Free Agency

Tampa Bay making moves

Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, Free Agency, NFL , ,

Yesterday afternoon, news broke in Florida that the Buccaneers had cut veteran quarterback Josh McCown after only one season. McCown had an up and down year with only 11 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. He also suffered from an arm injury and lost his starting job to the much younger Mike Glennon. This seems like a pretty routine move for a team to make, cutting a veteran quarterback who struggled this past year. However, the Bucs also hold the number one overall pick so this might project as to what the Bucs are planning to do with that pick.

It might be a bit of stretch to say, but this seems like a vote of confidence in Glennon. Logically speaking, a team who was planning to draft a rookie quarterback would probably want to keep around the knowledgeable veteran who can act as a teacher for a year before the rookie takes over the following season. That would have been the perfect role for McCown tutoring either Florida State’s Jameis Winston or Oregon’s Marcus Mariota. McCown’s contract would have expired at the end of next season leaving it for one of those two signal callers to take the reins. Glennon would represent the intriguing trade piece that the Bucs might be able to convert into a mid-round draft pick in either of the next two years.

Instead, it seems like Tampa is preparing to buy into the North Carolina State product Glennon. He has shown some promise in his first two seasons. He played 13 games his rookie year and completed almost 60 percent of his passes. He also tallied 19 touchdowns to only 9 interceptions. This year Glennon’s numbers dropped slightly but that can likely be attributed to a much worse supporting cast and sporadic playing time that never allowed him to find a rhythm. He still through 10 touchdowns in only 6 games and limited himself to as many interceptions as he played games. His total quarterback rating even jumped up to 55.9. That’s not anything special but that is a solid number for a young quarterback.

If the Bucs truly are buying into Glennon then there are a couple of things we could see happen in the weeks leading up to draft day. There are several teams looking to make a move up to select either Winston or Mariota. The most likely suitor could be St. Louis who is toying with the idea of releasing oft-injured Sam Bradford as he will account for $17 million for 2015 if he is on the roster. Cutting him would save St. Louis almost 13 million. If the Rams were willing to give up a veteran, starting lineman and their pick at number 10, I think we could see these two teams swap picks.

However, if the Bucs aren’t really sold on Glennon and are looking to bring in a veteran then I think they have two options here. The Eagles have made it known that they would love to land Mariota, whom Eagles coach Chip Kelly recruited to Oregon when he was running the program. Philadelphia might be able to send Nick Foles, who the team has been rumored to have been shopping, and a late round pick in exchange for the number one pick. The other team that could be in the mix is Kansas City. This team has a lot of problems on the offensive side of the ball but in a year where the free agent class of wide receivers is looking stronger than ever, the Chiefs may be able to turn their attention elsewhere. Alex Smith is a good, veteran quarterback but he has been more of a game manager throughout his career. If the Bucs want to build a team based on running the ball and efficient quarterback play, Smith could be their guy.

We also cannot rule out the Buccaneers simply looking at a position other than quarterback at number one. Nebraska’s Randy Gregory is a great linebacker who has made his name putting pressure on the quarterback. He could be a plug and play helping Tampa’s defense get after division rivals Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Drew Brees. Leonard Williams out of USC might also be a fit. He played mostly inside in college but has the skills to play anywhere along the defensive line. Either way he would be a huge asset to Tampa’s unit. Lovie Smith made Chicago a Super Bowl caliber team with a great defense and Rex Grossman at quarterback. Don’t be surprised if he follows the defense first formula again.

NFL invents new way to discover talent

Chris McGlynn Football, Free Agency, NFL

Earlier this week the NFL announced a new addition to the offseason. The league has decided to add a combine that will evaluate veteran players who are free agents looking for a new team. The veteran combine would mirror that of the rookie one held for prospects entering the NFL draft. As far as I am aware, this was something the NFL had just decided to do on its own; there was not any outside pressure involved or fans calling for this to happen. I sincerely think this is an excellent idea that the NFL has proposed and I am looking forward to seeing how the whole process plays out.

This combine only makes too much sense. This gives the perfect opportunity for players aging player to show that they’ve still got it, injured stars to show that they have recovered or for younger, unheralded guys to demonstrate their new skill acquisition. For teams, it gives them some concrete numbers to work with, allowing them to make much better informed decisions. It is also a new negotiating tool for teams to look at when determining a player’s value. The NFL wins as well because not only is it giving its players a brand new opportunity, which should help with relations to the NFLPA. This will also become a largely commercial event where various companies will vie for the right to sponsor it and boost the popularity of the NFL Network, which is likely where this event will air on television. I see this being a great decision all the way around where it seems like everyone gets something out of it.

