Matt Williamson

  (11:59 AM)

Let's Do This Thing!

the DCHAV (Wuxi, China)

Not considering if one is franchised or not just straight up who do you think is the better player (for da Bears), Mario Williams or Cliff Avril? Does injury history play a role in this consideration?

Matt Williamson

  (12:00 PM)

I think Williams is clearly the better player of the two-for any team. Just more gifted. And he has produced when EVERYone is trying to take him away. Avril scares me a little.

JEFF (MN)

DO YOU SEE THE VIKES GOING AFTER ANY TOP OFFENSIVE F/A?

Matt Williamson

  (12:01 PM)

D Needs to be more of a priority for Minny in free agency, as I believe they will end up with Kalil in Round 1. But adding one more WR to the mix seems like a necessity. I am not thinking a top UFA, but how about Meachem or Manningham?

Maximus (Rome)

What up M-Dub, the holy grail of chats is back! You seemed high on the Chargers going to the season, but like the last several years they have failed to meet expectations. Is it more coaching or believing the personal was better than it really was? Also if you are GM what are your priorites this offseason to win the AFC West and getting back to contender status? Thanks M-Dub!

Matt Williamson

  (12:03 PM)

Outside of the QB and RB position, I am not very high on SD as they stand today. I feel like they need a little of everything, at least. On O, they could use two or three starting OL, esp if they lose their LT & OC. Another WR (if V Jax leaves) is also required-preferably a deep threat (Meachem?). I feel like the D needs help at every level. A CB and/or SS in the secondary, an OLB opposite Philips and DL reinforcements, esp if they lose Garay. That is a lot to ask for.

Todd (NY)

Best 3-4 DE not named Justin Smith?

Matt Williamson

  (12:04 PM)

Richard Seymour. I still think he qualifies, although OAK plays a lot of 4-3. Maybe Watt. Love Watt.

Matt (Granbury, TX)

How do you think RGIII's game will work in a cold weather setting like Cleveland, plus playing at Pgh, Balt, and Cincy?

Matt Williamson

  (12:06 PM)

Doesn't worry me. Big arm. High end physical skills. I am sure he will have to learn better how to throw a cold and wet ball, but I bet he does fine with it. Would be interested to see his hand size though at the Combine.

Stuart (Glasgow, UK)

Where does Mike Wallace end up in free agency? I'd love him to be a Texan!

Matt Williamson

  (12:07 PM)

Wow, hadn't considered that fit-but HOUS is short on cap space and he will be pricey. NENG seems to make the most sense with 2 1st round picks, but I also bet they are after Lloyd first and foremost. How about the Browns, Bengals or Ravens in conceding a later first round pick to do some damage to a divisional rival.

Tim (MA)

Robert Meachem a good fit in NE? I'd rather him than Brandon Lloyd even with the McDaniels connection. Although Vincent Jackson would be my first choice

Matt Williamson

  (12:08 PM)

V Jax would be my 1st choice in NEng as well. But Lloyd is a very good player. D Jax also would be intriguing there. And of course Wallace. But as a consolation prize, Meachem would be fine with me. A lot of ability and his best days might be in front of him.

Jim (Pittsburgh)

There was a report that the Steelers are concerned about losing Wallace. What do you think the chances are that they could lose him if they tender a 1st rounder on him?

Matt Williamson

  (12:09 PM)

50/50. I really do. Mentioned some teams that would love to have him that pick later in Round 1.

Jeff (Nashville)

GBay needs to keep Wells, right? I have been a Ted Thompson guy for a while, but if he lets Wells go I might be rethinking that. Letting Jenkins walk was a huge mistake.

Matt Williamson

  (12:09 PM)

I agree with everything you just said. I also think they HAVE to Franchise Finley. But the Pack do not have a ton of cap room.

Kurtis (Houston, TX)

If the Texans can retain the services of Mario AND Arian for 2012, do you think they at least rank in top 3 in both categories, (1) RB Tandem w/ Arian & Tate - (2) LB Core with Mario, Reed, Barwin, Cushing, Demeco?

