chicago JK
02-24-2005, 12:20 PM
Chat with Chris Mortensen!
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=7390 (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=7390)
Chris Mortensen: Good morning! We've decided to have a real "chat" - about 20 or so minutes to talk about the Randy Moss deal....and mybe take a few other questions.... hope everyone is doing well out there.
Jarred (DC): All the Vikings could get for the top WR in the NFL is a mediocre LB and a top pick in a draft that's weak in the top 10? Are you kidding me?
Chris Mortensen: I'd put Harris above mediocre but there's no question that in just looking at from a talent, skill, viewpoint, this is a deal that favors the Raiders. However, intangibly, the Vikings feel they gain because Moss was becoming more and more high maintenance for his teammates (i.e Culpepper and others) on a daily basis. That drags on a team. Also, let me point out that Moss certainly got the Vikings more in compensation that Terrell Owens did for the 49ers.
Matt from Baltimore: Hey Mort! With the Ravens losing out on Randy Moss, can you see them trading up in this years draft to aquire a Mike Williams or a Braylon Edwards or do they focus on free agency? Thanks Mort!! Go Ravens!!
Chris Mortensen: I see the Ravens going for a Lavarnues Coles in trade or a Muhsin Muhammad or Plaxico Burress. They will upgrade in a big way at that spot.
Goose (Chicago): I know the last thing that the Vikings wanted to do was trade Moss in the division, but are there any reports about the Bears trying to get him with their 4th overall pick?
Chris Mortensen: No, there were really only a couple of teams involved - the Raiders and Ravens. Moss wanted the Falcons or Ravens. The Falcons had no interest and the Ravens wouldn't depart with Ed Reed and/or Terrell Suggs. The success of a selfless team like the Patriots - who have no Randy Mosses - probably also diminished the market.
Les (Toronto): Hey Mort, looking at the deal, who do you think won? For instance if the vikes draft mike williams at the 7 spot, does that somewhat take over moss' spot although not as big a deep threat receiver, a little help on d with harris and who cares about a late rd pick really. on the raiders side, they line up moss with porter now, but who gets them the ball?
Chris Mortensen: Yeah, Mike Williams is not a deep receiver at all, but remember the Vikings averaged almost 30 points in the five games Moss was out. The weren't a playoff team the couple of previous years when Moss was healthy and at his best. They are going to emphasize the running game more and they know Culpepper can succeed without Moss. As for the Raiders, heck, Kerry Collins is one of the two or three best deep throwers in football.
Pat (NY): The vikings have the most cap space in the league, who are they going to get to help out on defense and fill the void at receiver? They might be the worst franchise in the history of football, first hershel walker, then randy moss what's next?
Chris Mortensen: Sorry, but you seem to forget that the Vikings went to the playoffs in eight out of the 10 years Dennis Green coached them. As for as the spending goes, they'll do some spending - they actually increased the budgets for coaches and scouting - but we'll see how the sale of the team goes - my understanding is that Reggie Fowler is going to have a tough time pulling this off financially.
Dom (Bay Area): Since the Vikings have a history of making mistakes in the first round, any chance this year's mistake will be to trade up with my Niners?
Chris Mortensen: Why would they do that?
Bill (Boston): Mort, seeing that Moss complained about getting more balls thrown to him from Culpepper, who is a downfield passer, dont you think itll be a matter of time before he blows up on Collins?
Chris Mortensen: I didn't hear Moss complain about that in recent years. One of the biggest problems Culpepper had with Moss - and he does like Randy - is that getting Randy to practice hard every day became problematic. It's hard to simulate things that will happen on Sunday when you don't crank it up during the week.
RAIDERNATION!!: HEY MORT, THE RANDY MOSS MOVE IS ONE OF THE GREAT MOVES IN FRANCHISE HISTORY! NOW ALL WE NEED ON OFFENSE IS A NO. 1 RUNNING BACK. DO YOU SEE LAMONT JORDAN AS A RAIDER? WHICH DIRECTION DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GO? THANX RAIDERNATION NJ!!!
