Who had the worst off-season so far (1 Viewer)

[VICK-tory]

from www.draftsharks.com

My 5 teams that did the worst jobs in free agency?

1. Arizona – By the way, did you know the club has been owned by the Bidwill family for 76 years? Time for a change, don’t you think? Forget that Fitzgerald-contract obstacle, just go cash over cap and snatch your guys. The Redskins do it every year. Be creative. Michael Turner should have been a Cardinal.

2. Kansas City – Who knows what Herman Edwards is thinking? The league’s 31st ranked offense got no help on the market. I mean no one. Devard Darling? Puh-leeze. I do think LB Demorrio Williams (Atlanta) will prove to be a smart signing. The offensive line is unraveling like a ball of string. Sorry, Herm – Jake Long won’t be there at #5.

3. Tennessee – Again, all that dough… Signing G Jake Scott from Indy was just replacing talented G Jacob Bell (who signed with St. Louis). So not one of the big free-agent WRs – D.J. Hackett, Benard Berrian, Jerry Porter, Bryant Johnson, Isaac Bruce, or Donte Stallworth – appealed to Jeff Fisher?

4. Chicago – They have pigeon-holed themselves into wasting another 1st-round pick on a RB. An economy-grab like Julius Jones or DeShaun Foster would have prevented this situation, or at least given them flexibility. Now they have to take Rashard Mendenhall at #14, no question. And the teams picking ahead of them know it. I won’t bash them on free-agent QBs because there were none to sign. At least they kept Lance Briggs.

5. Miami – A ton of cap room followed by a flurry of puzzling acquisitions. Bill Parcells signed QB Josh McCown (Raiders), LB Charlie Anderson (Texans), WR Ernest Wilford (Jaguars), G Justin Smiley (49ers), DT Randy Starks (Titans), WR Tab Perry (Bengals), and LB Reggie Torbor (Giants). I don’t get it.

 

[MAC_32]

I strongly disagree that Miami's even on this list, Atlanta belongs on it long before Miami does.

Arizona shouldn't be on it let alone #1, Tennessee probably shouldn't either but I understand the logic.

KC's was bad and Chicago's was the worst. I think Minnesota and Detroit's were pretty bad too. The areas needing addressed for Minny (QB, WR, DE) were either not addressed or they overpaid for someone that won't help them that much (Berrian). Why Detroit cut KJ is still way beyond me. The deal they got for Rogers was decent but other than that don't think they did anything that could be considered good. Pittsburgh not doing anything to address their greatest issues on the lines should be noted too. I'd doc them in the top 5 before any of Miami, Arizona, or Tennessee. I'll add San Fran to this list if they plan to stay primarily in the 3-4, Justin Smith would be a disaster in that formation.

 

[Phurfur]

from www.draftsharks.com

My 5 teams that did the worst jobs in free agency?

1. Arizona – By the way, did you know the club has been owned by the Bidwill family for 76 years? Time for a change, don’t you think? Forget that Fitzgerald-contract obstacle, just go cash over cap and snatch your guys. The Redskins do it every year. Be creative. Michael Turner should have been a Cardinal.

2. Kansas City – Who knows what Herman Edwards is thinking? The league’s 31st ranked offense got no help on the market. I mean no one. Devard Darling? Puh-leeze. I do think LB Demorrio Williams (Atlanta) will prove to be a smart signing. The offensive line is unraveling like a ball of string. Sorry, Herm – Jake Long won’t be there at #5.

3. Tennessee – Again, all that dough… Signing G Jake Scott from Indy was just replacing talented G Jacob Bell (who signed with St. Louis). So not one of the big free-agent WRs – D.J. Hackett, Benard Berrian, Jerry Porter, Bryant Johnson, Isaac Bruce, or Donte Stallworth – appealed to Jeff Fisher?

4. Chicago – They have pigeon-holed themselves into wasting another 1st-round pick on a RB. An economy-grab like Julius Jones or DeShaun Foster would have prevented this situation, or at least given them flexibility. Now they have to take Rashard Mendenhall at #14, no question. And the teams picking ahead of them know it. I won’t bash them on free-agent QBs because there were none to sign. At least they kept Lance Briggs.

