NFC West: Matt Hasselbeck
Figuring out who makes the personnel decisions for the Arizona Cardinals isn't easy.
More than any team in the NFC West, the Cardinals seem to take a group approach involving general manager Rod Graves, coach Ken Whisenhunt, president Michael Bidwill, and vice president of player personnel Steve Keim.
All four have been together since 2007, when Whisenhunt became coach.
Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says Keim's role has grown, making him a logical candidate to succeed Graves in the GM role. Bickley: "Keim isn't a general manager by title. But he talks like one. He acts like one. He's not shy with his opinions. Recent draft classes reveal a franchise operating in sync, and a team enjoying a steady influx of young players. He knows what Ken Whisenhunt wants in a player, and over time, has earned the coach's trust." Noted: Sounds like an invitation to compare recent draft classes for NFC West teams. I'll take a look this week, although comparing one team's draft success against that of another can be tricky. For example, in recent seasons, the Cardinals have drafted later in the first round on average than any team in the division, about 19th overall since 2009. That compares to about eighth overall for St. Louis, 13th overall for Seattle and 15th overall for San Francisco.
Also from Bickley: The Cardinals have reason to consider legal action after losing 3,200 parking spots at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee runs through the San Francisco 49ers' undrafted free-agent class. Barrows: "Among the standouts are the three Stanford players, Chris Owusu, Matt Masifilo and Michael Thomas, and running back Jewel Hampton, whom I wrote about earlier in the week. Also of note is Clemson's Kourtnei Brown, who has Aldon Smith-like dimensions and who ran his 40-yard dash in the 4.6-second range."
Also from Barrows: Perrish Cox's legal troubles aren't finished. The cornerback, acquitted on criminal sexual assault charges, faces a civil suit stemming from the case.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame welcomed Marcus Trufant and Jacob Green as members. Trufant: "This is a very cool deal. Just the whole organization in general is a good deal. There are a lot of important people here who have done a lot of good things in this area for a long time -- and they haven’t done it to make a lot of money, they’re doing it for the community and they’re doing it for the kids. So just to be mentioned in the same light as those people, it’s a big deal to me."
Also from Farnsworth: a look at the Seahawks' quarterback competition. Coach Pete Carroll: "There’s no timeline. The format is really just to do everything I can to organize it and orchestrate it so that they get a legit shot at showing what they can do with all the guys that are available. We’re going to have to mix and match it, and just make it a real cool process, and hopefully it will show itself somewhere down the road and we'll figure it out then."
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says Carroll seems to be welcoming the quarterback competition in Seattle, counter to the way most coaches view uncertainty at the position.
Art Thiel of Sports Press Northwest says the Seahawks haven't had a quarterback competition like their current once since Matt Hasselbeck and Trent Dilfer were competing a decade ago.
Liz Mathews of 710ESPN Seattle passes along thoughts from Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill regarding the evolution of his game. Hill: "I wanted to hurt you and hit you harder than you hit me. That's how I played, and I think it caused a lot of injuries early on in my career. Now that I'm getting older, I'm more about making the tackle -- just get the man down. I want to play the way that I played, just in a more veteran way, you know?"
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle thinks Gus Bradley, the Seahawks' defensive coordinator, projects as a head coaching candidate. Noted: Not many coordinators keep their jobs when a team changes head coaches. Bradley did, remaining in the role after the switch from Jim Mora to Pete Carroll. Mora had planned to name Dan Quinn coordinator, but Bradley impressed him so much during his interview that Mora decided to make him coordinator instead.
Albert Breer of NFL Network runs through Rams GM Les Snead's priority list for St. Louis this offseason: "Snead, formerly personnel director for the Atlanta Falcons, was hired by the Rams in mid-February. His self-imposed directive since then has been to focus on four aspects of roster management. They were, in order, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of his new club; deal the second pick in the draft; prepare for and complete free agency; and then do the same with the draft. ... Snead can unpack and find a place to live now. His vision for the Rams, in this job he spent the better part of two decades preparing, is beginning to take shape."
Katie Felts of KDSK.com checks in with new Rams coach Jeff Fisher.
More than any team in the NFC West, the Cardinals seem to take a group approach involving general manager Rod Graves, coach Ken Whisenhunt, president Michael Bidwill, and vice president of player personnel Steve Keim.
All four have been together since 2007, when Whisenhunt became coach.
Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says Keim's role has grown, making him a logical candidate to succeed Graves in the GM role. Bickley: "Keim isn't a general manager by title. But he talks like one. He acts like one. He's not shy with his opinions. Recent draft classes reveal a franchise operating in sync, and a team enjoying a steady influx of young players. He knows what Ken Whisenhunt wants in a player, and over time, has earned the coach's trust." Noted: Sounds like an invitation to compare recent draft classes for NFC West teams. I'll take a look this week, although comparing one team's draft success against that of another can be tricky. For example, in recent seasons, the Cardinals have drafted later in the first round on average than any team in the division, about 19th overall since 2009. That compares to about eighth overall for St. Louis, 13th overall for Seattle and 15th overall for San Francisco.
Also from Bickley: The Cardinals have reason to consider legal action after losing 3,200 parking spots at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee runs through the San Francisco 49ers' undrafted free-agent class. Barrows: "Among the standouts are the three Stanford players, Chris Owusu, Matt Masifilo and Michael Thomas, and running back Jewel Hampton, whom I wrote about earlier in the week. Also of note is Clemson's Kourtnei Brown, who has Aldon Smith-like dimensions and who ran his 40-yard dash in the 4.6-second range."
Also from Barrows: Perrish Cox's legal troubles aren't finished. The cornerback, acquitted on criminal sexual assault charges, faces a civil suit stemming from the case.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the Pacific Northwest Football Hall of Fame welcomed Marcus Trufant and Jacob Green as members. Trufant: "This is a very cool deal. Just the whole organization in general is a good deal. There are a lot of important people here who have done a lot of good things in this area for a long time -- and they haven’t done it to make a lot of money, they’re doing it for the community and they’re doing it for the kids. So just to be mentioned in the same light as those people, it’s a big deal to me."
