I’ll list the good and bad moves made in free agency on this page. I’ll also break down any significant trades.
Updated 8/26/10 (Camarillo/Sapp, Balmer, Mays/Arrington, Brown, Smiley, Barron, Campbell, Washington, White, Morrison, Groves, Carriker, Sims, Ginn, Marshall, Holmes, McNabb trades – scroll down to trades section)
2010 NFL Free Agency: Good Moves
Giants sign OT Shawn Andrews: 6 years
The Giants signed Shawn Andrews to a 6-year deal, but it’s mostly incentive-based with little guaranteed money, so they have nothing to lose. If Andrews’ physical injuries and mental instability are behind him, this is a great signing. If not, then New York can just cut him without much of a penalty.
49ers sign RB Brian Westbrook: 1 year, $1.25 million
This is a great, low-risk move for the 49ers. Even with Anthony Dixon running well, they still need a third-down back to spell Frank Gore on occasion. If healthy, Brian Westbrook can fill that role really well. However, I don’t like this move for Westbrook. He’s had so many concussions recently. If he suffers another one, he could be a vegetable by the time he’s in his 50s. He should have just retired.
Steelers sign OT Flozell Adams: 2 years, $7.5 million
Flozell Adams doesn’t have much left in the tank. He can still run block pretty well, but he’ll be lost in pass protection. However, it’s not like the Steelers had any other choice. Losing Willie Colon for the year, and Adams was the best replacement available.
Bengals sign WR Terrell Owens: 1 year, $2 million
Terrell Owens is a locker room toad who has destroyed the chemistry of every team he’s left in his wake. But if there’s one place where he could work, it’s Cincinnati. With Antonio Bryant still hurt/slacking off on his rehab, the Bengals needed another wideout. So really, they don’t have anything to lose here aside from $2 million.
I wouldn’t count on Owens producing as much as the hype would indicate, and I wouldn’t count on him on fantasy, but he’s an upgrade nevertheless. Solid signing.
Raiders sign NT John Henderson: 1 year
All of Oakland’s offseason moves thus far have indicated that the team is planning to move to a 3-4 defense. The only problem was the lack of a legitimate nose tackle – until now. Signing John Henderson was a great move for the Raiders; he’s 31, but is still stout against the run.
Bengals sign CB Pacman Jones: 2 years
I really like this signing because the Bengals don’t have anything to lose. Pacman Jones ran a low 4.4 at his Pro Day in March, so he still has his speed. If he has turned his life around and is serious about football, he could really help Cincinnati out as a nickel corner – a position the team needed to address this offseason.
Patriots sign WR Torry Holt: 1 year, $1.7 million
This signing is probably insignificant because Torry Holt is likely done, but maybe he was just stuck in bad situations the past two years. Holt is 34, and numerous receivers have gotten it done at that age or older. The former Ram and Jaguar was signed for peanuts, so I say he’s worth the risk. This shouldn’t deter the Patriots from drafting Dez Bryant at No. 21 this weekend.
Cardinals sign QB Derek Anderson: 2 years, $7.25 million; $3.2 million guaranteed
I like this move for Arizona. Derek Anderson is young (27) and has very good arm strength. He somehow led an awful Cleveland Browns team to 10 wins in 2007. Things fell apart after that, but it’s not like Anderson had much of a chance with that terrible supporting cast. Anderson’s accuracy is iffy at best, but I’m really interested to see how he performs now that he’s in a strong organization. Anderson should win the job in Arizona, allowing Matt Leinart to spend more time with Nick Lachey and their hot tub.
Bills sign DE/DT Dwan Edwards: 4 years, $18 million
I really like this signing. Dwan Edwards came on last year and was a force against the run for the Ravens. He’ll help the Bills transition into their new 3-4 defense.
Seahawks sign TE Chris Baker: 2 years, $4.7 million
Chris Baker won’t put up any stats for the Seahawks, but I think this is a good signing. Baker is a solid blocker and will allow John Carlson to catch more passes. Carlson was asked to block too much last year. With the addition of Baker, that will no longer be the case.
