LKelley67

from the
YA SURE THIS COULDN'T HAVE BEEN DONE Files-

looked at before but even more damning now...

AP reports the Vikings and the agent for LB Sam Cowart agreed to significantly reduce the length and value of the veteran linebacker’s contract before the team added him in a trade with the New York Jets last month, sources confirmed Wednesday. Cowart, acquired March 18 in exchange for one of the Vikings’ two seventh-round draft picks, had three years and $9 million in base salary (including $1.5 million in 2005) remaining on the five-year contract he signed with the Jets in 2003. But weeks before the trade was consummated, the Vikings initiated a dialogue with Cowart’s agent, Paul Healy, about downsizing the contract. The sides eventually agreed to a one-year deal with a $1 million base salary, according to documentation on the NFL players association’s Web site.

LKelley67

and a new addition-

AP reports LB Brad Kassell made the rounds on the Titans Caravan yesterday, going from Cookeville to McMinnville to Tullahoma to meet and greet fans. His next stop could be in Detroit — to play for the Lions. Kassell, who started at middle linebacker for the Titans last season, yesterday signed a one-year offer sheet from the Lions for around $1 million. The Titans now have the opportunity to match Detroit\'s offer, but if they don\'t they\'ll lose him and have yet another hole in their defense. \'\'The best-case scenario is they\'ll match,\'\' Kassell said last night. \'\'I\'ve been happy playing in Nashville. I like the coaches and my teammates and everything. But sometimes a business opportunity comes up and you have to take it. But if everything works out I\'ll still be here.\'\' The Titans have until next week to decide whether or not to match the sheet. If they don\'t, they would not receive compensation from the Lions since Kassell was undrafted in 2002. As a restricted free agent, Kassell last month was given the low tender of $656,000 by the Titans, who also guaranteed his contract for 2005. The Titans also received a right of first refusal to negotiate a deal with Kassell in the future. With approximately $3 million worth of room under the salary cap, the Titans should be in a position to keep Kassell.

baronm

fujita was also avaible for a low draft pick as well...it\'s rather irratating isn\'t it?

saintswhodi

I posted that one about Coward for a 7th weeks back when it happened. Sad.

GumboBC

Who the hell wants Coward? Not me.

While Coward MIGHT (and I highly doubt it) be better than what we have, he most certainly isn\'t the player we need at LB.

And neither are any of the other guys in this thread.

I\'d just as soon go with our young LBs than to bring in players like Cowart.

LKelley67

whodi, now that the terms are revealed though, 1 yr/$1mil it is even more indicting of fo inaction.

nah, i guess we do need more youngers guys than watson and bockwoldt. we do have orlando ruff we are getting so much more out of than a cowart, even if he is for a few more dollars. we can do better with a 7th rd pick than an 30 yr old vet like cowart:
2004
Started first two games of the season at MLB before suffering a knee injury that kept him out of action for six games.

Recorded 13 tackles in season-opener against CIN. Logged nine post-season stops.

Recorded the fifth 100-plus tackle season of his six-year career in 2003, making 145 stops (94 solo).

Started 15 games at WLB and registered two sacks, seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Led the Jets in 2002 with 154 tackles (104 solo) and also recorded two sacks and eight PD.

Racked up 181 tackles in 2000 for the Buffalo Bills on his way to being voted to the Pro Bowl at ILB.

Helped the Bills 1999 defense finish rated number one by recording the fifth-highest tackle total in team history with 186.

Was named to All-Rookie teams by College & Pro Football Weekly, Pro Football Weekly, and Football Digest in 1998 after starting 11 games and finishing second on the Bills with 119 tackles, including 72 solos.

a 25yr old starting mlb for the 17th ranked run-defense that could be had for no compensation would be of no use either. besides we can keep super productive derrick rodgers for just a few dollars more.

A third-year player possessing throwback qualities of rugged, hard-nosed linebackers of the past, Brad Kassell solidified his presence on the roster in 2003 with his performances in relief of starting middle linebacker Rocky Calmus. Kassell played in every game in his second season, serving as the first-string middle linebacker in six regular season games and both postseason contests. His two-year totals include 42 tackles on defense and 37 special teams stops. As a rookie, Kassell was one of the most pleasant surprises of the team’s 2002 season. He was waived in the final roster cutdown on Sept. 1, 2002 before being signed to the practice squad Sept. 3, where he served for the first seven games of the season. He was signed to the active roster Nov. 1 and played primarily on special teams for the remainder of the season.


[Edited on 14/4/2005 by LKelley67]

saintswhodi

I see what you are saying Kelley. And right-on on the rest also. Hell, if we are thinking about bringing in Chris Draft how would Cowart have been worse?

Danno

Been there done that see Brian Cox 2001.

Sam Cowart (with a T) was one of my favorite LB\'s. But he is a shadow of his former self. And he\'s had MAJOR knee re-construction.

But he probably would have been an upgrade to this unit.

FireVenturi

OUt of draft,cowart, and fujita...the only one i would want is Fujita!

baronm

I think fujita is a major upgrade over allen, and better than anyone we could get later in the draft...so with that in mind and the fact that it allows us to get another linebacker and then focus on other picks early. ...I\'d do it.