Also from Farnsworth: a look at the Seahawks' quarterback competition. Coach Pete Carroll: "There’s no timeline. The format is really just to do everything I can to organize it and orchestrate it so that they get a legit shot at showing what they can do with all the guys that are available. We’re going to have to mix and match it, and just make it a real cool process, and hopefully it will show itself somewhere down the road and we'll figure it out then."
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says Carroll seems to be welcoming the quarterback competition in Seattle, counter to the way most coaches view uncertainty at the position.
Art Thiel of Sports Press Northwest says the Seahawks haven't had a quarterback competition like their current once since Matt Hasselbeck and Trent Dilfer were competing a decade ago.
Liz Mathews of 710ESPN Seattle passes along thoughts from Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill regarding the evolution of his game. Hill: "I wanted to hurt you and hit you harder than you hit me. That's how I played, and I think it caused a lot of injuries early on in my career. Now that I'm getting older, I'm more about making the tackle -- just get the man down. I want to play the way that I played, just in a more veteran way, you know?"
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle thinks Gus Bradley, the Seahawks' defensive coordinator, projects as a head coaching candidate. Noted: Not many coordinators keep their jobs when a team changes head coaches. Bradley did, remaining in the role after the switch from Jim Mora to Pete Carroll. Mora had planned to name Dan Quinn coordinator, but Bradley impressed him so much during his interview that Mora decided to make him coordinator instead.
Albert Breer of NFL Network runs through Rams GM Les Snead's priority list for St. Louis this offseason: "Snead, formerly personnel director for the Atlanta Falcons, was hired by the Rams in mid-February. His self-imposed directive since then has been to focus on four aspects of roster management. They were, in order, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of his new club; deal the second pick in the draft; prepare for and complete free agency; and then do the same with the draft. ... Snead can unpack and find a place to live now. His vision for the Rams, in this job he spent the better part of two decades preparing, is beginning to take shape."
Katie Felts of KDSK.com checks in with new Rams coach Jeff Fisher.
Will Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn live up to his Green Bay hype?
J.C. Colom asked the question via Facebook, and initially I was reluctant to answer it. Some things must wait until the regular season because there's not enough evidence to form a solid opinion, as Brett Schumacher pointed out before pleading with me to avoid quarterback-related questions.
But an answer came to mind. A theory, really.
What we've seen from Flynn, the presumed starter even though he hasn't yet won the job, suggests he'll be more aggressive than 2011 starter Tarvaris Jackson. He'll take more chances. That seemed to be his nature with Green Bay.
Some of that could reflect the advanced state of the Packers' offense overall and the types of games Flynn participated in while completing 55 of 81 passes for 731 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions in two starts. That is obviously an unsustainable pace; he's not going to pass for 72 touchdowns with 16 interceptions over a full season. Things will even out if Flynn plays as aggressively as he played while posting that 9-2 ratio.
I'm anticipating a point in the 2012 season when Flynn and coach Pete Carroll must reconcile the gap between a quarterback's aggressive mindset and a defensive-minded head coach's emphasis on avoiding mistakes even at the expense of productivity.
Carroll and Matt Hasselbeck needed time to develop a full understanding in 2010. The two hit a stride for a few weeks, with Hasselbeck playing his best against Arizona and New Orleans. Hasselbeck finished strong in the playoffs, leading the Seahawks past the Saints in the wild-card round.
Flynn will likely experience peaks and valleys over the course of a season. Most quarterbacks do. We'll raise additional questions along the way.
J.C. Colom asked the question via Facebook, and initially I was reluctant to answer it. Some things must wait until the regular season because there's not enough evidence to form a solid opinion, as Brett Schumacher pointed out before pleading with me to avoid quarterback-related questions.
But an answer came to mind. A theory, really.
What we've seen from Flynn, the presumed starter even though he hasn't yet won the job, suggests he'll be more aggressive than 2011 starter Tarvaris Jackson. He'll take more chances. That seemed to be his nature with Green Bay.
Some of that could reflect the advanced state of the Packers' offense overall and the types of games Flynn participated in while completing 55 of 81 passes for 731 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions in two starts. That is obviously an unsustainable pace; he's not going to pass for 72 touchdowns with 16 interceptions over a full season. Things will even out if Flynn plays as aggressively as he played while posting that 9-2 ratio.
I'm anticipating a point in the 2012 season when Flynn and coach Pete Carroll must reconcile the gap between a quarterback's aggressive mindset and a defensive-minded head coach's emphasis on avoiding mistakes even at the expense of productivity.
Carroll and Matt Hasselbeck needed time to develop a full understanding in 2010. The two hit a stride for a few weeks, with Hasselbeck playing his best against Arizona and New Orleans. Hasselbeck finished strong in the playoffs, leading the Seahawks past the Saints in the wild-card round.
Flynn will likely experience peaks and valleys over the course of a season. Most quarterbacks do. We'll raise additional questions along the way.
Moderately accomplished quarterbacks are more likely than great ones to mentor a young prospect, in my view.
They have less to lose.
The "Outside the Lines" video above provides fresh and archived interviews with NFC West alums Joe Montana, Steve Young and Trent Dilfer while taking a closer look at the dynamics. Montana wasn't interested in mentoring Young for obvious competitive reasons. Dilfer warmed to mentoring Matt Hasselbeck.
Young NFC West quarterbacks are largely without veteran mentors heading toward the 2012 season.
San Francisco 49ers starter Alex Smith might be the closest thing to a mentor in the division. He has the experience and personality to become a resource for second-year pro Colin Kaepernick. To what degree that has happened, I'm not sure. Smith returns as the starter, but the situation is competitive, too.
The St. Louis Rams have no veteran mentor for Sam Bradford. The Arizona Cardinals have none for Kevin Kolb or John Skelton. The Seattle Seahawks have none for new quarterback Matt Flynn, although Tarvaris Jackson is nearly 3 years older and does have 34 career regular-season starts.
Having a veteran backup as a resource makes sense in theory, especially when his presence isn't seen as an imminent threat to the young starter's job security.
Among NFC West teams, the Rams would seem to benefit the most from adding a veteran backup. They're the one team in the division with a young starter and no plans for competition at the position.
