| ProFootballWeekly.com asked
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on the news around the NFL. 
Chiefs C Tim Grunhard retires
After 11 years in the NFL, Chiefs C Tim Grunhard has decided to retire. Grunhard
appeared in 169 games, and he started 120 in a row until a foot injury sidelined him
against Oakland last season.
"He was possibly the best second-round draft choice I ever acquired," said
Chiefs president and GM Carl Peterson. "Tim became one of the best centers in Chiefs
history."
Buchsbaum: Great leader, a real tough guy and a true warrior. Not a really gifted
athlete, but always got the most out of his ability. Could always be counted on to play.
Jeremiah agrees to one-year offer from Eagles
Pro Bowl LB Jeremiah Trotter has agreed to a one-year tender offer from the Eagles
worth $1.15 million. Trotter led the Eagles in tackles with 202 in 1999 and 171 last
season. Trotter had hoped to get a multi-year deal, but as a restricted free agent he did
not have the leverage to make that happen.
Buchsbaum: Basically he’s a very good player who’s gone to a pro Bowl in the
NFC, probably would not have gone in the AFC and thinks he’s the second coming of Ray
Lewis, which he really isn’t. And if he expects to be paid that type of money they
will probably have to let him go or franchise him next year.
Bengals extend OL Mike Goff’s contract
The Bengals and OL Mike Goff have agreed to terms on a three-year contract that runs
through the 2003 season. Goff started every game at right guard for Cincinnati in 2000.
Buchsbaum: He’s a tough, blue-collar type offensive lineman who has improved but
still needs to work on pass protection.
Packers Gilbert Brown is slimmed down
Gilbert Brown is back with the Packers after being out of football last season. Brown
is listed at 339 pounds. Known for his battles with his weight, Brown has weighed more
than 380 pounds previously. Head Coach Mike Sherman says he wants Brown to get down to 330
or 325 pounds.
Buchsbaum: It’s definitely a plus (that he’s slimmed down), and he can help
them if he is. But he still has to show that he’s got some quickness left.
Impact of new receivers on Miami RB Lamar Smith
The Dolphins have tried to upgrade their offense this offseason by upgrading their WR
corps. Miami has added free agents James McKnight and Dedric Ward and rookie Chris
Chambers. Obviously this will help QB Jay Fiedler. More subtle perhaps is the impact it
will have on RB Lamar Smith.
Buchsbaum: "Not too much really but it will help them spread the field a little
more, which may get some people out of the box.
Can Chris Weinke become the Panthers starting QB this season?
Panthers rookie QB Chris Weinke is currently listed as a fourth-stringer. Jeff Lewis,
despite very little game experience, is currently slated to start. Dameyune Craig is
listed as second on the depth chart, with Matt Lytle third. At 28 years old, Weinke is
more mature than the typical rookie, however, so it will be interesting to see how quickly
he moves up the depth chart.
Buchsbaum: Weinke has a shot at starting this season. Definitely. They don’t have
anyone. Unless Jeff Lewis does a complete reversal they don’t have anyone at this
point.
ProFootballWeekly.com: Using your crystal ball, how do you see this season
playing out?
Buchsbaum: I think Lewis gets the start at the beginning, and there is a possibility
they’ll bring in another quarterback unless Weinke has a very impressive preseason.
ProFootballWeekly.com: If Weinke becomes the starter, do you think it will be
late in the season or earlier?
Buchsbaum: I really can’t say. It depends how desperate they are.
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