-=Official NFL Free Agency Thread=-
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
With running back Brandon Jacobs already limited by the franchise tag, the Giants made it even harder for him to leave by signing him to a four-year, $25 million contract.
According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network and Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger, the deal includes $13 million in guaranteed money, and pays out $15 million in the first two years.
According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network and Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger, the deal includes $13 million in guaranteed money, and pays out $15 million in the first two years.
The Jets have parted ways with receiver Laveranues Coles, for the second time in his career.
Six years ago, the end came (temporarily) when Coles jumped to the Redskins as a restricted free agent. This time around, the Jets cut Coles loose despite owing him a guaranteed base salary of $6 million in 2009.
Six years ago, the end came (temporarily) when Coles jumped to the Redskins as a restricted free agent. This time around, the Jets cut Coles loose despite owing him a guaranteed base salary of $6 million in 2009.
The Miami Dolphins have re-signed starting linebacker Channing Crowder to a multi-year contract, according to a league source.
It’s a somewhat surprising development considering Crowder, by most accounts, wasn’t expected to return.
However, the Dolphins hammered out a deal with Crowder’s agent two days before the free agent signing period in order to retain him.
According to NFL.com, Crowder registered 113 tackles last season in 13 starts. Listed at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, the former University of Florida standout is only 25 years old.
UPDATE: The deal is reportedly for three years. “In talking to Channing, he made it very clear he was not interested in leaving the Dolphins,” agent Joel Segal told the Miami Herald. “So now he is going to get his wish and stay with the team he wanted to be with.”
It’s a somewhat surprising development considering Crowder, by most accounts, wasn’t expected to return.
However, the Dolphins hammered out a deal with Crowder’s agent two days before the free agent signing period in order to retain him.
According to NFL.com, Crowder registered 113 tackles last season in 13 starts. Listed at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, the former University of Florida standout is only 25 years old.
UPDATE: The deal is reportedly for three years. “In talking to Channing, he made it very clear he was not interested in leaving the Dolphins,” agent Joel Segal told the Miami Herald. “So now he is going to get his wish and stay with the team he wanted to be with.”
STILL ON THE MARKET...MOST OF EM...
1. Albert Haynesworth, DT: Far and away the best free agent; $100 million isn’t out of the question.
2. Kurt Warner, QB: Expect the deal to come in at two years, $22 million with Arizona.
3. Jason Brown, C/G: Likely to become the top paid interior offensive lineman in the game.
4. Ray Lewis, LB: Lots of talk about Dallas or the Jets, but look for him to return to Baltimore.
5. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR: Bengals are delusional enough to think he might return. Yeah, right.
6. Bart Scott, LB: No discounts for the Ravens this time probably means no return to Baltimore.
7. Bryant McFadden, CB: Best cornerback among a lot of mediocre ones on this list.
8. Jabari Greer, CB: He’s going to get a lot of money ($7 million a year) after two decent campaigns.
9. Phillip Buchanon, CB: Florida native likely to return to Tampa Bay. Bucs have the cash.
10. Derrick Ward, RB: Former seventh-round pick hits the big time in a shallow group of RBs.
1. Albert Haynesworth, DT: Far and away the best free agent; $100 million isn’t out of the question.
2. Kurt Warner, QB: Expect the deal to come in at two years, $22 million with Arizona.
3. Jason Brown, C/G: Likely to become the top paid interior offensive lineman in the game.
4. Ray Lewis, LB: Lots of talk about Dallas or the Jets, but look for him to return to Baltimore.
5. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR: Bengals are delusional enough to think he might return. Yeah, right.
