Earth Day

Well, when I took a gander at my calender today, I noticed that it is Earth Day. And, I also noticed that there is a buttload to news to blog about. Brace yourself, this is gonna be a wild Earth Day ride.
The Seahawks have cut ties with former MVP RB Shaun Alexander. The back was released after eight years with the team, and is their all-time leading rusher. Alexander signed an 8-year, $62 million contract after being named the NFL's MVP two seasons ago. This was not an unexpected move for the team, as they went out and signed Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett in free agency. Alexander suffered through two injury-plauged seasons after signing his big contract, and the team struggled without him. I'm sure Alexander will not be out of work for long, unless he refuses to take a cut in pay.
The Dolphins have agreed to terms with Michigan OT Jake Long, and will make him the #1 pick overall. The contract includes $30 million in guarenteed money. This comes as no surprise to me, as I had him at the top of all my mock drafts. The contract is interesting though, in the sense that many OTs have signed for that kind of money over the last few seasons and are not as skilled as Long. Oh well, at least the Dolphins made a good choice, and will draft one of the safest picks to come along in a while.
The Chiefs are still trying to trade DE Jared Allen. This blows my mind, as Allen led the NFL in sacks last season. They say their eventual goal is to get younger, and are asking for first and second round picks in the upcoming draft. The Minnesota Vikings have offered a first and a third, but this isn't good enough. The question is: WHY TRADE YOUR BEST PLAYER? They have come up with a few good points, which I will quickly shoot down:
-> Money: They believe Allen will have a huge price tag after this season, should he maintain his success. They are afraid that between him and the #5 selection in the Draft, they will have money problems. Yes, but a trade with the Vikings gives them the #17 pick. This means they will have to fork out two first round contracts. Hmmmm, their argument is weak. Plus, you add another pick in the third. I think they could afford Allen.
-> Off-field Problems: Allen was suspended for four games last season due to conduct issues. They are afraid these problems will continue, so they want to ship him away. Yes, he has issues, but when a player plays in only 12 games and registers 16.5 sacks.... don't complain.
->Younger: They want to get there. Allen is 26 and entering the prime of his career. Enough said.
So, as you can see, I think they should resign Allen. if the Vikings do get him, they get one of the best in the league. Remember after the Super Bowl when everyone thought all you needed to win was pass rush. Foolish move by the Chiefs.
Roger Goodell has reinstated Bengals LB Odell Thurman after his two year suspension. This bodes well for Adam "Pac Man" Jones, as Goodell is obviously in a good mood lately. This is huge for the Bengals, as Thurman showed great promise in his rookie season. Time will tell if he can still be successful.
Speaking of the Bungels, coach Marvin Lewis has called out Chad Johnson. He is holding his stance that Johnson will not be traded. Johnson said recently that he will sit out the season if need be to get out of Cincinnati. Lewis basically said today that if this is the case, than so be it. He said Johnson will not be traded and if he doesn't want to play, than he will not play.
And finally, on another sad retirement note, Panthers DE Mike Rucker is calling it a career. This has been a rough offseason for NFL fans, as we have lost Brett Favre, Steve McNair, Warren Sapp, Larry Allen and now Rucker. Makes good for a great Hall of Fame class for 2013, doesn't it? HAPPY EARTH DAY!
(11 pm update: the Chiefs have apparently agreed on a deal with the Vikings for Allen, for their first rounder (17th overall) and two thirds. Terrible move for the Chiefs, great move for the Vikes.)