Is that all there is to free agency?
Okay, so we've been busy on the first day of free agency, with way over 100 posts. There's been visits, speculation, and cuts aplenty. And oh those lineman are getting paid.
But it says something about the lack of sizzle Friday when the Jake Plummer retirement story leads PTI. He's an interesting guy, but ultimately a backup quarterback now. The players who made the most money on Friday to this point are Eric Steinbach, Tony Pashos, and Derrick Dockery. I'll forgive you if you aren't a member of Pashos Nation yet.
Despite some reports Daniel Graham did not sign in Denver and Nate Clements is not yet a 49er. (Note: He is now) Eric Steinbach appeared that he would leave Cleveland without signing or contracting a staph infection, but he became a Brown as I write this.
Graham, like most of the free agent class, spent the day in Denver. Patrick Kerney and Ahman Green were also there, which has the makings of a good 3-on-3 team. Willis McGahee is also in Denver's sights.
A few notables were cut, but they were expected: Corey Dillon, Ed Hartwell, and Kevin Carter. Travis Henry's departure from Tennessee is a bigger surprise.
Some interesting speculation of landing spots is out there, like Drew Bennett in St. Louis (why be a third receiver?), Adalius Thomas in New England, and Kevin Curtis as the number one receiver in Minnesota. Leonard Davis is wanted by the entire NFC East. The Patriots look ready to spend, but it's still all speculation. Oh yeah, and Joe Horn isn't very happy with Sean Payton.
All in all, it's like all the players and teams were feeling each other out in the afternoon. That stopped once most people left work for the weekend.
I'm somehow going to have to leave all this desk-sitting, coffee chugging excitement behind for 36 hours or so. I'm flying out to Los Angeles in the morning for a tasting for my fast-approaching wedding. Which I'll be attending by myself. (The tasting, not the wedding) The pistachio crusted chicken looks like a sleeper.
After seeing some old friends Saturday, I'm taking a 6:30 A.M. flight back home the next morning to return to the fun. That doesn't sound like a good idea at all. Evan Silva will man the fort in the meantime and even try to sleep. I owe ya man.
Note: As I was editing this, Derrick Dockery, Eric Steinbach signed, and Nate Clements became the highest paid defender in league history - sorta. So I'm an idiot.
Comments
Whats the latest on Bennett to St. Louis?
Posted by: Josh | March 2, 2007 08:11 PM
He's there and they get the first crack at him, which is a great sign. That's about all we know at this point.
Posted by: gregg | March 2, 2007 09:18 PM
Why are articles saying that Plummer may be doing this to force the Broncos to waive him? I don't understand how that is possible. Either he belongs to Tampa Bay or he retires. Can he retire for like a week and then decide to "un retire" and be the Broncos' problem once Tampa Bay has moved on? Or is retirement some sort of more permenant decision? And how long will the speculation run that Plummer is retiring? Doesn;t he pretty much have to decide right away or else he's on a plane to Tampa Bay immediately? I would really like someone to explain to me here or in an article how this all exactly works. I just don't whos the right person to ask and you are my favorite NFL columnist so I thought I'd ask you, not like you don't have enough to write about! But what are the Broncos' rights and avenues of recourse in this situation?
Posted by: Jacyln | March 3, 2007 02:29 AM
It is a unique and confusing trade that they pulled off. The NFLPA is actually contesting it because Plummer reportedly filed his retirement papers Friday. Until that point, the trade could make sense because the Bucs would just own his rights.
I agree that now that his paperwork is in, it will be hard for him to pull off 'unretiring' at any point, at least until next year.
Either way, it looks like now he'll have to deal with the Bucs if he changes his mind and wants to play again. You are right that he's either the Bucs' property or done. hope that helps...
Posted by: gregg | March 4, 2007 06:06 PM