2012 NFL Offseason Thread

[troutman]

Originally Posted by valo403

Not sure how they'd be able to do that, the schedule is determined by your finish the previous season and rotating intra-divisional matchups. The NFL doesn't have the ability to tweak the schedule to get the games it wants.

The NFL has matched the Colts and Pats for years, despite them being in different divisions. I don't know if that is a coincidence, but I understood it was planned.

It could be because they were both first usually:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question...8111523AAheCh7

You play two teams from the other conference divisions that finished in the same place as you the year before (i.e. if you finished first in the division, you play the first play teams from the other divisions in your conference).

[North East Goon]

Originally Posted by troutman

Cleveland Browns GM Tom Heckert says the Browns won't pursue Peyton Manning

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/inde...hecker_11.html


He said the Browns like four quarterbacks in this draft, including the obvious top three of Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill. The fourth appears to be Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden, who's 28, because Heckert gushed about him.

But he emphasized that the Browns are still high on Colt McCoy and haven't made the decision to replace him.

Even though the Browns are up for anything with their No. 4 pick, all the talk about the Browns moving up to No. 2 to draft Griffin III "is crazy. We feel comfortable staying at No. 4 and getting a really good player. We feel comfortable moving back and getting extra picks too.''

I have heard Matt Flynn's name being mentioned quite frequently in Cleveland as well.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by troutman

The NFL has matched the Colts and Pats for years, despite them being in different divisions. I don't know if that is a coincidence, but I understood it was planned.

It could be because they were both first usually:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question...8111523AAheCh7

You play two teams from the other conference divisions that finished in the same place as you the year before (i.e. if you finished first in the division, you play the first play teams from the other divisions in your conference).

That's exactly why

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Yeah, but then look at KC:

*snip*

I think logistically and personally, Miami makes the most sense for Peyton. If he wants a better chance to win, he'll choose the Chiefs.

Pretty good points that I generally agree with.

The fact that he wouldn't be in the same Division as the Patriots to me stands out. In order to make the playoffs...you want to win your Division. Hence why I think Divisions like the AFC West and NFC West would be appealing. Although playing outdoors in a cold weather city might be a deterrent.

Chiefs hold a pretty high draft position so they should be able to address the right tackle position there. Also with their cap space, not only could they add Peyton, but they can make a play for a guy like Carl Nicks too if they desire.

Another thing is that Kansas City and Indianapolis are likely very similar in terms of media coverage in the city. I always hear how Peyton has a very different personality from Eli, and that a low key media market is perfect for Peyton.

That all said, I think Miami and Seattle will be the two teams who make the strongest pitch. Miami I suspect will concede the most to appease Manning as I suspect they view him as something they need. Whereas other teams it's more of wanting him than feeling they need him. There will be risk involved, and I think Miami will be willing to shoulder more of that.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by valo403

That's exactly why

Than you have a season like this one where the Colts finish last...but the rotation for next year will have all the AFC South teams playing the AFC East teams. So Troutman's conspiracy theory can live on!

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Isn't homefield advantage basically non-existent in Miami? I also don't think Miami's offensive line is as good as KC's. I read somewhere that Miami allowed one sack for ever 10 dropbacks last year, which was most in the NFL. I'd also argue KC's defense is better with Hali, Johnson, Carr, Flowers, and Berry. Miami's secondary was awful last year.

And an easier schedule means an easier path to the Super Bowl. I think that's exactly something Peyton would consider.

According to this, Miami ranks higher than KC as a home field advantage.... at least when they played in the old Orange Bowl.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?...s&confirm=true

[flames_1987]

ESPN seemed very confident in reporting today that Manning would prefer to stay in the AFC but is open to at least hearing offers from NFC teams. Miami makes sense in a lot of ways, and would make for great television vs the Jets and Dolphins, but I still think he ends up somewhere besides Miami in the AFC East.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

ESPN seemed very confident in reporting today that Manning would prefer to stay in the AFC but is open to at least hearing offers from NFC teams. Miami makes sense in a lot of ways, and would make for great television vs the Jets and Dolphins, but I still think he ends up somewhere besides Miami in the AFC East.

