| ProFootballWeekly.com asked
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on some of the hottest topics in the
NFL. 
Jets cut LBs Cox, Phifer and Gordon
LB Bryan Cox was one of five New York Jets let go by the team's new administration on
Wednesday, moves made to free up cap space and cut unnecessary salaries. LBs Roman Phifer
and Dwayne Gordon, DT Ernie Logan and RB Bernie Parmalee also
were among the cap casualties.
PFW: Can you explain what these cuts mean for the Jets?
Buchsbaum: It’s a strong indication that the Jets will go to a 4-3 defense this
year and use John Abraham as the third linebacker in many situations. It also means the
Jets may be in the market for a pass-rushing defensive tackle, which is something they do
not have at the present time.
Bills release Ted Washington
The Bills released three veterans on Thursday, including three-time Pro Bowl NT Ted
Washington, in an effort to get under the salary cap. Cutting Washington provides the team
its biggest cap savings so far. He was scheduled to make about $7.6 next season.
Washington, who completed his sixth season in Buffalo, was cut in part because he refused
to take a pay cut for the second straight year.
PFW: What are your thoughts on Washington’s release?
Buchsbaum: It’s just a case where Ted Washington and his agent aren’t being
reasonable. The Bills just cannot afford to pay him more than $7 million a year.
PFW: The Bills are well over the projected salary cap and are planning to dump
one of their quarterbacks to save space. What are your thoughts on their next move in that
regard?
Buchsbaum: They will not announce anything until after the Combine next week, but the
odds are they are going to keep Doug Flutie, look for a young quarterback to develop and
let Rob Johnson go.
PFW: If the Bills release Johnson, could his future be in San Diego with John
Butler?
Buchsbaum: The interesting question is: Would San Diego (where John Butler, a big Rob
Johnson fan, is currently G.M.) go after Johnson, sign him and then trade the first pick
to a team that wants Michael Vick, such as the Atlanta Falcons, a team that’s very
hot-to-trot to get (Vick)? Head coach Dan Reeves needs someone that can re-invigorate that
franchise, get some people back in the stands. And also, (Reeves) was the coach that went
all-out to get John Elway in Denver from Baltimore (Colts).
Buchanan re-signs with Falcons
Falcons CB Ray Buchanan signed a $36 million, six-year contract on Wednesday, avoiding
being labeled the team’s franchise player. Buchanan’s contract includes an $8
million signing bonus that matches the franchise-record figure for signing bonuses.
PFW: Give a scouting report on Buchanan.
Buchsbaum: Top cover-corner coming off perhaps his best season. Definitely belonged in
the Pro Bowl last year. Still at the top of his game, but at an age where he can go
downhill in a hurry.
Packers re-sign Sharper to multi-year deal
The Packers avoided losing Darren Sharper via free agency by locking him up in a
multi-year contract on Thursday. Sharper was scheduled to become an unrestricted free
agent on March 2. No details of the deal were released, but the agreement keeps the
Packers second-round pick in 1997 in Green Bay.
PFW: Give a scouting report on Sharper.
Buchsbaum: Probably was the best free safety in football last year. He was a guy for
whom everything came together last year. He’s got CB speed, almost LB size, he
improved his tackling dramatically, his instincts and preparation got so much better.
It’s just really strange that both he and his brother (Jamie of the Ravens) looked
like busts early in their career, and then developed into terrific players. |
