NFL 2004 Offseason

SuckaInA3Piece · 03-16-2004, 07:27 PM

Discuss anything about the NFL offseason here:

SuckaInA3Piece · 03-16-2004, 07:33 PM

Can someone say Super Bowl?? I can, and those Iggggles will be there next year mark my words. Today was just the beginning:

PHILADELPHIA -- Terrell Owens will get his wish to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, following a settlement reached Tuesday before an arbitrator could rule on the star receiver's case to become a free agent.

The San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens and Eagles agreed to a deal to send Owens to Philadelphia, which will sign him to a seven-year contract worth $42 million, ESPN.com's John Clayton reports.

The Eagles sent a fifth-round draft pick to Baltimore and defensive end Brandon Whiting to San Francisco. The Ravens get back the second-round pick they sent to the 49ers for Owens.

The settlement will be announced at a Tuesday evening ET news conference.

"If the arbitrator ruled he was a free agent, he could have gone anywhere. This was the Eagles assuring that he came to them," said Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association.

Owens, who spent eight sometimes controversial seasons with San Francisco, was supposed to become a free agent March 3. But his agent, David Joseph, failed to file papers voiding the final years of his contract by a Feb. 21 deadline.

The 49ers then dealt the four-time Pro Bowl receiver to the Ravens on March 4, after Owens had agreed to a contract with the Eagles that reportedly included a $10 million signing bonus.

Owens protested the trade to the Ravens, refused to show up for a physical and insisted he wanted to play for the Eagles. The union filed a grievance on Owens' behalf to make him a free agent.

Fantasy Spin
Baltimore or Philly? Certainly it would seem that Terrell Owens' fantasy value is better as an Eagle, with a Pro Bowl quarterback in Donovan McNabb just begging for a legitimate target. Owens is not likely to be as prolific as he was in San Francisco, but he will remain near a top 5 fantasy wide receiver. Philadelphia is a running team that plays good defense and doesn't get in to as many shootouts as the Jeff Garcia 49ers did. Owens finished No. 11 among WRs for fantasy in 2003, and he should be able to match those stats in Philly this season. He may not reach 100 receptions or 16 touchdowns ever again, but he's still a good option after the top few receivers are drafted, on par with Chad Johnson.
— Eric Karabell, ESPN Fantasy Games

Stephen Burbank, the arbitrator for disputes between the NFL and its players' union, heard two hours of arguments from lawyers Monday concerning the case, but didn't issue a ruling because a compromise was reached.

The Ravens said they had hoped to get Owens.

"Our collective mind-set is to improve this team," coach Brian Billick said. "We'll keep doing this through the draft, free agency and in other ways. It's a disappointment to not get T.O., but I'm confident in our abilities to raise the Ravens to the next level."

The 49ers feel somewhat satisfied because they gain a defensive end with starting experience.

"I like Brandon Whiting," 49ers coach Dennis Erickson told ESPN.com. "We needed a defensive end and we think he will help us."

Owens gives the Eagles and quarterback Donovan McNabb the No. 1 receiver the offense has desperately needed. Owens has averaged 93 receptions, 1,316 yards and 13 touchdowns over the past four seasons while feuding with teammates, coaches, the 49ers' front office and the media.

"I'm so excited to be here and to play with D-Mac,'' said Owens, who has played with McNabb in the Pro Bowl three times. "I feel like I fit in real nice here. I'm comfortable with the West Coast offense. The touchdowns I've had in the Pro Bowl, Donovan has thrown them to me. That just comes with two athletes going out there and making plays, just chemistry in the making."

Owens caught 80 passes for 1,102 yards and nine TDs last season -- his lowest totals since 1999. The Eagles' starting receivers, James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, combined for 85 receptions for 1,133 yards and three TDs.

Owens spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the 49ers, who drafted him in the third round in 1996. He and Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison are the only receivers with more than 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns over the past four seasons.

Owens' antics on and off the field have tainted some of his accomplishments, however.

Two years ago, he pulled out a pen and signed a ball after scoring a touchdown in Seattle. He wasn't fined for the move but was severely chastised by commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who said he would be disciplined for future stunts.

Owens once precipitated a melee during a game by dancing on the Dallas Cowboys' star at midfield after scoring.

He threw a sideline tantrum during a game against Cleveland last season, and lost it again the following week against Minnesota, chewing out offensive coordinator Greg Knapp after the 49ers were stopped on a fourth-and-1 running play.

Still, the Eagles tried to work out a trade with the 49ers when Owens wasn't declared a free agent. San Francisco general manager Terry Donahue said Philadelphia coach Andy Reid first offered a fifth-round draft pick and Thrash. Donahue said Reid rejected counter offers, so the team traded Owens to Baltimore.

Owens is the second major addition this month for Philadelphia, which went 12-4 last season and lost the NFC championship game for the third straight year. The Eagles signed three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jevon Kearse to a $66 million, eight-year contract on the first day of the free agency period.

The Eagles have lost five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent (Buffalo), running back Duce Staley (Pittsburgh) and linebacker Carlos Emmons (New York Giants), and stand to lose former Pro Bowl cornerback Bobby Taylor.

wip5150 · 03-17-2004, 05:12 AM

Wake up Sucka - the Iggles aren't going anywhere but the bottom of the NFC East. Mark my words, Andy Reid (whom I respect greatly) will rue the day that Terrell Owens joined the team. He will destroy the fragile team chemistry that they have right now.

My prediction - the Eagles will go 8-8 and miss the playoffs and poor Andy Reid will get canned.

The Cowboys are the ticket - feel free to hop on the bandwagen.

