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[Myllz]

pfft, we have superior linebackers

:lol No.

and will have superior safeties once rumph is converted.

:lol No.

now comes the question of corners. clements is the real deal, but troy vincent is an overrated injured bum who won't contribute jack. much like bobby taylor in seattle, it is being proven that these "great" philly corners are more a product of jim johnsons outlandish blitz schemes rather than pure talent

Well, considering Terrence McGee is our second corner, and not Troy Vincent, you're wrong again. Troy Vincent was converted to Free Safety for the final 2 games last year, and in his first game in the position, had a sack, a fumble recovery, and an interception. If the Bills do sign Ty Law, there's no way your corners come close to Buffalo. Actually, even if the Bills don't sign Law, Clements alone is better than your entire secondary.

 

[Spectral Glider]

Here's a bit more on Plax:

It's hard to argue that Burress isn't the best wideout still available. But the phone isn't exactly ringing off the hook. There have been a few exploratory calls to agent Michael Harrison, but nothing of substance yet, and teams are telling Burress' new representative they have other priorities to address and might not be ready to visit with the Steelers veteran until next week. The preliminary discussion that Harrison had with Minnesota officials Thursday, and which was ballyhooed by one wire service, actually was initiated by the agent. The New York Giants unofficially floated some contract parameters this week, ESPN.com has learned, but their proposal averaged less than $4 million per year and the signing bonus was less than $5 million. Burress is said to be seeking a contract that approximates the six-year deal Muhammad inked with the Bears, a deal that includes $12 million in total guarantees and will pay the nine-year veteran $16 million in its first three seasons. Burress has to be wondering, however, whether he'll get anything close to that.

Hmmm, me thinks Plax isn't going to get the pay day he wants. Perhaps other teams also see the problems in his game that many Steeler fans do......awkward or weak leaping abilities and he drops or falls to the ground after a catch about 90% of the time. He was catching the ball more with hands and less with his body last year, which was an improvement. He also improved his blocking for the running game.....but he still needs work in other areas.

 

[Bowser]

I just woke up and read the baltimore sun.... a disagreement in the signing bonus and just like that he's gone... in credible....

Yeah, here's what they say at SI.com:

But there's even more intrigue than that involved in Baxter's becoming a Brown, because some sources in Baltimore insist their deal fell through because of a misunderstanding about the size of the signing bonus in the Ravens' offer. Baltimore is believed to have offered Baxter $7 million to sign, which is well below the going rate for upper echelon cornerbacks in this year's market.

Baxter is said to have been working under the belief that Baltimore's deal included $11 million to sign, and when he found out that it was some $4 million shy of that, he contacted Cleveland and told the Ravens he was backing out of their agreement.

...

But sources in Baltimore say the Ravens had one of Dunn's assistants at the team complex at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, going over the final details of the contract in preparation for Baxter signing it. Baxter was expected to arrive at the complex by 10:30 a.m. and sign the deal, with a 1:30 news conference scheduled. But Baxter never showed up, and Newsome later met the cornerback at a nearby fast-food restaurant, where he tried to talk him into staying with Baltimore.

Both Henry and free-agent cornerback Ken Lucas, who signed with Carolina on Thursday, received eight-figure signing bonuses this week, so a deal to keep Baxter in Baltimore for just $7 million of bonus money would have represented a significant bargain. That kind of discrepancy also may help explain why Baxter changed course so dramatically after repeatedly stating publicly in recent weeks that he wanted to remain a Raven.

 

[TheDuce22]

I guess the whole thing about Trotter being ready to sign with another team was totally false.

Less Is More As Trotter Remains Eagle
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=24668

"It's the best deal because I want to be here," Trotter said. "It wasn't the best deal as far as money. I obviously turned down more money somewhere else, but it wasn't enough to get me away from Philly."

During visits to Kansas City this week and Cincinnati earlier Friday, Trotter admitted that his heart was in Philly.

