| ProFootballWeekly.com asked
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on the news around the NFL. 
DT Eric Swann retires
DT Eric Swann has retired, forced to quit football because of chronic knee problems
that sidetracked his career. Swann played for the Cardinals and spent last season with the
Panthers. Swann, who made two trips to the Pro Bowl, had seven operations in his nine
years with the Cardinals.
Buchsbaum: He had a couple of very good years but was a guy that would be hurt a lot.
Started off slowly, ended slowly. So you’re just dealing with a couple of really good
years in the middle.
ProFootballWeekly.com: The Cardinals chose him with the sixth pick overall in
the draft in the 1991 draft from a semipro team. When all was said and done, was he worth
it?
Buchsbaum: I don’t think so. I think he caused too many problems.
Rams sign QB Paul Justin, DL Tyoka Jackson
The Rams have signed veteran QB Paul Justin and free agent DL Tyoka Jackson. Justin was
active for five games with the Rams last year. Jackson spent the previous five years with
the Buccaneers.
Buchsbaum: Tyoka Jackson played for Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay. He’s got a chance.
Paul Justin has played for them before. He knows the system. He gives them a veteran.
Cowboys taking a look at RB John Avery
RB John Avery, a first-round pick in 1998, is getting another chance at the NFL after
going to NFL Europe and then to the Chicago Enforcers of the XFL. He is taking part in the
Cowboys’ minicamp for veterans this week.
Buchsbaum: He could be a speed third-down back to complement Emmitt Smith. He could
help them a little bit.
Terry Donahue in line to take over for Bill Walsh
Bill Walsh, who coached the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories, will step down as the
team’s general manager today. Terry Donahue is expected to take over the GM duties.
ProFootballWeekly.com has already put Walsh’s career into perspective in a recent
spin, so it decided to take a look at Donahue.
Buchsbaum: Donahue is a very sharp guy. He knows football from both the coach’s
and a scout’s standpoint. He’s learned the ropes in the NFL the last couple of
years. He was trained by Walsh.
ProFootballWeekly.com: He was a longtime coach at UCLA. Does that in any way
help him in this new role?
Buchsbaum: Yes. I think he knows what it is to be a successful head coach.
|
