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Value deals
Ranking the top 10 offseason moves
Posted: Tuesday March 27, 2001 2:58 PM
Updated: Tuesday March 27, 2001 8:49 PM
So far this offseason, the Ravens and Bucs have made the right move in signing marquee free-agent quarterbacks to take a run at the Super Bowl next January. But check out these deals -- they make my top 10 values list:
Simeon Rice to the Bucs for what amounts to be a one year, $1 million deal with no signing bonus. Tampa Bay basically gets the chance to see if Rice can become a premier player again. If he doesn't perform, the Bucs can cut him with no cap damage. If he returns to his elite form, a four-year deal is in place at 2001 prices. The Bucs' offense should have the lead most weeks, which will force opponents into more passing situations. With Warren Sapp next to him, Rice could easily have 10 or more sacks.
Matt Hasselbeck to the Seahawks. In giving up a third-rounder and swapping No. 1 picks with Green Bay to acquire Hasselbeck, Seattle still has two choices in the first round and hasn't upset its cap situation as it could have going after one of the top quarterbacking prospects. If Hasselbeck can't handle the job, the Seahawks risked very little and could be back in the free-agent business next year.
Reggie Barlow to the Raiders. What appears to be a four-year, $10 million deal for a role player is really a two-year contract at the minimum wage with a $100,000 bonus. Barlow can return kicks and will be a solid third receiver for the next two seasons. At the end, all Oakland will have left on the books is $50,000 of pro-rated signing bonus.
Curtis Enis to the Browns for the league minimum. Cleveland needs a big running back and gets a look at a former first-rounder for nothing. Worst case scenario is that the Browns cut Enis during camp; best case is that he becomes another Tyrone Wheatley.
Ryan Leaf to the Bucs for $100. Making the $100 waiver claim was a shrewd move; restructuring Leaf's contract makes this a great deal. With Brad Johnson there, Leaf doesn't have to play this year and the change of scenery may do him some good. Now he's tradeable and so is Shaun King.
James Darling and Matt Hatchette to the Jets. New general manager Terry Bradway picks up two young players who couldn't break into their former teams' starting lineups for a combined $650,000 signing bonus. Even if both players remain backups, the Jets have upgraded their depth. My gut feeling is that both will become valuable contributors and eventually will be long-term answers for the Jets.
Ray Lucas to the Dolphins. Lucas will average under $1 million a year for the next three seasons. That's a good deal if he's Jay Fiedler's backup. That's a phenomenal deal if he becomes the starter. Miami continues to save cap space for other positions by being prudent at the quarterback spot. And Lucas has won in the AFC East before.
Gus Frerotte stays in Denver for $1 million. Quality backup quarterbacks cost more than this and with a year under his belt Frerotte doesn't have to learn the Broncos' system. If Brian Griese goes down with an injury, Denver has a chance to keep winning. Not every team can say that.
Bryan Robinson hit with a transition tag by the Bears. There was no doubt that Robinson was going to get an offer somewhere in the neighborhood between Marcellus Wiley's deal and John Randle's contract. Chicago had the cap space to put the tag on him and see what the market would be. Now the Bears know what Robinson's value is and they can go about their draft preparations knowing they don't have to replace their starting defensive end.
Lance Johnstone to the Vikings. This looks like a five-year, $30 million package but in effect it's a one-year tryout for $1.5 million. Johnstone is just 28 years old. He only had 3.5 sacks last season but was plagued by injuries. If he returns to his old form, then Minnesota has a contributor for one season at a reasonable price. If Johnstone is on field for 28 percent of the defensive plays, a big part of his contract voids. This is a rental, not a purchase, and in this market, that may not be such a bad strategy.
Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Chat with Pat at 1 p.m. EST Wednesdays.
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