Atlanta's Cuts?

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 15, 2008 2:56 PM EST

Atlanta has released Alge Crumpler and Rod Coleman (DT). I really think that we should take a long hard look at Crumpler definitely I mean the guy is only 30 and is a 4 time Pro Bowler. If we could sign him than we could move TE down the need list for the draft and take a project in the later rounds. He provides an immediate upgrade and a consistent target to our young QB. What do you guys think about Alge Crumpler and also Rod Coleman who had 30 sacks in his time in Atlanta?

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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I'm shocked

Both of these cuts surprise (and excite) me, I would love both of those guys, but I would like to know why hey were cut first. I know Coleman has had a few injuries lately, but the Crumpler cut really shocked me to see. Absolutely interested.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 15, 2008 3:07 PM EST reply actions

Cleaning house

Rod Coleman was hurt before the season started, it was a boating accident or something, but man I looked at his stats and he averaged about 6 sacks a season and he is by no means a small guy. Definitely deserves a look. And Crumpler was truly a surprise, has to be just a chamging of directions. I mean only thirty years old no injury history really, great hands, can run routes and provide a great security blanket.... I'm all for it!

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 15, 2008 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

agree

I would like to sign Crumpler. I see no reason not to. He's only missed 4 games in 7 seasons in the NFL. I have no idea why the Falcons would cut him. I'm not sure about his contract situation, but maybe he was due a big roster bonus this March or in the summer or something. He's the perfect TE for our team IMO, because we could draft a receiving TE then in rounds 3-5 who could develop. I have a feeling the Bills will be all over this.

As for Coleman, I don't know why people are so high on him. He's absolutely horrible against the run, which may be why he is getting cut by the Jags former Defensive Coordinator.

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Feb 15, 2008 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

Don't be so shocked.

Mike Mularkey is the Falcons' new OC and we all know how much he likes to use the tight ends in his offenses.

by Scotty P on Feb 15, 2008 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

Crumpler > Coleman

I, like eric, am shocked that Crumpler is gone. Goes to show how instable a franchise is when undergoing a coaching change.

It will be interesting to see what kind of salary Crumpler demands. He's had a couple of injury-plagued off years; clearly, however, he may be the best currently available offensive player on the market. A tight end trio of Crumpler, Royal and Johnson sounds delicious.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 15, 2008 3:10 PM EST reply actions

Crumpler

Crumpler might be worth a look because he's better than what we have, but make no mistake about it- he was both AWFUL last season and a cancer to the struggling Falcons. He dropped so many passes in the 3-4 Falcons games I saw that I felt sorry for the Harrington/Leftwich/Redman trio and not the other way around. Brian, do you know a Falcons blogger who might shed some light on why crumpler couldn't catch a cold last season?

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 15, 2008 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

I do

Of course I do. :)

Here's Dave the Falconer's (The Falcoholic) initial reaction to Crumpler's release (though it doesn't address your specific question):

For Crumpler...

You were--are, rather--my favorite Falcon of this era. You approached the game the right way, you were excellent on the field, and you were one of the few players who retained a semblance of sanity through this whole process. Even though you've been released, I'll still follow your career with great interest and wish you the very best. I never thought I'd see the day when Vick was in jail and you were released, but here we are.

Good luck out there, Alge.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Feb 15, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

I guess his speaking out against Petrino all season was deemed a necessary evil in light of what Petrino ended up doing to Atlanta. I'll trust the guy who watched him his whole career over my limited viewing of the Falcons this season...I'm still wary of him though.

Nick (Bensalem, PA)

by Nick BensalemPA on Feb 15, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

Sad to say

But I think everybody in Atlanta quit to an extent last year and remember the COACH quit literally that place is a mess and Crumpler did drop way more than usual last year but the whole team underachieved. I think it would be a great move.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 15, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

salray

I hope Crumpler doesn't command what Daniel Graham got from the Broncos last season, like 5 years $30 million. NO WAY a TE is worth that kind of cheese. And I believe Alge Crumpler is much better than Daniel Graham as well. I guess it'll depend on the demand.

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Feb 15, 2008 3:22 PM EST up reply actions

Great Point

The Broncos totally overpaid for Daniel Graham and that was because he is a Colorado native and wanted to get him immediately last year. If Crumpler wants that kind of money...good luck, after all he did get cut that has to take some leverage from him right?

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 15, 2008 3:28 PM EST up reply actions

nfl.com

the article on nfl.com states that Crumpler had a $5 million cap hit, which could alone account for his release. This also tells me that Crumpler is going to command an equivocal contract to what he was due to make this year. We need a guy like Crumpler, a contract anything like Daniel Graham's will put a big dent in the Bills' free agent signing flexibility.

