NFL 2012 Off-Season Thread: Where the Eli-te Play

[Rock Bandit]

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Super Bowl XLVI Champions: The New York Giants

http://i.imgur.com/PBULk.jpg


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IMPORTANT DATES:

2012 NFL Free Agency Period Starts: Tuesday, March 13, 2012

2012 NFL Draft: April 26, 27, 28, 2012

First game of the regular season: Thursday, September 6, 2012

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Biggest Storyline of the Off-Season - The football future of Peyton Manning

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Once again congratulations to the Giants and all Giants fans.

[Stmfuller]

Extension for Calvin Johnson Needs to be a huge priority for the Detroit Lions. We cannot let this guy go away, he deserves all the money he asks for and then some.


Other than that, they need to shore up that secondary. Hard to be competitive with the big boys when opposing teams can score at will.

[Zanzibar]

I'm more interested in this Free Agent offseason than any I can remember. Probably because I'm biased: I'm a 49ers fan (who the hell can we land at WR, can we/should we keep Alex Smith) and a Seahawks fan (Marshawn Lynch picked a helluva time to explode as he is an unrestricted Free Agent and we don't really have the money to pay him).

49ers should see if they can land WR Dwayne Bowe. That guy is a monster if someone halfway decent can throw it to him.

And I have been a Peyton Manning fan from the very beginning. It is awful, AWFUL what is happening in Indy. There are no winners in this debacle. If he's not healthy enough by the time he is supposed to get his bonus, Indy HAS to let him go and take Luck.

[Rock Bandit]

Whelp, Peyton is officially an ex-Colt. (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/indianapolis-colts-to-release-peyton-manning-030612)

Lead candidates for him seem to be Miami and Washington.

[Stmfuller]

At this point in Peyton's career, (if I were him) he should be looking for a place to produce another ring.
Miami and Washington seem to be a little far away from that. He should be talking to San Francisco

[Zanzibar]

At this point in Peyton's career, (if I were him) he should be looking for a place to produce another ring.
Miami and Washington seem to be a little far away from that. He should be talking to San Francisco

Agreed. The 49ers would be a contender if they landed an elite WR, if they also locked up Peyton then...Jesus. How would you like to put Peyton Manning in a division that has the Cardinals, Rams and Seahawks in it?

[roboninja]

It could be a smokescreen, but San Fran has publicly denied even considering Manning.

If they could finagle it, Baltimore would be deadly with him. As a Dolphins fan, however, you can guess what I want to see. :)

[Stmfuller]

This is of course assuming he every plays again. That neck injury sounds pretty serious.

[roboninja]

He sounds committed to playing again, and apparently his throwing has improved dramatically in the past month. I would be surprised if he does not play; a month or so ago I could not have said that.

[Fubl]

I am not a redskins fan but them trying to land manning makes a lot of sense. They usually have a top 7 or 8 defense, them signing manning means they do not draft rg3 and waste 3-4 picks on one player. The skins also have no luck with players they have drafted or to help young quarter backs. They can then use those picks to shore up on depth which is always been there issue they will get one "big name" guy or someone they think is that guy and cannot afford to shore up behind him. Also it would give a player with actual leadership ability in the locker room instead of someone who dresses up in some costume to do interviews or does dick pics.

[Rock Bandit]

Actually it looks like Manning doesn't want to go to Washington with the biggest factor being not wanting to face his brother two times a year.

[Vanthar]

Actually it looks like Manning doesn't want to go to Washington with the biggest factor being not wanting to face his brother two times a year.

Yeah I don't see why people don't include this in their analysis of where he's likely to end up.

They're a pretty tight-knit family and I just don't see Peyton wanting to be put into the position of competing with his brother for a playoff spot, at least not in the same division.

I think an AFC team is far more likely exactly for this reason.

[Rock Bandit]

So far the Seahawks, Redskins, Dolphins, Jets, Chiefs, Cardinals and Broncos are the only teams that have publicly reached out to Manning. Jets and Broncos seem the closest to a "win now" team.

[Troggles]

So far the Seahawks, Redskins, Dolphins, Jets, Chiefs, Cardinals and Broncos are the only teams that have publicly reached out to Manning. Jets and Broncos seem the closest to a "win now" team.

I heard the Chiefs are the only team to have a solid offer on the table for him. I think that them and the Broncos are the two best options for him right now.

[Zanzibar]

I heard the Chiefs are the only team to have a solid offer on the table for him. I think that them and the Broncos are the two best options for him right now.

