Brian Griese was traded back to his old team today for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick. We all knew this was coming, especially since he was due a $300,000 roster bonus tomorrow and wouldn’t have stayed on the roster even if he hadn’t been traded. This is comforting news for Angelo, who got something, anything, for Greesee rather than just giving him the ol’ das boot. I don’t really understand what the Bucs were thinking. Take a gander at their current QB roster for ‘08:
• Jeff Garcia
• Bruce Gradkowski
• One of the McCown brothers (the younger, less demure one)
• Brian “It Ain’t Easy Being” Griese
• The rights to Jake “The Snake” Plummer
• Chris Simms
That’s two aging vets (one with about 100,000 miles on him), two young guys with minimal experience and questionable talent, one guy who’s been sidelined the past two years with a nasty spleen injury, and one who simply peaced out of the league entirely. Does Jon Gruden expect to find his franchise QB in this motley crew?
Other than the Briggs deal (which was more a product of a lack of interest in Mr. Briggs rather than his “sober” approach), Angelo seems to be struggling with every passing day of free agency. Not only did he let Berrian walk away to a division rival without landing a replacement, but, according to ChicagoBears.com, it appears Brendon Ayanbadejo will soon be leaving, too, possibly to the Jets. Ideally, the special teams standout won’t be missed. The unit still has the likes of Adrian Peterson, Israel Idonije, and Jamar Williams to help it maintain its third consecutive first place ranking next season. Ayanbadejo played well at linebacker in the Pro Bowl and could see similar playing time on another team. Obviously, with Briggs returning and Jamar Williams behind him on the depth chart, he was not going to get that opportunity with the Bears.
Even worse, Angelo has yet to sign an offensive player to bolster a very thin group. How could he let Michael Turner bolt for Atlanta? Couldn’t he woo the homegrown product with some of that cap space we saved cutting Muhammad, Miller, and Walker? I understand his hesitance to pursue Faneca with the great tackles available in the draft, but the running game simply cannot thrive with Benson carrying the load. Turner’s speed and athleticism would’ve made a decent 1-2 punch with Benson’s three-yard stumble-and-falls. There is no doubt now the Bears will draft OL, RB, and QB in the first three rounds this year.
As for WR, the Bears are reportedly in talks with Bryant Johnson of the Cardinals. Nothing too thrilling here, but if we landed him we’d get a former first-rounder with a chance to be a quality possession guy. Here’s why I like him: He’s had 40+ catches the last four years, is a good size at 6’3”, 213 lbs., and has arguably unmined potential since he was stuck behind Fitzgerald and Boldin. As it stands, any addition would be an upgrade, so Angelo better pull the trigger on this. Or, better yet, look into roping Javon Walker, who could come somewhat cheap due to lingering health problems.
On a side note, Randy Moss just signed a three-year deal worth about $27 million to stay with the Pats. Apparently the reason it took so long was because he requested it in straight cash, homey.
Keywords: Alan Faneca, Arizona Cardinals, Bernard Berrian, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Brian Griese, Bryant Johnson, Chicago Bears, Javon Walker, Jerry Angelo, Lance Briggs, Michael Turner, Randy Moss, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
