2013 FA Thread (Updates on OP) New: Merling, Brace, Pashos, Trueblood, EJBig, Tapp, White, Williams, MATTHEWS; Re-up: Rex, Hall, Davis, Paulsen, DY, RJax, Lich, Sundberg, Baker, Sav, Golston, Kehl, Polumbus; Paycuts: Carriker, Moss, BMeri, J. Wilson

[DogofWar1]

Raiders | Mike Brisiel could be released
The Oakland Raiders could release OG Mike Brisiel this offseason in order to create $2.82 million in salary cap space. The team likely is moving on from the zone-blocking scheme which would make Brisiel expendable.

A lot of us wanted him in FA last year, I wonder if he gets another look. We certainly needed guards last year, when Kory was coming off an injury and didn't have LeRib drafted yet, and Chester had a bad year, but this past year they've done very well and we've added some depth, so he might not be necessary any more.

Then again, you can never have too much quality OL depth, though I don't know if we can spend 2M+ on a guy.

[SemperFi Skins]

OK, so why haven't we brought Jovan Olafioye in yet???

---------- Post added February-14th-2013 at 05:29 PM ----------

Bills | Terrence McGee released
Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:00:15 -0800

The Buffalo Bills released CB Terrence McGee Thursday, Feb. 14.


Read more: http://kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz2KuoD3HAp

---------- Post added February-14th-2013 at 05:29 PM ----------

NFL | Martellus Bennett, Michael Bennett could be package deal
Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:57:25 -0800

New York Giants impending free-agent TE Martellus Bennett said he wants to re-sign with the Giants this offseason but if no deal is reached, he likely will sign with the team his brother, Tampa Bay Buccaneers impending free-agent DE Michael Bennett, signs with.


Read more: http://kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz2KuoJPK00

---------- Post added February-14th-2013 at 05:30 PM ----------

Seahawks | Marcus Trufant may not return
Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:39:46 -0800

The Seattle Seahawks may not be interested in re-signing impending free-agent CB Marcus Trufant this offseason and could look for a new nickel back in free agency or the draft.


Read more: http://kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz2KuoYRBrt

[DC9]

Marcus Trufant can't play in the Seattle defense because he isn't at least 6'2".

[mojo]

Ahmad Bradshaw was on espn radio this afternoon and when asked about teams he would like to play for next year, he mentioned he was from VA and would love to play close to home. Hmmm...

[DogofWar1]

Marcus Trufant can't play in the Seattle defense because he isn't at least 6'2".

We should sign him and draft his brother. Heck, get Isaiah in here too.

[DC9]

Ahmad Bradshaw was on espn radio this afternoon and when asked about teams he would like to play for next year, he mentioned he was from VA and would love to play close to home. Hmmm...

He's such a little *****. He wouldn't beat out AlMo and he wouldn't come here to be a backup.

I just love how the writing is on the wall for those guys. Word is, the Carolina Panthers can never have enough cap devoted to the running back position.

---------- Post added February-14th-2013 at 06:47 PM ----------

We should sign him and draft his brother. Heck, get Isaiah in here too.

I hung out with one of my boys at the Seattle playoff game this year (he's a Seahawks fan) and he told me that he was in the dog house. I didn't really ask for him to elaborate at the time. But I only watched three Seahawks games this year and didn't see much of him.

[mojo]

He's such a little *****. He wouldn't beat out AlMo and he wouldn't come here to be a backup.

I just love how the writing is on the wall for those guys. Word is, the Carolina Panthers can never have enough cap devoted to the running back position.

---------- Post added February-14th-2013 at 06:47 PM ----------



I hung out with one of my boys at the Seattle playoff game this year (he's a Seahawks fan) and he told me that he was in the dog house. I didn't really ask for him to elaborate at the time. But I only watched three Seahawks games this year and didn't see much of him.

Obviously Bradshaw couldn't replace Morris but I wouldn't argue with him as a back up if he's healthy and cheap. I like his fire and he's won a couple Super Bowls. He could provide a positive veteran presence on the offensive side.

[wit33]

Yeh, but the price tag is alittle lower....

like the look of this signing, along with Merling looks like we are trying to shore up our DL depth without spending big or targeting DL in the draft.

Shanny loves competition and this is serving notice-- all back up linemen, work a harder to keep your roster spot.

[Rocky52Mc]

Obviously Bradshaw couldn't replace Morris but I wouldn't argue with him as a back up if he's healthy and cheap. I like his fire and he's won a couple Super Bowls. He could provide a positive veteran presence on the offensive side.

It's just way to easy to draft another one, pick a UDFA instead of paying that guy 3 mil.

It should go unsaid but money is tight around here for one more season. We can't plunge money into that position when we already have Helu coming back as well and the #2 rusher in the league.

[Monk4thaHALL]

OK, so why haven't we brought Jovan Olafioye in yet???

You should give people some more ground to stand on. He is defiantly worth the call.

