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Teams eagerly awaiting Abraham's fate
The following is a position-by-position look at the notable defensive players scheduled to become free agents March 3.
Defensive tackle
There isn't one elite free-agent defensive tackle this offseason, but several middle-of-the-road types will be on the radar of a number of teams.
Every 3-4 scheme needs a powerful space-eater in the middle, but nose tackle is one of the most difficult positions to fill. There should be no shortage of suitors for the services of Grady Jackson, who fits the description of a pure nose tackle and is unlikely to return to Green Bay. Jackson will be seeking money in the range of contracts signed by Pat Williams and Casey Hampton, but he isn't in the same class as either of those players and his weight can drastically affect his stamina.
Tampa Bay would like to bring back Chris Hovan, who last season played nose tackle in the Buccaneers' impressive scheme. More of a penetrator than the typical nose tackle, he turned out to be a real find for the Bucs.
Arizona's Russell Davis was playing well before suffering a biceps injury in Week 3 that forced him onto injured reserve. He will be a high priority for the Cardinals, who got inconsistent play in the middle of their defense while Davis was sidelined.
St. Louis' Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis are former first-round picks who are up for free agency. Both have four years of experience and, despite having been somewhat disappointing with the Rams, have potential that could be realized in the right environment. Pickett is the bigger of the two and has outperformed Lewis. He also is more consistent and is the better run-stopper. But he will be more expensive. The Rams probably will bring back only one of the two (preferably Pickett), and which one that turns out to be likely will depend a great deal on the players' asking prices.
Seattle's Rocky Bernard is a quick interior penetrator who excels at bringing pressure up the middle on opposing quarterbacks. Legitimate interior pass-rushers are difficult to find, so Bernard should be a hot item on the open market.
Buffalo's Ron Edwards has shown the versatility to play nose tackle and the three-technique position. But because he was sidelined for much of last season, his market value could take a hit.
The Jets' James Reed is a short, stout interior lineman who is strictly a nose tackle. He isn't an elite talent, but a team in need of a 3-4 run-stopper or a situational 4-3 guy could find his price to its liking.
This group lacks appeal at the top, but several interior defenders figure to attract serious attention in free agency.
Defensive end
A 2006 class of free-agent defensive ends that is both top-heavy and deep should give teams plenty of options from which to choose.
John Abraham wasn't happy about being tagged the Jets' franchise player last season, so player and team could be headed for more friction this offseason. He remains one of the league's top edge rushers, is coming off another impressive season (10½ sacks) and will draw serious interest from many teams. If he isn't traded or franchised again, Abraham likely will leave New York for a fresh start elsewhere.
Darren Howard is sure to leave New Orleans after a public falling-out to end last season. His stock might have slipped a bit since the Saints franchised him a year ago, but he still has a lot of ability -- a fine blend of size and edge speed. Teams will be lining up for his services.
Kyle Vanden Bosch had a breakout '05 season and was an outstanding comeback story for Tennessee. Vanden Bosch feels a sense of loyalty toward the team that gave him an opportunity last year, and both he and the Titans would like to get a deal done before the free-agency period begins. With pass-rushers always coming at a premium, Vanden Bosch is the sort of player a desperate team might overpay in free agency.
Aaron Kampman took his game to a higher level in '05, and Green Bay clearly wants to retain the up-and-comer. Kampman is young, is a great hustle player and assuredly would command a big contract on the open market.
Free-agent ends Kimo von Oelhoffen and Orpheus Roye are outstanding fits for a 3-4 scheme. Both excel as powerful run-stopping ends who also are considered high-character individuals. Quite comfortable in Pittsburgh, von Oelhoffen certainly wouldn't mind finishing his career with the Steelers at a reasonable rate. Cleveland needs a lot of help along the front seven, and Roye is one of the few consistent players along a Cleveland front seven that needs a ton of help. But if the Browns decide to go younger and Roye hits the open market, he would be a hot commodity as a player who would fit as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 tackle.
