As a Jets fan, I often found myself pondering reasons for optimism for the NY Jets this year and what they would need to win their division.  Earlier this week I wrote part 1 which talks about the Jets additions that will immediately help reach that goal.  Then I wrote part 2 which was more about the team’s remaining holes and weaknesses.  It is time for the last and perhaps most important reason why the Jets have a shot at the division next year: an analysis on the competition.

Reason #5:  The AFC East is a weak and winnable division this year

Let’s take this opportunity to look at all the teams in the AFC East as they stand now:

New York Jets

Strengths: Defensive Line, Cornerbacks, Offensive Line, Defensive Coaching, QB Coaching

Biggest Holes: Quarterback

Also Needs To Step Up: Safeties, Wide Receivers, Pass Rush

May 10, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith (7) talks with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg (right) during New York Jets rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s assume all before mentioned reasons in Part 1 and Part 2 of these articles happen as I predict they could.  We’re looking at a Jets team with a reupholstered offensive line with the depth to finally be able to stay fresh throughout the season.  We also have a new QB in Geno Smith, who on paper, looks like he should have somewhere between a Ryan Tannehill and Matt Ryan rookie season depending on the mentality he comes into camp with.  We know one thing; he’ll have good offensive line support.  That is probably the most quintincential thing a rookie QB needs for his first impression in the NFL.  It will strongly benefit his mental growth and composure.  Rex Ryan got it right this season and hired Marty Mornhingweg a coach who has been a head coach before and can take on 90% of the teams offensive coaching responsibilities while Rex focuses on his specialty, the defense.  Now the Jets lost Revis, but gained Sheldon Richardson and Dee Milliner.  While most don’t see Sheldon’s pick being relevant to the Jets needs, you have to remember Rex’s value as a defensive coach.  If a player is a top 4 overall player on his board, that’s something worth trusting.  Coples was drafted in 2012 for his athleticism and versatility so this season is where he has to show it, as Rex moves him into the 3-4 outside linebacker role.  Coples will be supported by Calvin Pace and a new free agency addition, Antwan Barnes, one of San Diego’s top pass rushers in 2011.  The linebackers aren’t the strongest point, but they also aren’t a problem area in the defense.  The Jets will surround them with an outstanding defensive line and cornerback group.  If Rex can just coach the safeties up, this is one of the best defenses in the conference.  The biggest piece IF in this Jets fan pipe dream is can Geno start by week 1 and can he approach the game and play like a 1st round pick, the more he can do that, the less pressure off the other areas of need for the team.  This season basically rides on Geno Smith this year for the Jets.

Miami Dolphins:

Strengths: Wide Receivers, Defensive Line, Linebackers

Biggest Holes: Cornerback, Offensive Line

Also Needs to Step Up: Quarterback

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) warms up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Miami is my favorite to win the AFC East as it stands now, not the Patriots.  They gained Mike Wallace who has carried the Steeler offense on his back the last few years.  It helps that he really seems to be clicking with sophomore QB, Ryan Tannehill in camp.  Miami’s big hole is their CB situation.  They traded away Vontae Davis last year and let Sean Smith go to the Chiefs this offseason.   They drafted Boise State’s Jamar Taylor in the 2^nd round who seems like a good prospect, but they’re going to need either him or 3^rd round pick, Will Davis to be good enough to start to begin to close up the cornerback hole in their defense. They look to have a very strong defensive line with the addition of Dion Jordan and a good linebacking corps with the addition of Phil Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe.  Miami’s defense as of right now is about where the Jets defense is personnel wise (maybe a bit below with a big question mark at CB), but the Jets have one big thing the Dolphins don’t, and that’s an off season of Rex Ryan’s defensive development.  The Dolphins season rides on the play of the CBs, Offensive line and Ryan Tannehill.