But the reason (potentially)
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7416/jovan-olafioye

Feb 6 - 1:25 AM (2013)

Former CFL OT Jovan Olafioye met with the Packers last Thursday but was turned down by Green Bay's medical staff.

Olafioye went through a similar charade last offseason, agreeing to a deal with the Rams before being released due to medical concerns stemming from hypertension. "It's my blood pressure, but I've got it under control," Olafioye insisted. "I've been to so many doctors and I've been cleared by them all." Olafioye claims the Ravens and Steelers have also shown interest in him.

Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

^ That's the most recent update via Roto. The Steelers interest is verified as well: http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/02...ovan-olafioye/

Jovan Olafioye | Tackle

Team: 	         BC Lions (CFL) Unsigned Free Agent
Age / DOB:  	 25 / 12/16/1987
Ht / Wt:  	 6'5' / 325
College: 	 North Carolina Central
Contract: 	 [x]2013: Free Agent

This is all stemming from an earlier thing, a year ago in FEB of 2012, with the Rams (after the 2011 season):
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...eturns-to-cfl/

Jovan Olafioye fails Rams’ physical, returns to CFL

February 10, 2012, 3:03 PM EST

Olafioye has failed the Rams’ physical, and now he’s heading back to British Columbia and planning to play this season in the Canadian Football League. Olafioye’s agent, Dan Vertlieb, released a statement confirming the news ...

__

So to the layman, people suspect he's got some medical issue.

What he has actually is high blood pressure. Maybe even hypertension, so I've read. Read the article at the end of the post to get more clarity. He takes medication for it, but apparently he had pulled himself off of it in 2011, for a certain time period and that lead to some issues.

His family story is compelling (article at the end of the post). His father is a renowned Doctor in the field of HIV. So Jovan is no dummy and he's not some mystery medical case. In fact the college he attended, NC Central, is located in Durham, the "city of medicine."


Anyway, he's played three straight seasons for the BC Lions (2010, 2011, 2012) and has not missed 1 start. Honored twice as an All-Star (2011 & 2012).

After having a contract handed to him by the Rams, it's taken away in the same breath. He goes back to the CFL and plays the 2012 season only to be honored as the Offensive Lineman of the Year.


2012 CFL season:
http://www.nccueaglepride.com/news/2...129121145.aspx

FORMER EAGLE OLAFIOYE NAMED CFL OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR

11/29/2012 1:48:00 PM

Former North Carolina Central University lineman and current BC Lions tackle Jovan Olafioye was named the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman at the 2012 Gibson’s Finest Player Awards in Toronto on Nov. 22.

After being a finalist in the same category in 2011, Olafioye rebounded in fine form in 2012 to earn his first Most Outstanding Lineman Award.

A native of Detroit, Olafioye anchored a BC offensive line that allowed the club to lead the league in yards-per-game, as well as rushing yards. He was also a part of a Lions offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league.

Olafioye, who has not missed a start in three seasons with the BC Lions, was a CFL All-Star on last year’s Grey Cup championship squad.

He was a two-year starter on the NCCU offensive line during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jovan_Olafioye

CFL All-Star: 2011, 2012

Date of birth: December 16, 1987 (age 25)

__

Honestly, if his medical was so bad, why is he just shining in the CFL?
__


Anyway his listed height of 6'6" - that BC lists, Roto & Wiki, is likely flattering (up measuring) and a bit off. In fact, his Pro Day numbers from 2009, at Duke, listed his height at 6046. So he's actually a bit under 6'5". Maybe he grew some up in Canada.

And even then his weight at 317 (2009 Pro Day) had him with a decent mid-section bubble. So he looked a bit hefty, you couldn't help but wonder if he just wasn't carrying too much weight for his frame.

In spite of that he looked athletic for Zone and he can switch between Guard and Tackle.

here: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...2009&genpos=og

                 Pro Day Results 

Dates: 03/25/09 
       03/16 @ Duke

Height:      6046            225 Lb. Bench Reps: 27
Weight:      317             Vertical Jump:      21 1/2
40 Yrd Dash: 5.46            Broad Jump:         08'08"
20 Yrd Dash: 3.09            20 Yrd Shuttle:     5.00
10 Yrd Dash: 1.93 	     3-Cone Drill:       7.92

__

Anyway, my guess is that NFL teams looking for a Tackle see him as mostly a Guard, size-wise. And even then, his position on the BC squad is RT. Nonetheless a good Right Tackle for the CFL. Obviously a different game in the CFL, different athletes. Not to diminish his accomplishments.
__

So, looking at his BC photos, he doesn't look all that bad in the middle now:




Maybe he's just grown into his body more adequately the last few years:


__

This article is worth the read:
http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Ol...845/story.html

By Lowell Ullrich, The Province November 22, 2012

Olafioye was defined as a winner in balloting by coaches and the Football Reporters of Canada, nine months after an NFL team decided he’d failed his physical just days after he’d signed a contract.

