Post by TheShadow on Mar 2, 2007 5:42:13 GMT -5
www.floridatoday.com/
BY CARL KOTALA
FLORIDA TODAY
Free agency was due to start at 12:01 a.m. today, but already a number of big moves have been made.
Players like linebacker Joey Porter, wide receiver Joe Horn and cornerback Fred Smoot were released by their teams as they tried to create more salary cap room, or simply avoid paying large roster bonuses.
Now the fun really starts.
Porter, Horn and Smoot will all be looking for new homes, and they'll also add some star power to a free-agent class that could use it.
It's time to take a look at the NFC. East
Dallas Cowboys: Talk about a personality change. New coach Wade Phillips actually referred to Terrell Owens as . . . Terrell Owens. Now that Owens and the Cowboys have shed "the player" reference -- and Bill Parcells' big personality -- they can concentrate on improving their secondary. Dallas desperately needs a free safety who can cover to pair with Roy Williams, who is better suited to play closer to the line. Improving the offensive line and adding depth at receiver and quarterback are also needs.
New York Giants: Rumors persist the team is looking at acquiring Buffalo running back Willis McGahee, who would certainly make up for the retirement of Tiki Barber and give them someone to pair with Brandon Jacobs. The Giants suddenly find themselves with about $15 million to spend thanks to Barber's retirement and the release of players like linebacker LaVar Arrington and tackle Luke Petitgout. New York has holes at cornerback, outside linebacker and defensive tackle. It could also use more depth at wide receiver.
Philadelphia Eagles: It figures that as soon as the Eagles finally find a legitimate No. 1 receiver, he's eligible for free agency. The Eagles will look to re-sign Donte Stallworth, but they could have some competition -- provided teams are willing to overlook the durability factor. Philadelphia's defense struggled against the run, so it could look to strengthen its defensive line and linebacking corps. The Eagles could also use another pass rusher, more depth at cornerback and a big running back to share the load with Brian Westbrook.
Washington Redskins: Owner Daniel Snyder has never been afraid to spend money, but as he's found out, all the high-priced talent in the world doesn't necessarily guarantee success. The Redskins are expected to sign free agent linebacker London Fletcher-Baker, who would also provide the kind of leadership this team sorely lacks. They could also use a safety who actually tries to play the ball instead of make the big hit (re: Sean Taylor), a pass-rushing defensive end, and help at cornerback. Finding another receiver who can take some pressure off Santana Moss wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
North
Chicago Bears: Now that they have finally gotten head coach Lovie Smith signed to an extension, they can concentrate on getting back to the Super Bowl. Outside linebacker Lance Briggs would have made a bundle on the open market, but the team franchised him for $7.2 million this season -- unless someone wants to fork over two first-round draft picks. Reaching a long-term deal with Briggs isn't likely, so this could be a one-year deal. Briggs, or no Briggs, the Bears need to add linebacking depth and bring in some young talent on the offensive line. As the injuries to safety Mike Brown and defensive tackle Tommie Harris also showed, those are also areas that could use attention.
Detroit Lions: Forget about free agency, the Lions already made a big move by trading cornerback Dre Bly to Denver for running back Tatum Bell, tackle George Foster and a draft pick. Bell will provide insurance for Kevin Jones, who is coming off a foot injury. Foster will help an offensive line that wasn't very good in 2006. With Bly gone, the Lions must find a replacement more suited to the Tampa Cover 2 scheme. Honestly, there really isn't any area where this team couldn't use an upgrade -- with the possible exception of running back, depending on Jones' foot. Defensive tackle Cory Redding received the franchise tag. Given everything that has happened in Detroit in recent years, it could be tough to make this look like an attractive destination for any free agent who values wins as much as a paycheck.
Green Bay Packers: Brett Favre . . . to Randy Moss? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. The Packers are expected to have at least $24 million to spend, so they could absorb Moss' contract, and Favre would have a major weapon to throw to. The only problem may be settling with the Oakland Raiders on an acceptable price. Either way, the Packers could use more playmakers at wide receiver and tight end. Defensively, the team needs help at safety and up front. The team will also look to re-sign running back Ahman Green.
