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10 intriguing free agents younger than 30
By Vinnie Iyer
updated 7:49 p.m. CT, Tues., March. 3, 2009
Here are some of the biggest names left unsigned in the NFL free-agent market: Ray Lewis, Jason Taylor, Marvin Harrison, Kurt Warner, Amani Toomer, Derrick Brooks and Jeff Garcia.
Other than their lack of a team for 2009, they all have something else in common: They are all well older than 30.
Considering many of the expensive first-tier free agents have either signed or been franchise-tagged, the attention is starting to turn to the second wave. Still, the best investments remain younger players with untapped upside, rather than well-known veterans fading from the marquee.
The younger, the better, because teams can make the right deal to lock a player up for his prime without breaking the bank, something they might have to do short term for more established stars.
Here are 10 of the most intriguing remaining free agents who are comfortably younger than 30:
1. Igor Olshansky, DE, Chargers. Now that former Cowboy Chris Canty has signed with the Giants, Olshansky is the best 3-4 end left unrestricted. Several teams are planning to use consistent three-man fronts this year, and both his age (27 in May) and size (6-6, 309) should get him signed soon. Best suitor: Packers.
2. James Butler, S, Giants. At 26, the 6-3, 215-pounder showed signs that he could be a top playmaker last season with 68 tackles and a three interceptions, both career highs. He needs to stay in an aggressive scheme to blossom, and really, he would benefit if he kept playing for Steve Spagnuolo. Best suitor: Rams.
3. Sean Jones, S, Browns. Before the start of free agency, there were many reasons to tab him as a undervalued strong safety. Like Butler, Jones offers good size (6-1, 220). He is a good, physical run support with an underrated nose for the ball that has produced 14 interceptions over three years. Best suitor: Texans.
4. Khalif Barnes, OT, Jaguars. Durable starting left tackles just don't go on the market often, and he'll turn 27 only days before the draft. Barnes' off-the-field blemish (DUI in '06) is enough in the past where it shouldn't be a character issue in his signing. Best suitor: Raiders.
5. Freddy Keiaho, LB, Colts. He's undersized (5-11, 226), but it's surprising that Indianapolis didn't tender an offer to this high-effort, versatile linebacker, making him an unrestricted free agent. Keiaho has plenty of starting experience for just three years in the league, and is a tackling machine. Someone will see his energy and find him a spot, at least in a linebacker position. Best suitor: Patriots.
6. Leonard Weaver, FB, Seahawks. He's a different kind of fullback, in the sense that he has a full cadre of rare athletic talent for the position. At 6-0, 242, he is an excellent receiver and a good change-of-pace runner. Strangely, lead blocking was his weakness in Seattle, but that's gotten better to the point where he can stay on the field more on early downs. His skills fit best in a West Coast scheme, and for some teams, he can be a capable No. 2 running back. Best suitor: Eagles.
7. Kevin Burnett, LB, Cowboys. When you're paying a free agent, the more roles you can fill with one player, the better. Burnett, with his quickness, can play either outside spot in a 4-3 or 3-4. He can also contribute as a special teams cover man and potentially start after being a top backup in Dallas. Best suitor: Chargers.
8. C.J. Mosley, DT, Jets. Here's another player every team that's at least tinkering with the 3-4 should be considering. He is a good lineman to put in a rotation, whether it's inside in four-man fronts or even sliding over to end. Every team wants to have ideal defensive line depth and versatility, and Mosley can help provide it rather cheaply. Best suitor: Jaguars.
9. Chris Carr, KR/CB, Titans. It's two good young players in one. Thanks to Carr, Tennessee was the best kickoff returning team in the NFL last season. He is also an above average punt returner, and contributed well at nickel and dime back when given the chance. Again, it's the combination of quantity (multiple roles) and quality that has four teams (Detroit, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and St. Louis) interested. Best suitor: Steelers.
10. J.P. Losman, QB, Bills. Unfortunately, just five years later, he's been the black sheep of the 2004 first-round class of quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger already has two Super Bowl rings, and Eli Manning has one. Philip Rivers also has established himself as a top starter. Losman really didn't get an extended chance to develop in Buffalo, and some coach should be confident he can work on getting the most out of Losman's natural arm strength and athleticism. He will need to find a home as a backup on a team with a potential for an open QB compettion. Best suitor: Lions.
