Chrisbob74 Posted February 16, 2004 Share Posted February 16, 2004 From ESPN insider: Quarterback Rich Gannon | Oakland | Grade: 74 Coming off an injury filled year and inconsistent play. Unlikely Raiders will pay $7 million for a 39-year old quarterback, but he may restructure to come back. Mark Brunell | Jacksonville | Grade: 73 No longer a fit in Jacksonville and will be cut or traded before March 3, when he is due $2 million bonus. He can still play, and several teams want him, with the Redskins moving to the forefront. Jeff Garcia | San Francisco | Grade: 73 Inconsistent play, growing injuries and solid performance by backup Tim Rattay may force 49ers to think long and hard about his future.His reputation may be better outside of San Francisco. Kurt Warner | St. Louis | Grade: 73 Doesn't want to stay as Bulger's backup. Perfect "trade bait" for QB-deprived team but is a big cap hit if he leaves. Tougher decision than people might think. Rams are saying he will not be traded. Tim Couch | Cleveland | Grade: 72 Base salary of $7.6 million in 2004 and $8 million in 2005, for a backup, make his departure likely. He has tough cap ramifications. He is willing to stay, but do the Browns want him? Drew Brees | San Diego | Grade: 70 The fact he's not Marty Schottenheimer's guy and his lack of consistent production, coupled with the Chargers' holding the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, adds up to a tough decision. Will likely put out trade feelers before the draft. Jay Fiedler | Miami | Grade: 70 Good caretaker QB, but he does not make enough big plays. Dolphins could "clear out" QB position and start over. They're looking long and hard at Mark Brunell and also reportedly have inquired about Patrick Ramsey, should the Redskins land Brunell. Brian Griese | Miami | Grade: 69 Had a chance to take over for Fiedler, but failed. His of consistency and playmaking make him expendable. Never seems to live up to his advanced billing. Doug Flutie | San Diego | Grade: 67 Not in the future in San Diego. He no longer looks like a legitimate starter and has never been a comfortable backup or mentor. He could get one more year if Brees stays. Vinny Testaverde | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 67 He says he's coming back, but he isn't really a fit in the West Coast offense. Skills at 40 are questionable, and he has nightmare cap numbers, but Jets seem committed to him. Running Back William Green | Cleveland | Grade: 74 Lots of personal problems, and the Browns may be fed up. Big production but big baggage; could be waived, especially with the late-season play of Lee Suggs. Corey Dillon | Cincinnati | Grade: 74 Wanted out earlier in the season and still does. No major cap implications, but could be traded or released. He has two years left on his contract, but Rudi Johnson is ready. There are a lot of suitors for him, possibly Dallas and Washington. Eddie George | Tennessee | Grade: 73 Titans have tough cap problems in offseason with overpriced veteran player. Could go younger at RB; tough decision because Titans like young Chris Brown, but George has been cornerstone of franchise. Warrick Dunn | Atlanta | Grade: 73 Had a nice run before going on IR. Not a full-time back but a good team guy. Falcons will likely re-do his deal. Garrison Hearst | San Francisco | Grade: 72 He is a great veteran who may be starting to wear down and is due $2.4 million. The 49ers' run game is beginning to become Kevan Barlow's show. The 49ers have other cap problems and needs. Jerome Bettis | Pittsburgh | Grade: 69 Can Steelers pay $3.6 million a year for aging backup? He has three years left on his contract, but he could retire. There is not room for Bettis and Amos Zereoue, and one of them will go. T.J. Duckett | Atlanta | Grade: 69 The Falcons could trade him for a player or draft pick, if the right offer came along. But his talent level does excite the Falcons, and with a new coaching staff he may get a reprieve. He is close to being an underachiever. Emmitt Smith | Arizona | Grade: 67 His salary is not the biggest problem, it is his declining skills, and a new coaching staff may have him considering retirement. He could stick around and be a mentor to Shipp. Jamel White | Cleveland | Grade: 66 Has out of whack big contract for a mediocre backup. There are three years left, but William