Current backup Kellen Clemens has only 12 career starts, but he does have considerable knowledge of the offensive system Bradford is learning for the first time.
The chart reflects Flynn's status as the expected starter. He has not yet won the job, however.
Thoughts on Stokley, Kolb and concussions
April, 16, 2012
Apr 16
7:16
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Brandon Stokley became a preferred target for Matt Hasselbeck when the two were playing for the Seattle Seahawks.
More recently, Stokley became a factor in securing Peyton Manning for the Denver Broncos.
There's something about a reliable slot receiver. Quarterbacks love them. And Stokley has been a good one.
But the Broncos' contract agreement with Stokley, announced by the team Monday, runs counter to the NFL's heightened sensitivity over head injuries. While the league continues to make player safety a top priority, teams welcome back players with extensive concussion histories, Stokley among them. This doesn't feel right.
The last we heard from Stokley in the NFC West, he was recovering from his most recent concussion, one of "more than a dozen" he estimated suffering since high school. By then, the tone regarding concussions had changed from a few years earlier.
The NFL, facing lawsuits from former players over concussions, has struck a serious tone on the subject, changing rules and considering additional measures, including the elimination of kickoffs.
If Stokley wants to continue playing, that is his decision. But how many concussions are too many for a team to consider adding a player? The Broncos' medical staff surely has a good feel for Stokley's condition. Perhaps Stokley is at no additional risk. That seems difficult to believe given what is known about cumulative effects of head trauma.
What would the reaction be if Stokley suffered a catastrophic head injury during the 2012 season? Would anyone be surprised?
The subject was already on my mind Monday after reading Kent Somers' report about Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb battling concussion symptoms.
"To be honest with you, when I first went home it was still pretty severe," Kolb said in Somers' report. "It kind of worried me because I figured once I got away from the game, it would clear up pretty fast. But it didn't and I stayed in contact with our guys here. Within three or four days after that three-week period, it was fine. I was glad to be feeling back to normal."
More recently, Stokley became a factor in securing Peyton Manning for the Denver Broncos.
There's something about a reliable slot receiver. Quarterbacks love them. And Stokley has been a good one.
But the Broncos' contract agreement with Stokley, announced by the team Monday, runs counter to the NFL's heightened sensitivity over head injuries. While the league continues to make player safety a top priority, teams welcome back players with extensive concussion histories, Stokley among them. This doesn't feel right.
The last we heard from Stokley in the NFC West, he was recovering from his most recent concussion, one of "more than a dozen" he estimated suffering since high school. By then, the tone regarding concussions had changed from a few years earlier.
The NFL, facing lawsuits from former players over concussions, has struck a serious tone on the subject, changing rules and considering additional measures, including the elimination of kickoffs.
If Stokley wants to continue playing, that is his decision. But how many concussions are too many for a team to consider adding a player? The Broncos' medical staff surely has a good feel for Stokley's condition. Perhaps Stokley is at no additional risk. That seems difficult to believe given what is known about cumulative effects of head trauma.
What would the reaction be if Stokley suffered a catastrophic head injury during the 2012 season? Would anyone be surprised?
The subject was already on my mind Monday after reading Kent Somers' report about Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb battling concussion symptoms.
"To be honest with you, when I first went home it was still pretty severe," Kolb said in Somers' report. "It kind of worried me because I figured once I got away from the game, it would clear up pretty fast. But it didn't and I stayed in contact with our guys here. Within three or four days after that three-week period, it was fine. I was glad to be feeling back to normal."
Good morning, and thanks to those who offered well wishes as our family drove back to Washington from California following a visit to see my father-in-law. His health has improved in recent days, and we made it back safely.
Thursday was mostly quiet in the NFC West, save for the Seattle Seahawks' re-signing of linebackers Leroy Hill and Matt McCoy. We're to the point in free agency where most of the re-signings feel more like a matter of when, not if. Players have few attractive options at this point. These will mostly be one-year deals with relatively modest compensation.
Clark Haggans and Vonnie Holliday are two candidates to re-sign with Arizona, for example.
The earlier players sign, the more fully they can participate in voluntary offseason programs. The St. Louis Rams and other teams with new head coaches began their programs on April 2. The other teams can begin Monday.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com previews the Cardinals' offseason program. Urban: "Quarterback Kevin Kolb will be here. I’ve already gotten a bunch of questions about what Kolb has been doing with teammates. I don’t think it’s been anything yet, but the vast majority of players haven’t yet. That'll change now (the new rules allow QBs to throw to receivers without defenders the next couple of weeks before things morph again.) I don’t know why some question if Kolb will be willing to put in the work this offseason. I expect it, and as I had mentioned before, I think it will help him when it comes to how he plays this season."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch updates the Rams' free-agent picture after the team signed former Philadelphia Eagles backup defensive tackle Trevor Laws. Thomas on Jacob Bell, who left the Rams for Cincinnati recently: "Bell spent his first four seasons playing for Jeff Fisher in Tennessee, and for a while hoped to re-sign with the Rams and play for him in St. Louis as well. But the Rams never showed more than lukewarm interest in re-signing Bell, who was athletic and played pretty well in space, but occasionally got overpowered by bigger defenders. It's not clear where Bell will play next since since another Bengals free-agent signee, Travelle Wharton, also is primarily a left guard."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looks at four interior offensive linemen the San Francisco 49ers could consider selecting with the 30th overall choice in the upcoming draft. Wisconsin's Peter Konz, Iowa State's Kelechi Osemele, Midwestern State's Amini Silatolu and Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler were the four prospects. Maiocco on Silatolu, a player Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. recently referenced in relation to the 49ers: "He dominated at the NCAA Division II level as a left tackle. He'll be a guard in the NFL. His good feet and willingness to play to the whistle are attributes that make him worthy of a late-first or second-round pick."
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com has this to say about Matt McCoy's re-signing with Seattle: "McCoy led the Seahawks with 19 special-teams tackles in 2010, his first season with the team. McCoy, also 29, had three special-teams tackles and also was being used as a situational linebacker last season before having season-ending knee surgery after just four games."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times lists dates and times for the Seahawks' exhibitions, beginning with an Aug. 11 matchup against Matt Hasselbeck and the Tennessee Titans. They also play Denver on Aug. 18, Kansas City on Aug. 24, and Oakland on Aug. 30.
