Top Quarterbacks
Matt Schaub, RFA, Atlanta Falcons
The free agent quarterback class is light in 2007, but teams in true need of a field general may be highly interested in Schaub. He has an NFL arm and has shown flashes of possibly being a legitimate quality starting quarterback. It is likely that just a handful of teams would aggressively pursue Schaub, but if someone is willing to pay decent money and forfeit a draft pick for Schaub, he could be lured away from his spot behind Michael Vick. In the end, Schaub’s chances of re-signing with the Falcons don’t look good, as Schaub will pursue a bigger role in another offense.
Chris Simms, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Simms is coming off a decent season in Tampa Bay in which he completed 61% of his passes, but the fast approaching 2006 season will go a long way in determining how welcome Simms will be in the Bucs’ locker room. Jon Gruden is well respected around the league, but he’s also not afraid to let you know if you’re in his doghouse. Simms will need to continue to complete passes if he wants to stay in Tampa Bay. Outsiders might find appeal in the quarterback, even with a poor season, if they think the growth potential is there. In the end, Simms will do just enough to warrant a contract offer from the Bucs, but he still could sign elsewhere if the money is right.
Other Free Agent Quarterbacks
Rohan Davey, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Shaun King, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
John Navarre, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Patrick Ramsey, UFA, New York Jets
Tim Rattay, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seneca Wallace, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Wright, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Top Running Backs
Tiki Barber, UFA, New York Giants
Perhaps the biggest name in the 2007 free agent class, Barber is an intriguing running back. In atypical fashion, he has performed better into his 30s. His career high of 1,860 rushing yards--while adding 530 receiving yards--this past season exceeded all expectations. At the end of the 2006 season, however, the Giants will face a tough decision. Signing Tiki means that the team is spending large dollars on a player considered aging for his position while also making it difficult to bring a younger back into the system for the future. The Giants are putting together some nice talent, but if the team fails to make a deep playoff run this season, Barber will likely need a new place to call home unless he’s willing to take less touches and less money. There are certainly a number of NFL teams that would jump at the chance to sign Barber for a couple more seasons if his production does not dip much in 2006. His ability to be a receiver out of the backfield and rush for tough yards makes him appealing to anyone with any questions at the position. At the end of the day, I see Barber leaving behind the Big Apple as the Giants look to develop a new back.
Ahman Green, UFA, Green Bay Packers
Injuries and protecting the ball have been Green’s Achilles’ heel. In 2003, Green rushed for over 1,800 yards. In 2004, his rushing total fell to under 1,200 yards. In 2005, he played in just five games and totaled 255 yards. He runs behind a suspect offensive line and takes a pounding, as do all of the Packers’ backs. He fumbles more than his team would wish, and yet, a healthy Ahman Green is a pretty good Ahman Green. Green Bay is probably done with Green unless he has a huge season similar to 2003, and since that appears unlikely—the Packers didn’t help the line much—the former Nebraska Cornhusker will be looking for work elsewhere. Green would probably work well with another back who can unload some of the pressure, yet at the same time, Green needs carries to really get going, making life tough on a head coach. As a free agent running back who will be 30, Green will settle for a backup role with a team looking for insurance.
Michael Turner, RFA, San Diego Chargers
You might be wondering how Michael “The Burner” Turner made the list over a running back like Chris Brown. The answer is simple. Turner takes a beating and keeps going, while Brown takes a beating and sits out three games. Turner isn’t well known to the public, but the kid has talent. He gets a handful of carries behind Ladainian Tomlinson and has maximized those carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry in his short career. If Turner continues to have success in his current role, it won’t be long before teams start thinking about making an offer come free agency. With an expanded role in San Diego this season, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Turner sign elsewhere.
Chris Brown, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Brown might wind up back in Tennessee when all is said and done, but there could be interest from teams looking for a decent backup or desperate for a starter with some experience under his belt. A team might like to use Brown in a running back by committee scenario, if he has a good season as the main back with the Titans this season. His upright running style might make him an appealing change of pace back, and he did rush for over 1,000 yards in just 11 games during the 2004 season, but Brown’s health is a concern. In his three seasons, he’s never played in all 16 games.