Dwayne Fucking Bowe must be losing his friggin' mind right now. He's been putting up Pro Bowl numbers with a carousel of scrubs throwing to him, can you imagine Manning's accuracy delivering it to him?

Again, if Peyton is healthy.

[Rock Bandit]

And that's without mentioning the teams that would never publicly say they're interested but would definitely think of making a play. Baltimore and San Francisco come to mind there. They wouldn't want to destroy their QB's confidence by chasing Peyton, they think they can win with what they got, but damn he'd be an upgrade.

Come to Baltimore Peyton! Then you can be compared to Unitas without shame!

[Fubl]

....and the skins trade 3 first rounders and a 2nd for rg3..... Unfortunately I get to hear how great this guy is without taking a snap in the nfl from the local beat guys for the next 6 months... Don't live close enough to bore to get the local bore channels

[Rock Bandit]

...and the Jets just signed Sanchez to a 5 year extension. So enjoy 5 more years of that Jets fans.

[Troggles]

...and the Jets just signed Sanchez to a 5 year extension. So enjoy 5 more years of that Jets fans.

3 year extension, making his total contract length 5 years. Also, he's getting paid 2 million more than Rodgers next year.

[Uatu]

Fuck Manning. Best case scenario that would of been a band-aid for the Redskins. He'll either still be fucked up or leave in 3 years after the Skins aren't where he wants them to be as a team. My team is notorious for pulling guys on their way out. Getting Manning would of been a pointless spectacle. Good luck to whoever gets him.

We finally did what we needed to do. Our retarded management is finally starting to make decent decisions. We paid a price but now we will get RGIII and finally have that cornerstone, franchise QB, and we still have our cap space. More draft opportunities will come and until then we get to see this guy develop.

For once, I am excited for my team again.

[Libuke]

...and the Jets just signed Sanchez to a 5 year extension. So enjoy 5 more years of that Jets fans.

A friend of mine is a huge Jets fan but thinks Sanchez is crap. I wonder how he is taking that news.

Also so much for the speculation that Manning might go to the Jets. No way they would make an offer now.

[Zanzibar]

3 year extension, making his total contract length 5 years. Also, he's getting paid 2 million more than Rodgers next year.

That is robbery. Holy crap.

[Stmfuller]

That is robbery. Holy crap.

dirty dirty sanchez

[roboninja]

A literal LOL at that Jets news. Makes me happy as a Dolphins fan. :)

Not sure if I really want us to get Manning or Flynn. If we get neither, I'll be extremely disappointed.

[Rock Bandit]

49ers just signed Randy Moss to a one year deal.

[Zanzibar]

49ers just signed Randy Moss to a one year deal.

Wow. Tremendous upside potential with very little risk. Moss has more quit in him than anybody in the league, but maybe a year off gives him some drive. Let's hope Harbaugh can keep him in line, and maybe Alex Smith may be able to have a second decent target beyond Vernon Davis.

[Stmfuller]

moss has no juice left, but I'm sure he'll be a diverson.

[Vanthar]

Bears got Brandon Marshall from Miami for 2 3rd rounders. I'm as giddy as a school girl.

[Rock Bandit]

Redskins picked up Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, trying to give RGIII some weapons.

[roboninja]

Bears got Brandon Marshall from Miami for 2 3rd rounders. I'm as giddy as a school girl.

... I guess that's a no to Manning? WTF?

EDIT: Okay, reading now that Manning may have had some "misgivings" about playing with Marshall. IF that's the case, this had better work. I do not see how we could not get more than that.

[Rock Bandit]

Bucs landed Vincent Jackson in a 5 year deal. Shit is rolling today and we'll probably know where Manning is landing by Thursday.

[Stmfuller]

Calvin Johnson's going to be a Lions for the rest of his career. Lions reupped for another 9 years.

also, I read that Brandon Marshall was out beating women over the weekend. That sounds like a guy that should be paid millions of dollars /sarcasm

[Rock Bandit]

Adam Schefter is reporting that Manning has told his agent to start drawing up a contract with Denver and has called Elway to tell him he's excited to play for him. Also, with Manning talks under way they're looking to trade Tebow.

[KSmitty]

GREAT! I was happy to hear that the Colts let Manning go and then dreading Tenessee picking him up (Houston Texans fan). We were talking about this a couple days ago and with an offense that's even mediocre paired with last season's defense, the Broncos will easily make the playoffs again.

[Zanzibar]

As if a million 49ers fans cried out in terror...and were suddenly silenced...

