Gil Brandt On Free Agency Thus Far

[Rogerthat12]

NFL News

Ten most asked questions of the week By Gil Brandt

NFL.com Senior Analyst

(March 15, 2006) -- The first four days of the free-agency period were exhilarating, and it might take some time to slow down. Here are 10 questions that are on most fans' minds after witnessing all the wheeling and dealing.

1. Now that Terrell Owens is a free agent, what team is most likely to sign him?

Answer: Dallas or Denver.

2. Will the Seattle Seahawks match the Minnesota Vikings' offer to Steve Hutchinson?

If LaVar Arrington hasn't gotten a big-money offer by now, he's not likely to get one at all. If LaVar Arrington hasn't gotten a big-money offer by now, he's not likely to get one at all.

Answer: Most likely they will, but there are guarantees that are a cause for concern.

3. Where will LaVar Arrington end up?

Answer: The word is Arrington is looking for big money, and he might be more effective in a 3-4 defense. It might be a while before Arrington strikes a deal.

4. Now that the New Orleans Saints have signed Drew Brees, will they keep the No. 2 overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft?

Answer: It's about 50-50. If someone wants a quarterback (maybe the Jets) and can put together a good enough package, they will trade it. Remember, it is costly to sign a top-five pick.

5. Will the Jets trade John Abraham? If so, where?

Answer: Yes, and most likely to Denver for draft picks, or to Atlanta for backup quarterback Matt Schaub and a draft choice. Schaub was a third-round selection out of Virginia in 2004.

6. What team or teams have done the best job of improving the roster with free-agent signings?

Browns GM Phil Savage, right, deserves praise for closing deals on free agents like Joe Jurevicius. Browns GM Phil Savage, right, deserves praise for closing deals on free agents like Joe Jurevicius.

Answer: A) Cleveland. Signing two starting offensive linemen plus a punter and wide receiver Joe Jurevicius is a great start for 2006.

B) Washington. Adam Archuleta, Andre Carter, Christian Fauria and Antwaan Randle El were very good signings.

C) Dallas. Signed Akin Ayodele, who has played outside linebacker but can play inside in a 3-4, and Kyle Kosier. Both will start and help.

D) Minnesota. (If it ends up with Hutchinson.)

7. What is going to happen to Eric Moulds?

Answer: Good question. Buffalo would like to keep him at the right price, but he's not likely to get top money if he goes on the free-agent market.

8. Where will Keyshawn Johnson end up?

Keyshawn Johnson and Mike Holmgren might be on the same team this fall.
Answer: How about Seattle? The Seahawks need someone to replace Jurevicius. How about Carolina? Panthers offensive coordinator Dan Henning used to work with Johnson when they were with the Jets.

9. Did anyone expect as much movement in the free-agent market that has taken place so far?

Answer: No, but teams are looking to upgrade their rosters and have money to spend.

10. At this time, who seem to be the most improved teams for 2006?

A) Cleveland, because of its free-agent signings.

B) St. Louis, because of their acquisitions on defense, which include assistant coaches Jim Haslett and Rick Venturi.
Did you know?

1. In 1994, the first year of the salary cap, the cap number was $34.6 million. In 2007, it will be $109 million -- an increase of 215 percent.

2. Hutchinson will become the highest-paid guard in NFL history -- regardless of Seattle's final decision. Archuleta will be the highest-paid safety in NFL history.


Interesting Take on Dallas' moves thus far from Gil!!

 

[Natedawg44]

Archuleta will be the highest-paid safety in NFL history
That is the most rediculous item of the day right there.

 

[Muhast]

Dumb comment of the article:

"4. Now that the New Orleans Saints have signed Drew Brees, will they keep the No. 2 overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft?

Answer: It's about 50-50. If someone wants a quarterback (maybe the Jets) and can put together a good enough package, they will trade it. Remember, it is costly to sign a top-five pick."

if they trade with the Jets, thats still a top 5 pick

 

[fortdick]

Ya know, I agree with it! Jerruh ain't going crazy, he is playing it smart. We land a kicker , WR, and a FB in FA and I am happy. We fill the rest via draft.

 

[MONT17]

the Cap was 34 million... this league is a MONSTER!!!

 

[The30YardSlant]

The word is Arrington is looking for big money, and he might be more effective in a 3-4 defense

Interesting....

 

[Cbz40]

Dumb comment of the article:

"4. Now that the New Orleans Saints have signed Drew Brees, will they keep the No. 2 overall selection in the 2006 NFL Draft?