New England Patriots:

Strengths: Quarterback, Runningbacks, Head Coach

Biggest Holes: Wide Receivers, Safety

Also Needs To Step Up: Health of Tight Ends, Defense as a Unit

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) sits on the turf after not being able to convert on a fourth down during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Pats are always a solid team with Tom Brady at QB.  It’s the hardest position to find a standout to play and they have a future hall of famer.  The only problem?  Just about every position other QB and RB on the Pats will be weak this year.  They had maybe one of the worst off seasons I’ve seen since following football, losing both Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd.  To accommodate for these losses the Patriots picked up injury prone Danny Amendola who wasn’t resigned to the Rams and drafted some off the radar wide receiver prospects in Aaron Dobson (Marshall, round 2) and Josh Boyce (TCU, round 4).  These seem to be decent prospects but I have a hard time seeing either of them replacing Brandon Lloyd.  The Pats, however have 2 tremendous tight end weapons in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski for Tom Brady to throw to, but both had injury problems this past season.  Each of Tom Brady’s proven targets this year were injured for 5 or more games last season.  That’s only issue #1.  The Patriots defense has been a struggling unit for years.  They started fixing it by adding Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower but it seems like the Patriots sidestepped on that defensive rebuilding project this off season, letting safety Patrick Chung go to Philadelphia without finding an adequate replacement.  Most of their draft picks are unfamiliar names to most and don’t seem to be likely immediate contributors to the Patriot defense which makes the unit as a whole look like its taken a step back from last season’s mediocrity.  If the defense can’t step up, it can mean critical games losses against the Jets and Dolphins, especially if Ryan Tannehill and Geno Smith are having good days.  Yes, I know you can never count out Tom Brady; but let’s just keep in mind that a far less talented Jets team took a far more talented Patriots team into overtime in Foxboro last year.

Buffalo Bills:

Strengths: Runningbacks, Defensive Backfield

Biggest Holes: Quarterback, Defensive Line, Offensive Line

Also Needs To Step Up: Linebackers

May 10, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) talks to the media following rookie minicamp at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

There’s not much to say here.  The Bills seemed to be a good team on paper last year but did worse than the Jets.  They lost their #2 and #3 receivers in free agency as well as a pair of guards.  Their most note worthy pickup in free agency was Kevin Kolb.  They did have a decent draft offensively getting Robert Woods, a very talented WR out of USC in the 2^nd round.  They should have a decent pair of outside receivers once they pair him with Stevie Johnson.  They also drafted Marquise Goodwin in round 3, the quickest receiver in the draft.  His big question is his lack of production and ability to beat defensive players in college.  He’s a big question mark but can be a threat as a possible slot receiver or kick returner for the Bills.  I’m not too high on EJ Manuel, he’s a much riskier prospect with an equal or lower ceiling than Geno Smith given his inferior production against weaker college competition.  The Bills need for him to step up in an even bigger way than the Jets need Geno to just to be competitive at all this year.  The Bills added a few linebackers both in free agency and in the draft, but it doesn’t look to be enough for them, unless their veterans can lead by stepping up this season.

One last BONUS reason: Good Timing with a strong NFC, weak AFC

Given all of the above info, the Jets can be in it, given the weakness of the AFC East this year.  In fact, the whole AFC conference is pretty weak outside of the Broncos, Bengals and Texans.  The NFC has a lot more teams that look good this season.  Look at teams like the 49ers, Packers, Seahawks, Falcons, Saints, Giants, Bucs and Vikings. Even the lower tier NFC teams like the Rams, Lions and Panthers look like they’d be favorites against all but maybe 3 or 4 teams in the AFC.  Having middle and upper level AFC teams like the Pats and Dolphins losing their NFC games will help level out the playing field and put more importance on the games where the Jets play them.  The Jets can pull out this division if they can win against the Pats and Dolphins which could be doable in 2013 with work and focus.

Jan 29, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb watches the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers at the Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan McNabb, who spent 95% of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, announced he will retire in September, as a Philadelphia Eagle.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1st round of the 1999 draft, #2 overall and was swarmed with nothing but boos. But later on won the fans over, as he helped the Eagles reach the post season 8 (4 consecutive NFC East titles – ’01 to ’04) times in 10 seasons with this team. In 8 of this playoff runs, the Philadelphia Eagles lead by the once boo’d Donovan McNabb, reached the NFC Championship game 5 times, reaching the Super Bowl in 2004-2005 season where they lost to the New England Patriots 24-21.

“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans. I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way. I can’t get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That’s what quarterbacking is all about. ” - McNabb on the Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles.

