NFL Transaction Frenzy

Isn't everyone finally relieved that the NFL lockout has ended? It took forever for the lockout to finally end. Now, all of us NFL fans can go to bed happy again. Ever since the lockout has ended, transactions have been flying through the roof! There were a lot of trades and free agent signings that were made today that included a lot of well known and big named players.Let's go more in depth of some of the major transactions that were made today.

What Happened: Chad Ochocinco(above) has been involved in a major transaction today that landed him in New England. He was sent to the Patriots for two future draft picks and then reportedly agreed to a three year contract. He has spent his whole career with the Bengals but has seemed to fallen out of their future plans. He, along with newly "retired" quarterback Carson Palmer both suffered their worst professional season last year.
In My Opinion: I think the Patriots made a great deal. They acquired a veteran receiver that can fill the gap that Randy Moss left when he was traded last year. It is a big risk to take in a personality that Ochocinco possesses but it is also a big reward because he is a very talented player. Coach Belichick will definitely have to work his magic again. He will have a bounce back year with Tom Brady throwing him passes every game. If the Patriots could win ball games with Wes Welker and Deion Branch as their top receivers, they will certainly do much better with Chad. And for the Bengals....at least they have upcoming rookie A.J Green to fill the void.
Fantasy Outlook: I'd say Chad Ochocinco and Tom Brady values rise for the Patriots while Deion Branch is a nobody again. The stock certainly rises for rookie A.J Green of the Bengals. Jerome Simpson's stock also rises a bit because he will get more touches. The only question there is: Who will be their quarterback?

 What Happened: Reggie Bush was traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a few draft picks and safety Jonathon Amaya . He has also agreed to terms on a new contract worth 10 million for 2 years. After drafting running back Mark Ingram, it seemed to have closed the door to a Reggie Bush return.
In My Opinion: I believe that this trade is good for the Dolphins. They acquired a very athletic, young running back who still has yet to reach his fullest potential. I think he will have a career season this year much like how Michael Turner did when he signed with the Falcons a few years back. The Miami offense will be much improved now that they have a running back like Bush. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are a nice 1-2 punch but a new change might be the best bet for the Fins. And as for the Saints, they signed Darren Sproles to fill the role that Reggie had last year. So, I guess it works out in the end.
Fantasy Outlook: Reggie Bush's value will increase because he won't be sharing the load with Pierre Thomas. The Fins did draft a rookie running back in Daniel Thomas, but we'll see what will happen come preaseason. I see a big leap in value for Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess and whomever their QB will be as well because Reggie will definitely take some of the pressure off. As for the Saints, Pierre Thomas' value is increased a bit. 

What Happened: Kevin Kolb was finally traded to the Arizona Cardinals after  numerous rumours dating back to when last season ended. He was sent to the Cards in exchange for young corner, Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie and a future second round pick. Kolb was set to become the franchise player when McNabb was traded last summer but an injury in the early minutes of the opening game opened up an opportunity for Michael Vick. As time passed on, Kolb's role as the future starting quarterback started to diminish as Vick flourished on the big stage.
In My Opinion: This trade benefits both teams. The Eagles get another corner that will compliment Asante Samuel perfectly. Those two together are arguably the best cornerback duos in the league. That future second round pick can turn into another quarterback just like Kevin Kolb, who was a former second round pick himself. But doesn't it suck to know that you were waiting a few years, being groomed into becoming the franchise quarterback and then an injury derails you from that path. But its whatever now, Kevin Kolb gets a fresh start in an Arizona Cardinal uniform. The best part for Kolb is that he can't really lose his job. Does anyone really think that Derek Anderson or Max Hall will take over? I don't think so. Having Larry Fitzgerald campaign to the organization to grab you isn't a bad thing either. It'll be a good relationship in Arizona. The only thing he lacks is experience. He hasn't shown enough in the NFL but all signs seem green when it comes to Kolb.
Fantasy Outlook: Kevin Kolb, Larry Fitzgerald, and all the Arizona Cardinal running backs will benefit from this trade. The stock of David Anderson and Max Hall go down to nothing but who really wanted to draft them anways? For the Eagles, Michael Vick's value will not be shattered because he is the clear cut starter.

In the Free Agent Frenzy, a couple of big names were tossed around.

• Pro Bowl Reciever Sidney Rice agreed to a 5 year/41 million deal. To me, Sidney Rice was the best receiver in this free agent class and the Seahawks won that race. He and Mike Williams could make for a big deadly nightmare for defensive coordinators every week but the only thing that the Seahawks lack is a good offensive line and a true starting quarterback. So overall, Sidney Rice might have just put himself in a hole. As talented as he is, he can't show it if no one is throwing him the ball. Charlie Whitehurst and Tarvaris Jackson battling for that quarterback spot is just as bad as David Anderson and Max Hall in Arizona. Uh oh.
• Jonathan Joseph will be wearing a Texan uniform this upcoming season. The young corner signed a 5 year/48.7 million contract. He will probably become their number one lockdown defender. Does this mean the end of the Asomugha pursuit? Only time will tell. And I really hope the Texans finally make the playoffs this year! It's hard seeing an exciting team lose every single year. They have enough talent to make it into the post-season but it seems as if they choke in the second half ALL the time. 

Other Notable Transactions:

• Donovan McNabb was traded to the Vikings for draft picks. I really like McNabb and I hope he straightens everything out in Minnesota. Hey, can you guys believe that the Vikings got younger by acquiring the 34 year old McNabb?! Hopefully they do better this year. Its a shame that a team quite talented as this can never make a big splash.
• Albert Haynesworth(above), the 100 million dollar man, has found his way out of Washington and into a winning organization. He was traded to the New England Patriots. After a few years of disappointment in red,yellow and white, he is trying to change his colours and finally be the player that everyone thought he was going to be. Haynesworth can finally be happy again and shine! Why does every team keep making the Patriots better? I don't know. It baffles me. 
• Matt Hasselbeck joined the Tennesee Titans. He will likely be given the starting gig to start the season but he was signed to give more of a mentoring role to rookie Jake Locker. I won't be surprised to see Locker starting a few weeks into the season because Hasselbeck's best days are behind him.

So, there it is, a big news report about some of the more major transactions the NFL has brought to us today. I can't wait to see how everything else unfolds and where more of the well known faces of the league end up. It's an exciting time of the year! Football has finally come back into our lives. We will say the same about the NBA in a few days....hopefully.....probably not. Ah crap,  I do NOT want to be stuck watching NBL teams go at it. It will be a horrible, horrible time of the year.

Anywho, this is Julius and this is what you've found in your Sports Locker! Thanks for Caring! :)