[fitbabits]

Looks like Tebow's tenure in Denver may be coming to an end. Sad for the player, as he really loves the Broncos, but delighted that Tebow mania will cease.

Also, Elway's a prick.

[Rock Bandit]

As if a million 49ers fans cried out in terror...and were suddenly silenced...

Scuttlebutt is that Peyton felt to get football ready he had to put all his time into rehabbing which wouldn't leave time for learning a whole new system. I think the bottom line was Denver was willing to let Peyton run his offense while Harbaugh would of wanted Peyton to run his.

But don't worry, the only other suitors for Alex Smith is Miami and no one wants to go to that mess of a franchise.

[Zanzibar]

Scuttlebutt is that Peyton felt to get football ready he had to put all his time into rehabbing which wouldn't leave time for learning a whole new system. I think the bottom line was Denver was willing to let Peyton run his offense while Harbaugh would of wanted Peyton to run his.

But don't worry, the only other suitors for Alex Smith is Miami and no one wants to go to that mess of a franchise.

I have your 49ers Doomsday Scenario Du Jour: Alex Smith to Dolphins, Manning to Broncos...and...

TEBOW TO THE NINERS.

If that happens...God help us all.

[Rock Bandit]

Ah, I trust Harbaugh. I like the franchise, I like where he's taking it, and I hope for a Ravens/Niners Superbowl. Harbros 4 Lyfe!

[Xerxes]

GREAT! I was happy to hear that the Colts let Manning go and then dreading Tenessee picking him up (Houston Texans fan). We were talking about this a couple days ago and with an offense that's even mediocre paired with last season's defense, the Broncos will easily make the playoffs again.

I wouldn't have minded him in the conference. I think now with him out though, we'll be able to put the cobra clutch on AFC South for a couple of seasons. I don't see Luck/Colts making that type of impact for a while.

Now that the Texans cleared space to try and keep Mario which they probably weren't even close, what do they do with the extra money?

[PathMaster]

Very shocked to seem Peyton go to the Broncos. I fully expected 49ers, after the Moss and Manningham signings. Would have given Peyton some options to throw to or at least distract other teams. I think if he went to San Fran, it was a sure SuperBowl run.

Also surprised with Titans as well. Their o-line would have given Manning better protection than any other team.

Broncos..it just seems like an odd fit, but I trust Peyton. I wish him luck.

Tebow..good luck to you as well...you are going to need it.

[Zanzibar]

Very shocked to seem Peyton go to the Broncos. I fully expected 49ers, after the Moss and Manningham signings. Would have given Peyton some options to throw to or at least distract other teams. I think if he went to San Fran, it was a sure SuperBowl run.

Also surprised with Titans as well. Their o-line would have given Manning better protection than any other team.

Broncos..it just seems like an odd fit, but I trust Peyton. I wish him luck.

Tebow..good luck to you as well...you are going to need it.

I did too, I think SF was definitely a good fit, but I am really curious how much the NFC/Eli connection dissuaded him. Also, as good as Frank Gore is, Harbaugh would probably run the ball a lot more than Peyton would have been comfortable with. And somebody mentioned the 'SB or bust' pressure that would come from being on the 49ers, who already had decent odds at making it.

I think the Broncos are gonna be an okay fit for him. The run game is just so-so, which means that Peyton will be in complete control of their offense. Their two starting WRs are young and decent. I'm pretty sure they're gonna bring in Dallas Clark. And their defense wins a lot of games already, so the addition of Peyton means they'll be that much better since they'll be off the field a lot more to rest. Plus they weren't expected to make the playoffs last year, so if they wind up not making the Super Bowl this year, no one is going to be ridiculously surprised.

[roboninja]

I'm not sure I can root for the Dolphins with Tebow. Please go to Jacksonville, Tebow! They love you there!!

[PathMaster]

Saturday may go to Denver as well. Looks like a number of free agents around the NFL were waiting to see Peyton's decision. Interesting.

[PathMaster]

Looks like Tebow is going to the Jets...Odd.

Edit: Saints coach suspended for a year..

[Xerxes]

I bet anybody the Jets will have a winning record. People can hate on him to they are blue in the face. He throws like weird and rarely throws the deep ball. But he wins games. He's been doing it since college and I imagine high school.

I still can't believe the Texans got rid of Demeco Ryans. They should of did that first in an attempt to get more money to kept Mario. Ryans wasn't productive as he use to but they also keep changing the formation. Also Cushing's been eating up his tackles.

Have one of the top 3 defenses in the league? Change the line up.