TopJimmy78 · 03-17-2004, 05:35 AM

We here in Detroit would be happy if the Lions went 8-8! [img]images/smilies/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]images/smilies/wutblau.gif[/img]

SuckaInA3Piece · 03-17-2004, 07:57 AM

Wip you gotta be kiddin me. The Cowboys had a last place schedule so that's why they were so good. The thing is, as you get better the schedule gets harder. So talk too me after next season, cause your team is gonna be in the shitter. They sure as heck aren't gonna take the Eagles twice next year. The only beat us once last year because McNabb was hurt. When he got healthy, he and our defense ate you alive! [img]images/smilies/icon_lol.gif[/img]

The birds picked up the top offensive and defensive free agents, and you think they're not going anywhere cause of Owens?? Believe me, there are enough all pro players in that locker room that'll let him know how things go. He even said at the press conference last night that Andy told him how things have too be. He agreed too it before we made the trade for him. No one person makes or breaks a team. Owens will only add to the wealth of players the Eagles have, and make it tougher for any NFC team too be a favorite next year too win it all. Eagles are goin all the way next year, and you heard it here first [img]images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif[/img]

wip5150 · 03-17-2004, 09:30 AM

Laugh all you want Sucka, the Cowboys may have a more difficult schedule but good times are on the horizon. McNabb is a great guy (from what I hear) but only a good NFL quarterback - not great. Some of the passes he throws just puzzle me. Yes, I know he was hurt a lot last year but he should be completing around 60% of his passes - not 55%.

The Owens thing will backfire - I guarantee it. Of course TO is going to agree to be a boy scout, it's his first day! He will pull some shit this year and you will come into this very forum and apologize to me. I hope it works out for you - I like Reid and I like McNabb - but I think you would have been better off trying to move up in the draft to get Roy Williams.

Just my thoughts from the cheap seats.

SuckaInA3Piece · 03-17-2004, 09:51 AM

Everybody talks about the negative stuff that Owens will bring, but nobody mentions the good stuff. Ya know, yes he may be a prick, but you cannot question his heart. He also made one of the greatest catches i've ever seen in playoff history a few years back against GB.

The Eagles got a WR that's only had one down year and even then he had over 1000yds receiving and 70 somethin receptions. The Eagles top two WR's combined dont even equal Owens' numbers, and we were still 12-4 and played in the championship game. Now you add an Owens too an already good offense, and it makes us even more lethal.

McNabb may make bad throws, but what QB doesn't? He may not have the accuracy of Mcnair, Manning or Brad Johnson, but his team wins 11 or more games a year consistentaly. You think he's just good? Did you happen too see the plays he made too bring us back in that GB playoff game? This guy is flat out a GREAT QB. Without question.

ericgtr · 03-18-2004, 06:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]
TopJimmy78 said:
We here in Detroit would be happy if the Lions went 8-8! [img]images/smilies/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]images/smilies/wutblau.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Give Herrington a little more time to season up and a line that can allow him to look down the field for more than .5 seconds and they will improve [img]images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif[/img]

wip5150 · 03-18-2004, 07:17 AM

[ QUOTE ]
ericgtr said:
[ QUOTE ]
TopJimmy78 said:
We here in Detroit would be happy if the Lions went 8-8! [img]images/smilies/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]images/smilies/wutblau.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Give Herrington a little more time to season up and a line that can allow him to look down the field for more than .5 seconds and they will improve [img]images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Harrington's confidence is shot since Mooch benched him last year. I think he's got the talent and the brains if he can get some time to throw the ball.

SuckaInA3Piece · 03-18-2004, 07:51 AM

I dont think he's confidence is shot at all. He played damn well against the Saints in one of the final games that helped the Eagles secure home field. That defense is pretty nice as well, and if you can get some help in the defensive backfield you'll be fine.

TopJimmy78 · 03-19-2004, 05:21 AM

[ QUOTE ]
wip5150 said:
[ QUOTE ]
ericgtr said:
[ QUOTE ]
TopJimmy78 said:
We here in Detroit would be happy if the Lions went 8-8! [img]images/smilies/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]images/smilies/wutblau.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Give Herrington a little more time to season up and a line that can allow him to look down the field for more than .5 seconds and they will improve [img]images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Harrington's confidence is shot since Mooch benched him last year. I think he's got the talent and the brains if he can get some time to throw the ball.

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally agree with you wip, we desperatly need someone who will catch the ball when it is thrown! [img]images/smilies/wutblau.gif[/img] I can't tell you how frustrating it was last year when Joey would make a good throw to pick up a key first down or at times even a touchdown and the reciever would drop the ball! [img]images/smilies/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]images/smilies/mad1.gif[/img]

ericgtr · 03-19-2004, 06:26 AM

He really has potential, in a way he reminds me of Elway who in the good old days threw the ball like a fucking rocket and even his best receivers had trouble catching it. Elway's missle is one I would have not wanted to be on the receiving end of [img]images/smilies/icon_nono.gif[/img]

SuckaInA3Piece · 03-19-2004, 08:53 AM

The deal for MeShawn goin too Dallas is done:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1763278

wip5150 · 03-19-2004, 09:34 AM

Ugh......not happy about this.......not at all

SuckaInA3Piece · 03-19-2004, 09:58 AM

All i'll say is enjoy him. Enjoy all that is Meshawn [img]images/smilies/icon16.gif[/img] Yea Owens may have some issues but atleast he catches TD's. Meshawn rarely sees the endzone anymore. This is the same guy that was mocking Marvin Harrison on MNF last season when after Marvin made a catch for a small gain Meshawn says "That's how he gets all his catches." Marvin of course led his team too one of the greatest comeback wins in football history! [img]images/smilies/icon_thumb.gif[/img]