| Profootballweekly.com asked
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on the major news from around the NFL. 
Saints release Mark Fields
Former Saints’ No. 1 pick Mark Fields was cut by the team on Friday after refusing
to take a $2 million pay cut. Fields, a linebacker who started 76 games in his career,
made 103 tackles last season as the Saints won the NFC West championship.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this move by the Saints?
Buchsbaum: He’s an explosive, big-play linebacker. But they thought Darrin Smith
(who they re-signed) was a better fit for that defense, a smarter player and a better team
man. Plus, Fields was refusing to negotiate down on his contract.
PFW: How hot a prospect is he on the open market?
Buchsbaum: It depends what his asking price is, because no one has much money.
He’s got tremendous football ability, but the question is, can he learn a scheme this
fast. He’s a slow learner.
Browns agree to terms with TE Dudley
The Browns have agreed to terms on a three-year contract with former Raiders TE Rickey
Dudley on Friday. Dudley played five seasons with the Raiders after being taken in the
first round of the 1996 draft. He started all 16 games for the Raiders last season,
catching 29 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this signing?
Buchsbaum: He’s a big, fast, gifted athlete who has never played very well, except
for one year, he was pretty decent with the Raiders. He looked like he was going to come
on. He lacks confidence in his catching ability. He’s not a very good blocker. He
doesn’t read coverages well. He’s a much better athlete than football player.
PFW: Is this a case where a change of scenery might help?
Buchsbaum: I doubt that, but he should be better than he was in Oakland.
Patriots sign wide receiver
In an effort to get some help for WR Terry Glenn, the Patriots signed free agent Bert
Emanuel. Terms of the deal were not announced. Emanuel joins his fourth team in seven
years, and he was most recently with the Dolphins in 2000. He has 330 career receptions
for 4,606 yards and 28 touchdowns.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this signing?
Buchsbaum: He’s a shot in the dark. He’s playing for minimum wage. He was a
very good receiver a few years ago. He still can run fast, but the question is, can he
stay healthy? |
