Chat with Pat Yasinskas
Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, ESPN.com NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas will stop by to talk about the NFL.
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990 and began covering the Buccaneers and the NFL in 1993. A winner of Florida Sports Writers Awards for Best Feature and Best News story in 1997, he is a graduate of Saint Leo University and attended law school before coming to his senses. A native of Dalton, Pa., Yasinskas lives in the Tampa area.
Send your questions now and join Yasinskas Friday at 1 p.m. ET!
More Pat Yasinskas: Chats | NFC South blog | NFL index
John (Atlanta Saints Fan)
Pat, you made alot of Panthers, Bucs, and Falcons fans mad this morning when you said the dream scenario for the Saints is to go 13-3. One, I feel the same way. Two, explain to them why you wrote that because they don't get it.
Pat Yasinskas (12:57 PM)
Because they went 13-3 last year. So if they do it again this year, it shows they weren't impacted by all the offseason controversy. Maybe it doesn't happen, but that's why it's called a "dream" scenario.
Patrick (lenoir, NC)
Do you personally think that Joe Adams has the passion for the game like Steve Smith? Because I do Believe thats what made Steve Smith the amazing player he has become.
Pat Yasinskas (12:59 PM)
I really haven't been around Adams yet. But there's no question Steve's competitiveness is a huge part of what's made him great. He's probably more competitive than anyone I've ever been around.
Chris P (New York)
hey pat long time reader, first post. Where does A. Smith going after the panthers and cam come from? Smiths team tries to get rid of him and "upgrade" at every chance they get. im pretty sure most of the 9ers fans and prolly a good amount of the players would take Cam over Alex. Just seemed a little weird that a guy who can barley hang on to his job in a 13-3 season is going to attack another teams stats. Smith is luck he's got davis and that Defense or he'd be backing up someone like Cam. just my 2 cents as an angry panther fan! haha
Pat Yasinskas (1:00 PM)
No argument here.
CAPT-ATL (Atlanta)
Pat, you have wrote a few stories that state that the Saints can add back (save) $4.9MM toward the CAP with Vilmas suspension. How is that the case when Vilmas CAP number is only $2.8MM after his restructure. Of that, $0.5MM is signing bonus which is not saved. That leaves $2.3MM. That is the Savings if his suspension is validated by the time his roster bonus ($600K) is due (either June 1st or 15th I believe). If the appeal drags on, then his roster bonus is paid and counts, leaving $1.7MM in savings. Not sure how the $100K workout bonus is accounted for. His base is $1.6MM, so how do you report $4.9MM is immediate savings?
Pat Yasinskas (1:02 PM)
The $4.9 million is his 2012 cap figure. If he is suspended, none of it counts toward this year. It all gets pushed back to next year.
Brandon (Lafayette,La) [via mobile]
I know it's the media's job to over analyze things but I think it's s little ridiculous how so many are already dismissing the Saints. This team was one bad series by our defense away from hosting the NFC championship game and that side of the ball imo has improved. I could see a deep playoff run. What say you ?
Pat Yasinskas (1:02 PM)
Did you see last Thursday's column where I wrote that the road to the NFC South title still runs through the Saints?
Matt (tupelo) [via mobile]
What's up with the saints not having any of the draft picks signed yet?
Pat Yasinskas (1:03 PM)
Not a big deal. They have other stuff to work on. Draft pick signings aren't as difficult as they used to be because everyone is basically slotted. They could sign all their picks in any given afternoon.
Free (Pittsburgh)
Hey Pat, sort of glad tampa got rid of Winslow because he developed the Antonio Bryant, me first syndrome. I know that we are suppose be a run first team as we always say, but I am expecting big thing from Freeman and Mike Williams. Do you think that both can return to the 2010 form?
Pat Yasinskas (1:05 PM)
Possible on both. I definitely think Freeman can bounce back. Williams might have been humbled by last year and might come back better. He also might be helped by having Vincent Jackson taking up defensive attention.