Other Free Agent Running Backs
Ladell Betts, UFA, Washington Redskins
Correll Buckhalter, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Najeh Davenport, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Nick Goings, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Maurice Hicks, RFA, San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Pass, UFA, New England Patriots
Artose Pinner, RFA, Detroit Lions
Michael Pittman, UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers
B.J. Sams, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Marcel Shipp, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Antowain Smith, UFA, Houston Texans
Top Wide Recievers/Tight Ends
Drew Bennett, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Bennett might not be considered a special wide receiver in NFL circles, but the UCLA product has great size and good hands as a second receiving option. An uncanny connection with quarterback Billy Volek in 2004 helped Bennett to 1,247 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. With the drafting of Vince Young, Volek won’t be playing much for the Titans in the near future, so Bennett could easily move on—to a team ready to compete in the present. Several teams could use Bennett to compliment a smaller and faster receiver, and if used properly, Bennett can put up strong numbers once again. To see Bennett back in Tennessee would be quite unexpected.
Kevin Curtis, UFA, St. Louis Rams
It is likely that Curtis hangs around St. Louis. He’s being used more and more in the offense and Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are only getting older. If Curtis leaves the Rams, it will be because he doesn’t feel utilized enough and another team wants his services with a nice pay check offer. The Rams may just work an extension and save the trouble of Curtis looking around in the off season, but if Curtis does hit the market, he’ll make a solid second wide receiver for a team willing to use his speed in the right way.
TE Eric Johnson, UFA, San Francisco 49ers
The tight end free agent options are appealing. Johnson tops the list because it is almost absolute that he will be on his way out of San Francisco. The 49ers drafted Vernon Davis early in the first round, and Johnson won’t see the field once Davis proves he’s ready to start and play every down. Davis’ freakish athletic ability will make that a quick process, so Johnson is going to be looking for a new place to play on Sundays. In 2005, Johnson caught 82 passes for 825 yards and a pair of touchdowns, so a team looking for a pass catching tight end will take a chance on Johnson in the hopes that he can repeat that production.
Other Free Agent Wide Receivers
Marc Boerigter, UFA, Green Bay Packers
David Boston, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyrone Calico, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Patrick Crayton, RFA, Dallas Cowboys
Andre' Davis, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Bobby Engram, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Justin Gage, UFA, Chicago Bears
D.J. Hackett, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Keenan McCardell, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Shaun McDonald, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Samie Parker, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Jerome Pathon, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Willie Ponder, UFA, New York Giants
Edell Shepherd, RFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Travis Taylor, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
Scottie Vines, RFA, Detroit Lions
Bobby Wade, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Javon Walker, UFA, Denver Broncos
Peter Warrick, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Kelley Washington, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Alvis Whitted, UFA, Oakland Raiders
Ernest Wilford, RFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Other Free Agent Tight Ends
Kyle Brady, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Daniel Graham, UFA, New England Patriots
Ben Hartsock, RFA, Indianapolis Colts
Zach Hilton, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Reggie Kelly, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Jerramy Stevens, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Boo Williams, UFA, New York Giants
Top Offensive Linemen
Max Starks RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks is a starting tackle for a Super Bowl champion. That’s enough in itself to get some teams a little excited about the prospects of acquiring him. The fact that Starks is young, talented, and massive in stature—listed at 6’8”, 337 lbs.—just adds to the excitement pile. Another lineman that shouldn’t be going anywhere as the Steelers will not let Starks go without a fight. The best bet is that Starks will decide he wants to stay in Pittsburgh and sign an extension. If he hits the market, there will be a team or two willing to pay a big amount to entice the tackle to relocate.
Leonard Davis UFA Arizona Cardinals
Davis is a massive tackle that the Cardinals can’t afford to lose to free agency. The Arizona offensive line is already suspect, and losing Davis would be a huge step in the wrong direction, but the team may have to let him go and find a replacement if they aren’t prepared to offer decent money. Davis has shown the ability to simply be a wall of protection for his quarterback and while teams might not line up for the chance to sign him, anyone looking for a tackle will have him high on the list. The Cardinals are more than likely going to push to re-sign him before he hits the market.
Mike Gandy, UFA, Buffalo Bills
A relatively young starting left tackle, Gandy had been blocking for Willis McGahee over the past two seasons, and this season could go a long way in making Gandy an appealing free agent. He has talent, but isn’t considered among the league’s best linemen. However, a decent starting left tackle doesn’t just drop from the sky, so expect him to garner interest from a handful of teams, if Buffalo doesn’t re-sign him before the market opens.