 

[Bowser]

Looks like Coles for Moss deal is finally done:

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- The Washington Redskins finally traded disgruntled receiver Laveranues Coles back to the New York Jets and got the speedy Santana Moss in return, a source within the league said Saturday.

The source, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said the deal was contingent on both players passing physicals. Moss had his physical scheduled for Monday at Redskins Park. The source also said Coles got the new deal he wanted, which held up the trade for the last week.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/03/05/bc.fbn.jets.redskinstra.ap/index.html

 

[Willco]

With Coles gone and the fact that they didn't sign Antonio Pierce after restructuring Samuels contract, this pretty much means they're going to re-sign Fred Smoot. Rod Gardner is going to get traded to either Baltimore or Tampa Bay, most likely.

So the Redskins WR corps is Santana Moss, David Patten, Taylor Jacobs and Danaerian McCants. They need another solid hand, in my opinion.

 

[Archaix]

Holy shit, somehow I missed that Oliver Ross(RT) was a free agent and has been signed by Arizona. This is the best news yet of the off-season. I'm pumped. This is great. I don't give a damn who replaces him, it cannot possibly be a downgrade.

And I'm just throwing this out there. But I think there's a pretty decent chance that my ideal draft for the Steelers would consist of a guy who is considered too small to play in the NFL(Darren Sproles) and a guy who has only played the position he will be drafted for once, in a senior game(Matt Jones, QB of Arkansas--likely TE/WR in NFL. 6'6'', 240+, ran a sub 4.4 in the forty at the combine). If those two players could be picked up somewhere in the 2-4th round, with the 30th selection, I'd be pumped.

edit: Getting caught up on random free-agent thoughts.

Does anybody else see the Raiders as having signed Amos Zereoue again? Lamont Jordan was a good backup, yes. But he's a backup. There was a proven starter available out there in Anthony Thomas(not a great back, but he's good for over a thousand yards, something that Jordan may not be), and the Raiders jumped all over a guy who has never started a game. Not a one. I just feel that this is a bad move for a team that improved itself so much at wide receiver. They may not have overpaid for Jordan, since his contract wasn't huge, but it was big enough to be a serious risk. I simply don't see the logic in everybody thinking he's a great pickup for Oakland.

 

[KilledByBill]

Does anybody else see the Raiders as having signed Amos Zereoue again? Lamont Jordan was a good backup, yes. But he's a backup. There was a proven starter available out there in Anthony Thomas(not a great back, but he's good for over a thousand yards, something that Jordan may not be), and the Raiders jumped all over a guy who has never started a game. Not a one. I just feel that this is a bad move for a team that improved itself so much at wide receiver. They may not have overpaid for Jordan, since his contract wasn't huge, but it was big enough to be a serious risk. I simply don't see the logic in everybody thinking he's a great pickup for Oakland.

That's probably a one of a kind perspective you've got there. There's no team in the NFL that would choose A. Thomas over Jordan, all things being equal.

The Raiders wanted to add explosiveness to their offense and Lamont Jordan has shown flashes of that many times. I have a tough time holding it against Jordan that the Jets never bothered to find out what they had in him (when they went 6-10 last year how come he was never given a start?). Anthony Thomas is a proven starter if proven means "servicable" or "mediocre." He'll be someones decent, cheap backup but that's it.

Also, I don't get your comparison of Zereoue to Jordan. Amous had his chance to assume the staring role in Pittsburg and blew it, the Raiders plucked him off the scrap heap. Jordan was never even given a chance to start by the Jets though based on what he has shown he deserved a shot. Now Oakland finally gives it to him.

 

[Archaix]

I'm not saying Thomas is going to be a star anywhere, I'm saying he's good for 1,100 yards or so and that's something that can be counted on.

