Larry (Long Island NY)

I see you mentioned that the eagles would let Dawkins check out free agency- any chance the Cowboys would make a move for him? He is a solid safety, a good leader and a good teamate, all of which the Cowboys need.

Matt Mosley

  (11:01 AM)

Larry and others: Welcome to this special Inauguration Day chat. I don't think the Cowboys are looking to get older at safety. They first have to figure out what to do with Roy Williams, who missed most of the season with an injury. I'd be shocked if Dawkins ended up in Dallas. I don't think he could bring himself to do that.

Doug (Charlotte, NC)

Matt M (or VCerrato) - Great year with the blog!! The only way I see the 'Skins having success in the future is to spend their next few drafts on nothing but OL/DL/LB to shore up their lines and front seven. Most other teams in the NFL have realized that success spreads outward from the ball, have the Skins finally figured this out, or will they go the way of the (fabulously successful)Lions and keep drafting skill positions?

Matt Mosley

  (11:04 AM)

That second round from last year is looking pretty rough. Antwaan Randle El assured me two weeks ago that Devin Thomas was the real deal in terms of speed. Still, you need to see something from one of those guys this season. And I agree on fixing both lines. You need pass rushers and you need some youth.

Eric Billings, MT

Mos- Please tell me that Jerry might do the right thing and bring in a LEADER like Ray Lewis!

Matt Mosley

  (11:05 AM)

Eric: Lewis will simply use the Cowboys as leverage. I'd be shocked if he ended his career in Dallas. But yes,he's an amazing leader. Some of this mess would go away.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

With McNabb staying in Philly and Cassel returning to New England, who are the best available options for the Vikings to replace Tavaris Jackson?

Matt Mosley

  (11:07 AM)

You might have to see who's there in the draft. Or you can just do the annual thing where you decide that Jackson's the future of the franchise. I know Childress would love to bring in McNabb, but that's not happening.

Yatin (LA)

Am I crazy or are the Eagles actually OK at receiver with DeSean, Curtis and Avant. As I see it the big needs are another complementary RB and major help/youth on the O-Line.

Matt Mosley

  (11:10 AM)

The offensive line is the biggest concern -- by far. You could lose both starting offensive tackles in free agency. You should also take a look at tight end. Celek came on strong at the end of the season, but he now loses the surprise factor. Jackson's a playmaker, but he doesn't seem like a possession type guy. Avant's emerged as a reliable third-down receiver. And Curtis can make big plays, although he missed out on a huge one against the Cards. I think you could definitely use a reliable possession type receiver. Reggie Brown and Curtis don't fit the bill in that regard. And yes, Booker didn't cut it. Developing a young back behind Westbrook should be a point of emphasis.

Insider, Valley Ranch, Texas

Word from inside is Jason Garrett and TO are next to go. Will that be enough to clean this mess?

Matt Mosley

  (11:12 AM)

Garrett's not going anywhere. T.O.'s up in the air. I know that Jerry Jones has refused to address either topic at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. where he's "evaluating" talent as we speak.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

What do I need to know about the Giants new D-coordinator? Also are Plax and Pierce coming back next season? If not what are the Giants doing this offseason?

Matt Mosley

  (11:17 AM)

Pierce is back for sure. Not sure about Plax. Guts says no. Sheridan has a lot of respect in the locker room. I know that Justin Tuck likes him because he told me so a few days ago.

Ricky (Hollywood, Florida)

Once and for all, what would be the cap hit if Dallas released Terrell Owens? I've heard too many different things.

Matt Mosley

  (11:19 AM)

It's a little over $8 million if he plays. If he goes, you'll have about $9 million in dead money. So the difference is somewhere in the neighborhood of $700,000. I think Stephen Jones could find a way to get this thing down if T.O.'s released. And I think Stephen's the one trying to talk his father into that right now.

Josh (Philly)

I'm in mourning so give me some good news. What are the Birds going to do to make this all better? What about signing a restricted FA since we have two first rounders?

Matt Mosley

  (11:21 AM)

Josh: I wouldn't spend a lot of time worrying about restricted free agents. This team needs to get better through the draft. And you need to be scouring the list of unrestricted offensive tackles. I think Runyan and Thomas are most likely done in Philly. Otherwise, they would've gotten something done during the season. The O-line will be huge.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

Is Jerry Reese going to keep stacking elite pass rushers or are they finally going to get a young playmaking LB? Also the Giants targeted Housh back in 2004 are they going to again this season?