While with the Eagles, McNabb has made 6 pro bowl appearances and won the NFC Offensive Player and NFC Player of the Year honors, making the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team. His most memorable play, other than his 14 second scramble away from the Dallas Cowboys defense on Sunday Night Football where he bombed to Freddie Mitchell who caught it, has to be the play that is now titled “4th and 26″. A play that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I was rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time because of course, the Chicago Bears didn’t make it to the playoffs, but the Green Bay Packers did and that is who the Eagles happened to be playing. Coming down to the final minutes of the game, them going for it, I was positive they wouldn’t have converted to get themselves fresh downs, but I was wrong. My entire house hold was going against the Packers that night (it is only right), so I’m pretty sure the entire block heard us erupt into cheers and applauds as McNabb and the Eagles offense picked up what they needed to eventually win in overtime.

McNabb is the all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles. As he moved on from the Eagles as he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 2010 and the Minnesota Vikings, who became the final team he actually played for in 2011, things went down hill for McNabb as he struggled.

He finished the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins with 3,337 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions and only 1,026 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his final season of his career, with the Minnesota Vikings before being benched.

McNabb told NBC Sports Radio that the Eagles suggested September 19th as a potential date for his retirement ceremony. A game in Week 3, where Andy Reid, a man who drafted Donovan McNabb, will return to Lincoln Financial Field as the new head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. I wonder what kind of ovation these two will receive from the fans of Philadelphia on that night?

His career stats as of 2011, are 234 touchdowns, 117 interceptions, 37, 276 passing yards, 616 rushing attempts for 3,459 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field after the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. The Ravens won 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots have been rivals over the past decade. Both have vied for AFC supremacy and Super Bowl trips. They face off in week 9 of the NFL season and Steelers safety Ryan Clark is already circling that date on the schedule.

You could say he is looking forward to it.

“I think what’s really underestimated is Wes Welker’s importance to not only the New England Patriots, but Tom Brady,” Clark said on ESPN. “Losing him is huge. . . . I know they think Danny Amendola can come in and have the same type of numbers he had with the Rams, but we also have to remember, he’s fragile.”

Many have assumed that the Patriots think they can plug Danny Amendola into the system to replace Wes Welker and he’ll produce similar numbers. That Welker essentially was a product of the system, and Amendola can be as well. But Amendola has struggled staying healthy and on the field with the St. Louis Rams.

But that’s not the only weak link in the armor for the Patriots according to Ryan Clark.

“When Tom Brady gets pressure and when you’re man-to-man and bumping those guys and making it hard for him to throw, he sees ghosts,” Clark said. “Even when guys aren’t around him, even when he’s not about to be sacked, when his clock goes off in his head that the ball should be out, we’ll see him duck, we’ll see him flinch. When you get Tom Brady doing that, the whole New England Patriots mystique goes away.”

Clark has proof referencing a 2011 game where they executed this plan and won.

“Two years ago we played them and dominated them because we went man-to-man and had a big corner in Cortez Allen on [Rob] Gronkowski, and made it hard for Tom Brady to get the ball off, in timing, and made him to have to make plays. It was hard for him.”

We’ll see if he’s right next season.

Jan 14, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (center) is congratulated by New Orleans Saints kicker John Kasay (right) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated New Orleans 36-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

With the 98th pick of the 4th round in the 1991 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Kicker John Kasay out of the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

John Kasay has decided to hang up his cleats after 22 years spent in the National Football League, as a Carolina Panther.

An amazing 22 years in the National Football League, spent with just 3 teams. Of course, drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, he led the team in scoring all four years he was a part of that franchise. When he left the team, he had the highest field goal percentage in team history.

He became the first kicker for the Carolina Panthers franchise as they signed him as a free agent as they were a brand new team in the league. Where he pretty much became the face of that team, spending a majority of his career in Carolina. In 1996, he held the record for field goals in a single season (37), which was later broken by Olindo Mare (also played for the Seahawks and Panthers) when he kicked 39. That record didn’t last long as Neil Rackers and David Akers both broke them with 42 for Rackers (2005) and 44 for Akers (2011).

A long and successful career in the league, he was named to the Pro Bowl once in 1996 along with an All-Pro selection. He reached the Super Bowl with the Carolina Panthers in 2003, where they played and lost to the New England Patriots.

