This was from the "Packer Insider" and gives a nice summary to date and the implications towards the Packers. Enjoy
McGinn: Rating the NFL's top free agents
Posted: Mar. 19, 2006
On the Packers
Bob McGinn
E-MAIL
Bob McGinn, the Green Bay Packers beat writer for the Journal Sentinel, rates the best players among the 470 unrestricted free agents, the 90 or so players who have been released since Feb. 22 and the 34 players who didn't receive qualifying offers. The unrestricted signing period began at 11:01 p.m. March 10.
Players are ranked in order of attractiveness based mainly on ability, production, age and health. About 95 players already have signed with other teams; they are marked by an asterisk (*). Another 51 players already have re-signed with their own teams; they are marked by two asterisks (**).
So-called "street" free agents and players without qualifying offers are denoted by the (ex-) before their most recent teams.
Once again, those tagged with the franchise-player or transition player designation are excluded from the rankings because the compensation for changing teams is prohibitive at two-first round draft choices. The list includes T Jeff Backus of Detroit, DE John Abraham of the New York Jets and CB Nate Clements of Buffalo. Atlanta and Seattle reportedly are pursuing Abraham.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Rank
Name Team-New Team Age
1.
Terrell Owens*
ex-Philadelphia-to-Dallas
32
2.
David Givens*
New England-to-Tennessee
25
3.
Antwaan Randle El*
Pittsburgh-to-Washington
26
4.
Antonio Bryant*
Cleveland-to-San Francisco
25
5.
Keyshawn Johnson
ex-Dallas
33
6.
Joe Jurevicius*
Seattle-to-Cleveland
31
7.
Brian Finneran**
Atlanta
30
8.
Corey Bradford*
Houston-to-Detroit
30
9.
Jabar Gaffney*
Houston-to-Philadelphia
25
10.
Quincy Morgan
Pittsburgh
28
Others, in order: Rod Gardner**, Green Bay; Andre' Davis*, New England-to-Buffalo; Reche Caldwell*, San Diego-to-New England; Tim Dwight, New England; Josh Reed**, Buffalo; Marc Boerigter, Kansas City; Ricky Proehl, Carolina; Troy Brown, New England; David Boston, Miami; Antonio Chatman, ex-Green Bay.
Overview: With little help expected in the draft from a thin wide-receiver class, clubs spent early and heavily here. Givens, a two-year starter with just 59 receptions for a career high, signed for $24 million over five years ($6 million signing bonus). Randle El, a first-year starter, had only one TD catch this season. Still, he got $31.2 million over seven years ($10 million in bonuses). Bryant has anger-management problems and seven drops in '05, but had no trouble locating $13.9 million over four years ($5.25 million in bonuses). Even Owens, declared persona non grata in San Francisco and Philadelphia, quickly found a taker in Dallas. He'll reportedly get $10 million in '06, including a $5 million base salary and a $5 million roster bonus. With 11 of the top 13 players off the board, Johnson should get good money, too, even though he's 33 and has had arthroscopic knee surgery twice in a year. Jurevicius turned down more money from Seattle and San Francisco to sign with his hometown Browns ($10.5 million, four years, $2.25 million signing bonus). Finneran went back to Atlanta for $8 million over four years ($3 million signing bonus). Bradford, the ex-Packer, wasn't wanted back by lowly Houston but landed a four-year, $7.5 million deal ($2 million signing bonus). The Texans were through with Gaffney, too. The Patriots quickly signed the underachieving Caldwell after losing Givens and Davis (one year, $1.38 million, $575,000 signing bonus). Bidding against themselves, the Bills gave the slow-footed Reed $10 million over four years ($2 million signing bonus). The wide receivers with punt-return ability still on the board are Dwight, Brown, Chatman and New Orleans' Az-Zahir Hakim.
TIGHT ENDS
1.
Dan Campbell*
Dallas-to-Detroit
29
2.
Jeb Putzier
ex-Denver
27
3.
Robert Royal*
Washington-to-Buffalo
26
4.
Matt Schobel*
Cincinnati-to-Philadelphia
27
5.
Ryan Hannam*
Seattle-to-Dallas
26
6.
Jereme Tuman**
Pittsburgh
29
7.
Mark Campbell
ex-Buffalo
30
8.
Justin Peelle
San Diego
27
9.
Chris Baker
N.Y .Jets
26
10.
