My Take On FA Deals And ...

The last few days, the free agency transactions have been quite interesting. A few involve my favorite teams, Skins and Raiders, so let's have a look at some key transactions


1) Pats signing of Adalius Thomas, Kyle Brady and Sammy Morris

In one shot, this was a shrewd move by the Pats. In signing Thomas, it showed that they were looking for someone to replace Willie McGinest, a hybrid defender, who can do everything in the box. Look for him to play end / lb positions all over the line. When the Pats spend money, be assured that they really need the player. Brady is a short term replacement for Daniel Graham whom they lost to the Seahawks, more known for his blocking. As for signing Morris, Pats have Maroney, vets Faulk and Morris. The Pats may rush more this season ;-) .... looks like RB tandems could be the trend this season.

2) The lineman are getting their blings2

So far this offseason, the lineman are getting serious dough ..

- Kries Dielman with the Chargers
- Leonard Davis with the Cowboys
- Steinbach with the Browns

Hmm.. I am a bit surprised about the Davis signing. What do the Boys see in him ? ...when he was drafted, the potential was enormous, but he didn't do much, in my opinion, to warrant that kind of money. Oh well, it is the market. Luckily, Skins didn't take him even though they could.

3) Raiders getting some running help

The Raiders still kept Lamont Jordan, by restructuring his contract. And what they did next was taking in the real Super Bowl MVP, RB Dominic Rhodes and FB Justin Griffith. And they got OL Jermaine Newberry earlier.

I was not suprised by this move, being the offseason, but what surprised me was the moves all made sense. They needed a young vet on the line ( Newberry ), a running back to complement Jordan ( Rhodes ), and a bruising blocking fullback, Griffith.

The backfield looks like Jordan - Rhodes, Griffith, and Newberry anchoring the line.

Maybe Al got some sense after all

4) RB moves

Have you guys seen the movement of the backs ? ... McGahee to Ravens, Droughns to Giants, Henry to Broncos, Thomas Jones to Jets, Jamal Lewis to Browns

These guys were starters with their respective teams yet ended being released / traded away. In a way, the Colts success in the last Super Bowl showed that a RB tandem could do a better job, so it is interesting to see how the concept develop next season.

PS / What's up with Class of 2001 NFL Draft ... how are they ?