don't know about major playing time, but man would I love to have him in Philadelphia as a short yardage goalline back to comliment Westy.He says he wants to play next year, but doesn't expect the Petriots to redo his contract. Do you think he has a chance to get major playing time somewhere?
No team is going to pay Dillon the type of money associated with being a starter.If he wants to stick around, he'll take a deal similar to what Mike Anderson signed with the Ravens this past offseason, and probably take 125-150 carries, sharing time with a younger, smaller runner, like a Leon Washington.Teams I think he could go to...Jets- They could offer him a starting shot, but wouldn't break the bank to sign him.GB He could replace Green if he's gone. This is probably where he could get the most money.Cle- Again they wouldn't break the bank for him, but he could put pressure on RD.I know there have to be more teams out there, but those were the only ones I can think of.
I'm thinking kinda the same thing, the funny thing is he's still a good RB and in most years there would be a line of teams a mile long trying to sign him, but there isn't a huge need this year and he's not at the level he used to be.No team is going to pay Dillon the type of money associated with being a starter.If he wants to stick around, he'll take a deal similar to what Mike Anderson signed with the Ravens this past offseason, and probably take 125-150 carries, sharing time with a younger, smaller runner, like a Leon Washington.Teams I think he could go to...Jets- They could offer him a starting shot, but wouldn't break the bank to sign him.GB He could replace Green if he's gone. This is probably where he could get the most money.Cle- Again they wouldn't break the bank for him, but he could put pressure on RD.I know there have to be more teams out there, but those were the only ones I can think of.
Something like $4 mill for next year. Too much for a back his age with a young stud like Maroney behind him.what's his contract situation now? is he too expensive for them to keep next year (assuming they don't redo the deal)?
I thought about NE, but I know they'll probably be the lowest bidder and I can't see him coming back.Det could be an option, but I can't see Oak pairing him with Jordan.Pit won't touch him, they are sastified with the pooper. Mia puts him in the same situation he was in in NE, I would doubt he would go there unless they opened up their wallets.teams that might take him:NE (if he is going to take less money to be the back up why not stay in NE?)GB (a lot of ??? at running back)CLE (same as above)DET (Kevin Jones has injury problems)OAK (they'll take anyones garbage)the fact of the matter is that I don't see anything happening untill after the draft. So it will be a while before this gets hot.oh and PIT or even MIA could be a suprise team in this.***EDIT***I just saw the post with the Texans and I agree, that could be a good fit too.
I'm thinking kinda the same thing, the funny thing is he's still a good RB and in most years there would be a line of teams a mile long trying to sign him, but there isn't a huge need this year and he's not at the level he used to be.No team is going to pay Dillon the type of money associated with being a starter.If he wants to stick around, he'll take a deal similar to what Mike Anderson signed with the Ravens this past offseason, and probably take 125-150 carries, sharing time with a younger, smaller runner, like a Leon Washington.Teams I think he could go to...
Jets- They could offer him a starting shot, but wouldn't break the bank to sign him.
GB He could replace Green if he's gone. This is probably where he could get the most money.
Cle- Again they wouldn't break the bank for him, but he could put pressure on RD.
I know there have to be more teams out there, but those were the only ones I can think of.
Based on those numbers, he's not coming back without a new deal.From NFLPA:
2001 2,300,000
2002 2,650,000
2003 2,900,000
2004 660,000
2005 1,000,000
2006 710,000
2007 2,500,000
2008 2,500,000
2009 2,500,000
NOTE: Does not reflect any signing bonus.
I saw on a Boston newspaper site that he counts $4.2 M against the Cap next year. Along with Maroney's $1.5 M and $5.7 M isnt bad for a pretty good combo. However, throw in the $4 M for Kevin Faulk and maybe NE will feel they are spending too much at RB but I dont think so. I think he stays another year.From NFLPA:
2001 2,300,000
2002 2,650,000
2003 2,900,000
2004 660,000
2005 1,000,000
2006 710,000
2007 2,500,000
2008 2,500,000
2009 2,500,000
NOTE: Does not reflect any signing bonus.
Yes, today's Boston Herald had a similar story, with comments from his agent.The gist: We want to stay, and don't expect the Pats to ask to redo the deal.I heard the same thing on NFL Network but the analyst framed it as if Dillon is coming back to the Patriots and doesnt expect to have to redo his contract. I think the Pats are still very high on Maroney but the way he faded down the stretch, they will keep Dillon around. Dillon is making a few bucks but with no MAJOR FA's to be had anyways, and no Cap problems, why not keep him?
