Michael Kay was talking to Charlie Casserly the GM of the TEXANS and Casserly stated without hesitation that Leinart is HEAD and SHOULDERS above CUTLER. Yes it could be a smoke screen and yes he is the GM of the lowly TEXANS but I found it to be very interesting.. ANOTHER NOTE......this from ESPN Insider The following is a list of players who might be cut this offseason, This was a surprise to me.. OLB Eric Barton -- He can be productive when healthy, but is coming off a season that saw him on IR with a torn biceps muscle. He is a guy who is always going to have health issues and is due $3 million in salary and roster bonuses. If he does not restructure, he will be shown the door.
Why will Barton always have health issues? Seemed pretty healthy to me in 2004 and his Raiders career? His performance on the field is one thing, and I'm sure Mangini has strong opinions on what he wants from his LBs, but I don't think just because of a bicep injury that he is injury prone.
I didn't think Barton coming back was ever an issue. I want the guy back but you're right, if EM doesn't feel he fits his scheme then fine. If him not coming back is due to his proness to injury I would have a problem with that. I doubt that that would happen, though.
Wanted to, but did hear Casserly. I think Houston is trying to create interest in #1 slot. That is why there is so much talk of the Jets tradeing up. Their real goal, I suspect, is to get New Orleans to panic and flip spots. Houston would still be able to grab Bush but would pocket some additional pick from the Saints.
Half of Casserly's season ticket holders are Texas fans. So, even from a PR standpoint, it makes sense for him to talk Young up.
It makes complete sense for Houston to trade down. The three teams behind them all want a QB. There is a good chance they could still get Bush at 3 or 4 and pick up some extra picks in the process. Worst case scenario is they are left with DBrick..
Leinart is smart, knows how to run a PRO OFFENSE successfully, and is a proven WINNER. He is head and shoulders above Cutler. I watched Cutler throw at the combine. Granted on TV. Not very accurate. Yes, he throws the ball hard, there is no question (I think he was clocked at 60 mph) but Ryan Leaf threw the ball hard too.
He saves 1.17M against the cap. I doubt he's cut simply because he can still play. However, if the guys with the really big deals do not restructure, and a new CBA is not reached (seems like it will be reached) then he may be cut.
