By Brian Palmese, NFL Draft Bible
For a while, June 1 was a key date for organizations around the NFL. It was yet another cog in the machine, which helped facilitate putting a successful team on the field -- June 1st cuts. Teams that had not managed their salary cap very well would trim the bloated contracts that were impeding the team from putting a winning product on the field, while other teams that needed a piece here or there could swoop in and land a veteran presence that they previously couldn’t fill through free agency.
Why June 1? That is the date set in the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in which players can be cut from teams and allows the salary cap hit to be spread over two seasons rather than just one season. Just to complicate this a little more, when the CBA was extended in 2007, a loophole was added to make things a little more interesting.
Each team is now allowed to designate two players as “June 1 cuts” and release players pre-June 1. For example, those that were watching the 2007 draft might remember Keyshawn Johnson’s rave reviews of the Carolina Panthers’ 2nd round pick, Dwayne Jarrett. I guess the University of Southern California apple doesn’t fall too far from the Trojan tree, because a few days later Johnson was released in a salary cap move. Though it was the first week of May, Carolina was able to spread out the former number one pick’s salary over the next two seasons.
June 1 used to be a huge day because, unlike the other sports leagues, trades are rarely made in the NFL. The last major player-for-player trade that had a serious impact was the deal between Denver and Washington in 2004. Clinton Portis, who tore through defenses in the Mile High City, got shipped off to the Redskins for shutdown cornerback Champ Bailey. Both teams have done well with the trade. If a trade does go down involving players, it’s usually a player going one way, with draft picks coming back the other way. For example, the Falcons traded Matt Schaub this past off-season for moving up two slots in the ’07 draft plus the Texans’ second round picks in 2007 and 2008. Teams are very hesitant to pull of trades primarily because of the money being pumped out from the respective players’ contracts.
However, this mentality has morphed over the past five to ten years and June 1st has been a rather quiet day around the league. Gone are the days of circling the calendar and waiting for the influx of veteran players to flood the market on the first day of June. This past June 1st was no different. One of the main reasons for this lack of activity is the jump in salary cap over the past couple of seasons--an estimated $25 million increase. This huge allotment of money has allowed teams to become more fiscally responsible.
The New England Patriots have been the blueprint for success in the NFL for the past decade. The dynasty that has been molded in New England has never been one that dipped their proverbial toes into the expensive veteran player pool. Many organizations around the league have adopted this mode of thinking and are better for it. It’s much easier to fill out your roster with the $109 million salary cap that is currently in effect through free agency and the draft.
The structure of contracts and the depth of cheaper options also play a huge role in limiting the June 1st transactions. Roster bonuses and the ability to restructure deals have enabled franchises to spread out salaries over more time, thereby lessening the initial hit to that current years’ salary cap. The combination of frontloading deals (which is offering a player more guaranteed money in the first years of the contract) along with incentive-laden deals (certain goals that are met by the player will determine accelerations in salary) give management flexibility when it comes to decision making.
Then you have the bargain basement route. Teams will bring in players that have been cut by other teams’ practice squads, non-drafted free agents, and the now-folded NFL Europa League (NFLE). Antonio Gates, Priest Holmes, Rod Smith, and Willie Parker are just a few of the players that have blown up on the NFL stage since going undrafted. NFLE has sent the NFL some solid talent across the big pond as well. Kurt Warner and Jake Delhomme have done more than just crack an NFL roster. Scouting for organizations is such a huge responsibility now. The next Super Bowl MVP or leading rusher could go undrafted or be buried on some other teams’ depth chart.
For what it’s worth, there have been some steals on June 1st. Two names that come to mind are former wide receiver Cris Carter and running back Stephen Davis. The latter had a productive career in Washington but went under-appreciated when Steve Spurrier took over the reins in DC. The “Old Ball Coach” felt Davis’ running style wouldn’t fit with his “Fun and Gun” offense so Davis was cut from the roster. Carolina found the back that fit their smash-mouth running style and Davis found himself as one of the top rushers in the league. His legs helped propel the Panthers to Super Bowl XXXVII in 2004.
Wide receiver Cris Carter was drafted by the Eagles in 1987, but fell out of graces with Coach Buddy Ryan in 1989. The Vikings grabbed Carter and inked him to a $100 contract. That’s not a typo --a $100 contract. There were alcohol and drug issues that led to the tough decision by Ryan. Carter turned his life around and the rest is history as Cris Carter set several receiving records on his way to the Hall of Fame. He also was a solid mentor for Randy Moss when the Vikings drafted him.
