Chat with Dan Graziano

Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, ESPN.com NFC East blogger Dan Graziano stops by to chat about the league.
Graziano joined ESPN.com in 2011 after two years as a Senior NFL Writer for AOL FanHouse. He covered Major League Baseball, the Olympics and various other sports during his time at the Star-Ledger and the Palm Beach Post. A New Jersey native and author of two published novels, he now lives in Ridgewood, N.J., with his wife and two sons.
Send your questions now and join Graziano Tuesday at noon ET!
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Buzzmaster (11:59 AM)
Hey everyone, Dan is finishing up First Take, where he was debating Skip Bayless. He'll be here in a few minutes to get the chat started.
Dan Graziano (12:11 PM)
I am here! Coming to you live from the ESPN green room, where Alex Morgan and Hope Solo are eating grilled chicken sandwiches. Fire away!
Will Kelland (New York City)
Hey Dan, last week I promised I'd be back if you answered my question and so here I am. I read that John Clayton thinks that the Giants could potentially trade osi to the seahawks, so my question is why wouldn't we? If we could two second rounders or a first rounder from a desperate de team that is no threat to us why wouldn't we? We could rebuild our one weak spot and one spot that is old in one year and set ourselves up for the next 5-8 years with one move. We have kiwi(who started over osi before injured) and jpp so de would still be strong
Dan Graziano (12:12 PM)
Will, I still think Osi has value to the Giants as a player more than as a trade chip. The worry is that he can make like difficult for them if he's unhappy, but I doubt Osi will want to do that with free agency looming. I predict the Giants will call his bluff and that he will be on their team in 2011.
Mikey Mike (NJ)
What do you think about Cromartie to the Eagles?
Dan Graziano (12:13 PM)
Haven't heard it specifically, but they will get a cornerback, and he'd have to be high on their list. I expect them to be in the Nnamdi Asomugha market, but if they don't get him, Cromartie and Jonathan Joseph and Ike Taylor come into play.
biochemskinsfan (St. Louis, MO)
Dan,In the unlikely scenario that Beck performs at or slightly above average (say 3400/20/10) and puts the Skins out of the running for one of the "big three" (8-9 wins), how pressed are the Skins to find a franchise QB in next years draft? Do they have to mortgage a draft to move up, reach for project QB, look in the later rounds, or roll with Beck who will be 31? I know that this is looking far ahead and probably contingent upon many other factors, but it's something that is worth thinking about for Skins fans.
Dan Graziano (12:15 PM)
I agree that it's a worthwhile question, and it's the reason I think they shouldn't trade picks to solve the QB situation this year -- because they're going to need those picks to move into position to draft the QB they want, be that Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Landry Jones or whomever.
Rocky Balboa (Midland, Tx)
tony romo is getting lots of love as usual from the media, this time for his "leadership" this offseason. If the Cowboys struggle, the excuses of not having an offseason to prepare and the defense will be blamed. But the Cowboys have experience with their new coach last year, something many teams won't this offseason. Isn't it only logical that if romo gets all the praise for what he has done in the offseason, then he should deserve alot of the blame if the team isn't playing well?
Dan Graziano (12:15 PM)
It is not logical, Rocky, if the Cowboys' problems continue to be on the defensive side of the ball, as they were in 2010. What's he supposed to do? Play safety?
Yatin (LA)
Hey Dan - let's say the Birds flip Kolb for DRC, who is pretty cheap for the next couple of years. Do you think they might be then more willing to keep Mikell around, to provide some experience/leadership in that secondary???
Dan Graziano (12:16 PM)
I do not think Mikell is in the plans. I think they want their young guys to play safety. I also think Mikell's leadership will be missed there.
patricia (cazenovia)
Do you think the Skins release McNabb fairly soon or do they hold on to him as long as possible? Any chance McNabb ends up in Seattle if Hasselbeck moves on?
Dan Graziano (12:17 PM)
I believe they will try and trade McNabb, but that they won't try for very long before releasing him. They have no hard feelings toward him of which I'm aware. He conducted himself well under difficult circumstances, many of which the coaching staff created for him, and I imagine they'll have no issues with letting him find his next team on his timetable.
Willow (Southside)
Rumor is that the Cowboys will be cutting lots of big salaries and then getting very active in the free agent market, do you agree?
Dan Graziano (12:18 PM)
Yes, Willow. They are going to have to make some cuts, and it'll be interesting to see who they drop. Marion Barber looks like a sure thing to be cut, and I'd imagine they're dropping Leonard Davis and some others. Terrence Newman may not be safe. Roy Williams' cap number could keep them from cutting him. Bradie James would be a cut that could save them money but might hurt the 2011 team too much.
