Offseason Frenzy

[Shoalzie]

Crazy shit going down. We already knew about Suh heading to Miami and McCoy being dealt to Buffalo. Today, Jimmy Graham traded to Seattle...the Lions replacing Suh by acquiring Ngata from Baltimore...and supposedly, the Rams will swap Sam Bradford for Nick Foles.

The Ngata move is very interesting. There's been talk about the Lions moving to the 3-4 with them letting Suh and Fairley go...could still bring back Fairley, I suppose. The Lions have a heavy Baltimore connection so it seems like a natural fit for Ngata.

[Joe in PB]

I think the most important move for the Lions is dumping Caldwell.

[Shoalzie]

They dodged a bullet with Teryl Austin being passed over for a head job.

[Mikey]

Frank Gore and Andre Johnson going to the Colts should take some of the heat off Andrew Luck, at least in the short term. Neither is a spring chicken but they both should have a few good years left.

[Yer a Fuckin Jerkoff]

Beast Mode is coming back to Big D. The line is intact, and Jerry Jones will give the Beast his jack. Another rushing title this year for Murray, another run to the Super Bowl.

[Yer a Fuckin Jerkoff]

Shit. Eagles signed Murray. No biggie- Dallas gets Peterson.

[R-Jack]

another run to the Super Bowl.

Shouldn't there be an actual run before they take another one.

[Joe in PB]

The latest from Rotoworld:

Cowboys agreed to terms with RB Darren McFadden, formerly of the Raiders, on a two-year contract worth up to $5.85 million.
He only got a $200,000 signing bonus, which far from assures DMC's roster spot. McFadden ran into brick walls last year in Oakland, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. The silver lining is that he stayed healthy for the first time in his career. Not durable or effective enough to carry a backfield and going on age 28, McFadden is likely being brought in to compete for snaps. Look for the Cowboys to add more backs as they attempt to replace DeMarco Murray.

LMAO

Dolphins acquired WR Kenny Stills from the Saints in exchange for LB Dannell Ellerbe and a 2015 third-round pick.
We're not sure what the Saints are thinking here. Stills is a soon-to-be 23-year-old playmaker with two years left on his contract at minimum salary. It's a great get for the Dolphins, who were going to cut Ellerbe and his inflated salary anyway. Stills isn't just a deep threat, either; he was fourth in the league among receivers with his 78.8 percent catch rate last season. Acquiring Stills may mean the end is near for Mike Wallace in Miami.

Rams signed DT Nick Fairley, formerly of the Lions, to a one-year, $5 million contract.
The Rams have arguably the deepest defensive line in the league, loaded with five former first-round picks in Fairley, 2014 DROY Aaron Donald, DT Michael Brockers, RE Robert Quinn, and LE Chris Long. Fairley will slide in behind starters Brockers and Donald, but should be a fixture on passing downs, replacing Brockers next to Donald. This front-four is downright scary.

Redskins signed CB Chris Culliver, formerly of the 49ers, to a four-year, $32 million contract.
26-year-old Culliver flashed his playmaking prowess with four interceptions in 2014. He quietly graded out as a top-14 cornerback among 108 qualifiers in PFF's grades, also ranking No. 13 overall in coverage. Washington's secondary was among the league's worst last season, finishing 24th in passing yards allowed. David Amerson was particularly inept at right corner, routinely getting roasted deep. Culliver should form an impressive tandem with promising 23-year-old Bashaud Breeland. Culliver's natural position is RCB, so expect him to replace Amerson opposite LCB Breeland.

Redskins signed NT Terrance Knighton, formerly of the Broncos, to a one-year, $4 million contract.
The report that teams were wary of Knighton because he is "out of shape" appears to be true, as Knighton settles for a one-year deal in an effort to rehab his value. It was extremely telling when even new Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, who has always been by Knighton's side, picked Dan Williams over him. Knighton will presumably man the nose tackle spot for the Redskins, replacing Barry Cofield.

