Steelers Get Their Rings

As you all know, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals this past February to win their sixth Super Bowl title. Well yesterday the players got their World Champions rings. Take a look.

(from Jostens via Steelers.com)

(from Jostens via Steelers.com)

(from Jostens via Steelers.com)

The top is a little busy but I like the sides, especially the one with Heinz Field, the six Lombardi's and the XLIII logo and score.

Not too shabby. Though I definitely like this one better.

2009 NFL Draft Grades: Pittsburgh Steelers

Despite some weaknesses in their game and some mediocre performances from September through December, you can't really argue with the final result if you are a Steelers fan. For the second time in four years Pittsburgh hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, the franchise's sixth in their existence, most in the NFL. They did this despite losing their #1 draft pick - Rashard Mendenhall - for most of the season. They did this despite fielding a below average offensive line. They did this despite having a brutal schedule. Is there really any reason to think they can't do it again in 2009?

INTRODUCTION
The Steelers were anything but prolific on offense. In fact, the offense was below average in all four major categories. Passing yards? 17th. Rushing yards? 23rd. Total yards? 22nd. Points scored? 20th. Yikes! Surely this wasn't a team that won more than six or seven games, right? Completely wrong. And all of the Steelers fans know why. As the old adage goes, defense wins championships. A defense can't get much better than this. First in passing yards, second in rushing yards, first in total yards, and first in points allowed per game. Of course this isn't anything new. Pittsburgh has not been outside of the Top 10 in total yards allowed per game since 1999 (they were 11th). Unfortunately for them they have some key defensive positions that are aging and/or could be gone after this upcoming season.

I'd say Mike Tomlin was a good choice as coach. In his second season he won a Super Bowl. He already has as many as previous coach Bill Cowher. How can anyone believe that Tomlin won't win at least one - or five - more? Tomlin knows what it takes and the organization and city will let him do it. This is possibly the best run franchise in all of football.

DRAFT RECAP
Round/Pick/Overall
1/32/32 - Evander Hood, DT/DE, Missouri
3/15/79 - Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin
3/20/84 - Mike Wallace, WR, Mississippi
3/32/96 - Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State
5/32/168 - Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida
5/33/169 - Frank Summer, RB, UNLV
6/32/205 - Ra'Shon Harris, DT/DE, Oregon
7/17/226 - A.Q. Shipley, OC, Penn State
7/32/241 - David Johnson, TE, Arkansas State


BASED ON NEEDS

• OL - Check!
  
• DL - Check!
• CB - Check!
• WR - Check!

The Steelers tackled their needs reasonably well. The general needs listed by NFL.com were all filled; that's a good start. They didn't grab a tackle on either side of the ball - no OTs or NTs. Both collegiate DTs selected will play DE in their 3-4. That hurts a little but I can't second guess that defending Super Bowl champions too much.

GRADE: 90/100


BASED ON TALENT
Pick 1 - It was said that Hood had no interest in playing DE in a 3-4. Well, too earn his millions he's going to have to for the next four or five years. Hood has the prototypical size for the 3-4 DEs and also has enough quickness to help collapse the pocket. Because of the depth - which is rather old - he won't be relied on too much this first year. Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, and Travis Kirschke are all 30 or older so Hood's day will come sooner rather than later. He may be starting by 2010. Grade: 9

Pick 2 - Urbik possesses some versatility, always a good thing. He played primarily at guard at Wisconsin but scouts think he could play RT if needed. He'll learn both positions and most likely be the third guard before long. He could even push Darnell Stapleton from the start. Grade: 9

Pick 3 - And a reach by Pittsburgh. Of course the Steelers need dictated this type of WR, a speed guy suitable as a deep threat. Nate Washington is a goner so Wallace could be set to learn on the fly. Overall WR value though this pick wasn't as cgood as it could have been. Grade: 6

Pick 4 - Again, Lewis wasn't the best available at CB at this point. There were a few others, such as Donald Washington, Coye Francies, and D.J. Moore that had more value. Lewis was a four year starter and showed the necessary skills to become a great nickel back, with the possibility of being a good #2. He has some problems tackling though and that isn't acceptable in Pittsburgh. Grade: 6

Pick 5 - The Steelers had two consecutive picks in the fifth round and they reached on both of them. Burnett is an undersized corner with limited upside. It is doubtful he'll develop into anything more than a dime back. He'll have to beat out William Gay, Keiwan Ratliff, and Anthony Madison. Burnett may need up on the practice squad. Grade: 5

Pick 6 - Summers looks to be the replacement for Gary Russell and adds some flexibility to the roster. He has the size to play FB so Carey Davis, Ryan Powdrell, and Sean McHugh may have some competition. It's doubtful they'll keep more than three of these players so these guys are on notice. Flexibility is always a good thing so Summers (RB/FB) and McHugh (FB/TE) may be the best options. Summers was a bit of a reach but he was the only guy that provided the versatility the Steelers wanted. Grade: 5

