TRADES
Holy trades, Batman!
The
Kevin Kolb to Arizona trade is finally complete, and the Cardinals paid a steep price both in compensation (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick) and money ($63 million over five years, with $20 million guaranteed) to acquire the largely unproven Kolb.
Larry Fitzgerald finished WR10 in PPR formats last year with the Skelton/Anderson/Hall three-headed debacle, so even if Kolb is mediocre, Fitzy should approach top 5 status again. With
Steve Breaston gone,
Andre Roberts will be a sleeper as well. As for Kolb, based on what we've seen he's a mid-range QB2.
The Patriots were busy on Thursday dealing for
Chad Ochocinco and, in a separate deal, Albert Haynesworth. The trade was a best-case scenario for Ochocinco as he gets a chance to revitalize his career in a pass-happy offense with arguably the best QB in the game. We see Ochocinco as a low-end WR2/WR3 with some upside. Just remember that he is 33 years old and is no spring chicken. The move kills
Deion Branch's stock, while
Wes Welker largely remains unchanged.
Rob Gronkowski and
Aaron Hernandez could see fewer targets but they both should continue to be big parts of the New England passing attack.
Greg Olsen was traded to the Panthers and should provide
Cam Newton with a big target, especially around the goal line. The TE position has long been ignored in Carolina but it looks like new OC Rob Chudzinski (who has spent four years with
Antonio Gates) is looking to change that. When he was OC of the Browns (2007-08),
Kellen Winslow averaged 4.8 rec and 59 yards per game. As for the losers in this trade, look no further than
Jeremy Shockey (who loses snaps and targets). Oh, and the Panthers announced that
Steve L Smith won't be traded; the feisty receiver sounds like he's on board.
SIGNINGS
The Texans gave up their chase of Nnamdi Asomugha and settled on Johnathan Joseph to the tune of $48.9 million over five years. Joseph should help shore up what was an awful Houston pass defense in 2010. The Asomugha sweepstakes are down to the Jets, 49ers and the Bucs, who have quietly been pursuing the cornerback.
Darren Sproles agreed to a two-year deal with the Saints and effectively crushes Pierre Thomas's value in the process. Lance Moore, Jimmy Graham and Mark Ingram take a hit as well.
CUTS
The big cut of the day wasn't a shocker, as Vince Young was let go by the Titans. He's 28, a two-time Pro Bowler and has a 21/12 TD-to-interception ratio over his last 24 games. Rumor has it that the Eagles are interested, and the match makes a lot of sense.
RUMORS
Speaking of rumors,
Matt Forte is apparently leaning towards holding out of Bears training camp until he can get a new deal...
Frank Gore did not report to camp, as expected...
Roy Williams is on the Bears' radar...The Vikings are hot for
James Jones.
NOTE FROM EDITOR: As of this morning, Roy Williams has reportedly agreed to terms with the Bears.
