Matt Williamson: Hey everyone-is there anything going on around the league? Let's roll!
Steve (Rochester, NY): $50 mil for Tommy Kelly? I like the guy but what am I missing here?
Matt Williamson: Yeah, that is a bit nuts. No question about it. However, it comes down to supply and demand. It seems like everyone could use help with their defensive big guys and after what NYG did with their tremendous D front, it takes serious bucks to get these guys now. Scary.
Joe (NY): Hey Matt what do you think of the Jets moves so far? Is Jenkins the answer at NT?
Matt Williamson: Could be more to come. I like the Jenkins move a lot. Could be a stud NT if motivated, but Puoha can rotate in and hlep take some of the load off. Vilma had to go. Robertson surely will follow. Those two essentially for Jenkins could be an upgrade for NYJ. Faneca is next?
Steve in C-NY: Do you think Dallas can make enough room to give their 28th pick in the draft for Larry Fitzgerald??
Matt Williamson: Not sure how anyone can make that contract work. Zona was really dumb in making that deal back when Fitz was drafted and why on earth would Fitz renegociate when he is guarenteed such a huge chunk of $$$?
Matt (Boston): Matt, some say if asante signs on the eagles. The pats could trade for Lito Sheppard, what would be the cost for lito?
Matt Williamson: Was thinking about that myself and NE would be a good home for him. 2nd rounder? 3rd?
Matt (MPLS): Hey Matt, What will the Vikings do to fix their gaping hole at receiver?
Matt Williamson: Been a lot of Berrien talk, but I really don't think he fits that scheme. I like Hackett or B Johnson better for their O-considering the $$$. However, I gotta think they draft one as well in the first couple rounds.
Nick(C-Town): DA staying with the Browns or did they sign him to trade him?
Matt Williamson: I am suspicious that he could be moved. Can't see Clev sitting there on DDay without a pick until Round 4.
David (New Orleans): Hi Matt, what does the Vilma trade do for the Saints? Does this possibly change the draft for them?
Matt Williamson: Their moves should allow them to concentrate on CB in round 1. Still could use one more OLB, but it isn't nearly the need it once was. If Vilma is healthy, he could excel there.
Garrett (Clinton, NJ): where do you think Faneca ends up? Any chance he lands in St. Louis?
Matt Williamson: NYJ should be the leader in the club house but yes, STL is in it from what I understand. Won't go to Zona-no money. I bet the Jets.
Mark (Boston): Who fits the inside linebacker need for the Patriots on the free agent market?
Matt Williamson: With Bruschi back, their need there has diminished a bit. Remember, A Thomas and/or Vrabel can play ILB or OLB-that gives them some flexibility. I do think that they would have really liked to have gotten Z Thomas. But-DDay should be able to cover it for the most part.
Marc (PA): What do you think the Bills may get for JP Losman? 3rd round draft choice?
Matt Williamson: At best. Supposedly, Minny offered a 3rd for Sage Rosenfels and Houston wanted a #2. I would rather have Sage than JP right now.
Mike (Boca Raton): Is it just me, or does the news that the patriots resigned bruschi not exactly strike fear into the 2008 opponents of the pats?
Matt Williamson: No-it shouldn't, but he is a GREAT guy for the locker room and to hold down one spot while a youngster is groomed.
Brandon (RVC,NY): Are the Giants going to lose Gibril Wilson and Kawika Mitchell?
Matt Williamson: Yeah, I would worry. G Wilson is really going to attract a ton of attention. M Williams could be signing in Minny today and safeties are VERY thin right now-terrible safety draft. That is good news for Wilson's wallet-bad news for the Giants. As for Mitchell, I think he will be overpaid and is quite replaceable.
Maurice(DC): no love for the AFC South?
Matt Williamson: What kind of love do you want? It is the best division in the league. Settle.
