Cullen Jenkins and free agency

[Red_One43]

I heard this guys name, Stephen Bowen, Dallas Cowboy, on ESPN 980 (DC Area) on Friday. Stephen Bowen. The Radio Sports guys like him as a cheaper and younger alternative to Cullen Jenkins who is often injured. Love to steal one of their prized possessions, they have alreay offered him second round tender at $1.9 million. If we can't get him, at bid the price up on him.

Although Bowen doesn't attract a lot of limelight or get a lot of press, he has been surprisingly effective in a limited role (one which grew last season as he replaced an injured Marcus Spears in the starting lineup). As the DMN article points out, Bowen was named a "secret Superstar" by Pro Football Focus. After reviewing the 2010 tape, the guys at PFF ranked Bowen as the league's third-best 3-4 defensive end. Pretty impressive stuff. Exhibit A: in 346 pass-rush opportunities, Bowen had 25 total quarterback disruptions (one fewer than Jay Ratliff, who rushed the passer 137 more times).

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/6/9 ... phen-bowen

Bowen had a second-round tender placed on him, which might change based on the new CBA - if not he might cost

Younger is what Shanny wants and cheaper is the route they should take, depleting a rival is a bonus. Going younger means guys still not at their peak, and going cheaper means the ability to bring in more free agents to compete for roster spots.

Including resigning their own players and going younger and cheaper this would be nice:

Re-Sign: Rex Grossman, QB

Sign: San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin, NT

Sign: San Diego’s Kevin Burnett, ILB

Re-Sign: Santana Moss, WR

Sign: Tampa Bay’s Davin Joseph, G

Re- Sign: Jammal Brown, RT

Sign: Atlanta's Brent Grimes, CB

Yes, to all above

If we can't get Devin Joseph I'd settle for the Saints Carl Nicks if he's available, and the Jets David Harris if Burnett isn't signed.

Sign: Carolina's Ryan Kalil, C

Hasn't he been franchised? Yes, if we could get him.

Yeah I missed that...

Sign: Detroit's Turk McBride, DE

Impressive player sounds like a Shanny type, but is only 6-2, 278. Was let go by the Chiefs when they switched to a 3-4. Doesn't seem like a 3-4 DE fit. I am going to go with Stephen Bowen even over Cullen Jenkins as my younger and cheaper signee.

Then I'd go with Cullen Jenkins....

Sign: New Orlean's Usama Young, or Baltimore's Josh Wilson, both play CB with local ties (hometown Discount???)

Usama is listed as safety for the Saints, but played CB in college. Saint's SB Nation blogger says that he is among the guys he hopes return. Sign for competition. Might beat out Moore. Josh Wilson has four interception TDs in 3 years and one in at least each of his 3 pro seasons pro seasons. Sounds like he can catch. Definitely fill Buchanan's role.

Usama might be a better #2 corner than anyone else on the Redskins roster AND can play safety, combined with Barnes (who looked good filling in at safety late last year) could free up a safety spot for another position

Sign: Denver's Ryan Harris OT

Why sign Harris if you re-sign Brown? I like Harris, but he is my signee if Brown signs elsewhere.

Brown plays both left and right tackle, if he can't beat out Harris as the starting RT, then we still can be done with Stephon Heyer as the swing tackle

Re-Sign: Rocky McIntosh ILB

My question here, Is Rocky a true ILB? If we sign Kevin Durant for ILB and have Riley, Henson, and Zo as inside backers, why re-sign Rocky?

He wants to re-sign here but if he leaves and Ryan Kerrigan can't play OLB what will they do? Zo was OK on the outside but if he were a option he wouldn't be trying to move inside, Riley and Henson are unknowns and Flecther won't be around for too many more years so we can't have to many ILB in camp

Sign: Jacksonville's Trent Edwards, or Pittsburg's Dennis Dixon, both play QB

I expect one of the two remaining QB slots to be filled with a project vet like Trent who was promising at one point, but might fullful promise in our scheme. Not sure if Trent or Dixon is the guy.

I actually want him to bring in Bulger but who knows what the Shannies will do

Bringing in another WR and RB wouldn't hurt either.

Interesting that you didn't go after a name receiver like "Rice." I am so tempted to do so, but this year is just not the year to spend on the WR spot. Signing a lower tier WR or RB sounds like a Shanny guy because he loves competition.

