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

**Laxpunk2006** · February-18th-2013 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by DC9

He's restricted also. Kyle said he was the best fullback in the NFL, too. DY isn't going anywhere.

I feel the same way about Young and hope (and think) you're right. Between the success of our running game and Young's ability to catch out of the backfield he seems to valuable to let walk even with a cap penalty.

**Alcoholic Zebra** · February-18th-2013 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by darrelgreenie

Well we disagree right off the bat. I don't feel like Bowens gets doubled much at all. He hasn't proven himself a disruptive force when being single blocked so why would they double him and Cofield? I don't mean that as slight either most 34 DL aren't good pass rushers.
Cofield is our DL that gets doubled and can penetrate other then him all our DL are more or less interchangeable imo; Bowens just cost more. I don't see why not Jenkins and Carriker couldn't easily replace Bowen. And we may even be able to add a pass rushing DL in this draft because its deep at DL. All things being equal I would rather cut Carriker but the way I understand it the cap savings are greater if we cut Bowen.

The main reason I don't want to ditch Bowen is that him and Cofield work VERY well together on stunts. I think a lot of Cofield's pressures came from stunts with Bowen. Here's one where Cofield drew the double and Bowen was able to get around the guard. He got half a sack here with London.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-fantas...sack-7-yd-loss

Here's one that Bowen didn't get credit for, but he penetrated and stepped up into the throwing lane so Bradford couldn't make the throw.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-fantas...sack-7-yd-loss

I'd rewatch more film if I could, but my recollection is that the most doubled person on passing downs was Bowen. I also feel like he had a large number of pressures, but I can't find any stats on that right now. Wish there was a way to watch NFL games from this past season without paying for every team in the league. All I really care about are the Redskins ones.

**thesubmittedone** · February-18th-2013 08:44 PM

I would be absolutely distraught if we lost Bowen. I'm not basing it off stats or DVOA or whatever (I'm not even sure how he looks there, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was in the upper echelon)... but just from what my football eyes saw this past season he was far and away our best Dlinemen this year. He was a model of consistency and I don't think I remember one instance where he did anything wrong. Furthermore, he made plays at key moments for us like the pressure that caused Kevin Kolb to throw the ball away, generating an intentional grounding and sealing the win for us in that second game against the Eagles. He was clearly our best pass rushing Dlinemen and he was stout against the run.

If he's a cap casualty I'd be heart broken. He'd be a bigger loss than anyone else in my mind, even Moss.

**DC9** · February-19th-2013 07:33 AM

The Bills and free agent FS Jairus Byrd plan to open long-term contract talks within the next week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Combine is an annual meeting place for GMs and player agents. According to a person familiar with the situation, Byrd and Buffalo have not yet started negotiations, and this will be the first time the two sides meet to have a formal discussion. Byrd has been to two Pro Bowls, and he will certainly be back in Buffalo in 2013, whether it's with a new deal or under the franchise tag.

Broncos LT Ryan Clady says his rehab from shoulder surgery is a five-to-six month process.
Clady will almost certainly miss the entirety of the offseason program, but he should be healed in time for the 2013 opener. Broncos VP of football operations John Elway has already informed the Denver Post that the team will place the franchise tag on their free agent left tackle, and Clady has said he doesn't think it's a "sign of disrespect" while admitting it's "part of the business."

Free agent DE Michael Bennett's "bargaining power certainly improves" with the Bucs after Monday's arrest of DE Da'Quan Bowers.
Bennett, 27, busted onto the scene in 2012 and started all 16 games, registering a career-high nine sacks. He recorded just six sacks over the course of 34 games prior to last season. The Tampa Bay Times has already said that Bennett is expected to test the open market, but with the Bucs suddenly thin at the position, the $11 million franchise tag is a real possibility.

Darrelle Revis says coach Rex Ryan "wants me to be here" with the Jets, but it "starts with" owner Woody Johnson.
Asked by NFL Network's Andrea Kremer if Ryan has any say in the cornerback's future, Revis said, "Nah, I wouldn't think. I'm sure he'll have a say so, but overall, no. It starts from the top. It starts with Woody Johnson." Revis recently voiced his displeasure with how the Jets have handled trade rumors surrounding him, saying they left him "speechless." Revis suggested Johnson's unwillingness to offer a new mega-contract "might be a situation" as to why he's on the block.

