From the day the Giants hired Tom Coughlin, he was conspicuously lukewarm when speaking about quarterback Kerry Collins, declining in his opening news conference to name Collins his starter.
It now is all but certain that Collins never will play, let alone start, for the new coach. The acquisition of Eli Manning yesterday is expected to lead to Collins' release after five seasons with the team, during which he led the Giants to an NFC championship and made a major dent in the franchise's passing records.
Because of Collins' $7-million base salary for the final year of his contract, the only way the Giants will consider retaining him would be if he reworked and extended the deal to make it more cap-friendly.
Is that a possibility?
"No, not at all," Collins told Newsday yesterday afternoon.
That was before Collins had heard from Coughlin. Early last night, he remained adamant even after Coughlin called him at his New Jersey home. Coughlin and Collins both said that during that conversation, Coughlin told Collins not to assume anything about his future with the team, but added the Giants would need cooperation on Collins' part for cap relief.
So, might he cooperate in a new deal after all?
"No, sir," Collins told Newsday.
That stance will seal his fate despite the fact that he took the high road in a conference call with reporters, saying his preference is to play out his contract and become a free agent in 2005. He said he is willing to work with Manning and show him the ropes if Collins is on the roster.
Most likely, Manning will be groomed to start on opening day, but the team will sign a veteran as an alternative should Manning not be ready or falter. One veteran in a thin market is Jeff Blake. The team is not believed to have interest in Kurt Warner if the Rams let him go.
Jesse Palmer, Collins' backup, remains on the roster but might not make it to opening day.
Collins, 31, said his "emotions were all over the charts" as he watched the draft, and when asked if he felt hurt by the trade for Manning he said, "I wouldn't be human if I didn't."
Collins was not surprised when the Giants picked a quarterback. He was aware of the possibility for weeks, and Thursday, he hinted to reporters he might have some harsh words if it happened. Instead, Collins said, "Obviously, my time here is short and I understand that, but I'm very appreciative of the opportunity that they have given me here."
Collins, whose 16,875 passing yards ranks third on the Giants' list, said he would like to be cut "sooner rather than later" if the Giants intend to do so. There figure to be teams that would be interested, perhaps including the Cowboys. His contract makes trading him unlikely.
Veteran teammates, including six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan, have expressed concern about replacing Collins with a rookie, believing it could signal a rebuilding phase. Strahan is 32. Receiver Amani Toomer will be 30 in September. Running back Tiki Barber is 29.
Collins was the Giants' best quarterback since Phil Simms, who in 1994 was cut coming off a playoff season to make room for a player on whom the Giants spent a first-round pick two years earlier: Dave Brown.
Well, I know teams rarely if ever trade within the division, but I'd love to see Collins in a Cowboys uniform. I think he's outstanding when he has a line that can actually protect him for a few seconds.
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Kerry Collins in The Black Hole? C'mon, you're gonna put this guy in with fans that right after Favre's dad dies, they chant "IIRRRRRRRRRRR-WIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNN" !?!?
They'll eat him alive, spit him out, and Raider Fan's dogs will poop on what's left. He'll be ruined in the NFL forever.
Star wipe, and...we're out. Thrillin' ain't easy.
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Originally posted by The Amazing SalamiWell, I know teams rarely if ever trade within the division, but I'd love to see Collins in a Cowboys uniform. I think he's outstanding when he has a line that can actually protect him for a few seconds.
They won't be trading Collins, they'll be releasing him because no team will take him at his current cap figure. That means Dallas, Baltimore (he's better than Anthony Wright, he's better than Boller, and Fassel is there), Arizona and perhaps Miami are places he could land as a back-up challenging for the 1 spot. As for Jesse Palmer, please, for the love of God can we cut him already? With a rookie QB, I'd like to at least have a back-up who is capable of reaching the level of inept, and I don't think Jesse is good enough to reach that level.
WooHoo, the wrestling dead pool is back in business.
That means Dallas, Baltimore (he's better than Anthony Wright, he's better than Boller, and Fassel is there), Arizona and perhaps Miami are places he could land as a back-up challenging for the 1 spot.
What about SF? I know Garcia left, but can't remember for the life of me who's taking his place.
As someone who's followed Kerry Collins' career for the last 11 years, I'm really hoping he winds up with another team. There's probably at least another two to four productive years left in him. If the Steelers hadn't just drafted Ben Roethlisburger, I'd have said Collins would have been a good match there. With the receiving corp of Ward, Randle El, and Burress, and the running game of Staley, they would have been a fun offense to watch.
Originally posted by StegDutchieWhat about SF? I know Garcia left, but can't remember for the life of me who's taking his place.
As of right now, its Tim Rattay, with Ken Dorsey as the backup. And don't forget, the Steelers still have Jerome Bettis. While he's on the downside of career, he was still productive last season, and Staley's contributions have mostly been as a receiver out of the backfield.
(Not Bob Kohm)
In the context of baseball, the use of drugs hurts only the player. In the context of baseball, the use of alcohol hurts only the player. In the context of baseball, womanizing hurts whom? Maybe the wife of the player? In the context of baseball, felonies are crimes against society, not against baseball. In the context of baseball, gambling is the only crime against baseball.
Gambling, in the context of baseball, is a capital offense and Rose has richly earned-- hell, he agreed to-- his death sentence. Let him hang.
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Any chance of seeing a 2 back set with the Steelers? Having Bettis and Staley in pro form sets like the Giants did with "Thunder & Lightning" What's-his-face-cursed-by-the-heisman-trophey and Barber?
