Kasy (Hattiesburg)

Now that Tampa has its staff put together (besides qb coach), what grade would you give it? I know they aren't the biggest names but I think they have a good mix of experience and familiarity.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:50 PM)

I'll go with a B or B-. I like the mix of college and NFL experience on the staff. Also like the fact that about half the staff has worked with Schiano previously. Think that will make the transition smoother.

Paul (Knoxville)

Considering the Saints lack of TE depth...and Peyton's comments last fall....any chance Shockey decides to rejoin the Saints...or would his ego keep him from wanting to back up #80.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:51 PM)

If anything, it sounds like Shockey might retire.

Kent (Melbourne)

Pat- Should the recent surgery on Trent Richardson change how the Bucs will look at him as a possible 5th pick.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:51 PM)

Supposedly, it's very minor. But let's see how he looks at his pro day.

Matty Ice (ATL)

You are the owner of a new team. Who do you build your franchise around? Me or Flacco?

Matty Ice (ATL)

You are the owner of a new team. Who do you build your franchise around? Me or Flacco?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:52 PM)

In that scenario, I'm going with you.

Matty Ice (ATL)

You are the owner of a new team. Who do you build your franchise around? Me or Flacco?

Joe (Waycross)

If the Falcons cut Ovie Mughelli, Sam Baker, Peria Jerry, and restructure Matt Ryans Contract, would they then have enough cap space to resign Grimes, Lofton, Mario Williams, and sign a Left Tackle?

Big Dan (Land O Lakes)

Not sure if I am excited by the Bucs coaching staff. Should I renewmy season tickets or wait a year and see how they do?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:55 PM)

Renew them, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Kasy (Hattiesburg)

So, the rumblings in baltimore suggest Rice is wanting more money than they are willing to pay him and he has threatened to hold out if they franchise him.is there a possibility he hits the free agent market? Because tampa had the cash and our coach is familiar with him.

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:56 PM)

I think it's very strong possibility Bucs would be interested in Rice if he does become available.

Emmett (Hill Valley, CA)

Any idea what is holding up Brees' contract talks?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:58 PM)

I think it's just both sides going through the negotiating process and waiting for someone to blink. I have no doubt it will get done.

Vinicius (Brazil)

Hey Pat! Love your blog, check it daily.So, here's my question: what do you think about the bucs trading Talib if he's not arrested or disciplined? I don't think it's actually an option because of all the variables, but do you think the bucs would get a good compensation in terms of draft picks?

Pat Yasinskas

  (12:58 PM)

If he is cleared of the charges and not suspended by NFL, I say keep him. Talib is a talent. Maybe with a new coaching staff he can stay focused on football.

Joe (Waycross)

If the Falcons cut Ovie Mughelli, Sam Baker, Peria Jerry, and restructure Matt Ryans Contract, would they then have enough cap space to sign Grimes, Lofton, Mario Williams, and sign a Left Tackle?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:00 PM)

I don't have numbers in front of me right now and don't know what they would try to knock Ryan's cap figure down to, but I'm going to guess and say, yes, that should be enough room.

Brittney Brees (Jimmy Johns)

No way we are buying two more franchises without a deal in place. Just adding the finishing touches to the contract so Saints can sign Colston and Nicks. I won't let Drew play without Nick's protection.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:00 PM)

Smart move. You need Nicks there to keep things going the way they have been.

CC (Atlanta)

Falcons seem willing to let Abe walk. Don't you think they'll go after Mario Williams? They have a ton of cap space and no 1st rounder.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:01 PM)

Wouldn't surprise me a bit. They're always good for at least one big splash an offseason and that would be a big one. It also would fill a need.

Rock Knuteney (Slidell, LA)

Looking back, the many that said the TB overachieved in 2010 seemed to be correct after 2011. Same can be said of Carolina 2010 not being that bad and they proved it in 2011. Which team do you see as better overall in 2012?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:02 PM)

I'd say Carolina's ahead right now. But let's see what happens in draft and free agency.

andy (hickory, nc)

pat, just because the bucs have 68 million in cap space doesnt mean they are going to sepnd it, history has shown they are cheap.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:03 PM)

There's truth in that. But they have said they'll be more active in free agency this year. We'll find out soon enough.

joe (waycross)

Why didn't the Saints try to sign Brees after Vicks deal. How much do you think it will cost them in Cap space from not doing so. Also will it cost them Nicks from not signing him in Oct.?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:04 PM)

I don't know an exact answer to that. But, obviously, they could have gotten this one done a long time ago. Even though it might not look promising right now, I suspect they'll also find a way to keep Nicks.