LaMont Jordan is Amos Zereoue one year before he got to Oakland. He's Amos in the year that Pittsburgh gave him a chance to start. There's a reason that the Jets didn't give him a chance, and I believe we'll see it this year. I'm not saying that Jordan was a bad pickup, the Raiders had literally nobody (See Amos, who they cut) to play running back. And, again, they didn't really make the mistake of giving him a giant contract (See Clinton Portis in Washington). Plus, everybody looks better when Randy Moss is on the field (See Minnesota's twelve starting backs from the past two seasons). But Jordan is being hailed as the biggest signing of the offseason by more than a handful of people, and I just don't see that.

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

lamont jordan is good, but much like zeroue i personally feel he is the wrong RB for a starting job in the nfl. time could change that opinion, but one thing is for sure: they paid an unproven backup the kind of money that you would pay an above average starter who had already proven himself over a few years. but, thems the gambles you have to take when you're coming off a bad season!

 

[Eminem]

also, there's not much else available as far as available RBs.
I woulda liked to see them try and swing a deal with Woodson for a more proven RB

 

[Bowser]

Chiefs are apparently "close" to signing Samari Rolle to a long-term contract.

 

[alejob]

LaMont Jordan is Amos Zereoue one year before he got to Oakland. He's Amos in the year that Pittsburgh gave him a chance to start. There's a reason that the Jets didn't give him a chance,

I'm not saying he is good or bad but he was the back up to the rushing CHAMP! There is your reason.

 

[KilledByBill]

I'm not saying Thomas is going to be a star anywhere, I'm saying he's good for 1,100 yards or so and that's something that can be counted on.

He might be good for those kinds of yards in a run-focused system but that's clearly not what Oakland is trying to setup. Anthony Thomas is a North-South, grind it out HB who wouldn't be able to take full advantage of their system. He doesn't make things happen with his footwork, if he breaks a long gain it's because he shook of a tackle.

There's a reason that the Jets didn't give him a chance, and I believe we'll see it this year.

I can think of an easy one. When Lamont began publically calling for more carries Herm Edwards threw him in the doghouse.

Thinking of about it, how funny that the Jets and Giants have took opposite approaches last year with regard to their change-of-pace backs. The Giants bent over backwards trying to give Dayne a chance despite his obvious lack of success. While the Jets refused to expand Jordan's role despite his good production.

I'm not saying Jordan is going to be the next Jim Brown but he should be a good fit in Oakland and put up some good numbers as a starter.

 

[Eminem]

oh, and since i'm in chicago and have had the misfortune of watching the bears for what feels like an eternity, Thomas is not a feature back.
Like the above poster said, he can't shake tackles. He can hit a hole, yeah. He has some power as well. But no finesse. More often than not he gets to the line and falls forward for 2 yards. He does that 10 times a game.
He's a very solid back-up, but not a feature back.

Not saying LaMont is, but I know Thomas is not.

 

[Spectral Glider]

Holy shit, somehow I missed that Oliver Ross(RT) was a free agent and has been signed by Arizona. This is the best news yet of the off-season. I'm pumped. This is great. I don't give a damn who replaces him, it cannot possibly be a downgrade.

That would be big Max Starks that will be looked on to replace him.

Other stories going round.....the Giants passed on Ken Bell because they claim their tests found arthritis in one of his shoudlers. Texans only offered him a one year deal because they felt he was too big a risk, Bell turned them down.

Bettis hasn't officially decided to come back yet. He supposely will decide by June 1, he's leaning towards playing but is also looking at offers from TV land.

Willie Williams is reportedly close to being re-signed.

Rumors keep going round that David Terrell will sign with the Steelers to be Plax's replacement.

 

[Bowser]

Dilfer to Browns for mid-round draft pick.
Source: ESPNEWS

edit:

Trent Dilfer traded to the Cleveland Browns. Ceeeeeeeeeelebrate good times COME ON! bitch would have defecated all over our franchise, najeh davenport style.