Eagles sign CB/FS Marlin Jackson: 2 years
Eagles fans: Your team has not fixed its problem at free safety. Don’t let Andy Reid lie to you again. Marlin Jackson is a talented player, but he has missed 20 games in the past two seasons. Still, there is upside here if Jackson is actually healthy for a change. This is a decent signing with some potential.
Chiefs sign RB Thomas Jones: 2 years, $5 million
I really can’t believe Thomas Jones signed this cheap of a contract after the year he had with the Jets. The Chiefs are getting a huge bargain here, as they needed a bigger back to go along with Jamaal Charles.
For fantasy purposes, don’t worry about this if you plan on drafting Charles. Charles wasn’t going to get more than 20 carries per game anyway; they’re just going to give the rest of the touches to Jones instead of Kolby Smith. Jones in all likelihood will receive all of the goal-line opportunities. Again, Charles wasn’t going to receive those.
Broncos sign NT Jamal Williams: 3 years, $16 million; $7 million guaranteed
I’m not in love with this signing, but it’s a quality one. Jamal Williams is 34, but he can still be effective as a 3-4 nose tackle. The Broncos are getting him at a cheap price and filling a huge position of need.
I’d also like to bring up the fact that Dan Williams could still be an option for Denver at No. 11. Being 34, Jamal Williams doesn’t have much left, so Denver won’t be able to get more than two quality seasons out of him. Jamal Williams could start right away until Dan Williams is ready. Remember, the Packers essentially did this with B.J. Raji sitting behind Ryan Pickett.
Titans sign LB Will Witherspoon: 3 years, $11 million; $5 million guaranteed
This is a great deal for the Titans. Will Witherspoon is a talented linebacker who can play multiple positions. They needed help here in the wake of Keith Bulluck’s torn ACL. Witherspoon should have never been a free agent; the Eagles went the cheap route and simply didn’t want to pay Witherspoon his $5 million bonus.
Bears sign RB Chester Taylor: 4 years, $12.5 million; $7 million guaranteed
Unlike the signing of Julius Peppers (see below), the Bears are getting good value here. Chester Taylor will be 31 in September, but he has fresh legs and should be a very effective back over the next two years. Taylor will provide Jay Cutler with the running game Chicago lacked last season; they couldn’t go through another year of watching an overweight Matt Forte fall forward for a series of 3-yard gains.
Dolphins sign ILB Karlos Dansby: 5 years, $43 million; $22 million guaranteed
I’m never a fan of giving $22 million guaranteed to a defensive player who doesn’t rush the quarterback, but Karlos Dansby can be an exception. Excluding Patrick Willis, Dansby is the best inside linebacker in the NFL, and at 28 years old, he’s at the top of his game. He fills a huge need for Miami’s defense.
2010 NFL Free Agency: Bad Moves
Giants sign LB Keith Bulluck: 1 year, $1.1 million
Keith Bulluck comes cheap, but that’s no surprise, seeing as how he tore his ACL in December. Burning a million on Bulluck isn’t a huge deal, so why is this a bad move? Well, it’s more of an indictment on New York’s inability to address the inside linebacker position this offseason. Sean Weatherspoon (No. 15) and Daryl Washington (Round 2) were there for the taking in the 2010 NFL Draft, and both players were projected as great fits in Perry Fewell’s defense.
Jets sign DE/OLB Jason Taylor: 2 years, $13 million
Not the worst signing in the world, but I’m not a fan. Jason Taylor is 36 and will only be used as a situational pass-rusher. It’s doubtful he has much left in the tank, which is why the Dolphins weren’t interested in retaining him despite their problems at rush linebacker. At the very least, New York will get two high-effort games out of Taylor when he battles the Dolphins.
Redskins sign RB Willie Parker: 1 year, $3 million
This isn’t really a bad move; it’s just insignificant. Willie Parker doesn’t have anything left in the tank anymore, and I’ll be shocked if he even makes Washington’s roster. Parker’s best attribute a few years ago was his speed, but that’s all gone.
