bubba9497
March-1st-2005, 08:00 PM
In the Trenches: Big-name WRs on the move
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/8242351
The wide receiver position appears set to have a new look next season.
Fantasy super stud Randy Moss has already been traded to the Oakland Raiders (he'll wear No. 18 in silver and black), Muhsin Muhammad has left Carolina for windier pastures in Chicago, and Laveranues Coles, Santana Moss and Rod Gardner have all been involved in trade rumors.
Furthermore, veterans like Derrick Mason and Plaxico Burress will wear new uniforms next season, and several up-and-coming wideouts will have a chance to shine in more prominent roles.
In the final installment of three reports, we focus on 12 wide receivers and tight ends that are either set to become free agents or could be on the move in the coming weeks and months, as well as the implications involved with their potential roster status. Muhsin Muhammad, Chicago: Muhammad was a free-agent for a New York minute, as the veteran agreed in principle to a three-year contract with the Bears just one day after being released by Carolina. Muhammad, who will turn 32 in May, had his most productive season as a pro in 2004 with 93 receptions, 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He also led all wide receivers in Fantasy points.
While his presence improves the league's worst pass attack, Muhammad's value still takes a real blow in Chicago. Quarterback Rex Grossman remains a question mark -- he threw one touchdown and three interceptions in three starts last season and must return from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Furthermore, the Bears' offense recorded a mere nine receiving touchdowns last season, which is seven less than Muhammad had on his own.
The veteran still warrants consideration as a middle-round selection in drafts, but owners should be sure to temper their expectations. The real winner is this scenario appears to be Keary Colbert, who will move to second on the Panthers' depth chart and is now a nice sleeper candidate.
Plaxico Burress, Pittsburgh (UFA): Burress has been an enigma in his five seasons as a pro. He showed flashes of brilliance with 2,333 yards and 13 touchdowns between 2001-02, but his numbers the past two seasons (1,558 yards, nine touchdowns) have been mediocre at best.
Burress, 28, can still be a nice asset and will receive consideration from several teams, but the Baltimore Ravens appear to be the frontrunners. In an offense whose wide receivers totaled just 10 touchdowns last season, Burress would be a welcomed addition.
With Burress headed out of the Steel City, expect quarterback-turned-wide receiver Antwaan Randle El to have added value in drafts.
Derrick Mason, UFA: Mason has become the hottest wide receiver on the free-agent market since being released by the Tennessee Titans. A plethora of teams have expressed interest, but the Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars have been the most active. Both teams have negotiated with Mason, and the Jaguars have also spoken to his agent.
A consummate professional who has recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Mason has narrowed his list of desirable teams to the Ravens, Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals and both New York teams. When the smoke clears, however, expect Mason to sign with the Jags and create a solid one-two punch in the pass attack with Jimmy Smith.
His absence in Tennessee means more prominent roles for Drew Bennett and Tyrone Calico, who should both move up rank lists.
Laveranues Coles, Washington: The Coles-to-New York rumors have slowed but aren't dead, as the two sides still attempt to hammer out financial issues. The Jets could either pick up all or part of the $5 million owed to Coles on April 1, or give Coles a new deal altogether. The other receiver in the deal, Santana Moss,, would also receive a new contract from the Redskins. Coles would be the more attractive option for owners, though his injured toe is cause for some concern. Part of the reason he wants out of Washington is the team's persistence that he have surgery to fix the problem ... Coles has gone against medical advice and will not have the procedure.
Santana Moss, N.Y. Jets: Moss appears to have played his last game with the Jets, who have aggressively shopped him the past few weeks. Moss' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, doesn't want his client to play out the final season of his contract without an extension, which it appears he won't receive in New York.
Moss disappointed owners this past season with 838 yards and five touchdowns, so a change of scenery could be a positive. He might still be headed to our nation's capital in a deal that involves Coles, or the Jets could make a push to add Mason as a free agent. Overall, there is one scenario that appears imminent: Moss won't be in green and white next season.
Rod Gardner, Washington: Coach Joe Gibbs appears confident that Gardner will be traded, though the release of Mason has increased the number of available wide receivers and could alter Gardner's value. A disappointment in his three pro seasons, it's difficult to envision him as better than a No. 3 or 4 option in leagues with 12 or fewer teams.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati (UFA): Houshmandzadeh recorded his best statistics as a pro last season with 978 yards and four touchdowns, which made him a more attractive free-agent option. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound receiver will draw interest from several teams, but he'll need to prove that last season's success wasn't a fluke before owners should consider him for a prominent role.