Ben (Atlanta)

Pat have you heard anything about the Panthers restructuring some contracts? I would think Steve Smith would be one of the candidates for that since his is up after this season and he is high against the cap total.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:05 PM)

Nothing yet, but that generally comes right as we get close to start of free agency. Yes, I think Smith would be a candidate for an extension. He's got a cap figure over $10 million this year right now. Sign him to an extension for a few years and you can spread the cap hit out over the life of the contract.

Craig (Pine Bluff)

What type of free agents do you think the Panthers will look for and how do you see the Panthers using their draft picks this year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:07 PM)

I don't see Panthers being big players in free agency this year because they don't have a lot of cap room. Maybe just a few mid-level guys.

andy (hickory, nc)

pat, i hate when teams say they are going to " build through the draft " i mean teams draft what, 7 players? lets say half become starters, with one becoming a stud, thats nott alot to motivate a fan base with

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:08 PM)

And building through free agency works? Ask the Eagles and Redskins about that. Now, I do agree you can't do it totally through the draft. There has to be a mix. I think Atlanta and New Orleans have done a nice job of that. Carolina too.

Dylan (Atlanta)

Is there any real chance the Falcons could sign Mario Williams?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:09 PM)

I wouldn't rule it out at all. Like I said, Falcons are good for at least one big splash per offseason.

Jake (Illinois)

I know Vilma is under contract, but with the real possibility he could be a cap casualty, who do you think he is more likely to play for next year. The Saints or the Bucs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:11 PM)

I don't think he fits the Bucs' profile. Even if they sign free agents, they're not going to be guys about to turn 30 with knee issues that may be chronic.

This Guy (Parts Unknown)

IMO the NFC South is the best Division in football. This is the only division with 4 franchise QBs. No other division can say that.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:12 PM)

Agree totally. You're preaching to the choir on that.

Gabe (Chapel Hill, NC)

Hey Pat is there much of an effect on who the Panthers will end up drafting since they got the 9th pick instead of the 8th?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:13 PM)

Not much really. It's just one spot. I would think at that spot they'll have two or three guys they really like and they should be able to get one of them. Plus, it should save them a bit of cap room.

Robert(br,la) [via mobile]

Any chance saints lose nicks due to brees deal not being completed in a timely manner?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:14 PM)

I doubt it. I suspect they'll get the Brees deal done and then turn attention to Nicks. If they have to use the tag on him, I think they will.

Tj (Aurora, CO)

Do you think the Bucs will look at Laron Landry he has a couple of injury's under his belt but i think he will be a big upgrade

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:15 PM)

I'd say that's possible and I agree about him being an upgrade.

Calvin (Newport News, VA)

Hey Pat. Do you think this talk of the Bucs choosing Richardson is kind of crazy? Taking RB's that high has proven to be un-necessary, and RB isn't the biggest need. Look at their defense...

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:16 PM)

I've got a post up on the blog about how the rule of thumb is that you don't take a running back that high. However, I'll also say that if the Bucs think Richardson truly is special, then go ahead and take him.

Craig (Greensboro)

Pat do you think the Panthers have a chance to play in the palyoffs this year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:16 PM)

Sure, if they get improvement out of their defense, I think it's possible.

Falconidae from TATF (atlanta)

Pat, Been hearing some rumors that Grimes held himself out of the playoff game to prevent injury and keep a big contract possible. Heard anything about that?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:17 PM)

No, I'd have a hard time believing that one.

Jeremy S. (Panama)

I aint retirin, maybe I can go back to the Giants, I hear they need a tight end and Eli and I were pretty good together.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:17 PM)

Yeah, have you talked with Mr. Coughlin about that one?