So, June 1st is nothing more than a day sandwiched between May 31 and June 2 now in the NFL. Its initial logic is still conducted, but it’s done prior to that date and afterwards in training camp.
You can reach Bryan Palmese at: bryan@nfldraftbible.com
Thursday, August 30, 2007
GRIDIRON GRUMBLINGS: VOL. V
TAKING BACK THE EAST: FIVE REASONS THE GIANTS WILL WIN THE NFC EAST
By Marc Jimenez, NFL Draft Bible
The New York Giants are supposed to be in a transition period. Their all-time leading rusher is gone. Their quarterback is an enigma. Their defensive end hasn’t shown up for work and their coach might be fired at the end of the year. But if there is one thing we learn from football, it’s that the season doesn’t always go as planned. For all the so-called parity in the NFL, the league can be very unpredictable, so don’t believe everything you hear or read, except this: The Giants will win the NFC East.
Here are five reasons why.
1. Philadelphia: The Eagles captured the division last season by winning their last five games to finish 10-6. Jeff Garcia revitalized a team that wasn’t expected to do much after Donovan McNabb went down with an ACL/meniscal tear. Getting injured seems to be a recent theme for McNabb, who has missed 13 games in the last two seasons. If he cannot stay healthy, the Eagles don’t have a chance to repeat as division winners -- Garcia isn’t walking through the door to save their season and A.J. Feely is no Jeff Garcia. Leadership is important in this league and a team’s personality has a lot to do with its quarterback. That’s why the Eagles were so fortunate last season to have Garcia, but this season they might not be so lucky if McNabb does down again. But for argument’s sake, let’s say McNabb will make it through an entire season healthy. How are the players going to handle the loss of four-time Pro Bowl selection Jeremiah Trotter, who was a well-liked guy in the locker room? The middle linebacker position is like the defensive quarterback. Although Trotter was losing a step, it remains to be seen if second year player Omar Gaither can anchor a defense that was ranked 26th against the run last season. Also, how is Andy Reid going to concentrate on coaching the team when his two sons might end up in jail?
2. Dallas: It’s touching that many of the Cowboys are thrilled with the departure of Bill Parcells, but you cannot lose an all-time coach and expect to get better. It just doesn’t work that way. Bringing in a guy like Wade Phillips isn’t what the Cowboys needed. Despite the fact that many players openly disliked Parcells, he still knew how to coach and motivate his players. Remember folks, Dallas was just one bone-headed play away from facing Chicago in the playoffs. If Tony Romo doesn’t fumble the snap, who knows how far Dallas could have gone? Romo’s blunder was Bill Buckner-like and he might never live it down. Throw into the mix that he is a relatively inexperienced quarterback who has to deal with a moody wide out and try to win a new contract, the Cowboys will slip behind the Giants in the division. Phillips is a defensive guy and won’t be able to fix Romo if he struggles.
3. Washington: You know you’re in for another 5-11 season when you have Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell and Todd Collins as your quarterbacks. The Redskins offense ranked 21st in passing last season and I don’t see that getting any lower this year. Plus their defense was terrible last season, ranking at the bottom against the run (27th) and pass (23rd). Joe Gibbs might have made a mistake coming back. I’m sure he’d rather return to NASCAR and follow the progress of new free agent signing Kyle Busch, than deal with another losing season at Washington and further damage his brilliant coaching career.
4. Michael Strahan: When the Giants’ future sack leader likely returns in a few days, the Giants defense, especially the pass rush, will be a lot better. It is even reported that Strahan, who has kept himself in shape during his holdout, might want to play another two seasons. Now, there’s nothing that can motivate a veteran player more into having a career season than playing for a new contract.
5. Eli Manning: Eli has the ability to get his team in the end zone, throwing 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons, but he has been inconsistent throughout his young career. Whether it was his laid-back attitude or his late-game interceptions that prevented him from becoming a star in the league, this season might be the year that Eli finally lives up to the expectations that come with being a No. 1 pick. Have you ever been upstaged by a sibling and vowed to make things even? Having seen his brother, Peyton, win the Super Bowl will light a fire under Eli and allow him to put together terrific season. This is a make-or-break type of season for Eli and I’m sure he’s tired of hearing about the Peyton comparisons or having his leadership skills questioned. Eli showed just the type of backbone he needs when he fired back at Tiki Barber for ripping him, as well as announcing his retirement in the middle of the season and his constant criticism of coach Tom Coughlin. New York, who should have a strong running game with Brandon Jacobs, will miss Barber’s production but not his mouth.
