The Cost of RGIII

 By Kent Lee Platte

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Reports are coming in that the St. Louis Rams have agreed to trade their #2 overall pick to the Washington Redskins for their #6 overall pick this year, their 2nd round pick this year, their 1st round pick in 2013, and their 1st round pick in 2014.

Reports have come in from around the league, including ESPN and NFL.com.

It is widely believed that the Indianapolis Colts will pick a QB with their #1 overall pick, and the Redskins will then pick whichever QB the Colts do not choose.  Most analysts, and those within the Colts organization, have the team selecting Andrew Luck of Stanford with their first pick, making the consolation prize Robert Griffin III from Baylor.  While Luck will go as the first pick, this trade ensures that Griffin will be the most expensive first round pick in a very, very long time.

The Madden Curse, Myth or Reality?

By Kent Lee Platte

In today's post, I examine the "Madden Curse" and whether or not it holds any actual weight.

The countdown for the actual Madden vote of 32 players can be found here.

To vote for the player representatives, trying to cut it down from 64 to 32 players, can be found here.

Peyton Maninng to Leave Colts

By Kent Lee Platte

It has been reported that the Colts and longtime QB Peyton Manning will part ways.  Jason La Canfora reports:

Jason La Canfora ‏ @JasonLaCanfora

"Colts have preliminary plans for a Payton Manning departure press conference on Wed. Awaiting final word from owner Jim Irsay"

Detroit Lions tag Cliff Avril

Tag, you're it Cliff. That's what the Detroit Lions did today, according to a report from ESPN.com news services. The Lions have been working on a long term contract with Cliff Avril, but were not going to get it done by the franchise tag deadline later today, also meaning that if the Lions did not use the tag, they no longer had the right to exclusive contract negotiations with Avril, starting later today. The deadline is at 4:00 P.M. Eastern time.

I have to believe this tag buys the Lions more time to get a long term deal done with Avril, but it could cost the Lions around $11 million this season. With 30 sacks in just 57 games, the Lions were not about to let Avril hit the open market, because they are in no position for a bidding war with any other teams that have cap room.

This also means Lions fans can expect more moves before the March 13th with the roster, as the Lions must now find a way to comply with the salary cap by that date.

Related articles

• Cliff Avril's Franchise Tag From Lions Is Coming Soon (sbnation.com)
• Lions Free Agency 2012: Detroit Reportedly Working On Deal For Cliff Avril, But May Use Franchise Tag (detroit.sbnation.com)

Arian Foster reaches deal

The Houston Texans have reached a five year agreement with running back Arian Foster, according to a tweet posted by his agent. The deal means no Foster avoids the franchise tag.

The Buffalo Bills are also in the final stages of getting a new contract done with wide receiver Stephen Johnson. The deadline for the franchise tag to be used by all NFL teams is later today.

Marshawn Lynch signs four year deal

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch signed a four-year, $31 million contract with $18 million guaranteed Sunday night, according to a league source, avoiding the franchise tag less than 24 hours before the deadline. It was believed the Seahawks were going to use the tag on Lynch if they couldn't get the deal done.

What teams have used their franchise tags?

The latest at NFL.com has all the franchise tags applied so far, and what teams have applied them. Read on...

New Orleans Saints use franchise tag on Drew Brees

Yesterday the New Orleans Saints used the exclusive rights franchise tag on Drew Brees, meaning the Saints will own his rights for the 2012 season. The tag value is expected to be between $16 million and $17 million.

This came after reports had Brees and his agent turning down the Saints latest offer, which would have made Brees the highest paid quarterback in the NFL.

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Erasing a Legacy

Image Source:  Unknown

News broke today of the New Orleans Saints "Pay for Performance" program which offered players extra money for their onfield production on defense for such actions as sacks, interceptions, and number of tackles.  While that alone violated league policy involving player incentives, this program also rewarded players with cash bonuses for injuring opposing players.  If that sounds unethical and immoral, that's because it is.

The Evidence and the Ravens: Baltimore Ravens will release Chris Carr

Featured Article: 

Over at NFL-EN Ravens, there are things happening. Who is on the way out and who is on the way up? Follow the link.


The Evidence and the Ravens: Baltimore Ravens will release Chris Carr: Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times and Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network are both reporting that the Ravens are going to release co...

The 2012 NFL 7 round Draft order

 With Free Agency scheduled to start on March 13th and the draft coming upon us fast, do you know where your team picks in every round? Well, hopefully I can help with that.

The 2012 NFL Draft starts on Thursday night, April 26th. Follow your team and know when they are picking.

The Evidence and the Lions: Future Lions: Questions about Burfict

Featured Article: 

Vontaze Burfict, he fits what the Lions might be looking for in the draft at linebacker, but what about his charecter issues? Kent has all the information we need to look at over on The Evidence and the Lions.


The Evidence and the Lions: Future Lions: Questions about Burfict

The Evidence and the Lions: Days numbered for Alphonso Smith in Detroit?

Featured Article: 

With the market for cornerbacks expected to be thin in free agency, and the golden age of throwing the rock upon us, would your team be interested in a once highly touted draft prospect?

Well, the Detroit Lions are looking to trade Alphonso Smith, according to sources. Follow the link below to read more.

The Evidence and the Lions: Days numbered for Alphonso Smith in Detroit?

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The Evidence and the Lions: Moving on at LT

Featured Article:

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

What do the Lions really need to look at this off season? Sure, there are some Jeff Backus fans out there, but the Lions have no depth at left tackle, Backus is a free agent, and the Lions cap situation might prevent the Lions from bringing back the soon to be 35 year old tackle coming off bicep surgery.

Kent has all the details.
The Evidence and the Lions: Moving on at LT

Lions: The Roster game, cut 'em or keep 'em

Featured Article:

The entire Lions roster, laid out by position, including the practice squad. Who would you cut or let walk in free agency?

The Evidence and the Lions: The Roster game, cut 'em or keep 'em

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The Evidence and the Lions: Moving on at MLB

Featured Article

What happens if the Detroit Lions don't get Stephan Tulloch back at Middle Linebacker?

Image Source:  Chicago Tribune

The Evidence and the Lions: Moving on at MLB:
By Kent Lee Platte

As of the time of this writing, the Lions have every intention of signing MLB Steph...

The Evidence and the Lions: Moving on at DE

Featured Article

Are the Detroit Lions strong enough at defensive with Lawerence Jackson and Willie Young end to let Cliff Avril walk in free agency?

Image Source:  Cleveland.com

The Evidence and the Lions: Moving on at DE:

 By Kent Lee Platte

 Analysts and fans alike have been busy speculating about the future of the Lions Defe...