Joe (Jersey)

Do you think the Saints trade up for QB if Brees doesn't sign?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:18 PM)

Brees will sign.

Dylan (Vegas)

Is there any real possibility that Colston might slip through the Saints grasp and end up in Tampa?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:19 PM)

It's possible Colston does get away because of the situations with Brees and Nicks. Would he be a candidate for Tampa Bay? Absolutely. But I think a lot of other teams also would be very interested in him.

Craig (Greensboro)

Pat when will we know the schedule for the upcoming season

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:20 PM)

Usually around mid-April, but we might get some of the early prime time games at the league meeting in late March.

Patrick (Charlotte)

I know because of the DNC the Panthers are opening on the road this year, have you heard anything else unusual they will be doing since the stadium and practice fields will practically be on lockdown?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:20 PM)

No, but I'll check on that. Good question. Wondering if they might spend a little extra time in Spartanburg?

Joe (Jersey)

What about AP? Picked 7th

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:21 PM)

That's what I mean by special back. But, then again, how many playoff games have Vikings won with AP?

Ron (Panama City Fl)

Have you seen Cam's new commercial, how long do you think it will be until Mr. Newton is the face of the NFL I say sooner rather than later. Can't wait for this season!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:22 PM)

Yep, I've seen the commercial and like it. Cam definitely has a presence and it probably will continue to grow.

Craig (Jacksonville)

How many primetime games will carolina have this year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

At least two, maybe three.

CC (Atlanta)

To your point about AP, the NFL is a passing league. Taking Richardson that high would be a colossal mistake by the Bucs.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:23 PM)

That's pretty much the theory on why you don't take RBs in the top half of the first round.

matt (orlando)

what are your thoughts of taking the mlb from boston college and moving mason foster outside?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:25 PM)

I like Kuechly a lot, but think No. 5 might be a little high for him. If Bucs were to trade down to middle of first round, then maybe.

Rock Knuteney (Slidell, LA)

I think the opening Thursday game goes to GB vs NYG. Saints not in it this year.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:25 PM)

Probably correct.

Andrew (Reno, NV)

With Claiborne expected to be the top CB drafted, do the Bucs go and get him with the chance that Talib goes to prison and maybe Barber retires? Sounds like the most logical thing to do in my opinion.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:26 PM)

I think the answers to both of those questions will be known before the draft. So they can see what happens with both situations and then make their decisions.

CB (charleston)

If Vilma gets cut by NO, and the falcons lose Lofton....any chance he replaces him?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:27 PM)

Falcons have a little history with bringing in veterans. But I'd have the medical people do a thorough check on that knee.

Carlos (Panama)

Pat, should I be excited that the Bucs have a ton of cap space to spend and there are a plethora of good free agents out there at many of our need positions?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:28 PM)

Well, they'll be more active in free agency than last year, but I'm not sure it will be an all-out spending spree on a ton of big names.

andy (hickory, nc)

any chance the bucs go after mario williams? they tried to get haynesworth years ago, and mario williams is worth the money

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:29 PM)

Appreciate getting the question 40 times. I don't know yet. We'll see in a few weeks.

chris (atl)

Vincent Jackson, can you see him with the bucs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:30 PM)

Possibly, but I could also see him with a lot of other teams.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)

Afternoon Pat! With Nolan's comments about sacks (multiple guys with 4...) I can see them letting Abe walk (I don't agree with it), but I don't see them going to get Mario W. in that case especially with the Edwards signing last season. But I could see Avril as an option if he hit's the market! Thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:31 PM)

Not a bad idea. But wouldn't that be kind of like settling for Edwards instead of Charles Johnson last year.

Steve Albarado (Ventura CA)

Pat, huge fan of your blog. I check it daily. Do you think John Abraham would be good fit with New Orleans' defense? I know he's old and injury prone, but for the right price he might be a solid addition on passing downs. Thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:32 PM)

Possible. Saints have history of bringing in vets for a year or two. They also need a pass rusher. But they're not going to have much cap room to work with and it sounds like Abe is looking for good money.

Wes (NOLA)

Odds of Tracy Porter staying in town?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:32 PM)

I think they may be pretty slim. Too many priorities ahead of him.

