another Flea Flicker Top 51 Draft Prospects
The Flea Flicker Top 51 Draft Prospects needed to be updated simply because Da'Ron Payne was listed twice on the last one. There have been some tweaks other than that needed correction.
1. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
4. Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
5. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
6. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
7. Derwin James, S, Florida State
8. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
9. Vita Vea, DT, Washington
10. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
11. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
12. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
13. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
14. James Daniels, C, Iowa
15. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
16. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
17. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
18. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
19. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
20. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
21. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
22. Mike Hughes, Central Florida
23. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas Tech
24. Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
25. D.J. Moore, Maryland
26. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
27. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
28. Will Hernandez, OG, Texas-El Paso
29. Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
30. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
31. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
32. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
33. Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
34. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
35. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
36. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
37. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
38. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
39. Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
40. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
41. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
42. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
43. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
44. Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
45. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
46. DJ Chark, WR, LSU
47. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
48. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
49. Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
50. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
51. Devante Downs, LB, California
1. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
4. Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
5. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
6. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
7. Derwin James, S, Florida State
8. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
9. Vita Vea, DT, Washington
10. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
11. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
12. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
13. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
14. James Daniels, C, Iowa
15. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
16. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
17. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
18. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
19. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
20. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
21. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
22. Mike Hughes, Central Florida
23. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas Tech
24. Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
25. D.J. Moore, Maryland
26. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
27. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
28. Will Hernandez, OG, Texas-El Paso
29. Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
30. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
31. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
32. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
33. Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
34. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
35. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
36. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
37. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
38. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
39. Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
40. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
41. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
42. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
43. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
44. Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
45. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
46. DJ Chark, WR, LSU
47. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
48. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
49. Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
50. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
51. Devante Downs, LB, California
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Flea Flicker Top-5 Draft Prospects By Position
Here's another look at the best draft prospects by position in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Quarterbacks
1. Sam Darnold, USC
2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA
4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville
5. Josh Allen, Wyoming
Running Backs
1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Sony Michel, Georgia
3. Derrius Guice, LSU
4. Ronald Jones II, USC
5. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
Wide Receivers
1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. D.J. Moore, Maryland
4. Courtland Sutton, SMU
5. Deon Cain, Clemson
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
2. Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
3. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
4. Mike Gescki, Penn State
5. Ian Thomas, Indiana
Offensive Tackles
1. Connor Williams. Texas
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. Kolton Miller, UCLA
4. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
5. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
Offensive Guards/Centers
1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
2, Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
3. James Daniels, Iowa
4. Billy Price, Ohio State
5. Will Hernandez, UTEP
Defensive Ends
1. Bradley Chubb, North Carolina State
2. Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio
3. Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
4. Arden Key, LSU
5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
Defensive Tackles
1. Vita Vea, Washington
2. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
3. Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
4. Taven Bryan, Florida
5. Harrison Phillips, Stanford
Outside Linebackers
1. Tremaine Edmunds. Virginia Tecn
2. Harold Landry, Boston College
3. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
4. Uchenna NNwosu, USC
5. Malik Jefferson, Texas
Inside Linebackers
1. Roquan Smith, Georgia
2. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
3. Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
4. Josey Jewell, Iowa
5. Darius Leonard, South Carolina State
Cornerbacks
1. Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. Josh Jackson, Iowa
3. Jaire Alexander, Louisville
4. Mike Hughes, Central Florida
5. Donte Jackson, LSU
Safeties
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. Derwin James, Florida State
3. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest
5. Justin Reid, Stanford
Quarterbacks
1. Sam Darnold, USC
2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA
4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville
5. Josh Allen, Wyoming
Running Backs
1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Sony Michel, Georgia
3. Derrius Guice, LSU
4. Ronald Jones II, USC
5. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
Wide Receivers
1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. D.J. Moore, Maryland
4. Courtland Sutton, SMU
5. Deon Cain, Clemson
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
2. Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
3. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
4. Mike Gescki, Penn State
5. Ian Thomas, Indiana
Offensive Tackles
1. Connor Williams. Texas
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. Kolton Miller, UCLA
4. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
5. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
Offensive Guards/Centers
1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
2, Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
3. James Daniels, Iowa
4. Billy Price, Ohio State
5. Will Hernandez, UTEP
Defensive Ends
1. Bradley Chubb, North Carolina State
2. Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio
3. Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
4. Arden Key, LSU
5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
Defensive Tackles
1. Vita Vea, Washington
2. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
3. Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
4. Taven Bryan, Florida
5. Harrison Phillips, Stanford
Outside Linebackers
1. Tremaine Edmunds. Virginia Tecn
2. Harold Landry, Boston College
3. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
4. Uchenna NNwosu, USC
5. Malik Jefferson, Texas
Inside Linebackers
1. Roquan Smith, Georgia
2. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
3. Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
4. Josey Jewell, Iowa
5. Darius Leonard, South Carolina State
Cornerbacks
1. Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. Josh Jackson, Iowa
3. Jaire Alexander, Louisville
4. Mike Hughes, Central Florida
5. Donte Jackson, LSU
Safeties
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. Derwin James, Florida State
3. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest
5. Justin Reid, Stanford
Monday, March 26, 2018
Minnesota Vikings Roster After Nearly 2 Weeks Of The Offseason
After nearly two weeks of free agency, the roster of the Minnesota Vikings has changed. Especially at quarterback. There might be further tweaks (corner, receiver) to the roster in the coming weeks. The 2018 NFL Draft will bring more tweaks. Until the tweaking here's how the Vikings roster stands at this moment.
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins
Trevor Siemian
Kyle Sloter
Running backs
Dalvin Cook
Latavius Murray
C.J. Ham-fullback
Mack Brown
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Stacy Coley
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Blake Bell
Josiah Price
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Nick Easton
Pat Elflein
Danny Isidora
Mike Remmers
Rashod Hill
Tom Compton
Aviante Collins
Josh Andrews
Storm Norton
Cornelius Edison
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sheldon Richardson
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Jaleel Johnson
Stephen Weatherly
Tashawn Bower
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Dylan Bradley
Caushaud Lyons
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Ben Gedeon
Kentrell Brothers
Eric Wilson
Antwione Williams
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Horace Richardson
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Jack Tocho
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Punter
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins
Trevor Siemian
Kyle Sloter
Running backs
Dalvin Cook
Latavius Murray
C.J. Ham-fullback
Mack Brown
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Stacy Coley
Cayleb Jones
Brandon ZylstraTight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Blake Bell
Josiah Price
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Nick Easton
Pat Elflein
Danny Isidora
Mike Remmers
Rashod Hill
Tom Compton
Aviante Collins
Josh Andrews
Storm Norton
Cornelius Edison
Dieugot Joseph
Cedrick Lang
Cedrick Lang
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sheldon Richardson
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Jaleel Johnson
Stephen Weatherly
Tashawn Bower
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Dylan Bradley
Caushaud Lyons
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Ben Gedeon
Kentrell Brothers
Eric Wilson
Antwione Williams
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Horace Richardson
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Jack Tocho
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Punter
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Nick Dooley
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Rules, Bylaws, and Resolutions
The 32 NFL owners are in Orlando today through Wednesday for their annual Spring Owners Meeting. Voting on rules, bylaws, and resolutions will be on the docket. Football, in general, and the NFL, in particular, is an ever-evolving thing. That's how the game moved from flying wedges to RPOs. Football never rests. Changes to the catch rule will probably get most of the attention because people have been bitching about it for years. No matter how the rule is changed, simplified, whatever people will still bitch about it. Just catch the damn ball and leave no doubt. The annual changes to the game are usually subtle. Most won't notice a thing whether changes are made or not.
The summary of the last proposed rule change (overtime scoring) is poorly written. That's no surprise. Even when explained in more detail it's still confusing. Let's just say that it gets rid of an improbable overtime loop-hole. This proposal will pass unanimously because if the improbable did happen one team and it's fans will be thrilled, without quite knowing why, but the rest of the football world would lose it's mind.
This is one of the few times in the football calendar when the 32 owners are in the spotlight.
2018 Playing Rules Proposals Summary
1. By Competition Committee; Makes permanent the playing rule that changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line.
1. By Competition Committee; Makes permanent the playing rule that changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line.
2. By Competition Committee; Changes standard for a catch.
3. By Competition Committee; Makes the penalties for Illegal Batting & Kicking the same.
4. By Los Angeles Chargers; Amends Rule 15, Section 2, Article 5 to add fouls for roughing the passer and fouls against players in a defenseless posture as reviewable plays in the instant replay system.
5. By Washington; Amends Rule 15, Section 2, Article 5 to add review of personal fouls as reviewable plays in the instant replay system.
6. By New York Jets; Amends Rule 8, Section 5, Articles 1-4 to change the enforcement for defensive pass interference.
7 By Competition Committee; Authorizes the designated member of the Officiating department to instruct on-field game officials to disqualify a player for a flagrant nonfootball act when a foul for that act is called on the field.
8. By Competition Committee; Conforms the amount of time in which a team must challenge a play if there is a television commercial break following the play in question.
9. By Competition Committee; Eliminates the requirement that a team who scores a winning touchdown at the end of regulation of a game to kick the extra point or go for two-point conversion.
10. By Competition Committee; If there is a turnover, a team may win an overtime game, even though it scores on its second possession.
2018 Bylaw Proposals Summary
1. By Competition Committee; Makes permanent the liberalization of rules for timing, testing, and administering physical examinations to draft-eligible players at a club’s facility.
1. By Competition Committee; Makes permanent the liberalization of rules for timing, testing, and administering physical examinations to draft-eligible players at a club’s facility.
2. By Buffalo; For one year only, amends Article XVII, Section 17.4 to liberalize the rule for reacquisition of a player assigned via waivers.
3. By Buffalo; For one year only, amends Article XVII, Section 17.6 to liberalize the
procedures for players placed on Reserve/Retired.
procedures for players placed on Reserve/Retired.
4. By Denver; Amends Article XVII, Section 17.16 to permit clubs to trade players from Reserve/Injured.
5. By Miami; Amends Article XVII, Section 17.1 to remove the requirement that a non-vested player be placed on waivers to be removed from the 90-player roster prior to the roster reduction to 53 players.
6. By Minnesota; Amends Article XVIII, Section 18.1 to replace the 10-day postseason claiming period with a 24-hour period.
7. By San Francisco, Arizona, and Los Angeles Chargers; Reduces the competitive equity that exists between teams who have morning body clock start times on long road trips.
8. By Competition Committee; Permits coaches to review video displayed on League-issued tablets on the sidelines and in the coaches’ booth.
9. By Competition Committee; A player who is designated for return is eligible to be activated after eight games, not eight weeks.
10. By Competition Committee; Lengthens the period to execute an Injury Settlement from five business days to seven business days.
11. By Competition Committee; Changes the deadline to reinstate players from certain Reserve List categories.
12. By Competition Committee; Updates Reserve/Military List procedures to reflect the current League calendar.
2018 Resolution Proposal Summary
G-1. By Washington; Allows opposing teams to receive the League’s postgame responses to any officiating inquiries submitted by either team.
G-1. By Washington; Allows opposing teams to receive the League’s postgame responses to any officiating inquiries submitted by either team.
G-2. By San Francisco; Requires all NFL stadiums by 2021 to have three separate and permanent locker rooms to be exclusively designated for female football staff on game days as follows: game officials, home club staff members, and visiting club staff members.
G-4. By Competition Committee; Permits a club to negotiate and sign a head coach candidate during the postseason prior to the conclusion of the employer club’s season.