6. Bart Scott, LB: No discounts for the Ravens this time probably means no return to Baltimore.
7. Bryant McFadden, CB: Best cornerback among a lot of mediocre ones on this list.
8. Jabari Greer, CB: He’s going to get a lot of money ($7 million a year) after two decent campaigns.
9. Phillip Buchanon, CB: Florida native likely to return to Tampa Bay. Bucs have the cash.
10. Derrick Ward, RB: Former seventh-round pick hits the big time in a shallow group of RBs.
11. Khalif Barnes, OT: Had issues in Jacksonville, but he has pretty serious talent.
12. DeAngelo Hall, CB: Out to prove that he’s still a Pro Bowl player after two bad years.
13. Kerry Collins, QB: Wants to get the same deal as Warner. Probably will be a little short.
14. Tra Thomas, OT: He’s old, but he can still play and left tackles aren’t easy to get in free agency.
15. Brian Dawkins, S: Like Thomas, he’s old, but he can still play and the Eagles love him.
16. Chris Kemoeatu, G: Like his brother Maake in 2006, he figures to hit the jackpot.
17. Chris Canty, DE: There’s tremendous speculation he’ll go to Miami. Terrific DL in a 3-4 scheme.
18. Jake Grove, C: Another guy who could easily end up in Miami.
*19. Stacy Andrews, G: Serious knee injury in season finale cost him millions.
*20. Mark Tauscher, OT: He’s old, but the Packers need to have their right tackle back.
12. DeAngelo Hall, CB: Out to prove that he’s still a Pro Bowl player after two bad years.
13. Kerry Collins, QB: Wants to get the same deal as Warner. Probably will be a little short.
14. Tra Thomas, OT: He’s old, but he can still play and left tackles aren’t easy to get in free agency.
15. Brian Dawkins, S: Like Thomas, he’s old, but he can still play and the Eagles love him.
16. Chris Kemoeatu, G: Like his brother Maake in 2006, he figures to hit the jackpot.
17. Chris Canty, DE: There’s tremendous speculation he’ll go to Miami. Terrific DL in a 3-4 scheme.
18. Jake Grove, C: Another guy who could easily end up in Miami.
*19. Stacy Andrews, G: Serious knee injury in season finale cost him millions.
*20. Mark Tauscher, OT: He’s old, but the Packers need to have their right tackle back.
21. Jonathan Vilma, LB: Solid season with the Saints. Needs to be in a 4-3 scheme.
22. Gibril Wilson, S: Was cut by Raiders, but that will be to his benefit.
23. Jeff Saturday, C: Colts want him back, but he may price himself out of the market.
24. Jon Stinchcomb, OT: Nice right tackle, but not a great player. Will be overpaid.
25. Byron Leftwich, QB: Good guy, nice arm, wants to start. But that release is still slow.
26. Matt Birk, C: Six-time Pro Bowler is getting up there, but he could bring leadership to a developing line.
27. Drayton Florence, CB: He never fit in Jacksonville, but his age and experience will make him a commodity again.
28. Darren Sharper, S: Veteran safety who can still hit, but his playmaking skills may be on the decline.
29. Nate Washington, WR: He turns 26 this offseason and has big-play ability. Should be ready to be a consistent No. 2 in a scheme with a big-armed quarterback.
30. Devery Henderson, WR: Young and speedy. Can be a solid No. 2 in a vertical scheme.
31. Fred Taylor, RB: Can be reliable for maybe two more years with a 12-15 carry load.
32. Marvin Harrison, WR: Could still be a solid No. 2 if he’s healthy, but he’s falling off fast. One or two more years of solid production may be it.
33. Marcus Washington, LB: Aging playmaker who has missed 12 regular season games the last three years. Can still be a good starter.
34. Cedric Benson, RB: Finally showed some determined production in ’08, but he’s still too risky for a major contractual commitment.
*35. Marvel Smith, OT: If his back trouble subsides, he’s on the fringe of the league’s top 10 tackles. If it doesn’t, his career may be in jeopardy.
*36. Chris McAlister, CB: He has lost a step and hasn’t been healthy since 2006, but still has a lot of value in a thin year at cornerback. Big risk, moderate reward player.
37. Antonio Smith, DE: Has gotten better in each of his seasons in Arizona. Could be a 7- or 8-sack player opposite an elite defensive end.
*38. Jon Runyan, OT: Has gone an astonishing 12 years without missing a game, but had microfracture surgery this offseason. He’s just getting too old to be a good risk.
39. Jeff Garcia, QB: A solid one- or two-year stopgap for a West Coast scheme.
40. Channing Crowder, LB: His youth and athleticism make him enticing, but he’s a head case who doesn’t make a lot of big plays.
