Free Agents Unsigned:TE Jeremy Stevens and WR Antonio Bryant

[sjordan6]

Here are two talented unrestricted free agents that are still on the market for a team. Jeremy Stevens was a first round pick who broke Seahawks records for tight ends in a season. Bryant won the best receiver award in college and was a second round pick. Why am I bringing these guys up? Because I want to hear if you think the commissioners new policy is having an domino effect of players now. Both of these guys are character headaches and both are young with great potential.

Here is an article on Stevens recent character and we already know about Bryant's issues. Just wonder what team will take a chance on either of these guys or will they actually be sitting out the whole season.


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003620813_brodeur16m.html

 

[Angus]

Here are two talented unrestricted free agents that are still on the market for a team. Jeremy Stevens was a first round pick who broke Seahawks records for tight ends in a season. Bryant won the best receiver award in college and was a second round pick. Why am I bringing these guys up? Because I want to hear if you think the commissioners new policy is having an domino effect of players now. Both of these guys are character headaches and both are young with great potential.

Here is an article on Stevens recent character and we already know about Bryant's issues. Just wonder what team will take a chance on either of these guys or will they actually be sitting out the whole season.


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/
2003620813_brodeur16m.html

Those poor people! With the new NFL policy, Stevens is not likely to find another NFL employer, so they are likely stuck with him until he dies. (Which might not be too long in view of the company he seems to keep, come to think of it.)

 

[skinsscalper]

I think your theory has merit. I don't think it will leave these guys out of work entirely, but I do think that they will have to play on "lower than market value" contracts for a year or two to prove their worthiness in a image concious league. That MAY be the only thing that gets through some of these guys heads. Hit em in the pocket book for a while and see if they clean up their acts.

SS

 

[Alexander]

Stevens is probably done. With his transgressions, I am sure he's a nasty look at someone away from a suspension. Few teams are going to get involved with that, particularly for a TE that drops as many passes as he does.

I am not sure about Bryant. He will probably get a minimum deal with a desperate team in the summer and flame out when he realizes he isn't going to get a lot of playing time.

 

[THUMPER]

Here are two talented unrestricted free agents that are still on the market for a team. Jeremy Stevens was a first round pick who broke Seahawks records for tight ends in a season. Bryant won the best receiver award in college and was a second round pick. Why am I bringing these guys up? Because I want to hear if you think the commissioners new policy is having an domino effect of players now. Both of these guys are character headaches and both are young with great potential.

The meeting Goodell had with the player reps (including Witten) revealed that over 80% of the players in the league would like to see the criminal element eliminated from the NFL. They wanted guys like Pacman Jones and Chris Henry banned for life.

I think this really sends a message to the league and to owners that they should avoid losers like Stevens, Bryant and their ilk. It doesn't matter how talented a player is if he isn't on the field due to suspensions.

It would also send a message to the players that this type of behavior isn't wanted or accepted by their teammates and that it will hinder or even end their NFL careers.

Personally, I think this is way overdue in coming and should have been instituted 20 years ago. Back then teams were expected to police themselves and in most cases they did, but not all.

And no, I don't think we should bring either of these guys in for a look. Let them sign with a CFL team.

 

[sjordan6]

I just dont think teams will waver against signing him if they think he can help their team. Now we all know that the commish will come down hard on teams now if both players are worth at least a league minimum contract and I think they will get at least that.

Stevens is one strike away from a years suspension and Bryant has too many temper issues to ever think someone will give him bonus money. Both will get some kind of contract that will be tied to thier conduct and will get the opportunity to once again get on the right track.

So I dont think they will be blackballed per se but I think they will have to earn their way back to the league.

 

[skinsscalper]

I just dont think teams will waver against signing him if they think he can help their team. Now we all know that the commish will come down hard on teams now if both players are worth at least a league minimum contract and I think they will get at least that.

Stevens is one strike away from a years suspension and Bryant has too many temper issues to ever think someone will give him bonus money. Both will get some kind of contract that will be tied to thier conduct and will get the opportunity to once again get on the right track.

So I dont think they will be blackballed per se but I think they will have to earn their way back to the league.

I agree. The kicker for these teams (and the incentive to sign them to "low ball" contracts) is the fact that if they invest huge signing bonuses on guys that are on the brink of being bounced from the league (or suspended) then they have to eat the cap hit. That's why some of these guys are going to work on cheap contracts until they prove their salt. I wouldn't touch Stevens with a ten foot pole (same goes for Bryant), but SOMEONE is going to give this kid a shot to straighten himself out and help their team. For the short term (atleast) he's going to work for peanuts (relatively speaking).

SS

 

[Biggems]

If Bryant could ever get his head on straight, he could definitely help teams like KC or NYJ....

 

[theogt]

I'd sign them to 1-year low cost contracts in a heart beat.

 

[burmafrd]

Only if you are desperate should you EVER consider headaches like these two. Not to mention we have excedrin headache #81 here RIGHT NOW.
Thats more then ENOUGH. Honestly, at best AB has never shown more then being a decent #2.

 

[Biggems]

The only time AB has shown to be a force is when he was on Fred Smoot....

 

[jackrussell]

The only time AB has shown to be a force is when he was on Fred Smoot....

 

[big dog cowboy]

If Bryant could ever get his head on straight, he could definitely help teams like....

Three teams already went down that road with no success.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'd sign them to 1-year low cost contracts in a heart beat.

I wouldn't tough either with a ten foot pole.

 

[Aikbach]

Maybe Quincy Carter will soon get the opportunity to throw balls to Antonio Bryant, that is if the XFL makes a comeback.

 

[Chrissyboy]

Maybe Quincy Carter will soon get the opportunity to throw balls to Antonio Bryant, that is if the XFL makes a comeback.

Shreveport could be the direction to take!

 

[Aikbach]

Shreveport could be the direction to take!

Have you ever been to Shreveport? Its like a swampy Las Vegas. Probably the last place two troublesome people need to take their money.

 

[JackMagist]

I'm surprised that the Bengels haven't signed AB, what with Henry's suspension and their love for troublemakers. They might as well take Stevens as well.

 

[Cowboy Junkie]

If Bryant could ever get his head on straight, he could definitely help teams like KC or NYJ....

In 10 years people will be saying too bad Ab never got his head straight he would have been one hell of a player, what a waste of talent...

seen this a 1000 times...

 

[Achozen]

In 10 years people will be saying too bad Ab never got his head straight he would have been one hell of a player, what a waste of talent...

seen this a 1000 times...

It's true though. He has/had all the tools, he was just an idiot.