Mike (Boca Raton): is it safe to say that bengals dt/de justin smith will go to the highest bidder and not to a place, like pittsburgh, where he can make good money, win, and be in a position to win a super bowl?
Matt Williamson: Hard to say what he is looking for. He is another player who is going to get a lot of attention. I am a bit surprised that 3-4 teams are excited about him, but there is a real shortage of options at DE for 3-4 teams right now.
James (South Bend): Heard anything on the Atlanta front for free agency?
Matt Williamson: M Turner is visiting-would make a real nice tandem with Norwood. However, they need some big bodies to block.
Matt (Boston): What are the odds that Jason Taylor could get traded to the pats?
Matt Williamson: Traded within the division? Not buying into that. Supposedly Miami is hot and heavy for C Pace-which could mean the door for Taylor.
Kevin (Chicago): Kyle Orton is TERRBILE! Please tell the world!
Matt Williamson: I will pass that along. Is Rex any better?
Nick (Sandusky, OH): What do you think of the Corey Williams trade for the Browns?
Matt Williamson: Love it. Aggressive. Should be an excellent fit as a 3-4 DE and as interior pass rusher on throwing downs. Everydown player. That was far and away Clev's biggest need, but who were they going to find it fill it in the draft? No one. I like it a lot.
Matt Williamson: Love it. Aggressive. Should be an excellent fit as a 3-4 DE and as interior pass rusher on throwing downs. Everydown player. That was far and away Clev's biggest need, but who were they going to find it fill it in the draft? No one. I like it a lot.
Chris (Jacksonville, Fl): Is there any truth that Jerry Porter may be signing with Jacksonville? If so, what kind of player will the Jags be getting?
Matt Williamson: I like that move. Getting out of Oakland HAS to be good for that guy. Been there WAY too long. Not expecting a Moss-like trasition, but it is well worth the risk. Porter can really play when he wants to.
JD ( Orange, CA ): What do the Broncos do in free agency? Any chance they go after Lance Briggs?
Matt Williamson: I don't think that is what they need. There have been rumors of them trading for S Rodgers or Robertson-that makes sense. They need D help up the middle. DT-True MLB-S. All are very weak spots in free agency however. Maybe a WR to replae J Walk in free agency. I think the OL (LT) needs a good bit of help as well-but that could be through the draft. Will be tough for them to fill their needs.
matt,mpls: Thoughts on the Vikings signing Madieu Williams. Fair deal?
Matt Williamson: A lot of money, but I suppose that is the going rate. Good fit for that team though. Should make plays there. Now, if Minny can land a true pass rushing DE (first round?), that D could be very good.
robert (chicago): What will the Bears do in free agency? Any chance of turner or keeping our players?
Matt Williamson: Really doubt that Berrien stays. Could be in the market for Faneca-they sure need him. Doubt they get involved with Turner. It is VERY early in this process, but I would worry about the Bears.
Josh (Jacksonville, FL): Any rumors with the Buccaneers? We are hoping for a Coleman & Smith update.
Matt Williamson: No news on that front, but TBay is making waves and have a ton of $$$ to spend. Could really have a great offseason. Faine was a great pickup. Hackett would be excellent as well. Should be able to enter the draft without glaring needs.
Robert ( DeepSouth): Matt, I am glad to see the Vilma deal but come on.. The saints need to get more aggressive and pick up a proven CB like Asanta?? Drafting one is cool But they really need to get a shut down corner
Matt Williamson: ....but there is only one shut down type CB available and it appears that he is going to Philly. Not a lot of CBs who excite me in free agency. Therefore, get better in other spots and draft a Mike Jenkins type guy in round one. Vilma should bring a lot of heart. A lot of "U" mentality.
John (Dallas): What do the Cowboys need to do in free agency? If you were Jerry Jones, what would you do?
Matt Williamson: Locked up Flozell and if they can keep Hamlin long term, that is enough for me. They might already have the best NFC roster-maybe. PLUS-TWO first round picks. James Hardy and Rogers-Cromartie?
