*--* 2014 Seattle Seahawks Thread *--* (1 Viewer)

[ScottyDog]

I think we all saw the Rice release coming. Also, the cap is going to be raised by about 4 million dollars this year so I think that really helps bringing back Tate. I still think we are going to look to get Russell a BIG WR through the draft or maybe a BIG TE like ASJ.

Looks like Sidney Rice will be released shortly (or by some news already has been released). Do you think the Seahawks have enough faith in Kearse as a replacement, or do we get someone in FA or through the draft to fill his role? On a happier note, this makes me believe Tate will be re-signed as Rice's departure certainly opens up a lot of extra cash.

 

[cacksman]

Rice's release was one we could see coming from miles away. There are still probable cuts/renegotiation of Clemons, Miller, and maybe Bryant.

Combine that with the salary cap expanding $4 million more than expected, and I think there's more than enough money to re-sign Bennett and Tate.

 

[biju]

Rice's release was one we could see coming from miles away. There are still probable cuts/renegotiation of Clemons, Miller, and maybe Bryant.

Combine that with the salary cap expanding $4 million more than expected, and I think there's more than enough money to re-sign Bennett and Tate.

I think we'll make it happen for Bennett and Tate. And I do think we'll cut Clemons and Bryant. I'm not as sold on Miller these days, but he's certainly in the conversation.

 

[mad sweeney]

Rice's release was one we could see coming from miles away. There are still probable cuts/renegotiation of Clemons, Miller, and maybe Bryant.

Combine that with the salary cap expanding $4 million more than expected, and I think there's more than enough money to re-sign Bennett and Tate.

I think we'll make it happen for Bennett and Tate. And I do think we'll cut Clemons and Bryant. I'm not as sold on Miller these days, but he's certainly in the conversation.

Not sure about cutting Bryant. He's been voted the defensive captain for the last 2 (or 3?) seasons. He's obviously bringing more to the table than just his snapcount and/or stats. Hopefully that is a consideration. I'd really like to have him back. His conversion to DE is one of the bigger success stories in the reshaping of the team and he played last year in a lot of daily pain.

 

[Hooper31]

Rice's release was one we could see coming from miles away. There are still probable cuts/renegotiation of Clemons, Miller, and maybe Bryant.

Combine that with the salary cap expanding $4 million more than expected, and I think there's more than enough money to re-sign Bennett and Tate.

I think we'll make it happen for Bennett and Tate. And I do think we'll cut Clemons and Bryant. I'm not as sold on Miller these days, but he's certainly in the conversation.

Not sure about cutting Bryant. He's been voted the defensive captain for the last 2 (or 3?) seasons. He's obviously bringing more to the table than just his snapcount and/or stats. Hopefully that is a consideration. I'd really like to have him back. His conversion to DE is one of the bigger success stories in the reshaping of the team and he played last year in a lot of daily pain.

I have to agree with sweeney here. My gut tells me that Bryant is a locker room leader. Seattle is family for him in more ways than one. Have you ever felt the pressure of living up to your father-in-law's expectations? Red knows this feeling like few others.

 

[ScottyDog]

Rice's release was one we could see coming from miles away. There are still probable cuts/renegotiation of Clemons, Miller, and maybe Bryant.

Combine that with the salary cap expanding $4 million more than expected, and I think there's more than enough money to re-sign Bennett and Tate.

It is now being reported on the John Clayton show that after new analysis for future revenues that the cap is going to be moved up to $132 million. This is $6 million more per team than anticipated, not the $4 million. This is huge news for Seattle in that they are more likely be able to keep someone that they originally were not. A possible dynasty is brewing here in The Emerald City.

 

[The General]

According to FOX Sports report they are releasing Bryant and trying to keep Bennett. The reporter is some guy named Alex Marvez.

 

[Hooper31]

According to FOX Sports report they are releasing Bryant and trying to keep Bennett. The reporter is some guy named Alex Marvez.

Likely a cap casualty even if they don't sign Bennett.

 

[proninja]

It sucks losing guys like Red, but it sucks a lot less knowing we can send them on their way with a ring

 

[mad sweeney]

It sucks losing guys like Red, but it sucks a lot less knowing we can send them on their way with a ring

Sucks big time. You don't wear that C just because of the snaps when you're on the field. Would love to have seen him restructured rather than released, but he's earned a big payday somewhere.

