NFL Nation: Jay Feely
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.
First look at Cardinals' 2012 free agents
February, 7, 2012
Feb 7
4:26
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
We're still a month away from NFL free agency, but with the Super Bowl behind us, we'll start sizing up players without contracts for 2012.
Expanding upon Brian McIntyre's lists, I've plugged in offensive and defensive snap-count numbers for NFC West free agents, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information.
The charts below cover the Arizona Cardinals' free agents. The final column shows what each player's previous contract averaged annually.
Re-signing defensive end Calais Campbell will be a top priority. I don't see the Cardinals letting him get away. They moved on from Antonio Smith a few years ago, but they did so with Campbell ready to take over. They would have a hard time replacing Campbell.
Cornerback Richard Marshall proved valuable on a one-year deal. Early Doucet was a primary threat on third down.
Overall, though, the Cardinals have a relatively modest group of unrestricted free agents.
Safety Sean Considine played extensively on special teams. I've listed him with the offensive and defensive UFAs, however.
The Cardinals' key specialists are without contracts. The team has turned over those positions in recent seasons.
The Cardinals can keep their restricted free agents, listed below, by making one-year qualifying offers to them, then matching any outside offers.
Expanding upon Brian McIntyre's lists, I've plugged in offensive and defensive snap-count numbers for NFC West free agents, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information.
The charts below cover the Arizona Cardinals' free agents. The final column shows what each player's previous contract averaged annually.
Re-signing defensive end Calais Campbell will be a top priority. I don't see the Cardinals letting him get away. They moved on from Antonio Smith a few years ago, but they did so with Campbell ready to take over. They would have a hard time replacing Campbell.
Cornerback Richard Marshall proved valuable on a one-year deal. Early Doucet was a primary threat on third down.
Overall, though, the Cardinals have a relatively modest group of unrestricted free agents.
Safety Sean Considine played extensively on special teams. I've listed him with the offensive and defensive UFAs, however.
The Cardinals' key specialists are without contracts. The team has turned over those positions in recent seasons.
The Cardinals can keep their restricted free agents, listed below, by making one-year qualifying offers to them, then matching any outside offers.
NFL Twindex: Bears' safety safely on top
August, 19, 2011
8/19/11
10:58
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Mike DiNovo/US PresswireBears safety Chris Harris, right, rose to the top spot in the latest version of the NFL Twindex.More football please.
When we started the NFL Twindex during the NFL lockout, many guys who earned top 10 spots did so on the strength of their comedy.
Now, it takes more. We need more. You, fare NFL player, have taken to Twitter to connect with your people. And to earn a top rating from this follower, you should have a reasonable share of football insight in the mix.
To stand your ground or gain some or to emerge as a member of the club, show us some of everything and be sure it includes some of what brought us to you in the first place.
I thought Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb (@KevinKolb_4) had the best recent football tweet: "Our Z receiver, @ARob12_Cards, has been tearing it up in practice. Get to know him this year."
Unfortunately, Kolb's busy learning a new team and hasn't been tweeting much. Understandable, but he doesn't even earn an honorable mention here for lack of volume.
With no further ado, our new list…
1. CHRIS HARRIS
Safety | Chicago Bears ... Last Poll: NR 
@ChrisHarrisNFL -- Well-rounded football commentary on Terrelle Pryor, the Miami scandal and its NFL implications, the kickoff rule and the Soldier Field turf issues. Nice fan appreciation offer on his day off at Six Flags and in response to a Happy Birthday serenade. Also a strong stance on conformity and a motivational tidbit: "The strong conquer the weak but the smart conquer the strong!"
2. PAT McAFEE
Punter | Indianapolis Colts ... Last Poll: 4 
@PatMcAfeeShow -- "Gorilla'd 10 punts, undercut the hell out of a 75yd fg short and missed a 62 wide left... Buttt 'twas a great evening w/the fans" Told an anteater joke. Shared picture of a car wrapped in saran wrap at training camp. Expressed shock at love from Indy Star. And then there was this: "Great to see the pee test guy again.. We talked about how we missed eachother during the lockout, but we know we'll see eachother often"
3. TOM CRABTREE
Tight End | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: 2 
@TCrabtree83 -- "Yes. President Obama got to shake my hand. #luckyhim" The best photos from the Packers White House visit. Was a little upset about the end of time in training camp housing: "Moved out of the dorms! But i think i wanna go back. My wife was watching Twilight when i got home."
4. RODDY WHITE
Receiver | Atlanta Falcons ... Last Poll: NR 
@roddywhiteTV -- "Sometimes I wonder if my team really loves me cause I get terrible tickets for my family all the time which is insane" Good commentary on next year's Hall of Fame-eligible receivers, Sam Bradford and Aaron Rodgers' back-shoulder throws.
5. SCOTT FUJITA
Linebacker | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: NR 
@scottfujita99 -- Strong and fearless opinion on the idea the NFL will consider fines, suspensions for college rules breakers coming into the league: "That would be ridiculous." "The league already has a free farm system. Now this? I can't envision something like this actually happening." Paid tribute to cut former teammate Jon Stinchcomb and explained why he called teammate Titus Brown a junkyard dog: "I meant that he'll rip your face off if you're not careful."
6. GERALD ALEXANDER
Safety | Free Agent ... Last Poll: 10 
@GAlexander21 -- - One-time Jaguar told us that the Jaguars' frantic signaling in the secondary in New England was a change to Cover 2 and said Jack Del Rio eliminating hazing was all about Blaine Gabbert's hair. Mocked bad spelling by so many on Game of Thrones (Throwns). Also offered a suggestion for Hollywood: "They gotta stop wit the Final Destination movies"
7. CARLTON MITCHELL
Wide Receiver | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: 1 
@C_Mitch18 -- Still the funniest tweeter in the NFL but now needs to add football to repertoire. "I try to see the best in everyone. They, however, are trying harder to hide it from me." "Ever get to the point (With Yourself) when you are like "Enough with the procrastination, it's time for excuses"? #JustSayin"
8. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars ... Last Poll: 3 
@A_Train_92 -- "Fell asleep watching #Halloween... just had a crazy dream I was in the NFL combine with Michael Myers. Dude walked a 3.7 40 yd dash!" "#Thanks Gillette Fusion commercials.. Now I know what razor to use when im in an underwater cage with sharks in my proximity!"