Browns sign QB Jake Delhomme: 2 years
This isn’t a major signing. Jake Delhomme may not even start, and if he does, it won’t be for long. As soon as Mike Holmgren feels comfortable with his young quarterback (Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, John Skelton, Jarrett Brown, etc.), Delhomme will be benched. So, why is this a good signing? Because no matter how bad Cleveland’s young quarterback is right away, he can’t possibly be worse than Delhomme. In fact, watching Delhomme throw billions of interceptions will only give that young signal-caller more confidence.
(Based on several e-mails I received, some people did not realize that this was a joke. Of course signing Delhomme is a dumb move. Perhaps Holmgren thinks this is 2004.)
Cardinals sign DE/OLB Joey Porter: 3 years, $17.5 million
Joey Porter is a 33-year-old one-trick pony who doesn’t have much left in the tank. The Dolphins were happy to get rid of him, so why did the Cardinals throw $17.5 million into Porter’s face? Porter probably would have signed for 17 bucks.
Jets sign RB LaDainian Tomlinson: 2 years, $5.2 million
This isn’t a bad signing. It’s not a good signing. It’s pretty meaningless because LaDainian Tomlinson won’t get many carries. The reason I’m listing it down here is the slight chance that Tomlinson teaches Shonn Greene how to pout on the sidelines when he’s not getting enough touches.
Redskins sign RB Larry “East Coast Cat” Johnson: 3 years, $12 million
Congratulations to Larry Johnson, who stole more money from another dumb NFL owner. Johnson is a bad guy; he’s simply a scumbag you just don’t want in your locker room. It’s safe to say that Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen had nothing to do with this signing. It was all Daniel Snyder. Johnson can only poison the Redskins – though he might actually be productive this year because the Redskins have nothing else at running back.
Browns sign TE Ben Watson: 3 years, $12 million; $6.3 million guaranteed
When this went down, I tweeted, “Cleveland Browns sign TE Ben Watson: 3 years, $12 million. Looks like they overpaid by about $12 million.” I’m really disgusted by this signing. For years in New England, Watson was an overweight sloth who didn’t put in any effort. Because he was in his contract year last season, he finally got into shape – and yet he still sucked. The Browns are basically throwing $6.3 million in guaranteed money into a fire. And the crazy thing is, Watson isn’t even the best tight end on Cleveland’s roster. That would be Evan Moore.
Bengals sign WR Antonio Bryant: 4 years, $28 million
National publications will tout this as a great signing. I won’t. I’ve been warning you about Antonio Bryant for two years. Throughout his career, whenever Bryant has signed a big deal and obtained a nice bonus, he stopped trying hard. Bryant put forth effort the past two seasons because he was playing for a contract. Now that he has one, he’ll shut it down again. On top of all this, Bryant is a bad guy to have in the locker room. I think this is an awful signing.
Jaguars sign DE Aaron Kampman: 4 years, $26 million; $11 million guaranteed
This move would have been great a year ago. Unfortunately, Aaron Kampman tore his ACL in November, which means there’s a very small chance he’ll be anywhere close to 100 percent by the season opener.
With that in mind, why would the financially strapped Jaguars just burn away $11 million like this? I don’t get it, but I guess there’s a reason wise teams like the Colts and Steelers are in Super Bowl contention every year – they’re smart enough to realize that you don’t win by acquiring overpriced free agents.
Bears sign DE Julius Peppers: 6 years, $91.5 million; $42 million guaranteed
As much as I liked Chicago’s signing of Chester Taylor, I absolutely hate this move.
Julius Peppers is an unbelievably talented player. There’s no questioning that. However, Peppers has been known to take games off before. Last year, Peppers was dominant in some contests. In others, he was nowhere to be found.
If Peppers didn’t give 100 percent in some games during his contract year, how can the Bears expect him to give his full effort now that he has $42 million in his back pocket?
Along with Peppers, Taylor and Brandon Manumaleuna, the Bears must have secretly signed Daniel Snyder; this is the same type of frivolous spending that has been responsible for Washington’s mediocrity this past decade.
And speaking of the Redskins, this reminds me a lot of the Albert Haynesworth deal. Haynesworth was disgruntled in Tennessee because he was franchised. He was finally able to leave, where he had a forgettable season (by his standards) in Washington in 2009. I’ve heard people opine that Peppers will now suddenly try hard because he’s in a better situation. I say he’s more likely to take plays off with essentially $40 million guaranteed.