Wes (albany, ny): Matty, gimme some news on Carolina...how busy are they gonna be?
Matt Williamson: They have been the busiest team in the league the last two weeks! Not really sure who they are targeting though right now, but I do expect more movement.
Gregg (Buffalo, NY): Stroud visiting Buffalo today. What would Jax be looking for in return for Stroud?
Matt Williamson: Depends on his health. Have heard bad things about his injuries. But-if Doc approves him and he stays healthy, he is worth a 2nd rounder. One side note here: Stroud is a southern guy-think he will love Buff?
Jay (CT): Boss Bailey and Shaun Rodgers to Denver, Javon Walker and Ian Gold to Detroit and a conditional pick? Lets get it done.
Matt Williamson: How many WRs does Det need? Won't happen.
Joe (Chicago): How about sending Stroud to Cincinnati - you may not have heard but they've had some defensive problems lately.
Matt Williamson: They have indeed. He could be a real force there. He is what they need. Big fan of his-if healthy and motivated. Cincy should find a decent first round defensive player as well. Move to 3-4? Stroud could be an excellent 3-4 DE.
kyle (kansas city): any idea what the chiefs will do in free agency?
Matt Williamson: Things look bleak for KC. What do they have to build on? Very little. Next year could be worse than 2007. They really need a CB-maybe Florence? The OL needs serious help. Haven't heard names to KC, but they need to find a few starters.
Brian (seattle, WA): Any chance seattle becomes a player in FA? maybe crumpler or turner?
Matt Williamson: I kind think their ship has sailed with signings of Wahle and Locklear. Maybe one guy, but not someone as pricey as Turner. J Stewart in round one? I think their needs are minimal now, but need a few skill guys-TE, RB and maybe a WR. Can find those in the draft.
Jeff (Macon, GA): Hey Matt, What about the Dolphins and Smiley? Good pick-up? And will they get Pace?
Matt Williamson: Sounds like that they will land Pace for big money. Good fit in their 3-4. I really liked the Smiley pickup as well. I bet they would have prefered F Adams, but Smiley was an underrated free agent who people were not talking around for some reason.
Tim Morse (Charlotte, NC): Any chance the Panthers make a play for R. Moss? Vilma? or even Faneca?
Matt Williamson: Vilma is a Saint. Doubt Faneca-he doesn't fit their scheme that well and their OGs are not horrible. Moss? Heard that one too. Perhaps...
JC (PA): seems like every year the only free agents that visit PGH are ones making a connecting flight in the airport! should i expect the same this year?
Matt Williamson: I do local radio here in PGH and have thrown out a few names who I thought they would get involved with. Still, nothing to report yet. That certainly isn't shocking, but I feel like they need to step up and land one or two impact players. Rex Hadnot makes a lot of sense to me. Wilford?
TL (Sacramento): Dolphins should take Matt Ryan as their number one pick. Do you think that it a good fit for the Dolphins?
Matt Williamson: I like the pick of Ryan. Also would not critisize them for taking J Long. Their OL would be elite with Long, Smiley, Carey, Satele.
Mike (Cleveland, OH): You said earlier the Browns don't have a pick until round 4. DAL has our 1st, GB our 2nd...where did our 3rd go?
Matt Williamson: Good question. I read that somewhere, but don't have time to double check. Someone help out here.
Pat (Cleveland, OH): What do you think about the Browns trading for Corey Williams?
Matt Williamson: Scroll back-talked about it earlier. Love it.
Jason (Indiana): How bad are all the offensive holes in Chicago?
Matt Williamson: Gaping. Seriously, how many Chicago offensive players can you really be comfortable with? Kreutz? One or two more maybe, but as starters? Yoy and double yoy.
Alex (Boston): Patriots going to keep Moss or what? Is he visiting anyone else? Are they looking to make any other moves? I love football
Matt Williamson: I must say-would be SHOCKED if Moss leaves NE. Perfect fit for player and team. But...the longer it goes, the more Pats fans should worry.
