Detroit News Confirms Cromartie Trade Talk
The Lions have discussed a potential trade with the Chargers involving cornerback Antonio Cromartie, The News has confirmed.
But the asking price for Cromartie may include running back Maurice Morris, in addition to a fourth or fifth-round draft pick, a source with knowledge of the situation said.
almost 2 years ago
Wonko
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"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
I've never been a big fan of Morris
But I’m not a hater either. I can’t envision him as being a productive starter for the Chargers. I did think he got a raw deal in Seattle and he didn’t wow anyone in Detroit. But, they are the Lions after all. How much wow can you produce there?
I’ll assume that they are just trying to find a body to stick as a backup (a body that also has kick/punt return experience) and will find their eventual starter in the draft. Kind of like the Broncos with Buckhalter and Moreno last year.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I'll add more rampant speculation
I could interpret a Morris acquisition 1 of 2 ways:
1. This is the type of back they like. A faster, smaller guy who can be used in the passing game.
or
2. They are getting a 3rd down back so that they can draft a more capable runner who needs improvement in pass catching and protection.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Anyone have the low down on Morris, skill set wise
I know that he’s under contract for 2010 and 2011 at around 1.5 per. Thats about it.
Skill set of a 3rd down back with modest return abilities
He has adequate size, but lacks top strength and power running between the tackles. He is effective in space due to his speed and quickness. He does a good job of getting to the edge with his acceleration, but is often too quick to bounce outside. He’s missing good lower- body strength to create yards after contact and he runs with a narrow base. He doesn’t always show good patience to allow blocks to set up inside. He can pick and slide effectively. He can hit a cut-back opening and shows good burst from the cut. He has good receiving skills out of the backfield. He can adjust to the ball thrown outside his frame and get turned up field quickly.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I doubt it
Not a lot of 1st or 2nd string RBs do. He was basically the starter at the end of the year. It’s not like Sproles ever covered kicks.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Yeah well Sproles
Doesn’t exactly have safety size. I guess if Morris was the 2nd back he wouldn’t be expected to cover kicks.
If he’s good at catching the ball and blocking, and has some return experience I understand the move if we draft a premier back. He does look to have solid numbers for a rotational guy.
I would think
Morris would either be the second back or be inactive a la Michael Bennett in 2009. Assuming the Chargers carry Tolbert and Hester, one of them basically takes the role as “active 3rd string back who contributes on special teams.” To cover kickoffs you need 10 guys, for the most part that’s going to be: 3 DBs, 3 LBs, 2 WRs, 1 TE and 1 RB/FB.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I just like him because his first name is practically the same as his last.
by BFDC on Mar 1, 2010 6:34 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
DVOA numbers for Morris last year
Bad running the ball, but still better than LT (and Morris had to run behind the Lions’ OLine). Good catching the ball and way better than LT, but nowhere near Sproles.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Not feeling it
"I sawed a woman in the park today"
Not bad grammar. Just recollections of a deranged killer.
Morris doesn't strike me
as a whole lot better than Michael Bennett. He is a little bigger than Bennet, but the stats (and age: 30+) are similar. I think I’d rather take Kevin Smith or Aaron Brown. I’m not sure who has the best sillset between the three, but at least the young guys might have some upside (and more than 1 or 2 years left in the tank).
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 1, 2010 2:28 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I don't think the Lions would be willing to part with those 2 backs, so therein lies the difference
I’m not sure that Morris vs. Bennett is an either/or sort of thing. It could be that they are trying to double up to protect themselves against injury. I see them as similar, but with Morris’ advantage being better in the passing game and Bennett’s advantage being familiarity with the offense.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
morris and a 4/5 pick?
garbage.
Gary Potter: Harness in the good energy, block out the bad. Harness. Energy. Block. Bad. It's like a carousel. You put the quarter in, you get on the horse, it goes up and down, and around. Circular, circle. Feel it. Go with the flow.
Happy Gilmore: Psycho.
It does seem like the Chargers are giving up a lot of draft pick value
Just to make sure they can get a player back.
If you assume that the Chargers could get the Lions 3rd round pick straight up for Cro, but instead opt for a 4th and Morris. The difference between the Lions 3rd round pick and their 4th round pick (according to the draft pick value chart) is essentially another 3rd round pick from the bottom of the third round. So, you could say that Morris is essentially being valued as a late third round pick in this trade.