5. Miami – A ton of cap room followed by a flurry of puzzling acquisitions. Bill Parcells signed QB Josh McCown (Raiders), LB Charlie Anderson (Texans), WR Ernest Wilford (Jaguars), G Justin Smiley (49ers), DT Randy Starks (Titans), WR Tab Perry (Bengals), and LB Reggie Torbor (Giants). I don’t get it.

This is pretty amateur stuff. Free agency has been over rated for years and generally the most active teams don't accomplish much. To site Washington as an example in the Arizona thread is laughable. Where have all these signings actually gotten them? Their last statement says it all, They don't get it.

 

[jurb26]

There is no way in creation that Mia should be on that list.

 

[Phurfur]

There is no way in creation that Mia should be on that list.

I agree, but there shouldn't be a list at all. Not every team builds through free agency. Green Bay did a great job reviving a 4-12 to 13-3 in 2 years using the draft. It bothers me when people us cap space as gauge for a team's efforts on rebuilding. When was the last time the team with the highest payroll won the Super Bowl?

 

[Interseptopus]

You can't really say who's had the worst offseason, the offseason isn't over.

Green Bay built through the draft to go from 4-12 to 13-3 in 2 years. How many big signings did they make in FA? A few 2nd tier guys here and there and one big one- Woodson. If we had this thread 2 offseasons ago, would GB have been on that list? I'm sure of it. But look at how they faired.

So many articles are out saying in today's growing salary cap days the FA market is so thin guys get so grossly overpaid. It's much better to keep your own. Building through the draft is going to be huge for teams that had an awful season. I mean take a look at KC, MIA, ATL, CHI. Were they just one or two players away from being playoff teams? No. They have so many holes they can't even begin to rank them. This is where the draft comes in, it gives these teams an opportunity to draft some young guys to base a new franchise around.

Unfortunately ATL put a lot of their stock in Vick, so now they have to really re-evaluate their offense and redo it completely.

Chicago was never good... I'm wondering when that GM will be fired...

MIA has way too many holes, overpaying for a free agent would be worthless- why sign a guy to a huge deal... by the time the guys you drafted are ready to turn the franchise around your cap situation is tough because that big FA or two you signed 2-3 years back is making almost 1/5 of your total salary cap... start over!

KC was an aging franchise and this fall was destined to happen.

Teams get into these situations by buying hard in free agency and tying up all their money into a couple players, only to see them turn into cap casualties.

I don't know, I'd say MIA has had an amazing offseason. Retooled the front office and the coaching staff, ready for a big change. That franchise is on the uprise. They don't need to sign a big name FA. They will have plenty of draft picks to start a young core of players. Look at GB for an example. Second youngest team in the NFL and they made it to the NFC Championship game. And who have they signed this offseason? Only SLB Chillar so far... nothing crazy. And they have the most cap space availible once Favre signs his retirement papers... Think that happens by chance? It's called good management. Though I can't say CHI and ARI have good management, they haven't in as long as I can remember and I don't see it getting any better...

 

[teamroc]

This guy must have loved the Skins offseason the last 3-4 years. What did it get them?

Colts - barely did anything.

Chargers - again very quiet.

Pats - resigned Moss

Steelers - very quiet

You build through the draft. Free acgency is where you OVERPAY. It can be nice to get yourself over the top, but it's not how you build a team. It's drafting.

And Zone needing Turner? Edge was fine. The o-line was bad. Zona can use help on D. RB is last on their list of needs.

Titans got into cap hell and it cost them a good 4 years. I'm glad they aren't blowing money on Hackett/Berrian. Are you kidding me?

 

[houndirish]

I think Detroit's had a pretty sucktastic offseason so far.

 

[Marvelous]

You can't judge an offseason based on who a team did not sign. The only way to majorly mess up free agency is to overpay for players and use up all your cap space.

I believe the Raider have had by far the worst off season to date. They had tons of cap space available. They paid out a lot of money. But it's not clear if they signed a lot of talent.

 

[Chris Smith]

from www.draftsharks.com

My 5 teams that did the worst jobs in free agency?

5. Miami – A ton of cap room followed by a flurry of puzzling acquisitions. Bill Parcells signed QB Josh McCown (Raiders), LB Charlie Anderson (Texans), WR Ernest Wilford (Jaguars), G Justin Smiley (49ers), DT Randy Starks (Titans), WR Tab Perry (Bengals), and LB Reggie Torbor (Giants). I don’t get it.

"I don't get it"Is the only four words that actually matter in the entire blurb.