Falcons sign CB Dunta Robinson: 6 years, $57 million; $25.5 million guaranteed
Dunta Robinson is now the second-richest corner in the NFL – only behind Nnamdi Asomugha. Wow.
There’s no questioning Robinson’s talent. He’s a legit No. 1 corner in this league. But I think the Falcons may have overlooked his injury history. Robinson has missed 13 games the past three seasons and is only two years removed from a nasty knee injury. So while he fills a big need on Atlanta’s roster, Robinson is a big risk at $27 million guaranteed.
Giants sign FS Antrel Rolle: 5 years, $37 million; $15 million guaranteed
Really? The Giants gave $15 million guaranteed to Antrel Rolle? The same Antrel Rolle who blows coverages and whiffs on tackles? Jerry Reese is a great general manager, but this move leaves me scratching my head. Don’t get me wrong, safety was a huge need for New York (listed No. 2 in my New York Giants 2010 NFL Offseason Needs), but Rolle isn’t a very good player.
Lions sign WR Nate Burleson: 5 years, $25 million; $11 million guaranteed
I wrote the following in my 2010 NFL Free Agent Rankings: “Nate Burleson is coming off a very solid year, catching 63 balls for 812 yards in 13 games. There is no doubt in my mind, however, that once Burleson signs an overpriced contract, he’ll revert to Sloth Mode.”
Mission accomplished! Burleson has been a very lazy player throughout his NFL career. Coincidentally, he had his best year since 2004 in a contract season. I’m pretty confident that Burleson will tank in 2010 now that he has $11 million in his wallet.
Lions sign DE Kyle Vanden Bosch: 4 years, $26 million; $10 million guaranteed
Kyle Vanden Bosch was an outstanding defensive end two years ago when he notched 12 sacks. In 2008, Vanden Bosch had five sacks, but missed six games because of a nagging groin injury. However, once Albert Haynesworth left, Vanden Bosch was exposed; in 15 games last year, he managed only three sacks.
Vanden Bosch turns 32 in November. In the past two seasons, he’s been bothered by groin and knee injuries. Giving him a $26 million contract and $10 million in guarantees is going a bit overboard, isn’t it? He’s definitely not the player he was two seasons ago. The Lions overpaid here.
2010 NFL Free Agency: Trades
Vikings acquire WR Greg Camarillo from Dolphins for CB Benny Sapp
This trade makes sense for both teams in that it gives each an insurance policy. Greg Camarillo will play if Percy Harvin’s migraines act up again, while Benny Sapp will provide corner depth if Will Allen’s knees are still bothering him. Camarillo is a better player than Sapp, so the Vikings win this trade. Like I said though, it also makes sense for Miami.
Seahawks acquire DT Kentwan Balmer from 49ers for 6th-round pick
Great job by the 49ers to con someone into trading a draft pick for Kentwan Balmer. Balmer is a bust who has no interest in trying hard. If he makes the Seahawks roster, it’ll only be because they have absolutely no depth up front.
Broncos acquire LB Joe Mays from Eagles for RB J.J. Arrington and 2012 conditional pick
This is a decent trade for the Broncos. Joe Mays projects as a good fit as a two-down inside linebacker next to D.J. Williams, and he didn’t really cost anything. As for the Eagles, Mays wasn’t going to do much this year, so at least they’re getting something for him. That said, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the pedestrian J.J. Arrington doesn’t make the team.
Redskins acquire OT Jammal Brown from Saints for conditional 3rd-round pick
Any time you can land a franchise left tackle, you have to pull the trigger. Brown has his injury problems, which is why the Saints dealt him. But if he stays healthy, he improves Donovan McNabb’s protection exponentially. The Redskins aren’t giving up much for Brown, so this is a great trade for them.
The conditional pick the Saints receive depends on the previous McNabb trade. If McNabb qualifies for the Pro Bowl, or the Redskins win nine games or make the postseason, New Orleans will receive a fourth-rounder, with the Eagles getting the third-round selection. If those things don’t happen, the Saints will secure the third-rounder, with the Eagles getting the fourth.
