T-post Tom
02-28-2006, 09:53 PM
Apologies in advance if this is a repost. Chiefs are on the short-list of teams not represented by FAs. Good read, enjoy.
Feb. 28, 2006
By Pete Prisco
Free agency isn't what it used to be.
Back in the day, we'd see a lot more marquee names making it to the market, and then watch as teams fought to sign them, paying way over market price.
Most of the NFL has wised up since then -- OK, Dan Snyder excluded -- which makes for a much tamer free-agency period.
A handful of guys, maybe seven or eight, will still bring on a bidding frenzy. For the most part, front-office personnel have realized that these guys are on the market for a reason.
Would the Colts like to keep running back Edgerrin James? You bet. But they have cap issues and he isn't worth a big-money deal. He also doesn't produce the big play. He's a grinder. There are a lot of grinders in the draft.
Seattle would love to keep Shaun Alexander, but at what price? He's the MVP, but don't you think there's some reason he isn't re-signed? For one, he wants too much money for a player on the down-slope side of his career.
Terrell Owens? Enough said.
Drew Brees? Shoulder surgery.
On and on it goes. Every free agent has a reason why they are available. That isn't to say they aren't good players or still can't play at an elite level. It's just that signing them brings risks.
That's why free agency isn't the wild free-for-all it was a few years back.
So when the period begins, don't expect the mega deals for many of these players.
With that, here's my annual list of the top 50 free agents. It does not include players with franchise labels -- such as Bills corner Nate Clements -- or restricted free agents. It's just unrestricted free agents and transition free agents.
For those of you wondering, James and Alexander are still not in my top 10. Remember, backs on the down-slope of their careers don't have a chance of making the top 10 here.
1. Steve Hutchinson, G, Seahawks: He has a transition tag on him, which means Seattle can match any offer, but that might not be enough to stop teams from going after him. He's that good.
2. LeCharles Bentley, C, Saints: There will be several teams trying to sign him early because a good center is hard to find. He can also play guard if needed.
3. Terrell Owens, WR, Eagles: He's not a free agent yet, but he will be when the period starts. Despite all of his issues, he's still a great player. Don't forget that.
4. Drew Brees, QB, Chargers: His shoulder issues might make teams be a little cautious, but if he's healthy, he's a quality starter. Those are tough to find on the market, which is why he's so high on this list.
5. Julian Peterson, LB, 49ers: Injuries have slowed him the past couple of years, but he's young and still has outstanding ability. A new team will be good for him.
6. Chris Hope, S, Steelers: He had more tackles and more interceptions than Troy Polamalu did last year. He's a rangy player who can also play the run when needed.
7. Rocky Bernard, DT, Seahawks: He is a penetrating defensive tackle who gets to the quarterback. That will have value in this market.
8. Will Witherspoon, LB, Panthers: He's a run-and-chase linebacker who is perfect for teams that love speed. He will be gone early in the period; these kinds of linebackers are at a premium.
9. Charles Woodson, CB, Raiders: He's rated higher on this board than most, but that's because I still think he's a premier cover corner. Getting away from Oakland will be good for him.
10. Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots: It's rare you'll see a kicker this high, but he's the real deal. Clutch is his middle name.
11. Edgerrin James, RB, Colts: OK, so this is lower than most boards have him. But aging running backs will never be in my top 10.
12. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks: See James. He's a good back, but for how many more years? Teams should be careful about overpaying this guy.
13. Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens: He's a young player two years removed from a 2,000-yard season. But did he lose a step last year? That's the question some scouts have.
14. Aaron Kampman, DE, Packers: A try-hard defensive end who holds up against the run and can also get to the quarterback. His best football is in front of him.
15 Antwaan Randle El, WR, Steelers: The big question is whether he's a No. 1 receiver. I don't think so, but some team will.
16. Maake Kemoeatu, DT, Ravens: This guy is powerful against the run. He won't give much in terms of a pass rush, but if a team wants an improving run player, he's it. Retaining him is the Ravens' top priority.
17. Adam Archuleta, S, Rams: If used right, he can be an effective player. But you can't get him lost in coverage. He needs to be near the line of scrimmage.
18 Stephen Neal, G, Patriots: A self-made former wrestler who has developed into a solid guard. He's a mauler.
19. Kalimba Edwards, DE, Lions: He hasn't lived up to his first-round hype, but he still has displayed an ability to come off the corner. Pass rushers are hard to find, so he will get some play.
