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Giving up on 2005? Here are your guys
Jay Glazer
The season has hit its halfway point and as stated in this space last week, this is the time when teams truly begin to see if there is hope for this year. For those whose hope is quickly waning, we have answers — answers in the form of help who could be on the way in 2006.
Even for teams on the rise, unrestricted free agency has turned the NFL into a 52-week business. Forget baseball's hot stove, the NFL's free agency and draft has turned the off-season into a feeding frenzy.
For those looking for anyone who can be of service in a year, FOXSports.com delivers the best unrestricted free agents slated to hit the open market after this season. We first give the top 10 unrestricted free agents, then break it down by position.
Remember though, this list will be greatly altered by the time March rolls around. Some names will be either re-signed or hit with the dreaded Franchise tag while other players will join the ranks thanks to voids in their deals and salary cap cuts.
The top 10
Colts RB Edgerrin James — MVP of the first half of this season. How much of that is his desire to get paid? Probably not much, as he's always played with solid consistency. He's an annual Pro Bowl threat.
Jets DE John Abraham — Can play DE in a 4-3 or LB in a 3-4 scheme. Abraham is one of the league's best pass rushers, always a premium.
Chargers QB Drew Brees — Best player at the team's most important position. In another year he probably wouldn't rate this high but teams looking for a veteran QB don't really have any other options.
Saints OG LeCharles Bentley — This guy is a complete beast and has shown great versatility by starring at center and guard. He's also got that great mean streak that the great offensive linemen possess.
If the Seahawks and Shaun Alexander can't hammer a deal out, there will be plenty of interest in the back. (Otto Greule Jr. / Getty Images)
Seattle RB Shaun Alexander — Seattle has had serious talks recently with Alexander and even exchanged contract proposals. Positive: Alexander is the best red-zone back in the NFL. Negative: Shows little interest in blocking and receiving.
49ers' LB Julian Peterson — Doubtful the Niners let him get away again but he, like Abraham, has shown great versatility.
Seahawks' G Steve Hutchinson — The second-best lineman on the open market. He's a true Pro Bowl player a solid team guy.
Ravens RB Jamal Lewis — Lewis has struggled this year. Still, he may end up being the most enticing option. Most of his problems this year were due to his lack of rehab time and work due to incarceration and a putrid offensive line. Put this tank on another team and he's back to Pro Bowl form.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook — Westbrook and the Eagles have been in very serious contract talks recently, but if they can't get something done, he'll have a decent market in a crowded class.
Patriots K Adam Vinatieri — Mariano Rivera of the NFL.
UFAs by position
Offense
RBs — This is the deepest position in free agency, even with two of the top five in serious contract talks right now. The RB group is highlighted by Colts' Edgerrin James, Seattle's Shaun Alexander, Baltimore's Jamal Lewis, Philly's Brian Westbrook and Green Bay's Ahman Green. Carolina's DeShaun Foster has had durability concerns but should get some love on the open market as well. Green's stock will take a hit with his latest injury.
QBs — This is an abysmal group. One man and one man only will hit like he's nailed the triple Tabasco sauce in a Vegas progressive slot and that's the Bolts' Drew Brees. One way or the other he'll get a massive payday in 2006. The Bengals' Jon Kitna may be the best option in this group after Brees. After Brees and Kitna it drops down to the Cards' Josh McCown, who has actually lost his job to Kurt Warner. After McCown comes the Panthers' Chris Weinke and Lions' Jeff Garcia. Jamie Martin and Anthony Wright round out a poor list.
WR — Looking for a top-flight burner? Better look in the draft. Pitt's Antwan Randle-El is tops on another weak list. Indy's Reggie Wayne and New England's David Givens round out the top three. After this trio, however, we get into guys who have already been castoff elsewhere, like Joe Jurevicius (who may be a nice pickup for a team with a burner on one side) and then, well, the list really goes south (i.e. Peter Warrick, Rod Gardner).
TE — Not a bad group but nothing that would dazzle anyone either. The Cowboys' Dan Campbell is a great team guy and does the little things that often go unnoticed. The Jets' Chris Baker is a solid receiver and New England's Christian Fuaria is a legitimate red-zone target. Pittsburgh's Jerame Tuman, San Diego's Justin Peele and Matt Schobel of the Bengals round out a pretty good group.
C — This is highlighted by the Saints' Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley. The Packers' Mike Flanagan is a proven, solid vet who recently had a sports hernia surgery. He's not a star like Bentley but he's an upgrade to many rosters and great with the QB. Carolina's Jeff Mitchell and Miami's Seth McKinney, Justin Hartwick of Tennessee and Buffalo's Trey Teague finish the list.
OT — The Lions' Jeff Backus, Falcons' athletic tackle Kevin Shaffer and New England's Tom Ashworth and Jon Runyan of the Eagles highlight this group. Backus is clearly the cream of this crop. Runyan is 33 years old and won't get paid like in the past. Then it drops down to a guy like Green Bay backup Kevin Barry, a massive body who is used as the team's third tackle and the Jags' Mike Pearson.