:lol

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

pfft, we have superior linebackers and will have superior safeties once rumph is converted. now comes the question of corners. clements is the real deal, but troy vincent is an overrated injured bum who won't contribute jack. much like bobby taylor in seattle, it is being proven that these "great" philly corners are more a product of jim johnsons outlandish blitz schemes rather than pure talent

Or that their decline is another example of Philly getting rid of people at the right time. When their age becomes a factor. Besides Trotter name one big former Eagles who has made a big impact on his new team in the past five years? And it took Trotter to come back just to have a big year.

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

Philly getting rid of people at the right time.

if that were true then todd pinkston and james thrash would have been gone 4 years ago.

 

[Wellington]

:lol

http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235223 <-- Lamont Jordan's stats
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/133462 <--- Amos Zereoue's stats

Lamont Jordan had 479 yards on 93 carries, Amos Zereoue had 425 on 112.

I've had the misfortune of being able to watch Jet's games all year, and like it or not, Lamont Jordan is a 'big back' that has both the power and agility a lot of teams look for in their runners these days. His stats over the past few years show that he is more than capable, and this is running behind a future hall of famer. Given a fair shake, given a chance to show off his abilities, I think he will do great things whereas Zereoue has been mediocre his whole career. Granted, I don't think the Raider's system is going to benefit him. :lol

 

[WasabiKing]

Zereoue never got the yards cause he never got the blocks. There were many OLine guys playing out of position, including Jake Grove (who played RG but was drafted a Center) and Robert Gallery switching sides, the two highly touted rookies. It's only going to get better...

 

[TheDuce22]

if that were true then todd pinkston and james thrash would have been gone 4 years ago.

When it comes to players who are past their prime, philly knows when to cut them loose. Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, Brian Mitchell, Hugh Douglas, Carlos Emmons.. the list goes on. Every offseason people talked about how these losses would be devistating. The players go elsewhere and dont produce while the eagles keep winning.

 

[Myllz]

When it comes to players who are past their prime, philly knows when to cut them loose. Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, Brian Mitchell, Hugh Douglas, Carlos Emmons.. the list goes on. Every offseason people talked about how these losses would be devistating. The players go elsewhere and dont produce while the eagles keep winning.

Vincent was goof for the bills this year. The only drawback was that he was injured for half of the season.

 

[WasabiKing]

Hugh Douglas

And who exactly re-signed him this year?

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

We got him on the cheap after being sent to J-ville and he's not starting but is a body.

 

[Spectral Glider]

Zereoue never got the yards cause he never got the blocks.

That was his excuse in Pittsburgh too. The problem was that too many times Amos didn't read the blocks or stick with them long enough, he tried too much improvisation. Which usually resulted in him getting drilled for no gain or a loss or slipping on the poor Heinz Field turf. The only guy that could get away with play like that was Barry Sanders....and Amos ain't no Barry Sanders. Granted, I didn't get to see much of the Raiders play last season, but I can't imagine the results were much different.

 

[effzee]

And who exactly re-signed him this year?

i think the point should also be made the eagles dont overpay for certain players. i mean i dont think the eagles ever wanted to lose some of the players they lost but they knew they werent worth the amount they were asking.

 

[iapetus]

i hear tama say the jags were interested in trading donovan darius? You think a second round pick would pry him loose?

I'd say it's pretty likely. DD has gone on the record as not wanting to play in Jacksonville any more after being hit with the franchise tag again. That said, he wants ridiculous money, so anyone who wants to trade for him had better be in a position to pay him like he's the best safety in the league...

Meanwhile, I don't think the Jags are going to be going after a high-profile corner. We've got a real gap to fill at OT (for a year or two, at least) and there's the little matter of extending Marcus Stroud's contract to keep him on the roster for all of eternity.

 

[Willco]

Rumblings & Grumblings: It's looking less likely that the Redskins will re-sign Fred Smoot, especially after Coles apparently will not waive his bonus that will hit the 'Skins cap room this season. It wouldn't be too much of a problem if Smoot would settle for a $10 or $11 million signing bonus, but he wants $15 million.

