Possible "Big Names" on cutting block

[DasTex]

The following is a list of players who might be cut this offseason, with a sentence or two explaining why. Click here for the NFC team-by-team breakdown.

Baltimore Ravens

OLB Peter Boulware -- He is only 30, but his body is starting to show some wear and tear. The Ravens can carry his 2006 salary ($2.1 million), but there have to be concerns about how productive he can still be at this point in his career.

OT Orlando Brown -- At 34, it is time for the Ravens to replace him with someone much younger and more athletic. With a base salary of $2.75 million, there is very little chance Brown will return. He could retire.

DC Chris McAlister -- He is due a base salary of $5.5 million. He did not play very well in 2005 and has a chronically bad shoulder, but the team has too much invested in him to turn him loose right now. He could be potential trade bait at some point.

OG Keydrick Vincent -- He was signed as a free agent in 2005 and was pretty much a bust. His base salary is only $1.25 million, and there is a shortage of guards in free agency. He should return, but will need to play much better.

Buffalo Bills

NT Sam Adams -- He is still effective as a run stuffer, but at 32, is slowing down. His weight and conditioning are also always a concern. His base salary is $2 million, but he is owed a $1.5 million bonus in early March. The Bills must make a decision quickly.

OG Bennie Anderson -- He is a veteran who the Bills are looking to replace. With little depth at the position, the Bills should keep him and his $1,400,000 2006 salary.

DS Lawyer Milloy -- At 31, he is still a capable starter. He has a base salary of $1 million and an early March roster bonus of $1.5 million. Based on playing ability and leadership, this is a good number for the Bills.

WR Eric Moulds -- His 2006 cap number is close to $11 million. The team has already talked about wanting him back if he is willing to restructure. If he does not alter his contract, his days with the Bills are over.

DC/DS Troy Vincent -- He has excellent intangibles but has started to hit the wall, especially in coverage. He has a small bonus due of $25,000 but a good-sized 2006 base salary of $2.6 million. The Bills are in a tough spot because his leadership would be hard to replace.

Cincinnati Bengals

DE Duane Clemons -- The veteran is on the downside of his career. He missed four games last season with a substance abuse suspension. He is 31, has a base salary of $1.35 million and the team must get better up front if it wants to take the next step.

DS Kim Herring -- The veteran has never been able to stay healthy. He is a smart player, but his physical skills have really diminished. The Bengals should cut him loose and get younger at the position.

TE Reggie Kelly -- He is one of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL, but gives the Bengals very little in terms of playmaking ability as a receiver. With a base salary of $1.25 million and a roster bonus of $250,000, his number would be a little steep as a backup.

DT John Thornton -- He is a serviceable starter, but the team needs to get much better inside if it is going to take the next step. His base salary is $2.75 million and he has a roster bonus of $500,000. The Bengals struggle to stop the run and Thornton has played a role in that, so they need to be willing to go in another direction.

Cleveland Browns

RB William Green -- Although his base salary is only $545,000, he has not been productive. He has very little value as a backup because he does not catch the ball well out of the backfield, block or contribute on special teams.

OT Ryan Tucker -- He is one of the few true leaders this team has on its roster. He is tough, physical and is its best run blocker. He has a base salary of $1 million but a roster bonus of $2.2 million. Even at 30, Tucker is the best lineman on the Browns' roster, and they can't afford to cut him loose.

Denver Broncos

DE Courtney Brown -- Finally stayed healthy last season and produced well in Denver. The Broncos would like to keep him, but he has a $2 million option bonus due and a $1.4 million base salary. He would need to restructure to stay.

OT Matt Lepsis -- He's solid, but not a premier player at his position. He has a $3.2 million roster bonus due in March, and the team is currently in contract negotiations to get the deal restructured.

DE Trevor Pryce -- He is still a solid player when healthy, but is no longer dominant and there are concerns about how well his back will hold up. He is only 30, but his body has more wear and tear than most for his age. His cap number is over $10.2 million, so if he plans on retiring as a Bronco, a restructuring will need to take place.

DT Gerard Warren -- Another ex-Brown who found life in Denver. Though his numbers did not always show it, he played harder and was much more effective than when he was in Cleveland. More important, he seems to be showing some maturity. The team will work to restructure his base salary of $6.6 million. The Broncos would like him back, but it has to be at their number.