Scott (Baton Rouge, La.)
If the Skins don't find a suitable trade for Haynesworth and decide to keep him around this year what kind of impact positive or negative do you foresee?
Dan Graziano (12:20 PM)
I think they'll be able to minimize his impact. I don't think it could be much messier than it was there with him last year, and I don't think he was what was messing things up. If they don't get good value for him, I bet they do keep him around.
Will Kelland (New York City)
Why haven't people been making more of a deal about osi like they have with with mankins and jackson? Osi is a plaintiff as well and sal panantonio said he could hold up the deal if the giants don't make him happy. Is the reason people aren't making as big of a deal for him because people aren't taking his threat seriously, like you think?
Dan Graziano (12:21 PM)
Based on what's come out today, it sounds as if Osi isn't making the same kind of demands as those guys are. Plus, he wasn't franchised, as they were. So, different scenarios.
Steve (Syracuse NY)
Hi Dan...first off, please propose to Alex Morgan for me. But if the Eagles attain DRC, who do you see as being their main free agent target (assuming no Nmamdi)
Dan Graziano (12:23 PM)
Steve, sorry. She just left to do another SportsCenter hit. I'll be sure to pass along the message if she comes back. In answer to your question, I believe they'll look at defensive line next after they solve CB. I also expect them to get a veteran backup QB for Michael Vick if they do deal Kolb.
John (Philly)
What is up with Nnamdi's demands of 18 million a year? He's worth at least five million less since he wants to go to a winner. He realizes he will have to cut his cost does he realize this or does he just want to get paid
Dan Graziano (12:24 PM)
Well, Revis is making $16.25/year in the first two years of his deal, and I'm sure Nnamdi, being a free agent, is looking for more. I don't think he's better than Revis, but he is a free agent and that's how these things work. He's right to be starting in that ballpark, and I wouldn't be shocked if he gets it. Remember, the new rules will require teams to spend at least a certain percentage of the cap.
Jeff (Dayton, Ohio)
Will the Cowboys be able to franchise tag Doug Free or is it too late? You would think the league would allow for a redesignation period since the rules are changing. I assume Free is a must for the Cowboys to resign.
Dan Graziano (12:25 PM)
I am fascinated to find out what happens with the franchise designations once this all ends. It sounds as if the tags already applied will continue to apply, but I believe they should allow the teams to do that stuff over again. It'll only be fair, since the tags were applied under different rules than will now be in place.
shanard (utah)
Dan, could dallas have the #1 offense this year.....
Dan Graziano (12:26 PM)
It's a stretch, but if they can get the running back rotation figured out, they have the talent to be among the best.
Brendan (DC)
Being a Redskins fan I admit in the past I was extremely excited about free agency. Now I'd not excited. I don't want the redskins, scratch that Dan Snyder, to embarrass Redskins anymore. So this is what I propose for the Redskins to do when free agency comes around. Nothing. I know there's a lot of things that need to be fixed but I want to draft not sign. The rams of what '06 was in the same position as the skins now, and they drafted and didn't sign people. I like what they've done. The skins need to that. Thoughts?
Dan Graziano (12:27 PM)
They have too many holes to do nothing. And the new rules will require a certain level of spending. So I think you need to trust Shanahan and Allen to spend wisely and Snyder to stay out of it until we see that it doesn't work.
Tom Coughlin (NY)
I know everyone says that I'm on the hot seat every season, but this season, if we fail to make the playoffs, do you think I'll still have a job?
Dan Graziano (12:27 PM)
I think, if the Giants miss the playoffs again, they could well make a change at head coach. I also wonder, if that happens, if you'll walk away on your own. I guess only you can answer that.
Shane (Los Angeles, CA)
I am so tired of Cowboy fans complaining about Romo...News Flash: There is a starting QB shortage in the NFL and there are probably 15 teams who would gladly take Romo off your hands. Send him to Arizona...we will give you Derek Anderson straight up!
Dan Graziano (12:27 PM)
I have nothing to add to this.
Chris (Hoboken)
No more Coughlin job questions, you seem to get AND answer one every chat.
Dan Graziano (12:28 PM)
I can't write the questions myself!
Donovan Mcnabb (??)
Any idea where I might end up this year?
Dan Graziano (12:29 PM)
I don't think Miami is a crazy idea.