9. CHAD OCHOCINCO
Wide Receiver | New England Patriots ... Last Poll: NR 
@ochocinco -- "Criticism is mediocrity's way of paying tribute to genius." "Being that the celebrations rules are so strict all post touchdown celebrations will be done by Patriot fans in #FlashMob form. #Awesomeness" Wrote about watching Randy Moss catches, controlling his spending and his Prius.
10. CALAIS CAMPBELL
Defensive End | Arizona Cardinals ... Last Poll: NR 
@Campbell93 -- Not bad with details on buying snacks for young players at the movies and interaction with fans regarding autographs. And a telling snippet of back-to-football: "It's crazy that even only playing 15 plays makes my body feel sore! it's a #physical game we play...But I love it with all my heart"
The highest-profile kicker in the NFC West enjoys stimulating thought with provocative statements.
Jay Feely offered more fodder Thursday on the Doug Gottlieb Show.
Getting a younger quarterback with a long-range future was critical, Feely said, in part because Fitzgerald would want to envision himself building a rapport over several years. Feely expects the Cardinals to sign a slot receiver to complement a group featuring two younger receivers he mentioned by name, Max Komar and Stephen Williams.
Feely also offered thoughts on Carson Palmer's decision to stay away from the Cincinnati Bengals while demanding a trade. Feely, as a Cardinals union rep, would seem more inclined to side with Palmer under the circumstances. That was not the case.
I'm with Gottlieb in leaning more toward Palmer's side on this one simply because Palmer's frustrations with the Bengals appear justified.
Jay Feely offered more fodder Thursday on the Doug Gottlieb Show.
On his Arizona Cardinals acquiring Kevin Kolb: "You can't underestimate how important it was in trying to re-sign Larry Fitzgerald after this year. He is the face of the franchise and one of, if not the best receiver in the NFL -- exactly the kind of guy you want to build around. Obviously, if they didn't have a quarterback of the future in place, the likelihood of trying to re-sign Larry Fitzgerald after this year would greatly diminish."
Getting a younger quarterback with a long-range future was critical, Feely said, in part because Fitzgerald would want to envision himself building a rapport over several years. Feely expects the Cardinals to sign a slot receiver to complement a group featuring two younger receivers he mentioned by name, Max Komar and Stephen Williams.
Feely also offered thoughts on Carson Palmer's decision to stay away from the Cincinnati Bengals while demanding a trade. Feely, as a Cardinals union rep, would seem more inclined to side with Palmer under the circumstances. That was not the case.
On Palmer's demands: "People may see this as naive. My own personal view, though, is when you sign a contract, you should honor that contract. And I completely understand that the owners don't do that. Because I signed a three-year deal with Miami, went down there my first year, had the best year of my car, set the franchise record for field-goal percentage and got cut after that season when they cleaned house. ...
"Part of signing a huge deal is, you are embracing that franchise, embracing all the problems that existed. I had no problem with Lebron James as a free agent wanting to go somewhere else. ... When you sign that deal, when you accept all that money, when you accept the huge signing bonus that you get, you are accepting everything that goes along with being the face of the franchise and the quarterback of that team, the leader of that team and the face of that city."
I'm with Gottlieb in leaning more toward Palmer's side on this one simply because Palmer's frustrations with the Bengals appear justified.
Only a kicker? Seattle to find out on Mare
July, 27, 2011
7/27/11
3:36
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
NFL teams tend to think they can replace specialists somewhat easily.
Often, they are right.
When they're wrong, the money they saved seems trivial in retrospect.
The Seattle Seahawks went through quite a few punters and snappers after letting Jeff Feagles and J.P. Darche get away years ago. They're taking a risk this offseason after watching kicker Olindo Mare agree to terms with Carolina on Wednesday. Mare set a franchise record for consecutive field-goal attempts without a miss after then-coach Jim Mora ripped him for an "unacceptable" performance against Chicago.
Mare has made 88.0 percent of his field-goal attempts over the last three seasons, the third-highest percentage among players with at least 20 attempts. Only Neil Rackers (90.7) and Ryan Longwell (90.0) have higher conversion rates during that time, according to Pro Football Reference.
Rackers' appearance atop that list affirms the first sentence of this blog entry. The Cardinals parted with Rackers and came out just fine with Jay Feely.
One other consideration: Mare has been strong on kickoffs, but strong legs might carry less value now that the league has moved up kickoffs to the 35. As Mare told Dave Mahler of Sports Radio 950 AM in Seattle via Brian McIntyre, the change should extend careers for kickers.
Often, they are right.
When they're wrong, the money they saved seems trivial in retrospect.
Mare has made 88.0 percent of his field-goal attempts over the last three seasons, the third-highest percentage among players with at least 20 attempts. Only Neil Rackers (90.7) and Ryan Longwell (90.0) have higher conversion rates during that time, according to Pro Football Reference.
Rackers' appearance atop that list affirms the first sentence of this blog entry. The Cardinals parted with Rackers and came out just fine with Jay Feely.
One other consideration: Mare has been strong on kickoffs, but strong legs might carry less value now that the league has moved up kickoffs to the 35. As Mare told Dave Mahler of Sports Radio 950 AM in Seattle via Brian McIntyre, the change should extend careers for kickers.
NFL Twindex: Flip flop at the very top
July, 8, 2011
7/08/11
11:02
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Stephen MortonAusten Lane has now been in the top-10 rankings of all four of the NFL Twindexes so far.“I usually hate when athletes tweet about how good their workout was,” Matt Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) tweeted Thursday in a good start, “but we had a great one today!”
