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2010 NFL Holdout Watchlist by Lloyd Vance
It is “Holdout Time” around the NFL and surprisingly Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth, the league’s highest paid defensive player, is making the most noise about not reporting to training camp
Holdouts are a rite of passge leading up to training camp and always are big news. When one player gets a shiny new contract (See Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall’s deal for four-year deal worth $47.5 million with $24 million guaranteed), there are five other players who are saying they deserve equal or more.
I have found most players talk tough about holding out during OTAs and the offseason until the prospect of fines — up to $14,000 daily for missed training camp days — and missed game checks in the regular season come into play. The dollars can pile-up quickly, just ask Seahawks receiver Deion Branch who lost over $600,000 dollars in fines and 1 game check of $65,625 dollars during his 2006 holdout with the Patriots.
Also holdout players run the risk of losing accrued seniority towards free agency. Under NFL rules, players under contract must report at least 30 days before the overall first NFL regular season game or they will forfeit an accrued season of seniority. Also keep in mind Week 10 of the regular season when talking about holdouts and free agency.
Unsigned franchised players and restricted free agents, like Chargers potential 2010 holdouts WR Vincent Jackson and OT Marcus McNeil, need to play at least six regular season games in order to earn an accrued season towards free agency. So most lingering holdouts will surely end by Week 10 as I can’t even think of a player crazy enough to lose an accrued season.
There is also no doubt that the looming threat of a lockout in 2011 (CBA expiring) looks like a big cause of the NFL’s “Holdout” problems. A signing bonus on new player deals would likely cover lost salary, but why would owners want to protect big-ticket players.
In the end… if McNeil, Vincent Jackson, Haynesworth and the rest of the NFL’s many holdout candidates continue do stay away, they need to understand that holdouts are a no-win situation everyone involved. Most players after coming back from holdouts realize that their team’s have moved on without him and in Branch’s case, he has not been the same player after holding out.
The holdout game almost always leads to animosity, lost team chemistry, and injuries – just look at the 2007 Kansas City Chiefs (4-12), who were a team that never got on track after running back Larry Johnson’s extended holdout that lasted almost the length of training camp.
None the less, there are several players and their agent that are talking holdout with about a month to go until training camp.
2010 Holdout Watchlist
Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth – Recently fined $10,000 dollars for missing a mandatory OTA, but seems determined to not play in Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett’s new 3-4 allignment. You would think the $21 Million that the Redskins paid Haynesworth on April 1st would humble him enough to want to play. This one looks like it is going to be a long one… it may take Roger Goodell, the NFLPA, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, and Chad Speck (Haynesworth’s agent) getting involved.
NY Jets CB Darrelle Revis — After having the season of a lifetime in 2009 and having his play termed “Revis Island”, this All-Pro wants a deal like his peers. He definitely deserves to be paid more than Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall (2009 deal for 6-years, $55 Million with $23 Million guaranteed). To Revis’ credit, he did report to mandatory OTAs. However NY Jets’ owner Woody Johnson has already written big checks to OLB Jason Taylor and WR Santonio Holmes plus there is the little matter of the uncertain NFL labor landscape (CBA expires in March 2011).
Titans RB Chris Johnson — The player with probably the biggest gripe out there is CJ2K. After busting into the NFL record books in 2009, Johnson is slated to be paid less than is backup Alvin Pearman — slated to make $630, 000 in 2010. This is a tough one to call, because the Titans — led by no-nonsense head coach Jeff Fisher — seem poised to dig their heels in given the NFL’s labor situation and their conservative nature. If the CBA was already in place, this one would only take a New York minute. To matters worse, CJ2K is tweeting his frustrations. The 2009 NFL offensive player of the year recently told the Tennessean, “I can’t play for $550,000…The money that I am playing for, I am getting paid less than the starting 11 and I’m one of the lowest paid starting running backs in the league.’’
Saints OT Jermon Bushrod – An unhappy O-lineman that has experienced Super Bowl success and wants to be compensated too. Bushrod, a road-grader restrict free agent, will probably get new deal soon as the Saints recently traded Jammal Brown to the Redskins.
Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton — I don’t think he has much leverage as the Cowboys are getting ready to take care of restricted free agent Miles Austin and they have already drafted future starter Dez Bryant in waiting. May get his wish to be traded to Miami.
Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett – Reported, but is very unhappy about not getting a new deal yet. His agent is Drew Rosenhaus so you never know what direction this contract squabble could go. Has criticized Haynesworth for not reporting.
Other potential training camp holdouts
Chargers OT Marcus McNeil
Chargers WR Vincent Jackson
Colts WR Reggie Wayne
Broncos DE/OLB Elvis Dumervil
Ravens OT Jared Gaither
Browns LB D’Qwell Jackson
Eagles WR DeSean Jackson
Texans WR Andre Johnson
NY Jets center Nick Mangold
Jaguars CB Rashean Mathis
Chargers LB Shawne Merriman
Redskins LB Rocky McIntosh
Titans TE Bo Scaife
Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley
Bills RB Marshawn Lynch
Vikings DE Ray Edwards
Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and Sports Journey Network , who is also an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
2009 NFL Season – Week 10 Power Rankings by Lloyd Vance
Electrifying running back Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans are moving up this week’s Power Rankings after two straight wins
The 2009 NFL season has started toward its oh-too-fast ending with the midpoint of the season in everyone’s rearview mirrors. With the final two byes of the season (NY Giants and Houston Texans) passing this week, teams must now go into survival of the fittest mode. There are 12 coveted playoff berths left team to be claimed in the final 8 weeks of the season and now is the time for teams to separate into “Contenders” and “Pretenders”.