G-5. By Competition Committee; For one year only, permits an interested club to contact a Vested Veteran before clubs have been notified of the player’s termination via the Player Personnel Notice if (i) the players is not subject to the Waivers System and, (ii) the employer club has publicly announced the player’s release.
The summary of the last proposed rule change (overtime scoring) is poorly written. That's no surprise. Even when explained in more detail it's still confusing. Let's just say that it gets rid of an improbable overtime loop-hole. This proposal will pass unanimously because if the improbable did happen one team and it's fans will be thrilled, without quite knowing why, but the rest of the football world would lose it's mind.
This is one of the few times in the football calendar when the 32 owners are in the spotlight.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Flea Flicker's Favorite Free Agent Additions
With just over a week of NFL Free Agency behind us here's a look at some of my favorite free agent additions for each team.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins, QB
The Vikings have been looking for consistency at quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired. Cousins might be their best chance to find it.
Green Bay Packers
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE
Wilkerson joins Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark to form what could be one of the more disruptive defensive fronts in the league. As a Vikings fan, many I don't like this one so much.
Detroit Lions
LeGarrette Blount, RB
Add Blount. Win a Super Bowl. Blount has joined the Super Bowl winning team each of the last two seasons.
Chicago Bears
Trey Burton, TE
A tight end can be a young quarterback's best friend. Mitchell Trubiski needs a best friend.
New York Giants
Nate Solder, T
The Giants overspent but they needed Solder perhaps more than any other team needed a player. Especially after they lost out on the Andrew Norwell sweepstakes.
Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Bennett, DL
Bennett has been one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the league for a while. He's closer to the end of his career than the beginning but the Eagles terrific rotation should keep him fresh.
Washington Redskins
Paul Richardson, WR
I expected Richardson to break in each of the last three seasons. He didn't do so in Seattle. Perhaps he will in Washington.
Dallas Cowboys
Joe Thomas (the linebacker not the now retired, future Hall of Fame tackle) or Deonte Thompson? The Cowboys haven't done enough to pick a favorite.
New Orleans Saints
Demario Davis, LB
Davis should help a Saints defense that made great strides in 2017.
Atlanta Falcons
Justin Bethel, CB
I've been a fan of Bethel since I saw him play what looked like all 11 positions against Cal for itty-bitty Presbyterian College. He was all over the field that day and I've followed his career ever since.
Carolina Panthers
Torey Smith, WR
Cam Newton needed more pass-catchers. Smith has the speed to give the Panthers what they had with Ted Ginn a couple years ago.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE
In adding Pierre-Paul, Vinny Curry, and Beau Allen, the Buccaneers attacked the defensive line in free agnecy.
San Francisco 49ers
Jerick McKinnon, RB
I hated to see McKinnon leave Minnesota but he deserves a shot at being at the top of the depth chart.
Los Angeles Rams
Marcus Peters, CB
Despite his gambling ways Peters gets his hands on the football a lot.
Arizona Cardinals
Sam Bradford, QB
Bradford has to stay on the field. When he's on the field he's a lot of fun.
Seattle Seahawks
Ed Dickson, TE
The only thing that's kept Dickson from making more of an impact was playing in the shadow of Greg Olsen. He has a chance to shine in Seattle.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Morgan Burnett, S
The Steelers needed to replace Mike Mitchell.
Baltimore Ravens
John Brown, WR
It's between Brown and Michael Crabtree. I'll go with Brown
Cleveland Browns
Damarious Randall, S
I've liked Randall since his Arizona State days.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cordy Glenn, T
The Bengals dropped back in the first round to get the tackle that they desperately needed.
New England Patriots
Jason McCourty, CB
The twins are back together.
New York Jets
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
The Jets are poised to take one of the top quarterbacks in the draft so Bridgewater's stay in New York could be short. I just want to see him get a legit shot.
Buffalo Bills
Star Lotulelei, DT
The Bills essentially swapped Marcel Dareus for Lotulelei. I'd take Lotulelei.
Miami Dolphins
Josh Sitton, G
It's tough to understand the Dolphins moves in recent offseasons but adding Sitton is a good one.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Andrew Norwell, WR
The Jaguars added the best guard on the market.
Houston Texans
Tyrann Mathieu, S
If Matthieu is completely recovered from injuries this could be one of the best signings of the offseason. Certainly the best bargain.
Tennessee Titans
Malcolm Butler, CB
If you can forget his strange benching in the Super Bowl Butler has been a terrific cornerback.
Indianapolis Colts
Eric Ebron, TE
If Ebron can play to the talent that made him the tenth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Colts might have found a gem.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kendall Fuller, CB
Fuller was an emerging corner for Washington. His addition made the subtraction of Marcus Peters a little easier.
Denver Broncos
Case Keenum, QB
Keenum was a lot of fun for the Vikings last season. It would be great if he can bring that fun to Denver.
Oakland Raiders
Jordy Nelson, WR
It's going to be really strange to see Nelson in something other than Packer green.
Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Pouncey, C
Pouncey is a little bit of a puzzle but he's a good football player.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins, QB
The Vikings have been looking for consistency at quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired. Cousins might be their best chance to find it.
Green Bay Packers
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE
Wilkerson joins Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark to form what could be one of the more disruptive defensive fronts in the league. As a Vikings fan, many I don't like this one so much.
Detroit Lions
LeGarrette Blount, RB
Add Blount. Win a Super Bowl. Blount has joined the Super Bowl winning team each of the last two seasons.
Chicago Bears
Trey Burton, TE
A tight end can be a young quarterback's best friend. Mitchell Trubiski needs a best friend.
New York Giants
Nate Solder, T
The Giants overspent but they needed Solder perhaps more than any other team needed a player. Especially after they lost out on the Andrew Norwell sweepstakes.
Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Bennett, DL
Bennett has been one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the league for a while. He's closer to the end of his career than the beginning but the Eagles terrific rotation should keep him fresh.
Washington Redskins
Paul Richardson, WR
I expected Richardson to break in each of the last three seasons. He didn't do so in Seattle. Perhaps he will in Washington.
Dallas Cowboys
Joe Thomas (the linebacker not the now retired, future Hall of Fame tackle) or Deonte Thompson? The Cowboys haven't done enough to pick a favorite.
New Orleans Saints
Demario Davis, LB
Davis should help a Saints defense that made great strides in 2017.
Atlanta Falcons
Justin Bethel, CB
I've been a fan of Bethel since I saw him play what looked like all 11 positions against Cal for itty-bitty Presbyterian College. He was all over the field that day and I've followed his career ever since.
Carolina Panthers
Torey Smith, WR
Cam Newton needed more pass-catchers. Smith has the speed to give the Panthers what they had with Ted Ginn a couple years ago.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE
In adding Pierre-Paul, Vinny Curry, and Beau Allen, the Buccaneers attacked the defensive line in free agnecy.
San Francisco 49ers
Jerick McKinnon, RB
I hated to see McKinnon leave Minnesota but he deserves a shot at being at the top of the depth chart.
Los Angeles Rams
Marcus Peters, CB
Despite his gambling ways Peters gets his hands on the football a lot.
Arizona Cardinals
Sam Bradford, QB
Bradford has to stay on the field. When he's on the field he's a lot of fun.
Seattle Seahawks
Ed Dickson, TE
The only thing that's kept Dickson from making more of an impact was playing in the shadow of Greg Olsen. He has a chance to shine in Seattle.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Morgan Burnett, S
The Steelers needed to replace Mike Mitchell.
Baltimore Ravens
John Brown, WR
It's between Brown and Michael Crabtree. I'll go with Brown
Cleveland Browns
Damarious Randall, S
I've liked Randall since his Arizona State days.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cordy Glenn, T
The Bengals dropped back in the first round to get the tackle that they desperately needed.
New England Patriots
Jason McCourty, CB
The twins are back together.
New York Jets
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
The Jets are poised to take one of the top quarterbacks in the draft so Bridgewater's stay in New York could be short. I just want to see him get a legit shot.
Buffalo Bills
Star Lotulelei, DT
The Bills essentially swapped Marcel Dareus for Lotulelei. I'd take Lotulelei.
Miami Dolphins
Josh Sitton, G
It's tough to understand the Dolphins moves in recent offseasons but adding Sitton is a good one.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Andrew Norwell, WR
The Jaguars added the best guard on the market.
Houston Texans
Tyrann Mathieu, S
If Matthieu is completely recovered from injuries this could be one of the best signings of the offseason. Certainly the best bargain.
Tennessee Titans
Malcolm Butler, CB
If you can forget his strange benching in the Super Bowl Butler has been a terrific cornerback.
Indianapolis Colts
Eric Ebron, TE
If Ebron can play to the talent that made him the tenth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Colts might have found a gem.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kendall Fuller, CB
Fuller was an emerging corner for Washington. His addition made the subtraction of Marcus Peters a little easier.
Denver Broncos
Case Keenum, QB
Keenum was a lot of fun for the Vikings last season. It would be great if he can bring that fun to Denver.
Oakland Raiders
Jordy Nelson, WR
It's going to be really strange to see Nelson in something other than Packer green.
Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Pouncey, C
Pouncey is a little bit of a puzzle but he's a good football player.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Drops
There's probably no other transgression in football that bothers me more than dropped passes. The game is all about gaining and maintaining possession of the football. You can't score without it. Dropping a pass is simply the result of being careless with the football. That's why I had no problem with Terrell Owens having to wait for his call to Canton. He struggled with the one thing that every receiver has to do. Just catch the damn ball! His highlight film is hilarious. It's filled with bobbles and double catches. The football was his enemy. He goes into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the unfortunate distinction of having the worst hands of the receivers honored there. Cris Carter waited six years and no receiver caught the ball better. That just goes to show that not everyone shares my priorities. I truly believe that if every pass-catcher prioritized possession of the football we wouldn't have any confusion over the catch rule. No matter how it's written or interpreted. Pass catching is often on my mind so I was very interested in the Pro Football Focus list of Dropped Passes for the 2017 NFL season.
A couple thoughts on drops:
It's a surprise to see a team that includes Larry Fitzgerald so high on this list. He can't catch all of the passes for the Cardinals. It also hurt that David Johnson missed nearly all of the season.
The ability of Minnesota Vikings receivers to catch the footballs thrown to them had to be a positive when Kirk Cousins was thinking about a new team. Another suitor, the New York Jets weren't too bad either.
See ball. Catch ball.
|
A couple thoughts on drops:
It's a surprise to see a team that includes Larry Fitzgerald so high on this list. He can't catch all of the passes for the Cardinals. It also hurt that David Johnson missed nearly all of the season.
The ability of Minnesota Vikings receivers to catch the footballs thrown to them had to be a positive when Kirk Cousins was thinking about a new team. Another suitor, the New York Jets weren't too bad either.
See ball. Catch ball.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Throwback Thursday: Then And Now
The Minnesota Vikings roster has turned over almost completely in the four years since Mike Zimmer was named the head coach. That shouldn't be a surprise. A new coach always brings changes. It's still startling to see a roster turn over in such a short time. Here's a starting lineup comparison of Zimmer's first team in 2014 and his possible team in 2018.
Offense
Then Now
It's likely that the Vikings starting right guard, or right tackle if Mike Remmers moves inside, comes from the draft in April but Danny Isidora is next man up at the moment. He'll be in the mix for the job this summer. Actually, it wouldn't be too much of a surprise if the offensive line is even more different from the above. The group was improved last season but it's still a work in progress. Riley Reiff and Pat Elflein are the only players of the above that are certain to start.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph is the only offensive holdover from Zimmer's first season.