They'll have the money to go after Rice but it may limit them in filling other holes, it really all boils down to what the final CBA looks like.

Young and Cheap could fill a lot of holes quick, with this group.

I do like young and cheap. Sounds like the old "Plan B" free agent philosophy of Joe Gibbs - get hungry, younger, and cheaper guys.

Question - How much do you estimate all the guys that you said that you would like to sign or re-sign will cost?

Again until they get a CBA we won't know how 2011 contracts will be structured to impact the new cap and spending floor. Regardless, the way Eric Shaffer works they can get them all

Thanks for your answers. I read about Nicks on one of the Saint's sites. The poll taken on the site said that Nicks was the Free Agent that they feared losing the most. He is 6'5" 343! That is a load! If he has the feet for ZBS. I would make him a priority!

[Red_One43]

More younger alternatives to the more expensive, 30 year old, often injured Cullen Jenkins. All are Cowboys. One I mentioned in an earlier post.

Cullen Jenkins 2010 salary 30 years old - 6' 2" 305 pounds - $3.2

Marcus Spears 28 years old- 6' 4" 311 pounds - 2010 salary - $1.2 million
Stephen Bowen - 27 years old - 6' 5" 306 pounds - 2010 salary $1.8 (already offered a $1.9 million dollar tender, so it is clear the Cowboys want to keep him when the new CBA is completed).
Jason Hatcher -29 yrs old- 6" 6" 311 pounds - 2010 $1.8 million

Spears is the better run stuffer, but not very good as a pass rusher. Role would be to free up Orakpo or Kerrigan. Both Spears and the Bowen are better as pass rushers.
Jenkins is the complete DE. Clearly better but the last three seasons he has missed 17 games and is 3 years older than Bowen, who is reaching his prime.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/7303 ... ensive-end

[Red_One43]

1niksder wrote:

Sign: Baltimore's Josh Wilson (hometown Discount???)

Pro Football Focus rates Josh Wilson higher than Jonathan Joseph, the media's 2nd favorite CB next to Asomugha.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/20 ... ee-agents/

[1niksder]

JLC has put out his list of free agents the Skins will sign

The Washington Redskins, who largely sat out the free-agent market in 2010, are prepared to make a splash this year, numerous sources familiar with the team's offseason plans said Tuesday.

Facing a serious lack of talent at crucial positions, the longtime NFC East doormats have put together a list of high-end free agents they want and will be very aggressive in pursuing them as soon as the NFL lockout is lifted, according to the sources.


Signing New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes reportedly is the primary objective of Redskins coach and chief decision maker Mike Shanahan. Guard Marshal Yanda, a player whom the Baltimore Ravens will vigorously fight to retain -- just as the Jets will make a concerted effort to retain Holmes -- also is coveted in Washington.

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins and brother Kris, who's oft-injured but was very effective for the Jets when healthy, also are key targets for the Redskins, and league sources would be surprised if the team didn't land both, with competition for those two players not likely to be as steep as for Holmes and Yanda.

New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield, despite being a 4-3 player to this point, also has been the subject of offseason planning by the Redskins, who operate a 3-4 defense.

The sources said the Redskins also will work hard to retain some of their own free agents, with wide receiver Santana Moss still in their plans, though it will be tricky to sign him and Holmes. Right tackle Jammal Brown, despite his checkered injury history, also remains in Washington's plans, and the team is optimistic about re-signing him.

Backup quarterback Rex Grossman will be re-signed (Shanahan remains dedicated to John Beck being his starter, team sources said); cornerback Phillip Buchanon will be pursued, given the woeful state of the team's corners; and the Redskins' staff has wavered on the merits of retaining linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who didn't fare well in 2010 evaluations and seemed ill-fitted to the team's scheme.

It all adds up to what could be a pivotal offseason for Shanahan, who already has fallen under scrutiny following clashes with top players and acute struggles on both offense and defense during his first season in Washington.

Team sources maintain that they can't foresee the Redskins keeping either quarterback Donovan McNabb or defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth. Receiving much for either in a trade will prove quite difficult given their contracts, and several team sources believe Shanahan ultimately will take anything he can for Haynesworth. The Redskins are particularly concerned that if they release Haynesworth, he will sign with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles and reunite with his former Tennessee Titans position coach, Jim Washburn.

