| Contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum
gives ProFootballWeekly.com his thoughts on the recent cuts, salary-cap situations and
franchise-tagged players throughout the NFL. 
Trent Green and Elvis Grbac
The deadline is Friday for the Chiefs to rework the contract of QB Elvis Grbac in order
to avoid paying a $10 million roster bonus or risk losing the Pro Bowler to free agency.
According to agent Jim Steiner, who represents both Grbac and Rams QB Trent Green, there
have been preliminary trade talks between the two teams that would involve a deal to
reunite Green and former Rams coach Dick Vermeil in Kansas City. Vermeil has said he would
like to keep Grbac, who had a career year in 2000, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and
28 TDs. But talks between Steiner and the Chiefs have not generated much as of yet, and
Steiner said he’s heard of a Kansas City offer for Green in case an agreement with
Grbac is not reached by the end of the week. Rams head coach Mike Martz denies reports of
a potential deal for Green in the works, but several reports have the Rams shopping
Green’s services.
Profootballweekly.com: There is a lot of talk rolling between Kansas City and
St. Louis about Trent Green and Elvis Grbac. Can you talk about what you’ve been
hearing?
Buchsbaum: I think the big thing is that it’s in Elvis Grbac’s best interest
to stay there, and it’s in the Chiefs’ best interest to keep him. And I think
Elvis and his agent will come to their senses and work out an agreeable settlement on his
contract so they can keep him.
Profootballweekly.com: Why do you say it’s in both his and the
Chiefs’ best interest for him to stay in Kansas City?
Buchsbaum: Because it takes him a long to get familiar with the receivers and the
system, and he’s finally familiar with them. He’s a system guy, and being in a
great system helps him a great deal, he’s not a natural improviser and he’s had
success there.
Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson
According to QB Trent Dilfer’s agent, Michael Sullivan, the Ravens haven’t
returned his phone calls for three weeks, meaning, in all likelihood, his client
won’t be back in Baltimore next season. The lack of communication between the team
and the unrestricted free agent could mean the Ravens are prepared to make a big offer for
another unrestricted free agent, Brad Johnson.
Profootballweekly.com: It seems more and more that Trent Dilfer won’t be
going back to Baltimore. What would we offer a team?
Buchsbaum: Basically, I think he is going to go back to Baltimore. I don’t think
anyone is going to make a big play for him or give him a good chance at a starting job, so
I think Baltimore would be his most viable option.
Profootballweekly.com: Do you think he'll return to Baltimore as a backup or as
a starter?
Buchsbaum: I think as a starter with the possibility Chris Redman could beat him out.
Profootballweekly.com: So you don’t believe the Ravens are going to get
Brad Johnson in free agency?
Buchsbaum: No I don’t. The salary cap (hit) would cost them a great deal, and if
they were to get him, in a year or two it would end up costing them one or both of their
cornerbacks. |
