NFL Betting – Offseason Transaction Roundup, Comings & Goings
It’s been a three-day stretch like no other in the NFL, with big trades and (unofficial) signings galore as the lockout fades into rear-view mirror. So much is happening that it’s tough to keep track of it.
Here’s a look at everything major that has gone down so far this week.
TOP TRADES
1. Arizona Cardinals acquire QB Kevin Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles for CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft pick.
I wonder if both teams will regret this blockbuster. The Eagles didn’t get as much as they originally wanted (a player and a first-rounder). Meanwhile, Arizona signed a relatively unproven quarterback to a five-year, $63.5-million deal after acquiring him. Kolb has only ever produced when playing in low-pressure situations.
He was great filling in for injured Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick as an Eagle. However, at the start of last season, when he was the unquestioned starter, he got happy feet.
2. Minnesota Vikings acquire QB Donovan McNabb from the Washington Redskins for a conditional pick in 2012 and 2013.
I don’t fault Minnesota here. They just needed someone to keep the quarterback seat warm while Christian Ponder learns the ropes.
3. Miami Dolphins acquire RB Reggie Bush from the New Orleans Saints for an undisclosed draft pick.
Bush will take a significant pay cut but could thrive behind Miami’s solid O-line. It’s safe to assume at least one of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown won’t be back.
4. New England Patriots acquired DT Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins for a fifth-round pick in 2013.
Haynesworth wasn’t gonna play for Mike Shanahan so you can’t fault the Redskins. For the Patriots it’s just another reclamation project. Time will tell if Belichick can bring back the monster who suited up for the Titans.
TOP SIGNINGS
1. Tennessee Titans sign QB Matt Hasselbeck.
I still don’t see why Tennessee tripped over itself to pay Hasselbeck $21 million over three seasons. There were better guys out there to help teach Jake Locker. Hasselbeck’s back woes make me wonder if he’s already finished.
2. Seattle Seahawks sign WR Sidney Rice.
I understand the move from Seattle’s perspective, but it surprised me to see Rice head to Seattle. He and Tarvaris Jackson (below) were teammates in Minnesota – but wasn’t it Brett Favre, not Jackson, who brought out the best in Rice?
3. Seattle Seahawks sign QB Tarvaris Jackson.
I much prefer this move to re-upping Hasselbeck. Seattle is a bad football team; it may as well aim for the stars with younger, higher-upside players. Jackson flashed plenty of ability as a Viking but never got a chance to spread his wings. He could surprise. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
4. Jacksonville Jaguars sign LB Paul Posluszny.
He’s a tackling machine. Whether or not he’s worth $45 million and $15 million guaranteed, the Buffalo Bills are sad to see this guy go.
5. Kansas City Chiefs sign WR Steve Breaston.
He should keep the No. 2 receiving spot warm until Jonathan Baldwin is ready. Breaston is a capable pro.
TOP RE-SIGNINGS
1. Carolina Panthers re-sign RB DeAngelo Williams.
This may be the offseason’s worst move. The Panthers already have a caged animal of a running back ready to go Larry Johnson on the world in Jonathan Stewart. Instead of giving him his shot, they blow a crapload of money to retain DeAngelo Williams. Let’s also remember that (a) Cam Newton is a rushing quarterback and (b) Mike Goodson established himself as a solid third-down back last year.
Think what else Carolina could’ve done with that $43 million over five years. I suppose the signing was a PR move; it seemed to change Steve Smith’s mind in a hurry about wanting a trade.
Now he’s a “Panther for life.”
2. New York Jets re-sign WR Santonio Holmes.
His numbers slipped last season but it was shortened by a suspension and his quarterback is a work in progress. I don’t think the Jets will regret re-signing Holmes, a proven big-game receiver.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers re-sign CB Ike Taylor.
Maybe Taylor thought he was better off sticking with a team that appreciated him rather than competing with Nnamdi Asomugha and Johnathan Joseph for the top free-agent cornerback haul.
4. San Diego re-sign S Eric Weddle.
Did the Chargers go overboard here? Weddle is good but he’s now a richer man than Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed.
One reply on “2011 NFL Transactions Update | Free Agency”
Wow Congrats Eric Weddle…the richest safety in the history of the NFL??? Cmon