NFC West: Charlie Whitehurst
Gary Horton of Scouts Inc. 
singled out the San Francisco 49ers' passing game as one of the NFC's three most improved units this offseason.
Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James are among the newcomers he expects to upgrade that area.
A look at the areas where the 49ers' competitors have the greatest potential for improvement, in my estimation:
That's how I see it, anyway. Now it's your turn.
singled out the San Francisco 49ers' passing game as one of the NFC's three most improved units this offseason.
Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James are among the newcomers he expects to upgrade that area.
A look at the areas where the 49ers' competitors have the greatest potential for improvement, in my estimation:
- Arizona Cardinals: wide receiver. Michael Floyd's addition as a potential strong No. 2 wideout could upgrade two receiving spots by casting Andre Roberts into more of a slot role, which could suit him better. Floyd projects as the flanker, with Larry Fitzgerald remaining at split end most of the time. We should also mention the Cardinals' offensive line, simply because the team now has a few young players to develop. I'm just not sure how much Adam Snyder and rookie Bobby Massie will upgrade the right side initially.
- Seattle Seahawks: quarterback. Adding Matt Flynn in free agency and Russell Wilson through the draft dramatically changes the outlook for the position in Seattle. We cannot know what Flynn or Wilson will become, and that is the point. The team will not go through another season with Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst as the only viable options. That is progress. The Seahawks' pass rush deserves mention, too. Adding Bruce Irvin and Jason Jones changes the dynamic. A healthy Dexter Davis could be a factor, too.
- St. Louis Rams: defensive line. The Rams also addressed their secondary, which was going to improve simply through better health. But with defensive tackles Kendall Langford and Michael Brockers joining the rotation, St. Louis now has four young starters on its line. Chris Long and 2011 first-round choice Robert Quinn are the others. The team still needs help at linebacker, but the brightened outlook at defensive tackle provides the foundation for improved run defense. That's important in a division featuring Marshawn Lynch, Frank Gore, Beanie Wells and others.
That's how I see it, anyway. Now it's your turn.
Teams receiving four of the 10 best compensatory draft choices this year have NFC West teams to thank.
That was the word Monday from the world's leading comp-pick guru, AdamJT13, who links specific players to specific comp picks on his blog.
The NFL awards compensatory choices based on net losses in unrestricted free agency, calculated by factors including salary and performance.
According to AdamJT13, the Seattle Seahawks' signing of Sidney Rice last offseason helped the Minnesota Vikings land a fourth-round pick -- 128th overall, the second-highest of the 32 selections awarded Monday.
Oakland received the 129th pick thanks to Seattle's deal with former Raiders tight end Zach Miller. Green Bay landed the 133rd pick for losing Daryn Colledge to Arizona, and Oakland picked up a fifth-rounder (168th overall) for losing Robert Gallery to Seattle.
UFA additions and subtractions this offseason will help determine how comp picks are awarded in 2013.
Arizona has added Adam Snyder and William Gay while losing Richard Marshall and Sean Considine.
San Francisco has added Josh Johnson, Mario Manningham and Rock Cartwright while losing Josh Morgan, Blake Costanzo and Snyder.
Seattle has added Matt Flynn and Jason Jones while losing John Carlson, Charlie Whitehurst and Atari Bigby.
The Rams have added Steve Smith, Quinn Ojinnaka, Kendall Langford, Scott Wells and Cortland Finnegan while losing Brandon Lloyd and Chris Chamberlain.
That was the word Monday from the world's leading comp-pick guru, AdamJT13, who links specific players to specific comp picks on his blog.
The NFL awards compensatory choices based on net losses in unrestricted free agency, calculated by factors including salary and performance.
According to AdamJT13, the Seattle Seahawks' signing of Sidney Rice last offseason helped the Minnesota Vikings land a fourth-round pick -- 128th overall, the second-highest of the 32 selections awarded Monday.
Oakland received the 129th pick thanks to Seattle's deal with former Raiders tight end Zach Miller. Green Bay landed the 133rd pick for losing Daryn Colledge to Arizona, and Oakland picked up a fifth-rounder (168th overall) for losing Robert Gallery to Seattle.
UFA additions and subtractions this offseason will help determine how comp picks are awarded in 2013.
Arizona has added Adam Snyder and William Gay while losing Richard Marshall and Sean Considine.
San Francisco has added Josh Johnson, Mario Manningham and Rock Cartwright while losing Josh Morgan, Blake Costanzo and Snyder.
Seattle has added Matt Flynn and Jason Jones while losing John Carlson, Charlie Whitehurst and Atari Bigby.
The Rams have added Steve Smith, Quinn Ojinnaka, Kendall Langford, Scott Wells and Cortland Finnegan while losing Brandon Lloyd and Chris Chamberlain.
The Seattle Seahawks went through their first two seasons under Pete Carroll without paying true starting money to a quarterback.
That remains the case after the team reached agreement Sunday on a three-year contract with free agent Matt Flynn.
The deal maxes out at $26 million with incentives, but the average stands just north of $6 million per year. That is more than the team paid previous veteran acquisitions Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst, but not dramatically so.
Flynn did not get franchise quarterback money. Kevin Kolb got more from the Arizona Cardinals in eight months -- $19 million -- than Flynn will get from Seattle in three years unless he hits incentives. Flynn got probable starter money and no public promises.
Just ask Carroll.
"We are really excited to bring Matt in here to compete with Tarvaris," Carroll said in a statement released by the team.
Moderate bets on Whitehurst and Jackson have returned little during Carroll's first two seasons. A slightly larger bet on Flynn beats the dwindling list of alternatives. Peyton Manning wasn't interested in Seattle. Alex Smith became a more likely possibility late in the process, but the Seahawks weren't going to wait around, obviously.
Developing Flynn becomes the top priority for Seattle in 2012.
The Seahawks haven't had a truly ascending player at the position since Matt Hasselbeck was on the rise a decade ago. Flynn, like Hasselbeck, came to Seattle from Green Bay, and with limited experience.
Back then, coach Mike Holmgren said he would "sink or swim" with the decision to acquire Hasselbeck.
Carroll's comments about Flynn competing for the starting job suggest the Seahawks do not see the Flynn acquisition in a similar light. That's understandable. Holmgren saw the world through the quarterback position, while Carroll is a defensive-minded head coach trying to win with a strong ground game.
Flynn, 26, has a chance to prove himself and return to the bargaining table in three years, perhaps sooner if he plays well. Last offseason, Flynn might have gotten a Kolb-type windfall. But with Manning casting a shadow over the market and Seattle insisting upon a disciplined financial approach, Flynn will have to earn more of his money.
Give the Seahawks' current leadership credit for landing Flynn at a reasonable price. They did not rush into a bad contract to appease a restless public. There was no panic. Seattle remains in position to draft a quarterback or acquire another veteran if the Flynn experiment fails after one season.
But a team's leadership cannot go forever without finding the right quarterback. It's possible to strike out without swinging for the fences.
That remains the case after the team reached agreement Sunday on a three-year contract with free agent Matt Flynn.
The deal maxes out at $26 million with incentives, but the average stands just north of $6 million per year. That is more than the team paid previous veteran acquisitions Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst, but not dramatically so.
Flynn did not get franchise quarterback money. Kevin Kolb got more from the Arizona Cardinals in eight months -- $19 million -- than Flynn will get from Seattle in three years unless he hits incentives. Flynn got probable starter money and no public promises.
Just ask Carroll.
"We are really excited to bring Matt in here to compete with Tarvaris," Carroll said in a statement released by the team.
Moderate bets on Whitehurst and Jackson have returned little during Carroll's first two seasons. A slightly larger bet on Flynn beats the dwindling list of alternatives. Peyton Manning wasn't interested in Seattle. Alex Smith became a more likely possibility late in the process, but the Seahawks weren't going to wait around, obviously.
Developing Flynn becomes the top priority for Seattle in 2012.
