Casey Hampton might be available. Interested?
by TCBinNYC on Sep 2, 2009 11:27 AM CDT
Email
PrintJason La Canfora of the NFL Network is claiming that the Steelers might cut or trade NT Casey Hampton. He has been wanting a contract extention this offseason. The Steelers extended DE Brett Kiesel, but not Hampton. Indications are that they have no intention of doing so. Typically the Steelers let these guys play out their current agreement and then let them walk, but a trade makes some sense too as they are trying to dump salary. So, the obvious question is, should Dallas be interested?
Hampton is a 4 time Pro Bowler, but turns 32 on Wednesday. He's in the last year of his contract making around $3M, so not bad. He's a 6-1, 320 lb run stuffer. Not much pass rush (5.5 career sacks) but holds up well at the point of attack. He's been pretty durable averaging over 14 games the last 4 seasons and not missing a playoff game.
Personally, I think this could be exactly what we are looking for. He can take some plays from Jay Ratliff, and even allow Rat to play at End some for Spears who rarely impresses. If Hampton plays well, we can extend him 2-3 years and possibly even consider moving Ratliff to End fulltime once we dont re-sign Spears next season. I know many of you are not a fan of putting Rat back at End, and I understand that. I'm a little iffy on the idea as well. But at worst, he would be a suitable fantastic back-up to have at a crutial position. So, what would all this cost us, you ask? I'm guessing somewhere along the lines of a 3rd ruond pick. If Pitt is considering releasing the player anyway, that seems fair. And as Dallas is concerned, I would jump on that deal.
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
52 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
i'm on board
we really need some depth behind Ratliff, and as you said, this would maybe allow Rat to get a breather, or maybe a few plays at DE.
there are a couple of teams though switching to a 3-4, or maybe play the 3-4 and need a NT, so I would not be suprised to see a team like that give his a chance to start for a year or two.
He's not a free agent
You make a good point, but its not like he’s a free agent and can select where he plays. Pittsburgh (if planning on trading him) will send him to the team with the best offer, and possibly some concern for division rivals and the like. To be honest, I wouldnt mind sending a 2nd, although I would rather send a 3rd and a 5th if that’s what it takes. We can afford to trade a few more late draft picks since we drafted a dozen late round players last year. And with half of those guys injured, it will be like we will have drafted them next year anyway.
Uh, no
You don’t trade a 3rd rounder for a guy who may be cut.
You wait till he’s cut, see what he wants, kick the tires and then talk turkey if YOU’RE interested.
NT is an attrition position. Guys can play well into their 30s. See Grady Jackson for example, but the end can come quickly for these guys because of the constant double teaming.
+1
Jamal Williams in SD has been great for may years. Now, he’s no longer elite. The banging has taken its toll.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Williams has knee issues
I would like to see his injury history before saying yes or no, but if all clear, go get him
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 2, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
He has knee, back, hand and shoulder issues
the poor guy has beaten down.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
jason ferguson
has been around since the pyramids were made… and hes still chuggin along
by CowboysFan4Life on Sep 2, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Sometimes you do trade for a guy who might be cut
You really cant make a blanket statment like that, Raf. Its not always true. First off, if your team needs a guy you trade for him. It’s that simple. If he’s going to make your team better, you cant take the chance that some other team signs him first. You do whatever it takes to make your team better. Both Kitna and Henry were going to be cut last year, but were traded for each other. Another example of a trade for a to-be cut player making sense.
I have to say no
While I think he is a good player, and would make a great back-up to Rat, I don’t think he’s worth a 3rd round pick, plus a contract extension just to be a back-up. I understand that he could become a starter, and move Rat to DE, but then we’re in the same place we are now; no viable back up at NT.
This team has shown that we’re not very deep at a lot of positions, and while this might help for this year, I believe it would hurt is in the future. A 3rd round pick of a NT could be just as good as Hampton, would be 10+ years younger and would be cheaper overall. I don’t think this team needs to get older. We need to continue to get younger and stay a young team. You don’t do that by trading a 3rd round pick for a 32 year old to be a back-up.