Bad finish.
Plenty of NFL fans starved for morsels and insight into football and beyond would love to know what made it good.
J.J. Watt (@JJWatt) did very well with show-don’t-tell when he tweeted this picture. Yowza.
Alas, Hasselbeck and Watt are snapshot examples for us here at Twindex HQ, where we’d like to host Cleveland receiver Carlton Mitchell and Green Bay tight end Tom Crabtree. They hold the top two spots in our new poll, flip-flopping their standing from two weeks ago.
We could have a 10-event competition for the two including feats of strength and intellect and concluding with a tweet-off or a tweet-up or a tweet-meet.
They were neck and neck, and it came down to my gut feeling -- Mitchell was more consistently amusing.
Scroll through my favorites to see what was considered as we made the final cuts -- we are now trying to track 493 guys.
And hit me at @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky with tweets I need to see and people I need to follow.
1. CARLTON MITCHELL
Wide Receiver | Cleveland Browns ... Last Poll: 2 @C_Mitch18 -- Back at the top of his game after getting edged out by Crabtree on June 24th. I enjoyed him as the Fourth of July approached -- "Just to be different, I cry about being single on the 4th of July, and celebrate Valentines Day with explosives" and "Freedom of speech is wonderful,right up there with the freedom not to listen." Also quality material on how his insomnia is connected to the Internet, lowercase vs. capital letters, finding a missing item, confused alarm clocks, mumbling and tinted windows.
2. TOM CRABTREE
Tight End | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: 1 
@TCrabtree83 -- "Opening up a moldy yogurt cup in the daylight really makes me wonder about all those nights i ate a cup with the lights off and just TV on." Made himself available on Skype and considered ideal shoes for stepping in it, how all his breakfasts are breakfasts of champions, Casey Anthony and the conspiracy behind NFL Network's Top 100 players list. One more: "If you Google search "Tom Cr", my name is suggested right below Tom Cruise."
3. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars ... Last Poll: 7 
@A_Train_92 -- Mitchell and Crabtree were later discoveries, which means that Lane is the lone NFL player who's been in the top 10 of all four of our polls. He drew inspiration from Crabtree's Super Bowl ring tour: "My Little League Trophy rollin shotgun in my grandma's #Buickscoping for chicks! (Always wear ur seatbelts kids)." Also marveled at the power his grandparents have over a dinner check and considered his skills as a salesman.
4. PAT MCAFEE
Punter | Indianapolis Colts ... Last Poll: HM 
@PatMcAfeeShow -- "Pass the facility I think to myself 'Self, how much easier would it be if I could just go kick, workout, and shower with dudes' #Wait #What" Wondered about Hope Solo's dating availability while watching the US in the Women's World Cup. Also stood up to the man, advising teammate Eric Foster: "crop your photo, don't give Colts.com any love they're locking us out, trying to take food off your wife's plate."
5. HEATH EVANS
Fullback | New Orleans Saints ... Last Poll: NR 
@HeathEvans -- Twitter is a confessional for him. "I'm an idiot! I just had: 4 Raw Egg whites 50 Grams of Casein Protein 16 ounces cold filter water 3 gummy worms .......couldn't resist!" "It's sad but a bunch of Americans are going to celebrate the 4th of July by watching the #CaseyAnthony Trial. Not me! Well, maybe a few min?"
6. DARYN COLLEDGE
Guard | Green Bay Packers ... Last Poll: NR 
@DarynColledge73 -- An example of how one great point can score you a spot on the list, at least during the lockout: "I can not stand how people keep using the word 'organic' to describe their life style, furniture, decor, or general outlook on life." Me neither, chief. Me neither.
7. JAY FEELY
Kicker | Arizona Cardinals ... Last Poll: NR 
@JayFeely -- He's been here before and he's the first of back-to-back rewards for actual football talk. While he said Darrelle Revis needs to do it consistently for longer, Feely tweeted that "Revis is just as shut down as Deon, his hands are excellent, he's a much better tackler and he can blitz. Better all around corner." Also riffed on the self-satisfaction that comes from Twitter verification.
8. SHAUN PHILLIPS
Linebacker | San Diego Chargers ... Last Poll: NR 
@ShaunPhillips95 -- More actual football. "Wow it was hot today out on the field. Mark my words Gerald McCoy will go to the pro bowl this year he's a stud." I presume Phillips is working out with the second-year Tampa Bay defensive tackle and giving us an informed review of what he sees.
9. STEVE BREASTON
Receiver | Arizona Cardinals ... Last Poll: NR 
@SBreaston15 -- Another largely one-shot deal: "Don't get 2 comfortable playing the devil's advocate in every situation...comes a time when you are who you speak for."
10. GERALD ALEXANDER
Safety | Carolina Panthers ... Last Poll: NR 
@GAlexander21 -- Said Casey Anthony will be forgotten because it's not like she's a famous running back or anything. And instructed fans on NBA lockout: "I sure hope y'all hittin them NBA players twitter pages wit the disrespect some of y'all hit us NFL players wit when the lockout started"
Twindex sparks 'showdown,' needs your aid
June, 3, 2011
6/03/11
3:28
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
You need look no further than 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis for evidence that the NFL Twindex is sweeping the nation.
I was a guest this morning on "The Grady and Big Joe Show," and Colts punter and Twitterer extraordinaire Pat McAfee sat in for Big Joe. The vast majority of my segment consisted of McAfee bemoaning his status in the initial Twindex last week, when he garnered just an honorable mention.
He took a shot at the original No. 1, San Diego’s Shaun Phillips, while praising the runner-up, Aaron Rodgers. But his biggest complaint was over No. 8 Jay Feely, the Arizona kicker. McAfee called Feely “boring.”
Of course this got back to Feely -- "the wonder of twitter," he tweeted when I asked how. He was quite non-boring in a three-tweet response. Tone’s always tough in type -- I read this as in completely good humor:
That left McAfee doing something my 19-month-old son likes to do -- backing up while making beeping noises:
Yeah, not strengthening the Twindex bid there, Pat.
