Adam Tampa

i just wantto say that i called derrick ward going to the bucs, but i do have a question, is it me or do the tampa bay bucs seem like a potentially explosive offense?

Matt Mosley

  (11:49 AM)

I wanted to reward the early birds. Adam, you have the first word. I've asked the folks in Bristol to send you a T-shirt for being the first to call the Ward to Tampa scenario. Anyway, you have to like the combo of Ward and Graham. Clayton and Bryant are a potentially explosive duo and we'll see if Winslow takes advantage of a clean slate. Solid o-line is probably the most important thing, Adam. So yes, I think the Bucs could be explosive. I think they would've been a lot more explosive with Jay Cutler, though.

John (Cincinnati)

There was a report on Yahoo sports that the Browns could deal Quinn and Rogers to Denver for Cutler and a 3rd round pick. What do you think about that (as a Browns fan I don't want to see it). Also, do you think the Browns could move Edwards for a 1st and a 3rd (as reported by John Clayton). Thanks.

Matt Mosley

  (11:51 AM)

I think we're about to see Cutler's name come up in a ton of trade scenarios. He's upset at how he was treated by McDaniels. I think his agent (Bus Cook) might be floating all sort of stuff out there. These guys are an angry pair. I don't put much stock in any of these rumors.

Cameron (East Lansing, MI)

Which NFC Beast team has improved the most this offseason?

Matt Mosley

  (11:53 AM)

Cameron, that would be the New York Giants. The Redskins added one huge piece of the puzzle and retained another important one. But the Giants were more efficient -- and they started way ahead of the Redskins. Washington doesn't really have a plan. The Giants do.

Chris (MN)

Can Jay Cutler still be the QB in Denver even if the relationship gets fixed? If not, what team would be the best fit for him?

Matt Mosley

  (11:54 AM)

Don't cry for Cutler. Once his ego heals up, he'll be fine. It's just a rocky start for the new regime. But it's not all McDaniels' fault. Wait, we're supposed to be talking about the Beast! Stop pulling me into this Cutler discussion unless you hear the Eagles are interested.

Chris (Staten Island, NY)

Matt, any word about the Cowboys going after Igor Olshansky to replace Canty? He played for Wade Philips before and he's a solid 3-4 DE who will cost less than Canty while providing the about the same production.

Matt Mosley

  (11:56 AM)

Chris, I like rewarding folks who show up early. Especially people from Staten Island. Some of my relatives spent time there. Regarding Olshansky, I think the Cows want to let the market settle down a little bit. Phillips is a big fan of Igor's, but I don't think anything will get done this week.

Cameron (East Lansing, MI)

Why didn't the Eagles go after TJ Houshmandzadeh? Why don't they go after any big-name free agents for that matter?

Matt Mosley

  (11:59 AM)

Well, they did sign Asante Samuel to a big FA contract last season. And they made a good faith effort to land Randy Moss. This year, they didn't see anyone they just had to have. They're not going to pull a Snyder and break the bank for Haynesworth. And they believe that Avant is a Houshmandzadeh starter kit. Housh's value was so inflated because he didn't have any competition from solid receivers. You don't overpay 30-something receivers.

Jake (VA Beach)

Could the Giants bring back the 52 defense? Wouldn't that work great with all of those pieces and let Kiwi be the 5th (DE/LB)?

Matt Mosley

  (12:01 PM)

We played the 52 at O.P. Norman Junior High School in Kaufman, Texas. I loved the freedom it gave me to shoot gaps from my nose tackle spot under the tutelage of James Eldridge, whose tobacco-stained hands usually ended grabbing my jersey at some point during practice. Ahhh...sweet memories. But no, the Giants aren't going to the 52.

Steve, Danbury CT

Now that the Giants have addressed the defense except for a safety? Do they look only at offense in the draft or do they still take the best available player? Are they done with moves until the draft?