Houston Texans

TE Mark Bruener -- He is a 32-year-old veteran who is clearly on the downside of his career. With a base salary of only $875,000, he may stick. He is really best suited as a No. 2 blocking-type tight end and his salary matches that.
DS/DS Marcus Coleman -- He's on the downside of his career and has had a few off-the-field issues. Coleman has never been known as a leader. The Texans had a coaching change and are in a rebuilding mode, so the best bet would be to get rid of his $3.8 million cap number.

RB Domanick Davis -- He is a young player with a ton of talent. However, the team could draft USC RB Reggie Bush and drafted a young player with upside in Vernand Morency last season. Davis has a 2006 cap number of $3.8 million. Although the team likely won't let him go, it is worth noting.

NT Seth Payne -- He is a much better fit in the 3-4 scheme the Texans used under former head coach Dom Capers. With Gary Kubiak taking over, the team will move to a 4-3 defense, where Payne is not as good of a fit. Payne is 30, injury prone and has a cap number more than $4 million. Even if he were to restructure, he is not a great fit.

OT Todd Wade -- He has been a huge disappointment after the free-agent deal he signed when he left Miami. He is a big tackle who is not light on his feet, which does not fit with the offensive line scheme employed by Kubiak. He is due a $3.5 million salary and has not played up to that level.

DE Gary Walker -- He is another Houston defensive lineman who is a better fit in the 3-4 scheme. He is an aging veteran player who has a long injury history as well. With a base salary of $4 million, he will likely be released.

Jacksonville Jaguars

TE Kyle Brady -- He is due $2.5 million in base salary and bonuses, which is too much for a 33-year-old blocking tight end. Brady is a great team player, but he will need to restructure if he is going to return to the Jaguars.

OLB Greg Favors -- He is a veteran, 30-year-old backup. His base salary is only $670,000, but the Jaguars would like to start developing some young depth. Keeping Favors would hinder that process.

WR Jimmy Smith -- Still the best wide receiver option on the Jags' roster, Smith is 36 and is due more than $5 million in base salary and roster bonuses. Though he would be missed, this team cannot afford to keep him at those numbers. He needs to restructure to stay.

Kansas City Chiefs

OLB Shawn Barber -- He is 30 and due $3 million-plus this year. With a coaching change, it will be very interesting to see whether he fits in the Chiefs' plans. He does not cover as well as he used to, something that is a must in the new scheme employed by Herman Edwards.

OT Chris Bober -- The Chiefs love his versatility, but his cap number of $2,175,000 might be a little too high. They would like to have him back at the right number, because he can fill in at all five offensive line spots in a pinch.

RB Priest Holmes -- First and foremost, the team must determine the status of his health. RB Larry Johnson has established himself as the guy, so Holmes will not be the starter. The Chiefs can't keep him with a $5.3 million-plus cap number as a backup. If Holmes can pass a physical, the team will look to move him via trade.

DC Dexter McCleon -- It will be intriguing to see what the Chiefs do with McCleon. He is not a shut-down corner, but is a good fit in the Cover 2. At 31, there are questions as to whether McCleon can still play at a solid level.

DC Eric Warfield -- He has pretty much been a disaster since the Chiefs gave him a long-term contract extension. He has been plagued by off-the-field problems and marginal play. With a cap number in excess of $4.2 million, the team should consider moving in another direction.

OT John Welbourn -- The veteran missed four games last season after a substance abuse suspension. He has been injury prone and has not lived up to expectations after being acquired in a trade with Philadelphia. He has a $1.4 million base salary, so look for the Chiefs to bring him to camp to feel out whether he can be a starter.

DS Greg Wesley -- He has been too up and down. The problem is, the Chiefs don't have anyone to really replace him. His cap number is in excess of $3.7 million, so the Chiefs have a tough decision to make here.

DS Jerome Woods -- Woods is much more likely to be released than Wesley. Even though Woods' cap number is less at a little over $2.9 million, he is 32 and clearly on the downside of this career.