New defensive Captain? It's got to be Thomas or Chancellor. My money's on Chancellor.

 

[seahawk 17]

According to FOX Sports report they are releasing Bryant and trying to keep Bennett. The reporter is some guy named Alex Marvez.

Seahawks To Release Red BryantFebruary 23rd at 8:16pm CST by Rob DiRe
Tweet7 Share0 Share1 Share0 Email0
The Seahawks are planning to release defensive lineman Red Bryant in order to free up cap space for unrestricted free agent Michael Bennett, reports Fox Sports 1 Senior Reporter Alex Marvez (via Twitter).

According to OverTheCap.com, cutting Bryant would create $5.5MM in cap savings in 2014.

Bennett was a huge part of the Seahawks Super Bowl winning defense. He was set to hit free agency as one of the most prominent pass rushers available, after signing a one-year deal to play with the Seahawks last season. The team released Sydney Rice earlier this week in hopes to free up cap space as well.

Bennett has been expected to be re-signed by the Seahawks, and expressed interest in returning to the team on a long-term contract. At the same time, he indicated that he would not be giving the team a hometown discount, saying there is “no such thing as a discount” in the NFL.

General manager John Schneider has singled out Bennett as a priority this offseason.

 

[proninja]

It sucks losing guys like Red, but it sucks a lot less knowing we can send them on their way with a ring

Sucks big time. You don't wear that C just because of the snaps when you're on the field. Would love to have seen him restructured rather than released, but he's earned a big payday somewhere.

New defensive Captain? It's got to be Thomas or Chancellor. My money's on Chancellor.

I'd guess ET, but neither would surprise me

 

[identikit]

RB leaves the Combine for a higher calling (and to play for the Seahawks):

http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/40715/God-tells-San-Diego-State-RB-prospect-to-leave-NFL-combine/Default.aspx

 

[biju]

RB leaves the Combine for a higher calling (and to play for the Seahawks):

http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/40715/God-tells-San-Diego-State-RB-prospect-to-leave-NFL-combine/Default.aspx

That sucks for that guy. We have Lynch, Michael, Turbin, Ware, and Coleman already on the roster, and I suspect we'll give Mike Rob a look again. Potentially pulling himself from the boards of 31 teams seems like a bad employment strategy.

 

[FootballGuy22]

While the increased salary cap helps the Seahawks in re-signing a few guys we have to remember it also gives all teams more cap space to sign our guys away. I think we'll see a much larger market and deals for people like Bennett than they received last year when the defensive linemen didn't seem to have a market and the team smartly took advantage with the deals for Avril and Bennett. Doubt those will be options this year but i expect the team to continue to make smart moves.

 

[CapnJB]

I stumbled upon this today.

 

[proninja]

I stumbled upon this today.

Read this on Irvin's role today.

 

[seahawk 17]

"Even though he played in just eight games before a groin injury, even though he has been suspended indefinitely for using a banned substance, and even though he likely won’t play again for either the Seahawks or any other NFL team, Brandon Browner reportedly got paid for Seattle’s playoff games and will receive a Super Bowl ring."



http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2014/02/24/report-brandon-browner-paid-given-ring-for-seahawks-super-bowl-win/

 

[ScottyDog]

"Even though he played in just eight games before a groin injury, even though he has been suspended indefinitely for using a banned substance, and even though he likely won’t play again for either the Seahawks or any other NFL team, Brandon Browner reportedly got paid for Seattle’s playoff games and will receive a Super Bowl ring."



http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2014/02/24/report-brandon-browner-paid-given-ring-for-seahawks-super-bowl-win/

Look for that ring on Ebay in the next 5 years.

 

[biju]

"Even though he played in just eight games before a groin injury, even though he has been suspended indefinitely for using a banned substance, and even though he likely won’t play again for either the Seahawks or any other NFL team, Brandon Browner reportedly got paid for Seattle’s playoff games and will receive a Super Bowl ring."



http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2014/02/24/report-brandon-browner-paid-given-ring-for-seahawks-super-bowl-win/

Look for that ring on Ebay in the next 5 years.