Jaguars acquire G Justin Smiley from Dolphins for 7th-round pick
Justin Smiley always gets injured; he has missed 16 games the past three years. But considering the Jaguars surrendered a mere seventh-round pick for him, I’d say they came away with a good deal. Smiley is a good pass-blocker when he’s in the lineup.
Cowboys acquire OT Alex Barron from Rams for OLB Bobby Carpenter
I can’t confidently say that there are any winners here. The Cowboys needed offensive tackle depth, but if Alex Barron has to start, they’re in trouble. The Rams had to upgrade the weakside linebacker position, but Bobby Carpenter doesn’t even project as a mediocre player at that position. Carpenter will likely be exposed as a sieve in coverage, and the Rams will probably have to find an upgrade at the position in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Raiders acquire QB Jason Campbell from Redskins for 2012 4th-round pick
Wow. The Raiders are getting a potential franchise quarterback for a mere 2012 fourth-round pick. The Raiders played pretty well with Bruce Gradkowski last year, so you have to wonder how good they can actually be with a legitimate signal-caller under center. My guess is that they easily win more than five games for the first time since 2002.
Seahawks acquire RB Leon Washington from Jets for 5th- and 7th-round picks
I know Leon Washington is coming off a leg injury and there’s a chance that he might not be the same player again, but a fifth-round pick is well worth the risk if you’re the rebuilding Seahawks. This was Washington’s final season in New York because the Jets weren’t going to extend him, so you can see their reasoning for dealing him.
Seahawks acquire RB LenDale White and DT Kevin Vickerson from Titans for exchange of 4th- and 6th-round picks
Neither LenDale White nor Kevin Vickerson is anything special, but the Seahawks are getting a starter in White for a fourth-round pick. Equal deal for both sides.
Jaguars acquire ILB Kirk Morrison from Raiders for 4th-round pick
The Raiders had to trade Kirk Morrison because they drafted Rolando McClain at No. 8. Why they wanted to get rid of Morrison in the first place is beyond me. The Jaguars obtained a really solid inside linebacker for a mere fourth-round pick. Steal.
Steelers acquire CB Bryan McFadden from Cardinals for 5th-round pick
Bryant McFadden really struggled last year, so the Cardinals are lucky they can get a fifth-round pick for him. The Steelers needed corner help and are getting back a guy who once thrived for them. Equal trade.
Raiders acquire DE Quentin Groves from Jaguars for a 5th-round pick
“Quentin Groves… is a… great player…” This was Al Davis’ reason for trading for Groves, a bust who hasn’t accomplished anything in the NFL. Groves, presumed to be a pass-rushing specialist when he entered the NFL in 2008, recorded no sacks last year. The Jaguars are basically getting a fifth-round pick for free.
Redskins acquire DE/DT Adam Carriker from Rams for exchange of 5th-round picks
The difference between the two 5th-rounders is 29 picks, so it’s like the Rams are moving up an entire round. I think this is a fair trade; the Rams will get a better player in the fifth round and are giving up just an oft-injured underachiever. The Redskins are obtaining a good fit for their new 3-4 scheme. The acquisition of Adam Carriker also allows them to deal Albert Haynesworth without compromising depth on the defensive front line.
Three-Team Trade:
Broncos acquire 5th-round pick from Eagles for TE Tony Scheffler and 7th-round pick (to Lions)
Eagles acquire OLB Ernie Sims from Lions for 5th-round pick (to Broncos)
Lions acquire TE Tony Scheffler and 7th-round pick from Broncos for OLB Ernie Sims (to Eagles)
The winner of this bizarre three-team trade is Philadelphia. Ernie Sims always seems to be hurt and is a huge liability against the run, but he is physically gifted and can make plays in coverage when healthy. He’s an enormous upgrade over what the Eagles already had at the weakside linebacker position, and he is well worth the fifth-round pick they surrendered.