 

[DasTex]

Miami Dolphins

QB Gus Frerotte -- Even at 34, he is still a serviceable veteran QB. He is due a 2006 salary of only $1.1 million, so even as the backup, he fits well in Miami's cap structure. He will at least go to camp as the team tries to sort out its QB situation.

DC Reggie Howard -- After a solid start to his career in Carolina, he really struggled with the Dolphins. He began last season as the starter, only to barely hang on as the nickel corner. With a cap number of $4 million, the team may opt to go in another direction.

OG Jeno James -- He has been just average since coming over from Carolina and is due $2.5 million this year. The team needs to upgrade the position, which will be difficult given the group of available free agents. Because of this, the team might have to stick with James for one more season.

DS Tebucky Jones -- He is a career underachiever who has never been able to play up to his potential or athletic ability. He is due $6.5 million in 2006 in bonuses and salary, which is way too much for the production he brings to the table. He needs to be restructured or let go.

DC Sam Madison -- Once a dominating shut-down corner, age is starting to take its toll. He is also a player who is nicked a lot and really needs to be close to 100 percent to be effective. Has a base salary due in excess of $3.4 million, but the team might be wiling to ride him one more season as it tries to become a playoff team.

OT Damion McIntosh -- He's owed a $3,300,000 salary and has an early March roster bonus of $1,125,000. This is way to much for an average starting lineman.

OLB Junior Seau -- Seau is starting to break down physically. He is due close to $2.1 million in roster and bonuses, which would be a bargain if he were healthy.

DT Jeff Zgonina -- Career overachiever who is due a $770,000 salary this season. The Dolphins might stick with the 35-year-old because he is a leader and great in the locker room.


New England Patriots

ILB Chad Brown -- At 35, his best years are behind him, and he never really jelled in the Patriots' system. Head coach Bill Belichick loves veteran backups, though, and Brown is due a base salary of only $800,000 and another $200,000 in the form of a roster bonus. The Pats can squeeze another year out of him if they choose to.

SS Rodney Harrison -- He is the heart and soul of the Pats' defense. He is also coming off a season-ending injury and will turn 33 this season. His base salary is a little over $2 million, so if the Patriots feel his rehab is going well, he would be a bargain for them. He was playing at a very solid level prior to the injury.

DC Tyrone Poole -- At 33, his career is winding down. He is aging, injury prone and no longer has premier cover skills. He is due $2 million in salary and roster bonuses, which is too much for a player who likely won't be able to play in 16 games next season.

New York Jets

OLB Eric Barton -- He can be productive when healthy, but is coming off a season that saw him on IR with a torn biceps muscle. He is a guy who is always going to have health issues and is due $3 million in salary and roster bonuses. If he does not restructure, he will be shown the door.

WR Wayne Chrebet -- The veteran has said he will retire. The Jets will save a little more than $600,000 with his retirement that they can use this offseason to help build the franchise back to respectability.

WR Laveranues Coles -- It's very unlikely he is going anywhere, but here is a guy who is due $9 million in salaries and bonuses, and they don't have a QB on the roster right now who can definitively get him the football.

OG Pete Kendall -- He was not released in the Jets' first wave of cuts, but with a base salary of over $4 million, he will need to restructure if he is going to stick around. At this point in his career, Kendall is an average starter at best.

OC Kevin Mawae -- He can still play at a solid level, but age and injuries are starting to take their toll. He is due $2.8 million this season, which is not too much if he is healthy. The Jets will monitor his health this offseason.

QB Chad Pennington -- He is coming off another major shoulder surgery, and he has balked at restructuring his contract. He is due $12 million in salary and a roster bonus. The team hasn't made up its mind yet, but how can you give that money to a guy who has serious shoulder concerns? If he does not restructure, the Jets would be crazy to bring him back.

Oakland Raiders

ILB Danny Clark -- He is the starting middle linebacker and has piled up some pretty good tackle numbers over the past two seasons. He lacks, however, that big playmaking-type of ability the Raiders would like to see from the position. He is only 28, and is due close to $2.3 million in salary and bonuses, so they might need to stick with him for another season.

QB Kerry Collins -- He is an up-and-down veteran who has a cap number around $13 million. Although it would be easy to say he should be gone, the Raiders don't really have a better option right now on their roster. The Raiders will think long hard about whether they should restructure and keep Collins for the 2006 season.