He doesn't need to go to ebay.

BRANDON: If you're out there, I'll buy it from you.

 

[mad sweeney]

Man, seeing the headline that cutting Big Red was official really got to me. I'm trying to think of the last cut that bummed me out so much. It does remind me about the story Schneider told when he cut Hass, which also sucked but Hass couldn't play much anymore like Red still can. It's probly a little off on details, but he said that when he got home after cutting Hass, that his kid came up to him bawling and punched him in the arm and wouldn't speak to him for a few days. Being a GM seems awesome when you're assembling talent but it has to suck to be the guy who has to enact necessary changes. It'll take awhile to replace Red's leadership. Still keeping to my prediction that Bam Kam wears the C next year.

 

[Neofight]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

 

[mad sweeney]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

Yup...we don't need them.

 

[Hooper31]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

That seems like some pretty harsh judgment. Fair enough. I tend not to judge when it comes to pot. Its not for me, but I think its silly making it an offense that can cost you your job when its legal here in our state. Yes, I know it wasn't "legal" when he signed his contract. I just think its weird trying to demonize marijuana usage when alcohol is far worse for society in general.

I think the odds of Browner returning to Seattle are good. They paid him a Super Bowl share when they didn't have to. Further, they gave him a raise this past season when they didn't have to. Time will tell if those checks count for something. Who knows? Perhaps the team doesn't want him back.

 

[seahawk 17]

If you can get him on the cheap, there is absolutely no reason not to bring him back.

 

[Neofight]

Love the "men who want to play" bit. That needs to be a skit... ####### hilarious!

 

[Neofight]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

Yup...we don't need them.

You and the mad one, maybe, but what about the Seahawks?

 

[ImTheScientist]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

Yup...we don't need them.

You and the mad one, maybe, but what about the Seahawks?

Maxwell is better and there is no way he can play the slot. Do you really think he would accept a backup role?

 

[Neofight]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

Yup...we don't need them.

You and the mad one, maybe, but what about the Seahawks?

Maxwell is better and there is no way he can play the slot. Do you really think he would accept a backup role?

Yes and yes. He isn't going to have a whole lot of suitors in my estimation. He'd be happy to have a chance to compete for a role and a stab at actually playing in the Super Bowl this time.

 

[mad sweeney]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

That seems like some pretty harsh judgment. Fair enough. I tend not to judge when it comes to pot. Its not for me, but I think its silly making it an offense that can cost you your job when its legal here in our state. Yes, I know it wasn't "legal" when he signed his contract. I just think its weird trying to demonize marijuana usage when alcohol is far worse for society in general.

I think the odds of Browner returning to Seattle are good. They paid him a Super Bowl share when they didn't have to. Further, they gave him a raise this past season when they didn't have to. Time will tell if those checks count for something. Who knows? Perhaps the team doesn't want him back.

I don't care if it's coffee that's banned, they deliberately and knowingly risked 4 game suspensions. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the demonization of pot, and also I believe the actual test occurred before it was legalized. I also don't think it matters if it's legal there, the rules have to be even among the league. It shows a tremendous amount of stupidity, tremendous, to risk the biggest pay day of their lives to smoke, not to mention the potential to damage the team Utterly stupid. We don't need that kind of stupidity and disregard for the team. They'd also likely only be depth now anyway when they might be starters elsewhere. Not to mention a toke away from being gone for a year.

 

[Neofight]

Coffee banned in Seattle? Inconceivable!

The rest, not so much.

 

[biju]

Just to add in my two cents...

It was pretty stupid for Browner to do what he did. He gambled with the health of the team and his own potential earning capacity. I'm not convinced he'll be "cheap", but he also isn't going to be "expensive" either given his talent. Still, I don't expect him to be back with the Seahawks. Maxwell is a much cheaper alternative than he'll be and in my opinion better. Our organization shouldn't make it a habit to overpay for backups (which is why the Jeron Johnson tender surprised me) when we have big stars in the near future who will need to be re-signed (Thomas, Sherman, Wilson).

We're really going to need every penny as early as this summer for the Sherman and Thomas extensions. We can't afford Browner unless he's making the veteran minimum, and that isn't going to happen.

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

That seems like some pretty harsh judgment.