41. Yeremiah Bell, S: A franchise tag candidate that had an eye-opening season in ’08. He’d be in the top 20 if he wasn’t 31.
42. Keith Brooking, LB: He’s more of a tackler than a playmaker at this stage, but he can still be a solid starter in a 4-3 for several years.
43. Trai Essex, OT: He can play multiple positions and provide good depth. He could still develop into a solid starter.
44. Sean Jones, S: A solid playmaker who will get a fat contract. He’s a little overrated, but could be very good with a strong surrounding cast.
*45. Angelo Crowell, LB: Missed all of 2008 with a serious knee injury. If he was healthy, he’d be one of the best linebackers in this class.
46. Mike Peterson, LB: Injuries and butting heads with coach Jack Del Rio robbed him of three good years. Either there is very little left, or he’s going to be a big bargain.
47. John St. Clair, OT: Another guy who isn’t a quality starter but who can play multiple positions and give depth.
48. Andre’ Goodman, CB: Had arguably his best season in the NFL last year. He turns 31 this year, but cornerbacks will be at a premium.
49. Chris Baker, TE: Balanced tight end who needs to do more on the offensive end. Perennially overrated.
50. Andra Davis, LB: A solid starter and not much more at this stage of his career.
51. Russ Hochstein, G: Career backup who can start in a pinch. He’ll get a surprising contract and start somewhere.
52. Lawyer Milloy, S: His best days are far behind him, but he’s serviceable and can help bring along young players in the secondary.
53. J.P. Losman, QB: He’s got great tools but makes poor decisions. He’s a Leftwich-type reclamation project at this point.
54. Rex Grossman, QB: A good arm and a terrible head. Another Leftwich-type backup who might be able to be salvaged down the line.
55. Eugene Wilson, S: His last eight games of ’08 showed a player who can still be a quality starter. He’s an underrated signing if he can stay healthy.
56. Bertrand Berry, DE: He has missed 23 games in the last four years, but he could be a good one- or two-year starter opposite an “elite” defensive end in a 4-3.
57. Gerald Sensabaugh, S: A talented player who showed flashes of brilliance last season. He’s been arrested twice in the past two years.
58. Geoff Hangartner, C/G: Should be a respectable starter at guard or center wherever he signs. His next contract will surprise some people.
59. Eric Barton, LB: A solid tackler whose best playmaking days are behind him. He might have two years left in him as a starter in a 3-4 system.
60. Rocky Bernard, DT: He never showed he could play as well as his great 2005 season, but he’s got three or four good starting years left.
61. Igor Olshansky, DT: A 3-4 end who looked like he was going to develop into a very respectable player until the coaching staff soured on him last season.
62. Michael Boley LB: Has skills but doesn’t always hold up against the run. Big things were expected before he fell out of favor with Atlanta’s new staff last season.
63. Kevin Carter DE/DT: He’s not a three-down player anymore, but he can still play. A good veteran rotation player for the right price.
64. Deuce McAllister, RB: Still has a year or two left as a split-carry option if he could stay healthy. That’s a big if.
65. Shaun Cody, DT: Has skills, but no sacks or forced fumbles in the last three years. Could be a bargain if someone can motivate him, or an utter bust if they can’t.
66. Jim Leonhard, S: Filled in nicely in injury situations and can be a solid starter who makes the occasional play.
67. Jim Kleinsasser, TE: A superior blocker who won’t factor into the passing game.
68. James Sanders, S: Could be a solid starter for a 3-4 team, particularly one that needs someone who understands the alignment.
69. Mike Nugent, K: Best kicker on the market in terms of combination of youth and skill. Might be more of a factor from 50-plus if he gets out of the Meadowlands.
70. L.J. Smith, TE: Injuries halted his growth into a top tight end. When healthy, he’s still young enough to contribute 40 receptions and 500 yards to a passing game.
71. Pete Kendall, G: The sun is setting on his career, but he’s a good option for a team needing a one- or two-year guard who can mentor some younger players.
72. Ronald Fields, DT: He’s never really found his niche as a defensive end or tackle in a 4-3. He could play nose in a 3-4 alignment.
