| ProFootballWeekly.com asked
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on some of the hottest topics in NFL. 
Garner signs with Oakland
RB Charlie Garner signed a four-year contract with the Raiders on Friday. Garner spent
the last two seasons in San Francisco, but was wooed by the prospect of playing for
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, who worked with him when both were with the Eagles. Garner
rushed 258 times for 1,142 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this signing?
Buchsbaum: He’s a good fit for them. He played for Gruden, and Gruden knows how to
use him. He complement Tyrone Wheatley nicely. Garner is more of a big-play back, whereas
Wheatley is more of a pounder who will wear down a defense.
Patriots sign Fuamatu Ma’afala
RB Chris Fuamatu Ma’afala signed a one-year contract with the Patriots on Friday,
leaving the Steelers until April 20 to determine whether or not they’ll match it. If
the Steelers pass, they’d get a sixth-round draft pick as compensation.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this signing?
Buchsbaum: It’s a very low offer sheet. The Steelers options are to match the
offer and probably just release Richard Huntley or to let Fuamatu Ma’afala go. Or the
Steelers could bring them both back. But with Bettis’ contract, that would be a lot
of money at running back, but Fuamatu Ma’afala’s contract is only about
$700,000, with a bonus and everything, against the cap this year.
PFW: If Fuamatu Ma’afala is allowed to go to New England (Steelers
don’t match), what type of role do you envision him in?
Buchsbaum: He can be a No. 1 back in the NFL if he can stay healthy. But he has never
shown he can stay healthy. He’s a big, powerful, shifty runner.
Chargers ink Richey to offer sheet
The Chargers signed 49ers restricted free agent Wade Richey to an offer sheet on
Friday. This move could spell doom for 11-year Chargers veteran PK John Carney. The 49ers
have a week to match the offer.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this move?
Buchsbaum: He gives them much better kickoffs and a much better leg than Carney did.
PFW: Has Carney slipped?
Buchsbaum: Yes, Carney has slipped.
|
