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http://www.footballsfuture.com/freeagents.html
Top Quarterbacks
Derek Anderson, RFA, Cleveland Browns
Anderson has been one of the biggest surprises in all of the NFL. He’s passed for 3,635 yards and has 28 touchdowns to 18 interceptions, while leading Cleveland to a shot at the playoffs. He’s also been able to add three rushing touchdowns to his totals. While he has had the benefit of strong receiving options, he has also done his job well above average. There have been rumors that the Browns may look to trade first-round quarterback selection Brady Quinn. Whether or not the rumors are true, Cleveland can’t afford to let Anderson leave town after the way his play has helped the franchise turnaround. The franchise tag could be applied to Anderson, but the Browns will likely to sign him to an extension before it reaches that stage.
Rex Grossman, UFA, Chicago Bears
There seems to be debate over Grossman on a regular basis. Many fail to believe that he will ever lead any team to a title, while others argue that he’s still relatively young and has shown flashes of greatness. Regardless of the side you take, there’s something intriguing when it comes to the Florida alum. He was on a roller-coaster in terms of play in 2006, and in 2007 his erratic play continued. He played in parts of eight games, and lost his starting job after week three. Although he battled injury late in the season, he was nowhere near impressive, throwing seven interceptions to four touchdown passes. Grossman will likely find a backup role somewhere, but it shouldn’t be a surprise if interest is low.
Daunte Culpepper, UFA, Oakland Raiders
Culpepper seems light-years away from the Pro-Bowl quarterback that he once was. He had had four or five decent outings for Oakland this year, while doing an adequate job of managing games, but he was never able to make the offense dynamic. He totaled 344 passing yards against Minnesota in week eleven, but reached 200 yards passing on just two other occasions. With JaMarcus Russell waiting in the wings, Culpepper would be nothing more than a veteran backup heading into next season. Odds are that Culpepper looks for a backup role for another team.
Josh McCown, UFA, Oakland Raiders
McCown hit the map with a decent 2004 season while starting 13 games for the Arizona Cardinals in place of the injured Kurt Warner. McCown had the benefit of throwing to some excellent receivers that season, but in ’05 Warner came back to play in a majority of the team’s games. McCown didn’t have the opportunity to build upon his past success. With Oakland, he has played in parts of nine games and other than a solid week thirteen outing against Denver, he’s done very little. McCown will likely be nothing more than a backup in the NFL, and will probably be looking for a new home in 2008.
Quinn Gray, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gray isn’t a special player by any means, but he could serve as an athletic backup somewhere in the league. The Jaguars may pay to keep him around and behind starter David Garrard. Gray had the opportunity to play significant minutes earlier this season, but didn’t show a high level of promise. In all likelihood, if Jacksonville decides not to re-sign him, Gray could struggle to find a team to play for.
Other Free Agent Quarterbacks
Ken Dorsey UFA Cleveland Browns
Ryan Fitzpatrick RFA Cincinnati Bengals
Drew Henson UFA Minnesota Vikings
Cleo Lemon UFA Miami Dolphins
Jared Lorenzen UFA New York Giants
Jamie Martin UFA New Orleans Saints
Michael Turner, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Turner will hit the market, likely at the top of the available running backs list. Many teams will be interested in the services of “The Burner.” Turner would have a chance to start for some NFL teams, but in San Diego he sees limited action behind the stellar LaDainian Tomlinson. He’ll soon turn just 26 years of age and has averaged more than five yards per carry over the past three seasons. He’s been especially limited this season because of the play of Tomlinson. However, with two career runs over 70 yards as a backup, including an 83-yard touchdown in ’05, Turner has shown that he can be a breakaway force on the field. He’ll get big dollars from a team looking for a new number one option.
Marion Barber, RFA, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas won’t let Barber go anywhere. He’s grown into one of the league’s best at gaining yards after first contact and runs with a mean streak. He’s rushed for 981 yards on 198 carries this season, boasting an average of five yards per rushing attempt. He’s also been able to play a role in the passing game with 275 yards receiving. He has 12 total touchdowns this season, following up his 2006 total of 16 touchdowns. The young running back could someday soon be the feature back in Dallas, and his 2007 Pro Bowl selection will not be his last.