The Dolphins offseason has been outstanding to date. They didn't overpay and improved the squad at

QB

LB

OL

WR

and

DT

I'm not sure what this author is ultimately looking at when compiling this list but I'd rather a team with as many holes as the Dolphins have rebuild in this fashion, scooping up many capable players than one or two great ones. I agree 100% with the comments made earlier about building through the draft to create a strong, consistent squad that will make a legitimate run for several years. The Dolphins have been improving their overall depth this offseason with good role players that don't cost an arm and a leg.

I'm a fan and I like where the team is going.

As far as Tennesee not going after one of the 'big free agents' at WR... Puulleeasse...

Hackett, Berrian, Johnson, Stallworth and Bruce should not ever again be referred to as 'Big free agents'. It be silly to shell out big coin on any one of those players and bring them in as saviors as none of them have WR1 ability.

Puzzling article at best.

 

[gianmarco]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.

Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

 

[3nOut]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.

Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

OK, I'll play. What should they have done instead?

 

[Kleck]

You can't really say who's had the worst offseason, the offseason isn't over.

LOTS of off-season left.

 

[gianmarco]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.

Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

OK, I'll play. What should they have done instead?

anything but....

 

[MAC_32]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.

Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

OK, I'll play. What should they have done instead?

They did what they had to do. There wasn't any QB talent available in free agency, what they had was arguably better than anything else available. You could make an argument for a Billy Volek, but I don't think anyone else.The Bears did need to address something at one of the other offensive skill positions though. They had their options and ultimately decided to stay put with what they have, which is terrible. I think they should have began to address the line and targetted DJ Hackett, that way their draft can primarily focus on RB, the rest of the OLine, and a QB.

The aging defense is going to be on the field way too long this season with as ineffective of an offense as I expect them to be.

 

[Interseptopus]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.

Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

That's not a real intelligent post.Do you know anything about Kevin Jones' injury? He suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his foot... which we all know bugged him for a very long time. He also tore his ACL LATE last season. THAT is why they cut him.

http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2008/03..._cut_kevin.html

Yes, he was very cheap, but why keep damaged goods around when you've got a startable #2 RB in Bell and a very high draft pick that Millen will use on an offensive player as he has the last decade.

Given their RB situation? T.Bell? You know, the guy who 2 years ago had a 1000+ yard season? He's at the ripe age of 27. Sure, DET signed another former DEN back and watched him turn into a blunder, O. Gary, but Tatum Bell averaged 4.4 yards per carry in that 1000+ yard season with DEN. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 5 games last year for DET. Not to mention averaged more catches per game than he has any other season.

You know other teams that used a 2 RB system... I believe IND won a championship with one. MIN looked mighty scarey last season with one. NO looked great the last 2 years when both were healthy. Imagine DET with Mendenhall and T. Bell. Nasty.

The average fantasy football owner scoffs at a torn ACL. I mean why not, with advances in technology and seeing McGahee come back after a complete blow out, and Culpepper after almost a complete blow out.. to see both of them perform... well, in Culpeppers case not very well but perform nonetheless... why not scoff at them. Well, fortunately I have an education in this kind of stuff and let me tell you, it takes a long time. Kevin Jones tore his ACL in December... the season starts in September... that's 9 months after he tore his ACL. It takes at the shortest 10 months to rehab a torn ACL, and that's pushing it big time. Typically it takes 12 months for a full recovery. So you think DET should let Jones sit on their roster with hopes that he can come in and play in December? I believe this was the last year of his contract too... so pay the guy those hundreds of thousands of dollars for maybe 5 games tops? Maybe they're finally being smart and going into full rebuilding mode.

As for CHI- what would you rather them do? What FA QB was out there that they shoudl have signed? Are the Bears a QB away from winning a superbowl? They have more holes than ever. They addressed QB with a decent stop gap QB. Grossman can be the QB at least for this season and they can readdress it next year. With QB pretty much "taken care of" they can focus on bigger holes in the first round and then grab a 2nd round QB. If they dont resign Grossman and Orton then they HAVE to take a QB round 1 because they will have NO one else and will need to get a starter right away. At least this way they can groom a QB best they can by taking one 2nd or 3rd round and focusing on immediate need first round.

 

[gianmarco]

You just talked about Chicago grooming a QB and pimping Tatum Bell and you say my post wasn't intelligent? Ok.