Minnesota Vikings: By releasing veteran Brad Johnson, it appears coach Brad Childress is ready to hand the keys over to second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. However, bringing in another veteran to help Jackson would be a wise move. The team released Smoot because he simply didn't fit the defensive scheme and was due a $2 million roster bonus. The team is also likely to let linebacker Napoleon Harris go without a fight. Areas where the Vikings will look to improve are wide receiver, defensive end, nickel back and offensive guard.
South
Atlanta Falcons: Losing defensive end Patrick Kerney, who opted out of the final two years of his contract, will hurt -- especially if John Abraham has trouble staying healthy again. The Falcons are in big need of a free safety and could be eying LSU's LaRon Landry or Florida's Reggie Nelson in the draft if it can't find help in free agency. Wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a free agent, who might find work elsewhere if teams are looking to pay good money to former first-round picks who have yet to live up to their potential. Although running backs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood are a dangerous combination, the Falcons could use a big back like they had with T.J. Duckett. Offensive line and linebacker are two other target areas.
Carolina Panthers: It will be an important offseason for the Panthers, if they want to remain a contender in the NFC. Middle linebacker Dan Morgan has been cleared to play, but with his history of concussions, it wouldn't be wise to count on him playing a full season. Defensive end Mike Rucker is coming off a torn ACL and is getting long in the tooth by NFL standards. The Panthers must address those issues, as well as bring in help at safety and the offensive line. A pass-catching tight end could have a big impact with opposing defenses dropping deep to prevent Steve Smith from making a big play.
New Orleans Saints: Anyone who watched Fred Thomas in the playoffs knows the Saints are in major need of a cornerback who won't get picked on every single pass play. Finding another nickel cornerback would be a good move, too. New Orleans franchised defensive end Charles Grant, but cut ties with Horn, who had an injury-plagued 2006. Linebacker Scott Fujita was a nice find last season, but the Saints could use more playmakers at that position. A young, run-stuffing defensive tackle would be nice, too.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Losing the coin flip for the No. 3 draft choice shouldn't hurt the Buccaneers and will actually save them a little money when it comes to signing the No. 4 pick. The team re-signed fullback Mike Alstott and finally said goodbye to disappointing former first-round pick Kenyatta Walker. The Bucs' biggest priorities should be safety and defensive tackle. Tampa Bay needs an injection of youth for its aging defense. Defensive end Simeon Rice and cornerback Brian Kelly are potential salary cap casualties, though both survived the first round of roster moves.
West
Arizona Cardinals: Free agent left tackle Leonard Davis will test the market, and the team will look for a more affordable option, especially since it's the right tackle who will protect lefty-quarterback Matt Leinart's blindside. That said, the Cardinals need to seriously improve their offensive line to open holes for running back Edgerrin James. Another big priority is cornerback, where the Cardinals really struggled last season. Defensive ends Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor didn't play poorly, but depth is an issue.
St. Louis Rams: Looking for a way to gauge how out-of-whack this year's free agent class is? Wait until Rams wide receiver Kevin Curtis signs somewhere. Curtis is a No. 3 receiver at best, but he's likely to get No. 1 money thrown at him from somebody. If that's the case, the Rams will need to find a replacement to keep their high-powered offense going. St. Louis needs someone who can rush the passer, other than Leonard Little, and must improve its interior defense. The team released guard Adam Timmerman, who is 35, but shouldn't have trouble finding work.
San Francisco 49ers: No one will have as much to spend on free agents as the 49ers, who are roughly $37.5 million under the cap and could be a prime destination for big-ticket players like linebacker Adalius Thomas and cornerback Nate Clements. Both players would fill major holes, but wouldn't exactly turn the team into a Super Bowl contender right away. The 49ers need more playmakers on offense -- especially with the release of wide receiver Antonio Bryant. They could also look to fortify the right side of their offensive line.
Seattle Seahawks: After watching Steve Hutchinson get away last season, the Seahawks are expected to make a run at San Diego guard Kris Dielman, who will command big dollars. Once the offensive line has been improved, the team will turn its attention to upgrading at safety and on the defensive line. Adding a tight end to replace Itula Mili is another priority. Adding depth at linebacker would be an added bonus.
