NFC West: Chris Chamberlain
Jacob Bell, Brandon Lloyd, Chris Chamberlain and Donnie Jones have left the St. Louis Rams for other teams as unrestricted free agents this offseason.
Seventeen other Rams players achieved UFA status, and none has re-signed with the team. Meanwhile, the other three NFC West teams have re-signed 13 of their own UFAs, with another 16 reaching agreement with new teams.
What is going on here? Cue the latest "Blogger Blitz" video from the NFC West for a few thoughts.
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Arizona Cardinals
Key additions: OL Adam Snyder, CB William Gay
Key losses: CB Richard Marshall
Sando's grade so far: C-minus. Arizona gets credit for making a strong run at Peyton Manning and securing a visit with him at Cardinals headquarters. That was a bold move and one that could have instantly transformed the Cardinals into a contending team. But it did not work. Coach Ken Whisenhunt had a point when he said the Cardinals were comfortable moving forward with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton as their quarterbacks. However, it was still telling that Arizona would aggressively pursue another quarterback eight months after allocating $12.4 million per year to Kolb. Most of the other teams making big investments in quarterbacks last offseason sat out the Manning sweepstakes.
Overall, Arizona has done little to upgrade its roster. Committing $19 million in bonus money to Snyder, Levi Brown and Kolb will not make the team $19 million better. Marshall was a valued contributor and the MVP on defense last season, according to coordinator Ray Horton. He'll be missed after signing with Miami. On the other hand, the Cardinals did win seven of their final nine games last season. Perhaps they have fewer holes than conventional wisdom suggests.
What’s next: The Cardinals need help at offensive tackle and have shown interest in Buffalo Bills free agent Demetrius Bell. The team would be fortunate to address the position before the draft. Whisenhunt has consistently defended Brown, who has played both tackle spots since 2007. The team's decision to give Brown a $7 million signing bonus as part of a streamlined contract showed Whisenhunt wasn't bluffing. But another starting tackle would help.
The Cardinals have yet to reach a long-term agreement with franchise player Calais Campbell. Getting a deal done with Campbell would reduce the defensive end's salary-cap charge ($10.6 million for now). It would reward a rising young player and head off future headaches associated with using the tag a second time next offseason.
Receiver and possibly outside linebacker are also areas where the Cardinals could use reinforcements.
San Francisco 49ers
Key additions: WR Randy Moss, WR Mario Manningham, RB Brandon Jacobs
Key losses: Snyder, WR Josh Morgan, ST Blake Costanzo
Sando's grade so far: B-plus. The 49ers had relatively few holes on their roster after a 13-3 season. Pursuing Manning provided a temporary distraction without inflicting long-term damage. The 49ers needed to keep together their core, and they accomplished that goal. Alex Smith's re-signing to a three-year deal was key. Smith will return to the team, maintaining continuity and giving the 49ers' offense a chance to build on last season. But the contract terms will not limit the 49ers' options beyond this season, a plus.
The 49ers succeeded in re-signing Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers after using the franchise tag to retain Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson. Those moves solidified the secondary. Addressing the situation at wide receiver was a top priority heading into free agency. Moss and Manningham were low-risk, high-reward additions. Both have the potential to provide qualities the 49ers were lacking last season, but neither carried a high price tag. Retaining receiver Ted Ginn Jr. restored firepower to the return game.
What’s next: Using the draft to improve the long-term outlook at receiver still could be an option. But with Moss, Manningham and Ginn on the roster, the 49ers should not feel pressured to select a wideout with the 30th overall choice in the draft. The team now has flexibility. There has been no indication that the 49ers or any team will seriously pursue Pittsburgh Steelers restricted free agent Mike Wallace, who reportedly wants Larry Fitzgerald money.
The 49ers could use a veteran right guard for insurance in case Daniel Kilgore isn't ready for the starting job. They have visited with Leonard Davis and Deuce Lutui, both former Cardinals. Keeping Snyder would have been nice, but the Cardinals paid a $5 million signing bonus to get him. That price was too high for the 49ers, who similarly balked last offseason when the New York Giants gave center David Baas an $8.5 million bonus.
St. Louis Rams
Key additions: CB Cortland Finnegan, C Scott Wells, DT Kendall Langford, WR Steve Smith
Key losses: WR Brandon Lloyd, P Donnie Jones, OLB Chris Chamberlain
Sando's grade so far: B. The Rams would get a higher grade for their offseason in general, but this item focuses on free agency. That excludes from consideration Jeff Fisher's hiring as head coach, and general manager Les Snead's ability to maximize value for the second overall pick in the draft. The Finnegan and Wells signings give the Rams welcome leadership while upgrading important positions. Langford should help the run defense.
The Rams have yet to address their playmaking deficiencies. They did not land any of the high-profile wide receivers in free agency. There's a chance Smith will recapture old form in his second season back from microfracture knee surgery, but the Rams are not counting on that. They will almost certainly emerge from free agency without even marginally upgrading the weaponry for quarterback Sam Bradford. That is a disappointment.
What’s next: The outlook remains bright for St. Louis. The team owns the sixth, 33rd and 39th choices in the 2012 draft, plus two first-rounders in each of the following two drafts. There will be time and opportunity for the Rams to add the offensive firepower they need so badly, perhaps with Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon or Alabama running back Trent Richardson at No. 6 overall.
Much work lies ahead. The Rams emerged from this week with eight fewer players on their roster than the average for the other 31 teams. Using free agency to address holes at outside linebacker and left guard would provide flexibility heading into the draft. The Rams still need a backup quarterback as well. Bradford is the only QB on the roster. It's looking like the team is serious about bringing back right tackle Jason Smith despite injury concerns and a fat contract that will presumably require adjustment.
Seattle Seahawks
Key additions: QB Matt Flynn, DT Jason Jones
Key losses: TE John Carlson, DT Anthony Hargrove
Sando's grade so far: B-plus: The Seahawks knew for months that Manning would probably hit the market and still could not secure a meeting with him. Their pursuit included a flight by coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider to Denver in a desperation move that failed to impress Manning. That was a rare disappointment for Seattle in free agency.