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Feb 15, 2008 3:38 PM EST reply actions

2008 salary

According to profootballtalk.com, he was due to make $3.4 million in base salary this coming season. Don't know if that means anything about what he will command now or not.

by fletcherjd on Feb 15, 2008 9:31 PM EST up reply actions

Totally Agree!!

We need a tight end with experience, someone who can catch the ball and block as well! Crumpler m around can be our man but we need someone with fresh legs. I hope we draft a tight end in the late third early fourth.

Crumpler is 30, so we offer a 3 year deal worth no more than 15 million. keep him for two years, develop someone from the draft and Johnson is only 26. We must get rid of Royal, him and Tripplett are two highly overpaid players that are career backups! Cut Royal and Tripplett, bring in Crumpler to startfor atleast two years and draft another DT. How much cap room would we have then?? I am so sick of the Bills paying career backups WAY TOO MUCH MONEY!!!

P.S. I think they pay WAY too much money for a wide receiver!

DON'T DO IT!!! TRADE FOR ROY WILLIAMS!

I am a huge Bills fan! Have been since I was 5! I miss the good old days with Marv, Bruce, Talley, Ballard, Hull, Reed, Lofton and Thurman!

by cutter3232 on Feb 15, 2008 4:09 PM EST reply actions

This question goes out to everyone

Would you rather spend a major chunk of money on Corey Williams or Alge Crumpler. I see us forking over money for one but not both. We spent big money on Dockery and Walker last year and we are going to extend Crowell and maybe Evans this year. I just see us getting one semi-big time free agent this year.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 15, 2008 4:13 PM EST reply actions

WOW

Good question, and it may not be as cut and dry as age. Williams would be signed really on potential-Crumpler on the other hand is a proven commodity and pro bowler. Williams in all likelyhood will be OVERPAID, Crumpler is a top tight end without a doubt, but he was cut I'm hoping that will keep his number relatively low. Also I think that if we could sign Crumpler we could move TE down on the draft priority list and get one in like the 4th, this would allow us to target a DT in the second....maybe a Pat Sims from Auburn! Alge gets my vote he is a proven pro bowler still in or near the prime of his career a 3 year deal would be great for us and he would have huge numbers in BUFF.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 15, 2008 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

i don't think...

I dont think Crumpler will go for as much as some are expecting.

He's over 30 (that magic number)
Had an off year, by his standards(42 catches, 444 yards, 5 TDs)
He's been bothered with nagging injuries the last couple of seasons (ankle, foot)

That said, he will cost money. I bet he goes for somewhere around $4 million a year. All-and-all, that's not too bad.

What I love about Crumpler the most is his red-zone presence. He has been a force in the redzone his entire career and would be a great addition for Trent Edwards.

I would add Crumpler in a heart beat. I would still draft a young guy around the 3rd round though. It would be a great opportuntity for someone like Rucker to learn behind a player of Crumpler's ability for a few years before taking the reigns over.

I'm all for it!!

John I.

by jri111 on Feb 15, 2008 4:26 PM EST reply actions

Crumpler's Dad played for the Bills (Wikipedia)

How about them apples.

Come on Dad... get him here.

I hope his Dad had a good experience in Buffalo.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 15, 2008 4:31 PM EST reply actions

DISCOURAGING

Crumpler Carolina bound?

February 15, 2008 3:10 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

I remember interviewing Alge Crumpler at the Senior Bowl in January 2001. At the time, Crumpler was talking about his desire to play for the Carolina Panthers. He was born in Greenville, N.C., went to college at North Carolina and has relatives in Charlotte and Crumpler said going to the Panthers would be a dream come true.

That didn't happen as Crumpler became a second-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons. But, maybe, the scenario that Crumpler was hoping for then, could happen now.

Crumpler was released as part of a seven-player purge by the Falcons on Friday and that makes him a free agent at a time when the Panthers could be looking for a pass-catching tight end. Carolina offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson made a lot of noise about getting the tight ends more involved in the passing game when he was hired before last season.

That never really materialized because the Panthers were rotating quarterbacks and didn't have any big threats at tight end. But the Panthers haven't given up on the theory of getting more out of the position and part of their mission this offseason is to add some playmakers to complement wide receiver Steve Smith.

Carolina coach John Fox has a pretty good idea of what Crumpler, a five-time Pro Bowler, can do after trying to defend him twice a season since 2002. That's why a look at Crumpler by Carolina makes some sense.

Crumpler can make catches over the middle and stretch the field. If the Panthers really want to get more out of their tight ends (and make life easier for Smith), they need to get a true pass-catching tight end.