McAfee was an excellent radio stand in. But he’s on Twitter notice for the next seven days. (And you think a jailbreak on a punt creates stress.)
I’m planning the second edition of the Twindex next Friday.
All of this was a long way of getting to this point: My player list is up to 463. (No, not all verified. If a guy is an unverified contender and I plan to touch on him here, then I'll make a positive ID.) That’s a lot of people to track.
So if you see a great tweet or string of tweets from a player you follow, I urge you to call my attention to it. Aim it to me at @ESPN_AFCSouth or @Paul Kuharsky.
And thanks in advance for contributing.
I was a guest this morning on "The Grady and Big Joe Show," and Colts punter and Twitterer extraordinaire Pat McAfee sat in for Big Joe. The vast majority of my segment consisted of McAfee bemoaning his status in the initial Twindex last week, when he garnered just an honorable mention.
He took a shot at the original No. 1, San Diego’s Shaun Phillips, while praising the runner-up, Aaron Rodgers. But his biggest complaint was over No. 8 Jay Feely, the Arizona kicker. McAfee called Feely “boring.”
Of course this got back to Feely -- "the wonder of twitter," he tweeted when I asked how. He was quite non-boring in a three-tweet response. Tone’s always tough in type -- I read this as in completely good humor:
That left McAfee doing something my 19-month-old son likes to do -- backing up while making beeping noises:
Yeah, not strengthening the Twindex bid there, Pat.
McAfee was an excellent radio stand in. But he’s on Twitter notice for the next seven days. (And you think a jailbreak on a punt creates stress.)
I’m planning the second edition of the Twindex next Friday.
All of this was a long way of getting to this point: My player list is up to 463. (No, not all verified. If a guy is an unverified contender and I plan to touch on him here, then I'll make a positive ID.) That’s a lot of people to track.
So if you see a great tweet or string of tweets from a player you follow, I urge you to call my attention to it. Aim it to me at @ESPN_AFCSouth or @Paul Kuharsky.
And thanks in advance for contributing.
Getty ImagesShaun Phillips, left, and Aaron Rodgers hold the top two spots in the debut of our NFL Twindex.This is our periodic look -- I’m thinking twice a month for now, weekly once we’re in a season -- at what players and others who work for NFL teams are saying via Twitter. Because I love being subjective and we all love lists, it’s a subjective list.
I’m following everyone I can find -- 328 people and growing -- and I hope they’ll follow me back. It’s difficult to read every tweet every day, so if you see a great one, forward it to me. I’m @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky. The Twindex will be built from the best sampling I am able to do while still also fulfilling the obligations of a full-time job.
Each guy who makes the list each week will get a tweet notifying him of his status. We’re fluid. If a guy is interesting this week, he may find himself in the top five. Be boring next week and he may disappear, depending on what his competition is doing. Former players, coaches, owners, equipment guys and mascots are eligible, too. Bring it.
What gets you here? Tweets beyond the ordinary.
You’re scored down for morning greetings (sorry @MikeSimsWalker), birthday wishes, constant song lyrics (sorry @JimIrsay), weather updates and dinner reviews (unless, maybe, you are @PotRoast96).
You are rewarded for witty observations, clever lines and exchanges, smart life advice, amusing family stories, a great re-tweet or picture and, certainly, high-quality football information or commentary. A good week of tweeting can get you a spot. One outstanding tweet can, too.
As I am a positive guy, this is a positive list. Generally, we want to be a place players want to be. Like in our MVP Watch or the best restaurant in town or in unrestricted free agency after a great season. It’s an evolving concept, and whether you’re a candidate or a reader, I welcome your input.
Titans cornerback Jason McCourty and his twin brother, Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback Devin McCourty, combined Twitter accounts and have made a big push to let fans see them.
When I told him about this during their recent ESPN car wash, Jason wasn’t ashamed to say he wanted @McCourtyTwins to get a spot on the initial Index.
“I think guys are so competitive, anything like that with a list and a top spot, guys will get some enjoyment out of it,” he said. “Somebody may post, ‘Hey, check out so-and-so, he’s No. 1 this week on the Twitter poll.’ I think it’ll probably be a cool idea. I’ll check it out.
“Hopefully that gets us to No. 1.”
Maybe next week, Jason.
Here’s the debut list.
1. SHAUN PHILLIPS
Linebacker | San Diego Chargers @ShaunPhillips95 -- Proposed a flag football league for remainder of lockout and said his first pick after himself, would be @DeseanJackson10 and that no one would take Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Philip Rivers. Also complained when someone handed him a valet ticket as if he was a valet. Shaun, who's insuring the flag football league? I don't like your top pick at all.
2. AARON RODGERS
Quarterback | Green Bay Packers 
@AaronRodgers12 -- Announced his candidacy for "Celebrity Jeopardy." How could they not call him now? Also made a bold prediction: "Somewhere that end of the world predictor is telling himself, '3rd time's the charm'. Be on the lookout for the next set of billboards" Sure enough, dude's come out with an Oct. 21 date.
3. CHAD OCHOCINCO
Wide Receiver | Cincinnati Bengals @ochocinco -- (Pre snake-wrangling.) "This just in:The End Of The World has not been canceled just postponed until the #LOCKOUT is over." Bitter over another Steelers win, but complimented Hines Wards for "Dancing with the Stars" title. Also provided picture of the week: "I was trying to give my #LapGiraffe a bath and look where he ran to." I am fascinated by the lap giraffe and am saving up for one.
4. DARIUS BUTLER
Cornerback | New England Patriots 
@DariusButler28 -- With the Rapture due last Saturday, Butler offered to give his account number to anyone who believed it was going to happen so they could transfer their funds to him. Then he bemoaned it when his balance didn't change. I'm sure people just needed more time or, in great anticipation, had their wills drawn up in advance.