There’s a reason the Lions gave up Sims. He’s entering his contract year and probably wasn’t going to re-sign with them. Plus, Detroit has the promising DeAndre Levy ready to step into Sims’ spot in the lineup. Obtaining Tony Scheffler was a good move because Matthew Stafford needs as many talented weapons as possible. And I’m sure Scheffler is very glad to get away from Josh McDaniels.
And speaking of McDaniels, he is once again the loser of a transaction. He surrendered a solid tight end in Scheffler for essentially the right to move up from the seventh to the fifth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. I’m not quite sure what that’s going to accomplish; I doubt McDaniels can obtain a tight end better than Scheffler at that pick.
49ers acquire WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr. from Dolphins for 2010 5th-round pick
This is both a good and a bad trade for the 49ers. I’ll explain. Ted Ginn Jr. will really help in the kick return game; in 2009, he averaged more than 24 yards per return and scored two touchdowns. San Francisco really needed assistance in this department.
On the flip side, if Ginn is used as a slot receiver, he may hurt the 49ers more than he’d help them. Ginn has a terrible habit of dropping key passes in crucial situations. He’s not magically going to improve in this area by going to San Francisco.
Overall, for a mere 5th-round pick, the positives outweigh the negatives. The 49ers had to acquire a kick-returner in the 2010 NFL Draft anyway, so why not use a Day 3 selection on a proven one?
Dolphins acquire WR Brandon Marshall from Broncos for 2010 2nd-rounder and 2011 2nd-rounder
The Dolphins needed a No. 1 receiver for Chad Henne, so if you’re a Miami fan you have to love this trade. Brandon Marshall is a big risk because he’ll be suspended for a long time if he screws up again, but Bill Parcells knows how to handle diva wideouts; he’s worked with Terrell Owens, Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn before.
The bottom line for Miami is that it obtained one of the top wideouts in the NFL for two second-round picks. That’s a great deal.
As for the Broncos, this may seem like a loss because they were initially hoping to obtain a first-round selection for Marshall. But there was growing speculation that they would have to settle for a second-rounder on Draft Day. Getting two Round 2 picks is a good deal – especially in two deep drafts.
You can’t argue this trade for either team; both sides got what they wanted. This may look different down the road if Marshall gets suspended, or if both of Denver’s second-round choices turn out to be busts, but right now it’s an even deal.
My 2010 NFL Mock Draft will be updated by tomorrow morning to incorporate this deal. It’ll also include Round 6.
Jets acquire WR Santonio Holmes from Steelers for 2010 5th-round pick
Everyone’s immediate reaction to this, at least on Facebook and Twitter (follow @walterfootball), has been, “WTF Steelers? Only a 5th-round pick? Have they been sniffing cat urine or something?”
That was my initial reaction as well, but after thinking about it, it makes sense. Holmes is about to be suspended for four games and is entering his contract year. The Steelers, run by a conservative ownership, grew tired of his antics and obviously had no plans to re-sign him. With Holmes out of commission for a quarter of the season, Pittsburgh couldn’t have obtained much more for him. Maybe a fourth-rounder?
There is another way to look at this trade for Pittsburgh. Peter King believes this was a message sent to Ben Roethlisberger: If you keep hanging around crazy whores, you will be dealt as well. I think this is a very plausible reason for trading Holmes.
In the end, the Steelers didn’t get true value for Holmes. Had they held out, they may have obtained a low third- or high fourth-round pick for him. But if you consider his suspension and the fact that he wasn’t going to be retained, it’s at least somewhat understandable on Pittsburgh’s part.
As for the Jets, they’re getting a steal – only if Holmes gets his act together. If Holmes has another issue with the substance abuse policy, he’ll be suspended for a whole year, so he’s no sure thing. But Holmes is one of the more talented receivers in the NFL. If he can stay out of trouble, he’ll one of three very good receivers at Mark Sanchez’s disposal.
One of New York’s primary objectives this offseason was to acquire another weapon for its young quarterback. Mission accomplished.
Lions acquire G Rob Sims from Seahawks for a 2010 5th-rounder
This is a great trade for the Lions. Rob Sims is a talented guard who excels in pass protection. He’ll be able to step into the left guard position right away and be a massive upgrade. Detroit should still pick Russell Okung – click here for the 10 Reasons Why the Lions Must Draft Russell Okung – but this trade makes it more likely that they will select Ndamukong Suh.
