Yardbarker: Marion Barber

Free-agent class of 2009 appears mighty impressive

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:12:16 -0500

Here is a look at arguably the top 10 players poised for free agency this winter. 1. Julius Peppers, Panthers defensive end –- Coming off a down year, but teams pay premium for pass rushers. 2. Steven Jackson, Rams running back –- Hard to imagine St. Louis parting ways with its most popular player. 3. Tommie Harris, Bears defensive tackle -– Talks on a long-term contract hit a standstill last month. 4. Marion Barber, Cowboys running back –- Last season, one NFC coach said Barber is an elite back in the same class as LaDainian Tomlinson or Adrian Peterson. Now he wants to be paid that way. 5. Chris Snee, Giants guard –- At a time when interior offensive linemen are cashing in, the son-in-law of Giants coach Tom Coughlin is going to cash in. 6. Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders cornerback –- Oakland plans to franchise him again if he remains unsigned, which is a distinct possibility. 7. Albert Haynesworth, Titans defensive tackle –- Tennessee wouldn't let Haynesworth leave this offseason, and its stance is unlikely to change. 8. Terrell Owens, Cowboys wide receiver -– At the age of 34, T.O. is performing like he were 24. 9. Will Smith, Saints defensive end -– New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant got his money and Smith intends to do the same. 10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals wide receiver –- Still waiting for his first big-money deal. Of course, the list hardly stops there. It goes on and on, like the money that could be spent on some of these players. The free-agent class of 2009 also is scheduled to include Lions wide receiver Roy Williams, Bills wide receiver Lee Evans, Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman, Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin, Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking, Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson, Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia and Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer.

Raiders later picks routinely outperfom their first rounder: Thoughts from a Readers Side

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:05:03 -0500

The results from the most recent draft are starting to sink in. LDizzle takes a look back at the last decade of Raider drafting and shows that the Raiders routinely do better with their second and third round picks than they do with the opening round. The Raiders used those picks to acquire DeAngelo Hall in a trade this offseason and Mario Henderson in a draft day trade last year. In the past, those picks have turned into guys like Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison.

I Can't Believe (2008 NFL Draft Edition)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:29:11 -0500

I can't believe.... I can't believe that Andre Woodson, a sure-fire 1st rd QB, fell to the 6th round just because of 2 bad days with 'Mad' Mike Martz. For the rest of this article, see www.roto-world.com

Dallas Mean Machine

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:10:17 -0500

The Dallas Cowboys are now taking the role of the mean machine from the longest yard. Vegas should take odds on what player kills a teammate first, pacman will kill a dallas cowboy cheerleader hoe, tank johnson will bring his entire NRA buddies and all of his illegal guns to fill his locker, t.o. will cry and kill someone so he can get the ball more because he is a bipolar freak. I also like Burt Reynolds alot better than Romosexual as well.

NFL Sunday: LT in Preseason? Shockey Value?

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:51:21 -0500

LaDainian Tomlinson contemplates playing in preseason, Saints try to determine the value of Jeremy Shockey, Marion Barber declared no L.T. and much more local hometown NFL news for Sunday, April 20, 2008.

drew talks to ESPN about Johnson, Shockey & Barber

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:57:48 -0500

it's a video for those that just emailed me & asked for a link, u need to open the post up...... i'm out, have a kicken day!!

Sources: Dallas Cowboys Offer Barber Deal For $30M. Running Back Wants Package For Between $40-60 Million

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:16:28 -0500

Marion Barber made it to the Pro Bowl last season without starting a regular-season game. Now, he's looking for a big payday. The Cowboys have held preliminary talks with the running back's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, according to multiple sources, and are offering a financial package in the $30 million range. Barber wants a package between $40 million and $60 million.

Marion Barber, Cowboys Far Apart In Contract Talks - GridironFans.com

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:08:17 -0500

Restricted free agent RB Marion Barber isn't going anywhere next season, since the Cowboys put the highest tender on him. The Cowboys hope to keep the Pro Bowl back at Valley Ranch for a long time. However, Calvin Watkins reports that the two sides had very different perceptions of Barber's value during preliminary contract talks. Barber's asking price is comparable to deals given to Kansas City running back Larry Johnson (five years, $43.2 million), Washington's Clinton Portis (eight years, $50.5 million) and San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson (six years, $60 million). The Cowboys, according to the sources, believe the deal that free agent running back Michael Turner signed with Atlanta in March (six years, $34.5 million with $15 million in guarantees) is close to what Barber is worth. Dallas is also willing to give Barber a contract close to what Baltimore gave Willis McGahee last year, a seven-year deal worth as much as $40.12 million, if the last two years of it are picked up.