Christian Fauria*
New England-to-Washington
34
Others, in order: Darnell Dinkins*, Baltimore-to-Cleveland; Lamont Hall, New Orleans; Aaron Shea*, Cleveland-to-San Diego; Boo Williams, ex-New Orleans; Roland Williams, St. Louis.
Overview: It's a deep year for tight ends in the draft and a thin one in free agency. Lions GM Matt Millen signs a different veteran tight end each year. This time it's Dan Campbell (five years, $11.38 million, $2.2 million signing bonus). He's a tough blocker but has had all kind of injuries. The Broncos tired of Putzier after just one season because he can't block at all. Royal has 31 catches in three seasons but the free-spending Bills still gave him $10 million over five years ($2.5 million signing bonus). The Eagles signed Schobel (five years, $10 million, $1.8 million in bonuses) to give them a second receiving type tight end. Hannam (four years, $5 million, $1.25 million signing bonus) is a solid backup, as are Tuman (three fours, $4.25 million, $900,000 signing bonus), Peelle and Baker. Mark Campbell is past his prime. Fauria's signing bonus was $190,000. Dinkins' signing bonus was $200,000.
TACKLES
1.
Kevin Shaffer*
Atlanta-to-Cleveland
26
2.
Jon Runyan
Philadelphia
32
3.
L.J. Shelton*
Cleveland-to-Miami
29
4.
Tom Ashworth
New England
28
5.
Damion McIntosh
ex-Miami
28
6.
Brad Hopkins
ex-Tennessee
35
7.
Kenyatta Walker
Tampa Bay
27
8.
Jason Fabini*
ex-N.Y. Jets-to-Dallas
31
9.
Mike Pearson
Jacksonville
25
10.
Mike Williams*
ex-Buffalo-to-Jacksonville
26
Others, in order: Todd Fordham, Carolina; Kevin Barry**, Green Bay; Stockar McDougle*, Miami-to-Jacksonville; Anthony Clement, San Francisco; Bob Whitfield**, N.Y. Giants; Todd Steussie, Tampa Bay.
Overview: Shaffer, a seventh-round pick in '02 and 2½-year starter, didn't get what he wanted from the Falcons and got $36 million over seven years ($9.335 million in bonuses) from the Browns. With that, Browns LT L.J. Shelton went to Miami (four years, $15 million, $3.5 million signing bonus). McIntosh, the Dolphins' former left tackle, remains available and isn't bad. Runyan, a starting right tackle since 1997, is healthy and coming off a strong season. Ashworth, with 30 starts, is more of a battler than a talent. Hopkins was a cap casualty but still can do the job. On Saturday, the Cowboys signed Fabini (three years, $6 million) to plug a gaping time hole. Walker has the reputation for being hard to handle but improves each year. Pearson, a left tackle, should be back to form after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in 2004. Williams, the fourth pick in the '02 draft, was a bust in Buffalo but got $4 million over two years ($1.45 million signing bonus) from Jacksonville. Getting signing bonuses were Barry ($600,000, plus a $600,000 roster bonus), McDougle ($100,000) and Whitfield ($200,000).
GUARDS
1.
Steve Hutchinson
Seattle
28
2.
Steve Neal
New England
29
3.
Milford Brown
Houston-to-Arizona
25
4.
Kyle Kosier
Detroit-to-Dallas
27
5.
Tutan Reyes
Carolina
28
6.
Ron Stone
ex-Oakland
34
7.
Toniu Fonoti*
Minnesota-to-Tampa Bay
24
8.
Jason Whittle*
ex-N.Y. Giants-to-Minnesota
31
9.
Jonathan Goodwin
N.YJets
27
10.
Mike Pucillo
Cleveland
26
Others, in order: Lewis Kelly**, N.Y. Giants; Rex Tucker, St. Louis; Jeremy Bridges, ex-Arizona; Barry Stokes, Atlanta; Matt Stinchcomb, ex-Tampa Bay.
Overview: The question here is why didn't Seattle designate Hutchinson as a franchise player ($6.93 million tender) rather than a transition player ($6.39 million tender)? On March 12, the Vikings gave him a seven-year, $49 million offer containing $16 million in guaranteed money. The "poison pill" portion of the offer is in dispute and scheduled for an arbitration hearing today. Other than Hutchinson (perhaps the best guard in the business), it's a weak group. The Cowboys, concerned with aging guards Larry Allen and Marco Rivera, signed what they regarded to be the best prospect on the first day of the signing period. That was Kosier, a part-time starter in San Francisco and Detroit who got $15 million over five years ($5 million signing bonus). Brown, with merely 16 career starts, got $12 million over four years ($3 million signing bonus). Neal, a two-year starter, is making visits. Reyes had a decent year for a change but the Panthers let him walk. Stone is over the hill. Fonoti flunked his physical in Oakland to void that signing but passed his physical in Tampa Bay. Whittle ($25,000 signing bonus) will be the Vikings' interior backup. Goodwin and Pucillo are backup types.