It sure will be great to see Dalvin Cook return to the lineup.
Defense
Then Now
The biggest change in the Vikings defense over the past four years has been Zimmer and his staff coaching it. The Vikings defense before Zimmer's arrival was historically bad. It's improved from decent to good to very good to one of the league's best each year.
Zimmer completely overhauled the Vikings defense but he did inherit Everson Griffen, Xavier Rhodes, and Harrison Smith. Those current defensive cornerstones were nice building blocks. Linval Joseph and Anthony Barr were added that first year and the restructure was on it's way.
Offense
Then Now
| WR | Greg Jennings | WR | Adam Thielen | |
| LT | Matt Kalil | LT | Riley Reiff | |
| LG | Charlie Johnson | LG | Nick Easton | |
| C | John Sullivan | C | Pat Elflein | |
| RG | Joe Berger | RG | Danny Isidora | |
| RT | Phil Loadholt | RT | Mike Remmers | |
| TE | Kyle Rudolph | TE | Kyle Rudolph | |
| WR | Charles Johnson | WR | Stefon Diggs | |
| QB | Teddy Bridgewater | QB | Kirk Cousins | |
| RB | Matt Asiata | RB | Dalvin Cook | |
| FB | Jerome Felton | FB | C.J. Ham |
It's likely that the Vikings starting right guard, or right tackle if Mike Remmers moves inside, comes from the draft in April but Danny Isidora is next man up at the moment. He'll be in the mix for the job this summer. Actually, it wouldn't be too much of a surprise if the offensive line is even more different from the above. The group was improved last season but it's still a work in progress. Riley Reiff and Pat Elflein are the only players of the above that are certain to start.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph is the only offensive holdover from Zimmer's first season.
It sure will be great to see Dalvin Cook return to the lineup.
Defense
Then Now
| DE | Everson Griffen | DE | Everson Griffen | |
| DT | Sharrif Floyd | DT | Sheldon Richardson | |
| NT | Linval Joseph | NT | Linval Joseph | |
| DE | Brian Robison | DE | Danielle Hunter | |
| LB | Anthony Barr | LB | Anthony Barr | |
| LB | Jasper Brinkley | LB | Eric Kendricks | |
| LB | Chad Greenway | LB | Ben Gedeon | |
| CB | Xavier Rhodes | CB | Xavier Rhodes | |
| CB | Captain Munnerlyn | CB | Trae Waynes | |
| S | Harrison Smith | S | Harrison Smith | |
| S | Robert Blanton | S | Andrew Sendejo |
The biggest change in the Vikings defense over the past four years has been Zimmer and his staff coaching it. The Vikings defense before Zimmer's arrival was historically bad. It's improved from decent to good to very good to one of the league's best each year.
Zimmer completely overhauled the Vikings defense but he did inherit Everson Griffen, Xavier Rhodes, and Harrison Smith. Those current defensive cornerstones were nice building blocks. Linval Joseph and Anthony Barr were added that first year and the restructure was on it's way.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
What's Left?
NFL Free Agency has been open for a week. Unofficially, a couple days longer. After an initial flurry of signings, things have slowed. Here are the players that remain unsigned from NFL.com's Top 101 Free Agents.
3. Ndamukong Suh, DT
15. Bashaud Breeland, CB
-Breeland was signed by the Panthers but he a failed physical put him back on the list
25. Kenny Vaccaro, S
26. Eric Reid, S
33. Terrelle Pryor, WR
34. Jonathan Hankins, DT
35. E.J. Gaines, CB
38. Jack Mewhort, OL
40. Jordan Matthews, WR
59. Tre Boston, S
70. Mike Wallace, WR
71. NaVorro Bowman, LB
75. Tyvon Branch, S
76. Adrian Peterson, RB
82. Martellus Bennett, TE
83. Cameron Fleming, T
84. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB
86. Bennie Logan, DT
88. Colin Kaepernick, QB
91. Eric Decker, WR
92. Jerrell Freeman, LB
93. Pernell McPhee, DE
95. Kony Ealy, DE
99. DeMarco Murry, RB
100. Derrick Johnson, LB
101. Jay Cutler, QB
Unless he's enjoying it too damn much, the free agency tour of Ndamukong Suh should come to an end soon.
It's interesting that some talented safeties have been ignored.
With the first wave free agency, perhaps only wave of this free agency, behind us some teams might look at some of the restricted free agents. Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving could get some interest. A second round tender isn't very restricting. Otherwise, it's on to the draft for most teams.
3. Ndamukong Suh, DT
15. Bashaud Breeland, CB
-Breeland was signed by the Panthers but he a failed physical put him back on the list
25. Kenny Vaccaro, S
26. Eric Reid, S
33. Terrelle Pryor, WR
34. Jonathan Hankins, DT
35. E.J. Gaines, CB
38. Jack Mewhort, OL
40. Jordan Matthews, WR
59. Tre Boston, S
70. Mike Wallace, WR
71. NaVorro Bowman, LB
75. Tyvon Branch, S
76. Adrian Peterson, RB
82. Martellus Bennett, TE
83. Cameron Fleming, T
84. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB
86. Bennie Logan, DT
88. Colin Kaepernick, QB
91. Eric Decker, WR
92. Jerrell Freeman, LB
93. Pernell McPhee, DE
95. Kony Ealy, DE
99. DeMarco Murry, RB
100. Derrick Johnson, LB
101. Jay Cutler, QB
Unless he's enjoying it too damn much, the free agency tour of Ndamukong Suh should come to an end soon.
It's interesting that some talented safeties have been ignored.
With the first wave free agency, perhaps only wave of this free agency, behind us some teams might look at some of the restricted free agents. Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving could get some interest. A second round tender isn't very restricting. Otherwise, it's on to the draft for most teams.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
AFC Offseason Ledger
It's the AFC's turn.
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers
Additions
Jon Bostic, LB
Morgan Burnett, S
Losses
Chris Hubbard, T
-not much happening here
Baltimore Ravens
Additions
Michael Crabtree, WR
John Brown, WR
Losses
Ryan Jensen, C
Danny Woodhead, RB-retired
-it seems like the Ravens lose a quality offensive lineman annually
Cincinnati Bengals
Additions
Cordy Glenn
Matt Barkley, QB
Preston Brown, LB
Losses
A.J. McCarron, QB
Andre Smith, T
Cleveland Browns
Additions
Tyrod Taylor, QB
Carlos Hyde, RB
Jarvis Landry, WR
Darren Fells, TE
Chris Hubbard, T
Donald Stephenson, T
Chris Smith, DE
Damarious Randall, S
TJ Carrie, CB
Terrence Mitchell, CB
Losses
Joe Thomas, T-retired
Isaiah Crowell, RB
-the Browns have been busy
AFC East
New England Patriots
Additions
Jeremy Hill, RB
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
Adrian Clayborn, DE
Danny Shelton, DT
Jason McCourty, CB
Losses
Nate Solder, T
Dion Lewis, RB
Malcolm Butler, CB
Danny Amendola, WR
Martellus Bennett, TE
Johnson Bademosi, S
-the Patriots added a lot, lost a lot
New York Jets
Additions
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Isaiah Crowell, RB
Spencer Long, C
Avery Williamson, LB
Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB
Trumaine Johnson, CB
Cairo Santos, K
Losses
Demario Davis, LB
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
Julian Sanford, LB
Muhammad Wilkerson, DL
-the Jets biggest move was moving up in the draft
Buffalo Bills
Additions
AJ McCarron, QB
Trent Murphy, DE
Star Lotulelei, DT
Julian Stanford, LB
Rafael Bush, S
Losses
Tyrod Taylor, QB
Cordy Glenn, T
Seantrel Henderson, T
Shareece Wright, CB
Preston Brown, LB
-it just feels like the Bills have something cooking
Miami Dolphins
Additions
Albert Wilson, WR
Danny Amendola, WR
Josh Sitton, G
Daniel Kilgore, C
Robert Quinn, DE
Losses
Ndamukong Suh, DT
Mike Pouncey, C
-the Dolphins have been a free agency mystery of late
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Additions
Donte Moncrief, WR
Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, TE
Niles Paul, TE
Andrew Norwell, G
D.J. Hayden, CB
Cody Davis, S
Don Carey, CB
Losses
Paul Posluszny, LB-retired
Chad Henne, QB
Allen Robinson, WR
Patrick Omameh, G
Aaron Colvin, CB
-the Jaguars kinda like free agency
Houston Texans
Additions
Zach Fulton, G
Senio Kelemeto, G
Aaron Colvin, CB
Johnson Bademosi, S
Tyrann Mathieu, S
Seantrel Henderson, T
Sammie Coates, WR
Losses
Marcus Golchrist, S
Tom Savage, QB
-Matthieu makes a fun defense more fun
Tennessee Titans
Additions
Dion Lewis, RB
Malcolm Butler, CB
David King, DE
Losses
None
-Lewis needs to stay healthy for the Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Additions
Denico Autry, DL
Eric Ebron, TE
Losses
Jon Bostic, LB
Jonathan Hankins, DT
-not much to see here
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Additions
Sammy Watkins, WR
Kendall Fuller, CB
Anthony Hitchens, LB
Chad Henne, QB
David Amerson, CB
Losses
Alex Smith, QB
Derrick Johnson, LB
Tamba Hali, LB
Ron Parker, S
Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB
-Patrick Maholmes will have some speedy targets
Denver Broncos
Additions
Case Keenum, QB
Tramaine Brock, CB
Losses
Aqib Talib, CB
Trevor Siemian, QB
Corey Nelson, LB
Virgil Green, TE
Donald Stephenson
-Keenum's the quarterback for now
Los Angeles Chargers
Additions
Virgil Green, TE
Mike Pouncey, C
Caleb Sturgis, K
Losses
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB
Kenny Wiggins, OL
-not much action here
Oakland Raiders
Additions
Doug Martin, RB
Jordy Nelson, WR
Keith Smith, FB
Tahir Whitehead, LB
Rashaan Melvin, CB
Shareece Wright, CB
Andrew DePaola, LS
Tank Carradine, DE
Colby Wadman, P
Kyle Wilber, LB
Marcus Golchrist, S
Derek Carrier, TE
Losses
David Amerson, CB
Sean Smith, CB
Marshall Newhouse, T
Denico Autry, DE
TJ Carrie, CB
Michael Crabtree, WR
-the Raiders more than made up for the inactivity of their AFC West foes
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers
Additions
Jon Bostic, LB
Morgan Burnett, S
Losses
Chris Hubbard, T
-not much happening here
Baltimore Ravens
Additions
Michael Crabtree, WR
John Brown, WR
Losses
Ryan Jensen, C
Danny Woodhead, RB-retired
-it seems like the Ravens lose a quality offensive lineman annually
Cincinnati Bengals
Additions
Cordy Glenn
Matt Barkley, QB
Preston Brown, LB
Losses
A.J. McCarron, QB
Andre Smith, T
Cleveland Browns
Additions
Tyrod Taylor, QB
Carlos Hyde, RB
Jarvis Landry, WR
Darren Fells, TE