Green situation may help. On the other hand, emergence of Lee Suggs may make him expendable. James Stewart | Detroit | Grade: 65 Injured during most of 2003, but Lions might bring him back at a dramatically reduced salary, but only if the draft and free agency are not options, in terms of running back candidates. Troy Hambrick | Dallas | Grade: 65 "Looks like Tarzan, but runs like Jane." Has had every chance to be the guy, but he just doesn't run tough enough. Parcells needs a workhorse who can control the clock. Antowain Smith | New England | Grade: 64 Already let loose, with three years left on his contract, after Patriots soured on him despite his rally at the end of the season. They're not likely to waste any more time and instead will find a full-time back. Fullback Mike Alstott | Tampa Bay | Grade: 73 Coming off serious neck surgery, and age is a factor with his salary. Good player, but does he have a depleted role? Would be a tough player to release, but is always a candidate for injured reserve. Wide Receiver Troy Brown | New England | Grade: 78 Patriots don't overpay anybody, and he has $2.25 million base with a lot of young receivers ready to step up. Either re-do or leave, but Patriots would like to keep him. Joey Galloway | Dallas | Grade: 74 Big base salary in 2004 is higher than his production. The Cowboys will ask him to re-do deal, and he possibly will, because free-agent market may not be as desirable as Cowboys' situation. Keyshawn Johnson | Tampa Bay | Grade: 73 One thing is certain -- he won't be in Tampa next season ... unless you believe recent olive-branch story he told reporters. Still has solid skills as possession receiver, but attitude and team chemistry are factors. Lots of issues to work out: salary, cap hit, etc. Tim Brown | Oakland | Grade: 73 Would like to squeeze another year out of Hall of Fame career, but Raiders have tough decision to make about team's direction. If he comes back, it will take reps away from younger receivers. Jerry Rice | Oakland | Grade: 73 Will be 42 years old, but still wants to play another year. Organization may revamp and go young, but how do you cut Rice? He may be back and Brown could go; tough to keep both! Muhsin Muhammad | Carolina | Grade: 69 Is the second-best receiver on the Panthers, and his contract and cap numbers are embarrassingly high. He likely will be released, unless he re-works his deal and takes a pay cut. James Thrash | Philadelphia | Grade: 68 Eagles likely will revamp receiving corps and almost start over. Todd Pinkston already has long-term extension, so Thrash could be odd man out. Too many drops and lack of separation, along with no big plays, make him expendable. Frank Sanders | Baltimore | Grade: 65 His age and lack of speed are starting to show, but his veteran leadership is a plus. He may return after a big pay cut, but is nothing more than a complementary player. David Terrell | Chicago | Grade: 64 Bears like his cap-friendly contract but don't like his production and attitude. He is easy to get rid of, and he may have run out of chances in Chicago. Great physical skills but a classic underachiever. Tight End Mark Bruener | Pittsburgh | Grade: 69 Aging tough guy can still block, but receiving skills are non-existent, and Jay Riemersma is the receiving TE. Bruener is not a fit, and Steelers could go younger and cheaper. Stephen Alexander | San Diego | Grade: 66Chargers may turn over roster and go young. Alexander's $2.4 million a year for the next three years is a lot for a non-contending team to handle. Offensive Center Jeff Hartings | Pittsburgh | Grade: 71 He is starting to break down but is still a good player. Can the Steelers pay $3.7 million for a guy who might not play 16 games? Would be hard guy to let go, though. Tim Ruddy | Miami | Grade: 70 Starting to break down and is getting pushed around. He is hurting Ricky Williams' cut-back run, and backup Seth McKinney might be ready. Offensive Tackle Ross Verba | Cleveland | Grade: 73 Coming off IR with torn bicep and may not figure in Browns' rebuilding youth movement. One year left on contract. He is a tough, hard-nosed player, but durability is a question. Derrick Deese | San Francisco | Grade: 72 Has a big base salary in 2004, and young Kwame Harris may be ready. The 49ers usually release aging players before they hit the wall, but Deese can still contribute. Vaughn Parker | San Diego | Grade: 69 The 10-year veteran missed most of the 2003 season with a knee injury. Chargers have to decide if they want to go younger. Still is productive, but can he stay on the field? Todd Steussie | Carolina | Grade: 67 Veteran who has a lot of problems with penalties, but has played pretty well. But he has a huge cap number, and ROT Jordan Gross can move to LOT, his natural position. Defensive Tackle Bryant Young | San Francisco | Grade: 74 Ridiculous big contract thru 2008, along with big bonus in offseason. 