Other Free Agent Offensive Linemen
Jordan Black, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Dwayne Carswell, UFA, Denver Broncos
Derrick Dockery, UFA, Washington Redskins
Nat Dorsey, RFA, Cleveland Browns
Chris Gray, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Norm Katnik, RFA, New York Jets
Ryan Lilja, RFA, Indianapolis Colts
Sean Locklear, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Vincent Manuwai, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Roman Oben, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Brian Rimpf, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Eric Steinbach, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Todd Steussie, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Floyd Womack, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Top Defensive Linemen
Dwight Freeney, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Freeney originally signed for seven years in 2002, but having reached certain incentive levels in his contract has voided the final two seasons, making him a free agent at the end of this season. Freeney has posted double-digit sack totals in each of his four seasons, and has forced 23 fumbles in that time. He’s arguably the best defensive end in the league, and at worst is one of the top pass rushers around. He’s missed just one game in his career and plays with an incredible motor. With some of the best speed at his position, many teams will be lining up for a shot at a player that can apply pressure on the quarterback quite often.
Jared Allen, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs
The top defensive lineman that will see the market, Allen, has posted totals of 9 and 11 in the sack department over the past two seasons. The Chiefs will do everything in their power to keep him, but teams on the outside looking in could see Allen as a free agent must. He’s young, plays with a big motor, and puts pressure on the quarterback often, evidenced by his 7 forced fumbles last season. Teams will line up for the type of player that Allen is, and being an RFA doesn’t change that much. Allen makes the list because of his talent, but it’s difficult to imagine that the Chiefs would allow him to slip away on the market. Expect the Chiefs to negotiate a contract extension or possibly use the franchise tag if Allen has another great season.
Vonnie Holliday, UFA, Miami Dolphins
He’s been an effective defensive tackle throughout his career, and when Holliday hits the market, his experience, talent, and size will make him a desirable option for teams that need defensive interior run support. Miami won’t want to lose him, as they have a collection of veteran players who could help make a Super Bowl push in the next few seasons, but Holliday can command a decent dollar amount if he seeks a new employer. Don’t be surprised to see the Dolphins re-sign him before free agency.
Other Free Agent Defensive Lineman
Darnell Dockett, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Edward Jasper, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Chad Lavalais, RFA, Atlanta Falcons
Cory Redding, UFA, Detroit Lions
Terdell Sands, UFA, Oakland Raiders
Hollis Thomas, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Top Linebackers
Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Briggs benefits from having Brian Urlacher as a teammate, but that’s no reason to doubt that Briggs is a really good linebacker in his own right. He may be the most sought after linebacker in this free agent class, and the Bears will have difficulty in retaining all of the defensive talent they have in the next few seasons if they wish to spend more money on offensive help and re-sign other current players. The Bears could slap the franchise tag on Briggs to keep him around, but if they don’t, expect him to be leaving the Windy City and taking up residence for a new team that will try and feature him on defense. Teams needing a tough linebacker to plug holes and make tackles will put Briggs high on their list. Given the Bears history in this type of matter, it’s likely that Briggs will find a new place to punish offenses.
Na'il Diggs, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Diggs has been a steady linebacker for the Green Bay Packers since his second season in the league. Injuries forced him to miss seven games last season and he now has just a single season to prove to the Panthers that he deserves a larger contract. Diggs, while steady, isn’t necessity for Carolina, so expect to see him hit the market in the hopes that someone appreciates what he does on the field, maybe even over-appreciates what he does on the field. Staying healthy will be the first step towards a successful contract year, and if he can perform like he did in Green Bay, a handful of teams should be interested in bringing Diggs into the fold. Anyone looking for a veteran linebacker to make some tackles and hold his own will show an interest.
Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s relatively young and a tackling machine, so it’s likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There’s good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; the Colts inability to reach the Super Bowl may also factor into a decision to leave. June’s not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player.
Adalius Thomas, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
It could be difficult to keep Thomas around because of his emerging status as one of the better linebackers in the NFL. Last season, with Ray Lewis lost to an injury for ten games, Thomas shined for the Ravens defensive unit. Credited with 86 total tackles, nine sacks, and a returned touchdown on one of his two interceptions, he boosted his free agent potential and he could be one of the top two or three pursued players if he has a successful ’06 campaign. Someone will throw big dollars his way, which means he could be lured away from Baltimore.
