| ProFootballWeekly.com asks
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on news from around the league. 
Vikings agree to rescind Palmer's contract
The Vikings have decided to rescind the final two years of RB-RS David Palmer’s
contract. Palmer was inactive for nine regular-season games and both playoff games mainly
due to complications from offseason knee surgery. Later in the season, he was overtaken in
return duties by rookie Troy Walters. Palmer’s agent John Russell Palmer said that he
and his client, who likely would have been released anyway, approached the team about
rescinding the final two years so that they could begin looking elsewhere. Palmer had been
with the Vikings since being drafted in 1994.
Profootballweekly.com: What would Palmer bring to a team at this stage in his
career?
Buchsbaum: He was a pretty good return guy and could be a fourth receiver in the slot.
He runs well with the ball after the catch, is shifty and is elusive. He’s not that
durable though, he’s very small and is not a disciplined route runner.
Redskins hire Arnsparger
The Redskins hired veteran coach Bill Arnsparger as a defensive assistant Tuesday. Some
of Arnsparger’s stops in his career include stints with the Baltimore Colts,
Dolphins, Giants and Louisiana State University. He held a similar position with the
Redskins in ’99.
Profootballweekly.com: What do you make of the Arnsparger addition in
Washington?
Buchsbaum: He’s going to be a defensive consultant for Kurt Schottenheimer. He
adds some vast experience and knowledge and can only be an asset.
XFL talent
Profootballweekly.com: Can you talk about the level of talent you’ve seen
in the XFL so far?
Buchsbaum: Basically it’s a little bit below what we had in NFL Europe last year.
But the difference is I think there were better quarterbacks playing in NFL Europe, and
they had more preparation time and they seemed more team-like. (NFL Europe) also seemed to
be less self-aggrandizing and were just trying to show well on film as opposed to making
themselves public celebrities like some of the XFL players do. One thing the (XFL has)
done is market themselves extremely well. I think people basically are watching not
necessarily because of the pure football but because of the possibility of tremendous
violence, the sex angle and the catchy little things like getting all the comments right
on the field.
Profootballweekly.com: Do you think we’ll see much in the way of XFL
players making it into the NFL?
Buchsbaum: Less than NFL Europe unless they start stealing a lot of the players that
would normally go to the Europe. But I think you’re always going to find some because
there are some players who just need experience. As we’re finding out more and more,
the non-upper echelon quarterbacks who aren’t handed jobs in the NFL, getting to play
is invaluable to them. Just look at how many have come from the CFL and other leagues. |