20 Will Allen, CB, Giants: An underachieving corner who does have skills. Maybe getting away from New York will be good for him.
21. Ryan Pickett, DT, Rams: A former first-round pick, he started to play better in 2005 after a slow start to his career. He's a force when he wants to be.
22. Darren Howard, DE, Saints: He was bothered by injuries in 2005, which is why he's down this board some. When healthy, he can still get to the quarterback.
23. Jeff Mitchell, C, Panthers: A crafty veteran center who gets by with his moxie more than his power. With the right team, he can be a quality starter.
24. Gerard Warren, DT, Broncos: Revitalized his career with a good year in Denver last year. But he still struggles to make it through games.
25. DeShaun Foster, RB, Panthers: The Panthers transitioned him, which means they can match any offers. Coming off an ankle injury, it's unlikely he'll get any in a running back-glutted class.
26. Antonio Bryant, WR, Browns: He might have attitude issues, but he can play. Bryant has the ability to make big plays.
27. Ahmed Plummer, CB, 49ers: He has been bothered by injuries the past two years, but before that he was considered a rising player. Some team will give him a chance.
28. Brett Keisel, DE, Steelers: He was a backup for the Steelers, but they hope he can become a starter in 2006 if they can re-sign him. He's a rising player.
29. Ahman Green, RB, Packers: He's 29 and coming off major knee surgery. Even before suffering the injury last year, he was off to a slow start.
30. David Givens, WR, Patriots: In a lean class of receivers, he might get some action. He's more good than very good in my mind.
31. Mike Vanderjagt, K, Colts: Yeah, he missed a big kick against the Steelers, but he is still an elite kicker. Somebody will pay him.
32. Mike Williams, T, Bills: Why is he on this list? Talent. He has it, but he's too lazy to show it. The right team might be able to get it out of him in a second chance.
33. Chris Hovan, DT, Vikings: After being let go by the Vikings, Hovan had a heck of a year for the Bucs. But he is getting up in the years and you have to wonder if he can repeat it.
34. Deshea Townsend, CB, Steelers: He is a solid corner who would seem to have a perfect home in Pittsburgh. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes and he's a quality tackler for a smaller man.
35. Justin Hartwig, C, Titans: He has developed in a solid starting center for the Titans, who would love to keep him. That won't be easy as teams look to upgrade their offensive lines.
36. Matt Lepsis, T, Broncos: The Broncos want to keep him, and he would seem ideal for what they do, but he might get some action if he gets on the market. He isn't a powerful player, so he's a fit only for certain teams.
37. Kendrick Clancy, DT, Giants: He had a good year for the Giants last season, and they want to re-sign him. But so far he's asking for too much money. He's a good player, but not an elite one.
38. Rob Meier, DT, Jaguars: He played behind Marcus Stroud and John Henderson in Jacksonville, yet had more sacks combined than the two of them. He might be ready to start for somebody.
39. Michael Bennett, RB, Vikings: Injuries have slowed him some, and that could be because he's not a big guy. But he does have the home-run speed that teams like and could help as a third-down type of back.
40. Mike Flanagan, C, Packers: He started 14 games last year and played well. He did have some injury issues in 2004.
41. Ty Law, CB, Jets: If he was younger, he'd be higher. But at 32, his skills are eroding, despite the 10 interceptions he had last year.
42. Chester Taylor, RB, Ravens: The Ravens would love to keep him, but he is asking for a lot of money. He has flashed as a backup, but what happens when he takes over as the starter?
43. Bart Scott, LB, Ravens: He filled in when Ray Lewis went down last year and impressed the Ravens. He's also a heck of a special-teams player.
44. David Thornton, LB, Colts: He is a quality starter for the Colts, but they will let him test free agency. That's their way with linebackers.
45. Lance Johnstone, DE, Vikings: He's getting up in the years, but he can still be a pass-rush specialist. Those guys have value.
46. Kevin Shaffer, T, Falcons: He struggled against speed rushers last year on the left side, which might means he's better suited to the right side.
47. Ben Taylor, LB, Browns: A 16-game starter at inside linebacker last year, he is coming off his best season. At 27, he has some good football ahead of him.
48. Will Demps, S, Ravens: A good, solid player who can be a quality safety in the right system. Didn't play as well last year when Ed Reed went out.
49. Larry Tripplett, DT, Colts: He flashes at times, but then disappears at others. He has never lived up to what the Colts thought he'd become.
