Derrick

Burgess

Hugh Douglas will play more in his place.

He really stepped up and earned a lot of money with his performance in the playoffs. People are talking franchise tag about Corey Simon, but Burgess is another possibility.

The Pats swoop in to pluck another disgruntled Raider, but this one looks like a fair deal for both teams. The Eagles were reportedly in the mix as well, offering a third-round pick and a player. The talented but injury-prone veteran fills the Pats’ biggest defensive need as a pass rushing presence at weak outside linebacker. He’ll likely replace Pierre Woods as the expected starter while giving the Pats’ defense/special teams a fantasy boost.

Ellis, turning 34 before the season, will move back to defensive end after playing OLB in Dallas over the last two years. While on paper this might look like another past-his-prime Raiders signing, Oakland needs pass rush help and Ellis has 20.5 sacks since 2006. It’s a solid gamble for a team that needs to pressure the quarterback much more consistently. It also increases the chances of Oakland trading Derrick Burgess.

Burgess doesn’t seem too concerned that he’s the NFL’s most underpaid player at his position. He’s attended mandatory work and is staying in shape.

Burgess missed the first week and a half of practices while rehabbing from hernia surgery. He should remain a borderline DL1 in IDP leagues this year.

Burgess had an ice bag on the calf. Since the game was in overtime while Burgess was out, the injury could be serious. The Raiders have generated a weak pass rush with him in games of late, but don’t have a viable alternative.

Sounding more likely that the Raiders could be without the top outside pass rusher, who missed the final few series in Week 2, against the Browns in Week 3.

He’s recovering from what is called minor hernia surgery, though, and will miss one day to two weeks. Burgess is unhappy with his contract after getting the most sacks in the NFL the last two years. Burgess wasn’t quite as dominant last season, but he should put up DL2-caliber IDP numbers in 2007.