Chris Hubbard, T
Donald Stephenson, T
Chris Smith, DE
Damarious Randall, S
TJ Carrie, CB
Terrence Mitchell, CB
Losses
Joe Thomas, T-retired
Isaiah Crowell, RB
-the Browns have been busy
AFC East
New England Patriots
Additions
Jeremy Hill, RB
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR
Adrian Clayborn, DE
Danny Shelton, DT
Jason McCourty, CB
Losses
Nate Solder, T
Dion Lewis, RB
Malcolm Butler, CB
Danny Amendola, WR
Martellus Bennett, TE
Johnson Bademosi, S
-the Patriots added a lot, lost a lot
New York Jets
Additions
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Isaiah Crowell, RB
Spencer Long, C
Avery Williamson, LB
Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB
Trumaine Johnson, CB
Cairo Santos, K
Losses
Demario Davis, LB
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
Julian Sanford, LB
Muhammad Wilkerson, DL
-the Jets biggest move was moving up in the draft
Buffalo Bills
Additions
AJ McCarron, QB
Trent Murphy, DE
Star Lotulelei, DT
Julian Stanford, LB
Rafael Bush, S
Losses
Tyrod Taylor, QB
Cordy Glenn, T
Seantrel Henderson, T
Shareece Wright, CB
Preston Brown, LB
-it just feels like the Bills have something cooking
Miami Dolphins
Additions
Albert Wilson, WR
Danny Amendola, WR
Josh Sitton, G
Daniel Kilgore, C
Robert Quinn, DE
Losses
Ndamukong Suh, DT
Mike Pouncey, C
-the Dolphins have been a free agency mystery of late
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Additions
Donte Moncrief, WR
Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, TE
Niles Paul, TE
Andrew Norwell, G
D.J. Hayden, CB
Cody Davis, S
Don Carey, CB
Losses
Paul Posluszny, LB-retired
Chad Henne, QB
Allen Robinson, WR
Patrick Omameh, G
Aaron Colvin, CB
-the Jaguars kinda like free agency
Houston Texans
Additions
Zach Fulton, G
Senio Kelemeto, G
Aaron Colvin, CB
Johnson Bademosi, S
Tyrann Mathieu, S
Seantrel Henderson, T
Sammie Coates, WR
Losses
Marcus Golchrist, S
Tom Savage, QB
-Matthieu makes a fun defense more fun
Tennessee Titans
Additions
Dion Lewis, RB
Malcolm Butler, CB
David King, DE
Losses
None
-Lewis needs to stay healthy for the Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Additions
Denico Autry, DL
Eric Ebron, TE
Losses
Jon Bostic, LB
Jonathan Hankins, DT
-not much to see here
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Additions
Sammy Watkins, WR
Kendall Fuller, CB
Anthony Hitchens, LB
Chad Henne, QB
David Amerson, CB
Losses
Alex Smith, QB
Derrick Johnson, LB
Tamba Hali, LB
Ron Parker, S
Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB
-Patrick Maholmes will have some speedy targets
Denver Broncos
Additions
Case Keenum, QB
Tramaine Brock, CB
Losses
Aqib Talib, CB
Trevor Siemian, QB
Corey Nelson, LB
Virgil Green, TE
Donald Stephenson
-Keenum's the quarterback for now
Los Angeles Chargers
Additions
Virgil Green, TE
Mike Pouncey, C
Caleb Sturgis, K
Losses
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB
Kenny Wiggins, OL
-not much action here
Oakland Raiders
Additions
Doug Martin, RB
Jordy Nelson, WR
Keith Smith, FB
Tahir Whitehead, LB
Rashaan Melvin, CB
Shareece Wright, CB
Andrew DePaola, LS
Tank Carradine, DE
Colby Wadman, P
Kyle Wilber, LB
Marcus Golchrist, S
Derek Carrier, TE
Losses
David Amerson, CB
Sean Smith, CB
Marshall Newhouse, T
Denico Autry, DE
TJ Carrie, CB
Michael Crabtree, WR
-the Raiders more than made up for the inactivity of their AFC West foes
Monday, March 19, 2018
NFC Offseason Ledger
NFL Free Agency officially opened last Wednesday afternoon. Most of the top free agents found new teams or re-signed with their old teams before then. That's how it's been since the league instituted the "legal tampering" window six years ago. The free agency pickings were getting slim before the weekend. There's still some talent out there. Ndamukong Suh, Bashaud Breeland (if he can pass a physical), Terrelle Pryor, Jonathan Hankins, Eric Reid, Morgan Burnett, and Kenny Vaccaro. Actually, the safety market hasn't really been touched. There might even be some hidden gems out there. After some of the dust of more than five days of frantic free agency spending here's a look at the NFC Free Agency Ledger.
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
Additions
Signed:
Kirk Cousins, QB
Sheldon Richardson, DT
Trevor Siemian, QB
Losses
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Case Keenum, QB
Sam Bradford, QB
Jerick McKinnon, RB
Tramaine Brock, CB
-the quarterback room sure has changed
Green Bay Packers
Additions
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE
Jimmy Graham, TE
Losses
Jordy Nelson, WR
-signing two free agents is free agency is a spending explosion for this team
Chicago Bears
Additions
Allen Robinson, WR
Taylor Gabriel, WR
Trey Burton, TE
Chase Daniel, QB
Tyler Bray, QB
Aaron Lynch, LB
Cody Parkey, K
Losses
Mike Glennon, QB
Josh Sitton, G
Mitch Unrein, DL
Christian Jones, LB
Andrew DePaola, LS
Cairo Santos, K
-the Bears got Mitchell Trubisky some targets
Detroit Lions
Additions
LeGarrette Blount, RB
Kenny Wiggins, G
Devon Kennard, LB
Christian Jones, LB
DeShawn Shead, CB
Losses
Eric Ebron, TE
Darren Fells, TE
Haloti Ngata, DT
Tahir Whitehead, LB
Don Carey, S
D.J. Hayden, CB
-will the Lions pick another tight end in the first round?
NFC East
New York Giants
Additions
Nate Solder, T
Jonathan Stewart, RB
Patrick Omameh, G
Kareem Martin, LB
Teddy Williams, CB
Curtis Riley, CB
Losses
Justin Pugh, G
Weston Richburg, C
Devon Kennard, LB
Owa Odighizuwa, DE
Philadelphia Eagles
Additions
Michael Bennett, DL
Daryl Worley, CB
Haloti Ngata, DT
Corey Nelson, LB
Losses
Torrey Smith, WR
Vinny Curry, DE
LeGarrette Blount, RB
Trey Burton, TE
Beau Allen, DT
Patrick Robinson, CB
-for a team with a QB on a rookie contract the Eagles sure have cap issues
Washington Redskins
Additions
Alex Smith, QB
Paul Richardson, WR
Losses
Kirk Cousins, QB
Spencer Long, C
Trent Murphy, LB
Niles Paul, TE
Dallas Cowboys
Additions
None
Losses
Anthony Hitchens, LB
Kyle Wilber, LB
-at least the retained DeMarcus Lawrence and probably David Irving
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
Additions
Tom Savage, QB
Jermon Bushrod, OL
Demario Davis, LB
Patrick Robinson, CB
Kurt Coleman, S
Losses
Chase Daniel, QB
Rafael Bush, S
Senio Kelemete, G
-some nice additions on defense and they kept Brees
Atlanta Falcons
Additions
Brandon Fusco, G
Losses
Dontari Poe, DT
Adrian Clayborn, DE
Taylor Gabriel, WR
-they got Fusco!
Carolina Panthers
Additions
Torrey Smith, WR
Dontari Poe, DT
Losses
Daryl Worley, CB
Andrew Norwell, G
Kurt Coleman, S
Ed Dickson, TE
Jonathan Stewart, RB
Teddy Williams, CB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Additions
Ryan Jensen, C
Vinny Curry, DE
Mitch Unrein, DL
Beau Allen, DT
Chandler Cantazaro, K
Cameron Lynch, LB
Losses
None
-some nice additions on defense
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
Additions
Richard Sherman, CB
Jerick McKinnon, RB
Weston Richburg, C
Jeremiah Attaochu, Edge
Jeff Locke, P
Losses
Daniel Kilgore, C
Carlos Hyde, RB
Tank Carradine, DE
Aaron Lynch, DE
Brandon Fusco, G
-the 49ers got better
Los Angeles Rams
Additions
Marcus Peters, CB
Aqib Talib, CB
Losses
Sammy Watkins, WR
Trumaine Johnson, CB
Derek Carrier, TE
Cody Davis, S
-looks like the Rams were targeting a particular position
Seattle Seahawks
Additions
Jaron Brown, WR
Marcus Johnson, WR
Ed Dickson, TE
Barkevious Mingo, LB
Maurice Alexander, S
Losses
Michael Bennett, DL
Richard Sherman, CB
DaShawn Shead, CB
Paul Richardson, WR
Sheldon Richardson, DT
Jimmy Graham, TE
Matt Tobin, T
-probably no team let more players leave
Arizona Cadinals
Additions
Sam Bradford, QB
Mike Glennon, QB
Justin Pugh, G
Andre Smith, T
Losses
Tyrann Mathieu, S
Adrian Peterson, RB
Jaron Brown, WR
Kareem Martin, LB
-if Bradford can stay in the lineup the Cardinals offense could be fun
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
Additions
Signed:
Kirk Cousins, QB
Sheldon Richardson, DT
Trevor Siemian, QB
Losses
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Case Keenum, QB
Sam Bradford, QB
Jerick McKinnon, RB
Tramaine Brock, CB
-the quarterback room sure has changed
Green Bay Packers
Additions
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE
Jimmy Graham, TE
Losses
Jordy Nelson, WR
-signing two free agents is free agency is a spending explosion for this team
Chicago Bears
Additions
Allen Robinson, WR
Taylor Gabriel, WR
Trey Burton, TE
Chase Daniel, QB
Tyler Bray, QB
Aaron Lynch, LB
Cody Parkey, K
Losses
Mike Glennon, QB
Josh Sitton, G
Mitch Unrein, DL
Christian Jones, LB
Andrew DePaola, LS
Cairo Santos, K
-the Bears got Mitchell Trubisky some targets
Detroit Lions
Additions
LeGarrette Blount, RB
Kenny Wiggins, G
Devon Kennard, LB
Christian Jones, LB
DeShawn Shead, CB
Losses
Eric Ebron, TE
Darren Fells, TE
Haloti Ngata, DT
Tahir Whitehead, LB
Don Carey, S
D.J. Hayden, CB
-will the Lions pick another tight end in the first round?
NFC East
New York Giants
Additions
Nate Solder, T
Jonathan Stewart, RB
Patrick Omameh, G
Kareem Martin, LB
Teddy Williams, CB
Curtis Riley, CB
Losses
Justin Pugh, G
Weston Richburg, C
Devon Kennard, LB
Owa Odighizuwa, DE
Philadelphia Eagles
Additions
Michael Bennett, DL
Daryl Worley, CB
Haloti Ngata, DT
Corey Nelson, LB
Losses
Torrey Smith, WR
Vinny Curry, DE
LeGarrette Blount, RB
Trey Burton, TE
Beau Allen, DT
Patrick Robinson, CB
-for a team with a QB on a rookie contract the Eagles sure have cap issues
Washington Redskins
Additions
Alex Smith, QB
Paul Richardson, WR
Losses
Kirk Cousins, QB
Spencer Long, C
Trent Murphy, LB
Niles Paul, TE
Dallas Cowboys
Additions
None
Losses
Anthony Hitchens, LB
Kyle Wilber, LB
-at least the retained DeMarcus Lawrence and probably David Irving
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
Additions
Tom Savage, QB
Jermon Bushrod, OL
Demario Davis, LB
Patrick Robinson, CB
Kurt Coleman, S
Losses
Chase Daniel, QB
Rafael Bush, S
Senio Kelemete, G
-some nice additions on defense and they kept Brees
Atlanta Falcons
Additions
Brandon Fusco, G
Losses
Dontari Poe, DT
Adrian Clayborn, DE
Taylor Gabriel, WR
-they got Fusco!