Re-signing Marshawn Lynch before the signing period took off much of the pressure. Re-signing Red Bryant without using the franchise tag rewarded the Seahawks for a disciplined approach to the market. That approach paid off again when the Seahawks landed Flynn without rushing into an imprudent contract. Flynn spent five days on the market before signing with Seattle. The Seahawks got him for about half as much per season as Kolb cost a year ago, without even promising him the starting job. That was impressive.
What’s next: Quarterback and pass-rusher were Seattle's top two needs heading into free agency. Flynn solved one of them for now, at least. Jones, an inside pass-rusher signed from Tennessee, should help the other area. But the need for outside pass-rush help persists. The team could use the 12th overall choice in the draft for a defensive end.
Linebacker is another obvious position of need for Seattle. Market conditions favor Seattle's re-signing veterans David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill at reasonable rates. Both were starters last season. Hawthorne visited Detroit and New Orleans in free agency, but those teams subsequently signed other linebackers. Hill turns 30 in September, has had some off-field issues in the past and should have more value to Seattle than to another team. Still, it's an upset if the Seahawks do not address linebacker in the draft.
Arizona Cardinals
Key additions: OL Adam Snyder, CB William Gay
Key losses: CB Richard Marshall
Sando's grade so far: C-minus. Arizona gets credit for making a strong run at Peyton Manning and securing a visit with him at Cardinals headquarters. That was a bold move and one that could have instantly transformed the Cardinals into a contending team. But it did not work. Coach Ken Whisenhunt had a point when he said the Cardinals were comfortable moving forward with Kevin Kolb and John Skelton as their quarterbacks. However, it was still telling that Arizona would aggressively pursue another quarterback eight months after allocating $12.4 million per year to Kolb. Most of the other teams making big investments in quarterbacks last offseason sat out the Manning sweepstakes.
Overall, Arizona has done little to upgrade its roster. Committing $19 million in bonus money to Snyder, Levi Brown and Kolb will not make the team $19 million better. Marshall was a valued contributor and the MVP on defense last season, according to coordinator Ray Horton. He'll be missed after signing with Miami. On the other hand, the Cardinals did win seven of their final nine games last season. Perhaps they have fewer holes than conventional wisdom suggests.
What’s next: The Cardinals need help at offensive tackle and have shown interest in Buffalo Bills free agent Demetrius Bell. The team would be fortunate to address the position before the draft. Whisenhunt has consistently defended Brown, who has played both tackle spots since 2007. The team's decision to give Brown a $7 million signing bonus as part of a streamlined contract showed Whisenhunt wasn't bluffing. But another starting tackle would help.
The Cardinals have yet to reach a long-term agreement with franchise player Calais Campbell. Getting a deal done with Campbell would reduce the defensive end's salary-cap charge ($10.6 million for now). It would reward a rising young player and head off future headaches associated with using the tag a second time next offseason.
Receiver and possibly outside linebacker are also areas where the Cardinals could use reinforcements.
San Francisco 49ers
Key additions: WR Randy Moss, WR Mario Manningham, RB Brandon Jacobs
Key losses: Snyder, WR Josh Morgan, ST Blake Costanzo
Sando's grade so far: B-plus. The 49ers had relatively few holes on their roster after a 13-3 season. Pursuing Manning provided a temporary distraction without inflicting long-term damage. The 49ers needed to keep together their core, and they accomplished that goal. Alex Smith's re-signing to a three-year deal was key. Smith will return to the team, maintaining continuity and giving the 49ers' offense a chance to build on last season. But the contract terms will not limit the 49ers' options beyond this season, a plus.
The 49ers succeeded in re-signing Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers after using the franchise tag to retain Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson. Those moves solidified the secondary. Addressing the situation at wide receiver was a top priority heading into free agency. Moss and Manningham were low-risk, high-reward additions. Both have the potential to provide qualities the 49ers were lacking last season, but neither carried a high price tag. Retaining receiver Ted Ginn Jr. restored firepower to the return game.
What’s next: Using the draft to improve the long-term outlook at receiver still could be an option. But with Moss, Manningham and Ginn on the roster, the 49ers should not feel pressured to select a wideout with the 30th overall choice in the draft. The team now has flexibility. There has been no indication that the 49ers or any team will seriously pursue Pittsburgh Steelers restricted free agent Mike Wallace, who reportedly wants Larry Fitzgerald money.
The 49ers could use a veteran right guard for insurance in case Daniel Kilgore isn't ready for the starting job. They have visited with Leonard Davis and Deuce Lutui, both former Cardinals. Keeping Snyder would have been nice, but the Cardinals paid a $5 million signing bonus to get him. That price was too high for the 49ers, who similarly balked last offseason when the New York Giants gave center David Baas an $8.5 million bonus.
St. Louis Rams
Key additions: CB Cortland Finnegan, C Scott Wells, DT Kendall Langford, WR Steve Smith
Key losses: WR Brandon Lloyd, P Donnie Jones, OLB Chris Chamberlain
Sando's grade so far: B. The Rams would get a higher grade for their offseason in general, but this item focuses on free agency. That excludes from consideration Jeff Fisher's hiring as head coach, and general manager Les Snead's ability to maximize value for the second overall pick in the draft. The Finnegan and Wells signings give the Rams welcome leadership while upgrading important positions. Langford should help the run defense.
The Rams have yet to address their playmaking deficiencies. They did not land any of the high-profile wide receivers in free agency. There's a chance Smith will recapture old form in his second season back from microfracture knee surgery, but the Rams are not counting on that. They will almost certainly emerge from free agency without even marginally upgrading the weaponry for quarterback Sam Bradford. That is a disappointment.
What’s next: The outlook remains bright for St. Louis. The team owns the sixth, 33rd and 39th choices in the 2012 draft, plus two first-rounders in each of the following two drafts. There will be time and opportunity for the Rams to add the offensive firepower they need so badly, perhaps with Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon or Alabama running back Trent Richardson at No. 6 overall.