Jamal Lewis, UFA, Cleveland Browns
Lewis had a resurgence in Cleveland this season. The Browns are a potential playoff team because of his efforts on the ground, and the talent scattered throughout the roster. The former Baltimore Ravens player has been able to run for 1,176 yards and nine touchdowns; he’s also had 247 receiving yards and a pair of receiving scores. He’s allowed the Browns to control clock during several games, and he made a statement by ripping off 216 yards against the Bengals in week two. Since his 2,000 yard season in 2003, Lewis has struggled to play to that level again, but in 2007 he has begun to turn things around with his fresh start in Cleveland. Staying in Cleveland may be his best option.
Julius Jones, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
The more that Marion Barber III shows he can be a successful back in the NFL while shouldering a larger load, the more expendable Jones becomes. Jones has put up decent numbers early in his career, with over 1,000 yards in 2006 to go with four touchdowns. However, his touchdown totals have fallen each season as Barber has taken away most of his short-yardage carries. Jones has scored just twice this season and totaled 581 rushing yards, his lowest career total. The Cowboys could look to keep Jones, but they may move on and the back may look for a new team on which he can get more carries. It’s hard to say which direction the team will go, but Barber seems more and more ready to start, so Jones will have to settle for a reduced workload if he sticks around.
Justin Fargas UFA Oakland Raiders
Fargas may still best be known for who his father is, but he’s trying to change that during a season that has seen him carry the ball much more with starter Lamont Jordan hobbled by injuries. He’s rushed for over 1,000 yards while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He’s added 188 receiving yards, and found the endzone four times. He hit the century mark for rushing yards four times as well. And injury kept him out during week sixteen, and he’ll miss the final game of the season as well. There’s a strong chance that the Raiders retain him, as head coach Lane Kiffin has said he wants to keep Fargas. There will be a few teams that show some interest outside of Oakland, though, and Fargas could seek bigger dollars elsewhere.
Derrick Ward, RFA, New York Giants
Ward filled in admirably for Brandon Jacobs this season. He was able to run for 80 yards or more during five different efforts this year, including a 154 yard effort against the Bears in week thirteen. Disappointingly, Ward was also knocked out for the season near the end of that game. He managed to find the endzone on three occasions during the season, and he was just shy of 800 total offensive yards. It’s hard to see Ward changing teams given his RFA status, but there could be a few teams looking to try and acquire him if the price isn’t too steep, and the Giants have the depth to let him go.
Vernand Morency, RFA, Green Bay Packers
Morency headed into 2007 facing a knee injury, and he didn’t have a chance to play until week four. By that time, the Packers rushing attack had struggled mightily, and other backs were being given a shot. His 43 rushing yards and 48 receiving yards in week five was his best effort, but once Ryan Grant started and took over in week eight, the other Packers backs were relegated to the bench. The Packers will move on from Morency, since they have likely found their feature back, while Morency will have to look for a backup role somewhere.
Chris Brown, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Brown has battled injuries throughout his young career, and consistency has been a major issue as well, but he started off 2007 in a strong fashion. He ran for 175 yards to open the season and there was hope that he was in for a big year. However, his 46 yards in week thirteen is his second highest rushing total on the season. He has backed up LenDale White and done a decent job, but hasn’t had the chance to run impressively as he did very early on. His upright running style is something he has worked to improve, and he was able to rush for over 1,000 yards in 2004, when he was still raw. Totals of 442 rushing yards and four touchdowns will earn him a backup role somewhere, if he doesn’t want to stay in Tennessee.