50. Kenyatta Walker, T, Bucs: He played better in 2005, but still not up to the expectations. Maybe a new team will jump-start his career.
Feb. 28, 2006
By Pete Prisco
Free agency isn't what it used to be.
Back in the day, we'd see a lot more marquee names making it to the market, and then watch as teams fought to sign them, paying way over market price.
Most of the NFL has wised up since then -- OK, Dan Snyder excluded -- which makes for a much tamer free-agency period.
A handful of guys, maybe seven or eight, will still bring on a bidding frenzy. For the most part, front-office personnel have realized that these guys are on the market for a reason.
Would the Colts like to keep running back Edgerrin James? You bet. But they have cap issues and he isn't worth a big-money deal. He also doesn't produce the big play. He's a grinder. There are a lot of grinders in the draft.
Seattle would love to keep Shaun Alexander, but at what price? He's the MVP, but don't you think there's some reason he isn't re-signed? For one, he wants too much money for a player on the down-slope side of his career.
Terrell Owens? Enough said.
Drew Brees? Shoulder surgery.
On and on it goes. Every free agent has a reason why they are available. That isn't to say they aren't good players or still can't play at an elite level. It's just that signing them brings risks.
That's why free agency isn't the wild free-for-all it was a few years back.
So when the period begins, don't expect the mega deals for many of these players.
With that, here's my annual list of the top 50 free agents. It does not include players with franchise labels -- such as Bills corner Nate Clements -- or restricted free agents. It's just unrestricted free agents and transition free agents.
For those of you wondering, James and Alexander are still not in my top 10. Remember, backs on the down-slope of their careers don't have a chance of making the top 10 here.
1. Steve Hutchinson, G, Seahawks: He has a transition tag on him, which means Seattle can match any offer, but that might not be enough to stop teams from going after him. He's that good.
2. LeCharles Bentley, C, Saints: There will be several teams trying to sign him early because a good center is hard to find. He can also play guard if needed.
3. Terrell Owens, WR, Eagles: He's not a free agent yet, but he will be when the period starts. Despite all of his issues, he's still a great player. Don't forget that.
4. Drew Brees, QB, Chargers: His shoulder issues might make teams be a little cautious, but if he's healthy, he's a quality starter. Those are tough to find on the market, which is why he's so high on this list.
5. Julian Peterson, LB, 49ers: Injuries have slowed him the past couple of years, but he's young and still has outstanding ability. A new team will be good for him.
6. Chris Hope, S, Steelers: He had more tackles and more interceptions than Troy Polamalu did last year. He's a rangy player who can also play the run when needed.
7. Rocky Bernard, DT, Seahawks: He is a penetrating defensive tackle who gets to the quarterback. That will have value in this market.
8. Will Witherspoon, LB, Panthers: He's a run-and-chase linebacker who is perfect for teams that love speed. He will be gone early in the period; these kinds of linebackers are at a premium.
9. Charles Woodson, CB, Raiders: He's rated higher on this board than most, but that's because I still think he's a premier cover corner. Getting away from Oakland will be good for him.
10. Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots: It's rare you'll see a kicker this high, but he's the real deal. Clutch is his middle name.
11. Edgerrin James, RB, Colts: OK, so this is lower than most boards have him. But aging running backs will never be in my top 10.
12. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks: See James. He's a good back, but for how many more years? Teams should be careful about overpaying this guy.
13. Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens: He's a young player two years removed from a 2,000-yard season. But did he lose a step last year? That's the question some scouts have.
14. Aaron Kampman, DE, Packers: A try-hard defensive end who holds up against the run and can also get to the quarterback. His best football is in front of him.
15 Antwaan Randle El, WR, Steelers: The big question is whether he's a No. 1 receiver. I don't think so, but some team will.
16. Maake Kemoeatu, DT, Ravens: This guy is powerful against the run. He won't give much in terms of a pass rush, but if a team wants an improving run player, he's it. Retaining him is the Ravens' top priority.
17. Adam Archuleta, S, Rams: If used right, he can be an effective player. But you can't get him lost in coverage. He needs to be near the line of scrimmage.
18 Stephen Neal, G, Patriots: A self-made former wrestler who has developed into a solid guard. He's a mauler.
19. Kalimba Edwards, DE, Lions: He hasn't lived up to his first-round hype, but he still has displayed an ability to come off the corner. Pass rushers are hard to find, so he will get some play.
20 Will Allen, CB, Giants: An underachieving corner who does have skills. Maybe getting away from New York will be good for him.
