QUOTE: “We cannot avoid conflict, conflict with society, other individuals and with oneself. Conflicts may be the sources of defeat, lost life and a limitation of our potentiality, but they may also lead to greater depth of living and the birth of more far-reaching unities, which flourish in the tensions that engender them.” -- Karl Jaspers
The tender game
Most of the news coming from the NFL on Wednesday was centered on what each restricted free agent was tendered by his current team. These tenders tell the story of what teams would take in trade for their players. Some were tendered a first and third, some were tendered just a first, some a second, some their original draft position and some just a first right of refusal. All tenders come with a monetary value attached. In a capped era, these tenders had to fit into the cap, and that was often a difficult process. Now, with the uncapped year, these tenders don’t count, and teams can place the real value on each player — according to them.
Brandon Marshall
The Broncos only placed a first-round tender on Marshall, which might surprise some teams, but if the intent is to trade him, then this is the right tender. By placing a first-round pick on Marshall, the Broncos are essentially saying to all teams in the bottom of the first round, “Come and make an offer.” Would the Broncos take less than a first round pick? I strongly doubt it, but they also won’t match an offer sheet.
So which team goes after Marshall? The Jets and Ravens both need wide receivers, and both are slated to pick wide receivers in the first round, depending on who’s available. It would be hard to imagine that anyone in this draft would be as talented or as productive as Marshall. Clearly, the value for the Jets and Ravens to trade a one for Marshall is in their favor. However, the difficult part centers on the money. How much do you pay him? How much are you willing to take a chance on his off-the-field behavior? Marshall is a top-10 player in the league at his position and might be a top-three player with the ball in his hands, but with that talent comes concerns.
The fundamental question the Jets, Ravens or any other team must ask themselves before entering into a deal is whether they can cope with Marshall the person? Can they get comfortable with his personality once he’s rewarded with a huge contract? In any negotiation with Marshall, it will be hard for a team to demand a character clause in the contract, especially if there’s more than one team pursuing his services. Marshall does hold some leverage as he enters the restricted market, but he doesn’t have all the leverage. To do the right deal for Marshall, teams must deal with the conflict of his past and do a contract that protects them, or else they might get burned.
Stanford Routt? Are you kidding me?
Routt is the Raiders’ latest lottery winner. The Raiders tendered their backup corner a first and third tender, which was more than five times what he made last year. This completely irrational and illogical behavior tells the tale of what’s wrong with the Raiders. Why would they even think a team in the NFL would take Routt from them for his original draft position, which was a second-round pick? (Seriously, I got at least 10 texts yesterday from former Raiders coaches laughing about the tender.) Routt might be loved by the owner, but his play on the field is mediocre at best, and this decision indicates that no matter what anyone else might think, if the owner wants to overpay, he overpays. Just ask Javon Walker and DeAngelo Hall, or Tommie Kelly and Terdell Sands. Even hard-core Raiders fans have to wonder why anyone would tender a first and third for Routt.
So let me get this straight. The Raiders tender Bruce Gradkowski, a player they want to succeed, a second, and then tender a backup corner a first and third. Makes sense to me, having spent time in the illogical world called “The Hotel.”
Browns quarterbacks
There’s a report that the Browns are in trade talks for a new quarterback. Based on all the talk I heard at the combine, this report may well be true. The Browns’ quarterback situation will have a completely new look next season, and don’t be surprised if Brady Quinn is not with the team come training camp. Derek Anderson has a large roster bonus due in March that the Browns clearly won’t pay, forcing his release. And based on what I heard, no one in the organization feels Quinn is the answer, long or short term.
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For a look at Mike Tannenbaum's offseason history with the Jets, check out this article from Bleacher Report.
Agreed on the BMarsh front. Perfect tender for trades, and I expect to get even more than that after teams have to bargain for him.
I genuinely feel for Raider Nation, the original and only "nation". Must be like Weekend at Bernie's, except Bernie's still calling the shots.
I genuinely feel for Raider Nation, the original and only "nation". Must be like Weekend at Bernie's, except Bernie's still calling the shots.
Yet another questionable move from the Raiders. They do not have a viable front office or player procurement process and fans shouldn't expect them to be successful on the field until that changes. Most NFL teams have a different individual at each of the following positions - Owner, General Manager, Director of Pro Personnel and Director of College Scouting. The Raiders have one person serving in all those roles - an 80 year old Al Davis. While his contribution to the NFL is without question the continued deterioration of the Raiders franchise under his leadership is increasingly overshadowing it
Am I crazy for thinking the Jets don't need Brandon Marshall? They are a run first team, with a solid possession WR,(Cotchery) a good pass catching TE, and they seem to like Braylon (who knows if that will work or not). Why invest big money ( I know there will be no cap but still) in Marshall? The Jets need depth at WR, and for Sanchez to get better. But breaking the bank for Marshall doesn't seem like the right move to me.
