Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The NFL Free Agent Class of 2007
Free agency. It's two words that have been the Achilles heel of some NFL franchises (see: Washington Redskins) and the guiding light of others (see: New England Patriots). Where some organizations fail year after year to sign a competent free agent, others use it to keep their salary caps healthy and their rosters deep.
This year's free agent crop is deep enough to offer many teams relief in many areas. But who are the can't-miss prospects and who are the prospects you just can't count on?
Quarterback
Sure Thing — Matt Schuab (UFA, Atlanta Falcons) — Schuab won't spend another year behind franchise-quarterback Michael Vick and since many teams are in need of a field general with a great arm and even greater command of the field, this quarterback will be posting 3,000+ yards and 20+ touchdowns in a new jersey come this fall. Chicago is a strong possibility for Schuab to end up with as Jacksonville looms in the background with their quarterback trio of Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, and Quinn Gray.
Sure Miss — Tim Rattay (UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) — Rattay was traded out of San Francisco (which should tell you something) and played second-string to Chris Simms in Tampa (which should also tell you something). Sadly though, the quarterback crop is so light this year that someone will end up signing him to more years and dollars than he's worth.
Running Back
Sure Thing — Michael Turner (RFA, San Diego Chargers) — My hope for the football population in San Diego is that the Chargers make up for their mistake of firing Marty Schottenheimer and keep the 1-2 punch they have in LaDainian Tomlinson and Turner. If they don't, look for Turner to be playing (and racking up the yards and touchdowns) for another team. All but a handful of the teams in the league could use a back such as Turner.
Sure Miss — Ahman Green (UFA, Green Bay Packers) — It was just three years ago that Green was the talk of the NFL as he ran for nearly 2,000 yards and made the NFL Pro Bowl team easily, but injuries and limited playing time (not to mention constant fumbling issues) have limited what was at one time one of the greater potentials in the league. Sadly, Green will be serving as a backup in Green Bay as the Packers look to build their roster up for one more year before Brett Favre says goodbye to the game.
Wide Receiver
Sure Thing — Donte Stallworth (UFA, Philadelphia Eagles) — I'm 99 percent certain the Eagles will keep this speedy, reliable wide receiver. He missed four games last year because of injury, but in the 12 he played, he showed he had what it took to be a number-one talent in Philadelphia. If the Eagles make the mistake of not signing him, look for him to be one of the first free agents picked up this year.
Sure Miss — Patrick Crayton (RFA, Dallas Cowboys) — Crayton benefits from the talent that is around him. He has neither the physical build nor the speed to be a starter in the league and will continue to serve as a third-string slot-receiver unless a team is reckless enough to overlook all that and pay him like a starter (see: Washington Redskins).
Offensive Line
Sure Thing — Leonard Davis (UFA, Arizona Cardinals) — He isn't just a part of the Cardinals' offensive line, he is the Cardinals' offensive line. He is the reason Arizona's line isn't one of the worst in the league, but sadly, Arizona will probably not be able to keep him as they will probably have to look for a younger, less-expensive (and less-talented) replacement. This will be a huge step in the wrong direction for the Cardinals, but their woes are too many to have the luxury of a franchise-tackle such as Davis.
Sure Miss — Derrick Dockery (UFA, Washington Redskins) — This four-year veteran at guard is nothing special as he, along with the rest of the Redskins line, never gave Mark Brunell, Jason Campbell, or Clinton Portis time enough to make completions or run for long gains. Dockery will re-sign with the Redskins with little (if any) interest from other teams.
Defensive Line
Sure Thing — Dwight Freeney (UFA, Indianapolis Colts) — With the way the Colts' cap is (and the fact that they just won a Super Bowl), there's no way they're going to be able to keep this highly-touted, highly-talented pass rusher without franchising him. If he's not franchised, he'll most likely be the first high-priced defensive end to sign with another team.
Sure Miss — Cory Redding (UFA, Detroit Lions) — The Lions played with a lot of effort this year, but still lacked execution on both sides of the ball as they took a step backwards into their 3-13 season last year. Redding will definitely re-sign with the Lions as they look to upgrade the more premium positions (quarterback, offensive line, running back) and keep the rest of their roster as low-priced as possible.
Linebacker
Sure Thing — Adalius Thomas (UFA, Baltimore Ravens) — Thomas stepped up in a big way as he emerged as one of the better linebackers in the league after fellow teammate Ray Lewis was limited because of nagging injuries and old age. Look for the Ravens to franchise Thomas and keep him no matter the cost. Their defense is their staple and anything that keeps that defense in check will be a high priority for the Ravens organization.
Sure Miss — Na'il Diggs (UFA, Carolina Panthers) — Diggs was given a chance to step up into the linebacker spot after Dan Morgan was injured, but registered just 60 tackles with no interceptions or sacks. He's going to be let go by the Panthers and end up making less for a team in 2007 than he has in a while.
Defensive Back
Sure Thing — Nate Clements (UFA, Buffalo Bills) — With two Pro Bowl selections under his belt and a reputation as one of the better cornerbacks in the league, look for Clements to test the market and find a new home in 2007 as Buffalo will not tender the franchise tag on him for another year.
Sure Miss — Ken Hamlin (UFA, Seattle Seahawks) — He's just not as reliable as you'd like in a safety. He puts up good numbers (96 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks), but he's just not durable enough to play a major part in anyone's defensive game plan. If he can stay on the field for 16 games, he's a solid contributor. My only reservation is in the belief that he can't.