2013 Offseason Update, Week 8

Things didn't pan out for Kevin Kolb in Arizona, but he'll try again in Buffalo.
At least the Bills have a decent defense and a solid running game.

Before I get started on this week’s offseason update, I’d like to remind everyone to keep sophomore Louisville guard Kevin Ware in your prayers. By now you’ve all seen footage or pictures of his leg injury from yesterday’s basketball game. He has had surgery and a rod was placed in his tibia. He is expected to have a full recovery.

On to the NFL, several pieces of quarterback news came through in the past week, so we’ll start with that.

QB News

Most of this news involves players headed to new teams, but not Tony Romo. The Dallas quarterback signed a contract extension for $108 million over the next six years. $55 million of that contract is guaranteed money.

Free agent quarterbacks Jason Campbell and Kevin Kolb will get a change of scenery next year. The Cleveland Browns signed Campbell. He will start the offseason as Brandon Weeden’s backup but could have a chance to compete for the starting job if he performs well. Buffalo picked up Kolb to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick, signing him to a 2 year, $13 million contract.

News came over the wire today that the Seahawks have traded Matt Flynn to the Oakland Raiders for a 2014 draft pick and a conditional 2015 draft pick. This leaves Russell Wilson as the only quarterback on Seattle’s roster for the time being.

Tight Ends Staying Put

Last Monday, the Green Bay Packers decided to pick up the $3 million roster bonus in Jermichael Finley’s contract, keeping him with the team. The Packers already have lost Greg Jennings and, though they have a deep receiver corps, they couldn’t afford to lose the pass-catching tight end.

Fred Davis was getting looks from a couple of teams but decided to stick with the Washington Redskins. After Davis suffered a season ending injury early in the 2012 campaign, Logan Paulsen stepped up as Washington’s best receiving option at tight end. Davis will have competition.

One tight end is not staying put, however. Delanie Walker decided to leave San Francisco for the Tennessee Titans. Walker says he believes he has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL but knew he wouldn’t be able to do so with Vernon Davis in San Francisco. With Jared Cook gone in Tennessee, Walker should be the clear-cut starter at tight end in 2013.

Giant Defensive Moves

The Giants lost two defensive players to conference opponents on Wednesday. Linebacker Chase Blackburn decided to sign with the Carolina Panthers. Blackburn isn’t a ‘sexy’ player at linebacker, but he is all heart and his effort has helped him make big players during his career in New York, none bigger than deflecting a pass intended for Rob Gronkowski in Super Bowl XLVI.

Osi Umenyiora, meanwhile, will head to Atlanta. The Falcons have been making big moves throughout this offseason, but most have been on offense. Atlanta’s defense is now looking like one that will compliment their offense in a Super Bowl-winning kind of way.

If I’m missing anything important, or if you just want to hear my thoughts on any other offseason news from the past week, feel free to contact me via my Twitter account, @cpuffnfl.