Post by TheShadow on Feb 25, 2009 19:23:39 GMT -5
www.newerascouting.com/
The top free agents of the 2009 class are previewed.
1. Albert Haynesworth — DL Tennessee Titans (UFA): Haynesworth can rush the passer and stuff the run better than any interior lineman in the NFL. He is the complete package and would be a great addition for any team.
Concerns: Injuries, attitude and motivation are concerns that will be on NFL team’s minds. Teams question how well Haynesworth will play once he gets his big contract.
Contract: Haynesworth could possibly end up being the highest-paid defensive player in the league. He and his agent are reportedly aiming for a $100 million deal.
2. Julius Peppers — DE Carolina Panthers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Peppers is possibly the best defensive end in the NFL. Peppers has said that he wants to play for a 3-4 team, and that would mean standing up and playing outside linebacker.
Concerns: Peppers has been inconsistent over the years with some great seasons and some mediocre ones. This will be a chief concern for teams along with his desire to play in a 3-4.
Contract: It is unlikely that a team will make the Panthers an offer for Peppers with the price tag of two first-round draft picks. He could still get traded, and if he does, he could get more than the $72 million Dwight Freeney got over six years.
3. Karlos Dansby — LB Arizona Cardinals (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Dansby is one of the best and most versatile linebackers in the NFL. He can do everything at linebacker.
Concerns: None.
Contract: Since getting hit with the franchise tag it looks like Dansby will be staying in Arizona.
4. Chris Canty DL Dallas Cowboys UFA: The 26-year-old Canty has been a star at defensive end in the Cowboys’ 3-4. The Cowboys thought enough of him to give him the top tender last year when he was a restricted free agent. Canty is expected to test the market.
Concerns: Can Canty be productive in a defense other than a 3-4? Is he worth the high price tag he wants?
Contract: Canty is supposedly using Tommy Kelly’s 7-year, $50 million contract as a guideline. It is unlikely he will get this, but it won’t be too far behind.
5. Bart Scott — LB Baltimore Ravens UFA: Scott has been a star for the Ravens the past few seasons, racking up 9.5 sacks in 2006. Scott is highly thought of by the Ravens but with many other players with contracts up, he could be on his way out of Baltimore.
Concerns: Teams will wonder how productive Scott can be away from the Ravens without Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis next to him.
Contract: It will be interesting to see how much Scott gets in free agency. He is considered a risk by many teams and may end up getting less than he expects. He should get a something over $5 million a year.
6. Ray Lewis — LB Baltimore Ravens UFA: Lewis has been one of the best linebackers ever while playing in Baltimore. He is the motivational leader of the Ravens and losing him would be huge to the team.
Concerns: Lewis is getting up there in age at 34. His play has dropped off as of late and injuries have been a concern.
Contract: Lewis’ value isn’t that high outside of Baltimore. Expect him to re-sign with the Ravens for about $8 million dollars a year.
7. T.J. Houshmandzadeh — WR Cincinnati Bengals UFA: Houshmanzadeh has been a great No. 2 for the Bengals in his time with the team, but it looks like he will be leaving Cincinnati. The 31-year-old will be a great acquisition for a team in need of a solid wide receiver.
Concerns: Teams wonder whether Houshmandzadeh can be productive as a team’s No. 1 without Chad OchoCinco. This, along with being 31, will hinder his value.
Contract: Houshmandzadeh will be looking for a big deal and will most likely get it. His contract should be around $7 million a year.
8. Gibril Wilson — DB Oakland Raiders UFA (Released): Don’t let the fact that Wilson was released fool you. He is a very good safety. Wilson wasn’t quite worthy of the huge contract he got last year, but he isn’t too far behind.
Concerns: Wilson isn’t elite in coverage.
Contract: Wilson will get a big multi-year deal, but it won’t be nearly as big as his last one.
9. Antonio Bryant — WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Bryant had a great season in 2008 and was hit with the $9.88 million dollar tag this offseason. The 27-year-old has had one other 1,000 yard season.
