Chat with James Walker

Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, ESPN.com AFC East blogger James Walker will stop by to chat about the NFL and what to expect from your team.
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch.
Send your questions now and join Walker Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET!
More James Walker: AFC East blog | Chats | NFL index
James Walker (4:03 PM)
Let's talk AFC East football.
James Walker (4:04 PM)
There is plenty to discuss.
Javon (DC)
how did the PATRIOTS lose the superbowl
James Walker (4:05 PM)
Well, mental errors, Javon. The Patriots were very un-Patriot like in the Super Bowl. Dropped passes, 12 men on the field...there were a lot of lapse that could have made a difference. I think the two-week layoff hurt.
Matt (Boston)
Stevie Johnson, will he be re-signed, franchised, or let walk? Also, is he worth top receiver dollar?
James Walker (4:07 PM)
He won't be franchised, Matt. I can say that with pretty good certainty. The Bills are either going to work out a long-term contract for a price they are comfortable with or Johnson is going to test the market. If Buffalo wants to pay Johnson like a top-five WR (tag), the team may as well overpay to keep him long term.
Jimmy Jam (Newport Beach, Ca)
James,Will Buddy Nix show us the proverbial "Baby" this year and spend the cap? including the 20 mil in cap room from last year? It sounded like Ralph gave him the ok, but I am a little worried.
James Walker (4:09 PM)
Nix seemed genuine when he said that. So I'm going to take Buffalo at their word. Keep in mind, this is an important year in many ways for Nix, Gailey, Fitzpatrick, ect. Buffalo needs to make a move now. Another down year and there will be some hot seats.
James Walker (4:09 PM)
Nix seemed genuine when he said that. So I'm going to take Buffalo at their word. Keep in mind, this is an important year in many ways for Nix, Gailey, Fitzpatrick, ect. Buffalo needs to make a move now. Another down year and there will be some hot seats.
Lee (NYC)
Do you see the Jets making any big time free agent splashes this year? Would love to see them sign one of the big WRs, a S or Mario Williams
James Walker (4:11 PM)
The Jets have a lot of decisions to make with salaries, Lee. The Jets were built to win now and things imploded. So I think you're going to see some cap casualties take place. New York doesn't have much wiggle room right now to make a "splash." SO I would say no for now.
Mr. Holland (NY Lit. Center)
New yowk is bettah than bawston. J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!
James Walker (4:12 PM)
You're taking credit for the Giants Super Bowl? Interesting. Are you one of those Giants "fans" who think your quarterback is Mark Sanchez? Just kidding.
Gabe (Columbus, OH)
Hypothetically let's say Manning will be 100% healthy by the beginning of free agency. Now that we have that out of the way who are you predicting to be the starting QB for Miami in 2012?
James Walker (4:15 PM)
Peyton Manning won't be 100-percent healthy in a few weeks, Gabe. That's a big reach. If that were the case, the Colts probably wouldn't consider releasing Manning. Miami has a chance. But it will be more up to Manning than Miami.
Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)
Is it a done deal that Plaxico Burress won't be back in New York next season? Are the Jets going to remake their receiving corp again?
James Walker (4:17 PM)
Pretty much. The Jets need more speed and Plax wants to explore his options anyway. So it's a mutual parting. Holmes and Keller will be back. But the other receivers need an upgrade.
Kevin (Buffalo)
I want to keep Stevie Johnson, but if we don't is there any reason we couldn't we franchise then trade him? If St. Louis trades out of two and misses out on Blackmon I would be kind of surprised if they wouldnt trade their high 2nd rd pick at the latest.
James Walker (4:19 PM)
Not happening, Kevin. I doubt any team is trading its first round picks for Steve Johnson. He's a solid player but not a franchise changer. If the Bills franchise Johnson, they will be stuck with paying him top-five money. That's why Buffalo won't use the tag.
Nav K (UK)
what are the chances the texans let super mario williams go? and are the jets going to go after him?
James Walker (4:22 PM)
I think it's a pretty good chance Mario Williams hits the free-agent market. The Texans are great on defense without him. They can't pay appoximately $21-$22 million for a franchise tag. That's insane. I anticipate another more needy team outbidding Houston, but it won't be the Jets.
Al (Wausau, WI)
James, do you know if Buffalo's base defense in 2012 will be a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense?
James Walker (4:23 PM)
The Bills will run a 4-3 defense, Al. That's a smart move for Buffalo.
Craig (Orchard Park)
Do you Stanford Routt will land with the Bills?
James Walker (4:25 PM)
The Bills were on Routt early, which is smart. But with free agents it's always tough for Buffalo. Routt will get interest from other teams. So Buffalo would probably have to overpay to convince Routt. That's just the reality for the Bills.
Roger (Boston)
Do you think that a Joe McKnight/Shonn Greene combo can live up to the Jets "Ground and Pound" philosophy?
James Walker (4:27 PM)
Hmmm, I don't think that's enough. McKnight may be able to provide more burst than an aging LT. But I really think the Jets need a blue-chip back. They need a guy who can take over a game and a backup who can change the pace. Greene is better in a secondary runner than as a bell cow, IMO.
