Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Bears LB Briggs to 49ers?

For the 49ers the rumored interest in Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs persists. Reports out of Chicago said the 49ers tried to trade for Briggs before the trade deadline, which 49ers coach Mike Nolan would neither confirm nor deny. -- SF Chronicle

Titans Haynesworth insists on long-term deal
Albert Haynesworth doesn't know when the Titans can designate him a franchise player. But he does know if they do so and then show no intention of wanting him beyond 2008, he'll be upset. "I'd be disappointed because that would mean they don't really want me here long term," Haynesworth said Thursday. "If they franchise me, I feel like they don't really want me here long term, then I'll prepare myself to play like that." The All-Pro defensive tackle didn't sound like he was delivering a threat. He was saying, rather, that in such a scenario he'd prepare for 2008 expecting it to be his last season in Tennessee. If the Titans tag Haynesworth and assure him they intend to continue work toward a new contract, it's a different matter. "That would be great, that's what happened to (Colts defensive end) Dwight Freeney last year and he got a deal worked out," he said. "I hope that happens, if that's the case, if they want to do it that way. "But if they franchise me just to keep me here one more year, I'd be disappointed with that. I'd just have to prepare myself to be able to hit the market next year." Without a new contract Haynesworth would become a free agent on Feb. 29, But with the franchise player tag the Titans can assure themselves of one more year from him. -- Tennessean

Broncos working on trade for DT Rogers?

The Broncos should pay attention to reports that Detroit will either trade or release defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. The Broncos have been enamored of Rogers. A potential stumbling block is Denver wanting to hold onto its high draft picks. Denver has dealt well with his agents, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they try to work a deal for Rogers. -- Denver Post

Raiders interested in Bears WR Berrian

The Raiders staff, which is coaching the North team at the Senior Bowl, definitely has a strong interest in Bernard Berrian. But the Raiders figure the Bears will slap the franchise tag on the receiver. -- Chicago Tribune

Eagles likely to dump DE Kearse?

There is no question that Trent Cole will be the starting right defensive end again, but there is a question as to who will line up on the opposite side for the Eagles. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said the team needed more consistency at left defensive end, where Jevon Kearse and Juqua Thomas played last season. Kearse is likely to be released. Thomas, who had one sack in the final eight games after taking over for Kearse, could return to a reserve role. Cole said it would be good for the defense if the Eagles signed a top-of-the-line free agent, but he also endorsed Thomas as a starter. "You've got Juqua Thomas, and he's been producing every year," Cole said. "I think if you give him a fresh start and don't have him on special teams, I think he'll do a great, great job." -- Philadelphia Inquirer

Lions WR Williams to 49ers

Other news includes the rumor that Lions wide receiver Roy Williams is on the trading block, and one report said Detroit would look for a second-round pick in return. Williams played for two seasons under former Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who's now with the 49ers, so would the 49ers look to make a deal for Williams? It's unlikely, particularly at that price. Williams caught 63 passes for 836 yards and five touchdowns this year. But at 6-5, 212 pounds, he's not your typical speedy Martz receiver, and he also has been known to speak his mind. -- SF Chronicle

LB Al Wilson cleared for return to NFL

The Al Wilson watch should heat up after the Super Bowl. After the Broncos' former middle linebacker and defensive captain was cleared to return to the NFL last month, his Denver-based agent Peter Schaffer received several calls about Wilson's availability. Wilson is working out and is expected to try to decide on his future in February before the free-agency period begins Feb. 29. Because Wilson was cut by Denver last April, he is free to sign with any team. -- Denver Post

Cowboys Julius Jones won't be back!

One Cowboys player who definitely won't be back is running back Julius Jones. Jones is an unrestricted free agent and intends to test the market. It's clear the Cowboys intend to make Marion Barber the starter next season. They'll look for someone to complement him in either free agency or the draft. Jones rushed for a career-low 588 yards this season and averaged only 3.6 yards per carry as Barber became the Cowboys' go-to running back. -- Philadelphia Daily News

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Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Good info Biloxi.

Man, if the niners land Briggs, They are going to have a heck of a LB corps. Willis is a monster!

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I'm not surprised that our Saints weren't even mentioned in rumors about Playmaking Free Agents.

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I don't know about you guys, but I'd give up a 2nd round pick in a heartbeat to get Roy Williams. Thoughts?

Sounds like that Haynesworth deal could get nasty if they don't get something worked out. I'd love to have him in N.O. I'd trade our first rounder for that guy.