Patriots - Not happening
Bills - Seems very unlikely

So that leaves the Jets, and I really don't see any way that it happens. Not only are there major issues with that team on the field, he'd be putting himself in a situation that would likely turn pretty uncomfortable for both he and Eli.

[flames_1987]

Being reported there is interest by both sides regarding Peyton Manning going to the Arizona Cardinals.

[OILFAN #81]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

Being reported there is interest by both sides regarding Peyton Manning going to the Arizona Cardinals.

Peyton Manning throwing to Larry Fitzgerald on one side, and Reggie Wayne on the other......that would be crazy.

[transplant99]

Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert acknowledged Thursday that he has had talks with the St. Louis Rams about the No. 2 overall pick, but he wouldn't classify them as "serious."



He was asked if the Browns would be willing to give up both their first-round picks to go higher.

"I'd never say never about anything," said Heckert, who plans to attend Robert Griffin III's pro day workout on March 21.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/76...-st-louis-rams

[troutman]

Originally Posted by OILFAN #81

Peyton Manning throwing to Larry Fitzgerald on one side, and Reggie Wayne on the other......that would be crazy.

Reggie is 33 - does he have anything left?

[Otsy]

75 receptions, 960 yards with those bums throwing to him? I'd say he's got a little left, especially if he's a #2 guy opposite someone like Fitzy who'll demand double coverage.

[Bobblehead]

Dungy thinks Manning should go to the Niners, especially if Smith is waffling (Smith wants a 5 year contract, 49ers only want 3 years).

If he were to fall into the 49er's lap, they wouldn't say no; but they aren't going to get into a bidding war for his services and there seems to be a lot of other teams who are willing to give him the combination to the vault.

[rubecube]

Colts are reportedly shopping Dwight Freeney. At least they're making a concerted effort to rebuild everything.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Dungy thinks Manning should go to the Niners, especially if Smith is waffling (Smith wants a 5 year contract, 49ers only want 3 years).

If he were to fall into the 49er's lap, they wouldn't say no; but they aren't going to get into a bidding war for his services and there seems to be a lot of other teams who are willing to give him the combination to the vault.

If they give Smith 5 years, they'd better backload the crap out of it.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Colts are reportedly shopping Dwight Freeney. At least they're making a concerted effort to rebuild everything.

I read that Freeney wasn't interested in the switch to the 3-4 that the Colts are undergoing. The Colts probably feel like they will end up losing him after this upcoming season anyway, so might as well try to get something for him.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by rubecube

If they give Smith 5 years, they'd better backload the crap out of it.

That is the speculation.

Harbaugh is on record saying he wants Smith. Smith is on record as saying he wants to stay. Both sides will negotiate until as late as they possibly can.

Another thing to consider: Smith has the same agent as Manning, Tom Condon, so there is also a line of thought that Condon may be using his Manning negotiations to find out what Smith may be able to get from QB needy teams that don't win the Manning sweepstakes. Seahawks are a distinct possibility since Scot McCluoghan, senior personnel executive now with the Seahawks, was 49ers GM who drafted Smith.

[Otsy]

Originally Posted by The Big Chill

I read that Freeney wasn't interested in the switch to the 3-4 that the Colts are undergoing. The Colts probably feel like they will end up losing him after this upcoming season anyway, so might as well try to get something for him.

That and apparently have Mathis signed for 17 million this year already, so really can't afford to have Mathis for 17 and Freeney for 14 when you're trying to actually do a little rebuilding.

[flames_1987]

So according to the the internet world, the race is between 3 teams now.
The Cardinals, Broncos and Dolphins. Manning meeting with the Broncos today and the Cheifs were the first team to make a formal offer.

Now I think it's clear to everyone, Reggie Wayne is going wherever Peyton is. Also with how open Denver is in pursuing Peyton, it'll be interesting to see both Tebow and all the Tebowner fans react to this. Tebow was pretty public and seemed pretty agitated when talking about some people on the team and in the organization not believing in him. Wonder what is going through his mind.

Also it should be noted, and whatever this might be worth, Denver seems to be the 3rd place team in landing Manning was reported today and that it's going to take something monumental to get him to wear a Broncos jersey. They do have the most Cap Space of any team though it must be noted.

I said Arizona a while back, I'm going to stick with Arizona.