Other Free Agent Linebackers
Chase Blackburn, ERFA, New York Giants
Chad Brown, UFA, New England Patriots
James Darling, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
London Fletcher, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Randall Godfrey, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Kawika Mitchell, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Rob Morris, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Top Defensive Backs
Nate Clements, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Clements should be the top target of teams looking for help in the secondary. He’s young, highly regarded, and very talented. Buffalo would like nothing more than to have him signed to an extension as quickly as possible, but his talent—he does have two Pro Bowl selections—may lead him to test the market. Without an extension, the Bills must decide if they are willing to franchise tag Clements once again to guarantee his presence on the gridiron for one more season. Since Clements has not been adversely affected by NFL officiating changes, most NFL teams will pursue the cornerback if he hits the market.
Other Free Agent Cornerbacks
Roc Alexander, RFA, Denver Broncos
Jordan Babineaux, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Jason David, RFA, Indianapolis Colts
Randall Gay, RFA, New England Patriots
Nick Harper, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
David Macklin, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots
Other Free Agent Safety
Tyrone Carter, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Deon Grant, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ken Hamlin, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Michael Lewis, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
John Lynch, UFA, Denver Broncos
Donnie Nickey, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Tony Parrish, UFA, San Francisco 49ers
Ernest Shazor, ERFA, Arizona Cardinals
B.J. Ward, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Gibril Wilson, RFA, New York Giants
Top Kickers/Punters
osh Brown, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Brown is probably the best kicker on the market next off season, so he gets a mention. Team’s looking for a proven leg will make an offer, but I don’t see Brown going anywhere.
Other Free Agent Kickers
Nate Kaeding, RFA, San Diego Chargers
Rian Lindell, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Josh Scobee, RFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence Tynes, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Other Free Agent Punters
Michael Koenen, ERFA, Atlanta Falcons
Matt Turk, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Matt Schaub, RFA, Atlanta Falcons
The free agent quarterback class is light in 2007, but teams in true need of a field general may be highly interested in Schaub. He has an NFL arm and has shown flashes of possibly being a legitimate quality starting quarterback. It is likely that just a handful of teams would aggressively pursue Schaub, but if someone is willing to pay decent money and forfeit a draft pick for Schaub, he could be lured away from his spot behind Michael Vick. In the end, Schaub’s chances of re-signing with the Falcons don’t look good, as Schaub will pursue a bigger role in another offense.
Chris Simms, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Simms is coming off a decent season in Tampa Bay in which he completed 61% of his passes, but the fast approaching 2006 season will go a long way in determining how welcome Simms will be in the Bucs’ locker room. Jon Gruden is well respected around the league, but he’s also not afraid to let you know if you’re in his doghouse. Simms will need to continue to complete passes if he wants to stay in Tampa Bay. Outsiders might find appeal in the quarterback, even with a poor season, if they think the growth potential is there. In the end, Simms will do just enough to warrant a contract offer from the Bucs, but he still could sign elsewhere if the money is right.
Other Free Agent Quarterbacks
Rohan Davey, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Shaun King, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
John Navarre, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Patrick Ramsey, UFA, New York Jets
Tim Rattay, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seneca Wallace, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Wright, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Top Running Backs
Tiki Barber, UFA, New York Giants
Perhaps the biggest name in the 2007 free agent class, Barber is an intriguing running back. In atypical fashion, he has performed better into his 30s. His career high of 1,860 rushing yards--while adding 530 receiving yards--this past season exceeded all expectations. At the end of the 2006 season, however, the Giants will face a tough decision. Signing Tiki means that the team is spending large dollars on a player considered aging for his position while also making it difficult to bring a younger back into the system for the future. The Giants are putting together some nice talent, but if the team fails to make a deep playoff run this season, Barber will likely need a new place to call home unless he’s willing to take less touches and less money. There are certainly a number of NFL teams that would jump at the chance to sign Barber for a couple more seasons if his production does not dip much in 2006. His ability to be a receiver out of the backfield and rush for tough yards makes him appealing to anyone with any questions at the position. At the end of the day, I see Barber leaving behind the Big Apple as the Giants look to develop a new back.