Redskins acquire QB Donovan McNabb from Eagles for 2010 2nd-rounder and a 2011 3rd- or 4th-rounder
The Eagles had to move Donovan McNabb. He was in the final year of his contract, and the front office was set on Kevin Kolb being the franchise quarterback going forward. This was the last chance that Philadelphia could get something for McNabb, so it wasn’t a question of whether he would be traded; it was where he would be dealt.
However, you don’t trade a franchise quarterback to a divisional rival. You just don’t do something like that – because with McNabb and a left tackle at No. 4 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft (Russell Okung presumably if the Lions pass on him), the Redskins are a playoff contender.
This was a great trade for the Redskins; they gave up pretty much nothing and Mike Shanahan will get the most out of McNabb.
The Eagles received the right value for McNabb (a pick between Nos. 26 and 40, as well as what could be a third-rounder in 2011), but they made the mistake of dealing him to an NFC East rival. If the Redskins make the playoffs and the Eagles don’t in 2010 – a very realistic scenario – Philly fans should be furious.
Browns acquire CB Sheldon Brown, DE/OLB Chris Gocong from Eagles for DE Alex Hall, 2010 4th-, 5th-rounders
This is a great trade for the Browns. Sheldon Brown may be 31, but he’s still a very good cornerback. Chris Gocong was lost in Philadelphia’s 4-3, and should be able to thrive in Cleveland’s 3-4. The Browns plugged two holes, and simply surrendered 2010 4th- and 5th-round picks. That’s a hell of a bargain.
As for the Eagles, I just don’t understand what they’re thinking. I know that Brown is aging, and at best has one or two good seasons left in the tank, but if you’re only going to acquire a situational pass-rusher, and 4th- and 5th-round selections for him, I’d rather just keep him for another two years. Philadelphia lost its top corner, so look for Andy Reid to draft someone like Kyle Wilson at No. 24 in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Seahawks acquire QB Charlie Whitehurst from Chargers for 2011 3rd-rounder and the swap of 2010 2nd-rounders
Seattle went on to give Charlie Whitehurst a 2-year, $10 million deal. So, who came out the winner in this trade? I’d say both teams. Whitehurst was a 3rd-round pick, so the Chargers essentially got the selection back as well as the right to move up for a prospect like Terrence Cody, Cam Thomas, Jahvid Best, etc. The Seahawks, meanwhile, obtained a potential franchise quarterback. Whitehurst has never played, but it’s the best option Seattle had this offseason. Jimmy Clausen won’t be there at No. 6, so Pete Carroll had to do something. It’s a solid gamble. If Whitehurst stinks, the Seahawks will just take Jake Locker, Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallett, Nick Foles or Pat Devlin in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Eagles acquire DE Darryl Tapp from Seahawks for DE Chris Clemons and a 2010 4th-round pick
This is a solid deal for the Eagles. Darryl Tapp can’t get to the quarterback, but he’s excellent against the run. Chris Clemons is a situational pass-rusher who barely played last season.
Raiders acquire DE Kamerion Wimbley from Browns for 2010 3rd-rounder
Kamerion Wimbley had seven sacks in 2009, but only eight in 2007 and 2008 combined. He’s a bust, and I question giving up a third-round pick for him. Wimbley is also in his contract year, so the Raiders either have to re-sign him or watch him leave soon. Why waste a third-round selection like this?
Broncos acquire QB Brady Quinn from Browns for FB Peyton Hillis, 2011 6th-rounder and 2012 late-rounder
I don’t like Brady Quinn; his deep accuracy sucks and he never seems comfortable in the pocket. But this is a great trade for the Broncos; they’re getting a potential franchise quarterback for an unused fullback and two late-round picks. That’s an amazing bargain.
