Walden gone

quote:
Originally posted by Satori:
From Bob McGinn's year end report card

"Erik Walden: Role player with some edge rush ability. For the second straight year he was forced to play too many snaps (863, 70.3%) and wilted somewhat down the stretch. Always plays hard, got better in coverage and finished second to Matthews in pressures with 26½, the exact number he had a year ago. Unselfish and highly motivated. Better chasing running plays than setting a hard edge. On the lean side and will get outmuscled. Headed for unrestricted free agency without an extension." Grade: C-plus.

I think that's a pretty solid take by Bob.

If they want to pay $4 Mil per for a C+ player, then go ahead.

The contract for Colin Cole from Seattle was worse.

Its the way of the current NFL

C + linebackers getting Reggie White money for Paris Lenon play

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Here is Pro Football Focus review of the deal

"-1.5: Now why would you go and do that?"

Erik Walden (LB) to IND: 4-year, $16m deal

To finish last in our 3-4 outside linebacker rankings once is bad. To do it twice indicates a player who just isn’t ever going to get it. Walden, in comparison to his peers, isn’t a good player. He doesn’t do a great job setting the edge, he’s extremely unproductive rushing the passer, and he’s now getting paid $4m a year. We give the Colts a -1.5 for this deal but his agent deserves a +2.0 for pulling it off. The Colts have fallen into the trap of watching a player have a career game against them (his +4.1 was the highest he ever managed by far) and assuming that is close to the status quo. It’s not and they’re going to be very disappointed with what they get out of him."