Answer: It's about 50-50. If someone wants a quarterback (maybe the Jets) and can put together a good enough package, they will trade it. Remember, it is costly to sign a top-five pick."

if they trade with the Jets, thats still a top 5 pick

Interesting I found this today:

Posted on Wed, Mar. 15, 2006
Daunte has a court date
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, traded by the Vikings to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, will be in downtown Minneapolis next week for a Hennepin County motions hearing.
Culpepper's attorney, Earl Gray from St. Paul, is seeking dismissal of lewd conduct charges stemming from the Lake Minnetonka boat party in October.
If Culpepper were not to appear at the hearing at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, a warrant for his arrest could be issued.
"Now that (prosecuting attorney Steven) Mr. Tallen has driven Mr. Culpepper out of town with his frivolous charge, maybe he'll own up and dismiss the case since it never should have been charged," Gray said Tuesday.
Gray said Culpepper's trade to Miami would have no effect on his legal case. A trial is scheduled for April in downtown Minneapolis.
) The Vikings, who get the No. 51 overall pick in next month's NFL draft in exchange for Culpepper, chose Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Blair out of Iowa State with the No. 51 pick in the 1974 draft. And linebacker Kailee Wong was taken by the Vikings out of Stanford with the 51st pick in the 1998 draft.
However, some people think the Vikings might be able to take the No. 51 pick from Miami, their own No. 17 and No. 48 overall picks, plus trade a player or two (perhaps Jim Kleinsasser and/or Nate Burleson), to New Orleans for the Saints' No. 2 overall pick.
The Saints, having signed free agent Drew Brees, no longer need a quarterback. With the No. 2 pick, the Vikings probably would have their choice of quarterbacks: Matt Leinart of Southern California, Vince Young of Texas or Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt. Each of them would command a signing bonus of at least $20 million.
Kleinsasser is due $2.4 million this year, Burleson $712,000.
The New York Jets, who have the No. 4 overall pick and are desperate for a quarterback, are expected to try to move to No. 2 and would be competition for the Vikings.) Seattle's Steve Hutchinson, whom the Vikings have signed to a $49 million free agent offer sheet, "is the best guard there is," Matt Birk said Tuesday.
"Every time I watch film of him, I don't know if I've ever seen him beaten," the Vikings' four-time Pro Bowl center said. "This is great. The (owners Zygi and Mark) Wilfs want to spend as much money as allowed within the rules. Red (former Vikings owner McCombs) would spend the minimum."
) Incoming Gopher Jay Barriball of Prior Lake scored the winning goal in overtime for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the Anderson Cup U.S. Hockey League championship game last weekend in Omaha, Neb. Former Gopher Kevin Hartzell coached Sioux Falls from last place to first place.
) St. Small: Among those involved in initiating the high school hockey state tournament in St. Paul in 1945 was late civic leader Bill Hickey Sr. He would have been proud to know that three of his great grandsons — Robbie Vannelli and Tom Hickey from St. Thomas Academy and Chris Hickey from Cretin-Derham Hall — played on teams that won state championships last weekend in St. Paul. And a granddaughter, Teri Vannelli, is married to St. Thomas coach Tom Vannelli.
) The Wake Forest men's basketball team the Gophers play tonight in the NIT at Williams Arena features 6-foot-9, 280-pound senior Eric Williams, who used to weigh more than 300 pounds. Last season, Williams declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, then withdrew.
) Former Gophers men's basketball assistant Mike Peterson, who left two years ago to be head women's basketball coach at Wake Forest, finished 12-16 overall and 3-11 in the ACC this season.
) For those who didn't get it the first time, the reason the Vikings passed on free-agent quarterback Drew Brees is that his surgically repaired shoulder reputedly had more damage than most people know.
) The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have ex-Vikings coach Mike Tice as a top assistant, figure the signing of free-agent cornerback Brian Williams from the Vikings will allow more man-to-man coverage and free up players
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/14100229.htm

 

[littlewebs]

I'm surprised he had Dallas as the #3 team so far in free agency. You would never think so reading this board.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Gil also said on NFL Radio on Sirius Monday morning that he thought Kosier was a good pickup. (And FWIW, Randy Cross, who knew something about Kosier from his San Fran days, said the same thing.)

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Great read....thanks

 

[big dog cowboy]

6. What team or teams have done the best job of improving the roster with free-agent signings?

Browns GM Phil Savage, right, deserves praise for closing deals on free agents like Joe Jurevicius. Browns GM Phil Savage, right, deserves praise for closing deals on free agents like Joe Jurevicius.

Answer: A) Cleveland. Signing two starting offensive linemen plus a punter and wide receiver Joe Jurevicius is a great start for 2006.