Originally posted by ZeruelAny chance of seeing a 2 back set with the Steelers? Having Bettis and Staley in pro form sets like the Giants did with "Thunder & Lightning" What's-his-face-cursed-by-the-heisman-trophey and Barber?
It's easy to see how you could forget about Ron Dayne. Maybe he'll actually do something this season.
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Originally posted by JaguarWhy would anyone want Kerry Collins? He quit on the Panthers and got multiple DUI's while in New Orleans. The man just isn't worth the money.
-Jag
Eh, I'll have to disagree. He did turn things around while in New York. Give him a good offensive line and he can resurrect himself.
Originally posted by JaguarWhy would anyone want Kerry Collins? He quit on the Panthers and got multiple DUI's while in New Orleans. The man just isn't worth the money.
-Jag
Eh, I'll have to disagree. He did turn things around while in New York. Give him a good offensive line and he can resurrect himself.
Exactly. I don't think Kerry Collins is exactly God's gift to football, but he deserves better than that. He cleaned himself up and went to a Super Bowl since then. I think he's handling the situation pretty well all things considered.
Originally posted by JaguarWhy would anyone want Kerry Collins? He quit on the Panthers and got multiple DUI's while in New Orleans. The man just isn't worth the money.
-Jag
Jesus man the guy has cleaned himself up and been a model citizen since then. Give him a break.
I don't know why people feel the need to run Tommy Maddox out of town already. Tommy had one bad season mainly due to a poor offensive line and a below average defense. The Steelers didn't need a QB they need some corners and some offensive linemen. They did pick up some of that in the draft, but I still feel they are weak on both spots. Perhaps getting some free agents will help the cause.
Let me be the last person to discuss this, but the Giants gave up too much for Eli. Sure, you can make the Phil Simms comparisions to Phil Simms, but we won't know until he has played on the field. He was an outstanding college player, but thats college this is the big time. I think the trade will probably damage the Giants in the long run, in the short run if Eli can handle the pressure, there is already a ton on him, they can probably get to the playoffs. If he can't it will go down as the worst draft trade ever. It really is unfair to put that much pressure on the kid, but his family should probably have never opened their mouths about the Chargers in the first place.
Originally posted by A FanI don't know why people feel the need to run Tommy Maddox out of town already. Tommy had one bad season mainly due to a poor offensive line and a below average defense. The Steelers didn't need a QB they need some corners and some offensive linemen. They did pick up some of that in the draft, but I still feel they are weak on both spots. Perhaps getting some free agents will help the cause.
Let me be the last person to discuss this, but the Giants gave up too much for Eli. Sure, you can make the Phil Simms comparisions to Phil Simms, but we won't know until he has played on the field. He was an outstanding college player, but thats college this is the big time. I think the trade will probably damage the Giants in the long run, in the short run if Eli can handle the pressure, there is already a ton on him, they can probably get to the playoffs. If he can't it will go down as the worst draft trade ever. It really is unfair to put that much pressure on the kid, but his family should probably have never opened their mouths about the Chargers in the first place.
Well I wouldn't run Tommy out of town, but I would damn sure get some insurance just in case.
As for Eli, well I was never sold on him in college. Good numbers but I liked Rivers more. But with Eli's work ethic and overall ability I expect he'll make a good pro QB in time. And um, there's pretty much zero chance this will go down as the worst trade ever. I think you're fogetting a little thing that happened in New Orleans a few years back with Ditka.
Originally posted by A FanI don't know why people feel the need to run Tommy Maddox out of town already. Tommy had one bad season mainly due to a poor offensive line and a below average defense. The Steelers didn't need a QB they need some corners and some offensive linemen. They did pick up some of that in the draft, but I still feel they are weak on both spots. Perhaps getting some free agents will help the cause.
Let me be the last person to discuss this, but the Giants gave up too much for Eli. Sure, you can make the Phil Simms comparisions to Phil Simms, but we won't know until he has played on the field. He was an outstanding college player, but thats college this is the big time. I think the trade will probably damage the Giants in the long run, in the short run if Eli can handle the pressure, there is already a ton on him, they can probably get to the playoffs. If he can't it will go down as the worst draft trade ever. It really is unfair to put that much pressure on the kid, but his family should probably have never opened their mouths about the Chargers in the first place.
Well I wouldn't run Tommy out of town, but I would damn sure get some insurance just in case.
As for Eli, well I was never sold on him in college. Good numbers but I liked Rivers more. But with Eli's work ethic and overall ability I expect he'll make a good pro QB in time. And um, there's pretty much zero chance this will go down as the worst trade ever. I think you're fogetting a little thing that happened in New Orleans a few years back with Ditka.
But the thing with Eli is that he didn't have the supporting cast around him at Ole Miss like his brother did at Tennessee ... had Eli been surrounded with a team like that, Ole Miss would have been a national title contender.
I just can't get over Rivers' throwing motion. I know he's got good accuracy and is quick, and has some zip on the ball, but he looks like he's shot-putting the thing. I've never seen another QB throw it like that before.
(Not Bob Kohm)
In the context of baseball, the use of drugs hurts only the player. In the context of baseball, the use of alcohol hurts only the player. In the context of baseball, womanizing hurts whom? Maybe the wife of the player? In the context of baseball, felonies are crimes against society, not against baseball. In the context of baseball, gambling is the only crime against baseball.
Gambling, in the context of baseball, is a capital offense and Rose has richly earned-- hell, he agreed to-- his death sentence. Let him hang.
Bob Kohm, co-owner of Rotojunkies.com (rotojunkies.com) , and a large market kind of guy.
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