Latest Favre Rumor Just a Marketing Ploy?

by | Jun 9, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, Business of Football, NFL Rumors

The latest rumor (other than ESPN’s update tonight that the Vikings have suspended their pursuit of Favre–presumably until tomorrow, when they wake up and start again) is that Favre’s family and friends have booked a block of rooms at the Midway Motor Lodge near Lambeau Field for the weekend of the Vikings game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 1

Every report of this story that I’ve seen has been accompanied by the mention that this COULD be a sign that Favre has told those close to him that he is returning.

But what if it isn’t?  What if a really clever manager or bellhop just started the rumor to drum up some publicity for the Midway Motor Lodge?  Get some early reservations going, and hope that people don’t cancel in time, or decide to make the trip even if Favre stays retired?

Or, another possibility–what if Favre has actually decided NOT to come back, and he’s been in touch with the Packers, and that’s the weekend they’re finally going to retire #4?

OK, admittedly, neither of those scenarios seem real plausible–but neither does the idea that family & friends booking a block of rooms means he’s 100% coming back, if you ask me.

Until we finally hear something direct from Brad Childress or Favre himself, all of these reports–NFL Network, ESPN, etc–they are all 100% speculation, in my eyes.  And speculation that I could care less about.  After all, it’s only about two and a hlaf months until our first fantasy draft…

Foote wants to play in … Detroit?

by | May 6, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

I’m not sure whether to give Larry Foote a virtual pat on the back for loyalty or beg him to have his head examined. The former Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker apparently will get to fulfill his desire to leave the Super Bowl champion to join, yes, the ultimate Super Bowl longshot Detroit Lions.

Foote reportedly has inked a one-year deal to become Detroit’s new middle linebacker just days after receiving his release from the Steel Town where he helped win two Lombardi trophies.

By joining the rebuilding Lions he goes from being the third or fourth best linebacker on one of the league’s top defenses year in and year out to a team where he likely becomes one of – if not THE – best player.

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Will Favre Return in 2010?

by | Apr 28, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency

With the Jets moving up in Saturday’s draft to take USC QB Mark Sanchez, the Jets will have to significantly commit financially to Sanchez for the 2009 season. One of my first thoughts after the move was, where does this leave Brett Favre?

Obviously Favre retired, so at the current time, it’s not a problem for the Jets.  But what if Favre, conveniently after the Jets commit to Sanchez, decides to un-retire again?  He would quickly find himself in a situation similar to last season with the Packers–owed a big chunk of money by a team that didn’t want him, forcing them to release him or cut him, or likely be over the salary cap.

And earlier today, the Jets avoided any such scenario, by granting Favre his release.

While Favre currently maintains that he has no plans to return in 2010, the release means that he is free to sign with any team in the NFL, eliminating the clause the Packers included in last season’s trade that penalized the Jets if they turned around and traded him to the Vikings (where Favre reportedly wanted to go).

While Favre did file his retirement papers this time around, from what I’ve read, it is still just a matter of filing for reinstatement, if he were to change his mind again.

And with the Vikings seemingly set at nearly every spot EXCEPT quarterback, one has to wonder if coach Brad Childress might not call his old pal Favre, at least to see what his feelings really are as it related to his second retirement…

The Browns want WHAT?!?!?! for Edwards?

by | Apr 22, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, 2009 Trades, NFL Draft

Bahahahaha hahaha hahaha!!!

…

Bwahaha haha hahah haha

Sorry. Just flipped on ESPN and Sal Paolantonio reported that the Cleveland Browns are willing to trade butter-fingered wideout Braylon Edwards to the New York Giants – in exchange for defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka AND a first-round draft choice.

Yes, that’s correct – Cleveland wants a first-round pick AND a starting quality defensive end for a wide receiver that dropped as many passes as he caught last season.

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Holt to Jags is uninspiring fantasy play

by | Apr 21, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, Fantasy Football

Last year Torry Holt was the number one wide receiver on a team with a decent quarterback being protected by a bad offensive line led by an aging left tackle who some suspect might be running out of gas.

Holt signed a three-year deal Monday with Jacksonville, making him the number one wide receiver on a team that in 2008 had … a decent quarterback being protected by a bad offensive line. The Jaguars have added William Tra Thomas, an aging left tackle whose better days are behind him.

Sound familiar?

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Is Harrison Signing New Philosophy in Pittsburgh?

by | Apr 13, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, Business of Football, NFL Random Thoughts

The Steelers signed 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison to a six-year, $51.75 million contract on Monday, replacing a contract that would have paid Harrison $1.4 million in 2009.

The contract is a nice one for Harrison, a 31-year old OLB, and certainly not as ridiculous as handing a 320-pound (or more) defensive tackle with penchant for stomping on people’s faces with his cleats and possibly taking non-contract seasons off a record breaking $100+ million deal.

But, looking back at the Steelers history, one has to wonder if the extension for Harrison is sign of a new philosophy in Pittsburgh, in theory being driven by coach Mike Tomlin, who has a reputation as being more of a “Player’s Coach” than Bill Cowher or Chuck Noll ever were.

In the past, Pittsburgh has let several big name LBs leave in the middle of what would be considered my many their prime, or at the very worst just past their prime–seemingly always considering the system more important than the player.

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