With trade options for McNabb limited, team sources expect Shanahan ultimately to release him. The Minnesota Vikings would be among the teams interested in the quarterback, league sources have said

Shanahan, who has a long history of offensive wizardry, is desperate for a playmaker, which makes Holmes so attractive (contrary to reports, the Redskins haven't spent much time discussing Holmes' Jets teammate, Braylon Edwards). The Redskins also are desperate for impact offensive lineman, and if they miss out on Yanda, they likely will target two other Ravens -- Chris Chester or Jared Gaither -- since Washington's offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, has ties to those players from his time in Baltimore.

The Redskins hope young left tackle Trent Williams will continue to develop and that either Will Montgomery or veteran Kory Lichtensteiger can compete with Casey Rabach at center, with Artis Hicks at one guard spot and Brown, if re-signed, at right tackle. Yanda would greatly improve the interior of the line opposite Hicks at guard, but again, adding him is a big if.

Washington's defensive line, which lacked the personnel to switch to the 3-4 last season, needs a makeover, and the team hopes to address it with quantity and quality, sources said.

The Jenkins brothers have ties to the Washington area, and both have been standouts in a 3-4. Nose tackle is a major issue for the Redskins, and Kris Jenkins, coming off another season-ending surgery, could be a bargain on the open market. Cullen Jenkins is a versatile 3-4 lineman who can play multiple positions and is a natural fit for Washington.

Cofield, though lacking experience in the 3-4 scheme, has been a regular topic of conversation at Redskins Park, and the team believes he could be a major upgrade. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin also has been linked to the Redskins, but sources said he hasn't been a focal point.

Shanahan has been unwavering in his support of Beck, to the dismay of some in the organization who haven't seen anything to suggest the former Raven and Miami Dolphin can be a competitive starting quarterback. With the 2010 season lost, Shanahan chose to play Grossman over Beck, and some at Redskins Park wonder why Beck, if he was indeed the future, didn't receive the call in those meaningless games.

"He is set on Beck," said a source familiar with Shanahan's thinking. "That's his guy. He isn't just saying it for the media or to blow smoke. He's serious as hell about it."

Grossman, who has almost no other free-agent options, is nearly certain to re-sign with the Redskins on a cheap, short-term deal. Washington still needs a third quarterback, with Vince Young a possibility (he hasn't been the subject of much internal discussion at this point, according to sources).

The Redskins also know that at some point in the next six to nine months, they must sign star safety LaRon Landry to a long-term deal. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract

With Jason's track record we can assune....

New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes won't be contacted by the Skins, Guard Marshal Yanda will resign with the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield will sign with a team that plays the 4-3, he says San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin hasn't been a focal point so he'll be one of the Skin's first signing and Vince Young like Holmes won't even be contacted.

The Jenkins brothers might work out as package as would Chris Chester or Jared Gaither

Whatever JLC writes is normally wrong when it comes to the Skins, so all guess work is over.

Take what Jason says and know it won't happen.

We must be getting close to a CBA

[1niksder]

JLC has put out his list of free agents the Skins will sign

The Washington Redskins, who largely sat out the free-agent market in 2010, are prepared to make a splash this year, numerous sources familiar with the team's offseason plans said Tuesday.

Facing a serious lack of talent at crucial positions, the longtime NFC East doormats have put together a list of high-end free agents they want and will be very aggressive in pursuing them as soon as the NFL lockout is lifted, according to the sources.


Signing New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes reportedly is the primary objective of Redskins coach and chief decision maker Mike Shanahan. Guard Marshal Yanda, a player whom the Baltimore Ravens will vigorously fight to retain -- just as the Jets will make a concerted effort to retain Holmes -- also is coveted in Washington.

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins and brother Kris, who's oft-injured but was very effective for the Jets when healthy, also are key targets for the Redskins, and league sources would be surprised if the team didn't land both, with competition for those two players not likely to be as steep as for Holmes and Yanda.

New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield, despite being a 4-3 player to this point, also has been the subject of offseason planning by the Redskins, who operate a 3-4 defense.