Baltimore's Anthony Weaver could generate some interest. He never has reached his full potential with the Ravens, but he has plenty of untapped ability.
A change of scenery could pay dividends for Kalimba Edwards, a talented youngster whose performance in Detroit hasn't matched his talents.
Restricted free agent Robert Mathis, a vastly undersized end, could make a splash. Mathis is extremely fast, explodes off the snap and could move to outside linebacker in a 3-4. But Indianapolis isn't likely to let him get away. Expect the team either to sign him long-term or to upgrade his tender to scare off potential suitors.
With a nice mix of pass-rushers and run-stoppers, this is an excellent group of free-agent ends.
Inside linebacker
Potential difference-makers among this group are scarce, and the position will be thin in free agency.
The best available player is Cleveland's Andra Davis. He has had past success rushing the passer and is a very good run defender when protected by his linemen. The Browns can't afford to lose a good, young starter along their front seven, so expect the team to make every effort to re-sign Davis.
Restricted free agent Gary Brackett gave Indianapolis' defense quite a lift last season. He is short, undersized and lacks great speed, but he can play. Brackett always seems to be around the ball. Signing him requires no compensation, so the Colts must give him a long-term deal or upgrade his tender. If not, they probably will be looking for a new starting middle linebacker.
Derek Smith doesn't get a lot of recognition on a poor team in San Francisco, but he makes a lot of plays. He is a high-motor player who always will give everything he has. Though he is aging, he still is playing at a high level. The 49ers would like to bring him back if the price is right.
Brandon Moore, who wound up playing quite a bit last season, is another San Francisco linebacker who will draw interest on the open market. He is solid, versatile, young and could be hitting his stride.
A small group of athletically limited but hardworking linebackers -- Brad Kassell, DaShon Polk and Ben Taylor -- could land lower-level free-agent deals. Kassell should attract the most attention, despite playing with a weak Tennessee club. Tough, hard-nosed and smart, Kassell makes a ton of plays from the middle linebacker spot.
Restricted free agent Gerald Hayes is a decent player, but he has missed a lot of time because of injuries and must prove his reliability before teams will consider giving up significant money and a draft pick to acquire him.
Teams in need of a major upgrade at inside linebacker will need to look to the draft this offseason. This is a below-average free-agent class comprised mostly of backups and special-teams types.
Outside linebacker
The wild card in free agency this year is Julian Peterson, a phenomenal talent who was slow to recover from an Achilles tendon injury in '04. Peterson is extremely versatile and, when he is right, is an excellent pass-rusher, a smooth cover man and a playmaker outside. He has a great frame, long arms and exceptional speed and athleticism. Peterson can be a special player in any scheme, but will he? He wasn't the same player after the injury, and there is some concern about whether he ever will fully recover.
Will Witherspoon is a quality starter who can handle himself in coverage and against the run. He is strictly a 4-3 player, but he is solid, dependable and continues to improve.
Akin Ayodele and Ben Leber are bigger linebackers who are at their best near the line of scrimmage. Both are capable of banging with tight ends.
With the emergence of Shawne Merriman in San Diego, Leber is sure to change teams. He is tough, very effective against the run and fits best on the strong side. He isn't a natural fit in the 3-4, which is partly why he never quite clicked with the Chargers.
Ayodele has played in Jacksonville's 4-3 but, unlike Leber, would excel in a 3-4 scheme. He is an explosive player who can rush the passer. He makes occasional mental mistakes, but he is very athletic and can get to the ball quickly.
Restricted free agent Antwan Peek is another 3-4 outside linebacker in flux. The speedy Peek seemed to emerge as an outside pass rusher in Houston's 3-4 last season, but the Texans are expected to convert to a 4-3. Peek lacks the bulk to play end in that scheme, but he is on the rise and could be dangled as trade bait.