Ben (Atlanta)

Pat I think David Gettis will become a big part of the CAR passing game this year - he has 400m Olympic speed (or he did until the ACL tear) and was really coming on at the end of his rookie year.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

Agree. I know Panthers were real high on him after his rookie season.

Jeff (Hunsville)

Do you think any of the NFC South teams would go after Mike Wallace, since it appears the Steelers are going to have a difficult time re-signing him?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:34 PM)

I could see Tampa Bay and Carolina being interested. Maybe New Orleans if Colston and Meachem leave.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)

Agreed it would be like settling but the monetary flexibility that Avril would allow versus Super Mario allows you to go sign a LT, a nickel corner and resign Grimes, Lofton and Decoud.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:35 PM)

True, can't tie up all your money at DE.

andrew (one buc place)

hey how are the bucs doing on season tickets, are they selling? i asked you 2 weeks agoo and you said you would look into it. thanks pat.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:36 PM)

I don't think there's been any huge surge.

Rock Knuteney (Slidell, LA)

How do we get our D Line up to Spagnuolo standards with all the outlay for Brees, Nicks, Colston and others? Won't be able to do much in the draft and seems we are hand cuffed in free agency.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:37 PM)

I'm sure they'll try to address it in draft, which may be tough without a first-round pick. Also will be tough to get a high-priced free agent because of cap situation. But Saints have a pretty good track record with grabbing guys off the srap heap and getting contributions.

Shane (WA)

I say keep Brees and Nicks allow Colston to walk if we have to but if Colston walks please keep Meachem. I really think he could be a No. 1 reciever for us in the Reggie Wayne type mold. Thanks Pat for you thoughts on this.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:38 PM)

If Colston goes, you have to keep Meachem. He's been in the system for a while now and may be ready to step up and do more.

andrew (hickory, nc)

is josh johnson leaving? staying with the bucs?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:39 PM)

Don't know yet. Would expect that he at least wants to test free agency. Don't know what the market will be like for him. If he doesn't get any big offers, then I'd guess Bucs probably would want him back.

Aaron (Charlotte, NC)

Do you think Cam Newton or Andy Dalton has sophomore slump?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:40 PM)

On Cam, I doubt it. He's got a pretty good supporting cast around him. On Dalton, I haven't followed him as closely, so I don't have a real strong opinion either way.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

What has been your observation on the new coaches in Atlanta? Have you been around the organization enough lately to get a feel of whether or not the atmosphere has changed? Thanks

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:41 PM)

Not really around them this time of year. Will give you a better idea when they have their spring minicamp. But I know Nolan will try to bring a more aggressive approach to the defense.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

I think that Lance Moore would be a better no. 1 than Meachem. He has better hands.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

I think we've already seen Lance's full upside. I think Meachem still has potential to grow into more than what we've seen out of him.

Ryan Kalil (Carolina)

What do you think about my panthers jumping up in the draft to get my little brother?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:42 PM)

I don't think Marty Hurney would be willing to jump up to No. 2 or 3, but it's a nice idea.

Steve Albarado (Ventura CA)

What's your take on Carl Nicks' recent comments that he expects to be paid more money than fellow OG Jari Evans? I think everyone know's he's worth it, but expecting the Saints to make him possibly the highest paid gaurd in the NFL is putting it pretty steep. Do you still see Nicks in black and gold next year?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:43 PM)

Well, I think Nicks has every right to expect to be the top-paid guard. He's the best in the NFL and he's just hitting his prime. Saints know it as well as anyone and I think, before all is said and done, they'll find a way to keep him.

Gabe (Chapel Hill, NC)

Pat, why do certain cities host the Super Bowl more often that others? Is hotel room shortage a problem in cities across the league?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:45 PM)

Hotels are a factor with some cities. Weather can be an issue as well, if you're talking about an outdoor stadium. I know, New York has a Super Bowl coming up. But that's an exception. That Super Bowl was awarded because New York built new stadium and new stadiums often are factors in who gets Super Bowls.