Washington Times says it's likely that the 'Skins will promote Walt Harris to Smoot's spot behind Shawn Springs, and use Gregg Williams' recommendation to fill the void with one of their raw, but promising reserves or a rookie.

Don't expect Santana Moss to get a contract extension right when he hits the Capitol. The Redskins might wait it out for a bit, but the most likely scenario is Moss re-working his contract to give them some cap space this year and rivaling the 5-year, $25 million contract awarded to Derrick Mason earlier last week.

Can you believe that? The Redskins signing people by market value not decided by them? Fiscal responsibility is a weird thing, guys.

Also heard is that after Gardner is traded or cut, the 'Skins will make a grab at Mike Williams in the draft. If he's unavailable, expect to see them draft a corner and focus the priority of their draft on defensive players (mostly LBs and DEs).

 

[Bowser]

Carolina set the market for elite corners by giving Ken Lucas a $13.5-14 mil signing bonus, so of course Smoot would want a $14-$15 million bonus. You know, Smoot and Lucas aren't that different:

Fred Smoot (4-years)
16 INTs
212 Tackles
48 Passes Defensed

Ken Lucas (4-years)
11 INTs
260 Tackles
49 Passes Defensed

Lucas is a better tackler, while Smoot has more INTs. Of course, part of the reason why Lucas doesn't have as many INTs is because the Seahawks' pass rush was basically nonexistant, while Smoot (at least for the past two seasons) played behind a pretty good front 7.

 

[Wellington]

Rumblings & Grumblings: Also heard is that after Gardner is traded or cut, the 'Skins will make a grab at Mike Williams in the draft. If he's unavailable, expect to see them draft a corner and focus the priority of their draft on defensive players (mostly LBs and DEs).

But... why? It was one of the top D's last year and the offense effectively lost those games for them (ie the first meeting with the Giants). Mike Williams (If he is still available) would be perfect.

 

[Willco]

But... why? It was one of the top D's last year and the offense effectively lost those games for them (ie the first meeting with the Giants). Mike Williams (If he is still available) would be perfect.

Their defensive front still needs some work. They were almost great. And they'll need some bodies to make up for the loss of Antonio Pierce and likely, Fred Smoot. I really don't think a 34-year-old MLB who lost his entire season last year due to injury (Mike Barrow) and Walt Harris are the answer, and Gregg Williams doesn't think so either.

With Smoot gone, that leaves Springs alone on the island and while good, it was the combo of the two of them that allowed them to rush QBs like nuts. Sean Taylor still needs work on his coverage skills and I don't trust Walt Harris, so I think it'd be good to draft some much-needed secondary help.

The one thing they do have going for them is three of their better defensive players, LaVar Arrington, Matt Bowen and Philip Daniels were all out last year and will be back in camp healthy this year.

As for the offense, they ran the ball well last year when they managed the game effectively. I'm willing to give Gibbs a honeymoon, shakin' off rust and whatnot. And Ramsey looked good down the stretch. The return of Jon Jansen and the signing of Casey Rabach will do wonders for his stats. And since they've already overhauled their receiving corps with David Patten and Santana Moss, I think save for signing one other steady pair of hands, there's really not much they need to do.

Let's face it, with their defense last year, had Gibbs started Ramsey in the beginning of the season, they would've likely made the playoffs.

 

[Bowser]

Anyone hear about this?

Maybe you remember New York Jets' assistant Bishop Harris, who got into a shouting match with coach Herman Edwards during the playoff game at San Diego. Guess who won? Harris will now coach running backs with San Francisco.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/football/nfl/carolina_panthers/11064189.htm

Hmm...what do you think about that FMT (if you haven't heard already)?

