# The 2009 NFL free agency thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [February 11, 2009, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384 "2009-02-11T16:39:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/181 "2009-03-09T16:25:13Z")
> [@furt](#): > > I’m not saying Sanchez is guaranteed bust; I’m not even sure I would rank him behind Stafford, who is overhyped IMO. I would agree with this. I don’t see much difference between Stafford and his predecessor at UGA, David Greene, who was a 3rd-round pick. Frankly, IMO, both [Stafford and Sanchez] are benefiting from a weak QB class. I still don’t understand why Graham Harrell isn’t seen as a legit prospect. Sure, he played in the Texas Tech system, but Ben Roethlisberger was the beneficiary of a pass-wacky system while in college too, and look at him. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/182 "2009-03-09T17:47:28Z")
> [@furt](#): > > I’m not saying Sanchez is guaranteed bust; I’m not even sure I would rank him behind Stafford, who is overhyped IMO. I’m saying it’s smart to be leery of dropping a first-round pick, with all it’s guaranteed millions, on a guy who had only one year as a starter. > [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I would agree with this. I don’t see much difference between Stafford and his predecessor at UGA, David Greene, who was a 3rd-round pick. Frankly, IMO, both [Stafford and Sanchez] are benefiting from a weak QB class. I agree with both points. I’m by no means pimping Sanchez. I just think that it’s foolish to dismiss a guy when he only played one year unless you have something else to discredit that success. Sanchez played well in his only opportunity. As much of a rarity as Cassel is, it’s pretty significant that Sanchez comes from the same program with the same coach. > [@](#): > > I still don’t understand why Graham Harrell isn’t seen as a legit prospect. Sure, he played in the Texas Tech system, but Ben Roethlisberger was the beneficiary of a pass-wacky system while in college too, and look at him. It’s all arm strength. You can talk about completion percentage and starts and wins all you want. But there are a ton of guys out there that were really successful in those terms who flopped in the NFL due to subpar arm strength. Pretty much all the Miami, Florida and Oklahoma guys fit that category. In contrast, guys who played in lesser systems with less success have been pretty good due to their above average arm strength, Rodgers, Cutler, Flacco, Roethlisberger, Romo etc. In other news, something that might be of interest to me only, an email I wrote was responded to by ESPN Blogger Kevin Seifert today. [See Here.](http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-9-39/Daily-mailbag--The-K--Jones-signing.html?post=true&prosaction=newpost&status=ok) ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/183 "2009-03-09T18:00:49Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > As much of a rarity as Cassel is, it’s pretty significant that Sanchez comes from the same program with the same coach. Like Tom Brady and Drew Henson, you mean? I see your point with the arm strength thing, but there are plenty of guys in the league with equal or worse arms than Harrell. Take Drew Brees and Matt Hasselbeck, for example- they’re not noodle-arms, but they’re average at best in strength terms. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/184 "2009-03-09T18:09:04Z")
Double-post. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/185 "2009-03-09T18:26:40Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Like Tom Brady and Drew Henson, you mean? When Michigan puts together the run of quality QBs that USC does we can talk. When a school regularly produces QBs you pay attention. When a school produces ONE, it doesn’t mean much relative to the rest. > [@](#): > > I see your point with the arm strength thing, but there are plenty of guys in the league with equal or worse arms than Harrell. Take Drew Brees and Matt Hasselbeck, for example- they’re not noodle-arms, but they’re average at best in strength terms. Brees always was considered to have a first rate arm. His only knock was his height. Here’s his combine analysis: > [@](#): > > #15 QB Drew Brees, Purdue, 6-0/213/4.83 > Class/Draft Year: Sr/2001 > Projected Round: 1-2 > Rated number 2 out of 28 QB’s > > Overview > The unquestioned leader of the Boilermakers’ offense and one of the school’s most decorated athletes…The three-year starter shattered virtually every school passing record and also made his marks on the Big Ten Conference and NCAA Division 1-A record charts…Ranks fourth in NCAA annals with 1525 pass attempts, 942 pass completions and 11,815 yards in total offense (NCAA does not recognize bowl stats)…Including post-season action, he holds the Boilermaker and conference career-records with 1026 completions of 1678 passes for 11,792 yards, 90 touchdown tosses and 12,692 yards in total offense…His pass completion percentage of .611 set another Purdue all-time record…Only player in Big Ten Conference history to throw for over 500 yards in a game twice in a career…Threw for over 400 yards seven times, over 300 yards sixteen times and over 200 yards twenty-seven times during his career…Tied Wisconsin tailback Ron Dayne’s (1996-99) Big Ten Conference record by earning Player of the Week honors eight times during his career. > > Analysis > Positives… Touch passer with the ability to read and diagnose defensive