Why? He makes $2.5 (and I think the cap hit is $4.2) and Maroney makes $1.5. Not a big hit for insurance behind Maroney. Dont get me wrong, I think Dillon looked slow this year too but he is still averaging 4 ypc in the Patriots offense.Based on those numbers, he's not coming back without a new deal.From NFLPA:
2001 2,300,000
2002 2,650,000
2003 2,900,000
2004 660,000
2005 1,000,000
2006 710,000
2007 2,500,000
2008 2,500,000
2009 2,500,000
NOTE: Does not reflect any signing bonus.
What was interesting watching Maroney and Dillon play, there were times when Maroney looked terrible and Dillon looked like the one that could hit the hole. But once he got past the line Dillon would wilt if he got more than 10 yards.Maroney had between 40 and 45 carries this year for no gain or negative yardage and looked like he couldn't get very far the last few games of the season.I lost count of how many times I said, "Maroney would have scored on that carry" while watching Dillon plod though a giant hole. I was impressed with Dillon near the line of scrimmage this year. He was more nimble than I expected, but he was terribly slow in the open field.
Agreed. This year Dillon was the more consistent back. Maroney had some big moments but he also had some games where he was very ineffective. I think Maroney is the future but I think the Pats need another quality back to go with him until he proves he can be a 20 carry per game guy. Whether that back is Dillon or not remains to be seen. I can easily see scenarios where he returns or leaves. This is something to watch.As for Dillon he's still very effective but he's now a role player. He's a good shortage back who has really discovered a nose for the end zone the last few years. There's not a team in the NFL he couldn't help but he needs to be in the right situation for him to be really successful. One other thing about him (which is not a big positive) is he seems to get worn out a little quicker than he should. He seems to take himself out after any run over 7-8 yards so he needs another good RB with him no matter what happens.I don't see Dillon being in Foxboro more than one year. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Pats feel he's not worth the money's he making. This will be an interesting situation to watch and I really wouldn't be surprised by anything as there's a good case for him to stay or go.What was interesting watching Maroney and Dillon play, there were times when Maroney looked terrible and Dillon looked like the one that could hit the hole. But once he got past the line Dillon would wilt if he got more than 10 yards.Maroney had between 40 and 45 carries this year for no gain or negative yardage and looked like he couldn't get very far the last few games of the season.I lost count of how many times I said, "Maroney would have scored on that carry" while watching Dillon plod though a giant hole. I was impressed with Dillon near the line of scrimmage this year. He was more nimble than I expected, but he was terribly slow in the open field.
I agree with you Shick! but the Pats can't rely on Maroney to carry the load and stay healthy for 16 games (based on his up and down rookie season). If Polian and Belichick don't keep Dillon around they will have to bring in somebody to take some carries. Based on the current options out there they should just keep Dillon.I lost count of how many times I said, "Maroney would have scored on that carry" while watching Dillon plod though a giant hole. I was impressed with Dillon near the line of scrimmage this year. He was more nimble than I expected, but he was terribly slow in the open field.
what kind of role did you have in mind?Chargers-If they actually traded Turner for a #1 Dillon would look real good as a role player here.
Quality backup who can help in the short yardage role. LT's a workhorse but any team with Super Bowl aspirations needs depth at this position. Should Turner get dealt (I have no idea if this will happen but it does seem to at least be a possibility) the Charger would need another pair of legs back there. Dillon's also played in big games and that never hurts a team that's very close.what kind of role did you have in mind?Chargers-If they actually traded Turner for a #1 Dillon would look real good as a role player here.
I don't like Dillon for the G-men.Jacobs is the big bruiser type, between the tackles (allegedly). Dillon's the same way.Dillon would be better served with a back that can cut and get outside, preferably one that can catch passes. That was Maroney.I can think of two places that come immediately to mind - Philly with Westbrook, Indianapolis with Addai.Pittsburgh is also a good call.I don't think anyone has mentioned Dillon in Indy yet. That might work.Jacksonville without Fred Taylor could be another option. Also Green Bay could work with Dillon and Lynch if they draft him and coax him along. A veteran influence could be a good mentor, much like Marshall Faulk did for SJax.Another one is Atlanta - Dunn's not too sturdy and he went under the knife. Norwood and Dillon would be a good RBBC.Lots of different options.Giants seem like a decent destination. I have to think they'd like to have a vet around to pair Jacobs with, so someone like Dillon or Chris Brown might land there.