Other Free Agent Running Backs
Cedric Cobbs RFA Denver Broncos
T.J. Duckett UFA Detroit Lions
Noah Herron RFA Green Bay Packers
Maurice Hicks UFA San Francisco 49ers
Travis Minor UFA St. Louis Rams
Mewelde Moore UFA Minnesota Vikings
Artose Pinner UFA Minnesota Vikings
Musa Smith UFA Baltimore Ravens
Tyson Thompson RFA Dallas Cowboys
LaBrandon Toefield UFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Other Free Agent Full Backs
Mike Alstott UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brad Hoover UFA Carolina Panthers
Tony Richardson UFA Minnesota Vikings
Derrick Wimbush RFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Randy Moss, UFA, New England Patriots
With the help of quarterback Tom Brady, Moss has absolutely dominated opposing defenses this season. He looks to be better than the Randy Moss of old, and his 91 receptions for 1,393 yards bears it out. He has also racked up 21 touchdowns, just one shy of Jerry Rice’s record with one game left to play. If the Patriots can go all the way and Moss continues to be productive without stirring up controversy—it seems likely—the team will shell out the money to keep him in town, and Moss could easily decide that he likes New England’s winning ways. If Moss were to leave New England, he’d be in for a huge pay day.
Bernard Berrian, UFA, Chicago Bears
Berrian was able to put together a decent season in ’06 and even with considerable quarterback issues in Chicago, he has been able to tally 920 yards and four touchdowns in ’07. At 27 years of age, Berrian is still young and may have several strong seasons left in him. His speed make him a deep threat, and as he has developed his game, he’s become a more known weapon in the game. More than a few teams would line up for his services if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Bears.
Patrick Crayton, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
With 516 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2006, Patrick Crayton showed the Cowboys that they may have found Terry Glenn’s eventual replacement. Crayton had solid numbers for the role he was given as the third option, but he showed signs of being a potential number two. With Glenn out for 2007 because of injury, Crayton was asked to do even more, and he has come through with 689 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The Cowboys will likely look to lock him up for the future, but if he does hit the market, his speed and hands will certainly receive some attention.
Bryant Johnson, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Johnson flew under the radar once again this season, but those in the know consider him fairly talented. He’s overshadowed by star receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but Johnson runs great routes, has good hands, and at 6’3” his size makes him an appealing option. He’s caught at least 35 passes in each of his four seasons, including 49 receptions in 2004, and has a touchdown scored in each season, with four coming in ’06. Although he has had a drop-off in production this season, Johnson will likely find a bigger role in another offense in ’08.
Drew Carter, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Carter hasn’t racked up yards by any means, but he has tended to be a decent passing weapon in the red zone. Carter has good size and runs fairly good routes. He’s out-produced receiver Keary Colbert, and he’s played like the number two behind Steve Smith. With Dwayne Jarrett waiting in the wings, Carter could be on the out, or he could be retained as a third option at best. A number two spot is something Carter will probably desire at this point in his career, and a team looking to compliment a speedy number one will consider him. Chances are that he remains no more than third receiver.
Andre' Davis UFA Houston Texans
The Virginia Tech product hasn’t had the chance to play a whole lot during his career until an early season injury to Andre Johnson opened the door to more playing time. Davis responded with several solid performances, including a 117-yard effort with a score in week four against Atlanta. He currently has 563 receiving yards and three touchdowns on the season, and although Johnson’s return will cut into his opportunities greatly, Davis has still been able to impress as a return man on special teams. His 734 kickoff return yards with a score will encourage the Texans to keep Davis in Houston.
Justin Gage UFA Tennessee Titans
Gage seems to be growing into one of quarterback Vince Young’s more reliable targets in recent weeks. He broke through with seven receptions for 90 yards—and a highlight grab in the endzone— during week ten against a good Jacksonville defensive unit. Gage followed that up with six receptions for 66 yards in a Monday Night game against Denver. Gage has good size and athleticism, and while he has struggled to hold onto the ball at all times, so has the entire team. He’s amassed 646 receiving yards and two scores thus far. If he can overcome the bad habits the receiving group has developed, he could be in for a decent contract extension.
Devery Henderson, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Henderson has struggled to build on the strong 2006 season, as have most of the Saints’ players. He posted 745 receiving yards and five touchdowns in ’06, and has followed it up with 409 yards and three scores with one game left. Henderson is a fast, athletic receiver, but his size will keep him from being a top-level option. Still, Henderson can serve as a strong third receiver and a decent second spot option. He should still receive attention from a handful of teams
L.J. Smith, TE, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Statistically, Smith is having probably having his worst season as a pro, and it’s mainly because of injury. He has battled a hernia and knee problems all season, allowing him to total just 236 receiving yards and a single touchdown catch. Smith had posted 50 receptions or more and over 600 yards receiving during each of the past two prior seasons with the Eagles. He scored five touchdowns in ‘06 and ’04 while becoming a top option for quarterback Donovan McNabb. When healthy, Smith seems to find the right place on the field and has shown great strength at his spot. Given his age, size, and apparent instincts, his phone should be ringing plenty if he leaves the Eagles.
