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Moss Sticking as Free Agents Roll Out

BY SEAN JENSEN,
AOL
Posted: 2008-02-26 15:08:28
Filed Under: NFL
Sports Commentary

Although free agency doesn’t officially start until Friday at midnight, veteran NFL agents are already entertaining suitors, outlining red-carpet trips and exchanging contract terms for their clients.


With an already thin free-agent class – thanks in part to 11 teams utilizing the franchise tag – some of the most coveted players are already believed to be off the market.

Receiver Randy Moss is expected to sign a multi-year deal to remain with the New England Patriots, according to two league sources, and linebacker Lance Briggs has been pegged to land in San Francisco.

You think billionaires shop for what they want by crossing their fingers and waiting for stores to open early the day after Thanksgiving?

But the NFL Combine in Indianapolis is a cesspool for misinformation – an event in which grown men often regress to gossiping schoolboys at recess – so distinguishing fact from fiction is a daunting challenge.

Know this, though: with the NFL continuing to thrive financially, more than half of the league’s teams are expected to have at least $20 million in salary cap space to wheel-and-deal on some record-breaking contracts. With a shallow pool of players, second-tier players are going to get some jaw-dropping deals, given a talent drop-off at key positions and what has been described as a modest rookie class.

Here is a closer look at five of the most prized free agents.

1) CB Asante Samuel. Last year, Nate Clements proved the value of his position. One of the league’s top 10 cornerbacks, Clements signed a contract with the 49ers that included a then-record $22 million in guarantees, a deal that still infuriates some league executives. Samuel, one of the top five players at his position, is reportedly looking for a deal that guarantees him $30 million and exceeds $100 million in total value.

Don’t be fooled by Clements supposed eight-year, $80 million deal. The only number that matters is the $29 million he got in his first three years which Samuel will want to top.

That may be wishful thinking, although there is no shortage of interested clubs (the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles are believed to be among the suitors) because Samuel is just 27 years old, has 16 picks in the last two season and is coming off an All-Pro season.

Just don’t expect the Patriots to be in the Samuel Sweepstakes.


After convincing him to accept a tender last season by promising not to franchise him this offseason, the Patriots will not net a consolation for Samuel’s inevitable departure – yet another blow to an anticlimactic 2007 season.

Meanwhile, two franchised cornerbacks with inferior credentials (Nnamdi Asomugha and Marcus Trufant) may reap the benefits of whatever deal Samuel signs first.

The Browns could make the most sense, given the presence of former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, as well as their overall talent. But don’t count out the Saints, either.

2) WR Randy Moss. Last week, there was the “Will they, won’t they…” on whether the Patriots would franchise tag Moss. But Moss is expected to re-sign with the Patriots later this week, and his contract is projected to be for three years, at an average of $10 million per season, including $12 million to $15 million guaranteed.

Could he get more elsewhere?

Of course. But he truly does want to win, and although he did not achieve his ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl last season, Moss still recognizes the value in remaining with the Patriots.

After lamenting his quarterbacks the past few seasons, Moss clicked for record numbers with Tom Brady. In addition, with talented players like Laurence Maroney, Wes Welker and Ben Watson around him, Moss wouldn’t face as many double teams as he would elsewhere.

But his 2008 team shouldn’t expect 2007 Randy Moss; that was a season in which all the stars aligned perfectly.

One concern: Moss turned 31 this month, and he has dealt with recurring injuries.


3) LB Lance Briggs. Like Samuel, Briggs shouldn’t be available. But the Chicago Bears gave him the same deal the Patriots granted Samuel.

The Bears would love to retain Briggs. But they have already made a huge investment at the position (four-time All-Pro Brian Urlacher has four seasons remaining on a $56.6 million contract), and Briggs has persistently angled for a chance to test free agency. Linebackers aren’t as coveted as cornerbacks or defensive ends. But Briggs is a cornerstone player, given his exceptional combination of size, speed and instincts.

There was a rumor at the combine that Briggs was going to get $35 million in guarantees from the 49ers. But that doesn’t come as a huge shock since his agent is Drew Rosenhaus, someone who revels in playing “the game.”

The 49ers, however, do make sense since Briggs was born in Sacramento and attended high school in Elk Grove, Calif.

4) TE Alge Crumpler. Although he wasn’t himself after offseason knee surgery, Crumpler was a surprise cut by the Falcons. A four-time Pro Bowl tight end, Crumpler topped 700 receiving yards and scored 19 touchdowns from 2004 to 2006. And in 10 games last season, Crumpler scored five touchdowns, including a 55-yarder.

I know the Falcons are all about a fresh start. But dumping one of the league’s best tight ends – especially since he just turned 30 in December – doesn’t seem like a logical move.

Crumpler immediately garnered interest from at least half a dozen teams. But the Tennessee Titans appear the favorite to land him, with general manager Mike Reinfeldt and head coach Jeff Fisher speaking highly of him in Indianapolis.

Since he was released, Crumpler may sign his contract before Friday.

5) DE Justin Smith. Timing is just as important as talent in the NFL (think Clements last offseason). Although he is coming off his worst season as a pro, Smith could hit the jackpot later this week. Two of the league’s top pass rushers (Jared Allen and Terrell Suggs) were franchised, which puts Smith in an enviable position. His greatest competition is Antwan Odom, who mustered just 4.5 sacks in his first three seasons before posting eight last season for the Titans.