Matt Williamson

  (12:10 PM)

Yes, but I think that is far fetched. I think Mario leaves and they keep Foster and Myers. Still will be a great D with very good LBs.

Zuri (WA)

Any chance Vincent Jackson looks to Denver? He played in Colorado in college, I remember a rumor about him having interest long ago

Matt Williamson

  (12:11 PM)

Certainly feasible. But...if you were a UFA WR, would you be excited about catching passes from Tebow? And, as much as I like Jackson, he is pretty similar to D Thomas.

Jalky (Dodgeville MI)

What if Ted and the Pack signed Brandon Carr? It would essentially solve the Pack's issues in the defensive backfield with Woodson moving to safety (with Collins or Burnett) and Shields playing nickel with Carr and Williams starting outside.

Matt Williamson

  (12:11 PM)

No question it would, but Carr is going to cost a LOT, which is why KC decided to take the Bird in the Hand with Routt.

Chris (Denver)

What WR's do you see the Broncos targeting? Any chance Robert Meachem or Mario Manningham goes to Denver?

Matt Williamson

  (12:12 PM)

As you can prob tell, I like those two UFA WRs quite a bit-for what I expect them to cost. DEN makes sense for either. No question.

Jeff (Nashville)

GBay could create almost $11 million in cap room by cutting Clifton and Driver...is it time for those moves? Keeping Wells and Finley is crucial, but those two are class acts.

Matt Williamson

  (12:14 PM)

Then Cut them! It wasn't personal Sonny-strictly business. And, can you see those guys playing any where else? I can't. When Training Camp rolls around they might still be on the market and willing to take a 1 yr deal close to league minimum to make a run at another Super Bowl. Cobb is ready to explode as well.

Norm (San Antonio)

If Mario leaves Houston....where do you see him landing? And do you see Houston keeping J. Jones with his drop issues during games?

Matt Williamson

  (12:15 PM)

Bet they look to upgrade over Jones, either in free agency or more likely, the draft. Mario will have a ton of suitors and I think you have to look at the teams that have money to spend. Pats. Jags. Maybe Cowboys.

Aggie (TX)

Which of the free agent centers fits the Cowboys OL scheme best? Wells or Myers?

Matt Williamson

  (12:16 PM)

Doubt either of those OCs end up leaving their respective teams, but I will go with Myers, who has been fantastic for two years now.

chauncey (teaneck)

where do you see Chad Henne landing?

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

Henne and Campbell are two UFA QBs that I think could end up being great signings. SO many options for both players though-tough to speculate. I would certainly be interested if I were in charge of NYJ, JAX, DEN or SEA-amongst others.

Bobby (Bobby's house)

Can we please go a full chat without mentioning the QB in Indianappolis?

Matt Williamson

  (12:17 PM)

You mean Andrew Luck?

Jeff Roemer (Tampa)

Any team that is looking at drafting a WR in the 1st round, and who has the cap room, should be taking a hard look at Wallace, right? I'd prefer him to any WR prospect in this class for the next few years.

Matt Williamson

  (12:18 PM)

No question about it when you compare Wallace to draft pick WRs, but what about when you compare Wallace to UFAs that you don't have to sacrifice a first rounder to sign? And, Wallace is going to cost a lot more than that first round pick to sign.

Rob (San Antonio)

Is Matt Flynn the next Kolb, Cassel, the guy the Dolphins took awhile back . . . etc?

Matt Williamson

  (12:19 PM)

If everything goes perfect and he lands in a great situation, he might be Schaub, but I will take the UNDER on that.

Aggie (TX)

Cowboys have around 20 million to spend in free agency. Play GM for a minute. Who do you acquire in FA and who do you draft at 14?

