Nine offseason moves that must be made

by Adam Schein

Updated: June 29, 2008, 7:57 PM EST 512 comments

1. Miami needs to trade Jason Taylor to Green Bay

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had a report last week that the Packers are kicking the tires on a deal for the disgruntled Dolphin star. Two members of the Packers' defensive staff have experience coaching Taylor. Plus, Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson has a great relationship with Miami's football Czar, Bill Parcells.

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Frankly, it makes too much sense.

I firmly believe that Taylor has played his last down in Miami. He has no interest in working for the new regime.

The Packers shouldn't worry about Taylor talking his way out of Miami, even though it's been a major turnoff and big distraction to the Fins. He's always had the reputation of being a hard worker and team leader. Wanting to finally get a ring, Taylor won't be a headache for Mike McCarthy.

Taylor is still an elite pass rusher with at least two good years left in the tank. A line of Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins, Justin Harrell and Taylor would be one of the best defensive fronts in the entire league.

Plus, Green Bay, while situated in a tiny market, is a marquee franchise. The Packers are constantly on national television. While Miami and Green Bay are complete opposite cities with vastly different climates, playing for the Packers will help Taylor with his desired "Q" rating as he moves into acting and dancing fulltime.

I think Taylor will play two more years, including 2008. If Thompson can get insurances from Taylor that he'll play past this year, I'd give up a second-round pick for a player that will help you win games on defense in the post Brett Favre era and solidify you as division favorites and a Super Bowl contender.

2. Tampa should deal Chris Simms ... now!

Ok, so Simms shouldn't have said he felt like Jon Gruden is holding him hostage, not with the money he's making and troops overseas.

But Simms' point happens to be correct.

Jon Gruden values him as the fifth quarterback on the roster.

Something would have to happen to Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown and Gruden's old favorite, Brian Griese, for Simms to even be reconsidered for the starting job. And with Gruden foaming at the mouth over youngster Josh Johnson, Simms really is a nonentity.

There is no way you can get equal value for Simms. When he's healthy, he can be a top 32 quarterback. But he has endured a lot of physical, mental and emotional pain over the last two years in Tampa.

It's not worth keeping a player on the team who the coach doesn't believe in anymore and whose situation has become an omnipresent distraction. It's amazing to think how different folks in Tampa would think of Simms if Edell Sheppard held onto a potential touchdown pass a few years ago versus Washington.

Deal him for a late-round pick and end it. Seattle, Houston, Miami, Oakland and the Giants could have interest.

3. Jeremy Shockey needs to leave New York

I cannot write it any simpler. For all the right reasons, the Giants need to eradicate themselves of this Giant headache.

If the New York Giants want to have a chance at defending their Super Bowl title, they'd be smart to part with tight end Jeremy Shockey. (Doug Benc / Getty Images)

New York is defending a title. It doesn't need Shockey causing Tom Coughlin aggravation by not being with his fellow injured players during minicamp. The Giants don't need Shockey feuding with the general manager. And frankly, with the brilliant way Eli Manning played in the playoffs sans Shockey after an uneven regular season, Manning and the Giants don't need the talented tight end to win. And that's the bottom line.

If Shockey stays in New York, I just don't see it working out. I don't see everyone getting on the same page, ever. Cut your losses like I suggested before the draft, eliminate the headache and deal Shockey to New Orleans for a second-round pick.

And even when Shockey becomes a star again playing for Sean Payton and Drew Brees, just remember, it's not going to work in New York.

4. Travis Henry should join Shockey in New Orleans

There are major red flags all over this one. Henry was booted out of Denver because he simply didn't work. He will be suspended for a year with his next failed drug test. And he has to pay child support on too many kids to list.

Focus is an issue here.

But the upside is he's a Top-10 back. And with Deuce McAllister's health a concern and Reggie Bush's versatility, the risk/reward on Henry is worth it.

5. The Eagles should make peace with Lito Shepard and keep him

Frankly, I never thought this could happen. But when you stop and think about it, unless Cleveland gives up a second rounder, it's just not worth dealing a Pro Bowl cornerback for under-market value.

The fact is, with the three receiver sets so en vogue, a Sheppard, Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown trio would be incredible. And to make Sheppard happy, you continue to pay him what he's currently making. As long as you don't cut his salary for this year, I think it could work. Sheppard is immensely popular in the locker room, as defensive lineman Trent Cole told us last week.

6. Ty Law is a perfect Cleveland Brown

There's chatter about Law reuniting with Bill Belichick in New England or teaming up with Jets coach Eric Mangini.

Ty Law may be joining Bill Belichick in New England or Eric Mangini in New York, but he should be reuniting with his former defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel in Cleveland. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

The reunion that makes the most sense is the veteran cornerback playing for his old Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

The Browns dealt playmaking cornerback Leigh Bodden to Detroit in the Shaun Rodgers deal. Then, the club learned that Devin Holly is done for the year and was placed on injured reserve. It makes Cleveland paper thin at cornerback.

While young Eric Wright is talented, he needs some help. Law, while past his prime, is still crafty enough to make plays and provide leadership Cleveland desperately needs.

7. Buffalo needs a veteran, backup running back

With a potential suspension hanging over Marshawn Lynch's head, Fred Jackson would be the starting running back in lovely Western New York. While the Coe College product performed adeptly when Lynch was hurt last season, Dick Jauron needs someone who's been through the battles before.

Buffalo doesn't need to get a big-time player or time. Think someone like Ron Dayne, who proved to be a super sub in Houston last season and is currently unsigned.

8. Eric Parker fits in New York with the Jets

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the receiver/returner will be traded before training camp. Parker missed the 2007 season with a toe injury, but he has a reputation of being a great teammate and excellent worker. And Parker was very solid for the Chargers between 2004 and 2006, averaging 50 catches a year.

Remember, Parker was with Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer when the Jets OC was coaching in San Diego. New York needs a third receiver behind Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. Brad Smith is currently that option, and he still has a ways to go as a receiver.

Parker's talent and familiarity with Schottenheimer make him worth a late Day 2 pick for the Jets.

9. The Lions should sign Shaun Alexander

If Tatum Bell's the answer, I'd love to know the question. And while I thought Matt Millen stole Kevin Smith in the third round, he's still a rookie. I think Alexander would be hungry to get his battered reputation as a soft player back and would thrive playing on a one-year deal.

Reminder: The Schein-box (video-style) returns this week with a slew of reader emails, so keep sending them in!