49ers may retool and go younger, as injuries and durability are starting to become a factor. Gerard Warren | Cleveland | Grade: 73 Underacheiver who is due a lot of money at back end of contract, and Browns will take a long look at whether they should continue the relationship. He likely will stay in Cleveland. Jason Ferguson | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 He has played well and is a dependable mid-level veteran, but if Jets move Dewayne Robertson to NT, Ferguson could be the odd man out. His salary level is acceptable. Sam Adams | Buffalo | Grade: 69 Bills could go younger and cheaper as his conditioning becomes problem with age, but cap number of $2.375 is not awful. Can he get through a 16-game season? John Randle | Seattle | Grade: 67 His $4 million salary in 2004 is too much for a 36-year-old DT who is starting to slow down. How much is leadership worth? He could retire or take serious pay cut. Daryl Gardener | Denver | Grade: 67 He is in Mike Shanahan's doghouse, and he doesn't play well enough to get out of it. May be considered a locker room distraction. He won't be in Denver. Josh Evans | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 67 He has a big cap number and will be forced to restructure his contract or leave. The Jets have too many other needs to pay him big money, and they are already spending a lot on their defensive line. Defensive End Gary Walker | Houston | Grade: 73 Huge contract and bonus due in 2004, and compensation is bigger than production. Texans likely will renegotiate, not release him, so they can have DL continuity. Joe Johnson | Green Bay | Grade: 73 Packers have paid him almost $10 million in last two years, and it doesn't match his production. Do they squeeze another year out of him or let him go? Durability is a question mark. Kenny Holmes | NY Giants | Grade: 70 Coming off IR. May be UFA because of incentives achieved. Career underachiever, and Giants will go younger, because his salary and production don't add up. Tony Brackens | Jacksonville | Grade: 69 Jags overpaid to get underachieving DE Hugh Douglas, and oft-injured Brackens' salary jumps to $5.5 million. Can't afford to pay both of them, and they are stuck with Douglas. Trace Armstrong | Oakland | Grade: 69 Age and injuries have robbed him of his production, and young, developing players may be ready to step in and replace him. Good guy to have on your team, but takes reps away from younger players. Outside Linebacker Jason Gildon | Pittsburgh | Grade: 74 Has three years left on a big contract that is not a reflection of his declining production. Is due a $1 million bonus in 2004. His sack production and pass rush pressure have faded. Bill Romanowski | Oakland | Grade: 73 Will likely retire because of recurring head injuries. Will not play for anyone else if cut. May not announce retirement until late summer. Charlie Clemons | Houston | Grade: 72 He has not been effective as a 3-4 pass rusher, and injuries and durability are a factor. He could be "weeded out." Mo Lewis | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Jets are slow and old at LB position and will revamp defense in the offseason. Lewis still plays hard, but range and big plays don't come as frequently. Sam Cowart | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Jets really need to revamp their linebackers, and injuries and age are not on Cowart's side. He still plays hard, but no linebacker is safe if the Jets clean house. Jessie Armstead | Washington | Grade: 69 Aging warrior who just doesn't make a lot of plays any more. His declining range and skills in space may mean end in Washington. Warrick Holdman | Chicago | Grade: 68 Production has dramatically fallen off due to injuries, and Bears may be ready to move on. He is due a $3 million