B) Washington. Adam Archuleta, Andre Carter, Christian Fauria and Antwaan Randle El were very good signings.

) Dallas. Signed Akin Ayodele, who has played outside linebacker but can play inside in a 3-4, and Kyle Kosier. Both will start and help.

 

[ddh33]

Kosier is a good pickup. Fans are just in love with names and legacies. Larry Allen is the big name, and he's the future hall of famer.

 

[Idgit]

Interesting I found this today:

Posted on Wed, Mar. 15, 2006
Daunte has a court date
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, traded by the Vikings to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, will be in downtown Minneapolis next week for a Hennepin County motions hearing.
Culpepper's attorney, Earl Gray from St. Paul, is seeking dismissal of lewd conduct charges stemming from the Lake Minnetonka boat party in October.
If Culpepper were not to appear at the hearing at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, a warrant for his arrest could be issued.
"Now that (prosecuting attorney Steven) Mr. Tallen has driven Mr. Culpepper out of town with his frivolous charge, maybe he'll own up and dismiss the case since it never should have been charged," Gray said Tuesday.
Gray said Culpepper's trade to Miami would have no effect on his legal case. A trial is scheduled for April in downtown Minneapolis.
) The Vikings, who get the No. 51 overall pick in next month's NFL draft in exchange for Culpepper, chose Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Blair out of Iowa State with the No. 51 pick in the 1974 draft. And linebacker Kailee Wong was taken by the Vikings out of Stanford with the 51st pick in the 1998 draft.
However, some people think the Vikings might be able to take the No. 51 pick from Miami, their own No. 17 and No. 48 overall picks, plus trade a player or two (perhaps Jim Kleinsasser and/or Nate Burleson), to New Orleans for the Saints' No. 2 overall pick.
The Saints, having signed free agent Drew Brees, no longer need a quarterback. With the No. 2 pick, the Vikings probably would have their choice of quarterbacks: Matt Leinart of Southern California, Vince Young of Texas or Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt. Each of them would command a signing bonus of at least $20 million.
Kleinsasser is due $2.4 million this year, Burleson $712,000.
The New York Jets, who have the No. 4 overall pick and are desperate for a quarterback, are expected to try to move to No. 2 and would be competition for the Vikings.) Seattle's Steve Hutchinson, whom the Vikings have signed to a $49 million free agent offer sheet, "is the best guard there is," Matt Birk said Tuesday.
"Every time I watch film of him, I don't know if I've ever seen him beaten," the Vikings' four-time Pro Bowl center said. "This is great. The (owners Zygi and Mark) Wilfs want to spend as much money as allowed within the rules. Red (former Vikings owner McCombs) would spend the minimum."
) Incoming Gopher Jay Barriball of Prior Lake scored the winning goal in overtime for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the Anderson Cup U.S. Hockey League championship game last weekend in Omaha, Neb. Former Gopher Kevin Hartzell coached Sioux Falls from last place to first place.
) St. Small: Among those involved in initiating the high school hockey state tournament in St. Paul in 1945 was late civic leader Bill Hickey Sr. He would have been proud to know that three of his great grandsons — Robbie Vannelli and Tom Hickey from St. Thomas Academy and Chris Hickey from Cretin-Derham Hall — played on teams that won state championships last weekend in St. Paul. And a granddaughter, Teri Vannelli, is married to St. Thomas coach Tom Vannelli.
) The Wake Forest men's basketball team the Gophers play tonight in the NIT at Williams Arena features 6-foot-9, 280-pound senior Eric Williams, who used to weigh more than 300 pounds. Last season, Williams declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, then withdrew.
) Former Gophers men's basketball assistant Mike Peterson, who left two years ago to be head women's basketball coach at Wake Forest, finished 12-16 overall and 3-11 in the ACC this season.
) For those who didn't get it the first time, the reason the Vikings passed on free-agent quarterback Drew Brees is that his surgically repaired shoulder reputedly had more damage than most people know.
) The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have ex-Vikings coach Mike Tice as a top assistant, figure the signing of free-agent cornerback Brian Williams from the Vikings will allow more man-to-man coverage and free up players
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/14100229.htm

Now, I could see NO going from 2 to 4 with NYJ and then going from 4 to a trade with Minny for their 17, 48, 51, Burleson, and what, a 1 or 2 next year (whatever the chart would say at that point) for the 4 and the rights to Cutler.

