Article:Around the NFL (2/23/09); Offseason Report

With the NFL combine wrapping up in Indy and the free agency period looming, news around the NFL is getting juicier by the minute. The next month or two is arguably the most interesting (and sometimes headscratching) time of the offseason. Who will be buyers, who will be sellers. There's just so much to talk about around the NFL. But, today I am here to talk about rumors on free agents, trades, etc. Not, I repeat, NOT the NFL draft. I will save that for another time/place.

It's time to talk free agency!

First off, it's official, the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to release the 36-year old, eight-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion Marvin Harrison. The aging wideout had asked the Colts front office for his release yesterday after contract negotiations fell through. Who will take a stab at Harrison? Well, I would say Seattle since it's rumored that they are leaning towards drafting an offensive tackle at the four spot this year (likely draftee, WR Michael Crabtree, reinjured himself during the Combine this weekend). So, if Seattle can find the money and are willing to sign Harrison to a short-term contract, I say why not? If they are going to pass as much as they do, why not bring someone in who can catch the ball?

As far as Baltimore's veteran LB, Ray Lewis? Lewis will be a Dallas Cowboy in '09. They have already chosen to keep Terrell Suggs over Lewis by placing the franchise tag on him. Jerry Jones (Dallas' owner) has the money to spend on Lewis, and I don't think Baltimore has enough to keep both Suggs and Lewis. Jones has already expressed interest in trading T.O., so why not replace Lewis with Owens? That sounds like a GREAT plan to me. Out with the bad, in with the good. Lewis is such an inspiration, and good-hearted man, he will do nothing but good for this team. Can you imagine Ware and Lewis in the same defensive backfield, roaming the field, causing opposing QB's to piss their pants? I know I can, and it's not a pretty sight..for offenses, that is. Besides, Lewis' childhood dreams were to be a Dallas Cowboy. His time has come.

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly VERY close to a deal with Houston Texans 30-year old QB Sage Rosenfels. That would fill their biggest hole, and could put them atop the division again in '09. But personally, I believe the Vikes should've taken a stab at Jeff Garcia, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB. He has some experience in the playoffs, and it appears that if they can just get consistency at the QB position, they could go far in to January in '09. Is Sage really the guy who's gonna bring them home a Lombardi trophy? No, I don't think so, but I guess we'll see.