bonus, and backup Lance Briggs may be ready. Inside Linebacker Mike Barrow | N.Y. Giants | Grade: 70 Still has decent production, but Giants may overhaul defense and go with younger and less expensive players to retool linebacking corp. Marvin Jones | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Part of aging Jets linebacker group that likely will get younger and cheaper in the offseason as Jets look for some cap relief. Jones may be expendable, but his production is still OK. Jeremiah Trotter | Washington | Grade: 69 Knee problems have hindered his coverage skills and range. Organization will have tough decision for 2004, hoping he will be healthy, but they are not sure they want to pay him. Defensive Safety Rod Woodson | Oakland | Grade: 74 Will be 39 years old and is coming off knee surgery. Still seems to want to play, and Raiders may ask him back. Leadership and instincts are still top notch and may get him one more year. Zack Bronson | San Francisco | Grade: 72 His 2003 season was limited by neck injuries, and with Dwaine Carpenter in the wings, Bronson may simply cost too much. Robert Griffith | Cleveland | Grade: 70 Struggling as tackler in the open field, and at age 33, his skills are in decline. Has base salary of $3.15 million in 2004, and lack of range and cover skills make him expendable. Sam Garnes | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Big hitter, but cover skills and playmaking are almost non-existent. A liability in man-to-man at a position that needs to be upgraded. Tough guy that opposing offenses look for in the passing game. Defensive Corner Ty Law | New England | Grade: 80 Huge cap figure in 2004 and 2005. As good as he is, fiscally responsible Pats may let him go before he hits the wall. They have good young defensive backs ready to step in. Tough decision. He might restructure his contract, but he will not take a pay cut. Ray Buchanan | Atlanta | Grade: 69 He is really starting to slow down. Injuries and declining cover skills make him replaceable by younger Juran Bolden. Falcons will re-tool secondary, and it may begin with Buchanan. Dale Carter | New Orleans | Grade: 66 He is paid like a star, but age and injuries are diminishing his skills. Saints will re-tool defense and probably go younger and cheaper. If he comes back, it will be at a dramatically reduced rate. Dewayne Washington | Pittsburgh | Grade: 66 Steelers' secondary has been awful, and his $3.75 million in 2004 makes no sense for frugal organization to keep. Underachieving cover guy whom teams target in passing game. Jamar Fletcher | Miami | Grade: 64 Barely good enough to be in Dolphins' nickel and dime packages, and certainly not worth the two years left on his contract. He is an underachiever, and offenses target him in the passing game. R.W. McQuarters | Chicago | Grade: 64 Being paid solid starter money but now is a lethargic backup. If he goes, Bears take significant cap hit, but they have good young players, and he is taking up space. Deltha O'Neal | Denver | Grade: 64 Has been a career underachiever, and time is running out. Money and production just don't add up, and Broncos will not ante up for a backup. Tyrone Williams | Atlanta | Grade: 64 Entire Falcons starting secondary was benched during the season. He is not a playmaker, and the Falcons may be ready to clean house in the secondary. I don't know if this was posted yet but I thought it would be very informative. On Trotter, I can't see us cutting him, too much of a cap hit ($5 million) plus you then need a replacement. 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EvoSkins Posted February 16, 2004 Share Posted February 16, 2004 Jessie Armstead | Washington | Grade: 69 Aging warrior who just doesn't make a lot of plays any more. His declining range and skills in space may mean end in Washington. Armstead was the best LB the Skins had last season (Lavar got to the Pro-Bowl on rep). He may be getting older but who is going to step up to fill the void especially if Trotter is cut too. I think the Skins should leave the LB corps how it is and fix the DL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted February 16, 2004 Share Posted February 16, 2004 Chrisbob and others: These long articles are much more pleasing and easier to read for the rest of us, if like Art suggesed a long time ago, you clean them