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how do you know we arent interested, I want Wilson if healthy

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I agree with you.

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One of two things is happening. The Saints coaching staf and FO are still evaluating coaches and players...and/or they do not want to tip their hand. Either case...the anxiety is nauseating!

For me, the evaluation process by SP and ML should be short and sweet. The defense needs an overhaul. Especially at LB, CB, and S. Coaching....we have a new DL coach in Orgeron, Vitt is a good LB coach if he has the talent, but we need a new DB coach. I know many have called for the head of Gibbs, but unfortunately, I am not one of them.

I have read many forums about the DL and have come to the conclusion that Grant was hurt most of the year (sprained ankle and big contract...eating way too much and needs to lose 20-25lbs), Bryant was hurt all year, Hollis overweight (maybe he is rubbing off on Grant), Clancy is new to the scheme, Lake a journeyman, Smith had no support. LB's, Fujita was outstanding, Simenaou inconsistent, and Shanle AOL! DB...don't even get me started with comments regarding David and Bullocks. Harper and MacK were outstanding. KK should have played more as should have Simmons.

Payton did not live up to his commitment that the best players would be on the field. KK and Simmons proved themselves, IMHO, and Bullocks and Simmehole should have been riding the pine. btw; David is in the wrong scheme for his talents (if he has any!).

Beyond complaining, I offer the following POSSIBLE solutions. On defense...evaluate Vilma (call Dr. Andrews for his personal evaluation). If his injury is on the mend and can be counted on...then work a trade. I would go after Carpenter from Dallas. I would also investigate Briggs. If we stay at #10 and Rivers is available...I'd draft him.

On the other hand, I would see if I could trade #10 to Dallas for #22 and #28. Dallas is rumored to either to have a desire for McFadden or Phillips. I'd give them the chance should they become available at #10. I would NOT trade up. I think there are TOO many players that could be had to help the defense in RD 1/2/3 (including Rivers possibly in late Rd 1). I would then trade #28 for EARLY second and third round choices.

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When was the last time the Saints were in the legimate running to land a true impact FA? Ya I know you'll likey say Brees but if truth be told Miami was in the drivers seat on that deal and not us. Fact is the Saints FA stragety is to major in the minors. I'm not saying this is all a bad stragety but I am saying don't hold out hoping the Saints are gonna be in the running for one of the top tier FA this offseason. History and frachinse economics are against that...

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I've answered this before. The Saints should have no focus and give up nothing for any player that doesn't play defense. That means that even if the Patriots wanted to trade Brady, Moss, and Welker for next year's 7th round draft pick, the answer should be no.

I know that sounds stupid. But I fervently believe that the thought that adding any more offense to this team is a significant part of the problem for the Saints. If you've watched the Patriots the last several weeks, you can see what I'm talking about. The best offense in NFL history has been inconsistent. It's been the defense that has stepped up enough to get the team to where they are now.

Trade for Shaun Rodgers? Great idea. Roy Williams? Not a chance.

The Saints sole focus should be on impact defensive playmakers and absolutely nothing else until the defense can compete with the offense.

Now you're talking! I'd probably even throw in some change. Proven mountain of man in the middle of the defensive line? That's a winner.

SFIAH

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Like Loomis said they go after players all the time but you wont hear about it unless they obtain them

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Oh we've had a very long discussion on that already. :cool: It's probably a page or two back.

If it gets nasty, they'll just franchise him and wait it out... pretty much like the Briggs and Samuels' situation last year. He isn't going anywhere. It's amazing how night and day their defense is with Haynesworth in that lineup... the same with Bob Sanders.

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Somehow New England will get Haynesworth.

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I agree with the idea of NOT trading our picks for offensive players including Roy williams. I dont think giving up a 2nd for Roy Williams makes a lot of sense for our team...i think that would be a good deal for someone else, not for us.

Whether you guys believe me or not, i do think this is the year that you hear the saints at least mentioned in the pursuit of a few big name free agents. I will not go so far as to say that we will land one, but i do think the saints will be willing to open up a bit for someone on the defensive side of the ball.

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Just how much money are you guys ready to spend on the offense here in New Orleans. Some of you say you want Roy Williams, but the Lions are afraid he is going to ask for the bank when he becomes a free agent in two years.