5. PHILIP WHEELER
Linebacker | Indianapolis Colts 
@PhilGood50 -- "Mann I've had xm radio for bout 2years, but I don't know who's payin 4 it tho, not me " Hope we aren't messing that up for you, Mr. Wheeler.
6. TRACY PORTER
Cornerback | New Orleans Saints 
@T_Porter22 -- "Why is everyone askin me and lil bro @Mark_Ingram22 who gon wear 22 like we gon tell u? We don't even have a season right now lol #crazy" I don't get it either, Tracy. People are fascinated by uniform numbers. And maybe they figure jerseys are cheaper during the labor impasse? As a flag football observer, Porter also offered some commentary on footwear and women players.
7. AUSTEN LANE
Defensive End | Jacksonville Jaguars @A_Train_92 -- "#EPICTWEET I just discovered the holy grail of breakfest! Order a McGridle and get the steak egg [bagel] sauce on it!!! #UrWelcomeAmerica" Thanks but I already ate. Austen was also funny on the missed Rapture prediction, saying he lived it up in anticipation and then had to apologize to everyone.
8. JAY FEELY
Kicker | Arizona Cardinals @jayfeely -- Solid Joakim Noah commentary, both funny -- his wife said, "I wish my pony tail looked as good as Noah's" -- and serious: "I've said many things after I miss a kick or in the midst of a game that I regret saying or wouldn't say in any other setting."
9. ROBERT MATHIS
Defensive End | Indianapolis Colts 
@RobertMathis98 -- "damn I just told a family member #No and it felt good.....almost #ADDICTIVE" Also expressed NBA-related dismay regarding one guy being blamed for a loss in a team sport and speed trap-related dismay at the number of police on his route from Georgia to Birmingham.
10. PATRICK WILLIS
Linebacker | San Francisco 49ers 
@PatrickWillis52 -- "I'm going biking in the morning. Its crazy how I can be nervous about that but not to go play in front of thousands smh" Also said something I think we all think more often than we'd like: "Sometimes I don't understand myself."
Need to point me to a tweet? Have ideas for the NFL Twindex? Find me @ESPN_AFCSouth and @PaulKuharsky.
Rex knows Jets are NFL's hot destination
March, 23, 2011
3/23/11
10:43
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
NEW ORLEANS -- Florham Park, N.J., is the NFL's version of Ellis Island.
At the base of Rex Ryan's statue of liberty -- the one where he's proudly holding up a snack -- the motto reads: "Give me your inspired, your core contributors, your huddled players, yearning to be free agents."
The New York Jets head coach will take them all.
"I'd like to have every player in the league want to play for the Jets," Ryan said Tuesday at the NFL owners meeting in New Orleans. "We're on the right path because I think a lot of players do want to play for the Jets. And the great thing is the players we have want to play for the Jets. That's important to me."
In November, a Sports Illustrated poll of 279 anonymous NFL players asked "For which other coach would you like to play?" A whopping 21 percent chose Ryan. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was a distant second at 12 percent. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton was third at 9 percent. Former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher was at 8 percent and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick at 7 percent.
Speaking even more to Ryan's personal allure as a fun and charismatic boss, he was the only coach among the top seven not to have been to the Super Bowl -- yet.
"I'm letting every player in the league know that if you want to win a Super Bowl," Ryan said, "you should probably come to the Jets."
The Jets reaching back-to-back AFC Championship Games and being featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" last summer are the dominant forces to boosting the Jets' profile as a hot destination.
"I wanted to show our facilities off, show how we take care of our players and what kind of organization we have with our owner, Woody Johnson, and our GM, Mike Tannenbaum," Ryan said of the entertaining shows. "I think that helped us. I also think you're in the best market in the world, and oh by the way, we have a heck of a football team and have a good time playing, too."
Even a couple players from the cross-town rival New York Giants -- safeties Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips -- wished out loud that coach Tom Coughlin could be more like Rex.
"It's good to hear players want to come play for us," Ryan said. "There's no denying that."
There's a big problem. The NFL's immigration department is prohibiting arrivals until a new collective bargaining agreement can be struck. Free agency and player trades aren't allowed.
The Jets can't re-sign their own free agents, either. Receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith and cornerback Antonio Cromartie are the most notable they must address once a new CBA is in place.
That leaves Ryan and his roster in limbo and places a serious crimp in his plans for a second straight offseason. The Jets faced restrictions last year under the "final eight plan," a wrinkle of the uncapped season.
Clubs that reached the divisional playoff round weren't allowed to sign unrestricted free agents unless they dropped one of the same salary value. The Jets parted ways with reliable kicker Jay Feely to make room for outside linebacker Jason Taylor.
The Jets were able to get involved with players such as running back LaDainian Tomlinson and safety Brodney Pool, who technically weren't unrestricted free agents because they were released from their previous teams.
"They can want to play for you, but you couldn't do anything about it anyway," Ryan said.
Ryan will keep his torch burning.
At the base of Rex Ryan's statue of liberty -- the one where he's proudly holding up a snack -- the motto reads: "Give me your inspired, your core contributors, your huddled players, yearning to be free agents."
The New York Jets head coach will take them all.
"I'd like to have every player in the league want to play for the Jets," Ryan said Tuesday at the NFL owners meeting in New Orleans. "We're on the right path because I think a lot of players do want to play for the Jets. And the great thing is the players we have want to play for the Jets. That's important to me."
In November, a Sports Illustrated poll of 279 anonymous NFL players asked "For which other coach would you like to play?" A whopping 21 percent chose Ryan. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was a distant second at 12 percent. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton was third at 9 percent. Former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher was at 8 percent and New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick at 7 percent.
Speaking even more to Ryan's personal allure as a fun and charismatic boss, he was the only coach among the top seven not to have been to the Super Bowl -- yet.
"I'm letting every player in the league know that if you want to win a Super Bowl," Ryan said, "you should probably come to the Jets."