You could extend this to other scenarios. If you are bullish on Cro’s value and say he’s worth their 2nd rounder, then essentially the Chargers would be valuing Morris as a mid-2nd round pick.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
not a whole lot more
than what we would get as a compensatory pick if Cro played here next year and left via FA.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 1, 2010 3:03 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah
but the chargers obviously dont want him back. They are getting screwed on the deal, but Im not sure they have a choice at this point. I wish they would be able to get the lions high 3rd straight up, but that doesnt seem likely.
It seems to me
They are determined to get a RB in return plus a pick. That’s why they are getting screwed.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
I think they are getting screwed
Because everyone knows they need to move him and its a good corner draft. And his baby mommas, plus he would require a new contract.
yeah but
couldn’t we just keep him and perhaps employ some electro-schock therapy to get him to tackle every now and then?
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 1, 2010 3:14 PM PST up reply actions
The Chargers dont want to keep him
He’s done, they would probably have to release him without a trade. They have to move fast in getting rid of him at this point. Now if only they would just concentrate on getting a decent pick, it wouldnt hurt so bad.
Wonko mentioned that the feeling might be that both Morris and Bennett would be on the 2010 roster. Which could mean having more flexibility in drafting a rookie back.
Well
I was more thinking that they would go into the preseason like that. They could cut one of them if they found a UDFA they really liked. Neither would be assured of a roster spot in that situation.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Morris?
Interesting. Rather strange actually, that the Bolts would want Good ol’ Maurice Morris.
This off-season officially sucks for FIVE reasons and counting...
Apprently Mewelde Moore and Chestor Taylor aren’t available? I guess this is the best they can do.
by Orz on Mar 1, 2010 4:09 PM PST up reply actions
Nothing against Morris
he is an o.k. journeyman back, and I could live with it if he were to come here and get a little playing time next season. But I just don’t believe this rumor, maybe the Chargers want another team to think that this deal is ready to happen.
Only time will tell.
I notice that Choice is changing his tune about wanting to remain in Dallas. (unrelated teaser, or is it?)
No Dice
According to a Lions beat writer, the trade is now “highly unlikely”. Apparently Morris was a dealbreaker for the Lions, they don’t want to part with him.
I’m hoping this was all a negotiating ploy by AJ. Ask for Morris and a pick, then “settle” for no Morris but a higher pick. But I doubt that’s what happened.
Not arguing against Morris and this may be a stupid question
but couldn’t Hester serve as a third down back? When he was drafted it was all about his versatility… It seems like he pick up the block and catch some passes… Am I way off base here?
Just because you can play multiple roles
Doesn’t mean you are good at playing multiple roles.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
by Wonko on Mar 1, 2010 9:59 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
he was good enough to get drafted.
but it think it has more to do with AJ falling in love with him than Hester being an actual back.
The peanut gallery has spoken!!!
He was drafted for his versatility more than his talent.
"When they come for me I'll be sitting at my desk, with a gun in my hand wearing a bullet-proof vest, singing 'My, my, my, how the time does fly when you know you're going to die by the end of the night.'" - Catch 22
And his background as "A Certified Winner" TM
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
All the hoping for high picks was wasted time
When you make it known I don’t want a guy back under any circumstance, your leverage is gone, puff. So lets accept it, if the chargers get a 4th rounder it probably is the best deal out there.
Lets change it the other way, if you knew a GM is desperate to get rid of a diminishings returns, talented and troublemaker corner, how much would you give up for him. For 20-25 GMs out there its simple their waiting for the chargers to release him. I’m still hoping it gets done for a 4th rounder, but you think you guys are dissapointed now, wait if the chargers release him for no compensation.
3 weeks ago it didn’t seem they were more than merely interested in seeing what they can get. I think they should make it clear that they’re willing to run Antonio Cromartie as CB#3, and he won’t get released no matter what happens. He’s still on his rookie contract: why would they cut him? All he did was blow it, and he’s not a big money sink. Bench the guy.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Mar 2, 2010 6:50 AM PST up reply actions
In the board's defense
You were “laughed at” by me, who foolishly thought that the Chargers were shopping him and not dumping him. I’m still not convinced that they aren’t getting the value I was thinking they would get. The difference may be in how much they perceive Maurice Morris to be worth. As I said earlier, they may be valuing him similar to the value of a late second or early third round pick. I don’t get it, but maybe they have their reasons.
I'm the first person to admit that I'm wrong about a lot of things, but I'm going to be the last person to admit I'm wrong about what we're currently talking about.
Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't
Cro is in AJ's doghouse
It smells like a dump, it sounds like dump, guess what I see no way Cro is in this roster, so yes its a dump.
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