Ahman Green, UFA, Green Bay Packers
Injuries and protecting the ball have been Green’s Achilles’ heel. In 2003, Green rushed for over 1,800 yards. In 2004, his rushing total fell to under 1,200 yards. In 2005, he played in just five games and totaled 255 yards. He runs behind a suspect offensive line and takes a pounding, as do all of the Packers’ backs. He fumbles more than his team would wish, and yet, a healthy Ahman Green is a pretty good Ahman Green. Green Bay is probably done with Green unless he has a huge season similar to 2003, and since that appears unlikely—the Packers didn’t help the line much—the former Nebraska Cornhusker will be looking for work elsewhere. Green would probably work well with another back who can unload some of the pressure, yet at the same time, Green needs carries to really get going, making life tough on a head coach. As a free agent running back who will be 30, Green will settle for a backup role with a team looking for insurance.
Michael Turner, RFA, San Diego Chargers
You might be wondering how Michael “The Burner” Turner made the list over a running back like Chris Brown. The answer is simple. Turner takes a beating and keeps going, while Brown takes a beating and sits out three games. Turner isn’t well known to the public, but the kid has talent. He gets a handful of carries behind Ladainian Tomlinson and has maximized those carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry in his short career. If Turner continues to have success in his current role, it won’t be long before teams start thinking about making an offer come free agency. With an expanded role in San Diego this season, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Turner sign elsewhere.
Chris Brown, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Brown might wind up back in Tennessee when all is said and done, but there could be interest from teams looking for a decent backup or desperate for a starter with some experience under his belt. A team might like to use Brown in a running back by committee scenario, if he has a good season as the main back with the Titans this season. His upright running style might make him an appealing change of pace back, and he did rush for over 1,000 yards in just 11 games during the 2004 season, but Brown’s health is a concern. In his three seasons, he’s never played in all 16 games.
Other Free Agent Running Backs
Ladell Betts, UFA, Washington Redskins
Correll Buckhalter, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Najeh Davenport, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Nick Goings, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Maurice Hicks, RFA, San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Pass, UFA, New England Patriots
Artose Pinner, RFA, Detroit Lions
Michael Pittman, UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers
B.J. Sams, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Marcel Shipp, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Antowain Smith, UFA, Houston Texans
Top Wide Recievers/Tight Ends
Drew Bennett, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Bennett might not be considered a special wide receiver in NFL circles, but the UCLA product has great size and good hands as a second receiving option. An uncanny connection with quarterback Billy Volek in 2004 helped Bennett to 1,247 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. With the drafting of Vince Young, Volek won’t be playing much for the Titans in the near future, so Bennett could easily move on—to a team ready to compete in the present. Several teams could use Bennett to compliment a smaller and faster receiver, and if used properly, Bennett can put up strong numbers once again. To see Bennett back in Tennessee would be quite unexpected.
Kevin Curtis, UFA, St. Louis Rams
It is likely that Curtis hangs around St. Louis. He’s being used more and more in the offense and Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are only getting older. If Curtis leaves the Rams, it will be because he doesn’t feel utilized enough and another team wants his services with a nice pay check offer. The Rams may just work an extension and save the trouble of Curtis looking around in the off season, but if Curtis does hit the market, he’ll make a solid second wide receiver for a team willing to use his speed in the right way.
TE Eric Johnson, UFA, San Francisco 49ers
The tight end free agent options are appealing. Johnson tops the list because it is almost absolute that he will be on his way out of San Francisco. The 49ers drafted Vernon Davis early in the first round, and Johnson won’t see the field once Davis proves he’s ready to start and play every down. Davis’ freakish athletic ability will make that a quick process, so Johnson is going to be looking for a new place to play on Sundays. In 2005, Johnson caught 82 passes for 825 yards and a pair of touchdowns, so a team looking for a pass catching tight end will take a chance on Johnson in the hopes that he can repeat that production.
