Latest big trade rumor (1 Viewer)

[GroveDiesel]

ESPN Insider Link

The biggest developing story in the last 24 hours is the Rams' increased interest in Vanderbilt QB Jay Cutler. The Rams are correct in believing the Cardinals are targeting Cutler with the 10th pick. As a result, the Rams have been working the phones trying to bait the Lions (No. 9) or Bills (No. 8) into a trade that would allow them to move ahead of the Cardinals for Cutler.

The Lions have not been overly receptive, as they have their sights set on Texas DB Michael Huff. Should Huff be off the board when the Lions go on the clock, they might change their mind. In the meantime, St. Louis will continue to work with the Bills, who have shown far more interest in dealing.

Bills coach **** Jauron is reportedly eager to trade up for the two players he covets most from this year's class -- Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Ohio State OLB A.J. Hawk. Unfortunately, general manager Marv Levy does not feel it is prudent to mortgage a second-round pick to move up for Ferguson or Hawk. Although Levy isn't necessarily sold on the idea of moving at all, he is far more receptive to trading down.

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An absolutely excellent move for the Bills to trade down if Ferguson does not drop to them. They'd lose out on Huff which would be somewhat disappointing, but they would get one of Ngata/Bunkley/Justice and pick up and extra pick.

 

[GregR_2]

I guess I haven't heard a single word about the Rams and this draft, but I guess I hadn't thought they'd be looking for a QB when they already have Bulger. Does the new coach not like him or something?

 

[LHUCKS]

Interesting. I wonder if we could see a Bulger to Detroit move in '07??

Also, I pray that Cutler doesn't make it to the Cards...I'd rather us pick up a veteran next year than roll the dice with a Culter/VY type QB.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Interesting. I wonder if we could see a Bulger to Detroit move in '07??

Also, I pray that Cutler doesn't make it to the Cards...I'd rather us pick up a veteran next year than roll the dice with a non-Pac 10 QB.

Fixed.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz? This is smoke, right? They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right? I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

 

[LHUCKS]

Interesting.  I wonder if we could see a Bulger to Detroit move in '07??

Also, I pray that Cutler doesn't make it to the Cards...I'd rather us pick up a veteran next year than roll the dice with a non-Pac 10 QB.

Fixed.

well my vote is for Winston Justice sooooo

 

[fruity pebbles]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz? This is smoke, right? They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right? I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

Not a smokescreen. Linehan isn't enamored with Bulger.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Interesting. I wonder if we could see a Bulger to Detroit move in '07??

Also, I pray that Cutler doesn't make it to the Cards...I'd rather us pick up a veteran next year than roll the dice with a non-Pac 10 QB.

Fixed.

well my vote is for Winston Justice sooooo

I think you'll get your wish, and it is the correct wish.

 

[LHUCKS]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz?  This is smoke, right?  They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right?  I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

Not a smokescreen. Linehan isn't enamored with Bulger.

I was just about to say the same. Bulger isn't Linehan's guy.I think we could see a Bulger to the Lions type move in '07.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Interesting. I wonder if we could see a Bulger to Detroit move in '07??

Also, I pray that Cutler doesn't make it to the Cards...I'd rather us pick up a veteran next year than roll the dice with a non-Pac 10 QB.

Fixed.

well my vote is for Winston Justice sooooo

That would be a good pick for them.

 

[BlueOnion]

This is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining drafts in years! Unfortunately we (fans) will not be privey to all the good information; such as "The Rams war room just called the Buffalo war room and Buffalo is not answering the phone...."

Regardless, I am going to have a hard time flippen back and forth between the NFL channel and the ESPN Channel.

 

[GregR_2]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz? This is smoke, right? They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right? I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

I'm leaning that way too. Though as I said, I haven't heard a peep about the Rams and this draft until now. As a Bulger (and Holt and Bruce) dynasty owner, I'm very interested in knowing if the Rams are shopping for another QB though.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz?  This is smoke, right?  They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right?  I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

I'm leaning that way too. Though as I said, I haven't heard a peep about the Rams and this draft until now. As a Bulger (and Holt and Bruce) dynasty owner, I'm very interested in knowing if the Rams are shopping for another QB though.

They were in the Culpepper trade talks.

 

[LHUCKS]

This is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining drafts in years!

No question, with the 3 QB drama and the next Gale Sayers...not to mention all the possible movement.Good times.

 

[TheFanatic]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz? This is smoke, right? They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right? I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

Not a smokescreen. Linehan isn't enamored with Bulger.

