Michael Vick has agreed to a 2 year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The much maligned QB has joined the Eagles where he looks to compete for a back up spot behind Donavan McNabb. Vick joins a team with much stability and a firm fan base. Vick can begin praticing with his new team and may be ready for the Eagles last 2 preseason games. What remains to be seen is when will Vick be seen in the regular season. Commisioner Roger Goodell has yet to decide when Vick will be reinstated. For now things are looking up for Vick who was recently released from jail after an 18 month jail sentence.
Michael Vick left a Kansas federal prison Wednesday for home confinement in Virginia around 5am this morning. This is the first step in Vick's journey to regain his life. Vick is due to return to his Hampton, Va., home and serve the remainder of his federal sentence on house arrest. He spent the past 19 months in prison after pleading guilty to bankrolling a dogfighting ring. Vick is expected to take a $10 an hour job as part of house arrest.
So now where does that leave Vick who was the highest paid player and the face of the league. It will be along hard run for Vick. At this point he has to start from the bottom. The former number 1 pick shined on the football field with his great athletic ability. Now there are doubts if he can still perform. Vick was never a great QB he was a playmaker that play the position. He had amazing arm strength but he lacked the accuracy that you need from a QB. Many experts believe he should try and comeback as a Wide Reciever. But that may be jumping the gun. First Vick must show "
geniune remorse" whatever that means before he will be reinstated in the NFL. Although Vick has served his time and did everything reasonably that PETA(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has asked of him he must still jump through hoops.
Some people believe that Vick is getting what he deserves because of the heinous crimes he commited against dogs. Groups like PETA believe that he should be punished even more. AT one point they actually wanted Vick to be subjected to a brain scan. Groups like these serve no purpose in cases like this. Once Vick is done with his house arrest and is reinstated protestors will be present everywhere he goes. Most NFL teams will not want to deal with that hassle. This is beyond harrassment. But PETA feels that it is their right to stop Mike Vick. This is absurd. While Vick did break the law he or any felon should not lose the opportunity to gain employment.
Well here Vick is stuck at the bottom of the hill with a long climb ahead of him. What happends next is out of his hands. The next few months will show where things are headed for the once talented football player.
1. Detroit------ QB Matt Stafford
Stafford is the perfect pick for a team that is ready to move on from a terrible year last season. Detroit has a few offensive weapons that should help Stafford.
2. St. Louis----- OT Jason Smith
St. Louis needs to hit on this pick. The safe pick is Jason Smith. He fills a void that Orlando Pace will soon leave. Or of Alex Barron leaves in FA.
3. Kansas City---- QB Mark Sanchez
KC is stuck in a bad situation. They don't have a QB or any legit defensive threats to speak of besides Derrick Johnson who has fallen off the past few years. But look for KC to try and solitify their QB position because who really thinks Tyler Thigpen is the answer.
4. Seattle----------WR Michael Crabtree
They are in need of a playmaker and there isn't a better playmayer in this draft.
5. Cleveland-------OLB Aaron Curry
He maybe the best player in the draft. Cleveland needs an impact player and he is the best one on the board.
6. Cincinnati--------OT Eugene Monroe
Cincy is in need of some stability on the line. Monroe is the best lineman on the board.
7. Oakland---------OT Andre Smith
He is impressive. He would probably go earlier if he had not skipped out at the combine.
8. Jacksonville------OT Michael Oher
Jasonville is in need of some depth at tackle. Oher could step in right now and protect Garrard.
9. Green Bay---------DT BJ Raji
Green Bay needs help on the D-Line. Raji seemed unstoppable at times. High upside.
10. San Francisco------WR Jeremy Macklin
He is an impact player and San Fran needs as many as possible. Macklin is impressive. He must work on his route running if he wants to become an elite player.
11. Buffalo------------OLB/DE Everett Brown
He is the top pass rusher in this draft. Buffalo is in need of defensive help. Brown is a tweener in a 4-3 he is LB.
12. Denver--------------ILB Rey Maualuga
An injury surfaced during the Combine which could hurt his stock. He is a high motor guy who could make an immediate impact for the Broncos.
13. Washington---------DE Brian Otakpo
He is great a shedding blocks. He would be a great outside rusher in a 3-4.
14. New Orleans---------CB Vontae Davis
He is a freakish athlete. He is by far the best secondary player in the draft. Blessed with skill and size. He will make an immediate impact on the Saints who need a ton of help in the secondary.
15. Houston---------------LB Brian Cushing
He may not have the hype of his teammate but he is just as good. Houston will have a steal if they are able to land him at 15.
16. San Diego-----------RB Knowshow Moreno
He is the real deal at RB. San Diego needs to find a replacement for LT and Moreno is the perfect pick for the Chargers.