Chris Mortensen: Yeah, the Raiders need an RB and Lamont Jordan would be a natural for them, I think, if they can pull it off salary-cap wise.
Jaison Medina, Ohio: Mort, Do you really think that Plaxico would sign with another "running team" i.e. the Ravens with no QB. Also why would the Steelers take a chance that he would go to there biggest rival. Thanks and love your stuff.
Chris Mortensen: First of all, remember one thing: Free agents at Burress' stage always go where the money is best. Boller did improve, regardless of the perception and he was playing with very limited resourves (below average WRs, no Todd Heap for most of the year, Jamal Lewis out/uinjured). As for the Steelers, they just couldn't bring themselves to pay Buress the kind of money he wanted, or at least they wree not willing to franchise him. They could still try to sign him.
Erick (work (hell)): Mort, don't you think that's a big reason why Randy's had so many injuries lately? He's getting too old to rely only on his god-given talent. He doesn't work that hard in the offseason and he never practices very hard either. I'm wondering how long until he gets hurt this upcoming season. Everybody forgets that he has chronic ankle problems and still has yet to really sprint on that bum hamstring. I think long-term this is a great move for the Vikes.
Chris Mortensen: You have a very good, analytical point. I think there's a concern, but I'm sure the Raiders hope that a change of scenery will motivate Randy to be in the best possible condition. However, Randy always has been willing to play through his injuries.
Kevin, Hackettstown NJ: Mort, Can the Redskins actually manage a trade of L Coles or will they end up having to release him? What do you think they could get in trade if it's possible?
Chris Mortensen: I don't think they can trade him salary-cap wise unless he forgoes is $5 million deferred bonus on April 1 and the only way he's doing that is if he's released. That's the Catch-22.
Henderson, NV: In regards to the question about the Vikings trading up: The Vikings may have made some mistakes on draft day, but they got Bryant McKinnie and Kevin Williams, two outstanding players! But would they trade up for the #1 or #2 to get Braylon Edwards?
Chris Mortensen: Braylon Edwards does not have the speed to merit such a move up, at least according to scouts.
Jamal (Detroit): Hi Mort! Any word who the Lions are truly aiming for to compete with Harringtion. All I hear are Analysts' opinions or Rumors (ie Warner, Garcia, and Kitna). If you havn't heard anything, whats your opinion?
Chris Mortensen: If I were the Lions, I'd sign Warner. Great dome QB and still good enough.
Sue Albany,NY: Randy has said he is who he is...why does anyone think this move will change him?
Chris Mortensen: You are right. The Raiders won't ask him to change.
Chris(Illinois): Hey Mort, Do you think that Moss is happy that he is going to Oakland?
Chris Mortensen: His agent says he is, especially once he realized the Falcons and Ravens were out of the picture.
Mike Tice (Winter Park): Hey Mort, did I have any say in this trade?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, Mike, you did. You know you did (ha-ha).
Erick (work (hell)): Mort, now that the Viking's have broken the seal on trading this offseason, do you think they'll try to move Michael Bennett and try and get some more defensive help? I've heard rumors of a trade involving Michael Bennett and a draft pick to try and get another 1st-rounder for the Vikings.
Chris Mortensen: Funny story....which went unreported....and one to keep in mind until we see this Moss deal "finalized." The Vikings and the Raiders agreed on a deal last October before the trade deadline in which Bennett was going to Oakland for Phillip Buchanan and a draft pick. The Raiders pulled the deal off the table at the last second. Bennett will not bring a first rounder, but I think the Vikings would be open to moving him.
Josh, Avon, OH: Mort Why won't you talk Browns on here? This is BS...I know they suck, but they still have caring fans! What do you see them dooing w/ the 3rd pick?
Chris Mortensen: As I said, this is a special edition of the chat for the Randy Moss trade....I'll wrap up with a couple of other questions.....the Browns probably would love to trade out and pick up an extra high pick. Otherwise, I see the best defensive player or a running back - yes, an RB despite Suggs and Green. Of course, if one of these QBs catches their fancy, that's a possiblity but I'd say a longshot.