OG — One name stands out and that's Steve Hutchinson of the Seahawks. After the strong former first-round pick comes guys like the Pats' Steve Neal and the Bears' Terrance Metcalf. Neal isn't bad but Metcalf isn't exactly what one would call the athletic type. Ouch, rough group.
Defense
DE — This position is much, much deeper than the interior linemen who are free. The Jets' John Abraham leads the list followed by New Orleans' Darren Howard. Both were hit with the franchise tag last year. The Colts' Raheem Brock also helps to round out a pretty clear top three. Green Bay's rough, workmanlike and underrated Aaron Kampman as well as the solid Anthony Weaver of Baltimore comprise the next level. A wild card in this bunch is Tennessee's Kyle Vanden Bosch. When healthy his gas tank is always full. But teams will always be concerned with his injury history.
DT — Very bad group. There is no A-list name at this position. List is highlighted (although this is probably not the proper word) by guys like the Colts' Larry Triplett, the Rams' Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis, rejuvenated Buc Chris Hovan and Packers' mammoth Grady Jackson. Lional Dalton of the Ravens rounds out the list.
OLB — The 49ers' Julian Peterson has rebounded well from his Achilles' injury and it's doubtful they'll let him bolt but he leads this group. The Panthers' Will Witherspoon isn't a huge name but he's a very good player. The Colts' David Thornton and Chargers' Ben Leber are also thrown into the mix. The Giants' Nick Griesen is a guy who can play inside and outside and in his first year as a full-time starter has helped the first-place Giants D.
ILB — Worst group on the board. Earl Holmes of Detroit, the Browns' Andre Davis and Niner Derek Smith lead the way.
CB — The Bills' Nate Clements is a bona-fide No. 1 corner as is Charles Woodson but he's hurt, which will surely hurt his stock.. The Giants' Will Allen and Bears' Jerry Azumah are next. 'Zum is also a Pro Bowl special teams player and when healthy he's a true threat to make a play. The Broncos have pretty much already parted ways with Lenny Walls, who should cash in considering his size. More third corners on this list than No. 1s.
S — This is a pretty decent group highlighted by the likes of Tank Williams of the Titans, the Rams' Adam Archuleta and Steelers' Chris Hope. Corey Chavous of the Vikings is also a solid player; he's followed by the Ravens' Will Demps and Fins' Lance Schulters.
K — Adam Vinatieri, one of the greatest closers in sports history, Neil Rackers and Mike Vanderjagt highlight this group
Jay Glazer
The season has hit its halfway point and as stated in this space last week, this is the time when teams truly begin to see if there is hope for this year. For those whose hope is quickly waning, we have answers — answers in the form of help who could be on the way in 2006.
Even for teams on the rise, unrestricted free agency has turned the NFL into a 52-week business. Forget baseball's hot stove, the NFL's free agency and draft has turned the off-season into a feeding frenzy.
For those looking for anyone who can be of service in a year, FOXSports.com delivers the best unrestricted free agents slated to hit the open market after this season. We first give the top 10 unrestricted free agents, then break it down by position.
Remember though, this list will be greatly altered by the time March rolls around. Some names will be either re-signed or hit with the dreaded Franchise tag while other players will join the ranks thanks to voids in their deals and salary cap cuts.
The top 10
Colts RB Edgerrin James — MVP of the first half of this season. How much of that is his desire to get paid? Probably not much, as he's always played with solid consistency. He's an annual Pro Bowl threat.
Jets DE John Abraham — Can play DE in a 4-3 or LB in a 3-4 scheme. Abraham is one of the league's best pass rushers, always a premium.
Chargers QB Drew Brees — Best player at the team's most important position. In another year he probably wouldn't rate this high but teams looking for a veteran QB don't really have any other options.
Saints OG LeCharles Bentley — This guy is a complete beast and has shown great versatility by starring at center and guard. He's also got that great mean streak that the great offensive linemen possess.
If the Seahawks and Shaun Alexander can't hammer a deal out, there will be plenty of interest in the back. (Otto Greule Jr. / Getty Images)
Seattle RB Shaun Alexander — Seattle has had serious talks recently with Alexander and even exchanged contract proposals. Positive: Alexander is the best red-zone back in the NFL. Negative: Shows little interest in blocking and receiving.
49ers' LB Julian Peterson — Doubtful the Niners let him get away again but he, like Abraham, has shown great versatility.
Seahawks' G Steve Hutchinson — The second-best lineman on the open market. He's a true Pro Bowl player a solid team guy.
Ravens RB Jamal Lewis — Lewis has struggled this year. Still, he may end up being the most enticing option. Most of his problems this year were due to his lack of rehab time and work due to incarceration and a putrid offensive line. Put this tank on another team and he's back to Pro Bowl form.
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook — Westbrook and the Eagles have been in very serious contract talks recently, but if they can't get something done, he'll have a decent market in a crowded class.
Patriots K Adam Vinatieri — Mariano Rivera of the NFL.