Matt Williamson

  (12:23 PM)

DeCastro, Kirkpatrick, Jenkins, Barron and an OLB type like Upshaw or Ingram all come to mind for DDay, but obviously they will fill some holes in free agency first. How about an OG like Grubbs or Mathis? Could see Spencer sticking around, but Super Mario would be a Dallas-like move.

John (Wash)

your prototype for the 2 ILB for a 3-4 defense?

Matt Williamson

  (12:24 PM)

Levon Kirkland as the heavier strong side ILB and Ray Lewis as the run and hit weak side ILB.

James ((IL))

Any chance the Dolphins are willing to give up Brandon Marshall, maybe for a 2nd or two 3rds and Briggs?

Matt Williamson

  (12:24 PM)

Doubt it. They NEED WR help, don't have a surplus as the position.

Steve (Bristol)

Who do you see the Redskins targeting in FA with all their cap room? Will they fill enough needs prior to the draft to really consider doing what it takes to move up to #2 pick?

Matt Williamson

  (12:26 PM)

Even if they don't fill enough needs before the draft, I think WASH needs to be super aggressive with a draft package to move up to #2. Unless they grab Flynn or

Blueman (Indy)

Do you see teams offering P.Garcon low end No.1 WR money or high end No.2?

Matt Williamson

  (12:26 PM)

High End #2. Inconsistent.

justin (kansas city)

right now who do you think the favorite will be to win the AFC west next year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

KC...don't mark that in stone, much will change. But I like where they sit today the best.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

There are some whispers that the Steelers while move Hood to NT. I really, really, really hate that idea. He doesn't seem to be a great run defender at DE, so moving him to the middle seems foolish.

Matt Williamson

  (12:27 PM)

I would understand or condone that move at all. Not a Hood fan here.

Joe (NY)

Is there anyother QB in the league that could have made the throw Eli made to Manningham in the SB?? I say no

Matt Williamson

  (12:28 PM)

Of course there is, but not many. Rodgers made a throw in the previous Super Bowl that was every bit as awesome/difficult.

James ((IL))

If I were the Jets' general manager, I would trade Mark Sanchez before he becomes a bust, then sign Flynn or perhaps trade up to get RG3. Thoughts?

Matt Williamson

  (12:30 PM)

What are you going to get for Sanchez right now though? He is making high 1st round money. I think he needs to stay on the roster. But I would still add competition. Orton/Campbell/Henne makes the most sense to me. Give that formula one year while you use resources to help in other areas (& the Jets have a lot of needs). Revisit the situation a year from now.

James ((IL))

Which WR is most likely to be on the market come March: Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson, Marques Colston.

Matt Williamson

  (12:31 PM)

KC has a ton of $-they have to Franchise Bowe. Colston won't be Franchised, but it sure seems like his best fit (for player and team) is Colston in NO, if they can afford it. If I were to bet on 1 of the 3 moving, it would be V Jax.

Jerry (Texas)

I heard Reggie Wayne will sign wherever Peyton lands, any truth to this?

Matt Williamson

  (12:32 PM)

Perhaps. WASH? MIA? Wayne did play at The U

James ((IL))

Desean Jackson is probably going to stay in Philly, but if not where would he go?

Matt Williamson

  (12:33 PM)

Agree that he is prob staying in Philly-another case of WR/Team being the best for both sides. If he leaves, he has to go somewhere where they consistently throw deep. SD? Would also prefer to see him in a dome. STL?

Jeff (Chicago)

M-Dub if you were the Bears what would be your approach in upgrading the WR core? A FA and a first round draft pick?

Matt Williamson

  (12:34 PM)

I don't hate Bennett, Knox and Hester. So I think they need a true #1 type WR. The best bet for that is obviously free agency and that would be my top priority once it is allowed for signings to begin. But what seems to be overlooked is that CHI now needs a TE that can catch the ball and create mismatches. That might help everything quite a bit.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Thoughts on the Steelers releasing Casey Hampton and using the free space to sign one of the NTs on the market?