BY CARL KOTALA
FLORIDA TODAY
Free agency was due to start at 12:01 a.m. today, but already a number of big moves have been made.
Players like linebacker Joey Porter, wide receiver Joe Horn and cornerback Fred Smoot were released by their teams as they tried to create more salary cap room, or simply avoid paying large roster bonuses.
Now the fun really starts.
Porter, Horn and Smoot will all be looking for new homes, and they'll also add some star power to a free-agent class that could use it.
It's time to take a look at the NFC. East
Dallas Cowboys: Talk about a personality change. New coach Wade Phillips actually referred to Terrell Owens as . . . Terrell Owens. Now that Owens and the Cowboys have shed "the player" reference -- and Bill Parcells' big personality -- they can concentrate on improving their secondary. Dallas desperately needs a free safety who can cover to pair with Roy Williams, who is better suited to play closer to the line. Improving the offensive line and adding depth at receiver and quarterback are also needs.
New York Giants: Rumors persist the team is looking at acquiring Buffalo running back Willis McGahee, who would certainly make up for the retirement of Tiki Barber and give them someone to pair with Brandon Jacobs. The Giants suddenly find themselves with about $15 million to spend thanks to Barber's retirement and the release of players like linebacker LaVar Arrington and tackle Luke Petitgout. New York has holes at cornerback, outside linebacker and defensive tackle. It could also use more depth at wide receiver.
Philadelphia Eagles: It figures that as soon as the Eagles finally find a legitimate No. 1 receiver, he's eligible for free agency. The Eagles will look to re-sign Donte Stallworth, but they could have some competition -- provided teams are willing to overlook the durability factor. Philadelphia's defense struggled against the run, so it could look to strengthen its defensive line and linebacking corps. The Eagles could also use another pass rusher, more depth at cornerback and a big running back to share the load with Brian Westbrook.
Washington Redskins: Owner Daniel Snyder has never been afraid to spend money, but as he's found out, all the high-priced talent in the world doesn't necessarily guarantee success. The Redskins are expected to sign free agent linebacker London Fletcher-Baker, who would also provide the kind of leadership this team sorely lacks. They could also use a safety who actually tries to play the ball instead of make the big hit (re: Sean Taylor), a pass-rushing defensive end, and help at cornerback. Finding another receiver who can take some pressure off Santana Moss wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
North
Chicago Bears: Now that they have finally gotten head coach Lovie Smith signed to an extension, they can concentrate on getting back to the Super Bowl. Outside linebacker Lance Briggs would have made a bundle on the open market, but the team franchised him for $7.2 million this season -- unless someone wants to fork over two first-round draft picks. Reaching a long-term deal with Briggs isn't likely, so this could be a one-year deal. Briggs, or no Briggs, the Bears need to add linebacking depth and bring in some young talent on the offensive line. As the injuries to safety Mike Brown and defensive tackle Tommie Harris also showed, those are also areas that could use attention.
Detroit Lions: Forget about free agency, the Lions already made a big move by trading cornerback Dre Bly to Denver for running back Tatum Bell, tackle George Foster and a draft pick. Bell will provide insurance for Kevin Jones, who is coming off a foot injury. Foster will help an offensive line that wasn't very good in 2006. With Bly gone, the Lions must find a replacement more suited to the Tampa Cover 2 scheme. Honestly, there really isn't any area where this team couldn't use an upgrade -- with the possible exception of running back, depending on Jones' foot. Defensive tackle Cory Redding received the franchise tag. Given everything that has happened in Detroit in recent years, it could be tough to make this look like an attractive destination for any free agent who values wins as much as a paycheck.
Green Bay Packers: Brett Favre . . . to Randy Moss? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. The Packers are expected to have at least $24 million to spend, so they could absorb Moss' contract, and Favre would have a major weapon to throw to. The only problem may be settling with the Oakland Raiders on an acceptable price. Either way, the Packers could use more playmakers at wide receiver and tight end. Defensively, the team needs help at safety and up front. The team will also look to re-sign running back Ahman Green.