Eric Johnson, TE, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Johnson had a decent first game with his new team but failed to follow it up the rest of the season. In recent weeks, he’s struggled to do much of anything. He has 353 yards receiving and three scores, but hasn’t found the endzone or had more than 20 yards since week ten. In the past, Johnson had shown that he can be one of the league’s better players at his position. He may return as the Saints tight end option, but he’ll need to step up his game to earn his keep.
Other Free Agent Wide Receiers
Antonio Chatman UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Keary Colbert UFA Carolina Panthers
Terrance Copper UFA New Orleans Saints
Malcom Floyd RFA San Diego Chargers
Doug Gabriel UFA Oakland Raiders
D.J. Hackett UFA Seattle Seahawks
Az-Zahir Hakim UFA Miami Dolphins
Taylor Jacobs UFA Washington Redskins
Jerome Mathis RFA Houston Texans
Samie Parker UFA Kansas City Chiefs
David Patten UFA New Orleans Saints
Marcus Robinson UFA Detroit Lions
Other Free Agent Tight Ends
Stephen Alexander UFA Denver Broncos
Bryan Fletcher UFA Indianapolis Colts
John Gilmore UFA Chicago Bears
Marcus Pollard UFA Seattle Seahawks
Ben Troupe UFA Tennessee Titans
Jermaine Wiggins UFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Kris Wilson UFA Kansas City Chiefs
Ruben Brown, UFA, Chicago Bears
An aging veteran, Brown has a lot of experience opening holes for backs and allowing time for passers. He’s a solid guard who holds down his position quite well. If he decides to stick around, he may have a couple of good seasons left. Teams won’t line up to sign him, but there should be a handful that show interest.
Alan Faneca, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Faneca seems to be the most likely of this group to leave his current team. Rumors suggest that he plans on leaving after the season and contract extension talks have gone nowhere. Faneca is a quality guard who has started in five Pro Bowls and been selected as a first team All-Pro five times as well. He also still has some prime seasons of his career remaining. Faneca will receive the most interest at his position, could be the most coveted offensive linemen after the season, and should also be one of the most coveted players available in all of the NFL.
Flozell Adams, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
A veteran left tackle, Adams should hit the market and receive decent interest. A second-round pick in 1998, Adams has developed into one of the league’s better offensive linemen. His size, experience, and performance will lure teams into making a considerable offer for his services. The Cowboys are developing young talent behind him, and depending on how that youth pans out the rest of the season, the team could allow him to leave in favor of saving some money.
Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina Panthers
With Gross’ contract voiding at season’s end, the Panthers will need to increase his salary in order to keep him around. The ownership seems to agree that he deserves a pay raise, and the team appears to want to keep him around as their starting right tackle. A former first-round selection who has played well, Gross will be looking for a considerably larger check come next season.
Ryan Lilja, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
A quality guard, Lilja is relatively young and has a Super Bowl ring to call his own. The Colts will do well to sign him to an extension, but there’s a chance that Lilja tests the market. In reality, the system that Lilja plays within is a nice fit, and he gets to protect Peyton Manning, so he could easily stay.
Max Starks, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He’s 25 and is listed at 6’7” while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team’s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the potential he has shown on the field.
Floyd Womack, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
A big, experienced guard, Womack could get a decent offer from any team missing out on a top tier target like Faneca. If Womack isn’t the outright starter in Seattle this season, look for him to find work elsewhere with an expanded role guaranteed.
Jake Scott, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Scott is the starting right guard for one of the top offensive line units in the entire NFL, and his ability to help protect Peyton Manning should equate to a nice contract number. Indianapolis has found a way to retain most of their line talent in recent seasons, and it should come as no surprise if Scott is locked into a long-term deal in the near future.