Expect the Bengals, Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers to have the most interest.
David Givens, New England (RFA): The Patriots will look to tender Givens, a restricted free agent who has been an important component in their Super Bowl run. The team could place a second tender (worth $1.43 million) on him, but that would allow other teams to bid on his services in exchange for a first-round selection.
The Patriots could also place the highest tender ($1.9 million) on Givens, who would then remain with the team for at least one more season. It will be more difficult to retain Givens long-term, however, so a potential deal for a first-round selection is also possible.
Bubba Franks, Green Bay (transition): The Packers have placed their transition tag on Franks, which means it must offer a minimum of the top 10 salaries of last season at the tight end position. The team also has first-right refusal to match an offer sheet given to Franks by another team within seven days. Should the Packers decide not to match, it would receive no compensation. At tihs point, expect Franks to remain a decent starter in leagues with 12-plus teams.
Marcus Pollard, Indianapolis: The development of fellow tight end Dallas Clark appears to have made Pollard expendable, as reports indicate the Colts might release him in a cost-cutting move. A productive veteran who has totaled 23 touchdowns the past four seasons, Pollard will remain a draftable asset whether he remains in Indianapolis or signs with a new team as a free agent.
Jermaine Wiggins, Minnesota (UFA): Wiggins had a career season with 71 receptions, 705 yards and four touchdowns, but those numbers won't guarantee him a prominent role in 2005. Jim Kleinsasser, who signed a $15 million contract with a $4.25 million signing bonus last March, will return from an injured knee and could make Wiggins expendable to the Vikings.
A career journeyman -- he has played for three teams in five pro seasons -- Wiggins' statistical success could be short-lived. Unless he signs with a new team as a starter, he will be hard pressed to produce even half of last season's totals.
Freddie Jones, Arizona (UFA): Jones used to be one of the more valuable tight ends in Fantasy Football, but his lack of touchdown production has limited his stock in recent seasons. He's found the end zone a mere six times in the past three seasons combined -- nine tight ends had six or more touchdowns last season alone. Wherever he lands, Jones will be no better than an occasional starter in most leagues.
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/8242351
The wide receiver position appears set to have a new look next season.
Fantasy super stud Randy Moss has already been traded to the Oakland Raiders (he'll wear No. 18 in silver and black), Muhsin Muhammad has left Carolina for windier pastures in Chicago, and Laveranues Coles, Santana Moss and Rod Gardner have all been involved in trade rumors.
Furthermore, veterans like Derrick Mason and Plaxico Burress will wear new uniforms next season, and several up-and-coming wideouts will have a chance to shine in more prominent roles.
In the final installment of three reports, we focus on 12 wide receivers and tight ends that are either set to become free agents or could be on the move in the coming weeks and months, as well as the implications involved with their potential roster status. Muhsin Muhammad, Chicago: Muhammad was a free-agent for a New York minute, as the veteran agreed in principle to a three-year contract with the Bears just one day after being released by Carolina. Muhammad, who will turn 32 in May, had his most productive season as a pro in 2004 with 93 receptions, 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He also led all wide receivers in Fantasy points.
While his presence improves the league's worst pass attack, Muhammad's value still takes a real blow in Chicago. Quarterback Rex Grossman remains a question mark -- he threw one touchdown and three interceptions in three starts last season and must return from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Furthermore, the Bears' offense recorded a mere nine receiving touchdowns last season, which is seven less than Muhammad had on his own.
The veteran still warrants consideration as a middle-round selection in drafts, but owners should be sure to temper their expectations. The real winner is this scenario appears to be Keary Colbert, who will move to second on the Panthers' depth chart and is now a nice sleeper candidate.
Plaxico Burress, Pittsburgh (UFA): Burress has been an enigma in his five seasons as a pro. He showed flashes of brilliance with 2,333 yards and 13 touchdowns between 2001-02, but his numbers the past two seasons (1,558 yards, nine touchdowns) have been mediocre at best.
Burress, 28, can still be a nice asset and will receive consideration from several teams, but the Baltimore Ravens appear to be the frontrunners. In an offense whose wide receivers totaled just 10 touchdowns last season, Burress would be a welcomed addition.
With Burress headed out of the Steel City, expect quarterback-turned-wide receiver Antwaan Randle El to have added value in drafts.