Brant (NN, VA): Hey, Mort! Great Job! Do you see L. Coles reuniting with Bill Parcells in Dallas?
Chris Mortensen: If Coles is free, I'd say the Cowboys and Jets would be the favorites with the Ravens close.
Anthony (Dallas): What do you think of the Bledsoe signing? Just a younger Vinny?
Chris Mortensen: Well, he's eight years younger. But the same principle applies - Parcells doesn't believe he's going to win anything until he gets his defense right...and of course he'll add a playmaker at WR.
Joe (Portland, OR): How about the Seahawks? What do you think about them franchising Alexander? Good move or should they have looked for a better fit for there offense in free agency or the draft?
Chris Mortensen: Oh, yeah, good move. You don't a player like Alexander walk free if you can help it. Shaun told me during the Pro Bowl that he wants to stay in Seattle and he thought a long-term deal would be worked out eventually. He told me, "They're going to sign all three of us (Jones, hasselbeck and himself). We'lls ee if that changes with Tim Ruskell on board now as the football ops presidient.
Brian (Indianapolis, IN): Hey Mort! Love your work. My question if about Edgerrin James. Do you think the Colts intend to keep him around, or do they plan to trade him for some help on the defense side of the ball? I am sure I am not the only colts fan that agrees that if a guy doesnt want to play in Indianapolis, and he even admits that he will hold out if he gets tagged, then just let him go. For this team to take the next step they have to get better on defense. By locking up all the money in the offense they put themselves in a position to again not make any big moves this offseason. What do you think?
Chris Mortensen: I'n not sure. I'm suspicious that a trade is possible if somebody makes them a strong offer. Jim Irsay wants to re-sign him but the Colts really need a CBA extension to make it salary-cap friendly so they can keep building their defense. It's a legitimate question.
Chris Mortensen: OK, that's all the time I had. I'm sorry if any of you were expecting a full, regular chat session - we scheduled this primarily because of the Moss trade. Next week, I'll do a full hour and we'll cover as much as we can. Thanks and God Bless!
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=7390 (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=7390)
Chris Mortensen: Good morning! We've decided to have a real "chat" - about 20 or so minutes to talk about the Randy Moss deal....and mybe take a few other questions.... hope everyone is doing well out there.
Jarred (DC): All the Vikings could get for the top WR in the NFL is a mediocre LB and a top pick in a draft that's weak in the top 10? Are you kidding me?
Chris Mortensen: I'd put Harris above mediocre but there's no question that in just looking at from a talent, skill, viewpoint, this is a deal that favors the Raiders. However, intangibly, the Vikings feel they gain because Moss was becoming more and more high maintenance for his teammates (i.e Culpepper and others) on a daily basis. That drags on a team. Also, let me point out that Moss certainly got the Vikings more in compensation that Terrell Owens did for the 49ers.
Matt from Baltimore: Hey Mort! With the Ravens losing out on Randy Moss, can you see them trading up in this years draft to aquire a Mike Williams or a Braylon Edwards or do they focus on free agency? Thanks Mort!! Go Ravens!!
Chris Mortensen: I see the Ravens going for a Lavarnues Coles in trade or a Muhsin Muhammad or Plaxico Burress. They will upgrade in a big way at that spot.
Goose (Chicago): I know the last thing that the Vikings wanted to do was trade Moss in the division, but are there any reports about the Bears trying to get him with their 4th overall pick?
Chris Mortensen: No, there were really only a couple of teams involved - the Raiders and Ravens. Moss wanted the Falcons or Ravens. The Falcons had no interest and the Ravens wouldn't depart with Ed Reed and/or Terrell Suggs. The success of a selfless team like the Patriots - who have no Randy Mosses - probably also diminished the market.
Les (Toronto): Hey Mort, looking at the deal, who do you think won? For instance if the vikes draft mike williams at the 7 spot, does that somewhat take over moss' spot although not as big a deep threat receiver, a little help on d with harris and who cares about a late rd pick really. on the raiders side, they line up moss with porter now, but who gets them the ball?