Others who could draw interest include Tommy Polley, Bart Scott, Scott Fujita, Nick Greisen, Raonall Smith and restricted free agent Hunter Hillenmeyer. Polley and Scott both proved capable last season and could return to the Ravens as starters. Hillenmeyer excelled on a defense in which his Bears teammates drew more attention from opponents' blocking schemes.
Outside linebacker will be well-represented in free agency, with a true wild card in Peterson, who could wind up being a home run or a waste of valuable cap space for some team.
Cornerback
Nate Clements is about to make himself a lot of money. Very strong and physical, Clements is a force in the run game and can intimidate receivers in coverage. He is coming off something of a down year -- as it was for the entire Buffalo defense -- but he remains the top free-agent cornerback on the market.
Another name-brand corner who figures to be on the move is Charles Woodson. Oakland designated him its franchise player last season, but the seven-year veteran's skills have diminished and his durability is a problem. Woodson still has fantastic size and, when healthy, can shut down most of the league's better receivers. Despite his flaws, he should be a hot commodity.
Though a bit undersized, Deshea Townsend has been very reliable and plays bigger than his frame suggests. Like Oakland, Pittsburgh recently has invested in several high draft picks at cornerback. The Steelers could be preparing for Townsend's departure.
Restricted free agent Ike Taylor, who starts opposite Townsend, is on the rise. He has held his own against some of the NFL's top receivers and possesses a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism. Pittsburgh would be wise to offer Taylor a long-term contract before any buzz drives up his price.
Though Brian Williams played well in 2004, Minnesota believed free agent Fred Smoot would give the team an upgrade. Smoot turned out to be a disaster, and Williams picked up right where he left off when Smoot went down with an injury. Williams should have solid market value this offseason.
Among restricted free agents that could pique the interest of teams around the league is Ricky Manning Jr., who ranks as one of the league's best nickel backs. With Carolina committed to Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, another team might extend an an offer to Manning that the Panthers can't afford to match.
Overall, this is a very good group of free-agent cornerbacks. But several of the better players are restricted free agents whose tenders will go a long way toward determining the interest of potential suitors.
Safety
St. Louis SS Adam Archuleta is the biggest name among available safeties. Archuleta plays exceptionally hard and throws his body around -- probably the main cause for his durability issues. When healthy, he can be an athletic playmaker near the line of scrimmage, but views on Archuleta's value surely will vary.
SS Troy Polamalu gets all the pub in Pittsburgh, but FS Chris Hope is physical and has become a solid starter. He has excellent size and is a lights-out striker who can play in the box or patrol the deep middle. The Steelers, who have little depth behind Hope, will work hard to bring back the promising youngster.
SS Corey Chavous, one of the league's smartest defensive backs, puts in vast amounts of time and effort in the film room. But with a new staff having taken over in Minnesota and with the team having a number of pressing needs, Chavous could be on the move.
Another player to keep an eye on: Tampa Bay FS Dexter Jackson. After an awful stint in Arizona, Jackson found life again by the Bay. If he's smart, he'll strike another deal with the Buccaneers, whose scheme seems to maximize his skills.
Baltimore FS Will Demps and Tennessee SS Tank Williams have experienced success in the past but battled injuries last season. Both are entering their fourth NFL seasons and could be acquired at a favorable price. Demps is an average athlete who has been surrounded by loads of talent in Baltimore, but he is a fine performer. Williams is a big, physical, in-the-box safety who played hurt much of last season and whose play suffered for it.
SS Marlon McCree seemed to find a home in Carolina last year and, in hopes of keeping a good thing going, both player and team likely will consider striking a deal before the free-agent signing period begins.
SS Ryan Clark is another safety who gets overshadowed by his running mate (FS Sean Taylor). Clark is tough and makes his share of plays, though his small stature for the position also makes him the type a team always winds up trying to upgrade.
A sure-fire stud can't be found among this group, but a large number of available safeties will get a look from teams around the league.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.