Much work lies ahead. The Rams emerged from this week with eight fewer players on their roster than the average for the other 31 teams. Using free agency to address holes at outside linebacker and left guard would provide flexibility heading into the draft. The Rams still need a backup quarterback as well. Bradford is the only QB on the roster. It's looking like the team is serious about bringing back right tackle Jason Smith despite injury concerns and a fat contract that will presumably require adjustment.
Seattle Seahawks
Key additions: QB Matt Flynn, DT Jason Jones
Key losses: TE John Carlson, DT Anthony Hargrove
Sando's grade so far: B-plus: The Seahawks knew for months that Manning would probably hit the market and still could not secure a meeting with him. Their pursuit included a flight by coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider to Denver in a desperation move that failed to impress Manning. That was a rare disappointment for Seattle in free agency.
Re-signing Marshawn Lynch before the signing period took off much of the pressure. Re-signing Red Bryant without using the franchise tag rewarded the Seahawks for a disciplined approach to the market. That approach paid off again when the Seahawks landed Flynn without rushing into an imprudent contract. Flynn spent five days on the market before signing with Seattle. The Seahawks got him for about half as much per season as Kolb cost a year ago, without even promising him the starting job. That was impressive.
What’s next: Quarterback and pass-rusher were Seattle's top two needs heading into free agency. Flynn solved one of them for now, at least. Jones, an inside pass-rusher signed from Tennessee, should help the other area. But the need for outside pass-rush help persists. The team could use the 12th overall choice in the draft for a defensive end.
Linebacker is another obvious position of need for Seattle. Market conditions favor Seattle's re-signing veterans David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill at reasonable rates. Both were starters last season. Hawthorne visited Detroit and New Orleans in free agency, but those teams subsequently signed other linebackers. Hill turns 30 in September, has had some off-field issues in the past and should have more value to Seattle than to another team. Still, it's an upset if the Seahawks do not address linebacker in the draft.
The St. Louis Rams' list of unrestricted free agents got a little shorter Thursday when longtime punter Donnie Jones reached an agreement with the Houston Texans.
Jones, 31, was generally outstanding for the Rams during five seasons with the team. He was twice a second-team Associated Press All-Pro selection.
Teammate Steven Jackson has called Jones the one Rams player he thought most deserving of the Pro Bowl.
The Rams have yet to re-sign any of their UFAs, no surprise as they break from the past and generally seek to get younger.
The Rams signed punter Tom Malone this offseason. Malone has spent time with New England, Seattle and San Francisco without playing in a regular-season game.
Dave Zastudil, Brad Maynard, Mat McBriar, Matt Turk and Daniel Sepulveda are among the UFA punters without contracts.
The chart lists the Rams' UFAs and their statuses. Brandon Lloyd and Chris Chamberlain were the only ones to sign elsewhere before Jones reached agreement with the Texans.
I'll be surprised if the Rams' new leadership re-signs more than a couple of the players listed. Most are older players. The Rams currently have the youngest roster in the NFL, slightly younger than those for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.
Jones, 31, was generally outstanding for the Rams during five seasons with the team. He was twice a second-team Associated Press All-Pro selection.
Teammate Steven Jackson has called Jones the one Rams player he thought most deserving of the Pro Bowl.
The Rams have yet to re-sign any of their UFAs, no surprise as they break from the past and generally seek to get younger.
The Rams signed punter Tom Malone this offseason. Malone has spent time with New England, Seattle and San Francisco without playing in a regular-season game.
Dave Zastudil, Brad Maynard, Mat McBriar, Matt Turk and Daniel Sepulveda are among the UFA punters without contracts.
The chart lists the Rams' UFAs and their statuses. Brandon Lloyd and Chris Chamberlain were the only ones to sign elsewhere before Jones reached agreement with the Texans.
I'll be surprised if the Rams' new leadership re-signs more than a couple of the players listed. Most are older players. The Rams currently have the youngest roster in the NFL, slightly younger than those for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.
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.
High hopes for Sam Bradford and Kevin Kolb gave way to a largely unanticipated development in 2011: Alex Smith was the best quarterback in the NFC West.
How will Matt Flynn affect the division's quarterback dynamics in 2012?
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times profiles the Seahawks' recently signed prospect, revealing Flynn to be determined and possessing a strong work ethic. O'Neil: "For all the hope and expectation that has been bundled into his acquisition, Flynn has been a starting quarterback for exactly one of the previous nine seasons he has played football. At the age of 26, he has started just 16 games since high school, going 13-3 in those games." Noted: Former Seahawks starter Matt Hasselbeck followed a similar path. He was a backup heading into six of his eight previous seasons when Seattle acquired him in 2001.
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle notes that an increasing number of mock drafts are sending linebacker Luke Kuechly to the Seahawks in the first round. Noted: Linebacker is a position of need, and Seattle will not have big money invested in the position, even if Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne re-sign.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says William Gay, signed by the Cardinals after Richard Marshall signed with Miami, could challenge for a starting job. Somers: "Marshall played a valuable role for the Cardinals last season as a part-time starter and as a cornerback and safety in nickel packages. Gay could make similar contributions and should challenge for a starting spot opposite Patrick Peterson. That position is open. Greg Toler and A.J. Jefferson are among other contenders." Noted: Peterson should take a fairly significant step forward. Gay adds welcome experience.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams re-signed one of their top special-teams players, Brit Miller, while losing another, Chris Chamberlain. Thomas: "In varying degrees, the Rams remain in conversation with several free agents who have visited Rams Park recently: offensive guards Chilo Rachal (San Francisco) and Robert Turner (New York Jets), offensive tackle Barry Richardson (Kansas City), outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (New Orleans) and wide receiver Steve Smith (Philadelphia)." Noted: Richardson played every offensive snap for the Chiefs last season.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com offers this regarding 49ers quarterbacks Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick and Josh Johnson: "I don't see the move to add Johnson as a sign that the 49ers are looking at demoting Smith or Kaepernick. I see it as a move designed to strengthen the position as a whole. The practice and play of the four quarterbacks will determine the order in which the depth chart is stacked at the beginning of the season." Noted: Johnson's ties to Harbaugh make him an intriguing candidate for more than the No. 3 role if Smith departs in another season or two, but those ties do not amount to a free pass. Johnson must prove he belongs.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee notes that the 49ers' Aldon Smith was sporting a bandaged left hand/wrist during a recent team function. No word yet on the severity of any injury.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle gets thoughts on Kaepernick and Johnson from one of their former coaches, Roger Theder. Theder: "I think what Jim is looking for is that work ethic, and I think Josh lost that a little bit at Tampa. He's got it back now because he knows what Harbaugh expects. And Colin’s always had that great work ethic. So I think that’s going to be the deciding factor as far as which guy is the better quarterback."
