I am on the late, late ,late show with the blog and I have been trying to keep up with this year’s offseason moves. In my opinion, the Browns, Eagles, Saints and Falcons are the ones that are making sensible moves so far.
Philly got their man in Asante Samuel. The move will add more strenght to the Eagles saging secondary. The addition of Donte Stallworth will definitely make Cleveland better even playoff bound. The Saints are doing everything they can to make their defense stronger. With the addition of Jonathan Vilma, the Saints are well on their way of accomplishing their goal.
While those acquestions were great, I like Atlanta’s signing of Michael “The Burner” Turner the most. While Moss, and Marion Barber are receiving the most press in free agency, Turner is the steal thus far. While subbing for LT, Turner made good on the opportuniy given and now, he will be the starting RB for a team in turmoil.
A big WTF goes out to the Patriots though. Their D is old and Sameul was one of the few strong spots on that unit. NE did not franchise him, did not work out some sort of a deal before hand, and lost him to Philadelphia. They recently resigned Teddy Brucchi.
Now, the word is Randy Moss is frustrated with the Pats’ offers, and he is entertaining his options.
And this is all in the first week.
We still have to consider the Chad Johnson and McNabb issues.
I wonder what kind of 2007 would the Chiefs have without this? :
According to NFL.com, a season without Larry Johnson could be a reality if there is not a new deal on the table. Like I said in my last entry about this, Johnson deserves a new contract because he played prolific football for the past two seasons. The second best running back in the AFC and in the league should be receiving money that coincides with his NFL elite status, period!
To free up some cap room, Kansas City should wave Priest Holmes and restructure some deals. Regardless, of method, the Cheifs should and better get this deal done becasue going through the AFC without one of your few weapons is a recipe for disaster.
The word out of Kansas City is that all pro running back Larry Johnson is threatening to hold out if he does not get a new deal, and I for one don’t blame him.
Usually, I would say that this is a matter of players being greedy but in the case of LJ, this is not the case. The case here is LJ is overworked and underpaid. Right now, Johnson is slated to earn $1.7 million this season, which is not much for the seasons that he came off of.
During the last two seasons, Johnson recorded back to back 1,700 yard seasons, back to back pro bowl appearances, and back to back seasons in the Chiefs’ record books. I believe that deserves a little bit more than $1.7 million a season don’t you?
Currently, LaDanian Tomlinson is the highest paid back in the league, and he have earned every penny. Arizona’s Edgerrin James earns $25 million for the first three years of his contract, and earns a guaranteed $14.75 million but did he have the caliber of seasons that Johnson had? The answer is not by a long shot. Johnson is the second best back in the league and deserves at least $22 to $24 million over first three years with a guaranteed bonus of $19 to 21 million. Kansas City, this figure is more than fair for your premere running back.
Here’s a head start, make some room for Johnson’s demands by letting go of Priest. He’s been chronically injured and he’s getting up there in age. Free up some cap room by waving him.
