NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest |  |
- Ravens make a deal with Arizona for WR Anquan Boldin
- Browns KR/WR Cribbs inks a new deal
- 2010 free-agent Kickers
- Steelers QB Roethlisberger Accused of Sexual Assault
- Agressive Bears make another move; Sign RB Chester Taylor
- 2010 free-agent Safties
- Falcons working hard to wrap up free agent CB Dunta Robinson
- Eagles RB Leonard Weaver gets his payday
- Chicago signs free agent tight end Brandon Manumaleuna
- Saints say good-bye to three players
| Ravens make a deal with Arizona for WR Anquan Boldin Posted: 05 Mar 2010 07:47 PM PST
This just in as reported by the Baltimore Sun:
This was certainly the splash that many fans were hoping for in the waning hours of the first day of free agency even though it was a trade. It is important to note that some of the details appear a bit sketchy as to the logistics of the deal but that should be cleared up over the next few days. But on the surface it appears to be a solid deal for the Ravens and an improvement to a glaring need. In order to obtain the former Cardinals receiver Baltimore sends mid-round draft picks, which they could get back later in another trade or in compensatory picks. Once Brandon Marshall was given the high tender that signaled the end of the Ravens interest. Ozzie has a tremendous track record with first rounders and I think giving up that slot would have been a bad idea. The other sticking point in getting Boldin was signing him to an extension and it appears that that detail is taken care of as well. Now he should be able to focus on reporting healthy and starting to practice timing with Joe Flacco at the mini-camps. I think the other really interesting point aspect of this deal is to speculate on where that leaves some of the other wide receivers. Marcus Smith is under contract and is set to return from injury. He would be an asset on Special Teams but it remains to be seen if that would be enough to keep him on the squad in 2010. Mark Clayton received the first round tender which all but assures that he'll be back in Baltimore in some capacity. I was also surprised that Demetrius Williams was given a low tender. It looks to be nothing more than insurance and an invitation to land a spot. Kelley Washington would seem to be long gone. He's drawn interest from a few other teams and he'll sign somewhere where he can get more playing time. The most interesting player that remains unaccounted for is Derrick Mason. Word is that Mason has drawn some interest from Miami but most sources say that he still has a good relationship with Baltimore and that they are still interested in bringing him back, perhaps to the multi-year deal that he desires. However that was before the Ravens landed Boldin. Does this change the team's plans? I still think they would want Mason back but they may just let the Dolphins set his value if there are no other team's interested. I am however more interested in Mason's reaction over the next few days. Over the past few seasons, Mason has appeared to make emotional comments on some issues. If you remember Mason wanted a multi-year extension last year around this time even though he was still under contract. After the Ravens signed Donte Stallworth he quickly made it public again of his desire for at least a two year contract to come back to Baltimore. So I'll be interested to see if Mason plays the Boldin trade in the press as a sign of disrespect to him or if he sees how it helps the team and him at his chance to get a ring before he retires. Even though I do feel this was a good trade there are some things to be concerned about. First, Boldin's health could be a concern. He hasn't had an injury free season since 2003 and he battled knee and ankle injuries this past season. Second, Boldin isn't the vertical play maker that the Ravens need though they could find a young speedster in the draft. Plus if Donte Stallworth is healthy he may take on the role of deep threat. Boldin's a tough possession receiver with good hands and a burning passion to compete and he should fit in well even though he publicly has been critical of the Cardinals brass for the past two seasons. So what do you think? Is this the move that could lead the Ravens to an AFC North championship and beyond or are there still other pieces to the puzzle that have yet to come together? |
| Browns KR/WR Cribbs inks a new deal Posted: 05 Mar 2010 12:39 PM PST
Reports of the deal has Cribbs inking for three seasons and it’s a contract up to $20 million, with about $7.5 million guaranteed. As a pass catcher last season Cribbs had 20 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown, but his real value comes in the return game as well as running the ball out of the ‘wildcat’ formation. Last year Cribbs had three kickoff returns for touchdowns, putting up two against the Chiefs in a late season win, and averaging 27.5 yards per return last year. |