Todd Steussie UFA St. Louis Rams
Steussie has been a solid offensive tackle for several years, but he was placed on injured reserve earlier this season because of a foot injury. He’s approaching forty years of age, but he may still have a good season or two in him. He should receive some attention as a free agent simply because of his experience and the position he plays.
Travelle Wharton UFA Carolina Panthers
A late third-round selection in 2004, Wharton has developed into a solid starting left tackle. He has been a key reason for the successes that the Panthers have had, and his absence in 2006 was a key reason for the team’s struggles. Wharton’s rookie contract will expire at season’s end, and his value on the market should be fairly strong. A quality left tackle is hard to find, and team’s looking to bolster an offensive line will have to consider Wharton. Carolina will likely make every effort to work out an extension.
Other Free Agent Offensive Linemen
OG P.J. Alexander UFA Atlanta Falcons
OT Nat Dorsey UFA Cleveland Browns
OT Trai Essex RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
OG Chris Kemoeatu RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
OT Cory Lekkerkerker RFA San Diego Chargers
OT Sean Locklear UFA Seattle Seahawks
OG Brian Rimpf RFA Baltimore Ravens
OG Keydrick Vincent UFA Baltimore Ravens
OG Fred Weary UFA Houston Texans
Jared Allen, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen’s sack total dropped in ’06, but he still posted 7.5 and raised his tackle total a good deal. In ’07, he has returned to form with 13.5 sacks and three forced fumbles and been a stellar player on a poor team. He’s just 25 years of age, and has shown that he is among the league’s best at his position. He’ll be a high priority for several teams once the signing period opens.
Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Haynesworth came into the season determined to have a great year and he showed up. He has six sacks, 40 tackles, and he has constantly applied pressure up the middle— allowing other defensive linemen to have an even greater impact themselves. While quarterback Vince Young struggled for much of the season, Haynesworth led a defensive unit that contributed significantly to the Titans potential playoff run. The Titans will find it hard to let Haynesworth leave via free agency, as it would create a sizable hole to fill. The defensive tackle will command big dollars on the market.
Justin Smith, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Smith is an intriguing player. He’s consistent, experienced, and has a powerful motor. With 81 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in ’06, Smith showed that he was a high level end, and that he was coming into his own as a defensive leader on the Bengals. He’s been unable to have similar success this season, with just two sacks to go with his 75 total tackles. It doesn’t help that the defense around him has been porous. He won’t command elite dollars, but he could be valuable to a handful of teams and may find a suitor willing to open the checkbook a little bit.
Terrell Suggs, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Suggs is somewhat versatile and has become a volatile opposing presence for offenses. He has the ability to play at the linebacker spot and also attack from the line at the end spot. He has grown into a top pass rusher and presents match-up problems for most teams. He was near or above double digit sack totals in each of his first four seasons with eight being his career low until this season—he has just five. He is still a true talent and will attract some large offers from various teams, but Baltimore will do everything they can to sign him to an extension, especially considering that he recently turned just 25 years of age.
Mike Rucker, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Rucker is talented, there’s no doubt about that. But just how talented may be extremely debatable. He has had the benefit of playing alongside one of the league’s best defensive players in Julius Peppers. Peppers is having a down year, and so is Rucker. There is probably a connection, but Rucker may still be pursued by several teams. While Rucker has posted just three sacks on the season, he’s had as many as twelve sacks in a season previously, and he posted five sacks last season. His play—at least numbers-wise—has tailed off in recent seasons, but if a team is convinced that he can return to form somehow, he might get a decent contract offer.
Tommy Kelly UFA Oakland Raiders
The Raiders may work to extend Kelly’s contract, but the team is also giving other players a shot at challenging for the starter’s role next season. Kelly was a solid presence through seven games, before suffering a season ending torn ACL. There’s a chance that Oakland lets Kelly walk over injury concerns and as they shift talent and bring in new talent. Kelly would have brought strong interest from some teams, but with his injury, only a few teams will likely be serious about acquiring him.