73. Mike Wright, DT: A young 3-4 lineman who the Patriots liked enough last season to assign a second-round tender to him. Could be a quality starter for another team.
74. Corey Ivy, CB: Speed and size deficient. Could be a good signing for depth in the Cover 2.
75. Jabar Gaffney,WR: Could be a solid No. 2 across from a dominant wideout, but is more likely a good No. 3.
76. Zach Thomas, LB: His lack of size and speed has caught up to him. He’s little more than a solid tackler at this point in his career.
77. LaMont Jordan, RB: On the downside of his career, but can still contribute with 10 touches a game if he ever stays healthy.
78. Ron Bartell, CB: Got a chance to play last season and did a solid job. Even got three interceptions.
79. Justin Miller, CB: Failed top pick with Jets has nice return ability if healthy.
80. Tyjuan Hagler, LB: Active, tough and good on special teams. Needs to be in Tampa 2 defense.
81. Kenny Peterson, DE: Even after six years of inconsistency, he flashes tempting ability.
82. Ronald Curry, WR: Injuries have hampered a promising career. Nice all-around athlete.
83. Dan Orlovsky, QB: Looking for the safety of a No. 2 job where he won’t run into safeties.
84. Ty Law, CB: Law doesn’t do training camp at this stage of his career. Wait till September.
85. Kevin Burnett, LB: Durable and active, but hasn’t lived up to being a second-round pick.
86. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: Expect him to return to the quiet safety of Cincinnati for a backup job.
87. Chris Crocker, S: He actually did a nice job in two stops last season, but safeties are easy to find.
88. Dominic Rhodes, RB: If he’s smart, he stays in Indianapolis no matter what the cost.
89. Maurice Morris, RB: Passable backup who doesn’t complain about his role.
90. Jason Wright, RB: Tailed off in 2008, but he’s good on special teams and plays multiple spots.
91. Amani Toomer, WR: Leading receiver in Giants history is a classy vet playing out the string.
92. Bobby Engram, WR: Like Toomer, he’s at the end but is terrific in third-down situations.
93. Rudi Johnson, RB: Might have some mileage left on his body if he can get healthy.
94. Bryant Johnson, WR: Couldn’t make it with WR-desperate 49ers. That’s not a good sign.
95. Jason Craft, CB: Typical CB who survives a decade in the league because he knows the game.
96. Ricky Manning Jr., CB: A younger version of Craft, although Manning is a serious jerk.
97. Jovan Haye, DT: A plugger who knows how to play. Should stay in Tampa Bay.
98. J.J. Arrington, RB: Nice third-down back and backup. Not as versatile as Jason Wright.
99. Keiwan Ratliff, CB: Did a nice job after injuries forced him to play 13 games last season.
100. Terrelle Smith, FB: Great blocking fullback, but that position is almost completely useless.
22. Gibril Wilson, S: Was cut by Raiders, but that will be to his benefit.
23. Jeff Saturday, C: Colts want him back, but he may price himself out of the market.
24. Jon Stinchcomb, OT: Nice right tackle, but not a great player. Will be overpaid.
25. Byron Leftwich, QB: Good guy, nice arm, wants to start. But that release is still slow.
26. Matt Birk, C: Six-time Pro Bowler is getting up there, but he could bring leadership to a developing line.
27. Drayton Florence, CB: He never fit in Jacksonville, but his age and experience will make him a commodity again.
28. Darren Sharper, S: Veteran safety who can still hit, but his playmaking skills may be on the decline.
29. Nate Washington, WR: He turns 26 this offseason and has big-play ability. Should be ready to be a consistent No. 2 in a scheme with a big-armed quarterback.
30. Devery Henderson, WR: Young and speedy. Can be a solid No. 2 in a vertical scheme.
31. Fred Taylor, RB: Can be reliable for maybe two more years with a 12-15 carry load.
32. Marvin Harrison, WR: Could still be a solid No. 2 if he’s healthy, but he’s falling off fast. One or two more years of solid production may be it.
33. Marcus Washington, LB: Aging playmaker who has missed 12 regular season games the last three years. Can still be a good starter.
34. Cedric Benson, RB: Finally showed some determined production in ’08, but he’s still too risky for a major contractual commitment.