The Seahawks haven't had a truly ascending player at the position since Matt Hasselbeck was on the rise a decade ago. Flynn, like Hasselbeck, came to Seattle from Green Bay, and with limited experience.
Back then, coach Mike Holmgren said he would "sink or swim" with the decision to acquire Hasselbeck.
Carroll's comments about Flynn competing for the starting job suggest the Seahawks do not see the Flynn acquisition in a similar light. That's understandable. Holmgren saw the world through the quarterback position, while Carroll is a defensive-minded head coach trying to win with a strong ground game.
Flynn, 26, has a chance to prove himself and return to the bargaining table in three years, perhaps sooner if he plays well. Last offseason, Flynn might have gotten a Kolb-type windfall. But with Manning casting a shadow over the market and Seattle insisting upon a disciplined financial approach, Flynn will have to earn more of his money.
Give the Seahawks' current leadership credit for landing Flynn at a reasonable price. They did not rush into a bad contract to appease a restless public. There was no panic. Seattle remains in position to draft a quarterback or acquire another veteran if the Flynn experiment fails after one season.
But a team's leadership cannot go forever without finding the right quarterback. It's possible to strike out without swinging for the fences.
Forget about Alex Smith paying a free-agent visit to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks' contract agreement with Matt Flynn, announced by the team, largely solves the team's quarterback search for at least the 2012 season. The pressure to draft a quarterback early is now gone.
Seattle can go into the season with Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson as its veteran options. The length of the contract, three years, is shorter than what a franchise quarterback would command. But the potential value of the deal -- $26 million overall -- gives Flynn a giant opportunity to distinguish himself as one. He's most likely going to be the starter heading into the upcoming season, in other words.
The agreement with Flynn leaves one fewer opportunity for Smith as the 49ers continue their pursuit of Peyton Manning. Smith visited the Dolphins, who also showed interest in Flynn. But Miami has so far shown very little ability to land its preferred candidates for important roles, having lost Jim Harbaugh and Jeff Fisher to NFC West teams, and having been scratched off Manning's list, as well.
Seattle needed to address the quarterback position in some manner. Manning rebuffed its efforts to pursue him. Stronger-than-expected finishes over the past two seasons also prevented Seattle from drafting early enough for a realistic shot at the top quarterback prospects. And when the team did have an opportunity to select a promising quarterback in Andy Dalton, coach Pete Carroll sought help for his offensive line instead.
Enter Flynn, who becomes the latest veteran quarterback with an opportunity to start in Seattle. Carroll and Schneider acquired Charlie Whitehurst in 2010, but that did not work out. Whitehurst hit the free-agent market last week and signed with San Diego over the weekend. The Seahawks brought in Jackson last offseason, emphasizing the quarterback's ties to their new offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell.
Jackson was OK, but the team had trouble rallying late in games. A pectoral injury also affected Jackson's ability to deliver the ball.
Flynn, meanwhile, comes to Seattle after completing 31 of 44 passes for 480 yards with six touchdowns and one interception in the Packers' regular-season finale against Detroit. A year earlier, he passed for three touchdowns and nearly led Green Bay to victory at New England. Those two starts showed Flynn could produce when given a chance. Can he do so over the course of a season? The Seahawks will find out.
Seattle? Now it's on for 49ers, Alex Smith
March, 18, 2012
Mar 18
3:13
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Alex Smith visiting the Miami Dolphins had to get the San Francisco 49ers' attention.
An upcoming trip to the Seattle Seahawks? Now we're really talking.
That's the plan for Smith, as the free-agent quarterback, while the 49ers show interest in Peyton Manning, Matt Barrows reports. And it's only logical.
The Seahawks had interest in Smith before Smith jumped into Jim Harbaugh's waiting arms last offseason. They have an opening at quarterback after making no effort to re-sign Charlie Whitehurst. Scot McCloughan, one of the men primarily responsible for drafting Smith in San Francisco, now works as a senior personnel executive in Seattle.
Losing Smith to Miami or Seattle wouldn't seem to matter much from a 49ers perspective if the team landed Manning. But if the 49ers missed out on both Manning and Smith, they might suffer a net loss at the position.
Barrows cites sources saying Smith is ticked off with the 49ers for what he perceived as a gap between their public comments and the contract offer they made him. We might have previously assumed hard feelings had developed between the 49ers and Smith, but this is the first I've seen it reported. The presence of hard feelings recasts this situation. We should no longer see this as simply a case of both sides doing their professional duty by exploring options available to them.
None of this means the relationship between the 49ers and Smith cannot be salvaged. It just means the relationship has changed. And it means Smith, who already took a trip to Miami, could be less likely to return.
An upcoming trip to the Seattle Seahawks? Now we're really talking.
That's the plan for Smith, as the free-agent quarterback, while the 49ers show interest in Peyton Manning, Matt Barrows reports. And it's only logical.
The Seahawks had interest in Smith before Smith jumped into Jim Harbaugh's waiting arms last offseason. They have an opening at quarterback after making no effort to re-sign Charlie Whitehurst. Scot McCloughan, one of the men primarily responsible for drafting Smith in San Francisco, now works as a senior personnel executive in Seattle.
Losing Smith to Miami or Seattle wouldn't seem to matter much from a 49ers perspective if the team landed Manning. But if the 49ers missed out on both Manning and Smith, they might suffer a net loss at the position.
Barrows cites sources saying Smith is ticked off with the 49ers for what he perceived as a gap between their public comments and the contract offer they made him. We might have previously assumed hard feelings had developed between the 49ers and Smith, but this is the first I've seen it reported. The presence of hard feelings recasts this situation. We should no longer see this as simply a case of both sides doing their professional duty by exploring options available to them.
None of this means the relationship between the 49ers and Smith cannot be salvaged. It just means the relationship has changed. And it means Smith, who already took a trip to Miami, could be less likely to return.
Whitehurst perception did not match reality
March, 16, 2012
Mar 16
9:20
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Charlie Whitehurst is heading back to the San Diego Chargers from the Seattle Seahawks on a two-year contract.
There are no refunds in the NFL, but if there were, the Seahawks would be entitled to ask for one, with or without a receipt.
Whitehurst attempted only 155 passes for the team after Seattle acquired him from the Chargers for a 2011 third-round pick and a swap of 2010 second-rounders.
Coach Pete Carroll, ever the cheerleader with his public comments, created the impression Seattle had exceedingly high hopes for Whitehurst. But the money Seattle was paying Whitehurst did not match up. The Seahawks did not bet big on him.
That is why the Seahawks never lost sleep over the transaction. They paid much less than Seattle's previous leadership gave up for Matt Hasselbeck. They were not declaring Whitehurst the future of their franchise. The Seahawks figured Whitehurst would provide quarterback depth, with at least a chance of developing into something more.
Whitehurst never came close to beating out Hasselbeck in 2010. The Seahawks gave the job to newcomer Tarvaris Jackson in 2011. They would not have done that, in my view, if they thought Whitehurst had any future as the starter.
Returning to the Chargers in a third-string role, and on only the fourth day of free agency, will not change perceptions Whitehurst was content as a backup. Update: The Chargers subsequently released backup Billy Volek. That means Whitehurst apparently returned to San Diego for the No. 2 job. This becomes a much better move for him.
Seattle made no effort to re-sign him. The team visited with former Green Bay backup Matt Flynn on Friday, but the Seahawks aren't expected to engage the Miami Dolphins in a bidding war, should it come to that.
There are no refunds in the NFL, but if there were, the Seahawks would be entitled to ask for one, with or without a receipt.
Whitehurst attempted only 155 passes for the team after Seattle acquired him from the Chargers for a 2011 third-round pick and a swap of 2010 second-rounders.
Coach Pete Carroll, ever the cheerleader with his public comments, created the impression Seattle had exceedingly high hopes for Whitehurst. But the money Seattle was paying Whitehurst did not match up. The Seahawks did not bet big on him.