Thursday was mostly quiet in the NFC West, save for the Seattle Seahawks' re-signing of linebackers Leroy Hill and Matt McCoy. We're to the point in free agency where most of the re-signings feel more like a matter of when, not if. Players have few attractive options at this point. These will mostly be one-year deals with relatively modest compensation.
Clark Haggans and Vonnie Holliday are two candidates to re-sign with Arizona, for example.
The earlier players sign, the more fully they can participate in voluntary offseason programs. The St. Louis Rams and other teams with new head coaches began their programs on April 2. The other teams can begin Monday.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com previews the Cardinals' offseason program. Urban: "Quarterback Kevin Kolb will be here. I’ve already gotten a bunch of questions about what Kolb has been doing with teammates. I don’t think it’s been anything yet, but the vast majority of players haven’t yet. That'll change now (the new rules allow QBs to throw to receivers without defenders the next couple of weeks before things morph again.) I don’t know why some question if Kolb will be willing to put in the work this offseason. I expect it, and as I had mentioned before, I think it will help him when it comes to how he plays this season."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch updates the Rams' free-agent picture after the team signed former Philadelphia Eagles backup defensive tackle Trevor Laws. Thomas on Jacob Bell, who left the Rams for Cincinnati recently: "Bell spent his first four seasons playing for Jeff Fisher in Tennessee, and for a while hoped to re-sign with the Rams and play for him in St. Louis as well. But the Rams never showed more than lukewarm interest in re-signing Bell, who was athletic and played pretty well in space, but occasionally got overpowered by bigger defenders. It's not clear where Bell will play next since since another Bengals free-agent signee, Travelle Wharton, also is primarily a left guard."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com looks at four interior offensive linemen the San Francisco 49ers could consider selecting with the 30th overall choice in the upcoming draft. Wisconsin's Peter Konz, Iowa State's Kelechi Osemele, Midwestern State's Amini Silatolu and Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler were the four prospects. Maiocco on Silatolu, a player Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. recently referenced in relation to the 49ers: "He dominated at the NCAA Division II level as a left tackle. He'll be a guard in the NFL. His good feet and willingness to play to the whistle are attributes that make him worthy of a late-first or second-round pick."
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com has this to say about Matt McCoy's re-signing with Seattle: "McCoy led the Seahawks with 19 special-teams tackles in 2010, his first season with the team. McCoy, also 29, had three special-teams tackles and also was being used as a situational linebacker last season before having season-ending knee surgery after just four games."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times lists dates and times for the Seahawks' exhibitions, beginning with an Aug. 11 matchup against Matt Hasselbeck and the Tennessee Titans. They also play Denver on Aug. 18, Kansas City on Aug. 24, and Oakland on Aug. 30.
A few notes after the NFL announced its preseason schedule for the 2012 season:
The chart shows each team's opponents.
- The San Francisco 49ers face Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in a nationally televised game in the third week. The third week is generally when teams play their starters the longest.
- Matt Hasselbeck and the Tennessee Titans face the Seahawks in Seattle, Hasselbeck's first game against his former team. That means Matt Flynn makes his Seattle debut against Hasselbeck.
- Seattle travels to Denver for what will be Manning's first home game with the Broncos.
- All four NFC West teams are home in the fourth week of preseason. That's a bonus heading into the regular season. Every AFC West team finishes the preseason on the road, with three of those games against NFC West teams.
- Two of the Arizona Cardinals' five games are televised nationally, beginning with their matchup against New Orleans in the Hall of Fame Game. The Aug. 23 game at Tennessee falls on a Thursday night.
- The St. Louis Rams open the Jeff Fisher era against Indianapolis, the worst team in the NFL last season. That's what we call easing into things. The Rams should welcome the arrangement as they rebuild.
- The NFL wasn't about to schedule another 49ers game against Oakland after violence marred the 2011 preseason game between the teams.
- As miner49er4984 noted in the comments, the 49ers face the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason and again in the regular season. Two matchups with Mike Singletary in one season, then.
The chart shows each team's opponents.
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."
Looks like 49ers, Smith could use deadline
March, 20, 2012
Mar 20
6:53
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers face no looming deadline for a contract agreement.
That could help explain why negotiations seem to lack urgency.
The NFL's labor agreement prevents players from entering into football preparations with coaches until April 16. The quarterback market has shaken out elsewhere around the league. Neither side has better alternatives at present.
News that free-agent quarterback Josh Johnson might pay a free-agent visit to the 49ers looks like an attempt by the team to pressure Smith (separately, team CEO Jed York told reporters Tim Tebow was not an option).
Teams routinely show interest in one player to pressure another. Players routinely show interest in one team to pressure another.
Earlier Tuesday, the Detroit Lions put Seattle Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne on a plane to visit their headquarters. Hawthorne was reportedly still in the air when linebacker Stephen Tulloch, perhaps sensing additional urgency with a free-agent prospect on the way, re-signed with Detroit.
Kurt Warner's experience with the Arizona Cardinals following the 2008 season resembles what is happening to Smith this offseason. Warner had led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance. He had earned a new contract, but the Cardinals realized Warner had more value to them than he had to other teams. Warner was about to turn 38, was known to prefer staying in Arizona and appeared unlikely to start fresh elsewhere.
Smith is younger than Warner, but also less accomplished and less critical to his team's overall success. The 49ers know his value to them is greater than it would be to other teams. They could probably afford to reduce their offer without worrying about another team exceeding it. That wouldn't necessarily be the best tactic, of course, but neither is there any reason for San Francisco to bid against itself.
Would the 49ers sign Johnson to replace Smith on the roster?
Johnson, 25, has five touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 57.7 NFL passer rating in 26 appearances (five starts) over four NFL seasons. He played for 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh at the University of San Diego. There would be no assurances Johnson would fit well with the 49ers or even beat out 2011 second-round draft choice Colin Kaepernick for the starting job.