Corey Williams, UFA, Green Bay Packers
A starting defensive tackle for a rejuvenated and strong Green Bay team, Williams has helped the Packers become one of the better defensive units around. Williams has been able to tally seven sacks—matching his 2006 total—along with 32 total tackles and three forced fumbles. He has been very disruptive and will receive very strong interest as a free agent this upcoming offseason.
Other Free Agent Defensive Linemen
Jordan Carstens UFA Carolina Panthers
Ebenezer Ekuban UFA Denver Broncos
Sam Rayburn UFA San Francisco 49ers
Paul Spicer UFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Randy Starks UFA Tennessee Titans
Renaldo Wynn UFA Washington Redskins
Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Since 2004, Briggs has been a standout linebacker for the Bears. He’s overshadowed by Brian Urlacher much of the time, but Briggs gets the job done as is evidenced by the fact that he’s totaled more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons and that he’s added four sacks and five interceptions over that time. This season, he’s made 95 total tackles, along with two sacks and two forced fumbles. Teams are going to line up to try and entice Briggs to come play for them, and whichever team lands him will be adding one of the top weak-side defenders in the league. The chances of Briggs leaving seem good.
Tedy Bruschi, UFA, New England Patriots
The safe bet is that Bruschi will retire once his contract ends after the season, but if he can be convinced to play another season or two, he’ll be able to attract decent attention as a leader with valuable playoff experience and championships under his belt. In fifteen games during the ’06 season, Bruschi logged 112 total tackles and an interception, all after coming back from a stroke. This season, he has 89 tackles and two sacks, even though he’s had to share some time at his position and the Patriots have been on the winning end of several blowouts. Bruschi has proven that he’s not only talented and has a natural ability for the game, but also that he’s one tough customer with a work heart that can’t be measured. He is a unique breed of a player.
Karlos Dansby, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Dansby may very well end up being the cream of the crop in terms of linebackers during the next free agency period. He has excellent size and is coming into his own as a top level defensive player. He’s only 26 years old and has three consecutive seasons of 80 or more tackles, including this season in which he has totaled 95 tackles. He collected three interceptions in ’05, has collected three more this season, and had an impressive eight sacks in ’06. He has four forced fumbles and 3.5 sacks this season. Being young, strong, and talented should land him a large contract, and the Cardinals could be the team locking him up very soon.
Demorrio Williams, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Williams is slightly undersized, but he has a knack for finding the ball and making the play. He has just 74 total tackles this season, and also has a pair of interceptions. He has been decent against the passing game and his talent is also somewhat appealing because he’s still maturing at the position, being just 27 years old. Atlanta will try to retain his services, but Williams might command a decent contract on the market.
Boss Bailey, UFA, Detroit Lions
Bailey has strong coverage skills and works hard to make plays. He’ physically gifted, but he has battled injury during his young career and hasn’t had a chance to show consistent play. Due to lost games, he’s also been unable to work on developing a knack for tracking down the ball. Bailey needs to be more physical, but also find a way to stay healthy. He was able to stay relatively healthy this season and make 47 total tackles along with 3.5 sacks. Bailey may find it easier to remain in Detroit.
Danny Clark UFA Houston Texans
He’s played for three teams in three seasons, and he was making a decent impact in Houston this year until an injury later in the season. Clark totaled 113 tackles in 2005 with Oakland and then went to New Orleans, where he played sparingly. In eleven games this season, he has 49 total tackles and has an interception to his credit. Clark isn’t anywhere near an elite player, but he can be an asset in a depth role or alongside top-quality linebackers.
Kawika Mitchell UFA New York Giants
Mitchell tallied seasons of 105 tackles and 104 tackles in Kansas City prior to this season. Mitchell is now playing for a Giants team that has some decent depth at linebacker and has improved their defensive play over the course of the season, so he hasn’t been asked to post similar totals. However, he’s still been able to make 69 total tackles, force a fumble, record 1.5 sacks, and return an interception for a score to help the Giants secure a playoff spot. Mitchell may not be the biggest prize as a free agent, but if he doesn’t stay in New York, he will be a solid addition for any team that needs linebacker help.
