We are now exactly three weeks away from the start of the 2013 NFL Draft. At this point in the offseason, news comes in a bit more slowly than when the new league year began, but there is still some important information to pass along to our readers here on eDraft.
Lets jump right in.
Arizona Cardinals Linebacker Daryl Washington Suspended Four Games
One of the best young linebackers in the NFL, Washington signed a hefty six-year, $32 million extension with Arizona immediately prior to the start of the 2012 regular season. He responded by recording over 130 tackles and nine sacks in what had to be considered a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign. The talented defender was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy. This is going to hurt an Arizona team that is already behind the proverbial eight ball in the ultra-competitive NFC West.
Branden Albert's Situation in Kansas City Indicates Likely Trade
The Kansas City Chiefs are likely going to go with either Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher No. 1 in the 2013 NFL Draft. Short of Albert agreeing to move to right tackle, the Chiefs will be looking for a trade partner. Albert graded out as one of the top offensive tackles in pass protection last season and would be a mighty fine addition for multiple teams looking to upgrade in pass protection. The Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins come to mind first. The Chiefs are said to be looking for a second-round pick in 2013 and an additional "high-round pick" in 2014. I fully expect something to get done if Kansas City is dead set on going tackle No. 1 and Albert refuses to move to the other side of the line.
New York Jets Interested in Ryan Nassib?
This stuff cannot be made up, folks. Apparently New York is showing a lot of interest in former Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, who is pretty much a divisive figure among scouts around the world of football. The report from Pro Football Talk, indicates that the Jets could use either their first or second rounder in order to grab their "quarterback of the future." It goes without saying, that I believe Nassib would be a reach with both selections. On that note, if New York does pick Nassib ninth overall, fans should just boycott.
Tony Romo is NFL's 'Highest-Paid Player'
In a pretty hilarious way to look at things, The Dallas Morning News made a great point on Wednesday. Taking into account the fact that Texas has no state-income tax, Romo actually makes about $750,000 more per season than Drew Brees does with the New Orleans Saints. Just more oil for Romo critics to throw on their fire of hatrid towards the embattled quarterback. On another note, Texas is sounding a little better for possible relocation on my end.
Arizona Cardinals Trade for Carson Palmer May Impact Draft Strategy
A lot of "experts" had Arizona going quarterback in either the first or second round later this month. While that might still be the case, one has to wonder if that'd be the best strategy. After they acquired both Drew Stanton and Carson Palmer in the offseason, the Cardinals may avoid the quarterback position until the mid-to-late rounds this upcoming draft. This would enable them to address needs at running back, guard, tackle, defensive line and safety. Lets see if the Bidwell's are up to the task.
Nnamdi Asomugha's Deal Calls for NO Guaranteed Money
In an interesting turn of events, it seems that the San Francisco 49ers deal with former All-Pro corneback Nnamdi Asomugha calls for absolutely no guaranteed money. This means that San Francisco could release the veteran corner prior to the season without being worried about paying him anything outside of the money that he earned to practice. eDraft first indicated a couple weeks ago that the 49ers were only offering Asomugha a non-guaranteed deal, but the news that came out on Tuesday seemed to tell us an entirely different story. Apparently Asomugha, who wasn't happy with his level of play or enthusiasm over the last two years, didn't want any guaranteed money; talk about incentive. Though, it's important to note that the Philadelphia Eagles are paying him $4 million to play for San Francisco in 2013. Including incentives, Asomugha can earn a total of $7.5 million in 2013 with the money Philadelphia still owes him.
Cincinnati Bengals Claim John Skelton Off Waivers
No, this isn't to compete with Andy Dalton for the starting job. After all, Skelton has thrown 15 touchdowns compared to 25 interceptions in 17 career NFL starts. Instead, the former mid-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals will vie with Josh Johnson for the backup job. Skelton showed promise as a rookie in 2010, but fell off a great deal this past season. He threw just two touchdowns in 201 pass attempts and was picked nine tomes. For the Bengals, this is no harm, no foul.
Philadelphia Eagles are Shopping Dion Lewis 'AGAIN'
With LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown on board, there doesn't really seem to be a whole heck of a lot of room for this former PITT standout on the roster in 2013. Lewis showed flashes in college, but his smallish frame hasn't led to much success in the NFL. He has tallied a total of 171 yards on 36 rushes in two seasons. I doubt very much that Philadelphia will be able to get much for his services; if anything.