Completely agree. This case obviously had extenuating and unique circumstances. Anyone, including our friend Sweeney, is free to ignore those circumstances. I don't know if Browner is ever a Hawk again, but I do think he regained some justice and was likely cheated out of playing in a Superbowl; by the NFLs own admission (of sorts). Nonetheless, the way the Hawks handled this was outstanding. He still got his ring and his bonus despite the petty NFL. Don't think other players from teams don't notice this.

 

[Hooper31]

Don't think other players from teams don't notice this.

Great point. The organization continues to hit home runs in the human resources department. Let's hope this continues.

 

[seahawk 17]

Just to add in my two cents...

It was pretty stupid for Browner to do what he did. He gambled with the health of the team and his own potential earning capacity. I'm not convinced he'll be "cheap", but he also isn't going to be "expensive" either given his talent. Still, I don't expect him to be back with the Seahawks. Maxwell is a much cheaper alternative than he'll be and in my opinion better. Our organization shouldn't make it a habit to overpay for backups (which is why the Jeron Johnson tender surprised me) when we have big stars in the near future who will need to be re-signed (Thomas, Sherman, Wilson).

We're really going to need every penny as early as this summer for the Sherman and Thomas extensions. We can't afford Browner unless he's making the veteran minimum, and that isn't going to happen.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this the last year of Maxwell's contract also. He's going to want starter money, and depending how his season goes he could get expensive.

 

[mad sweeney]

Brandon Browner was just reinstated. I wonder how much buzz he will generate in free agency. The Seahawks may just be able to keep him on the cheap if Thurmond walks.

Why waste roster space on two guys who put pot ahead of their team during the toughest stretch if the reg season. Both of who are dimwits that are one puff away from a year off. Save the space for men who want to play.

That seems like some pretty harsh judgment.

Completely agree. This case obviously had extenuating and unique circumstances. Anyone, including our friend Sweeney, is free to ignore those circumstances. I don't know if Browner is ever a Hawk again, but I do think he regained some justice and was likely cheated out of playing in a Superbowl; by the NFLs own admission (of sorts). Nonetheless, the way the Hawks handled this was outstanding. He still got his ring and his bonus despite the petty NFL. Don't think other players from teams don't notice this.

I don't think the NFL's action is anything like an admission of cheating him out of the SB and I'm not ignoring the circumstances. Since he was hit with 4 games next season and an additional 4 game checks, then he would still have been suspended through the SB run based on their reduced penalty. He's getting "time served" plus four more games. Just because I disagree with them doesn't mean I'm ignoring them. He was getting tested 4-6 times per month because he'd been busted in Denver. It's incumbent on him and his agent to know exactly why he was being tested so often in comparison to other players being tested only once per year. Maybe he did know and didn't want to have his status changed because he thought it would trigger the suspension that should've happened when he came back into the league, but the NFL somehow missed. That could very easily be another time he rolled the dice and missed. Whatever the reasoning for not fighting it early, as in before he got caught being an unfathomably stupid idiot, fighting it after you've been caught and are staring at your biggest payday ever swirling down the drain doesn't accrue sympathy or support from me.

IF he were to be back with Seattle, he would have missed 4 games at the end of 2012, 8 games in 2013 (5 reg season, 3 playoff) and then another 4 in 2014. So he would accrue an entire season's worth of suspensions from Seattle in what, a year and a half and be a toke away from an entire season, with nothing whatsoever in his history to back up the idea that THIS time he'll stay clean? Taking away the oh so unfair penalties, that's still twice he legitimately got suspended for the last 5 or so games in back to back seasons. Both of which are gargantuan letdowns no matter how you look at it. It worked out for Seattle this season but that doesn't excuse it at all.

Ignorance is no excuse. He should've known what stage he was in and should've fought it before it was a problem, that's on him and his agent. All the info he needed, including the wording of the drug testing policies, was readily available to him in the contract he signed. He shouldn't have smoked dope when there was everything, EVERYTHING, on the line. He cost himself millions of dollars even if it were simply the 4 game suspension to start with, that's on him.

Saying that I'm ignoring the circumstances is laughable. The Browner apologists are the ones ignoring the facts, I've taken them all into consideration in my opinion.