FB Zack Crockett -- He is still an effective lead blocker and short-yardage or goal-line runner. However, $2 million is a lot to play a one-dimensonal fullback who will turn 33 next season.

DS Derrick Gibson -- He has underachieved his entire career. Gibson is due a whopping $10 million this season, so something needs to be done. Even with a restructured contract, he just isn't good enough. The Raiders need to move on and find a better player.

DE Bobby Hamilton -- The veteran continues to amaze and play at a solid level, despite his age (34). He has never been dominating in any one area, but he plays hard and makes plays. However, his cap number is over $5.3 million, which is way too high for his current production. If he restructures, the Raiders would like him back.

DT Warren Sapp -- He improved with the switch back to the 4-3 defense, but he is no longer a dominating player. He is 32 and due $4.5 million this season. He just flat out does not produce to those figures at this point in his career.

OG Ron Stone -- At 34, he is a descending player who is prone to injuries. Although the Raiders love his toughness when healthy, he is due close to $3 million this season. That is a high number for a player who will not be on the field for 16 games.

DC Denard Walker -- He has a $3.3 million roster bonus due that will get him shown the door. He is an aging veteran and the Raiders have drafted numerous players at the position in recent years.

DT Ted Washington -- He is no longer the dominating interior run stopper he once was. With his age and weight concerns, it would be hard to justify his nearly $4.75 million cap number.

Pittsburgh Steelers

OC Jeff Hartings -- There was a definite drop-off in his play last season. Age (33) and durability might be taking their toll. The team had hoped Chukky Okobi could be the future, but his future with Pittsburgh is up in the air too. Hartings is due nearly $4.1 million this season, which is high, but the team has no answer right now, should he be released.

DS Mike Logan -- He has value as a backup and special teams player if he can stay healthy, something he has not been able to do of late. He is due $1,475,000, should the Steelers keep him. Durability concerns have his status up in the air.

QB Tommy Maddox -- At 34, his career is winding down. Although $1.1 million for 2006 is not a big number, there is a feeling he can't play any longer at any number. For that reason, the Steelers need to find a better backup solution.

OC Chukky Okobi -- Career backup who has never developed into the player they had hoped for. He is due $2 million in 2006, which is a little steep, but backups who can play multiple positions are not easy to find.

RB Duce Staley -- He was a forgotten man by the end of the season and was a regular game-day inactive. He is expendable right now with the emergence of Willie Parker as the starter. He is due $3.2 million in salary and a roster bonus, so he will be shown the door if he is not willing to restructure.

DC Willie Williams -- The 34-year-old veteran's career is about over. With a lot of young players at the position, the Steelers will not be willing to pay Williams the $1,235,000 he is due in 2006.

San Diego Chargers

OLB Randall Godfrey -- The veteran is due $1.9 million in salary and a roster bonus, but that should not scare the Chargers. Godfrey has played well and his number is very manageable for the production he has given them.

Tennessee Titans

RB Travis Henry -- He's still productive and only 26 years old. He missed four games last season with a substance abuse suspension, though, and one more strike means he is out for an entire season. He has a $1 million roster bonus due that will make him expendable.

OT Brad Hopkins -- He has been a potential cap victim for the past two to three years, but has avoided being cut. The Titans have started the youth movement on defense and need to do the same with the offense. He is 35 and has a cap number in excess of $11 million. He has been a solid starter, but it is time for the team to move on.

QB Steve McNair -- The veteran is still playing at a solid level, but age and durability are major concerns. The Titans are poised to draft a QB and they have a solid backup in Billy Volek. McNair has been a great player for this organization, but it is time for Tennessee to cut the cord and move on.

OG Benji Olson -- He is still a solid player and a team leader. However, he is 30 and that wear-down factor could rise to the surface. He is also due a $3 million 2006 salary and a $5 million roster bonus, which is way too much at this point in Olson's career. They would like to keep him if he restructures.

