WVUFootball29 Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 2009 NFL Free Agent Breakdown For the rest of the week I’m going to be posting the current Free Agents at each position and giving analysis. Today we start with FA QBs (Italics represent RFA) Charlie Batch Batch was always a serviceable backup wherever he went, but never quite got the job done to be a permanent starter. When Big Ben went down in Pittsburgh, Batch played well and helped keep his team afloat. A collarbone injury in the preseason ended his chances in 2008. He’s 34 and probably doesn’t have a whole lot of time left in the NFL and could be an adequate reserve QB, especially if the Steelers can keep Leftwich as their #2. Brock Berlin Has never really stayed in one place too long as a QB. Transferred from Florida to Miami in 2001 and has played for 3 different NFL teams. Once a highly touted HS prospect, Berlin never lived up to expectations in college and has flown under the radar in the NFL. He’s a camp QB that will probably never see any real playing time in the NFL. Kyle Boller Brian Billick’s golden boy and another highly touted prospect that never lived up to the hype. Boller was injured in the first preseason game of 2008 and was placed on IR. While he may never live up to starter expectations, I think he could find his niche as a reserve somewhere in the NFL in 2009. Brooks Bollinger Decent QB at Wisconsin during his playing days, although maybe he should have signed with the LA Dodgers instead of electing to play football. Bollinger’s pro career hasn’t really panned out very well either. He is currently on his 3rd NFL roster and will probably still be a free agent come training camp time. Todd Bouman Journeyman QB who has shown flashes of potential but has never really caught on anywhere. Currently a member of the Ravens, Bouman will likely be looking for employment in 2009. David Carr Had Carr started his career anywhere rather than the expansion Houston Texans, things might have been different for the Fresno grad. Carr played behind one of the worst offensive lines ever assembled in NFL history and was sacked over 76 times in his first season alone. Currently the #2 QB with the Giants, there might be a team or two that will give Carr as starting shot in 2009. Matt Cassel Can Bill Belichick really do no wrong when drafting QBs? Although Cassel struggled in the preseason and early weeks of 2008 after Tom Brady went down. Cassel helped lead NE* to an 11-5 record and became the second 11 win team in NFL history to miss the playoffs. While it is argued that the only reason Cassel excelled was because he was on the Patriots* with guys like Moss and Welker to throw to, Cassel brought some tools to the table that NE* didn’t have with Tom Brady, like mobility at the QB position. Cassel rushed for 251 yards and 2 TDs in 2008, as well as throwing for 3,615 yards and 21 TDs and only 11 INTs. Cassel will be the big winner in the FA lottery and only time will tell if Cassel has all the tools to be an NFL QB or if he was just a product of the system in NE*. Kerry Collins Another Journeyman QB that has roamed around the NFL, Collins has found ways to win as the starter. At 37 it is highly unlikely that he’ll be a starter in 2009, but depending on how well the Titans perform in the playoffs, you never know with Collins. Would be a solid pickup for any team need a veteran QB. Bruce Eugene The “Round Mound of Touchdown” as he was called at Grambling, Eugene is an UDFA already on his second NFL roster. Eugene has spent time with the Saints, Saskatchewan of the CFL, Berlin and Frankfurt of NFL Europe and now Tampa Bay. Hasn’t really shown progress in his career and will probably be out of the league after 2008. Ryan Fitzpatrick Took over the starting role in 2008 after Carson Palmer went down with an elbow injury. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard grad, played fairly well for a failing Bengals team. While he has shown flashes in his career, Fitz looks to be nothing more than a career backup at QB. Charlie Frye Like Brady Quinn, Frye was to be the hometown boy to save the Browns franchise. After being named the starter in late 2005, Frye was traded to Seattle after his very first game of 2007 and is now the 3rd QB there. Frye might warrant a look as a backup QB and possible competition for a starting job in 2009. Jeff Garcia Like Collins, Garcia is an aging journeyman QB who has had some success wherever he has played. Currently the starter for the Tampa Bay Bucs and will turn 39 in February, Garcia may need to ponder retirement after this season. He hasn’t thrown over 20 TDs, 3,000 yards, or started an entire season since 2002. Could be an ample backup QB on a team looking for a veteran presence. Rex Grossman Never lived up to expectations in Chicago and has since been replaced by Kyle Orton as the starting QB. Grossman, like many Florida grads just hasn’t gotten the job done in the NFL and like those before him will probably be relegated to a reserve job in 2009. Joey Harrington Heisman winner that never got the job done, however that can be expected from a QB forced to start his career with the Detroit Lions. Joey never got his footing in the NFL even after moving on to teams like Miami, Atlanta, and