Well, first off I have to say that I'm not sure how I feel about LaDanian Tomlinson coming to my Jets. They reached a two-year agreement. I think this means that the Jets management is ready to let RB/KR Leon Washington sign with another team.
I think that is a huge mistake. Leon is younger, a better receiving threat, and a phenomenal kick returner. He wants money and I think that the release of Thomas Jones and the trade of Kerry Rhodes frees up that money for Leon. I'm curious to see what the Jets do with Leon, but hopefully they decide to keep them. I'll report back later with more if necessary.
Nate Burleson and Kyle Vanden Bosch sign with the Lions
Dunta Robinson expected to sign with Falcons by Sunday
Anquan Boldin traded to Baltimore for a third and fourth round pick.
Fins bolster defense with the addition of Karlos Dansby
Giants steal Antrel Rolle from the Cards in free agency
Jets get ripped off, deal S Kerry Rhodes to Cards for a fourth and seventh round pick.
Jaguars agree to terms with Pro-Bowl pass rusher Aaron Kampman
Chiefs being in veteran Thomas Jones to mentor young stud Jamaal Charles
Report: Bengals pass on T.O. and sign Antonio Bryant
The Jets made a splash right before free agency began last night. Gang Green traded a conditional third round pick to San Diego in return for the 25-year-old Antonio Cromartie.
Vastly looked upon as a highly athletic, yet troubled player, Cromartie comes to New York looking for a fresh start. As a Jets fan, I couldn't be happier with the situation. The 2011 draft pick at best would become a second rounder depending on Cromartie's performance this coming season. Cro' has displayed incredible athletic abilities and should complement Darrelle Revis well. The Jets already displayed the number one pass defense last season, but were exposed in the AFC Championship game. Peyton Manning shredded the other defensivebacks in the second half, one reason the Jets felt the need to bring in an established corner. This should solidify their defense and allow them to focus on drafting a pass rusher. AFC offenses beware...
The other big move on free agency Friday was the signing of Julius Peppers. The Bears signed the big name defensive end to a six-year deal worth as much as $91.5 million. Peppers should restore some of the Chicago defense that we are used to seeing, but keep in him: he is 30. The Bears also added former-Viking Chester Taylor to the backfield. He will compete with Matt Forte for time, after Forte had a sophomore slump following his impressive rookie campaign. Obviously, you can't go wrong with J-Pepp, but the Bears should focus a bit more on finding Jay Cutler a target (cough Brandon Marshall cough) instead of bringing in a two 30-year-old players.
By Dan Rodgers There seems to be a new trend headlining the NFL this off-season:
Release your 30+ year-old running back because his production is going to drop off. Personally, I am not yet sure how I feel about this. The Jets are set to release Thomas Jones tomorrow; this after arguably his best year as a pro. He set a career high tallying just over 1,400 yards and also had a career high with 14 rushing touchdowns. This all while being 31-years-old. However, he will be 32 by the time next season rolls around and he is due 2.8 million in salary and 3 million in roster bonuses (whatever that means).
The dilemma now becomes (for the Jets): They have Jones, who was third in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. They also have Shonn Greene, who in his rookie year led the NFL in post season rushing yards. Not to mention, they have Leon Washington who is one of the most explosive backs in the NFL. Even though Washington is coming off injury, it is the same injury Darren Sproles returned from effectively.
Note: By releasing Jones, he becomes available to every team in the final eight...including the Patriots.
Other 30+ year-old backs that have been released include Brian Westbrook and LaDanian Tomlinson. The Eagles are expected to have LeSean McCoy step right in as the feature back. The Chargers are expected to solve their situation in the draft, through free agency or both because they might also lose Darren Sproles to restricted free agency.
My prediction is that this trend is happening due to the overwhelming depth at running back in this league. Most teams run a two-back set in some way or another. Even the amazing Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson share the load with Chester Taylor and LenDale White.
Look for Jones, Westbrook, and LT get forced to take huge pay cuts if they want to play for a contender. Unless they want to finish their career out with a team like the Rams/Raiders/Lions they will not get feature back money.
Where they'll end up:
Look for LT to go to a team like the Texans where he can share time and tutor Steve Slaton.
Westbrook will probably end up going to a team like the Vikings. He won't get double digit carries but will be a pivotal third down back.
Jones, unfortunately, will get brought in by a team like the Pats or Eagles. The Pats love bringing in old backs for cheap to get the ball the five times they don't throw it. The Eagles would be a good fit because he could get some goal-line and short yardage carries without being worn out. He would complement McCoy well.