Thats why they are trying to dump him off on someone, it would be intresting to see Colston and Williams on the same team, but we have a ton of cash, and Resigning W.Smith and Colston and the offenseive Linemen who are free agents should come first. Then bring in the def playmakers.

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I agree with you Bob we just have to wait and see who.

Here is an option on Williams. Trade down in the first. 10 to 15 is worth 250 points or the 4th pick in the 3rd round. Then put a conditional pick on signing him to an extension for 2009 in the 2009 draft. That to me is do able. Much like the deal we got with Phili in the Stallworth deal. We may have to do a 3rd to 2nd instead of the 4th to 3rd we got for Donte.

If Meachem develops as we hope, we may not need to sign him. Then for once we can start to play the comp pick game. He should bring at least a 3rd or maybe a second if we are lucky. Cash in one year later. Just a thought

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The Saints would have to overpay for a big time player to come here, and they do not want to do that.

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Titans Haynesworth: The 6.3 million dollar man?

How much will it take to keep Albert Haynesworth a Tennessee Titan? At the minimum, it will take $6.363 million. That is the 2008 franchise tag number that is expected to be officially released later this week by the NFL Players Association for defensive tackles entering free agency, according to a league source. Those numbers are arrived at from averaging the top five salaries of defensive tackles from across the NFL. If the Titans franchise Haynesworth, he would receive that salary for 2008 until a long-term contract extension could be completed and would not be awarded any signing bonus. That number is actually down slightly from last year's $6.775 million. To keep Haynesworth in the fold long-term, a new contract could be well into eight figures. -- Nashville City Paper

Cards expected to tag LB Dansby?

Cards GM Rod Graves and Kirk Wood, the agent for linebacker Karlos Dansby, talked on the phone last week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. But no progress was made toward a new contract for Dansby, and it appears more likely than ever that the team will place the franchise tag on Dansby later this month. -- Arizona Republic

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Re: Free agent bits and pieces......
 

Insanity is defined as seeing the same breast over, over, and over again...and expecting one to disappear.

I feel like my beer goggles are on. That's cooky stuff, BI.

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Ever hear of cloning? My goal is to create chaos, and insanity at Victoria's Secret! LOLOLOLOLOLOL

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I understand the principle behind what you "all defense or nothing" guys are saying. However, we have to understand what's going to happen in reality. In reality, I know that the Saints aren't going to fully address the defensive situation. I know that they are going to go after an offensive player, so why not make it a guy who, matched with Drew Brees, has the potential to be the best wide receiver in the NFC? If you came up to me and said that you would give me a proven Pro Bowl caliber player for a second round pick, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Nothing is certain in the draft. Give me that proven entity for an unsure thing any day of the week, even if he does play offense. Since we won't go out and get a big-time defensive playmaker, we mine as well have a helluva offensive player.

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This isn't about talent, it's about money. Williams may get 1000 yards and 10 td's for the Saints but the Saints would spend big money to get him AND lose a pick in the draft. That pick, that money, needs to be spent on defense.

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Ok. I also understand the defense strategy here, but, as someone else stated, we have a major FA issue with Smith, and some of our offensive linemen, which should be addressed first. Smith, to me, is worth way more than Mr. Moneybags on the other side.

Another thing. I love Duece, but his durability has got to be somewhat of a question mark at this point, and its glaringly obvious, that Bush can't take up that slack. So RB, also needs to be addressed at some point.

If I remember correctly, in the first four games of the season, which we lost, I don't recall seeing this "high powered offense", you guys keep talking about. We lost four in a row, as I remember, and the offense looked attrocious. Oh yeah, and Duece played the entire month of September, so no excuses there.

We need a DT, WR, RB?, LB, and CB's. Please get us some frickin DB's please!

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I am not a guy that thinks the saints only need help on defense. I just think that trading our second rounder for a WR who is going to command another 60 million dollar contract is a bit much. I am all about trading picks here and there for veterans. I am all about trading a pick for Vilma. I will not have a problem if the saints draft a RB, WR, and QB in the draft. I just think the high picks, the keys in free agency and the offseason in general has to be a "defense first" philosophy.

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Boba - Any opinions on Vilma's knee surgery and the speculation that he actually had micro fracture surgery vs. 'just removing bone chips'?

I've read that he was on the sidelines without crutches shortly after the procedure, so I'd guess it was only speculation...

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Vilma, citing the strict team policy that forbids players from talking about injuries, declined to be specific about exactly what kind of surgery he had.