now New Orleans. Not sure if Harrington will be on an NFL roster in 2009, but if he stays in New Orleans, he might have a successful career as a pianist in a jazz club. Drew Henson Henson became Jerry Jones’ attempt to find a Tom Brady when he signed with the Cowboys in 2004. Henson was drafted in 2003 by the Houston Texans but elected to play baseball instead. Neither professional Baseball of Football really seemed to work out for Drew. He may become camp fodder for 2009, or perhaps could try his hand at basketball? Byron Leftwich Everyone remembers the famous play where Leftwich’s teammates carried him down the field as Marshall tried to beat Akron. It was from this play that many NFL scouts began to clamor over his leadership and guts. However, the injury was merely a foreshadow of what was to come. Leftwich has always been injury plagued as an NFL QB. However, he seems to have found his called as Big Ben’s backup in Pittsburgh. JP Losman Once the toast of the town by many Bills fans that ran Drew Bledsoe out of town for him, Losman found himself being run out of town as Bills fans began to gush over the next big thing at QB in Trent Edwards. Losman seemed to have all the tools to become an NFL star coming out of Tulane, but never really found a way to use them in the NFL. Will probably get a few looks from other teams in 2009, perhaps San Francisco or somewhere else on the West Coast. Jamie Martin Another career journeyman, Martin will probably find his way onto an NFL roster in 2009 when injuries start to pile up. Luke McCown See above. JT O’Sullivan From nobody to starter, back to nobody in one season, JT’s career seemed to go through its lifespan in one season. JT will probably find his way into camp with some team in 2009. Dan Orlovsky A career backup thrust into the starting role in 2008, Orlovsky found himself running for his life and sometimes out the back of the endzone. Orlovsky has already said he would like to return to Detroit and help turn the team around, but it appears he’ll be out of luck as the Lions organization is cleaning out a lot of the mess left behind from Matt Millen. Patrick Ramsey Another Tulane prospect that never really quite cut it in the NFL. Ramsey’s career in Washington didn’t go well, partly because Steve Spurrier thought he could play SEC football in the NFL. Ramsey played for the Jets in 2006 and then moved to his current position sitting behind Jay Cutler in Denver. While it’s highly unlikely to see Ramsey competing for a starting job in 2009, I’m sure he’ll land somewhere as a reserve. Chris Simms Just when Simms finally seemed to be getting his career on track, a lacerated spleen derailed him and he’s never been the same since. Simms might be worth a look for someone looking to build a QB competition in 2009. Brian St. Pierre Career 3rd stringer, St. Pierre has bounced around the league. He may or may not catch on somewhere in 2009. Marques Tuiasosopo Many colleges didn’t see Marques as a QB prospect, but Washington gave him an opportunity. Drafted in the second round by the Raiders, Tuiasosopo never made an impact as a QB. Has seen very little playing time over his career, it’s a surprise that he is on an active roster to begin with and we shall see what 2009 has in store for him. Kurt Warner Finally took the starting job away from Matt Leinart and has led the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff appearance in 10 seasons. Named the starting QB for the NFC Pro Bowl roster, Warner will draw attention as a starter in 2009. However, if the Cardinals play well in the playoffs, I would find it hard to believe that they will let him walk away. Anthony Wright Currently on IR with the New York Giants, Wright is another one of those, “Have Arm will Travel,” QBs that has never really caught on anywhere in the NFL. A career backup with a few starts under his belt Wright might find a spot on a roster somewhere in the NFL in 2009. Now, if Buffalo was looking to bring in a veteran QB off this list, I would take a look at Kerry Collins. Depending on what the Titans do, he might be available and would be a good backup to Edwards and someone you could rely on starting a few games if need be. For the most part though, there isn’t much to go around when it comes to FA QBs in 2009. Leftwich will probably stay put in Pittsburgh, Cassel is going to get huge money thrown at him, and I doubt Garcia leaves Tampa unless Gruden leaves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Great job. I really look forward to your football posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canbuffan34 Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Great job. I really look forward to your football posts. I would absolutely love to have Garcia on this team next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcali Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I would absolutely love to have Garcia on this team next year. me too!!! I was screaming and yelling to get that guy on the team years ago. Well he has a year or two left and would be a terrific backup to Trent.And he would instill some attitude in this team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcali Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 2009 NFL Free