- Messages
- 79,278
- Reaction score
- 45,637
Quarterback
San Diego's Drew Brees is the best of a subpar group that includes Jon Kitna and Kurt Warner. Brees, recovering from serious shoulder surgery, almost surely will be protected by the club or signed to a long-term deal. Warner probably will be re-signed, too. The Cards are more interested in keeping him than the younger Josh McCown -- who, it just so happens, also becomes a free agent.
That leaves Cincinnati's Kitna as the best choice, and he could rejoin the Bengals if he can't find a starting job elsewhere. Bottom line: The cupboard isn't bare, but it's close.
Wild card: Tennessee's Steve McNair and Oakland's Kerry Collins. McNair's agent said he expects the Titans QB to collect the $9 million he's scheduled to make in base pay this season, and Tennessee seems willing to accommodate him. That's hard to believe given McNair's history of injuries, his age and Billy Volek's availability.
Collins has a $2.5 million roster bonus, a $6 million salary and a 7-21 record as a starter in Oakland. He's either cut or his contract is restructured.
Running back
Wow, there's more talent here than there is in one season of American Idol. Indianapolis won't protect James, and you're talking about someone who was fourth in the league in yards from scrimmage, averaged 4.6 yards a carry and scored 14 times. Alexander is a possibility, too, though the Seahawks sound as if they'll re-sign him.
Then there is Baltimore's Jamal Lewis, with the Ravens uncertain about making him their franchise player, or Green Bay's Ahman Green.
Carolina's DeShaun Foster could be out there, too, though three of his four seasons ended early because of injuries. The most intriguing fullback? San Francisco's Fred Beasley.
Wild card: Alexander will not be protected by Seattle. When he signed a one-year deal last year, the Seahawks agreed not to tag him as their franchise or transition player. Asking for $20 million up front might scare off the Seahawks, but few people have deeper pockets than owner Paul Allen. Plus, Alexander just scored a league-record 28 touchdowns.
Wide receiver
Another thin group, though the Colts' Reggie Wayne is in here. That's the good news. The bad is that he's not for sale. Indianapolis president Bill Polian already has said he won't let Wayne get away, indicating he'll make Wayne the team's franchise player if he's not re-signed.
That takes us to Pittsburgh's Antwaan Randle El, who improved his marketability at the Super Bowl but who is known more for his versatility than his receiving. San Diego's Keenan McCardell, Cleveland's Antonio Bryant and New England's David Givens are next in line. In short, there's not much here, either.
Wild card: Start up the T.O. nonsense again. Terrell Owens either is traded by Philadelphia or becomes a free agent. Denver has the most interest in the guy, but the question is: Are the Broncos willing to trade something for Owens when they know the Eagles will cut him? Stay tuned.
Tight end
It's pretty thin unless you're after someone like New England's Christian Fauria, Pittsburgh's Jerame Tuman or San Diego's Justin Peelle. I guess what I'm saying is that you can find a role player, but don't look for the next Antonio Gates.
Wild card: None
Offensive line
The importance of a solid offensive line was underscored by Super Bowl XL. The Steelers' offensive line was exceeded only by Seattle's. Now you might have a crack at Seahawks left guard Steve Hutchinson, a two-time All-Pro choice and three-year Pro Bowl selection. I don't see how the Seahawks make him available, either, but it's at least possible.
The more intriguing guy is Saints center LeCharles Bentley. He's young. He's versatile. And he's outstanding. "Given the choice of the two," said an AFC general manager, "I'd take Bentley." He might have that chance.
Hutchinson's former teammate at Michigan, Detroit tackle Jeff Backus, is out there. So are Philadelphia tackle Jon Runyan, New England tackle Tom Ashworth, Tennessee center Justin Hartwig and Atlanta tackle Kevin Schaffer. There is talent here and plenty of it.
Wild card: Hutchinson. Seattle must keep its left guard, and I don't care if it's with a multiyear deal or by tagging him as its franchise player. You don't let All-Pro guards walk. There are two reasons Alexander scored all those touchdowns running to his left, and you're looking at one of them.
Defensive line
There's a lot more talent at defensive end than there is at defensive tackle. The Jets' Abraham could be out there. The same goes for Tennessee's Kyle Vanden Bosch, though it's unimaginable to think the Titans let him go after he led them with a career-high 12½ sacks.
Darren Howard is a free agent, but he has been bothered by injuries the past three years. Also available are Anthony Weaver, Raheem Brock and Kimo von Oelhoffen.
Don't look for that kind of depth at tackle, where the Seahawks' Rocky Bernard and the Colts' Larry Triplett the best of a subpar group. Bernard's 8½ sacks were second among defensive tackles.
Wild card: Abraham. The Jets are millions over the projected cap for 2006 and must decide if they can re-sign him, or if they want to make him their franchise player again. Your move, Mike Tannenbaum.