Pick 7 - Another DE for their 3-4, though Harris needs more time to develop into a contributor. Someone like Myron Pryor, Vance Walker, and Darryl Richard would have been better value. But Harris plays a position of need and the Steelers didn't need to fill much else. A NT or OT would have been nice but what are you gonna do? Grade: 5

Pick 8 - Now here's a good pick, and not just because he was a Nittany Lion. The local product was expected to go in round five. The Steelers had been showing interest for months so it isn't a surprise that they eventually grabbed him. Shipley was Mike Mayock's favorite player in the draft. The Steelers get their possible center of the future. Shipley doesn't have great size but he has passion and commitment, something that can occasionally over come physical limitations. If he doesn't make the roster as a backup center, he'll be on the practice squad. Grade: 8

Pick 9 - Now if I were Sean McHugh I'd be a little nervous. Johnson is an H-back type of player just like him. Now if Pittsburgh wanted a pure TE I'd have gone Cameron Morrah, who would have been tremendous value here. With so few needs and them all pretty much filled by this point this was really a free pick. Grade: 5

GRADE: 58/90


OVERALL
That was a pretty successful draft. They didn't add a NT or OT but there they addressed the rest along each line. There were a few reaches and an odd pick or two, but what else do you really want? They won the Super Bowl. They should get a free pass for three years. As long as they keep winning a Super Bowl every 3-4 years, who cares?

FINAL GRADE: B-

WHY: If they ha taken an OT and a NT instead of hybrid players in the backfield, this could have been a borderline A-type class. Without them this is still a good class that may not contribute much in 2009 but could assume larger roles by 2010 and 2011. That is the point of a draft really; build the future, few players have the skills and knowledge to play at a high level right away.

NOTE: My "final grade" is weighted and is not a simple combination of "needs" and "talent".


SUPERLATIVES
Best Pick: Hood
Worst Pick: Burnett
Sleeper: Shipley
Instant Impact: Hood
Developmental: Harris


OTHER DRAFT GRADES - Pittsburgh Steelers
CBS Sports (Prisco): B
CBS Sports (Rang): B
ESPN (Kiper): B
NFL.com (Brooks): C+
NFL.com (Fan's): B
Walter: A+

UP NEXT
2009 NFL Draft Grades Review

ON DECK
Nothing! All done!

NFL Update - 3/26/2009

QUICK HITS

• The Bears signed former Browns OT Kevin Shaffer to a 3-year deal. Shaffer will replace John St. Clair, who left Chicago for Cleveland.
  
• The Panthers and Jake Delhomme have started negotiations on a contract extension. Delhomme is entering the last year of his contract.
• The Chiefs reached an agreement with one of the few remaining players that could arguably upgrade a team. Veteran OG Mike Goff, formerly of the Chargers, signed with Kansas City and may be replacing Brian Waters.
• The Saints are expected to retain the services of backup QB Joey Harrington.
• NFL owner meetings are taking place in California and there has been a lot of news coming from the get together. One of the biggest is expanding the schedule. Commissioner Roger Goodell would like to expand the season to 17 or 18 games, possibly by 2011. One or two preseason games would be dropped to accommodate the the addition of games. If a 17 game schedule were used the extra game may be a neutral-field contest, possibly abroad.
• Rule changes have been another hot topic. The the four or five man "wedge" has been deemed dangerous and has been made illegal on kickoffs. Teams may use no more than a two man wedge, but there is nothing against multiple two-man "wedges". To prevent unsafe collisions during onside kicks, where players can line up has now been changed. There must be at least four players on each side of the kicker during onside attempts. Two more rule changes have made certain hits completely illegal and would result in a 15-yard penalty. Blind-side hits to the head by helmet, forearm, or shoulder are now illegal. This stems from the massive block on Bengals rookie Keith Rivers by Hines Ward. The other rule that will cause headaches for officials is flagging defenders for hits on defenseless receivers. Now defenders may not hit receivers in the head or neck with their helmet, forearm, or shoulder. These last two changes are going to be hard to evenly enforce throughout the course of not just the season but an entire game.
• One of the biggest rule changes comes with instant replay. Officials are now allowed to use replay to determine if a loose ball is a fumble or incomplete pass as well as determining possession. Replays are now also allowed to determine if kicks go out of bounds.
• The final rule change has nothing to do with the schedule, games, officials, or replays. It is the draft order. Starting with the 2010 draft, the order in which the playoff teams select will be different. No longer will it be based on record for picks 1 through 30, regardless of playoff success. Next year, teams that lose their wild card matchup will be given slots 21 through 24 dependant on regular season record. Slots 25 through 28 will go to the divisional round losers (again based on record), and slots 29 and 30 go to conference championship game losers. Picks 31 and 32 remain with the Super Bowl loser and winner, respectively. This came about because of teams making the playoffs but still having a mid-round pick, in front of teams that they beat in the playoffs. The Chargers finished 8-8 during the regular season but won the AFC West. They then defeated the 12-4 Colts but lost to the Steelers the following week. In 2012 the Chargers would have pick 25. This year they are 16, 11 selections in front of the Colts.