John Kasay lasted played in this league for the New Orleans Saints where he finished the 2011 season, re-signed and later released on August 31, 2012 after Garrett Hartley returned to the team.

He holds a few NFL records for a kicker in this league. Being 2nd all time for field goals made from 50+ yards with 42, which is only 8 behind Jason Hanson who also recently announced his retirement. Also the only kicker to successfully make 4 different field goals in 1 game that were 46+ yards.

An all time points leader for the Carolina Panthers, holds every kicking record for this team, considering he is the longest tenured player for this franchise.

The Carolina Panthers are signing him to a one day contract so he can announced his retirement for a team he has called home for 15 years.

Total stats for John Kasay are the following: 459 field goals made out of 561 attempted, 81.8 field goal percentage, longest field goal is 56 yards and scored 1,970 points where he ranks 8th on the leagues all time scoring list.

December 23, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) watches play from the sidelines in the first half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

When Matt Cassel came to the New England Patriots rescue when Tom Brady was injured he had earned a starting job in the NFL. He found a home with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he had a average four seasons. Now as a back up to Christian Ponder, Cassel is highlighting his time in New England as proof that he is the man for the job, the back up job that is.

“I taught Tom (Brady) everything. I thought he really started to flourish after I got there,” Cassel joked to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “A lot of people don’t understand how much time we spend together. It’s important to be together and be good teammates. And when you have a good (quarterback) room, it makes everybody better in the room. That’s what it’s all about.”

Maybe Cassel can teach Ponder a few things that could make him a more efficient passer and better quarterback. That would take some of the pressure off Adrian Peterson to carry this team, even though he’d like it that way as he tries to reach 2,500 yards.

The Vikings would like that to happen, they certainly don’t want to have to use Cassel, they want Ponder to step up and be the man.

Dec 23, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New England Patriots helmet sits on the field before start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

The power house of the AFC East, will always be the heavy favorite to win this division, considering the rest of the teams of this division are still trying to find the right pieces to their puzzle, or something happens to Tom Brady. Tom Brady and the high powered offense of the New England Patriots reached the AFC Championship game last season against the later Super Bowl Champion, Baltimore Ravens. Finishing 12-4 at the top of their division, where they broke the record for first downs at 444 and finished third all-time in scoring with 557 points.

They lost Rob Gronkowski late in the season and in the AFC Championship game, who lead the team in receiving touchdowns with 11. A big key loss for this team going into next year is receiving yards leader Wes Welker, who was one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets next to Rob Gronkowski. I fully expect this team to come out on top of this division once again, if all goes well and their players stay healthy, could be a threat to the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos for the #1 seed in the AFC.

• Sep. 8 at Buffalo Bills 1:00p
• Sep. 12 New York Jets (Thurs) 8:25p
• Sep. 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1:00p
• Sep. 29 at Atlanta Falcons 8:30p
• Oct. 6 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00p
• Oct. 13 New Orleans Saints 4:25p
• Oct. 20 at New York Jets 1:00p
• Oct. 27 Miami Dolphins 1:00p
• Nov. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers 4:25p
• Nov. 10 BYE 
• Nov. 18 at Carolina Panthers (Mon) 8:40p
• Nov. 24 Denver Broncos 8:30p
• Dec. 1 at Houston Texans 4:25p
• Dec. 8 Cleveland Browns 1:00p
• Dec. 15 at Miami Dolphins 1:00p
• Dec. 22 at Baltimore Ravens 8:30p
• Dec. 29 Buffalo Bills 1:00p

Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) catches a touchdown over Texas A

26. Green Bay Packers – Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech – The Packers are pretty stacked at Wide receiver with Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb.  But with Aaron Rodgers’ huge contract they decide to add a true outside receiver.  Carrying LA Tech to a 9-3 season and putting up major numbers against the newest SEC powerhouse, Texas A&M; Patton has the potential to be one of the most underrated WRs in the draft. 

27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – The perfect fit for Houston at this point.  In college Hopkins orginally was Clemson’s #2.  When he got his opportunity with Watkins’ suspension, he proved that he could step it up and be the #1 threat.  This is the type of youngster the Texans should put next to Johnson to give this offense a much needed boost.