Other Free Agent Wide Receivers
Marc Boerigter, UFA, Green Bay Packers
David Boston, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyrone Calico, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Patrick Crayton, RFA, Dallas Cowboys
Andre' Davis, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Bobby Engram, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Justin Gage, UFA, Chicago Bears
D.J. Hackett, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Keenan McCardell, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Shaun McDonald, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Samie Parker, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Jerome Pathon, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Willie Ponder, UFA, New York Giants
Edell Shepherd, RFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Travis Taylor, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
Scottie Vines, RFA, Detroit Lions
Bobby Wade, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Javon Walker, UFA, Denver Broncos
Peter Warrick, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Kelley Washington, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Alvis Whitted, UFA, Oakland Raiders
Ernest Wilford, RFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Other Free Agent Tight Ends
Kyle Brady, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Daniel Graham, UFA, New England Patriots
Ben Hartsock, RFA, Indianapolis Colts
Zach Hilton, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Reggie Kelly, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Jerramy Stevens, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Boo Williams, UFA, New York Giants
Top Offensive Linemen
Max Starks RFA Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks is a starting tackle for a Super Bowl champion. That’s enough in itself to get some teams a little excited about the prospects of acquiring him. The fact that Starks is young, talented, and massive in stature—listed at 6’8”, 337 lbs.—just adds to the excitement pile. Another lineman that shouldn’t be going anywhere as the Steelers will not let Starks go without a fight. The best bet is that Starks will decide he wants to stay in Pittsburgh and sign an extension. If he hits the market, there will be a team or two willing to pay a big amount to entice the tackle to relocate.
Leonard Davis UFA Arizona Cardinals
Davis is a massive tackle that the Cardinals can’t afford to lose to free agency. The Arizona offensive line is already suspect, and losing Davis would be a huge step in the wrong direction, but the team may have to let him go and find a replacement if they aren’t prepared to offer decent money. Davis has shown the ability to simply be a wall of protection for his quarterback and while teams might not line up for the chance to sign him, anyone looking for a tackle will have him high on the list. The Cardinals are more than likely going to push to re-sign him before he hits the market.
Mike Gandy, UFA, Buffalo Bills
A relatively young starting left tackle, Gandy had been blocking for Willis McGahee over the past two seasons, and this season could go a long way in making Gandy an appealing free agent. He has talent, but isn’t considered among the league’s best linemen. However, a decent starting left tackle doesn’t just drop from the sky, so expect him to garner interest from a handful of teams, if Buffalo doesn’t re-sign him before the market opens.
Other Free Agent Offensive Linemen
Jordan Black, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Dwayne Carswell, UFA, Denver Broncos
Derrick Dockery, UFA, Washington Redskins
Nat Dorsey, RFA, Cleveland Browns
Chris Gray, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Norm Katnik, RFA, New York Jets
Ryan Lilja, RFA, Indianapolis Colts
Sean Locklear, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Vincent Manuwai, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Roman Oben, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Brian Rimpf, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Eric Steinbach, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Todd Steussie, UFA, St. Louis Rams
Floyd Womack, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Top Defensive Linemen
Dwight Freeney, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Freeney originally signed for seven years in 2002, but having reached certain incentive levels in his contract has voided the final two seasons, making him a free agent at the end of this season. Freeney has posted double-digit sack totals in each of his four seasons, and has forced 23 fumbles in that time. He’s arguably the best defensive end in the league, and at worst is one of the top pass rushers around. He’s missed just one game in his career and plays with an incredible motor. With some of the best speed at his position, many teams will be lining up for a shot at a player that can apply pressure on the quarterback quite often.
Jared Allen, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs
The top defensive lineman that will see the market, Allen, has posted totals of 9 and 11 in the sack department over the past two seasons. The Chiefs will do everything in their power to keep him, but teams on the outside looking in could see Allen as a free agent must. He’s young, plays with a big motor, and puts pressure on the quarterback often, evidenced by his 7 forced fumbles last season. Teams will line up for the type of player that Allen is, and being an RFA doesn’t change that much. Allen makes the list because of his talent, but it’s difficult to imagine that the Chiefs would allow him to slip away on the market. Expect the Chiefs to negotiate a contract extension or possibly use the franchise tag if Allen has another great season.
Vonnie Holliday, UFA, Miami Dolphins
He’s been an effective defensive tackle throughout his career, and when Holliday hits the market, his experience, talent, and size will make him a desirable option for teams that need defensive interior run support. Miami won’t want to lose him, as they have a collection of veteran players who could help make a Super Bowl push in the next few seasons, but Holliday can command a decent dollar amount if he seeks a new employer. Don’t be surprised to see the Dolphins re-sign him before free agency.