• 2009 DOLPHINS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-25, 2-44 [from Washington], 2-56, 3-87, 4-108 [from Oakland], 5-161, 6-181 [from Oakland], 7-214 [from Cleveland], 7-237 [from Carolina].
• The Dolphins acquired DT Tony McDaniel from the Jacksonville Jaguars last week in exchange for their 7th round pick (232 overall) in the 2009 draft. McDaniel will see most of his time at DE in Miami's 3-4 alignment. He may be forced to play some NT in emergency situations. McDaniel will be fighting with Randy Starks, Rod Wright, and Lionel Dotson as the primary backups to Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford.
• Miami is interested in Cincinnati CB Mike Mickens, considered a second or third round prospect, and Tennessee CB DeAngelo Willingham. Willingham has the size to convert to FS in the NFL.
  
• Staying active in the offseason, Miami traded OC Samson Satele to the Raiders for Oakland's 6th round pick. The teams also swapped 4th round selections. The Dolphins signed former Raiders OC Jake Grove earlier this month to take over for Satele.
• As I mentioned a few days ago, the Dolphins are prepping second year QB Chad Henne to be the teams starter in 2010.
• My Two Cents: The Dolphins currently own nine draft picks, four of which are in the top 100 selections. Personnel Czar Bill Parcells would like to have 10-12 to work with on draft day. Look for a small deal or two take place in the coming weeks. And I'd put the probability of Miami trading down in the first at close to 65% in order to accumulate more picks and get better value for the players they have targeted. This is a deep CB class - Miami's biggest weakness - but no one really stands out as elite. Miami would get better value on a CB between picks 30-40 then at 25.
  

• 2009 JETS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-17, 2-52, 3-76 [from New Orleans], 4-115 [from Washington], 6-193, 7-228.
• New York has been linked to a number of prospects over the last week, including Cincinnati OLB Connor Barwin, Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin, Florida WR Percy Harvin, San Jose State DE/DT Jarron Gilbert, Kansas State QB Josh Freeman, USC QB Mark Sanchez, and Stillman College DE/DT Sammiie Lee Hill.
• Another former Raven may fly to New York to be reunited with head coach Rex Ryan. CB Samari Rolle visited the Jets last week.
• The Jets are rumored to be interested in disgruntled Denver QB Jay Cutler. In order to obtain him they'd most likely have to part with at least their first and second round selections this season plus possibly their first round pick in 2010.
• The Jets signed former 49ers CB Donald Strickland to a 3-year, $3 million deal.
• My Two Cents: Though the Jets need some help at DE and depth at NT, New York would be best suited addressing a dismal offense at pick 17. I doubt they trade up to land a QB; sitting at 17 should be a premiere WR or RB that fits their needs. My money still says WR but someone like Tyson Jackson would be very enticing if available.
  

• 2009 STEELERS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-32, 2-64, 3-96, 4-132, 5-168, 5-169 [compensatory], 6-205, 7-226 [from Tampa Bay], 7-241.
  
• Though the team has not yet struck a deal with 2008 Defensive MVP James Harrison, president Art Rooney is optimistic terms will be agreed upon.
• Restricted free agent CB Anthony Madison signed his one year offer from Pittsburgh. The deal will pay him $1.01 million in 2009. Madison could see his role expanded since Bryant McFadden left for Arizona.
• The 49ers are convinced former Steelers OT Marvel Smith is past his back problems. An offer is on the table for him. He has yet to sign it.
• The Steelers are interested in OC prospects Eric Wood (Louisville) and A.Q. Shipley (Penn State). They also have a visit scheduled with little known prospect Sammie Lee Hill from Stillman College, Hill would be an ideal 3-4 DE.
• Former Steelers John Stallworth has joined the the Rooney family in ownership of the franchise. The Hall of Fame wide receiver is a part of a group of investors that comprise 50% of stake in the team.
• Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says divisional rival Baltimore - not Pittsburgh - is the team to beat in the AFC North.
  
• My Two Cents: Great to see a former player love a franchise enough to invest in them Great move for the organization and by Stallworth. The Harrison situation is similar to that of many former Steelers OLB. Pittsburgh rarely pays a high price for veterans at the positions over 30. Harrison will soon be 31. Not good for him. Even though he won MVP last season, he'll have to have a hell of a 2009 season to convince Pittsburgh to sign him to 3- or 4-year deal. There will not be a deal done before or during this season. It's not Pittsburgh's style. Ask Joey Porter, Jason Gildon, and Greg Lloyd.

• 2009 COWBOYS DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 2-51, 3-69 [from Cleveland], 4-101 [from Detroit], 4-117, 5-156, 5-166 [from Tennessee], 5-172 [compensatory], 6-197 [from Miami], 6-208 [compensatory], 7-210 [from Detroit], 7-227 [from Detroit].
• Dallas will host the Raiders during the afternoon Thanksgiving Day game. Yuck.
• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants to utilize the "wildcat" offense in 2009. They have the necessary pieces in Felix Jones and Isaiah Stanbeck, a former college QB. Jones has also gone on record saying he'd be willing to use a draft pick for a player suited for a "wildcat" scheme. Perhaps West Virginia QB Pat White?
• My Two Cents: I like the "wildcat". I do. After all, my Miami Dolphins are the ones that reintroduced it to the NFL after it lay dormant at the professional level for decades. However, I think it has run its course and would not be an effective game plan. Perhaps in small doses but not as a large chunk of the offense. Outside the Dolphins dismantling of New England in week 3 - the first appearance of the set - Miami was stifled in later games. Things are quiet in Dallas. That's probably for the best.