Eric (Los Angeles): What is the chances the Lions get a good MLB. I mean we haven't had a good one since Spielman, Now that we can't get Vilma where do we go?
Matt Williamson: That is a tough call. Ugly MLB free agent market. They brought in Al Wilson but didn't sign him-which was shocking to me. His health must be an issue, because his leadership and experience is exactly what they need.
Brad (Alaska): Steeler fan here. Just want to let everyone know when you build through the draft like we do, you don't have to worry about FA's.
Matt Williamson: I am ALL for building through the draft an keeping your own, but adding a couple key peices is now becoming imperative to being a top team. Times are changing a little in that regard.
Chris (Charlotte, NC): Any chance the niners land Faneca, Justin Smith and Briggs, and are they targeting any one else
Matt Williamson: You do realize that those three guys you mentioned might be the three biggest and most expensive names on the free agent market, right? You want those three and some one else? Realism please.
Tim (Rochester, NY): What's the good word on Julius Jones? Where is he headed and can he make an impact?
Matt Williamson: I am not a real big fan and there are a ton of RBs in this draft. That doesn't bode well for JJ. I just did a "Best Fit" article and had him going to Chicago-at a discounted rate. Not one of the best 32 RBs in the world in my opinion-ratational guy.
Chris (DC): Hey Matt...any chance Miami could grab Rogers-Cromartie in the 2nd rd? Is his stock to high now?
Matt Williamson: Seems likes a longshot. DRC has rare athletic ability and his stock is through the roof right now. Doubt it, but there should be a pretty good prospect at CB in that pick. Or Flacco or Henne...
Ross (Tampa): Why isnt Cincinnati a big player for the DT free agent/trade market? This is their glaring weakness!
Matt Williamson: There are not any free agent DTs. They should talk trade a bit-agreed. Not going to get Ellis in the first round.
sal ( boston ) : just reported that miami had swaped 6th rd picks with dallas and giving them miami's 6th next year for jason ferguson. what can he do to help miami now at the age of 33 if anything do you like the trade.
Matt Williamson: That isn't much to give up! Great pickup for Miami considering the price. They need a NT to run that D. Most important position and throwing a rook in there isn't fair to the rest of the defenders. Stop gap guy, but a good one at that.
Bryan (LA): Do you see the Packers adding more by FA than last year?
Matt Williamson: Not really. Not their style and honestly, I don't even know who I would REALLY want if I were in GBay's shoes.
Alex (Warwick, RI): I hear DeAngelo Hall will possibly move. Do you think Minnesota would be interested? Him and Winfield (if he stays healthy)along with Williams and Sharper sounds pretty solid to me.
Matt Williamson: Not a good fit for what it would cost to get Hall. His speed and man to man skills would be somewhat wasted in that Cover 2 scheme. Spend your resources on a DE, WR and QB.
Pat (Norwich, NY): What do the Bills do with their 1st and 2nd picks. Any chance of getting Kelly and Connor with them?
Matt Williamson: Kelly makes a ton of sense. Could really use a DT and CB as well. I don't hate their LBs-a strong DT would make them look much better, plus Puz is coming back.
Nick (Detroit): Does the Ferguson deal officially eliminate Dorsey at #1 to Miami?
Matt Williamson: He isnt a 3-4 guy anyways. I think it is Ryan or J Long.
Tom (New Jersey): A 4th round pick? The Jets got robbed in the Vilma deal. What do you think?
Matt Williamson: That seemed a little light to me as well, but he is coming off a major injury-which is something I cannot speculate about. But, if healthy, Det and some other teams should have offered more than that. IF HEALTHY, Vilma could blow up in NO. Attitude.