Chris Mortensen: Yeah, Mike Williams is not a deep receiver at all, but remember the Vikings averaged almost 30 points in the five games Moss was out. The weren't a playoff team the couple of previous years when Moss was healthy and at his best. They are going to emphasize the running game more and they know Culpepper can succeed without Moss. As for the Raiders, heck, Kerry Collins is one of the two or three best deep throwers in football.
Pat (NY): The vikings have the most cap space in the league, who are they going to get to help out on defense and fill the void at receiver? They might be the worst franchise in the history of football, first hershel walker, then randy moss what's next?
Chris Mortensen: Sorry, but you seem to forget that the Vikings went to the playoffs in eight out of the 10 years Dennis Green coached them. As for as the spending goes, they'll do some spending - they actually increased the budgets for coaches and scouting - but we'll see how the sale of the team goes - my understanding is that Reggie Fowler is going to have a tough time pulling this off financially.
Dom (Bay Area): Since the Vikings have a history of making mistakes in the first round, any chance this year's mistake will be to trade up with my Niners?
Chris Mortensen: Why would they do that?
Bill (Boston): Mort, seeing that Moss complained about getting more balls thrown to him from Culpepper, who is a downfield passer, dont you think itll be a matter of time before he blows up on Collins?
Chris Mortensen: I didn't hear Moss complain about that in recent years. One of the biggest problems Culpepper had with Moss - and he does like Randy - is that getting Randy to practice hard every day became problematic. It's hard to simulate things that will happen on Sunday when you don't crank it up during the week.
RAIDERNATION!!: HEY MORT, THE RANDY MOSS MOVE IS ONE OF THE GREAT MOVES IN FRANCHISE HISTORY! NOW ALL WE NEED ON OFFENSE IS A NO. 1 RUNNING BACK. DO YOU SEE LAMONT JORDAN AS A RAIDER? WHICH DIRECTION DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GO? THANX RAIDERNATION NJ!!!
Chris Mortensen: Yeah, the Raiders need an RB and Lamont Jordan would be a natural for them, I think, if they can pull it off salary-cap wise.
Jaison Medina, Ohio: Mort, Do you really think that Plaxico would sign with another "running team" i.e. the Ravens with no QB. Also why would the Steelers take a chance that he would go to there biggest rival. Thanks and love your stuff.
Chris Mortensen: First of all, remember one thing: Free agents at Burress' stage always go where the money is best. Boller did improve, regardless of the perception and he was playing with very limited resourves (below average WRs, no Todd Heap for most of the year, Jamal Lewis out/uinjured). As for the Steelers, they just couldn't bring themselves to pay Buress the kind of money he wanted, or at least they wree not willing to franchise him. They could still try to sign him.
Erick (work (hell)): Mort, don't you think that's a big reason why Randy's had so many injuries lately? He's getting too old to rely only on his god-given talent. He doesn't work that hard in the offseason and he never practices very hard either. I'm wondering how long until he gets hurt this upcoming season. Everybody forgets that he has chronic ankle problems and still has yet to really sprint on that bum hamstring. I think long-term this is a great move for the Vikes.
Chris Mortensen: You have a very good, analytical point. I think there's a concern, but I'm sure the Raiders hope that a change of scenery will motivate Randy to be in the best possible condition. However, Randy always has been willing to play through his injuries.
Kevin, Hackettstown NJ: Mort, Can the Redskins actually manage a trade of L Coles or will they end up having to release him? What do you think they could get in trade if it's possible?
Chris Mortensen: I don't think they can trade him salary-cap wise unless he forgoes is $5 million deferred bonus on April 1 and the only way he's doing that is if he's released. That's the Catch-22.
Henderson, NV: In regards to the question about the Vikings trading up: The Vikings may have made some mistakes on draft day, but they got Bryant McKinnie and Kevin Williams, two outstanding players! But would they trade up for the #1 or #2 to get Braylon Edwards?
Chris Mortensen: Braylon Edwards does not have the speed to merit such a move up, at least according to scouts.