That is why the Seahawks never lost sleep over the transaction. They paid much less than Seattle's previous leadership gave up for Matt Hasselbeck. They were not declaring Whitehurst the future of their franchise. The Seahawks figured Whitehurst would provide quarterback depth, with at least a chance of developing into something more.
Whitehurst never came close to beating out Hasselbeck in 2010. The Seahawks gave the job to newcomer Tarvaris Jackson in 2011. They would not have done that, in my view, if they thought Whitehurst had any future as the starter.
Returning to the Chargers in a third-string role, and on only the fourth day of free agency, will not change perceptions Whitehurst was content as a backup. Update: The Chargers subsequently released backup Billy Volek. That means Whitehurst apparently returned to San Diego for the No. 2 job. This becomes a much better move for him.
Seattle made no effort to re-sign him. The team visited with former Green Bay backup Matt Flynn on Friday, but the Seahawks aren't expected to engage the Miami Dolphins in a bidding war, should it come to that.
Michael Robinson's expected re-signing with the Seattle Seahawks would give the team a league-high four re-signings in the unrestricted free-agent market.
Red Bryant, Paul McQuistan and Heath Farwell previously re-signed.
Seattle and the other NFC West teams have added only two UFAs from other teams, however. I've put together UFA scorecards for each team in the division. Ages are in parenthesis. Here goes ...
Seattle Seahawks
UFA unsigned (age): defensive end Raheem Brock (33), defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson (31), safety Atari Bigby (30), quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (29), linebacker Leroy Hill (29), linebacker Matt McCoy (29), defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (28), linebacker David Hawthorne (26), running back Justin Forsett (26), linebacker David Vobora (25)
UFA re-signed: Farwell (30), Robinson (29), McQuistan (28), Bryant (27)
UFA added: none
UFA lost: tight end John Carlson (27)
Franchise player: none
Comment: Forsett has provided value, but the Seahawks will want to add a power back as depth behind Marshawn Lynch, who re-signed before free agency. Mike Tolbert, a free agent from the San Diego Chargers, could be worth a look if the running back market remains soft. Tolbert weighs 243 pounds, has 21 total touchdowns over the past two seasons, and caught 54 passes in 2012. The price would have to be right after Seattle committed to Lynch.
San Francisco 49ers
UFA unsigned: fullback Moran Norris (33), tight end Justin Peelle (33), safety Madieu Williams (30), quarterback Alex Smith (27), receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (26), guard Chilo Rachal (26), safety Reggie Smith (25)
UFA re-signed: cornerback Carlos Rogers (30), linebacker Tavares Gooden (27)
UFA added: none
UFA lost: guard Adam Snyder (30), linebacker Blake Costanzo (27), receiver Josh Morgan (26)
Franchise player: safety Dashon Goldson (27)
Comment: Randy Moss and potential addition Rock Cartwright do not appear in the listings because they were not unrestricted free agents. Re-signing Alex Smith and finding additional receiver help appear to be the top priorities. The 49ers are showing little outward urgency on either front, however.
Arizona Cardinals
UFA unsigned: defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday (36), kicker Jay Feely (35), long-snapper Mike Leach (35), outside linebacker Clark Haggans (35), outside linebacker Joey Porter (34), offensive lineman Floyd Womack (33), punter Dave Zastudil (33), tackle D'Anthony Batiste (29), safety Sean Considine (29), guard Deuce Lutui (28), safety Hamza Abdullah (28), tackle Brandon Keith (27), receiver Early Doucet (26)
UFA re-signed: none.
UFA added: Snyder (30)
UFA lost: cornerback Richard Marshall (27)
Franchise player: defensive end Calais Campbell (25)
Comment: The Cardinals have been in a tough spot. They would have faced criticism had they declined to pursue Peyton Manning. They could now face criticism for sacrificing the first week of free agency while waiting for Manning. The reality is that Arizona probably wasn't going to be all that aggressive in the market this offseason, anyway. It did hurt losing Marshall to the Miami Dolphins after coordinator Ray Horton called him the Cardinals' defensive MVP.
St. Louis Rams
UFA unsigned: cornerback Al Harris (37), quarterback A.J. Feeley (34), offensive lineman Tony Wragge (32), linebacker Brady Poppinga (32), punter Donnie Jones (31), offensive lineman Adam Goldberg (31), guard Jacob Bell (31), receiver Brandon Lloyd (30), cornerback Rod Hood (30), running back Cadillac Williams (29), defensive tackle Gary Gibson (29), receiver Mark Clayton (29), tackle Mark LeVoir (29), tight end Stephen Spach (29), safety James Butler (29), tight end Billy Bajema (29), quarterback Kellen Clemens (28), running back Jerious Norwood (28), linebacker Bryan Kehl (27), linebacker Chris Chamberlain (26), cornerback Justin King (24)
UFA re-signed: none
UFA added: cornerback Cortland Finnegan (28)
UFA lost: none
Franchise player: none
Comment: The Rams are not looking to re-sign many of their own free agents. They want to turn over the roster, and that is happening in a big way. The team's failure to secure playmaking help for quarterback Sam Bradford stands out as the biggest theme to this point. Finnegan was a welcome addition, but he isn't going to score many touchdowns.
The chart below shows a general overview.
Red Bryant, Paul McQuistan and Heath Farwell previously re-signed.
Seattle and the other NFC West teams have added only two UFAs from other teams, however. I've put together UFA scorecards for each team in the division. Ages are in parenthesis. Here goes ...
Seattle Seahawks
UFA unsigned (age): defensive end Raheem Brock (33), defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson (31), safety Atari Bigby (30), quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (29), linebacker Leroy Hill (29), linebacker Matt McCoy (29), defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (28), linebacker David Hawthorne (26), running back Justin Forsett (26), linebacker David Vobora (25)
UFA re-signed: Farwell (30), Robinson (29), McQuistan (28), Bryant (27)
UFA added: none
UFA lost: tight end John Carlson (27)
Franchise player: none
Comment: Forsett has provided value, but the Seahawks will want to add a power back as depth behind Marshawn Lynch, who re-signed before free agency. Mike Tolbert, a free agent from the San Diego Chargers, could be worth a look if the running back market remains soft. Tolbert weighs 243 pounds, has 21 total touchdowns over the past two seasons, and caught 54 passes in 2012. The price would have to be right after Seattle committed to Lynch.
San Francisco 49ers
UFA unsigned: fullback Moran Norris (33), tight end Justin Peelle (33), safety Madieu Williams (30), quarterback Alex Smith (27), receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (26), guard Chilo Rachal (26), safety Reggie Smith (25)
UFA re-signed: cornerback Carlos Rogers (30), linebacker Tavares Gooden (27)
UFA added: none
UFA lost: guard Adam Snyder (30), linebacker Blake Costanzo (27), receiver Josh Morgan (26)
Franchise player: safety Dashon Goldson (27)
Comment: Randy Moss and potential addition Rock Cartwright do not appear in the listings because they were not unrestricted free agents. Re-signing Alex Smith and finding additional receiver help appear to be the top priorities. The 49ers are showing little outward urgency on either front, however.
Arizona Cardinals
UFA unsigned: defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday (36), kicker Jay Feely (35), long-snapper Mike Leach (35), outside linebacker Clark Haggans (35), outside linebacker Joey Porter (34), offensive lineman Floyd Womack (33), punter Dave Zastudil (33), tackle D'Anthony Batiste (29), safety Sean Considine (29), guard Deuce Lutui (28), safety Hamza Abdullah (28), tackle Brandon Keith (27), receiver Early Doucet (26)
UFA re-signed: none.
UFA added: Snyder (30)
UFA lost: cornerback Richard Marshall (27)
Franchise player: defensive end Calais Campbell (25)
Comment: The Cardinals have been in a tough spot. They would have faced criticism had they declined to pursue Peyton Manning. They could now face criticism for sacrificing the first week of free agency while waiting for Manning. The reality is that Arizona probably wasn't going to be all that aggressive in the market this offseason, anyway. It did hurt losing Marshall to the Miami Dolphins after coordinator Ray Horton called him the Cardinals' defensive MVP.