In looking at the current NFL standings here’s the breakdown: The “Elite” – Saints (8-0), Colts (8-0), Vikings (7-1), Broncos (6-2), Steelers (6-2), Bengals (6-2), Cowboys (6-2), and Patriots (6-2); “Teams on the Cusp” — Chargers (5-3), Falcons (5-3), Eagles (5-3) and Cardinals (5-3); “Stuck in the Middle” inconsistent teams, who are caught in the NFL’s parity-filled middle and either need to join the playoff hunt or fall back – Texans (5-4), Giants (5-4), Ravens (4-4), Jets (4-4), Bears (4-4), Jaguars (4-4), and Niners (3-5); The “Pretenders”, who are only a shade away from the league’s bottom rung – Dolphins (3-5), Panthers (3-5), Bills (3-5), and Seahawks (3-5); and lastly the “Ugly” (i.e. These teams maybe looking to make themselves over by 2010 NFL Draft) – Titans (2-6), Redskins (2-6), Raiders (2-6), Chiefs (1-7), Lions (1-7), Browns (1-7), Rams (1-7), and Buccaneers (1-7)
Now on to the rankings for this week.
1. Colts (8-0) – In a crucial AFC South battle, the Houston Texans gave the injury-depleted Colts all they could handle. But in the end QB Peyton Manning, TE Dallas Clark, and DE Dwight Freeney rode to head coach Jim Caldwell’s rescue as the Colts remained perfect at the midway point. Next up is a battle of the two dominant AFC teams of the ‘OOs as the hungry Patriots come to town.
2. Saints (8-0) – “Who Dat, Who Dat is gonna beat them Saints”… another week and QB Drew Brees shines again in another win. This time division rival, the Carolina Panthers, jumped out to an early lead only to have the Saints roll over them by a big score. A “business” road trip awaits the undefeated Saints as they travel to St. Louis to face a dangerous 1-win Rams squad.
3. Vikings (7-1) – The NFC North’s #1 team used their bye week to recharge their batteries in anticipation of a possible playoff run in the months of November and December. You know QB Brett Favre’s 40-year old body is refreshed and ready to host the reeling Detroit Lions, who should even bother coming to the Metrodome.
4. Steelers (6-2) – Mike Tomlin’s team showed that they are really back as they won their 5th straight game with a dominating effort over the host Denver Broncos on MNF. On a very entertaining undercard of the marquee Patriots-Colts matchup, the Steelers will host division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, in a battle for the top of the AFC North.
5. Patriots (6-2) – The Patriots bottled up the Miami Dolphins and the ‘Wildcat” as they further increased their lead in the AFC East. Next up is Super Bowl XLIII ½ as the Patriots play the Colts for the 7th straight year.
6. Bengals (6-2) — Marvin Lewis’ team proved that they are legit as they thumped the inconsistent Baltimore Ravens. The road to respectability gets even harder for the Bengals as they have to travel to Pittsburgh to face the red-hot World Champion Steelers.
7. Broncos (6-2) – Denver lost for the second straight week as the Steelers dominated them on Monday Night Football. Looking to get back on track, the Broncos will go to DC to face the dysfuncti0nal and reeling Washington Redskins.
8. Cowboys (6-2) – The ‘Boys were ready for the bright lights of NBC Sunday Night Football as they used big plays to beat the host Eagles in a huge NFC East battle. The Cowboys return to the site of the “Ice Bowl” as they travel to Green Bay to face their long time rival on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.
9. Cardinals (5-3) – Good Kurt Warner showed up as the Cardinals dominated the Chicago Bears to build a surprising 4-0 road record. The dangerous Seattle Seahawks are up next in a game that could go a long way in determining the NFC West champion.
10. Falcons (5-3) – Mike Smith’s team was fighting mad as they pushed the dysfunctional Washington Redskins and lame-duck head coach Jim Zorn further into the abyss. In a battle to see who is second to the undefeated Saints, the Falcons travel to Carolina to face an inconsistent Panthers’ squad.
11. Chargers (5-3) – The Bolts look to be back as they won for 3rd straight time with Philip Rivers leading a comeback win over the Giants in “The Battle for Eli”. In a game that could go a long way in establishing or curbing either team’s playoff hopes, the Philadelphia Eagles travel to the West Coast to face the surging Chargers.
12. Eagles (5-3) – In a disappointing home loss, the Birds lost their lead in the NFC East as the hated Dallas Cowboys came up big on NBC Sunday Night Football. The Eagles hope their second West Coast trip is better than their last one (lost to the Raiders) as they face the surging Chargers and QB Philip Rivers.
