Fantasy Soap Opera : As The NFL Turns

I think we all expected a flurry of activity once the lockout was lifted and we're starting to see it. Whether it's a quarterback who has promised to retire if not traded or a wide receiver recently released from prison in town to talk to his former team about coming back, the NFL right now is like a fantasy soap opera. In fact, let's call it "As the NFL Turns".



Our soap opera starts in New York where the Jets are the center of attention today. Santonio Holmes has turned down other clubs offering more money and has chosen to stay put. His new 5-year deal should keep him in green for some time.



The Jets are actively courting the man that many believe to be the most sought after free agent on the market: Nnamdi Asomugha. The elite CB is simply the best at his position and would have an immediate impact on any defense. If the Jets could land this dream deal, the combination of Asomugha and Darrelle Revis would effectively shut down opposing offenses' passing games.



Any good soap opera has characters who suddenly have a change of heart. If the rumors are true, the Jets could have Randy Moss as well. Some industry insiders believe that Moss could end up with the Jets. While the odds of the Jets getting every one of these talents on the field is difficult, imagine the nightmares for opposing teams! Holmes and Moss could certainly spread the field for Mark Sanchez and the Jets secondary would be insanely good.



As long as we're in New York, let's pan over to the Giants. Plaxico Burress is in town hoping to chat with Tom Coughlin about potentially returning as a Giant. New York would be Burress's first choice of teams, but apparently the Eagles, Rams, and Texans have also shown interest in the star of Super Bowl XLII.



There's also speculation that Ahmad Bradshaw may be on his way out of New York to sunny Miami. The Giants have offered Bradshaw a deal to re-sign with the team and they've asked Brandon Jacobs to restructure his deal. Bradshaw stated "It's a process," ... "All I can do is just stay focused. I just wanted to play football. I love the game. I'm working hard right now, my agent is doing his job and hopefully we can settle something soon."



For the past few pre-seasons, we've had our attention in Green Bay and the Twin Cities wondering "will he" or "won't he". While all indications are that Brett Favre will remain retired, the Vikings agreed yesterday to acquire another veteran QB Donovan McNabb from the Redskins. Before he can make the move, the Vikings are asking McNabb to restructure his contract. Those discussions are happening today and most expect it to be resolved. Minnesota cannot absorb the $12.5 million that McNabb was due to make this year in Washington and McNabb is willing to give some of that up to get out of Washington.



Another veteran QB making a switch is Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck is leaving Seattle and moving to Tennessee to replace the retiring Kerry Collins. His 3-year, $21 million contract should give him plenty of time to both bring stability to the QB position as well as serve as a solid mentor for rookie Jake Locker. This move seals the fate for Vince Young. His time as a Titan appears to be over.



Another quarterback on the clock is Kevin Kolb. Many anticipate him leaving the City of Brotherly Love and moving to the warmer climate in Arizona. We should know more on this by the end of the week.



Remember the big QB swap from 2 years ago where the Bears landed Jay Cutler and sent Kyle Orton packing? While Cutler may no longer have his fiance Kristin Cavallari or the support of some Chicago fans based upon his playoff performance from last season, he at least has his starting job. The same can't be said for Kyle Orton who has already been placed on the trading block. Miami has expressed interest in him and Denver seems ready to go with Tim Tebow.



Two vital ingredients in a successful soap opera are threats and emotions. Our soap opera has that as well. Carson Palmer has 4 years left on his existing contract but wants out of Cincinnati. He wants out so badly that at the end of last season, he threatened to retire if the team didn't trade him. Hasn't Carson learned anything from fellow Bengal Chad Ochocinco? Chad has been trying to leave for several seasons, but Bengals owner Mike Brown has held firm. While Ochocinco has a year left (and may be released), Brown has indicated that he will remain firm on Palmer. Either play or retire.



Carson - if you decide to retire, perhaps you could focus your newfound time on other business ventures. Might I suggest opening up a retirement village...perhaps somewhere near Hattiesburg, Mississippi?

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