Jamal (Detroit): Hi Mort! Any word who the Lions are truly aiming for to compete with Harringtion. All I hear are Analysts' opinions or Rumors (ie Warner, Garcia, and Kitna). If you havn't heard anything, whats your opinion?
Chris Mortensen: If I were the Lions, I'd sign Warner. Great dome QB and still good enough.
Sue Albany,NY: Randy has said he is who he is...why does anyone think this move will change him?
Chris Mortensen: You are right. The Raiders won't ask him to change.
Chris(Illinois): Hey Mort, Do you think that Moss is happy that he is going to Oakland?
Chris Mortensen: His agent says he is, especially once he realized the Falcons and Ravens were out of the picture.
Mike Tice (Winter Park): Hey Mort, did I have any say in this trade?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, Mike, you did. You know you did (ha-ha).
Erick (work (hell)): Mort, now that the Viking's have broken the seal on trading this offseason, do you think they'll try to move Michael Bennett and try and get some more defensive help? I've heard rumors of a trade involving Michael Bennett and a draft pick to try and get another 1st-rounder for the Vikings.
Chris Mortensen: Funny story....which went unreported....and one to keep in mind until we see this Moss deal "finalized." The Vikings and the Raiders agreed on a deal last October before the trade deadline in which Bennett was going to Oakland for Phillip Buchanan and a draft pick. The Raiders pulled the deal off the table at the last second. Bennett will not bring a first rounder, but I think the Vikings would be open to moving him.
Josh, Avon, OH: Mort Why won't you talk Browns on here? This is BS...I know they suck, but they still have caring fans! What do you see them dooing w/ the 3rd pick?
Chris Mortensen: As I said, this is a special edition of the chat for the Randy Moss trade....I'll wrap up with a couple of other questions.....the Browns probably would love to trade out and pick up an extra high pick. Otherwise, I see the best defensive player or a running back - yes, an RB despite Suggs and Green. Of course, if one of these QBs catches their fancy, that's a possiblity but I'd say a longshot.
Brant (NN, VA): Hey, Mort! Great Job! Do you see L. Coles reuniting with Bill Parcells in Dallas?
Chris Mortensen: If Coles is free, I'd say the Cowboys and Jets would be the favorites with the Ravens close.
Anthony (Dallas): What do you think of the Bledsoe signing? Just a younger Vinny?
Chris Mortensen: Well, he's eight years younger. But the same principle applies - Parcells doesn't believe he's going to win anything until he gets his defense right...and of course he'll add a playmaker at WR.
Joe (Portland, OR): How about the Seahawks? What do you think about them franchising Alexander? Good move or should they have looked for a better fit for there offense in free agency or the draft?
Chris Mortensen: Oh, yeah, good move. You don't a player like Alexander walk free if you can help it. Shaun told me during the Pro Bowl that he wants to stay in Seattle and he thought a long-term deal would be worked out eventually. He told me, "They're going to sign all three of us (Jones, hasselbeck and himself). We'lls ee if that changes with Tim Ruskell on board now as the football ops presidient.
Brian (Indianapolis, IN): Hey Mort! Love your work. My question if about Edgerrin James. Do you think the Colts intend to keep him around, or do they plan to trade him for some help on the defense side of the ball? I am sure I am not the only colts fan that agrees that if a guy doesnt want to play in Indianapolis, and he even admits that he will hold out if he gets tagged, then just let him go. For this team to take the next step they have to get better on defense. By locking up all the money in the offense they put themselves in a position to again not make any big moves this offseason. What do you think?
Chris Mortensen: I'n not sure. I'm suspicious that a trade is possible if somebody makes them a strong offer. Jim Irsay wants to re-sign him but the Colts really need a CBA extension to make it salary-cap friendly so they can keep building their defense. It's a legitimate question.
Chris Mortensen: OK, that's all the time I had. I'm sorry if any of you were expecting a full, regular chat session - we scheduled this primarily because of the Moss trade. Next week, I'll do a full hour and we'll cover as much as we can. Thanks and God Bless!