CJ (Winston Salem)
From what you have seen and heard, how has Jared Green looked so far and what are his chances of making the roster. Its hard to ignore his speed and lineage. Thanks
Pat Yasinskas (1:06 PM)
Haven't really heard anything on him yet. Will let you know when I go to their minicamp in a couple of weeks.
Nick (Clemmons, NC)
Pat,Most people think the panthers are much improved at defense...but I feel that special teams is the biggest upgrade from last year...kinda reminds me of when HEHATEME Rod Smart was with us. I know this is kind of bold but this team reminds me a lot of the panthers old superbowl team...except with more explosive talent...Agree?
Pat Yasinskas (1:07 PM)
Offense is way more explosive than the Super Bowl team. Your defense isn't at the level of the Super Bowl team, but I'm sure Rivera and his staff are working hard to improve that.
mike (bucsnation)
can tampa get M Jenkins from Dallas and what will it take to get him?
Pat Yasinskas (1:09 PM)
Dallas bosses keep saying they're not going to trade him. But not sure if that's true. They might just be trying to keep his value relatively high. Bucs might want to wait a bit and see if the price tag, if there is one, drops.
Scott (Maine)
If the falcons give matt ryan full control of offence I believe with the talet he has he could throw over 4500 yards your thoughts?
Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)
If they let him throw enough, I think that's certainly possible. He's got some great targets in Roddy, Julio and Gonzalez and they might even get some pass receiving yards out of Jacquizz Rodgers this year.
redzone jones (NY)
why havent barron and martin signed as of yet?
Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)
Think it's only a matter of time. They have all their other rookies signed, so it's pretty obvious how much money is left for each of those two.
CJ (Winston Salem)
I know the Panthers were extremely tight on Cap space but according to your article a couple days ago they are 3.2m under and that will change June 1st. sounds like they are in better shape than originally thought. is there a chance they could make a big FA signing this offseason from the remaining available players or do you think they are done with free agency?
Pat Yasinskas (1:13 PM)
Not sure there's anything left out there that would qualify as "big", but they do have a little bit of flexibility. If somebody pops free that they like, they can pounce.
Eric (Paris, Fr.)
Hey Pat, long time no talk!The bucs have at least 3 rookies starters, right? What production can we expect from them? Any leaders out there?
Pat Yasinskas (1:14 PM)
I think the top three draft picks all start right away. Barron has reputation for being an excellent leader.
Tom Cruise (Crazy Town)
If Cam throws for 4,500 years, but misses the playoffs, will critics still praise him so highly? Personally, I see Alex Smith's point. Stats look great on paper, but wins mean more.
Pat Yasinskas (1:15 PM)
I see his point too. But why say that publicly if you're Alex Smith?
Scott (Maine)
Any news on falcons lt and rg position?
Pat Yasinskas (1:16 PM)
No, that will come in training camp. I don't think anybody's winning any jobs right now when they're just out there in t-shirts and shorts.
Eric (Paris, Fr.)
Do you feel it's Doug Martin's job to lose or shall we see Blount have the same amount of carries in bucs backfield?
Pat Yasinskas (1:17 PM)
Blount will still play a role, but my guess is his total carries will drop.
J. White (Georgia)
Lots of negative stuff on Atlanta paper's website about Coach Smith being Falcon's problem. That's a pretty big turnaround isn't it?
Pat Yasinskas (1:18 PM)
Well, he lost his layer of insulation when the coordinators left. The pressure is squarely on him until he wins a playoff game ...or two.
Chris P (New York)
what do you see the panthers depth chart at WR looking like when the season kicks off? I dont see them bringing in anyone else at that position. Also wanted to ask what you thought about the panthers secondary. I read your article where you talked about capt being the number 2 guy at CB, any chance they bring in ANYONE else? not that i dislike capt, but i feel with the return of beason,edwards and the new comer kluechy if we upgraded our #2 CB we could have a pretty good defense. Even without a new CB i think the panthers D will be just fine this year IF they stay healthy.
Pat Yasinskas (1:19 PM)
I think a healthy Brandon Hogan has a real chance at playing time this season.
Eric (Paris, Fr.)
First impressions on Mike Sullivan, new Bucs OC?
Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)
Way too early to give you a good answer. I've been out there last two Tuesdays and they're just installing things. Can give you a better read in training camp.
Rock Knuteney (Slidell, LA)
Where is the Dream portion of the Drew Brees article. Brees could sign an break all his records again. You only covered the nightmare part in this article.
Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)
The dream part was in the previous post on the Saints.
Ryan (Raleigh NC)
Pat are the Saints waiting for the bounty gate blow to over then sign Drew Brees to a long term contract to start the season off on a positive note
Pat Yasinskas (1:22 PM)
I don't think there's any big conspiracy or plot behind it. I think both sides simply just can't agree on a contract -- yet.
Eric (Paris, Fr.)
Best OL in the division? Has to be Bucs now, right?
Pat Yasinskas (1:23 PM)
Let's not get ahead of the game. Bucs have the potential to be that, but let's wait until the season gets here before we proclaim that.
Ben (Atlanta)
Pat after Kuechly, who would you rate as the most exciting pick the panthers have gotten in 2012?
Pat Yasinskas (1:24 PM)
Joe Adams because he seems to have the potential to be explosive as a receiver and return man.
Ben (Atlanta)
Pat any word on the health of Jeff Otah?
Pat Yasinskas (1:25 PM)
Sounds like he's working out. But they've got him running second team behind Byron Bell. Might be the smart approach. Let Otah show he's completely healthy and make him work to win back starting job.
Brandon (Lafayette,La) [via mobile]
Are the Saints moving Martez Wilson to de full time or just situationally and is this year that Scott Shanle is moved to his rightfull spot as a back up ?
Pat Yasinskas (1:26 PM)
They say they're experimenting with Wilson. My guess is he'll be at DE. They've got a whole bunch of LBs now. I think Shanle could end up as backup even if Wilson is at DE.
Eric (Paris, Fr.)
So Pat, you did not answer completely for OL question, if it's not the Bucs, who is it? Saints?
Pat Yasinskas (1:27 PM)
Right now, yes, Saints o-line cleared way for Brees to throw for 5,000 yards last season. That's a pretty big deal. And Carolina's got a couple of Pro Bowlers in Gross and Kalil.
Drew (New Orleans)
Hey Pat, in the artice "NFL Future Power Rankings and NFC South" It said the Saints should be a top 10 team. Did it actually give them a ranking like the other teams?
Pat Yasinskas (1:28 PM)
Yes, I believe they were No. 8.
Ryan (Raleigh NC)
Hey Pat hear its going to rain down in Tampa all weekend. Hope it doesnt ruin your holiday
Pat Yasinskas (1:29 PM)
Hope not. But we desperately need the rain.
Adam (Raleigh NC)
What are the odds that Brees doesn't get real and holds out for 20+ million a year into the season?
Pat Yasinskas (1:30 PM)
Extremely slim. I think it might go down to the July 16 wire, but I'm pretty sure they'll get a long-term deal.
CAPT-ATL (Atlanta)
you might want to do some research. All articles, and sights that you can google show Vilma salary CAP at $2.8MM this season after he restructured. Come on MAN.
Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM)
I see him at $4.9 million and I trust what I see. You sure you're talking about his cap number, not his base salary?
Sean (NO)
What?s the deadline for signing Brent Grimes to a long term deal? That could definitely help out the cap in signing salary cap casualties later.
Pat Yasinskas (1:32 PM)
July 16 for all franchise players.
Sean (Auburn)
Pat, Do read all the comments to your articles? Do you ever reply? Some people give you a hard time about writing so much about the bucs. I'm a bucs fan so obviously I have no issues with it.
Pat Yasinskas (1:34 PM)
It goes in cycles. I happened to write a lot about the Bucs this week because I was out there for their media access this week. I'll be hitting others for minicamps soon.
Sean (NO)
Follow up: Any inside indicators that Grimes/Falcons are considering a deal?
Pat Yasinskas (1:35 PM)
I'm sure they're exploring it. That's the likely goal for both sides.
Charles (N.C.)
So far i love what the Panthers have done addressing special teams, defense and even offense. Given the teams current roster and situation who do you see being a surprise cut when they have to start reducing the roster to get ready for the season.
