National Football League

Holmes just piece of the puzzle

Published Jul. 28, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Christmas in July!

It's been the most insane few days of player movement in the NFL. And it has only just begun. Wait until Santa delievers Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals, as we told you in February.

Some teams got shiny new gifts, while folks in Seattle and Carolina must have been naughty this year, having received lumps of coal.

It's a great time for our weekly sizzle and fizzle.

SIZZLE

Santonio Holmes

As we first reported on FOXSports.com, Holmes signed a five-year deal with the Jets for a guaranteed $24 million. This had to happen, and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, as we predicted made it his top priority. Holmes is supremely clutch and has a great rapport with Mark Sanchez. In fact, Holmes took less money to stay with the Jets because of his love for Sanchez, the team and his belief the Jets can win the Super Bowl this year. And Holmes' presence on offense means the Jets will be in the mix for the big game.

DeAngelo Williams goes back to Carolina

You can argue that $21 million in guaranteed money is a lot. I won’t. I think Williams is a great player and part of a great running back tandem with Jonathan Stewart. With Cam Newton at quarterback, Carolina needed to have a strong, potentially dominant run game.

Tom Coughlin is considering Plaxico Burress?

I get it. I wrote weeks ago that Plax was a changed man. Coughlin is smart enough to know the Giants haven’t been the same without him. While some seemingly-beyond-repair, burnt bridges will have to be rebuilt, it goes noted that Eli Manning wants Plax back.

Aaron Rodgers asks the Packers to bring back James Jones

When we talked with the Packers receiver on the radio Wednesday, he truly appreciated Rodgers comments, especially after a year in which Jones dropped a bevy of easy passes. I think Jones wants to stay with the Packers, but I don’t think he could turn down a starting job (Browns, Jets, Vikings, Bears?) if the money were right. Jones’ wife is pregnant, and he’d love to keep things status quo with the Packers.

Albert Haynesworth goes from Washington to New England

This is a win-win. Mike Shanahan oddly didn't eradicate the Redskins of this gigantic headache last year, and it backfired. Now, the Skins can go into training camp without the ultimate malcontent. And nobody does a better job with talented problem children than Bill Belichick. It's an excellent flier for the Pats. I predict we see in New England this year the Haynesworth we saw in Tennessee.

Eric Weddle gets paid

OK, you can argue that giving Weddle $19 million in guarantees is much more than you expected. But I get it. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith loves this cat. And he believes Weddle is going to flourish, go from a solid player to a great player, under new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. I agree. Weddle was very emotional when he joined us on SiriusXM NFL Radio's Blitz moments after he signed on Wednesday. He went to bed on Tuesday thinking he was going to Jacksonville. He’s thrilled to stay in San Diego and help the Chargers reach their full potential. Cool stuff.

Takeo Spikes follows Manusky

I love this move. Spikes is the classic “coach on the field” for Manusky and gives the Chargers a needed attitude.

Chiefs sign Steve Breaston

Give my radio cohost Rich Gannon credit for being all over this for months. Breaston knows Todd Haley very well from their days together in Arizona. He’s an underrated player. Breaston, Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin, Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones will form quite a dynamic and diverse offense for the defending AFC West champions.

Lance Moore goes back to New Orleans

His Horatio Alger story is heartwarming. His work ethic is outstanding. I’m a sucker for stories like this. And the Saints were smart in bringing back one of Drew Brees’ guys. I'd argue that Moore is Brees' favorite receiver. Moore told us on the SiriusXM Blitz that he believes Brees played a role in his return to New Orleans.

Jaguars bring in Paul Posluszny

He’s a strict middle linebacker in the 4-3. That’s why Posluszny had to leave Buffalo, where they are going to play a hybrid defense. He’s a tough guy and a leader with his best football in front of him.

FIZZLE

Charles Johnson gets $30 million in guarantees!

I always think you need perspective when it comes to players. Ask yourself what you would’ve paid Johnson exactly 365 days ago. Marty Hurney and the Panthers shell out this insane guarantee on top of a six-year, $72 million contract for a one-hit wonder! Heck, when we talked with Johnson on SiriusXM the day after he signed, he confessed to us he was “surprised” by the offer. That tells you everything. I know the Panthers need to get to the salary-cap floor after not spending last year, but I think this signing was insane. No other team was going to come close!

Seattle signs Tarvaris Jackson and lets Matthew Hasselbeck go

I went bonkers last year when Seattle traded for the immortal Charlie Whitehurst and gave him two years and $8 million. This is worse! With the lockout, continuity is the key. How do you let Hasselbeck sign with the Titans? And please spare me the “Tarvaris Jackson worked with Seattle’s new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell” nonsense. The Minnesota Vikings needed a veteran starting quarterback, and they smartly told Jackson to take a hike!

Look, I actually like Jackson more than most. But he is simply not worth the two-year and $8 million Seattle gave him. And he is not better than Hasselbeck.

Jackson versus Whitehurst is officially the ugliest quarterback derby I’ve ever seen. And the fact each is making $4 million this year is grotesque. What the heck are the Seahawks doing?

Sidney Rice teams with Jackson

Don’t get me wrong. I love this move for Seattle. But if you are Sidney Rice, how do you choose to ride with Tarvaris Jackson after seeing the horror show up close and personal? He should’ve re-upped with the Vikes and teamed with Donovan McNabb (who still has gas left in the tank) and eventually Christian Ponder.

Reggie Bush

Our Jay Glazer broke the news of the impending Bush-to-Miami deal. I think Reggie should've reworked his deal to stay with the Saints. It's a solid pickp for Miami, but I think he is going to miss Brees and Sean Payton.

Matt Leinart goes back to Houston

He takes the safe route instead of signing in Seattle, where he might’ve had a chance to compete. But it makes sense, since Leinart was cut by the Cards for not being a competitor.

Washington adds Kellen Clemens to quarterback mix

It is further proof Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen think John Beck is the answer. And if John Beck's the answer, I'd love to know the question.

A bidding war for Doug Free?

Only the Cowboys, after smartly cutting Roy Williams and Marion Barber, could overpay to hold onto Doug Free. Four years, $32 million? Has anyone watched Doug Free? He should change his last name to “overpaid.” It’s much more appropriate.

Randy Moss to the Jets

Despite omnipresent rumors and false reports in the New York Daily News, the Jets have no interest in this washed-up, disruptive locker-room cancer.

Carson Palmer

It's a rare moment I totally agree with Mike Brown. Palmer quit on his team. I wouldn't trade him. He's coming off a terrible year. Palmer has no value on the open market.

Vince Young

Chan Gailey rushed to sign Tyler Thigpen. That tells you everything you need to know.
 

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