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Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald, brings up an interesting piece of speculation involving the New England Patriots and Carolina's disgruntled DE Julius Peppers.
Julius Peppers has said publicly for the last few months that he would like to try playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive alignment, and would have likely had that opportunity as a free agent, had the Carolina Panthers not hit him with the franchise tag.
Peppers also went public that he would only agree to a trade to certain teams: two teams from the NFC South, the Dallas Cowboys and an unnamed AFC Team.
The New England Patriots on the other side of the coin have just recently opened up a spot at OLB with the trade of Mike Vrabel and have four draft picks in the first day of the draft (23rd, 34th, 47th and 58th overall picks), so they have negotiating room for a trade.
If the Carolina Panthers refused the trade, Bill Belichick may be arrogant enough to go the offer sheet route as the Patriots also recently created a large amount of cap space in the Vrabel trade by including QB Matt Cassel and his $14.7 Million contract. If the Panthers were unable to match the offer the Patriots would have to send pick #23 this season and their first round pick next season, but a talent like Peppers' under the tutelage of Belichick may be worth the obscene asking price.
Too many of the pieces fit together for it to not happen, and if it does NFL teams watch out the already dangerous Patriots could become unstoppable.
Showing posts with label Franchise Tag. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Franchise Tag. Show all posts
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Patriots Trade Cassel and Vrabel to Chiefs for 2nd Rounder
When many speculated that the Patriots were asking for either a first and third round pick or two second round picks for QB Matt Cassel it appears that all it took was a 2nd rounder to get the deal done.
The Kansas City Chiefs have traded the 34th overall pick to New England for QB Matt Cassell, not only for the QB but LB Mike Vrabel was tossed in as well.
“I have a long history with both players,” Chiefs' G.M. Scott Pioli said in a release. “Mike and Matt are men that I respect both personally and professionally. I look forward to having them as new members of the Chiefs family.”
Mike Lombardi of NFL Network tried to reason that this was a value move by the Patriots and that the third overall pick would have commanded a larger salary than Matt Cassel's franchise tag number and therefore accepted the 34th as sufficient compensation, but I believe this may be more about how the Patriots feel about Cassell's one year wonder status, and how he will look when he is not throwing to receivers like Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
If you look at history of QB trades and value, Daunte Culpepper with blown-out knee was traded for a second-round pick. A.J. Feeley was traded for a second-round pick.
Belichick also praised Cassel: "It is very easy to root for guys like Matt Cassel, who do everything the right way and flourish as a result. As much as we would have loved to continue working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career."
If the Patriots are so high on Cassell and were asking for either a first and third round pick or two second round picks for Cassell why just settle for one 2nd rounder, why not get a 2nd and a 3rd? Why throw Mike Vrabel into the deal? The move remains puzzling as the Patriots are down two players with the opportunity to replace only one.
Perhaps somebody lost the players in a game of poker, or it was just Bill Belichicks way of helping out a friend in Scott Pioli.
For all you draftniks out there expect the Patriots to draft a LB early to replace Vrabel
The Kansas City Chiefs have traded the 34th overall pick to New England for QB Matt Cassell, not only for the QB but LB Mike Vrabel was tossed in as well.
“I have a long history with both players,” Chiefs' G.M. Scott Pioli said in a release. “Mike and Matt are men that I respect both personally and professionally. I look forward to having them as new members of the Chiefs family.”
Mike Lombardi of NFL Network tried to reason that this was a value move by the Patriots and that the third overall pick would have commanded a larger salary than Matt Cassel's franchise tag number and therefore accepted the 34th as sufficient compensation, but I believe this may be more about how the Patriots feel about Cassell's one year wonder status, and how he will look when he is not throwing to receivers like Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
If you look at history of QB trades and value, Daunte Culpepper with blown-out knee was traded for a second-round pick. A.J. Feeley was traded for a second-round pick.
Belichick also praised Cassel: "It is very easy to root for guys like Matt Cassel, who do everything the right way and flourish as a result. As much as we would have loved to continue working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career."
If the Patriots are so high on Cassell and were asking for either a first and third round pick or two second round picks for Cassell why just settle for one 2nd rounder, why not get a 2nd and a 3rd? Why throw Mike Vrabel into the deal? The move remains puzzling as the Patriots are down two players with the opportunity to replace only one.