QB Billy Volek -- His status is up in the air because of the uncertainty surrounding McNair, and the fact that the Titans will likely take a QB with the No. 3 overall pick. If McNair were to return and the team drafts a QB, it could leave Volek as the No. 3. His $1.5 million package is solid for a No. 2, but not a No. 3.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

OC Jeff Hartings -- There was a definite drop-off in his play last season. Age (33) and durability might be taking their toll. The team had hoped Chukky Okobi could be the future, but his future with Pittsburgh is up in the air too. Hartings is due nearly $4.1 million this season, which is high, but the team has no answer right now, should he be released.

This Hartings is a little long toothed, however, he would really help the middle of our line to pick up blitzes and keep Drew upright!

 

[DasTex]

The following is a list of players who might be cut this offseason, with a sentence or two explaining why. Click here for the AFC team-by-team breakdown.


Arizona Cardinals

DE Calvin Pace -- He is a young player with talent who does not have a big 2006 salary. His cap number is close to $2 million, which is a lot for a player who has underachieved as much as Pace has. The Cardinals will bring him back, but he will be on a short leash in camp.

Atlanta Falcons

DC Kevin Mathis -- Despite a manageable salary of $700,000 in 2006, he is 31 and has an injury history. Atlanta would like to get younger at the position.

DE Brady Smith -- He is a 10-year veteran who is still a solid role player when healthy. However, his 2006 salary of $2.5 million is much too much for his current production. He is an excellent team player and the team might be open to keeping him if he is willing to restructure.

Carolina Panthers

RB Stephen Davis -- At age 32, he is too injury prone and has very little gas left in the tank. He has a $1.5 million roster bonus and $1.8 million base salary. The team has committed to DeShaun Foster by placing the transition tag on him and needs a much younger and dependable backup than Davis can be at this point in his career.

PK John Kasay -- He is under contract next season for $1.3 million. Even at 35, he is still kicking at a solid level. There are more teams with kicker needs than available options at the position, so the Panthers would be wise to keep him and not create a hole on their roster.

LS Jason Kyle -- He has a base salary of $770,000, which is not bad for a long snapper. However, he has no value as a position player.

OLB Brandon Short -- He is a good player when healthy, but is not dominant or a big-play guy. His status may be dependant on what happens with free agent Will Witherspoon. Short's 2006 cap number of a little over $2 million is a little high, but the team can manage it.

Chicago Bears

TE Desmond Clark -- He is not the game-changer the Bears need to take pressure off their young QBs. He has a base salary of $1.25 million and a March roster bonus of $250,000. They can afford to keep him on, but they really need to find a better player at the position.

Dallas Cowboys

OG Larry Allen -- He is getting close to ending an excellent NFL career. He still flashes the ability to dominate at times, but has a $3.5 million salary and $2.5 million March roster bonus. He is a player who can still start in the league, but the Cowboys need to get him to restructure his contract.

DT La'Roi Glover -- With a $4.5 million 2006 salary and $1.5 million roster bonus, his days in Dallas appear to be numbered. He still has the ability to be effective in the right system, but he has never been a good fit for the 3-4 defense Dallas employs.

ILB Dat Nguyen -- Due to injuries, there is a very good chance he is going to retire. He really does not fit the defense either, as head coach Bill Parcells would prefer bigger bodies at the position. With a cap number of close to $2.5 million, Nguyen won't be in a Dallas uniform next season.

Detroit Lions

DC Fernando Bryant -- He is a solid player when healthy, but he missed a good portion of last season. When healthy, he is not a shutdown corner, but the Lions have few options right now at the position. Although $2.75 million seems a little steep for Bryant, they will have to bite the bullet and hope he stays healthy.

QB Joey Harrington -- Both he and the team are in a tough spot. His base salary is $4.45 million and he has another $6.5 million due in roster and option bonuses. Although he has not earned the money due to him, the team has very few other options.

WR Charles Rogers -- He won't be released due to his $750,000-plus salary, but his off-the-field issues and work ethic are a concern. The team is also trying to recoup money from his original signing bonus due to his suspension, so this has the potential to be an ugly situation. It is time for Detroit to admit it made a mistake in drafting him and move on.

Green Bay Packers

OLB Na'il Diggs -- Even though he is only 27, his career is not ascending as the team had hoped. Injuries have been a big reason for that. With salaries and bonuses, Diggs stands to earn close to $3 million this season. That would not be a stretch if he shows he can stay healthy.