So expect big things from Big Blue this season. I sure do.
Agree? Disagree? Get at Marc Jimenez: marc@nfldraftbible.com
By Marc Jimenez, NFL Draft Bible
The New York Giants are supposed to be in a transition period. Their all-time leading rusher is gone. Their quarterback is an enigma. Their defensive end hasn’t shown up for work and their coach might be fired at the end of the year. But if there is one thing we learn from football, it’s that the season doesn’t always go as planned. For all the so-called parity in the NFL, the league can be very unpredictable, so don’t believe everything you hear or read, except this: The Giants will win the NFC East.
Here are five reasons why.
1. Philadelphia: The Eagles captured the division last season by winning their last five games to finish 10-6. Jeff Garcia revitalized a team that wasn’t expected to do much after Donovan McNabb went down with an ACL/meniscal tear. Getting injured seems to be a recent theme for McNabb, who has missed 13 games in the last two seasons. If he cannot stay healthy, the Eagles don’t have a chance to repeat as division winners -- Garcia isn’t walking through the door to save their season and A.J. Feely is no Jeff Garcia. Leadership is important in this league and a team’s personality has a lot to do with its quarterback. That’s why the Eagles were so fortunate last season to have Garcia, but this season they might not be so lucky if McNabb does down again. But for argument’s sake, let’s say McNabb will make it through an entire season healthy. How are the players going to handle the loss of four-time Pro Bowl selection Jeremiah Trotter, who was a well-liked guy in the locker room? The middle linebacker position is like the defensive quarterback. Although Trotter was losing a step, it remains to be seen if second year player Omar Gaither can anchor a defense that was ranked 26th against the run last season. Also, how is Andy Reid going to concentrate on coaching the team when his two sons might end up in jail?
2. Dallas: It’s touching that many of the Cowboys are thrilled with the departure of Bill Parcells, but you cannot lose an all-time coach and expect to get better. It just doesn’t work that way. Bringing in a guy like Wade Phillips isn’t what the Cowboys needed. Despite the fact that many players openly disliked Parcells, he still knew how to coach and motivate his players. Remember folks, Dallas was just one bone-headed play away from facing Chicago in the playoffs. If Tony Romo doesn’t fumble the snap, who knows how far Dallas could have gone? Romo’s blunder was Bill Buckner-like and he might never live it down. Throw into the mix that he is a relatively inexperienced quarterback who has to deal with a moody wide out and try to win a new contract, the Cowboys will slip behind the Giants in the division. Phillips is a defensive guy and won’t be able to fix Romo if he struggles.
3. Washington: You know you’re in for another 5-11 season when you have Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell and Todd Collins as your quarterbacks. The Redskins offense ranked 21st in passing last season and I don’t see that getting any lower this year. Plus their defense was terrible last season, ranking at the bottom against the run (27th) and pass (23rd). Joe Gibbs might have made a mistake coming back. I’m sure he’d rather return to NASCAR and follow the progress of new free agent signing Kyle Busch, than deal with another losing season at Washington and further damage his brilliant coaching career.
4. Michael Strahan: When the Giants’ future sack leader likely returns in a few days, the Giants defense, especially the pass rush, will be a lot better. It is even reported that Strahan, who has kept himself in shape during his holdout, might want to play another two seasons. Now, there’s nothing that can motivate a veteran player more into having a career season than playing for a new contract.
5. Eli Manning: Eli has the ability to get his team in the end zone, throwing 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons, but he has been inconsistent throughout his young career. Whether it was his laid-back attitude or his late-game interceptions that prevented him from becoming a star in the league, this season might be the year that Eli finally lives up to the expectations that come with being a No. 1 pick. Have you ever been upstaged by a sibling and vowed to make things even? Having seen his brother, Peyton, win the Super Bowl will light a fire under Eli and allow him to put together terrific season. This is a make-or-break type of season for Eli and I’m sure he’s tired of hearing about the Peyton comparisons or having his leadership skills questioned. Eli showed just the type of backbone he needs when he fired back at Tiki Barber for ripping him, as well as announcing his retirement in the middle of the season and his constant criticism of coach Tom Coughlin. New York, who should have a strong running game with Brandon Jacobs, will miss Barber’s production but not his mouth.