Titans signed OLB Brian Orakpo to a four-year, $32 million contract with $13.5 million guaranteed.
It's one of the best moves Tennessee has made after signing spare part WR Harry Douglas and sitting out the DeMarco Murray sweepstakes. Orakpo couldn't have expected a better deal than this coming off an injury-shortened 2014 campaign and a wholly injury-marred career. He managed 0.5 sacks in seven games last season. Orakpo was supposed to visit Arizona but never left Tennessee. Having addressed one half of their edge-rushing need, the Titans are still hoping to re-sign Derrick Morgan.

Titans re-signed DE/OLB Derrick Morgan to a four-year, $27 million contract with $10.5 million guaranteed.
Tennessee was expected to pursue an edge rusher in the draft, but that won't be necessary with Morgan and Brian Orakpo in the fold. Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Atlanta were also in the hunt for Morgan. Morgan's 6.5 sacks last season tied a career high. He also played stout run defense. Having just turned 26 years old, Morgan was smartly made a priority to re-sign by the Titans. Tennessee now has some intriguing pieces in the front seven, with Jurell Casey on the line, Orakpo and Morgan off the edge, and promising sophomore Avery Williamson at inside linebacker.

Dolphins signed TE Jordan Cameron, formerly of the Browns, to a two-year contract worth $15 million.
This one is official, as it was announced by the Dolphins themselves. Earlier, there were reports that Cameron had put pen to paper and re-signed with the Browns on a similar deal. Cameron has immense upside as a seam-stretching, catch-first tight end, but has seen his career marred by concussions in three-straight seasons. He's a huge injury risk, but infinitely bigger playmaker than transition player Charles Clay, who may now skip town to Buffalo or Cleveland.

Eagles signed RB Ryan Mathews, formerly of the Chargers, to a three-year, $11.5 million contract.
Despite a pricey investment into DeMarco Murray, the Eagles kept Mathews at their facility and convinced him to stay, likely as the 1b to Murray's 1a. We don't see either addition affecting Darren Sproles; Sproles is a specialized role player who can't be replaced by Murray or Mathews. The Eagles are very likely planning to become a smashmouth power-based team whose foundation is the running game. Mathews has been brittle throughout his career, but is among the most naturally gifted inside runners in football. In Chip Kelly's high-volume, up-tempo offense, we wouldn't be surprised if Mathews carved out sporadic low-end RB2/flex fantasy value behind locked-in RB1 Murray. 32-year-old Sproles' usage shouldn't change much after a 97-touch season.

[BSmack]

sporadic low-end RB2/flex fantasy value

Whatever the fuck that means. He's a fucking handcuff that you might be able to start during a bye week situation.

[Joe in PB]

sporadic low-end RB2/flex fantasy value

Whatever the fuck that means. He's a fucking handcuff that you might be able to start during a bye week situation.

Based on Mathews tenure in San Diego where he regularly missed large stretches of multiple seasons, I wouldn't have been too happy if the Chargers had made the same deal as the Eagles. Risky, put perhaps with a bit part, both he and Murray will hold up.

More:

Saints signed RB C.J. Spiller to a four-year, $18 million contract with $9 million guaranteed.
No. 1 back Mark Ingram and new No. 2 Spiller are both now under the Saints' control for the next four seasons. As the Saints have moved on from top passing-game targets Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills, they appear to be going all-in on a ball-control offense featuring Spiller, Ingram, and Khiry Robinson with lane-creator Max Unger at center. Spiller's usage probably won't change much going from Buffalo to New Orleans, but we'd trust Sean Payton to utilize him in far more effective ways than Doug Marrone did. He'll be back on the fantasy RB2 radar, probably handling 9-14 touches per game.