Carolina Panthers
Additions
Torrey Smith, WR
Dontari Poe, DT
Losses
Daryl Worley, CB
Andrew Norwell, G
Kurt Coleman, S
Ed Dickson, TE
Jonathan Stewart, RB
Teddy Williams, CB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Additions
Ryan Jensen, C
Vinny Curry, DE
Mitch Unrein, DL
Beau Allen, DT
Chandler Cantazaro, K
Cameron Lynch, LB
Losses
None
-some nice additions on defense
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
Additions
Richard Sherman, CB
Jerick McKinnon, RB
Weston Richburg, C
Jeremiah Attaochu, Edge
Jeff Locke, P
Losses
Daniel Kilgore, C
Carlos Hyde, RB
Tank Carradine, DE
Aaron Lynch, DE
Brandon Fusco, G
-the 49ers got better
Los Angeles Rams
Additions
Marcus Peters, CB
Aqib Talib, CB
Losses
Sammy Watkins, WR
Trumaine Johnson, CB
Derek Carrier, TE
Cody Davis, S
-looks like the Rams were targeting a particular position
Seattle Seahawks
Additions
Jaron Brown, WR
Marcus Johnson, WR
Ed Dickson, TE
Barkevious Mingo, LB
Maurice Alexander, S
Losses
Michael Bennett, DL
Richard Sherman, CB
DaShawn Shead, CB
Paul Richardson, WR
Sheldon Richardson, DT
Jimmy Graham, TE
Matt Tobin, T
-probably no team let more players leave
Arizona Cadinals
Additions
Sam Bradford, QB
Mike Glennon, QB
Justin Pugh, G
Andre Smith, T
Losses
Tyrann Mathieu, S
Adrian Peterson, RB
Jaron Brown, WR
Kareem Martin, LB
-if Bradford can stay in the lineup the Cardinals offense could be fun
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Post-Early Days Of Free Agency Flea Flicker Mock Draft
Some teams filled some holes during the first few days of free agency. The Cincinnati Bengals-Buffalo Bills flip of top-21 picks and the more daring New York Jets-Indianapolis Colts flip of top-10 picks changed the landscape. The Bills and Jets are clearly angling for one of the top quarterbacks. The Jets are likely where they want to be. The Bills likely need to get a little closer. In this mock it's close enough to get them Josh Rosen. It's March.
1. Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. New York Jets-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
4. Cleveland Browns-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
5. Denver Broncos-Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
6. Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
8. Chicago Bears-Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB. Alabama
9. San Francisco 49ers-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
10. Oakland Raiders-Derwin James, S, Florida State
11. Miami Dolphins-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
12. Buffalo Bills-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
13. Washington Redskins-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
14. Green Bay Packers-Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
15. Arizona Cardinals-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
16. Baltimore Ravens-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Connor Williams, T, Texas
18. Seattle Seahawks-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
19. Dallas Cowboys-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
20. Detroit Lions-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
22. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
23. Los Angeles Rams-Kolton Miller, T, UCLA
24. Carolina Panthers-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
25. Tennessee Titans-Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
26. Atlanta Falcons-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
27. New Orleans Saints-Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
30. Minnesota Vikings-Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
31. New England Patriots-Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Until the next one.
1. Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. New York Jets-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
4. Cleveland Browns-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
5. Denver Broncos-Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
6. Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
8. Chicago Bears-Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB. Alabama
9. San Francisco 49ers-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
10. Oakland Raiders-Derwin James, S, Florida State
11. Miami Dolphins-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
12. Buffalo Bills-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
13. Washington Redskins-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
14. Green Bay Packers-Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
15. Arizona Cardinals-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
16. Baltimore Ravens-DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Connor Williams, T, Texas
18. Seattle Seahawks-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
19. Dallas Cowboys-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
20. Detroit Lions-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
22. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
23. Los Angeles Rams-Kolton Miller, T, UCLA
24. Carolina Panthers-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
25. Tennessee Titans-Harold Landry, DE/LB, Boston College
26. Atlanta Falcons-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
27. New Orleans Saints-Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
30. Minnesota Vikings-Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
31. New England Patriots-Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Until the next one.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
You Like That?
"You Like That?"
Kirk Cousins' exclamation after a dramatic, come-from-behind win a few years ago has been overused but it sure works for what the Minnesota Vikings have done the past few days. General manager Rick Spielman entered the offseason with three priorities.
1. Find an offensive coordinator
2. Find a franchise quarterback
3. Find a three-technique defensive tackle.
That was then.
This is now.
1. John DeFilippo
2. Kirk Cousins
3. Sheldon Richardson
Spielman has checked those three boxes. It's no stretch to say that the Vikings have improved. As a team in general and in those three areas in particular. Those three needs became needs during the torturous 2016 season. The Vikings had high hopes heading into that season due to a playoff appearance the year before and a young, talented team that seemed to be hitting it's stride. Before the season even started the Vikings lost quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a brutal knee injury. A few weeks later defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was lost, and his career likely ended, when a routine surgical procedure on his knee resulted in a nicked nerve. About a month after that, offensive coordinator Norv Turner left the team for unknown reasons. Two very important positions, positions of strengths with Bridgewater and Floyd, suddenly became question marks moving forward. The departure of Turner resulted in the promotion of Pat Shurmur. That was actually a good thing as Shurmur's playcalling and guidance was a revelation. So much so that it got him a head coaching job with the New York Giants this offseason.
Quarterback is the most important position on a football team. There's no need to go into that as it's well documented and we're reminded of it every week of the season, as well as the offseason. The Vikings felt that they had their franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater. When he went down with that terrible knee injury on a routine, non-contact drill the trajectory of the franchise changed. They were forced to trade a first- and fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Sam Bradford. The Vikings felt that they had a team that could compete for a title that year and they needed a quarterback that could play to that level. In short, they were desperate. Bradford played well in 2016. In fact, he played so well that the Vikings were confident that he was their quarterback for 2017 and perhaps beyond. That changed when Bradford was essentially lost for the season in the 2017 opener. His knee couldn't hold. Again. Enter Case Keenum. He was brilliant. He led the team to the NFC Championship game. One step short of a home Super Bowl. So, the Vikings entered the 2018 offseason with three quarterbacks, each with fine moments as the team's starter, each with expiring contracts, and each with significant questions. Bridgewater and Bradford had injury concerns. Will their knees hold up? Keenum had been a career backup until his eye-opening opportunity last season. Will he do it again? Will he play at that level for consecutive seasons? The Vikings have had a revolving door at the quarterback position since Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. They haven't had the same quarterback start consecutive seasons since Christian Ponder did so in 2012 and 2013. Christian Ponder! They needed a quarterback without questions. They needed stability at quarterback. Kirk Cousins started every game for the Washington Redskins the last three seasons and posted numbers comparable to the league's leaders. The Vikings haven't had that sort of consistency since the 1970s.
Penetrating, disruptive three-technique defensive tackles (shaded over the guard's outside shoulder) have become one of the most valued talents on defense. They can foul a quarterbacks day simply because they have the shortest route to him. The Vikings had that sort of player in Sharrif Floyd. Injuries were his nemesis. When he was on the field he disrupted offenses but nagging injuries forced him to miss scattered games. If he could only stay healthy. Those injury issues turned even more serious with that surgical mishap in 2016. It's looking like it ended his promising football career. Tom Johnson has filled in well for Floyd but at 33 he's worn down with the increased playing time. Since Sheldon Richardson entered the NFL in 2013 he's been one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the the league. Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams rules the roost but Richardson's up there with the likes of Fletcher Cox, Geno Atkins, Gerald McCoy, and Ndamukong Suh. Perhaps some off-the-field shenanigans have kept him from reaching his true potential but he's a rare talent. He's the sort of talent that puts an already very talented Vikings defensive line to a whole other level.
John DeFilippo has been opening eyes around the league since, as the offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, he got something good out of Johnny Manziel. His work with the Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks during the team's run to the Super Bowl title got him some head coaching attention this offseason. He's one of the most promising, innovative offensive minds in the game. The Vikings were fortunate that he thought enough of this opportunity with the Vikings to leave the Eagles.
1. Find an offensive coordinator
2. Find a franchise quarterback
3. Find a three-technique defensive tackle.
The Vikings filled those needs with the best that this offseason had to offer.
Yea. I like that!
Kirk Cousins' exclamation after a dramatic, come-from-behind win a few years ago has been overused but it sure works for what the Minnesota Vikings have done the past few days. General manager Rick Spielman entered the offseason with three priorities.
1. Find an offensive coordinator
2. Find a franchise quarterback
3. Find a three-technique defensive tackle.
That was then.
This is now.
1. John DeFilippo
2. Kirk Cousins
3. Sheldon Richardson
Spielman has checked those three boxes. It's no stretch to say that the Vikings have improved. As a team in general and in those three areas in particular. Those three needs became needs during the torturous 2016 season. The Vikings had high hopes heading into that season due to a playoff appearance the year before and a young, talented team that seemed to be hitting it's stride. Before the season even started the Vikings lost quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a brutal knee injury. A few weeks later defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was lost, and his career likely ended, when a routine surgical procedure on his knee resulted in a nicked nerve. About a month after that, offensive coordinator Norv Turner left the team for unknown reasons. Two very important positions, positions of strengths with Bridgewater and Floyd, suddenly became question marks moving forward. The departure of Turner resulted in the promotion of Pat Shurmur. That was actually a good thing as Shurmur's playcalling and guidance was a revelation. So much so that it got him a head coaching job with the New York Giants this offseason.
Quarterback is the most important position on a football team. There's no need to go into that as it's well documented and we're reminded of it every week of the season, as well as the offseason. The Vikings felt that they had their franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater. When he went down with that terrible knee injury on a routine, non-contact drill the trajectory of the franchise changed. They were forced to trade a first- and fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Sam Bradford. The Vikings felt that they had a team that could compete for a title that year and they needed a quarterback that could play to that level. In short, they were desperate. Bradford played well in 2016. In fact, he played so well that the Vikings were confident that he was their quarterback for 2017 and perhaps beyond. That changed when Bradford was essentially lost for the season in the 2017 opener. His knee couldn't hold. Again. Enter Case Keenum. He was brilliant. He led the team to the NFC Championship game. One step short of a home Super Bowl. So, the Vikings entered the 2018 offseason with three quarterbacks, each with fine moments as the team's starter, each with expiring contracts, and each with significant questions. Bridgewater and Bradford had injury concerns. Will their knees hold up? Keenum had been a career backup until his eye-opening opportunity last season. Will he do it again? Will he play at that level for consecutive seasons? The Vikings have had a revolving door at the quarterback position since Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. They haven't had the same quarterback start consecutive seasons since Christian Ponder did so in 2012 and 2013. Christian Ponder! They needed a quarterback without questions. They needed stability at quarterback. Kirk Cousins started every game for the Washington Redskins the last three seasons and posted numbers comparable to the league's leaders. The Vikings haven't had that sort of consistency since the 1970s.