21. Ryan Pickett, DT, Rams: A former first-round pick, he started to play better in 2005 after a slow start to his career. He's a force when he wants to be.
22. Darren Howard, DE, Saints: He was bothered by injuries in 2005, which is why he's down this board some. When healthy, he can still get to the quarterback.
23. Jeff Mitchell, C, Panthers: A crafty veteran center who gets by with his moxie more than his power. With the right team, he can be a quality starter.
24. Gerard Warren, DT, Broncos: Revitalized his career with a good year in Denver last year. But he still struggles to make it through games.
25. DeShaun Foster, RB, Panthers: The Panthers transitioned him, which means they can match any offers. Coming off an ankle injury, it's unlikely he'll get any in a running back-glutted class.
26. Antonio Bryant, WR, Browns: He might have attitude issues, but he can play. Bryant has the ability to make big plays.
27. Ahmed Plummer, CB, 49ers: He has been bothered by injuries the past two years, but before that he was considered a rising player. Some team will give him a chance.
28. Brett Keisel, DE, Steelers: He was a backup for the Steelers, but they hope he can become a starter in 2006 if they can re-sign him. He's a rising player.
29. Ahman Green, RB, Packers: He's 29 and coming off major knee surgery. Even before suffering the injury last year, he was off to a slow start.
30. David Givens, WR, Patriots: In a lean class of receivers, he might get some action. He's more good than very good in my mind.
31. Mike Vanderjagt, K, Colts: Yeah, he missed a big kick against the Steelers, but he is still an elite kicker. Somebody will pay him.
32. Mike Williams, T, Bills: Why is he on this list? Talent. He has it, but he's too lazy to show it. The right team might be able to get it out of him in a second chance.
33. Chris Hovan, DT, Vikings: After being let go by the Vikings, Hovan had a heck of a year for the Bucs. But he is getting up in the years and you have to wonder if he can repeat it.
34. Deshea Townsend, CB, Steelers: He is a solid corner who would seem to have a perfect home in Pittsburgh. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes and he's a quality tackler for a smaller man.
35. Justin Hartwig, C, Titans: He has developed in a solid starting center for the Titans, who would love to keep him. That won't be easy as teams look to upgrade their offensive lines.
36. Matt Lepsis, T, Broncos: The Broncos want to keep him, and he would seem ideal for what they do, but he might get some action if he gets on the market. He isn't a powerful player, so he's a fit only for certain teams.
37. Kendrick Clancy, DT, Giants: He had a good year for the Giants last season, and they want to re-sign him. But so far he's asking for too much money. He's a good player, but not an elite one.
38. Rob Meier, DT, Jaguars: He played behind Marcus Stroud and John Henderson in Jacksonville, yet had more sacks combined than the two of them. He might be ready to start for somebody.
39. Michael Bennett, RB, Vikings: Injuries have slowed him some, and that could be because he's not a big guy. But he does have the home-run speed that teams like and could help as a third-down type of back.
40. Mike Flanagan, C, Packers: He started 14 games last year and played well. He did have some injury issues in 2004.
41. Ty Law, CB, Jets: If he was younger, he'd be higher. But at 32, his skills are eroding, despite the 10 interceptions he had last year.
42. Chester Taylor, RB, Ravens: The Ravens would love to keep him, but he is asking for a lot of money. He has flashed as a backup, but what happens when he takes over as the starter?
43. Bart Scott, LB, Ravens: He filled in when Ray Lewis went down last year and impressed the Ravens. He's also a heck of a special-teams player.
44. David Thornton, LB, Colts: He is a quality starter for the Colts, but they will let him test free agency. That's their way with linebackers.
45. Lance Johnstone, DE, Vikings: He's getting up in the years, but he can still be a pass-rush specialist. Those guys have value.
46. Kevin Shaffer, T, Falcons: He struggled against speed rushers last year on the left side, which might means he's better suited to the right side.
47. Ben Taylor, LB, Browns: A 16-game starter at inside linebacker last year, he is coming off his best season. At 27, he has some good football ahead of him.
48. Will Demps, S, Ravens: A good, solid player who can be a quality safety in the right system. Didn't play as well last year when Ed Reed went out.
49. Larry Tripplett, DT, Colts: He flashes at times, but then disappears at others. He has never lived up to what the Colts thought he'd become.
50. Kenyatta Walker, T, Bucs: He played better in 2005, but still not up to the expectations. Maybe a new team will jump-start his career.