ProFootballWeekly.com asked
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum and editor-in-chief Ron Pollack for their thoughts on
some of the hottest topics in the NFL.
Steelers sign Hartings
The Steelers will replace Dermontti Dawson, one of the best centers in NFL
history, with one who has never played the position at the pro level. Pittsburgh signed
former Lions OG Jeff Hartings on Thursday to a six-year, $24.25 million contract,
including a $5.75 million signing bonus. Hartings’ 2001 salary will be $750,000, and
his 2001 cap value will be $1.71 million.
Buchsbaum: He’s an excellent offensive lineman. He can be a Pro Bowl-caliber
player, possibly at center where they hope he can replace Dermontti Dawson. If not,
he’ll play guard. It’s a huge loss for Detroit. He was the guy they planned to
build their offensive line around. He might have moved to center this year. It puts more
pressure on the Lions to draft offensive linemen.
Flutie signs with Chargers
Former Bills QB Doug Flutie signed a six-year contract with the Chargers on
Friday and will enter training camp as the starting quarterback. Flutie replaces Ryan
Leaf, who was released and claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay. Though neither side would
discuss contract details, Flutie’s signing bonus is believed to be about $3 million.
He is reunited with general manager John Butler, who as GM of the Bills brought the
5-foot-10 quarterback back into the NFL in 1998, signing him as a free agent from the CFL.
Pollack: I think this was the right move for the Chargers rather than bringing in Troy
Aikman. Assuming the Chargers are going to draft Michael Vick, I think Flutie is the
better option. If they had brought in Aikman to be the short-term starter, they would be
running a greater risk that injury could cost them their starting QB. Flutie is less
likely to get hurt than Aikman. An injury to the starter would mean either Dave Dickensen
or Vick would have to play. With all the money the Chargers are spending, I think
it’s important to keep the quarterback healthy and give the club an opportunity to
improve. Also, you don’t want to have to accelerate the insertion of Vick into the
lineup. Vick needs time to learn the pro ropes. The negative with Flutie is that I
don’t see him being a very good mentor to Vick. Flutie wants to play, not teach his
eventual replacement. The way you deal with that, however, is that when the day comes that
it’s time for Vick to start, you sit Flutie down and tell him that if he even thinks
about trying to divide the locker room he’ll be cut. Then you do it if he
doesn’t follow this directive. One advantage to Flutie is that he is a mobile
quarterback, as is Vick. The type of offense you’ll have with Flutie will be more in
tune with what you’ll someday run with Vick than if the much less mobile Aikman were
the No. 1 guy.
Panthers to trade Beuerlein?
In the market for a young and mobile quarterback, the Panthers are reportedly
trying to trade veteran Steve Beuerlein. Head coach George Seifert called Beuerlein into
his office Thursday and informed him the Panthers were looking for teams to take the
35-year-old journeyman, according to The Associated Press. This past season Beuerlein
threw for 3,730 yards and 19 touchdowns but was sacked 62 times, more than any other
quarterback.
Buchsbaum: Unless they get a quarterback (in return) in some way, they’ll probably
change their draft priority to taking a quarterback. It would be an indication that
they’re going to scrap a lot of things and start to rebuild, but I’m not certain
about that.
Eaton signs with Seahawks
Former Patriots DT Chad Eaton signed a four-year contract with the Seahawks.
The signing came a day after the Seahawks released Cortez Kennedy, their eight-time Pro
Bowl defensive tackle, who was scheduled to receive a $2 million roster bonus Saturday.
Eaton had been with the Patriots since 1996, starting 43 of the 65 games in which he
appeared. He had a career-high 77 tackles last season with 2 1/2 sacks.
Pollack: Eaton was the No. 2 ranked defensive tackle available in free agency. Only Ted
Washington ranks higher. Washington rates much higher than Eaton, but Eaton is nonetheless
a highly valued commodity. The Seahawks defensive line is taking shape. In addition to
Eaton, they had previously signed high-ticket DL John Randle. Plus, young Lamar King looks
like he has a bright future.
Kitna signs with Bengals
The Bengals found a quarterback to compete with the Akili Smith, signing Jon
Kitna to a four-year contract with a $4 million signing bonus. The deal is believed to be
worth about $10 million. Kitna is the second free agent signed this week by the Bengals,
who were farther under the salary cap than any other team. Former Vikings DT Tony Williams
signed Tuesday.
Buchsbaum: Bob Bartkowski was a coach on Seattle’s staff (during) Kitna’s
first two years in Seattle. Kitna is a functional, workman-like quarterback in the Steve
DeBerg mold. He’s probably not good enough to win a championship, but he’s good
enough to win with.
Thrash signs with Eagles
James Thrash, who led the division rival Redskins in receiving last season,
agreed to a five-year contract with the Eagles on Friday. Thrash had 50 catches for 653
yards and two touchdowns. His best game came against the Eagles when he had five
receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown.
Pollack: The Eagles need a No. 1 wide receiver to team with Charles Johnson. I
don’t think this move is designed to solve that issue. Thrash is a hard-working,
overachiever who can contribute on all special teams. I don’t think the Eagles are
done at wide receiver. If I were them, I’d still consider trying to upgrade the
position in the draft. |