Agent BreakdownFor the rest of the week I’m going to be posting the current Free Agents at each position and giving analysis. Today we start with FA QBs (Italics represent RFA) Charlie Batch Batch was always a serviceable backup wherever he went, but never quite got the job done to be a permanent starter. When Big Ben went down in Pittsburgh, Batch played well and helped keep his team afloat. A collarbone injury in the preseason ended his chances in 2008. He’s 34 and probably doesn’t have a whole lot of time left in the NFL and could be an adequate reserve QB, especially if the Steelers can keep Leftwich as their #2. Brock Berlin Has never really stayed in one place too long as a QB. Transferred from Florida to Miami in 2001 and has played for 3 different NFL teams. Once a highly touted HS prospect, Berlin never lived up to expectations in college and has flown under the radar in the NFL. He’s a camp QB that will probably never see any real playing time in the NFL. Kyle Boller Brian Billick’s golden boy and another highly touted prospect that never lived up to the hype. Boller was injured in the first preseason game of 2008 and was placed on IR. While he may never live up to starter expectations, I think he could find his niche as a reserve somewhere in the NFL in 2009. Brooks Bollinger Decent QB at Wisconsin during his playing days, although maybe he should have signed with the LA Dodgers instead of electing to play football. Bollinger’s pro career hasn’t really panned out very well either. He is currently on his 3rd NFL roster and will probably still be a free agent come training camp time. Todd Bouman Journeyman QB who has shown flashes of potential but has never really caught on anywhere. Currently a member of the Ravens, Bouman will likely be looking for employment in 2009. David Carr Had Carr started his career anywhere rather than the expansion Houston Texans, things might have been different for the Fresno grad. Carr played behind one of the worst offensive lines ever assembled in NFL history and was sacked over 76 times in his first season alone. Currently the #2 QB with the Giants, there might be a team or two that will give Carr as starting shot in 2009. Matt Cassel Can Bill Belichick really do no wrong when drafting QBs? Although Cassel struggled in the preseason and early weeks of 2008 after Tom Brady went down. Cassel helped lead NE* to an 11-5 record and became the second 11 win team in NFL history to miss the playoffs. While it is argued that the only reason Cassel excelled was because he was on the Patriots* with guys like Moss and Welker to throw to, Cassel brought some tools to the table that NE* didn’t have with Tom Brady, like mobility at the QB position. Cassel rushed for 251 yards and 2 TDs in 2008, as well as throwing for 3,615 yards and 21 TDs and only 11 INTs. Cassel will be the big winner in the FA lottery and only time will tell if Cassel has all the tools to be an NFL QB or if he was just a product of the system in NE*. Kerry Collins Another Journeyman QB that has roamed around the NFL, Collins has found ways to win as the starter. At 37 it is highly unlikely that he’ll be a starter in 2009, but depending on how well the Titans perform in the playoffs, you never know with Collins. Would be a solid pickup for any team need a veteran QB. Bruce Eugene The “Round Mound of Touchdown” as he was called at Grambling, Eugene is an UDFA already on his second NFL roster. Eugene has spent time with the Saints, Saskatchewan of the CFL, Berlin and Frankfurt of NFL Europe and now Tampa Bay. Hasn’t really shown progress in his career and will probably be out of the league after 2008. Ryan Fitzpatrick Took over the starting role in 2008 after Carson Palmer went down with an elbow injury. Fitzpatrick, a Harvard grad, played fairly well for a failing Bengals team. While he has shown flashes in his career, Fitz looks to be nothing more than a career backup at QB. Charlie Frye Like Brady Quinn, Frye was to be the hometown boy to save the Browns franchise. After being named the starter in late 2005, Frye was traded to Seattle after his very first game of 2007 and is now the 3rd QB there. Frye might warrant a look as a backup QB and possible competition for a starting job in 2009. Jeff Garcia Like Collins, Garcia is an aging journeyman QB who has had some success wherever he has played. Currently the starter for the Tampa Bay Bucs and will turn 39 in February, Garcia may need to ponder retirement after this season. He hasn’t thrown over 20 TDs, 3,000 yards, or started an entire season since 2002. Could be an ample backup QB on a team looking for a veteran presence. Rex Grossman Never lived up to expectations in Chicago and has since been replaced by Kyle Orton as the starting QB. Grossman, like many Florida grads just hasn’t gotten the job done in the NFL and like those before him will probably be relegated to a reserve job in 2009. Joey Harrington Heisman winner that never got the job done, however that can be expected from a QB forced to start his career with the Detroit Lions. Joey never got his footing in the NFL even after moving on to teams like Miami, Atlanta, and now New Orleans. Not sure if Harrington will be on an NFL roster in 2009, but if he stays in New Orleans, he