Interesting list of QB/RB/WR/TE/K's FA this year

[The Tomcat]

Free Agent Preview

 

Feb 12 2007 12:21PM

By JEFF PAUR

Sr Fantasy Writer

RealTime Fantasy Sports

 

With the season over, the next things to focus on are the NFL draft and free agency. Free agency kicks off before the draft, so we’ll take a look at that first. Below is a breakdown of all the key free agents at the key offensive positions. We have them ranked as well as tagged – unrestricted or restricted.

 

Remember, unrestricted means the player is free to sign wherever he chooses and his team won’t get anything in return if he leaves. A restricted free agent is a little tougher to sign. They sign an offer sheet with a new team and their old team has a week to figure out if they want to keep him at that price or they receive compensation in draft picks for losing that player. A lot of times, trades are agreed beforehand when it comes to signing restricted free agent.

 

As for the free agents this season, running back and receiver are the deepest position. But we really don’t have a lot of marquee players on the market. Running back Michael Turner might be the hottest item, and he isn’t really a proven option. But some top players will be cut in the coming weeks to save on cap space, so we could have some bigger named players changing teams.

 

Quarterbacks

 

Unrestricted

 

1. Jeff Garcia, Eagles. After playing so-so the last few seasons, Garcia played like the Garcia of old with the Eagles. He got a chance to start because of injury and produced, throwing 10 touchdowns to two interceptions. Garcia is 37, though, and doesn’t have much long-term value. But for teams looking for a quick fix at quarterback, Garcia is the best option out there. Early reports have the Vikings showing some interest.

 

2. Damon Huard, Chiefs. Huard earned himself some money and maybe a starter’s job after a great season with the Chiefs. He was forced into action when Trent Green went down, but actually outperformed Green for the season. Huard completed 61 percent of his passes and threw 11 touchdowns to just one interception.

 

3. Tim Rattay, Bucs. He has starting experience and played well at the end of the season with the Bucs (748-passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions), so Rattay could get some looks this offseason. He doesn’t have a great arm, but is accurate and experienced.

 

4. Marques Tuiasosopo, Raiders. A change of scenery could do Tuiasosopo some good. He got a few chances with the Raiders over the years but never really flourished. They thought he was their quarterback of the future at one time, so he has some talent. He moves around the pocket well and throws pretty well on the run.

 

5. Kerry Collins, Titans. Collins couldn’t keep the starting job in Tennessee. And his last two seasons haven’t been good, completing about 50 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. His best days are behind him, but he could make a decent backup.

 

6. Anthony Wright, Bengals. Wright has some starting experience and seems to do well when pressed into action. He isn’t a starter, but a top backup. He has a strong arm and can make plays with his legs.

 

Restricted

 

1. Matt Schaub, Falcons. He probably is the most coveted free agent quarterback, but his restricted tag could scare away teams. He’ll come at a price. But Schaub is a big quarterback with a strong arm. He seems like a guy that could do well in a starting role, and he has produced when given the chance. But he is great insurance for Michael Vick, so the Falcons might just hold onto him unless the offer is too good to pass up.

 

2. Quinn Gray, Jaguars. Gray has just a couple NFL games under his belt, but he is an intriguing option at quarterback. He scored two rushing touchdowns in his only game last season and also completed 59 percent of his passes for 166 yards without a turnover. With a little more seasoning, Gray could be a starter in this league. He could get some looks, but the Jags might have other ideas for Gray this season, giving him a chance to compete for the starting job.

 

3. Cleo Lemon, Dolphins. Lemon is a bit raw, but has a great arm and can make plays on the run. He doesn’t seem like starter material just yet, though. If the Dolphins retain him, which is likely, he could be their No. 2.

 

4. Jim Sorgi, Colts. Sorgi hasn’t had a chance to show his stuff, playing behind Peyton Manning. Unless the Colts draft a quarterback, expect Sorgi to remain on as their backup. Sorgi knows the offense and the Colts are comfortable with him as their No. 2 man.

 

5. John Navarre, Cardinals. He started some games for the Cardinals the previous two seasons, but fell behind Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart on the depth chart last year. So Navarre didn’t see any action and actually played poorly during the preseason. He is a No. 3, trying to be a No. 2. A new team could help his case.

 

Running Backs

 

Unrestricted

 

1. Ahman Green, Packers. Most experienced, productive free agent on the market at running back. But he is 30 and his best days probably are behind him. He can be a productive starter a few more seasons, though, so he’ll get plenty of chances to land a starting job. The Browns, Giants and Packers should be interested.

 

2. Dominic Rhodes, Colts. His strong Super Bowl performance could make him a lot of money. The Colts aren’t likely to retain him at a high price, so expect Rhodes to bolt. He’ll get a chance to start somewhere.