• 2009 EAGLES DRAFT PICKS, as of 3/26 (Round-Overall Pick): 1-21, 1-28 [from Carolina], 2-53, 3-85, 4-121, 5-141 [from Cleveland], 5-153 [from N.Y. Jets], 5-157, 6-194, 6-195 [from Minnesota], 7-230.
• Philadelphia may be interested in Buffalo LT Jason Peters. Peters remains unhappy with his contract with the Bills. The massive OT would be a big upgrade for the Eagles, who lost both starting tackles to free agency. Tra Thomas signed with Jacksonville and Jon Runyan remains unsigned. Stacy Andrews was signed away by Philadelphia from Cincinnati to play RT.
• Philadelphia, finally, has a true FB. After using three or four men at the position last season, the Eagles agreed on a 1-year deal with Seattle FB Leonard Weaver.
• The Eagles have been linked to a couple of draft prospects, including Cincinnati CB Mike Mickens, Tennessee CB DeAngelo Whittingham, Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew, and Stillman College DE/DT Sammie Lee Hill.
• My Two Cents: The Eagles should certainly pursue Peters but I doubt it'll happen based on his demands. He wants to be paid as one of the top LTs in the game. Despite making the Pro Bowl two seasons in a row, he isn't. He is a great athlete. But he isn't one of the five best at his position; close, but not quite there. If he lowers his asking price, and the Bills lower theirs, a trade could happen.
  

NFL Update - 3/19/2009

QUICK HITS

• The Buccaneers - devoid of talent at OLB after the roster purge - may move SS Jermaine Phillips to the position. Phillips is open to the experience but has never played LB at any level of play.
• Cardinlas QB Kurt Warner underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left hip this week to repair a torn labrum and clean up any loose fragments. He hopes to be ready for the start of Arizona's voluntary offseason program, which begins May 19th.
• After finalizing a contract with CB/KR Chirs Carr, the Ravens finally ended their relationship with veteran CB Samari Rolle. The Rolle release had been speculated and anticipated for weeks. Carr will be the primary kick returner and will most likely be the teams nickel or dime back.
• The Bengals are in need of a new OT and may take one with the 6th overall pick in the 2009 draft. However, according to reports, the rookie wouldn't be filling in at RT. He would step in at LT. The current LT, Levi Jones, may be on his way out of Cincinnati. If an OT is taken early in the draft, Jones is expected to be traded or released.
• The Ravens continue to kick the wheels of old, past-their-prime OTs. After signing Willie Anderson last year, Baltimore has now looked into signing former Steelers OT Marvel Smith and recently released Rams OT Orlando Pace.
• Speaking of Smith, he is visiting with the 49ers today.
  
• The Saints have signed TE Darnell Dinkins and safety Darren Sharper. Dinkins was with the Browns and Sharper was with the Vikings in 2008.

• The Dolphins continue their search for competent CBs. They had former Texan DeMarcus Faggins in for a visit yesterday.
• The Dolphins have been present at a wide range of Pro Day's including Western Illinois' to meet with LB Jason Williams, Nebraska's for OT Lyndon Murtha, Maryland's for CB Kevin Barnes, and Penn State's for DE/OLB Aaron Maybin.
• My Two Cents: Little going on right now for not just Miami but for the entire NFL. We're past the combine and through the big part of free agency. Now we wait for the draft and get to sift through smokescreens. The Dolphins desperately need CB help but I'm not sure Faggins is the answer. They probably will sign another vet. and draft at least one prospect in April. At least, they should.
  

• The Jets are showing a lot of interest in Kansas State QB Josh Freeman and have schedule at least one private workout and meeting with him.
• New York matched Cleveland's offer to restricted free agent safety Abram Elam retaining his services for the 2009 season.
• RB Thomas Jones has been a no-show thus far at Jets voluntary workouts and is seeking a new contract. He's entering the third year of a four year deal he signed prior to the 2007 season when he was traded from Chicago to New York.
• My Two Cents: I hate when athletes don't want to honor a contract they have signed and agreed to... especially after it netted them over $13 million during the first two years of their deal! Come on, Jones, see the big picture. Take your $900,000 this year - plus bonuses - and shut up. The Jets owe you nothing more.

• The Steelers resigned veteran CB Fernando Braynt to a 1-year deal. He will be asked to step up with Bryant McFadden in Arizona.
• OT Trai Essex has signed a new 2-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh. Recently Essex was drawing interest from Tennessee. Essex resigning means that the Steelers will have a chance to trot out the same starting o-line as they did at the end of the year, plus utilizing the same backups. The only OL that is gone is Marvel Smith.
• The Steelers remain very interested in former Penn State OC A.Q. Shipley.
  
