NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

A Future Hall Of Famer Agrees To Stay Put In Denver

Champ, Elway, Tim Tebow: the foundation for the Broncos franchise is set with a trio of winners and consummate professionals.

The Denver Broncos will retain the services of All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey, by inking him to a new four-year extension, according to general manager John Elway.

The Hall of Fame QB made the news official on his Twitter account, concerning the club keeping the 10-time Pro Bowler.

“We are thrilled to announce that the Broncos have agreed to terms on a new four-year contract with cornerback Champ Bailey,” Elway said. “Champ is truly one of the NFL’s elite players, a 10-time Pro Bowler who is playing at the absolute highest level.

“The commitment and loyalty that Champ has shown to the Broncos, the city of Denver and this region is exemplary. We’re fortunate to have Champ with the Broncos for a long time. This is a GREAT day for our entire organization and our fans.”

Cue the celestial singing across Bucs Nation. Ronde Barber is back in the building.

The Bucs’ all-time leader in interceptions (40) was re-signed Tuesday.

Mark Domenik had this to say: "Ronde Barber, at his age, is a phenomenal football player, and he defies the position because of how well he takes care of his body and his mind week-in and week-out during the offseason and regular season. He just defies logic, and he does that because of his commitment to his training, and then his instincts and his ball skills take over. It's always fun and it's exciting to continue to see him play at such a high level, and he's really a guy that I felt could have had a Pro Bowl opportunity [in 2010], or certainly should have been an alternate, in my opinion. So I'm really proud of him, because corners don't play in the National Football League at his age, but he does. You can't tell if he's 30 or if he's 35. You wouldn't know the difference."

Will Malcom Be An “X” Factor For A Contending Club In ‘11?

With Impact Contributors To Be Had In This Year’s Free Agent Class, Which Players Testing The Free Agency Waters Will Make The Biggest Splash Changing Teams?

Note to consider: The following free agent prospects are more along the line of under-the-radar status, with the exception of DeAngelo Williams.  I left out Nnamdi Asmougha; the premiere sought-after free agent.  I have him going to the NFC East with the Dallas Cowboys.

