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Surrealist
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Top 20 Potential Free Agents (no particular order)
1. Jeff Garcia - QB, Eagles
Even though he's about to turn 37, Garcia is a hot property after leading the Eagles to five straight wins and a trip to the playoffs. He's already drawn a lot of interest.
2. Lance Briggs - LB, Chicago
Briggs is overshadowed by Brian Urlacher in Chicago and could be eager to test the free-agent market. The two-time Pro Bowler is just 26 and would be the best linebacker on most teams.
3. Nate Clements - CB, Buffalo
Clements has proven to be a true shutdown corner and has said he wants to be the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Although it's unlikely he'll surpass Champ Bailey's deal, Clements will almost definitely get a sizable raise this offseason.
4. Dwight Freeney - DE, Colts
The Colts have said they will make re-signing Freeney a top priority, but you never know if they'll be able to work out a deal with one of the NFL's premiere pass-rushers. They could very well place a franchise tag on him as well. If they don't, he'll get plenty of attention in the free-agent market. Freeney had an off year with 5.5 sacks, but came back with a strong postseason.
5. Eric Steinbach - G, Bengals
The Bengals already have a lot invested in their offensive line and probably can't afford to re-sign Steinbach. Several teams will pursue the veteran guard, who could also play tackle.
6. Charles Grant - DE, Saints
To place the franchise tag on a defensive end will cost about $8.6 million for a one-year-deal, which is a hefty price for the Saints if they don't think Grant is part of their long-term picture. He has 36 sacks in his five-year career.
7. Adalius Thomas - LB, Baltimore
If the Ravens don't put their franchise tag on Thomas, the versatile linebacker will draw plenty of interest. At 270 pounds, he has been known to cover speedy wide receivers and is still a punishing hitter.
8. Ahman Green - RB, Green Bay
Brett Favre is back, but it's no guarantee Green will return. The eight-year veteran could draw interest from teams who want to run the two-RB system that's currently en vogue.
9. Cato June - LB, Indianapolis
June ranked fifth in the NFL with 142 tackles last season and he fits perfectly into a Cover Two scheme because of his coverage abilities. The Colts likely want the four-year veteran back too, but they have salary-cap issues, so it might be difficult to re-sign him.
10. Drew Bennett - WR, Tennessee
Bennett had 80 catches and 1,247 receiving yards in 2004, but followed that with two tough seasons because of injuries and instability at quarterback. The Titans may try to re-sign him, but if the 28-year-old receiver hits the market he may get a good deal in a weak class of free agent wideouts.
11. Patric Kerney - DE, Atlanta
The Falcons have been talking to Kerney for some time, but haven't been able to finish a deal yet. The 30-year-old's production has dipped the last two seasons, but he had 12 sacks in 2004 and could be very effective in the right situation.
12. Daniel Graham - TE, Patriots
The Patriots have young tight ends Benjamin Watson and David Thomas, so they can afford to let the former first-round pick go. He's an excellent blocker with decent receiving skills.
13. Damon Huard - QB, Chiefs
Huard, a 10-year veteran, had a 98.0 passer rating in 10 games last season. The Chiefs may be interested in re-signing the career backup, but if not, he'll benefit from a weak quarterback market.
14. Donte Stallworth - WR, Eagles
Stallworth had a strong postseason and has proven he is a bona fide deep threat. He's represented by Drew Rosenhaus and will likely cost either the Eagles or another team a pretty penny.
15. Nick Harper - CB, Colts
Harper missed the Super Bowl with a sprained ankle and has played outside the spotlight in Indy, but some people think he's one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the league. He may benefit in the free-agent market from playing such a sought-after position.
16. Kevin Curtis - WR, Rams
The Lions reportedly have interest in signing the 28-year-old Curtis, whose opportunities in St. Louis are limited because of the team's other excellent wideouts. Curtis had 40 catches for 479 yards and four touchdowns last year.
17. Asante Samuel - CB, New England
Samuel had a surprisingly strong season and is considered by many to be a bona fide shutdown cornerback. The typically frugal Patriots may not match the market for the four-year veteran.
18. Justin Smith - DE, Bengals
Smith, the No. 4 pick in the 2001 draft, has never put up extraordinary sack numbers, but he's a solid player. The Bengals may place a franchise tag on him. If not, he'll have several offers on the free-agent market.
19. Leonard Davis - LT, Cardinals
New coach Ken Whisenhunt said he wasn't sure yet if the Cardinals would try to keep Davis, but it's very likely the 6-foot-6, 366 pound offensive tackle will be on the open market. He's been a disappointment since being taken No. 2 overall in 2001, but he certainly has size and some teams likely feel they can salvage his career.
20. Dominic Rhodes - RB, Colts
Rhodes' 113 rushing yards in the Super Bowl earned the 28-year-old running back a hefty paycheck from someone this offseason. The Colts have many other pressing needs and likely think they can replace Rhodes.