The sources said the Redskins also will work hard to retain some of their own free agents, with wide receiver Santana Moss still in their plans, though it will be tricky to sign him and Holmes. Right tackle Jammal Brown, despite his checkered injury history, also remains in Washington's plans, and the team is optimistic about re-signing him.

Backup quarterback Rex Grossman will be re-signed (Shanahan remains dedicated to John Beck being his starter, team sources said); cornerback Phillip Buchanon will be pursued, given the woeful state of the team's corners; and the Redskins' staff has wavered on the merits of retaining linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who didn't fare well in 2010 evaluations and seemed ill-fitted to the team's scheme.

It all adds up to what could be a pivotal offseason for Shanahan, who already has fallen under scrutiny following clashes with top players and acute struggles on both offense and defense during his first season in Washington.

Team sources maintain that they can't foresee the Redskins keeping either quarterback Donovan McNabb or defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth. Receiving much for either in a trade will prove quite difficult given their contracts, and several team sources believe Shanahan ultimately will take anything he can for Haynesworth. The Redskins are particularly concerned that if they release Haynesworth, he will sign with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles and reunite with his former Tennessee Titans position coach, Jim Washburn.

With trade options for McNabb limited, team sources expect Shanahan ultimately to release him. The Minnesota Vikings would be among the teams interested in the quarterback, league sources have said

Shanahan, who has a long history of offensive wizardry, is desperate for a playmaker, which makes Holmes so attractive (contrary to reports, the Redskins haven't spent much time discussing Holmes' Jets teammate, Braylon Edwards). The Redskins also are desperate for impact offensive lineman, and if they miss out on Yanda, they likely will target two other Ravens -- Chris Chester or Jared Gaither -- since Washington's offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, has ties to those players from his time in Baltimore.

The Redskins hope young left tackle Trent Williams will continue to develop and that either Will Montgomery or veteran Kory Lichtensteiger can compete with Casey Rabach at center, with Artis Hicks at one guard spot and Brown, if re-signed, at right tackle. Yanda would greatly improve the interior of the line opposite Hicks at guard, but again, adding him is a big if.

Washington's defensive line, which lacked the personnel to switch to the 3-4 last season, needs a makeover, and the team hopes to address it with quantity and quality, sources said.

The Jenkins brothers have ties to the Washington area, and both have been standouts in a 3-4. Nose tackle is a major issue for the Redskins, and Kris Jenkins, coming off another season-ending surgery, could be a bargain on the open market. Cullen Jenkins is a versatile 3-4 lineman who can play multiple positions and is a natural fit for Washington.

Cofield, though lacking experience in the 3-4 scheme, has been a regular topic of conversation at Redskins Park, and the team believes he could be a major upgrade. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin also has been linked to the Redskins, but sources said he hasn't been a focal point.

Shanahan has been unwavering in his support of Beck, to the dismay of some in the organization who haven't seen anything to suggest the former Raven and Miami Dolphin can be a competitive starting quarterback. With the 2010 season lost, Shanahan chose to play Grossman over Beck, and some at Redskins Park wonder why Beck, if he was indeed the future, didn't receive the call in those meaningless games.

"He is set on Beck," said a source familiar with Shanahan's thinking. "That's his guy. He isn't just saying it for the media or to blow smoke. He's serious as hell about it."

Grossman, who has almost no other free-agent options, is nearly certain to re-sign with the Redskins on a cheap, short-term deal. Washington still needs a third quarterback, with Vince Young a possibility (he hasn't been the subject of much internal discussion at this point, according to sources).

The Redskins also know that at some point in the next six to nine months, they must sign star safety LaRon Landry to a long-term deal. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract

With Jason's track record we can assune....

New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes won't be contacted by the Skins, Guard Marshal Yanda will resign with the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield will sign with a team that plays the 4-3, he says San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin hasn't been a focal point so he'll be one of the Skin's first signing and Vince Young, like Holmes won't even be contacted.

The Jenkins brothers might work out as package as would Chris Chester or Jared Gaither

Whatever JLC writes is normally wrong when it comes to the Skins, so all guess work is over.

Take what Jason says and know it won't happen.

We must be getting close to a CBA

[1niksder]

JLC has put out his list of free agents the Skins will sign

The Washington Redskins, who largely sat out the free-agent market in 2010, are prepared to make a splash this year, numerous sources familiar with the team's offseason plans said Tuesday.