I was just about to say the same. Bulger isn't Linehan's guy.I think we could see a Bulger to the Lions type move in '07.

Being a St. Louis Homer, I'm a little surprised to hear that Linehan isn't happy with Bulger. I have NEVER heard anything like that here in the Lou. Bulger may not be Linehan's guy but he's hella accurate and has a monster winning percentage. And he took a pounding in the Martz scheme.

 

[LHUCKS]

If I were a Bulger owner I'd rather have him in Detroit anyhow.

Martz passes > Linehan passes

 

[LHUCKS]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz?  This is smoke, right?  They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right?  I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

Not a smokescreen. Linehan isn't enamored with Bulger.

I was just about to say the same. Bulger isn't Linehan's guy.I think we could see a Bulger to the Lions type move in '07.

Being a St. Louis Homer, I'm a little surprised to hear that Linehan isn't happy with Bulger. I have NEVER heard anything like that here in the Lou. Bulger may not be Linehan's guy but he's hella accurate and has a monster winning percentage. And he took a pounding in the Martz scheme.

I'm not saying he isn't happy with him, I'm just saying that his relationship will not be what it was with Martz. Look for Linehan to put his own stamp on this team, and look for Bulger to be traded in '07...to the Lions.

 

[Bojang0301]

Trying to put your stamp on a team through drafting a QB especially when there is already a proven vet there... bad idea.

 

[LHUCKS]

Trying to put your stamp on a team through drafting a QB especially when there is already a proven vet there... bad idea.

happens all the time

 

[-OZ-]

Old news

Of course this is conjecture, but Im listing the picks I feel most comfortable about IF the player falls to that team.

Rams - Michael Huff

There's speculation this morning that St. Louis is looking to trade up to the #8 or 9 spot. At first, it would seem their target is Huff, but when asked, the answer was that they are actively pursuing Jay Cutler.

WTF is wrong with Bulger? Seems the Rams wanted Culpepper (I understand the Linehan connection) and now want Cutler.

 

[Blackjacks]

Look for Linehan to put his own stamp on this team, and look for Bulger to be traded in '07...to the Lions.

Why? I doubt Martz will be in Detroit in 2007.

 

[-OZ-]

Look for Linehan to put his own stamp on this team, and look for Bulger to be traded in '07...to the Lions.

Why? I doubt Martz will be in Detroit in 2007.

Fired that quickly? wow.

 

[Texasmouth]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz? This is smoke, right? They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right? I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

Not a smokescreen. Linehan isn't enamored with Bulger.

I was just about to say the same. Bulger isn't Linehan's guy.I think we could see a Bulger to the Lions type move in '07.

Bulger is a solid QB, why would the Rams want to get rid of him? The guy has been pretty much lights out.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

 

[GroveDiesel]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

I agree. But if Hawk managed to slip down to them at #8, I'm not sure how they could pass him up. Stick him at SLB in place of Posey this year and then if they can't resign Fletcher after this season possibly move him to MLB. It'd be tough because LB isn't really a spot of need for them right now, but with Spikes coming back from the injury and Fletcher and Posey FAs next season it would just be so tough to pass up Hawk there. Then again, I simply can't imagine the ridiculous mocks that have Hawk falling to 8 being plausible either.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I wouldn't mind them drafting Hawk at #8, but trading up for him makes very little sense to me. IMO, the Bills have to come out of the first day of the draft with at least one OT and one DT. Parting with 2 first day picks to land a LB would be a mistake unless they just really don't like their options at #8.

I have no idea how much it would cost them to move up to the top-5, but if they're going to make a move like that, I certainly hope it's for Ferguson.

If they can get St Louis to overpay for the #8 pick, trading down and targeting Justice or Bunkley definitely makes a lot of sense to me.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

linehan has input, but i doubt if he runs their war room... that includes zygmunt & armey...

it is probably more important to bulger whether the FO likes him, & he is their "kind of guy"...

i like bulger, we'll see... if the rams trade for him (or he drops to them at 11), it means they like him a lot more than bulger, & it isn't just a lateral move... they certainly seem to have more pressing needs all over the defense.

some scouts (notably mayock, & former QB simms recently called him "safest" prospect) think he can emerge as top QB in this class... high praise, given other scouts have said VY has the upside to be one of top QBS in NFL, & leinart has been likened by some to manning & brady...

 

[The Jerminator]

Bulger, Frerotte and Fitz? This is smoke, right? They want Cutler to get picked so they get someone who can help them immediately, right? I don't like predicting smokescreens, but this one seems thick.