Also, I don't even think Patriots got the hammer put down on them for their scandal. Saints just lost Head Coach and Williams for the bounties. Ouch.

[PathMaster]

How does he fit in with Sanchez, that is what I wonder. Two young QBs...

[KSmitty]

Now that the Texans cleared space to try and keep Mario which they probably weren't even close, what do they do with the extra money?

Cut Demeco Ryans apparently... You'd think that a team that lost the majority of its defensive starters one season would like to keep talent around.


And I have no idea where the Jets are going with Tebow. Maybe planning for wildcat options?

[roboninja]

As a Dolphins fan, I am loving Tebow in NYJ. I heard there might be a bit of a snag with the trade though.

[Xerxes]

As a Dolphins fan, I am loving Tebow in NYJ. I heard there might be a bit of a snag with the trade though.

Why would you love that? Losing to Tebow twice a year would suck. :p

[Rock Bandit]

Wait kids, looks like the Jets didn't read the fine print that said they have to give the Broncos 5mil. Things are currently in limbo.

[Xerxes]

Don't the Jets already have like 3 or 4 QBs?

[roboninja]

The Jets do not have 1 QB. They still will not even if this deal goes through. :p

[Xerxes]

Again he beat your Dolphins last season and he will do it two more times if this deal goes through. AMEN! :p

[PathMaster]

I just don't understand why the Jets would want him when they just gave Sanchez money. Unless they plan to trade him away.

[Libuke]

NFL.com is saying the Tebow to Jets trade is now a done deal. They have resolved the snag.

Not sure why they paid Sanchez so much money.

[PathMaster]

First Manningham and now Jacobs went to the 49ers. Cmon Giants, can't you retain your Superbowl Team!!

While they both were not huge contributors to the team effort this year, they still were a part of the team. Giants better be aiming for one of their draft picks to be a new back.

And it looks like all turnovers are now automatically reviewed.

[Stmfuller]

Lions picked up an O-Lineman in the first round. probably a good idea. That line is getting old and it was never hot shit.

[Rock Bandit]

Patriots have actually trade up. Twice! It's bizarro draft.

[PathMaster]

Giants went with David Wilson. The GMen made some odd moves at the beginning of the off season, but they have done well since not resigning some players. I have to trust Reese though, he does very well with his picks.

[KSmitty]

I'm okay with the Texans draft even though I think it wasn't necessary to draft another linebacker that high.

Good move by the Cowboys. I really question the Dolphins for drafting Tannehill, the guy just doesn't have much experience and they'll be making him a starter day 1. And I know he looks good on the field and all, and he's a nice guy, but with the amount of picks given up I REALLY hope RGIII does well at the next level.

[Xerxes]

I am never happy with most of the Texans draft picks. I'm just arm chair grouchy fan though. Like I don't think they did enough during free agency.

If anything they need a WR. They should have worked on that as soon as they got Johnson. No one else is a valid threat, so they double team him. The offense could be more potent.

[Troggles]

Very happy with the Vikings picks. They had a lot of holes, but I feel like they plugged the most important ones.

[PathMaster]

After reading up on the Giants picks, I am happy with their choices. Now if they can resolves the Osi issue (he is worth it, imo), then they can prepare for the season with little to no distractions.

[KSmitty]

I am never happy with most of the Texans draft picks. I'm just arm chair grouchy fan though. Like I don't think they did enough during free agency.

If anything they need a WR. They should have worked on that as soon as they got Johnson. No one else is a valid threat, so they double team him. The offense could be more potent.

They picked up a couple. Hopefully one of them can bring something worthwhile to the offense. Either that or Kevin Walters steps it up.

Round 3 (pick 68) — DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

Round 4 (pick 121) — Keshawn Martin, WR, Michigan St.

[Xerxes]

They picked up a couple. Hopefully one of them can bring something worthwhile to the offense. Either that or Kevin Walters steps it up.

Round 3 (pick 68) — DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

Round 4 (pick 121) — Keshawn Martin, WR, Michigan St.

As long as Jacoby rides the pine or gets traded. People keep trying to convince me has value even with stats, I just don't see it.

I'm shocked we picked up Case. But I think it's cool. I didn't think he'd be left. TJ may have comp for number 2.

[roboninja]

Good move by the Cowboys. I really question the Dolphins for drafting Tannehill, the guy just doesn't have much experience and they'll be making him a starter day 1. And I know he looks good on the field and all, and he's a nice guy, but with the amount of picks given up I REALLY hope RGIII does well at the next level.