The biggest danger for Smith is waiting around long enough for the 49ers to shift their thinking toward the longer-term future. That happened to Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle last offseason. Coach Pete Carroll wanted to bring back Hasselbeck after the quarterback led a surprise playoff run, but Hasselbeck asked for more money than the Seahawks were comfortable offering. As the lockout dragged on, the organization decided to make a clean break.
The Seahawks were in rebuilding mode at the time. The situation in San Francisco is different. The 49ers have a stronger foundation to contend this season with Smith returning. Both sides have to realize a Smith re-signing stands as the best scenario.
Update: Looks like all this Smith talk could be irrelevant quickly.
That could help explain why negotiations seem to lack urgency.
The NFL's labor agreement prevents players from entering into football preparations with coaches until April 16. The quarterback market has shaken out elsewhere around the league. Neither side has better alternatives at present.
News that free-agent quarterback Josh Johnson might pay a free-agent visit to the 49ers looks like an attempt by the team to pressure Smith (separately, team CEO Jed York told reporters Tim Tebow was not an option).
Teams routinely show interest in one player to pressure another. Players routinely show interest in one team to pressure another.
Earlier Tuesday, the Detroit Lions put Seattle Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne on a plane to visit their headquarters. Hawthorne was reportedly still in the air when linebacker Stephen Tulloch, perhaps sensing additional urgency with a free-agent prospect on the way, re-signed with Detroit.
Kurt Warner's experience with the Arizona Cardinals following the 2008 season resembles what is happening to Smith this offseason. Warner had led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance. He had earned a new contract, but the Cardinals realized Warner had more value to them than he had to other teams. Warner was about to turn 38, was known to prefer staying in Arizona and appeared unlikely to start fresh elsewhere.
Smith is younger than Warner, but also less accomplished and less critical to his team's overall success. The 49ers know his value to them is greater than it would be to other teams. They could probably afford to reduce their offer without worrying about another team exceeding it. That wouldn't necessarily be the best tactic, of course, but neither is there any reason for San Francisco to bid against itself.
Would the 49ers sign Johnson to replace Smith on the roster?
Johnson, 25, has five touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 57.7 NFL passer rating in 26 appearances (five starts) over four NFL seasons. He played for 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh at the University of San Diego. There would be no assurances Johnson would fit well with the 49ers or even beat out 2011 second-round draft choice Colin Kaepernick for the starting job.
The biggest danger for Smith is waiting around long enough for the 49ers to shift their thinking toward the longer-term future. That happened to Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle last offseason. Coach Pete Carroll wanted to bring back Hasselbeck after the quarterback led a surprise playoff run, but Hasselbeck asked for more money than the Seahawks were comfortable offering. As the lockout dragged on, the organization decided to make a clean break.
The Seahawks were in rebuilding mode at the time. The situation in San Francisco is different. The 49ers have a stronger foundation to contend this season with Smith returning. Both sides have to realize a Smith re-signing stands as the best scenario.
Update: Looks like all this Smith talk could be irrelevant quickly.
Those thinking the San Francisco 49ers betrayed Alex Smith by courting Peyton Manning might soften their views upon consulting a timeline.
But the 49ers and agent Tom Condon could have been more transparent with Smith throughout the process.
Kevin Lynch of sfgate.com makes that case before concluding that Smith has little choice but to sign with the 49ers. He notes that the 49ers showed interest in Manning only after Smith declined their contract offer. Lynch: "Where the 49ers and agent Tom Condon erred was not telling Smith of their intention to see Manning workout until moments before it was found out by the media. That maneuver supposedly angered Smith, who thought it was disingenuous for the 49ers and Condon, who represents Smith and Manning, not to tell him earlier. Smith, from my understanding, was not upset the team was working out Manning." Noted: If that is the only beef, then the 49ers and Smith should have little trouble coming to an understanding once the financial particulars come into focus.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Harbaugh and Smith met for roughly an hour Monday. Barrows: "The deal currently on the table for Smith is for $24 million over three years and has a little more than $10 million in guarantees. It also has some guaranteed money in the second year. Jim Harbaugh was seen leaving the team facility around 2 p.m. today, and it is believed that he's the one who extended the olive branch to Smith, who is upset over what he presumably felt was a lower-than-expected offer."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the relationship between Harbaugh and Smith might not be affected if general manager Trent Baalke takes responsibility for the 49ers pursuing Manning. Noted: This shouldn't be too complicated. Ownership would likely be involved in any decision to pursue a player as high-profile as Manning. Harbaugh and the 49ers did not flaunt their interest in Manning. They can reasonably say they were looking into Manning in an effort to upgrade their roster, and that Harbaugh wants nothing more than to help Smith pick up where he left off last season.
Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat thinks Harbaugh's ego stood between the 49ers and Manning, and that the 49ers need to increase their offer to Smith after Seattle gave similar money to Matt Flynn. Noted: The widely cited $26 million figure for Flynn counts incentives. The deal is actually for closer to $19 million.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News thinks the 49ers' plans for Colin Kaepernick partly explain the team's reluctance to give Smith additional security through guaranteed money.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says former Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz could be a candidate to play right guard for the 49ers. Schwartz is visiting teams after missing the 2011 season to recover from a hip injury.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times explains David Hsu's trip to Miami turned into an adventure tracking the 49ers' Smith. O'Neil: "He was headed to Miami with his older sister and her family for a cruise to the Bahamas, and looking around the Virgin America waiting area, he noticed a 6-foot-5 former No. 1 overall draft pick sitting nearby. ... He and his nieces consulted Google. They were positive. When Hsu boarded the flight, there was Smith sitting in Row 1. Hsu moved on back to Row 14, and thanks to the magic of in-flight wireless he tweeted the news, directing it to a trio of people who cover the Seahawks or have connections to the team."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at the Rams' youth movement along their defensive line. Thomas: "Last season, the Rams started three defensive linemen who were age 32 or older -- Justin Bannan, James Hall and Fred Robbins. This year, they'll start at least three who are age 27 or younger -- Chris Long, Robert Quinn and newcomer Kendall Langford. Be it via free agency or the draft, the team remains on the lookout for another starting defensive tackle. But the hope at Rams Park is that they're three-fourths of the way toward having a more talented defensive line."