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

we signed him about a month ago bowser. it is cleary a good move for us. why did he get into the argument with herm? he wanted lamont jordan in more. wow what a bad move! lamont had the chargers on their heels.

i love this move because Harris has proven he knows how to work with runningbacks. we need someone to motivate barlow to be an elite back. it is clear to me that barlow has the physical talent and the capability to be a 1500 yard runner (he got 1,000 2 years ago while starting only 4 games), but he just needs the motivation. I'm confident harris and our other new coaches will provide that.

 

[Bowser]

OMG I FOUND FMT'S OTHER SITE:

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/mock_draft.htm

1. San Francisco 49ers - Antrel Rolle, DC, Miami (Florida)
Another week, the same pick. We realize that a majority of the publications have the 49ers selecting a quarterback #1 overall, and if they do keep the pick, that may end up what they choose to do. The financial aspect of the #1 pick is now that where it almost becomes a necessity to draft a quarterback.

As a 49er fan, I would love to pretend that some team is going to fall in love with a player and give us their entire draft, or at least two first round picks. Yet I'm a realist. The #1 pick in this draft doesn't have the value that it usually carries. San Francisco looks like its ready to finally move Mike Rumph to safety - where he should excel. There is also a cloud of suspicion around Ahmed Plummer's injured neck. The team might be forced to reach an injury settlement with the player, in which case, cornerback would become their immediate #1 need.

 

[Eminem]

Washington Times says it's likely that the 'Skins will promote Walt Harris to Smoot's spot behind Shawn Springs, and use Gregg Williams' recommendation to fill the void with one of their raw, but promising reserves or a rookie.

oh man, i watched him in chicago all those years....Walt Harris is a fucking bum, dude. you guys need someone else. He will get flat out burned by anyone with speed. Good luck with that.

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

fucking ahmed plummer man... motherfucker

 

[tmdorsey]

Looks like we did the right thing and resigned Rossum to a 4 year contract. We also picked up Todd Peterson from the 9ers. This dude better pan out FMT.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2005904&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233

 

[FrenchMovieTheme]

don't take my word for it! look @ what 49ers-age.com had to say!

* Todd Peterson (K) signed with the Falcons. So that’s what we get for giving you a paycheck and a home for a year and a half huh Peterson? You ungreatful son of a bitch. Now we are screwed. We either have to draft a kicker (memories of Jeff Chandler… ugh) or sign a high priced FA. On the plus side, Peterson had the biggest noodle leg I had ever seen. He couldn’t even nail one from 46 to keep our scoring streak alive against the Seachickens in week 3 last year. What a fraud.

 

[AstroLad]

The Cards' problems are all over baby!

Quarterback Kurt Warner felt good enough about his visit to Arizona to reach a one-year, $4 million agreement Sunday with the Cardinals, effectively canceling a trip to Detriot this week.

Warner, seeking to regain a starting job after revitalizing his career with the New York Giants last season, visited the Cardinals and Bears before thinking about the opportunity Arizona afforded him and decided it was in his best interest to sign.

"He had a great visit to Arizona," his agent, Mark Bartelstein, said. "Kurt thinks they have a great group of young receivers and a good offensive line. He liked their fullback [James Hodgins] and he likes the offensive system that they run."

The Cardinals currently have Josh McCown and Shaun King as their top two quarterbacks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2006682

It's just a battle for Second Place in the NFL now.

 

[WasabiKing]

The only guy that could get away with play like that was Barry Sanders....and Amos ain't no Barry Sanders. Granted, I didn't get to see much of the Raiders play last season, but I can't imagine the results were much different.

Well, I'm of the philosophy that offensive linemen are the keys to the success of your team. In the beginning of the season, he was the 2nd RB behind Wheatley, but after he was injured, it was off to Amos... I was real surprised that he was picked up last year, but probably because he's torched the Raiders before, heh...

 

[Fifty]

He likes their fullback? Man, he's really reaching.

 

[Archaix]

He likes their fullback? Man, he's really reaching.

When you get hit as much as Kurt Warner does, a good fullback to either block or use as a dumpoff receiver is a great weapon to have.

