Summarizing a Crazy Tuesday in the NFL

If I were only allowed just one word to describe the events of Tuesday, May 20th, I'd use the word "crazy".

How else can you describe a day, in the off-season, where the following occurs:

- The NFL owners unanimously agree on something, and that something is to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

- The NFL awarded a Super Bowl to the city of Indianapolis, marking just the fourth time in 46 years that the Super Bowl will be held in a cold-weather city.

- The Dallas Cowboys reach contract extensions with a pair of players (Terence Newman and Marion Barber) that total $95.2 million dollars over the next 6-7 years, including $38.5 million in guaranteed money.

- The 3rd overall pick agrees to a contract less than a month after the draft, and his 6-year, $72 million dollar contract is richer than the one signed by the 1st overall pick.

- An NFL player is indicted for involuntary manslaughter.

It's ust another glorious day in the life of the NFL, isn't it? I almost don't know where to begin.

Almost.

Owners Opt Out of CBA

The owners decision to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement immediately conjured images of a Wild West-type of spending spree by deep-pocketed in an "uncapped" 2010, to be followed by a depressing work stoppage in 2011.

I wouldn't expect either to happen.

First off, opting out of the CBA was the only way NFL owners could get the NFLPA back to the negotiating table to attempt to hammer out a new deal. They're not happy that the players presently make 59 cents for every dollar the NFL earns, and they'd like to keep more of that money for themselves.

Right now, they have two years to hammer out a new agreement. Hopefully, both sides will tone down the rhetoric and won't wait until the 11th hour before getting serious about reaching a deal.

Secondly, an uncapped year in 2010 does not benefit the players nearly as much as one might think. As Peter King noted nearly two months ago, the rules of 2010 are much different than the system the league presently operates under.

If 2010 is an uncapped year, players will need to have six accrued seasons (instead of four years) of service time before they are eligible for free agency, NFL teams will have three tags (franchise/transition) to restrict free agent movement, and there will be spending restrictions on the league's top eight teams from 2009. So if you think an owner like Jerry Jones or Danny Snyder can go out and buy a Lombardi trophy, think again. There simply won't be many impact players available in free agency that year.

Indianapolis Awarded Super Bowl XLVI

When taxpayers in an area shell out $750 million to build a state-of-the-art indoor football stadium, they should be rewarded with a Super Bowl, and the tens of million of dollars in tax revenue that come with it, at some point in the near future. The other finalist cities, Houston, Texas and Glendale, Arizona, will be staple sites in the Super Bowl rotation for years to come, so I applaud the NFL's decision to award this event to Indianapolis.

Cowboys Lock Up Newman, Barber

On the same day the NFL owners unanimously agree to opt of the CBA because players are getting too big a piece of the pie, Jerry Jones gives $50.2 million to a soon-to-be 30-year old cornerback and $45 million to a running back with three career starts.

And this comes after spending the team's two first-round draft picks last month on a cornerback and a running back.

Even though I disagree with the amount of money each player received, I can understand the rationale behind reaching long-term agreements with each player.

Newman is a very good cornerback, and if healthy, should continue to remain one for the next 3-4 years. With Anthony Henry under contract through 2009, a pair of rookies (Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick) and possibly Pacman Jones filling out the roster, the Cowboys potentially have the deepest group of cornerbacks in the NFL at a time when you can't have too many good cornerbacks. (Unless you're Philadelphia, of course.)

Barber's lack of experience as "The Man" isn't much of a concern. He started in the playoffs, racking up 129 yards on 27 carries. So he can handle a heavy workload, though with Felix Jones on the roster, Barber won't have to.

The only concern I have in investing that much money in a running back, is Barber's "See Opponent, Run Over Opponent" running style. Inviting as much contact as Barber will inevitably result in an injury, and adjusting his running style could diminish his effectiveness.

Falcons, Ryan Agree to Six-Year, $72 Million Deal

While it's good for both sides that Matt Ryan is in camp on time this year, the six-year, $72 million dollar contract the Atlanta Falcons and Ryan agreed to yesterday should be presented as evidence that the NFL desperately needs a rookie salary scale.

By giving Ryan nearly $35 million in guaranteed money, an $11 million dollar increase over what the #3 pick in 2007 received (Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, who is already playing at a Pro Bowl level), the current rookie contract system immediately places Ryan in the same salary class as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

I don't believe it's right that untested rookies are earning as much, if not more, than established players who have shown they can excel at the NFL level. I also think the expectations associated with those salaries place far too much pressure on still-developing players. But as long as the teams continue to make deals like this one, the NFLPA won't accept a change to the rookie salary system.
By the way, in the last four years, the Atlanta Falcons have given their franchise quarterbacks contracts totaling $202 million dollars over 16 years.