17. New York Jets--------CB Malcolm Jenkins
His 40 time is going to hurt him. He is going to be a good Back in the league. The Jets will get a steal here.
18. Chicago----------------DE Tyson Jackson
The Bears are in need of a pass rusher and Jackson fills that need. He is a dynamic pass rusher and has the chance to make an impact on day one.
19. Tampa Bay------------RB Chris Wells
Tampa needs to solidfy this position. Graham and the oft injured Cadillac are the answer. Beanie can be a brusing down hill runner.
20.Detroit--------------DE Aaron Maybin
Maybin is a boom or bust pick. Detroit can hit big with him. He's young at the position but he can develope into an impact player.
21. Philadelphia-------TE Brandon Pettigrew
He is the offensive playmaker Philly is looking to come away with in this draft. Has some off the field issues but he is a talent that can't be ignored.
22. Minnesota----------CB DJ Moore
Their secondary is getting old so he is the perfect pick for them. He is also a good return man.
23. New England------OLB Clay Matthews
New England needs to get younger on defense and Matthews is the perfect pick. He is a prototype Patriot.
24.Atlanta--------------OLB Larry English
A fast rising player (pause). He has been wowing Scouts with his play making ability. His 40 time was disappointing but he is still a prospect.
25. Miami---------------WR Percy Harvin
His injuries are the only thing that holds him back. He can fit in perfectly with what Miami does on offense. He is fast and versitile.
26.Baltimore---------WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
Fast and big. He is a deep threat that can help open up things for Joe Flacco. He is a talented raw reciever.
27. Indianapolis-------DT Peria Jerry
A good 3 technique tackle. Will be great in the Colts' Cover 2 system.
28.Philadelphia------RB Lesean McCoy
A small back that will be a great replacement for Westbrook. But for the time being he can learn a lot from Westbrook. McCoy is a good cut back back. If there a whole on the backside you better watch out.
29. New York Giants-WR Hakeem Nicks
The Giants need to look at a replacement for Plax. Nicks is a player he has a good upside. He may never live up to his potential.
30. Tennessee----------DE Michael Johnson
With Haynesworth leaving the Titans need to get some depth at the DE position. Johnson is a prospect at the position with a high ceiling.
31. Arizona-------------OT Eben Britton
Good takle. Can help give some depth at the position. Arizona may look to move up to get a Back.
32. Pittsburg-----------CB Alphonso Smith
A big play Corner. Good coverage back with good hands. If he lands with Pitt watch out.
Rex Ryan could bring Ravens' Ray Lewis to Jets defense
Brett Favre's future with the Jets is uncertain, and Ray Lewis, whom Ryan coached for 10 years with the Ravens, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The Jets are $10 million over the projected 2009 salary cap (that includes Favre's $13 million salary), so it's unlikely they would be able to afford both. -- NY Daily News
Philip Rivers to talk long-term contract with Chargers
Chargers GM A.J. Smith confirmed yesterday that the team will very soon begin negotiations with quarterback Philip Rivers on a long-term contract. "You offer a contract and hope for the best," Smith said while watching a Senior Bowl practice. "We'll have a contract (offer) and hope it's successful. If not, we have the franchise (tag)." This is not a surprise, but it is certainly significant. .... Should the sides not agree, the Chargers would almost certainly use the franchise tag on Rivers. For a quarterback in 2010, that is expected to be around $17 million for one season. For Rivers, that would be a lot of money for one season but only about half of what he could expect in guaranteed money on a long-term deal.-- San Diego Union-Tribune
Julius Peppers interested in Dolphins?
Agent Carl Carey said the Dolphins likely ''will be on the list of potential destinations'' for Julius Peppers, the top free-agent pass-rusher whose ''desire is to move on'' from Carolina. But if Carolina places the franchise tag on him, a team would have to trade for him and pay him big money -- a steep price. -- Miami Herald
Ravens could deal for Cards Boldin?