Not a smokescreen. Linehan isn't enamored with Bulger.

I was just about to say the same. Bulger isn't Linehan's guy.I think we could see a Bulger to the Lions type move in '07.

Being a St. Louis Homer, I'm a little surprised to hear that Linehan isn't happy with Bulger. I have NEVER heard anything like that here in the Lou. Bulger may not be Linehan's guy but he's hella accurate and has a monster winning percentage. And he took a pounding in the Martz scheme.

For somebody from the Lou you sure talk like your from NorCal...

 

[Donnybrook]

Look for Linehan to put his own stamp on this team, and look for Bulger to be traded in '07...to the Lions.

Can you make it 06? (Roy Williams owner)

 

[Cookiemonster]

It's 'cause Bulger is a FA after two years. Just thinking ahead to start grooming your future QB now. Two years on the bench would leave Cutler in a great spot to come in and play effectively.

 

[On The Rocks]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

I agree. But if Hawk managed to slip down to them at #8, I'm not sure how they could pass him up. Stick him at SLB in place of Posey this year and then if they can't resign Fletcher after this season possibly move him to MLB. It'd be tough because LB isn't really a spot of need for them right now, but with Spikes coming back from the injury and Fletcher and Posey FAs next season it would just be so tough to pass up Hawk there. Then again, I simply can't imagine the ridiculous mocks that have Hawk falling to 8 being plausible either.

you may agree or disagree, but me thinks, that if the Bills somehow managed to get Hawk, Fletcher would be cut. i know i know.....it sounds ridiculous with all Fletcher did for the Bills last year after Spikes went down, but....he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if released. i doubt they get Hawk so Fletcher stays by default.

 

[GroveDiesel]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

I agree. But if Hawk managed to slip down to them at #8, I'm not sure how they could pass him up. Stick him at SLB in place of Posey this year and then if they can't resign Fletcher after this season possibly move him to MLB. It'd be tough because LB isn't really a spot of need for them right now, but with Spikes coming back from the injury and Fletcher and Posey FAs next season it would just be so tough to pass up Hawk there. Then again, I simply can't imagine the ridiculous mocks that have Hawk falling to 8 being plausible either.

you may agree or disagree, but me thinks, that if the Bills somehow managed to get Hawk, Fletcher would be cut. i know i know.....it sounds ridiculous with all Fletcher did for the Bills last year after Spikes went down, but....he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if released. i doubt they get Hawk so Fletcher stays by default.

Why would they cut Fletcher? The guy has been a beast for them and it's not like they're in cap trouble for this season. He'll be a FA after the season along with Posey so it's not like it would save them money going forward. Cutting Fletcher would make no sense at all.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I wouldn't mind them drafting Hawk at #8, but trading up for him makes very little sense to me. IMO, the Bills have to come out of the first day of the draft with at least one OT and one DT. Parting with 2 first day picks to land a LB would be a mistake unless they just really don't like their options at #8.

I have no idea how much it would cost them to move up to the top-5, but if they're going to make a move like that, I certainly hope it's for Ferguson.

If they can get St Louis to overpay for the #8 pick, trading down and targeting Justice or Bunkley definitely makes a lot of sense to me.

on all counts. As a fan, I'm not enamored with the #8 pick. Huff would be a nice pick, but he doesn't play either line, and neither Ngata nor Bunkley nor Justice seem like espeically great value picks here. I would rather see us trade down a few spots, grab an extra pick, and take Bunkley (say), than take Huff at #8, but that's me.

Trading up to get Brick would be okay, but that's probably out of our price range.

 

[-OZ-]

I wouldn't mind them drafting Hawk at #8, but trading up for him makes very little sense to me. IMO, the Bills have to come out of the first day of the draft with at least one OT and one DT. Parting with 2 first day picks to land a LB would be a mistake unless they just really don't like their options at #8.

I have no idea how much it would cost them to move up to the top-5, but if they're going to make a move like that, I certainly hope it's for Ferguson.

If they can get St Louis to overpay for the #8 pick, trading down and targeting Justice or Bunkley definitely makes a lot of sense to me.

on all counts. As a fan, I'm not enamored with the #8 pick. Huff would be a nice pick, but he doesn't play either line, and neither Ngata nor Bunkley nor Justice seem like espeically great value picks here. I would rather see us trade down a few spots, grab an extra pick, and take Bunkley (say), than take Huff at #8, but that's me.