Steiny (NYC)

Is Brent Celek going to be a great player in this league for years to come?

Matt Mosley

  (11:27 AM)

Steiny: I don't throw the "great' tag around a lot, so I wouldn't go that far. He certainly showed that he can be a reliable target, though. He gained confidence as the season continued and gave the Eagles some punch at a position where they've really struggled. So no, he's not a great player. Certainly a good one, though.

Felipe (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Do you think philly might take a shot at Anquan Boldin or another top wide receiver this offseason?

Matt Mosley

  (11:28 AM)

Well, they took a shot at Randy Moss didn't they? I think Jackson has given them a big-time playmaker. So I don't think the sense of urgency is as high as it was at this time last offseason.

Tommy (Dallas, Texas)

Has any NFC East team shown an interest in trading for Anquan Boldin? The Eagles have 2 first round picks and Dan Snyder wouldn't shy away from making such a deal.

Matt Mosley

  (11:29 AM)

Tommy, I know Jerry Jones likes Boldin quite a bit. And considering his actions during and after Sunday's game, he would fit in nicely in Dallas.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

Definitely worth skipping class today to partake in the chat...thanks for successfully lowering my GPA Mos.

Matt Mosley

  (11:31 AM)

Bob, mix in a little inauguration so you feel better about things.

K (philly)

The talk in the media here seems to be about a big back. I dont think Beanie Wells makes it to the end of round 1. Would Shonn Greene cut it? Also, what about drafting Pettigrew at tight end?

Matt Mosley

  (11:31 AM)

K: Give me a couple days to recover from the season. Then we'll launch into the draft.

Ben (Happy Valley)

Matt, the Eagles have two first round draft picks and all I keep hearing is one OL and one TE. The lineman I understand, but why a tight end? When we have needs at safety, wide reciever, and running back, why take a tight end in that spot? What are your thoughts on the Eagles draft?

Matt Mosley

  (11:33 AM)

I honestly think the Eagles have to take the best player available at the spot. If you have an offensive tackle who's about even with a tight end, it will be the OT. But you take the best player. Even if that's a defensive end, take him. It's not like the Eagles are completely set at that position.

Ricky (Hollywood, Florida)

Has Jason Garrett been essentially written off the list of Head Coaching candidates elsewhere?

Matt Mosley

  (11:34 AM)

That window can close in a hurry. Unless the Cowboys can go back to being a 13-win team, Garrett will probably be scratched off the list.

George: (Bethesda, MD)

What's your take on how Dan Snyder and bff Vinnie Cerrato view Jim Zorn? It seems there are two good candidates out there (Shannahan and Gruden )that would be an upgrade to Zorn. Both run West Coast offenses and it seems as if the Redskins roster would respect either of those guys much more than the repect they have shown Zorn.

Matt Mosley

  (11:36 AM)

I think Vinny and Dan are committeed to Zorn -- at least for another season. They thought he was the guy to take Jason Campbell to the next level. That hasn't happened yet. If the Redskins have a losing record or have another big slide, Zorn's probably gone.

Robert (North Cartolina)

Do you see the Cowboys addressing SS,OL,and Back-up QB in the offseason or do you think that they will be content with another Brad Johnson saga?

Matt Mosley

  (11:41 AM)

I don't think Brad Johnson will be the backup heading into the 2009 season. But it could be Brooks Bollinger. They really like him. I know. I know. The Cowboys would be wise to bring in another guard. When's the last time this team hit on an offensive lineman in the draft? Gurode in 2001 or 2002?

K (philly)

Buckhalter, Runyan, Tra. Who stays, who goes.

Matt Mosley

  (11:43 AM)

I addressed this on the Beast blog this morning. Buck and Hanson stay. Runyan, Thomas and Smith are all gone.

Jimmy (Buffalo)

Hey Matt, so what happens to the Beast in the off-season? Will you still regularly post or will it only be occasionally (i.e. draft time)? I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THE BEAST!

Matt Mosley

  (11:44 AM)

Jimmy, since none of our teams could make it into the big game, I make take Super Bowl week off. But we'll be here throughout the offseason. At least that's the plan as of now. Obama being introduced. Let's take a quick break.

Bob (Fairport, NY)

Tuck and Co. looked worn down at the end of the season, so why is everyone blaming this season on Plax? They were much more important to last seasons run than Plaxico. With Osi back next season this team is going to be scary and have the energy for the playoffs.

