Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Need a quick fix in the NFL? Grab a talking head

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Dec. 27, 2002 | 9:09 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4076.

It used to be that whenever your football team needed a personnel boost, they could improve themselves in the draft, or perhaps through a trade, or maybe by signing a free agent.

Now, teams just pluck players and coaches from television studios.

Last week, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spent five hours on a plane with Bill Parcells. Ironically, they never got off the ground -- much like the Cowboys during the past few seasons.

Neither party will divulge specifically what was discussed during this flight simulation of sorts, but I don't think Parcells was searching for material for ESPN's pregame show. And Jones obviously was not seeking advice on how to help Dave Campo guide America's team -- it is widely believed Campo will not return to lead the Cowboys in 2003.

Meanwhile, on CBS, Deion Sanders revealed that he was talking to the Oakland Raiders about possibly joining the team for its playoff drive, to add depth to an injured secondary.

One problem: Sanders, who retired in 2000, was still the property of the Washington Redskins. To play for another team, he would have to be released (Neon Deion played one year of a seven-year contract before retiring), clear waivers, and then he could just sign, baby.

The Redskins had no problem releasing Sanders. Several other teams, however, did have a problem with Prime Time playing for Al Davis' club, and blocked the Raiders by making a claim for the former Pro Bowl cornerback.

The Chargers, who had the worst record among teams trying to claim Sanders, now have him on their retired-reserved list. It's mildly ironic, since San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer was the head man for the Redskins when Sanders played there.

Earlier this year, Cris Carter was lured from the HBO studios back into action -- the league's No. 2 all-time receiver is in this weekend's pivotal Dolphins-Patriots matchup.

Fox has to feel kind of left out, don't you think? Can't Howie Long help the Colts' weak pass rush? Couldn't Cris Collinsworth run some routes for the Titans?

Think of the ratings bonanza. Troy Aikman gives analysis from the booth, then suits up for Philadelphia until Donovan McNabb returns. He can second-guess all of his decisions at halftime, and interview himself after the game. It's a natural.

As for the courting of Parcells: Jerry Jones shouldn't be too quick to assume a coach, now matter how much he has accomplished, can win without the right talent around him. (Can you say Mike Holmgren?)

The meeting Jones had last week should be all the evidence he needs. Five hours sitting on a plane without going anywhere didn't faze Parcells. And it's no surprise. He spent three years with a bunch of Jets and didn't go anywhere, either.

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