Shane (WA)

To Matt from GA. dont get me wrong I love Moore but he is more of a slot WR. I think Meachem could really blossom if given the chance. Do you remember when he stripped the ball back from that cornerback? I remember thinking then wow this guy could be special.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:46 PM)

Agree. And sometimes it takes a WR several years to really become good in the NFL. Exhibit A: Roddy White.

josh freeman (one buc place,,)

will i be able to bounce back? i have almost no one to throw too. i need help

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:47 PM)

I suspect help will be on the way soon enough.

Rock Knuteney (Slidell, LA)

For Super Bowls, PROXIMITY is the word. They love cities where the stadium is in the middle of many other interests. Restaurants, hotels, and other venues of interests. They were raving over Indianapolis this year. New Orleans is like that as well. They don't like it when the stadium is miles away from hotels, restaurants, etc.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:48 PM)

Yep, very true. New Orleans Super Bowls are very good from a logistics standpoint.

andrew (Gulfport, MS)

Of the saints projected cap casualties, is more likely Vilma or Smith. Vilma has stated taht he wants to retire a saint, could there be a restructing or giving each a year under Spags to see if they can produce more then under the past system?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:49 PM)

Restructures on both are possible, but I also think it's possible they may just cut at least one of them.

Steve Albarado (Ventura CA)

I know the Saints just locked up Roman Harper last season, but is it possible they cut him due to the fact that he doesn't fit in to what Steve Spagnola typically requires to run his defense? I think Harper is a solid tackler and excells when he is called upon to blitz, but asking him to play in more of a coverage type roll looks like a bad idea to me...

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:50 PM)

I've been wondering the same thing. But I'm guessing they'll try to make it work with Harper this year. The cap hit would be too big because he's only in second year of his contract.

jim (ocean springs)

Why would the Saints cut Will Smith? He's their best defensive player.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:51 PM)

His cap figure is $10 million.

andy (hickory, nc)

thanks for the chat pat. i hope ronde barber comes back, but i dont know why he would trust managment after the way they handled derrick brooks, mike alstott and john lynch at the end.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:52 PM)

Well, Schiano pretty much said they're open to having him back yesterday. Made it sound like Ronde can stay if Ronde wants to keep playing.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

What would you say are the chance Abraham could land somewhere else in the NFC South?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:53 PM)

I think Saints would be the only logical fit in NFC South.

kid123 (ny)

why isnt OT an option for the panthers to draft? Otah is a question mark, wharton is a top canidate to get cut, and gross isn't getting any younger. Lets protect Cam!

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:54 PM)

I think OT could be an option. They realize Gross is getting near the end. They also might be thinking this might be their last time in the top 10 for a while. Top 10 may be only place you can get a sure thing for a LT.

Jeff (Huntsville)

Besides the obvious choices, i.e. Baker, who could be cap casualties for the Falcon's?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:55 PM)

Not sure Falcons really need to trim much cap space other than Baker. McClure could be a situation where he retires or they let him go.

JJ (GA)

Wwho wll replace Abraham, Sidbury looks pretty good?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:56 PM)

Not sure L Sid is the answer. I mean, he might get a little more playing time, but I think they'll bring in someone from outside.

Steve Albarado (Ventura CA)

My prediction... Next time you chat Brees will have signed a long term contract.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:57 PM)

I think there's a good chance of that.

Shane (WA)

Steve CA and Pat Ive been thinking the same thing about harper and I just keep wondering do they try to convert him to an OLB? let him bulk up a little then let him do what he does best. Tackle and Blitz while covering when needed. Is that far fetched?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:58 PM)

Not sure Harper has the frame to bulk up that much. He's really not a big guy and I think he's already maxed out. Might be too small to succeed at OLB.

JJ (GA)

Will Dirk Koetter improve Matt Ryan as a deep passer?

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:59 PM)

I think an improved offensive line would help Ryan more than anything.

kyle (northampton, pa)

i love the bucs new staff. good mix of new & experience. i think TB has a bright future.

Pat Yasinskas

  (1:59 PM)

I think so too. At least it can't be any worse than it was.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

Good chat as always Pat. Thanks and cya next time!

Pat Yasinskas

  (2:00 PM)

Thanks to Matt and thanks to all for stopping by. Stay tuned to blog for info on next week's chat. We may be skipping a week. Then again, we may not. I'll let you know next week.