Cold Pizza this morning, their mock draft had Leinart sliding to #10 The comment was made that Childress would do everything he could to move up to 8, 9, or 10 to land him. As I doubt the Lions would make the deal, Buffalo just might slide down, but I assume it would be costly for Minnesota. Still, the Bills might be able to land Winston Justice at 17. makes a lot of sense to me.

 

[Biabreakable]

It's 'cause Bulger is a FA after two years.  Just thinking ahead to start grooming your future QB now.  Two years on the bench would leave Cutler in a great spot to come in and play effectively.

This is a good point and Bulger has durability questions as well so adding depth to the position would help.ETA- I did think Fitz showed some promise when he played last year though.

 

[On The Rocks]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

I agree. But if Hawk managed to slip down to them at #8, I'm not sure how they could pass him up. Stick him at SLB in place of Posey this year and then if they can't resign Fletcher after this season possibly move him to MLB. It'd be tough because LB isn't really a spot of need for them right now, but with Spikes coming back from the injury and Fletcher and Posey FAs next season it would just be so tough to pass up Hawk there. Then again, I simply can't imagine the ridiculous mocks that have Hawk falling to 8 being plausible either.

you may agree or disagree, but me thinks, that if the Bills somehow managed to get Hawk, Fletcher would be cut. i know i know.....it sounds ridiculous with all Fletcher did for the Bills last year after Spikes went down, but....he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if released. i doubt they get Hawk so Fletcher stays by default.

Why would they cut Fletcher? The guy has been a beast for them and it's not like they're in cap trouble for this season. He'll be a FA after the season along with Posey so it's not like it would save them money going forward. Cutting Fletcher would make no sense at all.

two reasons....1. i mentioned. he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if cut.

2. Hawk will be better. (IMO)

 

[-OZ-]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

I agree. But if Hawk managed to slip down to them at #8, I'm not sure how they could pass him up. Stick him at SLB in place of Posey this year and then if they can't resign Fletcher after this season possibly move him to MLB. It'd be tough because LB isn't really a spot of need for them right now, but with Spikes coming back from the injury and Fletcher and Posey FAs next season it would just be so tough to pass up Hawk there. Then again, I simply can't imagine the ridiculous mocks that have Hawk falling to 8 being plausible either.

you may agree or disagree, but me thinks, that if the Bills somehow managed to get Hawk, Fletcher would be cut. i know i know.....it sounds ridiculous with all Fletcher did for the Bills last year after Spikes went down, but....he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if released. i doubt they get Hawk so Fletcher stays by default.

Why would they cut Fletcher? The guy has been a beast for them and it's not like they're in cap trouble for this season. He'll be a FA after the season along with Posey so it's not like it would save them money going forward. Cutting Fletcher would make no sense at all.

two reasons....1. i mentioned. he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if cut.

2. Hawk will be better. (IMO)

couldn't they trade him?I could see them drafting Hawk, if Spikes is less than 100%, he'll help there. If Spikes comes back strong, Hawk > Crowell. BTW, Posey's gone, the job is Crowell's for now.

Still, not their biggest need.

 

[stbugs]

Honestly, it doesn't surprise me that they might not be that enamored with Bulger. Let's be honest, he has a ton of weapons, Holt, Bruce, Curtis, McDonald, Faulk and Jackson over the past few years and a pass crazy coach. Yes, he has put up decent stats, but remember this is the NFL, not fantasy production.

In the past 3 years as the starter, he has missed 11 games (8 last year) and while he has 57TDs, he also has 45 INTS or 1.2 INTs per game. Again, fantasy wise, he has been fine, but it isn't like he has lead the team to any type of playoff success (1-2) like Warner's teams had.

Last year, they were 2-6 with him as QB and 3-3 with Martin/Fitzpatrick. The only win they had against an above .500 team (Jacksonville) was when he didn't play. They were 8-8 in 2004 and 12-4 in 2003, just two years after losing the Super Bowl.

Bulger has been decent in the NFL, but great in fantasy. Throw in his injury issues this past year, and I don't see any reason why a new coach wouldn't be looking for an NFL upgrade.