Facing a serious lack of talent at crucial positions, the longtime NFC East doormats have put together a list of high-end free agents they want and will be very aggressive in pursuing them as soon as the NFL lockout is lifted, according to the sources.


Signing New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes reportedly is the primary objective of Redskins coach and chief decision maker Mike Shanahan. Guard Marshal Yanda, a player whom the Baltimore Ravens will vigorously fight to retain -- just as the Jets will make a concerted effort to retain Holmes -- also is coveted in Washington.

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins and brother Kris, who's oft-injured but was very effective for the Jets when healthy, also are key targets for the Redskins, and league sources would be surprised if the team didn't land both, with competition for those two players not likely to be as steep as for Holmes and Yanda.

New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield, despite being a 4-3 player to this point, also has been the subject of offseason planning by the Redskins, who operate a 3-4 defense.

The sources said the Redskins also will work hard to retain some of their own free agents, with wide receiver Santana Moss still in their plans, though it will be tricky to sign him and Holmes. Right tackle Jammal Brown, despite his checkered injury history, also remains in Washington's plans, and the team is optimistic about re-signing him.

Backup quarterback Rex Grossman will be re-signed (Shanahan remains dedicated to John Beck being his starter, team sources said); cornerback Phillip Buchanon will be pursued, given the woeful state of the team's corners; and the Redskins' staff has wavered on the merits of retaining linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who didn't fare well in 2010 evaluations and seemed ill-fitted to the team's scheme.

It all adds up to what could be a pivotal offseason for Shanahan, who already has fallen under scrutiny following clashes with top players and acute struggles on both offense and defense during his first season in Washington.

Team sources maintain that they can't foresee the Redskins keeping either quarterback Donovan McNabb or defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth. Receiving much for either in a trade will prove quite difficult given their contracts, and several team sources believe Shanahan ultimately will take anything he can for Haynesworth. The Redskins are particularly concerned that if they release Haynesworth, he will sign with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles and reunite with his former Tennessee Titans position coach, Jim Washburn.

With trade options for McNabb limited, team sources expect Shanahan ultimately to release him. The Minnesota Vikings would be among the teams interested in the quarterback, league sources have said

Shanahan, who has a long history of offensive wizardry, is desperate for a playmaker, which makes Holmes so attractive (contrary to reports, the Redskins haven't spent much time discussing Holmes' Jets teammate, Braylon Edwards). The Redskins also are desperate for impact offensive lineman, and if they miss out on Yanda, they likely will target two other Ravens -- Chris Chester or Jared Gaither -- since Washington's offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, has ties to those players from his time in Baltimore.

The Redskins hope young left tackle Trent Williams will continue to develop and that either Will Montgomery or veteran Kory Lichtensteiger can compete with Casey Rabach at center, with Artis Hicks at one guard spot and Brown, if re-signed, at right tackle. Yanda would greatly improve the interior of the line opposite Hicks at guard, but again, adding him is a big if.

Washington's defensive line, which lacked the personnel to switch to the 3-4 last season, needs a makeover, and the team hopes to address it with quantity and quality, sources said.

The Jenkins brothers have ties to the Washington area, and both have been standouts in a 3-4. Nose tackle is a major issue for the Redskins, and Kris Jenkins, coming off another season-ending surgery, could be a bargain on the open market. Cullen Jenkins is a versatile 3-4 lineman who can play multiple positions and is a natural fit for Washington.

Cofield, though lacking experience in the 3-4 scheme, has been a regular topic of conversation at Redskins Park, and the team believes he could be a major upgrade. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin also has been linked to the Redskins, but sources said he hasn't been a focal point.

Shanahan has been unwavering in his support of Beck, to the dismay of some in the organization who haven't seen anything to suggest the former Raven and Miami Dolphin can be a competitive starting quarterback. With the 2010 season lost, Shanahan chose to play Grossman over Beck, and some at Redskins Park wonder why Beck, if he was indeed the future, didn't receive the call in those meaningless games.

"He is set on Beck," said a source familiar with Shanahan's thinking. "That's his guy. He isn't just saying it for the media or to blow smoke. He's serious as hell about it."