Linebackers
Not much to offer here, though San Francisco's Julian Peterson is available. The 49ers thought so much of him, they designated him their franchise player last year. Now, they're willing to let him go. At one time he was one of the best outside linebackers in the game, but that was before he suffered an Achilles' injury -- and he didn't look the same in 2005. Sure, he was the 49ers' No. 3 tackler, but his 82 weren't anywhere near his team-leading 144 -- including 86 solos -- in 2003.
Carolina's Will Witherspoon, Jacksonville's Akin Ayodele and the Colts' David Thornton are the best of the outside linebackers, while San Francisco's Derek Smith and Baltimore's Bart Scott are the leading linebackers inside.
Wild card: It's probably Peterson because you're not sure which linebacker you're getting. He can play inside. He can play outside. Safety. Defensive end. You name it. He's done all of that in San Francisco, so versatility is not an issue. Durability is.
Defensive backs
Buyers shelled out the biggest bucks last year for free-agent cornerbacks, and there will be no shortage of suitors for Charles Woodson and Nate Clements. Woodson was the Raiders' franchise player, but don't look for Oakland to travel that road again. The question is: Considering his history of injuries -- he played only six games last season -- how high does the price go?
Clements doesn't have the injuries, but he has the talent to command a high salary -- and look for him to seek it. Pittsburgh's DeShea Townsend and the Giants' Will Allen are potential free agents, but check out the depth at safety, folks. There is the Rams' Adam Archuleta. And Pittsburgh's Chris Hope, Miami's Lance Schulters, Carolina's Marlon McCree and Baltimore's Will Demps. It's a good year to shop for secondary help.
Wild card: Woodson. He has worlds of talent, but he also has a history of injuries and questions about his attitude. Plus, he will be expensive. He cost the Raiders more than $10 million last season. "I'd be interested," said an AFC general manager, "but at what cost? Those injuries and his age (he turns 30 this year) scare me."
Special teams
New England kicker Adam Vinatieri's contract expires in March, but do you really think the Patriots will expose him to free agency? Me neither. Look then for someone like Mike Vanderjagt, who guaranteed his exit from Indianapolis with that shank against Pittsburgh. Green Bay's Ryan Longwell and the 49ers' Joe Nedney are available, too. Looking for a return specialist? Detroit's Eddie Drummond hits the market flying.
Wild card: New England will re-sign Vinatieri, so Drummond is the most intriguing. He's one of the top specialists in the game, with two punt returns and two kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2004.
Link
San Diego's Drew Brees is the best of a subpar group that includes Jon Kitna and Kurt Warner. Brees, recovering from serious shoulder surgery, almost surely will be protected by the club or signed to a long-term deal. Warner probably will be re-signed, too. The Cards are more interested in keeping him than the younger Josh McCown -- who, it just so happens, also becomes a free agent.
That leaves Cincinnati's Kitna as the best choice, and he could rejoin the Bengals if he can't find a starting job elsewhere. Bottom line: The cupboard isn't bare, but it's close.
Wild card: Tennessee's Steve McNair and Oakland's Kerry Collins. McNair's agent said he expects the Titans QB to collect the $9 million he's scheduled to make in base pay this season, and Tennessee seems willing to accommodate him. That's hard to believe given McNair's history of injuries, his age and Billy Volek's availability.
Collins has a $2.5 million roster bonus, a $6 million salary and a 7-21 record as a starter in Oakland. He's either cut or his contract is restructured.
Running back
Wow, there's more talent here than there is in one season of American Idol. Indianapolis won't protect James, and you're talking about someone who was fourth in the league in yards from scrimmage, averaged 4.6 yards a carry and scored 14 times. Alexander is a possibility, too, though the Seahawks sound as if they'll re-sign him.
Then there is Baltimore's Jamal Lewis, with the Ravens uncertain about making him their franchise player, or Green Bay's Ahman Green.
Carolina's DeShaun Foster could be out there, too, though three of his four seasons ended early because of injuries. The most intriguing fullback? San Francisco's Fred Beasley.
Wild card: Alexander will not be protected by Seattle. When he signed a one-year deal last year, the Seahawks agreed not to tag him as their franchise or transition player. Asking for $20 million up front might scare off the Seahawks, but few people have deeper pockets than owner Paul Allen. Plus, Alexander just scored a league-record 28 touchdowns.
Wide receiver
Another thin group, though the Colts' Reggie Wayne is in here. That's the good news. The bad is that he's not for sale. Indianapolis president Bill Polian already has said he won't let Wayne get away, indicating he'll make Wayne the team's franchise player if he's not re-signed.
That takes us to Pittsburgh's Antwaan Randle El, who improved his marketability at the Super Bowl but who is known more for his versatility than his receiving. San Diego's Keenan McCardell, Cleveland's Antonio Bryant and New England's David Givens are next in line. In short, there's not much here, either.