Greg (Brooklyn)
Dan, if you answer this, I will come back next week, and for the rest of the chats.Recently you put Running Back, higher than LineBacker for the Giants Needs.The Giants have not had a great Linebacker since Lavar Arrington in which the game he showed how great he can be, ended his career. The Giants have always had great linebackers, and have not had one in quite some time. The Giants still have Brandon Jacobs, who showed he can be productive when he wants to be, DJ Ware who I have a lot of high praise for, and other various unknown runningbacks who can very well contribute. Not to mention a still above average offensive line, and a great passing game. You can make sense on the defense side that we have a great young secondary, and a fresh defensive line. But our linebackers right now are slow and unable to keep up with the Eagles speed, and other teams that are extremely fast, which is why we can't beat the Eagles in a lot of attempts.What I'm trying to say is, the Giants can be a very good offensive team without a running back like Bradshaw, but can not be a top tier defensive team without good linebackers. Stats with yards per game and all that are lies, because the Giants defense gives us huge points to high powered offensives simply because they have slow linebackers, they showed that numerous times over the years.Thanks Dan.
Dan Graziano (12:30 PM)
I disagree. I think Bradshaw is and should be the first priority. I think the Giants do need linebacker help, but I think they'd be a lot worse off if they lost Bradshaw than if they didn't fix linebacker.
josh (Rochester NY)
victor cruz for london fletcher straight up
Dan Graziano (12:31 PM)
You'd better wear a mask for that robbery.
Steve Fredericks (Jersey City, NJ)
Do you think Jacobs might be cut or dealt in order to free up cap space?
Dan Graziano (12:31 PM)
I think they'll restructure his deal.
Roy Helu Jr. (D.C.)
I don't buy for a second that the skins will be signing a veteran RB, do you think I will have a break out year after Torain gets hurt? (We know he will)
Dan Graziano (12:32 PM)
I think you'll get plenty of reps, Roy, but I do think they'll bring in a veteran RB to help the younger guys with the zone blocking scheme.
Handel (Canton)
Wow there are more words in Gregs question than some entire chats
Dan Graziano (12:33 PM)
Yeah, sorry. I guess I could have edited it, but it wouldn't have felt right.
Brendan (DC)
Crazy idea, tell me what you kind of this, skins release McNabb if no offers come up. McNabb decides to go back to philly as Vicks back up. Assuming Kolb is traded
Dan Graziano (12:35 PM)
Sure. Could happen. I think he'd like to somewhere he might be able to start, but I don't think too many of those opportunities are out there.
Dan Snyder (DC)
You honestly think I'm going to stay out of Free Agency this year?
Dan Graziano (12:35 PM)
Shanahan says it's in his contract, right? That he and Allen get to make the decisions?
Josh L (Bakersfield, CA)
how excited are you that the lockout might finally be ending and we can ask you some real football questions?
Dan Graziano (12:36 PM)
Extremely.
Steve (Bristol)
I just read Vincent Jackson demanded to be set free... any chance he ends up in Washington? Would be a HUGE additional for them.
Dan Graziano (12:36 PM)
Would be, but I think he's going to be stuck in San Diego again unless somebody pays their ransom.
Chris (NY)
Think either the Eagles or Redskins would be crazy enough to do a Kolb and Haynesworth swap?
Dan Graziano (12:36 PM)
No way Redskins do that.
brian (miami)
is this a nfl chat or redskins chat?
Dan Graziano (12:37 PM)
WAAAAAH. NFC East chat. They're in the division. I don't write the questions.
CowboysFanForLife1 (AZ)
Do Cowboys make playoffs this year?
Dan Graziano (12:38 PM)
I think I'll say yes, but I admit a lot of it will have to do with how quickly the defense (including some players who aren't on the roster yet) comes together under Rob Ryan once they can start practicing.
dolphin fan (miami)
instead of the redskins questions answer all the dolphin ones i sent you please!
Dan Graziano (12:39 PM)
Tim Graham's your man.
George (Kingofh3arts) (P-Town, Virginia)
Dan, in your opinion exactly who do the Philadelphia Eagles have to sign in order to be in a Super Bowl this year??? They're on the cusp of greatness, no doubt, but what pieces do they NEED. And who are the best people to fill these places???
Dan Graziano (12:40 PM)
Yeah, cornerback, defensive line and re-sign Stewart Bradley. If they address defense effectively and keep Vick healthy, they will be among the contenders for the Super Bowl, I think.
Mike (DC)
Any insider lockout update?!?! We're all anxiously waiting!!!