Minnesota Vikings: By releasing veteran Brad Johnson, it appears coach Brad Childress is ready to hand the keys over to second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. However, bringing in another veteran to help Jackson would be a wise move. The team released Smoot because he simply didn't fit the defensive scheme and was due a $2 million roster bonus. The team is also likely to let linebacker Napoleon Harris go without a fight. Areas where the Vikings will look to improve are wide receiver, defensive end, nickel back and offensive guard.
South
Atlanta Falcons: Losing defensive end Patrick Kerney, who opted out of the final two years of his contract, will hurt -- especially if John Abraham has trouble staying healthy again. The Falcons are in big need of a free safety and could be eying LSU's LaRon Landry or Florida's Reggie Nelson in the draft if it can't find help in free agency. Wide receiver Ashley Lelie is a free agent, who might find work elsewhere if teams are looking to pay good money to former first-round picks who have yet to live up to their potential. Although running backs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood are a dangerous combination, the Falcons could use a big back like they had with T.J. Duckett. Offensive line and linebacker are two other target areas.
Carolina Panthers: It will be an important offseason for the Panthers, if they want to remain a contender in the NFC. Middle linebacker Dan Morgan has been cleared to play, but with his history of concussions, it wouldn't be wise to count on him playing a full season. Defensive end Mike Rucker is coming off a torn ACL and is getting long in the tooth by NFL standards. The Panthers must address those issues, as well as bring in help at safety and the offensive line. A pass-catching tight end could have a big impact with opposing defenses dropping deep to prevent Steve Smith from making a big play.
New Orleans Saints: Anyone who watched Fred Thomas in the playoffs knows the Saints are in major need of a cornerback who won't get picked on every single pass play. Finding another nickel cornerback would be a good move, too. New Orleans franchised defensive end Charles Grant, but cut ties with Horn, who had an injury-plagued 2006. Linebacker Scott Fujita was a nice find last season, but the Saints could use more playmakers at that position. A young, run-stuffing defensive tackle would be nice, too.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Losing the coin flip for the No. 3 draft choice shouldn't hurt the Buccaneers and will actually save them a little money when it comes to signing the No. 4 pick. The team re-signed fullback Mike Alstott and finally said goodbye to disappointing former first-round pick Kenyatta Walker. The Bucs' biggest priorities should be safety and defensive tackle. Tampa Bay needs an injection of youth for its aging defense. Defensive end Simeon Rice and cornerback Brian Kelly are potential salary cap casualties, though both survived the first round of roster moves.
West
Arizona Cardinals: Free agent left tackle Leonard Davis will test the market, and the team will look for a more affordable option, especially since it's the right tackle who will protect lefty-quarterback Matt Leinart's blindside. That said, the Cardinals need to seriously improve their offensive line to open holes for running back Edgerrin James. Another big priority is cornerback, where the Cardinals really struggled last season. Defensive ends Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor didn't play poorly, but depth is an issue.
St. Louis Rams: Looking for a way to gauge how out-of-whack this year's free agent class is? Wait until Rams wide receiver Kevin Curtis signs somewhere. Curtis is a No. 3 receiver at best, but he's likely to get No. 1 money thrown at him from somebody. If that's the case, the Rams will need to find a replacement to keep their high-powered offense going. St. Louis needs someone who can rush the passer, other than Leonard Little, and must improve its interior defense. The team released guard Adam Timmerman, who is 35, but shouldn't have trouble finding work.
San Francisco 49ers: No one will have as much to spend on free agents as the 49ers, who are roughly $37.5 million under the cap and could be a prime destination for big-ticket players like linebacker Adalius Thomas and cornerback Nate Clements. Both players would fill major holes, but wouldn't exactly turn the team into a Super Bowl contender right away. The 49ers need more playmakers on offense -- especially with the release of wide receiver Antonio Bryant. They could also look to fortify the right side of their offensive line.
Seattle Seahawks: After watching Steve Hutchinson get away last season, the Seahawks are expected to make a run at San Diego guard Kris Dielman, who will command big dollars. Once the offensive line has been improved, the team will turn its attention to upgrading at safety and on the defensive line. Adding a tight end to replace Itula Mili is another priority. Adding depth at linebacker would be an added bonus.