Pat Yasinskas (1:35 PM)
Maybe Otah, depending on how he comes back.
Dale ( Union, MS ) [via mobile]
If a franchised player isn't signed by the july 16th deadline is there then no chance of them playing this season?
Pat Yasinskas (1:36 PM)
Not quite. They have until July 16 to work out a long-term deal. If not, the player can sign the franchise tag and play for that this year.
Drew (New Orleans)
Do the Saints actually have the cap room to give Brees what he wants. How would they do that with out making deep cuts. What would his cap number be to pay him what he wants?
Pat Yasinskas (1:38 PM)
Right now, he counts $16.6 million as the franchise player. They should be able to do a deal where this year's cap figure is around $18 to $19 million, so they have the room to do that. But I think part of the holdup is how his deal would impact them in future years.
CAPT-ATL (Atlanta)
his base is 1.6MM, he has a 600K roster bonus, a 100K workout bonus, and a profated 500K signing bonus that counts against the CAP. On Apr 20 2012 He Signed a 2 year $9.3 million contract with New Orleans 2.8 million CAP in 2012 and 6.5 Million CAP in 2013
Pat Yasinskas (1:41 PM)
Go with that, if you chose. I'm sticking with the $4.9 for this year and his cap figure for 2013 is $8.6.
Mort (Rural Hall, NC)
Any guess who will ultimately win the #2 corner job in Carolina?
Pat Yasinskas (1:41 PM)
Munnerlyn for now. But, like I said earlier, don't be surprised if Brandon Hogan becomes a factor.
mike (bucsnation)
Pat, i'm pessimistic that talib will be playing this year, is barber moving back to corner or is someone else gonna take talib's place?
Pat Yasinskas (1:42 PM)
Let's wait and see what happens with Talib's legal situation first.
Charles (N.C.)
I understand why a player who has been franchised would hold out or not show up until they have a deal done, i.e. Brees because they could get injured and be screwed. That being said is there any kind of protection for players in a scenario if something like that happened or would it just mean the player gambled and gets nothing as compensation?
Pat Yasinskas (1:43 PM)
If he signs the franchise tag, he gets the $16 million for this year. That's all that is guaranteed.
Charles (N.C.)
I understand why a player who has been franchised would hold out or not show up until they have a deal done, i.e. Brees because they could get injured and be screwed. That being said is there any kind of protection for players in a scenario if something like that happened or would it just mean the player gambled and gets nothing as compensation?
Pat Yasinskas (1:45 PM)
Charles, appreciate the persistence and I've answered several of your questions today. Please let some others get questions in the rest of this chat. I'm looking back three pages and all I'm seeing is this question repeatedly. Thanks.
Nick (Clemmons, NC)
Pat,How come Josh Norman isnt in the conversation for corner. He has way more upside than Munnerlyn.
Pat Yasinskas (1:46 PM)
Think it's a little unrealistic to expect a fifth-round CB to start immediately.
JM (Charlotte)
Pat, do you think the Panthers did enough to shore up their D? I think we could get exposed in the secondary...
Pat Yasinskas (1:48 PM)
Still some questions back there. But they definitely got better at LB and Edwards should make DL better. That should help make the guys in the secondary look a little better.
Nick (Clemmons, NC)
I agree but Byron Bell wasn't even drafted and look at him now...He is in the conversation with Otah.
Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)
I think Bell was a seventh-rounder. But, either way, I think it's a little different with tackles and CBs. I think it's possible for a tackle to come in and do all right as a rookie if he has good people around him. For a CB, unless the guy was an early pick, he's probably not going to start right away.
Divyesh (Suwanee)
Hey Pat, thanks for the chat. I was intrigued by the Panthers' pickup of UDFA Matt Reynolds from BYU. Quite a few boards (in late 2011) had him going in the first round of the 2012 Draft, and I've read some positive things about him. What is your opinion of his outlook?
Pat Yasinskas (1:51 PM)
Panthers must have decent impression of him. They gave him a good bit more than most undrafted rookies in signing bonus.