The following is a position-by-position look at the notable defensive players scheduled to become free agents March 3.
Defensive tackle
There isn't one elite free-agent defensive tackle this offseason, but several middle-of-the-road types will be on the radar of a number of teams.
Every 3-4 scheme needs a powerful space-eater in the middle, but nose tackle is one of the most difficult positions to fill. There should be no shortage of suitors for the services of Grady Jackson, who fits the description of a pure nose tackle and is unlikely to return to Green Bay. Jackson will be seeking money in the range of contracts signed by Pat Williams and Casey Hampton, but he isn't in the same class as either of those players and his weight can drastically affect his stamina.
Tampa Bay would like to bring back Chris Hovan, who last season played nose tackle in the Buccaneers' impressive scheme. More of a penetrator than the typical nose tackle, he turned out to be a real find for the Bucs.
Arizona's Russell Davis was playing well before suffering a biceps injury in Week 3 that forced him onto injured reserve. He will be a high priority for the Cardinals, who got inconsistent play in the middle of their defense while Davis was sidelined.
St. Louis' Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis are former first-round picks who are up for free agency. Both have four years of experience and, despite having been somewhat disappointing with the Rams, have potential that could be realized in the right environment. Pickett is the bigger of the two and has outperformed Lewis. He also is more consistent and is the better run-stopper. But he will be more expensive. The Rams probably will bring back only one of the two (preferably Pickett), and which one that turns out to be likely will depend a great deal on the players' asking prices.
Seattle's Rocky Bernard is a quick interior penetrator who excels at bringing pressure up the middle on opposing quarterbacks. Legitimate interior pass-rushers are difficult to find, so Bernard should be a hot item on the open market.
Buffalo's Ron Edwards has shown the versatility to play nose tackle and the three-technique position. But because he was sidelined for much of last season, his market value could take a hit.
The Jets' James Reed is a short, stout interior lineman who is strictly a nose tackle. He isn't an elite talent, but a team in need of a 3-4 run-stopper or a situational 4-3 guy could find his price to its liking.
This group lacks appeal at the top, but several interior defenders figure to attract serious attention in free agency.
Defensive end
A 2006 class of free-agent defensive ends that is both top-heavy and deep should give teams plenty of options from which to choose.
John Abraham wasn't happy about being tagged the Jets' franchise player last season, so player and team could be headed for more friction this offseason. He remains one of the league's top edge rushers, is coming off another impressive season (10½ sacks) and will draw serious interest from many teams. If he isn't traded or franchised again, Abraham likely will leave New York for a fresh start elsewhere.
Darren Howard is sure to leave New Orleans after a public falling-out to end last season. His stock might have slipped a bit since the Saints franchised him a year ago, but he still has a lot of ability -- a fine blend of size and edge speed. Teams will be lining up for his services.
Kyle Vanden Bosch had a breakout '05 season and was an outstanding comeback story for Tennessee. Vanden Bosch feels a sense of loyalty toward the team that gave him an opportunity last year, and both he and the Titans would like to get a deal done before the free-agency period begins. With pass-rushers always coming at a premium, Vanden Bosch is the sort of player a desperate team might overpay in free agency.
Aaron Kampman took his game to a higher level in '05, and Green Bay clearly wants to retain the up-and-comer. Kampman is young, is a great hustle player and assuredly would command a big contract on the open market.
Free-agent ends Kimo von Oelhoffen and Orpheus Roye are outstanding fits for a 3-4 scheme. Both excel as powerful run-stopping ends who also are considered high-character individuals. Quite comfortable in Pittsburgh, von Oelhoffen certainly wouldn't mind finishing his career with the Steelers at a reasonable rate. Cleveland needs a lot of help along the front seven, and Roye is one of the few consistent players along a Cleveland front seven that needs a ton of help. But if the Browns decide to go younger and Roye hits the open market, he would be a hot commodity as a player who would fit as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 tackle.