• My Two Cents: Resigning Bryant is a good start but the Steelers need some young help at CB. They could be looking at taking a CB with their first round pick. Someone like Alphonso Smith, Sean Smith, or Darius Butler would like good in black and gold.
  

• Ummm.... pretty much nothing of importance coming out of Dallas.
• Roy Williams (the safety) is visiting the Bengals.
• Oh, and CB Terrence Newman ripped on Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson. Newman says Romo's relationship with Simpson leaves the QB unfocused and distracted.
• My Two Cents: Jessica Simpson can be my distraction any day. And just for the heck of it...

• Former Eagles TE L.J. Smith - who was franchised by Philadelphia in 2008 - has signed with the Ravens. He had been entertaining offers from Atlanta and Detroit, too.
• RB Correll Buckhalter has been implicated in a lawsuit against a former drug deal. Buckhalter signed with the Broncos this offseason after spending the first eight years of his career in Philly. Of course, he only saw the field in five of those seasons. He missed all of the 2002, 2004, and 2005 seasons with injuries.
• The Eagles are also interested in CB Kevin Barnes from Maryland. They were present at the Terrapins Pro Day last week and held a private meeting with him.
• My Two Cents: The Eagles still need another OT and they seem set on finding him in the draft. However it may be fruitful for them to sign another vet. to throw off teams drafting behind them in the draft. If Philly relies too much on taking an OT with one of their 1st round picks, a team could snipe them and leave the Eagles scrambling.
  

NFL Update - 3/12/2009

QUICK HITS

• LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers have restructured the RBs contract, allowing him to stay with the team for at least one more season. It had been widely speculated that Tomlinson would be released before the end of the month if he did not renegotiate his current contract, which had three years remaining.
• What is going on with Jay Cutler and the Broncos? The Denver QB has been vocal about his displeasure with the trade rumors and proposals. However things seem to be getting worse. A conference call between the two parties was held earlier this week and, according to a source in the meeting, things may have gotten worse. The team maintains that it only breached the subject of trading Cutler because they were approached by a team (like the Buccaneers or Lions); they didn't initiate talks. They also say that Cutler has asked for a trade. Cutker and his agent deny asking for a trade but are upset that talks have occurred. This one could get interesting, folks.
• The Cleveland Browns continue to alienate the fan base and show their true colors. The team has cut veteran WR Joe Jurevicious, a Cleveland native and seen somewhat as a prodigal son. Though Jurevicious didn't play a down in 2008 due to a staph infection, he was on track to return this season. Jurevicious says he will play one more season in the NFL before retiring. He has been a part of three Super Bowls (Giants - XXXV, Buccaneers - XXXVI, and Seahawks - XL).
• Former Utah QB Alex Smith has reworked his contract to stay with the 49ers for at least another season. The #1 pick in the 2005 draft has been a complete buts thus far, starting only 30 games in four years and throwing for 19 TDs and 31 INTs.
• Terrell Owens found a new home this week, signing a 1-year, $6.5 million deal with Buffalo. He is now trying to finagle the only number he has ever worn in the NFL, 81, from second year player James Hardy.
• St. Louis terminated the contract of former LT icon Orlando Pace. Up next could be WR Torry Holt. The Rams have also added former Giants SS James Butler and Saints FB Mike Karney.
• The Minnesota Vikings resigned DT Jimmy Kennedy. Kennedy, a former Penn State standout, was a first round pick of the Rams in 2003. He has since shuffled around the league before landing with the Vikings for the final two regular season games in 2008. He was a free agent starting February 27th but has now inked a new deal with Minnesota. Kennedy is the top backup for the "Williams Wall", Pat and Kevin.
• Despite having few bodies to fill out an offensive line, the Bears released seven year veteran OG Terrence Metcalf. The former third round pick had been with the Bears for the last seven seasons. They did add a new safety, signing Josh Bullocks to a 1-year deal. Bullocks was not resigned by the Saints after four years with the team.
  
• The Panthers have dropped CB Ken Lucas. Lucas was signed as a free agent prior to the 2005 season. He was halfway through his 6-year deal.
• The Patriots have added another veteran CB to their roster. Leigh Bodden, once deemed the most physical corner in the game by Bengals WR Chad Johnson, has signed a 1-year deal for $2.25 million. Bodden had a dismal year in the Lions zone scheme but excelled in the Browns man-to-man scheme that is similar to the Patriots defense.
• For some reason, Saints TE Jeremy Shockey thought he deserved a new contract. Shockey is scheduled to earn $2.725 million this season. The Saints have denied his request.
• The Packers signed former Steelers safety Anthony "Guarantee" Smith.
• The Redskins resigned safety Reed Doughty.

• There is actually very little news out of Miami of late. They have been looking at CBs and had Eric Green in for a workout but a contract was not offered to him. They were one of four teams in the running for the services of Bryant McFadden, who ultimately signed with the Cardinals. UPDATE: According to the Dolphins website, the team has signed CB Eric Green.
  
