How NFL free agency is affecting a few former Hokies
NFL free agency started Tuesday, which meant there was some moving and shaking among former Hokies in The League.
Here’s a quick roundup of moves (some from a while ago, some recent) that affected former Virginia Tech guys …
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– Cornerback DeAngelo Hall was released by the Washington Redskins in what was largely a salary cap move. Washington saved $8 million by cutting him when it did. Contrary to some reports out there, he hasn’t already signed with the Lions. Hall was a polarizing figure during his time in Washington.
– Linebacker James Anderson was cut by the Carolina Panthers, only two years into a five-year, $22 million contract he signed. Just another lesson that those big contracts in the NFL don’t mean a whole lot. It’s the guaranteed money that counts.
– The Pittsburgh Steelers released long-time outside linebacker James Harrison, another move that was largely to save salary cap room. The move opens up a chance for former Hokie Jason Worilds to step into a starting role. This will be his first complete offseason that hasn’t been interrupted by lockout or injury.
– The Cardinals cut Beanie Wells, one of a handful of running backs in Arizona. Oft-injured Ryan Williams is still on the roster, looking to come back from his second major injury (shoulder) in the last two years. Fourth-year back Larod Stephens-Howling led the team in rushing last year with 356 yards and four touchdowns. Apparently, Arizona is also interested in Reggie Bush, though.
– The Giants cut starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw last month, opening up the spot for David Wilson. A dapperly-dressed Wilson told Giants.com that he’s ready for whatever New York puts on his plate.
– Philadelphia chose not to re-sign defensive end Darryl Tapp, making him an unrestricted free agent. He comes in at No. 66 on CBS Sports’ list of free agents this offseason.
– This isn’t free agency related, but I missed it late last month: Redskins receiver Josh Morgan had three surgeries this offseason, on his ankle and both hands. He was basically playing with torn ligaments in each of his hands last year. That sounds painful.
– Michael Vick re-upped with Philadelphia last month, but he’s in the news lately for canceling stops on his book tour after receiving death threats for his dog-fighting past.
– Ed Wang signed a two-year deal with Philadelphia last month. This is only notable now because, as some have pointed out, the Eagles recently signed Patrick Chung to a contract. Oh, to be in charge of music at Lincoln Financial Field.
March 13, 2013 - 9:26 AM
Melo was cut not just because of his overinflated contract, but because of his flaccid performance over the past few years. He talks big, and some stubborn Hokie apologists from back in the day still worship him, but he’s been proven to not be even in the top half of the NFL at his position.
Anyone who signs him will be pouring their money down a rat hole, and the fact the Lions are interested helps reinforce that fact.
Is it possible to list all former Hokies with NFL teams?
Here it was from August. Obviously, things will change as players sign elsewhere and fill out rosters.
http://blogs.roanoke.com/andybittervirginiatechfootball/2012/08/31/wr-jarrett-boykin-makes-final-cut-with-packers-one-of-19-former-hokies-on-active-nfl-rosters/
Hmmm the ligament problem probably explains Morgan’s drops late in the year. Hopefully he can come back strong for the ‘skins. Ryan Williams brittleness just another in a long line of Hokie RB’s career killing injury problems in the NFL. I think Worilds has a great chance to step up for the Steelers, he looked pretty good in what few plays I saw him in last year. Reggie Bush just signed with Detroit (???) so no problems for Ryan there, just needs to stay healthy. Wang Chung, I see what you did there… odds on how long it will take for some enterprising cameraman to spot the two standing side by side? ESPN.com also has a list of active NFL players onsite, you can break it down by school.
Everybody have fun tonight…
I think all those cut will find new homes. They all have some game left.
Hey Andy, Tech faculty received a request today to serve on several university committees. One of those was the Athletic Committee. One of the charges to the committee was to “participate in the search process for the selection of the Athletic Director.” Any rumors going on whether Jim Weaver will be retiring soon?
CR, I’ve never met any Hokie fan who worships Dee Hall. Most I know didn’t even like him when he was in B’burg. Not much of a team player. Personally, I always thought he was overrated.
I never really liked MeAngelo Hall. So, I’m glad that my Lions re-signed Chris Houston at CB, and picked up Glover Quin at Safety. Hopefully that means they aren’t going to sign Hall.