Penetrating, disruptive three-technique defensive tackles (shaded over the guard's outside shoulder) have become one of the most valued talents on defense. They can foul a quarterbacks day simply because they have the shortest route to him. The Vikings had that sort of player in Sharrif Floyd. Injuries were his nemesis. When he was on the field he disrupted offenses but nagging injuries forced him to miss scattered games. If he could only stay healthy. Those injury issues turned even more serious with that surgical mishap in 2016. It's looking like it ended his promising football career. Tom Johnson has filled in well for Floyd but at 33 he's worn down with the increased playing time. Since Sheldon Richardson entered the NFL in 2013 he's been one of the most disruptive interior defensive linemen in the the league. Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams rules the roost but Richardson's up there with the likes of Fletcher Cox, Geno Atkins, Gerald McCoy, and Ndamukong Suh. Perhaps some off-the-field shenanigans have kept him from reaching his true potential but he's a rare talent. He's the sort of talent that puts an already very talented Vikings defensive line to a whole other level.
John DeFilippo has been opening eyes around the league since, as the offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, he got something good out of Johnny Manziel. His work with the Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks during the team's run to the Super Bowl title got him some head coaching attention this offseason. He's one of the most promising, innovative offensive minds in the game. The Vikings were fortunate that he thought enough of this opportunity with the Vikings to leave the Eagles.
1. Find an offensive coordinator
2. Find a franchise quarterback
3. Find a three-technique defensive tackle.
The Vikings filled those needs with the best that this offseason had to offer.
Yea. I like that!
Friday, March 16, 2018
Before Free Agency Even Opened
The NFL instituted the poorly named "legal tampering" window six years ago. It was supposed to get rid of the illegal tampering that everyone knew was taking place during the days leading up to the start of free agency. With "legal tampering" players can't be signed to deals with new teams during the 52 hours before the official start of free agency but they can agree to deals. Most of the top free agents do reach agreements. So much so that by the time the shopping officially starts there isn't much left. Here's what the Top 50 Players did before they were officially allowed to do anything.
Rankings are taken from NFL.com's Top 101 Free Agents
1. Kirk Cousins-agreement with the Vikings
2. Drew Brees-re-signed with the Saints
3. Ndamukong Suh
4. Allen Robinson-agreement with the Bears
5. Tyrann Mathieu
6. Sheldon Richardson
7. Sammy Watkins-agreement with the Chiefs
8. Andrew Norwell-agreement with the Jaguars
9. Kyle Fuller-transition tag
10. Case Keenum-agreement with the Broncos
11. Malcolm Butler-agreement with the Titans
12. Trumaine Johnson-agreement with the Jets
13. Teddy Bridgewater-agreement with the Jets
14. Sam Bradford-agreement with the Cardinals
15. Bashaud Breeland-agreement with the Panthers
16. Nate Solder-agreement with the Giants
17. Dontari Poe
18. Justin Pugh
19. Zach Brown
20. Richard Sherman-signed with the 49ers
21. Muhammad Wilkerson-agreement with the Packers
22. Carlos Hyde-agreement with the Browns
23. Jimmy Graham-agreement with the Packers
24. Kenny Vaccaro
25. Eric Reid
26. Nigel Bradham-re-signed with the Eagles
27. Avery Williamson-agreement with the Jets
28. Morgan Burnett
29. Dion Lewis-agreement with the Titans
30. Star Lotulelei-agreement with the Bills
31. Weston Richburg-agreement with the 49ers
32. Terrelle Pryor
33. E.J. Gaines
34. AJ McCarron-agreement with the Bills
35. Trey Burton-agreement with the Bears
36. Jack Mewhort
37. Tyler Eifert
38. Jordan Matthews
39. DaQuon Jones
40. Julius Peppers
41. Tahir Whitehead
42. Brent Grimes
43. Paul Richardson-agreement with the Redskins
44. Morris Claiborne
45. Marqise Lee-re-signed with the Jaguars
46. Ryan Jensen
47. Prince Amukamara
48. Josh McCown-re-signed with the Jets
49. Preston Brown
50. Josh Sitton
The re-signings of Drew Brees, Nigel Bradham, Marqise Lee, and Josh McCown were perfectly legit moves before the official start of free agency. Teams can sign their own free agents. The 49ers signing of Richard Sherman was also perfectly legit since the Seahawks had released him prior to the start of the new league year.
The release of Ndamukong Suh and Tyrann Mathieu by the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals, respectively, boosted the quality of the available players. The "legal tampering" window doesn't really get rid of the illegal tampering. It's going to happen. What it does do is accomplish in 52 hours what once took about two weeks. In the old days, most of the players that reach agreements during the tampering window would've taken a visit or two, maybe more. That takes time. Now, NFL free agency is speed-dating sort of thing. Very little wining and dining, getting to know you.
Rankings are taken from NFL.com's Top 101 Free Agents
1. Kirk Cousins-agreement with the Vikings
2. Drew Brees-re-signed with the Saints
3. Ndamukong Suh
4. Allen Robinson-agreement with the Bears
5. Tyrann Mathieu
6. Sheldon Richardson
7. Sammy Watkins-agreement with the Chiefs
8. Andrew Norwell-agreement with the Jaguars
9. Kyle Fuller-transition tag
10. Case Keenum-agreement with the Broncos
11. Malcolm Butler-agreement with the Titans
12. Trumaine Johnson-agreement with the Jets
13. Teddy Bridgewater-agreement with the Jets
14. Sam Bradford-agreement with the Cardinals
15. Bashaud Breeland-agreement with the Panthers
16. Nate Solder-agreement with the Giants
17. Dontari Poe
18. Justin Pugh
19. Zach Brown
20. Richard Sherman-signed with the 49ers
21. Muhammad Wilkerson-agreement with the Packers
22. Carlos Hyde-agreement with the Browns
23. Jimmy Graham-agreement with the Packers
24. Kenny Vaccaro
25. Eric Reid
26. Nigel Bradham-re-signed with the Eagles
27. Avery Williamson-agreement with the Jets
28. Morgan Burnett
29. Dion Lewis-agreement with the Titans
30. Star Lotulelei-agreement with the Bills
31. Weston Richburg-agreement with the 49ers
32. Terrelle Pryor
33. E.J. Gaines
34. AJ McCarron-agreement with the Bills
35. Trey Burton-agreement with the Bears
36. Jack Mewhort
37. Tyler Eifert
38. Jordan Matthews
39. DaQuon Jones
40. Julius Peppers
41. Tahir Whitehead
42. Brent Grimes
43. Paul Richardson-agreement with the Redskins
44. Morris Claiborne
45. Marqise Lee-re-signed with the Jaguars
46. Ryan Jensen
47. Prince Amukamara
48. Josh McCown-re-signed with the Jets
49. Preston Brown
50. Josh Sitton
The re-signings of Drew Brees, Nigel Bradham, Marqise Lee, and Josh McCown were perfectly legit moves before the official start of free agency. Teams can sign their own free agents. The 49ers signing of Richard Sherman was also perfectly legit since the Seahawks had released him prior to the start of the new league year.
The release of Ndamukong Suh and Tyrann Mathieu by the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals, respectively, boosted the quality of the available players. The "legal tampering" window doesn't really get rid of the illegal tampering. It's going to happen. What it does do is accomplish in 52 hours what once took about two weeks. In the old days, most of the players that reach agreements during the tampering window would've taken a visit or two, maybe more. That takes time. Now, NFL free agency is speed-dating sort of thing. Very little wining and dining, getting to know you.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Throwback Thursday: 10 Best Vikings Free Agent Signings
It'd be nice if the players (Kirk Cousins) that the Minnesota Vikings sign this offseason can crack this list. The 10 Best Vikings Signings in the 25 years of NFL free agency.
10. Bernard Berrian, WR
Bernard Berrian was a pretty big signing for the Vikings when they signed him in 2008 and he responded with a pretty big first season in Minnesota. 48 catches for 964 yards and 7 touchdowns, including an unbreakable NFL record 99-yard score. His 20.1 yards per catch was quite robust. He combined with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin to form a nice trio for Brett Favre in 2009. Berrian's production over the final two years with the Vikings dwindled to nearly nothing and the end of his career. While his first two years as a pretty big free agent signing were great to good, the fact that he's on this list says a lot of the Vikings modest success in free agency.
9. Tom Johnson, DT
Tom Johnson's performance over the last four seasons have been a revelation mostly because it took him so long to hit his stride in the NFL. He played in the Arena Football League, Canadian Football League, and NFL Europe before he found a spot with the New Orleans Saints in 2011 at 27. He really found his place in the NFL with the Vikings in 2014. Johnson has been a terrific interior pass rusher. So terrific that he's one of the best Vikings free agent signings. His impact on the pass rush reminds of that made by Lance Johnstone over a decade ago. Actually, Johnstone is a player that probably should be on this list. He should probably bump Berrian from this list.
8. Ben Leber, LB
Ben Leber was a consistently solid linebacker for the Vikings from 2006-10. He had a great knack for making big plays in crucial moments. The linebacker trio that Leber formed with Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson was one of the best in franchise history.
7. Ryan Longwell, K
A kicker! The only thing that keeps Ryan Longwell from being ranked higher is the position that he played. Longwell was an excellent kicker for each of his six seasons in Minnesota. He's in the argument for best kicker in Vikings franchise history.
6. Chester Taylor, RB
Chester Taylor had an outstanding first season for the Vikings in 2006. He probably would have had several more in Minnesota if not for the surprising arrival of Adrian Peterson in the 2007 NFL Draft. Taylor's playing time was cut drastically but he remained an effective complimentary back to Peterson. The two formed an excellent combo.
5. Corey Chavous, S
Corey Chavous came to Minnesota as a corner in 2002 but really found his home with a switch to safety. His 2003 season was simply outstanding. That was the year in which he often seemed to be the only Vikings player on the field that had any interest in playing defense. He earned the only Pro Bowl bid of his career that season. Smart football player.
4. Pat Williams, DT
Defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams formed the "Williams Wall." No one ran on the "Williams Wall." It was remarkable to watch Pat Williams move short distances. He was so big but got through the line so fast. He was a lot of fun to watch.
3. Linval Joseph, DT
Linval Joseph has been awesome for the past few seasons. The only knock on his play are the games that he didn't play. Injuries kept him out of a couple. When healthy, he's one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league. His strong play since he joined the Vikings in 2014 earned him a nice extension last summer. He's a defensive cornerstone.
2. Steve Hutchinson, G
Steve Hutchinson might have been the team MVP in 2006. He quickly changed the level of play and attitude of the Vikings offensive line. And as a result the entire offense. He was an outstanding football player for all of his six seasons in Minnesota. He should be honored in Canton soon.
1. Antoine Winfield, CB
Antoine Winfield's signing in 2004 was the Vikings first true venture into big time free agency. They merely dabbled the first ten years. They struck gold with Winfield. He played for the Vikings for nine years and was fantastic for nine years. He made it to three Pro Bowls. He should have been to more. It was a real treat to be witness to his football career. He won't get much Hall of Fame consideration but he's in my Hall of Fame. A great, fun football player.
