Deal for the Steelers: What is what with all of these veterans getting sold for pennies on the dollar this offseason? Santonio Holmes (or as John Madden would say it San Antonio Holmes) is a 26 year old former first round pick and he just caught 79 passes for 1248 yards and 5 scores lasy uear. I understand some of the Steelers’ reasons behind this. Holmes could be facing a 4 game suspension for substance abuse next year. He has a questionable past and the Steelers are a notriously conservative franchise when it comes to the character of their players. He’s in a contract year next year. But a 5th rounder?
There has to be something up we don’t know about. So far we’ve seen a franchise quarterback get traded within the division for a 2nd rounder, a star receiver get traded for a 3rd and a 4th rounder, a starting caliber defensive tackle go for a 5th rounder, a starting caliber cornerback go for a 5th, the list goes on and on. What the reason could be, I don’t know for sure, but I have some reasons. One, this is a really good draft class. That’s unlikely to be the sole reason. Two, teams are legitimately afraid of a lockout in 2011. It makes sense. If the NFL misses a year in 2011, vets won’t be worth as much when they come back. Guys from the 2010 draft class will be.
That makes some sense, but it can’t be it entirely. Holmes was worth way more than a 5th rounder, even under all the circumstances. Then we enter in the issue of Holmes’ character. The Steelers are a traditionally no nonsense franchise when it comes to their players’ character. They are concerned about some off the field issues concerning Big Ben Roethlisberger, but obviously trading him to send the message is not a smart football move. So they trade Holmes and try to scare Ben straight in the process. Overall, I think they gave up way too much value and I’m afraid of a lockout in 2011 (I would have to start covering UFL!), but I understand their reasoning.
Grade: C
Deal for the Jets: Possibility of a lockout aside, this is a great shortterm move for the Jets. Holmes is a top 15 receiver in the league. And what were they going to do with that 5th rounder anyway, draft offensive line depth? If everything goes right for the Jets in 2010, meaning Braylon and Santonio play well, Shonn Green breaks out, Cromartie plays up to his potential, Mark Sanchez continues to mature, all they lack is an elite pass rush. They’ll have a great opportunity to get some pass rushers in the first 2 rounds of the draft. Signing Jason Taylor to a one year deal might not be a bad idea either. Who knows maybe Vernon Gholston will finally do something (not)!
If all the above happen, this is a 11 or 12 win team and that could win them the division (depending on what happens in Patriot land), the real wild card for them is Mark Sanchez. I know what you’re thinking. Mark Sanchez is the Golden Boy. He led this team to the AFC Championship game last year. No, he played in the AFC Championship game last year. He did not lead them there. His supporting cast led them there and Sanchez went along for the ride and didn’t screw things up. Here are some numbers, 53.8, 6.7, 12, 20, 63.0. In order those are Sanchez’ completion percentage, YPA, touchdowns, interceptions, and quarterback rating for 2009. Not exactly Golden Boy numbers. He was better in the playoffs, but only better enough to not screw things up. Imagine if he plays up to potential. Damn! With that supporting cast, that’s a scary team and I’m saying that as a Patriots fan. If everything goes right in New York, meaning everyone plays up to their potential, this is the team to beat in the AFC. You can quote me on that. They have a great offensive line with experience returning starters who never get hurt and play well together. They’re three deep at running back, three deep at wide receiver, great defensive line against the run, the best cornerback in the game, and a guy in Cromartie who is a top 10 corner if he tries. All they need is Sanchez and Holmes (assuming he gets suspended) to play like himself come late season and playoff time.
Grade: A
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