The Anderson Herald Bulletin's George Bremer says the Colts "could look to reunite" free agent CB Sean Smith with ex-Dolphins teammate CB Vontae Davis.
Smith, of course, is in limbo with the Dolphins on whether he will be franchise-tagged or not. According to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, 25-year-old Smith is said to be looking for $8 million annually on his next contract. Currently, the Colts are about $43 million under the salary cap for 2013. Smith would certainly be an upgrade on Jerraud Powers and company.

Updating a previous item, Bucs DE Da'Quan Bowers will be charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession after showing up to New York's LaGuardia Airport with a loaded gun in his carry-on bag.
The charge is identical to the one Plaxico Burress faced in 2008, and carries a minimum sentence of 3.5 years in prison, with a maximum of 15 years. Burress, who accidentally shot himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub, accepted a plea deal and served 20 months. "We are aware of the situation and are gathering information," said GM Mark Dominik. "We will withhold comment until we know all the facts." The Bucs can't count on Bowers playing football in 2013.

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald insists the Dolphins will not use the franchise tag on free agent CB Sean Smith.
"The Dolphins will NOT use their tag on Sean Smith," tweeted Salguero. "Period." The Herald and the Palm Beach Post have been in complete disagreement over this issue for the entire offseason. The Post reported earlier on Monday that Smith was "preparing" for the tag, but "rooting strongly against it." Teams could start tagging players on Monday, and they can do so all the way up until March 4.

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald insists the Dolphins will not use the franchise tag on free agent CB Sean Smith.
"The Dolphins will NOT use their tag on Sean Smith," tweeted Salguero. "Period." The Herald and the Palm Beach Post have been in complete disagreement over this issue for the entire offseason. The Post reported earlier on Monday that Smith was "preparing" for the tag, but "rooting strongly against it." Teams could start tagging players on Monday, and they can do so all the way up until March 4.

AzCardinals.com "pegs" CB Greg Toler as the team's top free agent they'd like to re-sign.
Toler, 28, has battled injuries for much of his career, missing the entire 2011 season with a torn ACL and suffering a hamstring injury this past season. However, when on the field, Toler has proven to be a capable starter despite getting burned by speed receivers on occasion. CBS' Pete Prisco named Toler his top "under-the-radar, high-value" free agent.

Bucs DE Da'Quan Bowers was arrested at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Monday after trying to get a loaded gun through security.
He was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon after screeners found a loaded .40 caliber firearm in his carry-on luggage. He's appearing in court on Monday evening. Like Shaun Rogers before him, Bowers will almost certainly insist he forgot the gun was in his bag. Rogers was not suspended for a similar incident in 2010. The arrest won't help Bowers' standing with disciplinarian coach Greg Schiano after his recovery from a torn Achilles' tendon limited him to just 10 games and 292 snaps last season. With Michael Bennett slated for free agency and Adrian Clayborn coming off an ACL tear, defensive end is becoming an increasingly big need for the Buccaneers.

Packers released C Jeff Saturday.
It's a procedural move after Saturday retired in late January. Saturday played 14 seasons in the NFL, 13 with the Indianapolis Colts. He earned two All-Pro nods and was a six-time Pro Bowler. Saturday is not a likely HOF candidate.

**Koolblue13** · February-19th-2013 07:44 AM

The Merling signing makes me really happy and I'm not sure why.

**Alcoholic Zebra** · February-19th-2013 08:04 AM

How do you have a loaded gun in your bag when going to the airport? When packing for a flight, what was he thinking when he put it into his carry on bag.

I'm really glad we've been drafting with character in mind.

**DC9** · February-19th-2013 08:36 AM

TK ‏@TKextremeskins
Fred Davis update - he could get the Tag but he'd have to be 100% which he currently isn't.

From last night. I'm trying to catch up on a few things.

**Kostaskins** · February-19th-2013 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by Alcoholic Zebra

How do you have a loaded gun in your bag when going to the airport? When packing for a flight, what was he thinking when he put it into his carry on bag.

I'm really glad we've been drafting with character in mind.

All NYC area airports are very anal. And hell that the way it should be, you have JFK, LGA, & EWR. EWR has become huge n much better, but besides that. It's common sense a person that big doesn't need a gun. Get a body guard and if not take some ju jutsu classes tht wil definitely help you even playing the game!

**MrMoore** · February-19th-2013 09:05 AM