How will Matt Flynn affect the division's quarterback dynamics in 2012?
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times profiles the Seahawks' recently signed prospect, revealing Flynn to be determined and possessing a strong work ethic. O'Neil: "For all the hope and expectation that has been bundled into his acquisition, Flynn has been a starting quarterback for exactly one of the previous nine seasons he has played football. At the age of 26, he has started just 16 games since high school, going 13-3 in those games." Noted: Former Seahawks starter Matt Hasselbeck followed a similar path. He was a backup heading into six of his eight previous seasons when Seattle acquired him in 2001.
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle notes that an increasing number of mock drafts are sending linebacker Luke Kuechly to the Seahawks in the first round. Noted: Linebacker is a position of need, and Seattle will not have big money invested in the position, even if Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne re-sign.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says William Gay, signed by the Cardinals after Richard Marshall signed with Miami, could challenge for a starting job. Somers: "Marshall played a valuable role for the Cardinals last season as a part-time starter and as a cornerback and safety in nickel packages. Gay could make similar contributions and should challenge for a starting spot opposite Patrick Peterson. That position is open. Greg Toler and A.J. Jefferson are among other contenders." Noted: Peterson should take a fairly significant step forward. Gay adds welcome experience.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams re-signed one of their top special-teams players, Brit Miller, while losing another, Chris Chamberlain. Thomas: "In varying degrees, the Rams remain in conversation with several free agents who have visited Rams Park recently: offensive guards Chilo Rachal (San Francisco) and Robert Turner (New York Jets), offensive tackle Barry Richardson (Kansas City), outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (New Orleans) and wide receiver Steve Smith (Philadelphia)." Noted: Richardson played every offensive snap for the Chiefs last season.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com offers this regarding 49ers quarterbacks Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick and Josh Johnson: "I don't see the move to add Johnson as a sign that the 49ers are looking at demoting Smith or Kaepernick. I see it as a move designed to strengthen the position as a whole. The practice and play of the four quarterbacks will determine the order in which the depth chart is stacked at the beginning of the season." Noted: Johnson's ties to Harbaugh make him an intriguing candidate for more than the No. 3 role if Smith departs in another season or two, but those ties do not amount to a free pass. Johnson must prove he belongs.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee notes that the 49ers' Aldon Smith was sporting a bandaged left hand/wrist during a recent team function. No word yet on the severity of any injury.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle gets thoughts on Kaepernick and Johnson from one of their former coaches, Roger Theder. Theder: "I think what Jim is looking for is that work ethic, and I think Josh lost that a little bit at Tampa. He's got it back now because he knows what Harbaugh expects. And Colin’s always had that great work ethic. So I think that’s going to be the deciding factor as far as which guy is the better quarterback."
The big shift as NFL free agency advances
March, 25, 2012
Mar 25
9:00
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Leverage shifts from players to teams as NFL free agency moves along.
Contract values provide the most persuasive evidence.
As time passes, players with stratospheric expectations must lower their sights to find deals.
Team-issued statements from San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke have marked the changing landscape with unintended humor.
"We are extremely pleased to re-sign an All-Pro player like Carlos," Baalke said when the 49ers re-signed Carlos Rogers on March 16.
Notice the shift when quarterback Alex Smith returned to the team five days later, much deeper into free agency.
"We are pleased that Alex has chosen to continue his career as a 49er," Baalke said then.
The 49ers brought back Rogers. They waited out Smith. Big difference.
More of the same awaited Ted Ginn Jr.'s re-signing a day later.
"We are glad that Ted has decided to return to the 49ers in 2012," Baalke said.
Teams are more proactive in re-signing players early in free agency. Players come back to teams later in the process.
Forty-one unrestricted free agents from NFC West teams remained without contract agreements through Saturday. Eleven of them are at least 33 years old. Another 17 are at least 29.
As the chart shows, St. Louis saw little value in rushing out to secure players from a team that finished 2-14 last season. Nineteen of the 21 original UFAs from the Rams remain unsigned. Two, Brandon Lloyd and Chris Chamberlain, signed elsewhere.
Overall, only seven of the remaining 41 UFAs without contracts were players I listed as starters late in the season: Clark Haggans and Brandon Keith from Arizona; Tony Wragge, Brady Poppinga and Jacob Bell from St. Louis; and two Seattle linebackers, Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne.
Hawthorne stands out as a relatively young starter (26) with an established record of consistent production. He visited Detroit, only to have the Lions re-sign Stephen Tulloch. He visited New Orleans, only to have the Saints reach agreement with Curtis Lofton.
The Seahawks would be better with Hawthorne and Hill back on their roster. Like a lot of teams at this stage, however, they aren't facing a great deal of pressure.
That helps explain why it's been a quiet weekend around here so far.
Contract values provide the most persuasive evidence.
As time passes, players with stratospheric expectations must lower their sights to find deals.
Team-issued statements from San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke have marked the changing landscape with unintended humor.
"We are extremely pleased to re-sign an All-Pro player like Carlos," Baalke said when the 49ers re-signed Carlos Rogers on March 16.