Derrick Mason, UFA: Mason has become the hottest wide receiver on the free-agent market since being released by the Tennessee Titans. A plethora of teams have expressed interest, but the Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars have been the most active. Both teams have negotiated with Mason, and the Jaguars have also spoken to his agent.
A consummate professional who has recorded four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Mason has narrowed his list of desirable teams to the Ravens, Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals and both New York teams. When the smoke clears, however, expect Mason to sign with the Jags and create a solid one-two punch in the pass attack with Jimmy Smith.
His absence in Tennessee means more prominent roles for Drew Bennett and Tyrone Calico, who should both move up rank lists.
Laveranues Coles, Washington: The Coles-to-New York rumors have slowed but aren't dead, as the two sides still attempt to hammer out financial issues. The Jets could either pick up all or part of the $5 million owed to Coles on April 1, or give Coles a new deal altogether. The other receiver in the deal, Santana Moss,, would also receive a new contract from the Redskins. Coles would be the more attractive option for owners, though his injured toe is cause for some concern. Part of the reason he wants out of Washington is the team's persistence that he have surgery to fix the problem ... Coles has gone against medical advice and will not have the procedure.
Santana Moss, N.Y. Jets: Moss appears to have played his last game with the Jets, who have aggressively shopped him the past few weeks. Moss' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, doesn't want his client to play out the final season of his contract without an extension, which it appears he won't receive in New York.
Moss disappointed owners this past season with 838 yards and five touchdowns, so a change of scenery could be a positive. He might still be headed to our nation's capital in a deal that involves Coles, or the Jets could make a push to add Mason as a free agent. Overall, there is one scenario that appears imminent: Moss won't be in green and white next season.
Rod Gardner, Washington: Coach Joe Gibbs appears confident that Gardner will be traded, though the release of Mason has increased the number of available wide receivers and could alter Gardner's value. A disappointment in his three pro seasons, it's difficult to envision him as better than a No. 3 or 4 option in leagues with 12 or fewer teams.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati (UFA): Houshmandzadeh recorded his best statistics as a pro last season with 978 yards and four touchdowns, which made him a more attractive free-agent option. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound receiver will draw interest from several teams, but he'll need to prove that last season's success wasn't a fluke before owners should consider him for a prominent role.
Expect the Bengals, Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers to have the most interest.
David Givens, New England (RFA): The Patriots will look to tender Givens, a restricted free agent who has been an important component in their Super Bowl run. The team could place a second tender (worth $1.43 million) on him, but that would allow other teams to bid on his services in exchange for a first-round selection.
The Patriots could also place the highest tender ($1.9 million) on Givens, who would then remain with the team for at least one more season. It will be more difficult to retain Givens long-term, however, so a potential deal for a first-round selection is also possible.
Bubba Franks, Green Bay (transition): The Packers have placed their transition tag on Franks, which means it must offer a minimum of the top 10 salaries of last season at the tight end position. The team also has first-right refusal to match an offer sheet given to Franks by another team within seven days. Should the Packers decide not to match, it would receive no compensation. At tihs point, expect Franks to remain a decent starter in leagues with 12-plus teams.
Marcus Pollard, Indianapolis: The development of fellow tight end Dallas Clark appears to have made Pollard expendable, as reports indicate the Colts might release him in a cost-cutting move. A productive veteran who has totaled 23 touchdowns the past four seasons, Pollard will remain a draftable asset whether he remains in Indianapolis or signs with a new team as a free agent.
Jermaine Wiggins, Minnesota (UFA): Wiggins had a career season with 71 receptions, 705 yards and four touchdowns, but those numbers won't guarantee him a prominent role in 2005. Jim Kleinsasser, who signed a $15 million contract with a $4.25 million signing bonus last March, will return from an injured knee and could make Wiggins expendable to the Vikings.
A career journeyman -- he has played for three teams in five pro seasons -- Wiggins' statistical success could be short-lived. Unless he signs with a new team as a starter, he will be hard pressed to produce even half of last season's totals.
Freddie Jones, Arizona (UFA): Jones used to be one of the more valuable tight ends in Fantasy Football, but his lack of touchdown production has limited his stock in recent seasons. He's found the end zone a mere six times in the past three seasons combined -- nine tight ends had six or more touchdowns last season alone. Wherever he lands, Jones will be no better than an occasional starter in most leagues.