28. Denver Broncos – Kawann Short, DT, Purdue – Broncos build depth on their defensive line by taking Purdue’s Kawann Short.  In college Kawann was a team captain at Purdue and started for them since his freshman year, he’s shown great versatility in taking on different roles on the Boilermaker’s interior defensive line.  This makes for a great defensive player for a team who has the need like Denver to invest in for the long term.

29. New England Patriots – Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor – A great and very underrated WR in the draft this year, Williams proved to be productive even after Nick Florence came in to replace Griffin earning first team all american honors and leading the nation in receiving yards.  Also a great kick returner, Williams helps the Pats in multiple ways and impacts New England immediately.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons take a defensive lineman with great potential to learn the pro game and eventually become a star with guidance from free agent signee Osi Umenyiora.  Datone has had his bumps in the road with injury but posted a spectacular senior season at UCLA making 19 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.  If you add his prototypical NFL size and versatility, he proves to be a very high ceiling project who has the chance to start and make an impact his rookie year in Atlanta.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Eric Reid, FS, LSU - The 49ers get their guy to replace Dashon Goldson in this super stout safety class.  Eric Reid is a former all-SEC free safety who since his freshmen year was a great contributor to the Bayou Bengals’ defense.  A player like this is the perfect guy for a coach like Harbaugh to take in and mold into a great pro.  Eric Reid goes from being a playmaker on one of the best college defenses to one on one of the best pro defenses.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Ravens are looking to replace either Lewis or Reed here and have a way better value at the safety position.  Matt Elam was a playmaker in the Gator defensive backfield making 76 tackles (11 TFLs), 1 forced fumble and 4 interceptions.  He is definitely a potential franchise defensive player who can help Baltimore renew their intimidation factor on defense and fill in for Ed Reed in the defensive backfield right away.

October 16, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain (55) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Browns 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders are continuing to make roster changes, recently trading for quarterback Matt Flynn, trading Carson Palmer to the Cardinals. Now releasing 23 year old middle linebacker Rolando McClain.

News broke on Friday at the Oakland Raiders have officially waived McClain.

Before last season started, McClain got into some trouble in his home state of Alabama, after being arrested on misdemeanor assault and firearms chargers for holding a gun up to a mans head then firing it off into the air. Recently in Alabama, McClain found himself in trouble once again, but this time for tinted windows. Where he was supposed to sign his name, he wrote an expletive comment and replied to the officer with, “That is my name.”

Being a young linebacker with the potential he has and the ability of play he has shown, it somewhat upsets me that attitudes get the best of young players like Rolando McClain and could possibly drive him out of the National Football League sooner or later if he keeps it up. But being so young, there is a lot of time for improvement when it comes to this issue and I don’t expect him to be sitting on his couch for too long considering he is the youngest free agent linebacker on the market. I’m sure there are a handful of playoff teams looking at his history, asking themselves if signing McClain would be a good idea.

So with his troubles aside, this kid is a solid linebacker and could be the future of another team in this league since he is so young and has a whole career ahead of him. Now with all this being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is picked up by a playoff contender with a few non contenders in the mix, flashing some more cash in his face to reel him in. But who? And why?

1. New England Patriots - This could save them a draft pick as they look to improve and add to their defense. By the time it’s their turn to pick, unless they trade up in the draft, the projected 1st round linebackers will more than likely be gone. So let them pick up another position besides Linebacker and bring in McClain to be the future of this defense. He could also be playing with the man he gave a German Suplex to a few seasons ago, in Danny Amendola, at least Danny wouldn’t have to worry about taking professional wrestling bumps if he runs into Rolando McClain again.

2. Baltimore Ravens - This kid has the same energy about him when it comes to game time, that it reminds me a little bit of Ray Lewis, but with more of an attitude problem. Getting him in a defense with guys like Dumervil and Suggs, should tone down the way he acts off the field and improve him more on the field. They could ink him to a short team deal, then possibly restructure during next years off season once more cap space is available, then sign him long term. He could be the Baltimore Ravens next big thing at the middle linebacker position, as we all know, a position held down by the great Ray Lewis. I’m not saying he is or is going to be Ray Lewis, but the style of play is some what similar. He just needs to be surrounded by other leaders to keep his head straight and I think he will be alright.