St. Louis Rams
UFA unsigned: cornerback Al Harris (37), quarterback A.J. Feeley (34), offensive lineman Tony Wragge (32), linebacker Brady Poppinga (32), punter Donnie Jones (31), offensive lineman Adam Goldberg (31), guard Jacob Bell (31), receiver Brandon Lloyd (30), cornerback Rod Hood (30), running back Cadillac Williams (29), defensive tackle Gary Gibson (29), receiver Mark Clayton (29), tackle Mark LeVoir (29), tight end Stephen Spach (29), safety James Butler (29), tight end Billy Bajema (29), quarterback Kellen Clemens (28), running back Jerious Norwood (28), linebacker Bryan Kehl (27), linebacker Chris Chamberlain (26), cornerback Justin King (24)
UFA re-signed: none
UFA added: cornerback Cortland Finnegan (28)
UFA lost: none
Franchise player: none
Comment: The Rams are not looking to re-sign many of their own free agents. They want to turn over the roster, and that is happening in a big way. The team's failure to secure playmaking help for quarterback Sam Bradford stands out as the biggest theme to this point. Finnegan was a welcome addition, but he isn't going to score many touchdowns.
The chart below shows a general overview.
» AFC Free-Agency Primer: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET
Arizona Cardinals
Key free agents: DE Calais Campbell (franchise tag), CB Richard Marshall, OLB Clark Haggans, WR Early Doucet, T Brandon Keith, G Deuce Lutui, K Jay Feely.
Where they stand: A strong finish to the 2011 season on defense gives the Cardinals a glass-half-full feel heading into free agency. Going from 1-6 to 8-8 was an impressive achievement. Arizona does have serious concerns on its offensive line. The situation at tackle is particularly questionable even if Levi Brown returns (and maybe especially if he returns, depending on your view). The line concerns might actually dissipate some if the team lands Peyton Manning, a quarterback with the ability to beat pressure with quick throws. But tackle is still an area that needs addressing for the long term. Injuries throughout the offensive backfield raise questions about that area as well. Kevin Kolb (concussion), Beanie Wells (knee), Ryan Williams (knee) and Anthony Sherman (ankle) missed extensive time or played at a diminished level for stretches.
What to expect: The Cardinals are one of the teams chasing Manning. That pursuit could consume them for the short term. Landing Manning would signal the end for Kolb in Arizona. The Cardinals have until March 17 to exercise a $7 million option on Kolb, the quarterback they acquired from Philadelphia for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a fat contract. I'm expecting a resolution to Manning's situation before the Kolb bonus comes due simply because interest in Manning should be high enough to accelerate the process. The Cardinals had about $3 million in salary-cap space entering the week, according to ESPN's John Clayton. That figure could increase substantially once the team releases Brown or reworks his contract. Arizona still has strong coaching ties to Pittsburgh on both sides of the ball, but it's an upset if the Cardinals seriously pursue any of the aging veterans recently released by the Steelers. Developing young talent is the priority now. Re-signing Marshall, who fared well at corner, should be a priority. Does free-agent linebacker Stewart Bradley still factor prominently into the team's plans, particularly at such a high price?
St. Louis Rams
Key free agents: WR Brandon Lloyd, G Jacob Bell, CB Justin King, OL Adam Goldberg, LB Chris Chamberlain, G Tony Wragge, TE Billy Bajema, WR Mark Clayton, DT Gary Gibson, P Donnie Jones.
Where they stand: The Rams have no interest in staying the course from a personnel standpoint after going 15-65 over the past five seasons. They will seek fresh talent almost across the board as Jeff Fisher's new coaching staff seeks players for its schemes. The Rams are seeking playmakers in particular, starting at wide receiver. The offensive line needs addressing, although the Rams might try to minimize the turnover at offensive tackle for the short term, figuring they cannot afford to create new needs. But former starting center Jason Brown, benched last season, appears unlikely to return. The team also needs two starting outside linebackers, starting defensive tackles and perhaps two starting cornerbacks on defense.
What to expect: Mass roster turnover. I could see the team retaining as few as one or two players from its list of 21 projected unrestricted free agents. The Rams have a disproportionate amount of their salary cap tied up in recent high draft choices Sam Bradford, Chris Long and Jason Smith. The rookie wage scale will provide them cap relief even if the team remains among the teams picking very high in the 2012 draft. Bradford and Long are cornerstones. Smith could stick around at a reduced rate. The team still has hope for him under new offensive line coach Paul Boudreau. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan and defensive lineman Jason Jones, both free agents from Tennessee, have ties to Fisher and could make sense for the Rams. Despite the need for playmakers on offense, the Rams did not use the franchise tag on Lloyd, their most talented receiver. Questions persist about how effective Lloyd might be outside Josh McDaniels' offense.
San Francisco 49ers
Key free agents: QB Alex Smith, CB Carlos Rogers, FS Dashon Goldson (franchise tag), G Adam Snyder, WR Ted Ginn Jr., WR Josh Morgan, G Chilo Rachal, FB Moran Norris, LB Blake Costanzo.
Where they stand: Coach Jim Harbaugh has said it's a bit unsettling heading through the offseason with his starting quarterback unsigned. Smith and the 49ers are expected to reach agreement eventually. This relationship will almost certainly continue even if Smith does reach free agency without a deal in place. Smith would not fit nearly as well anywhere else. Harbaugh likes to use the word "equity" when describing players he wants to keep. The 49ers would rather bring back Smith than invite the disruption that Manning would bring, were they able to land him. The team needs help at wide receiver and possibly cornerback, depending upon what happens with Rogers. Getting Goldson at the relatively reasonable franchise rate ($6.2 million) was a plus for the 49ers' continuity in the secondary.
What to expect: Not a whole lot, most likely. The 49ers were a good team last season after taking a low-keyed approach to the free-agent market. They will presumably show interest in Vincent Jackson, Mike Wallace and any high-profile, productive receiver with the talent to upgrade their offense. It's a small upset if the 49ers land one of them, however, because their philosophy is built on a measured approach resistant to overpaying. They will have to address the receiver position in free agency one way or another, however. Re-signing Morgan would help. Pierre Garcon, Marques Colston, Mario Manningham, Plaxico Burress and Robert Meachem are among the other options in free agency. An upgrade at right guard would help the line, but the 49ers might be apt to develop 2011 draft choice Daniel Kilgore after investing first-round choices in their left tackle (Joe Staley), left guard (Mike Iupati) and right tackle (Anthony Davis).
Seattle Seahawks
Key free agents: DE Red Bryant, LB David Hawthorne, LB Leroy Hill, OL Paul McQuistan, DE Raheem Brock, DL Tony Hargrove, FB Michael Robinson, RB Justin Forsett, QB Charlie Whitehurst, LB Matt McCoy, TE John Carlson, LB Heath Farwell.
Where they stand: The Seahawks' long-term quarterback situation hangs over them as they head toward the 2012 draft with only the 12th overall choice. The team has built up the rest of its roster to a point where sticking with Tarvaris Jackson as the primary starter could hold back the team to a degree it did not through much of last season. Upgrading the pass rush is another priority for the Seahawks. With defensive end Raheem Brock publicly stumping for Seattle to land Manning, his former teammate, I couldn't help but wonder which one of them had a better shot at earning a roster spot with the team in 2012. It might be Manning, even if the Seahawks are relative long shots for his services. Brock failed to provide the pass-rush push Seattle needed opposite Chris Clemons. Linebacker is another position the Seahawks need to address, whether or not Hawthorne and Hill return.