might have a successful career as a pianist in a jazz club. Drew Henson Henson became Jerry Jones’ attempt to find a Tom Brady when he signed with the Cowboys in 2004. Henson was drafted in 2003 by the Houston Texans but elected to play baseball instead. Neither professional Baseball of Football really seemed to work out for Drew. He may become camp fodder for 2009, or perhaps could try his hand at basketball? Byron Leftwich Everyone remembers the famous play where Leftwich’s teammates carried him down the field as Marshall tried to beat Akron. It was from this play that many NFL scouts began to clamor over his leadership and guts. However, the injury was merely a foreshadow of what was to come. Leftwich has always been injury plagued as an NFL QB. However, he seems to have found his called as Big Ben’s backup in Pittsburgh. JP Losman Once the toast of the town by many Bills fans that ran Drew Bledsoe out of town for him, Losman found himself being run out of town as Bills fans began to gush over the next big thing at QB in Trent Edwards. Losman seemed to have all the tools to become an NFL star coming out of Tulane, but never really found a way to use them in the NFL. Will probably get a few looks from other teams in 2009, perhaps San Francisco or somewhere else on the West Coast. Jamie Martin Another career journeyman, Martin will probably find his way onto an NFL roster in 2009 when injuries start to pile up. Luke McCown See above. JT O’Sullivan From nobody to starter, back to nobody in one season, JT’s career seemed to go through its lifespan in one season. JT will probably find his way into camp with some team in 2009. Dan Orlovsky A career backup thrust into the starting role in 2008, Orlovsky found himself running for his life and sometimes out the back of the endzone. Orlovsky has already said he would like to return to Detroit and help turn the team around, but it appears he’ll be out of luck as the Lions organization is cleaning out a lot of the mess left behind from Matt Millen. Patrick Ramsey Another Tulane prospect that never really quite cut it in the NFL. Ramsey’s career in Washington didn’t go well, partly because Steve Spurrier thought he could play SEC football in the NFL. Ramsey played for the Jets in 2006 and then moved to his current position sitting behind Jay Cutler in Denver. While it’s highly unlikely to see Ramsey competing for a starting job in 2009, I’m sure he’ll land somewhere as a reserve. Chris Simms Just when Simms finally seemed to be getting his career on track, a lacerated spleen derailed him and he’s never been the same since. Simms might be worth a look for someone looking to build a QB competition in 2009. Brian St. Pierre Career 3rd stringer, St. Pierre has bounced around the league. He may or may not catch on somewhere in 2009. Marques Tuiasosopo Many colleges didn’t see Marques as a QB prospect, but Washington gave him an opportunity. Drafted in the second round by the Raiders, Tuiasosopo never made an impact as a QB. Has seen very little playing time over his career, it’s a surprise that he is on an active roster to begin with and we shall see what 2009 has in store for him. Kurt Warner Finally took the starting job away from Matt Leinart and has led the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff appearance in 10 seasons. Named the starting QB for the NFC Pro Bowl roster, Warner will draw attention as a starter in 2009. However, if the Cardinals play well in the playoffs, I would find it hard to believe that they will let him walk away. Anthony Wright Currently on IR with the New York Giants, Wright is another one of those, “Have Arm will Travel,” QBs that has never really caught on anywhere in the NFL. A career backup with a few starts under his belt Wright might find a spot on a roster somewhere in the NFL in 2009. Now, if Buffalo was looking to bring in a veteran QB off this list, I would take a look at Kerry Collins. Depending on what the Titans do, he might be available and would be a good backup to Edwards and someone you could rely on starting a few games if need be. For the most part though, there isn’t much to go around when it comes to FA QBs in 2009. Leftwich will probably stay put in Pittsburgh, Cassel is going to get huge money thrown at him, and I doubt Garcia leaves Tampa unless Gruden leaves. Very well done ...with a dash of humor added. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 2009 NFL Free Agent BreakdownFor the rest of the week I’m going to be posting the current Free Agents at each position and giving analysis. Today we start with FA QBs (Italics represent RFA) Very nice work. I would be happy with Batch, Garcia, Carr or Ramsey as back-up. Unless the coaches feel the need to introduce some competition, in which case we may have to bring in someone who is young and prospective starter material. By the way, you did not track who will be the cheapest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngunz Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I doubt Garcia leaves Tampa unless Gruden leaves. Well Done. I will say that there is no love between Gruden and Garcia. Living down here in Tampa it is well documented on the relationship between the two. Which fell apart last season when Garcia was benched at the end of the season causing him to miss his salaray bonus. Next was the unwillingness by the Bucs to renegotiate (as promised) a new contract for Garcia. Then there was the Brett Farve trade rumors during training camp. And the last straw came after Garcia was held out of games early in the season, with the coaching staff saying he was healthy / scratched in favor of Brian Griese. Garcia will not be back in Tampa in 2009. I would love to see him finish his career in Buffalo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