Notice the shift when quarterback Alex Smith returned to the team five days later, much deeper into free agency.
"We are pleased that Alex has chosen to continue his career as a 49er," Baalke said then.
The 49ers brought back Rogers. They waited out Smith. Big difference.
More of the same awaited Ted Ginn Jr.'s re-signing a day later.
"We are glad that Ted has decided to return to the 49ers in 2012," Baalke said.
Teams are more proactive in re-signing players early in free agency. Players come back to teams later in the process.
Forty-one unrestricted free agents from NFC West teams remained without contract agreements through Saturday. Eleven of them are at least 33 years old. Another 17 are at least 29.
As the chart shows, St. Louis saw little value in rushing out to secure players from a team that finished 2-14 last season. Nineteen of the 21 original UFAs from the Rams remain unsigned. Two, Brandon Lloyd and Chris Chamberlain, signed elsewhere.
Overall, only seven of the remaining 41 UFAs without contracts were players I listed as starters late in the season: Clark Haggans and Brandon Keith from Arizona; Tony Wragge, Brady Poppinga and Jacob Bell from St. Louis; and two Seattle linebackers, Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne.
Hawthorne stands out as a relatively young starter (26) with an established record of consistent production. He visited Detroit, only to have the Lions re-sign Stephen Tulloch. He visited New Orleans, only to have the Saints reach agreement with Curtis Lofton.
The Seahawks would be better with Hawthorne and Hill back on their roster. Like a lot of teams at this stage, however, they aren't facing a great deal of pressure.
That helps explain why it's been a quiet weekend around here so far.
A few NFC West notes heading into the weekend:
The chart shows roster counts for NFC West teams, counting active players, restricted free agents and franchise players.
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- The Arizona Cardinals announced kicker Jay Feely's return to the team on a two-year agreement. Arizona had been the only team without a specialist under contract.
- Tackle Demetrius Bell and cornerback William Gay remain unsigned. Both visited the Cardinals earlier in free agency. Addressing tackle in particular would give Arizona welcome flexibility heading into the draft.
- The Seattle Seahawks announced a contract agreement with running back Kregg Lumpkin, who became a free agent when Tampa Bay decided against making a qualifying offer to him. Lumpkin was an undrafted free agent with Green Bay when Seahawks general manager John Schneider worked for the Packers. Lumpkin, 5-foot-11 and 228 pounds, had more receptions (41) than carries (31) last season. I'm not sure to what degree Lumpkin addresses the Seahawks' need for a backup with good size.
- Visanthe Shiancoe, 31, looks like the most logical choice for Seattle as the team seeks a replacement for tight end John Carlson. The market dried up further Friday when Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen signed with Denver. Tamme and Shiancoe have visited Seattle. Shiancoe and Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell were together in Minnesota. By my count, Shiancoe and Jeremy Shockey are the only remaining unrestricted-free-agent tight ends listed as starters last season.
- Former St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Chamberlain will be reunited with Steve Spagnuolo after signing a three-year deal with New Orleans. The Rams have rights to only three linebackers, tied for the lowest figure in the NFL. The team needs help at outside linebacker in particular. The market for linebackers remains soft. Erin Henderson returned to Minnesota on a one-year deal for $2 million.
- Funny quote from Vernon Davis regarding new San Francisco 49ers teammate Randy Moss, from KNBR radio via CSNBayArea.com: "I have been a big fan of Randy since I was a kid. I used to wear his shoes, I remember running up and down the field. 'Mossed, oh, you just got Mossed.' And I remember I used to say, one day they are going to be saying that about me, you just got 'Davised.' " We could say the New Orleans Saints got Davised during the playoffs.
The chart shows roster counts for NFC West teams, counting active players, restricted free agents and franchise players.
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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.
The St. Louis Rams have 20 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
I'm not sure any of them qualify as players the Rams absolutely must bring back, particularly with a new coach and new schemes on both sides of the ball.
Receiver Brandon Lloyd would help fill a need, but at what price? Would he fit as well in a new offense after producing at disproportionate levels to this point when paired with former coordinator Josh McDaniels, now in New England?
Guard Jacob Bell played for new coach Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. He might have more value to the new staff than he had to the old one; McDaniels wanted more powerful guards, such as Harvey Dahl.
This item, like the previous one for Arizona, expands upon Brian McIntyre's lists. I've added columns for offensive and defensive snap counts from 2011, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information. The final column shows how much each player's previous contract averaged.
Update: Punter Donnie Jones is also an unrestricted free agent. His previous contracted averaged not quite $1.2 million.
.
Receiver Danny Amendola, listed with the restricted free agents below, has not played since suffering an elbow injury in the 2011 season opener.
I'm not sure any of them qualify as players the Rams absolutely must bring back, particularly with a new coach and new schemes on both sides of the ball.
Receiver Brandon Lloyd would help fill a need, but at what price? Would he fit as well in a new offense after producing at disproportionate levels to this point when paired with former coordinator Josh McDaniels, now in New England?
Guard Jacob Bell played for new coach Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. He might have more value to the new staff than he had to the old one; McDaniels wanted more powerful guards, such as Harvey Dahl.
This item, like the previous one for Arizona, expands upon Brian McIntyre's lists. I've added columns for offensive and defensive snap counts from 2011, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information. The final column shows how much each player's previous contract averaged.
Update: Punter Donnie Jones is also an unrestricted free agent. His previous contracted averaged not quite $1.2 million.
.
Receiver Danny Amendola, listed with the restricted free agents below, has not played since suffering an elbow injury in the 2011 season opener.
Five things I noticed while watching the San Francisco 49ers' final game of the 2011 regular season, a 34-27 victory over the St. Louis Rams in the Edward Jones Dome:
All for now.
