AFC North mailbag: Free agency

BasX · Mar 2, 2009

Charles H from Lake Worth, FL writes: Hi James, Love the chats but often miss them due to work. Most analysts had Bryant McFadden listed as the top corner available ahead of DeAngelo Hall. Does the Hall contract now mean that McFadden could command that type of money? Would that put him in another uniform out of the Steelers reach? Thanks

James Walker: I would say there is a better than 50 percent chance McFadden leaves Pittsburgh, Charles. Cornerbacks are making a ton of money this year. McFadden's offer won't be as much as Hall's, but it's probably more than the Steelers are willing to pay. But on the bright side, potentially losing just one starter from the NFL's top-rated defense is not bad for the defending champs. William Gay, Deshea Townsend or perhaps a draft pick will need to step up.

John writes: James, what are your thoughts on Bart Scott singing with the Jets? Gotta say as a die hard Steeler fan not sure if I should be happy or if I should miss him in our division?

James Walker: As a neutral observer of the AFC North, I will miss working with Bart Scott. His personality, intelligence and color brought a lot to the Ravens and their rivalries with the Steelers and the rest of the division. But as a fan, John, you should probably be happy one of the best players from a division rival team signed elsewhere. Scott didn't like the Steelers, but his second most hated team is the New England Patriots (remember the flag toss?). So I can't wait to see him stir it up against them twice a year. That will be must-see television.

Brett from Madison writes: What's up James? I have grown up with Ray Lewis and seen him play for 13 seasons and watching him leave will be catastrophic for my mental health and for the city of Baltimore...It just can not happen....This is worse than a nightmare.

James Walker: Snap out of it, Brett. I need my loyal readers to keep their sanity. The fact that Lewis isn't signed yet tells me the interest in him is not as high as he may have thought. The Jets signed Bart Scott. Dallas inked Keith Brooking. So I think Baltimore is going to be the best option for Lewis. Then you can sleep easy.

Aaron from Cincy writes: James, I know you remember laughing at me for hyping DE Frostee Rucker when you came to Cincy last fall.

James Walker: Hey, Aaron. Of course, I remember you putting Frostee in the Hall of Fame. Did he make the Pro Bowl or something last year? What did I miss?

Dave Yacubovich from Las Vegas, NV writes: Hello James, As a native of Pittsburgh I am a fan of your AFC North Blog. I am a teacher in Las Vegas and some friends and I were doing the math on the Haynesworth contract and wanted to share it. Check this out: Haynesworth will make about $14,250,000/year on this deal. That works out to $890,000/game. Now since Haynesworth is about 340lbs. he is a 2-down player. So on average he will play 42 snaps/game. That works out to around $21,205 for every snap!? Or another way to look at it is that everytime he runs (sic) onto the field they are paying about $63 per pound/per play. Now that makes Kobe beef look like a bargin. That is a big investment on a guy who is less-than a model citizen in the NFL, a guy who won't play every down and rarely plays an entire 16 game season. How do you think this deal will affect the Steelers signing Casey Hampton at the end of next year? Thanks James and keep up the great work!

James Walker: Wow. I am impressed with the number crunching, Dave. You should manage one of the team's salary cap. I doubt Haynesworth's deal has much of an impact on Hampton. They are two different type of players in two separate stages of their careers. Hampton plays in a 3-4 and is more of a run-stuffing defensive tackle where Haynesworth is more dynamic across the board and can rush the passer and stuff the run. I doubt Hampton, 31, will not generate nearly the same interest next year as Haynesworth.

Jason from Painesville writes: Hey James, what are the chances Ward ends up in Cincy?

James Walker: I assume you're speaking of tailback Derrick Ward, Jason, formerly of the New York Giants. The Cincinnati Bengals met with him over the weekend and he left without a deal, so that lowers their chances. The Browns also have interest here.

Zach from Baltimore writes: Hey James, haven't sent in in a while but I never stopped reading. Thanks for the great coverage again. I wanted to hear your opinion about Foxworth? Our FO threw a ton of money at him when we have huge in-house FA needs, as you've said many times, but in Ozzie we trust. I think Fabian and Foxy are going to be a great pair of corners in this league for the next few years, and hopefully help Ray bring Baltimore one or two more rings.

James Walker: Zach, where you been buddy? Foxworth was a decent signing. It's not a big-name acquisition, but the corner market was not deep in talent this year. I have said all along that cornerback was Baltimore's biggest need and the team agreed and patched it right away. Now it can focus on other things in the draft such as wide receiver. Keep in mind, both Foxworth and Washington run sub-4.4s in the 40 yard dash. Combine that with Baltimore's pass rush, and there will not be many receivers who can get behind the Ravens for big plays next year. That had a lot to do with it.
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AFC North mailbag: Free agency

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