I pulled that off of ESPN's front page. It looks like if we are going to get Crumpler we either need the Panthers to not be interested or outbid them significantly. Here's to hoping.

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Feb 15, 2008 5:02 PM EST reply actions

Well then

We need to rally sweep this guy off from his feet, because he would be a great fit in Buffalo. However with that being said Carolina does make a lot of sense for all the reasons mentioned. I mean the guy did play for their division rival, but hopefully we make an offer at least. I really think he could be a major difference maker for us.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 15, 2008 5:11 PM EST up reply actions

Crumpler

Eh, I'm not high on signing 30+ year olds to try and be the #1 at any position.

However, Crumpler would be a solid addition and a nice pairing with Royal and maybe a mid round rookie. He would upgrade the position, though I don't know if he'd have the impact you all think he might or the impact that we need out of the position. He does instantly become the top TE available and would give us 1 less need to concentrate on in the Draft.

I'd offer a 3-4 year deal at $3-4M per season, with $6-8M in guarentees. We shouldn't go anywhere near breaking the bank for him, but he would be a nice mid-tier signing. We'd still have plenty of cash to throw at a Corey Williams.

I wouldn't touch Coleman though. We need a run stuffer, not a penetrating pass rusher.

by Kurupt on Feb 15, 2008 5:13 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

On Coleman he is not what we need like you mentioned, however I do think that Crumpler would add a lot to this offense. After all he was Atlanta's number one receiving option for the past like five years, I think he would come in and help free up some space for our other receivers. However I do not see us signing both a Crumpler and a Williams, but in all reality we could afford to.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 15, 2008 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

+1

Couldn't agree more with you. No need to break the bank and go 6-8 mil over five years on crumpler. I'd go the 5 mil for 3-4 years. Or add in incentives to make the deal even bigger.

Do you BILLieve?

by NYTXFAN on Feb 15, 2008 6:33 PM EST up reply actions

I don't usually disaree

with Kurupt, as he has given me a lot of good advice, however, I will this time. Crumpler would spread the field for the current WR and even TE's. He would make all of them better. He also offers more time to build a receiving corps and gives the current one a strong foundation. He would allow everyone to shine. He has good character and work ethic. Acquiring Crumpler would allow the Bills many options. First, both TE and WR fall down on the needs list. They could draft both in the 3rd or 4th. Second, he opens up the field tremendously, allowing either Parrish or Reed to flourish at the #2 spot until a successor is acquired. And thirdly, his presence on the field is intimadating. I think we pay for him and Corey Williams, get a LB in the 1st (like Rivers) and that allows us to get a CB in the 2nd. Wouldn't it be nice to go into the 3rd for gravy, like a TE who could start immediatelly (Rucker), a WR project for the future, then go into the 4th for a DT or DE and the fifth and beyond for depth. That really looks good.

by btk0930 on Feb 15, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions

Hey btk

I'm NOT against signing Crumpler, I'm just not sure he fits in with what the franchise has been doing lately. Should we really try to sign a 30 year old to a semi-big contact that may not be a HUGE improvement? I'm just concerned about what Crumpler would actually give us and for how long.

I do like Crumpler, but he'd be nothing more than a short term option. Unless we sign him and still pick up a TE with upside in the 3rd/4th round, I'm not sure how much I'd like the signing. If we sign Crumpler and do nothing else about the position, how much better is our prospects at the position after the next year or two?

Also, how does WR fall down the list of needs with a signing like Crumpler? We still have a very empty cupboard when it comes to WR regardless of who's at TE. WR is going to remain a huge need regardless of what we do at TE, IMO.

by Kurupt on Feb 15, 2008 11:56 PM EST up reply actions

Milloy

Signing Crumpler would remoind me of the Lawyer Milloy signing. A guy on the downward stage of his career, and someone you'd have to overpay to get.

The only time you make a move like that is when you are actually "going for it." The Bills aren't in that spot yet.

In addition, even with ample cap room, the Bills are going to be conservative in FA. It wouldn't mae sense to use the available cash on this position when there are greater needs elsewhere.

by krytime on Feb 16, 2008 9:17 AM EST reply actions

you and I seem to agree a lot

And this time is no different. When I first heard he was available, I got pretty pumped, I was envisioning him in a Bills uniform catching passes from Trent. But the more I look into his situation, I'm realizing that he will cost more than what he should, The Milloy analogy is great, I don't see the Bills signing Crumpler.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 16, 2008 10:05 AM EST up reply actions

Yes we do...aside from that one D line thing.

Thanks for the props on Milloy.

I too really thought of how "great" it could be if they got Crumpler. But that settled quick.