Granted, I don't think they'll be designing all that many plays for James Hodgins, but it's still an underrated position.

 

[DMczaf]

don't take my word for it! look @ what 49ers-age.com had to say!

What an awesome avatar.

 

[Odoul]

The Cards' problems are all over baby!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2006682

It's just a battle for Second Place in the NFL now.

WONDERFUL! Now all we need is for someone to take Garcia off the market and the Lions will be FORCED to draft someone decent.(McPherson in the 2nd. Please!?)

 

[Bowser]

WONDERFUL! Now all we need is for someone to take Garcia off the market and the Lions will be FORCED to draft someone decent.(McPherson in the 2nd. Please!?)

Actually, I think this makes it more likely that Garcia will be a Lion next season...and most likely take over the starting spot at some point because of his knowledge of Mooch's offense. Have fun Lions fans!

 

[Odoul]

Actually, I think this makes it more likely that Garcia will be a Lion next season...and most likely take over the starting spot at some point because of his knowledge of Mooch's offense. Have fun Lions fans!

STOP IT! I don't want the fukken bum on my team. The fact that Joey Champaign still has a roster spot tests my patience.

 

[Wellington]

Big Blue good bet to land Burress

Plaxico Burress, the big-play receiver the Giants covet and the best wideout left on the market, will visit the Giants this afternoon, according to his agent. He also could be ready to quickly sign a contract, since the market for the talented 27-year-old appears to have dried up.

That has been one of the most surprising developments of the first week of free agency. The 6-5, 226-pound Burress expected to be one of the most sought-after free agent receivers. But his options became limited when the Bears signed Muhsin Muhammad, the Ravens signed Derrick Mason, the Bengals re-signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the Raiders re-signed Jerry Porter and traded for Randy Moss.

That left the Vikings and Giants as Burress' most likely suitors. But sources said the Vikings were never interested, and reports out of Minnesota yesterday indicated they're trying to acquire Rod Gardner from the Redskins instead.

Sounds good to me. Rod Gardner would be a better fit for the Vikes anyway, IMO. As Spectral Glider pointed out, Plax can make some awesome catches, but he pretty much drops or slides to the ground immediately after, which isn't what the Vike's game is all about. Burleson, Robinson, and Moss when he was with them padded the hell out of Culpepper's stats by the massive amount of yards after catch they all contributed. From the 6 or so games I saw involving the Vikings last season, that seems to be their cup of tea.

While I've been liking less and less the idea of Plax playing for the Giants, he's the kind of receiver we undoubtedly need. A hands WR that will make Eli look better than he actually is. Whatever to get that goofball... I mean magnificent player's confidence up.

Now, Harrison said, Burress is looking primarily for a team with a good tight end, good running back and good quarterback - three things he believes the Giants have in Jeremy Shockey, Tiki Barber and Eli Manning, respectively. They also now have a bolstered offensive line thanks to their signing of right tackle Kareem McKenzie (seven years, $37.75 million) on Friday, and a stronger defense after adding middle linebacker Antonio Pierce (six years, $26 million) on Thursday.

:lol :lol :lol I'll give him one of the three, maybe two of the three if Coughlin starts using Shockey appropriately, but man he should not judge Eli solely on the one game he played against the Steelers last season.

If Burress signs, our next move is Jay Fiedler. I am still not confident about the O-line, but it should be a bit better, and I would have liked another body on the defensive line, but I guess that is what the draft is for. The secondary was looking pretty pimp before the rash of injuries last season. With Gibril Wilson and a healthy Will Allen/Will Peterson it doesn't look so bad!

 

[Nerevar]

Sounds good to me. Rod Gardner would be a better fit for the Vikes anyway, IMO.

What, the Vikings like receivers who drop 50% of all catchable balls thrown their way?

 

[Wellington]

Yes, you're onto me, that's exactly what I meant.

Where's the giant rolleyes when you need it...