from today....
Titans still chase Turner
By JIM WYATT
Staff Writer
The Titans are still talking to the Chargers about acquiring running back Michael Turner, Tennessee GM Mike Reinfeldt said Thursday.
"Nothing is imminent at this point and time, but nothing is dead either," Reinfeldt said. "The fact that we both agreed to stay in touch leans toward optimism.''
The Chargers put a first- and third-round draft pick compensation on Turner, a restricted free agent, but the Titans won't give up that much.
The Titans prefer to trade for Turner, which would require reaching a contract agreement with his agent as well as the Titans and Chargers agreeing on compensation.
The deadline for another team to sign a restricted free agent is April 20, although a trade could be completed after that date.
Turner has visited the Titans and Bills.
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../704130415/1027
There are a couple observations of interest, one of which is included in the above article. Having some background in contract negotiations and some exposure to media coverage, I feel fairly confident making the following comments:First, it would appear that MT (I never noticed before that MT is alphabetically behind LT and Turner would follow Tomlinson, do you think LT starts just because the Chargers use their players alphabetically,

)
Ok, that was a major deviation, back to the first point. MT is a fairly major off-season news story, so if the press is only aware of his visits to Buffalo and Tennessee, then I will assume that is accurate. This suggests at this late stage that the other teams are not that serious about pursuing MT at this time. As it stands, either Buffalo or Tennessee could offer a package that the Chargers/MT would accept, ending the opportunity. One would assume, despite excellent knowledge of his past performance and familiarity with MT as a person, that the owners of the Cowboys, Packers and any other team would have had him in for a physical and to begin some introductory talks with him and his agent about compensation. I am going to assume for the present that the Titans and Bills are the only seriously interested parties.
Second, the lack of news is not an issue relative to the two teams. If they are discussing offers, then it would be played very close to the cuff. Nobody wants to show their hand (poker reference should excite some members/moderators) and give away value unnecessarily.
Third, there is little talk about the RBs in the upcoming draft, aside from AD (AP for you literalists), with the obligatory "yeah there is lynch too" comments. The draft is nicely discussed elsewhere, but without trading up, neither Tenn nor Buff is going to get AD/AP and Lynch remains a question in my mind. I would think it a poor decision to pass on MT to go for Lynch. This suggests that MT could be viewed as the top 2 or 3 RB available FA/2007 rookie pool combined, with little argument. Depending upon the style of RB preferred and level of injury aversion, he would be the top pick for several teams over AD/AP.
Fourth, there has been esentially no movement on Dillon or other available FA thus far (Chris Brown etc), so the two teams (T and B) are likely looking to MT first, then back up plan being Dillon/rookie.
Fifth, while MT might be a bit more expensive than a comparable pick in the draft, he is not going to go for more than other FA signings in recent past in all likelihood. A Chester Taylor type contract is the likely scenario. How does that compare in the long run to the salaries/signing bonuses/performance bonuses being demanded by the top ten draft picks? Add to that the possibility of a hold out, ala Benson that essentially wastes at least half a season and creates team dissent. People forget that top draft picks sign late and the tendency to hold out depends on the team/player/agent. Would T or B rather have MT right now, learning the plays and getting in off season and preseason workouts, ready to take off running week 1, or a hold out that keeps a player from learning the playbook, developing chemistry and getting up to NFL speed for a half-season or better. (I think Benson shot himself in the foot with his holdout, inexcusable).
Sixth, If T or B were picking somewhere in the first four positions, this would be a non-issue, as there would only be one team after MT, unless someone else joined the fray so as not to allow him to be gotten cheaply. Given the interest in teams to move up for CJ and AD/AP (It is AD people, this gets tiresome) and a few select others, I doubt either has that option unless there is an unexpected move somewhere.
I posted before and I'll say it again, T should look to trade off Pacman. I think the prospect of working for a living as a schmoo may scare him into becoming a citizen. His contract could be easily reworked to everyone's advantage as he has no leverage now. Given that his infractions occured before this new policy, I would not be surprised to see his suspension reduced to allow him to play at some point this year. He is a thuglet, but I have a problem with the government being in the NFL and the NFL governing. If his criminal behavior is so bad as to "fine" him millions (I don't know what he loses but not playing for a year must be expensive) then he should be doing time. Deviating from the point again, he is a flashy "playa" who likely attracts a lot of attention and people probably try to get in his face just to rile him or possibly get a civil suit against him. I saw drunks go up to some of the big name and little name Cornhuskers trying to pick fights or display bravado in college. Takes a lot of class and patience to not react to such situations and I am assuming Pacman has been a bit short on either or both. This BS about taking away draft picks and such merely hurts the talent level of a team and reduces the value to the fan. Take away the revenue sharing and I guarantee that the owners will pay attention to the problem quicker.
Seventh, back to MT, Both the Titans and Bills are in a tough spot RB-wise and both must do something this year. I have little faith in White, who may have the talent to play but I have known NFL players who party all off season, getting by on their innate abilities. The play, but they do not excel. Didn't White spit at a player too? Frankly, I think whichever does not get MT should trade up to get AD. A-train is a serviceable number two but he has been limited in recent seasons which suggests he is not viewed as viable starting material. Could he have Dayne like games with opportunity? Sure, it is possible but I would not bank on it.
Eighth, is there a MT replacement available for the Chargers should a trade occur? Yes, of course as they are considering it. Again, from a non-fantasy point of view, I would hold onto MT, despite losing a draft pick possibly. He is the best insurance against an injury to the much used LT. Unless Rivers can open the playing field a bit more, LT will be running into traffic and that is a dangerous place to play. Could SD be considering the move up spot if they swap firsts and get an additional second or third? Would they be comfortable if they swapped with Buffalo on the assumption they could get Lynch with the #12 pick and then get a free extra second or third pick? I have harped on the subject enough, but really, if a player of interest is a possible deal maker, what about Pacman from the Titans? He could return kicks (a Turner role) and bolster the secondary when he comes back, assuming he can grow up.
Possible scenarios - Assuming it is correct that a second round pick is not enough value for SD.
Tennessee - a) give second round pick and swap thirds for Turner, b) swap firsts and give Pacman after he restructures for Turner, c) give second round pick and give back sixth round pick Tenn got from SD (they have three sixth round picks - T)
Buffalo - a) swap firsts and give third for Turner, allowing SD to go after Lynch (this could even wait until draft day with all parties in agreeement if Tenn falls through to ensure Lynch available), b) give first (they would be using it on Lynch anyhow) for Turner and SD fifth round compensatory pick, c) swap seconds and give third for Turner - Yes, I realize this is waffling on the value offered.
Green Bay - enter late when SD is not getting what it wants and offer first for Turner since they would not be in line for AD or Lynch and need backfield help. They need to start negotiations soon though but not too soon.
Dallas - a) enter late and give Tyson Thompson and second for Turner, b) trade third round pick and J Jones to Buffalo for their first and offer first to SD for Turner if Lynch still available (man would the stars have to line up for that one) - Honestly, I don't see the need for Dallas to go after RB talent, so this is mindless.
Assessment - Tenn needs the trade more than Buff given their position in the draft, youth at QB, loss of WR talent. Buffalo has JP Losman, who appears to be maturing in the NFL, a fairly strong WR corps led by Evans and a shot at Lynch. GB needs a stub rb but would have to get ahead of Buffalo in the draft for a shot at Lynch. They have a strong WR corps and most experienced QB in league as far as I know. I don't know why we're talking about Dallas unless they trade off J Jones but then you would have two excellent red zone RBs at Dallas - fantasy nightmare.
I realize this became random thoughts but the options really are broad right now. Sorry about the deviations.