The Jets reaching back-to-back AFC Championship Games and being featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" last summer are the dominant forces to boosting the Jets' profile as a hot destination.
"I wanted to show our facilities off, show how we take care of our players and what kind of organization we have with our owner, Woody Johnson, and our GM, Mike Tannenbaum," Ryan said of the entertaining shows. "I think that helped us. I also think you're in the best market in the world, and oh by the way, we have a heck of a football team and have a good time playing, too."
Even a couple players from the cross-town rival New York Giants -- safeties Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips -- wished out loud that coach Tom Coughlin could be more like Rex.
"It's good to hear players want to come play for us," Ryan said. "There's no denying that."
There's a big problem. The NFL's immigration department is prohibiting arrivals until a new collective bargaining agreement can be struck. Free agency and player trades aren't allowed.
The Jets can't re-sign their own free agents, either. Receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith and cornerback Antonio Cromartie are the most notable they must address once a new CBA is in place.
That leaves Ryan and his roster in limbo and places a serious crimp in his plans for a second straight offseason. The Jets faced restrictions last year under the "final eight plan," a wrinkle of the uncapped season.
Clubs that reached the divisional playoff round weren't allowed to sign unrestricted free agents unless they dropped one of the same salary value. The Jets parted ways with reliable kicker Jay Feely to make room for outside linebacker Jason Taylor.
The Jets were able to get involved with players such as running back LaDainian Tomlinson and safety Brodney Pool, who technically weren't unrestricted free agents because they were released from their previous teams.
"They can want to play for you, but you couldn't do anything about it anyway," Ryan said.
Ryan will keep his torch burning.
NFC West players, alumni lead labor charge
March, 18, 2011
3/18/11
11:00
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Lately, it's tough following the NFL labor dispute without hearing from players linked to current NFC West franchises.
Receiver Sean Morey, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals and briefly the Seattle Seahawks, is on the attack after the league proposed new safety-related rules.
"At the end of the day, why should we be negotiating for our own health and safety? It's unfortunate," Morey said. "We've had to provide every solution to their problem."
Retired guard Pete Kendall, who began his NFL career with Seattle and later played for the Arizona Cardinals, recently spent three weeks in Washington, D.C., as part of the NFL Players Association contingent.
Veteran kicker Jay Feely, player rep for the Cardinals, has provided one of the strongest and most prominent public voices for players throughout negotiations.
Meanwhile, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes fears the worst for veteran players. He emerged Friday as a widely quoted figure from the ongoing players' meetings in Marco Island, Fla.
Friday morning, current Seahawks safety Lawyer Milloy re-tweeted former Seahawks fullback Heath Evans' accusation that commissioner Roger Goodell's recent letter to players was an attempt to divide and conquer them.
Veteran guard Chester Pitts, who spent last season with Seattle and is without a contract for 2011, has fired off some of the angriest sounding missives. Most recently, he took offense to the letter from Goodell.
"I've told my guys to take the letter and set it on fire," Pitts said. "We're not that stupid."
Seldom does incendiary rhetoric call for the actual setting of fires.
The players will be fascinating to follow as this lockout continues. More than ever, they have the ability to speak out as individuals and without the media or NFL public-relations apparatus to serve as filters. That is liberating, but also potentially dangerous for players as they seek to promote a reasonable, unified message to the public.
Their empowerment, as championed by NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith, has brought a new level of emotion to the process, with sometimes regrettable results. I'm expecting more of the same as the NFL presses forward with its strategy of painting players as the ones unwilling to negotiate.
Receiver Sean Morey, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals and briefly the Seattle Seahawks, is on the attack after the league proposed new safety-related rules.
"At the end of the day, why should we be negotiating for our own health and safety? It's unfortunate," Morey said. "We've had to provide every solution to their problem."
Retired guard Pete Kendall, who began his NFL career with Seattle and later played for the Arizona Cardinals, recently spent three weeks in Washington, D.C., as part of the NFL Players Association contingent.
Veteran kicker Jay Feely, player rep for the Cardinals, has provided one of the strongest and most prominent public voices for players throughout negotiations.
Meanwhile, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes fears the worst for veteran players. He emerged Friday as a widely quoted figure from the ongoing players' meetings in Marco Island, Fla.
Friday morning, current Seahawks safety Lawyer Milloy re-tweeted former Seahawks fullback Heath Evans' accusation that commissioner Roger Goodell's recent letter to players was an attempt to divide and conquer them.
Veteran guard Chester Pitts, who spent last season with Seattle and is without a contract for 2011, has fired off some of the angriest sounding missives. Most recently, he took offense to the letter from Goodell.
"I've told my guys to take the letter and set it on fire," Pitts said. "We're not that stupid."
Seldom does incendiary rhetoric call for the actual setting of fires.
The players will be fascinating to follow as this lockout continues. More than ever, they have the ability to speak out as individuals and without the media or NFL public-relations apparatus to serve as filters. That is liberating, but also potentially dangerous for players as they seek to promote a reasonable, unified message to the public.
Their empowerment, as championed by NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith, has brought a new level of emotion to the process, with sometimes regrettable results. I'm expecting more of the same as the NFL presses forward with its strategy of painting players as the ones unwilling to negotiate.
NFC West wheeling and dealing, a year later
March, 16, 2011
3/16/11
1:41
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
AP Photo/US PresswireFred Robbins, left, and Chris Clemons were among the best acquisitions in the NFC West last season.They acquired their backup quarterback and potential future starter, Charlie Whitehurst, from San Diego one year ago Wednesday.
By this time in 2010, the Arizona Cardinals had traded receiver Anquan Boldin, lost Antrel Rolle and Karlos Dansby in free agency, acquired safety Kerry Rhodes from the New York Jets and signed linebacker Paris Lenon, among other moves.
This March, we hear only crickets as the NFL lockout prevents teams from making roster transactions of any kind. The quiet period has shifted our football-related energies to the draft, which the league intends to operate pretty much as normal.