Snap Judgments, Teams with most riding on draft; retired QBs; more

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:35:30 -0500

Here's my quick take on the five teams that have the most riding on the 2008 NFL Draft. These are teams that absolutely have to get it right two weekends from now, when the league commences its annual version of high-stakes poker: CLICK!!!! 3 pager !!! well worth the read though!!

Draft needs fro Cowboys, Redskins, Giants

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:55:32 -0500

Dallas Cowboys Positions of need RB, WR, CB Needs Analysis: The offseason departure of Julius Jones left a void in the Cowboys' backfield behind starter Marion Barber III. With veteran WR Terry Glenn nearing the end of the line, the Cowboys could use a third wideout to supplement starters Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton. CB Jacques Reeves has shown promise as a nickel corner, but the team still could use some depth at the position. Round 1, Pick 22 (22) (From Browns) Round 1, Pick 28 (28) Round 2, Pick 30 (61) Round 3, Pick 29 (92) Round 4, Pick 27 (126) Round 5, Pick 28 (163) Round 6, Pick 1 (167) (From Dolphins) Round 7, Pick 28 (235) Washington Redskins Positions of need WR, DL, LB, S Needs Analysis: Both Redskins' starting receivers are less than 6-feet tall, so finding a bigger target for young quarterback Jason Campbell should be a main priority. The team also has needs on defense at DE, LB and S. Finding a second pass-rusher to help Andre Carter is vital, and adding an outside linebacker to fill in for the injured Rocky McIntosh also is crucial. McIntosh suffered a devastating knee injury last season and might not be back for the start of the season. Sean Taylor's tragic death left a void the team has yet to fill at safety. Round 1, Pick 21 (21) Round 2, Pick 20 (51) Round 3, Pick 21 (84) Round 3, Pick 33 (96) (Compensatory selection) Round 5, Pick 19 (154) Round 6, Pick 20 (186) Round 7, Pick 21 (228) Round 7, Pick 35 (242) (Compensatory selection) Round 7, Pick 42 (249) (Compensatory selection) New York Giants Positions of need WR, OL, S, LB Needs Analysis: Linebacker is perhaps the greatest area of need for the Giants after they lost both of their starting outside linebackers to free agency, and the defection of S Gibril Wilson to the Raiders created a hole at the safety position, as well. With starting WRs Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer in their 30s and having been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, the Giants need to start developing a future wideout. The starters on the offensive line are solid and established, but the team could use some depth here, as well. Round 1, Pick 31 (31) Round 2, Pick 32 (63) Round 3, Pick 32 (95) Round 4, Pick 31 (130) Round 5, Pick 30 (165) Round 6, Pick 28 (194) (From Packers) Round 6, Pick 32 (198) Round 6, Pick 33 (199) (Compensatory selection)

Fantasy Football Bruno Boys - Who Would You Rather Own In 2008?

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:32:22 -0500

With fantasy football drafts less than 9 months away, the Bruno Boys bring to you their first segment of "Who Would You Rather Own in 2008". Bruno Boys Fantasy Football writers Marc Caviglia and Chris Ziza give you their expert analysis on which players they are targeting heading into 2008. â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€" 1. QB Tom Brady (NE) or QB Tony Romo (DAL) or QB Peyton Manning (IND) Bruno Boys Caviglia: Give me Tom Brady baby! We all know Brady's 50 touchdown passes will be tough to repeat, but even if he throws between 35-40 touchdowns, he still is the top quarterback heading into 2008. If Brady's on the board late in the first round, I'd take the gamble on him. However, if you are looking for consistency, than you have to go with Peyton Manning. In his 10 year NFL career, he has never thrown for less than 26 touchdown passes and has surpassed 4,000 passing yards in 8 of those 10 seasons. Finally, if you consider yourself a risk taker, think about Tony Romo. He is fresh off a 36 touchdown season, and has the receiving corps to have another stellar season. Bruno Boys Ziza: To me that is a tough one. Tom Brady is coming off a career year, but it seemed as if by the end of the season teams had figured them out some, and I believe the Patriots will be going to more of a running game. Manning was consistent as always, but not worthy of his normal first round draft status and Tony Romo had a very solid, yet unspectacular season. My money would be on Peyton Manning. As much as I am sure Brady would be the popular choice to most, Manning is the only QB on this board that has put up great numbers year after year. Falling back to reality somewhat would not surprise me with Brady, making Manning the man I would call on if I were in need of a QB. â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€" 2. QB Philip Rivers (SD) or QB Jay Cutler (DEN) Bruno Boys Ziza: To me, this is a no-brainer. Even when the Chargers brought in Chris Chambers, Philip Rivers never was able to find any type of consistent production. Jay Cutler, on the other hand, had less weapons to work with, went through some growing pains, but he is now entering his third full-season. I expect him to grow even more this year, and since it is starting to look as if Rivers may never piece things together, my money is on Cutler. Bruno Boys Caviglia: One of the guys I will be targeting in all leagues next year is Jay Cutler. Last year, Cutler threw 12 TD's to 6 INT's over the last 8 games, and finished the season with a 63.6 completion percentage, which is good for 3rd all-time in Denver Broncos history. With Brandon Marshall deveolping into a top tier wide receiver and the Broncos starting to properly use Tony Scheffler, Cutler should be a top 10 quarterback in 2008. As for Philip Rivers, he also caught fire towards the end of the season (11 TD's to 5 INT's over the last 8 games), but overall he dipped in production from 2006 to 2007. I believe both quarterbacks are fantasy football worthy, but with the San Diego Chargers having the better running game, it will be Cutler who has more opportunity to shine and post better statistics in 2008. â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€" :: click on the link below to get fantasy analysis on over 25 key players::