up a little bit by putting some spacing in between paragraghs, etc. Instead of having everything jumbled together. It only takes a second with the "enter" key. From ESPN insider: Quarterback Rich Gannon | Oakland | Grade: 74 Coming off an injury filled year and inconsistent play. Unlikely Raiders will pay $7 million for a 39-year old quarterback, but he may restructure to come back. Mark Brunell | Jacksonville | Grade: 73 No longer a fit in Jacksonville and will be cut or traded before March 3, when he is due $2 million bonus. He can still play, and several teams want him, with the Redskins moving to the forefront. Jeff Garcia | San Francisco | Grade: 73 Inconsistent play, growing injuries and solid performance by backup Tim Rattay may force 49ers to think long and hard about his future.His reputation may be better outside of San Francisco. Kurt Warner | St. Louis | Grade: 73 Doesn't want to stay as Bulger's backup. Perfect "trade bait" for QB-deprived team but is a big cap hit if he leaves. Tougher decision than people might think. Rams are saying he will not be traded. Tim Couch | Cleveland | Grade: 72 Base salary of $7.6 million in 2004 and $8 million in 2005, for a backup, make his departure likely. He has tough cap ramifications. He is willing to stay, but do the Browns want him? Drew Brees | San Diego | Grade: 70 The fact he's not Marty Schottenheimer's guy and his lack of consistent production, coupled with the Chargers' holding the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, adds up to a tough decision. Will likely put out trade feelers before the draft. Jay Fiedler | Miami | Grade: 70 Good caretaker QB, but he does not make enough big plays. Dolphins could "clear out" QB position and start over. They're looking long and hard at Mark Brunell and also reportedly have inquired about Patrick Ramsey, should the Redskins land Brunell. Brian Griese | Miami | Grade: 69 Had a chance to take over for Fiedler, but failed. His of consistency and playmaking make him expendable. Never seems to live up to his advanced billing. Doug Flutie | San Diego | Grade: 67 Not in the future in San Diego. He no longer looks like a legitimate starter and has never been a comfortable backup or mentor. He could get one more year if Brees stays. Vinny Testaverde | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 67 He says he's coming back, but he isn't really a fit in the West Coast offense. Skills at 40 are questionable, and he has nightmare cap numbers, but Jets seem committed to him. Running Back William Green | Cleveland | Grade: 74 Lots of personal problems, and the Browns may be fed up. Big production but big baggage; could be waived, especially with the late-season play of Lee Suggs. Corey Dillon | Cincinnati | Grade: 74 Wanted out earlier in the season and still does. No major cap implications, but could be traded or released. He has two years left on his contract, but Rudi Johnson is ready. There are a lot of suitors for him, possibly Dallas and Washington. Eddie George | Tennessee | Grade: 73 Titans have tough cap problems in offseason with overpriced veteran player. Could go younger at RB; tough decision because Titans like young Chris Brown, but George has been cornerstone of franchise. Warrick Dunn | Atlanta | Grade: 73 Had a nice run before going on IR. Not a full-time back but a good team guy. Falcons will likely re-do his deal. Garrison Hearst | San Francisco | Grade: 72 He is a great veteran who may be starting to wear down and is due $2.4 million. The 49ers' run game is beginning to become Kevan Barlow's show. The 49ers have other cap problems and needs. Jerome Bettis | Pittsburgh | Grade: 69 Can Steelers pay $3.6 million a year for aging backup? He has three years left on his contract, but he could retire. There is not room for Bettis and Amos Zereoue, and one of them will go. T.J. Duckett | Atlanta | Grade: 69 The Falcons could trade him for a player or draft pick, if the right offer came along. But his talent level does excite the Falcons, and with a new coaching staff he may get a reprieve. He is close to being an underachiever. Emmitt Smith | Arizona | Grade: 67 His salary is not the biggest problem, it is his declining skills, and a new coaching staff may have him considering retirement. He could stick around and be a mentor to Shipp. Jamel White | Cleveland | Grade: 66 