He didn't disappear from what I could tell (I didn't see every game, but this is my impression). I think he beat up the defense inside, setting the table for the young and quick RB to come off the bench and dart all over the place. Maroney took over there.Couple things.First, I don't see the Patriots cutting dillon to save around $2.5 million. Maroney really lost his effectiveness down the stretch. This, to an extent, is to be expected with him hitting the "rookie wall", but it still doesn't instill a lot of confidence in having Maroney as the only guy. Also, with Dillon gone, you're talking about a depth chart of Maroney, Kevin Faulk, and Heath Evans. They NEED some kind of RB, and whoever you get isn't going to be THAT much cheaper than Dillon and maybe not as effective.Secondly, I don't have the numbers on this, but having watched ever Patriot games I definitely have the sense that Dillon absolutely disappeared for the second half of games. Dillon would break a 20-30 yard run (most other RBs would've gotten a 50-60 yard one) and then he would be out of breath and/or pull something and he would be a non-factor for the rest of the game.Basically, what I'm saying is he's not worth that much on the open market and he's probably worth the most to the team that he's already on.
Had Bill Cowher stayed on as HC then maybe because Mr. Bill had always expressed admiration for Dillon.Now that Tomlin has taken over I think it is much less likely the Steelers would sign a 30+ RB, especially after getting burned on Duce Staley. Instead the Steelers will try to re-sign Davenport, go after Duckett, or grab a big back in the draft.Boston said:Steelers-Takes over that Bettis role.
Part of the reason you didn't see much of Dillon in the second half is due to the team forgoing the run in several games towards the end of the season. To pin it on Dillon being hurt of tired, IMO, is not necessarily the cause.As for the Pats RB situation, only Maroney is a sure think for next year. IIRC, Pass and Evans are free agents. Dillion is due $2.5 million in salary but I believe carries a $4.2 million cap charge. Similarly, Faulk is due almost $2 million in salary and his cap charge is up there near Dillon's. We'll have to wait and see what the Pats' plan is for RB.Couple things.First, I don't see the Patriots cutting dillon to save around $2.5 million. Maroney really lost his effectiveness down the stretch. This, to an extent, is to be expected with him hitting the "rookie wall", but it still doesn't instill a lot of confidence in having Maroney as the only guy. Also, with Dillon gone, you're talking about a depth chart of Maroney, Kevin Faulk, and Heath Evans. They NEED some kind of RB, and whoever you get isn't going to be THAT much cheaper than Dillon and maybe not as effective.Secondly, I don't have the numbers on this, but having watched ever Patriot games I definitely have the sense that Dillon absolutely disappeared for the second half of games. Dillon would break a 20-30 yard run (most other RBs would've gotten a 50-60 yard one) and then he would be out of breath and/or pull something and he would be a non-factor for the rest of the game.Basically, what I'm saying is he's not worth that much on the open market and he's probably worth the most to the team that he's already on.
I think both of you are right. There were games where Dillon's talent did not coincide with the gameplan. Yet, as others mentioned there definetly were games where he was pulling himself out very quickly. I went to the Miami game and it looked like he was having some sort of shoulder/arm issue which seemed to be an issue for a few games. Also, he seemed gassed after any run over 7-8 yards and his arm went up pretty quickly to call in another RB. Anyone who watched the Pats play all season saw this as it appeared to be constant.Part of the reason you didn't see much of Dillon in the second half is due to the team forgoing the run in several games towards the end of the season. To pin it on Dillon being hurt of tired, IMO, is not necessarily the cause.Couple things.First, I don't see the Patriots cutting dillon to save around $2.5 million. Maroney really lost his effectiveness down the stretch. This, to an extent, is to be expected with him hitting the "rookie wall", but it still doesn't instill a lot of confidence in having Maroney as the only guy. Also, with Dillon gone, you're talking about a depth chart of Maroney, Kevin Faulk, and Heath Evans. They NEED some kind of RB, and whoever you get isn't going to be THAT much cheaper than Dillon and maybe not as effective.Secondly, I don't have the numbers on this, but having watched ever Patriot games I definitely have the sense that Dillon absolutely disappeared for the second half of games. Dillon would break a 20-30 yard run (most other RBs would've gotten a 50-60 yard one) and then he would be out of breath and/or pull something and he would be a non-factor for the rest of the game.Basically, what I'm saying is he's not worth that much on the open market and he's probably worth the most to the team that he's already on.