- Justin Smith's hidden impact: Parys Haralson stuffed Rams running back Steven Jackson for no gain on St. Louis' first play of the game. What did Smith have to do with the play? Well, the Rams assigned the left side of their offensive line to block Smith on the play. That left Haralson singled up against tight end Stephen Spach, who had lined up in the backfield. Haralson made a nice play. He gets credit for shedding Spach. Smith made Haralson's job a lot easier. Smith also applied the pressure that forced Jerious Norwood into an errant throw on a trick play. Cornerback Tarell Brown picked off the pass.
- Good trial run for Willis: The fact that Patrick Willis got through this game without aggravating his hamstring injury counts as a victory. Willis was rusty and sometimes not close to his usual self in this game. Better to shake off the rust in Week 17 than in a playoff game. At his sharpest, I suspect Willis would have chased down and punished Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens before Clemens could scramble for an 18-yard touchdown. Clemens was running across the yard-line numbers at the 17 when Willis, also positioned near the numbers, gave chase from the 9. Willis stumbled and fell in pursuit, giving Clemens a path to the end zone.
- Hat tip to Peelle, Gore: Alex Smith rolled right, cut back hard enough to slip, gathered himself and ran for a touchdown on third-and-goal from the 8. Good play by the quarterback? Yes, and also by his teammates. Tight end Justin Peelle and running back Frank Gore made the play possible. They alertly went into blocking mode and escorted Smith to the end zone. Peelle dove and chopped down James Laurinaitis at the 5. Gore took out linebacker Chris Chamberlain at the knees.
- Goldson dishing it out: Free safety Dashon Goldson has stood out all season for big hits. On third-and-18 in the third quarter, Goldson raced to the left flat and took out Jackson at the thighs, sending the 245-pound back airborne. This was a play made of mismatches. Willis ducked under fill-in offensive lineman Bryan Mattison at the line of scrimmage and was in Clemens' face too quickly, even for a screen play. The pass was a bit off-target. Goldson then outran Mattison to take out Jackson. Because Jackson was hunched over and reaching for the ball, his arm was vulnerable. Goldson smashed into the arm while making the tackle. Jackson suffered an injury to the arm and did not return.
- Third-down struggles. The 49ers converted 38 percent of their third-down chances, better than their season average of 29.4, which ranked 31st in the league. But the 49ers averaged only 2.5 yards gained on 15 plays of third-and-3 or longer. NFC playoff teams New Orleans (first), Green Bay (third) and Atlanta (sixth) ranked among the NFL's top six in third-down conversion rate this season. The New York Giants (14th) and Detroit Lions (20th) ranked lower.
All for now.
Around the NFC West: Kevin Kolb's return
November, 29, 2011
11/29/11
9:53
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Kevin Kolb practiced with the Arizona Cardinals despite his injuries last week, but he did not play Sunday.
That made me wonder whether the team was simply being smart with Kolb or whether other players fighting through their own injuries might wonder what was taking the quarterback so long.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says this appears to be the week Kolb will return from the toe and foot injuries that have prevented him from playing since Oct. 30. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "I think we're certainly a lot more optimistic about him being able to go this week. It's really going to depend on where he is Wednesday ... . But he made enough progress last week that you feel good about him being able to do it this week." Noted: Kolb returns in time for the schedule to get much tougher following a four-game stretch featuring three opponents with losing records. By season's end, I suspect Kolb's detractors will point to backup John Skelton's superior win-loss record without noting how badly Skelton has struggled even while the team went 3-1.
Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Beanie Wells is showing greater toughness this season.
Neil Hornsby of Pro Football Focus thought left guard Daryn Colledge stood out as one of the Cardinals' best players Sunday. Agreed.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers thoughts on the Seahawks' home defeat against Washington. O'Neil: "It is possible for two starting wide receivers to catch zero passes. It happened to Seattle. We were all witnesses. It's a little misleading because not only did Sidney Rice leave the game because of a head injury, but he caught a screen that was actually a backward pass and ruled a rush. The fact neither Rice nor Mike Williams caught a pass underscored the reality that Seattle is not pushing the ball downfield. The Seahawks' longest completion against Washington was for 24 yards, and that was the only pass to a wide receiver that gained more than 15 yards. Last week in St. Louis, the Seahawks had only two passes to receivers that gained more than 20 yards and one of those was thrown by Rice."
Also from O'Neil: Tarvaris Jackson could be getting worse thanks to his pectoral injury.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Pete Carroll's teams were highly penalized at the college level, too.
Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers thoughts on Steve Spagnuolo's job security heading into the final month of the 2011 season. Burwell: "The conversation all over town right now is fueled by an assumption that there's nothing Spagnuolo or anyone else out there can do to save jobs or turn this lost season around into something remotely positive. I'm not so sure of that. While I know owner Stan Kroenke is keeping a very close eye on what's already transpired, I keep hearing the same thing over and over again around the Rams Park corridors. He wants to see what lies ahead before he makes any conclusions about who should stay and who needs to go at season's end. It's not automatic that there will be mass organizational head-chopping."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams face a tough finishing schedule.
Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' punt-coverage team is hurting. Nelson: "Two players were hurt on Patrick Peterson's return: Jones turned his ankle, and safety Darian Stewart suffered a concussion. Dominique Curry was on the field but playing with what Spagnuolo called a 'slightly dislocated" shoulder. Stalwarts Brit Miller and Chris Chamberlain were missing from the play because of hamstring injuries. Miller ranks third with nine special teams tackles; Chamberlain led the team last year with 19 special-teams tackles."
Also from Nelson: Sam Bradford should be OK despite tweaking his injured ankle.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says Alex Smith did not see Delanie Walker wide open for a potential touchdown on the 49ers' first play of the game against Baltimore. Smith: "First play of the game, I'm really thinking, the way the play was designed, getting a completion, get the ball rolling. A little misdirection, get out of the pocket, and as soon as I threw the ball late to Vernon (Davis), I looked up and saw Delanie by himself, and I knew there was potentially a chance there. Now, it was the first play of the game. And you're thinking, 'Ah, I'm going to get a lot of opportunities, and I'll have several more.' But in a game like that, it turns out, looking back, that was a big missed opportunity."