 

[Hooper31]

The Browner apologists are the ones ignoring the facts, I've taken them all into consideration in my opinion.

Would you agree there are shades of gray here, or is this something that's completely black or white for you?

 

[biju]

Just to add in my two cents...

It was pretty stupid for Browner to do what he did. He gambled with the health of the team and his own potential earning capacity. I'm not convinced he'll be "cheap", but he also isn't going to be "expensive" either given his talent. Still, I don't expect him to be back with the Seahawks. Maxwell is a much cheaper alternative than he'll be and in my opinion better. Our organization shouldn't make it a habit to overpay for backups (which is why the Jeron Johnson tender surprised me) when we have big stars in the near future who will need to be re-signed (Thomas, Sherman, Wilson).

We're really going to need every penny as early as this summer for the Sherman and Thomas extensions. We can't afford Browner unless he's making the veteran minimum, and that isn't going to happen.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this the last year of Maxwell's contract also. He's going to want starter money, and depending how his season goes he could get expensive.

This will be the final year of Maxwell also. Maybe I'm feeling a little privileged, but I have a feeling Carroll/Schneider will continue to have success in finding more CBs. As far as I can tell they have successfully identified Sherman, Browner, Thurmond, Maxwell, and Lane for 5 starting caliber CBs in 4 years of drafting/FA. That's a pretty friggin good track record and maybe enough for me to say they can identify players who will fit their mold.

 

[Dinkle Heimer]

The Browner apologists are the ones ignoring the facts, I've taken them all into consideration in my opinion.

Would you agree there are shades of gray here, or is this something that's completely black or white for you?

Well, the NFL went from a one year suspension to an "our bad" suspension for a ####### pretty obvious shade of gray reason. That's pretty much a given; despite any hyperbole to the contrary.

 

[mad sweeney]

The Browner apologists are the ones ignoring the facts, I've taken them all into consideration in my opinion.

Would you agree there are shades of gray here, or is this something that's completely black or white for you?

If there are shades, they're darker than charcoal grey. In three years he and his agent never knew his status? That's dumb compounded on dumb. I would have zero trouble supporting him in fighting the placement in stage 3 if it occurred before he got busted. Afterwards, it comes off as disingenious at best to me.

However, that statement above is in reference to the idea that I ignored the facts in my opinion, which is clearly not the case. The apologists seem to gloss over the fact that in 3 years of constant drug tests that he or his agent never knew his status and that he didn't know the requirements of the drug policy when he went away from the NFL after getting caught in Denver. I think Goodell is the worst commissioner in league history and is doing a number of things that will hurt the NFL in the long run, so me siding with him is a big deal. All the evidence puts this into Browner's corner for being grossly stupid and irresponsible.

 

[mad sweeney]

The Browner apologists are the ones ignoring the facts, I've taken them all into consideration in my opinion.

Would you agree there are shades of gray here, or is this something that's completely black or white for you?

Well, the NFL went from a one year suspension to an "our bad" suspension for a ####### pretty obvious shade of gray reason. That's pretty much a given; despite any hyperbole to the contrary.

If it was an "our bad" suspension then there wouldn't be any carry over to next season. It'd be just the 8 games he served already, including playoffs. Giving him another 4 games plus 4 more game checks is very, very far from "our bad". That's 12 games total and 16 game checks (or 13 depending on the playoff pay which I dunno if it is all from the Seahawks or if there's some from the league). It's much closer to the original year suspension than it is to "our bad".

 

[mad sweeney]

Just to add in my two cents...

It was pretty stupid for Browner to do what he did. He gambled with the health of the team and his own potential earning capacity. I'm not convinced he'll be "cheap", but he also isn't going to be "expensive" either given his talent. Still, I don't expect him to be back with the Seahawks. Maxwell is a much cheaper alternative than he'll be and in my opinion better. Our organization shouldn't make it a habit to overpay for backups (which is why the Jeron Johnson tender surprised me) when we have big stars in the near future who will need to be re-signed (Thomas, Sherman, Wilson).

We're really going to need every penny as early as this summer for the Sherman and Thomas extensions. We can't afford Browner unless he's making the veteran minimum, and that isn't going to happen.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this the last year of Maxwell's contract also. He's going to want starter money, and depending how his season goes he could get expensive.