Matt Mosley

  (12:02 PM)

Jerry Reese will cherry pick. He continue to sign guys like C.C. Brown if he can get them on the cheap. So no, I wouldn't expect anything that will blow you away. Nate Washington might be a possibility if there's no market for him.

Luis (SB, CA)

Buenos Dias Matt. You blog is spot on in regards to the Henry-trade. As a Boys fan, I both like and hate this trade. Kitna is about as good a backup QB you can get. This also lets Dallas' Jenkins and Scandrick to show what they got. However, this also means you lose Henry, a solid cover 2, jam-at-the-line corner. Thoughts?

Matt Mosley

  (12:04 PM)

Luis, I think your question is "spot-on." The Cowboys can spin this however they want, but it still looks a little silly to give up a starter for a backup. The bigger story is the Lions wanting no part of the safety Roy Williams. They can barely give this guy away right now. But I do like Kitna. He's a huge upgrade over Brad Johnson and he'll ensure that every locker has a Gideon Bible.

Joseph (Estate Lane)

Matt, how long before Jerry Jones is wearing track suits to the staduim? Seriously though, any chance the Cowboys bring in a football guy or is Jerry's head too big for that?

Matt Mosley

  (12:07 PM)

I'd give it five years before he raids Al's closet. And as long as he's in good health, he'll be calling the shots. His "head is too big" for a change.

Kenny(Oregon)

Do you like the Stacy Andrews signing for the Eagles? The only people who seem to think it was a bad signing are Bengals fans.

Matt Mosley

  (12:08 PM)

It's rare to hear a fan base say it's completely opposed to a free agent coming in. When Leonard Davis ended up in Dallas, I'm sure most Cardinals fans were thinking "good riddance." But he's had somewhat of a renaissance in Dallas. I think Andrews can be a solid player for the Eagles -- just like he was for the Bengals.

Doug (NY)

Okay, so the Giants have greatly improved the defense. But what about the other side of the ball? Assuming Burress doesn't come back, how are they going to solve their problems at WR? Are either Edwards or Boldin a real trade possibility?

Matt Mosley

  (12:14 PM)

Doug, I don't think the Boldin's thing gong to happen unless the Giants give up a second and fourth-rounder. Jerry Reese isn't going to do that. I think there's a sense with the Giants that Burress will be back at some point next season. But that won't preclude them from looking at Nicks or Heyward-Bey in the draft.

Justin (DC)

Even with the big signings, the Skins still have a whole at LB. Are there any cheap options in free agency or on the roster to fill M. Washington's spot?

Matt Mosley

  (12:15 PM)

You could go after Cowboys unrestricted free-agent LB Kevin Burnett. He actually has a lot of upside. Highly intelligent player. For whatever reason, the Cowboys don't seem to trust him. He's also a little injury prone, which is something Washington struggled with.

Ralph Todd (Richmond, TX)

Matt, The 2009 SS for Dallas will be; a) Roy (O.U.) Williams b) Draft choice C) Wade Phillips goes for the tri-fecta of job titles; first Head Coach-Defensive Coordinator-Strong Safety.

Matt Mosley

  (12:17 PM)

Wade's been spending a lot of time on the eliptical, but I don't think he's there yet. He's better in space than Roy, but his tackling skills have diminished since his time at U of H. I think Ken Hamlin and some combo of Keith Davis/Pat Watkins will start.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

If your boss was out looking for your replacement behind your back then you would be ticked. If you say you wouldn't then you're lying.

Zach (MD)

Matt, I'm a devoted Eagles fan here looking at the departures of our defensive leader in Dawkins, Buckhalter, Lito, Considine, possibly Smith, Thomas, and Runyan. That leaves us very weak. Are we looking at a Leonhard or Jabari Greer or other FAs? Or are we looking to build through the draft?