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle passes along Braylon Edwards' thoughts on the deep ball Edwards did not contest against Baltimore. Edwards: "(Smith) saw one thing, I saw another. That happens from time to time. That probably stems from us not being able to be out there a lot, with my injury. I saw a defensive back playing inside leverage, so I attacked his inside leverage to give myself more room on the outside as well as the quarterback. Alex saw me going inside so he assumed I was going to stay inside. It was a mistake on both parts. We just didn’t get it done and it led to an interception."
Also from Branch: Smith has 21 touchdowns with six interceptions in his last 16 starts.
That made me wonder whether the team was simply being smart with Kolb or whether other players fighting through their own injuries might wonder what was taking the quarterback so long.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says this appears to be the week Kolb will return from the toe and foot injuries that have prevented him from playing since Oct. 30. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "I think we're certainly a lot more optimistic about him being able to go this week. It's really going to depend on where he is Wednesday ... . But he made enough progress last week that you feel good about him being able to do it this week." Noted: Kolb returns in time for the schedule to get much tougher following a four-game stretch featuring three opponents with losing records. By season's end, I suspect Kolb's detractors will point to backup John Skelton's superior win-loss record without noting how badly Skelton has struggled even while the team went 3-1.
Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Beanie Wells is showing greater toughness this season.
Neil Hornsby of Pro Football Focus thought left guard Daryn Colledge stood out as one of the Cardinals' best players Sunday. Agreed.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers thoughts on the Seahawks' home defeat against Washington. O'Neil: "It is possible for two starting wide receivers to catch zero passes. It happened to Seattle. We were all witnesses. It's a little misleading because not only did Sidney Rice leave the game because of a head injury, but he caught a screen that was actually a backward pass and ruled a rush. The fact neither Rice nor Mike Williams caught a pass underscored the reality that Seattle is not pushing the ball downfield. The Seahawks' longest completion against Washington was for 24 yards, and that was the only pass to a wide receiver that gained more than 15 yards. Last week in St. Louis, the Seahawks had only two passes to receivers that gained more than 20 yards and one of those was thrown by Rice."
Also from O'Neil: Tarvaris Jackson could be getting worse thanks to his pectoral injury.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Pete Carroll's teams were highly penalized at the college level, too.
Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers thoughts on Steve Spagnuolo's job security heading into the final month of the 2011 season. Burwell: "The conversation all over town right now is fueled by an assumption that there's nothing Spagnuolo or anyone else out there can do to save jobs or turn this lost season around into something remotely positive. I'm not so sure of that. While I know owner Stan Kroenke is keeping a very close eye on what's already transpired, I keep hearing the same thing over and over again around the Rams Park corridors. He wants to see what lies ahead before he makes any conclusions about who should stay and who needs to go at season's end. It's not automatic that there will be mass organizational head-chopping."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams face a tough finishing schedule.
Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' punt-coverage team is hurting. Nelson: "Two players were hurt on Patrick Peterson's return: Jones turned his ankle, and safety Darian Stewart suffered a concussion. Dominique Curry was on the field but playing with what Spagnuolo called a 'slightly dislocated" shoulder. Stalwarts Brit Miller and Chris Chamberlain were missing from the play because of hamstring injuries. Miller ranks third with nine special teams tackles; Chamberlain led the team last year with 19 special-teams tackles."
Also from Nelson: Sam Bradford should be OK despite tweaking his injured ankle.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says Alex Smith did not see Delanie Walker wide open for a potential touchdown on the 49ers' first play of the game against Baltimore. Smith: "First play of the game, I'm really thinking, the way the play was designed, getting a completion, get the ball rolling. A little misdirection, get out of the pocket, and as soon as I threw the ball late to Vernon (Davis), I looked up and saw Delanie by himself, and I knew there was potentially a chance there. Now, it was the first play of the game. And you're thinking, 'Ah, I'm going to get a lot of opportunities, and I'll have several more.' But in a game like that, it turns out, looking back, that was a big missed opportunity."
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle passes along Braylon Edwards' thoughts on the deep ball Edwards did not contest against Baltimore. Edwards: "(Smith) saw one thing, I saw another. That happens from time to time. That probably stems from us not being able to be out there a lot, with my injury. I saw a defensive back playing inside leverage, so I attacked his inside leverage to give myself more room on the outside as well as the quarterback. Alex saw me going inside so he assumed I was going to stay inside. It was a mistake on both parts. We just didn’t get it done and it led to an interception."
Also from Branch: Smith has 21 touchdowns with six interceptions in his last 16 starts.
The facts: The St. Louis Rams fell to 2-8 with a 24-7 home defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
The upside: Even the worst defeats tend to feature a bright spot or two.
The upside: Even the worst defeats tend to feature a bright spot or two.
- The Rams picked off Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson twice early in the game. One pick was the first of linebacker Chris Chamberlain's career. Safety Quintin Mikell collected the other interception, his second of the season.
- Brandon Lloyd caught a touchdown pass for the third time since the Rams acquired him. Lloyd has at least four receptions in each of his five games with the team.
- The Rams held Marshawn Lynch to 3.3 yards per carry with a long run of 12 yards. They allowed only 289 yards overall and 4.3 yards per play.
- Rookie first-round pick Robert Quinn collected one sack and also deflected a Seahawks punt. He had a blocked punt against New Orleans a few weeks ago.
- The Rams committed eight fewer accepted penalties than the Seahawks.
- Chris Long moved within one sack of his first season with double-digit sacks. He has nine, a half-sack better than the career high he set last season. This was his fourth game in a row with at least one sack. Long has six sacks in the Rams' past four games.
- Chamberlain and middle linebacker James Laurinaitis were particularly active. Laurinaitis was credited with 13 tackles.