This will be the final year of Maxwell also. Maybe I'm feeling a little privileged, but I have a feeling Carroll/Schneider will continue to have success in finding more CBs. As far as I can tell they have successfully identified Sherman, Browner, Thurmond, Maxwell, and Lane for 5 starting caliber CBs in 4 years of drafting/FA. That's a pretty friggin good track record and maybe enough for me to say they can identify players who will fit their mold.

Yeah, this is the part that seems to be ignored when discussing the Hawks and the cap. Yes, there will be good players, sometimes even core players that leave. And yes, it will be hard to find another physical freak like Sherman or Thomas. But this FO and coach have built the best overall depth team in the league* because they are great at finding players. That isn't going to stop just because the great players they found are due for a payday. They were at the cap when those players were drafted, this is nothing new to them. They're not out of contention because they have superstar contracts to pay out. They'll find starters and depth at other positions on the cheap to keep the team. It's been a complete overhaul of the team they inherited 4 years ago, that doesn't just end. They could screw it up and not everyone they sign will work out, but their hit:miss ratio is excellent and there's no reason to think they won't keep it up.

* for some reason OL has always been somewhat of a problem, even taking injuries into account.

 

[Hooper31]

I would have zero trouble supporting him in fighting the placement in stage 3 if it occurred before he got busted. Afterwards, it comes off as disingenious at best to me.

This is what I was referring to when I brought up shades of gray. "If". Your choice of words. We don't know all the facts. Further, we can't see in the heart of any man. We don't know who knew what exactly

However, that statement above is in reference to the idea that I ignored the facts in my opinion, which is clearly not the case. The apologists seem to gloss over the fact that in 3 years of constant drug tests that he or his agent never knew his status and that he didn't know the requirements of the drug policy when he went away from the NFL after getting caught in Denver. I think Goodell is the worst commissioner in league history and is doing a number of things that will hurt the NFL in the long run, so me siding with him is a big deal. All the evidence puts this into Browner's corner for being grossly stupid and irresponsible.

Who are these "apologists"? Am I one because I choose not to drop harsh judgment on him without knowing all the details?

 

[ImTheScientist]

Who cares about scrub browner.

 

[biju]

It sounds as though the Bears are expected to make a big push for Bennett. It's too bad if we don't at least get a chance, but at the same time I'm more than fine not trying to break the bank for a player when we've done so well in the draft and FA.

Best of luck Michael!

 

[seahawk 17]

Bennett got his ring, now he is looking to get paid. There is no way he stays in Seattle.

 

[seahawk 17]

DB discusses FA...

By Doug Baldwin, Seahawks receiver

Free Agency starts on Tuesday and with that, we will see the business side of the NFL take a front seat in the media vehicle. We have already seen tough decisions being made around the league with a few hitting close to home. Fans around the world are sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what the future holds for their favorite teams. Some fans will confuse a player’s desire for higher pay as a selfish act against their team. But tonight I want to give you, the fans, the player’s perspective of what really goes on.

The NFL stands for many things depending on your perspective. “Not for long” and “No… Loyalty” are other acronyms for the National Football League. These descriptions of the NFL are very accurate as they are for most businesses.

Remember, the average life span of a NFL career is only 3.5 years. The majority of those careers end not on the player’s terms but are a result of being cut or from injury. Many fans also have an inflated view of the average player salary. You have to realize that the league average of 1.5 Million dollars a year is boosted by the enormously expensive contracts of players like Joe Flacco, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, all of which make around 20 million a year. Don’t get me wrong, the yearly average is a lot of money, but lets compare apples to apples.

Take me for example, after going undrafted my total contract for the past three years before taxes adds up to 1.4 million. Did you catch that? In my three years as a professional I made what is apparently the league average for one year. This is common among NFL rosters, which on average, includes 13 undrafted players per team. Keep in mind, Richard Sherman and I made the same amount over that time period from our NFL contracts. So what’s my point?

It is not often that an NFL player reaches unrestricted free agency being highly sought after by other teams. With so much uncertainty in the game of football and life in general, is it really that bad that players want to get the most out of their short window of opportunity? An opportunity they have dreamed of and worked for their entire lives to take part in.