Yet another questionable move from the Raiders. They do not have a viable front office or player procurement process and fans shouldn't expect them to be successful on the field until that changes. Most NFL teams have a different individual at each of the following positions - Owner, General Manager, Director of Pro Personnel and Director of College Scouting. The Raiders have one person serving in all those roles - an 80 year old Al Davis. While his contribution to the NFL is without question the continued deterioration of the Raiders franchise under his leadership is increasingly overshadowing it
If I am the Jets, I am on the phone right now telling Denver its a done deal...........This guy is a stud and only 25......for the 29th pick in the draft? Please Mike T, go get him.
With the 21st pick, Cincinnati is another team that should be looking into adding Marshall for a 1st. And hey, we all know they're less concerned with character than most teams.
I'm curious as to who will be in the market for Boldin. He's older (30) but the price is apparently a 3rd which is much easier to swallow. He's also less of a headache and I assume will cost less financially? I would think a team close to winning it all now would go for him and keep their 1st rounder.
Yet another questionable move from the Raiders. They do not have a viable front office or player procurement process and fans shouldn't expect them to be successful on the field until that changes. Most NFL teams have a different individual at each of the following positions - Owner, General Manager, Director of Pro Personnel and Director of College Scouting. The Raiders have one person serving in all those roles - an 80 year old Al Davis. While his contribution to the NFL is without question the continued deterioration of the Raiders franchise under his leadership is increasingly overshadowing it
Brandon Marshall to the Giants makes more sense to me than the Jets, although that will never happen. But I agree that the Ravens going after him, makes the most sense. That could solidify their offense for 2-3 years (giving them time to rebuild their defense).
Rambling, far-fetched hypothetical that might make some sense in the end:
So you're the Lions (or to a lesser degree the Rams) and are quite tired of (A) losing and (B) rarely selling out/all the blackouts. The Chargers have inexplicably come out and already said they plan on saving money (i.e., spending as little as possible to remain "competitive") in the uncapped/unfloored year. It's also widely assumed that the Broncos will do the same. Tell me you wouldn't throw out a deal for Marshall or if that fails, one for VJ, in the 5-year, $50M range. You're all but assured their current team wouldn't match since DEN/SD are planning on cutting back this year. Also, this would rid STL/DET of the ridiculous financial and team-building burden that a top pick places on a team in the final year that outrageous rookie contracts will exist. STL/DET definitely need help on defense, but would Suh or McCoy make either team or its defense that much better in 2010? Regardless of how well they draft this year, STL and DET will probably both have a top ten pick next year too, right? An early pick in future drafts is much more valuable than it is now.
This accomplishes several goals: not only do you get guaranteed INSTANT impact from the player (which absolutely NO rookie can guarantee), but also a guaranteed PLAYMAKER (which DTs are not). Playmakers--and high-scoring offense--sell tickets and put people in the seats. Even flaky Lions fans would shell out to see Marshall, Johnson, Pettigrew and Kevin Smith for 8 games a year, right? Tell me that wouldn't be one of the more exciting offenses in the league.
Before you say, "Those teams need help everywhere, especially on defense," ponder this: even if McCoy/Suh ends up BETTER than the experts think they will be this season, does either of those teams win five games? Doubtful. Not to mention that even if McCoy and Suh end up in the Pro Bowl every year, will they have met the worth of their outrageous rookie deals? Hard to say, but you know what you're getting in terms of value and worth with VJ and Marshall since you at least have a say in their contracts. Perhaps the best argument is this: VJ or Marshall would win STL or DET more games than Suh or McCoy next season, without a doubt.
The Pats have three second round picks and Routt is better than anyone they've got at cornerback. Pardon Al for making an assessment based on the market tiers most likely to move on a player at that position....
What a shock! More Raider hate. Let go of the bitterness Mike.
Although I can't defend the Routt tender, It certainly doesn't surprise me that you jumped all over it , Mike. But you can't change the score: Al Davis 3 Super Bowl victories, Mike Lombardi 0.
As Al said at at press conference you've been fired from every job you've had and can't get a job in the NFL now.
he will be heating to the tampa bay bucs because we let go antiono bryant and will trade him for a second round pick
Of course, it is possible to TRADE for Brandon Marshall without having to offer a long term contract. He would still be an RFA, and could still be tendered by another team, but it doesn't HAVE to be a long term commitment.
