Assesing recent FA activity at Safety.

First off id like to say this post is not any kind of attack on the play of Chris Clemons. Chris Clemons had his share of struggles this season, as was to be expected from such a young player in his first full season as a starter, but as a whole when assesing his body of work the positives far outweigh the negatives. I could talk about Chris Clemons all day but again that isnt the point of this post. This post is about recent FA activity at the safety position, thoughts on the moves, and isnt even limited to the FS position. What has happened at the position and thoughts on the moves. Now with that said lets get to it.

Indianapolis Colts release Bob Sanders: In 2007 Sanders signed a 5 year 37.5 million dollar deal in Indy, making him at the time the highest paid safety in the league. Bob Sanders hadnt been able to stay healthy throughout the 2006 season, playing in stints through the year but reaggravating injuries that plagued him until the regular season finale. In the postseason though Bob Sanders return on Defense was instantly seen. The 32nd ranked rush defense in the league smothered The Kansas City Cheifs vicious dual rushing attack of Larry Johnson and Michael Bennett. This amazing storyline helped carry the Colts to a Superbowl win and in the offseason Sanders inked this deal. Since signing it Bob Sanders has remained one of the elite safeties in the league when healthy, but has simply missed too much action. Old injuries continue to reappear as well as new ones that continue to surface. After having what Bob Sanders called one of his best camps ever he tore his right bicep tendon in Week one against Houston and was placed on IR on the 8th of December. Since Sanders came into the league he has played in 48 games but has missed 64, and in the last three years has only played in 9 regular season games. As Indy reporter Mike Chappell points out "It is conceivable that Sanders at 30 signs a minimum salary deal with the Colts after being cut, but its more likely that another team will be willing to offer a better oppurtunity".

Update: Feb. 22- Bob Sanders meets with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills.

Update:March 4th Bob Sanders signs 1 year deal with The Chargers.

St. Louis Rams release O.J. Atogwe: This is far more interesting to us than the Bob Sanders move. In 2009 The Dolphins showed alot of interest in Atogwe as he hit the market. Ultimately Atogwe was designated the Franchise Tag and The Dolphins inked Gibril Wilson to a 5 year 27.5 million dollar deal with 8 million in gaurantees. After a dissapointing 2009 outing Wilson was cut and The Dolphins again showed interest in Atogwe. Ultimately Chris Clemons became our starter, we drafted Reshad Jones and Atogwe signed a 5 year 32 million dollar deal with The Rams. So the specualation begins again. Why was such a talented player as Atogwe cut? Well today on Friday feb. 19th he was due 8 million in bonuses. Last season statistically speaking he didnt have as productive a season as some his years from 2007 onward, but there are obviously several factors attributing to this, one of which is the injury he was coming off of. When i watch The Rams play i see a really good player in Atogwe. His awareness is excellent, he breaks down his takles and doesnt look for 'kill shots", hes disciplined and smart and has great hands. Where do you guys think he will land? And for what kind of money?

Update:March 4th O.J. Atogwe signs with The Redskins 5 years/26 Million.

Houston Texans cut Eugene Wilson: This isnt much of a surprise. Eugene Wilson last season was constantly burnt in coverage, he has lost speed with age and his technique is deteriorating. He was benched even benched last season and pushed back into the starting lineup due to injuries. Wilson was a major liability on one of the worst secondaries in the league.

Atlanta Falcons cut Erik Coleman/signed by Detroit Lions: I was alittle surprised when Coleman got cut by the Falcons, he was only set to make 3 million in 2011 and is a solid player especially in rotation. he had lost his starting job in Atlanta in 2010, but continued to play well in his role. I thought he would be picked up quickly and he was. The Detroit Lions signed Erik Coleman to a 1 year deal, a move i think will help their secondary moving forward. Any thoughts on the Erik Coleman situation? Id like to hear you guys opinions there as well.