13. Texans (5-4) – Close but no win as the Texans looked like their old 8-8 selves in a crucial AFC South division loss to the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. I know head coach Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith will be encouraging their team get focused during their bye for a strong second half run.
14. Giants (5-4) – It was their 4th straight loss as the Chargers came east and pulled out a last-second win. It will be up to fiery head coach Tom Coughlin to pull his team out of their funk over the Giants’ bye week.
15. Ravens (4-4) – John Harbaugh’s team continued their inconsistent ways as their bark was worse than their bite in their second loss to the Bengals this season. I think the Ravens should get back on track this week as they return to Cleveland for the annual, “Art Modell Game”.
16. Packers (4-4) – In an old-time NFC Central match-up, the creamsicle unformed Buccaneers dominated the reeling Packers in a totally surprising win. It will be time to step-up or step aside for the Packers as they host the surging NFC East leading Dallas Cowboys.
17. Bears (4-4) – The road warrior Arizona Cardinals traveled to the Windy City and fueled by rejuvenated QB Kurt Warner, they dominated the inconsistent Bears. In an NFL Thursday Night special, Mike Singletary’s Niners will play host to his former beloved franchise.
18. Jaguars (4-4) – The “good” Jags were back as they held off the scrappy Kansas City Chiefs to climb back to a .500 record for the season. The Jags will try to win two games in a row for only the second time this season as they travel North to face an equally inconsistent Jets squad.
19. Jets (4-4) – Hopefully the bye week allowed Jets head coach Rex Ryan, QB Mark Sanchez and their special teams to find a modicum of consistency. Next up the J-E-T-S host the Jacksonville Jaguars in a battle of two of the AFC’s best rushers (Jags’ Maurice Jones-Drew and Jets’ Thomas Jones).
20. Panthers (3-5) – Carolina showed that 2008 was their year, but 2009 is the year of the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South. If beleaguered head coach John Fox is smart, he will look to ride workhorse RB DeAngelo Williams as Atlanta comes to Bank of America Stadium for a crucial NFC South match-up.
21. Dolphins (3-5) – “The Return of the Wildcat” to New England proved more sizzle than substance as the Patriots fueled by a Randy Moss stiff-arm shook-off the Dolphins. The Battle of South Florida is up next as the Dolphins host the on-a-roll Tampa Bay Bucs.
23. Titans (2-6) – See Titans owner Bud Adams was right again as QB Vince Young and electrifying RB Chris Johnson led the Titans to their second straight win, this time on the road over the Niners. Next up is a road trip to Buffalo and V.Y, Johnson, and the Titans newly resurgent defense are looking to gobble up the Bills like a plateful of hot wings.
22. 49ers (3-5) – The Niners fought hard but the Titans led by RB Chris Johnson and QB Vince Young ran all over them. In a Thursday Night Special, the Niners will try to save their season as they face an inconsistent Chicago Bears.
24. Seahawks (3-5) – Beat the Detroit Lions in Week 9’s “Toilet Bowl” as Lions QB Matthew Stafford threw 5 picks. In a game that could save their season, the Hawks will travel to the desert to face the surging Cardinals.
25. Bills (3-5) – Maybe the bye week will help subpar QB Trent Edwards and T.O find the connection that has been missing all season from the Bills’ offense. In a must-win situation, the Bills coming will host the rising Titans and their explosive running game.
26. Redskins (2-6) – “Hotlanta” was too hot for the wilting Redskins as the only fight they really showed was on the sidelines in another loss. Next up is a home game against the suddenly struggling Denver Broncos, but the Skins maybe searching as several key players will probably miss the game with injuries.
27. Raiders (2-6) – Al Davis’ scurvy crew had too many problems to be cured during one bye week, at least emerging receiver Chaz Schilens should be ready to play in Week 10. The Raiders will look to defeat the struggling Chiefs for the second time this season in an AFL old-time battle in Oakland.
28. Chiefs (1-7) – After jettisoning malcontent RB Larry Johnson, the Chiefs showed some fight against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but came-up short. Next up is a battle against the Oakland Raiders in Week 10’s “Toilet Bowl”.
29. Rams (1-7) – The Rams probably really enjoyed their bye week after their first long-awaited win in Week 8. Back to Life, Back to Reality for the 1-win Rams as the explosive and undefeated New Orleans Saints come to the Edward Jones Dome.
30. Buccaneers (1-7) – Youngster quarterback Josh Freeman made all the right decisions as the creamsicle clad Bucs dominated the Green Bay Packers for their first win of the season. Next up Freeman and the Bucs will travel to South Florida for a battle with the inconsistent Miami Dolphins.
31. Lions (1-7) – Rookie QB Matthew Stafford looked like a rookie in a bad loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It could get real ugly, real fast as the rested Minnesota Vikings will host their lowly NFC North rival.
32. Browns (1-7) – After a bye week of contemplation, the Browns will look to just score a few touchdowns in the second half of the 2009 season. Next up the angry Baltimore Ravens come to town and could be curtains for returning starting quarterback Brady Quinn.
Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
www.sportsjourney.com 