The Minnesota Vikings have rarely gotten too involved in free agency. The Hutchinson and Winfield signings were the biggest but they were and are rare. A low profile is the norm. That's why 2006 was such a surprise. In Brad Childress' first season as head coach the Vikings really dove into free agency. Four players on this list were signed that year. Steve Hutchinson, Chester Taylor, Ryan Longwell, and Ben Leber. That offseason was a bonanza and Vikings fans were delirious. All four helped form the foundation of a team that improved each season. A team that ended up being a play away from the Super Bowl in 2009.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Vikings Get Their Quarterback
When the new league year opens today and players can officially sign with new teams, the Minnesota Vikings should have a new quarterback. The usual cast of NFL insiders have reported that Kirk Cousins, formerly of the Washington Redskins, will sign a contract with the Vikings. He has a dinner date with team decision-makers tonight and a tour of their spectacular new facilities tomorrow. Somewhere in between or after he's supposed to sign that contract. It's a big contract. It's an historic contract. It's reported to be a three-year, $84 million deal. The $28 million average per year is the highest in league history. It's also reported to be the first completely guaranteed contract in league history. Kirk Cousins. History-maker. New Vikings quarterback.
If there were any doubts that this was a done deal those doubts ended when the other teams that were supposedly trying to sign Cousins started signing former Vikings quarterbacks:
Denver Broncos-Case Keenum
Arizona Cardinals-Sam Bradford
New York Jets-Teddy Bridgewater
As the Vikings found a new quarterback, their three former quarterbacks quickly found work elsewhere. Each would've been a fine choice to remain in Minnesota but each carries serious questions moving forward. Keenum was fantastic in leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game but there's a concern that his season was an outlier. Bradford missed nearly all of the 2017 season to a knee injury and has battled injuries his entire career. Bridgewater hasn't taken a meaningful snap since the 2015 playoffs due to a brutal knee injury prior to the 2016 season. Each carries unknowns and the Vikings needed something known.
There were a few reasons that the Vikings made such an aggressive move to add Kirk Cousins.
-he's a proven, durable quarterback
-the Vikings are ready to win now
-he's a proven, durable quarterback
-they've had nothing approaching consistency at the position for too long
-he's a proven, durable quarterback
Since Cousins became the Redskins starter in 2015 he's started every game. The Vikings haven't opened the season with the same starting quarterback in back to back seasons since Christian Ponder did so in 2012 and 2013. That feels like a decade ago. In the three years that Cousins has been starting every game the Vikings have started four different quarterbacks. Consistency. The Vikings haven't had it at quarterback and they desperately need it. That's why they were willing to spend so much to add one player.
Just for giggles(maybe tears), here are the quarterbacks that have started games for the Vikings since the Wilf family bought the team in 2005.
That's not pretty. In that time the Green Bay Packers have trotted out either Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers for nearly every game.
Consistency. The Vikings needed it at the quarterback position and Kirk Cousins will be brought in to provide it.
If there were any doubts that this was a done deal those doubts ended when the other teams that were supposedly trying to sign Cousins started signing former Vikings quarterbacks:
Denver Broncos-Case Keenum
Arizona Cardinals-Sam Bradford
New York Jets-Teddy Bridgewater
As the Vikings found a new quarterback, their three former quarterbacks quickly found work elsewhere. Each would've been a fine choice to remain in Minnesota but each carries serious questions moving forward. Keenum was fantastic in leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game but there's a concern that his season was an outlier. Bradford missed nearly all of the 2017 season to a knee injury and has battled injuries his entire career. Bridgewater hasn't taken a meaningful snap since the 2015 playoffs due to a brutal knee injury prior to the 2016 season. Each carries unknowns and the Vikings needed something known.
There were a few reasons that the Vikings made such an aggressive move to add Kirk Cousins.
-he's a proven, durable quarterback
-the Vikings are ready to win now
-he's a proven, durable quarterback
-they've had nothing approaching consistency at the position for too long
-he's a proven, durable quarterback
Since Cousins became the Redskins starter in 2015 he's started every game. The Vikings haven't opened the season with the same starting quarterback in back to back seasons since Christian Ponder did so in 2012 and 2013. That feels like a decade ago. In the three years that Cousins has been starting every game the Vikings have started four different quarterbacks. Consistency. The Vikings haven't had it at quarterback and they desperately need it. That's why they were willing to spend so much to add one player.
Just for giggles(maybe tears), here are the quarterbacks that have started games for the Vikings since the Wilf family bought the team in 2005.
| Quarterback | Starts |
| Chrisitan Ponder | 36 |
| Brett Favre | 29 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | 28 |
| Brad Johnson | 23 |
| Tarvaris Jackson | 20 |
| Sam Bradford | 17 |
| Case Keenum | 14 |
| Gus Frerotte | 11 |
| Matt Cassel | 9 |
| Daunte Culpepper | 7 |
| Donovan McNabb | 6 |
| Kelly Holcomb | 3 |
| Joe Webb | 2 |
| Shaun Hill | 1 |
| Josh Freeman | 1 |
| Brooks Bollinger | 1 |
That's not pretty. In that time the Green Bay Packers have trotted out either Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers for nearly every game.
Consistency. The Vikings needed it at the quarterback position and Kirk Cousins will be brought in to provide it.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
And, We're Off
"Legal" Tampering 2018 got off to a slow start yesterday. Maybe it only felt like a slow start. There was nothing but posturing and rumors for most of the day. When the sun went down, some teams got busy.
Chicago Bears
WR Allen Robinson-3 years/$42 million, roughly $25 million guaranteed
Kansas City Chiefs
WR Sammy Watkins-3 years/$48 million, $30 million guaranteed
The top two available receivers are no longer available. Robinson hasn't played in nearly a year due to a torn ACL. His play in 2016 was disappointing but his 2015 season was fantastic. That season and the potential for more like it are the reason for this contract. He should be a nice, big target for the Bears young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Watkins has loads of talent but not much production. A string of injuries while he was in Buffalo was a big reason for that. When healthy, he can scare the hell out of a defense. He should be even more scary with very scary Tyreek Hill on the field with him. The Chiefs should field a very interesting, entertaining offense. Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, second-year running back Kareem Hunt, explosive tight end Travis Kelce, and two receivers with the ability to break a game wide open.
Jacksonville Jaguars
G Andrew Norwell-5 years/$66.5 million, $30 million guaranteed
The top available guard has a new home. The Jaguars have never been shy about spending money in free agency. Most of their recent spending activity has been on the defense. Here's a solid add on the offensive side of the ball. The Jaguars want to stand on a strong running game with Leonard Fournette. Norwell will will help make that possible.
The best response to the Norwell signing came from former offensive lineman, football analyst, and multiple podcast host Ross Tucker:
"Jags preferred to pay a left guard over their #1 receiver. I've been waiting for this day my entire life."
Tucker has some interesting takes on football. I highly recommend following him and his podcasts.
Denver Broncos
QB Case Keenum-terms not released
The Broncos were reported to be in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes. Maybe they were at the start but they obviously weren't in it to the end. John Elway wanted a veteran quarterback and he got a veteran quarterback. Keenum was terrific for the Minnesota Vikings last season. It was a performance that earned him respect and a new "starter" contract.
Kansas City Chiefs
LB Anthony Hitchens-$9 million/year
The Chiefs didn't sit idle after adding Watkins. Hitchens will help on the defensive side of the ball. Especially with the departures of Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali.
The pace set last night should carry into today. It's important to note that none of the above deals or any deals agreed to today can be signed until 4:00 pm ET tomorrow.
Chicago Bears
WR Allen Robinson-3 years/$42 million, roughly $25 million guaranteed
Kansas City Chiefs
WR Sammy Watkins-3 years/$48 million, $30 million guaranteed
The top two available receivers are no longer available. Robinson hasn't played in nearly a year due to a torn ACL. His play in 2016 was disappointing but his 2015 season was fantastic. That season and the potential for more like it are the reason for this contract. He should be a nice, big target for the Bears young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Watkins has loads of talent but not much production. A string of injuries while he was in Buffalo was a big reason for that. When healthy, he can scare the hell out of a defense. He should be even more scary with very scary Tyreek Hill on the field with him. The Chiefs should field a very interesting, entertaining offense. Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, second-year running back Kareem Hunt, explosive tight end Travis Kelce, and two receivers with the ability to break a game wide open.
Jacksonville Jaguars
G Andrew Norwell-5 years/$66.5 million, $30 million guaranteed
The top available guard has a new home. The Jaguars have never been shy about spending money in free agency. Most of their recent spending activity has been on the defense. Here's a solid add on the offensive side of the ball. The Jaguars want to stand on a strong running game with Leonard Fournette. Norwell will will help make that possible.
The best response to the Norwell signing came from former offensive lineman, football analyst, and multiple podcast host Ross Tucker:
"Jags preferred to pay a left guard over their #1 receiver. I've been waiting for this day my entire life."
Tucker has some interesting takes on football. I highly recommend following him and his podcasts.
Denver Broncos
QB Case Keenum-terms not released
The Broncos were reported to be in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes. Maybe they were at the start but they obviously weren't in it to the end. John Elway wanted a veteran quarterback and he got a veteran quarterback. Keenum was terrific for the Minnesota Vikings last season. It was a performance that earned him respect and a new "starter" contract.
Kansas City Chiefs
LB Anthony Hitchens-$9 million/year
The Chiefs didn't sit idle after adding Watkins. Hitchens will help on the defensive side of the ball. Especially with the departures of Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali.
***
The pace set last night should carry into today. It's important to note that none of the above deals or any deals agreed to today can be signed until 4:00 pm ET tomorrow.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Flea Flicker Free Agent Position Rankings
With NFL Free Agency set to start Wednesday (the "legal" tampering starts today at noon ET) here's one look at the best players available at each position.