Perhaps somebody lost the players in a game of poker, or it was just Bill Belichicks way of helping out a friend in Scott Pioli.
For all you draftniks out there expect the Patriots to draft a LB early to replace Vrabel
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Bryant Sign Franchise Tender
His agent publicly expressed his and his clients anger towards the Franchise tender, but it did not take long for Antonio Bryant to act on it. Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant signed the franchise tender and will remain in Tampa Bay next season at a fully guaranteed salary of $9.884 Million.
Both sides say they want to work out a long term contract and have until July 15th to do so.
Both sides say they want to work out a long term contract and have until July 15th to do so.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Brandon Jacob Gets His Long Term Deal
The New York Giants have kept their word, and signed running back Brandon Jacobs, or "Earth" in the teams 3-headed rushing attack dubbed "Earth Wind and Fire". Jacobs, the G-men's 264-pound workhorse, signed a four-year, $25 Million extension including $13 Million in guaranteed Jacobs will earn $15 over the first two years.
"I was confident all along that this was going to get done I didn't panic one bit," Jacobs said "I know the reason we did it the way we did; I knew I was going to be here. I was super-confident and I am here. I'm happy about it."
Jacobs was designated the team's franchise player and was guaranteed $6.6 million for the upcoming season.
"This team is full of young talent," Jacobs said. "We brought some great talent in here the last two years and those guys are still learning and getting better. Our offensive line is great and will continue to be great. There are a lot of young guys on our team that are still playing great, great football. I'm looking for big things out of our football team next year."
Brandon Jacobs received a much greater role with the Giants following the retirement of Tiki Barber after the 2006 season, . He responded with the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career in 2007 and helped lead the Giants to the Super Bowl championship.
Last season, Jacobs rushed for a career-best 1,089 yards and led the team with 15 rushing touchdowns despite missing three games with a knee injury. Derrick Ward or the "Wind" component of the trio, ran for 1,025 yards to make the Giants only the fifth team ever with two 1,000-yard running backs, is also due to become a free agent. The Giants' No. 2 running back is likely to command big money to be a starter elsewhere.
The Giants were committed to Jacobs.
"Both parties are happy to get a long-term deal done," general manager Jerry Reese said. "Now Brandon can totally concentrate on the offseason program and get himself ready to go this fall."
"I was confident all along that this was going to get done I didn't panic one bit," Jacobs said "I know the reason we did it the way we did; I knew I was going to be here. I was super-confident and I am here. I'm happy about it."
Jacobs was designated the team's franchise player and was guaranteed $6.6 million for the upcoming season.
"This team is full of young talent," Jacobs said. "We brought some great talent in here the last two years and those guys are still learning and getting better. Our offensive line is great and will continue to be great. There are a lot of young guys on our team that are still playing great, great football. I'm looking for big things out of our football team next year."
Brandon Jacobs received a much greater role with the Giants following the retirement of Tiki Barber after the 2006 season, . He responded with the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career in 2007 and helped lead the Giants to the Super Bowl championship.
Last season, Jacobs rushed for a career-best 1,089 yards and led the team with 15 rushing touchdowns despite missing three games with a knee injury. Derrick Ward or the "Wind" component of the trio, ran for 1,025 yards to make the Giants only the fifth team ever with two 1,000-yard running backs, is also due to become a free agent. The Giants' No. 2 running back is likely to command big money to be a starter elsewhere.
The Giants were committed to Jacobs.
"Both parties are happy to get a long-term deal done," general manager Jerry Reese said. "Now Brandon can totally concentrate on the offseason program and get himself ready to go this fall."
Panthers Making Moves and Clearing Cap Space
As everybody in the NFL is clearing up roster space befor the beginning of free agency, the Carolina Panthers are no different. After signing tackle Jordan Gross to a six-year, $56.4 Million contract, and slapping DE Julius Peppers with the franchise tag the Carolina Panthers have spent this week clearing up some cap space to accomodate these moves.
By releasing wide receiver D.J. Hackett, running back Nick Goings and offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges the Panthers have saved $4.74 Million in cap space. They also recently turned a $10 Million roster bonus scheduled for cornerback Chris Gamble into a guarantee, which saved the Panthers another $8 million. The team has also restructured the contract of linebacker Landon Johnson.