Matt Williamson

  (12:36 PM)

Might have to release him just to get under the cap, let alone being able to sign a new NT-who wouldn't be cheap. McClendon showed me some things though. I say cut Big Hamp, make McClendon the starter, draft a guy and/or maybe give Hampton a call right before training camp as he rehabs and sign him to a cheap deal. Might not work out, but I would take that risk.

Jeff (ATL)

Is this a make or break year for Mike Smith and his staff? Don't you think they need to at least win a playoff game this year?

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

I hear what you are saying. No doubt. But, they really have done a heck of a job if you consider the team they took over.

Ryan (WI)

Is it time for the Packers to move on from AJ Hawk?

Matt Williamson

  (12:37 PM)

If Hawk is expensive, then Yes. Not sure what he costs. I liked what the replacement ILBs did this year.

Ryan (WI)

What's your take on the Packers not yet negotiating with Scotty Wells?

Matt Williamson

  (12:38 PM)

Seems a little odd. Not sure what to say about that, but from the outside, I would think both team and player would be very interested in a return.

Al (Wausau, WI)

Matt, do you think the Vikings can win 5-6 games in 2012, to at least show promise for the future? If not, may Leslie Frazier's job status be in trouble by season's end?

Matt Williamson

  (12:39 PM)

Yeah, his job could be in trouble. Still very much a Ponder fan here, but as it stands today, I think Minnny has has a ton of major holes. And what will Peterson be like? Also, tough division.

Al (Perth Amboy)

Hi Matt, if you were the Giants would you pay Manningham #2 wr money? I think someone is going to overpay for him and regret it.

Matt Williamson

  (12:40 PM)

I actually think Manningham is a bit underrated, well at least he was before his sideline catch in the Super Bowl. I bet he walks. He won't be cheap and the Giants have some young WRs. Plus, they have much bigger needs at OL, TE and LB-and not much to spend.

Pete (Cincy)

Do you see anyway that DeCastro makes it to the Bengals at #17?

Matt Williamson

  (12:41 PM)

Bet he goes earlier, but difficult to predict now. He would be a fantastic pick for the Bengals at #17. Cincy could even trade up a few spots to land him.

Sam (Nashua)

Which FA safety is the best fit for NEG, M Griffin, T Branch, Landry or Goldson?

Matt Williamson

  (12:42 PM)

I see Landry and Branch as being too similar to Chung. They need a S with more range. Those other two fit that mold better and Goldson is who I prefer.

David (Halifax)

Does Haynesworth get signed anywhere?

Matt Williamson

  (12:43 PM)

Not for a while. Maybe real late in the process. Philly?

alan (chicago)

could you see the bears signing both meachum and one of manningham or L robinsen instead of signing one marquee WR?

Matt Williamson

  (12:44 PM)

Maybe, but again, if I were CHI, I would certainly prefer quality over quantity at WR.

Darren (Baton Rouge)

For Brees to be Brees, he needs a pocket to step up into. Why give him all that money & let Nicks walk

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

Well if the other option is to let Brees leave, then that is what you have to do. Saints have a lot of issues in free agency this year and are not loaded with $ to spend.

Curt (Rocklin Ca)

Matt could you see Denver going after Laundry in free agency?Dawkins has been good, but I think has hit the end of his career.

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

I like that fit. And a vet Safety should be high on DEN's wish list.

Joe (NY)

Can Barron (if he falls that far) step in at Day 1 and be the starter for NYJ?

Matt Williamson

  (12:45 PM)

Yes. Great fit.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Will AJ Green emerge as a top 3-5 guy last year? As a Steelers fan, he really scares me.

Matt Williamson

  (12:47 PM)

He is awesome. Yes, will be a Top 5 WR by this time next year. I still would have LOVED to see him in a real downfield passing game.

Mike (KC)

Thoughts on Stanford Routt to KC? Should they have re-signed Carr?

