Steal of the decade = Kampman

[Spaulding]

It's just flat out amazing how much money is being thrown players this year. Kampman, who is arguably one of the top five defensive ends in the league, being signed to just under 6mil a year as compared to Charles Grant at up to 9mil a year.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Charles Grant agreed to a seven-year contract extension Thursday worth up to $63 million with New Orleans, ending a simmering dispute over the Saints putting the franchise tag on the starting defensive end.

[pbmax]

You can't believe the hype of first published numbers OR the guaranteed figure. That's the agent talking.

The contract can easily be structured to limit the guarantees and shorten the length. Most of the $20 million in guarantee numbers this year were bogus.

[wist43]

Let's not go getting carried away...

Kampman is a nice player, but he's not elite... he's a hard worker who produces, but he doesn't scare anyone with his athleticism or first step.

[retailguy]

Let's not go getting carried away...

Kampman is a nice player, but he's not elite... he's a hard worker who produces, but he doesn't scare anyone with his athleticism or first step.

But, Wist, he's a PACKER, that must mean he's special, no?

[Spaulding]

Wist, regardless of him not being the ideal size/weight of a prototypical NFL defensive end, it's hard to argue with his flat out production.

Besides, give me a "player" who gives 110% and is consummate team player as well as active in the community any day over a "talented" and "high ceiling" player who takes plays off or has off field issues.

The value of a guy alone for team chemistry and motivation to the younger players isn't even taken into account - which it should.

As the immortal Patrick Henry's great-great-great-great-great grandson once said - "Give me a defense full of Kampmans or give me Death"

[wist43]

I like Kampman, always have... you guys know that.

I hardly think pointing out that he's not an elite player is earth shattering news. I know some of you guys think he's an elite player, but he just doesn't garner or warrent that type of respect.

He's a very nice player, but not a difference maker.

[MJZiggy]

I'm starting to think it's ok that he doesn't get that type of respect, because that way he will continue to be among the sack leaders every year...

[packerbacker1234]

wist: I don't know how you can claim he isn't "elite". First off, not only did he go to the probowl, he LEAD ALL DE's in sacks. Ok, put that aside, he has been lingering towards the top of DE's for awhile and it just took undeniable numbers to get him recognition. It's like any packer player really. Unless your name is Favre no one national thinks your worth a damn thing.

Moving on to the argument on the steal, you could say the same thing about Driver as well.

Also, compared to other QB's of even LESSER caliber, favre could be considered a steal to. Not too many 15 year starters would be getting payed what he does.

Anyways, can't deny the facts. Kampman is the ultimate team player and his stats credit his will to never give up on a play. To me, thats an elite DE. There are not too many DE's that do that in the league anymore. Most give an initial burst and if they don't get through off there first move they sort of let up. Not kampman. If he doesn't get through he just push's harder and gives another move.

Not Ideal Size, Not Ideal weight. None of that matters when you do everything you possibly can. He wants to get the QB more then most in hte league.

So a steal? Compared to other contracts of DE's who have never ONCE in there career stacked up 15 sacks in a season, yes he is a steal.

[ahaha]

Steal of the Decade on defense maybe. Tom Brady is the biggest steal overall, probably of the past 40 years.

[Spaulding]

Sorry, should have been clearer my intention was mostly contract based for a non-rookie.

Thus Kampman at his current price (will get substantially cheaper every year) is a steal. Brady, although top notch is pair as such.

Kampman will quickly become a DE paid in the middle of the pack and hopefully performing near the top.

[OS PA]

wist: I don't know how you can claim he isn't "elite". First off, not only did he go to the probowl, he LEAD ALL DE's in sacks. Ok, put that aside, he has been lingering towards the top of DE's for awhile and it just took undeniable numbers to get him recognition.

He's also led all defensive linemen in combined tackles for two years running now. This statwise makes him the best defensive end in the league. I don't believe he should garner that tag, because nobody is better than Julius Peppers, but just by looking at his stats he is an Elite player and it would be wrong to think differently.

[Partial]

He's not in the same class as Jason Taylor and Julius Peppers. He may be in the next tier down, though. Certainly not a hall-of-famer. The two guys listed above probably both will be.

[wist43]

His numbers are probably better than most of Reggie White's stats year to year... is anyone prepared to say that Kampman is better than White??? Of course not.

Kampman's tackle numbers are probably better than Peppers... again, anyone want to try to make the case that Kamp is better than Peppers??? Of course not.

The difference between Kamp and the elite guys is that Offensive Coords have to acct for them to the point of double and triple teaming them - just to keep them under control - Kampman is rarely, if ever double teamed. The most attention Kampman sees is the occasional chip.

Go back and watch the SF game... the 49er's blocked him one on one with Vernon Davis a healthy percentage of the time (and Davis handled him pretty well) - and not just on plays away from him. Straight up pass blocking, and in the run game... That's almost disrespectful.

Like I said, Kamp is a nice player, and receives kudo's from personnel people around the league... but, when offensive coords are game planning, they treat him like "just another guy". Sorry, but that's the truth of it.

[Tarlam!]

His numbers are probably better than most of Reggie White's stats year to year... is anyone prepared to say that Kampman is better than White??? Of course not.

Kampman's tackle numbers are probably better than Peppers... again, anyone want to try to make the case that Kamp is better than Peppers??? Of course not.

The difference between Kamp and the elite guys is that Offensive Coords have to acct for them to the point of double and triple teaming them - just to keep them under control - Kampman is rarely, if ever double teamed. The most attention Kampman sees is the occasional chip.

Go back and watch the SF game... the 49er's blocked him one on one with Vernon Davis a healthy percentage of the time (and Davis handled him pretty well) - and not just on plays away from him. Straight up pass blocking, and in the run game... That's almost disrespectful.

Like I said, Kamp is a nice player, and receives kudo's from personnel people around the league... but, when offensive coords are game planning, they treat him like "just another guy". Sorry, but that's the truth of it.

Wisty, if the guy's numbers state he is better than White or peppers, I am prepared to say he is better. Those are the measurables and, that's what he's measured against.

I am not interested if he got done on any individual game. So what? That team had his number. Your point is?

If he consistantly drops QBs or stuffs a marquis back, as he does, I am OK with comparing him.

Regards, Tarlam!

[MJZiggy]

Wisty, if the guy's numbers state he is better than White or peppers, I am prepared to say he is better. Those are the measurables and, that's what he's measured against.

If he consistantly drops QBs or stuffs a marquis back, as he does, I am OK with comparing him.

Good points.