Vinnie Iyer is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
By Vinnie Iyer
updated 7:49 p.m. CT, Tues., March. 3, 2009
Here are some of the biggest names left unsigned in the NFL free-agent market: Ray Lewis, Jason Taylor, Marvin Harrison, Kurt Warner, Amani Toomer, Derrick Brooks and Jeff Garcia.
Other than their lack of a team for 2009, they all have something else in common: They are all well older than 30.
Considering many of the expensive first-tier free agents have either signed or been franchise-tagged, the attention is starting to turn to the second wave. Still, the best investments remain younger players with untapped upside, rather than well-known veterans fading from the marquee.
The younger, the better, because teams can make the right deal to lock a player up for his prime without breaking the bank, something they might have to do short term for more established stars.
Here are 10 of the most intriguing remaining free agents who are comfortably younger than 30:
1. Igor Olshansky, DE, Chargers. Now that former Cowboy Chris Canty has signed with the Giants, Olshansky is the best 3-4 end left unrestricted. Several teams are planning to use consistent three-man fronts this year, and both his age (27 in May) and size (6-6, 309) should get him signed soon. Best suitor: Packers.
2. James Butler, S, Giants. At 26, the 6-3, 215-pounder showed signs that he could be a top playmaker last season with 68 tackles and a three interceptions, both career highs. He needs to stay in an aggressive scheme to blossom, and really, he would benefit if he kept playing for Steve Spagnuolo. Best suitor: Rams.
3. Sean Jones, S, Browns. Before the start of free agency, there were many reasons to tab him as a undervalued strong safety. Like Butler, Jones offers good size (6-1, 220). He is a good, physical run support with an underrated nose for the ball that has produced 14 interceptions over three years. Best suitor: Texans.
4. Khalif Barnes, OT, Jaguars. Durable starting left tackles just don't go on the market often, and he'll turn 27 only days before the draft. Barnes' off-the-field blemish (DUI in '06) is enough in the past where it shouldn't be a character issue in his signing. Best suitor: Raiders.
5. Freddy Keiaho, LB, Colts. He's undersized (5-11, 226), but it's surprising that Indianapolis didn't tender an offer to this high-effort, versatile linebacker, making him an unrestricted free agent. Keiaho has plenty of starting experience for just three years in the league, and is a tackling machine. Someone will see his energy and find him a spot, at least in a linebacker position. Best suitor: Patriots.
6. Leonard Weaver, FB, Seahawks. He's a different kind of fullback, in the sense that he has a full cadre of rare athletic talent for the position. At 6-0, 242, he is an excellent receiver and a good change-of-pace runner. Strangely, lead blocking was his weakness in Seattle, but that's gotten better to the point where he can stay on the field more on early downs. His skills fit best in a West Coast scheme, and for some teams, he can be a capable No. 2 running back. Best suitor: Eagles.
7. Kevin Burnett, LB, Cowboys. When you're paying a free agent, the more roles you can fill with one player, the better. Burnett, with his quickness, can play either outside spot in a 4-3 or 3-4. He can also contribute as a special teams cover man and potentially start after being a top backup in Dallas. Best suitor: Chargers.
8. C.J. Mosley, DT, Jets. Here's another player every team that's at least tinkering with the 3-4 should be considering. He is a good lineman to put in a rotation, whether it's inside in four-man fronts or even sliding over to end. Every team wants to have ideal defensive line depth and versatility, and Mosley can help provide it rather cheaply. Best suitor: Jaguars.
9. Chris Carr, KR/CB, Titans. It's two good young players in one. Thanks to Carr, Tennessee was the best kickoff returning team in the NFL last season. He is also an above average punt returner, and contributed well at nickel and dime back when given the chance. Again, it's the combination of quantity (multiple roles) and quality that has four teams (Detroit, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and St. Louis) interested. Best suitor: Steelers.
10. J.P. Losman, QB, Bills. Unfortunately, just five years later, he's been the black sheep of the 2004 first-round class of quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger already has two Super Bowl rings, and Eli Manning has one. Philip Rivers also has established himself as a top starter. Losman really didn't get an extended chance to develop in Buffalo, and some coach should be confident he can work on getting the most out of Losman's natural arm strength and athleticism. He will need to find a home as a backup on a team with a potential for an open QB compettion. Best suitor: Lions.
Vinnie Iyer is a staff writer for Sporting News. Email him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
