[editor's note, by Matty I] The following was originally posted by "Matt" in the diaries. I've just reformatted it for front-page posting and added my thoughts below the quote. The entire article is right here. [end note]

Surely, the Fins and Bill "My Way Or The Highway . . . And A Foot Up Your Ass" Parcells would have to do everything in their power to squeeze Long into considering the offer, especially since Parcells is by all appearances committed to paying the No. 1 overall pick in 2008 less than what the first selection received in 2008. Absent such hardball tactics, the only deal that Jake Long would be doing is the JaMarcus Russell package, plus 15 percent.

So we think that these reports are all part of the broader ruse to get another player to jump on an offer that currently is on the table. And we suspect that the other player in question is Ohio State linebacker/defensive end Vernon Gholston.

[editor's note, by Matty I] This is an interesting theory that I've seen tossed around other places as well. And you can't ever forget to take into account Parcells' "shrewdness" and Ireland's "slip up." Could a defensive player, like Gholston, be the target? Possibly. But I'm sure we'll be reading and hearing numerous reports like this all week long. So let's just wait and see how Saturday plays out. [end note]