I have been actively tracking the running backs that signed new deals in the 2016 offseason, and it is fair to say that most teams’ investments have seen disappointing return. Nowhere is this more evident than in the top end of the group. Doug Martin and Chris Ivory both signed deals in the top 7 range for running back contracts, but lengthy injuries and generally inefficient running have impacted any early justification of their paydays. Lamar Miller and Giovani Bernard have been about as expected, with Miller getting plenty of usage but perhaps brought down by the Texans’ lack of passing threat. Continue reading The Top 3 New Running Back Contracts in 2016 »
Free Agency Reviews
New Contract Tracker: Quarterbacks and Interior DL
Everyone’s eyes are now squarely fixated on Redskins General Manager Scot McCloughan. There won’t be a NFL free agent contract signed in 2017 as interesting as the one that Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins is going to ink.
When the average person- in or out of the league- ranks NFL quarterbacks from best to worst, how far do you think they get before they spit out the name “Kirk Cousins”? The answer is likely farther than statistics say they should.
In ten games, Cousins has completed 67.2% of his passes for 3,091 yards, with 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. His passer rating is 98.8, which slots him 10th in the league.
In a world where Brock Osweiler makes $18M APY and is blaming laser beams for his troubles, what’s it going to take for McCLoughan to be able to re-sign a quarterback that has drained the swamp of disappointment at Redskins Park and been the primary reason why HTTR is once again a thing people say with (possibly misguided) pride?
Continue reading New Contract Tracker: Quarterbacks and Interior DL »
2016 New Contract Tracker: Pass Rushing Linemen (Week 10)
On a weekly basis, I will be evaluating pass rushing defensive lineman that signed some sort of contract in this offseason. Players on-field performance will be evaluated against the annual salary of their new contract. In terms of on-field production, I will be taking into account stats relevant to the defensive end position such as percentage of defensive team snaps played, tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and hurries. The basis for contract evaluation will be the APY of a given player’s contract. Continue reading 2016 New Contract Tracker: Pass Rushing Linemen (Week 10) »
New Contract Tracker: Quarterbacks and Interior DL
Don’t look now but the Washington Redskins are 5-3-1 and would be a participant in the NFC playoffs if the regular season was completed. On Sunday, they won a slugfest with the suddenly reeling Minnesota Vikings and have positioned themselves to be a legitimate factor the rest of the way.
Leading the charge, of course, is free-agent-to-be quarterback Kirk Cousins, who we already declared is taking the Joe Flacco path to financial success. His error-free effort versus arguably the best defense in football is another round of ammunition Cousins will bringing with him to the bargaining table at the conclusion of the league year.
Of all the improbable future NFL headlines I though I’d never read, this one might take the cake next season:
“Cousins to Sign $100M Contract”
Continue reading New Contract Tracker: Quarterbacks and Interior DL »
New Contract Tracker: Running Backs – Week 10
This new weekly feature will analyse the progress of the running backs that signed new contracts in the 2016 offseason. Each week I’ll select players of interest, discuss their production, and analyse it with respect to the contract that they signed.
Continue reading New Contract Tracker: Running Backs – Week 10 »
2016 New Contract Tracker: Pass Rushing Linemen (Week 9)
On a weekly basis, I will be evaluating pass rushing defensive lineman that signed some sort of contract in this offseason. Players on-field performance will be evaluated against the annual salary of their new contract. In terms of on-field production, I will be taking into account stats relevant to the defensive end position such as percentage of defensive team snaps played, tackles, tackles for loss, sacks and hurries. The basis for contract evaluation will be the APY of a given player’s contract.
Continue reading 2016 New Contract Tracker: Pass Rushing Linemen (Week 9) »
New Contract Tracker: Quarterbacks and Interior DL
Earlier this week, we the people decided who we want to lead us into the near future from the Presidential Palace. Regardless of whether we as individuals supported the eventual winner or not, ultimately it was decided that a radical change was necessary at the top.
After years of what people felt was a whole lot of wheel-spinning and not enough tangible, positive end results, it was clear that the fear of “more of the same” shook many to their core and was the impetus for taking a different path.
I wonder if those in charge of choosing a leader to guide the LA Rams feel empowered to similarly shake things up in the land of 7-9.
Continue reading New Contract Tracker: Quarterbacks and Interior DL »