Exactly. What is the cost to cut him? Assuming his cap number is made up of a prorated bonus of 1.7 per year over each of the next 3, they'd take a cap hit of 5.1 to cut him. Unless the big cap his is a restructeringthat they've done to take the hit intentionally this year, leading to the comments from the agent? In other words, what would the cap hit be to cut him? We know it would be at least $1.7, but what remains in the rest of the contract for signing bonus? Would they actually save much money by cutting him? I just don't see him going anywhere else, nor anybody else coming in. He's not the open filed threat he was at 24, but he's solid. The analogy of "meat tenderizer" was a good one. The three headed monster of He, Maroney and Faulk works. They compliment each other well, and I expect Marnoney to be stronger next year down the stretch. His first NFL season was tough on him.I saw on a Boston newspaper site that he counts $4.2 M against the Cap next year. Along with Maroney's $1.5 M and $5.7 M isnt bad for a pretty good combo. However, throw in the $4 M for Kevin Faulk and maybe NE will feel they are spending too much at RB but I dont think so. I think he stays another year.From NFLPA:
2001 2,300,000
2002 2,650,000
2003 2,900,000
2004 660,000
2005 1,000,000
2006 710,000
2007 2,500,000
2008 2,500,000
2009 2,500,000
NOTE: Does not reflect any signing bonus.
Agree, but If he's out of NE theBears would be a good destination if TJ is gone. Benson as the back w/ Dillon backing up and Adrian Peterson there for 3rd down duty...Bri said:Pats have a ton of money available. I don't foresee him leaving
Did Eddie score 13 tds and have a 4.1 avg at the end? As a matter of fact, Dillon has scored 37 tds in the last 3 years with over 3,200 yds. He may be approaching the end, but if he goes somewhere with a good OL, he can still be a viable RB in 2007.He's all but about DONE. See Eddie George for details on how it ended.
George never had better than a 4.1 ypc in any season. His last 5 seasons were 3.7, 3.0, 3.4, 3.3, and 3.3.Did Eddie score 13 tds and have a 4.1 avg at the end? As a matter of fact, Dillon has scored 37 tds in the last 3 years with over 3,200 yds. He may be approaching the end, but if he goes somewhere with a good OL, he can still be a viable RB in 2007.He's all but about DONE. See Eddie George for details on how it ended.
Agreed...there's a big difference between the two at this stage of their careers. When George hit the wall he hit it hard. He really had nothing left in the gas tank and he dropped fast. While Dillon isn't the same RB he was in 2004 he is morphing into a high quality role player. As long as he's used correctly and the expectations are realistic (as well as the contract) he will be an asset to any team he plays for. One other thing about Dillon...and this is somewhat of a surprise. His teammates love him. He's also very good with the young players and he really does seem to understand the player he's becoming. This would have seemed to be a reach about four years ago but the guy really has matured.Did Eddie score 13 tds and have a 4.1 avg at the end? As a matter of fact, Dillon has scored 37 tds in the last 3 years with over 3,200 yds. He may be approaching the end, but if he goes somewhere with a good OL, he can still be a viable RB in 2007.He's all but about DONE. See Eddie George for details on how it ended.
How true that is.George never had better than a 4.1 ypc in any season. His last 5 seasons were 3.7, 3.0, 3.4, 3.3, and 3.3.Did Eddie score 13 tds and have a 4.1 avg at the end? As a matter of fact, Dillon has scored 37 tds in the last 3 years with over 3,200 yds. He may be approaching the end, but if he goes somewhere with a good OL, he can still be a viable RB in 2007.He's all but about DONE. See Eddie George for details on how it ended.
I don't understand why people think this way. I thought Bryson was looking real good in that offense and Calhoun was their future back. Of all the needs on that team RB doesn't seem to be one.If Jones doesn't return til midseason then maybe they need to add a back but it would make me wonder why they drafted Calhoun.I don't imagine longtime vets that want rings going to Detroit.Someone mentioned DET as a possibility in an earlier post. Didn't they comment that they'd like to bring in a vet for insurance for KJ? If so, and depending on Dillon's salary demands (big question), DET would seem a decent fit for him, IMHO.