• DeAngelo Williams – Possible Destination, Perfect Fit: New England Patriots.  Danny Woodhead is an excellent third-down back.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis, if retained, is a solid option in-between the tackles.  With that said, Tom Brady is still lacking a go-to RB who can make big plays.  If New England can go fishing and land a big-time difference maker in Williams, it will allow the team to focus and concentrate their efforts upgrading the defensive side of the ball and addressing their need for another receiver in the early rounds of the Draft.  DeAngelo, albeit injury-prone, would mesh well with the current system of the Patriots because of his versatility and ability to provide 20+ yard gains.  The Memphis alum would keep the defense honest, gel in the scheme of things, and give the team another weapon for a unit missing a dynamic huge play threat.  Easily would become the best back since Corey Dillon.  Other Option For New England: Ahmad Bradshaw. New England would prefer Bradshaw because he’s younger and a stronger inside runner, but I don’t see the Giants letting go the former member of the Thundering Herd.  Other Location For Williams: San Diego. Imagine Williams with rising bruiser Mike Tolbert.
• Michael Bush – Possible Destination, Perfect Fit: Denver Broncos. Knowshon Moreno just can’t seem to stay healthy starring in the role as an every down back.  Bush would love to stick it to Oakland by going to the Mile High City.  With Tim Tebow under center, the team needs to accompany him with a strong supporting cast; especially an aspiring rushing attack.  With an already above-average offensive line, I believe Bush would excel right away in Denver for new coach John Fox.  A tantalizing tandem of Bush-Moreno has the opportunity to thrive in a wide-open AFC West.  Couldn’t you see Michael Bush developing into a more explosive, reliable version of Brandon Jacobs; if given the right opportunity?  Other Option For Denver: BenJarvus Green-Ellis or Mike Tolbert. Two solid alternatives who both give you a consistent ball carrier acquiring tough yardage.  Young, hungry, and powerful runners.  Cedric Benson could be available; however, highly unlikely.  Other Location For Bush: Washington. As high as I am on him, Ryan Torain is in and out of the line-up way too often to be the featured back in the Nation’s Capital.
• Malcom Floyd – Possible Destination, Perfect Fit: Cleveland Browns. Colt McCoy, or whoever is taking snaps for Cleveland in 2011, needs to be issued a reliable receiver to throw to.  Not as attractive as Vincent Jackson; yet, still worthy of a chance to become a team’s #1 WR because of his flourishing skill set and height.  A red zone nightmare, a down field weapon, Floyd has the opportunity to shine in Cleveland the way many thought Braylon Edwards was supposed to; and at times occasionally did.  Potential is apparent and this is a match made which could pay big dividends if he’s healthy -the only knock on Malcom.  Other Option For Cleveland: Sidney Rice. More of a proven playmaker, despite big injury concerns.  I envision Sidney going elsewhere; possibly, Tennessee or Oakland.  Other Location For Floyd: Miami. Who are the Dolphins wide outs?  A change in coasts may work for Floyd.
• James Jones – Possible Destination, Perfect Fit: Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler is losing patience.  He is still looking for his “Brandon Marshall”.  Stealing Jones away from Green Bay would be the answer.  The sky’s the limit for this former San Jose State standout.  It’s clear Chicago is looking for a bigger target for Cutler and who’s a better option than Jones if you don’t want to break the bank or spend a high draft choice?  Other than Devin Aromashadu, who’s currently a FA, the team does not possess a wide receiver taller than 6-feet.  Other Option For Chicago: Steve Breaston or Steve Smith (NYG). Though not your typical big pass catcher, Breaston is a Midwest kid, who is consistently undervalued.  He’s not really undersized and can make the difficult reception over the middle, along with racking up yards after the catch.  As for Smith, he’s a perfect #2 option who just makes plays.  Concern is, he won’t leave the Big Apple.  Other Location For Jones: San Francisco. Cali guy who would love to go home and play for an up and coming club.  You know Jim Harbaugh is going to want to air it out and I believe the 49ers would pay a pretty penny to acquire Jones to pair up with Crabtree and Davis. 
• Mathias Kiwanuka – Possible Destination, Perfect Fit: Oakland Raiders. With the loss of Nnamdi, the team will need to bolster their pass rush in order to aid their sputtering secondary.  Kiwanuka was on the cusp of making Hawaii, had he not gotten injured last season.  He is the type of guy that the Raiders will covet and take a chance on.  You throw Seymour, Wimbley, Houston, and now Kiwanuka on the defensive front during third down passing situations; opposing quarterbacks will have to hurry the ball if their best interest is to stay upright against this potential formidable fearsome foursome.  Other Option For Oakland: Ray Edwards or Cullen Jenkins. Edwards had an off-year in ‘10 but he’s still capable of getting to the QB consistently.  He’s young and can put up double-digit sacks next to Seymour.  As for Jenkins, if he could be had, it wouldn’t be fair for opposing guards and centers to face both Seymour and Jenkins on the interior.  Who do you double-team?  Cullen is a difference maker and many teams would be eyeing his services if Green Bay doesn’t keep him.  Other Location For Kiwanuka: Carolina. The Panthers have to upgrade their defensive line.  If they could draft Da’Quan Bowers or Nick Fairley at #1 and pair him up with Kiwanuka, you will have something cooking in Carolina.  

Although RB Ahmad Bradshaw is not currently under contract, and will be a free agent when a new CBA is reached, he will likely be the Giants' top off-season priority. They will try and resign Bradshaw, however, they won't use the Franchise Tag on him. The issue, however, is can you keep both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. The Answer: Probably not. While these two are best friends, even calling each other brothers, the Giants might not be able to keep both. Jacobs is due $4.65 million, none of which is guaranteed. If the Giants' sign Bradshaw, which they likely intend to do, can they allocate that $4.65 million and probably about then some to Ahmad Bradshaw, assuming there's a salary cap next season? You know Jacob's isn't taking a pay cut, and Bradshaw will be paid handsomely for a solid season. So who goes? Let's take a look below:

Pros to Keeping Bradshaw: The young 24 year old had has his best season this year racking up 1,235 yards with 8 touchdowns on the ground. He also averaged 4.5 yards a carry, which is a great number. Although he had off-season surgery to clean up his ankle, he did last the entire season, something people weren't sure he'd be able to do once he was named the starter during training camp. He did this all, in his first season starting. He also add's value in the receiving game, catching 47 passes for 314 yards. He a solid blocker out of the backfield, too. If there is a new CBA and he's a RFA then he'll be cheap. However, he'll likely be a UFA.

Cons to Keeping Bradshaw: Bradshaw had terrible fumbling woes, coughing up the ball up seven times, losing the ball on six of them. As a result of the fumbling woes, Bradshaw was delegated to the bench in favor of backup RB Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw's health was also a problem, too. While he didn't miss any games, his body began wearing down towards the end of the year and he wasn't as effective. Although he's 24, can he consistently last as a stater? He needed off-season surgery on his ankle again. He had both ankles done last year, too. Bradshaw started the year red hot, averaging 4.7 yards per carries in games 1-8 with six touchdowns. However, in games 9-16, he averaged a measly 3.8 carries with two touchdowns. Another sign of wear and tear.

Pros to Keeping Brandon Jacobs: Jacobs started the season on the bench but ended up taking the starting job by storm. Once he got the starting job, he never looked back. He had back-to-back 100-yard games and found the end-zone three times. He ended up rushing for 823 yards on the season with 9 touchdowns. He had a ridiculous number of 5.6 yards per carry. Imagine what he could do starting full-time, again.

Cons to Keeping Brandon Jacobs: He's a pain in the rear end. When he wasn't starting, he was pouting. He was fined $10,000 for throwing his helmet into the stands after a loss. On the last day of the season, Jacobs cursed off the media before leaving. He want's to be starting. Make no mistake about it. If not in New York, then elsewhere. He's due $4.65 million dollars next season. Not many teams would take on his big contract, though. Would the Giants' cut him? Who knows. It also depends on the CBA.

There is a chance the Giants' could keep both, but it's unlikely. The Giants are at there best when they have two backs, a 1-2 punch, per say. Sometimes even a 1-2-3 punch. If they let one go, which they may, then they will look to draft one. The best scenario possible would be keeping both and keeping Jacobs a happy camper while paying Bradshaw. It's very, very possible. We don't know any parameters of anything right now without a new CBA. Time will tell my friends, time will tell.

From the Baltimore Sun:

According to an NFL source, the Ravens decided at their recent evaluation meetings not to bring McGahee and his $6 million in base salary back for the 2011 season.

McGahee is under contract to the Ravens for 2011, but 2012 ($6.5 million base salary) and 2013 ($7.2) are option years, according to the seven-year contract he signed in 2007.

This doesn't seem shocking considering McGahee will be a back-up to Ray Rice and hardly worth paying double his past salary.

This means that the Ravens backfield could have a drastically different look in 2011. Le'Ron McClain's career as a Raven could be over as well as he will command a much bigger contract to secure his services and the team recently signed Jason McKie to a 1-year deal as insurance.

The three headed monster rushing attack that helped propel Baltimore to the 2009 AFC Title game appears to be history though two of those heads got smaller over the last two seasons.

If McGahee does go what direction should the Ravens go in replacing him? Should they look to the draft, turn their attention to free agency, or look at Jalen Parmele for carries?

The Raiders will be keeping linebacker Kamerion Wimbley around for awhile.

Adam Caplan of FOXSports.com reports the Raiders have informed the starting OLB that they have bought back the final year of his rookie contract according to his agent Joe Linta.

Linta said last week that the team would send their intention by certified letter. The team had until the end of the day on March 3 to use the buyback option. The Raiders, who acquired the pass rusher from the Cleveland Browns on Mar. 14, 2010 for a third-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, was able to void the final season of his Contract because he met minimum playing time requirements. His salary for 2011 was $635,000 before the void.