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks have found a clear upgrade at quarterback in Flynn. Boling: "Flynn is further along than was Matt Hasselbeck, far more ready to step in and be the franchise guy. Hasselbeck had only 13 regular-season completions when he arrived, and needed almost a season and a half before becoming a convincing starter. Flynn should not. Hasselbeck completed only 54 percent of his passes his first season in Seattle; Flynn is far more accurate than that already and should only get better with regular starting."
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Flynn did not know the team would ask him to throw for coaches during a visit to team headquarters over the weekend. Flynn: "I think they just wanted to see me throw, see my footwork, see just the throws I can make. They asked me to do it, and I was totally up for it. We kind of had fun in the workout. It was real laid back."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the team cleared about $3 million in salary-cap space after releasing guard Rex Hadnot and receiver Chansi Stuckey. Urban: "Hadnot started all of 2011 but the team had been looking to upgrade and when they signed Adam Snyder it gave the Cards the room to make a move. Stuckey never seemed to find traction for playing time after his costly fumble in Washington ended the Cards’ chances on a late drive."
But the 49ers and agent Tom Condon could have been more transparent with Smith throughout the process.
Kevin Lynch of sfgate.com makes that case before concluding that Smith has little choice but to sign with the 49ers. He notes that the 49ers showed interest in Manning only after Smith declined their contract offer. Lynch: "Where the 49ers and agent Tom Condon erred was not telling Smith of their intention to see Manning workout until moments before it was found out by the media. That maneuver supposedly angered Smith, who thought it was disingenuous for the 49ers and Condon, who represents Smith and Manning, not to tell him earlier. Smith, from my understanding, was not upset the team was working out Manning." Noted: If that is the only beef, then the 49ers and Smith should have little trouble coming to an understanding once the financial particulars come into focus.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Harbaugh and Smith met for roughly an hour Monday. Barrows: "The deal currently on the table for Smith is for $24 million over three years and has a little more than $10 million in guarantees. It also has some guaranteed money in the second year. Jim Harbaugh was seen leaving the team facility around 2 p.m. today, and it is believed that he's the one who extended the olive branch to Smith, who is upset over what he presumably felt was a lower-than-expected offer."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the relationship between Harbaugh and Smith might not be affected if general manager Trent Baalke takes responsibility for the 49ers pursuing Manning. Noted: This shouldn't be too complicated. Ownership would likely be involved in any decision to pursue a player as high-profile as Manning. Harbaugh and the 49ers did not flaunt their interest in Manning. They can reasonably say they were looking into Manning in an effort to upgrade their roster, and that Harbaugh wants nothing more than to help Smith pick up where he left off last season.
Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat thinks Harbaugh's ego stood between the 49ers and Manning, and that the 49ers need to increase their offer to Smith after Seattle gave similar money to Matt Flynn. Noted: The widely cited $26 million figure for Flynn counts incentives. The deal is actually for closer to $19 million.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News thinks the 49ers' plans for Colin Kaepernick partly explain the team's reluctance to give Smith additional security through guaranteed money.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says former Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz could be a candidate to play right guard for the 49ers. Schwartz is visiting teams after missing the 2011 season to recover from a hip injury.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times explains David Hsu's trip to Miami turned into an adventure tracking the 49ers' Smith. O'Neil: "He was headed to Miami with his older sister and her family for a cruise to the Bahamas, and looking around the Virgin America waiting area, he noticed a 6-foot-5 former No. 1 overall draft pick sitting nearby. ... He and his nieces consulted Google. They were positive. When Hsu boarded the flight, there was Smith sitting in Row 1. Hsu moved on back to Row 14, and thanks to the magic of in-flight wireless he tweeted the news, directing it to a trio of people who cover the Seahawks or have connections to the team."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at the Rams' youth movement along their defensive line. Thomas: "Last season, the Rams started three defensive linemen who were age 32 or older -- Justin Bannan, James Hall and Fred Robbins. This year, they'll start at least three who are age 27 or younger -- Chris Long, Robert Quinn and newcomer Kendall Langford. Be it via free agency or the draft, the team remains on the lookout for another starting defensive tackle. But the hope at Rams Park is that they're three-fourths of the way toward having a more talented defensive line."
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks have found a clear upgrade at quarterback in Flynn. Boling: "Flynn is further along than was Matt Hasselbeck, far more ready to step in and be the franchise guy. Hasselbeck had only 13 regular-season completions when he arrived, and needed almost a season and a half before becoming a convincing starter. Flynn should not. Hasselbeck completed only 54 percent of his passes his first season in Seattle; Flynn is far more accurate than that already and should only get better with regular starting."
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Flynn did not know the team would ask him to throw for coaches during a visit to team headquarters over the weekend. Flynn: "I think they just wanted to see me throw, see my footwork, see just the throws I can make. They asked me to do it, and I was totally up for it. We kind of had fun in the workout. It was real laid back."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the team cleared about $3 million in salary-cap space after releasing guard Rex Hadnot and receiver Chansi Stuckey. Urban: "Hadnot started all of 2011 but the team had been looking to upgrade and when they signed Adam Snyder it gave the Cards the room to make a move. Stuckey never seemed to find traction for playing time after his costly fumble in Washington ended the Cards’ chances on a late drive."
Similarities between Matt Flynn and Matt Hasselbeck border on eery.
Flynn, like Hasselbeck in 2001, came to the Seattle Seahawks from the Green Bay Packers. Both were reunited in Seattle with personnel people they knew in Green Bay (John Schneider for Flynn, Ted Thompson for Hasselbeck).
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireThe Seahawks believe they have a strong supporting cast in place for Matt Flynn.Flynn is 25 years old. Hasselbeck was 26. Both quarterbacks, though unproven, appeared close to joining the Miami Dolphins before landing in Seattle.
Flynn's new coach, Pete Carroll, has a 14-18 record and one playoff appearance with the Seahawks. He has been on the job for 26 months. Hasselbeck's coach in 2001, Mike Holmgren, had a 15-17 record and one playoff appearance with Seattle. He had been on the job for 26 months when the Seahawks landed Hasselbeck.