 

3. Musa Smith, Ravens. Smith has a lot of talent, but missed a lot of action his first four years in the league. Last season, he had his most productive season to date (288 total yards) before missing the last four games with a neck injury. Smith might be the most talented free-agent back (young, big, fast and can catch the ball), so he could be a find for some team. He won’t command much money because of his lack of production.

 

4. Chris Brown, Titans. Brown barely saw the field for the Titans, losing his starting job to Travis Henry. But before last season, when healthy, Brown was a very productive starting back. Health is always the issue with him, but he has talent and past starting experience, so he’ll likely get a chance to start. He could be a guy the Browns look at, giving him a chance to compete for a starting job with some other backs. The Broncos could be a good fit as well.

 

5. Correll Buckhalter, Eagles. He can’t seem to stay healthy, which hurts his value on the market. But Buckhalter has some talent – good speed and big-play ability. He should get a chance to serve as a top backup for some team. Let’s just hope he can stay healthy for them.

 

6. Ron Dayne, Texans. Dayne emerged as the Texans top back last season, rushing for 429 yards and five touchdowns his last four games. He can’t seem to put together a full season, but the potential is there. He could get a chance to start in the right situation or at least serve as a short-yardage back.

 

7. LaBrandon Toefield , Jaguars. Toefield didn’t get a whole lot of chances with the Jags, but did score eight touchdowns in four seasons and that was with just 195 touches. He is a big back with some speed and receiving ability. Toefield could find more carries with a team that has fewer options at running back. The Jags are just loaded.

 

8. Sammy Morris, Dolphins. Probably not an every-down back, but Morris can be a solid No. 2 or 3 guy. He had 562 total yards and averaged 4.3 yards per carry last season.

 

9. Najeh Davenport, Steelers. Similar to Morris, Davenport has some starting experience and plays well when given the chance. He had 414 total yards last season. A No. 2 or 3 running back spot is ideal for him. Davenport really isn’t a starter.

 

10. Anthony Thomas, Bills. It is tough to come by former 1,000-yard backs, but Thomas is one. That was a few years back, but Thomas still has something left in the tank. He had 517 total yards last season and played pretty well when given some starts. And he got more work at receiver, catching 22 passes, which gives him a little more value to his prospective team.

 

Others of note: Stephen Davis, Rams; Marcel Shipp, Cardinals; James Mungro, Colts; Reno Mahe, Eagles.

 

Restricted

 

1. Michael Turner, Chargers. The Chargers don’t have much room for Turner with LT blocking his way, so Turner could be dealt for a high draft pick. And Turner would welcome a trade, getting a chance to start. Turner is an explosive back with speed and power. He is ready for a chance to start, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. He also had 502-rushing yards, which is amazing if you consider all the work LT gets in the offense. Turner might be the most coveted free agent this offseason.

 

2. Artose Pinner, Vikings. Pinner hasn’t really caught on, but is young and has some ability. He should find work, but he’ll need a strong preseason if he hopes to be a factor in 2007.

 

3. Maurice Hicks, 49ers. With Michael Robinson looking to take over the backup running back duties for the 49ers, Hicks could be moving on. Hicks has some starting experience, but is better served as a third-down back. He catches the ball pretty well and is a good open-field runner.

 

4. Shaud Williams, Bills. Didn’t do a whole lot in three seasons with the Bills. Might be a decent change of pace back, but that is about it. He’ll also help on special teams.

 

5. Derrick Ward, Giants. Decent return man and special teams player, but won’t help much at running back position.

 

Receivers

 

Unrestricted

 

1. Drew Bennett, Titans. Bennett is a legit No. 1 receiver. He is a huge target with good hands and speed. The problem is he can’t seem to stay healthy, suffering nagging injuries almost every season. But the ability is there and his past production proves he can play at a very high level.

 

2. Kevin Curtis, Rams. Curtis was stuck behind Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce in St. Louis, getting limited to No.3 receiving duties. But he is a speed burner with big-play making ability. He excelled in a starting role in 2005 when Bruce was injured. The Lions seem hot after Curtis, who would start opposite Roy Williams.

 

3. Eric Moulds, Texans. Moulds was a star a few years back, but is 33 now and hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2004. He still has good hands and runs good routes, but probably lost a step. He can be a solid possession receiver.

 

4. Travis Taylor, Vikings. Taylor hasn’t lived up to his first-round draft status, but has been a serviceable receiver through the years. He’ll get 600 or 700 yards and a few touchdowns.

 

5. Shaun McDonald, Rams. Like Curtis, McDonald didn’t get a whole lot of chances in the Rams offense. He served as their fourth option most weeks. But even when on the field, he disappointed at times. McDonald is a small, speedy target and should be a good No. 3 receiver in the right offense.