Mike (Philly): Hey Matt....Any news on the Commanders front? I can't see Collins being their only free agent move...thanks
Matt Williamson: That sure isn't their style, but they just don't have the money right now. Can you see them dumping any more salaries? Randle El? Hmmm, not sure there. Handcuffed.
Addison (Louisville ): Dont you think that Miami needs to go WR in round 1? They have no playmakers in that position.
Matt Williamson: They sure do not have playmakers at WR, but there isn't a draft pick worth that selection. Maybe round 2.
Mike (Boca Raton): do you have any insight on how agents like condin and rosenhaus negotiate multiple deals at the same time? how big are their staffs in order to do this?
Matt Williamson: That is amazing to me. Haven't ever been close to that situation, but they must have a couple right hand men who they really trust....and they must never sleep this week.
Henry (ATL): What are the chances that ATL is able to sign Turner? I don't really see why anyone would want to sign with us right now, besides money.
Matt Williamson: My thoughts exactly. That is Turner's first visit-why take what ATL offers now? Would have to be a LOT of $$$.
Sean (DC): How many hours until Dan Snyder throws away a dozen first round picks to get Chad Johnson?
Matt Williamson: That sure could happen, but I really don't understand it. 85 is GREAT. Big fan here as a player, but that isn't the type of bigger more phyisical West Coast WR that they need. So, yeah, they will probably do it.
Matt in Omaha: Alot of talk about big names but any talk of second tier guards... Rex Hadnot of Miami, Jake Scott of Indianapolis, Jacob Bell of Tennessee, Floyd Womack of Seattle, Jamar Nesbit of New Orleans moving today?
Matt Williamson: Not yet. I bet those names start to surface around Sunday or so. Nesbit resigned with NO.
Brandon (MD): What are the chances that philly lands a playmaking reciever for McNabb?
Matt Williamson: They have to. I think this area of need has been grossly overlooked. Big guy to help in the red zone. Limas Sweed in round 1?
Bob (NY, NY): Any chance the Jets could get a WR (like Walker) for Dwayne Robertson? He must have some value to a 4-3 team.
Matt Williamson: Robertson should have a lot of value to a 4-3 team. Det, Den, Jax? Robertson for Walker? hmmm...maybe, but I might rather have the picks if I were the Jets after dealing some picks for Jenkins.
John (Cleveland, OH): Any chance the Browns go after Stallworth? They could put Jurevicius in the slot which would be perfect.
Matt Williamson: Doubtful. He is going to make a ton. Can they afford it after signing Williams and Anderson? Seems too rich for their blood right now to me.
Colin, Gainesville, VA: What the Lions doing!!!! No big moves yet and alot of holes to fill. What players do you expect to go to Detroit?
Matt Williamson: That is another franchise that cannot be overly appealing to free agents right now. They have a TON of holes. It seems like they take two steps forward, three back, two forward, one back-over and over.
matt,mpls: Is Berrian a better receiver than Stallworth?
Matt Williamson: I would rather have Berrien, but it isn't THAT substantial. However, Stallworth can be injury prone and is less reliable. Not a huge fan of either.
Matt (Denver): It would be just like the Broncos to land S. Rodgers
Matt Williamson: Seems like the perfect guy for them. Super talented. Vet that has lost favor somewhere else. High risk. Character concerns. Could be great. Could be useless.
Steve, U.S. Navy: Minny sign B. Johnson to be number 2 WR, then trade Taylor and draft picks to Texans for A.Johnson?
Matt Williamson: Andre Johnson is not going anywhere. Untouchable superstar.
Brins (Boston): Isnt J. Walker an ideal fit for most teams Eagles, Chiefs, Dolphins, Raiders, Bears to name a few. Why not deal a 4th for him???
Matt Williamson: He is never healthy and doesn't exactly seem like a team guy. Plus he is super expensive. High risk. When right, he is great, but how often is that?
Matt Williamson: Okay everyone, this was great, but I have to get rolling. K Mithchell is a Bill! Adios