Smith, meanwhile, had been steadily averaging about seven sacks a year… until a career-low two in 2007. A handful of teams are believed to be interested in Smith, including the 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings, because of his high-motor and well-rounded skills. But with his size and lack of overwhelming explosiveness, Smith may be better suited at left end, which definitely isn’t as sexy as right end.

He won’t get anything close to the record six-year, $72 million contract Dwight Freeney got last July. But, if he can generate a bidding war, Smith could land the second-richest deal for his position and average more than $8 million a year.

Interestingly, though, there is speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs might be willing to trade Allen (43 sacks in the last four season) for draft picks, which could dampen the fervor for Smith. Allen has been at odds with Chiefs president Carl Peterson, and he also has a history of DUI arrests.

Sean Jensen covers the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He can be reached at nothinbutlovefor@aol.com.

2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
2008-02-26 10:52:50
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nimue10433 10:42:44 AM Mar 03 2008

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Well now what are you guys going to say when the Patriots are on top once again? New year coming up and new season. Won't have much to cry about will ya.
Anyway Moss might leave, true fans could give a flicker or flea, one thing about this organization is that don't put any player above and beyound another. So if Moss wants to go hay, do what you have to do but the cash isn't coming your way with this team sorry. The Patriots have a lot of talent even though some will be leaving like Randy Gay, Hay we wish you the best and hope things work out for you. No hard feelings it's been a good run. The Partiots will get by just fine. So please for you other fans keep crying that they cheated, because I guess you really don't know the game of football, and like Mike Ditcka would say "if your stupid enough not to change your play calls then you don't belong in the NFL, and the team still needs to complete the play"

robinlschl 10:42:44 AM Mar 03 2008

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Rok - take care of yourself and stay safe sweetie. Keep your head down. I'm sure those folks appreciate you being there. Listen to Falcon - don't drink the water. Also, don't go off alone...stay with people. I'll say a prayer for you.

moontracker2111 05:50:53 PM Mar 02 2008

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with all the tv coverage whats wrong with some taping ---good grief grow up everyone is checking out the other teams ,in every sport its done ,i really dont see the big deal ,the players still got to exucute on onthe field and i just dont see where the problem is lol ii guess the jets needed the coverage ,but i suggest to them find coverage in good feild protectors a big deal over nothing

balou0671 07:46:45 AM Mar 02 2008

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Hey celdridge, the Giants did not win by luck. The won on the same play that gave the Pats the lead. Oddly enough that on both plays the CB slipped. Do not get mad at The Giants fans and call it luck. After you guys played my Cowboys, ALL THE TEAMS you played after that had your number and LUCKY PLAYS was what kept you undefeated. The Eagles had you and we not even going to talk about the Ravens game. They had the PATS shook!!!! You know you guys did make history in two ways. Yes you are the only team to go undefeated in the new 16 games format but you are also the only team to go undefeated and LOSE in the Superbowl!!!!! I guess the Pats lost that last vedio tape of the Giants huh?!?!? LMAO

ncsolo 07:36:13 AM Mar 02 2008

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celdridge1264: were you watching the same game as the rest of teh world? CLASSY? the cheats.. errr....pats? you are joking right? first they cheat in the first game of the season, then they are found to have done the same thing in the past? second, their loser coach leaves teh field before teh game is over? how is this class? Face it you have sore losers on that team, the coach being the worst. this team should be run out of the league, and all "records" they broke this year should have an asterisk beside them!

ocoeesteve 08:56:36 PM Mar 01 2008

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to me the new england patrots are nothin more the cheaters.....

ocoeesteve 08:54:38 PM Mar 01 2008

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theres supposed to be a rumor goin around that randy moss could be heading toard my boleved DALLASE COWBOYS could you imagine t.o and randy moss on the same team....come jerry jones nows ur chance to get him break out that wallet and spend some bucks.!!!!!!

celdridge1264 05:35:15 PM Mar 01 2008

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lol WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BE AHSAMED OF? LOL WE MADE HISTORY .. WE LOST ONE GAME sure the superbowl but so what ..weve been in the mix for so long. the giants will fall inline with COLTS, STEELERS as winners of the superbowl.. big diff between that and CHAMPIONS.. also i have to say that the pats fans have been far better at maintaining their support and love of their team in the face of defeat than the NY FANS HAVE OF BEING SORE winners with their barely one victory.. manning was not an mvp.. it was not that GREAT A GAME.. BOTH TEAMS PLAYED TERRIBLY.. giants got LUCKY .. it want talent it was luck..... up til less than a minute.. as it could have been on any given sunday the patriots even then were winning!!!!!! so enjoy the one hit wonder.. we will keep Moss.. he has alot of heart and he loves the team, fans and coach.. as do all the classy pats fans.....alot of new yorkers could learn sportsmanship and class from those in new england......... i mean now between the giants fa

jmann0269 02:05:37 PM Mar 01 2008

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Randy Moss will resign and the Patriots will be back in the super bowl next year. they will win it all too.New England has the best teams. go celtics all the way. Tom Brady will have even a better year next year. go patriots all the way.

dolpcane 01:07:52 AM Mar 01 2008

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moss is sooooo overrated, this clown has no heart, no brains and still NO RING!!!!!

notice the way he became the invisible man during the playoffs????,

he was completely useless, jerry rice who was a million times better always produced in the postseason and he received alot more attention from defenses!

18 and 1 and your done! LOLOLOL

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