• My Two Cents: The Dolphins have been relatively quiet during free agency. After resigning the core trio of Channing Crowder, Vernon Carey, and Yeremiah Bell, the team added Gibril Wilson, Joe Berger, and Jake Grove. That's pretty much it. They didn't go hard after Shawn Springs or Leigh Bodden and both ended up in New England, much to the chagrin of Dolfans. A minimum of two CBs are needed and all signs point to Miami drafting at least one and signing a veteran free agent or two in the next few weeks. The team has no solid starter opposite Will Allen. With Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Terrell Owens, and Lee Evans in the division, the secondary is a bit of a concern.

• Veteran DE Marques Douglas - who has played for the 49ers, Buccaneers, and Ravens - is drawing interest from the Jets, as well as Broncos and 49ers. New York had him in for a visit this week and would be a nice addition to a defense getting better and better.
• The Jets, who are still searching for the right veteran QB, will workout and interview USC QB Mark Sanchez. Sanchez may be available with the Jets first round pick (#17).
• The Jets - in desperate need of bodies at WR - will not be players for Torry Holt if he is cut by the Rams.
• Former Jets head coach Eric Mangini is grabbing former Jets left and right. Mangini has signed four of his former players to the Browns roster since the start of Free Agency. NT C.J. Mosley, CB Hank Poteat, OLB David Bowens, and safety Abram Elam have been signed to contracts by Cleveland. Elam is a RFA so the Jets have some time to match the offer. A fifth former Jets player could be bound for the Browns - LB Eric Barton has been meeting with Cleveland personnel.
• The Jets signed veteran special teams ace Larry Izzo this week. Izzo played the last eight season with New England, winning three Super Bowls with the team. He also spent the first five seasons of his career with the Dolphins. Perhaps he'll be in Buffalo in 2010?
• To fill the void created by the departure of backup NT C.J. Mosley, the Jets have signed former Seahawks DT Howard Green. Green is expected to back up Kris Jenkins.
• My Two Cents: The Jets search for a QB continues. Without a doubt they'll check out Matt Stafford and Sanchez. It is curious and raises some eyebrows that they weren't player for Kurt Warner or Kerry Collins, nor have they gone after Rex Grossman, Jeff Garcia, or Byron Leftwich. This could be a smokescreen. They may want a veteran and are waiting until prices fall. Or they truly like what they have. Or they want one of the soon-to-be rookies. It's a mystery. Once thing I know for sure, the defense is going to be good next year.

• The Steelers were unable to resign CB Bryant McFadden, losing him to Super Bowl opponent Arizona.
• After losing Nate Washington to Tennessee, the Steelers are kicking the tires on veteran WR Joey Galloway, released by Tampa Bay earlier this month.
• OT Willie Colon has signed his restricted free agent tender and will be back with the team in 2009.
• To ease some of the pain of losing McFadden, Pittsburgh may attempt to sign CB Chris Carr. Carr played for Tennessee last season and was a Raider from 2005 through 2007. Carr has mediocre coverage skills but is an explosive return man.
• My Two Cents: Quiet as usual. In the coming weeks talks will heat up with veteran wideouts and cornerbacks, two of the bigger areas of need for the defending Super Bowl champions. They seem to be content with the o-line they have, though depth is an issue. The team will still try to resign Byron Leftwich, too.

• Terrell Owens is a goner. He has signed with Buffalo and is taking his reality TV show with him.
• The departure of Chris Canty hurt the depth and talent along the Dallas d-line. Rectifying that situation is the free agent addition of former Chargers DE Igor Olshansky. The former Oregon DT has played in a 3-4 his entire professional career and will compete with Marcus Spears and Jay Ratliff - if he is shifted from NT to DE - for a starting DE spot. In other Cowboys/Chargers news, San Diego signed Cowboys reserve LB Kevin Burnett.
• Dallas has a vacancy at the SS position after Roy Williams was cut and Keith Davis wasn't resigned. Ken Hamlin, currently starting at FS, could be moved down to fill the role. However this creates a void at FS. With the trade of Anthony Henry - long thought as the heir to the FS role - to Detroit for Jon Kitna no one could take Hamlin's place. Until now. Dallas has signed former Jaguars FS Gerald Sensabaugh.
• My Two Cents: Olshansky and Canty are comparable players so Dallas should not see much of a drop, if any, along the line. The secondary becomes more of a concern each week. CB Terrence Newman has struggled to stay healthy and, in my opinion, is a tad overrated. Henry is now gone meaning second year men Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick are the new second starter and nickelback. Perhaps Dallas should consider drafting a CB and safety in rounds two and four. You can never have too many defensive backs.
  