Among the various reports that have been floated about included one that he was having micro-fracture surgery, which is quite serious, but a person with knowledge of the situation said yesterday the surgery was not micro-fracture.

Vilma said the surgery was a success, adding, “The best thing right now is I have time on my side to get back for the 2008 season."

Asked if there's a possibility that he might have to undergo further surgery, Vilma said, “They (the doctors) didn't talk about having to do further surgery. If it all goes right this should be one and done."

VILMA: I EXPECT TO BE A JET NEXT YEAR


Here is a good article on his explanation of the injury and him playing in a 3-4 scheme.

Vilma Clears Up Some Injury Issues

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Boba!
good to see ur still around.

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Thanks Biloxi-Indian... I appreciate the links...

Of course, any potential trades would be based on him passing a team physical anway... I'd agree that this is definitely an option worth investigating...

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If the Saints were interested, it would almost be definite that Dr. Andrews in Birmingham would put his stamp of approval before any trade is made.

For me, I would like for the Saints to chase Briggs in FA and draft Rivers at #10. That would be Fujita, Rivers, and Briggs as starters with Shanle, Mitchell, and Evans as backups!

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what, no 53 in that number?

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Unfortunately, not! Thank you for the two years, but don't let the door knob hit you where it hurts on the way out.

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I agree with taking Rivers at 10 because i think it would be easier for a rookie LB to come in and play well opposed to a rookie CB...but i do not see the saints going after Briggs.

I have a gut feeling that tells me that the saints will pursue a veteran CB even if it means spending alot of money. When Payton first got here, he knew the team couldnt even be competitive without a quality QB and they made it clear that they would beat any offer for Brees. I think they will have the same mindset when it comes to an impact CB this year. Thats not to say they will land one, but i think they will be aggresive in going after one...or two.

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You may be right...especially since MM might not be back at all in 2008. However, I think the DL will get "thiner" with Coach O, and the LB's will get young and fast...either through the draft or FA!

I am hoping Briggs, however, if Vilma is available and healthly, then work a trade with the Jets. Also, I think Carpenter from the Cowboys would be a good fit in NO. Options, options, and more options.

One last point. If, and it is a big IF, McFadden is available at #10...the Cowboys will be a calling. I would trade #10 and use the second of the Cowboys first round draft at #28 pick to trade again for a second and third. Five picks in the first three rounds and a couple of FA would be a dream come true.

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Thats is some major wishfull thinking. McFadden being there at 10 is like saying Reggie Bush would be available at 10 2 years ago. Not even a possibility.

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Stranger things have happened. Remember Quinn last year?

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While I understand your point, I must point out that Quinn wasn't the runner-up for the Heisman two years in a row like McFadden.
Quinn didn't light-up great SEC defenses like McFadden did.
Also, McFadden's running style is alot like this years Rookie of the Year, A.Peterson.

GM's would never let him drop to #10.

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That would be a shocker if he falls to 10. Also, Quinn was not considered the top prospect in the draft last year. Assuming the Falcons are looking QB, Jerry Jones will be doing all he can to possibly look to get that pick with the Raiders picking 4th. I agree with looking for a rookie LB at 10 either Connor or Rivers. If we can land a starting caliber CB in FA, then there is plenty of depth at CB in the draft in the middle rounds. With the recent turnout of rookies like Patrick Willis, Jon Beason, AJ Hawk, Ernie Sims, Demarcus Ware, Shawn Merriman, Demeco Ryans making impacts in their first year as opposed to the development of corners, you will get more bang for your buck by taking a LB or DT (if Ellis falls) at 10 and waiting on a CB in round 2.

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Its not the same thing at all when comparing McFadden to Brady Quinn. QB's tend to slide a bit more because of their position. Elite RB's dont slide that far. Team needs at QB are different than they are at RB. Most teams now are looking for a RB tandem and there is no such thing in the NFL as a QB tandem.

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I can think of a few teams during the 2007 season who only wished they had a tandem at QB.

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Dont confuse "tandem" with "reliable backup". Most teams prefer to be able to use 2 RBs weekly to keep them fresh and toy with the defense. No one gameplans during the week to play 2 QBs. That being said, no one uses a top 10 draft pick to groom him to be a reliable backup. Thats just not how it works.

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Don't confuse wish with actually doing. I get your point, but to my point look at the three headed QB situation the Bears had in 2007...Griese (third round), Grossman (first round and 22nd overall), and Orton (fourth round).