 

6. Kelley Washington, Bengals. Washington missed most of last season with a hamstring injury. He is a big target with good speed and the ability to stretch the field. He could be a solid No. 3 receiver in the right offense.

 

7. Alvis Whitted, Raiders. Whitted actually started some games for the Raiders last season. He didn’t do a whole lot, mostly because he is best suited in spot duty, serving as a top deep threat. Whitted has plus speed.

 

8. Terrence Wilkins, Colts. Wilkins isn’t a great threat at receiver, but provides quality depth and is a solid return man.

 

9. Aaron Moorehead, Colts. Moorehead might be best served sticking with the Colts. He could get more chances with them, playing more late last season. Moorehead is a big target and decent possession receiver.

 

10. Andre Davis, Bills. Davis is running out of time to make an impact. He has a lot of speed and is a great threat to stretch the field, but isn’t consistent.

 

Others of note: Justin Gage, Bears; Bryan Gilmore, 49ers; Bethel Johnson, Vikings; Billy McMullen, Vikings; Dennis Northcutt, Browns; Troy Walters, Cardinals.

 

Restricted

 

1. Ernest Wilford, Jaguars. Wilford didn’t seize his opportunity to start with the Jags. But he showed some flashes of good things. He is a big receiver and great down-field threat. His career average per reception is 15.4.

 

2. Wes Welker, Dolphins. Welker seems the perfect slot receiver. He excelled in that role for the Dolphins and even started a few games because of injury. Welker is a small, speedy receiver with plus hands. The Dolphins should try and retain Welker after he led them in receptions.

 

3. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys. Crayton isn’t a starter, but like Welker, a solid No. 3 option. Crayton had 36 catches last season and did a good job of making plays over the middle.

 

4. Samie Parker, Chiefs. Despite starting the last few seasons, Parker didn’t produce a whole lot, finishing with fewer than 600 yards both seasons. Parker is a speedy receiver, but needs to improve his hands and route running. He seems a better fit as a No. 3 receiver than a starter.

 

5. Terrance Copper, Saints. Copper was a surprise for the Saints, getting thrust into a starting role for some games because of injury. And he played well, catching 23 passes for 385 yards. Copper doesn’t seem like a starter, but could be a good slot receiver, similar to the role he played most of the season with the Saints.

 

6. Clarence Moore, Ravens. Instead of getting more and more involved in the Ravens offense, Moore’s production went down every season with the Ravens. Moore is a huge receiver and has so-so hands, but doesn’t have great speed. He is a depth guy more than anything.

 

7. Devard Darling, Ravens. Darling has two catches in three seasons. Don’t expect a sudden breakthrough, although a move to a better offensive team might get him some action.

 

Tight Ends

 

Unrestricted

 

1. Eric Johnson, 49ers. A few years back, Johnson was considered a top pass-catching tight end. But injuries and the emergence of Vernon Davis set him back some of late. But the skills are still there (speed, route-running and plus hands) and he has a track record of past success, so expect Johnson to find a spot as a No. 1 tight end, again.

 

2. Daniel Graham, Patriots. Graham wants to catch more passes, which could mean a move from the Patriots, who want to keep him. Graham is a valuable blocker, a role he served more recently with the Patriots. But he can be a solid pass-catching option over the middle. His combination of blocking and catching could make him the top tight end free agent of the offseason.

3. David Martin, Packers. More of a No. 2 tight end, but catches the ball well and can block a little. Martin can be a good pass-catching option for a team looking to upgrade at that spot.

 

4. Reggie Kelly, Bengals. Kelly gets lost in the Bengals offense at times, but can be a reliable pass-catching option. He isn’t a great blocker, but has pretty good hands and is tough to bring down.

 

5. Visanthe Shiancoe, Giants. Solid blocker, needs to work on his hands some. But could blossom with more chances.

 

6. Billy Miller, Saints. Bounced around the last few years, but can still catch the ball. He won’t help blocking much, but can be a valuable receiving threat at tight end.

 

7. Donald Lee, Packers. Big target with a little speed. Lee can be a handful in coverage, as evident by his 33 receptions in 2005. He could do well in a larger role, something he didn’t get with so many quality tight ends on the Packers roster.

 

8. Kyle Brady, Jaguars. Brady is at the end of his career. He was a top threat at the position a few years back, but isn’t much of an option nowadays. He could help in spot duty.

 

9. Tony Stewart, Bengals. Isn’t used much in passing situations, but can block and play some special teams.

 

10. Todd Yoder, Redskins. Yoder doesn’t see much time in the passing game, but blocks pretty well. He is a decent depth guy at the position.