| Posted: 05 Mar 2010 12:31 PM PST
Billy Cundiff / Baltimore / UFA |
| Steelers QB Roethlisberger Accused of Sexual Assault Posted: 05 Mar 2010 12:28 PM PST A developing story from our friends at TMZ.com
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault by a young woman in Georgia, TMZ has learned. The alleged incident occurred early this morning at Capital City — a club in Milledgeville, Georgia. The alleged victim, who has already been interviewed by police, has been treated and released. We’re told in addition to the alleged victim, witnesses are being interviewed — and one law enforcement source says they will attempt to interview Roethlisberger. In addition to the Milledgeville Police Dept, we’ve learned the Georgia Bureau of Investigations is also investigating. Story developing … |
| Agressive Bears make another move; Sign RB Chester Taylor Posted: 05 Mar 2010 11:13 AM PST
The deal means that the Bears continue to be at the top of the list when it comes to free agency, as they have Taylor, tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, and will have Julius Peppers all aboard on the first day of free agency. |
| Posted: 05 Mar 2010 09:30 AM PST
Hamza Abdullah / Arizona / RFA |
| Falcons working hard to wrap up free agent CB Dunta Robinson Posted: 05 Mar 2010 08:29 AM PST
Chris Mortensen says that the deal should be done soon, reporting it on his Twitter: Falcons are working hard to wrap up this deal shortly with Dunta Robinson. Robinson turned down$23 million guaranteed last year when the Texans franchised him. Last season, he made $9.57 million. Robinson turns 27 in April and would have to be considered the Falcons' No. 1 cornerback if the deal is completed. |
| Eagles RB Leonard Weaver gets his payday Posted: 05 Mar 2010 07:52 AM PST
After just discussing how badly the Eagles needed to work out the deal with Leonard Weaver, they have finally done so. The Eagles and Weaver have agreed to a three year deal worth $10 million which sets a new contract record for the fullback position. This is the Eagles first signing of the free agency period, and it may be a bit disappointing to some that the signing is with someone who played with the Eagles already. However, this was a definite priority for the Eagles and I'm sure they're ready to attack the market now. |
| Chicago signs free agent tight end Brandon Manumaleuna Posted: 05 Mar 2010 07:44 AM PST
He played the last four seasons with the Chargers, and last season he had 5 catches for 13 yards. He also played four years with the Rams from 2001 to 2006. |
| Saints say good-bye to three players Posted: 05 Mar 2010 07:32 AM PST
The Saints made three roster moves Thursday evening on the eve of the start of the free agent signing bonanza. LB Mark Simoneau and OG Jamar Nesbit, along with DE Charles Grant on Friday, were all released by the team due to the players' large contracts and declining production. Grant's release should come as no surprise to those who follow the Saints. His production on the field is in decline and he has not been able to live up to the multi-year contract he had signed a couple of years ago. Not to mention he has finished the last couple of seasons on injured reserved, most recently with a torn triceps muscle. Grant was due to make over $4 million this season. However, due to the lack of a salary cap this upcoming season, the Saints are off the hook in on paying him that amount and his $11.3 million in prorated signing bonuses. And of course, with no salary cap, the Saints don't have to worry about that amount counting against any caps space as in years past. Confused? We'll work on that over the next couple of days. The defensive end, drafted by the Saints in 2002 out of the University of Georgia, played in 118 games for the Saints, including 106 starts. His 47 sacks in those eight seasons rank him eighth on the team's all-time sack leaders list. Mark Simoneau, a fan favorite at LB, was also released as the Saints cleaned house. He has completely missed the last two seasons, first 2008 with a back injury and a torn triceps muscle last season. The veteran LB was signed from the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2006 preseason and started 30 of the next 32 games as a Saint. He was due $1.25 million in the final year of his current contract. OG Jamar Nesbit, also a victim of the Saints' spring cleaning, was expendable due to the emergence of a younger Carl Nicks. The 11 year veteran played in 84 games with the Saints, including 43 starts. Last season, he played in 13 contests, primarily on special teams. Grant, Simoneau, and Nesbit are all free to re-sign with the Saints under restructured contracts or sign with another team. |
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