Matt Mosley

  (11:48 AM)

Bob, that's two for you. But I think you're right about the fatigue factor. The only problem is that the Eagles and Cardinals were going through the same type things. I do think it's much easier to defend the Giants without Plax in the lineup. So I hate to completely dismiss his impact. That said, you can't count on the guy. They should get rid of him. All this talk about making him a better person -- c'mon!

Tommy (Dallas, Texas)

Matt, tell Galloway to invite Eldo on the radio show. Now THAT would be interesting.

Matt Mosley

  (11:51 AM)

He has a standing invitation. For some reason, he keeps turning us down.

Dan (NY)

Who will the starting linebackers be for the Giants next season?

Matt Mosley

  (11:53 AM)

I think Kehl showed that he's a gamer. Pierce is obviously a mainstay. He wants a new contract, but that will work itself out down the road. They keep waiting on Gerris Wilkinson, but they need to cut their losses with him. And I don't think Danny Clark is any type of long-term answer either. The Giants could go LB in the draft.

Adam (syracuse,ny)

Barring a spectacular season next season, Jauron is probably on his way out. What are the chances Ralph Wilson will spend money on a big time coach like Shannahan or Gruden? What are the odds a big time coach would want to coach the Bills?

Matt Mosley

  (11:55 AM)

Sorry, but those guys aren't going to Buffalo. It's not so much a money thing as it is a visibility thing. The Bills are a small-market team. Those guys want to be on a bigger stage. So no, Gruden and Shanny won't consider the Bills job.

Stoney (Virginia beach va)

I think arizona has no chance at winning so my question is what other team would have a better chance at winning in the nfc?

Matt Mosley

  (11:56 AM)

I wouldn't completely rule out a Cards win on a neutral field. If this game were being played in Pittsburgh, there wouldn'tt be any question. I think the Eagles had a great shot of beating the Steelers. They'd already done it once.

Chooch (Pittsburgh)

Who do you see as next year's surprise team?

Matt Mosley

  (11:57 AM)

Keep your eye on San Francisco under Mike Singletary. They came on strong late in the season. If they can address their obvious QB issues, they can win some games in that dreadful division -- which produced a Super Bowl participant!

steve ( GA)

Do you see Russ Grimm maybe being offered a job somewhere this offseason or next due to the outstanding job the Cards line has done of well everything in the post-season?

Matt Mosley

  (11:58 AM)

I think he'd make a solid head coach. But I think he may have also missed his window. Todd Haley's a hotter name right now.

justin ford city pennsylvania

how will win the superbowl and why.

Matt Mosley

  (11:58 AM)

The Steelers will win. No way in the world Dick LeBeau allows Larry Fitzgerald to torch him.

Jason (Bryn Mawr, PA)

Any comments regarding the recent disclosure that Garrett allowed Romo to get away with pathetic practice habits? And that several offensive players lost respect for Garrett as a result.

Matt Mosley

  (11:59 AM)

I'll have many comments on that. Check the NFC Beast this afternoon for a full response to some of the things that have come out recently.

Louis (Waco, Texas)

Does Pacman seriously think he'll be back with the Cowboys or is he just blowing smoke (pun intended).

Matt Mosley

  (12:00 PM)

He won't be with the Cowboys, although that wouldn't shock me.

Joseph (Sacramento, CA)

Can you name one major, maybe somewhat unsuspected move you see the Redskins doing this offseason. Thanks, and love the chats!

Matt Mosley

  (12:01 PM)

wouldn't surprise me if they took a quarterback on the first day.

Jackie (Jonesboro, AR)

Do you see any big names headed to Philadelphia via free agent or trade such as a wide receiver, offensive lineman, running back, or defensive player?

Matt Mosley

  (12:03 PM)

They'll take a strong look at Houshmandzadeh, but I don't think it will happen. OK, let's go watch the inauguration now. You guys have been great as always. We ended up with over 200 folks. Sorry for the time change. Will be back to our regularly scheduled chat time two weeks from today. Thanks for your contributions.

Chooch (Pittsburgh)

Does the NFL actually think that any of the Pro Bowl players from next year's Superbowl will actually play in the game since it was moved to the week prior to the SB.

Matt Mosley

  (12:03 PM)

No, they realize those players aren't going to be in the game.