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Block UserBaltimore GM Ozzie Newsome is being ripped in some NFL circles for surrendering a fourth-round draft choice for Steve McNair, a quarterback the Tennessee Titans would have released later this month. But Newsome is trying to win and head coach Brian Billick insisted on having McNair as quickly as possible in order for him to learn the offense.
Yes, a fourth-round pick can be a lot. But the Ravens are in a difficult division and they are hoping McNair can make them a playoff team once again. It's asking a lot, especially for such a fragile quarterback, but McNair may enjoy the change, especially if Baltimore can run the football like it has in the past.
For the Titans, they gain $9 million in salary-cap savings, enough to sign their draft class and possibly another free agent. McNair will also cost $14.43 million in dead money this season, the last one he's on the books for.
In Tennessee, Billy Volek may be the announced starter, but it will be only a matter of time before rookie Vince Young plays. It probably will happen when owner Bud Adams calls down from his owner's box and suggests it.
The real Mularkey?
Through the years, there is no doubt that defensive players have loved playing for Dick Jauron, now Buffalo's head coach. You can count safety Troy Vincent in that group. Vincent, as we know, is one of those savvy veterans, someone who has a shot at replacing Gene Upshaw as executive director of the NFL Players Association.
Vincent respects Jauron for who he is. While saying that, he took a little swipe at former coach Mike Mularkey, a nice-guy offensive coordinator while with the Steelers, who simply failed in Buffalo.
"(Mularkey) was trying to build a personality that I'm not sure was what we were," Vincent said this week. "You can't teach a show dog how to fight. I have great respect for Coach Mularkey, but he tried to project a tough image ... That was (Bill) Cowher."
Believe me, it is a common mistake among rookie head coaches to project a personality that is not their own. Mularkey saw the kind of success Cowher had and tried at times to emulate him. But in the process, it chipped away at his own personality and the players saw through that.
Keep an eye on Addai
For anyone looking for a rookie running back to pick up in fantasy football, keep tabs on the health of the Colts' Joseph Addai during training camp. Addai will be given every opportunity to win the job in Indianapolis. Plus, in that offense, there will be a chance for Addai to rack up a lot of yards and touchdowns.
Law's list
The teams really interested in cornerback Ty Law are, in order of seriousness, New England, Kansas City and Arizona. He also could be of some help in Tennessee.
Holmes to return?
Although neck specialist Dr. Robert Watkins of Los Angeles hasn't cleared him to play, Chiefs running back Priest Holmes sounds like he may be willing to play this season. Holmes turns 33 in October. The Chiefs believe it is too risky for Holmes and that he'll probably retire. But Holmes is making noises, unless you believe he simply likes to hear himself talk about a possible return.
Payton cleans house
Congratulations to new Saints head coach Sean Payton for doing some necessary house cleaning in the locker room. He traded away defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, maybe the biggest bust in team history, to New England and also linebacker Courtney Watson. His first moves were dumping underachieving quarterback Aaron Brooks and guard Kendyl Jacox and also trading soft offensive tackle Wayne Gandy.
Drew Brees was seen throwing 10 to 15-yard passes in a recent mini-camp and insists he will have better velocity once training camp starts.