*35. Marvel Smith, OT: If his back trouble subsides, he’s on the fringe of the league’s top 10 tackles. If it doesn’t, his career may be in jeopardy.
*36. Chris McAlister, CB: He has lost a step and hasn’t been healthy since 2006, but still has a lot of value in a thin year at cornerback. Big risk, moderate reward player.
37. Antonio Smith, DE: Has gotten better in each of his seasons in Arizona. Could be a 7- or 8-sack player opposite an elite defensive end.
*38. Jon Runyan, OT: Has gone an astonishing 12 years without missing a game, but had microfracture surgery this offseason. He’s just getting too old to be a good risk.
39. Jeff Garcia, QB: A solid one- or two-year stopgap for a West Coast scheme.
40. Channing Crowder, LB: His youth and athleticism make him enticing, but he’s a head case who doesn’t make a lot of big plays.
41. Yeremiah Bell, S: A franchise tag candidate that had an eye-opening season in ’08. He’d be in the top 20 if he wasn’t 31.
42. Keith Brooking, LB: He’s more of a tackler than a playmaker at this stage, but he can still be a solid starter in a 4-3 for several years.
43. Trai Essex, OT: He can play multiple positions and provide good depth. He could still develop into a solid starter.
44. Sean Jones, S: A solid playmaker who will get a fat contract. He’s a little overrated, but could be very good with a strong surrounding cast.
*45. Angelo Crowell, LB: Missed all of 2008 with a serious knee injury. If he was healthy, he’d be one of the best linebackers in this class.
46. Mike Peterson, LB: Injuries and butting heads with coach Jack Del Rio robbed him of three good years. Either there is very little left, or he’s going to be a big bargain.
47. John St. Clair, OT: Another guy who isn’t a quality starter but who can play multiple positions and give depth.
48. Andre’ Goodman, CB: Had arguably his best season in the NFL last year. He turns 31 this year, but cornerbacks will be at a premium.
49. Chris Baker, TE: Balanced tight end who needs to do more on the offensive end. Perennially overrated.
50. Andra Davis, LB: A solid starter and not much more at this stage of his career.
51. Russ Hochstein, G: Career backup who can start in a pinch. He’ll get a surprising contract and start somewhere.
52. Lawyer Milloy, S: His best days are far behind him, but he’s serviceable and can help bring along young players in the secondary.
53. J.P. Losman, QB: He’s got great tools but makes poor decisions. He’s a Leftwich-type reclamation project at this point.
54. Rex Grossman, QB: A good arm and a terrible head. Another Leftwich-type backup who might be able to be salvaged down the line.
55. Eugene Wilson, S: His last eight games of ’08 showed a player who can still be a quality starter. He’s an underrated signing if he can stay healthy.
56. Bertrand Berry, DE: He has missed 23 games in the last four years, but he could be a good one- or two-year starter opposite an “elite” defensive end in a 4-3.
57. Gerald Sensabaugh, S: A talented player who showed flashes of brilliance last season. He’s been arrested twice in the past two years.
58. Geoff Hangartner, C/G: Should be a respectable starter at guard or center wherever he signs. His next contract will surprise some people.
59. Eric Barton, LB: A solid tackler whose best playmaking days are behind him. He might have two years left in him as a starter in a 3-4 system.
60. Rocky Bernard, DT: He never showed he could play as well as his great 2005 season, but he’s got three or four good starting years left.
61. Igor Olshansky, DT: A 3-4 end who looked like he was going to develop into a very respectable player until the coaching staff soured on him last season.
62. Michael Boley LB: Has skills but doesn’t always hold up against the run. Big things were expected before he fell out of favor with Atlanta’s new staff last season.
63. Kevin Carter DE/DT: He’s not a three-down player anymore, but he can still play. A good veteran rotation player for the right price.
64. Deuce McAllister, RB: Still has a year or two left as a split-carry option if he could stay healthy. That’s a big if.
65. Shaun Cody, DT: Has skills, but no sacks or forced fumbles in the last three years. Could be a bargain if someone can motivate him, or an utter bust if they can’t.