coverages…Confident leader who knows how to take command in the huddle…Very tough and mobile moving around in the pocket…Has a quick setup and is very effective throwing on the move… Throws across his body with great consistency…Hits receivers in stride and improvises his throws in order to make a completion…Puts good zip behind the short and mid-range passes…Shows good judgement and keen field vision…Has a take-charge attitude and is very cool under pressure…Hits receivers in motion with impressive velocity…Has superb pocket presence and uses all of his offensive weapons in order to move the chains…Has solid body mechanics and quickness moving away from center…Elusive scrambler with the body control to avoid the rush. > Negatives…Plays in the spread offense, taking the bulk of his snaps from the shotgun…Tends to side-arm his passes going deep…Lacks accuracy and touch on his long throws…Seems more comfortable in the short/intermediate passing attack…Does not possess the ideal height you look for in a pro passer, though his ability to scan the field helps him compensate in this area…Will improvise and run when the passing lanes are clogged, but tends to run through defenders rather than trying to avoid them to prevent unnecessary punishment. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/186 "2009-03-09T18:41:13Z")
What “run” of quality QBs? They’ve turned out exactly 1 top-flight NFL quarterback. Matt Cassel is still a big questionmark, and Matt Leinart isn’t even _that_ well-regarded. Booty will be a career backup in the NFL. That scouting report on Brees doesn’t make any sense. Sidearming deep balls is not an indication of a strong arm. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/187 "2009-03-09T20:08:47Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > What “run” of quality QBs? They’ve turned out exactly 1 top-flight NFL quarterback. Matt Cassel is still a big questionmark, and Matt Leinart isn’t even _that_ well-regarded. Booty will be a career backup in the NFL. Look, I get it, you think USC sucks and that their players suck. But since Carroll has been in place they’ve had Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Matt Cassel be at least marginally successful with plenty of time to accomplish a lot more. Booty has yet to be tested. They have had zero busts. No one else can make that claim. Yes, Cassel and Leinart have a lot left to prove and might not be Carson Palmer, but they aren’t Drew Henson or John Navarre either. > [@](#): > > That scouting report on Brees doesn’t make any sense. Sidearming deep balls is not an indication of a strong arm. What do the two have to do with each other? The reports were that he had impressive velocity, can throw across his body and put good zip on throws. That all indicates a universally strong arm. The sidearm thing is only relevant because it could exacerbate his marginal height. In what world does sidearm = weak arm? If anything an unconventional release with effective results implies a extremely strong arm ala Brett Favre. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/188 "2009-03-09T20:15:59Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Look, I get it, you think USC sucks and that their players suck. But since Carroll has been in place they’ve had Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Matt Cassel be at least marginally successful with plenty of time to accomplish a lot more. Booty has yet to be tested. They have had zero busts. No one else can make that claim. Yes, Cassel and Leinart have a lot left to prove and might not be Carson Palmer, but they aren’t Drew Henson or John Navarre either. I don’t think USC sucks at all. They run a pro-style offense, and Carson Palmer has proven to be a terrific quarterback. If anything, I’m quite surprised that Leinart has been so ineffective. John Navarre has played in 1 NFL game. He’s proven no more or less than Cassel had this time last year- and remember, the universal consensus was that the Pats would be lucky to win 6 games with him. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/189 "2009-03-09T20:18:35Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > What do the two have to do with each other? The reports were that he had impressive velocity, can throw across his body and put good zip on throws. That all indicates a universally strong arm. The sidearm thing is only relevant because it could exacerbate his marginal height. In what world does sidearm = weak arm? If anything an unconventional release with effective results implies a extremely strong arm ala Brett Favre. If he sidearms on deep balls, _but not normal throws_, that implies that his mechanics break down on deep throws; ie., he’s straining to put additional velocity on the ball. It’s an indication of a weak arm. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/190 "2009-03-09T20:30:10Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I don’t think USC sucks at all. They run a pro-style offense, and Carson Palmer has proven to be a terrific quarterback. If anything, I’m quite surprised that Leinart has been so ineffective. Leinart hasn’t actually been that bad. Seems that his biggest issues are being compared to Kurt Warner who is insanely accurate. When he got significant playing time in 2006 he was basically Warner’s equal on a crappy Cards team. If he tones down his partying and prepares better he might still be great, though I’m inclined to think he might need to get out of Phoenix do do that. He needs to be in a cold weather city with uglier girls and fewer hot tubs perhaps. > [@](#): > > John Navarre has played in 1 NFL game. He’s proven no more or less than Cassel had this time last year- and remember, the universal consensus was that the Pats would be lucky to win 6 games with him. Not exactly. Cassel garnered complete respect and confidence from his coaching staff. They stuck with him throughout and it seems that the Pats knew exactly how much potential he had. Navarre has been out of the league for years and never impressed any team he was with. The fact he’s retired now pretty much makes comparing him to Cassel ridiculous. > [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > If he sidearms on deep balls, _but not normal throws_, that implies that his mechanics break down on deep throws; ie., he’s straining to put additional velocity on the ball. It’s an indication of a weak arm. Well, none of the scouting reports imply anything like that. I think that’s an interpretation unique to you. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/191 "2009-03-09T20:49:24Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Well, none of the scouting reports imply anything like that. I think that’s an interpretation unique to you. Think about it for a second. What other possible reason could there be for a player’s mechanics to break down just on deep balls? It’s like the guy doing his eighth rep on the weight bench- his form is never going to be as good as it was for the first one, unless he’s lifting too little. ---
**Author:** ![Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Chitwood)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/192 "2009-03-09T20:52:23Z")
Brees is a funny example because of the offenses he’s gotten to run, though. Put him in Chicago and he’s fucked. Arm strength is pretty incredibly important. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/193 "2009-03-09T20:54:37Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Think about it for a second. What other possible reason could there be for a player’s mechanics to break down just on deep balls? > > It’s like the guy doing his eighth rep on the weight bench- his form is never going to be as good as it was for the first one, unless he’s lifting too little. This somehow overrides the numerous occasions where they directly say he has a strong arm? This speculation is somehow evidence in contrast of him actually, measurably throwing the ball really hard at the combine and on film? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/194 "2009-03-09T21:13:27Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > This somehow overrides the numerous occasions where they directly say he has a strong arm? This speculation is somehow evidence in contrast of him actually, measurably throwing the ball really hard at the combine and on film? Yes. It’s contradictory, as I said above. Anyway, whoever you quoted that scouting report from seem to be the only ones touting his arm strength. [http://www.helium.com/items/1092910-drew-brees](http://www.helium.com/items/1092910-drew-brees) > [@](#): > > Despite these accomplishments, as well as being fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1999, and third in 2000, concerns about Brees’ arm strength and average height caused him to unexpectedly fall to the second round of the 2001 NFL draft. [http://armchairgm.wikia.com/Drew\_Brees](http://armchairgm.wikia.com/Drew_Brees) > [@](#): > > In his rookie season, Brees played only one game under head coach Mike Riley but did arguably well, garnering a passer rating of 94.8. In his second year, Brees wasn’t able to silence critics who complained about his poor arm strength. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/saints/2006-10-21-drew-brees\_x.htm](http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/saints/2006-10-21-drew-brees_x.htm) > [@](#): > > There were also doubts because of Brees’ size (he is listed at 6-foot-1, which many think is generous) and some questioned his arm strength. > **[fbcollege2000](http://www.sandlotshrink.com/fbcollege2001.htm)** > [@](#): > > 1. Drew Brees, Chargers, QB – May not have the big time arm of most of the top QB prospects, but the Chargers think he can be a solid starter in a couple of years. Very smart, competitive, accurate and can scramble. “Drew may not be what you would say is immediate, but he might be the immediate backup, and he’s definitely ahead (of Vick) in being able to take a team from the huddle to the line of scrimmage and play the game,” coach Mike Riley said. Brees could be starting as soon as next year. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/195 "2009-03-09T21:18:42Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Sanchez played well in his only opportunity. Yes and no; he played well when he was on the field, but has already beeen pointed out, in both 2006 and 2007, that coach was of the opinion that Sanchez was _not_ playing as well as J.D. Booty. > [@](#): > > I just think that it’s foolish to dismiss a guy when he only played one year unless you have something else to discredit that success. But the question is not whether or not he should be “dismissed” or not … it’s what is relative value is and whether he’s worth taking high in the draft, with the attendant money guarantees, PR investment, fan expectations, etc. I probably wouldn’t do that with a guy who put up only one good season. IMO, he ought to be a 2nd