Nnamdi a Franchise player? I heard nothing is official yet. I’m sure it will be a done deal in a matter of days. Everyone knows this is a good decision for our team.
I went to the commitment to excellence award ceremony held in Oakland for Asomugha last year and I swear no other man couldn’t have deserved it any more then this warrior could. They showed highlights, told Nnamdi stories, had a raffle, included dancing, served a great dinner and even had some players and Raiderettes in the room you could chop it up and take pictures with.
I heard Justin Fargas has been given the award this year. Makes sense, doesn’t it? The guy ran over 1,000 yards last year and can be easily considered to be a player on the rise in 2008. McFadden who?
If you would like to attend, hit up Raiders.com for details and you can also mingle with the men that you cheer for and yell at on the field. This will REALLY prove your toughness.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Justin Fargas Youth Scholarship Program. It’s a collar/tie affair, so make sure not to bring your favorite cape, mask and lightsaber…
I found out the hard way.
Ahhhhh, I still feel like a million bucks from that glorious Super Bowl, don’t you? Life is STILL good. The Sun is even brighter!!! Maybe it felt a little EXTRA special for me since I visited New Jersey and the big Apple about a year ago. Sure, I saw all of the sights, sounds and smells the big NY has to offer…but it was the people that I remember and loved the most.
They were the people on the street who gave directions to a lost, idiotic tourist… the people who shared their cheerful victory with me as the Knicks won in TRIPLE overtime over my most hated Basketball team; the Detroit Pistons.. The people who gave me sh$% during the Jets game (as I was dressed as DR), but then told me afterwards I took it with heart and also took it like a man. They even said they respected me! The Trophy couldn’t have gone to a cooler city. Screw the Yankees though…(: Sorry…A’s fan writing)
Enough of yesterday’s banter. We need information that’s needed for tomorrow!!
How about information regarding…
Free Agent Offensive Linemen!
Ruben Brown, UFA, Chicago Bears
An aging veteran, Brown has a lot of experience opening holes for backs and allowing time for passers. He’s a solid guard who holds down his position quite well. If he decides to stick around, he may have a couple of good seasons left. Teams won’t line up to sign him, but there should be a handful that show interest.
Alan Faneca, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Faneca seems to be the most likely of this group to leave his current team. Rumors suggest that he plans on leaving and contract extension talks have gone nowhere. Faneca is a quality guard who has started in five Pro Bowls and been selected as a first team All-Pro five times as well. He also still has some prime seasons of his career remaining. Faneca will receive the most interest at his position, could be the most coveted offensive linemen after the season, and should also be one of the most coveted players available in all of the NFL.
Flozell Adams, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
A veteran left tackle, Adams should hit the market and receive decent interest. A second-round pick in 1998, Adams has developed into one of the league’s better offensive linemen. His size, experience, and performance will lure teams into making a considerable offer for his services. The Cowboys are developing young talent behind him, and depending on how that youth pans out the rest of the season, the team could allow him to leave in favor of saving some money.
Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina Panthers
With Gross’ contract voiding at season’s end, the Panthers will need to increase his salary in order to keep him around. The ownership seems to agree that he deserves a pay raise, and the team appears to want to keep him around as their starting right tackle. A former first-round selection who has played well, Gross will be looking for a considerably larger check come next season.
Ryan Lilja, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
A quality guard, Lilja is relatively young and has a Super Bowl ring to call his own. The Colts will do well to sign him to an extension, but there’s a chance that Lilja tests the market. In reality, the system that Lilja plays within is a nice fit, and he gets to protect Peyton Manning, so he could easily stay.
Max Starks, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He’s 25 and is listed at 6’7” while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team’s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the potential he has shown on the field.
Floyd Womack, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
A big, experienced guard, Womack could get a decent offer from any team missing out on a top tier target like Faneca. If Womack isn’t the outright starter in Seattle this season, look for him to find work elsewhere with an expanded role guaranteed.
Jake Scott, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Scott is the starting right guard for one of the top offensive line units in the entire NFL, and his ability to help protect Peyton Manning should equate to a nice contract number. Indianapolis has found a way to retain most of their line talent in recent seasons, and it should come as no surprise if Scott is locked into a long-term deal in the near future.
Todd Steussie UFA St. Louis Rams
Steussie has been a solid offensive tackle for several years, but he was placed on injured reserve earlier this season because of a foot injury. He’s approaching forty years of age, but he may still have a good season or two in him. He should receive some attention as a free agent simply because of his experience and the position he plays.
Travelle Wharton UFA Carolina Panthers
A late third-round selection in 2004, Wharton has developed into a solid starting left tackle. He has been a key reason for the successes that the Panthers have had, and his absence in 2006 was a key reason for the team’s struggles. Wharton’s rookie contract will expire at season’s end, and his value on the market should be fairly strong. A quality left tackle is hard to find, and team’s looking to bolster an offensive line will have to consider Wharton. Carolina will likely make every effort to work out an extension.
Other Free Agent Offensive Linemen
OG P.J. Alexander UFA Atlanta Falcons
OT Nat Dorsey UFA Cleveland Browns
OT Trai Essex RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
OG Chris Kemoeatu RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
OT Cory Lekkerkerker RFA Miami Dolphins
OT Sean Locklear UFA Seattle Seahawks
OG Brian Rimpf RFA Baltimore Ravens
OG Keydrick Vincent UFA Baltimore Ravens
OG Fred Weary UFA Houston Texans
I just hope we sign the right biggies starting come August and September.
The force knows JaMarcus and the running backs will appreciate it!!!
Have a great week!
DR
