Now after the initial shockers, over-priced contracts, and blockbuster trades, free agency is starting to die down. No longer are there really any (noticeable) team changing players, but a few of these guys could make a surprising impact. But, as your team signs these name recognizable veterans (Marvin Harrison, Jason Taylor, Deuce McCallister, etc.), keep in mind that bringing in a former star doesn’t mean your going to get a star, or even a quality player for that matter.
QUARTERBACKS
Byron Leftwich
He, curiously, hasn’t generated much interest from any teams. The knock on him as always been that he has a slow wind-up and he doesn’t have much mobility. But, he wasn’t that bad at Jacksonville, more of a case of Garrard fitting that system better, and he stepped in very nicely for Big Ben. He can start in this league with a decent offensive line. Jets? Broncos? Bucs?
Jeff Garcia
He was cut by the new Bucs leaders, and will probably have trouble finding a new starting gig. Garcia isn’t young anymore, and his scrambling ability will only get him so far. A team looking for a safe back-up will be happy with Garcia. Jets? Bengals? Redskins?
Rex Grossman
Since the year of the Bears Super Bowl run, I have heard this intriguing and very believable fact about Grossman. People close to the team have said that Grossman is a top 5 quarterback…in practice. They said that he can make all the throws and then some, has amazing touch, and understands the playbook very well. He’s just a headcase when it comes to games. A good offensive coordinator will try and fix Grossman as a backup. Lions? Raiders? Cowboys?
RUNNING BACKS
Dominic Rhodes
He has bounced around since he was last with the Colts, but has still been a solid power runner. He could help a team looking for a complement to a star runner, but can’t be effective getting 10+ carries a game. Lions? Eagles? Texans?
Deuce McCallister
The face of the Saints organization for as long as they have been respectable in the last decade, McCallister is out of work and will struggle to get a shot before training camp. A team with a solid playoff run and in need of a veteran will sign him. 49ers? Eagles? Texans?
DeShaun Foster
Former star player in the Panthers Super Bowl run, Foster is out of work once again. He is probably a good fit for a team with a need for a 3rd running back. Eagles? Texans? Lions?
Rudi Johnson
When the Detriot Lions don’t think your worth it, you know your in trouble. He was one of the most under rated running backs when he was with the Bengals, but he should struggle a little to find a new team. He will likely be out of work for a little while.
LaDanion Tomlinson?
The Chargers seem ready to release him, and he will be a hot ticket once he’s available. Yes he is older and maybe not as good as his record breaking season, but he still is extremely talented, known as a hard-worker who’s versatile, and will bring a new excitement to a team. Look for some big players in the LT race, if he is available. Jets? Browns? Packers? Bucs?
WIDE RECEIVERS
Terrell Owens
By now, the whole Owens being cut shocker is starting to die down, and it now turns to his next stop. Drew Rosenhaus, his agent, has said he will likely be signed by the end of the week. Regardless of his character concerns, he will get signed, and will play in 2009/2010. Bills? Colts? Raiders? Jets?
Marvin Harrison
His game-changing catches and overall demeanor in the field makes him a receiver worth having, even if he is a #2 or #3 receiver. He won’t be out of work too much longer, as teams looking for a guy to push them over the edge will be happy with Harrison. Eagles? Bills? Dolphins? Bears?
Mike Furrey
The Wes Welker effect will likely affect Furrey’s stock as a free agent. He is the prototypical slot receiver, with reliable hands and deceptive speed. He will go to a team looking at a spread offense. Browns? Broncos? Rams?
Brandon Lloyd
Bobby Engram
Shaun McDonald
Ronald Curry
David Patten
Amani Toomer
Tory Holt?
The fact that he is available to be cut/traded shows how the Rams organization feels about the present, not good. They are trying to get younger and clear salary cap, but Holt will be a very hot ticket come his release date. Bills? Colts? Eagles? Dolphins? Bears?
OFFENSIVE LINE
Khalif Barnes
Barnes is the only young LT still available, and is being courted by many teams. So far he is still available because of teams analyzing the draft and the Orlando Pace situation. Raiders? Jaguars? Bengals?
Marvel Smith
The Steelers have made him available, and even though he has injury concerns, his play with Pittsburgh should generate enough interest for a team to take him on for a year or two. Raiders? Jaguars?
Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan
Both Eagles offensive tackles are likely on their way out, as Andrews and Justice are now the future, with a possible 1st round pick going to the offensive line as well. Both will consider retirement, and I think both will succumb to that fate. Retirement?
Orlando Pace?
He is likely another casualty of the Rams clearing cap and getting younger, Pace will be viewed as a better version of Willie Anderson of last season. He still has another year or two as a solid LT in the league. Bengals? Jaguars? Chiefs?