For all the striking circumstantial parallels, three differences give Flynn an opportunity to enjoy early success, something that eluded Hasselbeck and nearly derailed his career with the team. All three factors are a direct reflection of Carroll and, to an extent, Schneider:
Questions remain regarding the current Seahawks' ability to develop a quarterback for the long term. That was Holmgren's strength, and one reason Hasselbeck eventually developed into a Pro Bowl player.
The NFL has become more of a passing league since then, opening for debate whether Carroll's philosophy is best for the current NFL landscape.
Those are subjects for another day. Improving the short-term chances for Flynn has to be the top priority. The Seahawks have done that. The rest is up to Flynn.
Flynn, like Hasselbeck in 2001, came to the Seattle Seahawks from the Green Bay Packers. Both were reunited in Seattle with personnel people they knew in Green Bay (John Schneider for Flynn, Ted Thompson for Hasselbeck).
Jeff Hanisch/US PresswireThe Seahawks believe they have a strong supporting cast in place for Matt Flynn.Flynn's new coach, Pete Carroll, has a 14-18 record and one playoff appearance with the Seahawks. He has been on the job for 26 months. Hasselbeck's coach in 2001, Mike Holmgren, had a 15-17 record and one playoff appearance with Seattle. He had been on the job for 26 months when the Seahawks landed Hasselbeck.
For all the striking circumstantial parallels, three differences give Flynn an opportunity to enjoy early success, something that eluded Hasselbeck and nearly derailed his career with the team. All three factors are a direct reflection of Carroll and, to an extent, Schneider:
- Realistic expectations: Carroll has tempered expectations by declaring publicly that Flynn must compete for the job with Tarvaris Jackson. Holmgren anointed Hasselbeck, went on about the importance of the position, and suggested his own job security hinged on his new quarterback's performance. There's always pressure on quarterbacks, but Carroll isn't adding to the pressure on Flynn by suggesting he's their savior.
- Support system: Carroll and Schneider are further along rebuilding the roster, particularly on defense, than was Holmgren in 2001. This allows the current Seahawks to better support all their quarterbacks. This was by design and carried risk when the team opted to use its 2011 first-round choice for guard James Carpenter instead of quarterback Andy Dalton, figuring the line needed reinforcing before welcoming a young passer.
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But the upside is that Carroll and Schneider have put together the NFL's youngest defense, one that ranked ninth last season and should only improve. When Hasselbeck arrived in 2001, Holmgren was patching the NFL's last-ranked defense with veterans John Randle, Chad Eaton, Marcus Robertson and Levon Kirkland. There wasn't a young talent base to build around on that side of the ball.
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"Matt (Flynn) comes in at a time when our sights are set on a strong running game, a young offensive line we're excited about with depth, an attitude that plays off the defense-and-special-teams-style that we play, and that we all can feel," Carroll said Monday. - Overall philosophy. Carroll wants to win with a strong defense and running game, whereas Holmgren was all about the quarterback.
"We have never asked the quarterback to carry the whole show," Carroll said. "We want him to be part of this offense and part of this football team, and be the point guard and spread the ball around."
Questions remain regarding the current Seahawks' ability to develop a quarterback for the long term. That was Holmgren's strength, and one reason Hasselbeck eventually developed into a Pro Bowl player.
The NFL has become more of a passing league since then, opening for debate whether Carroll's philosophy is best for the current NFL landscape.
Those are subjects for another day. Improving the short-term chances for Flynn has to be the top priority. The Seahawks have done that. The rest is up to Flynn.
Five thoughts on a Manning-free division
March, 19, 2012
Mar 19
12:30
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Five considerations now that Peyton Manning has told the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans he plans to sign with the Denver Broncos:
- Big sighs of relief: Arizona, Seattle and St. Louis no longer must worry about defending against a Manning-led 49ers offense. A healthy Manning would have made the 49ers even more formidable than they were while going 5-1 against the division last season. It's looking like the Seahawks will be the team in the division with the best shot at upgrading their quarterback situation.
More On Manning
Peyton Picks Broncos:
You can call this The Drive Part III: John Elway's determination to get Peyton Manning makes the Broncos a contender again, Ashley Fox writes. Story 
Peyton Manning's decision to play for the Broncos is very bad news for the rest of the AFC West, John Clayton writes. Story 
Manning has a kindred spirit in his corner with Elway as his boss, a big reason why he picked the Broncos, Bill Williamson writes. Blog• How Manning fits
• How good are Broncos?
• NFL Nation: Bloggers react
• Mike and Mike: Chris Mortensen
Tim Tebow Watch:
Mel Kiper breaks down five teams that may be interested in Denver quarterback Tim Tebow, now that Peyton Manning looks to be the starting QB for the Broncos. Story • NFL Nation: Bloggers on Tebow's fate
• Rumors: Who wants Tebow?
• ESPN Boston: Tebow a fit for Pats?
• Vote: Tebow's future in NFL?SportsNation:
Peyton Manning's pick of a team set Twitter abuzz and drew reaction from several current and former NFL players. Not all (Deion Sanders) were fans of the move. Reaction • Vote: Peyton, Broncos a good fit?
• Vote: Rank Broncos after move
• Quiz: Broncos QBs since 2000More:
• Fantasy: Broncos WRs gain value
• Stats & Info: What Manning brings
• Peyton Manning photo gallery - Harbaugh must take lead: The seemingly special bond between 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and 2011 starter Alex Smith could need some repairing. That should not be too difficult if Harbaugh has been forthright with Smith throughout the process. The 49ers, like the Cardinals, will want to define their interest in Manning as a special case unrelated to their incumbent quarterback. Re-signing Smith should be a no-brainer now.
- Smith's only logical option. Smith has made it known he wants to continue playing for the 49ers. Hurt feelings suffered during negotiations and the Manning diversion should not be grounds for divorce. Unless Smith acts hastily out of anger, which seems unlikely given his temperament, the 49ers should now be able to re-sign Smith to a deal that gives them the flexibility to hand things over to Colin Kaepernick in the next couple years if Smith falters. The 49ers did lose some leverage, however, when Manning picked Denver over Tennessee. A deal with the Titans would have pushed Matt Hasselbeck onto the market.
