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

[SemperFi Skins]

From what I've heard, he wouldn't work well as an end with us. I heard they've tried to shuffle him around to different spots to find ways for him to excel and he's basically only been decent as a 3 tech. 3-4 ends tend to be split a bit wider.

He's basically trash at the 4-3 DT spot. He's too big for 4-3 DE. All the potential in the world for this kid and it boggles my mind how he can't put it together on the field... My point was why would another 4-3 team take him in if he was complete garbage in the 4-3 system in NO?

[SJValleySkinz]

He's basically trash at the 4-3 DT spot. He's too big for 4-3 DE. All the potential in the world for this kid and it boggles my mind how he can't put it together on the field... My point was why would another 4-3 team take him in if he was complete garbage in the 4-3 system in NO?

There's even less reasons for a 3-4 team to take him. 2 gap 4-3 tackles rarely make the conversion to the 5tech succesfully.

[DC9]

ESPN's Pat Yasinskas does not expect the Saints to re-sign free agent WR Devery Henderson.
Henderson never quite lived up to his potential with the Saints, operating as a mere situational deep threat throughout his eight years with the club. Entering his age-31 season, he can expect a soft market. Henderson is our No. 31 free-agent wideout available this season.

The Cardinals could save $3.5 million in cap space by releasing ILB Stewart Bradley.
It sounds like a no-brainer, but the Cards would still be on the hook for $3 million against the cap. It's a tough decision for the new regime. Bradley fell out of favor last season, playing mostly on special teams as he fell behind Reggie Walker. The Cards desperately need to find a serviceable linebacker to line up next to beast Daryl Washington.

[Gurgeh]

People are not sure if he will ever play again so not sure a hard look is warranted. His back is all types of screwed up after that hit.

Last I heard he was having some problems from his back while just walking, let alone running. I feel sorry for the guy, he had a promising career.

[SemperFi Skins]

I think he may be done in the league.

[NewEraofSkins08]

This is silly but.....straight line speed is one of the last physical gifts to diminish with age. Its not like lateral quickness or agility that vanish quickly. Point being that when Fletch is likely hasn't lost very much of his straight line speed when healthy, this is coming from Fletcher who claims he ran 4.38 when he was playing basketball at John Carrol I would guess he's still around 4.5-4.6

But all silliness aside I think Kee has a chance to play and play well next to Riley when Fletcher retires. I would still try to land Zavier Gooden in the draft tho

Wow, I honestly didn't know that. Well played..

[DogofWar1]

Last I heard he was having some problems from his back while just walking, let alone running. I feel sorry for the guy, he had a promising career.

It sounds a little better than that, but not by much. They mention jogging in this ESPN article.
http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story...act-terminated

It's definitely a sad story, and he indeed may never play again. That being said, I don't think it's too crazy to envision a Jake Ballard-like scenario, where he's brought on and immediately placed on PUP. Give him another 12 months and gauge his progress, and if it looks like he doesn't have a decent shot of returning to the field, cut him. At least, that seems like a low-risk option.

[Laxpunk2006]

It sounds a little better than that, but not by much. They mention jogging in this ESPN article.
http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story...act-terminated

It's definitely a sad story, and he indeed may never play again. That being said, I don't think it's too crazy to envision a Jake Ballard-like scenario, where he's brought on and immediately placed on PUP. Give him another 12 months and gauge his progress, and if it looks like he doesn't have a decent shot of returning to the field, cut him. At least, that seems like a low-risk option.

I think the question that needs to be answered there is does a PUP player count against the cap, and at what point can we PUP a player? It wouldn't make sense to be wasting even a single cap dollar on a "maybe in 2014" player with the situation we're in.

[martytheman]

Wait until you see So'Oto this offseason. Our lists will be close.

Why are you so high on this guy? Do you know something the rest of us don't?
He's a udfa, who was was cut loose by the packers twice, raiders once and signed by the skins in Dec...

[SemperFi Skins]

I think the question that needs to be answered there is does a PUP player count against the cap, and at what point can we PUP a player? It wouldn't make sense to be wasting even a single cap dollar on a "maybe in 2014" player with the situation we're in.

Yes, you still have to pay them, but they do not count against the 53 man roster. I believe you can PUP a player at any time but there are certain designations to it, for instance, the time they must remain out before being able to return.

---------- Post added February-12th-2013 at 02:52 PM ----------

Johnny Knox - WR - Bears Free agent Johnny Knox's agent says he plans to play in 2013.
"He’s going with the mindset that he’s playing in 2013," Knox's agent said. Knox is still recovering from the spinal fusion operation he underwent in December 2011, and has an "important physical assessment in late March." Knox is easy to root for, but is facing long

Mike Wallace - WR - Steelers The Cleveland Plain Dealer believes it's a "realistic possibility" the Browns pursue free agent Mike Wallace.
Per beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, Wallace to the Browns is something to "keep an eye on." However, Kay Cabot isn't yet basing her opinion on league or team sources, and instead just connecting the dots. The Browns are awash in cap space, and adding a field-stretching vertical compliment to the strong young duo of Josh Gordon and Greg Little would give new coach Rob Chudzinski a dangerous receiver corps. Wallace would surely be intrigued by the possibility of facing his old team twice a year. If the price is right, of course. Related: Browns
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer Feb 12 - 2:41 PM

[sjinhan]

Finley is too expensive based on what? Free agency there are many other tight ends that are talented and this would keep his contract demands fair. I think we as fans said the same thing about hands of stone Carlos Rogers then all of a sudden the man has stickem on his hands. At "6 5" 227 pounds at 25 years of age the kid is now in his prime.

now sure what Finley will get in the open market but if the $$ is same between Finley and Davis then I would take Finley in a heart beat.

[WhoRUSupposed2Be]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7uLb6GdCi0

I think he may be done in the league.

What happened to him?

[SemperFi Skins]

What happened to him?

Broken back, needed spinal fusion surgery to repair the vertabrae... I'd be very surprised if he wasn't shy of contact, and rightfully so.

[DogofWar1]

I think the question that needs to be answered there is does a PUP player count against the cap, and at what point can we PUP a player? It wouldn't make sense to be wasting even a single cap dollar on a "maybe in 2014" player with the situation we're in.

As SemperFi said, PUP players count against the cap (Jammal Brown is a prime example, grumble grumble), but Knox would likely come in at the vet minimum, so not much more than signing a draft pick would cost. I'm of the opinion that we've signed enough players via the draft the last few years that we should seriously consider trading up in this draft for quality (maybe move up in the 3rd or 4th with some of our 5th, 6th, and 7th rounders) over quantity. Maybe draft 5 players instead of 7 with our 7 picks we currently have, and PUP Knox with one of those 2 slots we didn't draft players for.

I honestly don't expect him to be brought on board though, I just think that the risk and cost are low enough that he should be seriously considered, but that's just me.

[jivelikenice]

now sure what Finley will get in the open market but if the $$ is same between Finley and Davis then I would take Finley in a heart beat.

Im not as sure. His hands are awful and his agent is constantly talking about his touches. I'd rather have Jared Cook