[R-Jack]

There's two locks for the Iggles in 2015

1-Murray will miss a few games due to injury,which is the reason they still signed Matthews
2-Matthews will be injured when that time comes

[Joe in PB]

Rotoworld:

Vikings acquired WR Mike Wallace and a 2015 seventh-round pick from the Dolphins in exchange for a 2015 fifth-round pick.
A clear salary dump, the move will rid the Dolphins of an expensive and ill-fitted player that has clashed at times with the coaching staff and quarterback. With most of Wallace's contract off the books, Miami now has the money to lock up transition tagged TE Charles Clay to a long-term deal. For the Vikings, they are getting a talented playmaker that should meld well with OC Norv Turner's downfield passing attack. Wallace will line up opposite Charles Johnson on the outside, with Greg Jennings playing in his more natural slot receiver role. The acquisition of Wallace leaves perennial disappointment Cordarrelle Patterson's future with the Vikings in doubt.

[BSmack]

Jennings was cut. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... ace-trade/

[Joe in PB]

Crazy shit going down. We already knew about Suh heading to Miami....

The Ngata move is very interesting. There's been talk about the Lions moving to the 3-4 with them letting Suh and Fairley go...could still bring back Fairley, I suppose. The Lions have a heavy Baltimore connection so it seems like a natural fit for Ngata.

I'm not a fan of paying NT's QB money, no matter how good they are. JJ Watt is probably the best (never takes plays off) and how was he able to change the Texans season? Not much. Good defensive linemen are essential, having the best, not so much. Detroit is likely better off in the long run without Suh and his high cap numbers.

[Mikey]

Niners get Bush. A lot of fans would rather have Gore.

2000 election Deja Vu miuch?

[Jay in Phoenix]

Well as a Rams fan I have mixed feelings on the Foles/Bradford trade. I know SB has been injury prone, but a porous OL throughout his pro career hasn't helped his cause any. Still, that knee is always going to be a concern. He's a good guy and I hate to see him go and not live up to all that damn potential. That being said, Foles has proven he can play, is a bit younger though he is like Bradford, not a top tier QB.

I think the trade will be okay, but time will tell. I'm still hoping the Rams get a good rookie in the draft and fill in the offensive gaps at receiver and running back. Their defense is beastly and should carry them through some games, keeping them competitive in the West for the next few years.

Time will tell on the QB spot.

[Joe in PB]

Franklin adds toughness, grit to Chargers' offensive line

[Joe in PB]

I see the Chargers have signed Steve Johnson this morning. None of the Bolt receivers are all that dynamic, but all are experienced like last season. Now if they could just get TE Ladrius Green going.

[Go Coogs']

I'm not a fan of paying NT's QB money, no matter how good they are. JJ Watt is probably the best (never takes plays off) and how was he able to change the Texans season? Not much. Good defensive linemen are essential, having the best, not so much. Detroit is likely better off in the long run without Suh and his high cap numbers.

There is so much wrong in this statement it's hilarious. Call me bias, but JJ Watt added 3.32 wins for this team defensively based on advanced football analytics. Overall, he finished 8th in WPA only finishing behind 7 players who happened to be all QBs. Yes, based on wins added by an individual players performance JJ Watt played better than 24 starting QBs. Simply replacing JJ with all-pro defensive end Cameron Wake would've cost the Texans 2 wins.

You pay JJ Watt QB money because his value is just as good as Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson. Even if you split JJ's money into two very good defensive players lets say Gerald McCoy and Ryan Kerrigan. They still don't replace the value of JJ Watt.

[BSmack]

And how did Suh do in those ratings? Watt is the closest to LT we have yet seen on a defense. The only 3-4 DE to compare with his production is Bruce Smith. By comparison Suh seem a little bit closer to the mean that Watt.

[Joe in PB]

Name one team that paid a DT QB money & won a Super Bowl? Just doesn't happen & that is the goal....right?

[Go Coogs']

Name one team that paid a DT QB money & won a Super Bowl? Just doesn't happen & that is the goal....right?

Okay, how many super bowls have been won with average QBs in the last 20 years? Russel Wilson, Brad Johnson, and Trent Dilfer is all you're going to get. And how did those three teams win? With superb defense, although Russel Wilson played out of his mind during Seattle's super bowl run.