Mark Simoneau UFA New Orleans Saints
Simoneau hasn’t overly impressed with his play in recent seasons, but he was a crucial part of the Saints success last season. His effort and ability to make timely plays paid big dividends early in the season and helped the team get off to a strong start. He has 68 tackles this season, two sacks, and he’s a veteran who knows how to play the game. He’s a liability in coverage at times, and doesn’t strike fear into opponents, but he’s a decent player that will find a place to play if the Saints don’t work to extend his contract.
Other Free Agent Linebackers
Jordan Beck RFA Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Bentley UFA Seattle Seahawks
Darryl Blackstock RFA Arizona Cardinals
Brandon Chillar UFA St. Louis Rams
Na'il Diggs UFA Carolina Panthers
Landon Johnson UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Teddy Lehman UFA Detroit Lions
Lemar Marshall UFA Washington Redskins
Sam Williams UFA Oakland Raiders
Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots
Samuel is quickly becoming known as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, having posted a league-best ten interceptions last season. He has followed it up with six interceptions this season, and while his interception totals have been impressive, so has his ability to stick to receivers on a regular basis. He’s shutdown quality receivers, helping the Patriots to an undefeated record through so far. If Samuel is not signed to an extension, he’ll command big dollars on the market.
Mike Doss, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
The former Colts safety has a new home this season, and if he can avoid injury, he could see a long-term deal from Minnesota. Doss The former Colts safety has a new home this season, but he hasn’t played well enough to earn a starting role and has been on the field during just eight games with little to show for it. Doss recorded a pair of interceptions in just six games during the ’06 season, and had two picks each of the three seasons prior to ‘07. He has some ability and playoff experience under his belt. He’ll likely have to take that ability and experience to a new home for ’08.
Domonique Foxworth, RFA, Denver Broncos
Foxworth is used mainly as a nickel defender, and while fast, he doesn’t always make the best play on the ball. He’s just 24, so experience and playing time should help his development. If another team thinks he can be a top two cornerback, he may seek to leave Denver to take on that bigger role. His RFA status will make it difficult to pull him away from the Broncos, but the cornerback position is one of great significance in the modern NFL, so there’s a chance.
Drayton Florence, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Florence held onto his starting spot over Antonio Cromartie when it was thought that Cromartie would win the job early. However, even though the veteran showed his resolve and stepped up his play, Cromartie will probably be the starter next season. Florence is not a shutdown type of player, but he does make plays when he needs to most of the time and he had three interceptions in 2006 with two this season. The Chargers can afford to let him hit the market, and the best bet is that Florence will find a starting position somewhere else come next season.
Randall Gay UFA New England Patriots
Gay is just 25, and while he benefits from playing for a solid Patriots team, he is still a decent player in his own right. He’s been able to step up even more this season and post solid numbers, while also showing more consistency. He has registered 37 total tackles to go along with three interceptions. The Patriots and Gay will look to keep him in New England, but a few teams could jump in and try to lure him away, including the New York Jets, who were interested in Gay last offseason.
Marcus Trufant, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Trufant’s contract has voided based on playing time and given the team’s commitment to other players at his position, it appears that the cornerback will be looking for a starting position elsewhere. His 2004 season was easily his best, when he compiled 96 total tackles, five interceptions, and a sack. He was unable to match that type of production until this season, in which he has 77 total tackles and seven interceptions. He will be one of the top defensive targets on the market.
Ken Hamlin, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
The Arkansas product has 59 total tackles and five interceptions, and has helped Dallas to one of the league’s best records. Hamlin is still young at 26, and should have several seasons ahead of him, so there will be teams interested in using him at the safety spot. Dallas will look to sign him to an extension so that they can continue to benefit from his play.
Other Free Agent Cornerback
Chris Carr RFA Oakland Raiders
Tory James UFA New England Patriots
Karl Paymah RFA Denver Broncos
B.J. Sams UFA Baltimore Ravens
Chad Scott UFA New England Patriots
Other Free Agent Safety
William Bartee UFA Kansas City Chiefs
Jay Bellamy UFA New Orleans Saints
Omar Stoutmire UFA Washington Redskins
Derrick Strait UFA Carolina Panthers
Gibril Wilson UFA New York Giants
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