Matt Mosley

  (12:21 PM)

I think you guys will try to maximize those two picks in the first round. Wouldn't surprise me at all if you tried to move down, though, and pick up an extra player. Leonhard was really good for Baltimore. Not sure how he'll do in a different system. I'm surprised Rex Ryan didn't snap him up in New York. If I'm the Eagles, that guy would already be on my roster. If Jenkins start slipping on the first day of the draft, look for the Eagles to make a move. He could play safety for them.

Tyler (Brooklyn, NY)

Matt- love the Beast blog, nothing is better at helping me ignore my work in law school. What do you expect from the Beast QB's this year? Manning/Campbell/Romo all started strong and fizzled down the stretch, while McNabb did a bit of the opposite. What can the fanbases expect from their signal callers this year?

Matt Mosley

  (12:24 PM)

Lots of offseason drama from McNabb, but he'll eventually get something done. This is his way of striking back after the benching. His pride was severely wounded. But he'll be back next year and I think he'll perform well. If Jacobs and Bradhsaw stay healthy and the Giants find a capable replacement at WR, Eli will have a good season. I thought he had a really nice season last year. This is make or break time for Jason Campbell. I hope he has a great first half of the season and puts Redskins management in a difficult spot. And Romo will put up huge numbers -- but it won't matter if he doesn't win in December and January.

Paul (NY)

With the Redskin free agent signing and cuts, what do they do now with #13 in the draft. I thought this would be an automatc OT. But now they still need a starting DE, OT, and OLB. That cant be filled with only 4 picks. What will they draft and what potential FA's are possible options.

Matt Mosley

  (12:25 PM)

Even though we're hearing some weird stuff on Orakpo, I still think he's a definite possibility at No. 13. And watch for the Monroe kid. They really like him. How far will the Alabama tackle slip? Perhaps as far as 13.

Brian (Michigan)

Is Jerry Jones taking on the responsibility of rebuilding my Lions?

Matt Mosley

  (12:26 PM)

Yes, and I think he's doing a marvelous job.

Brian (Drexel Hill, PA)

Hi, Matt, thanks for the Beast chat! What are the Eagles chances of singing Owen Daniels, Michael Jenkins, Leonard Weaver or James Butler?

Matt Mosley

  (12:27 PM)

I think Butler would be a nice signing, but he's wanting too much money right now. The Eagles will let the market settle down. I love the aforementioned Jim Leonhard. The Cowboys should sign that guy, but they won't.

Lance: NY, NY

Hey Matt. Bill Sheriden Sure got a ton of toys to play with, but can he really replace Spags? Spags just seemed to have the ability to adjust on the fly and I don't know if Sheridan has the same skills..

Matt Mosley

  (12:28 PM)

I guess we'll find out soon enough. I think the Giants have done a nice job of keeping some continuity. Spags didn't run off with a bunch of coaches. Sheridan's a respected coach in the league and Waufle will continue to do a tremendous job with the defensive line. I would be really surprised to see a significant falloff.

Finch (New Jersey)

As far as the g-men receiver situation goes, how do you feel about local product Kenny Britt with the 45th pick? This way they can possibly use the first round pick on a ILB project such as James Lauranitis to eventually supplant an aging Pierce.

Matt Mosley

  (12:30 PM)

Ugghhhh...Ohio State LBs scare me -- for obvious reasons. Name the last one that panned out. And don't say A.J. Hawk. And certainly don't mention Katz or Carp.

Aaron california

with the giants loss of derrick ward are giants gonna stay with the combo of jacobs and bradshaw or will they add a rb through free agency or the draft.

Matt Mosley

  (12:30 PM)

Danny Ware is the guy who will become "Fire."

Eric S

What is it about Eli that people just hate? I'm tired of hearing other teams fans say that he's just a game manager who dinks and dunks, he never has to put the team on his shoulders. It's ridiculous. I've seen him engineer many comebacks in his 5 years including one on the biggest stage. What's your take? Also, who would you take if you were Jerry Reese? Heyward-Bey or Nicks if either is available?