So expect big things from Big Blue this season. I sure do.
Agree? Disagree? Get at Marc Jimenez: marc@nfldraftbible.com
VIEW FROM THE COUCH: VOL. V
By D'Arcy Maine, NFL Draft Bible
The New England Patriots franchise has managed to create astonishing success during the last decade around fundamentally-sound, team players. But after winning three Super Bowl titles in four years (2001, 2003, 2004), the last two seasons have been disappointing, with postseason losses to the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, respectively. The team decided to make some risky moves this off-season. Bill Belichick and company acquired a group of new players, including some with checkered pasts. Like many, I was surprised by these signings and was excited about the potential of several of the new players but concerned how character issues could plague this promising squad.
After watching the pre-season exhibition game pitting the Patriots against the Carolina Panthers last week, the lopsided score, 24-7, doesn’t give justice to the Patriots win. New England dominated from the kick-off and never backed down.
Pre-season games of course are just that and don’t count for anything other than pride. But if that game is any indication of what we can expect from New England, this team should be playing deep into the playoffs.
Quarterback (turned new dad and gossip fodder) Tom Brady expressed his disappointment last season regarding his lack of quality receivers after losing Deion Branch to the Seahawks. Despite a solid season by the team, Brady’s concerns were heard by management- and a highly aggressive off-season pursuit for offensive help ensued.
Draft weekend proved particularly fruitful for the team - most notably with the trade for controversial wide receiver Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders. Moss is a superbly talented athlete who shined as a five-time Pro-Bowl player in his seven years with the Vikings. However, his career has been plagued with legal problems and in his last two seasons with the Raiders questions regarding his lack of commitment and dedication to football constantly arose.
Moss promises a fresh start in Foxborough and so far has delivered by working hard during the summer practices and bonding with his new teammates. Lest we forget that Moss also took a pay-cut to join the ever-improving Patriots’ team. It remains to be seen if Moss can keep it together all season, but skeptics also had doubts that Corey Dillon would be a team player after arriving in New England. Dillon, un-affectionately known as “Dillon the Villain” by fans of the Bengals, proved everyone wrong and was a key element in the 2004 Super Bowl winning season and provided leadership on and off the field.
Wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth was acquired in free agency, bulking up an impressive receiving corps. Stallworth has been plagued by injuries but, when healthy, his incredible speed and agility make him extremely difficult for cornerbacks to defend. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported a substance abuse problem last year but it seems the Patriots are convinced Stallworth has overcome this.
Rookie safety Brandon Meriweather was the team’s first round draft pick in 2007 out of the University of Miami. At just 22, Meriweather has experienced his fair share of controversy, having shot a man and being involved in the notorious Miami-Florida International brawl last season. Meriweather was seen stomping on several of the players during the on-field fight. However, amidst the controversy, he is very talented with enormous potential.
Coach Bill Belichick displays little, if any, tolerance for players who step out of line, and this no-nonsense attitude has worked to keep his players out of trouble. Owner Robert Kraft hopes this method continues to work with his new acquisitions.
The Patriots have one of the most consistent defenses in the NFL, led by the fan-favorite linebacker Tedy Bruschi and safety Rodney Harrison. After months of contractual disputes, cornerback Asante Samuel has returned to the team and will begin practicing as soon he passes his physical exam. Last season, Samuel led the league in interceptions and should dominate this category again in 2007. The team also signed linebacker Adalius Thomas as a free agent during the off-season and he provides depth and versatility to the already impressive squad.
The Patriots have had many players come and go since their first championship but a few things have remained - Belichick, Brady, and a team-first mentality. Belichick, with his gruff attitude and unbelievable attention to detail, has an approach to football that few can match. The always-focused Brady, with his unselfish play and affable personality, is the perfect complement to his head coach, turning Belichick’s ideas and concepts into reality. Together they have turned mediocre receivers into some of the league’s best by devoting themselves to the good of the team and not the individual.
While the new additions to the roster bring more talent to New England than the squad has perhaps ever seen at one time, it will still be up to Belichick and Brady to keep the team focused and united as one. If they can do this, the on-the-field success should come almost effortlessly and the New England Patriots will be crowned Super Bowl Champions of the 2007 season.