 

[Idgit]

Interesting I found this today:

Posted on Wed, Mar. 15, 2006
Daunte has a court date
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, traded by the Vikings to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, will be in downtown Minneapolis next week for a Hennepin County motions hearing.
Culpepper's attorney, Earl Gray from St. Paul, is seeking dismissal of lewd conduct charges stemming from the Lake Minnetonka boat party in October.
If Culpepper were not to appear at the hearing at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, a warrant for his arrest could be issued.
"Now that (prosecuting attorney Steven) Mr. Tallen has driven Mr. Culpepper out of town with his frivolous charge, maybe he'll own up and dismiss the case since it never should have been charged," Gray said Tuesday.
Gray said Culpepper's trade to Miami would have no effect on his legal case. A trial is scheduled for April in downtown Minneapolis.
) The Vikings, who get the No. 51 overall pick in next month's NFL draft in exchange for Culpepper, chose Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Blair out of Iowa State with the No. 51 pick in the 1974 draft. And linebacker Kailee Wong was taken by the Vikings out of Stanford with the 51st pick in the 1998 draft.
However, some people think the Vikings might be able to take the No. 51 pick from Miami, their own No. 17 and No. 48 overall picks, plus trade a player or two (perhaps Jim Kleinsasser and/or Nate Burleson), to New Orleans for the Saints' No. 2 overall pick.
The Saints, having signed free agent Drew Brees, no longer need a quarterback. With the No. 2 pick, the Vikings probably would have their choice of quarterbacks: Matt Leinart of Southern California, Vince Young of Texas or Jay Cutler of Vanderbilt. Each of them would command a signing bonus of at least $20 million.
Kleinsasser is due $2.4 million this year, Burleson $712,000.
The New York Jets, who have the No. 4 overall pick and are desperate for a quarterback, are expected to try to move to No. 2 and would be competition for the Vikings.) Seattle's Steve Hutchinson, whom the Vikings have signed to a $49 million free agent offer sheet, "is the best guard there is," Matt Birk said Tuesday.
"Every time I watch film of him, I don't know if I've ever seen him beaten," the Vikings' four-time Pro Bowl center said. "This is great. The (owners Zygi and Mark) Wilfs want to spend as much money as allowed within the rules. Red (former Vikings owner McCombs) would spend the minimum."
) Incoming Gopher Jay Barriball of Prior Lake scored the winning goal in overtime for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the Anderson Cup U.S. Hockey League championship game last weekend in Omaha, Neb. Former Gopher Kevin Hartzell coached Sioux Falls from last place to first place.
) St. Small: Among those involved in initiating the high school hockey state tournament in St. Paul in 1945 was late civic leader Bill Hickey Sr. He would have been proud to know that three of his great grandsons — Robbie Vannelli and Tom Hickey from St. Thomas Academy and Chris Hickey from Cretin-Derham Hall — played on teams that won state championships last weekend in St. Paul. And a granddaughter, Teri Vannelli, is married to St. Thomas coach Tom Vannelli.
) The Wake Forest men's basketball team the Gophers play tonight in the NIT at Williams Arena features 6-foot-9, 280-pound senior Eric Williams, who used to weigh more than 300 pounds. Last season, Williams declared himself eligible for the NBA draft, then withdrew.
) Former Gophers men's basketball assistant Mike Peterson, who left two years ago to be head women's basketball coach at Wake Forest, finished 12-16 overall and 3-11 in the ACC this season.
) For those who didn't get it the first time, the reason the Vikings passed on free-agent quarterback Drew Brees is that his surgically repaired shoulder reputedly had more damage than most people know.
) The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have ex-Vikings coach Mike Tice as a top assistant, figure the signing of free-agent cornerback Brian Williams from the Vikings will allow more man-to-man coverage and free up players
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/columnists/charley_walters/14100229.htm

Now, I could see NO going from 2 to 4 with NYJ and then going from 4 to a trade with Minny for their 17, 48, 51, Burleson, and what, a 1 or 2 next year (whatever the chart would say at that point) for the 4 and the rights to Cutler.

 

[JonJon]

Kosier is a good pickup. Fans are just in love with names and legacies. Larry Allen is the big name, and he's the future hall of famer.

I agree. He is on the top of my F O-line wish list at the moment with the other guys already taken. Allen has been on his last leg for quite sometime now, and I still don't know why Madden has a man-crush on him.

 

[billknows]

Interesting....

I know what your thinking...:disskin:

 

[Bob Sacamano]

6. What team or teams have done the best job of improving the roster with free-agent signings?

Answer:

C) Dallas. Signed Akin Ayodele, who has played outside linebacker but can play inside in a 3-4, and Kyle Kosier. Both will start and help.

:starspin