What to expect: The Seahawks have roughly $30 million in cap space, according to Clayton, and will make every effort to land Manning. They feel they've got a shot as long as they can persuade him to get on a plane and check out what they have to offer in terms of the roster, coaching, facilities, ownership and more. If Manning goes elsewhere, I would expect the Seahawks to consider Green Bay quarterback Matt Flynn. Securing him at a price lower than what Arizona paid for Kolb would be the goal. As badly as the Seahawks want to upgrade the position, they have said they will not panic. Overpaying for Flynn could represent panic in their eyes. On the pass-rush front, I'm increasingly skeptical the team will shell out for Mario Williams. The price could be too high for a player Houston has decided to let hit the market. Re-signing Bryant is a priority, but using the franchise tag for him was never an option given the $10.6 million price. A deal slightly north of the one teammate Brandon Mebane signed seems likelier if Bryant returns.
Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET
Arizona Cardinals
Key free agents: DE Calais Campbell (franchise tag), CB Richard Marshall, OLB Clark Haggans, WR Early Doucet, T Brandon Keith, G Deuce Lutui, K Jay Feely.
Where they stand: A strong finish to the 2011 season on defense gives the Cardinals a glass-half-full feel heading into free agency. Going from 1-6 to 8-8 was an impressive achievement. Arizona does have serious concerns on its offensive line. The situation at tackle is particularly questionable even if Levi Brown returns (and maybe especially if he returns, depending on your view). The line concerns might actually dissipate some if the team lands Peyton Manning, a quarterback with the ability to beat pressure with quick throws. But tackle is still an area that needs addressing for the long term. Injuries throughout the offensive backfield raise questions about that area as well. Kevin Kolb (concussion), Beanie Wells (knee), Ryan Williams (knee) and Anthony Sherman (ankle) missed extensive time or played at a diminished level for stretches.
What to expect: The Cardinals are one of the teams chasing Manning. That pursuit could consume them for the short term. Landing Manning would signal the end for Kolb in Arizona. The Cardinals have until March 17 to exercise a $7 million option on Kolb, the quarterback they acquired from Philadelphia for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a fat contract. I'm expecting a resolution to Manning's situation before the Kolb bonus comes due simply because interest in Manning should be high enough to accelerate the process. The Cardinals had about $3 million in salary-cap space entering the week, according to ESPN's John Clayton. That figure could increase substantially once the team releases Brown or reworks his contract. Arizona still has strong coaching ties to Pittsburgh on both sides of the ball, but it's an upset if the Cardinals seriously pursue any of the aging veterans recently released by the Steelers. Developing young talent is the priority now. Re-signing Marshall, who fared well at corner, should be a priority. Does free-agent linebacker Stewart Bradley still factor prominently into the team's plans, particularly at such a high price?
St. Louis Rams
Key free agents: WR Brandon Lloyd, G Jacob Bell, CB Justin King, OL Adam Goldberg, LB Chris Chamberlain, G Tony Wragge, TE Billy Bajema, WR Mark Clayton, DT Gary Gibson, P Donnie Jones.
Where they stand: The Rams have no interest in staying the course from a personnel standpoint after going 15-65 over the past five seasons. They will seek fresh talent almost across the board as Jeff Fisher's new coaching staff seeks players for its schemes. The Rams are seeking playmakers in particular, starting at wide receiver. The offensive line needs addressing, although the Rams might try to minimize the turnover at offensive tackle for the short term, figuring they cannot afford to create new needs. But former starting center Jason Brown, benched last season, appears unlikely to return. The team also needs two starting outside linebackers, starting defensive tackles and perhaps two starting cornerbacks on defense.
What to expect: Mass roster turnover. I could see the team retaining as few as one or two players from its list of 21 projected unrestricted free agents. The Rams have a disproportionate amount of their salary cap tied up in recent high draft choices Sam Bradford, Chris Long and Jason Smith. The rookie wage scale will provide them cap relief even if the team remains among the teams picking very high in the 2012 draft. Bradford and Long are cornerstones. Smith could stick around at a reduced rate. The team still has hope for him under new offensive line coach Paul Boudreau. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan and defensive lineman Jason Jones, both free agents from Tennessee, have ties to Fisher and could make sense for the Rams. Despite the need for playmakers on offense, the Rams did not use the franchise tag on Lloyd, their most talented receiver. Questions persist about how effective Lloyd might be outside Josh McDaniels' offense.
San Francisco 49ers
Key free agents: QB Alex Smith, CB Carlos Rogers, FS Dashon Goldson (franchise tag), G Adam Snyder, WR Ted Ginn Jr., WR Josh Morgan, G Chilo Rachal, FB Moran Norris, LB Blake Costanzo.
Where they stand: Coach Jim Harbaugh has said it's a bit unsettling heading through the offseason with his starting quarterback unsigned. Smith and the 49ers are expected to reach agreement eventually. This relationship will almost certainly continue even if Smith does reach free agency without a deal in place. Smith would not fit nearly as well anywhere else. Harbaugh likes to use the word "equity" when describing players he wants to keep. The 49ers would rather bring back Smith than invite the disruption that Manning would bring, were they able to land him. The team needs help at wide receiver and possibly cornerback, depending upon what happens with Rogers. Getting Goldson at the relatively reasonable franchise rate ($6.2 million) was a plus for the 49ers' continuity in the secondary.
What to expect: Not a whole lot, most likely. The 49ers were a good team last season after taking a low-keyed approach to the free-agent market. They will presumably show interest in Vincent Jackson, Mike Wallace and any high-profile, productive receiver with the talent to upgrade their offense. It's a small upset if the 49ers land one of them, however, because their philosophy is built on a measured approach resistant to overpaying. They will have to address the receiver position in free agency one way or another, however. Re-signing Morgan would help. Pierre Garcon, Marques Colston, Mario Manningham, Plaxico Burress and Robert Meachem are among the other options in free agency. An upgrade at right guard would help the line, but the 49ers might be apt to develop 2011 draft choice Daniel Kilgore after investing first-round choices in their left tackle (Joe Staley), left guard (Mike Iupati) and right tackle (Anthony Davis).
Seattle Seahawks
Key free agents: DE Red Bryant, LB David Hawthorne, LB Leroy Hill, OL Paul McQuistan, DE Raheem Brock, DL Tony Hargrove, FB Michael Robinson, RB Justin Forsett, QB Charlie Whitehurst, LB Matt McCoy, TE John Carlson, LB Heath Farwell.
Where they stand: The Seahawks' long-term quarterback situation hangs over them as they head toward the 2012 draft with only the 12th overall choice. The team has built up the rest of its roster to a point where sticking with Tarvaris Jackson as the primary starter could hold back the team to a degree it did not through much of last season. Upgrading the pass rush is another priority for the Seahawks. With defensive end Raheem Brock publicly stumping for Seattle to land Manning, his former teammate, I couldn't help but wonder which one of them had a better shot at earning a roster spot with the team in 2012. It might be Manning, even if the Seahawks are relative long shots for his services. Brock failed to provide the pass-rush push Seattle needed opposite Chris Clemons. Linebacker is another position the Seahawks need to address, whether or not Hawthorne and Hill return.
What to expect: The Seahawks have roughly $30 million in cap space, according to Clayton, and will make every effort to land Manning. They feel they've got a shot as long as they can persuade him to get on a plane and check out what they have to offer in terms of the roster, coaching, facilities, ownership and more. If Manning goes elsewhere, I would expect the Seahawks to consider Green Bay quarterback Matt Flynn. Securing him at a price lower than what Arizona paid for Kolb would be the goal. As badly as the Seahawks want to upgrade the position, they have said they will not panic. Overpaying for Flynn could represent panic in their eyes. On the pass-rush front, I'm increasingly skeptical the team will shell out for Mario Williams. The price could be too high for a player Houston has decided to let hit the market. Re-signing Bryant is a priority, but using the franchise tag for him was never an option given the $10.6 million price. A deal slightly north of the one teammate Brandon Mebane signed seems likelier if Bryant returns.