Mike Goff (OG)
Pete Kendall (OG)
DEFENSIVE LINE
Tank Johnson (DT)
He seems to have eliminated his character concerns, and I am very surprised he hasn’t gotten signed yet. He can be a very good nose tackle in the 4-3 or 3-4, and brings a great excitement and pass rush that most interior defensive lineman can not. Jets? Bears? Falcons?
Jason Taylor
The Redskins have parted ways with the guy they traded a 2nd round pick for last season. Obviously, it looks as though Bill Parcels knew exactly what he was doing, and now Taylor is out of work and possibly could retire. Retirement? Dolphins? Patriots?
Bertrand Berry
Berry has been a solid player for the Cardinals the past 5 or so seasons. He didn’t fit well in that 3-4 defense if you ask me, and he could be a solid 4-3 power end for a new team. Bucs? Colts? Chiefs?
Jason Babin (DE)
Mike Montgomery (DE)
Shaun Cody (DT)
Darwin Walker (DT)
Mike Wright (DT)
LINEBACKERS
Derrick Brooks
Another face of the franchise, Brooks is leaving the only place he’s ever known in Tampa Bay. He needs a Cover 2 system or at least a 4-3 defense, as I feel he can still be effective in that scheme. Vikings? Bills? Lions?
Cato June
Another Bucs cap casualty, June has played well in his career to warrant a starting gig. He should be looked at by the same teams as Brooks. Vikings? Bills? Lions?
Marcus Washington
One of the better Redskins linebackers this decade, Washington has the pass rushing ability at linebacker that many teams covet. He will find a job if a team doesn’t feel he’s injury-prone and still has something left in the tank. Texans? Chiefs? Dolphins?
Angelo Crowell
Pat Thomas
Mike Peterson
Eric Barton
Nate Webster
CORNERBACKS
Bryant McFadden
McFadden has been a consistent threat for the Steelers in their current dynasty-like past 5 seasons, and they would be hard-pressed to find a replacement if he does leave. Problem is, a few teams need him just as much. Steelers? Dolphins? Cardinals? Eagles?
Leigh Bodden
The Lions acquired Bodden with the intent that he could be a bright spot on their poultry defense. However, the new Lions regime didn’t think so, but another team might. At worst, he is a solid back-up, but most likely an opening day starter. Dolphins? Bucs? Bears?
Chris McCallister
A long time Raven great, McCallister has the ball skills and enough speed to make him a legit cornerback for another year or two in the league. He should be picked up fairly soon. Dolphins? Jets? Bucs?
Eric Green
Travis Daniels
Karl Paymah
Dre Bly
Patrick Surtain
Ty Law
SAFETIES
Gerald Sensabaugh
An extremly athletic safety, he has become expendable because of Reggie Nelson and the Jags unwillingness ot overpay in the secondary. He should get a safety job come early next season. Panthers? Bills? Falcons?
Roy Williams
What to do with Roy Williams. Once thought of as the future of the strong safety position, a better version of John Lynch, Williams is now out of work and possibly out of a position. He could be looking for a team looking for a head-hunter, or a team desperate for a linebacker who could use him as a converted guy. Jaguars? Panthers? Falcons? Bills?
James Butler
Josh Bullocks
TRADE POSSIBLES?
Julius Peppers
Peppers has said numerous times that he does not want to play in Carolina next season. The Panthers may be reluctant to give him that wish, but if a team is willing to give up a second rounder or two, he could be a solid option and could be a win for all three parties involved. Patriots? Dolphins? Browns?
Tory Holt
If he doesn’t get cut, he will likely leave via trade. The teams above will make a play for him, and a 2nd or 3rd rounder should be enough for the teams. Bills? Colts? Eagles? Dolphins? Bears?
LaDanion Tomlinson
He most likely will get cut or stay with the team, but if the Chargers decide to look for a trade, teams will give up alot to get him before he hits the market. A mid 2nd rounder should do it. Jets? Browns? Packers? Bucs?
Dunta Robinson
The Texans may not want to pay him the franchise tender, considering they have some viable options behind him plus the chance to draft a better corner at the 15th pick. Teams are always looking for corners, and he could generate 2nd or 3rd round consideration.Dolphins? Bucs? Eagles? Cardinals?
Orlando Pace
Another guy who is likely going to hit the market, but teams would jump at the opportunity to get him for a 3rd or 4th rounder, which is likely the Rams will take. Pace still has another year or two left of good play, and many teams don’t have their franchise LT. Bengals? Jaguars? Chiefs?
And while we touched on the last of the top free agent class available, I want to say a football philosophy I firmly believe in.
“Winning Free Agency means you have a shot at the playoffs; winning the draft means you have a shot at the Super Bowl”
This means that while the Redskins, Broncos, and Bucs may have done well this off-season, their Super Bowl hopes likely rest on their 2007-2009 draft classes.
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