round pick. But some team will take him in the first and roll the dice. Were I the Lions, I’d trade down in the first round, get as safe a pick as possible, and take Pat White in the 2nd round, provided White is willing to switch if QB doesn’t work out. And not to be a dick, but there were plenty of scouts questioning Brees’ arm strength. My first googling turns up: [concerns about Brees’ arm strength and average height caused him to unexpectedly fall to the second round of the 2001 NFL draft](http://www.helium.com/items/1092910-drew-brees) [That’s why it kills me when I see a quarterback get criticized for not having a strong arm. Drew Brees got knocked for that coming out of Purdue, but he has been great in San Diego and now New Orleans](http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=1452159) [1. Drew Brees, Purdue, 6-0, 218. Instinctive, intelligent passer who knows how to win. Clutch performer. Has an accurate arm, but he doesn’t have great arm strength.](http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_38_224/ai_65644917) [Brees was seen as the more traditional quarterback, perhaps the best of that kind coming out in 2001. But his arm strength was in doubt as was his size.](http://www.drafthistory.com/index.php?/weblog/entry/chargers_triumphed_in_2001_nfl_draft_michael_vick_trade/) ETA: RNATB beat me to it. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/196 "2009-03-09T21:23:28Z")
> [@furt](#): > > Were I the Lions, I’d trade down in the first round, get as safe a pick as possible, and take Pat White in the 2nd round, provided White is willing to switch if QB doesn’t work out. People always say a team with a very high pick should trade down, but unless they find a stupid trading partner, it’s hard to do. I doubt the Lions would succeed if they tried it. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/197 "2009-03-09T21:34:11Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > People always say a team with a very high pick should trade down, but unless they find a stupid trading partner, it’s hard to do. I doubt the Lions would succeed if they tried it. Well, a lot depends on what they’re asking for. If they insist on using the old Jimmy Johnson draft-pick value chart, I agree it’ll be damn-near impossible. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/198 "2009-03-09T21:56:00Z")
> [@furt](#): > > Yes and no; he played well when he was on the field, but has already beeen pointed out, in both 2006 and 2007, that coach was of the opinion that Sanchez was _not_ playing as well as J.D. Booty. I’m not sure you can make that leap. Booty was one of the hottest recruits in years. There was a lot of pressure to get him playing and Sanchez had his off the field issues that held him out of a lot of practice time. The two never really had a fair head-to-head competition and the fact that he was better when he had the team than Booty was says something. > [@](#): > > But the question is not whether or not he should be “dismissed” or not … it’s what is relative value is and whether he’s worth taking high in the draft, with the attendant money guarantees, PR investment, fan expectations, etc. I probably wouldn’t do that with a guy who put up only one good season. You’re arguing a point I didn’t make. **RNATB** said he was a one year wonder and therefore he will be a bust. I’m saying that’s a crap argument. I think he’s probably overrated and will be taken higher than he deserves, but that’s not due to lack of experience. I think the disconnect about Brees is that people said he doesn’t have elite arm strength, remember he was being compared to Vick coming out. I’ve not seen anything that said he couldn’t make all the NFL throws. Saying he has a weak arm implies that he’s Chaz Pennington. I probably overstated my case with a “first rate” arm, an NFL arm is probably closer to the truth. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/199 "2009-03-09T22:22:36Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > I’m not sure you can make that leap. Booty was one of the hottest recruits in years. There was a lot of pressure to get him playing and Sanchez had his off the field issues that held him out of a lot of practice time. The two never really had a fair head-to-head competition and the fact that he was better when he had the team than Booty was says something. Yes, it does (better stats than Leinart, too, actually). But I’m skeptical that Carroll would play Booty over Sanchez if he thought the latter clearly superior. The guy’s in a national championship hunt and has more job security than God; I’m dubious that he’d pick his starting QB based on who was a hotter recuit two years prior. > [@](#): > > You’re arguing a point I didn’t make. **RNATB** said he was a one year wonder and therefore he will be a bust. Well, I don’t know about the “therefore” but “one-year wonder” seems to me to be a pretty exact description of him so far. He was wonderful, but only for one year. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2009, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384/200 "2009-03-09T22:31:42Z")
[Patriots have signed CB Shawn Springs to a 3-year deal](http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=525841), if anyone cares. Pats secondary definitely needs help. Is Springs the answer? I’m not that familiar with him - does he still have legs for a 34-year old? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-free-agency-thread/485384.md?page=11)