Matt Williamson

  (12:48 PM)

I liked it. I see Carr as the better player, but I still think Routt is a high end #2 CB, who can play Man Coverage well. Romeo will coach him up-a lot of ability. But the beauty of the move is the timing. Now I think they Franchise Bowe and enter free agency with still a ton of $$$ to spend. Maybe look at NT and there are a few out there. A big RB makes sense too-again, there are a lot of options there. Then, if they can swing it, go RT or Tannehill with their first round pick. Could really be a GREAT off season for KC if done properly.

Joe (NY)

Give me a comparison to my boy Kuechly. Think he is gonna be a stud.

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

Very curious to see how athletic Kuechly looks at the combine and what he weighs in at. But he is a big time playmaker. Sean Lee comes to mind immediately-and I love Lee. Maybe London Fletcher with better size.

Paul (Farmville, Va)

Who ends up the better Quarterback: Tannehill, Osweiler, Foles, or Cousins?

Matt Williamson

  (12:50 PM)

There is some risk to him, but I take Tannehill WAY over those other guys. He could end up being drafted in the Top 15.

Thoia (Thoing)

AJ Green a top 5 WR? Megatron, Fitz, Andre, Wallace, Jennings, Nicks, Roddy White, Welker, Bryant and Austin all disagree with you.

Matt Williamson

  (12:51 PM)

He will be in that class. No question in my mind. Megatron and Fitz will be ahead of his this time next year. Not sure about the others on your list.

mike noonan (lynn ma)

Brady is the best agree

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

Gimmie Rodgers

James ((IL))

Is Jay Cutler in the top 10 starting QBs in the league?

Matt Williamson

  (12:52 PM)

Yes. No doubt in my mind.

James ((IL))

Where is Cutler in the top 10?

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Hmmm...def like Eli, Ben, Tom, Drew, Aaron and Phillip better than Cutler. But that might be it.

Matt Williamson

  (12:55 PM)

Guys like Stafford and Newton will skyrocket on that list too.

Turk (RI)

Doesn't Rodgers have to do it for more than one season to be compared to Brady? He's better based on what?

Matt Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

Did you watch him this year? We are talking about Aaron Rodgers, right? Not saying he is ahead of Brady on the all time list, but right now, I want Rodgers over ANY football player on the planet.

James ((IL))

Briggs for Eagles' 1st round pick?

Matt Williamson

  (12:56 PM)

No way does Philly do that.

Tony (Maine)

does cleveland really trade up and take RG3 or trade down and get Richardson or blackmon at 6?

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

If CLEV doesn't land RG3, I will be very critical of them most likely. They are in the driver's seat for a Franchise QB and WOW, do they need one!

Dave (Charlotte)

I would think Drew Brees is better than Rogers, no?

Matt Williamson

  (12:57 PM)

NO ONE is better than Rodgers!

Jeff Roemer (Tampa)

Rodgers has done it for 4 seasons; it's not all about winning the SB when it comes to QB evaluation. Stafford might already be ahead of Cutler and I'd take Romo too because I hate Cutler's BDR tendency.

Matt Williamson

  (12:58 PM)

All great points...and oh by the way, Rodgers won the Super Bowl JUST LAST YEAR!

Josh (Richlands, NC)

M-Dub, what are your thoughts on Mario Williams coming home to Carolina to play ball? Mario is after all a good ol' boy from North Carolina. He has quite a bit of family around his hometown of Richlands, NC. Thoughts?

Matt Williamson

  (12:59 PM)

I do know that and I bet he would love it on an up and coming team. But DE isn't a huge need for the Panthers. Can't see CAR using all those resources to get that one done, even if Williams would take slightly less to come home.

James ((IL))

Could Cliff Avril play in Chicago next year? I would love to see Peppers, Avril, and maybe Osi on the d-line.

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

So you want to add Avril and Osi? That aint happening, esp considering all the help that CHI needs on O. One or the other would be great. Osi prob costs less.

Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

I am out. Great chat-as always. Same Bat Time and Channel next week!