My post was partly a joke and partly not. Chicago has no direction whatsoever. I understand there was no one available and that they needed to sign at least one of those guys back. The thing is, the QB situation isn't something new for them and we're entering yet another season and they have Grossman and Orton (again). Kind of sad.

As for Detroit, again, it's not the fact that they don't plan on keeping Kevin Jones, it's the fact that they did indeed cut him and when they did. There was no reason to do it yet. It could have been done later and it partly tips their hand during the draft. But nothing that the Detroit front office does anymore surprises me.

 

[Interseptopus]

You just talked about Chicago grooming a QB and pimping Tatum Bell and you say my post wasn't intelligent? Ok.My post was partly a joke and partly not. Chicago has no direction whatsoever. I understand there was no one available and that they needed to sign at least one of those guys back. The thing is, the QB situation isn't something new for them and we're entering yet another season and they have Grossman and Orton (again). Kind of sad. As for Detroit, again, it's not the fact that they don't plan on keeping Kevin Jones, it's the fact that they did indeed cut him and when they did. There was no reason to do it yet. It could have been done later and it partly tips their hand during the draft. But nothing that the Detroit front office does anymore surprises me.

What's wrong with CHI taking a QB round 2 or 3 and letting him sit a year? MIN did it. NYJ did it. Many teams do it. Why does CHI have to be any different? I mean take a look at the vets who might be availible next offseason... unless you like Boller or Warner, then there aren't any decent names out. CHI fans banked on McNabb getting released or traded... kind of funny that he's not, yet. However, yes I do believe CHI takes a QB day 1. They have do...and "pimping" T.Bell... all I'm saying is that in a RBBC with Mendenhall they'd both be very scarey. And why not hold onto K. Jones... see how his rehab is going. I'm not familiar with the terms of his contract, but maybe thye waited as long as they could for him to give them a physical reason to keep him. Maybe he was due a bonus and they released him to avoid it. Maybe not, but regardless Kevin Jones cannot complain about timing of his release... what, week 3 into FA??? The Lions could have waited until August if they wanted to... now THAT would be unfair. And as far as "tipping their hand"... they own the 15th pick in the draft. Who above them (5-14, because Mendenhall won't be picked top 5) REALLY needs a RB? The only two are 13 and 14... CAR and CHI... Now I can make a case for and against CAR and CHI taking a RB... but I highly doubt BOTH will... If one of them takes Mendenhall, I think Stewart would be a great consolation prize. I think Stewart could have the best career out of all these RBs in this draft. Regardless, I doubt either of those teams taking a RB would be a defensive move against DET. Them cutting Kevin Jones will play no part in anyone else's draft picks. Not to mention, everyone probably thinks Millen covets Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly...

 

[gianmarco]

Before I even get started, you're taking a lot of what I've posted a bit too much to heart. Maybe it's not coming off as clear, but both of my posts were intended to have some humor to them.

But, since you've actually put some thought to both of your replies and seem to have taken it to heart, I'll try and return the favor. To begin with, the problem with Chicago is that I really think they have no direction or plan whatsoever. It's ok to have a struggling offense. And it's ok to rebuild. But they have nothing going for them right now and don't have anything to build on. Now, I know the offseason is far from over and the draft still has to take place, but I wouldn't hold my breath. As far as the QB situation, there is nothing wrong with getting a QB in the 2nd and 3rd and "grooming" him. However, to do so, it's preferable to have someone to show him the ropes. Neither Grossman nor Orton fit that bill. They've floundered with the Grossman experience for FAR too long when it's been evident for quite some time he just isn't gonna cut it. While there were no big names in FA, a guy like Trent Green or Dilfer would be a good acquisition to "groom" a QB. Some veteran, experienced QB's to learn from. The Bears had a window of opportunity and it has quickly closed and the horizon looks pretty bleak. The fact that they have even more pressing needs than the QB spot is embarrassing, to say the least.

As for Kevin Jones, he wasn't owed anything else and could have been a June 1st cut. See how his rehab is going. Maybe get something in return. Instead, they cut him when he was due a very small salary in relative terms far earlier than they needed to. I'm not the only one saying this. This has been discussed ad nauseum in other threads. It makes no sense. But again, I'm not surprised.

