Detroit has another chance to upgrade their roster with FA safety. Matt Bowen
According to Steve Wyche of NFL.com, free-agent safety O.J. Atogwe is not seeking an “outrageous” number or upfront bonus money when it comes to a contract — and the Rams are still hopeful that they can find a way to bring the safety back to town.
Would it be a big move for the Rams? Of course, as they need players and they need playmakers on that defense. Losing Atogwe is not the ideal situation for that secondary in St. Louis and the franchise in general.
However, why not Detroit? The Lions have been mentioned in league circles as a possible landing spot for Atogwe, and the way I see it, this is a franchise that has made multiple positive moves this offseason. Is there a reason not to make another move here?
Think about what Jim Schwartz and the Lions brass have accomplished. They opened free agency and addressed some needs along the defensive line with the trade for DT Corey Williams and the addition of DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. Plus, they added a player at wide receiver in Nate Burleson.
Maybe not the biggest names on the market, but players that are upgrades. The draft? Maybe the best overall player coming out in Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh and the trade back into the first round for RB Jahvid Best. Two names that will be expected to contribute and produce as rookies.
The Lions have generated a buzz with their moves so far, and when you look at the safety position in Detroit, adding a player such as Atogwe — who can work alongside Louis Delmas — looks like a solid play from my point of view. I am a big fan of Delmas, and I do think he can continue to develop into one of the top-tier safeties in the NFL.
But when you look at the other safety spot and Ko Simpson, it is hard to argue that Atogwe wouldn’t be an upgrade. I played with Simpson in Buffalo. I like his range and do think he has the potential to make plays on the football. While he is a nice football player, he has limitations and still needs to develop as a pro safety. But, Atogwe has shown that ability already, and when we talk about a team such as Detroit, it is about improving your roster.
Let’s call it like it is: Atogwe is a good safety that has top-level ball skills. He is not an Ed Reed or a Troy Polamalu when it comes to overall impact on the game and the way offenses prepare for Sundays. But, then again, who is when we put those two names up there for a comparison?
And, if you are Schwartz, this is a rare opportunity to find a safety that can produce turnovers in the month of June — without a contract in hand.
I thought there would be more hype for Atogwe once he hit the market, and ending up back in St. Louis for a smaller price tag is a real possibility. But, that doesn’t discount the opportunity here for Detroit to make another improvement to a roster that is starting to take shape.
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Or the Bears. If news starts to get around that you will be able to get Atogwe under contract for cheaper than originally thought, Loive should make a run at him.
No guarantees that Major Wright is going to step in as a rookie and start producing.
Coach,
I think a tandem of Atogwe at free, Wright at strong would be a fantastic option for the Bears.
You let Wright play his way in behind Chris Harris, and let Atogwe run the show at free. That would be a dream scenario for the Bears, but we wasted potential money we could have used on Atogwe on Manumaleuna. We would need ot trim some salary, like Dez Clark and maybe Kreutz to make the budget room for the deal. Considering neither guy is in the plan after this season, it would be a trade-off I would be willing to make. Atogwe would be dynamic on the back of the Bears defense.
Someone print and slide this under Martin Mayhew's door
Yes, Lions,
Bring in O.J Atogwe. I don't see how this can be a bad thing. Give him a shot and this defense will be elite before you know it
Why not miami, Bill?
Yes, I do not understand why we havent heard a word from the LIONS about Atogwe?
The buzz has been all year that we NEED backfield help. Yet, when it comes to going and getting someone to help out there is a silencethat is defining.
I know that we have a lot of safeties in camp However they are all thought to be Just under the help that they need.
when Pac-Man was out there for the taking Nothing was done and a silence was present and Now the same thing is happening with Atogwe.
I know they have bullocks But he has come up Lame allmost every year? Simson is allright but like you say He could use a litlle something, Like coverage skills or just put on a little wieght so that when he connects it means something.
The Leo's are quiet for a reason they are trying to bring him in without anyone suspecting even when EVERYONE believes they are interested. I would not be shocked to see Mayhew snag him for a LOW price selling him on playing on an up and coming team and alongside Delmas. The Rams are kinda like the Leos just drafting their franchise QB. The Lions are better by a year (based on Stafford having one under his belt)and on paper the better team. Win win for both sides.
Matt, I've been on the Atogwe soap box for six weeks. I wonder what Delmas thinks?
Earth to Mayhew ..... Send Schwartz to Atogwe's house. The wine's on me.
I agree. I think the Lions should sign Atogwe to play alongside Delmas. That would help their secondary even more.
From your lips to Mayhew's ears!
It would be a home coming of sorts. He is from Windsor Ontario. It would be a great pickup for the Lions
The Lions will make an offer for him when their set on a price. If you notice, this off season, the lions have been quite about who they want. They only mention the namesof people they don't plan to sign. The lions had no intention of signing pac man, because of his issues. I know the met with him but I think they did that to throw off the real prospect. I think come july you will see Atogwe in silver and blue. It's the only team out their that suits him best. The bears had a horrible draft, and they probably will end up 8-8. They made a prodecession with the quarter back. I think they had a great sleeper in Lafever. I saw him play in college, and I think he will be their best bet at the play-offs 2012.
They need to just get this done. I hate that they beat around the bush when these players are free agents. If they picked up atogwe, and i believe they should bring iin kieth bullock to compete and earn starting rolb or even to add deapth. we could use some deapth at lb. if they made those 2 moves and next season when a high profile cb hits free agency they have schwartz knocking his door at midnight. if they picked up atogwe this defense is not going to be very far off from being really good. they would just need to add some deapth at lb and bring in one solid starting cb and we would be set
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Jun 10, 2010
07:25 AM
i agree. That would be another good move by DET.
I like what they're steadily putting together over there.
Franchise QB - check (Stafford's proving me wrong..he's looking damn good)
TRUE #1 WR - check
Still need a LT.
RT - I think Cherilus will come around. They could do much worse than that (ex - like our former Kwame Harris of the Niners)
Playmaking RB - check (complimentary RB IMO BUT FAAAAST)
Potential Dominant DT - check
Stud LB - check (Peterson)
A solid FS would be a nice addition. Bid within reason but don't pay top dollar for Atogwe. Make a solid offer & get in the mix. If you get him great, if not move on.