Concerns: Bryant had what was by far his best year in 2008 and has been suspended in the past. Talent isn’t an issue, but attitude and character concerns are.
Contract: Bryant has expressed unhappiness about being franchised, but it is unlikely he will get traded or given the long term deal he is seeking. Bryant is too much of a risk to make a long term commitment to, and Tampa Bay has no other receiving threats making a trade unlikely.
10. Kurt Warner — QB Arizona Cardinals UFA: The 37-year-old was back to form in 2008, leading the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. Warner set four all-time Cardinal records last season, and the Cardinals want him back in Arizona.
Concerns: Age is the primary issue with Warner. He has also shown a tendency to fumble.
Contract: Warner is reportedly looking for a contract that would make him a top-five quarterback. He will most likely sign a two- or three-year deal for a similar salary with the Cardinals.
11. Jonathan Vilma — LB New Orleans Saints UFA: Vilma excelled in 2008 after being traded to the Saints from the Jets. Vilma is considered to be one of the best 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL when healthy.
Concerns: Teams worry about Vilma often being injured and his small size.
Contract: Vilma will most likely re-sign with the Saints once the free agency period begins. It could be in the range of $7 million dollars annually.
12. Jason Brown — OL Baltimore Ravens UFA: Brown is considered to be one of the best young interior linemen in the NFL despite never making a Pro Bowl. The 25-year-old is versatile and can play either center or guard.
Concerns: Teams will wonder if Brown is as good as the contract he wants.
Contract: Brown is rumored to be looking for a contract equal to that of the one Alan Faneca got a year ago. It is doubtful he will get this much.
13. Leroy Hill LB Seattle Seahawks (Franchise-Non-Restricted): Hill has been a very solid player for Seattle in his four years in the league. Hill was hit with the franchise tag by the team after reportedly turning down a six-year, $36 million contract.
Concerns: Hill is purely a 4-3 outside linebacker.
Contract: Don’t expect Hill to get much more than the offer he turned down if he gets a new contract before the July 15 deadline.
14. Channing Crowder — LB Miami Dolphins: Crowder has been a solid starter for Miami since getting drafted in the third round. The 25-year-old was second on the team with 114 tackles in 2008.
Concerns: Speed is the primary concern regarding Crowder.
Contract: Expect Crowder to sing a five- or six-year deal with a value of around $30 million.
15. Dunta Robinson — DB Houston Texans (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): While not elite, Robinson is one of the better corners in the NFL. Houston thought enough of him to place the franchise tag on him and pay him $9.9 million.
Concerns: Robinson is a very good playmaker, but he also gets burned a fair amount.
Contract: Despite being franchised, it is possible that Robinson and the Texans will agree to a long-term contract. This should be similar to the $8 million per year that Kelvin Hayden got from the Colts.
16. Oshiomogho Atogwe — DB St. Louis Rams (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Atogwe is a very good safety, but he is not considered to be in the upper echelon. The 27-year-old led the Rams with five interceptions.
Concerns: It is doubtful that Atogwe’s play is worthy of his $6.34 million dollar salary.
Contract: Of all the players to get franchised, Atogwe might be the most likely to get a new contract before the start of the 2009 season.
17. Darren Sproles — RB San Diego Chargers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): In 2008, Sproles emerged as one of the Chargers’ best playmakers and was rewarded with being the team’s franchise player when the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement. Sproles had seven touchdowns in 2008.
Concerns: Teams doubt that Sproles can be an every-down back.
Contract: Sproles is reportedly looking for a contract similar to the one former teammate Michael Turner got last year. Turner received a contract worth $34.5 million over six years from the Falcons.
18. Sean Jones — DB Cleveland Browns UFA: Jones is one of the best run-stopping safeties in the NFL when healthy. Jones led all strong safeties with five interceptions in 2007.
Concerns: Jones’ pass defense is suspect and he played hurt throughout 2008.
Contract: Jones is looking for a contract similar to that of the top safeties in the NFL.
19. Derrick Ward — RB New York Giants UFA: Ward rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2008 while backing up starter Brandon Jacobs. Ward, at 28, could be looking at his final contract this offseason.