He was, for a time anyway, deemed damaged goods, because the St. Louis Rams decided against registering the contract of a player who had not taken his medication for high blood pressure. He had been branded, but in no way had he been defined.

What defines him, he said, are the family members in the audience Thursday. The three sons of Dr. Salewa Olafioye, formerly one of the world’s leading specialists in HIV/AIDS research and consultant to the United Nations, all know their dad would want them to become doctors.

But the Lions tackle knew that if his dad could be held incommunicado by the 1995 military junta in his native Nigeria for speaking out against military suppression and inhuman treatment, a little thing like having his NFL dream get sidetracked for a while was nothing.

“My father always said football does not define me,” Olafioye said Thursday. “My family has always been my backbone. We want to take care of our family when I get older. It’s Nigerian tradition. Kids take care of their parents.”

The day he was told of the voided contract, Olafioye said, he put the phone down and continued a workout.

He also knew the reason he had to spend a third season with the Lions was the person he saw in the mirror, the player who pulled himself off his medication prior to the 2011 season because he thought his high blood pressure had somehow fixed itself.

That mistake did not occur last year, he maintained, as Olafioye also took a more resolute approach to diet and training, in a manner that could only make a college professor of biology and anatomy proud.

“I didn’t know not making the NFL was going to come down to [not taking medication], but I know what’s in front of me now,” he said.

“The NFL left a bitter taste in my mouth and if the NFL doesn’t give me a legitimate shot with a significant signing bonus I would rather come back to the CFL.”

He has said that he is not going to go through the dog and pony act anymore. He's quoted as saying that he'll let his agent handle the negotiations. JO said that he's not going to go visit 15 teams, like he did last year and workout for each team just to have the door slammed in his face. He said he'll go somewhere for a physical, if the terms are right, the offer is just and if the team is serious about having him compete. He said that there is plenty of film out there on him, including his 2012 Offensive Lineman of the YEAR film.

[KDawg]

Having now watched a little bit of JO on film, I like what he brings to the table. Having said that, I haven't seen enough to get a true feel of what he's capable of. But, blood pressure issues or not, I think he might be a guy that is worth taking a flyer on. Why not?

Seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders and a good skillset. If he's healthy, he likely could come in and be our starter at RT. And solid at that for a reasonable contract.

---------- Post added February-15th-2013 at 08:10 AM ----------

Also, Marrone seems to want to get younger/go in a different direction with the Bills secondary. I think they're going to try to reup Leodis McKelvin now that they released Terrance McGee. But TM and George Wilson should be on our radar. Not necessarily signings, but should definitely be on our "take a look at" list.

I'd definitely put Wilson in the OP. Not sure where he'd be priority wise right now... But he should be there.

[SemperFi Skins]

You should give people some more ground to stand on. He is defiantly worth the call.

I wrote quite a few things throughout the thread on Jovan Olafioye... But not nearly as detailed as yours LOL Thanks for doing that. Excellent write up and he is definitely worth the call. I'm disappointed that we have not brought him in yet. His athleticism amazes me and when you watch him he just flies off the ball.

[SemperFi Skins]

Having now watched a little bit of JO on film, I like what he brings to the table. Having said that, I haven't seen enough to get a true feel of what he's capable of. But, blood pressure issues or not, I think he might be a guy that is worth taking a flyer on. Why not?

Seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders and a good skillset. If he's healthy, he likely could come in and be our starter at RT. And solid at that for a reasonable contract.[COLOR="Gold"]

Yes sir. JO should be in the Burg and Gold...

I also wouldn't mind George Wilson. He's still playing at a very high level and its being talked about in Buffalo how this was a shaky move to release him and now they must do everything they can to retain Byrd.

[Alcoholic Zebra]

He's such a little *****. He wouldn't beat out AlMo and he wouldn't come here to be a backup.

I just love how the writing is on the wall for those guys. Word is, the Carolina Panthers can never have enough cap devoted to the running back position.

Panthers got a new GM, they've gotten smarter. They're releasing DeAngelo Williams and restructuring Stewart.

[DC9]

Obviously Bradshaw couldn't replace Morris but I wouldn't argue with him as a back up if he's healthy and cheap. I like his fire and he's won a couple Super Bowls. He could provide a positive veteran presence on the offensive side.

He's not enough of a change of pace back for me. We already have Morris and Royster... Bradshaw would be overkill. Not saying it can't or won't happen, just that I wouldn't.

---------- Post added February-15th-2013 at 10:30 AM ----------

Yes sir. JO should be in the Burg and Gold...

I also wouldn't mind George Wilson. He's still playing at a very high level and its being talked about in Buffalo how this was a shaky move to release him and now they must do everything they can to retain Byrd.

Someone come up with a JO Mamma t-shirt idea.

Let's get this thing moving!