Lions acquire CB Chris Houston from Falcons for 2010 6th-rounder and exchange of 2010 5th-rounders
Chris Houston once showed some promise, but struggled recently in Atlanta. Having said that, Houston seems like a natural fit in Jim Schwartz’s defense, and the Lions need all of the talented or semi-talented cornerbacks they can get. They basically gave up nothing for Houston, so chalk this up as a great trade for Detroit.
Buccaneers acquire WR Reggie Brown from Eagles for 2011 6th-rounder
Reggie Brown isn’t a very good receiver. However, the Buccaneers didn’t have any good receivers to begin with, so Brown is sadly an automatic upgrade. He’s a weak No. 2 wideout, but a 2011 sixth-round pick isn’t exactly going to set Tampa Bay back a few years. This was a decent trade for them.
Browns acquire QB Seneca Wallace from Seahawks for conditional 2011 pick
If the conditional pick is a late-round selection, this is a good deal for the Browns. Seneca Wallace knows Mike Holmgren’s West Coast offense like Rosie O’Donnell knows the back of her refrigerator. He’ll be able to start until Troy Smith or the rookie quarterback Holmgren selects in the 2010 NFL Draft is ready to go.
Cardinals acquire FS Kerry Rhodes from Jets for 2010 4th-rounder and 2011 7th-rounder
Kerry Rhodes is an unbelievable talent, and a few years ago, he was considered one of the top safeties in the NFL. Unfortunately, he seemed to fall out of love with football and stopped trying. If the Cardinals can get Rhodes to play hard, they’ve obtained a steal. If not, then they just lost one of their two fourth-round picks this April. It’s worth the risk.
Ravens acquire WR Anquan Boldin and 2010 5th-rounder from Cardinals for 2010 3rd-, 4th-rounders
Three words to describe this trade: Grand Theft Receiver. The Ravens just landed one of the top wideouts in the NFL for a third-round pick, and the swapping of fourth- and fifth-rounders with Arizona. No one is happier than Joe Flacco right now.
I know Boldin wasn’t going to re-sign with the Cardinals, but I still feel as though they could have obtained more for him. If Brandon Marshall is going to net the No. 14 selection from Seattle, Arizona at least should have obtained a second-rounder for Boldin.
Lions acquire DT Corey Williams and 2010 7th-rounder from Browns for 2010 5th-rounder
This is a huge trade. Corey Williams has just five sacks in the last two years, and only two late-round picks were involved, but this deal could change the entire landscape of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Williams used to be considered a very good defensive tackle. As a 320-pound lineman, Williams mustered two consecutive seven-sack seasons for the Packers in 2006 and 2007. A monstrous defensive tackle who can get to the quarterback is a rarity, which is why the Browns signed Williams to a 6-year, $38.6 million deal in February 2008.
Williams has struggled the past two seasons in Cleveland’s 3-4. He was clearly miscast as a 3-4 end, but now that he’s in a 4-3 defense again, he should revert back to 2007 form.
With the addition of Williams, defensive tackle is no longer a need for the Lions; they now have Williams and Sammie Lee Hill, who was very impressive as a rookie last year.
Russell Okung has become the favorite to go No. 2 overall. Okung makes a lot more sense than Ndamukong Suh; defensive tackles rarely are selected in the top three picks of the NFL Draft because the position isn’t very important when compared to quarterback, left tackle and defensive end.
Even if Jim Schwartz wants to put Suh in a rotation with Williams and Hill, it’ll be very difficult for him to do so from a fiscal perspective. Williams is in Year 3 of this $38.6 million contract. Do the Lions really want to add another massive contract to the interior of the defensive line? Dedicating that much money to the defensive tackle position would be really financially irresponsible.
Jets acquire CB Antonio Cromartie from Chargers for conditional 2011 third-round pick
Antonio Cromartie is not someone I’d want on my team. On several occasions in a playoff loss against the Jets, Cromartie put no effort into tackling. In fact, his lack of effort allowed Shonn Greene to break that long touchdown in the fourth quarter. YouTube it if you don’t believe me.
Having said that, this is a low risk. If the Jets can get Cromartie to play hard, this is a steal (though Cromartie didn’t even try in a playoff game, so that’s easier said than done). And if Cromartie continues to be sluggish, then all New York lost was a third-round pick in 2011.
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