 

Others of note: Mark Bruener, Texans; Dave Moore, Buccaneers; Gabe Reid, Bears.

 

Restricted

 

1. Ben Utecht, Colts. Good fit for the Colts offense. He should be retained, but could leave if wowed with another offer. Utecht is a good pass-catching tight end, actually had more receptions than starter Dallas Clark.

 

2. Dwayne Blakley, Falcons. Doesn’t get a whole lot of chances in passing situations with Alge Crumpler on the roster, but has done some good things when given the opportunity. More effective as a blocker right now.

 

3. Aaron Walker, Rams. Played sparingly for the Rams, who were looking for tight end production. Walker can catch the ball pretty well and is a so-so blocker.

 

4. Sean Ryan, Jets. Barely saw the field on a team looking for tight end help. Ryan is a better blocker than receiver.

 

5. Ryan Krause, Chargers. Has five catches in three NFL seasons, but does a good job blocking.

 

Others of note: Ben Hartsock, Titans; Brian Jones, Jaguars; Ben Steele, Texans.

 

Kickers

 

Unrestricted

 

1. Josh Brown, Seahawks. Brown seems to be getting more consistent every season, which is a good thing. He has 109 or more points in every season with the Seahawks. He is just 27 and has one of the strongest legs in the game.

 

 

3. Jay Feely, Giants. The Giants should try and keep Feely. He made 58-of-69 field goals and has 255 points in two seasons with the Giants. And he has a strong leg, making six field goals of 50 or more yards.

 

4. Matt Stover, Ravens. Stover is 39, but doesn’t seem to be slowing down too much, scoring 121 points last season. He made over 93 percent of his kicks, a career high. And he scored more than 110 points in four straight seasons.

 

5. Morten Andersen, Falcons. At his age (46), Andersen is limited in his kicking ability. He really is good from only 40 yards and in, which isn’t a good thing for a kicker. He might finally retire after last season.

 

Restricted

 

1. Josh Scobee, Jaguars. The Jags won’t let Scobee go. He emerged as a top kicker this past season, scoring 119 points while missing just six kicks. And his best years are ahead of him – he is just 24 years old.

 

2. Lawrence Tynes, Chiefs. Tynes didn’t help his case, having a down year in his free-agent season. He made just 77 percent of his kicks and even missed an extra point. He had 107 points, though, giving him three straight seasons with 100-plus points. Tynes also has a strong leg, which is another plus. He’ll find a starting job somewhere, but it might not be in Kansas City.

 

If you have any questions or comments

[1billsfan]

So Drew Bennett's 3 TDs last season was proof that he's a legit #1 receiver who plays at very high level? Wow, requirements of an NFL #1 receiver have certainly dropped.

 

The knock on Bennett is that he's been known to drop easy passes and he's often injured. Adding to that that he's only had 3 and 4 TDs over the last two seasons I say no thank you to Drew. Any player the Bills get in FA should have to have proven their worth on the field, Bennett doesn't pass that test.

[Ramius]

ben utecht might be worth a look-see as a restricted FA. He was undrafted, so unless the colts tender him at the 1st round level, he carries no compensation. From what i have read, he's not the greatest in the blocking dept, but he can be a nice receiving threat. Him and royal could make a decent pair, and Indy probably wouldnt match any slightly more than reasonable offer.

[RuntheDamnBall]

LaBrandon Toefield might be worth a look as a nice value FA.

[nodnarb]

the guy we need in that lot is eric johnson, especially if team jauron doesn't believe in everett ,which seems to be the case. we need more maturity at TE opposite royal.

[The Tomcat]

the guy we need in that lot is eric johnson, especially if team jauron doesn't believe in everett ,which seems to be the case. we need more maturity at TE opposite royal.

 

Agreed

[JStranger76]

Except that guy is Daniel Graham. Fits the late year weather conditions way better than Johnson. Graham is a way better blocker, just as good a reciever (oh, it's true), and we'd have the ability to run to the outside to the left or right with Royal and Graham, especially late in the year. Johnson just doesn't scream Buffalo Bill to me. Graham would be our #1 with Royal probably having a big year with teams focusing more on Graham.

[Oneonta Buffalo Fan]

TOO MANY! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[Mikie2times]

I guess you have to put somebody at the top of the QB list. The problem I have with Garcia is many writers seem to put him among the top 5 of all the free agents available. I attribute much of his great play last year to being in the ideal system. Reid is a West Coast master and knew what he could ask out of Garcia. Now he probably goes to a team that isn't so ideal and has another half season tacked on to his diminishing skill set. Moving forward I see him being much more like the Garcia we saw in Cleveland then the guy who preserved Philadelphia’s playoff run.