While draft classes can take multiple years to fully assess, free-agent crops tend to produce more immediate results, for better or worse. Let's take a look back at what NFC West teams got -- and still might get -- from their wheeling and dealing last offseason.
2010 unrestricted free agency
Best UFA signing: Fred Robbins, defensive tackle, St. Louis Rams.
Coach Steve Spagnuolo reached into his past with the New York Giants in seeking a needed upgrade to the Rams' defensive interior. Robbins outplayed the three-year deal he signed averaging $3.75 million per season.
Robbins started 16 games and collected a career-high six sacks for a defense that outperformed expectations. His presence on the line helped defensive ends Chris Long and James Hall produce at a higher level.
Worst UFA signing: David Carr, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers.
[+] Enlarge
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesDavid Carr attempted only 13 passes last season.
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesDavid Carr attempted only 13 passes last season.It's tough to fault Carr much for what was, by all accounts, a messed-up situation. The 49ers' general manager, Scot McCloughan, left the organization shortly after the team acquired Carr. The team changed offensive coordinators early in the season. Singletary didn't know how to handle quarterbacks.
Conclusion: NFC West teams signed relatively few UFAs last offseason, in part because new rules prevented players with fewer than six accrued seasons from hitting the market. Jay Feely, Paris Lenon and Rex Hadnot signed with Arizona. Robbins and A.J. Feeley signed with the Rams. Ben Hamilton and Sean Morey signed with Seattle. Carr and William James signed with the 49ers.
2010 additions by trade
Best acquisition: Chris Clemons, defensive end, Seahawks
Seattle and Philadelphia seemed to be swapping spare parts when the Seahawks sent Darryl Tapp to the Eagles for Clemons.
Neither player had reached his potential previously.
Clemons set career highs with 11 sacks and 16 starts while filling the "Leo" position in coach Pete Carroll's defense. Tapp had three sacks and one start for the Eagles, making this deal a clear "win" for Seattle.
The Seahawks also received a fifth-round choice in return from the Eagles, but the player they selected with the choice, defensive end E.J. Wilson, was released during the season.
Worst acquisition: Stacy Andrews, guard, Seahawks.
The Seahawks could still come out OK on this one. The team had Andrews in mind as a candidate to play tackle in 2011, and that could still happen. But Andrews wasn't effective enough as a starting guard to stay in the lineup even though Seattle had serious manpower problems on its offensive line.
Perhaps Seattle can put Andrews to better use in 2011.
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Otto Greule Jr./Getty ImagesThe Seahawks acquired Charlie Whitehurst last year from San Diego as a potential future starter.
Otto Greule Jr./Getty ImagesThe Seahawks acquired Charlie Whitehurst last year from San Diego as a potential future starter.2010 subtractions by trade
Best subtraction: Alex Barron, tackle, from the Rams.
St. Louis got nothing of lasting value in return for Barron, but the penalty-prone tackle was not missed. Rookie Rodger Saffold stepped in at left tackle and outperformed reasonable expectations for a rookie. Barron's time in St. Louis had run its course. The team was taking a risk with its depth by dumping Barron for linebacker Bobby Carpenter, who did not stick on the roster, but the move worked out well from the Rams' perspective.
Worst subtraction: Rob Sims, guard, from the Seahawks.
Seattle's thinking on the offensive line seemed disjointed.
Line coach Alex Gibbs retired a week before the season, changing the qualities Seattle valued in its linemen. Gibbs preferred smaller linemen, particularly guards. Sims was a solid starter, but he didn't fit the Gibbs profile. Seattle sent Sims and a seventh-round choice to Detroit for Robert Henderson, who did not earn a roster spot. The Seahawks also landed a fifth-round choice, used for strong safety Kam Chancellor.
The Seahawks used 11 starting combinations on their offensive line last season, and every one of them would have been better with Sims at left guard. Sims started 16 games for the Lions and played well, by all accounts. His presence in Seattle would have allowed the team to get more from Lynch in the ground game.
Conclusion: The trade that subtracted Boldin from the Cardinals might have qualified under different circumstances, but the time had come for Arizona to part with the exceptional wideout. The team picked up a third-round choice as partial compensation, a pick used for promising receiver Andre Roberts. The 49ers get mention here for the deal that sent Hill to Detroit and cleared the way for Carr's signing. Hill had a 10-6 record as a starter for San Francisco. Even if he wasn't the answer long term, he would have give the team better options in 2010. NFC West teams also parted with Deion Branch, Lawrence Jackson, Josh Wilson, Adam Carriker and Kentwan Balmer, among others, by trade last offseason.
Looking to the future
NFL teams remain unsettled from a roster standpoint while they wait for a labor resolution of some kind.
The Rams are the only NFC West team without serious question marks at quarterback. Lingering questions at that position will hang over the 49ers, Cardinals and Seahawks while the lockout continues.
Getting a new collective bargaining agreement in place before the draft would help those teams more than others by clearing the way for them to pursue veteran passers. Otherwise, these teams could feel extra pressure to address the position in the draft -- a difficult predicament given the hit-and-miss nature of quarterback evaluation in general.
NFLPA union reps put it on (offensive) line
March, 3, 2011
3/03/11
11:38
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The NFC West is heading into a potential lockout with Chester Pitts, Adam Goldberg, Takeo Spikes and Jay Feely as its player union reps.
A few notes on the 32 reps, as identified by the NFL Players Association:
The chart breaks down union reps by position across divisions, counting Coleman.
A few notes on the 32 reps, as identified by the NFL Players Association:
- Offensive linemen stress solidarity and teamwork in their on-field jobs. These ethics might make them suited for union duty. Twelve of the 32 reps are offensive linemen. That is 37.5 percent representation, about double the percentage of offensive linemen on the typical 53-man roster.
- Vonnie Holliday (Washington) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Detroit) are the only defensive linemen among reps.