Baltimore's Anthony Weaver could generate some interest. He never has reached his full potential with the Ravens, but he has plenty of untapped ability.
A change of scenery could pay dividends for Kalimba Edwards, a talented youngster whose performance in Detroit hasn't matched his talents.
Restricted free agent Robert Mathis, a vastly undersized end, could make a splash. Mathis is extremely fast, explodes off the snap and could move to outside linebacker in a 3-4. But Indianapolis isn't likely to let him get away. Expect the team either to sign him long-term or to upgrade his tender to scare off potential suitors.
With a nice mix of pass-rushers and run-stoppers, this is an excellent group of free-agent ends.
Inside linebacker
Potential difference-makers among this group are scarce, and the position will be thin in free agency.
The best available player is Cleveland's Andra Davis. He has had past success rushing the passer and is a very good run defender when protected by his linemen. The Browns can't afford to lose a good, young starter along their front seven, so expect the team to make every effort to re-sign Davis.
Restricted free agent Gary Brackett gave Indianapolis' defense quite a lift last season. He is short, undersized and lacks great speed, but he can play. Brackett always seems to be around the ball. Signing him requires no compensation, so the Colts must give him a long-term deal or upgrade his tender. If not, they probably will be looking for a new starting middle linebacker.
Derek Smith doesn't get a lot of recognition on a poor team in San Francisco, but he makes a lot of plays. He is a high-motor player who always will give everything he has. Though he is aging, he still is playing at a high level. The 49ers would like to bring him back if the price is right.
Brandon Moore, who wound up playing quite a bit last season, is another San Francisco linebacker who will draw interest on the open market. He is solid, versatile, young and could be hitting his stride.
A small group of athletically limited but hardworking linebackers -- Brad Kassell, DaShon Polk and Ben Taylor -- could land lower-level free-agent deals. Kassell should attract the most attention, despite playing with a weak Tennessee club. Tough, hard-nosed and smart, Kassell makes a ton of plays from the middle linebacker spot.
Restricted free agent Gerald Hayes is a decent player, but he has missed a lot of time because of injuries and must prove his reliability before teams will consider giving up significant money and a draft pick to acquire him.
Teams in need of a major upgrade at inside linebacker will need to look to the draft this offseason. This is a below-average free-agent class comprised mostly of backups and special-teams types.
Outside linebacker
The wild card in free agency this year is Julian Peterson, a phenomenal talent who was slow to recover from an Achilles tendon injury in '04. Peterson is extremely versatile and, when he is right, is an excellent pass-rusher, a smooth cover man and a playmaker outside. He has a great frame, long arms and exceptional speed and athleticism. Peterson can be a special player in any scheme, but will he? He wasn't the same player after the injury, and there is some concern about whether he ever will fully recover.
Will Witherspoon is a quality starter who can handle himself in coverage and against the run. He is strictly a 4-3 player, but he is solid, dependable and continues to improve.
Akin Ayodele and Ben Leber are bigger linebackers who are at their best near the line of scrimmage. Both are capable of banging with tight ends.
With the emergence of Shawne Merriman in San Diego, Leber is sure to change teams. He is tough, very effective against the run and fits best on the strong side. He isn't a natural fit in the 3-4, which is partly why he never quite clicked with the Chargers.
Ayodele has played in Jacksonville's 4-3 but, unlike Leber, would excel in a 3-4 scheme. He is an explosive player who can rush the passer. He makes occasional mental mistakes, but he is very athletic and can get to the ball quickly.
Restricted free agent Antwan Peek is another 3-4 outside linebacker in flux. The speedy Peek seemed to emerge as an outside pass rusher in Houston's 3-4 last season, but the Texans are expected to convert to a 4-3. Peek lacks the bulk to play end in that scheme, but he is on the rise and could be dangled as trade bait.