Dan Graziano (12:40 PM)
Should end later this week. I think it's as close to a done deal as it can get.
Will Kelland (New York City)
Would fewell stay as d-coordinator if he was promised the giants head coaching job when coughlin retires in a year or 2 and given a raise?
Dan Graziano (12:41 PM)
I wouldn't, if I were him and offered a HC job elsewhere. Bird in the hand, can't predict the future, all that.
Dan Graziano (ESPN)
I need some clothing advice... where should I shop for clothes that won't get me attacked by hundreds of online bloggers?
Dan Graziano (12:44 PM)
Can't do it. They'll attack no matter what!
Cody (Watertown, CT)
you never answer my questions
Dan Graziano (12:44 PM)
Sorry.
NYG (NJ)
TRADE OSI N ROSS FOR HANYESWORTH...WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?
Dan Graziano (12:45 PM)
Why are you shouting? And no, I think that'd be a big mistake.
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Do you think there's a chance that Witten loses some targets with a full season of Dez and Miles, or would you expect the same 90 catch-1000 yd season from him?
Dan Graziano (12:46 PM)
Plenty to go around in Dallas. I don't think Romo will forget about Witten. I wouldn't move him down my fantasy cheat sheet.
Colin (P-AYYYY)
Since you probably missed this question in the thousands upon thousands flooding your inbox...What is Dallas' contingency with Sensebaugh. He was on the radio as espndallas points out, talking about cashing in and his salary from last year not being in the same zip code as what he deserves. What do they do?
Dan Graziano (12:47 PM)
I think they'll bring him back. I don't think he's gong to get as much interest on the open market as he's hoping. Lots of safeties out there.
JOHN WATKINS (SPARTANBURG SC)
Why do you feel the GIANTS need a linebacker. As good as the d line and secondary is they would fine with you and I in pads. What you think?
Dan Graziano (12:48 PM)
I think there's a fair amount of evidence over the past couple of years that that is not true. Also, I am a horrible tackler.
Brian Orakpo (D.C)
am i the next demarcus ware?
Dan Graziano (12:48 PM)
That's aiming awfully high, but I think you will be a star.
Brandon Jacobs (Giants)
coach ill play linebacker!
Dan Graziano (12:49 PM)
This I would pay to see.
Justin (Louisville, KY)
Not to justify Harrison's photo decision. Looking at the title of the article and the picture itself, it is supposed to be an imitation of a popular video game cover called 'Hitman'. Has anyone really looked at that point?
Dan Graziano (12:49 PM)
I don't think it's relevant or that it mitigates anything.
Josh (Louisville)
Whats your favorite Spongebob character?
Dan Graziano (12:50 PM)
The Flying Dutchman
Patrick (NYC)
I have a feeling the Giants are going to sign Randy Moss - what do you think about that?
Dan Graziano (12:50 PM)
I do not agree.
Jason (NYC)
Are there any DE's on the market that would provide the Eagles pass rush with a significant upgrade? Thanks.
Dan Graziano (12:51 PM)
Several. Ray Edwards, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins... they'll get someone if they want to.
David (Halifax)
Over/under 12.5 games started and finished by Vick?
Dan Graziano (12:51 PM)
I like the number, tough call. I'll bet the over.
Mike D (Dwight Shrute/DJNuggz) (Philadelphia)
What do you make of David Akers? Will he be back in Philly and if not where will he end up? Random thought. Also, Kolb to Seattle for Aaron Curry and a third, your thoughts?
Dan Graziano (12:52 PM)
Don't think Seattle would do that. As for Akers, why wouldn't Dallas take a look?
Steve (Bristol)
How much longer does it take the Redskins to properly execute Shanny's zone blocking on offense? Will they ever have a decent offense again, or is it all contigent on him finding HIS quarterback?
Dan Graziano (12:53 PM)
It's contingent on quarterback, as it is everywhere. As for the zone blocking, I think the running game will improve in the second season this year.
Jerry Reese (NYG Front Office)
I would like to inform all our fans on this chat forum that we are currently over the prescribed cap. We will be working hard to retain certain players that are in the free agent pool, but i seriously do not expect to make any deals on any high dollar free agents or contracts through trade.
Dan Graziano (12:54 PM)
Gotta love breaking news on the chat.
chris cooley (redskins)
how come i never get any love im a good T.E too!
Dan Graziano (12:54 PM)
Who said you weren't?
David (Halifax)
Everyone keeps asking about the chances Mikell comes back and you respond how they'll miss his leadership. Any chance Marlin Jackson starts week 1 at Safety?