Concerns: Teams will wonder how productive Ward can be as the feature back. There are also concerns about Ward’s age.
Contract: Ward is looking for starting running back money, but he has never been a starter in his career.
20. Stacy Andrews — OL Cincinnati Bengals UFA: The Bengals made Andrews the team’s franchise player in 2008 and started in 15 games at right tackle last season before suffering a torn ACL and MCL. The 6-foot-7 Andrews can play both guards and right tackle.
Concerns: Teams will worry about how well Andrews will come back from his injury.
Contract: Due to Andrews’ injury, he won’t be getting a very big deal.
21. Matt Birk — OL Minnesota Vikings UFA: Birk has been starting at center for the Vikings since 2000. The 32-year-old has made six Pro Bowls with the team.
Concerns: Birk doesn’t have many years left.
Contract: Birk will get a short-term deal with relatively low figures.
22. Bo Scaife — TE Tennessee Titans (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Scaife broke out in 2008,s racking up 561 receiving yards. The Titans thought enough of him to make him their franchise player.
Concerns: Scaife isn’t elite at anything.
Contract: Scaife will make $4.5 million under the franchise tag. If he signs an extension, expect it to be for a similar annual salary.
23. Dawan Landry — DB Baltimore Ravens RFA: Landry has started for the Ravens at safety since getting drafted by the team in 2005. Landry tends to get overshadowed by fellow safety Ed Reed, but he is very good.
Concerns: It is hard to predict how productive Landry can be away from Reed.
Contract: Landry as a restricted free agent will likely receive the highest tender.
24. Brian Dawkins DB Philadelphia Eagles UFA: Dawkins has been the leader of the Eagles’ secondary since getting drafted by the team in 1996. Dawkins has made seven Pro Bowls in his stellar career with the Eagles.
Concerns: Dawkins at 35 won’t be around much longer.
Contract: Expect Dawkins to sign a short contract with Philly.
25. Jake Grove — OL Oakland Raiders UFA: Grove at 29 has started 34 games for the Raiders. Grove is considered to be a very good finesse center.
Concerns: Grove would be best off going to a West Coast Offense team as he tends to get overpowered by bigger nose tackles.
Contract: Grove should get a contract worth up to $3 million annually.
26. Marvel Smith OL Pittsburgh Steelers UFA: The leader of the Super Bow-champion Steelers offensive line was hampered with injuries in 2008. Smith has been good when healthy for the Steelers.
Concerns: Smith has been injured a lot in recent years and at the age of 30, they are only going to get worse.
Contract: Smith’s contract will be underwhelming.
27. Chris Kemoeatu OL Pittsburgh Steelers UFA: The 26-year-old Kemoeatu became a full-time starter after Alan Faneca departed for the Jets. Kemoeatu was drafted in the sixth round by Pittsburgh in 2005.
Concerns: Kemoeatu isn’t very good in pass protection.
Contract: Kemoeatu won’t sign for as big of a deal one might expect from a starter for the Super Bowl champions.
28. Mike Peterson — LB Jacksonville Jaguars UFA: Peterson was very good for Jacksonville until his recent falling out with Coach Jack Del Rio. Peterson, at 32, has been in the league since 1999.
Concerns: Peterson has had several seasons cut short due to injuries. Age is an issue as well.
Contract: Peterson will sign a short contract for not a lot of money.
29. Max Starks — OL Pittsburgh Steelers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): The 27-year-old Starks has started for the Steelers since 2005, when they won the Super Bowl. Starks has played both tackle spots for the Steelers.
Concerns: Starks isn’t worth the $8.4 million dollars he is making after being franchised.
Contract: Starks is unlikely to sign a contract with an annual salary near his current salary for 2009.
30. Jeff Saturday — OL Indianapolis Colts UFA: Saturday has been a full-time starter for the Colts since 2000. The 33-year-old has been injured as of late.
Concerns: Saturday’s injuries as well as his lack of power are chief concerns for teams. Age will also hinder his value.
Contract: Saturday will sign a short deal if he doesn’t retire.