Has out of whack big contract for a mediocre backup. There are three years left, but William Green situation may help. On the other hand, emergence of Lee Suggs may make him expendable. James Stewart | Detroit | Grade: 65 Injured during most of 2003, but Lions might bring him back at a dramatically reduced salary, but only if the draft and free agency are not options, in terms of running back candidates. Troy Hambrick | Dallas | Grade: 65 "Looks like Tarzan, but runs like Jane." Has had every chance to be the guy, but he just doesn't run tough enough. Parcells needs a workhorse who can control the clock. Antowain Smith | New England | Grade: 64 Already let loose, with three years left on his contract, after Patriots soured on him despite his rally at the end of the season. They're not likely to waste any more time and instead will find a full-time back. Fullback Mike Alstott | Tampa Bay | Grade: 73 Coming off serious neck surgery, and age is a factor with his salary. Good player, but does he have a depleted role? Would be a tough player to release, but is always a candidate for injured reserve. Wide Receiver Troy Brown | New England | Grade: 78 Patriots don't overpay anybody, and he has $2.25 million base with a lot of young receivers ready to step up. Either re-do or leave, but Patriots would like to keep him. Joey Galloway | Dallas | Grade: 74 Big base salary in 2004 is higher than his production. The Cowboys will ask him to re-do deal, and he possibly will, because free-agent market may not be as desirable as Cowboys' situation. Keyshawn Johnson | Tampa Bay | Grade: 73 One thing is certain -- he won't be in Tampa next season ... unless you believe recent olive-branch story he told reporters. Still has solid skills as possession receiver, but attitude and team chemistry are factors. Lots of issues to work out: salary, cap hit, etc. Tim Brown | Oakland | Grade: 73 Would like to squeeze another year out of Hall of Fame career, but Raiders have tough decision to make about team's direction. If he comes back, it will take reps away from younger receivers. Jerry Rice | Oakland | Grade: 73 Will be 42 years old, but still wants to play another year. Organization may revamp and go young, but how do you cut Rice? He may be back and Brown could go; tough to keep both! Muhsin Muhammad | Carolina | Grade: 69 Is the second-best receiver on the Panthers, and his contract and cap numbers are embarrassingly high. He likely will be released, unless he re-works his deal and takes a pay cut. James Thrash | Philadelphia | Grade: 68 Eagles likely will revamp receiving corps and almost start over. Todd Pinkston already has long-term extension, so Thrash could be odd man out. Too many drops and lack of separation, along with no big plays, make him expendable. Frank Sanders | Baltimore | Grade: 65 His age and lack of speed are starting to show, but his veteran leadership is a plus. He may return after a big pay cut, but is nothing more than a complementary player. David Terrell | Chicago | Grade: 64 Bears like his cap-friendly contract but don't like his production and attitude. He is easy to get rid of, and he may have run out of chances in Chicago. Great physical skills but a classic underachiever. Tight End Mark Bruener | Pittsburgh | Grade: 69 Aging tough guy can still block, but receiving skills are non-existent, and Jay Riemersma is the receiving TE. Bruener is not a fit, and Steelers could go younger and cheaper. Stephen Alexander | San Diego | Grade: 66Chargers may turn over roster and go young. Alexander's $2.4 million a year for the next three years is a lot for a non-contending team to handle. Offensive Center Jeff Hartings | Pittsburgh | Grade: 71 He is starting to break down but is still a good player. Can the Steelers pay $3.7 million for a guy who might not play 16 games? Would be hard guy to let go, though. Tim Ruddy | Miami | Grade: 70 Starting to break down and is getting pushed around. He is hurting Ricky Williams' cut-back run, and backup Seth McKinney might be ready. Offensive Tackle Ross Verba | Cleveland | Grade: 73 Coming off IR with torn bicep and may not figure in Browns' rebuilding youth movement. One year left on contract. He is a tough, hard-nosed player, but durability is a question. Derrick Deese | San Francisco | Grade: 72 Has a big base salary in 2004, and young Kwame Harris