Adam (Los Angeles, CA)
Do you think Daniel Thomas can develop into a good back if the Dolphins move to a zone blocking scheme that fits his one-cut running style better?
James Walker (4:29 PM)
I like Daniel Thomas. He made some rookie mistakes, but he will only get better. Thomas just needs to be more consistent and stay healthy. Thomas and Reggie Bush are solid together.
Adam (Los Angeles, CA)
Gut feeling. Who is starting for the Dolphins at QB in 2012? Manning, Flynn, RGIII, Moore (with Tannehill waiting in the wings), none of the above?
James Walker (4:30 PM)
Peyton Flynn.
James Walker (4:31 PM)
Just kidding, but I think Miami will get one of those two players. I'm leaning towards Flynn for now because of the many variables involving Manning.
michael (manhattan)
James - crazy prediction - Jets take division coming season and Pats don't make the playoff. what do you think?
James Walker (4:33 PM)
I'm not going to make any predictions for a while. I leave the crazy calls like this up to you, Michael.
Mike (Austin, Texas)
Because of the Jets tight salary cap, do you think they will bring back Edwards and Cotchery to fill in holes at WR?
James Walker (4:37 PM)
Those names have come up, but I think the Jets have moved on. New York probably can get both on the cheap. But it's time for fresh blog in NY, not retreads.
Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)
Didn't you mean Peyton Flynn III?
James Walker (4:38 PM)
Oh yeah, Payton Flynn III will be Miami's QB next season. Good one, Dr. H.
Karlin (miami, FL)
do you think matt moore can be a franchise QB for the dolphins in 2012? I think he can with a full off season!
James Walker (4:40 PM)
It depends on your definition of a franchise QB, Karlin. My definition of a franchise QB is a guy who can make multiple Pro Bowls and lead you to a Super Bowl. Therefore, to me, Moore is not a franchise QB. But he may be to others. I think he's a decent starter. But can he get Miami to a Super Bowl? If not, the Dolphins need to keep searching.
James Walker (4:41 PM)
I don't throw the term "franchise quarterback" around as easily as others. The term "elite" also is used way too much, IMO.
Ryan (Orlando, Fl)
Honest question but why does the Dolphins wants Manning so bad when he has a few years left (if he healthy) then the guy like Flynn who can be a long term QB. I know Manning is a star, an icon and such but still. Why doing something short term when you can get a QB for the long term.
James Walker (4:46 PM)
Good question, Ryan, because I think it's a legit debate that I've actually had over Twitter with some Dolphins fans. Peyton Manning, even if healthy, may have about three good years left. Knowing that, do you really want to put all your eggs in that basket? I say yes. Who cares about 2015? Win now for the next three seasons (2012-2014). Worry about having a QB three, four years from now in three or four years. Some Dolphins fans disagree. They want to build for the long term. But then they will complain if they get a QB who takes a couple years to grow into their role.
TYrel (SD)
could Terrell Owens be a possibility for the Patriots? I am guessing he is a little humbled by the fact that nobody wanted him last season and could be less of a diva along with playing for less money given the opportunity.
James Walker (4:48 PM)
Owens? No chance. Moss? I'd say there's more of a shot, but not a great shot.
DJ MIRZA (NYC)
When and how will Dolphin?s draft pick be determined?
James Walker (4:49 PM)
The NFL will have an old-fashion coin flip at the combine later this month, DJ.
hotsaucesteve (asheville nc)
Any feel where Miami could use its FA money if not for QB?
James Walker (4:51 PM)
Safety for sure, hotsauce. This is a big year for the position in free agency and the Dolphins have a need there. I think RT will be addressed either in the draft or free agency.
Raymond (Mass)
Do you think the pats will aggressively pursue Brandon Lloyd because of his ties to McDaniels?
James Walker (4:54 PM)
Yes, I think this is one of the safer bets in free agency. Lloyd has a lot of respect for McDaniels. He basically said he owes his career success to him. McDaniels knows Lloyd knows the system and New England needs a deep threat.
Jacob (Austin, Texas)
Are there any chances for the Dolphins to trade Matt Moore or anybody else, to climb the board so they can draft a QB?
James Walker (4:57 PM)
Miami's best trade pieces are other draft picks. I doubt there will be any player trades to move up, unless the Dolphins want to trade WR Brandon Marshall. That's not happening.
Andrew (Seattle, WA)
Do you think the Patriots might attempt to sign a free agent RB during the offseason?
James Walker (4:58 PM)
I see the Patriots making a decent pitch (but not too much) to Green-Ellis. I don't see New England making any big free-agent signing. The Patriots already have a ton of RBs.
Lee (NYC)
Do you think Mario Manningham is going to get a max deal? Still in shock the Jets took Dustin Keller over him.
James Walker (5:00 PM)
Max contract? This isn't the NBA. Manningham will get decent money. But he won't be the highest-paid WR in the NFL. He made himself some money with a good playoff run.
kumar (south FL)
disregarding any offensive linemen positions, who do you think would be the pick for the fins in the first round
James Walker (5:02 PM)
There's other place like S, RT, another pass rusher.
James Walker (5:04 PM)
Everyone, thanks again for the questions. I will be back to chat at the same time next week.
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