The top free agents of the 2009 class are previewed.
1. Albert Haynesworth — DL Tennessee Titans (UFA): Haynesworth can rush the passer and stuff the run better than any interior lineman in the NFL. He is the complete package and would be a great addition for any team.
Concerns: Injuries, attitude and motivation are concerns that will be on NFL team’s minds. Teams question how well Haynesworth will play once he gets his big contract.
Contract: Haynesworth could possibly end up being the highest-paid defensive player in the league. He and his agent are reportedly aiming for a $100 million deal.
2. Julius Peppers — DE Carolina Panthers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Peppers is possibly the best defensive end in the NFL. Peppers has said that he wants to play for a 3-4 team, and that would mean standing up and playing outside linebacker.
Concerns: Peppers has been inconsistent over the years with some great seasons and some mediocre ones. This will be a chief concern for teams along with his desire to play in a 3-4.
Contract: It is unlikely that a team will make the Panthers an offer for Peppers with the price tag of two first-round draft picks. He could still get traded, and if he does, he could get more than the $72 million Dwight Freeney got over six years.
3. Karlos Dansby — LB Arizona Cardinals (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Dansby is one of the best and most versatile linebackers in the NFL. He can do everything at linebacker.
Concerns: None.
Contract: Since getting hit with the franchise tag it looks like Dansby will be staying in Arizona.
4. Chris Canty DL Dallas Cowboys UFA: The 26-year-old Canty has been a star at defensive end in the Cowboys’ 3-4. The Cowboys thought enough of him to give him the top tender last year when he was a restricted free agent. Canty is expected to test the market.
Concerns: Can Canty be productive in a defense other than a 3-4? Is he worth the high price tag he wants?
Contract: Canty is supposedly using Tommy Kelly’s 7-year, $50 million contract as a guideline. It is unlikely he will get this, but it won’t be too far behind.
5. Bart Scott — LB Baltimore Ravens UFA: Scott has been a star for the Ravens the past few seasons, racking up 9.5 sacks in 2006. Scott is highly thought of by the Ravens but with many other players with contracts up, he could be on his way out of Baltimore.
Concerns: Teams will wonder how productive Scott can be away from the Ravens without Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis next to him.
Contract: It will be interesting to see how much Scott gets in free agency. He is considered a risk by many teams and may end up getting less than he expects. He should get a something over $5 million a year.
6. Ray Lewis — LB Baltimore Ravens UFA: Lewis has been one of the best linebackers ever while playing in Baltimore. He is the motivational leader of the Ravens and losing him would be huge to the team.
Concerns: Lewis is getting up there in age at 34. His play has dropped off as of late and injuries have been a concern.
Contract: Lewis’ value isn’t that high outside of Baltimore. Expect him to re-sign with the Ravens for about $8 million dollars a year.
7. T.J. Houshmandzadeh — WR Cincinnati Bengals UFA: Houshmanzadeh has been a great No. 2 for the Bengals in his time with the team, but it looks like he will be leaving Cincinnati. The 31-year-old will be a great acquisition for a team in need of a solid wide receiver.
Concerns: Teams wonder whether Houshmandzadeh can be productive as a team’s No. 1 without Chad OchoCinco. This, along with being 31, will hinder his value.
Contract: Houshmandzadeh will be looking for a big deal and will most likely get it. His contract should be around $7 million a year.
8. Gibril Wilson — DB Oakland Raiders UFA (Released): Don’t let the fact that Wilson was released fool you. He is a very good safety. Wilson wasn’t quite worthy of the huge contract he got last year, but he isn’t too far behind.
Concerns: Wilson isn’t elite in coverage.
Contract: Wilson will get a big multi-year deal, but it won’t be nearly as big as his last one.
9. Antonio Bryant — WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Bryant had a great season in 2008 and was hit with the $9.88 million dollar tag this offseason. The 27-year-old has had one other 1,000 yard season.
Concerns: Bryant had what was by far his best year in 2008 and has been suspended in the past. Talent isn’t an issue, but attitude and character concerns are.
