Casey Fitzsimmons
Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 9:38 am
OK - what does this blurb from ESPN mean for Casey??
Around the league
Speaking of tight ends, the Detroit Lions, who have done a nice job of surrounding third-year quarterback Joey Harrington with more speed, are attempting to add Stephen Alexander to the arsenal. Lions officials have been in substantive negotiations with the six-year veteran tight end for about a week now and actually, ESPN.com confirmed, made contact with him before the draft. The often-injured Alexander, released earlier this offseason by the San Diego Chargers, is said to be healthy again after a long battle with a severe groin injury that limited him to only three appearances in 2003. Alexander, 28, also suffered through myriad leg injuries in 2001, when playing for Washington, and there is no doubt his medical dossier must be carefully scrutinized. But the former Oklahoma star still possesses very good deep speed, can split the safeties, and has solid hands. His best season came in 2000, when he posted 47 catches for the Redskins, and he had 25-plus catches in the four seasons in which he was able to stay healthy. The Lions' starter in 2003 was rookie Casey FitzSimmons, an undrafted free agent who had just 23 catches, and isn't all that athletic. If the Lions can grab Alexander for the right price, and are convinced he is healthy, he could be a nice addition to an improving offense.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/s ... id=1796964
Around the league
Speaking of tight ends, the Detroit Lions, who have done a nice job of surrounding third-year quarterback Joey Harrington with more speed, are attempting to add Stephen Alexander to the arsenal. Lions officials have been in substantive negotiations with the six-year veteran tight end for about a week now and actually, ESPN.com confirmed, made contact with him before the draft. The often-injured Alexander, released earlier this offseason by the San Diego Chargers, is said to be healthy again after a long battle with a severe groin injury that limited him to only three appearances in 2003. Alexander, 28, also suffered through myriad leg injuries in 2001, when playing for Washington, and there is no doubt his medical dossier must be carefully scrutinized. But the former Oklahoma star still possesses very good deep speed, can split the safeties, and has solid hands. His best season came in 2000, when he posted 47 catches for the Redskins, and he had 25-plus catches in the four seasons in which he was able to stay healthy. The Lions' starter in 2003 was rookie Casey FitzSimmons, an undrafted free agent who had just 23 catches, and isn't all that athletic. If the Lions can grab Alexander for the right price, and are convinced he is healthy, he could be a nice addition to an improving offense.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/s ... id=1796964