Other Free Agent Defensive Lineman
Darnell Dockett, RFA, Arizona Cardinals
Edward Jasper, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Chad Lavalais, RFA, Atlanta Falcons
Cory Redding, UFA, Detroit Lions
Terdell Sands, UFA, Oakland Raiders
Hollis Thomas, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Top Linebackers
Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Briggs benefits from having Brian Urlacher as a teammate, but that’s no reason to doubt that Briggs is a really good linebacker in his own right. He may be the most sought after linebacker in this free agent class, and the Bears will have difficulty in retaining all of the defensive talent they have in the next few seasons if they wish to spend more money on offensive help and re-sign other current players. The Bears could slap the franchise tag on Briggs to keep him around, but if they don’t, expect him to be leaving the Windy City and taking up residence for a new team that will try and feature him on defense. Teams needing a tough linebacker to plug holes and make tackles will put Briggs high on their list. Given the Bears history in this type of matter, it’s likely that Briggs will find a new place to punish offenses.
Na'il Diggs, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Diggs has been a steady linebacker for the Green Bay Packers since his second season in the league. Injuries forced him to miss seven games last season and he now has just a single season to prove to the Panthers that he deserves a larger contract. Diggs, while steady, isn’t necessity for Carolina, so expect to see him hit the market in the hopes that someone appreciates what he does on the field, maybe even over-appreciates what he does on the field. Staying healthy will be the first step towards a successful contract year, and if he can perform like he did in Green Bay, a handful of teams should be interested in bringing Diggs into the fold. Anyone looking for a veteran linebacker to make some tackles and hold his own will show an interest.
Cato June, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Recent legal trouble could hurt his stock, but June was a first time starter in the Pro Bowl this past season. He’s relatively young and a tackling machine, so it’s likely that the Colts will do what they can to retain his talents. There’s good chance that June hits the market, though, to see what other organizations have to offer him financially; the Colts inability to reach the Super Bowl may also factor into a decision to leave. June’s not an overpowering player, so a team interested in him will be looking at utilizing his speed as a top priority, in the same way that the Colts have done. June will be the most sought after linebacker on the market, and perhaps the most sought after defensive player.
Adalius Thomas, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
It could be difficult to keep Thomas around because of his emerging status as one of the better linebackers in the NFL. Last season, with Ray Lewis lost to an injury for ten games, Thomas shined for the Ravens defensive unit. Credited with 86 total tackles, nine sacks, and a returned touchdown on one of his two interceptions, he boosted his free agent potential and he could be one of the top two or three pursued players if he has a successful ’06 campaign. Someone will throw big dollars his way, which means he could be lured away from Baltimore.
Other Free Agent Linebackers
Chase Blackburn, ERFA, New York Giants
Chad Brown, UFA, New England Patriots
James Darling, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
London Fletcher, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Randall Godfrey, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Kawika Mitchell, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Rob Morris, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Top Defensive Backs
Nate Clements, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Clements should be the top target of teams looking for help in the secondary. He’s young, highly regarded, and very talented. Buffalo would like nothing more than to have him signed to an extension as quickly as possible, but his talent—he does have two Pro Bowl selections—may lead him to test the market. Without an extension, the Bills must decide if they are willing to franchise tag Clements once again to guarantee his presence on the gridiron for one more season. Since Clements has not been adversely affected by NFL officiating changes, most NFL teams will pursue the cornerback if he hits the market.
Other Free Agent Cornerbacks
Roc Alexander, RFA, Denver Broncos
Jordan Babineaux, RFA, Seattle Seahawks
Jason David, RFA, Indianapolis Colts
Randall Gay, RFA, New England Patriots
Nick Harper, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
David Macklin, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots
Other Free Agent Safety
Tyrone Carter, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Deon Grant, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ken Hamlin, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Michael Lewis, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
John Lynch, UFA, Denver Broncos
Donnie Nickey, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Tony Parrish, UFA, San Francisco 49ers
Ernest Shazor, ERFA, Arizona Cardinals
B.J. Ward, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Gibril Wilson, RFA, New York Giants
Top Kickers/Punters
osh Brown, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Brown is probably the best kicker on the market next off season, so he gets a mention. Team’s looking for a proven leg will make an offer, but I don’t see Brown going anywhere.
Other Free Agent Kickers
Nate Kaeding, RFA, San Diego Chargers
Rian Lindell, UFA, Buffalo Bills
Josh Scobee, RFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence Tynes, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Other Free Agent Punters
Michael Koenen, ERFA, Atlanta Falcons
Matt Turk, UFA, St. Louis Rams