Dan Graziano (12:54 PM)
Yeah, if Allen isn't fully healthy and Jarrett isn't ready. Don't overlook Kurt Coleman either.
Tom (LA)
Is Danny Watkins really going to be able to start right away for the Eagles? And, who starts at center?
Dan Graziano (12:55 PM)
I don't think they would have taken Watkins in the first round if they didn't expect him to start right away. And I think they're best with Jackson at center.
Aggie (TX)
Is Quintin Mikell in the Cowboys radar? Especially if Sensabaugh gets away?
Dan Graziano (12:55 PM)
Sure.
MattC (Dallas)
Do you see R Moss headed to the Skins along with Santonio Holmes?
Dan Graziano (12:56 PM)
No, definitely not both and probably neither. Moss is a headache the Redskins and John Beck don't need.
Sploozoo (DC)
Do any of our questions ever make you laugh and wonder what is wrong with us?
Dan Graziano (12:56 PM)
Yes.
Rob (Norfolk)
Is there any position on the Redskins besides safety that doesn't need an upgrade?
Dan Graziano (12:57 PM)
Outside linebacker?
Aggie (TX)
You posted but didn't answer my Q!
Dan Graziano (12:58 PM)
Did too. I wrote "sure."
David (Halifax)
Assuming the Eagles resign Bradley, who starts week 1? Chaney, Bradley and Fokou? Do they look to sign someone else?
Dan Graziano (12:58 PM)
Chaney, Bradley and someone not yet on the roster.
prince amukamara (GIANTS)
i dont know if i can handle the new york city spotlight
Dan Graziano (12:59 PM)
Lots of vendors on the corners selling sunglasses.
Steve (Bristol)
So you say Jackson stays in SD unless someone pays his ransom... if anyone were to do that, wouldn't it be the Skins?
Dan Graziano (1:00 PM)
But as we've said many times, Skins must conserve picks so they can maintain flexibility in next year's draft and get a QB.
UberSamoyed (Frisco,TX)
In regard to the Cowboy's safeties...how familiar are you with the safety depth chart? What do you think of AOA and Church? And, let's assume for a second that Sensabaugh will rejoin Phillips in Houston, what do the Cowboys do? Go after two new Safeties? Or, do they go after one UFA and start Church/AOA? And, please frame your answer in what they should do...not what you think they will do. In short, I'm asking you to solve the safety problem...lol.
Dan Graziano (1:01 PM)
I don't think they're looking at either of those guys as 2011 starters, and I don't think they should. If Sensabaugh comes back, they need to bring in a safety. If he leaves, they need to bring in two.
Jon (Fairfield, CA)
Dan, any chance the plaintiffs in Brady v NFL hold out to get no franchise tags in the CBA?
Dan Graziano (1:01 PM)
No way this holds up the deal. They're in "doesn't hurt to ask" mode.
MattC (Dallas)
Best RB ever to come out of the Beast??
Dan Graziano (1:02 PM)
My first thought is Emmitt Smith. Am I forgetting someone obvious?
Scott (Northglenn, CO)
Why wouldn't you go with Sid Rice if you need a WR? FA..and he's elite...just as good as VJax
Dan Graziano (1:02 PM)
Health questions, right? Plus, only did it for one year, really, with a HOF quarterback.
Al (Wausau, WI)
Tony Dorsett.
Dan Graziano (1:03 PM)
We taking him over Emmitt? Seems worthy of debate.
Rob (Norfolk)
Is there any team that could be considered a potential trading partner for Haynesworth? Besides Philadelphia?
Dan Graziano (1:03 PM)
Sure. Broncos, Rams to name two.
Mike (New Jersey)
What about John Riggins? He played in a tougher era. Not taking anything away from Emmitt though!
Dan Graziano (1:04 PM)
Riggo in the conversation, sure. Still taking Emmitt.
Mike (DC)
Haynesworth for Orton. Pleaaaaasssssssse! Do you think it's possible???
Dan Graziano (1:04 PM)
I do not.
john beck (washington)
do you believe in me?
Dan Graziano (1:04 PM)
You mean, like, do I believe you exist? Yes.
Gary (CT)
Do you think the Giants will resign Kiwanuka?
Dan Graziano (1:05 PM)
Yes.
john beck (washington)
no i mean do you believe i can be a starter?
Dan Graziano (1:05 PM)
I believe you will be, in Week 1.
Dan Graziano (1:06 PM)
Gotta run, guys and gals. Been a blast as always. More next week, and in the meantime there's always the mailbag.
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