By releasing wide receiver D.J. Hackett, running back Nick Goings and offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges the Panthers have saved $4.74 Million in cap space. They also recently turned a $10 Million roster bonus scheduled for cornerback Chris Gamble into a guarantee, which saved the Panthers another $8 million. The team has also restructured the contract of linebacker Landon Johnson.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Vernon Carey will Carry on his Career in Miami
Vernon Carey and Jake Long will hold down the Dolphins' offensive tackle positions for the next few years. The Dolphins signed Carey to a six-year, $42 Million deal, with a reported $15 Million guaranteed.
Carey, 27, has started 59 straight games for the Dolphins helps to solidify the perimeter positions on the offensive line, with Carey, the team's first-round pick in 2004 out of Miami, at right tackle and Long, who started 16 games and played in the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2008, on the left side.
The deal comes a day after the Dolphins chose not to place the franchise tag on Carey, which would have locked him up for one year for $8.45 million.
Carey, 27, has started 59 straight games for the Dolphins helps to solidify the perimeter positions on the offensive line, with Carey, the team's first-round pick in 2004 out of Miami, at right tackle and Long, who started 16 games and played in the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2008, on the left side.
The deal comes a day after the Dolphins chose not to place the franchise tag on Carey, which would have locked him up for one year for $8.45 million.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Record Numbers of Players Franchised
A record 14 players were given the franchise tag designation from their respective teams. Here is a complete list of all the tagged players. Prior to this season the previous record for taggings was 11 set twice in 2005 and 2008.
- Arizona: LB Karlos Dansby
- Atlanta: P Michael Koenen
- Baltimore: LB Terrell Suggs
- Carolina: DE Julius Peppers
- Cincinnati: K Shayne Graham
- Houston: CB Dunta Robinson
- New England: QB Matt Cassel
- N.Y. Giants: RB Brandon Jacobs
- Pittsburgh: OT Max Starks
- San Diego: RB Darren Sproles
- St. Louis: S Oshiomogho Atogwe
- Seattle: LB Leroy Hill
- Tampa Bay: WR Antonio Bryant
- Tennessee: TE Bo Scaife
Hill Gets Tagged by Hawks
The Seahawks have announced the franchise tagging of their free agent LB Leroy Hill, in what is said to be essenially an extention to sign the linebacker to a long term deal.
Even if the 26-year-old doesn't get a multiyear contract, the franchise-player designation guarantees a raise from his $927,000 base salary in 2008 to $8.3 million this year - the average salary of the top five linebackers in the NFL.
Hill has started 50 of 56 career games. He finished third on the team in 2008 with 81 tackles, and was leading the team in stops through 12 games until a neck strain sidelined him for the final four games. The former Clemson star set a Seattle record for sacks by a rookie linebacker with 7½ in 2005.
Even if the 26-year-old doesn't get a multiyear contract, the franchise-player designation guarantees a raise from his $927,000 base salary in 2008 to $8.3 million this year - the average salary of the top five linebackers in the NFL.
Hill has started 50 of 56 career games. He finished third on the team in 2008 with 81 tackles, and was leading the team in stops through 12 games until a neck strain sidelined him for the final four games. The former Clemson star set a Seattle record for sacks by a rookie linebacker with 7½ in 2005.
Stark Tagged by Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have used the franchise tag on offensive lineman Max Starks. This will be the 2nd year the Steelers will tag Starks, last season he was designated their transitional tag.
The franchise tag will guarantee him $8.451 Million in salary, the average of the NFL's top five offensive linemen, a nice raise from the $6.9 Million he made last season.
Steelers will try to work out a long-term deal with Starks, who started 11 games last season at left tackle. The NFL's deadline to negotiate a long-term deal with franchise players is July 15.
The franchise tag will guarantee him $8.451 Million in salary, the average of the NFL's top five offensive linemen, a nice raise from the $6.9 Million he made last season.
Steelers will try to work out a long-term deal with Starks, who started 11 games last season at left tackle. The NFL's deadline to negotiate a long-term deal with franchise players is July 15.
Texans Tag Robinson
The Houston Texans have placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on CB Dunta Robinson. Making Robinson the first player in franchise history to recieve this designation.