Contract: Bryant has expressed unhappiness about being franchised, but it is unlikely he will get traded or given the long term deal he is seeking. Bryant is too much of a risk to make a long term commitment to, and Tampa Bay has no other receiving threats making a trade unlikely.
10. Kurt Warner — QB Arizona Cardinals UFA: The 37-year-old was back to form in 2008, leading the Cardinals to the Super Bowl. Warner set four all-time Cardinal records last season, and the Cardinals want him back in Arizona.
Concerns: Age is the primary issue with Warner. He has also shown a tendency to fumble.
Contract: Warner is reportedly looking for a contract that would make him a top-five quarterback. He will most likely sign a two- or three-year deal for a similar salary with the Cardinals.
11. Jonathan Vilma — LB New Orleans Saints UFA: Vilma excelled in 2008 after being traded to the Saints from the Jets. Vilma is considered to be one of the best 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL when healthy.
Concerns: Teams worry about Vilma often being injured and his small size.
Contract: Vilma will most likely re-sign with the Saints once the free agency period begins. It could be in the range of $7 million dollars annually.
12. Jason Brown — OL Baltimore Ravens UFA: Brown is considered to be one of the best young interior linemen in the NFL despite never making a Pro Bowl. The 25-year-old is versatile and can play either center or guard.
Concerns: Teams will wonder if Brown is as good as the contract he wants.
Contract: Brown is rumored to be looking for a contract equal to that of the one Alan Faneca got a year ago. It is doubtful he will get this much.
13. Leroy Hill LB Seattle Seahawks (Franchise-Non-Restricted): Hill has been a very solid player for Seattle in his four years in the league. Hill was hit with the franchise tag by the team after reportedly turning down a six-year, $36 million contract.
Concerns: Hill is purely a 4-3 outside linebacker.
Contract: Don’t expect Hill to get much more than the offer he turned down if he gets a new contract before the July 15 deadline.
14. Channing Crowder — LB Miami Dolphins: Crowder has been a solid starter for Miami since getting drafted in the third round. The 25-year-old was second on the team with 114 tackles in 2008.
Concerns: Speed is the primary concern regarding Crowder.
Contract: Expect Crowder to sing a five- or six-year deal with a value of around $30 million.
15. Dunta Robinson — DB Houston Texans (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): While not elite, Robinson is one of the better corners in the NFL. Houston thought enough of him to place the franchise tag on him and pay him $9.9 million.
Concerns: Robinson is a very good playmaker, but he also gets burned a fair amount.
Contract: Despite being franchised, it is possible that Robinson and the Texans will agree to a long-term contract. This should be similar to the $8 million per year that Kelvin Hayden got from the Colts.
16. Oshiomogho Atogwe — DB St. Louis Rams (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Atogwe is a very good safety, but he is not considered to be in the upper echelon. The 27-year-old led the Rams with five interceptions.
Concerns: It is doubtful that Atogwe’s play is worthy of his $6.34 million dollar salary.
Contract: Of all the players to get franchised, Atogwe might be the most likely to get a new contract before the start of the 2009 season.
17. Darren Sproles — RB San Diego Chargers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): In 2008, Sproles emerged as one of the Chargers’ best playmakers and was rewarded with being the team’s franchise player when the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement. Sproles had seven touchdowns in 2008.
Concerns: Teams doubt that Sproles can be an every-down back.
Contract: Sproles is reportedly looking for a contract similar to the one former teammate Michael Turner got last year. Turner received a contract worth $34.5 million over six years from the Falcons.
18. Sean Jones — DB Cleveland Browns UFA: Jones is one of the best run-stopping safeties in the NFL when healthy. Jones led all strong safeties with five interceptions in 2007.
Concerns: Jones’ pass defense is suspect and he played hurt throughout 2008.
Contract: Jones is looking for a contract similar to that of the top safeties in the NFL.
19. Derrick Ward — RB New York Giants UFA: Ward rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2008 while backing up starter Brandon Jacobs. Ward, at 28, could be looking at his final contract this offseason.