 

[Interseptopus]

Before I even get started, you're taking a lot of what I've posted a bit too much to heart. Maybe it's not coming off as clear, but both of my posts were intended to have some humor to them. But, since you've actually put some thought to both of your replies and seem to have taken it to heart, I'll try and return the favor. To begin with, the problem with Chicago is that I really think they have no direction or plan whatsoever. It's ok to have a struggling offense. And it's ok to rebuild. But they have nothing going for them right now and don't have anything to build on. Now, I know the offseason is far from over and the draft still has to take place, but I wouldn't hold my breath. As far as the QB situation, there is nothing wrong with getting a QB in the 2nd and 3rd and "grooming" him. However, to do so, it's preferable to have someone to show him the ropes. Neither Grossman nor Orton fit that bill. They've floundered with the Grossman experience for FAR too long when it's been evident for quite some time he just isn't gonna cut it. While there were no big names in FA, a guy like Trent Green or Dilfer would be a good acquisition to "groom" a QB. Some veteran, experienced QB's to learn from. The Bears had a window of opportunity and it has quickly closed and the horizon looks pretty bleak. The fact that they have even more pressing needs than the QB spot is embarrassing, to say the least.As for Kevin Jones, he wasn't owed anything else and could have been a June 1st cut. See how his rehab is going. Maybe get something in return. Instead, they cut him when he was due a very small salary in relative terms far earlier than they needed to. I'm not the only one saying this. This has been discussed ad nauseum in other threads. It makes no sense. But again, I'm not surprised.

I like the postFirst, I'll say we'll agree to disagree on Kevin Jones. I think it was a good move to not draw it out long, give him a shot to catch on elsewhere before the draft. But, I won't beat a dead horse.Secondly, CHI...You're absolutely right, grooming a QB under Grossman doesn't really make much sense. My opinion on grooming is that it can go two ways (as we saw in GB)1) The starting QB can have no impact whatsoever on the grooming process. Just let the kid hold a clip board, watch tape, and learn by coaching. 2) The starting QB can take the kid under his wing and help him along.In GB Rodger's first year was like #1, the last 2 were like #2. In CHI there would be no #2, just #1. As far as signing a Dilfer type QB... I'm not sure a 35+ yo QB wants to come out of retirement to start for a franchise that we both can agree is going nowhere anytime in the near future

 

[Tanner9919]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

I disagree about KJ, he's an oft-injured never-has-been.

 

[hustedj]

I think Detroit's had a pretty sucktastic offseason so far.

 

[MAC_32]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

I disagree about KJ, he's an oft-injured never-has-been.

Both KJ and Duckett are better RB options than Tinker Bell.

 

[gianmarco]

Before I even get started, you're taking a lot of what I've posted a bit too much to heart. Maybe it's not coming off as clear, but both of my posts were intended to have some humor to them. But, since you've actually put some thought to both of your replies and seem to have taken it to heart, I'll try and return the favor. To begin with, the problem with Chicago is that I really think they have no direction or plan whatsoever. It's ok to have a struggling offense. And it's ok to rebuild. But they have nothing going for them right now and don't have anything to build on. Now, I know the offseason is far from over and the draft still has to take place, but I wouldn't hold my breath. As far as the QB situation, there is nothing wrong with getting a QB in the 2nd and 3rd and "grooming" him. However, to do so, it's preferable to have someone to show him the ropes. Neither Grossman nor Orton fit that bill. They've floundered with the Grossman experience for FAR too long when it's been evident for quite some time he just isn't gonna cut it. While there were no big names in FA, a guy like Trent Green or Dilfer would be a good acquisition to "groom" a QB. Some veteran, experienced QB's to learn from. The Bears had a window of opportunity and it has quickly closed and the horizon looks pretty bleak. The fact that they have even more pressing needs than the QB spot is embarrassing, to say the least.As for Kevin Jones, he wasn't owed anything else and could have been a June 1st cut. See how his rehab is going. Maybe get something in return. Instead, they cut him when he was due a very small salary in relative terms far earlier than they needed to. I'm not the only one saying this. This has been discussed ad nauseum in other threads. It makes no sense. But again, I'm not surprised.

