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From Andrew Brandt (also, an interesting note about how Jarius Byrd, the fantastic Bills rookie safety, used to run around the Packers locker room 10 years ago--his Dad Gil worked for the Packers):
Why are the Pro Bowl selections evidence that big splashes in free agency are usually more noise in March than February?
The big signings this year when the bell rang for free agency were monster contracts given to players who set new markets for the positions they play. Among them were the contracts of Albert Haynesworth of the Redskins (defensive tackle), Jason Brown of the Rams (center), Bart Scott of the Jets (linebacker), and T.J. Housmandzadeh of the Seahawks (wide receiver).
One big contract, but no Pro Bowl selection for Albert Haynesworth.
None of these players was selected to the Pro Bowl. Moreover, it appears that only three – Brian Dawkins, Leonard Weaver and Darren Sharper – who switched teams during the 2009 free agency period were selected to play in the game, and the latter two signed for modest one-year contracts. (Jason Peters also switched teams due to a trade, and Brett Favre was signed out of retirement).
The point is that players who sign huge contracts in free agency are expected to play to the level of their contracts, which means a Pro Bowl level. But football is not baseball or basketball; it’s a game of schemes and systems, as Haynesworth is finding out in Washington. Players do not plug in as easily.
The big signings this year when the bell rang for free agency were monster contracts given to players who set new markets for the positions they play. Among them were the contracts of Albert Haynesworth of the Redskins (defensive tackle), Jason Brown of the Rams (center), Bart Scott of the Jets (linebacker), and T.J. Housmandzadeh of the Seahawks (wide receiver).
One big contract, but no Pro Bowl selection for Albert Haynesworth.
None of these players was selected to the Pro Bowl. Moreover, it appears that only three – Brian Dawkins, Leonard Weaver and Darren Sharper – who switched teams during the 2009 free agency period were selected to play in the game, and the latter two signed for modest one-year contracts. (Jason Peters also switched teams due to a trade, and Brett Favre was signed out of retirement).
The point is that players who sign huge contracts in free agency are expected to play to the level of their contracts, which means a Pro Bowl level. But football is not baseball or basketball; it’s a game of schemes and systems, as Haynesworth is finding out in Washington. Players do not plug in as easily.
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