Others who could draw interest include Tommy Polley, Bart Scott, Scott Fujita, Nick Greisen, Raonall Smith and restricted free agent Hunter Hillenmeyer. Polley and Scott both proved capable last season and could return to the Ravens as starters. Hillenmeyer excelled on a defense in which his Bears teammates drew more attention from opponents' blocking schemes.
Outside linebacker will be well-represented in free agency, with a true wild card in Peterson, who could wind up being a home run or a waste of valuable cap space for some team.
Cornerback
Nate Clements is about to make himself a lot of money. Very strong and physical, Clements is a force in the run game and can intimidate receivers in coverage. He is coming off something of a down year -- as it was for the entire Buffalo defense -- but he remains the top free-agent cornerback on the market.
Another name-brand corner who figures to be on the move is Charles Woodson. Oakland designated him its franchise player last season, but the seven-year veteran's skills have diminished and his durability is a problem. Woodson still has fantastic size and, when healthy, can shut down most of the league's better receivers. Despite his flaws, he should be a hot commodity.
Though a bit undersized, Deshea Townsend has been very reliable and plays bigger than his frame suggests. Like Oakland, Pittsburgh recently has invested in several high draft picks at cornerback. The Steelers could be preparing for Townsend's departure.
Restricted free agent Ike Taylor, who starts opposite Townsend, is on the rise. He has held his own against some of the NFL's top receivers and possesses a rare blend of size, speed and athleticism. Pittsburgh would be wise to offer Taylor a long-term contract before any buzz drives up his price.
Though Brian Williams played well in 2004, Minnesota believed free agent Fred Smoot would give the team an upgrade. Smoot turned out to be a disaster, and Williams picked up right where he left off when Smoot went down with an injury. Williams should have solid market value this offseason.
Among restricted free agents that could pique the interest of teams around the league is Ricky Manning Jr., who ranks as one of the league's best nickel backs. With Carolina committed to Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, another team might extend an an offer to Manning that the Panthers can't afford to match.
Overall, this is a very good group of free-agent cornerbacks. But several of the better players are restricted free agents whose tenders will go a long way toward determining the interest of potential suitors.
Safety
St. Louis SS Adam Archuleta is the biggest name among available safeties. Archuleta plays exceptionally hard and throws his body around -- probably the main cause for his durability issues. When healthy, he can be an athletic playmaker near the line of scrimmage, but views on Archuleta's value surely will vary.
SS Troy Polamalu gets all the pub in Pittsburgh, but FS Chris Hope is physical and has become a solid starter. He has excellent size and is a lights-out striker who can play in the box or patrol the deep middle. The Steelers, who have little depth behind Hope, will work hard to bring back the promising youngster.
SS Corey Chavous, one of the league's smartest defensive backs, puts in vast amounts of time and effort in the film room. But with a new staff having taken over in Minnesota and with the team having a number of pressing needs, Chavous could be on the move.
Another player to keep an eye on: Tampa Bay FS Dexter Jackson. After an awful stint in Arizona, Jackson found life again by the Bay. If he's smart, he'll strike another deal with the Buccaneers, whose scheme seems to maximize his skills.
Baltimore FS Will Demps and Tennessee SS Tank Williams have experienced success in the past but battled injuries last season. Both are entering their fourth NFL seasons and could be acquired at a favorable price. Demps is an average athlete who has been surrounded by loads of talent in Baltimore, but he is a fine performer. Williams is a big, physical, in-the-box safety who played hurt much of last season and whose play suffered for it.
SS Marlon McCree seemed to find a home in Carolina last year and, in hopes of keeping a good thing going, both player and team likely will consider striking a deal before the free-agent signing period begins.
SS Ryan Clark is another safety who gets overshadowed by his running mate (FS Sean Taylor). Clark is tough and makes his share of plays, though his small stature for the position also makes him the type a team always winds up trying to upgrade.
A sure-fire stud can't be found among this group, but a large number of available safeties will get a look from teams around the league.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.