The structure of the event is not how you might expect it to be. The combine will not start until a week after free agency begins meaning that plenty of the top players will have already signed new contracts. That means the target group for this combine is the mid-level and low-level free agents who aren’t garnering tons of media attention. There are no invites to the combine either. Unlike, the rookie combine, you can simply sign up for the veteran one, for a $400 fee, but still anyone can theoretically sign up. This levels the playing field for a lot of unheard of free agents who might not be in line to receive an invite. It does not guarantee any of these players a contract but it could at least put them on teams’ radars. They could easily be cut only weeks later in favor of some young blood in the draft but at least they will have a chance to impress and stick. For some of these players, that is all they need.

I think this is a great innovation for the NFL. For crazed football fans, very much like myself, if becomes another event we can track and obsess over while we wait for football to return in August. It shows that the NFL is aware that it still has room to improve every aspect of the league. It does not solely focus on the gameplay. I am interested to see what players show up, dazzle the league on a new stage, and make a name for himself with blazing speed, unparalleled strength or freakish athleticism. All of those will be on display when the league brings together a collection of players who are being given another chance to prove themselves. These guys will not get too many chances after this one so be sure that they are going to everything they can to make this count. Now, we as the fans just get to sit back and wait for the sparks to fly and the fun to begin.

Contract of the future?

Chris McGlynn Football, Free Agency, NFL

This past Wednesday, Colin Kaepernick signed a six-year $126 million contract extension, including $61 million of guaranteed cash. What…The…Hell…? This was a shock to me. Colin Kaepernick is one of the most mobile and running oriented quarterback in the league not named Robert Griffin III. He is always at risk to tear up his knee from one crushing hit. And the 49ers are going to be paying him $10 million per year. The 49ers were smart and structured the contract to be easy to get out of every year but I am at a loss to understand the logic behind this deal.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Kaepernick is a great young quarterback with a ton of potential. And the 49ers aren’t making this deal on potential alone. Kaepernick has led his team to the Super Bowl and the NFC Title game during his last two seasons. I still don’t think I have seen enough that I would sign him to a contract with more guaranteed money that anyone in the league, including Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

Moreover, Kaepernick will now head into this season as the sixth highest paid player in league for 2014. The only players in front of him are Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. Four of those guys have a Super Bowl ring. Matt Ryan has led his team to the playoffs four separate times and has over 150 career touchdowns. The guy after Kaepernick is the league’s best wide receiver Calvin Johnson. I just don’t think he fits with these names yet. Heck, Kaepernick isn’t even the best quarterback in his division (see Wilson, Russell).

Potentially the most interesting thing about Kaepernick’s contract is the way it is structured. San Francisco pretty much created an escape route for themselves if things go south with Kaepernick. It makes me wonder if this is something we will see more of in the future. Will teams look to cover themselves by avoid true long-term deals and simply look to create incentive-based contracts instead. It allows them to review players on a year-to-year basis and if the player continually shows they are worth the money, then they will be guaranteed it for the next year. I don’t see this being something many players will be looking to sign but it is a smart move by the 49ers for the way it is structured.

I think this was a great idea for the 49ers, just not the right player to give it to. Maybe if we were sitting here this time next year and Colin Kaepernick had just made it two his third consecutive NFC Title game then I would be a little less hesitant about this but truthfully Kaepernick has played one full season in the NFL and now he getting paid like a future Hall of Famer. He has no MVP awards, no Super Bowl rings, he hasn’t even throw for 25 touchdowns in one season.  I just don’t think he is worth being paid as the sixth best football player in the league.

That’s just my take on it. Let me know what you think.

Raiders making noise and the outlook of Tampa Bay

Chris McGlynn Free Agency, NFL

So naturally, in my first ever blog post I decide to bash the Oakland Raiders for not having a rebuilding plan. Later I would read that the Raiders had signed linebacker Antonio Smith, ex 49er Tarell Brown (one of the more underrated players in free agency if you ask me) and Steelers castoff LaMarr Woodley to compliment Justin Tuck. That would definitely fill some of the holes I thought they had previously. I am curious to see how Raiders’ GM Reggie McKenzie spends the rest of the way in free agency and if he can bring some help to the offensive side of the ball. The Raiders also need a returner if they elect to not bring back Jacoby Ford. Josh Cribbs is available, as is Devin Hester. Al Davis loved guys with speed and even though Hester is older, I think he could be a playmaker that Raiders desperately need.

