Best Free Agency Moves

By Kalen Patrick

Well the NFL is back in full swing, Training Camps all over the country are open, and of course there have been the usual flurry of action in Free Agency. Millions of Dollars have been thrown around and now it's time to judge the decisions of the various GM's around the NFL. Of course we won't know how all of these contracts will turn out until we see the production on the field. But it sure is fun to speculate, right?

The team I have to grade the highest so far this offseason is the Eagles. Without a doubt the best move in my opinion far and away was Nnamdi Asomugha to the Eagles. This is a guy who despite being stranded in obscurity in Oakland for years, was still recognized as arguably the best CB in all of Football. I gotta give the Eagles an A+ for their offseason. They undoubtedly have the best secondary in Football as it stands right now. For Kevin Kolb (an average backup QB) they received a quality CB in Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, in addition to a 2nd round pick from the Arizona Cardinals. So you add DRC, then you sign only the best CB in the game in Asomugha for a very reasonable price. 

Furthermore, you already have Asante Samuel, who you can now trade to the highest bidder. A team like the 49ers could very well use his services, and would likely get the Eagles another 2nd round pick. Other notable additions are Jason Babin who had a monster 2010 season (12.5 sacks), Vince Young (30-16 as a starter) and draft picks Danny Watkins (OG) and Jaiquawn Jarrett (S).

Think about this for a second. The Eagles have managed to drastically improve the secondary, Vick's backup was the average Kolb (Career QB rating of 73.2) and now the proven winner in VY, and bolster the lines with Babin and Watkins, in addtion to possibly acquiring an extra 2 2nd rounders for next years draft. Stroke of genius if you ask me, and now Philly are primed for a very deep run in the playoffs.

The next team is another usual suspect. Gotta go with the New England Patriots. For the small small price of 5th round and 2 6th round picks, the Patriots have managed to acquire Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ocho Cinco. Of course both of these guys have many question marks and issues, but lets be honest, if anyone can get these guys on track, its Bill Belichek and the Patriots. They turned Randy Moss from a lost cause to the best receiver in Football. For the small price, if they can get these guys playing at anywhere near what we know they can, then these might be the biggest steals this year.

Other teams and moves I briefly wanna touch on include: Reggie Bush traded to the Miami Dolphins, I actually love this move. While Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams put up solid numbers, the Dolphins have been lacking a big play threat, something that Reggie specializes in. I look for Bush to have a big impact in Miami, he will fit in like a glove, with the wildcat formations and all the crazy stuff the Dolphins always do on offense.

I also like what Carolina have done. A young raw rookie QB's best friend are his TE's, and the Panthers have definitely added some impact players there. Ben Hartsock will be the reliable blocker, while having Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey will be catching a ton of balls from Cam Newton. I think if Newton can step up, Carolina can be a team that quickly turns it around, a la Miami and Atlanta a few years back. They did a great job, resigning their notable players in DeAngelo Williams and Chris Johnson. Also getting Steve Smith committed is also huge for Newtons development.

FOR A TEAM THAT WENT 2-14, CAM NEWTON HAS A LOT OF TALENT TO WORK WITH

Finally, I wanna touch on one of the under the radar moves which I think will end up having a huge impact. I really thought Mike Sims Walker got a raw deal in Jacksonville. I look for him and Bradford to have a very very solid season together in St. Louis. Sims Walker was a fantasy stud and surprise in 2009. Expectations were through the roof and the Jags passing game struggled mightily in 2010. I think he can have a major bounce back year with Bradford, in the Josh McDaniels offense.

That's it for now, I'm hoping for some/any news about my 49ers. Frustration is getting to an all time high. There is still time to salvage the offseason by making some possible key signings, like Olin Kreutz, Malcolm Floyd, Cromartie/Carlos Rogers, James Jones etc etc. Lets start moving forward in the Harbaalke era in San Francisco.

San Francisco 49ers Post-Lockout Updates

By Kalen Patrick

Sooooo the NFL Lockout is over? You bet it is. There has been a plethora of signings and trades already going down. I will write a piece later focusing on the rest of the NFL, but first of all, lets take a look at my San Francisco 49ers. So far it has been pretty lackluster, the 49ers as everyone predicted brought Alex Smith back (a move I actually agree with), Re-Signed Ray McDonald (another smart move) at 4 years 20 mil. The 2 players that have moved on so far are David Baas and Takeo Spikes. Both will be missed for sure, BUT both are definitely replaceable.

49ERS 2011 SEASON WILL HINGE ENTIRELY ON HOW WELL THESE 2 GUYS CAN WORK TOGETHER 

According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, the 49ers are looking in to bringing long time Chicago Bears Center Olin Kreutz. Also on the 49ers radar should be Giants Center Shaun O'Hara who was released. Both are veteran guys, remember the Center position is basically the QB of the O-Line, having a strong veteran presence like a Kreutz or O'Hara would be huge for the younger players on the 49ers O-Line, including, Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis and Chilo Rachal.

Next topic would be Cornerback. It appears as if the 49ers are focusing on keeping Nate Clements, but only if he is willing to drastically reduce his salary. This to me makes perfect sense. Nate is a solid player, definitely not worth what he is being paid, but let me throw out 2 scenarios and see which one you would go for.

Scenario 1: Restructure Clements deal to go from 17 mil this season to 7 million (still a handsome paycheck), with the 10 million saved, bring in Jonathan Joseph, thus solidifying the defensive backfield.

Scenario 2: Release Clements, save 14 million and give all that to Nnamdi Asomugha.

Honestly, I would prefer Scenario 1 of Clements and Joseph than just Nnamdi. With Scenario 1 you have Joseph, Spencer and Clements as your top 3 CB's. Immediately turns a weakness into a major strength.

Nate Clements and Jonathan Joseph (pictured above) would make a nice starting tandem at the CB position


I would also look for the 49ers to Re-Sign Aubrayo Franklin. The 49ers have money to spend, and it is so difficult to find a top NT, you can't let him walk. Other moves I look for the 49ers to make is to add another veteran QB (Marc Bulger perhaps?) and I think the 49ers will add a 2nd tier Safety (Dawan Landry/Brodney Pool?). Also don't count out the 49ers in the James Jones sweepstakes. He would be another weapon in the offense, and would fit in perfectly with the likes of Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Delanie Walker and Josh Morgan.

The next 48 hours will be very interesting in Ninerland. I am eagerly checking twitter and updates for any news and info. My next post will be regarding general NFL news and updates and there is plenty of that to cover. It's good to have football back. Only 6 weeks to the season. Great time to be a football fan. Anyone want to make a fantasy football league?