Should Eagles Now Look at Trading McNabb?

by | Mar 11, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The Philadelphia Eagles have been relatively busy this free agency.  Unfortunately for Eagles fans, they’ve spent more time waving goodbye to former All-Pros than welcoming players to the fold.

First it was Drian Dawkins leaving for Denver.  Most recently it was Tra Thomas heading to Jacksonville.  In between they’ve lost or traded role players Correll Buckhalter, Lito Sheppard, Greg Lewis and Sean Considine.

Donovan McNabb wrote on his blog that he “will always regret not having the chance to win a championship with these guys.”  (Technically he did have a chance, but I think we get his point).

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Cutler still on the market? Vikes fans sniffing glue

by | Mar 2, 2009 | 2009 Trades, Business of Football, NFL Random Thoughts

I still think the Denver Broncos made a mistake in considering any deals in which quarterback Jay Cutler would have gone to Detroit or Tampa Bay in a three-way deal that would have brought Matt Cassel in return.

That said, when I wrote this morning’s post I had yet to read Sports Illustrated’s Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback column.

The revelation that Cutler had already been upset with the team and asked for a trade when offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates, a Cutler confidant, left for USC doesn’t change my mind. But it does raise questions about the genuineness of Cutler’s anger toward being included in talks in the first place.

Further reports throughout the day indicating that Cutler has now locked himself in his room like a petulant child and is refusing to speak with Broncos officials raise questions about his maturity.

Cutler, until proven otherwise, is still a better player than Cassel. His college resume is better, his professional performance is better – Cassel still has to prove that he can repeat the success he had in 2008 without Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Bill Belichick helping him out.

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McDaniels’ Cutler talks not worth the risk

by | Mar 2, 2009 | 2009 Trades, NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

Last year Jay Cutler threw for 4,526 yards, third most in the NFL. In his first three seasons as “the next John Elway” he’s thrown for 9,024 yards and 54 touchdowns. He needs to cut down on his 37 interceptions but he’s without question the best quarterback Denver has seen since the Hall of Famer retired.

Over the weekend it was reported that Denver’s rookie coach Josh McDaniels floated – or was at least willing to listen to – offers from Detroit and Tampa Bay that would have sent Cutler away.

Those reported deals would have reunited McDaniels with New England backup Matt Cassel.

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Chiefs get Cassel … but what about defense?

by | Feb 28, 2009 | 2009 Trades, NFL Random Thoughts

The Kansas City Chiefs Saturday received Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from the New England Patriots for a 2nd round draft pick, a relative song considering the price tag that allegedly had been hung on the backup to Tom Brady.

John Clayton and John Seibel on ESPN Radio this afternoon were doing some solid analysis of the first couple days of free agency. They’re two of the better hosts out there and they definitely have their hands on the pulse of the league.

But when they said Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe have to be thrilled with the acquisition of Cassel, I’m not sure I agree.

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Redskins start free agency with a bang

by | Feb 27, 2009 | NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

In 2006 the Washington Redskins spent large chunks of cash and draft picks to bring in luminaries such as Andre Carter, Adam Archuleta, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El, with only the latter remaining on the team.

The next two offseasons the Redskins were uncharacteristically quiet during free agency, appearing to have learned from 2006 and several other high-priced free agent mistakes acquired since Daniel Snyder bought the franchise.

Last year, as Washington sat on the sidelines, it was the Oakland Raiders that went on a free agency binge, doling out millions of dollars on a bunch of malcontents and scrubs. The constant cash register ringing earned ridicule from us at Zoneblitz.com among others.

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Lions considering moving Backus to guard?

by | Feb 22, 2009 | NFL Random Thoughts

With the NFL Combine taking place in Indianapolis, speculation about the NFL draft – and specifically the new direction for the Detroit Lions – is beginning to run rampant.

The Lions are getting advice from media folks all over the country. Pete Prisco of CBSSportsline.com says the team should definitely take QB Matt Stafford from Georgia, a move Zoneblitz forcefully argued against several weeks ago.

ESPN believes, as I do, that the team should identify the best left tackle available and take him to start building this team in the trenches.

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