• The Eagles filled the departure of Brian Dawkins with former Browns safety Sean Jones. Jones is seen as a big hitter, kind of like former Cowboys SS Roy Williams, but with better coverage skills. He should replace Dawkins nicely... at least on the field.
• The Eagles were expected to make an attempt to resign OT Tra Thomas. Well, Thomas is now a Jaguar. So much for that. Philadelphia has shown no interest in resigning their other free agent OT, Jon Runyan. Stacy Andrews fills one spot - most likely RT - but who protects Donovan's blind side? Interesting.
• The Eagles are closing in on a deal with former Seahawks FB Leonard Weaver. The fullback position was the home of many roster battles last season, with the Eagles trying many options. It was never really settled. Weaver would be a great answer.
  
• To help with the departure of Dawkins and Sean Considine, the Eagles have signed another safety. This time the man is Rashad Baker, previously of the Raiders. Baker won't be considered for a starting spot but will provide depth and some special teams expertise. Baker inked a 1-year deal.
• The Eagles are not interested in Orlando Pace but may look into signing WR Torry Holt should he be cut by St. Louis.
• My Two Cents: The Eagles continue to look for help at CB. After trading Lito Sheppard there is little available after Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel. Joselio Hanson was resigned but is more of a dimeback and special teams ace. Someone for the nickel role is a necessity. The Eagles sniffed around Shawn Springs and Jabari Greer but didn't land either of them. With the safety position filled through free agency, OT and CB are the two biggest needs with WR and RB right behind them. Unless the Eagles add another OT, one of their first round picks will be a tackle. The other could be used to fill any of the aforementioned positions. Late in the first there will be a run on WRs and RBs. Look for Philly to grab one then.
  

NFL Update - 3/5/2009

QUICK HITS

• The Texans signed fomer Cardinals DE Antonio Smith to 5-year, $35 million deal to take the pressure off of 2006 #1 pick Mario Williams. With a competent pass rusher opposite Williams the Texans think he could explode. Also, former Lions backup QB, Dan Orlovsky, has signed in Houston to backup Matt Schaub.
• The Ravens have signed former Vikings C Matt Birk and resigned LB Ray Lewis. The Ravens were in search of a C after their young gun, Jason Brown, bolted for St. Louis.
• The Saints resigned RT Jon Stinchcomb to a 5-year deal.
• The Seahawks agreed to terms with DT Colin Cole. Cole leaves the Packers to replace the departed Rocky Bernard, who signed with the Giants, in Seattle.
• The Patriots resigned S James Sanders to a 3-year, $9 million deal.
• Free agent WR Michael Clayton has resigned with the Buccaneers.
• The Cardinals have, finally, resigned QB Kurt Warner to a 2-year deal after he flirted with division rival San Francisco.
• After losing WR T.J. Housmandzadeh to Seattle, the Bengals have signed former Jets WR Laveranues Coles.
• In other former Jet news, K Mike Nugent has signed a 1-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also signed fromer Giants RB Derrick Ward to a 4-year, $17 million deal and are expteced to resign TE Jerramy Stevens despite adding Kellen Winslow.
  
• The Rams are actively looking to trade LT Orlando Pace and WR Torry Holt. St. Louis made an addition as well, resigning CB Ronald Bartell to 4-year, $28 million deal. Bartell had an offer on the table from the Saints too.
  
• The Packers may look to two former Miami Dolphins as they migrate to a 3-4 scheme spearheaded by defensive coordinator Dom Capers. Green Bay is said to be interested in DE Vonnie Holliday - who broke into the league with the club - and DE/OLB Jason Taylor.
• Thought to be headed for Houston, RB Cedric Benson has agreed to return to Cincinnati. Benson - the 4th overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Bears - signed a 2-year, $7 million deal with the Bengals.
• The Vikings released LB Vinny Ciurciu.
• The Broncos have added QB Chris Simms to be the backup for Jay Cutler. Former backup Patrick Ramsey is a free agent. Denver also added another RB, this time it's LaMont Jordan, whom new Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels worked with in New England. The Broncos previously signed former Eagle Correll Buckhalter and former Cardinal J.J. Arrington.
  
• Former Tampa Bay CB Phillip Buchanon has signed with the Detroit Lions. The Lions also added former Falcons DT Grady Jackson.
  
• The 49ers have announced a bunch of signings recently. They resigned LB Takeo Spikes and signed free agent QB Damon Huard and DT/DE Demetric Evans.
• The Saints resigned WR Devery Henderson to a 4-year deal. New Orleans also added former Bills CB Jabari Greer to a crappy secondary.
• The Giants signed former Texans safety C.C. Brown to take the place of the departed James Butler.

• The Miami Dolphins cut DE Vonnie Holliday. The move came as a bit of a surprise since Holliday was a team captain and locker room leader for the new regime. His play has been sliding but he was still a solid rotational guy. He was a very good teacher for 2008 rookie DEs Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford. With Holliday's departure, Langford and Merling will most likely be the presumptive starters with Randy Starks and Lionel Dotson working in the rotation. Holliday was very displeased with his release and claims there is no loyalty in the league. That really wasn't a new development.
• Miami has been looking for an upgrade at center as a result of the disappointing play of Samson Satele in 2008. The original rumors suggested Miami would be a big player in the Jason Brown sweepstakes. They were not after they heard his monetary demands. Well, the Dolphins search is over and it ended with former Raiders center Jake Grove. The Virginia Tech alum signed a 5-year, $29 million contract with Miami. Satele is now reduced to a reserve role and possibly a competition for one of the guard spots. He could also be trade bait.
• Despite rumors, there is little hope of Miami bringing back recently released Redskins DE/OLB Jason Taylor. Taylor may have up to 12 suitors but Miami is not believed to be one of them.
• The Dolphins hosted free agent CB Eric Green, formerly of the Cardinals, yesterday. A new CB is needed since Andre Goodman left for Denver. The Dolphins need to add a veteran and will more than likely draft a player too. Green is visiting the Titans today.
  