Concerns: Teams will wonder how productive Ward can be as the feature back. There are also concerns about Ward’s age.
Contract: Ward is looking for starting running back money, but he has never been a starter in his career.
20. Stacy Andrews — OL Cincinnati Bengals UFA: The Bengals made Andrews the team’s franchise player in 2008 and started in 15 games at right tackle last season before suffering a torn ACL and MCL. The 6-foot-7 Andrews can play both guards and right tackle.
Concerns: Teams will worry about how well Andrews will come back from his injury.
Contract: Due to Andrews’ injury, he won’t be getting a very big deal.
21. Matt Birk — OL Minnesota Vikings UFA: Birk has been starting at center for the Vikings since 2000. The 32-year-old has made six Pro Bowls with the team.
Concerns: Birk doesn’t have many years left.
Contract: Birk will get a short-term deal with relatively low figures.
22. Bo Scaife — TE Tennessee Titans (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): Scaife broke out in 2008,s racking up 561 receiving yards. The Titans thought enough of him to make him their franchise player.
Concerns: Scaife isn’t elite at anything.
Contract: Scaife will make $4.5 million under the franchise tag. If he signs an extension, expect it to be for a similar annual salary.
23. Dawan Landry — DB Baltimore Ravens RFA: Landry has started for the Ravens at safety since getting drafted by the team in 2005. Landry tends to get overshadowed by fellow safety Ed Reed, but he is very good.
Concerns: It is hard to predict how productive Landry can be away from Reed.
Contract: Landry as a restricted free agent will likely receive the highest tender.
24. Brian Dawkins DB Philadelphia Eagles UFA: Dawkins has been the leader of the Eagles’ secondary since getting drafted by the team in 1996. Dawkins has made seven Pro Bowls in his stellar career with the Eagles.
Concerns: Dawkins at 35 won’t be around much longer.
Contract: Expect Dawkins to sign a short contract with Philly.
25. Jake Grove — OL Oakland Raiders UFA: Grove at 29 has started 34 games for the Raiders. Grove is considered to be a very good finesse center.
Concerns: Grove would be best off going to a West Coast Offense team as he tends to get overpowered by bigger nose tackles.
Contract: Grove should get a contract worth up to $3 million annually.
26. Marvel Smith OL Pittsburgh Steelers UFA: The leader of the Super Bow-champion Steelers offensive line was hampered with injuries in 2008. Smith has been good when healthy for the Steelers.
Concerns: Smith has been injured a lot in recent years and at the age of 30, they are only going to get worse.
Contract: Smith’s contract will be underwhelming.
27. Chris Kemoeatu OL Pittsburgh Steelers UFA: The 26-year-old Kemoeatu became a full-time starter after Alan Faneca departed for the Jets. Kemoeatu was drafted in the sixth round by Pittsburgh in 2005.
Concerns: Kemoeatu isn’t very good in pass protection.
Contract: Kemoeatu won’t sign for as big of a deal one might expect from a starter for the Super Bowl champions.
28. Mike Peterson — LB Jacksonville Jaguars UFA: Peterson was very good for Jacksonville until his recent falling out with Coach Jack Del Rio. Peterson, at 32, has been in the league since 1999.
Concerns: Peterson has had several seasons cut short due to injuries. Age is an issue as well.
Contract: Peterson will sign a short contract for not a lot of money.
29. Max Starks — OL Pittsburgh Steelers (Franchise-Non-Exclusive): The 27-year-old Starks has started for the Steelers since 2005, when they won the Super Bowl. Starks has played both tackle spots for the Steelers.
Concerns: Starks isn’t worth the $8.4 million dollars he is making after being franchised.
Contract: Starks is unlikely to sign a contract with an annual salary near his current salary for 2009.
30. Jeff Saturday — OL Indianapolis Colts UFA: Saturday has been a full-time starter for the Colts since 2000. The 33-year-old has been injured as of late.
Concerns: Saturday’s injuries as well as his lack of power are chief concerns for teams. Age will also hinder his value.
Contract: Saturday will sign a short deal if he doesn’t retire.