Chris (Land o lakes fl)
Pat what ever happened with the development of Myron Lewis.Wasn't he a stud at Vandy???
Pat Yasinskas (1:51 PM)
Apparently, not much has happened with his development.
Dale ( Union, MS ) [via mobile]
Who's probable to replace Will Smith, has there been any talk of trying to sign ir trade for defensive line and when abouts will you be covering some of the Saints workouts/camps? Thanks.
Pat Yasinskas (1:53 PM)
Think they're serious about giving Wilson and Romeus good looks and that might be the answer. Believe I'll be at Saints minicamp June 5 and 6.
Josh (Huntsvegas, AL)
What do you suspect is the reason for stalled contract negotiations between Drew Brees and the Saints? I read somewhere that perhaps Brees' agent, Tom Condin, is trying to sneak in some unheard of contract terms to set a precedent for top-level quarterback contracts going forward since he represents a large number of the NFL's elite QB's. Do you think this might be the case?
Pat Yasinskas (1:54 PM)
I've heard that as well and there might be some truth to it. It's Condon's job to get Brees the best QB deal ever. Then it's his job to get the next guy up an even better deal.
mike (bucsnation)
pat, thanks for answering my last question, i havent heard freeman comment about losing his fav target, is he under wraps or what?
Pat Yasinskas (1:55 PM)
I don't think Freeman talked this past Tuesday. Will have to wait until next media access.
Steve (Rural Hall, NC)
Do you think that Greg Hardy's motorcycle accident had anything to do with his disappointing season last year (either because he had lingering effects from the injury or because he missed a lot of training camp and wore down over the course of the season)?
Pat Yasinskas (1:56 PM)
Might have been a factor to some degree. All I know is some important people with Panthers were disappointed by his output last year, but believe he can bounce back this year.
Jonathan (Charlotte)
nfl.com came out with an article stating that the NFCS is the top division for QBs. They ranked them as follows: Brees, Ryan, Newton, Freeman. Do you agree?
Pat Yasinskas (1:57 PM)
Yep, I saw it and had a link to it on my blog the other day. Right now, I'd agree with the order. But I can see every spot except for No. 1 changing, depending on how guys play this season.
CB (Charleston)
If Brees doesn't sign and sits out the year....which NFC South team's fans would throw the biggest party?
Pat Yasinskas (1:58 PM)
Probably all of them. But, like I keep saying, I think the chances of that actually happening are extremely slim.
Nick (Clemmons, NC)
Pat,Have a great Holiday weekend. I appreciate your answers to my questions. I really enjoyed it. Go cats!
Pat Yasinskas (1:59 PM)
All right, let's call it a wrap. Thanks to all of you for stopping by and have a great holiday.
SportsNation on Facebook
THIS WEEK'S CHATS
- 11:00 AMNoleNation's David Hale
- 12:00 PMNFL with Dan Graziano
- 1:00 PMDallas' Jean-Jacques Taylor
- 1:00 PMSweetSpot's Schoenfield
- 1:00 PMCubs, Sox with Levine
- 2:00 PMGeauxTigerNation's Laney
- 2:00 PMNFL blogger Kevin Seifert
- 2:00 PMBoxing with Brian Campbell
- 2:00 PMNASCAR with Newton
- 3:00 PMFantasy's Stephania Bell
- 4:00 PMNFL with James Walker
- 4:00 PMHornsNation's Wilkerson
- 11:00 AMFantasy's Matthew Berry
- 12:00 PMPatriots with Mike Reiss
- 12:00 PMTideNation's Scarborough
- 12:00 PMWolverineNation's Rothstein
- 12:00 PMMLB Insider Keith Law
- 1:00 PMNFL blogger Mike Sando
- 1:00 PMGiants with Youngmisuk
- 2:00 PMNASCAR with Terry Blount
- 2:00 PMBuckeyeNation's Ward
- 2:00 PMSport Science's Brenkus
- 2:30 PMNFL with Bill Williamson
- 3:00 PMNFL with Paul Kuharsky
- 4:00 PMFootball Scientist KC Joyner
You must be signed in to post a comment