QB Brett Favre -- He has yet to announced if he will return or retire. You never want to see a legend leave the game, but the Packers need cap space and Favre's 2006 cap number is over $12 million. For a team that would like to build for the future, Favre's return would hinder that process.

OG Adrian Klemm -- He is due $1.2 million in 2006, which is not bad for a backup offensive lineman who can come in and give adequate reps across the O-line.

Minnesota Vikings

QB Daunte Culpepper -- He has a $6 million roster bonus due in mid-March. He is coming off major knee surgery and his name has been linked to potential trades. The new staff seems more than willing to move Culpepper and go with veteran Brad Johnson until they can develop a young QB. Culpepper's most likely landing spots if he is dealt are Oakland, Baltimore, Miami, New Orleans and the New York Jets.

OG Chris Liwienski -- Former Mike Tice favorite who was benched during the 2005 season. He is only 30, and he appeared to hit the wall very quickly. He might still have a few good years left under the right circumstances, but with a new regime in place, it is unlikely the team will pay him the $2 million he is due in salary and bonuses.

WR Marcus Robinson -- He is primarily just a flash player at this point in his career and the Vikings have some young and talented receivers on their roster. With a 2006 base salary of $2 million, the Vikings may look toward that youth movement at WR.

OT Mike Rosenthal -- He is due only $1.45 million in salary and bonuses, and he's just 28. But the bottom line is that he just isn't good enough to get the job done and the Vikings need to upgrade the position.

New Orleans Saints

DS Jay Bellamy -- He finished the 2005 season on IR and at 33, can no longer be counted on to be a 16-game starter. He has a minimal 2006 salary of $850,000, so the Saints could bring him to camp and see how he looks before making a decision on him.

QB Todd Bouman -- Career backup who started late last season and showed why he has never ascended into that No. 1 role. He is due a little over $1 million in salary and roster bonuses, which is not bad for a backup QB. Look for Bouman to stick.

QB Aaron Brooks -- He's never played to his ability with the Saints. His cap number is $8 million-plus this season, so he will be moving on to another situation.

TE Ernie Conwell -- He is injury prone and no longer possesses playmaking skills in the passing game. With a cap number over $2 million, it is time for the Saints to get much younger at the position.

OG Jermane Mayberry -- It will be intriguing to see how the new staff feels about him. He is due a base salary of only $777,000 but has an early roster bonus of $2.1 million.

DC Fred Thomas -- He has never been a shutdown-type corner, and at 31 his skills are beginning to deteriorate. He is due close to $3 million this season in salary and roster bonuses, which is too much for a player of his caliber. The Saints must get younger and better in the back end.

New York Giants

OLB Carlos Emmons -- He suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle late in the 2005 season. He does not have a roster bonus due and carries a base salary of $2 million for the 2006 season. His base salary is not guaranteed until the start of the season, so the Giants will take a wait-and-see approach.

P Jeff Feagles -- At 39, he is still punting at a solid level. He is due only $770,000 this season and is still kicking well enough to play another season.

OLB Barrett Green -- His 2006 base salary is $2.48 million and he is not even the starter. They can save cap space by finding a lower-priced backup.

DT Fred Robbins -- He is another backup with a big salary. He is due close to $2 million this season in salary and bonuses, so the Giants might look to find a cheaper replacement and save cap space.

WR Amani Toomer -- He made some plays last season, but the team would like to start developing some younger players at the position. With a cap number at close to $6.4 million, he will need to restructure if he is going to remain a Giant.

DS Shaun Williams -- The 28-year-old has talent, but he is a career underachiever. With a cap number a little over $5.8 million, even a restructuring could not save him. It is time for him and the organization to part ways.

Philadelphia Eagles

DT Paul Grasmanis -- Scheduled to make only $770,000 in 2006, but at 31, he is strictly a rotational player at this point in his career. The team needs to start developing young players at the position, and he is just eating up a roster spot.

DE Jerome McDougle -- His 2005 season was a washout due to him being shot in a robbery attempt in South Florida. His 2006 salary is only $625,000, so his return is not as much dependent on the bottom line as it is his health situation.

WR Terrell Owens -- His imminent departure is the worst-kept secret in the NFL. He is gone, now it is just a matter of where he will land. Potential suitors are Denver, Kansas City, Seattle, Dallas, Washington and Chicago.