I like the postFirst, I'll say we'll agree to disagree on Kevin Jones. I think it was a good move to not draw it out long, give him a shot to catch on elsewhere before the draft. But, I won't beat a dead horse.Secondly, CHI...You're absolutely right, grooming a QB under Grossman doesn't really make much sense. My opinion on grooming is that it can go two ways (as we saw in GB)1) The starting QB can have no impact whatsoever on the grooming process. Just let the kid hold a clip board, watch tape, and learn by coaching. 2) The starting QB can take the kid under his wing and help him along.In GB Rodger's first year was like #1, the last 2 were like #2. In CHI there would be no #2, just #1. As far as signing a Dilfer type QB... I'm not sure a 35+ yo QB wants to come out of retirement to start for a franchise that we both can agree is going nowhere anytime in the near future

You realize Dilfer signed with SF last year? Before that he had a 1 yr stint with Cleveland in 2005. He did exactly what you said you're not sure a 35+ yo QB would do. Brad Johnson did the same recently. Older, vet QB's do it all the time. Dilfer could realistically start for Chicago (and is probably a better option than either current QB) and help along a rookie QB that they draft this year. Sign back EITHER Grossman or Orton, sign a guy like Dilfer or Green, and draft a QB. That would have been a better option than their current route, IMO. re: Kevin Jones, I highly doubt he gets signed anywhere before the draft. It's probably both in his and whatever teams are interested best interests to wait. Which again, goes back to why him being cut WHEN he was is what is so questionable.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

Cutting Kevin Jones given his salary and their RB situation = automatic 1st.

Resigning both Grossman and Orton = automatic 2nd.

That's not a real intelligent post.Do you know anything about Kevin Jones' injury? He suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his foot... which we all know bugged him for a very long time. He also tore his ACL LATE last season. THAT is why they cut him.

http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2008/03..._cut_kevin.html

Yes, he was very cheap, but why keep damaged goods around when you've got a startable #2 RB in Bell and a very high draft pick that Millen will use on an offensive player as he has the last decade.

Given their RB situation? T.Bell? You know, the guy who 2 years ago had a 1000+ yard season? He's at the ripe age of 27. Sure, DET signed another former DEN back and watched him turn into a blunder, O. Gary, but Tatum Bell averaged 4.4 yards per carry in that 1000+ yard season with DEN. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 5 games last year for DET. Not to mention averaged more catches per game than he has any other season.

You know other teams that used a 2 RB system... I believe IND won a championship with one. MIN looked mighty scarey last season with one. NO looked great the last 2 years when both were healthy. Imagine DET with Mendenhall and T. Bell. Nasty.

The average fantasy football owner scoffs at a torn ACL. I mean why not, with advances in technology and seeing McGahee come back after a complete blow out, and Culpepper after almost a complete blow out.. to see both of them perform... well, in Culpeppers case not very well but perform nonetheless... why not scoff at them. Well, fortunately I have an education in this kind of stuff and let me tell you, it takes a long time. Kevin Jones tore his ACL in December... the season starts in September... that's 9 months after he tore his ACL. It takes at the shortest 10 months to rehab a torn ACL, and that's pushing it big time. Typically it takes 12 months for a full recovery. So you think DET should let Jones sit on their roster with hopes that he can come in and play in December? I believe this was the last year of his contract too... so pay the guy those hundreds of thousands of dollars for maybe 5 games tops? Maybe they're finally being smart and going into full rebuilding mode.

As for CHI- what would you rather them do? What FA QB was out there that they shoudl have signed? Are the Bears a QB away from winning a superbowl? They have more holes than ever. They addressed QB with a decent stop gap QB. Grossman can be the QB at least for this season and they can readdress it next year. With QB pretty much "taken care of" they can focus on bigger holes in the first round and then grab a 2nd round QB. If they dont resign Grossman and Orton then they HAVE to take a QB round 1 because they will have NO one else and will need to get a starter right away. At least this way they can groom a QB best they can by taking one 2nd or 3rd round and focusing on immediate need first round.

Ro3384 are you going to be a Doctor? Or a Gym teacher?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The areas needing addressed for Minny (QB, WR, DE) were either not addressed or they overpaid for someone that won't help them that much (Berrian).

So what QB, WR, and DE should they have spent their money on instead? Should they have just done nothing?

 

[gdg76]

The Bears, as usual, didn't overpay this year. That's good. The problem is that they can't scout/develop offensive talent worth a lick. This year will again be a struggle on offense, but with a good draft (not holding my breath) and some free agents next year, they may have a chance. As it is, when healthy, the D and Hester will keep em competitive against most teams anyway. Won't make them an elite team, but decent. The price they got Briggs for alone would keep them out of the bottom five IMO.