Quarterbacks
1. Kirk Cousins
2. Case Keenum
3. Teddy Bridgewater
4. Sam Bradford
5. AJ McCarron
Running Backs
1. Le'Veon Bell-franchise-tagged
2. Carlos Hyde
3. Jerick McKinnon
4. Dion Lewis
5. Isaiah Crowell
Fullbacks
1. Anthony Sherman
2. Mike Tolbert
3. Zach Line
4. Derrick Coleman
Receivers
1. Allen Robinson
2. Sammy Watkins
3. Paul Richardson
4. Marqise Lee
5. Donte Moncrief
Tight Ends
1. Jimmy Graham
2. Trey Burton
3. Tyler Eifert
4. Richard Rodgers
5. Antonio Gates
Tackles
1. Nate Solder
2. Cameron Fleming
3. Chris Hubbard
4. LaAdrian Waddle
5. James Hurst
Guards
1. Andrew Norwell
2. Josh Sitton
3. Justin Pugh
4. Jack Mewhort
5. Josh Kline
Centers
1. Weston Richburg
2. Ryan Jensen
3. Spencer Long
4. Travis Swanson
5. John Sullivan
Defensive Ends
1. Ezekiel Ansah-franchise-tagged
2. Julius Peppers
3. Alex Okafor
4. Connor Barwin
5. Adrian Clayborn
Defensive Tackles
1. Sheldon Richardson
2. Star Lotulelei
3. Muhammad Wilkerson
4. Dontari Poe
5. Shamar Stephen
Linebackers
1. Nigel Bradham
2. Tahir Whitehead
3. Avery Williamson
4. NaVorro Bowman
5. Zach Brown
Cornerbacks
1. Malcolm Butler
2. Kyle Fuller-transition-tagged
3. Trumaine Johnson
4. Patrick Robinson
5. Rashaan Melvin
Safeties
1. Eric Reid
2. Lamarcus Joyner-franchise-tagged
3. Morgan Burnett
4. Corey Graham
5. Tre Boston
Quarterbacks
1. Kirk Cousins
2. Case Keenum
3. Teddy Bridgewater
4. Sam Bradford
5. AJ McCarron
Running Backs
1. Le'Veon Bell-franchise-tagged
2. Carlos Hyde
3. Jerick McKinnon
4. Dion Lewis
5. Isaiah Crowell
Fullbacks
1. Anthony Sherman
2. Mike Tolbert
3. Zach Line
4. Derrick Coleman
Receivers
1. Allen Robinson
2. Sammy Watkins
3. Paul Richardson
4. Marqise Lee
5. Donte Moncrief
Tight Ends
1. Jimmy Graham
2. Trey Burton
3. Tyler Eifert
4. Richard Rodgers
5. Antonio Gates
Tackles
1. Nate Solder
2. Cameron Fleming
3. Chris Hubbard
4. LaAdrian Waddle
5. James Hurst
Guards
1. Andrew Norwell
2. Josh Sitton
3. Justin Pugh
4. Jack Mewhort
5. Josh Kline
Centers
1. Weston Richburg
2. Ryan Jensen
3. Spencer Long
4. Travis Swanson
5. John Sullivan
Defensive Ends
1. Ezekiel Ansah-franchise-tagged
2. Julius Peppers
3. Alex Okafor
4. Connor Barwin
5. Adrian Clayborn
Defensive Tackles
1. Sheldon Richardson
2. Star Lotulelei
3. Muhammad Wilkerson
4. Dontari Poe
5. Shamar Stephen
Linebackers
1. Nigel Bradham
2. Tahir Whitehead
3. Avery Williamson
4. NaVorro Bowman
5. Zach Brown
Cornerbacks
1. Malcolm Butler
2. Kyle Fuller-transition-tagged
3. Trumaine Johnson
4. Patrick Robinson
5. Rashaan Melvin
Safeties
1. Eric Reid
2. Lamarcus Joyner-franchise-tagged
3. Morgan Burnett
4. Corey Graham
5. Tre Boston
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Browns Trading Flurry
Nothing is supposed to happen before Wednesday but there have been a bunch of trades across the NFL in advance of the new league year. The Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles had been the trading pacesetters. The Cleveland Browns blew every trade-happy team away in a flurry of recent activity. Over the past couple years, then decision-maker, Sashi Brown (no relation) spent most of his time adding draft picks rather than using them. Current decision-maker John Dorsey is using those picks. From Friday to Saturday the Browns were wide open for business.
24-hour tally:
Browns Acquired:
QB Tyrod Taylor
WR Jarvis Landry
CB Damarious Randall
Packers 4th- and 5th-round picks in 2018
Patriots 3rd-round pick in 2018
Browns traded:
2018 3rd-round pick
2018 4th-round pick
2019 7th-round pick
QB DeShone Kizer
2018 4th- and 5th-round pick
DT Danny Shelton
2018 5th-round pick
This is a different Cleveland Browns team. It's changed not so much in the players on the team (although that's certainly changed and will continue to change) but in how they do business. They are actually doing business. Previous Browns front offices seemed afraid to do business, make decisions. That was most evident in an inability to make a firm commitment on a quarterback. They kept bobbing and weaving on the most important position on a football team. They passed on Carson Wentz and DeShaun Watson. They missed on Jimmy Garoppolo. They dicked around with acquiring A.J. McCarron. They still need to get their franchise quarterback but they should take their shot with the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Until that quarterback arrives and is ready, Tyrod Taylor is a competent, talented, and often entertaining place-holder. Taylor and any future quarterback should be a happy quarterback. The Browns have assembled a talented group of pass-catchers in receivers Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman, and Jarvis Landry, tight end David Njoku, and running back Duke Johnson. The offensive line is a strength. This is a very intriguing offense and it's very good bet that the Browns' current losing streak will end early in the 2018 season.
The most interesting thing about this Browns team moving forward is what moves will they make when they are actually allowed to do so.
24-hour tally:
Browns Acquired:
QB Tyrod Taylor
WR Jarvis Landry
CB Damarious Randall
Packers 4th- and 5th-round picks in 2018
Patriots 3rd-round pick in 2018
Browns traded:
2018 3rd-round pick
2018 4th-round pick
2019 7th-round pick
QB DeShone Kizer
2018 4th- and 5th-round pick
DT Danny Shelton
2018 5th-round pick
This is a different Cleveland Browns team. It's changed not so much in the players on the team (although that's certainly changed and will continue to change) but in how they do business. They are actually doing business. Previous Browns front offices seemed afraid to do business, make decisions. That was most evident in an inability to make a firm commitment on a quarterback. They kept bobbing and weaving on the most important position on a football team. They passed on Carson Wentz and DeShaun Watson. They missed on Jimmy Garoppolo. They dicked around with acquiring A.J. McCarron. They still need to get their franchise quarterback but they should take their shot with the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Until that quarterback arrives and is ready, Tyrod Taylor is a competent, talented, and often entertaining place-holder. Taylor and any future quarterback should be a happy quarterback. The Browns have assembled a talented group of pass-catchers in receivers Josh Gordon, Corey Coleman, and Jarvis Landry, tight end David Njoku, and running back Duke Johnson. The offensive line is a strength. This is a very intriguing offense and it's very good bet that the Browns' current losing streak will end early in the 2018 season.
The most interesting thing about this Browns team moving forward is what moves will they make when they are actually allowed to do so.
Saturday, March 10, 2018
TCO Performance Center Opens
When Mike Zimmer was hired as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 he was undoubtedly thrilled to finally have his own team. He wasn't thrilled to find that he'd be addressing his team in a grade school-style classrooms. He wanted to be able to see all of his players in one setting, preferably with theater-style seating. Winter Park didn't have a room that size so a clunky, makeshift, temporary "room" was created with a curtain in a section of the fieldhouse. It even cut off a corner of an endzone. Very professional. Mike Zimmer has his meeting room now. He and his team have a lot more than that.
After 18 months of construction, and many more planning, the Vikings moved into their new home on Monday and showed it off yesterday. TCO Performance Center has everything a football team could want and many things that they didn't even know they wanted.
227,000-square feet facility in Eagan
Indoor Practice Facility-98 feet tall (up from Winter Park's 65 feet-punters can actually punt in this building)
65,000-square foot outdoor stadium
Four outdoor grass fields
360,000-square feet of Kentucky bluegrass that was grown in Colorado and driven 14 hours on a refrigerated truck to Minnesota
6,100-square foot weight room with cardio mezzanine
Virtually reality simulator
174-seat, theater-style auditorium (Zimmer's happy and everyone likes a happy Zimmer)
Gatorade Fuel Bar
6,500-square foot lockerroom (up from Winter Park's 4,300-square feet)
8,000-square foot training room
-orthopedic exam room, medical exam room, concussion room
-10 treatment room tables
-12 stations for foam rollers, compression devices
-hydrotherapy room with hot tub (104 degrees), cold tub (55 degrees), and underwater treadmill
-electronic cryotherapy room (with temperatures dropping as cold as -196 degrees-or close to weather outside)
-chiropractic room
-2 massage rooms
"The Huddle"-6,900-square foot cafeteria (up form Winter Park's 2,400-square foot"snack bar")
Draft Room-the room sports 40 55-inch screens fitted together to form one giant touchscreen. No more magnets.
Bud Grant's Office-I love that the iconic coach is still a consultant for the team and has this beautiful office.
Memorabilia, art, and photos honoring the Vikings past-Some teams don't respect their past as they should. It's always pleased me that the Vikings do.
After 18 months of construction, and many more planning, the Vikings moved into their new home on Monday and showed it off yesterday. TCO Performance Center has everything a football team could want and many things that they didn't even know they wanted.
227,000-square feet facility in Eagan
Indoor Practice Facility-98 feet tall (up from Winter Park's 65 feet-punters can actually punt in this building)
65,000-square foot outdoor stadium
Four outdoor grass fields
360,000-square feet of Kentucky bluegrass that was grown in Colorado and driven 14 hours on a refrigerated truck to Minnesota
6,100-square foot weight room with cardio mezzanine
Virtually reality simulator
174-seat, theater-style auditorium (Zimmer's happy and everyone likes a happy Zimmer)
Gatorade Fuel Bar
6,500-square foot lockerroom (up from Winter Park's 4,300-square feet)
8,000-square foot training room
-orthopedic exam room, medical exam room, concussion room
-10 treatment room tables
-12 stations for foam rollers, compression devices
-hydrotherapy room with hot tub (104 degrees), cold tub (55 degrees), and underwater treadmill
-electronic cryotherapy room (with temperatures dropping as cold as -196 degrees-or close to weather outside)
-chiropractic room
-2 massage rooms
"The Huddle"-6,900-square foot cafeteria (up form Winter Park's 2,400-square foot"snack bar")
Draft Room-the room sports 40 55-inch screens fitted together to form one giant touchscreen. No more magnets.
Bud Grant's Office-I love that the iconic coach is still a consultant for the team and has this beautiful office.
Memorabilia, art, and photos honoring the Vikings past-Some teams don't respect their past as they should. It's always pleased me that the Vikings do.
***
While everyone involved with the team is thrilled with the new facility and it's spectacular amenities, Equipment Manager Dennis Ryan, Head Athletic Trainer Eric Sugarman, and Head Strength and Conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama probably dig it the most. Ryan in particular. He's been dealing with Vikings equipment since before Winter Park. He's seen the days when the team didn't even have their own dedicated spaces. Now, he has a locker room palace. He's moved the team to training camp in Mankato every summer for five decades. He no longer has to do that. The Vikings will be holding training camp in Eagan moving forward. There's no need to leave. They have everything they need, and more, at their new home.
Now, it's team-building time. The players that the Vikings already have are looking forward to football work in their new home. And TCO Performance Center is sure to impress any player considering a future with the Vikings.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Flea Flicker Post-Combine Top 51 Prospects
The Combine shouldn't change thoughts on prospects too much but it always does.
1. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
4. Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
5. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
6. Derwin James, S, Florida State
7. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
8. Vita Vea, DT, Washington
9. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
10. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
11. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
12. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
13. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
14. James Daniels, C, Iowa
15. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
16. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
17. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
18. Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
19. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
20. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
21. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
22. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
23. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas Tech
24. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
25. Will Hernandez, OG, Texas-El Paso
26. Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
27. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
28. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
29. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
30. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
31. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
32. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
33. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
34. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
35. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
36. Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
37. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
38. Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
39. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
40. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
41. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
42. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
43. Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
44. Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
45. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
46. DJ Chark, WR, LSU
47. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
48. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
49. Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
50. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
51. Devante Downs, LB, California
I had to include a Cal player and Devante Downs should be getting more attention.
1. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
4. Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
5. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
6. Derwin James, S, Florida State
7. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
8. Vita Vea, DT, Washington
9. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
10. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
11. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
12. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
13. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
14. James Daniels, C, Iowa
15. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
16. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
17. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
18. Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
19. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
20. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
21. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
22. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
23. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas Tech
24. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
25. Will Hernandez, OG, Texas-El Paso
26. Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
27. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
28. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
29. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
30. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
31. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
32. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
33. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
34. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
35. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
36. Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
37. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
38. Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
39. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
40. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
41. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
42. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
43. Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
44. Jessie Bates, S, Wake Forest
45. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
46. DJ Chark, WR, LSU
47. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
48. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
49. Austin Corbett, OG, Nevada
50. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
51. Devante Downs, LB, California
I had to include a Cal player and Devante Downs should be getting more attention.
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