1. Jeff Garcia - QB, Eagles
Even though he's about to turn 37, Garcia is a hot property after leading the Eagles to five straight wins and a trip to the playoffs. He's already drawn a lot of interest.
2. Lance Briggs - LB, Chicago
Briggs is overshadowed by Brian Urlacher in Chicago and could be eager to test the free-agent market. The two-time Pro Bowler is just 26 and would be the best linebacker on most teams.
3. Nate Clements - CB, Buffalo
Clements has proven to be a true shutdown corner and has said he wants to be the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Although it's unlikely he'll surpass Champ Bailey's deal, Clements will almost definitely get a sizable raise this offseason.
4. Dwight Freeney - DE, Colts
The Colts have said they will make re-signing Freeney a top priority, but you never know if they'll be able to work out a deal with one of the NFL's premiere pass-rushers. They could very well place a franchise tag on him as well. If they don't, he'll get plenty of attention in the free-agent market. Freeney had an off year with 5.5 sacks, but came back with a strong postseason.
5. Eric Steinbach - G, Bengals
The Bengals already have a lot invested in their offensive line and probably can't afford to re-sign Steinbach. Several teams will pursue the veteran guard, who could also play tackle.
6. Charles Grant - DE, Saints
To place the franchise tag on a defensive end will cost about $8.6 million for a one-year-deal, which is a hefty price for the Saints if they don't think Grant is part of their long-term picture. He has 36 sacks in his five-year career.
7. Adalius Thomas - LB, Baltimore
If the Ravens don't put their franchise tag on Thomas, the versatile linebacker will draw plenty of interest. At 270 pounds, he has been known to cover speedy wide receivers and is still a punishing hitter.
8. Ahman Green - RB, Green Bay
Brett Favre is back, but it's no guarantee Green will return. The eight-year veteran could draw interest from teams who want to run the two-RB system that's currently en vogue.
9. Cato June - LB, Indianapolis
June ranked fifth in the NFL with 142 tackles last season and he fits perfectly into a Cover Two scheme because of his coverage abilities. The Colts likely want the four-year veteran back too, but they have salary-cap issues, so it might be difficult to re-sign him.
10. Drew Bennett - WR, Tennessee
Bennett had 80 catches and 1,247 receiving yards in 2004, but followed that with two tough seasons because of injuries and instability at quarterback. The Titans may try to re-sign him, but if the 28-year-old receiver hits the market he may get a good deal in a weak class of free agent wideouts.
11. Patric Kerney - DE, Atlanta
The Falcons have been talking to Kerney for some time, but haven't been able to finish a deal yet. The 30-year-old's production has dipped the last two seasons, but he had 12 sacks in 2004 and could be very effective in the right situation.
12. Daniel Graham - TE, Patriots
The Patriots have young tight ends Benjamin Watson and David Thomas, so they can afford to let the former first-round pick go. He's an excellent blocker with decent receiving skills.
13. Damon Huard - QB, Chiefs
Huard, a 10-year veteran, had a 98.0 passer rating in 10 games last season. The Chiefs may be interested in re-signing the career backup, but if not, he'll benefit from a weak quarterback market.
14. Donte Stallworth - WR, Eagles
Stallworth had a strong postseason and has proven he is a bona fide deep threat. He's represented by Drew Rosenhaus and will likely cost either the Eagles or another team a pretty penny.
15. Nick Harper - CB, Colts
Harper missed the Super Bowl with a sprained ankle and has played outside the spotlight in Indy, but some people think he's one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the league. He may benefit in the free-agent market from playing such a sought-after position.
16. Kevin Curtis - WR, Rams
The Lions reportedly have interest in signing the 28-year-old Curtis, whose opportunities in St. Louis are limited because of the team's other excellent wideouts. Curtis had 40 catches for 479 yards and four touchdowns last year.
17. Asante Samuel - CB, New England
Samuel had a surprisingly strong season and is considered by many to be a bona fide shutdown cornerback. The typically frugal Patriots may not match the market for the four-year veteran.
18. Justin Smith - DE, Bengals
Smith, the No. 4 pick in the 2001 draft, has never put up extraordinary sack numbers, but he's a solid player. The Bengals may place a franchise tag on him. If not, he'll have several offers on the free-agent market.
19. Leonard Davis - LT, Cardinals
New coach Ken Whisenhunt said he wasn't sure yet if the Cardinals would try to keep Davis, but it's very likely the 6-foot-6, 366 pound offensive tackle will be on the open market. He's been a disappointment since being taken No. 2 overall in 2001, but he certainly has size and some teams likely feel they can salvage his career.
20. Dominic Rhodes - RB, Colts
Rhodes' 113 rushing yards in the Super Bowl earned the 28-year-old running back a hefty paycheck from someone this offseason. The Colts have many other pressing needs and likely think they can replace Rhodes.