UFAs by position
Offense
RBs — This is the deepest position in free agency, even with two of the top five in serious contract talks right now. The RB group is highlighted by Colts' Edgerrin James, Seattle's Shaun Alexander, Baltimore's Jamal Lewis, Philly's Brian Westbrook and Green Bay's Ahman Green. Carolina's DeShaun Foster has had durability concerns but should get some love on the open market as well. Green's stock will take a hit with his latest injury.
QBs — This is an abysmal group. One man and one man only will hit like he's nailed the triple Tabasco sauce in a Vegas progressive slot and that's the Bolts' Drew Brees. One way or the other he'll get a massive payday in 2006. The Bengals' Jon Kitna may be the best option in this group after Brees. After Brees and Kitna it drops down to the Cards' Josh McCown, who has actually lost his job to Kurt Warner. After McCown comes the Panthers' Chris Weinke and Lions' Jeff Garcia. Jamie Martin and Anthony Wright round out a poor list.
WR — Looking for a top-flight burner? Better look in the draft. Pitt's Antwan Randle-El is tops on another weak list. Indy's Reggie Wayne and New England's David Givens round out the top three. After this trio, however, we get into guys who have already been castoff elsewhere, like Joe Jurevicius (who may be a nice pickup for a team with a burner on one side) and then, well, the list really goes south (i.e. Peter Warrick, Rod Gardner).
TE — Not a bad group but nothing that would dazzle anyone either. The Cowboys' Dan Campbell is a great team guy and does the little things that often go unnoticed. The Jets' Chris Baker is a solid receiver and New England's Christian Fuaria is a legitimate red-zone target. Pittsburgh's Jerame Tuman, San Diego's Justin Peele and Matt Schobel of the Bengals round out a pretty good group.
C — This is highlighted by the Saints' Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley. The Packers' Mike Flanagan is a proven, solid vet who recently had a sports hernia surgery. He's not a star like Bentley but he's an upgrade to many rosters and great with the QB. Carolina's Jeff Mitchell and Miami's Seth McKinney, Justin Hartwick of Tennessee and Buffalo's Trey Teague finish the list.
OT — The Lions' Jeff Backus, Falcons' athletic tackle Kevin Shaffer and New England's Tom Ashworth and Jon Runyan of the Eagles highlight this group. Backus is clearly the cream of this crop. Runyan is 33 years old and won't get paid like in the past. Then it drops down to a guy like Green Bay backup Kevin Barry, a massive body who is used as the team's third tackle and the Jags' Mike Pearson.
OG — One name stands out and that's Steve Hutchinson of the Seahawks. After the strong former first-round pick comes guys like the Pats' Steve Neal and the Bears' Terrance Metcalf. Neal isn't bad but Metcalf isn't exactly what one would call the athletic type. Ouch, rough group.
Defense
DE — This position is much, much deeper than the interior linemen who are free. The Jets' John Abraham leads the list followed by New Orleans' Darren Howard. Both were hit with the franchise tag last year. The Colts' Raheem Brock also helps to round out a pretty clear top three. Green Bay's rough, workmanlike and underrated Aaron Kampman as well as the solid Anthony Weaver of Baltimore comprise the next level. A wild card in this bunch is Tennessee's Kyle Vanden Bosch. When healthy his gas tank is always full. But teams will always be concerned with his injury history.
DT — Very bad group. There is no A-list name at this position. List is highlighted (although this is probably not the proper word) by guys like the Colts' Larry Triplett, the Rams' Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis, rejuvenated Buc Chris Hovan and Packers' mammoth Grady Jackson. Lional Dalton of the Ravens rounds out the list.
OLB — The 49ers' Julian Peterson has rebounded well from his Achilles' injury and it's doubtful they'll let him bolt but he leads this group. The Panthers' Will Witherspoon isn't a huge name but he's a very good player. The Colts' David Thornton and Chargers' Ben Leber are also thrown into the mix. The Giants' Nick Griesen is a guy who can play inside and outside and in his first year as a full-time starter has helped the first-place Giants D.
ILB — Worst group on the board. Earl Holmes of Detroit, the Browns' Andre Davis and Niner Derek Smith lead the way.
CB — The Bills' Nate Clements is a bona-fide No. 1 corner as is Charles Woodson but he's hurt, which will surely hurt his stock.. The Giants' Will Allen and Bears' Jerry Azumah are next. 'Zum is also a Pro Bowl special teams player and when healthy he's a true threat to make a play. The Broncos have pretty much already parted ways with Lenny Walls, who should cash in considering his size. More third corners on this list than No. 1s.
S — This is a pretty decent group highlighted by the likes of Tank Williams of the Titans, the Rams' Adam Archuleta and Steelers' Chris Hope. Corey Chavous of the Vikings is also a solid player; he's followed by the Ravens' Will Demps and Fins' Lance Schulters.
K — Adam Vinatieri, one of the greatest closers in sports history, Neil Rackers and Mike Vanderjagt highlight this group