What? He won't be starter Day 1. There's no reason for it, anyhow. We have Matt Moore at starter. He was perfectly fine last year, and had little to do with the Dolphin's poor record.

Granted, I am not 100% sold on Tannehill either, and WTF are we doing taking a LT with Jake Long on the roster?

[KSmitty]

As long as Jacoby rides the pine or gets traded. People keep trying to convince me has value even with stats, I just don't see it.

I'm shocked we picked up Case. But I think it's cool. I didn't think he'd be left. TJ may have comp for number 2.

I was just talking about Keenum with my one of my football buddies. I think he fell so far down because of his injury (ACL). He's a good pocket QB in a pass happy college system he should do okay at the pro level. And with the amount of time that Schaub spends injured, I look at TJ Yates less as QB #2, and more as QB #1.5.


What? He won't be starter Day 1. There's no reason for it, anyhow. We have Matt Moore at starter. He was perfectly fine last year, and had little to do with the Dolphin's poor record.

Granted, I am not 100% sold on Tannehill either, and WTF are we doing taking a LG with Jake Long on the roster?

My bad. I could have sworn I heard several of the talking heads say that the Dolphins were looking to Tannehill as a starter next season.

[Xerxes]

I was just talking about Keenum with my one of my football buddies. I think he fell so far down because of his injury (ACL). He's a good pocket QB in a pass happy college system he should do okay at the pro level. And with the amount of time that Schaub spends injured, I look at TJ Yates less as QB #2, and more as QB #1.5.

Pass happy to me is the key. I like that. I heard we couldn't even move Jacoby for draft picks. I don't know, but he can exit stage right. One of the receivers we picked up would work out on the other side and the other would do well as the new return man.

And maybe it was the coaches fault, but we didn't pass enough when Schaub went down. I really liked what I saw of TJ, but I also have a feeling Schaub might miss a few games this year.

[shunoshi]

Very happy with the Vikings picks. They had a lot of holes, but I feel like they plugged the most important ones.

Yep, same here. The Vikes made some good moves.

[roboninja]

Kalil looks like he could be a beast. LTs are nearly impossible to find; you pretty much have to draft them to get a great one.

[Dualonymous]

Man these refs need an extended pre season, this is going to be an aggravating year if the holdout continues into reg season play.

[Rock Bandit]

Luck's decision making and poise have been unreal for a rookie so far, he even handles his screw ups well. I can't believe the Colts were able to roll out of Manning right into Luck. It's the still the Texans division to lose though....for now.

[PathMaster]

Giants are again hit with some ugly injuries in the pre-season. Luckily the rookies are picking up some slack and the Giants coaching and owners are doing a good job of covering the bases with some picks.

[shunoshi]

Man these refs need an extended pre season, this is going to be an aggravating year if the holdout continues into reg season play.

I completely agree. These backup refs are a pile. This will be the worst officiated season in history if the lockout isn't dealt with.

[Primus]

COOOOOOOOOOLEY!

Sad day for DC sports. Aside from losing one of the coolest and most dedicated players in the league we are now completely at the mercy of Fred Davis's drugs tests. Fuck me.

[Dark Prince]

I completely agree. These backup refs are a pile. This will be the worst officiated season in history if the lockout isn't dealt with.

Where do they get these refs from? Are they from College Football or something?

[shunoshi]

Where do they get these refs from? Are they from College Football or something?

Supposedly they used to ref non-Division I collegiate games.

[PathMaster]

COOOOOOOOOOLEY!

Sad day for DC sports. Aside from losing one of the coolest and most dedicated players in the league we are now completely at the mercy of Fred Davis's drugs tests. Fuck me.

I was shocked he was gone. Cooley as far as I remember was still a competent TE.

[Primus]

I was shocked he was gone. Cooley as far as I remember was still a competent TE.

Due to his injuries Davis had surpassed him in the depth chart. They stated they wanted to give him a chance to be a first line player for another team or some shit.

It sucks though because we don't have a ton of depth in the position, and I am sure he wanted to retire a Redskin, even if it meant moving to another position, which he was doing during the preseason.

[Xerxes]

Luck's decision making and poise have been unreal for a rookie so far, he even handles his screw ups well. I can't believe the Colts were able to roll out of Manning right into Luck. It's the still the Texans division to lose though....for now.

Damn straight it is. In my gut, I fear players might start falling to injury like last season. I hope I'm wrong. :(

[PathMaster]

Roster cutting time for teams. The Giants are again in some pain from more injuries this year. Some of them serious, others just plain stupid. And from what I can tell, none of it actually had to do with strenuous training.