Thoughts on Seattle and St. Louis following the Seahawks' victory at the Edward Jones Dome in Week 11:
What it means: The Seahawks improved to 4-6 heading into a three-game homestand against losing teams. Seattle is now in position to approach its 7-9 record from last season. That would be admirable, but also costly for those hoping the team will draft high enough to select the college quarterback it prefers. For the Rams, this defeat drops their record to 2-8 while again revealing their limitations on offense, with or without Sam Bradford at quarterback. Defeats such as this one -- at home, against a losing team, without being competitive -- raise questions about Steve Spagnuolo's job security beyond this season.
What I liked: The Seahawks won the field-position battle and continued grinding out yards on the ground despite losing right guard John Moffitt and right tackle James Carpenter to season-ending injuries before this game. They exploited matchup advantages against the Rams' injury-depleted secondary, including with receiver pass for a 55-yard gain. They also took advantage of their pass-rush matchups after the Rams, already playing without starting left tackle Rodger Saffold, lost backup Mark LeVoir as well. Chris Clemons dominated and finished with three sacks. Leon Washington enjoyed a strong day on punt returns for Seattle. For the Rams, linebackers Chris Chamberlain and James Laurinaitis were everywhere at times. Chamberlain picked off a pass. Rookie defensive end Robert Quinn got a piece of another punt. He also collected a sack.
What I didn't like: Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor, fined $20,000 for an illegal hit last week, drew a personal-foul penalty with a helmet-to-helmet hit on Rams tight end Lance Kendricks. Chancellor could be subject to bigger fine and/or suspension. Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson tossed two early touchdown passes. He also took four sacks and eight quarterback hits, raising questions about his ability to last through the season as he plays with an injured pectoral. The Rams' Mark Clayton dropped a pass. Steven Jackson had his three-game streak of 100-yard rushing games end. He has now played 15 career games against Seattle without reaching 100 yards.
What's next: The Seahawks are home against the Washington Redskins in Week 12. The Rams are home against the Arizona Cardinals.
Closer look at Peterson's 99-yard return
November, 7, 2011
11/07/11
7:11
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Patrick Peterson's 99-yard punt return for a touchdown Sunday stands as the second-longest in NFL history. It should stand as the longest, but back in 1994, officials erred in allowing Robert Bailey's 103-yard return for the Los Angeles Rams against New Orleans. Everyone but Bailey appeared to think Tommy Barnhardt's punt had gone out of the end zone for a touchback. So, while the Rams' offensive players and Saints' defensive players walked onto the field, Bailey returned the ball uncontested. League officials later admitted their error, noting that offsetting penalties should have returned the ball to where the infractions occurred, right around the Rams' 15-yard line. There was nothing cheap about Peterson's 99-yarder to beat the St. Louis Rams in overtime. A look back at how it came together:
The game was over. Peterson had scored a touchdown on a punt return for the third time in his first eight NFL games, an NFL record. Only the Denver Broncos' Rick Upchurch has had more touchdowns on punt returns in the first eight games of any NFL season. He had four in 1976.
- The ball left punter Donnie Jones' foot at the St. Louis 35-yard line.
- Peterson positioned himself at the Arizona 10, just outside his left hashmark. Peterson tracked the ball initially, then sneaked a peak at the coverage teams. The Fox hangtime clock read 2.7 seconds at this point. In a split second, Peterson tilted his head upward again to track the ball. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "To do that, with those guys screaming down the field, is very difficult. That's where he is really special."[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Ross D. FranklinArizona is hoping that Patrick Peterson is ready to develop into one of the league's top cornerbacks. - Peterson moved backward and to his left, settling at about the 3-yard line. That is where he appeared to field the ball. The hangtime clock read 4.3 seconds.
- Peterson had only his right foot on the ground as he fielded the ball. Rams running back Quinn Porter was at the 9-yard line along the yard-line numbers to Peterson's left. Rams fullback Brit Miller was on the same side of the field between the yard-line numbers and the hash at the 15. Dominique Curry, the Rams' best special-teams coverage player, was between the hashes at the 14. Rams linebacker Chris Chamberlain was between the hashes at about the 22, with Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson running with him step for step nearer the middle of the field, allowing Johnson to shield Chamberlain from Peterson initially.
- Cardinals cornerback Richard Marshall made the key block, tossing Curry to the ground back near where Peterson fielded the ball. When Curry rolled over and looked up, Peterson was already at the 6-yard line outside the hash on the other side of the field, where Porter and Miller had chased him.
- Rams defensive lineman C.J. Ah You had run wide enough to force Peterson back to the middle beginning from about the Arizona 3 just outside the Cardinals' right hash. Ah You overran Peterson.
- Rams safety James Butler was at the 15-yard line to Peterson's right. He came off his block, but missed Peterson at the 17.
- Chamberlain caught up to Peterson at the 30 just as Peterson was weaving outside the yard-line numbers to his right. Chamberlain dove, but Peterson wasn't there. Chamberlain collided with teammate Eugene Sims, who was also making a diving attempt at a tackle.
- Jones, the punter, stood at the 35 obstructing Peterson's path. Peterson was still facing forward at his own 29. With Sims reaching for Peterson's ankles and rolling to propel himself along, Peterson rotated clockwise. His back was to the middle of the field at the 31. He was moving backward when he reached the 34. That is where Jones passed by, flailing like a matador. Peterson was facing the middle of the field as he crossed the 37, giving him a clear view of an onrushing Jake McQuaide, the Rams' snapper. McQuaide was already nearing the 40 outside the hash and had the angle. Peterson continued rotating and was facing forward again by the time he reached the 39. The race was on.
- McQuaide pulled even with Peterson at the St. Louis 46 and for a moment seemed to be within striking distance. If they had been cars on a two-lane highway, McQuaide would have been the guy in the four-door sedan. Peterson, driving the Ferrari, pulled away quickly and was gone. O'Brien Schofield made sure of it, cutting between McQuaide and Peterson at the St. Louis 30.
The game was over. Peterson had scored a touchdown on a punt return for the third time in his first eight NFL games, an NFL record. Only the Denver Broncos' Rick Upchurch has had more touchdowns on punt returns in the first eight games of any NFL season. He had four in 1976.
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.