This should be for a different post, but let me ask you this, while we're on the TE thing - I like 'your boy' Rucker. What else you got on him?

Also, any thoughts on Finley from Texas?

by krytime on Feb 17, 2008 12:03 AM EST reply actions

I really like

Martin Rucker, but I'm not so high on Finley. I live in Colorado so I get to see more Big 12 football than I care for. Anyways, Rucker has great size and hands one thing with him is that he really is not that great of a blocker especially for his size. Finley is a project and needs to add weight and prove hands are legit but he has a ton of athleticism and speed. Actually guys the one to really watch at least imo is Martellus Bennet from Texas A&M. I really think this kid may be the next star at TE. He is 6'7 260, he has really good hands, and played basketball. He really knows how to use his body and can jump, and is a fluid mover for someone so big.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 17, 2008 2:55 AM EST up reply actions

You forgot about Belichick already?

Actually Rucker is Brian's boy, I like him but I think Brian likes him better than me. I think SP has it right, I think Bennett is a nice prospect, and I really like Davis, nobody talks about him but he is the top TE for a reason.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 17, 2008 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

Davis is

Probably the best of the class this year. The only reson why I like Bennet, and Rucker better is because of heighth davis is only 6'4 but other than that I haven't talked about him too much because I think he will go late first or early second and I would rather wait to grab a TE in the third. I also like the kid from Tennesse ....Brad Cottam he is also huge 6'7 but he can't stay healthy so thats a big red flag.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 17, 2008 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

Potential

Everything that I have heard is that Rucker is a stud. Most college athletes are young and still developing. When people critique these players, especially when they point out their downside, I tend to see if it is something they can develop or is god given. Something like a players hands, speed and hunger are god given, but with Rucker, blocking can always be worked on. Also, most players will bulk up once they hit the NFL. And the reason they improve so much in their second year is that they have an entire off season to condition and work with their specific program.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 17, 2008 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

I don't get the Rucker love

He played in a spread offense and was basically a wide reciever. His blocking isn't bad, it's terrible. Remember, blocking is half of the responsibility of a tight end. Rucker doesn't just need to bulk up or anything like that either, he really needs to work on his mechanics and blocking basics. I don't see how Rucker can be considered an immediate contributer. I also think his atleticism is overrated. He has good straight line speed, but he isn't a quick or agile athlete. He does have great hands and a good understanding of how to get open. I think he is a fourth round prospect and is in a very tight group with guys like JerMichael Finley, Dustin Keller, Jacob Tamme and Brad Cottam.

by kaisertown on Feb 17, 2008 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Wrong...

His blocking is not terrible, yes it needs some work but he got real good reviews for his improved blocking throughout th Senior Bowl week and he is athletic and should be considered in the top tier of the TE class this year with Davis,Bennet, and Carlson. I would say late second to third round, and if he does fall to the fourth some team would be getting an absolute steal.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 17, 2008 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

R u Kidding?

Milloy was washed up when he came to the Bills and the Pats knew it. Same thing with Drew Bledsoe, but Donahoe was the worst GM ever in football! Crumpler can catch and run over the middle, he is a four time pro bowler and if it weren't for Mike Vick killing dogs for the last 6 years, he probably would have made the pro bowl and still been one of the more underrated tight ends in the league! He is a monster that the Bills need!! Let go of Royal, he is terrible, first you have to worry about him catching the ball and when he does that 50 percent of the time, he fumbles half the time when he catches it! Cut Royal and his terrible game and bring in a classy vet to actually CATCH the ball!

If the Bills pick up Crumpler, trade for Roy Williams their offense would be disgusting!
They add Briggs at weakside and pick up a corner in the draft!!

How does 6'2" Talib sound??

Can u say playoffs???

Why cant I be the GM???

I am a huge Bills fan! Have been since I was 5! I miss the good old days with Marv, Bruce, Talley, Ballard, Hull, Reed, Lofton and Thurman!

by cutter3232 on Feb 17, 2008 1:35 PM EST reply actions

It's never that easy

And you can't be GM because we don't have a GM, remember? :)

Crumpler's a good player, but our front office seems to believe that our needs at wideout are much more pressing. I don't think you're giving Royal enough credit, either - he's a solid #2 TE.

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Feb 17, 2008 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

Royal is a VERY solid #2. We didn't bring him in to be a Jason Witten or Antonio Gates. In fact, if he is our #2 TE... especially in short yardage, he is probably one of the best. He is a great blocker and he can catch the ball. If we had someone like Crumpler, Royal or Gaines would be a great #2.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 17, 2008 3:46 PM EST up reply actions