There are only a handful of elite QBs in this league and the Texans don't have one. They have to get the elite play elsewhere and resigning JJ Watt was a no-brainer. Sure, you can allocate his money to three very good players but none of them are going to be a good QB. Good QBs don't become free agents very often. No matter how you spin it, only an elite QB can replace JJ Watt's value. Winning a Super Bowl is the goal, but you have to win games in the regular season first.

[Joe in PB]

Watt is a whole another animal. He's a DT who can rush the passer from any point on the D line. The closest player to him was Viking Keith Malard but he falls short except for 1 or 2 outstanding seasons. Watt is a great player no doubt.

[Go Coogs']

And how did Suh do in those ratings? Watt is the closest to LT we have yet seen on a defense. The only 3-4 DE to compare with his production is Bruce Smith. By comparison Suh seem a little bit closer to the mean that Watt.

Suh's impact isn't directly placed on his WPA because of what he creates for other players around him. Just look at Ansah's and Levy's seasons). JJ Watt's impact as a 3-4 DE is beyond anything anybody can comprehend. What he is doing as a DE in a 3-4 system is of Babe Ruth proportions. It's never been done. Like you said, only comparison being drawn to Watt is LT and they don't even play the same position. LT was very instrumental in helping the Giants win a couple of SBs.

[Go Coogs']

Watt is a whole another animal. He's a DT who can rush the passer from any point on the D line. The closest player to him was Viking Keith Malard but he falls short except for 1 or 2 outstanding seasons. Watt is a great player no doubt.

That's not what you posted though. You said signing Watt to big money didn't make much of an impact on the Texans' overall season and that is simply untrue. They finished 9-7 with him playing all 16 games. He directly changed three potential losses into wins. I truly believe the Texans finish 7-9 without Watt last season.

[Dinsdale]

Name one team that paid a DT QB money & won a Super Bowl?

The Ravens.

What do I win?

[Joe in PB]

Don't recall any DT on the Ravens making QB money.

[R-Jack]

That Ngata guy's average cap hit is 16 Dr. Evil ransoms.

[Joe in PB]

Haloti Ngata's cap hit was $10,400,000 in 2012, Ravens won their last Superbowl on Feb 3rd 2013. JJ Watts salary for 2015 is $21,969,000, QB money, about 15% of the salary cap of 141.8 million. in 2012 Nagta's salary was about 8.6% of the 120.375 million cap.

[Joe in PB]

Watt is a whole another animal. He's a DT who can rush the passer from any point on the D line. The closest player to him was Viking Keith Malard but he falls short except for 1 or 2 outstanding seasons. Watt is a great player no doubt.

That's not what you posted though. You said signing Watt to big money didn't make much of an impact on the Texans' overall season and that is simply untrue. They finished 9-7 with him playing all 16 games. He directly changed three potential losses into wins. I truly believe the Texans finish 7-9 without Watt last season.

My take is he's a great player, but not worth 15% of this years salary cap. Only top tier QBs are worth that much coin, and even then, most teams have a hard time putting all the pieces together around them.

[Joe in PB]

Latest from Rotoworld:

Dolphins transition player Charles Clay signed a five-year, $38 million offer sheet with the Bills.
The deal includes a whopping $20 million guaranteed, and $24.2 million over the first two years. Per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the offer is "structured to attack" Miami's cap space in 2016. The Dolphins now have five days to match. They will receive no compensation if they pass. It's the culmination of a week-long odyssey that's seen the AFC East rivals jockey over the H-back whilst remaking their rosters at tight end. The Bills cut Scott Chandler, while Miami signed Jordan Cameron. The Buffalo News previously reported there's a "90 percent chance" Clay ends up a Bill. NFL Network's Mike Silver reports the Dolphins' final offer to Clay was for four years and $27 million, and included $15 million guaranteed.