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National Football League
Draft King Analysis
March 6, 2009
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here. Send your thoughts to Draft King at LouPickney@gmail.com.
My sympathies go out to the friends and family of NFL players Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper and former USF football player Will Bleakley, who are missing and believed to have died in a fishing boat accident this past weekend in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. It's a horribly tragic situation.
One free agent signing that caught my eye today was Dallas picking up former Chargers DE Igor Olshansky. The Chargers used a second round selection on him in 2004, and he missed just five games in five NFL seasons. Terms of his deal with the Cowboys are unknown as of this writing, but he should provide a strong boost to Dallas' 3-4 defense. Keep in mind that Dallas just lost DE Chris Canty to the Giants in free agency, which makes the addition of Olshansky to the Dallas roster a plus for the team.
From: Clint Butts
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Subject: Buccaneer's questions
I know that supposedly the Jay Culter trade is dead in the water, but I find it somewhat odd that part of the reason Chris Simms signed with Denver was for a chance at a promotion. Also from reading up on the trade offer the Bucs were offering more to New England than what they recieved from Kansas City. Do you think Belichek took the deal because of Pioli and to spite McDainels or do you think that the offer just didn't come together in time? Also any chance that McNabb has had his fill in Philly and might push for a trade or a release? Overall is there anyone that the Bucs could/would add to their roster to have a battle at QB? Site looks great and appreciate the time and effort you put into it.
Lou: Keep in mind that, with the Titans in 2008, Simms was the #3 quarterback. Moving from #3 to #2 on the depth chart would qualify as a promotion, but clearly there are things in Denver that have to be smoothed over to keep Jay Cutler on the same page with the new management there.
With the Patriots/Chiefs trade, an important component that has been overlooked by many is the fact that Kansas City didn't insist on Matt Cassel signing a new contract as part of the deal. I'm not sure that would have been the case for the Buccaneers -- or any other team. Moreover, a deal on the table now might not be on the table tomorrow, and a three-way trade might have taken some time to finalize. From New England's standpoint, they unloaded a backup quarterback and a 34-year-old linebacker for a high second-round pick, which isn't bad.
From: John Dirda
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Subject: Steelers FA
Do you think the Steelers have a chance at resigning B. McFadden? If not who do you see us picking up in 4-6 rounds to replace him at CB? Also, what's the status of Igor Olshansky? I figure he is asking for a lot of $$$, but he would fit the Steelers defensive scheme perfectly. Take it easy Lou.
Lou: I have my doubts about the Steelers signing Bryant McFadden to a new deal, since free agents from a Super Bowl champion typically get above-market rates. As for Olshansky, the Steelers front seven was very strong in 2008. Olshansky, as referenced earlier, signed with Dallas, but the idea of him going to Pittsburgh wouldn't have made much sense (short of being a bargain deal) since Pittsburgh has NT Casey Hampton under contract through this season.
One position that I imagine the Steelers will focus on is the #3 WR spot with the departure of wide receiver Nate Washington to the Titans. There are some veteran wideouts who are (or will be in the case of Torry Holt) on the open market who might get some looks from Pittsburgh for that spot.
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