INDIANAPOLIS -- More than 40 minutes with Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider reinforced perceptions the team likely will not trade up for a quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft.
That was a primary takeaway, in my view.
And if the Green Bay Packers did name Matt Flynn their franchise player, Seattle could be a long shot to make a move for him.
"If you have to move up to get a quarterback, or say, the Kevin Kolb situation last year, OK, we would have had to have given up much more than Arizona did because they had a player (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie) they were involved with [trading]," Schneider said. "You had better be really sure he is the guy or else it's the double-whammy -- it's draft choices, it's cash."
Schneider continued to drive home the idea Seattle would not panic over finding a franchise quarterback. He lauded Tarvaris Jackson for playing through a serious pectoral injury that prevented him from following through on throws. He said the team likes Josh Portis' long-term potential. And he said the team would consider its options with Charlie Whitehurst, who is not expected back as a free agent.
"We're never going to panic," Schneider said. "In terms of how [Jackson] played, I thought he did a great job, especially with that offensive line. Things came to fruition the way we thought it would in terms of having Darrell Bevell there [as coordinator]. [Jackson] came in, he knew the offense, we knew he could step into the huddle the first day and he's such a tough guy, such a strong guy, we knew he could stand in there and take those shots."
The Seahawks will participate in a coin flip Friday morning to determine whether they pick 11th or 12th overall. The likelihood of drafting a quarterback at that spot seems remote at the moment. Trading up would cost draft choices.
That was a primary takeaway, in my view.
2012 NFL Draft
Round 1: Thurs., April 26
Rounds 2-3: Fri., April 27
Rounds 4-7: Sat., April 28
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Rd. 1 order | Draft home
"If you have to move up to get a quarterback, or say, the Kevin Kolb situation last year, OK, we would have had to have given up much more than Arizona did because they had a player (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie) they were involved with [trading]," Schneider said. "You had better be really sure he is the guy or else it's the double-whammy -- it's draft choices, it's cash."
Schneider continued to drive home the idea Seattle would not panic over finding a franchise quarterback. He lauded Tarvaris Jackson for playing through a serious pectoral injury that prevented him from following through on throws. He said the team likes Josh Portis' long-term potential. And he said the team would consider its options with Charlie Whitehurst, who is not expected back as a free agent.
"We're never going to panic," Schneider said. "In terms of how [Jackson] played, I thought he did a great job, especially with that offensive line. Things came to fruition the way we thought it would in terms of having Darrell Bevell there [as coordinator]. [Jackson] came in, he knew the offense, we knew he could step into the huddle the first day and he's such a tough guy, such a strong guy, we knew he could stand in there and take those shots."
The Seahawks will participate in a coin flip Friday morning to determine whether they pick 11th or 12th overall. The likelihood of drafting a quarterback at that spot seems remote at the moment. Trading up would cost draft choices.
First look at Seahawks' 2012 free agents
February, 7, 2012
Feb 7
6:58
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The Seattle Seahawks' top priorities in free agency appear clear, at least when it comes to their own players.
Re-sign running back Marshawn Lynch and defensive end Red Bryant.
Lynch's agent of record, Mike Sullivan, recently took a job with the Denver Broncos. That would not affect negotiations as much if Lynch remained with Octagon Worldwide. The agent game can be an unpredictable one, however. That is something to file away.
Bryant has said he strongly wants to re-sign with Seattle.
The charts below expand upon Brian McIntyre's lists. I've added offensive and defensive snap counts from ESPN Stats & Information. The final column shows what players earned per year on their most recent contracts.
The second chart shows restricted free agents. Teams can retain rights to RFAs by making one-year qualifying offers.
Re-sign running back Marshawn Lynch and defensive end Red Bryant.
Lynch's agent of record, Mike Sullivan, recently took a job with the Denver Broncos. That would not affect negotiations as much if Lynch remained with Octagon Worldwide. The agent game can be an unpredictable one, however. That is something to file away.
Bryant has said he strongly wants to re-sign with Seattle.
The charts below expand upon Brian McIntyre's lists. I've added offensive and defensive snap counts from ESPN Stats & Information. The final column shows what players earned per year on their most recent contracts.
The second chart shows restricted free agents. Teams can retain rights to RFAs by making one-year qualifying offers.
Brandon from Winston Salem, N.C., thinks the San Francisco 49ers should consider trading Michael Crabtree after the team's wide receivers failed to produce much during the playoffs. He says Crabtree has questioned Alex Smith's validity as the starter in the past and notes that the current staff would have little invested in Crabtree, anyway.
Mike Sando: Mixed feelings here. Crabtree was the best wide receiver on the team once Josh Morgan suffered a season-ending injury. He was sometimes an outstanding blocker, too. And when the team needed him to make a clutch catch at Seattle in Week 16, Crabtree delivered. Subtracting him from the roster would make the team worse at the position.
But I also sense a disconnect. The trust between Smith and Crabtree doesn't appear to be as strong as it should be. That could be because Crabtree has spent almost no time practicing with the team during minicamps and training camps. That should finally change this offseason. Is now really the time to bail on what could still become a productive relationship? It could be, but ...
The 49ers would not get a great deal in return for Crabtree, in my view. I would recommend trading Crabtree only if the new coaching staff had witnessed things behind the scenes indicating Crabtree was unwilling to buy in or put in the necessary work.
Greg from Seattle thinks Tom Brady was a stretch for inclusion on the Any Era team in part because the league changed rules to protect quarterbacks after Brady suffered a knee injury. He doesn't think Brady would hold up physically the way football was played in previous eras, without all the extra safety measures.
Mike Sando: That's an interesting point. However, Brady won three Super Bowls before suffering that knee injury. I also love the way he makes a point to rise from the ground before the man who hit him. I also think his extraordinarily strong fundamentals would translate to any era.
Mick from Brooklyn thinks the Seattle Seahawks could still have interest in Matt Flynn even though they made no effort to acquire the Green Bay quarterback before ultimately acquiring Charlie Whitehurst from San Diego. He thinks Seahawks general manager John Schneider simply might have realized the Packers weren't going to trade Flynn at that point.
Mike Sando: That is possible, but I've still never heard any rumblings suggesting Seattle has interest in Flynn.
Kelphelper from Anchorage sees five positives for the Seahawks in the 49ers' defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC title game:
The Seahawks have a lot going for them independent of the 49ers' fate. The Week 16 game at Seattle should have affirmed for the 49ers' coaches and personnel people how close behind Seattle could be in the NFC West. Both teams have promising young talent. The 49ers were ahead of the Seahawks in their development and in their talent procurement. But I think everyone watching NFC West games closely over the second half of the season saw signs the 49ers will have their hands full in 2012.
Abel from Mesa, Ariz., wants to know what 2012 pick Arizona acquired from Washington in the Tim Hightower trade.
Mike Sando: Arizona will receive a sixth-round pick in return. The pick would have upgraded to a fifth-rounder if Hightower had played at least 60.41 percent of the Redskins' offensive snaps, according to an item Kent Somers published back in October, before a knee injury sidelined Hightower for the season.
Hightower wound up playing about 20 percent of the Redskins' offensive snaps.
Jim from Tucson wants to know which areas the Cardinals need to upgrade most this offseason. He points to offensive tackle, wide receiver and outside linebacker.
Mike Sando: The receiver situation is OK as long as Larry Fitzgerald is there. Yes, the team should try to improve the position, but I would not point to receiver as a big problem for the team. Offensive tackle is rightly atop your list. The Cardinals could really use two new tackles. Brandon Keith has injury concerns. Jeremy Bridges is as good as he's ever going to be. Levi Brown isn't really the answer, and his contract will need addressing anyway.
On defense, I would want to continue upgrading the speed at linebacker. Paris Lenon deserves all of our respect for bucking the odds and remaining a starter at age 34, but should he really be the best option at this point? Perhaps Stewart Bradley figures out things in his second year with the team.