Matt Mosley

  (12:32 PM)

I would wait and take Robiskie. I absolutely love the way this kid plays the game. Catches everything with his hands. Great work ethic. Great pedigree (his father Terry played and coaches in the league)...So give me Robiskie in the second or third round over Nicks or Bey in the first. Seriously. Eli's a tremendous quarterback who has all the intangibles. Who cares what fans of other teams think. don't let them get you riled up. About 28 teams would kill to have Eli as their starter.

Mike (San Antonio)

MM, forget the doom and gloom gang. We'll be fine. My question is: Why not trade McNabb now while his stock is high? Our O-line is solid (moving Shawn to LT), add another RB, TE and SS in 1st 3 rounds and we're golden. Thoughts?

Matt Mosley

  (12:34 PM)

Even though he's coming off a nice playoff run, McNabb's stock isn't as high as you might think. And he would obviously want a new deal. The Chiefs just landed a quarterback. I supposee the Bears and Vikings might make a play for McNabb, but trust me when I say his stock isn't sky high.

Chris (Staten Island, NY)

Matt, where do you think Pacman Jones is going to sign? My worst fear is that week 1 Terrence Newman gets hurt (what a surprise) and JJ can't resist the temptation to bring back Pacman.

Matt Mosley

  (12:35 PM)

Right now, he's focused on that reality show Pros vs. Joes.

Matt (philly)

Re: Eli Manning... He has had 1 year above 80 in QB rating, one year above 58 percent in completions, and threw 3 tds in the final 6 games without Burress last year. He's also thrown 74 interceptions in 73 games.

Matt Mosley

  (12:36 PM)

And he led his team to a Super Bowl. I don't give a rip that he's thrown 74 INTs in 73 games. A lot of that happened during his dreadful rookie season. There will always be haters (I've even run into that from time to time), but Eli can play for my team anytime.

Rigidy1: (Hartford, CT)

With WR being the obvious hole on the Giants, is there any chance they make a huge splash in the draft and trade up to grab Crabtree?

Matt Mosley

  (12:36 PM)

Nope

Ben Albany

Robiskie over Nicks? really? nicks ceiling is Michael Irvin, Robiskie's is Hines Ward minus the gadget plays.... so why robiskie over nicks?

Matt Mosley

  (12:38 PM)

I'm not saying he'll go before Nicks. I'm saying that the Giants should take someone else with that first pick (perhaps another safety) and grab Robiskie later. I'm saying it now. He's the next Boldin. A guy who doesn't blow you away with his 40, but catches everything and is fearless.

John(Fort Worth)

Will the Cowboys miss Chris Canty? I didn't even know he was good until FA.

Matt Mosley

  (12:40 PM)

John, you raise a good point. Sometimes we don't appreciate these guys at all until they're on the open market. Suddenly everyone's an All Pro at that point. Did you know who Tommy Kelly was before last season? Well, the Raiders gave the guy huge money. Canty's a guy with impeccable character who's pretty salty against the run. I think he can provide a nice push from a DT spot with the Giants. He'll be better in that D than he was in the Phillips 3-4.

Ken, Philly

Matt, has the CBA situation, un-capped year coming up pretty fast, changed the way any of these teams approach free agency. These are all big market teams with lots of revenue. Have you heard anything in terms of how teams are planning for the future?

Matt Mosley

  (12:41 PM)

Ken, it's a great question. Not sure it really lends itself to the chat format. Shoot me an email on the side and I'll answer it in a mailbag column. Thanks man.

Rob (Lake Worth, FL)

Who do the Redskins need more: Arakpo or an OT? Also, do you think the Redskins have helped themselves in free agency or set themselves back?

Matt Mosley

  (12:42 PM)

the Redskins have definitely helped themselves. But I never thought they were one player away. Nothing they've done guarantees a playoff spot in my mind. Especially in the rugged Beast. Orakpo is still my guy at 13

Sean New York

Jim Leonard Signed with the NYJ...

