5 NFL, free agency thoughts

Chad Ochocinco has been acquired by the Patriots.

1. I think Bill Belichick and the New England franchise need to seek professional attention for their problem. Belichick's obviously got an addiction to binge-signing low-risk acquisitions (see: Ochocinco deal, drafting QB Ryan Mallett to "back up" Tom Brady). And gray XXL Pats hoodies. Put this guy on Hoarders already.

2. It's sad to see Vince Young -- arguably one of BCS's best quarterbacks in the modern era and whom I ecstatically watched lead the Texas Longhorns during their 2005 championship season -- take such a destructive, fast track to failure in the big leagues in Tennessee. Luckily, the Eagles are becoming somewhat of a team for down-on-luck, second-chance QB's so they'll probably sign him. First Vick, now Vince. City of Brotherly Love indeed.

3. Peyton Manning is finally missing a game due to injury after his neck surgery. Indianapolis' front office is probably relieved, after realizing their star's paycheck makes following the new CBA salary caps more, err, brain surgery than simple financing. Luckily for Manning, Sony spokesmen's salaries don't have a pay cap.

Nick Fairley will line up opposite
Ndamukong Suh for the Lions.

4. If I were Roger Goodell, I wouldn't have reinstated Plaxico Burress. I mean, the guy shot himself in the leg. With an illegal Glock. I'm not even going to get into the irony of that. Ultimate Fo Shame to the NFL franchises currently courting him. If he can't even apply thought to put a safety on a gun, how should any self-respecting franchise trust him to get past safeties on the field?

5. So some hype exists surrounding the Lions for the upcoming season. Nick Fairley just signed for $10 million over four years with Detroit, whose D-line already claims beastly Ndamukong Suh. But where there is hype, crushed expectations lurk close behind. Fairley is a tremendous defensive lineman, but he essentially plays stupid and makes costly mistakes. He has more than twice his body weight of potential in athleticism and drive (which is a lot), but his talent is currently too raw and he's unaware of rules -- and fines -- that will set him back in the NFL.