All of this assumes the Cardinals re-sign Calais Campbell or use the franchise tag on him. They cannot let him get away.
Eugene from Los Angeles disputes the notion that the Rams' community-building efforts in St. Louis indicate the team isn't acting as though it plans to leave the region. The way Eugene sees things, "business people make business decisions, and the sooner the yokels in St. Louis realize this, the less devastated they'll be if the team moves. Will the team move? I have no idea, but I want ONE person in St. Louis to articulate how, for Stan Kroenke, staying in St. Louis long term is preferable to moving to Los Angeles."
Mike Sando: Only the city of St. Louis can make it preferable. Right now, Los Angeles is like an impressive college prospect -- appealing for its potential. I'll pose the challenge here. Why should Kroenke prefer St. Louis over Los Angeles for the long term?
Mike Sando: Mixed feelings here. Crabtree was the best wide receiver on the team once Josh Morgan suffered a season-ending injury. He was sometimes an outstanding blocker, too. And when the team needed him to make a clutch catch at Seattle in Week 16, Crabtree delivered. Subtracting him from the roster would make the team worse at the position.
But I also sense a disconnect. The trust between Smith and Crabtree doesn't appear to be as strong as it should be. That could be because Crabtree has spent almost no time practicing with the team during minicamps and training camps. That should finally change this offseason. Is now really the time to bail on what could still become a productive relationship? It could be, but ...
The 49ers would not get a great deal in return for Crabtree, in my view. I would recommend trading Crabtree only if the new coaching staff had witnessed things behind the scenes indicating Crabtree was unwilling to buy in or put in the necessary work.
Greg from Seattle thinks Tom Brady was a stretch for inclusion on the Any Era team in part because the league changed rules to protect quarterbacks after Brady suffered a knee injury. He doesn't think Brady would hold up physically the way football was played in previous eras, without all the extra safety measures.
Mike Sando: That's an interesting point. However, Brady won three Super Bowls before suffering that knee injury. I also love the way he makes a point to rise from the ground before the man who hit him. I also think his extraordinarily strong fundamentals would translate to any era.
Mick from Brooklyn thinks the Seattle Seahawks could still have interest in Matt Flynn even though they made no effort to acquire the Green Bay quarterback before ultimately acquiring Charlie Whitehurst from San Diego. He thinks Seahawks general manager John Schneider simply might have realized the Packers weren't going to trade Flynn at that point.
Mike Sando: That is possible, but I've still never heard any rumblings suggesting Seattle has interest in Flynn.
Kelphelper from Anchorage sees five positives for the Seahawks in the 49ers' defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC title game:
- Seattle, having defeated Baltimore and nearly defeated San Francisco, has now defeated a Super Bowl team thanks to its victory over New York;
- It's always good for Seattle fans when the 49ers lose a big game they should have won;
- The manner in which the 49ers lost could diminish the impact of their otherwise successful season;
- Two weeks of 49ers Super Bowl hype is out the window;
- The NFC West blog will finally have more content relevant to the Seahawks.
The Seahawks have a lot going for them independent of the 49ers' fate. The Week 16 game at Seattle should have affirmed for the 49ers' coaches and personnel people how close behind Seattle could be in the NFC West. Both teams have promising young talent. The 49ers were ahead of the Seahawks in their development and in their talent procurement. But I think everyone watching NFC West games closely over the second half of the season saw signs the 49ers will have their hands full in 2012.
Abel from Mesa, Ariz., wants to know what 2012 pick Arizona acquired from Washington in the Tim Hightower trade.
Mike Sando: Arizona will receive a sixth-round pick in return. The pick would have upgraded to a fifth-rounder if Hightower had played at least 60.41 percent of the Redskins' offensive snaps, according to an item Kent Somers published back in October, before a knee injury sidelined Hightower for the season.
Hightower wound up playing about 20 percent of the Redskins' offensive snaps.
Jim from Tucson wants to know which areas the Cardinals need to upgrade most this offseason. He points to offensive tackle, wide receiver and outside linebacker.
Mike Sando: The receiver situation is OK as long as Larry Fitzgerald is there. Yes, the team should try to improve the position, but I would not point to receiver as a big problem for the team. Offensive tackle is rightly atop your list. The Cardinals could really use two new tackles. Brandon Keith has injury concerns. Jeremy Bridges is as good as he's ever going to be. Levi Brown isn't really the answer, and his contract will need addressing anyway.
On defense, I would want to continue upgrading the speed at linebacker. Paris Lenon deserves all of our respect for bucking the odds and remaining a starter at age 34, but should he really be the best option at this point? Perhaps Stewart Bradley figures out things in his second year with the team.
All of this assumes the Cardinals re-sign Calais Campbell or use the franchise tag on him. They cannot let him get away.
Eugene from Los Angeles disputes the notion that the Rams' community-building efforts in St. Louis indicate the team isn't acting as though it plans to leave the region. The way Eugene sees things, "business people make business decisions, and the sooner the yokels in St. Louis realize this, the less devastated they'll be if the team moves. Will the team move? I have no idea, but I want ONE person in St. Louis to articulate how, for Stan Kroenke, staying in St. Louis long term is preferable to moving to Los Angeles."
Mike Sando: Only the city of St. Louis can make it preferable. Right now, Los Angeles is like an impressive college prospect -- appealing for its potential. I'll pose the challenge here. Why should Kroenke prefer St. Louis over Los Angeles for the long term?
Six of eight humans predicting NFL outcomes for ESPN cast their votes for the New York Giants over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.
They were split on the 49ers and New Orleans Saints last week. I'll post my prediction Friday, along with the "You called it" item that usually runs on Thursdays (moved back this week after a power outage threw off my usual routine). In the meantime, here's a link to the most recent NFC West chat, followed by a few highlights:
I didn't realize til after the chat that the Flynn question was basically the only Seahawks-related one I fielded. Sorry about that. We've covered Flynn's situation previously.
They were split on the 49ers and New Orleans Saints last week. I'll post my prediction Friday, along with the "You called it" item that usually runs on Thursdays (moved back this week after a power outage threw off my usual routine). In the meantime, here's a link to the most recent NFC West chat, followed by a few highlights:
Mike Sando: Crabtree is someone I initially thought needed to step up in this next game. We might also recall Kendall Hunter breaking a touchdown run against the Giants last time. He is someone to watch. Someone on ESPN or NFL Network was recently illustrating how the Giants used three safeties to help defend Vernon Davis in the last game. Alex Smith still completed 9 of 11 passes to tight ends in that game. Delanie Walker caught six passes for 69 yards. Davis had a 31-yard touchdown reception in that game. The fact that the Giants will try to take away Davis does not guarantee they will succeed. One question, though, is whether the 49ers need Davis to stick around in protection a little more. The 49ers need to keep Justin Tuck and those pass-rushers off Alex Smith.
Mike Sando: Your thinking makes sense whether or not they bring back Levi Brown. They need a tackle. I would also endorse adding pass-rush help. A team can never have too much in that area. Look how much better the 49ers are after adding Aldon Smith.
Mike Sando: The fits would be good from a philosophical standpoint. Williams obviously knows defense. He's been hired as a head coach. I question whether blitzing so much is the way to go over time, but when you have Drew Brees as your quarterback and a 7,000-yard offense, you can take some chances. I've been a bit skeptical on Mark Sanchez for a while, so I might be more inclined to cut Schottenheimer some slack there. These would appear to be solid hires, not spectacular ones. Then again, Josh McDaniels was more of a spectacular one, and that didn't work out. Personnel matters most.
Mike Sando: The Seahawks believe in competition, but do they believe in Matt Flynn? If they did, would they have at least tried to acquire him a couple years ago, when they went after Charlie Whitehurst instead? They would have had the inside info on Flynn because their general manager was with the Packers when Green Bay drafted Flynn. I'm not convinced the Seahawks are itching to give Flynn a big contract. I do think Seattle would consider adding another prospect in the $4-5 million per year range, unless there's a college prospect the team intends to draft.