- Forget about Tim Tebow. The Broncos wanted Manning not only because Manning is a great quarterback when healthy, but also because the organization was seeking a Tebow exit strategy. Manning's acquisition provides the perfect cover for Broncos executive John Elway, who has made clear his feelings that Tebow's playing style is not sustainable. I would not anticipate NFC West teams having interest in Tebow if the Broncos tried to trade him.
- Manning not on schedule. NFC West teams do not play the Broncos in 2012. They still face a lengthy list of talented quarterbacks, including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Tony Romo and Jay Cutler. Every NFC West team does face the Miami Dolphins, who lost out on Manning, did not sign Flynn and could have a tougher time signing Smith now that the 49ers have lost out on Manning.
It's a relief to have the Manning situation resolved. I was looking forward to the possibility of having him in the division, however, whether with Arizona or San Francisco.
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.
Miami visit? Now we're talking, Alex Smith
March, 18, 2012
Mar 18
10:57
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Alex Smith repeatedly set aside his pride during seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
It's good to see him make an exception when warranted.
Smith
ManningSmith's free-agent visit to the Miami Dolphins might look like an attempt by that organization to further suppress the price for another free-agent quarterback, Matt Flynn.
But let's face it, Flynn was already languishing on the discount rack. Green Bay thought better of naming him its franchise player. Seattle, though interested, did not make Flynn an offer during his recent visit to the team's headquarters. And if the Seahawks do make an offer, they likely will not value him appreciably more than they valued Tarvaris Jackson, who signed for $4 million a year.
From Smith's perspective, a visit to the Dolphins -- or any team -- was exactly what he needed after the 49ers entered the chase for Peyton Manning.
San Francisco remains the best fit for Smith. But if the 49ers do land Manning, Smith will have to find a job elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with the 49ers looking out for their own interests by considering an obvious upgrade at quarterback. There's likewise nothing wrong with Smith looking out for his interests as well.
Smith swallowed his pride last offseason when he returned to the 49ers following a brutal six-year run with the team. He previously said and did all the right things through multiple coaching changes and organizational miscues. He did stand up to then-coach Mike Nolan when Nolan publicly questioned his toughness, one of the few times Smith has stood up for himself. That was absolutely warranted.
The circumstances are warranted this time as well. Even if Manning opts for Tennessee instead of the 49ers, can Smith be certain San Francisco would take him back over, say, a newly available Matt Hasselbeck? To what extent does Smith still trust his longtime agent, Tom Condon, and his latest coach, Jim Harbaugh? We do not yet have answers to these questions. Does Smith?
Condon has also represented Manning, an obvious conflict of interest. And Harbaugh, for all the public support he has offered Smith, must put the 49ers' interests over Smith's interests. Because in the end, football is a business, even for a team that went out of its way to promote itself as one big family.
It's good to see him make an exception when warranted.
But let's face it, Flynn was already languishing on the discount rack. Green Bay thought better of naming him its franchise player. Seattle, though interested, did not make Flynn an offer during his recent visit to the team's headquarters. And if the Seahawks do make an offer, they likely will not value him appreciably more than they valued Tarvaris Jackson, who signed for $4 million a year.
From Smith's perspective, a visit to the Dolphins -- or any team -- was exactly what he needed after the 49ers entered the chase for Peyton Manning.
San Francisco remains the best fit for Smith. But if the 49ers do land Manning, Smith will have to find a job elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with the 49ers looking out for their own interests by considering an obvious upgrade at quarterback. There's likewise nothing wrong with Smith looking out for his interests as well.
Smith swallowed his pride last offseason when he returned to the 49ers following a brutal six-year run with the team. He previously said and did all the right things through multiple coaching changes and organizational miscues. He did stand up to then-coach Mike Nolan when Nolan publicly questioned his toughness, one of the few times Smith has stood up for himself. That was absolutely warranted.
The circumstances are warranted this time as well. Even if Manning opts for Tennessee instead of the 49ers, can Smith be certain San Francisco would take him back over, say, a newly available Matt Hasselbeck? To what extent does Smith still trust his longtime agent, Tom Condon, and his latest coach, Jim Harbaugh? We do not yet have answers to these questions. Does Smith?
Condon has also represented Manning, an obvious conflict of interest. And Harbaugh, for all the public support he has offered Smith, must put the 49ers' interests over Smith's interests. Because in the end, football is a business, even for a team that went out of its way to promote itself as one big family.
Matt Flynn's visit with the Seattle Seahawks kicked off my Saturday conversation with John Clayton on 710ESPN Seattle.
We discussed the tension between needing a quarterback and not acting out of desperation to find one.
The market for Flynn has yet to gain much momentum. The quarterback market in general hinges on what happens with Peyton Manning. If Manning lands in Tennessee, Matt Hasselbeck would hit the market. If Manning signs with San Francisco, Alex Smith might become a more viable candidate elsewhere.
Rushing into a deal with Flynn might not make sense — for Seattle, for Miami, for anyone — if potentially superior options appeared likely to become available in the near future.
Flynn left the Seahawks to visit with the Dolphins. His roots with Green Bay give him connections to Seahawks general manager John Schneider and new Dolphins coach Joe Philbin.
Seattle did not make an initial contract offer to Flynn. It's unclear whether the Dolphins will make a hard push for him now that Manning isn't an option for them.
Note: 710ESPN Seattle has posted the audio. My segment begins at about the 18:30 mark.
We discussed the tension between needing a quarterback and not acting out of desperation to find one.
The market for Flynn has yet to gain much momentum. The quarterback market in general hinges on what happens with Peyton Manning. If Manning lands in Tennessee, Matt Hasselbeck would hit the market. If Manning signs with San Francisco, Alex Smith might become a more viable candidate elsewhere.
Rushing into a deal with Flynn might not make sense — for Seattle, for Miami, for anyone — if potentially superior options appeared likely to become available in the near future.
Flynn left the Seahawks to visit with the Dolphins. His roots with Green Bay give him connections to Seahawks general manager John Schneider and new Dolphins coach Joe Philbin.
Seattle did not make an initial contract offer to Flynn. It's unclear whether the Dolphins will make a hard push for him now that Manning isn't an option for them.
Note: 710ESPN Seattle has posted the audio. My segment begins at about the 18:30 mark.
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.
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.