The Raiders, on the other hand, have made moves that could keep them terrible for a long time to come. I don't know how anyone can not pick the Raiders for the worst off season so far, esp given the BS with the coach/front office.

 

[MAC_32]

The areas needing addressed for Minny (QB, WR, DE) were either not addressed or they overpaid for someone that won't help them that much (Berrian).

So what QB, WR, and DE should they have spent their money on instead? Should they have just done nothing?

Billy Volek is much better than any other QB they have on the roster. Todd Collins too, but he probably wasn't going to leave Washington.DJ Hackett was a ridiculous value and I believe is a better WR than Berrian, a better fit too - Minny didn't even try to get him. I don't believe Bryant Johnson is any better than Berrian, but he's not several million dollars/year worse than him either. He'd be a fine long term compliment to Rice. I think Drew Carter is just as good of a WR as Berrian is, a tendency to drop passes and gets lost on the field but has wheels...again, for several million cheaper. Stallworth too, but in order to get him you probably would have had to pay him similar money as Berrian, still I'd prefer Stallworth to Berrian any day.

Not getting Justin Smith really hurt. If they were going to overpay for anyone it needed to be a pass rusher, the Vikings will continue to be assaulted through the air per usual without any pass rush. Jevon Kearse would have been a nice pass rushing specialist.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The areas needing addressed for Minny (QB, WR, DE) were either not addressed or they overpaid for someone that won't help them that much (Berrian).

So what QB, WR, and DE should they have spent their money on instead? Should they have just done nothing?

Billy Volek is much better than any other QB they have on the roster. Todd Collins too, but he probably wasn't going to leave Washington.DJ Hackett was a ridiculous value and I believe is a better WR than Berrian, a better fit too - Minny didn't even try to get him. I don't believe Bryant Johnson is any better than Berrian, but he's not several million dollars/year worse than him either. He'd be a fine long term compliment to Rice. I think Drew Carter is just as good of a WR as Berrian is, a tendency to drop passes and gets lost on the field but has wheels...again, for several million cheaper. Stallworth too, but in order to get him you probably would have had to pay him similar money as Berrian, still I'd prefer Stallworth to Berrian any day.

Not getting Justin Smith really hurt. If they were going to overpay for anyone it needed to be a pass rusher, the Vikings will continue to be assaulted through the air per usual without any pass rush. Jevon Kearse would have been a nice pass rushing specialist.

Well, I guess I can buy into your asessment of the WR's. I too think they overpaid for Berrian, but that's how it works in FA. But just because they spent money doesn't mean it was terrible. Acquiring marginal players on the cheap isn't a good measuring stick for how successful an offseason is.OTOH I really disagree about the QB's. Neither Volek nor Collins are better options than Jackson. Not for their long term success anyway. They'd be just good enough to get smoked in the first round of the playoffs. I'd rather roll the dice on Jackson's upside.

Justin Smith is overrated for the money he got and Jevon Kearse is just terrible after his injuries.

 

[GregR_2]

Agreeing with others that I don't like the list that much. The teams who should be on it in my mind are the teams who overspent and teams who have failed to add the mid-level talent at modest prices.

One of the best descriptions of how to build a football team that I've seen came from an interview by the Titans GM this year:

REINFELDT: We will probably not be big players in free agency. There is a reason we chose to be that way. I think the way to build a team in the NFL is through the draft. Get the young players at a premium — the really good players — and get your core players. We want to get 10 or 12 special guys and hold on to those guys. Whether franchising them or doing long term deals early, you need to have a group of 10 or 12 players that are your special guys. What happens in free agency is players that usually aren't those kind of guys are the ones that get out. They are good players, but they are not great players. What you see in free agency is good players get great money. What happens then is you have a locker room where your core players make less than those guys that they know they are better than. It’s not the right way to build a club long term.

I would much rather see a team build the way that Miami is, than go out and chase the high profile free agents like Oakland has this year, and like SF has in the past. When one of those rare special players does make it to free agency, like a Steve Hutchinson, a Zach Thomas, etc, you go after them. Otherwise you acquire players who can contribute but that you're not counting on to be the core of your team, because odds are if they made it to free agency they aren't the kind of player you want your team built around, for one reason or another.