411's NFL Round Up 2.19.08

A look at this weeks cuts around the NFL and where the newly unemployed players may end up.

The NFL world seems to get harder and colder everyday. The big news this week was the host of players released by their teams. These decisions are usually based on salary saving tactics, or a thought out belief that a player did not fit with the direction of the team. They are often times hard choices to make, and even harder to live with. I am a columnist of the NFL, but like everyone out there, I am a fan as well. NFL off-season cuts can truly be a disheartening experience. While players and management will always keep the "its business" line, fans are not afforded the same luxury. We are foolish folks because we grow to love and respected these men far beyond their roles as "players." They are our heroes, and are the often times the faces of our city to the nation. Far more than employees, they are role models. When we see them "cut," it truly feels like a part of us can go with them. This is certainly not a statement pertaining to all players, but some who really make an impact on our teams that we appreciate greatly. And even if there may be some inclination that it can occur, we are never really prepared for it…

THIS WEEKS CUTS

…For a 1-15 ball team, the Miami Dolphins just can't seem to keep themselves out of the news.

The big story down in Florida this week was the release of linebacker Zach Thomas after an illustrious 12 year career for the Miami Dolphins. Thomas had been one of the Dolphins most popular players and further demonstrated that no one is safe in the new look team in Miami. The release, obliviously the decision of new football czar Bill Parcells came as shock to Dolphins faithful. Shock was the first reaction, anger soon followed. The day after it happened, I saw at least a dozen 54 Fins jerseys around town. These are the cuts that are difficult to understand sometimes. Thomas suffered through head injuries last season, but prior to injury was still in great playing condition and was the consummate team leader.

In all honesty, this one just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. This guy is still better than anyone you will get via draft or free agency for this upcoming season. His would take up about $5 mil in the cap next year, which isn't really a big chunk for a veteran of his stature. To go along with this was how his departure was handled very unceremoniously. Sure, the Dolphins took a full page ad in Sunday's papers throughout South Florida saying thank you, but Thomas could have easily been called the face of the franchise. For an organization looking for reinvention, the lose of class is not a necessity for success, despite what the New England Patriot do. Parcells is making his statement very profound. He and his crew are going to be remaking the Fins there way. Popular thought has the Fins releasing Jason Taylor perhaps as well, which in wake of Thomas dismissal would not be so wild a notion. I know we've talked about the different ways one can build and/or rebuild a team, but this just doesn't seem like the right way. The rumor mill is already spinning of Thomas arrival in New England could be forthcoming, which would be a dagger square in the heart of Dolphin nation. Something, this business really isn't that fun. DESTINATION- New England.

In another sad cut, Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith was placed on reserve/retired list, believing that he will not return following hip surgery. Smith's numbers are Hall of Fame worthy, and he did play on two Super Bowl teams. Peter King has nice write up on Smith in Sports Illustrated. A truly great player and one of the all-time great Broncos, Smith will hopefully get a proper send off at the beginning of next year. DESTINATION- A long deserved trip to Tahiti.

Mushin Muhammad is no longer a Chicago Bear. In one of those "how quickly the world turns" moments, Muhammad received his release with little surprise. Perhaps the league's best receiver in 2004, Muhammad got away from Carolina and signed a sweet 5 year contract with Chicago. Carolina thought it best to keep Steve Smith instead. Advantage Carolina. Muhammad's production diminished over the last three seasons. I see him getting picked up at about a third of what his previous contract was as a potentially number 2 in a host of towns. DESTINATION- With the right contract, a nice fit in Philadelphia, San Francisco, or New York Jets.

Over in Kansas City, the Chiefs said goodbye to tackle Jon Welbourne. The former starter at right guard/tackle, Welbourne had played well in Kansas City, but was considered expendable after the Chiefs lost their last 9 contests of the season. Welbourne, who was suspended in 2005 for steroids, worked hard to remove that stigma, and at 31, will likely be unemployed for only a short period of time. DESTINATION- Detroit, New York Jets and St. Louis could all use his versatility.

In Atlanta, the Falcons elected to say goodbye to Alge Crumpler. One of the teams best players over the past 5 seasons, Crumpler's departure will be a tough void to fill. Having battled knee injuries the last two seasons, his release was still a bit suprising. The Falcons also said ado to Byron Leftwich, tackle Wayne Gandy, and Rod Coleman, all of whom made starts last season. With Crumpler's health still uncertain, can't say where he might end up. My guess is if healthy that Seattle would be a great fit for his ability.