I didn't realize til after the chat that the Flynn question was basically the only Seahawks-related one I fielded. Sorry about that. We've covered Flynn's situation previously.
Chat wrap: Interest in Packers' Matt Flynn
January, 5, 2012
Jan 5
10:44
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Colin Kaepernick, Alex Smith, Charlie Whitehurst and Matt Flynn were among the quarterbacks making appearances in the latest NFC West chat. Tarvaris Jackson was in there somewhere, too.
Quarterbacks will remain a leading storyline with Smith in the playoffs, Whitehurst likely on his way out of Seattle, Jackson and Kevin Kolb likely returning to their teams and Seattle considering its options in the draft or, possibly, through a trade.
A few highlights:
Bowman and Washington both appeared on the NFC West all-defense team along with Patrick Willis. The NFC West has good young talent at inside linebacker. James Laurinaitis has already made an impact in St. Louis. The Seahawks expect good things from K.J. Wright, who became a starter as a rookie in 2011 (and filled in at middle linebacker).
Quarterbacks will remain a leading storyline with Smith in the playoffs, Whitehurst likely on his way out of Seattle, Jackson and Kevin Kolb likely returning to their teams and Seattle considering its options in the draft or, possibly, through a trade.
A few highlights:
Mike Sando: That makes sense because Matt Flynn and Seahawks GM John Schneider were in Green Bay together. However, never during the Seahawks' pursuit of a QB previously -- think Charlie Whitehurst -- did Flynn's name ever come up. If Schneider came to Seattle thinking Flynn could be a starter, he presumably would have tried to acquire him, right? I have no knowledge that he ever did. That could be telling. Seattle's perceptions of Flynn might have changed in light of the way Flynn has played subsequently. That is possible. For now, though, it's more connecting of dots than anything.
Mike Sando: It's funny you should bring this up. I was reading a Chuck Klosterman piece called "Speed Chess" yesterday and perked up when he referenced the Nevada offense among those that cared more about running a limited number of plays too quickly for the opponent to keep up than it cared about taking the time to get into the most favorable play before each snap. The 49ers with Alex Smith seem more deliberate. It think he's doing quite a bit before the snap to get the 49ers into favorable plays, particularly runs. That is where his experience and football smarts would come into play. Kaepernick has none of that experience and has not played in this type of offense. So, from that standpoint, the offense might not look the same (or, at the very least, Kaepernick would have some adjusting to do). That is my read based on limited information.
Mike Sando: Losing Lloyd to another team during the UFA signing window would help them in the compensatory equation. But if they signed some big-money free agents from other teams, those signings would work against whatever they might have gotten from Lloyd or any other UFAs signing elsewhere.
Mike Sando: Great question, and a fair one. I also like Washington. You are not way off-base in saying Washington is better. We could probably find NFL people on both sides of that one. Bowman stood out playing for a superior defense. You can pick one of those guys and I'll take the other. Both are going to be on my all-division team for defense.
Bowman and Washington both appeared on the NFC West all-defense team along with Patrick Willis. The NFC West has good young talent at inside linebacker. James Laurinaitis has already made an impact in St. Louis. The Seahawks expect good things from K.J. Wright, who became a starter as a rookie in 2011 (and filled in at middle linebacker).
Lots going on around the NFC and in the NFC West. Let's make the rounds ...
Those are a few of the issues percolating around the division. Back with more in a bit.
- Polian's availability: Bill Polian's departure from the Indianapolis Colts as team president comes while the St. Louis Rams are seeking new leadership. This could be an intriguing fit. Polian succeeded in acquiring weapons for a franchise quarterback. Other aspects of the Colts' roster suffered for the tradeoff. Rams owner Stan Kroenke and executive vice president/chief operating officer Kevin Demoff are leading the efforts to find a coach and general manager. Owners sometimes consult with league brass in putting together short lists of candidates. If Kroenke were to take that route, I would expect Polian's name to emerge. Polian has vast experience, but he's also nearer the career finish line than most other candidates.
- Fisher's status. Former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher remains a logical candidate in St. Louis. Demoff's father is Fisher's agent. Fisher coached several hours' drive away in Tennessee and never seemed to care about coaching in a glitzy market. His long track record with the Titans would make him a high-percentage play for the Rams, who took a chance on a first-time head coach when they hired Steve Spagnuolo before the 2009 season. Fisher is expected to interview with the Miami Dolphins and the Rams. He sounds like the early favorite.
- What to do with McDaniels. All but one Rams assistant coach appears on his way out with an expiring contract. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the exception. He could become a candidate for jobs elsewhere. For now, he's a Rams asset. If that remains the case,the team's next GM and/or head coach would likely decide whether McDaniels remained with the team.
- Greg Roman's prospects. San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has held up his coordinators as strong candidates for head coaching jobs. Reports suggest Penn State might have been listening. Losing Roman would hurt, but Harbaugh's presence as an offensive-minded head coach would protect the 49ers from the turmoil that ensued when they lost offensive coordinators under defensive-minded head coaches previously.
- Matt Flynn's appeal. The Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback tossed six touchdown passes against Detroit in Week 17. The Seattle Seahawks will be looking for a long-term quarterback prospect even though Tarvaris Jackson is expected back. Their GM, John Schneider, was with the Packers when Green Bay drafted Flynn. Schneider would have a good feel for Flynn. Would the Seahawks make an offer substantial enough to trump their interests in a quarterback through the draft? I'd be a little surprised. They pick 11th. The team did not, by all accounts, push to acquire Flynn by trade when deciding to go after Charlie Whitehurst. Has Flynn shown enough in limited reps to become a legitimate option? That is the question. The Packers have no realistic way to keep Flynn from testing the market. Naming him their franchise player would force them to pay him more on a one-year basis than Aaron Rodgers is earning. The money would become guaranteed if Flynn signed the franchise offer.
Those are a few of the issues percolating around the division. Back with more in a bit.
Smith, Skelton, Kolb and comeback QBs
December, 31, 2011
12/31/11
11:00
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
There can be no fourth-quarter comeback victories in football without a team first falling behind.
That partly explains why Drew Brees (three), Tom Brady (one) and Aaron Rodgers (zero) have combined for fewer of them than either Alex Smith (five) or John Skelton (four). Still, tis better to come back and win than to lose quietly.
The chart, built from information available at Pro Football Reference, ranks quarterbacks by fourth-quarter comeback victories this season. Smith and the New York Giants' Eli Manning lead the NFL with four apiece on the road, including one sustained by Smith's 41-yard pass to Michael Crabtree at Seattle in Week 16.
Smith, Skelton, Kevin Kolb (two), Sam Bradford (one) and Charlie Whitehurst (one) own fourth-quarter comeback victories for NFC West teams in 2011. The Cardinals lead the NFL with six.
Seattle's Tarvaris Jackson heads into Week 17 without one this season. He had three with Minnesota, matching Brett Favre and Gus Frerotte for most by a Vikings quarterback since 2006.
That partly explains why Drew Brees (three), Tom Brady (one) and Aaron Rodgers (zero) have combined for fewer of them than either Alex Smith (five) or John Skelton (four). Still, tis better to come back and win than to lose quietly.
The chart, built from information available at Pro Football Reference, ranks quarterbacks by fourth-quarter comeback victories this season. Smith and the New York Giants' Eli Manning lead the NFL with four apiece on the road, including one sustained by Smith's 41-yard pass to Michael Crabtree at Seattle in Week 16.
Smith, Skelton, Kevin Kolb (two), Sam Bradford (one) and Charlie Whitehurst (one) own fourth-quarter comeback victories for NFC West teams in 2011. The Cardinals lead the NFL with six.
Seattle's Tarvaris Jackson heads into Week 17 without one this season. He had three with Minnesota, matching Brett Favre and Gus Frerotte for most by a Vikings quarterback since 2006.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
