The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- PFR’s “This Date in Transactions History” series produced three new entries, from three decades:
- This week three years ago, Arian Foster caught on with the Dolphins. Zach Links detailed how that union came to be and what transpired for the former Pro Bowl running back in Miami. Foster ended up playing four games as a Dolphin in 2016.
- All-Pro tackle Tony Boselli announced an early retirement this week 16 years ago. The first pick in Jaguars franchise history, Boselli anchored the offensive lines of four playoff teams and was instrumental in the Jags of the late 1990s advancing to two AFC title games. Zach discussed Boselli’s decision to retire at 31, doing so a year after the Jags made him available to the Texans in their 2002 expansion draft.
- Going back to the 20th century, I discussed Herman Moore‘s Lions run — which included a July 1999 extension — and the fallout from the receiver’s contract extension not working out. In the six drafts following Moore’s retirement, the Lions selected four receivers in the top 10. Only one of them, Calvin Johnson, worked out.
- The Ravens have received attention for losing longtime defensive stalwarts and adding Earl Thomas, but they also have built a deep cornerback stable. Dallas Robinson discussed the Ravens’ $36MM-plus investment at this position, a league-high, and what it means for the franchise.
- Jay Ajayi‘s ACL tear impacted his market considerably, with the four-year veteran and Super Bowl starter still unsigned in late July. Dallas examined the market, in an attempt to find a team for the former Dolphins and Eagles starter. Three returning AFC playoff teams — the Chargers, Colts and Texans — could be possible fits.
- The defending NFC champion Rams will have some new starters this season. Two of those will be on the offensive line, which lost Rodger Saffold and John Sullivan. Dallas looked at this unit, one heavily responsible for Todd Gurley‘s recent dominance, and wondered if it is now a concern for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
- Despite Brandon Williams re-signing to stay in Baltimore just two offseasons ago, is the mammoth defensive lineman in danger of seeing his roster spot go to someone else? In PFR’s latest “Release Candidate” installment, each delved into whether or not the former Division II All-American could be moved after six seasons in Baltimore.