After failing to agree on a long-term contract, the Texans were forced to use the tag to improve their chances of Robinson remaining in Houston. Under the non-exclusive tag teams will still be able to negotiate for Robinson's services, but the Texans have the right to match that offer, or recieve 2-first round draft choices for him.
Robinson, who earned $2.4 million in 2008, will receive a one-year contract worth $9.957 million.
After failing to agree on a long-term contract, the Texans were forced to use the tag to improve their chances of Robinson remaining in Houston. Under the non-exclusive tag teams will still be able to negotiate for Robinson's services, but the Texans have the right to match that offer, or recieve 2-first round draft choices for him.
Robinson, who earned $2.4 million in 2008, will receive a one-year contract worth $9.957 million.
Peppers Gets the Tag as Well
As expected, after teammate Jordan Gross was signed long-term, the Panthers turned around and slapped the franchise tag on disgruntled DE Julius Peppers.
Peppers, has for a few weeks has been telling everybody who will listen that he would like to move on to a new team, ideally a team running a 3-4 alignment. Also stating that if he were franchised he would demand a trade.
“We were expecting the tag,” Carey said. “And we will continue to seek a resolution that’s in line with Julius’ professional goals.”
With the franchise tag, Peppers is in line to make $16.683 Million guaranteed next season. If a team is interested in making a trade for Peppers the bar was set last season when Jared Allen was traded from Kansas City to Minnesota for a first round pick and 2-third rounders prior to the 2008 NFL draft.
Its now a game of sitting and waiting as a trade could not be finalized until free agency opens Feb. 27th.
Peppers, has for a few weeks has been telling everybody who will listen that he would like to move on to a new team, ideally a team running a 3-4 alignment. Also stating that if he were franchised he would demand a trade.
“We were expecting the tag,” Carey said. “And we will continue to seek a resolution that’s in line with Julius’ professional goals.”
With the franchise tag, Peppers is in line to make $16.683 Million guaranteed next season. If a team is interested in making a trade for Peppers the bar was set last season when Jared Allen was traded from Kansas City to Minnesota for a first round pick and 2-third rounders prior to the 2008 NFL draft.
Its now a game of sitting and waiting as a trade could not be finalized until free agency opens Feb. 27th.
Titans To Tag Scaife
The Tennessee Titans have been busy the last few days. It is expected that at some point before the 4pm deadline, the Titans will use their franchise tag on TE Bo Scaife. Though he will not be able to test the free-agent market, as he had hoped.
Scaife will become the first tight end to be tagged this offseason and will be assured of making the tight end franchise number of $4.46 million — Once he officially is tagged, Scaife will be bound to the Titans, and Tennessee will have addressed another one of its biggest needs heading into the start of next Friday’s free-agent signing period. The Titans will have ensured that they retain Scaife, a 2005 sixth-round pick, who last season led the Titans in receptions with 58.
Scaife will become the first tight end to be tagged this offseason and will be assured of making the tight end franchise number of $4.46 million — Once he officially is tagged, Scaife will be bound to the Titans, and Tennessee will have addressed another one of its biggest needs heading into the start of next Friday’s free-agent signing period. The Titans will have ensured that they retain Scaife, a 2005 sixth-round pick, who last season led the Titans in receptions with 58.
O.J. Gets Tagged in St. Louis
The Tags keep coming in, and the next one is used in St. Louis. The Rams have decided to franchise safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. The safety franchise number for Atogwe is $6.342 million.
The move proved necessary after talks for a long-term deal were unsuccessful. The deadline to use the Franchise tag is Feb. 19th at 4pm.
The move proved necessary after talks for a long-term deal were unsuccessful. The deadline to use the Franchise tag is Feb. 19th at 4pm.
Sproles Gets the Tag
The San Diego Chargers have used their non-exclusive franchise tag on RB Darren Sproles.
Sproles had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The Chargers tendered him a one-year contract offer of approximately $6.6 million, the average of the top five salaried running backs from 2008. If Sproles signs the tender he will earn 6 times what he earned in base salary in 2008.
Sproles said toward the end of last season that he'd like to remain in San Diego but that he'd also like to explore the market. GM A.J. Smith said that forced the Chargers to make a decision, since Thursday is the deadline for designating franchise and transition players.