 

[DasTex]

San Francisco 49ers

OLB/DE Andre Carter -- He is another in a long list of 49ers early-round picks who have been disappointing. Even though he is due close to $2.3 million this season, the team will likely keep him as fellow outside linebacker Julian Peterson is set to hit the market as a free agent.

OC Jeremy Newberry -- The veteran has been an absolute warrior for the 49ers. He plays hard and is willing to drag himself out on the field even when injured. Though only 29, he has the body of a player who is 35 and his durability is a huge concern. His $3.5 million salary might be a little rich for a guy who lacks durability, but how do you replace his leadership and toughness?

WR Rashaun Woods -- He has done nothing in his first two seasons to show anyone in the organization he is nothing but a first-round bust. His 2006 base salary is only $435,000, so he will likely be in camp, but he needs to start making something happen in a hurry.

Seattle Seahawks

OLB Jamie Sharper -- He missed the majority of the 2005 season with an injury. The team signed him as a security blanket, but with the emergence of rookies Lofa Tatupu and LeRoy Hill, Sharper's services are no longer needed.

St. Louis Rams

MLB Chris Claiborne -- He is still only 27, but moves like he is a lot older. He is an underachiever on an underachieving defense, so he and his $3.9 million cap number will be moving on.

RB Marshall Faulk -- Interesting situation because of the coaching change. The Rams did not use him much last season, but I think he still has value as a role player. He is due $2 million, which is a little much for his current production. There is also a chance he could retire.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FB Mike Alstott -- He has talked about possibly retiring. He is a tough player who has been an excellent leader. At 31, he is starting to wear down, though. The team would take him back if he wanted to play and was wiling to restructure the nearly $5 million he is due.

OLB Derrick Brooks -- Even at 32, he can still play and was the MVP of this year's Pro Bowl. The problem is he has a base salary in excess of $7.7 million. That number is way too high. Look for the Bucs to restructure his contract and keep him for 1-2 more seasons.

OLB Jeff Gooch -- He is a backup and special teams player who has a $2 million salary for the 2006 season. The Bucs would like him back because of his prowess on special teams, but he must take his number down a little bit.

QB Brian Griese -- He has a cap number in excess of $7 million, so he will need to be restructured or released. Griese tore his ACL during the middle of last season, and backup Chris Simms came in and played well. The team can't afford to pay Griese the kind of money he is due when it is not even sure he will be able to beat Simms out next season.

RB Michael Pittman -- He has shown he can still be productive, but Cadillac Williams is now the man in Tampa. Pittman is due close to $1.75 million. The Bucs will think long and hard about what to do with Pittman, because even though they do have the Caddy, he has not always shown he can stay healthy.

MLB Shelton Quarles -- Quarles is still a solid player in the middle, but he recently turned 33. He is due $3.5 million in salary and roster bonuses, which means the Bucs have another high-priced guy on an aging defense.

DE Simeon Rice -- He is another in a long line of high-priced Tampa Bay defenders. Rice is only 30 and is still dominating as a pass rusher. His base salary this season is $6 million and the Bucs probably have to pay it. Rice is in a position where he does not have to restructure because he will have a big market should he hit the street.

OT Matt Stinchcomb -- He is a seven-year player who has been a journeyman backup. It is time for Tampa to start developing some solid players at the position. Stinchcomb is due $2 million and is never going to be more than a role player.

Washington Commanders

OLB LaVar Arrington -- His base salary is only $545,000, but he has a monster $6.5 million bonus due. That is a lot for a player who is basically not liked by the coaching staff. It is an odd situation to say the least. The Commanders will cut him loose, and look for a big bidding war for the services of the 27-year-old Arrington.

DS Matt Bowen -- Bowen is strictly a backup and the Commanders could find a better player for much less than the $2 million he is scheduled to make this season.

PK John Hall -- He is still kicking at a good level when healthy, but staying healthy has been the problem. He is due $1.5 million this season, which is not a high number considering the limited options they have to go to.

DC Walt Harris -- He is a 10-year veteran who is an average starter at this point in his career. The team has drafted a few young players at the position in recent years, so it might be time to allow Harris to move on so it can start to develop some of those guys.