Catch D'Arcy Maine's "View From The Couch" all season long exclusively at the NFL Draft Bible. You can email D'Arcy at: d'arcy@nfldraftbible.com
The New England Patriots franchise has managed to create astonishing success during the last decade around fundamentally-sound, team players. But after winning three Super Bowl titles in four years (2001, 2003, 2004), the last two seasons have been disappointing, with postseason losses to the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, respectively. The team decided to make some risky moves this off-season. Bill Belichick and company acquired a group of new players, including some with checkered pasts. Like many, I was surprised by these signings and was excited about the potential of several of the new players but concerned how character issues could plague this promising squad.
After watching the pre-season exhibition game pitting the Patriots against the Carolina Panthers last week, the lopsided score, 24-7, doesn’t give justice to the Patriots win. New England dominated from the kick-off and never backed down.
Pre-season games of course are just that and don’t count for anything other than pride. But if that game is any indication of what we can expect from New England, this team should be playing deep into the playoffs.
Quarterback (turned new dad and gossip fodder) Tom Brady expressed his disappointment last season regarding his lack of quality receivers after losing Deion Branch to the Seahawks. Despite a solid season by the team, Brady’s concerns were heard by management- and a highly aggressive off-season pursuit for offensive help ensued.
Draft weekend proved particularly fruitful for the team - most notably with the trade for controversial wide receiver Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders. Moss is a superbly talented athlete who shined as a five-time Pro-Bowl player in his seven years with the Vikings. However, his career has been plagued with legal problems and in his last two seasons with the Raiders questions regarding his lack of commitment and dedication to football constantly arose.
Moss promises a fresh start in Foxborough and so far has delivered by working hard during the summer practices and bonding with his new teammates. Lest we forget that Moss also took a pay-cut to join the ever-improving Patriots’ team. It remains to be seen if Moss can keep it together all season, but skeptics also had doubts that Corey Dillon would be a team player after arriving in New England. Dillon, un-affectionately known as “Dillon the Villain” by fans of the Bengals, proved everyone wrong and was a key element in the 2004 Super Bowl winning season and provided leadership on and off the field.
Wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth was acquired in free agency, bulking up an impressive receiving corps. Stallworth has been plagued by injuries but, when healthy, his incredible speed and agility make him extremely difficult for cornerbacks to defend. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported a substance abuse problem last year but it seems the Patriots are convinced Stallworth has overcome this.
Rookie safety Brandon Meriweather was the team’s first round draft pick in 2007 out of the University of Miami. At just 22, Meriweather has experienced his fair share of controversy, having shot a man and being involved in the notorious Miami-Florida International brawl last season. Meriweather was seen stomping on several of the players during the on-field fight. However, amidst the controversy, he is very talented with enormous potential.
Coach Bill Belichick displays little, if any, tolerance for players who step out of line, and this no-nonsense attitude has worked to keep his players out of trouble. Owner Robert Kraft hopes this method continues to work with his new acquisitions.
The Patriots have one of the most consistent defenses in the NFL, led by the fan-favorite linebacker Tedy Bruschi and safety Rodney Harrison. After months of contractual disputes, cornerback Asante Samuel has returned to the team and will begin practicing as soon he passes his physical exam. Last season, Samuel led the league in interceptions and should dominate this category again in 2007. The team also signed linebacker Adalius Thomas as a free agent during the off-season and he provides depth and versatility to the already impressive squad.
The Patriots have had many players come and go since their first championship but a few things have remained - Belichick, Brady, and a team-first mentality. Belichick, with his gruff attitude and unbelievable attention to detail, has an approach to football that few can match. The always-focused Brady, with his unselfish play and affable personality, is the perfect complement to his head coach, turning Belichick’s ideas and concepts into reality. Together they have turned mediocre receivers into some of the league’s best by devoting themselves to the good of the team and not the individual.
While the new additions to the roster bring more talent to New England than the squad has perhaps ever seen at one time, it will still be up to Belichick and Brady to keep the team focused and united as one. If they can do this, the on-the-field success should come almost effortlessly and the New England Patriots will be crowned Super Bowl Champions of the 2007 season.
Catch D'Arcy Maine's "View From The Couch" all season long exclusively at the NFL Draft Bible. You can email D'Arcy at: d'arcy@nfldraftbible.com
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