"We met and discussed the possibilities, which were many," Smith said. "We'd like for him to be here long term. The deadline has come, and we either let him go to the market or we franchise him. We felt a little uncomfortable with, 'Let's just be one of 32 and submit years and money and hope for the best,' or we franchise him, and he'll be here, and he'll be here at a set price."
The tagging of Sproles will only fuel the speculation that the end of LaDainian Tomlinson tenure in San Diego, an issue that Smith also addressed.
"This has nothing to do with L.T.," Smith said. "Our intention is to pursue L.T. We assume that at the combine it will pick up speed and there will be some substance to it when we return."
Sproles had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The Chargers tendered him a one-year contract offer of approximately $6.6 million, the average of the top five salaried running backs from 2008. If Sproles signs the tender he will earn 6 times what he earned in base salary in 2008.
Sproles said toward the end of last season that he'd like to remain in San Diego but that he'd also like to explore the market. GM A.J. Smith said that forced the Chargers to make a decision, since Thursday is the deadline for designating franchise and transition players.
"We met and discussed the possibilities, which were many," Smith said. "We'd like for him to be here long term. The deadline has come, and we either let him go to the market or we franchise him. We felt a little uncomfortable with, 'Let's just be one of 32 and submit years and money and hope for the best,' or we franchise him, and he'll be here, and he'll be here at a set price."
The tagging of Sproles will only fuel the speculation that the end of LaDainian Tomlinson tenure in San Diego, an issue that Smith also addressed.
"This has nothing to do with L.T.," Smith said. "Our intention is to pursue L.T. We assume that at the combine it will pick up speed and there will be some substance to it when we return."
Suggs Tagged for 2nd Straight Season
The Baltimore Ravens used the franchise tag on Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs for the second consecutive year, a transaction that costs the team $10.2 million against the 2009 salary cap.
"Our plan is to sign 'Sizzle' to a long-term contract," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We believe our history of keeping our best players for a long time speaks for itself."
The 3-time pro-bowler played last season under the franchise tag price of $8.5 Million, by getting tagged again he is entitled to a 20% raise. Suggs led the team with 8 sacks and a career high 102 tackles last season.
Although Suggs has said he he would like to remain in Baltimore he wants it to be on a long-term basis.
"I like the city, I like the team," Suggs said. "If they don't see me in their future long-term, do not draw me out when I'm 26. At least let me explore my options. If you want me on your team then prove it, do something about it. But if not, we need to part ways and you know it's been a good run."
"Our plan is to sign 'Sizzle' to a long-term contract," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We believe our history of keeping our best players for a long time speaks for itself."
The 3-time pro-bowler played last season under the franchise tag price of $8.5 Million, by getting tagged again he is entitled to a 20% raise. Suggs led the team with 8 sacks and a career high 102 tackles last season.
Although Suggs has said he he would like to remain in Baltimore he wants it to be on a long-term basis.
"I like the city, I like the team," Suggs said. "If they don't see me in their future long-term, do not draw me out when I'm 26. At least let me explore my options. If you want me on your team then prove it, do something about it. But if not, we need to part ways and you know it's been a good run."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bryant Officially Tagged
As reported earlier today the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were ready to use their franchise tag if they needed to. Well, they needed to. The Bucs have announced they have officially tagged WR Antonio Bryant their 2009 franchise player.
The move likely means the sides weren't close to striking a deal on a contract extension for Bryant, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in eight days. It is now almost certain that Bryant will return to the team in 2009, unless another team decides to sign him and give up the required two first-round picks as compensation. That outcome is remote, at best.
Bryant will get a hefty payday if he signs the tender, with the tag coming along with a $9.884-million salary that becomes fully guaranteed after the deal is signed. Though it is speculated that this move was simply to buy the team some time in order to work out a long-term deal, beneficial to both sides.
The move likely means the sides weren't close to striking a deal on a contract extension for Bryant, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in eight days. It is now almost certain that Bryant will return to the team in 2009, unless another team decides to sign him and give up the required two first-round picks as compensation. That outcome is remote, at best.
Bryant will get a hefty payday if he signs the tender, with the tag coming along with a $9.884-million salary that becomes fully guaranteed after the deal is signed. Though it is speculated that this move was simply to buy the team some time in order to work out a long-term deal, beneficial to both sides.