DT Brandon Noble -- He is only 31, but his body has taken on a lot of wear and tear. He is no longer capable of starring or being very dependable as a backup. If the Commanders were to bring him back, they would not get 16 games out of him.

QB Patrick Ramsey -- His 2006 salary is only $1.7 million, so his situation is more like trade bait than a potential cap victim. Veteran QB Mark Brunell is close to the end, but the Skins have 2005 first-round pick Jason Campbell waiting in the wings. Ramsey is still young at 26 and has the potential to be a No. 1 QB. If the Commanders offer him up in a potential trade, many teams would be willing to listen.

OC Cory Raymer -- He has been a tough, physical offensive linemen over his career, but at 32, he is on the down side. He has a base salary of only $985,000, so the Commanders might be willing to ride him for one more season while they wait for their young players to develop.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.

 

[Cajuncowboy]

When was this written? Dat retired.

 

[DasTex]

When was this written? Dat retired.

Has it updated today around 6 pm or so......I saw that as well, but just figured I'd pass this list along. Interesting at least to see who might be gone.

 

[Cajuncowboy]

Has it updated today around 6 pm or so......I saw that as well, but just figured I'd pass this list along. Interesting at least to see who might be gone.

I agree and thanks for posting it. Just wondered if this was recently written or a month ago or what.

 

[Murph80]

Wonder if Lawyer Milloy has anything left?

 

[TheSkaven]

Interesting side note from Adam Schefter this evening, he said that the reason that free agency may be delayed one week is there will be so many cuts that it will flood the NFL offices and they will not have time to process them. (!!!!)

 

[AbeBeta]

I stopped reading when I saw L. Coles on the list. Yeah, one of the best WRs in the league is going to get cut. Sure.

 

[Billy Bullocks]

Interesting side note from Adam Schefter this evening, he said that the reason that free agency may be delayed one week is there will be so many cuts that it will flood the NFL offices and they will not have time to process them. (!!!!)

I thought the reason for the delay in FA was that the CBA was close, but they may need a bit more time, and this is to keep some sort of sanity around the league

 

[Muhast]

I stopped reading when I saw L. Coles on the list. Yeah, one of the best WRs in the league is going to get cut. Sure.

Wasnt the tune..

"yea one of the best wr in NFL history, Randy moss, will get traded? yea right."

And one of the best wr in the league is getting cut. Terrell Owens.

Stranger things have happened. You gotta keep an open mind, I mean the nfl is crazy. Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning were considered even coming out of college.

 

[Hailmary]

I know he's undeciplined, but I'd be willing to gamble on Lavar.

Also, if Detroit shows Rogers the door, I'd be all about signing him to an incentives based contract.

2 players who have a ton of potential who are still young enough to reach them.

 

[Dayton Cowboy]

I think William Green might really need a change of scenery. Ummmmmmm.. someplace like Denver.. Funny looking back.. Wasn't his running style supposed to be similar to Emmitt's? I'm very happy we passed on him. I believe though he's been a model citizen for most of his time with Cleveland...

 

[TheSkaven]

I thought the reason for the delay in FA was that the CBA was close, but they may need a bit more time, and this is to keep some sort of sanity around the league

This is what I had thought as well, but it's not how Schefter layed it out today in NFL Total Access.

It sounds as though if the CBA is not extended there could be a real blood letting this week!

 

[demdcowboys#1]

great long post!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TruBlueCowboy]

Can I just say something? What the hell happened to Chris McAllister? Dude was one of the best corners in the league not too long ago. He's still young! His injuries are with his shoulder, not his legs or back. As long as there's not something going on that we don't know about, some team may get a bargain if they grab him.

 

[Hailmary]

Can I just say something? What the hell happened to Chris McAllister? Dude was one of the best corners in the league not too long ago. He's still young! His injuries are with his shoulder, not his legs or back. As long as there's not something going on that we don't know about, some team may get a bargain if they grab him.

....4....3....2....1....

We should sign him and move Henry to FS.

....just kidding.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Todd Wade might be a decent RT candidate if he's released. He was a really good RT with the Dolphins, which is why he got so much money in FA. Don't know what happened to him in that trainwreck in Houston.