The only potential blockbuster move the Ravens could make is possibly trading for Arizona Cardinals blue-chipper Anquan Boldin. Boldin is under contract through 2010 and is disgruntled because he wants a new contract. He also got in a nasty argument with offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the NFC title game. -- Carroll County Times
Skins QB Campbell wants long-term deal
The Redskins have shown no inclination to extend Jason Campbell's contract, which will expire after the 2009 season. Vinny Cerrato recently said the quarterback position is one of yearly evaluation; Campbell has been eager to negotiate a long-term deal, according to several sources close to him. -- Washington Post
Cowboys open contract talks with DeMarcus Ware
The Cowboys opened preliminary talks with outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware regarding a new contract. Stephen Jones, the executive vice president, spoke with Ware's agent, Pat Dye, on Tuesday and more talks are planned. Ware has two years remaining on his rookie deal. He's scheduled to earn base salaries of $1.005 million in 2009 and $1.425 million in 2010. "We've had initial visits," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "Stephen spent quite a bit of time with [Ware's] representatives, and so certainly that's something we will be working on." -- Dallas Morning News
Parcells won't make verbal commitment to Dolphins
After two hours of examining the draft's senior prospects Bill Parcells was asked if he planned to remain Vice President of Football Operations for the Dolphins. "What does it look like I'm doing," he told the Sun-Sentinel. "What do your eyes tell you?" ... According to Parcells, he ended a five-year hiatus from the Senior Bowl because the Dolphins have "very specific" draft needs. He's already broken down film of certain players participating in Saturday's game, and the daily practices, and he's in Mobile to make sure they pass the eyeball test, and interviewed well. Based on his involvement in the team's evaluation process, it certainly seems like one of the NFL's most nomadic figures doesn't plan to exercise a clause in his contract that allows him to collect the remaining $12 million on the four-year deal he signed last year. But appearances can be deceiving, especially without a verbal commitment from Parcells that he doesn't plan to exercise the opt-out clause put in his deal to protect him against a change in ownership, which happened on Tuesday. When asked why he wouldn't outright commit to staying with the franchise, pledging that he won't exercise the 30-day clause, Parcells explained that life's experiences have taught him never to rule anything out. Parcells said he'd seen too much throughout his football career to make such a guarantee because if something happened that forces him to changed his mind within the next month he'd "hate to be called a liar." -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Collinsworth picks Haley for Chiefs
NBC Sports analyst Cris Collinsworth expects Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley to become the Chiefs' next head coach. Collinsworth, who spent time with Haley before broadcasting the Cardinals' NFC first-round win over Atlanta and will cover the Super Bowl between Arizona and Pittsburgh, said Haley's star has risen higher than anyone's during the playoffs. "I think he'll be the coach in Kansas City," Collinsworth told me Tuesday on a teleconference. "I'm watching what's happening with all the (new) coaches, and we've seen some of the defensive coaches come off the board, and the one guy nobody is talking about that has surprised me, and it's because (the Cardinals) flew so far under the radar screen, was Haley. He's not under the radar screen anymore. "The biggest winner who has come out of this run by the Arizona Cardinals has been Todd Haley." -- KC Star
Skins could make run at Suggs and Haynesworth?
Potential top-tier free agents such as Baltimore outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross play positions that are areas of need for Washington, but it remains unclear whether the team plans to be active in free agency. In the draft, the Redskins hold the 13th overall pick and one selection each in the third, fifth and sixth rounds. -- Washington Post
Kerry Collins gets late Pro Bowl invite
Titans quarterback Kerry Collins will be rewarded for his 2008 season with a trip to Hawaii. Collins will join Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Denver's Jay Cutler on the AFC roster for the Pro Bowl. Collins had been chosen as a second alternate, but because of injuries to Jets quarterback Brett Favre and San Diego's Philip Rivers, the first alternate, Collins was added to the team on Tuesday. It will be the second Pro Bowl trip for Collins in his 14-year NFL career, the other coming in 1996. -- Tennessean
Eagles quarterbacks coach Shurmur going to St. Louis Rams
The Eagles probably won't have a new quarterback for the 2009 season, but they will have a new quarterbacks coach. A league source told the Daily News that St. Louis will announce the hiring of Pat Shurmur as its offensive coordinator. Shurmur, 43, has coached Eagles' QBs the past seven seasons. Before that he spent 3 years coaching tight ends. Shurmur worked closely with new Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, who was an Eagles assistant for 8 years before he left for the Giants 2 years ago. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Raiders talk with Al Saunders
The Raiders will interview longtime NFL assistant Al Saunders for their offensive-coordinator opening, a team official confirmed Tuesday. Saunders, who specializes in the "Air Coryell" passing game, held the same position with the Rams the past three seasons before losing his job with the rest of the staff. He was the Chargers' head coach from 1986 through '88 but is not expected to interview for the Raiders' head-coaching position. He was the Chargers' head coach from 1986 through '88 but is not expected to interview for the Raiders' head-coaching position.-- SF Chronicle
Eddie DeBartolo would be interested, but knows of no sale plans for Buccaneers
Eddie DeBartolo Jr., the five-time Super Bowl champion as former owner of the 49ers, said he would buy the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if they were for sale. But DeBartolo says the Glazer family, which owns the Bucs and the Manchester United soccer club, has no plans to divest itself of the NFL team. "The Glazers are friends of mine, and I have no reason to believe the Bucs are for sale," DeBartolo told the Times on Tuesday.-- St. Petersburg Times
Can Seahawks afford to keep Leroy Hill?
