Official 2005 NFL Thread

[VerbalPuke]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I had read that Detroit had absolutely no interest in Winslow, yet somehow managed to convince Cleveland to trade up. Does that sound similar to what you found coming out of the Detroit media?

They showed recent Browns first round picks on Sportscenter, and wow, it's pretty easy to see why they have sucked so much.

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Well, in the weeks leading up to the draft, Detroit news papers had reported that the Lions were interested in either Winslow, Sean Taylor, or Stephen Jackson. Roy Williams was considered to be a small possibilitiy, but alot figured we'd pass on him because of the fact we had drafted Charles Rogers the year before. My guess is the Lions staff were probably happy with either Winslow or Williams, but managed to convince the Browns we'd take Winslow unless they could offer us something. Surprising really, given that Williams was quite the stud coming out of Texas in that years draft. I figured we would take Winslow, but was thrilled when we made the trade and picked up a great WR and a draft pick, as opposed to a great TE. That trade could go down as one of the biggest coup's in draft day history.

[oldskool]

From the ESPN ticker at :28 and :58 past the hour, the Titans have come to terms with QB Jason White.

[reyrey619]

Ha! Freddy Mitchell was released by the Eagles today. Interesting as to where he will end up.

[Cactus Drags]

Chicago! That'd be awesome. Freddy and Moose.

[naiwf]

Brady now among the NFL's highest-paid players

By Len Pasquarelli

ESPN.com

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady already has established himself as one of the NFL's brightest stars by virtue of three Super Bowl victories. This validation went to a higher level Saturday.

Brady signed a new six-year contract, worth nearly $60 million, through the 2010 season, sources say.

 

2004 SEASON STATISTICS

Att Comp PaTD RuTD Int Rat

474 288 28 0 14 92.6

The contract replaces the two years that Brady had remaining on his previous deal. Under that contract, Brady was scheduled to earn base salaries of $5.5 million in 2005 and $6 million for 2006.

According to documents obtained by ESPN.com, the contract includes a $14.5 million signing bonus and a $12 million option bonus that is due next spring. The base salaries are $1 million (for 2005), $4 million ('06), $6 million ('07), $5 million ('08), $2.3 million ('09) and $3.5 million ('10). There are roster bonuses of $3 million each in the final three years of the contract.

Brady will have a salary cap charge of $8.429 million for 2005, which is between $1.5 million and $2 million less than under his old contract. But his cap number for 2006 jumps to a prohibitive $14.423 million, meaning the contract will have to be revisited probably by converting the option bonus into a signing bonus, which can then be prorated.

There are also guarantees, such as injury guarantees in the 2007 and '08 seasons, in the deal. Over the first three years of the contract, a measuring stick that is often used now by many agents and teams to gauge comparative value, the deal averages $13.111 million.

Patriots officials and agent Don Yee worked several months on the contract. It was reported two months ago that a deal was imminent, but that contract was not completed at the time because of issues over structure, distribution and guarantee of bonuses.

At the Super Bowl three months ago, Patriots owner Bob Kraft acknowledged the team was seeking to complete an extension with Brady, but also suggested that New England was not likely to pay bonus money commensurate to that received by Peyton Manning of Indianapolis and Atlanta's Michael Vick in their recent extensions. Last month, when the Patriots visited the White House, Brady allowed that he was concerned about the pace of the negotiations and conceded he was unsure when a deal might be struck.

By nearly every method of calculation employed in NFL circles, though, the deal still makes Brady one of the highest paid players in the league.

And, given his sterling resume, deservedly so.

The five-year veteran, selected in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, has led the Patriots to victories in Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX. His record as a starter, a role that he assumed two games into the 2001 season when Drew Bledsoe was sidelined by a severe chest injury, is 48-14 and he is a perfect 9-0 in postseason play.

Brady was named the most valuable player in each of New England's first two Super Bowl wins.

The former University of Michigan star has completed 1,243 of 2,018 passes for 13,925 yards, with 97 touchdown passes and 52 interceptions.

[Guest Morecello]

Bucs sign former Giants WR Hilliard

For more info on Hilliard

TAMPA, Fla. (May 6, 2005) -- Former New York Giants receiver Ike Hilliard signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hilliard, a former University of Florida star, started 92 of 98 games he played for the Giants after getting drafted No. 7 overall in 1997. He has 368 career receptions for 4,630 yards and 27 touchdowns.

"Ike has proven what he can do in this league, and we are excited to have him here," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He is a versatile player, and we expect him to help us. He is a guy that we are really going to lean on."

Hilliard started 15 of 16 games for the Giants last season, finishing with 49 catches for 437 yards but no TDs. His best season was 1999, when he caught 72 passes for 996 yards and three TDs.

