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| Authored by Andrew Perna - 16th March, 2006 - 5:20 am
 NFL executives wasted no time making moves this off-season, as several marquee trades and signings were made over the past few days.
It all began with the Arizona Cardinals signing of elite running back Edgerrin James earlier this week. James, now a former Indianapolis Colt, agreed to a four-year $30 million dollar contract in order to join a youthful receiving duo (Boldin-Fitzgerald) and an aging quarterback in Kurt Warner.
The Baltimore Ravens then signed the very infamous Jamal Lewis to another contract. The move was one that shocked some people around the league, but was also a move that didn?t shock others due to a lack of demand for the troubled former rushing champion.
Over the last day or so a flurry of NFL moves took place including two former Pro Bowl quarterbacks changing uniforms, a team finally cutting its losses, and the move of the NFL?s postseason sack leader to Cleveland.
Former New England Patriot linebacker Willie McGinest signed a three-year contract with former coach Romeo Crennel and the Browns. McGinest, who was released by the Patriots, will also join former teammate Ted Washington in Cleveland. He will reportedly earn $12 million dollars as a member of the Browns. McGinest will be expected to improve Crennel?s pass rush this season.
When Philip Rivers was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 draft they reportedly began shopping struggling quarterback Drew Brees. Brees promptly threw for 6,735 yards and 51 touchdowns over the next two seasons, leading the Chargers to the playoffs in 2004. Despite injuring himself in his last regular season game this January, Saints coach Sean Payton liked what he saw.
Brees explained that he wanted to move closer to his native Texas, which apparently played a role in his decision to sign with New Orleans. He signed a six-year $60 million dollar contract which guarantees him $10 million upfront.
He wasn?t the only big-name quarterback on the move this week.
The Minnesota Vikings have now traded franchise cornerstones in consecutive offseasons. First it was Randy Moss, now it?s Daunte Culpepper. Minnesota traded their 6-foot-4, 260-pound quarterback to the Miami Dolphins for a second-round pick in April?s draft. Culpepper, a Florida native, enjoyed three Pro Bowl seasons with the Vikings until things soured last season.
Culpepper will quarterback a young, but talented roster that includes Pro Bowl receiver Chris Chambers, standout rookie Ronnie Brown, and much maligned Ricky Williams.
One of the biggest moves made over the last few days was a move that was expected to come sooner or later.
The Philadelphia Eagles finally rid themselves of disgruntled wide receiver Terrell Owens. The Eagles announced the cut as a fitting way to end a tumultuous, two-year liaison. Owens is free to play for any NFL team that wants his services. Donovan McNabb?s biggest critic was due a $5 million dollar bonus on Wednesday, so Eagles executives either had to cut him or trade him to avoid paying him the cash.
Over the past week or so the NFL offseason has exploded. My column has only highlighted the movement of six players, all former or current Pro Bowl-caliber talent. More players are certainly on the move, and the changes for many of the NFL?s teams have only begun as they prepare for next months draft.
The acquisition of elite quarterbacks by the Dolphins and Saints has had a profound impact on the forecast for the 2006 Draft. The Saints, with Brees, may no longer be looking to select a quarterback with their pick. The Dolphins, who have had over six starting quarterbacks since the departure of Dan Marino, have also filled a huge whole in their roster by trading for Culpepper.
Regardless of the amount of moves we see in March, there are still several months remaining until training camps will open for players.
And in today?s era of sports, as long as there is time there will be movement.
Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com |