- Feely leads a contingent of three kickers, joining John Kasay (Carolina) and Robbie Gould (Chicago). No punters are reps.
- Kasay is the oldest rep. He is 41. Oakland's Zach Miller is the youngest. He is 25. Average age: 31.6 years old. Teammates elect reps. Veterans command more respect. Their experience suits them for the role.
- Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers is the only quarterback on the rep list.
- The list is sometimes in flux. For example, the union still lists Erik Coleman as the Atlanta Falcons' rep, but the team released him. Coleman subsequently signed with Detroit.
The chart breaks down union reps by position across divisions, counting Coleman.
A look at my all-NFC West picks for the 2010 season, concluding with the special teams:
The chart breaks down all-division choices from 2008 and 2009, plus this season.
- Jon Ryan was the choice at punter after finishing the season with 27 punts downed inside the 20 and only one touchback. That's a sensational ratio. Ryan didn't spend half his games punting indoors, adding to degree of difficulty. The Rams' Donnie Jones and the 49ers' Andy Lee are worthy choices most years.
- Cardinals kicker Jay Feely set an NFL record by scoring 22 consecutive points for Arizona against Denver, including six on a fake field goal. That set him apart. The Rams' Josh Brown made more field goals, but Feely connected on a higher percentage than Brown or Seattle's Olindo Mare. Mare had 20 touchbacks, Feely had 16 and Brown had five. Feely was the too often the Cardinals' greatest scoring threat.
- Several candidates deserved consideration for overall special-teams play. The 49ers' Manny Lawson and Reggie Smith were consistent performers even though Lawson started all season and Smith started some of the time. Smith had 26 special-teams tackles. The Rams' Chris Chamberlain would have earned a spot, most likely, had he not missed five games. Seattle's Mike McCoy deserves mention. He and Chamberlain each had 19 special-teams tackles.
- Arizona's LaRod Stephens-Howling threatened Leon Washington as a returner for part of the season, but Washington's production on kickoff returns and punt returns set him apart. Stephens-Howling was stronger on coverage teams when opponents focused on former teammate Sean Morey. Stephens-Howling also played more on offense this season.
The chart breaks down all-division choices from 2008 and 2009, plus this season.
Conditions critical: Kickers in the spotlight
January, 20, 2011
1/20/11
8:20
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
In the AFC playoffs last weekend, two of the NFL's great rivalries completed in-season trilogies.
What emerged is a matchup that looks nothing like a storied rivalry.
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers have met only once in the postseason. The Steelers beat them 20-17 in overtime six years ago.
That game also took place on Heinz Field's notoriously treacherous kicking surface, and two missed field goals in the final 120 seconds proved deadly. Jets kicker Doug Brien struck the crossbar on a 46-yard attempt at the two-minute warning and was wide left on a 43-yard attempt as the fourth quarter expired.
Heinz Field hasn't gotten any more luxurious since then.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said Thursday he expects Sunday's game to be decided by a late field goal.
"That's what's going to happen," Ryan said. "This is going to be one of those games. I don't see a team blowing the other team out. This is going to be hard-fought all the way to the end."
In Wednesday's edition of the "Big Question," we examined Nick Folk's inconsistencies this season. He has made all four of his career kicks at Heinz Field, including from 25 and 34 yards in a Week 15 victory over the Steelers.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, who was the Jets' kicker last year, recently handicapped the venues, kickers and punters in Sunday's conference championship games for ESPN.
"You have bad footing, cold weather, which you can't kick the ball as far, and you add the wind," Feely said of Pittsburgh and Chicago. "Heinz Field is historically the toughest place in the NFL footing-wise, kicking-wise. It'll impact the distance of your kicks and punts."
The Jets didn't re-sign the reliable Feely after last season because letting him go allowed them to sign outside linebacker Jason Taylor under weird free-agency rules for the uncapped season. The Jets signed Folk to replace Feely.
"There's a part of me that watches them and says 'Man, I wish I was still playing,' " Feely said. "I wish my team had been better and we had gotten into the playoffs because you want to be in those games. You want to play in those championship games. That's what players play for and live for.
"I'm OK as long as they don't win the Super Bowl because that'll crush me."
What emerged is a matchup that looks nothing like a storied rivalry.
The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers have met only once in the postseason. The Steelers beat them 20-17 in overtime six years ago.
That game also took place on Heinz Field's notoriously treacherous kicking surface, and two missed field goals in the final 120 seconds proved deadly. Jets kicker Doug Brien struck the crossbar on a 46-yard attempt at the two-minute warning and was wide left on a 43-yard attempt as the fourth quarter expired.
Heinz Field hasn't gotten any more luxurious since then.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said Thursday he expects Sunday's game to be decided by a late field goal.
"That's what's going to happen," Ryan said. "This is going to be one of those games. I don't see a team blowing the other team out. This is going to be hard-fought all the way to the end."
In Wednesday's edition of the "Big Question," we examined Nick Folk's inconsistencies this season. He has made all four of his career kicks at Heinz Field, including from 25 and 34 yards in a Week 15 victory over the Steelers.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, who was the Jets' kicker last year, recently handicapped the venues, kickers and punters in Sunday's conference championship games for ESPN.
"You have bad footing, cold weather, which you can't kick the ball as far, and you add the wind," Feely said of Pittsburgh and Chicago. "Heinz Field is historically the toughest place in the NFL footing-wise, kicking-wise. It'll impact the distance of your kicks and punts."
The Jets didn't re-sign the reliable Feely after last season because letting him go allowed them to sign outside linebacker Jason Taylor under weird free-agency rules for the uncapped season. The Jets signed Folk to replace Feely.
"There's a part of me that watches them and says 'Man, I wish I was still playing,' " Feely said. "I wish my team had been better and we had gotten into the playoffs because you want to be in those games. You want to play in those championship games. That's what players play for and live for.
"I'm OK as long as they don't win the Super Bowl because that'll crush me."