66. Jim Leonhard, S: Filled in nicely in injury situations and can be a solid starter who makes the occasional play.
67. Jim Kleinsasser, TE: A superior blocker who won’t factor into the passing game.
68. James Sanders, S: Could be a solid starter for a 3-4 team, particularly one that needs someone who understands the alignment.
69. Mike Nugent, K: Best kicker on the market in terms of combination of youth and skill. Might be more of a factor from 50-plus if he gets out of the Meadowlands.
70. L.J. Smith, TE: Injuries halted his growth into a top tight end. When healthy, he’s still young enough to contribute 40 receptions and 500 yards to a passing game.
71. Pete Kendall, G: The sun is setting on his career, but he’s a good option for a team needing a one- or two-year guard who can mentor some younger players.
72. Ronald Fields, DT: He’s never really found his niche as a defensive end or tackle in a 4-3. He could play nose in a 3-4 alignment.
73. Mike Wright, DT: A young 3-4 lineman who the Patriots liked enough last season to assign a second-round tender to him. Could be a quality starter for another team.
74. Corey Ivy, CB: Speed and size deficient. Could be a good signing for depth in the Cover 2.
75. Jabar Gaffney,WR: Could be a solid No. 2 across from a dominant wideout, but is more likely a good No. 3.
76. Zach Thomas, LB: His lack of size and speed has caught up to him. He’s little more than a solid tackler at this point in his career.
77. LaMont Jordan, RB: On the downside of his career, but can still contribute with 10 touches a game if he ever stays healthy.
78. Ron Bartell, CB: Got a chance to play last season and did a solid job. Even got three interceptions.
79. Justin Miller, CB: Failed top pick with Jets has nice return ability if healthy.
80. Tyjuan Hagler, LB: Active, tough and good on special teams. Needs to be in Tampa 2 defense.
81. Kenny Peterson, DE: Even after six years of inconsistency, he flashes tempting ability.
82. Ronald Curry, WR: Injuries have hampered a promising career. Nice all-around athlete.
83. Dan Orlovsky, QB: Looking for the safety of a No. 2 job where he won’t run into safeties.
84. Ty Law, CB: Law doesn’t do training camp at this stage of his career. Wait till September.
85. Kevin Burnett, LB: Durable and active, but hasn’t lived up to being a second-round pick.
86. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: Expect him to return to the quiet safety of Cincinnati for a backup job.
87. Chris Crocker, S: He actually did a nice job in two stops last season, but safeties are easy to find.
88. Dominic Rhodes, RB: If he’s smart, he stays in Indianapolis no matter what the cost.
89. Maurice Morris, RB: Passable backup who doesn’t complain about his role.
90. Jason Wright, RB: Tailed off in 2008, but he’s good on special teams and plays multiple spots.
91. Amani Toomer, WR: Leading receiver in Giants history is a classy vet playing out the string.
92. Bobby Engram, WR: Like Toomer, he’s at the end but is terrific in third-down situations.
93. Rudi Johnson, RB: Might have some mileage left on his body if he can get healthy.
94. Bryant Johnson, WR: Couldn’t make it with WR-desperate 49ers. That’s not a good sign.
95. Jason Craft, CB: Typical CB who survives a decade in the league because he knows the game.
96. Ricky Manning Jr., CB: A younger version of Craft, although Manning is a serious jerk.
97. Jovan Haye, DT: A plugger who knows how to play. Should stay in Tampa Bay.
98. J.J. Arrington, RB: Nice third-down back and backup. Not as versatile as Jason Wright.
99. Keiwan Ratliff, CB: Did a nice job after injuries forced him to play 13 games last season.
100. Terrelle Smith, FB: Great blocking fullback, but that position is almost completely useless.
if ray lewis doesn't sign with the cowboys, which i don't expect him to do, the cowboys should look to pick up donnie edwards. he'll move back to inside linebacker, and is familiar with wade phillip's scheme from playing in san diego.
that would suck if canty left to miami. he's probably the second best defensive lineman the cowboys have, behind jay ratliff.
marcus spears can to go miami, or hell for all i care.
that would suck if canty left to miami. he's probably the second best defensive lineman the cowboys have, behind jay ratliff.
marcus spears can to go miami, or hell for all i care.