It’s ironic that some fans can cheer their hearts out for a player during the season and then quickly turn on them during free agency calling them greedy and selfish. To me, that is disappointing considering how much us players appreciate and need the fan support.

In fact, you’d be surprised at how often players take less than what they could get to help their team spread the wealth. In my three years of first-hand experience, I can tell you that it happens a lot, but rarely makes headline news.

Again, many fans will not get the bigger picture. They’ll continue to argue that players make enough money and shouldn’t be greedy. But, with the NFL having such a high turnover rate (for example cutting players left and right) as well as having a 100% injury rate, is it truly greedy to want to get the most out of all the hard work you put into your craft? Is it that hard to fathom. Or is emotion crowding your mind’s ability to critically think with logic. If that is the case, then who is really thinking selfishly?

Read more: http://q13fox.com/2014/03/09/doug-baldwin-guest-commentary-free-agency-from-the-players-perspective/#ixzz2vZCuSYET

 

[ImTheScientist]

DB discusses FA...

By Doug Baldwin, Seahawks receiver

Free Agency starts on Tuesday and with that, we will see the business side of the NFL take a front seat in the media vehicle. We have already seen tough decisions being made around the league with a few hitting close to home. Fans around the world are sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what the future holds for their favorite teams. Some fans will confuse a player’s desire for higher pay as a selfish act against their team. But tonight I want to give you, the fans, the player’s perspective of what really goes on.

The NFL stands for many things depending on your perspective. “Not for long” and “No… Loyalty” are other acronyms for the National Football League. These descriptions of the NFL are very accurate as they are for most businesses.

Remember, the average life span of a NFL career is only 3.5 years. The majority of those careers end not on the player’s terms but are a result of being cut or from injury. Many fans also have an inflated view of the average player salary. You have to realize that the league average of 1.5 Million dollars a year is boosted by the enormously expensive contracts of players like Joe Flacco, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, all of which make around 20 million a year. Don’t get me wrong, the yearly average is a lot of money, but lets compare apples to apples.

Take me for example, after going undrafted my total contract for the past three years before taxes adds up to 1.4 million. Did you catch that? In my three years as a professional I made what is apparently the league average for one year. This is common among NFL rosters, which on average, includes 13 undrafted players per team. Keep in mind, Richard Sherman and I made the same amount over that time period from our NFL contracts. So what’s my point?

It is not often that an NFL player reaches unrestricted free agency being highly sought after by other teams. With so much uncertainty in the game of football and life in general, is it really that bad that players want to get the most out of their short window of opportunity? An opportunity they have dreamed of and worked for their entire lives to take part in.

It’s ironic that some fans can cheer their hearts out for a player during the season and then quickly turn on them during free agency calling them greedy and selfish. To me, that is disappointing considering how much us players appreciate and need the fan support.

In fact, you’d be surprised at how often players take less than what they could get to help their team spread the wealth. In my three years of first-hand experience, I can tell you that it happens a lot, but rarely makes headline news.

Again, many fans will not get the bigger picture. They’ll continue to argue that players make enough money and shouldn’t be greedy. But, with the NFL having such a high turnover rate (for example cutting players left and right) as well as having a 100% injury rate, is it truly greedy to want to get the most out of all the hard work you put into your craft? Is it that hard to fathom. Or is emotion crowding your mind’s ability to critically think with logic. If that is the case, then who is really thinking selfishly?

Read more: http://q13fox.com/2014/03/09/doug-baldwin-guest-commentary-free-agency-from-the-players-perspective/#ixzz2vZCuSYET

DB fresh is an average WR. If he wants to get paid then go somewhere else, suck, and be out of the league because there are plenty of guys that can do what he does. I also laugh when people complain about making huge amounts of cash for playing a game. Just don't feel sorry for those types of guys.

 

[biju]

DB fresh is an average WR. If he wants to get paid then go somewhere else, suck, and be out of the league because there are plenty of guys that can do what he does. I also laugh when people complain about making huge amounts of cash for playing a game. Just don't feel sorry for those types of guys.

I'm not sure I can agree with you here. To be honest, I don't have any objective data to counter it though and I'd be open to a discussion on it.