• Miami is not interested in WR Terrell Owens.
• My Two Cents: Dolfans are not all too happy on the way the center search went. A lot thought Satele was doing a fine jobe. Others really wanted Jason Brown. The last bunch were eager to add a center with the 25th pick, preferably Cal's Alex Mack. It ends with Jake Grove. Dumbfounded is a bit of understatement for the way fans feel. The deal for Grove (5-years, $29 million) is just a tad under what Jason Brown received from the Rams. If you were going to break the bank for someone, why not do it for the best available? Grove is about the same size for Satele, something attributed to his inability to handle 3-4 NTs. Grove is also 29, four years older than Brown. Plus, Grove is very injury prone, playing in a full 16 game schedule just once in his career. I trust the trifecta but this move is baffling.

• The Jets finalized a contract with former Bills and Ravens safety Jim Leonhard. Leonhard emerged as a nice complement to Ed Reed when he steeped in for the injured Dawan Landry. He know gest to play next to Kerry Rhodes.
• New York resigned K Jay Feely after Mike Nugent left for Tampa Bay. Feely was signed during the 2nd week of the 2008 season to take over for the injured Nugent.
• My Two Cents: Leonhard is a nice addition for the Jets. They have needed a capable safety to pair with Rhodes and it appears they have gotten that. With the additions of LB Bart Scott and CB Lito Sheppard, their defense is shaping up (on paper, at least) to be one of the best in the league. Now, what can they do to fix that offense? Maybe sign Byron Leftwich and Terrell Owens? That is a possibility.

• Very little of note for the defending Super Bowl Champs. WR Nate Washington signed with the Titans and OT Marvel Smith is drawing interest from the Ravens.
• The club resigned OG Chris Kemoeatu, the heir to Alan Faneca. Kemoeatu was, arguably, the teams best lineman so resigning him was a top priority.
• The only other free agent of note is starting CB Bryant McFadden. McFadden is, reportedly, deciding on offers from the Cardinals and the Steelers and should be making a decision any day now. McFadden emerged as a starter opposite of Ike Taylor this season.
• My Two Cents: Quiet, as usual, for Pittsburgh. When you have a team run as well as they are, quiet periods are expected. They don't splurge and build through the draft. If there aren't many suitors for Byron Leftwich resigning him would be a nice bonus. He is a great backup and with Big ben's injury history something that should be appealing to the Steelers. Especially since Charlie Batch is also a free agent.

• It has been speculated for more than two months but the Cowboys have finally granted safety Roy Williams his release. Dallas attempted to trade him but no teams were interested.
• The biggest news is the Cowboys releasing WR Terrell Owens. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had said that Owens would not be left go. He is now gone. Is Wade Phillips, or any staff for that matter, safe?
• Where will T.O. land? Perhaps Oakland, Denver, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, or San Diego. With Owens history, he may need to take a 1-year deal or a multi-year deal absed around good behavior.
• My Two Cents: The Cowboys remain a mystery. Letting Owens go doesn't help the talent on the field but it does help the chemistry in the lcoker room. Suddenly WR is a bigger need for Dallas. They have Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, and Sam Hurd under contract. All are playing a step too high. Williams is a fringe #1 guy while Crayton and Hurd would be best as #3's and 4's, respectively. With Owens gone each have to step up. Dallas could go after a WR with their second round pick but then they couldn't fill any other needs til round four. Getting rid of thats 1st and 3rd for the other Roy Williams may not have been a great idea, in hindsight.

• The Eagles have lost Correll Buckhalter, Brian Dawkins, and Lito Sheppard this offseason and have only added OT Stacy Andrews.
• TE L.J. Smith and OT Tra Thomas could be the next veterans to leave Philadelphia.
• Could CB Shawn Springs be a the next new addition, taking over for Sheppard?
• No word recently on the status of negotiations with QB Donovan McNabb. He has gone on record to say that adding WR Marvin Harrison - his former teammate with Syracuse - would be a good start to providing the offense with more playmakers.
• My Two Cents: I have to admit, having a WR trio of Harrison, Kevin Curtis, and DeSean Jackson would be appealing. Even though Harrison is on the decline and injury prone, he would certainly be an upgrade. Fans remain irate over the Dawkins departure. All the anger seems aimed at the Eagles front office. Philadelphia may need to make a splash in free agency and/or the draft to appease the loyal (and sometimes carzy) fan base.