Every off-season, before the most hyped up non-sporting event in the world we call the NFL Draft, teams look to build, rebuild, and fine tune their rosters with star and role players alike. This free agent class has some of the biggest names in the game, maybe being one of the best free agent classes ever. With impact guys like Haynesworth, Bart Scott, Ray Lewis, Houshmanzadah, and Marvin Harrison, teams could get not only great contributors, but new faces of their franchise.
With the NFL Free Agency period starting at 12:01 EST, we take a look at some of the big name players available and where they may end up in 2009:
1. DT Albert Haynesworth (Tennessee Titans) This 27 year old is the gold nugget of the FA class. He is a dominate player that can control a line of scrimmage. His work ethic can be questioned as well as his motivation at times.
Projected- Washington Redskins
2. C Jason Brown (Baltimore Ravens) He’s a power player in the middle who is just now entering his prime. He’s better blocking for the run than as a pass protector. Deffinitly one of the best at his position.
Projected- Philadelphia Eagles.
3. LB Bart Scott (Baltimore Ravens) This young and talented linebacker will be a hot target come free agency. He still has a lot of upside and can solidify a defense. More than just Ray Lewis’s sidekick, and he could look for a new team to prove it.
Projected- New York Jets.
4. LB Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens) Rumors are swirling that this future Hall of Famer is going to be wearing the Dallas Star on his helmet next season. While Mr. Baltimore still has a few years left in the tank, is he willing to part the Rex Ryan-less defense? The answer is no.
Projected- Baltimore Ravens
5. WR T. J Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals) With 294 catches for 3,128 yards and 25 touchdowns, he is far and away the biggest producer among available wide receivers. The question is can he be a #1 target without Chad Johnson?
Projected- Philadelphia Eagles.
6. QB Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals) It’s no secret that Warner is nearing or is at the end of his career. He has openly stated that he plans to cash in before leaving, somewhere in the $12-14 million range.
Projected- Arizona Cardinals.
7. WR Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) It will be hard to see this future Hall of Fame player wearing anything other than Colts blue and white. Nagging injuries have kept him off the field the past two years. Expect Harrison to come crawling back to Indy later in the off-season.
Projected- Indianapolis Colts.
8. RB Derrick Ward (New York Giants) After giving fellow RB Brandon Jacobs a 4 year contract extension, expect Ward to try and cash in on the open market. There are not many other places where he can expect to average 5.6 yards a carry though.
Projected- St. Louis Rams.
9. OG Mike Goff (San Diego Chargers) This Nine-year veteran has played 16 games per year for eight consecutive seasons; the best of a weak field.
Projected- San Diego Chargers.
10. DE Chris Canty (Dallas Cowboys) He’s a big defensive end who is great against the run. He’s not a great pass rusher but might entice some 3-4 teams. The Bill Parcells strong connection may mean he only looks to the Dolphins.
Projected- Miami Dolphins.
11. CB DeAngelo Hall (Washington Redskins) The Redskins like what Hall did late in the season for the them and will try to keep the former Pro Bowler around long term.
Projected- Washington Redskins.
All Offense
Quarterback:
Kurt Warner, Arizona; Kerry Collins, Tennessee; Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay; Chris Simms, Tennessee; Byron Leftwich, Pittsburgh.
Running Back:
Derrick Ward, New York Giants; Deuce McAllister, New Orleans; Fred Taylor, Jacksonville; Cedric Benson, Cincinnati; Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis.
Wide Receiver:
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati; Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis; Jerry Porter, Jacksonville; Nate Washington, Pittsburgh; Amani Toomer, New York Giants; Mike Furrey, Detroit.
Tight End:
L.J. Smith, Philadelphia; Jeremy Stevens, Tampa Bay; Jim Kleinsasser, Minnesota; Justin Peelle, Atlanta; Bubba Franks, New York Jets.
Tackle:
Stacy Andrews, Cincinnati; Jon Stinchcomb, New Orleans; Tra Thomas, Philadelphia, Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Khalif Barnes, Jacksonville; Mark Tauscher, Green Bay.
Guard:
Mike Goff, San Diego; Pete Kendall, Washington; Cooper Carlisle, Raiders; Chris Naeole, Jacksonville.
Center:
Jason Brown, Baltimore; Matt Birk, Minnesota; Jake Grove, Raiders; Jeremy Newberry, San Diego.
All Defense
Defensive End:
Chris Canty, Dallas; Igor Olshansky, San Diego; Antonio Smith, Arizona; Bertrand Berry, Arizona; Michael Montgomery, Green Bay.
Defensive Tackle:
Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee; Jovan Haye, Tampa Bay; Grady Jackson, Atlanta; DeWayne Robertson, Denver; Tank Johnson, Dallas.
Linebacker:
Ray Lewis, Baltimore; Bart Scott, Baltimore; Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans; Keith Brooking, Atlanta; Mike Peterson, Jacksonville; Takeo Spikes, 49ers.
Cornerback:
Bryant McFadden, Pittsburgh; Chris McAlister, Baltimore; Leigh Bodden, Detroit; DeAngelo Hall, Washington; Phillip Buchanon, Tampa Bay; Dre’ Bly, Denver.
Safety:
Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia; Mike Brown, Chicago; Jermaine Phillips, Tampa Bay; Darren Sharper, Minnesota; Renaldo Hill, Miami; Lawyer Milloy, Atlanta; Dwight Smith, Detroit.
Specialists
Kickers:
John Carney, New York Giants; Matt Stover, Baltimore; Jay Feely, New York Jets.
Punters:
am Koch, Baltimore; Hunter Smith, Indianapolis; Chris Hanson, New England.
Franchised Player Preview
These are players who were designated franchise players by their respective teams, guaranteeing them a one-year salary the average of the top five players at their position. They can receive offers from other teams, with their team having the option of matching the offer or accepting two first-round draft choices in return. They also can be traded.
Arizona: LB Karlos Dansby
Atlanta: P Michael Koenen
Baltimore: LB Terrell Suggs
Carolina: DE Julius Peppers
Cincinnati: PK Shayne Graham
Houston: CB Dunta Robinson
New England QB Matt Cassel
New York Giants: RB Brandon Jacobs
Pittsburgh: T Max Starks
St. Louis: S O.J. Atogwe
San Diego: RB Darren Sproles
Seattle: LB Leroy Hill
Tampa Bay: WR Antonio Bryant
Tennessee: TE Bo Scaife
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