Charles Grant Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter

On a day where the NFL's labor situation, Indianapolis being awarded a Super Bowl and the contracts signed by Marion Barber, Terence Newman and Matt Ryan combined to overshadow Jon Lester's no-hitter and the start of the conference finals in the NBA playoffs, the day closed out with the news that New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant has been indicted for involuntary manslaughter.

Seven men, including Grant, were charged with involuntary manslaughter after an altercation outside a Blakely, GA nightclub resulted in the shooting death of innocent bystander Korynda Reed, a pregnant 23-year old woman.

According to the Early County (Ga.) Sheriff's Office, Grant, who was stabbed in the neck during the fight, was not considered an instigator or willing participant in the fight. Grant's attorney, Edward Tolley, plans to plead not guilty and put up a "vigorous fight" to the charges.

NFL News and Notes

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league has no plans to conduct an independent investigation of the New England Patriots videotaping procedures. Patriots wide receiver Chad Jackson stood out during the second day of the Patriots' passing camp.

New York Senator Charles Schumer and Goodell are committed to keeping the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo.

There's a punter battle a-brewin' on the New York Jets, with youngster Jeremy Kapinos pushing veteran Ben Graham for the gig.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor finished second to figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi on Dancing With the Stars.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be traveling to Detroit to cheer for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup finals. Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, who is recovering from knee surgery, returned to practice on Tuesday.

New Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Mel Tucker wants his defense to be known as a group that "play hard, play with technique and fundamentals, they don't make mistakes, and they play as a unit."

The owners decision to opt out of the CBA validates Bengals owner Mike Brown's vote against it back in 2006.

Jack Swarbrick, one of the leaders of the Indianapolis winning bid for Super Bowl XLVI, says that "We are going to throw one heck of a party".

The agent for franchised Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth anticipates "that premium, established players can expect a significant rise in their salaries if we get to the uncapped year."

After losing out on a bid for Super Bowl XLVI, the city of Houston might bid on Super Bowl XLVII next year. Houston Texans kicker and NFLPA player rep Kris Brown says that "any time you're talking about anything that could affect labor, it is a big deal."

Overhauling the linebackers was a smart move by the Denver Broncos, writes Mike Kils. With fresh slobber dripping off his chin, Woody Paige provides answers to unknown questions.

For now, the Kansas City Chiefs appear to be Brodie Croyle's team. The Chiefs signed six undrafted free agents on Tuesday.

The Oakland Raiders parted ways with safety Stuart Schweigert on Tuesday.

Dallas wanted to get the deals with Newman and Barber done yesterday because the proration of the signing bonus and how the 30% yearly increase would affect the salary would have been factors now that the owners have opted out of the CBA. Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News thinks Patrick Crayton is the most complete wide receiver the Cowboys have.

New York Giants tight ends coach Mike Pope expects Jeremy Shockey to be at mini-camp next month. Giants safeties coach David Merritt praised James Butler's performance in the Super Bowl XLII.

Washington Redskins rookie tight end Fred Davis apologized to his teammates and front office for missing a mandatory practice during the team's mini-camp earlier this month.

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson doesn't want to be another Terrell Owens or Freddie Mitchell.

Eight wide receivers will be vying for two or three spots on the Green Bay Packers roster this summer. Retired Packers quarterback Brett Favre will play in July...in the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada.

With Minnesota Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie attending a pre-trial hearing in Florida, and Matt Birk skipping the voluntary workouts to protest his contract status, Artis Hicks and Dan Mozes took the majority of reps with the first team offense. Vikings head coach Brad Childress would like to see quarterback Tarvaris Jackson improve "in a few different areas" this season.

In new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto's offense, wide receivers Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald will have reduced roles. Lions head coach Rod Marinelli expects a double-digit sack season from Dwayne White.

If 2010 is an uncapped year, Chicago Bears return man Devin Hester would be a big loser, writes David Haugh.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie cornerback Aqib Talib is getting used to the speed of the workouts. Buccaneers tight end Alex Smith says that now that he's in his 4th year, "it's time to start making happen and become a dominant player."

After initially being upset about it, Seattle Seahawks guard Rob Sims now "feels great" about his move from left to right guard this off-season.

As expected, Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett weren't in attendance when the Arizona Cardinals kicked off their voluntary practice sessions on Tuesday. Linebacker Chike Okeafor was also absent on Tuesday, though his absence was expected.

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo purchasing the St. Louis Rams would certainly re-ignite the 49ers-Rams rivalry, writes Matt Maiocco.

However, Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom denies that they are shopping the team.