While Leroy Hill might be the Seahawks' only starting linebacker who has not been voted to the Pro Bowl, there is no denying that he has Pro Bowl talent and potential. "I'd say Leroy is our best linebacker," said middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. "It's tough to say that. I've got a lot of pride. Julian (Peterson) has got a lot of pride. He probably wouldn't admit it, but he'd be wrong in saying that Leroy isn't our best linebacker." The club already has talked to Hill and his agent about signing a long-term deal, but all that did was show just how far apart the two sides are. And any time Hill has discussed the situation, he has sounded like a player who is eager to test free agency. The Seahawks can prevent Hill from leaving, or at least make it difficult, by using either their franchise or transition tag on him. But that also would be a costly move because the franchise tag will only increase from the $8.065 million the Cardinals had to pay in designating linebacker Karlos Dansby last year. -- Seattle P-I
Atlanta lawyer suing 'Pacman' Jones
Former Cowboys CB Pacman Jones is being sued by an Atlanta lawyer known for representing celebrity clients. Manny Arora claims Jones stiffed him for fees "in excess of $10,000" on 18 different cases in which Arora represented either Jones' family members or friends. None of the cases mentioned in the lawsuit filed in Fulton State Court involve Jones directly. The suit lists Deborah Jones, James Jones, Lewis Kueffor and Fleming Daniels as the defendants Arora assisted. The charges against them vary from speeding to kidnapping, simple battery and, in the case of Daniels, murder. -- Atlanta Journal Constitution
Chargers might tag Merriman in '10
One reason the Chargers would like to get a Philip Rivers deal done and avoid having to use the franchise tag - besides the fact $17 million is a large salary-cap hit - is that they might want to use the franchise tag on Shawne Merriman in 2010. -- San Diego Union-Tribune
Bears eye Simms and Leftwich?
Will the Bears try to bring in a quarterback such as Chris Simms or Byron Leftwich? It's more than possible. -- Chicago Sun-Times
Jerry Jones driven by criticism of Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones stood in the bitter cold, talking about trying to get over a disappointing season. The Cowboys' owner and general manager said Tuesday he is more disappointed about the ending of the 2008 season than what happened the previous year. And with all the problems the Cowboys have inside their locker room, Jones is determined to solve them and get his team back to the postseason. "We can look up here and see a 9-7 team [Arizona] that has a chance to win the world championship," Jones said following practice for college players preparing for Saturday's Senior Bowl. "That's not much consolation when you're a 9-7 team and not get in the playoffs." -- Dallas Morning News
Bears unlikely to add Houshmandzadeh?
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, 32, would expect a multiyear deal for big money and probably would be in the plan for only two or three seasons. It would be a similar signing to the Muhsin Muhammad deal, and it's unlikely the Bears will go down that road again. -- Chicago Sun-Times
Ravens Leonhard's contract is up after strong season
Then there's play-making safety Jim Leonhard, one of the unsung heroes of that defense, whose future in Baltimore is cloaked in salary cap intrigue. He never missed a step, through 16 starts, including three playoff games. As the season wore on, Leonhard proved his worth in more ways than as a safety. He was the team's best punt returner, averaging 11.6 yards, nearly twice that of Yamon Figurs. He returned kickoffs on occasion (averaging 20.4yards). And when the need arose - as it did in the AFC title game, when the Ravens were short on cornerbacks - Leonhard played nickel back, too. Versatile, tough, quick, smart. He made a career-high 85tackles in the regular season and played well in the playoffs (one interception, half a sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 16tackles). Not a bad resume to take into free agency Feb.27. Leonhard, 26, signed a one-year contract for $520,000 in April after he aced a weekend minicamp tryout with the Ravens. That contract is up, and for the first time in his pro career, he has options. -- Baltimore Sun
49ers Singletary's focus on Jagodzinski
49ers head coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan planned to interview ex-Boston College head coach and former NFL assistant Jeff Jagodzinski on Tuesday night in Mobile, Ala., site of the Senior Bowl. -- SF Chronicle
Redskins dealing Carlos Rogers
Cornerback Carlos Rogers, 27, one of the team's few standout young players, said he was dissatisfied with his decreased role at the end of the season and hinted he would prefer to be traded. Team sources said they believe the Redskins will shop Rogers for draft picks. -- Washington Post
Well I was 3 and 1 this week. Who would have thought the Cardinals would demolish the Panthers. Jake Delhome is a bum. I guess home field advantage isn't as important in Football as it is in other sports. The road teams dominated this weekend. The Eagles Giants games played out pretty much like I thought it would. Eli sucked Asanthi picked him off and almost took it to the house. Stay tuned for next weeks picks.
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