Wild card: Start up the T.O. nonsense again. Terrell Owens either is traded by Philadelphia or becomes a free agent. Denver has the most interest in the guy, but the question is: Are the Broncos willing to trade something for Owens when they know the Eagles will cut him? Stay tuned.
Tight end
It's pretty thin unless you're after someone like New England's Christian Fauria, Pittsburgh's Jerame Tuman or San Diego's Justin Peelle. I guess what I'm saying is that you can find a role player, but don't look for the next Antonio Gates.
Wild card: None
Offensive line
The importance of a solid offensive line was underscored by Super Bowl XL. The Steelers' offensive line was exceeded only by Seattle's. Now you might have a crack at Seahawks left guard Steve Hutchinson, a two-time All-Pro choice and three-year Pro Bowl selection. I don't see how the Seahawks make him available, either, but it's at least possible.
The more intriguing guy is Saints center LeCharles Bentley. He's young. He's versatile. And he's outstanding. "Given the choice of the two," said an AFC general manager, "I'd take Bentley." He might have that chance.
Hutchinson's former teammate at Michigan, Detroit tackle Jeff Backus, is out there. So are Philadelphia tackle Jon Runyan, New England tackle Tom Ashworth, Tennessee center Justin Hartwig and Atlanta tackle Kevin Schaffer. There is talent here and plenty of it.
Wild card: Hutchinson. Seattle must keep its left guard, and I don't care if it's with a multiyear deal or by tagging him as its franchise player. You don't let All-Pro guards walk. There are two reasons Alexander scored all those touchdowns running to his left, and you're looking at one of them.
Defensive line
There's a lot more talent at defensive end than there is at defensive tackle. The Jets' Abraham could be out there. The same goes for Tennessee's Kyle Vanden Bosch, though it's unimaginable to think the Titans let him go after he led them with a career-high 12½ sacks.
Darren Howard is a free agent, but he has been bothered by injuries the past three years. Also available are Anthony Weaver, Raheem Brock and Kimo von Oelhoffen.
Don't look for that kind of depth at tackle, where the Seahawks' Rocky Bernard and the Colts' Larry Triplett the best of a subpar group. Bernard's 8½ sacks were second among defensive tackles.
Wild card: Abraham. The Jets are millions over the projected cap for 2006 and must decide if they can re-sign him, or if they want to make him their franchise player again. Your move, Mike Tannenbaum.
Linebackers
Not much to offer here, though San Francisco's Julian Peterson is available. The 49ers thought so much of him, they designated him their franchise player last year. Now, they're willing to let him go. At one time he was one of the best outside linebackers in the game, but that was before he suffered an Achilles' injury -- and he didn't look the same in 2005. Sure, he was the 49ers' No. 3 tackler, but his 82 weren't anywhere near his team-leading 144 -- including 86 solos -- in 2003.
Carolina's Will Witherspoon, Jacksonville's Akin Ayodele and the Colts' David Thornton are the best of the outside linebackers, while San Francisco's Derek Smith and Baltimore's Bart Scott are the leading linebackers inside.
Wild card: It's probably Peterson because you're not sure which linebacker you're getting. He can play inside. He can play outside. Safety. Defensive end. You name it. He's done all of that in San Francisco, so versatility is not an issue. Durability is.
Defensive backs
Buyers shelled out the biggest bucks last year for free-agent cornerbacks, and there will be no shortage of suitors for Charles Woodson and Nate Clements. Woodson was the Raiders' franchise player, but don't look for Oakland to travel that road again. The question is: Considering his history of injuries -- he played only six games last season -- how high does the price go?
Clements doesn't have the injuries, but he has the talent to command a high salary -- and look for him to seek it. Pittsburgh's DeShea Townsend and the Giants' Will Allen are potential free agents, but check out the depth at safety, folks. There is the Rams' Adam Archuleta. And Pittsburgh's Chris Hope, Miami's Lance Schulters, Carolina's Marlon McCree and Baltimore's Will Demps. It's a good year to shop for secondary help.
Wild card: Woodson. He has worlds of talent, but he also has a history of injuries and questions about his attitude. Plus, he will be expensive. He cost the Raiders more than $10 million last season. "I'd be interested," said an AFC general manager, "but at what cost? Those injuries and his age (he turns 30 this year) scare me."
Special teams
New England kicker Adam Vinatieri's contract expires in March, but do you really think the Patriots will expose him to free agency? Me neither. Look then for someone like Mike Vanderjagt, who guaranteed his exit from Indianapolis with that shank against Pittsburgh. Green Bay's Ryan Longwell and the 49ers' Joe Nedney are available, too. Looking for a return specialist? Detroit's Eddie Drummond hits the market flying.
Wild card: New England will re-sign Vinatieri, so Drummond is the most intriguing. He's one of the top specialists in the game, with two punt returns and two kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2004.
Link