may be ready. The 49ers usually release aging players before they hit the wall, but Deese can still contribute. Vaughn Parker | San Diego | Grade: 69 The 10-year veteran missed most of the 2003 season with a knee injury. Chargers have to decide if they want to go younger. Still is productive, but can he stay on the field? Todd Steussie | Carolina | Grade: 67 Veteran who has a lot of problems with penalties, but has played pretty well. But he has a huge cap number, and ROT Jordan Gross can move to LOT, his natural position. Defensive Tackle Bryant Young | San Francisco | Grade: 74 Ridiculous big contract thru 2008, along with big bonus in offseason. 49ers may retool and go younger, as injuries and durability are starting to become a factor. Gerard Warren | Cleveland | Grade: 73 Underacheiver who is due a lot of money at back end of contract, and Browns will take a long look at whether they should continue the relationship. He likely will stay in Cleveland. Jason Ferguson | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 He has played well and is a dependable mid-level veteran, but if Jets move Dewayne Robertson to NT, Ferguson could be the odd man out. His salary level is acceptable. Sam Adams | Buffalo | Grade: 69 Bills could go younger and cheaper as his conditioning becomes problem with age, but cap number of $2.375 is not awful. Can he get through a 16-game season? John Randle | Seattle | Grade: 67 His $4 million salary in 2004 is too much for a 36-year-old DT who is starting to slow down. How much is leadership worth? He could retire or take serious pay cut. Daryl Gardener | Denver | Grade: 67 He is in Mike Shanahan's doghouse, and he doesn't play well enough to get out of it. May be considered a locker room distraction. He won't be in Denver. Josh Evans | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 67 He has a big cap number and will be forced to restructure his contract or leave. The Jets have too many other needs to pay him big money, and they are already spending a lot on their defensive line. Defensive End Gary Walker | Houston | Grade: 73 Huge contract and bonus due in 2004, and compensation is bigger than production. Texans likely will renegotiate, not release him, so they can have DL continuity. Joe Johnson | Green Bay | Grade: 73 Packers have paid him almost $10 million in last two years, and it doesn't match his production. Do they squeeze another year out of him or let him go? Durability is a question mark. Kenny Holmes | NY Giants | Grade: 70 Coming off IR. May be UFA because of incentives achieved. Career underachiever, and Giants will go younger, because his salary and production don't add up. Tony Brackens | Jacksonville | Grade: 69 Jags overpaid to get underachieving DE Hugh Douglas, and oft-injured Brackens' salary jumps to $5.5 million. Can't afford to pay both of them, and they are stuck with Douglas. Trace Armstrong | Oakland | Grade: 69 Age and injuries have robbed him of his production, and young, developing players may be ready to step in and replace him. Good guy to have on your team, but takes reps away from younger players. Outside Linebacker Jason Gildon | Pittsburgh | Grade: 74 Has three years left on a big contract that is not a reflection of his declining production. Is due a $1 million bonus in 2004. His sack production and pass rush pressure have faded. Bill Romanowski | Oakland | Grade: 73 Will likely retire because of recurring head injuries. Will not play for anyone else if cut. May not announce retirement until late summer. Charlie Clemons | Houston | Grade: 72 He has not been effective as a 3-4 pass rusher, and injuries and durability are a factor. He could be "weeded out." Mo Lewis | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Jets are slow and old at LB position and will revamp defense in the offseason. Lewis still plays hard, but range and big plays don't come as frequently. Sam Cowart | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Jets really need to revamp their linebackers, and injuries and age are not on Cowart's side. He still plays hard, but no linebacker is safe if the Jets clean house. Jessie Armstead | Washington | Grade: 69 Aging warrior who just doesn't make a lot of plays any more. His declining range and skills in space may mean end in Washington. Warrick Holdman | Chicago | Grade: 68 Production has