Intentional Foul » Free Agency Comings and Goings

Free Agency Comings and Goings

March 3rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
By Chris

After the signings from the Haynesworth/Bart Scott signings cleared, other players of note decided to wait until after the weekend to sign. The list includes players like T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Derrick Ward, and Brian Dawkins. All of these faces will have new homes when the season starts in September as players pursue their almighty paycheck in these days of bad economies and struggling workforces. Rightfully so. For instance, Brian Dawkins, a name that’s been synonymous with Philadelphia moved to Denver for a one-year contract that pays him as much as he made in Philadelphia over the last two.

Philly fans know this, but they still don’t like that he’s gone. Such is the life of an NFL fan. Business, business, business. Get that money, folks.

In other “Get That Money” news, T.J. Houshmandzadeh left the tropical confines of Cincinnati, Ohio for the life on the left coast as he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. The deal was for 5 years for $40 million, meaning the Bengals let go of a much-needed weapon because they wouldn’t offer 5 at $45 — or something that eclipsed the highest offer. In fact, the Bengals haven’t done much of anything during the current free agency period, apparently depending on the Draft to replenish their stock.

Although, the only way they could successful address all their needs in the upcoming draft would be to somehow get a hold of every first round pick they could. I don’t mean one or two either. I’m talking about the entire first round. If the Bengals had picks 1-32, maybe they could plug the obscene amount of holes they are dealing with. Cheer up, Bengals fans. Laveranues Coles is in town. Maybe the Brown family can find it in their hearts to open up the purse strings to sign somebody.

It’s at the point where any warm body will do.

As for the one that got away, it looks like Houshmandzadeh is going to fit nicely in Seattle, especially if Matt Hasselbeck makes it all the way back. Ask him if he likes the idea of having a precise route-runner with sterling hands apart of Seattle’s West Coast offense.

Ex-New York Giants running back Derrick Ward left the Big Apple to play in Tampa Bay. Ward was courted by a lot of teams looking for a running back capable of rushing over 1000 yards, even though he was playing behind Brandon Jacobs. Ward’s deal is for four years at $17 million. While the recent Tampa Bay purge is understandable from a economic/age perspective, it’s hard to see where the Buccaneers are going.

Ward is a good get and should pair well with Cadillac Williams, provided Williams is healthy. However, with all these moves (Ward, Soldier Winslow), who, exactly is going to lead this offense? Is Luck McCown really that guy? If not, that means the Bucs are going to have to rely on the draft, meaning there’s a good chance a rookie will see playing time in Tampa Bay next season?

Don’t forget, Tampa fans, Rex Grossman is out there as well. Could the east coast’s bay area handle the stark magnificence of the Sex Cannon? Could the fans?

As for what’s left out there in the free agent pile, most, if not all of the impact players have been signed. There are still a lot of recognizable names out there (Derrick Brooks, Cedric Benson, Marvin Harrison, Amani Toomer) but how many of these players, besides maybe Brooks, are going to come in an make an immediate, sweeping impact?

With that in mind, happy spending!