Clarence "I'm Right More Than I Am Wrong" Hill Is At It Again

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:23:44 -0500

KFFL has these weird quick notes that state our one and only super-journalist Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign four star players to long-term deals. Here is what the weird quick notes say, without links: Cowboys | Team looking to sign Ware long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:25:01 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign LB DeMarcus Ware to a long-term deal. Cowboys | Team looking to sign Newman long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:24:45 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign CB Terence Newman to a long-term deal. Cowboys | Team looking to sign Canty long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:23:07 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign DL Chris Canty to a long-term deal. Cowboys | Team looking to sign Barber long-term Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:14:50 -0700 Clarence E. Hill Jr., of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking to sign restricted free-agent RB Marion Barber III to a long-term deal. Well, how much credibility does any of this have? Hill is the same journalist who reported to us all that Marion Barber was only getting a 1st round pick tender, which scared the living crap out of most of us. This time, I think the Super Journalist might be on to something. If Jerry Jones signs long-term deals for these four guys, he might be able to free up some more cap room. I am not sure because the whole cap crap is confusing and tedious. But if Jerry Jones can free up more cap room, it is another piece of evidence that he will be moving up in the draft, almost certainly giving away the two first-round picks, to draft Darren McFadden. You know, I bet Jerry Jones traded that pick to Cleveland last year with the plan that if he had two first-round picks, he has more trading power to get McFadden. I wouldn't doubt JJ told McFadden last year he would be a Cowboy at almost any cost. But where is our cornerback for the future? Who will be our wide receiver for the future (seriously guys, cut the crap on this Stanback stuff, because it's just pie in the sky right now)? Who will be our safety for the future? The Cowboys may have been 13-3 last year, but that doesn't mean there weren't flaws that could be fixed with those two first-round picks. I am losing sleep over this damn stuff!

Dallas Cowboys 2007 Fantasy Review

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 01:26:00 -0500

It was a banner season in the big D, both in terms of team performance and, most importantly, to all of us fantasy junkies. No less than three members of the offense were near the top of the class at their respective positions, and the best part about it? All were likely found at somewhat bargain prices in pre-season drafts. With the club entering the off-season with little turmoil or turnover likely, there is much to look forward to, but unfortunately, those garage sale prices are toast.

NFL: Julius Jones gets a new home

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:18:54 -0500

According to sources, running back Julius Jones has signed an agreement with the Seattle Seahawks. The former Dallas running back started all 16 games for the Cowboys, rushing for 588 yards on 164 carries with two touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes out of the backfield for 203 yards, but was over shadowed by Marion Barber. Jones reportedly spoke with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions before visiting Seattle. This past week the Seahawks signed T.J. Duckett to a five-year deal. The acquisitions of Duckett and Jones may lead to the release of running back Shaun Alexander...finish the rest of the story at www.rawsportsblog.com

Seahawks nab Jones, Cowboys fans don't care

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:26:38 -0500

The Seatlle Seahawks have come to terms with free agent running back Julius Jones. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have come to terms with Jones not living up to his potential in Dallas.