3. New Orleans Saints - Out of everybody on this list, the New Orleans Saints need the most help on defense. Last season they finished 8-8, although still had a high powered offense, it was their defense that seemed to be their problem. They want to get back to playoff form and breaking even at the end of the season isn’t going to sit well with the organization or even the fans. This team is probably my favorite to land him, but we will have to see if the Saints will have any interest in him at all, after asking  Jonathan Vilma to restructure his current contract.

4. Buffalo Bills - Yes, once again, the Buffalo Bills have made my list when it comes to Linebackers. They will remain on these Top Five lists until they sign someone who can step up and be that leader that, that team desperately needs. As you can tell, no offence to Bills fans, but this organization could be that non-contender who could wave a big offer in front of McClain’s face and bring him in with a 5-6 year deal with a big pay out. Don’t waste a pick on a linebacker knowing a guy like McClain is out on the market today, call his agent, try to get a deal done quick, because you know the people who represent Rolando are pretty busy as we speak.

5. Atlanta Falcons - They improved their defense a bit by signing Osi Umenyiora and could improve a lot more if they pursue and sign McClain. If all goes well, this team is easily going to take this division and could still have a chance to lock up the #1 seed in the NFC. It would be a perfect fit, a young star quarterback leading the charge on offense and Osi Umenyiora and Rolando McClain holding it down for the defense. In my opinion, if they could find a way to sign McClain, this boosts them ahead of the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Athletic, young linebacker who will take up some cap space, but would be worth it with the production he could bring to this organization. He could be another face of this franchise as they look to give Tony Gonzalez the Ray Lewis send off, this season.

In just 3 seasons in the National Football League and with the Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain has a total of 246 tackles and 6.5 sacks with 1 interception. I’m just saying, if the negative activity continues off the field and teams are not willing to take the risk on McClain, he could always call up Vince McMahon and hand out German Suplexes without worrying about being fined, once again, I’m just saying.

Mar 8, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski watches a game between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is known for his immature offseason habits. Wrestling on stages in clubs while in a cast, drinking and partying to the wee hours of the night. But while some worry that he is putting himself in trouble, the Gronk went  on ESPN’s Mike and Mike to assure us, that would not happen.

“They’re my fans. They’re looking out for me, they’re big fans of the Patriots, they just want to see the team do well and I totally understand where the fans are coming from,” Gronkowski said, via PFT. “I would never do that, put myself in jeopardy.”

The problem is, simply by putting yourself in those situations you are sacrificing total control and are in fact putting yourself in jeopardy. It’s like the old saying, nothing good happens after midnight. By being out late and around other inebriated people you are putting yourself in jeopardy.

But despite the wrestling and antics, Gronkowski says his arm is healing well and he can begin a more normal training regiment soon.

“The arm is feeling way better than it was during the playoffs, and in the regular season when I broke it,” Gronkowski said. “When my trainers give me the good to go, hopefully in the next couple weeks, as soon as possible, I can get going again.”

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) walks back to the side line during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Many were shocked that Wes Welker left the New England Patriots. Tom Brady was furious that he left and joined his long time rival in Peyton Manning. But Wes Welker’s agent says New England never made an offer to keep him around.

The deal Wes Welker struck with the Denver Broncos was for 2 years and $12 million, a $6 million per year figure the Patriots weren’t willing to match. A figure that was very similar to the annual sum they gave his replacement in wide receiver Danny Amendola.

There was an initial report that the Patriots offered Welker a two year $10 million dollar deal, that could climb to $16 million with incentives. Not according to Welker’s agent David Dunn.

According to CSNNE.com:

“The Patriots simply didn’t want Welker is the contention. The two-year, $16 million offer the Boston Globe reported Welker having dangled during the 2010 season that would have covered Welker in 2011 and 2012 never happened, said Dunn.

No offer was ever made, Dunn contends. Period.”

According to Tom Curran’s summary of his conversation with Dunn, the consensus is that Danny Amendola was the Patriots target and plan all along.

Welker’s reps also point to his diminished role in the Patriots offense at the beginning of the 2012 season as proof that they were moving on with out Welker. It wasn’t until the tight end tandem of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez began dealing with injuries did Welker’s role increase.

But there are 3 sides to every story: Welker’s, the Patriots’ and the truth. We might never see the truth though.