"So you can’t stiff arm at all? What about the throat?"- Marion "Barbarian" Barber
There is no way
we could use a 3rd round pick on a NT that would be as good as 4 time Pro Bowler Casey Hampton. It just wont happen. 350 lb Nose Tackles rarely last into the 2nd round. Look at Ron Brace from last year’s draft. He did almost nothing in college, but because he had prototypical NT size he got drafted early in the 2nd round. I don’t get all the love for the 3rd round pick. What percentage of 3rd rounders each year become starters? I will guess maybe 15%. So, you’re telling me you wouldnt take a proven Pro Bowl player who is just past his prime over a kid who has 15% chance of turning into something worthwhile? I dont get that. It’s not logical. Hampton could still have 4-5 more productive years. And if he’s splitting time or backing up to keep him fresh, he could be even better and last even longer.
On other comment. Why are we putting some much faith in the draft around here? Didnt this current crop of alsorans teach us anything?
Hampton would want to start
and he would be a backup here. I know a lot of fans want to see Rat moved to DE, but that ain’t happening, he likes to play NT and the Wade likes him there too.
In Romo we Trust
just think of rat at LE, Hamp at NT, and Igor at RE...
thats a big line, with a playmaker and two run stuffers… that would be pretty
by CowboysFan4Life on Sep 2, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely
Isn’t it every team’s goal to get their best players on the field?
This would be an immediate upgrade!
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He'd be allowed to compete...
Ellis didn’t want to move but he did great. Rat could move and be glorious!!!!!!!!!! I think we should go for it. Backup or starter he’ll be a solid plus to our team. Wade would agree I’m sure…
God 1st, Family Always & Dallas Cowboys 4 Life!!!!!
Yeah
How crazy would it be to find a pro bowl NT after the 2nd round? That would never happen coughRatliffcough. Not saying it’s a guarantee, I’m just saying that I would rather use our 3rd round pick on youth. Using a 3rd rounder for a 32 year old player past his prime doesn’t seem like something a smart franchise would do. Look at all the consensus best franchises and see if they would do something like that. In fact Pittsburgh is one of those model franchises and they’re willing to let this guy walk. At some point we have to accept the youth movement and go with young guys that we develop, for better or worse.
And regarding the draft picks, I’m not saying we are going to get someone good with a 3rd round pick, but chances are usually pretty good that a 3rd round pick will be a contributor to the team within 1-2 years.
"So you can’t stiff arm at all? What about the throat?"- Marion "Barbarian" Barber
Sort of
You are correct in that Dallas found a Pro Bowl NT in the 7th round in Ratliff, but that doesnt really fit my example of trying to find a prototypical NT, which Casey Hampton is.
And you’re incorrect in your assessment that ‘best franchises’ only build from within. Look at New England. Every year they are bringing in fossils. Junior Seau, Fred Taylor, Adalius Thomas, LaMont Jordan, and Deltha O’Neal just to name a few. It takes a smart mix of young guys and vets to make a strong team. Hampton is not too expensive and could stick with this team past one year. He qualifies as a “smart” investment.
Besides, we have 12 rookies from this last draft class. How much youth can one team stand? You need some experience to pair with the youth. And back to the draft class. Its not looking like more than a handful will even make the team. And one, maybe two will have an impact. So, why would you wnat to take a chance on a mid-round draft pick over a proven stud why still has some years left?
Don't get me wrong
I would not mind picking him up if he is cut, I just don’t agree with giving a 3rd round pick for him plus having to sign him to a pretty hefty extension.
"So you can’t stiff arm at all? What about the throat?"- Marion "Barbarian" Barber
You're overvaluing a 3rd round pick
These are the 65th -96th best college players. Every year 3rd rounders get cut in camp. It’s much more likely that our 3rd rounders will be equal to James Marten, Jason Hatcher, Stephen Peterman, Derek Ross, or Willie Blade than they are Jason Witten (all Cowboys 3rd rounders since 2000.) That’s a 14% hit rate. You want those kind of odds over a proven bad ass? I just dont get it.
I wouldn't give a 3rd for a 31 year old nose guard
ya, he may play 4 more years who knows and a 3rd rounder might be a bust. But, really couldn’t that 3rd rounder be Erick Williams or used in a trade that moves us up or a trade that gives us a 2nd the next year? I’m so tired of trading away picks.
Idk the answer. I do think he would be a good addition; maybe something lower.