Matt Mosley

  (12:42 PM)

Sean, thanks for the update. Jim Leonhard is no longer on the table, folks.

Phoenix, AZ

Any word on Warner? Your thought on what he might do? He can't leave.......No faith in party boy Leinart

Matt Mosley

  (12:43 PM)

He's just using the 49ers. No way he plays there. He'll come back.

MJ (Boston)

Who do you think was more important for the Boys in 2008, Canty or Spears?

Matt Mosley

  (12:44 PM)

Spears is a lot better player than we give him credit for. I think Spears made a nice move this season and Canty sort of leveled off. I think the fresh start will be good for him. Really an outstanding person.

Cherry (DC)

Any the 2009 starting WR's for the NY Giants are.....

Matt Mosley

  (12:44 PM)

Steve Smith and.........Plaxico Burress (at some point)

Matt (philly)

You should correct yourself...Eli threw 20 picks -- the most of his career -- during the Super Bowl season.

Matt Mosley

  (12:46 PM)

Why in the world would I need to correct myself, Matt. Should we take the Lombardi back because Eli threw 20 picks that season? Obviously I can't reason with you on this one. I just think it's ludicrous to try to discount what Manning has accomplished. He's the unquestioned leader in that locker room. He's one of the best players in the league. But we're going to hold 20 INTS against him -- in a year when they won THE FREAKIN' SUPER BOWL. Hold on, I need to take my medicine.

Mike, (canada)

Would it be smart for DE taylor to go to the packers...taylor and kampman would make a great duo

Matt Mosley

  (12:47 PM)

I'm not sure Taylor's heart is really in it at this point. He may be better off just retiring.

KJ(Philly)

Are there any WRs in the draft that the Eagles should target that would help with our red zone problems?

Matt Mosley

  (12:48 PM)

Find you a tall TE like the kid Coffman out of Mizzou. Can't block worth a lick, but you can't throw it over his head.

Justin (Boston)

I keep hearing talk of moving Ratliff to end to replace Canty but dont you think Hatcher/Bowen would do just fine?

Matt Mosley

  (12:49 PM)

Ratliff doesn't have the prototypical size to flourish at end in this version of the 3-4. Hatcher and Bowen should be fine.

Kyle (Boston, MA)

You are biased because you work the beast. Eli is not that good, but he did have a nice year. To me, he can't put a team on his back like his brother or Brady. Those are my elite QB's. Big Ben is a playmaker, but I don't even consider him elite. I do think that Eli has the tools to become elite, but still not on that level yet.

Matt Mosley

  (12:50 PM)

If you don't have Big Ben as an "elite" QB, you've just lost all standing in this chat room -- until next Tuesday! Guys, I started about 15 minutes early because I have to leave for a project. I'll take one more. And I'm going back to the front of the line.

Jeff (Charlotte, NC)

Hey Matt - lots of rumors flying around the skins message boards wondering if there could be a 3 way trade between skins, KC, and Denver. Denver gets Cassel, skins get Cutler, KC gets Campbell and draft picks - any chance something like this happens?

Matt Mosley

  (12:53 PM)

Jeff, you desperately need sleep. Of all the scenarios I've heard, this makes the least sense. I'm Jason Campbell's biggest apologist, but there's no way Pioli's going to give up Cassell for him. Not in a million years. Not in 10 million years. But I appreciate the question -- and the fact you showed up early today. Folks, we're moving close to 500 people on the chat. Next week I need you to show up about 10 minutes early. You've been wonderful -- as always. MM

Rob (Baltimore)

Matt, you said 28 teams want Eli as their qb. I assume that you meant only NE, Indy, Pittsburgh and New Orleans wouldn't. You honestly think Eli is a top 5 qb? You would rather him than Rivers, Warner, McNabb, Cutler, etc.?

Matt Mosley

  (12:54 PM)

Yes, I'd take him over all those guys.