This team also will be picking at No. 5 in the first round, likely grabbing a quarterback or Sammy Watkins at that slot. I think McKenzie has started to find his direction, but he needs to keep being aggressive to rebuild this once great franchise.

Another intriguing team that is pushing for a turn around in a loaded division is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa has been overshadowed in the last day by some of the AFC’s elite squads making splashy moves but the Bucs are starting to build a contender. They’ve added ex-Bengals Anthony Collins and Michael Johnson, Packers lineman Evan Deitrich-Smith, who can play center or guard, and former Titans corner Alterraun Verner. Those have been their bigger signings. They also added veteran QB Josh McCown and former Giants and Raiders tight end Brandon Myers.

I am a huge Lovie Smith fan and I like what he has done with the defense so far. He has created a very good and young secondary by adding Verner to Mark Barron, Jonathan Banks and Dashon Goldson. Offensively, I still think this team could add another receiver and it would be great to have some more depth at tight end. They don’t need a number one guy, they have that in Vincent Jackson but they could really use a compliment. This is Bucs team that has made some big moves and some quieter ones as well which I think will help them compete in the NFC South this year. I do not think they will win it yet, but give Lovie Smith another year or two, and he might just do it.

Addressing Free Agency

Chris McGlynn Free Agency, NFL

So NFL Free Agency got underway this past Tuesday at 3 o’clock pm Eastern Time. I have been deeply engrossed in all of the on-going rumors and signings as well as the gauntlets that have been thrown down (see former Panthers and new Ravens WR Steve Smith and Seahawks rambunctious corner Richard Sherman.)

My first reaction is what the heck happened to the class of receivers? Excluding Steve Smith, who joined the party late, this was supposed to be a killer class of mainly number 2 and slot receivers. Eric Decker is the only big name to sign anywhere new so far, signing with the New York Jets. One can argue Golden Tate is a big name too but not on the same level as Decker. Hakeem Nicks (1-yr deal with the Colts) would fall into this category too if he had scored a touchdown in 2013 (you can’t blame Eil for that.) Guys that were supposed to be moving simply didn’t work out that way. The Eagles ruined a lot of the fun by resigning both Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin before they hit the open market.

Still, I am surprised that there has not been more interest in New England’s latest slot monster Julien Edelman. Wes Welker commanded a lot of money when he hit the open market last year. Edelman put up comparable stats to Welker of 2012, acting as Brady’s only reliable receiver, yet he only has interest from the Cleveland Browns. That doesn’t seem to make sense to me. I would have thought the Jets would have shown some interest. Or even the defending champion Seahawks, who lost Golden Tate to the Lions. I just don’t get how Edelman does not have more interest.

One signing that has left me scratching my head is the Raiders’ signing of Justin Tuck, and not on the part of the Raiders. Tuck is 30 years old and likely has 2 or 3 years left in the tank before he hangs up his cleats. For a player who is looking to wrap up his career, I don’t get the choice of the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are in full scale rebuilding mode and are in an increasingly difficult to win AFC West. The Raiders lack talent on both sides of the ball and don’t seem to have much of a rebuilding plan in place. Tuck clearly wanted to return to the Giants as he offered them a chance to match his deal from Oakland, but New York declined. My only conclusion is that Tuck felt like the Raiders were his only option to continue playing.

One last thing I want to touch on is how scary the New England Patriots defense might be in 2014. With the signing of former All-Pro Darelle Revis (whose contract is downright ridiculous but that could be a whole other blog post), Bill Bellechick now has the ability to lock down half of the field in theory. That means that one of the greatest defensive minds of all-time in the NFL now has the liberty to get creative with his blitz. If the Patriots sign ex-Seahawk corner Brandon Browner as well, that could spell trouble for the rest of the AFC. The Patriots still have some holes to fill at safety (reunion with Brandon Merriweather or bringing in former Falcon Thomas Decoud possibly) and with offensive line depth. This team will add a tight end and middle linebacker in the draft for sure and they will be down right scary to play in 2014. I cannot wait for the Broncos-Pats match-up this time around where both teams are absolutely loaded.

That’s all I’ve got for now, hope people enjoy the first real blog post I wrote.