dramatically fallen off due to injuries, and Bears may be ready to move on. He is due a $3 million bonus, and backup Lance Briggs may be ready. Inside Linebacker Mike Barrow | N.Y. Giants | Grade: 70 Still has decent production, but Giants may overhaul defense and go with younger and less expensive players to retool linebacking corp. Marvin Jones | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Part of aging Jets linebacker group that likely will get younger and cheaper in the offseason as Jets look for some cap relief. Jones may be expendable, but his production is still OK. Jeremiah Trotter | Washington | Grade: 69 Knee problems have hindered his coverage skills and range. Organization will have tough decision for 2004, hoping he will be healthy, but they are not sure they want to pay him. Defensive Safety Rod Woodson | Oakland | Grade: 74 Will be 39 years old and is coming off knee surgery. Still seems to want to play, and Raiders may ask him back. Leadership and instincts are still top notch and may get him one more year. Zack Bronson | San Francisco | Grade: 72 His 2003 season was limited by neck injuries, and with Dwaine Carpenter in the wings, Bronson may simply cost too much. Robert Griffith | Cleveland | Grade: 70 Struggling as tackler in the open field, and at age 33, his skills are in decline. Has base salary of $3.15 million in 2004, and lack of range and cover skills make him expendable. Sam Garnes | N.Y. Jets | Grade: 70 Big hitter, but cover skills and playmaking are almost non-existent. A liability in man-to-man at a position that needs to be upgraded. Tough guy that opposing offenses look for in the passing game. Defensive Corner Ty Law | New England | Grade: 80 Huge cap figure in 2004 and 2005. As good as he is, fiscally responsible Pats may let him go before he hits the wall. They have good young defensive backs ready to step in. Tough decision. He might restructure his contract, but he will not take a pay cut. Ray Buchanan | Atlanta | Grade: 69 He is really starting to slow down. Injuries and declining cover skills make him replaceable by younger Juran Bolden. Falcons will re-tool secondary, and it may begin with Buchanan. Dale Carter | New Orleans | Grade: 66 He is paid like a star, but age and injuries are diminishing his skills. Saints will re-tool defense and probably go younger and cheaper. If he comes back, it will be at a dramatically reduced rate. Dewayne Washington | Pittsburgh | Grade: 66 Steelers' secondary has been awful, and his $3.75 million in 2004 makes no sense for frugal organization to keep. Underachieving cover guy whom teams target in passing game. Jamar Fletcher | Miami | Grade: 64 Barely good enough to be in Dolphins' nickel and dime packages, and certainly not worth the two years left on his contract. He is an underachiever, and offenses target him in the passing game. R.W. McQuarters | Chicago | Grade: 64 Being paid solid starter money but now is a lethargic backup. If he goes, Bears take significant cap hit, but they have good young players, and he is taking up space. Deltha O'Neal | Denver | Grade: 64 Has been a career underachiever, and time is running out. Money and production just don't add up, and Broncos will not ante up for a backup. Tyrone Williams | Atlanta | Grade: 64 Entire Falcons starting secondary was benched during the season. He is not a playmaker, and the Falcons may be ready to clean house in the secondary. I don't know if this was posted yet but I thought it would be very informative. On Trotter, I can't see us cutting him, too much of a cap hit ($5 million) plus you then need a replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisbob74 Posted February 16, 2004 Author Share Posted February 16, 2004 I will bear it in mind, sorry, I just cut and pasted and didn't think on. Note to self...must do better.lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NVskinsfan Posted February 16, 2004 Share Posted February 16, 2004 Inmate, Thanks for the Redux version! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redblazer00 Posted February 17, 2004 Share Posted February 17, 2004 Armstead our best linebacker? What games are you watching! Early in the season he didn't look that bad but as the year went on he disappeared. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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