Grossman, who has almost no other free-agent options, is nearly certain to re-sign with the Redskins on a cheap, short-term deal. Washington still needs a third quarterback, with Vince Young a possibility (he hasn't been the subject of much internal discussion at this point, according to sources).

The Redskins also know that at some point in the next six to nine months, they must sign star safety LaRon Landry to a long-term deal. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract

With Jason's track record we can assune....

New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes won't be contacted by the Skins, Guard Marshal Yanda will resign with the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield will sign with a team that plays the 4-3, he says San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin hasn't been a focal point of the Skins, so he'll be one of the Skin's first signings and Vince Young, like Holmes won't even be contacted.

The Jenkins brothers might work out as package, as would Chris Chester or Jared Gaither

Whatever JLC writes is normally wrong when it comes to the Skins, so all guess work is over.

Take what Jason says and know it won't happen.

We must be getting close to a CBA

[SkinsJock]

The Washington Redskins, who largely sat out the free-agent market in 2010, are prepared to make a splash this year, numerous sources familiar with the team's offseason plans said Tuesday.

thanks 1niksder - when this idiot has to both quantify and qualify his reports, you can almost guarantee that he is guessing .. AGAIN

what a twit

[yupchagee]

The Jenkins brothers might work out as package,

Right. That way there would be a decent chance that 1 was healthy.

[1niksder]

The Jenkins brothers might work out as package,

Right. That way there would be a decent chance that 1 was healthy.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I'd take Chris Jenkins and make him a rotational player. As a 4-3 guy that successfully transitioned to the 3-4, he'd be a great mentor to the young guys struggling in that predicament. All of this is being said if he comes in at a reasonable price. 1-2 year contract, get some decent reps from him.

[RedskinsRule56]

I say no to either Cullen or his older brother Kris. They both are injury prone. Cullen has only played in 2 full seasons out of the last 5. I do not want to take that risk. Kris has played in a total of 7 games over the last 2 years and he is north of 30 not a good idea to sign him either.

[Red_One43]

I'd take Chris Jenkins and make him a rotational player. As a 4-3 guy that successfully transitioned to the 3-4, he'd be a great mentor to the young guys struggling in that predicament. All of this is being said if he comes in at a reasonable price. 1-2 year contract, get some decent reps from him.

I Understand where you are coming from. Kris is the best pass rushing NT on the market. He will not be expected to play expect in packages. Aubrayo Franklin is a run stuffing NT (We must sign him - he has missed only a handful of games in his career). If you get both, you have Frankilin starting and Jenkins playing in the pass rush packages. Chris Neild would have time to develop and have two studs to mentor him. I think since Kris, reportedly, visited (I never heard confirmation that he did visit) and left without a contract, that means that the Skins will pay market value only for him. I do believe that the interest in him is real and for the right price we will sign him.

[Red_One43]

Free Agents You Meet in Hell
A look at the NFL players whom front offices should avoid.
By Bill Barnwell
JULY 18, 2011

Speculating on NFL free agents is a risky business. With 18 years of the modern free-agency system in the books, you would think teams and their front offices would know whom to avoid. But year after year, contracts whose net worth rivals the GDP of several developing countries are given out to players who have little to no chance of earning out that money.

For general managers, free agency is a minefield. One misstep can cost you your job, your livelihood, and sometimes your soul. (How else would you describe the existential pain of sitting next to Matt Millen in the commentator's booth?) But never fear! We come bearing information that can help save wayward general managers from themselves. When evaluating NFL free agents, there are certain archetypes that stand out as particularly bad bets. Avoid the following types at all costs.

Without further ado, we present the free agents you meet in hell.

I thought that this was a good read read with a little tongue in cheek twist.
Barnwell includes the following types of free agents you definitely want to beware and he includes 2011 examples.

The Veteran Running Back:
2011 free-agent examples: DeAngelo Williams, Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams

The Second/Third Wide Receiver In An Effective Passing Offense
2011 free-agent examples: Steve Smith (Giants), Malcom Floyd

I'd add the Packer's WR James Jones to this list.

The Defensive End Coming Off Of A Big Year
2011 free-agent examples: Jason Babin, Charles Johnson


The Veteran Steelers Defender
2011 free agent example: Ike Taylor

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/678 ... -meet-hell