Is he really going to be cut or traded? Teams usually release veterans early as a professional courtesy, so they can catch on with another team.
I strongly feel...
you’re undervaluing a 3rd round pick. Just because there is a full season between now and the next draft, shouldn’t cause one to forget their truer value which surfaces closer to April.
3rd round draft picks ain’t no punk.
I was going to agree with you until I looked at our 3rd rounders this decade
Willie Blade, Derek Ross, Jason Witten, Stephen Peterman, Jason Hatcher, James Marten, Jason Williams and Robert Brewster.
Reading this, I have to now say,
TRADE THE FREAKIN’ PICK!
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He was the best NT in his prime
But if the Steelers are thinking of chucking him, then I’d be suspicious, probably means his best days are behind him.
If he gets cut and we can land him cheap, I’d do it, but no way would I trade for him.
In Romo we Trust
im ok with a 3rd rd. pick but
I like spears and I think we will resign him. He better than people give him credit for….jmo.
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 2, 2009 12:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
-1
Spears is a goner.
He’s a better fit in a 4-3 as a DT anyway.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 1
I am not so sure that Spears is gone. The guy is not a game changer, but he is good
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
Dude
If we didn’t keep Canty and Spears is a similar non-factor with a higher price tag, help me understand why you think Dallas would spend some of DeMarcus Ware’s money on Spears?
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
get him but
only for a 5th or 6th rounder. He won’t make it through waivers to us so we’d have to get him via trade.
I love ya HutHut, but waivers don’t work the same way in football like they do in baseball. The Steelers basically have 3 options, keep him, cut him, or trade him.
That said, if the Steelers are seriously looking to do anything other than keep Hampton, the Cowboys should be all over this. Personally, I see no reason whatsoever why the Steelers should even consider trading or cutting him, but that’s just me. I do know this… They’ll get something for him if they’re serious – this is an elite player. Old? Yes. But he’d fill an enormous hole on your D. I’m hoping this rumor is just nonsense.
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
The rumor looks very, very flimsy
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09245/994809-66.stm
Hampton isn’t going anywhere — this year anyway. He’s probably going to become a free agent next March, but he’s not going to be cut.
I would gladly pay a 3rd
Just to see Rat lining up next to Ware for at least a third of the game.
Spencer would break the sack record.
Everything's looking up, Milhouse!
by accidental innuendo on Sep 2, 2009 1:50 PM CDT reply actions
+100000000000000000000000
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The number above is...
One hundred sextillion
Everything's looking up, Milhouse!
by accidental innuendo on Sep 3, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
You know
I almost bolded those three characters…but I was really hoping someone else would step up to the plate.
I salute you, sir.
Everything's looking up, Milhouse!
by accidental innuendo on Sep 3, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
If there is a immature, childish remark to be made,
I’m the man for the job!
But you will be competing
with the Dunkman and Dalailuke for that job
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 3, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
He be a great pick up
I give q4th or 5th nothing more for a guy at his age..However this would give wade alot of flexability along that d line..Its a pipe dream as of now anyway…
One thing to consider...
…is that Hampton would surely become more of a ‘starter’ if acquired. That said, he’d be nowhere near as important to our D as Ratliff. Since 1st down comes before 3rd down, 1st downs tend to allow for rushing plays, and 3rd downs tend to require a pass-rush Casey Hampton would clearly be best utilized as a ‘starter.’
I know I’m not breaking any ground and this is elementary, but let’s not get lost in terminology when arguing ‘starting NT’ vs ‘most important NT.’
That said, no on a 3rd rounder but hell yes if he’s cut. He’s a baller.
thats why he wouldn't be acquired
Rat is a pro bowler and our starting NT, end of story.
In Romo we Trust
Anything can a will happen...
Example T.O. Story to be continued….
God 1st, Family Always & Dallas Cowboys 4 Life!!!!!
If he is a baller, why not burn a third rounder on him?
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Mark Sanchez’s rumored squeeze, Kate Upton, is on cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue
- ‘Twould be a shame if Hines Ward didn’t retire a Steeler
- Video: Tim Tebow asked to Military Ball by Louisiana Airwoman
- We’ll see how Brandon Jacobs’ football skills translate to the squared circle
- Bill Belichick wore a hoodie to a golf tournament
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
