As far as I know the only official, NFL-backed developmental league from the past was NFL Europe, and it's really no wonder why it failed. I'm talking about a real minor league system in the United States, owned and operated by the NFL.
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NFL Europe was pretty cool while it was around.
Lots of guys developed there and came back to the NFL. Kurt Warner comes to mind.
Adam Viniatieri, Jake Delhomme, Jay Fiedler, Ruval Martin, Shaun Hill, Israel Idonije, Brian Waters, David Akers, James Harrison, Fred Jackson, Aaron Stecker, Joe Andruzzi...
There were some good players that developed in NFL Europe. Hell, Warner and Vinatieri are HOF bound.
I am far from convinced that both Shiancoe & Clark will still be around come Week 1. By all accounts Shiancoe hasn't impressed and the ink's barely dry on Clark's contract. For all we know he may turn out to be washed up when they actually put him on the field (hopefully I'm wrong but it could be the case). I think it's really too early to guess at Furstenburg's fate. Before Pitta's injury my guess would've been PS, and even now think there's a good chance he'll end up there. It's just too early to say. But if I'm Furstenburg and the team tells me they like my play, I wouldn't thumb my nose at a PS spot. Look ahead to 2014: stopgaps like Clark & Shiancoe are likely to be out of football altogether, and either Pitta or Dickson is likely to be playing elsewhere for more $$$. If Furstenburg shows the coaches something, he could have a great opportunity next year.
Gotta trust the FO with this, they seem to have a way of reading other teams.
Example when they signed Chavis Williams to the PS and let Josh Bynes hang out there until Nov 9th 2011.
So they have a feel.
I admit I was very surprised when Davon Drew was claimed by Miami, but his career has since born out that the FO up close evaluation of him was correct.
So with Furstenburg, my concern is that there are injuries (and murder charges) that have depleted any quality veteran.
I really need to watch Furstenburg's ST skill. If he can contribute there, he will be claimed off our PS as soon as an injury bug bites, and he does have the speed (with size) to be effective if he can tackle.
I agree with the consensus that he could have a nice role here next year, the caveat is getting him to next year's roster. I really think there is too much potential to risk, but have to just sit back and watch as the FO does its expertise....like others have also said, there is no real lock at TE except for Dickson.
I don't think Furstenburg will last on the PS.
Clark didn't even try to get his old jersey number 44 from Vonta Leach.
Instead, he picked 87 to give props to his favorite receiver -- Reggie Wayne.
Nice move, IMO.
Per Aaron Wilson on Twitter.
Patriots. Belichick always says fuck you to unwritten rules. Remember he picked up that injured TE from the Giants last year. Looks smart this year for having done that: it's not as if they couldn't use another TE.
Patriots or Steelers would each be likely choices to pick up Furstenburg, if we tried to sneak him thru waivers to put him on the practice squad.