Bucs set to Tag Bryant
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to get WR Antonio Bryant signed to a long term extension. If the team is unable to get the deal done before Thursday, they have made it clear they will use the franchise tag to keep him in Tampa.
Bryant, 27, posted career marks for receptions (83), receiving yards (1,248) and touchdowns (7) in 2008, his first season with the Bucs. If given the franchise tag, Bryant would be in line to make $9.884 Million for 2009.
Bryant, 27, posted career marks for receptions (83), receiving yards (1,248) and touchdowns (7) in 2008, his first season with the Bucs. If given the franchise tag, Bryant would be in line to make $9.884 Million for 2009.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dansby Tagged Again
For the second straight year Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby has been slapped with the franchise tag, although long-term contract talks are still on-going. Dansby was given the non-exclusive tag, which allows him to receive offers from other teams. But the Cardinals retain right of first refusal and would receive two first-round picks in return if they declined to match the offer.
The 6-year veteran out of Auburn, racked up 119 tackles last season, along with 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. The franchise tag this year guarantees Dansby a salary of $9.7 million in 2009 should he sign it.
The 6-year veteran out of Auburn, racked up 119 tackles last season, along with 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. The franchise tag this year guarantees Dansby a salary of $9.7 million in 2009 should he sign it.
Panther, Gross Getting Closer
A deal that is over a year in the works, the Carolina Panthers may actually be close to signing left tackle Jordan Gross. In an unsuccessful attempt last season to sign Gross to a long-term contract, the Panthers were forced to use their franchise tag to keep him, a move they are prepared to do again in order to guarantee his services.
The NFL Network's Adam Schefter reported Monday night that the two sides made "significant progress," toward a deal that would pay Gross in the neighborhood of $9 million a year. Multiple league sources confirmed Monday night that both sides had moved a great deal in recent days. The deal is not yet done, but they're closer than they've been since a year ago this time.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Bengals K Graham Tagged
The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to use their franchise tag on K Shayne Graham, a 9 year veteran who has been with the team since signing as a free agent in 2003.
“Shayne has consistently performed at a high level for us, and we expect that same performance in 2009 and hopefully beyond,” said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis in a team-issued release. “We’ll continue to speak with Shayne and his representatives about signing a longer-term deal.”
To franchise Graham, the Bengals are required to tender Graham a one-year deal worth $2.483 million
He ranks fourth all-time in the NFL in career field goal accuracy (85.6 percent), and his career accuracy with the Bengals is 87.5 percent -- a franchise record by more than 10 points over second-place Doug Pelfrey (77.3).
Graham holds numerous other Bengals career, season and game records. The list includes points in a season (131), FGs in a season (31), FGs in a game (seven), consecutive FGs made (21), season FG percentage (91.2) and consecutive PATs made (158). Graham also handles kickoffs, and in 2008 he passed Pelfrey into second-place in all-time Bengals scoring (682), behind only 13-year Bengal Jim Breech (1151 points from 1980-92).
By franchising Graham, it leaves the team in a difficult position with WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh. They will have until Feb. 27th to sign Housh to a contract or risk losing him in free agency.
“Shayne has consistently performed at a high level for us, and we expect that same performance in 2009 and hopefully beyond,” said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis in a team-issued release. “We’ll continue to speak with Shayne and his representatives about signing a longer-term deal.”
To franchise Graham, the Bengals are required to tender Graham a one-year deal worth $2.483 million
He ranks fourth all-time in the NFL in career field goal accuracy (85.6 percent), and his career accuracy with the Bengals is 87.5 percent -- a franchise record by more than 10 points over second-place Doug Pelfrey (77.3).
Graham holds numerous other Bengals career, season and game records. The list includes points in a season (131), FGs in a season (31), FGs in a game (seven), consecutive FGs made (21), season FG percentage (91.2) and consecutive PATs made (158). Graham also handles kickoffs, and in 2008 he passed Pelfrey into second-place in all-time Bengals scoring (682), behind only 13-year Bengal Jim Breech (1151 points from 1980-92).
By franchising Graham, it leaves the team in a difficult position with WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh. They will have until Feb. 27th to sign Housh to a contract or risk losing him in free agency.
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