At Florida, Hilliard helped the Gators win the 1996 national title. He also played in one Super Bowl with the Giants.

"I just want to come in and do whatever it takes to help this football team win and just try and be a productive football player," Hilliard said.

"I am a year removed from learning a new system in New York. I can come down here and learn another system and try and do what I can to get as comfortable as I can possibly be in this offense and do whatever is asked of me as a teammate."

==============================

I guess it's safe to say that Tampa Bay has one of the best receiver pools in the league.

Joey Galloway

Michael Clayton

Ike Hillard

They also have some pretty good running backs in

Michael Pitman

Carnell Willaims (rookie)

Charlie Garner

[Green Demon]

Galloway past his prime, Hillard hasnt even had a 1000 yard season and it isnt like he put up huge numbers last year he had 437 yards and NO TDs, also Clayton is a rookie he is a wait and see he could be good but who knows and the same goes with the running backs for TB the are all ok or average nothing spectaular. I would rather have one really good RB then a bunch of alright RB.

[sahyder1]

http://bangcartoon.com/easyrider.htm

[Sabu]

Sucks about Winslow getting hurt again, has he even played an NFL Game yet?

[naiwf]

Sucks about Winslow getting hurt again, has he even played an NFL Game yet?

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Edited May 9, 2005 by naiwf

[Javs]

Galloway past his prime, Hillard hasnt even had a 1000 yard season and it isnt like he put up huge numbers last year he had 437 yards and NO TDs, also Clayton is a rookie he is a wait and see he could be good but who knows and the same goes with the running backs for TB the are all ok or average nothing spectaular.  I would rather have one really good RB then a bunch of alright RB.

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[Green Demon]

I was thinking of the other Clayton that was drafted this year. I just got the 2 mixed up I guess. Anyways I would rather have Freddie Mitchel even with his baggage he still is able to make some plays.

[Guest Morecello]

You do realise who Hilliard played for last season don't you? That would explain his numbers. He's a buccaneer now which means he'll get alot more passes thrown his way.

[naiwf]

Wreck leaves Winslow with torn ACL, another lost season

May 19, 2005

CBS SportsLine.com wire reports     

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he crashed his motorcycle, two sources within the league told the Associated Press on Thursday, placing his 2005 season in doubt.   

An injury such as Winslow's typically requires 10 to 12 months of rehabilitation.

CBS SportsLine.com's Clark Judge reported on May 3 that Winslow's injuries were expected to keep him sidelined through the season.

Winslow, who wrecked his high-powered bike while riding in a parking lot on May 1, will get a second medical opinion before surgery is scheduled, said the sources, who have knowledge of his injuries and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Although the Browns have Winslow's medical test results, the club can not disclose the nature of his injuries because they have not received permission from Winslow or his family.

On Wednesday, after conferring with his father, NFL Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow Sr., the Browns issued a statement saying, "The Winslow family has not authorized us to release any information on Kellen's condition."

Kellen Winslow Jr. put on a brave face when he finally left the hospital. (AP)   

Until they are given approval, the Browns may not be able to reveal Winslow's injuries until he fails a physical and they have to place him on an injury list per league rules.

Winslow's agent, Kevin Poston, could not be reached for comment.

Winslow injured his right knee and sustained unspecified internal injuries when his motorcycle hit a curb near his home at 35 mph and he flipped over the handlebars.

Winslow was wearing a helmet, but it wasn't fastened properly and flew off when he hit the ground.

He spent nine days in the Cleveland Clinic before being released last week. Winslow, who has been resting at home, has not commented on his accident or his injuries.

Doctors had to wait for the swelling to go down on the 21-year-old's knee before performing a more thorough examination.

Winslow, who missed 14 games as a rookie with a broken leg, breached a hazardous activities clause in his contract by riding the motorcycle. The Browns could ask him to return part of the money he already has been paid as part of his six-year, $40 million contract -- the richest deal given to a tight end.

Cleveland traded a second-round pick to move up a spot in the 2004 NFL draft to select Winslow, who starred at the University of Miami.

In his second game last season, Winslow broke a bone in the lower part of his right leg and tore ligaments in his ankle while trying to recover an onside kick. He had two operations on the leg and it was still mending at the time of his accident.

Meanwhile, police in suburban Westlake concluded their investigation of Winslow's accident this week and turned the case over to city law director John Wheeler, who will determine whether charges should be filed, Lt. Ray Arcuri said.

Winslow could be charged with reckless operation, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.

A few hours before his accident, Winslow and a few friends drove 50 miles on their motorcycles to Canton to see a stunt riding team perform.

AP NEWS

The Associated Press News Service