With the NFL bargaining sessions extending for another week, one thing we know for sure is that full blown free agency is still at least a week away. Not unlike their brothers in the NBA, NFL clubs rushed to complete last minute transactions in advance of last night’s deadline. Yes, the deadline to find common ground on the Collective Bargaining Agreement was extended 24 hours, and subsequently for seven more days but only for labor discussions. “The Tolling Agreement” prevents all 32 clubs from conducting or executing player transactions.
Some clubs chose to sit tight, waiting to see what end result an eventual new CBA may bring, while others rushed to complete some last minute housekeeping. The Redskins are never shy to miss an opportunity, and the burgundy and gold added safety O.J.Atowge who had been cut loose by the St.Louis Rams. Other moves were mostly clubs retaining their own players; Pierre Thomas (Saints), A.J. Hawk (Packers), Owen Daniels (Texans) and Leon Washington (Seahawks). The premiere free agent signing was safety Bob Sanders joining the San Diego Chargers. Sanders was an elite player for the Indianapolis Colts, but injuries limited him to just nine games over the past three seasons.
Just for fun, here’s a sneak peek at some of the free agent talent awaiting a new home. The top quarterbacks are Seattle’s Matt Hasselbeck and San Francisco’s Alex Smith. Peyton Manning could be added to that list but he obviously isn’t going anywhere. Carolina’s DeAngelo Williams, Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson and Miami’s Ronnie Brown are all capable of carrying the load on a new team. Other skill position potential free agents include Minnesota’s Sidney Rice and former Giant Plaxico Burress who will be released from jail in June. Former teammate Brandon Jacobs has already given his approval of a potential return to the G Men. We will break down all the key free agents and where they may be headed once we get through all this contract business.
For now, we can all enjoy the weekend, no stakeouts of Washington hotels, not at least until Monday.