Reviews mixed on Hall deal; Kearse good fit for Titans

The addition of DeAngelo Hall gives Oakland one of the league's top defensive backfields. Gary Bodgon/SI

The AFC West just got a little tougher or a little easier for receivers, depending on who you believe.

That's how mixed the reviews are from league insiders on the Raiders' recent acquisition of DeAngelo Hall, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who has 17 career interceptions.

"He's a talented guy who gives them some plays, but he doesn't play smart at times," one NFC personnel exec said. "He gives up some plays to guys who shouldn't beat him." Others echoed that sentiment, saying the former first-round pick is an "overrated" cover corner who fails to play at an elite level consistently.

However, given Hall's age (24) and potential, the deal should be considered a bargain under the terms of the agreement. In exchange for a second- and sixth-round pick, the Raiders get a corner who is suited to Rob Ryan's man-heavy scheme. Hall can handle press coverage, and his outstanding speed allows him to challenge elite receivers at the line without fear.

"The move is a very aggressive play by the Raiders, but it gives them two top notch players at the corner in the prime of their careers," said an AFC scout. "Despite Hall's flaws, I love the way he competes against top receivers, and pairing him with Nmandi Asomugha makes life difficult for receivers in the AFC West."

Wide receiver paydays

Larry Fitzgerald's new four-year, $40 million contract will have a significant impact on several young receivers poised to hit the free-agent market in the next few years. Braylon Edwards, Lee Evans and Roy Williams are nearing the end of their rookie contracts and will use Fitzgerald's landmark deal to set their market value at the negotiating table.

Although Fitzgerald's career production (330 receptions) dwarfs the production of Evans (233), Edwards (173) and Williams (244), their respective representatives will attempt to justify a $10 million per year salary for the each of the aforementioned trio by pointing to Pro Bowl appearances and their current status as No.1 receivers on their teams.

"The most productive of those guys is going to hit the lottery. ... With Bernard Berrian averaging over $7 million per season, those guys will command at least $8 million to $9 million annually on their next deal," said an NFC personnel executive. "In fact, Fitzgerald's metrics should place him in the $11 million to $12 million a season category, but he gave the Cardinals a break by taking less money on a shorter deal."

With the kind of money that has been tossed around to several unproven receivers this offseason, teams would be wise to lock up these proven commodities before they hit the market at the end of their deals.

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