My Friends Call Me Tebucky Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Blending realism, talent, and need- Byron Leftwich would be my choice among those guys. Kerry Collins isn't going anywhere. Buffalo would actually be an attractive place for a FA QB, given Edwards moderate at best impact and injury concerns. If they played in a dome or had a poor pass blocking line, Garcia would be an option. But they play half their home games with winds over 20 MPH it seems, and he's more of an improv guy than a pocket passer. It wouldn't be a good fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ieatcrayonz Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 me too!!! I was screaming and yelling to get that guy on the team years ago. Well he has a year or two left and would be a terrific backup to Trent.And he would instill some attitude in this team. Garcia is a backup to Trent like Pujols is a backup to Giambi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsevans Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Garcia is my pick, although I think Byron still has some gas in the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngunz Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Garcia is a backup to Trent like Pujols is a backup to Giambi. Comparing Trent to Giambi??? Im thinking Shelley Duncan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddogblitz Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I'd like to see the Bills sign either Collins or Warner or Garcia or Cassell and immediately announce him as the opening day starter in 2009. Then let him work the off season with Turk and the recievers. Trent can watch, study, practice, get acclimated to the cold, and perform mop up duty for the next few years. Then he might be ready. From what Ralph said though, I think we'll probably need to get a backup. My first choice is Anthony Wright. 9 year vet. Played for Ravens when they went to playoffs last. A solid vet. Stats not great. I've seen him play in Dallas and Baltimore and he looks solid. Could come in when Trent gets hurt and play well. After that I'd go for Batch or Leftwich. Not really interested in Carr or Harrington or Bollinger. Ramsey may be OK. Do not even consider Frye. I've seen him play in Seattle and he's horrible. Please tell me we're not going into 2009 with Edwards, Hamdan, and a rookie. That's one of my (among many) greatest fears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ieatcrayonz Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Comparing Trent to Giambi??? Im thinking Shelley Duncan Good point. Actually, more like whoever is 3rd string for the Astros AA affiliate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColdBlueNorth Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 We could use a veteran backup to Edwards. I want Edwards to have the time to develop, but history shows us that we will need a QB that can step in and manage a game when Edwards gets banged up. Our of the list I like: Collins Leftwich Simms Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lets_go_bills Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Joey Harrington never won the Heisman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cantankerous Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Joey Harrington never won the Heisman. That's what I was thinking. Pretty slim pickins' there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I 90 Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 No Tim Couch ? He's sunk below the likes of Bruce Eugene ? Yikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WVUFootball29 Posted January 2, 2009 Author Share Posted January 2, 2009 Joey Harrington never won the Heisman. Brainfart... i remember all the crap with him and the billboard in NYC. I think the Heisman and Unitas awards were the only ones he didn't win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Brainfart... i remember all the crap with him and the billboard in NYC. I think the Heisman and Unitas awards were the only ones he didn't win. Joey Heisman! http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/155527..._b95a1181ea.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBud Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 If Kerry Collins takes TN to the promised land I don't think he will be traveling anywhere. Current recovery plan for Brady makes it sound like NE will keep Cassell. Fitz in Cincy seems like a lock due to his performance this season. Sims - un-proven over a period of time. Garcia - will never stand for second string. The rest are left over dishwater. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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