 

[GroveDiesel]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

I agree. But if Hawk managed to slip down to them at #8, I'm not sure how they could pass him up. Stick him at SLB in place of Posey this year and then if they can't resign Fletcher after this season possibly move him to MLB. It'd be tough because LB isn't really a spot of need for them right now, but with Spikes coming back from the injury and Fletcher and Posey FAs next season it would just be so tough to pass up Hawk there. Then again, I simply can't imagine the ridiculous mocks that have Hawk falling to 8 being plausible either.

you may agree or disagree, but me thinks, that if the Bills somehow managed to get Hawk, Fletcher would be cut. i know i know.....it sounds ridiculous with all Fletcher did for the Bills last year after Spikes went down, but....he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if released. i doubt they get Hawk so Fletcher stays by default.

Why would they cut Fletcher? The guy has been a beast for them and it's not like they're in cap trouble for this season. He'll be a FA after the season along with Posey so it's not like it would save them money going forward. Cutting Fletcher would make no sense at all.

two reasons....1. i mentioned. he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if cut.

2. Hawk will be better. (IMO)

But again, the Bills don't have a problem with the salary cap. They probably have about $7-8M under the cap still which is plenty of room to sign their rookies. It would make no sense at all to cut Fletcher. And even if they did have salary cap concerns, why would they cut Fletcher instead of Posey? Seriously, this just doesn't make any sense at all. It's like saying the Bills should cut Triplett if they draft Ngata.

 

[GroveDiesel]

couldn't they trade him?

I could see them drafting Hawk, if Spikes is less than 100%, he'll help there. If Spikes comes back strong, Hawk > Crowell. BTW, Posey's gone, the job is Crowell's for now.

Still, not their biggest need.

Posey isn't gone. Crowell and Posey will probably split time at that spot, although I think Crowell could end up winning the job outright.

 

[thayman]

The Rams could really use another QB



Bills trading up for Hawk is also a troubling idea

I agree. But if Hawk managed to slip down to them at #8, I'm not sure how they could pass him up. Stick him at SLB in place of Posey this year and then if they can't resign Fletcher after this season possibly move him to MLB. It'd be tough because LB isn't really a spot of need for them right now, but with Spikes coming back from the injury and Fletcher and Posey FAs next season it would just be so tough to pass up Hawk there. Then again, I simply can't imagine the ridiculous mocks that have Hawk falling to 8 being plausible either.

you may agree or disagree, but me thinks, that if the Bills somehow managed to get Hawk, Fletcher would be cut. i know i know.....it sounds ridiculous with all Fletcher did for the Bills last year after Spikes went down, but....he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if released. i doubt they get Hawk so Fletcher stays by default.

Why would they cut Fletcher? The guy has been a beast for them and it's not like they're in cap trouble for this season. He'll be a FA after the season along with Posey so it's not like it would save them money going forward. Cutting Fletcher would make no sense at all.

two reasons....1. i mentioned. he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if cut.

2. Hawk will be better. (IMO)

But again, the Bills don't have a problem with the salary cap. They probably have about $7-8M under the cap still which is plenty of room to sign their rookies. It would make no sense at all to cut Fletcher. And even if they did have salary cap concerns, why would they cut Fletcher instead of Posey? Seriously, this just doesn't make any sense at all. It's like saying the Bills should cut Triplett if they draft Ngata.

There is really no way the Bills cut Fletcher.....They are way under the cap and it serves no purpose.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

This discussion of how our LB corps would be affected by drafting Hawk is fascinating.

Equally fascinating is the question of how the carries would get split if Bush fell to us at #8.

Discuss.

 

[thayman]

This discussion of how our LB corps would be affected by drafting Hawk is fascinating.

Equally fascinating is the question of how the carries would get split if Bush fell to us at #8.

Discuss.

 

[GroveDiesel]

This discussion of how our LB corps would be affected by drafting Hawk is fascinating.

Equally fascinating is the question of how the carries would get split if Bush fell to us at #8.

Discuss.

Yeah, I know. But there have been some mocks where Hawk has been there. I think that those mocks have some teams making some pretty unusual decisions, but this is the NFL draft after all. Strange things can and do happen. And even though they would be decisions that I would disagree with, the mocks do have teams filling positions of need.

But I do agree, it's a pretty long shot. But let me dream my dream while it's still possible at least.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

two reasons....1. i mentioned. he has a high salary with a relatively low cap hit if cut.2. Hawk will be better. (IMO)

the Bills have unused space under the cap. There's absolutely no reason to cut one of your best defensive players coming off one of the best seasons he's had as a Bill in the last year of his contract. If they get Hawk and want him to take over at MLB, you just let Fletcher walk next year when he becomes a free agent. Cutting him now would make no sense at all.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

BTW, Posey's gone, the job is Crowell's for now.

This has not been decided yet as far as I know. Link?