PFT: Many Top Free Agents Overpriced Themselves

[WoodysGirl]

One of the biggest stories of the early stages of free agency isn't any of the guys who signed, but those who didn't.

Looking at ESPN.com's free agency rankings (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa), several key players aren't even getting a sniff yet.

Linebacker Julian Peterson, tied with Edgerrin James as the highest rated free agent, hasn't had his name mentioned this weekend.

Ditto for running back Jamal Lewis, cornerback Ty Law, kicker Mike Vanderjagt, tackle Jon Runyan, and cornerback Charles Woodson.

So what's the problem? The thinking is that the agents for these players floated numbers that were simply too high during the "tampering" phase of free agency, when teams were calling around to find out who could be signed in the first days of the process.

Coincidentally, three of these guys -- Peterson, Law, and Woodson -- are represented by the Postons, who are well known for making moon shots on the open market.

As a result, guys who wanted too much money before the market opened will miss out on the big money that always flows in the first several days. They'll eventually sign, but not for nearly as much as they could have gotten if they'd been ready to eat at the trough at a time when teams routinely put too much food in it.

POSTED 4:24 p.m. EST; UPDATED 4:28 p.m. EST, March 12, 2006

[The30YardSlant]

When guys like Peterson, Hope, Milloy, etc. all realize that they arent going to get paid what they thought because of the new CBA, that is when you will see our movement start. JJ is smarter than to spend 31 million dollars on a 3rd string WR, or give a LB a 13 million dollar signing bonus.

[Woods]

I wonder how long it takes for some of the "fluff" money to get used up in FA so we can get some bargains?

I'd guess another 2 weeks.

[Bach]

When guys like Peterson, Hope, Milloy, etc. all realize that they arent going to get paid what they thought because of the new CBA, that is when you will see our movement start. JJ is smarter than to spend 31 million dollars on a 3rd string WR, or give a LB a 13 million dollar signing bonus.


I'm all for Peterson and Hope. Good young talent.

Let's just hope there's some good young talent left to be had by the time we decide we want to play the game.

[burmafrd]

No one and I mean NO ONE wants to deal with the Postons unless they have no choice. Which tells me these guys are not exactly smart.

[Juke99]

When guys like Peterson, Hope, Milloy, etc. all realize that they arent going to get paid what they thought because of the new CBA, that is when you will see our movement start. JJ is smarter than to spend 31 million dollars on a 3rd string WR, or give a LB a 13 million dollar signing bonus.


Could very well be....

I've felt from the start that this crop of FA's simply isn't all that much to get excited about....AND...that most teams have now learned how to keep their really valuable players.

[Catch-22]

I agree. All of us may huff and puff as these players are flying all over the place, but the reality is there are still several tier 1 and tier 2 free agents available, and getting them at a cheaper price is more than worth it.

[CrazyCowboy]

One word........GREED!

[montgod]

I'm all for Peterson and Hope. Good young talent.

Let's just hope there's some good young talent left to be had by the time we decide we want to play the game.

Peterson and Hope....lets hope they keep holding out and then come to their senses....and sign w/the Boys for an affordable amount. Would be some solid additions.

[Charles]

One of the biggest stories of the early stages of free agency isn't any of the guys who signed, but those who didn't.

Looking at ESPN.com's free agency rankings (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa), several key players aren't even getting a sniff yet.

Linebacker Julian Peterson, tied with Edgerrin James as the highest rated free agent, hasn't had his name mentioned this weekend.

Ditto for running back Jamal Lewis, cornerback Ty Law, kicker Mike Vanderjagt, tackle Jon Runyan, and cornerback Charles Woodson.

So what's the problem? The thinking is that the agents for these players floated numbers that were simply too high during the "tampering" phase of free agency, when teams were calling around to find out who could be signed in the first days of the process.

Coincidentally, three of these guys -- Peterson, Law, and Woodson -- are represented by the Postons, who are well known for making moon shots on the open market.

As a result, guys who wanted too much money before the market opened will miss out on the big money that always flows in the first several days. They'll eventually sign, but not for nearly as much as they could have gotten if they'd been ready to eat at the trough at a time when teams routinely put too much food in it.

POSTED 4:24 p.m. EST; UPDATED 4:28 p.m. EST, March 12, 2006

wow the mediots never stop. Last year it was Ty Law. He got paid and had a ProBowl season.

The Poston players will wait it out. After mini-camps and draft the coaches and owners who want to win will come calling like Jets did with Law.

If Jon Runyan was available last offseason after Jacob Rogers went down ......who would have been blowing up Runyan's agent phone? Jerry...

Most of the players above still have 2 or 3 seasons left in the tank. If Peterson is healthy he's a franchise type defensive player.