Jim, I like your idea about the Rams/Lions getting out from under their albatross first round picks, but legitimately, it doesn't make sense to have Brandon Marshall as a #2 reciever, and there is NO point in the Rams picking up a playmaking WR in the absence of a QB who can get him the ball. But on the other hand, it would be fun to see what would happen if the Rams or Lions tried to offload their number 1 with an RFA tender. What would the other team do? Match just to avoid having the other team's pick? Crazy World.
These fans who come in here and blast Lombardi and beat their chests over the Raiders... I would honestly believe that they are employed by the team. Like, with any other team, I might say they worked for the team, but I'd be kidding. But, with Al and the Raiders, I could absolutely see it.
...Mr. Davis dispatches his flying monkeys...
Miami's boss just said the team would not spend big money, they could certainly use a Marshall type of wideout. How much does Marshall's change if Owens sings somewhere?
Terrel is short term, he may fit some teams better. You give less value to get him...
I said this in Brandt's column, but I'll say it here in response to the comments about the Lions. The post-Millen front office has a lot of confidence in their abilities to evaluate/draft players. And they most likely feel they have to prove it. They won't back down from another high draft pick.
Ahhh, hindsight. The crap Miami got a few years ago for not taking Quinn seemed over the top at the time. I was happy they didn't take him then (and I'm ecstatic now). I just wish they were smarter with the pick (Ginn Jr.?)
One of the things I find funniest about the comments from Raiders fans is that they're constantly quoting Al Davis. It's hilarious, yet sad.
Looking forward to another 11-loss season!
Tuna Parcells considers a third corner to be a starter for the amount of downs they play in the league. That would be top level tender in today's market...
In terms of a multi-year deal lets say 4-5 years, what do you think Brandon and his agent are looking for? 40 million? less more? Thoughts?
I can't believe that the Raiders placed the highest tender on Routt but only gave Original (3rd round) tender to Kirk Morrison. Morrison is a top 10 MLB. Routt is lucky if he's a top 64 corner.
Can the Jets even sign Brandon Marshall to an offer sheet? I thought the Jets couldn't sign any UFA/RFA from any other teams aside from the Vikings, Colts, and Saints. I may be wrong, but does anyone know the details to this?
Can the Jets even sign Brandon Marshall to an offer sheet? I thought the Jets couldn't sign any UFA/RFA from any other teams aside from the Vikings, Colts, and Saints. I may be wrong, but does anyone know the details to this?
Michael Lombardi is a blow-hard. Didnt he say Mangini had zero chance of returning as coach of the Browns for 2010? As far as Quinn, please trade him to a real team. He's been jerked around since he got to Cleveland. The only NFL tem that is a bigger joke than the Browns is the Bills. They both obviously do no know how to develop quarterbacks.
Why Quinn would want to play for Cleveland is beyond me. I hope his agent is working on a deal to trade him. I'd like to seem anywhere but Cleveland. Perhaps you Brown fans can get Troy Smith. What a loser!
I wonder if Al Davis has long since abandoned all hope of himself producing a winner and is now flailing to remain relevant or at least topical by being eccentric/crazy.
Al Davis used to be great, and great for the game. As Mike Tyson was for boxing. Now, he reminds me of that moment when Iron Mike realized he couldn't beat Holyfield, so he decided to gnaw his ear off.
Well, well Mr. Murder, you finally tip your hand. I've noticed that normally you have some solid posts. You don't point fingers and usually stay on the analytical side, never showing favortism for one team over the other....which naturally made me wonder what team you rooted for. Your posts defending the Raiders makes me think your a closet Raider fan. Say it aint so! I guess it only makes sense that MR. Murder bleeds silver and black. Tough shake big guy, hang in there.
Seriously though, I understand Routt's tender is not as crazy as Mike makes it out to be, but a first and third? Really? To argue the sanity of that move is a little much.
I think Marshall is such a great talent. He has some personal issues that you have to deal with but i would not pass on him.
I don't think Marshall will ever fully recover. Hope I'm wrong, though
A list of thank yous and a final...
Even if you called me an idiot,...
Their success will depend on QB...
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Mar 04, 2010
10:26 AM
It's okay to keep Routt, but a first and third is a bit ridiculous. Could it be that they are planning on trading one of their starting corners? Asomugha or Johnson? Not that it would help make any sense of the move, but it's possible.
It could also be they wanted him, they paid him in an uncapped year and don't have to worry about it. Good ol' Al and his scholarship players.