CENTERS
1.
LeCharles Bentley*
New Orleans-to-Cleveland
26
2.
Justin Hartwig*
Tennessee-to-Carolina
27
3.
Kevin Mawae*
ex-N.Y. Jets-to-Tennessee
35
4.
Mike Flanagan
Green Bay
32
5.
Jeff Mitchell
Carolina
32
Others, in order: Seth McKinney, Houston; Trey Teague, Buffalo; Bob Hallen*, San Diego-to-Cleveland; Alonzo Ephraim, ex-Miami; Melvin Fowler, Minnesota; Grey Ruegamer, Green Bay; Cory Raymer, ex-Washington; Cory Withrow, Minnesota.
Overview: Packers coach Mike McCarthy helped coach Bentley for three years in New Orleans but said he didn't think it would have been wise for Green Bay to enter the bidding. After spurning the Eagles, Bentley signed on the first day for $36 million over six years ($8.25 million signing bonus plus $3 million roster bonus). Two days after losing Hartwig (five years, $17 million, $7 million in bonuses), the Titans signed the aging but still effective Mawae (four years, $13 million, $4 million signing bonus). Flanagan asked for too much from the Texans and still might re-surface in Green Bay. Mitchell has even more experience (118 starts) than Flanagan but won't be back because his job was given to Hartwig. This is one of the best positions in free agency. McKinney, 26 and Teague, 31, also are veteran starters. Hallen got a $200,000 roster bonus to leave San Diego. Raymer, the former Badger, is 33 but still wants to play.
QUARTERBACKS
1.
Drew Brees*
San Diego-to-New Orleans
27
2.
Josh McCown*
Arizona-to-Detroit
26
3.
Brian Griese
ex-Tampa Bay
31
4.
Aaron Brooks
ex-New Orleans
29
5.
Jon Kitna*
Cincinnati-to-Detroit
33
6.
Gus Frerotte*
ex-Miami-to-St. Louis
34
7.
Kerry Collins
ex-Oakland
33
8.
Sage Rosenfels*
Miami-to-Houston
28
9.
Craig Nall*
Green Bay-to-Buffalo
26
10.
Anthony Wright
Baltimore
30
Others, in order: Tony Banks, ex-Houston; Tim Hasselbeck**, N.Y. Giants; Charlie Batch**, Pittsburgh; Jamie Martin, St. Louis; Todd Collins*, Kansas City-to-Washington; Jeff Garcia*, Detroit-to-Philadelphia; Jay Fiedler, ex-N.Y. Jets; Jeff Blake, Chicago; Tommy Maddox, ex-Pittsburgh; Shane Matthews, Buffalo; Doug Flutie, New England.
Overview: Brees is coming off major surgery on his right shoulder but that didn't stop the Saints from lavishing him with a six-year, $60 million deal ($8 million signing bonus, $12 million option bonus). If the Lions don't trade Joey Harrington, he'll be joining the unemployed before too much longer. Detroit signed Kitna (four years, $11.5 million, $3.5 million signing bonus) on Tuesday and McCown (two years, $6 million, $2 million signing bonus) on Thursday. McCown is a gifted athlete who has endured four offensive coordinators in four years. He was 11-12 as a starter in Arizona. Griese, who had passer ratings of 102.7 in 2000 and 97.4 in '04, underwent reconstructive knee surgery in October. He is being pursued by Chicago and Cincinnati. Released on Wednesday, Brooks was benched late in '05 but did post an 88.8 passer rating in '03 under McCarthy. Frerotte went 9-6 as Miami's starter in '05 with new Rams coach Scott Linehan as the team's coordinator. Kerry Collins is coming off a third straight shaky season. New Texans coach Gary Kubiak admired Rosenfels so much that he gave him $6.4 million over four years ($2 million signing bonus). With Brett Favre expected back and only J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb in the fold, Nall is headed to Buffalo. Wright has a good arm but tends to panic under pressure. Batch got an $800,000 signing bonus. Todd Collins hasn't played a meaningful snap since 1997 but got a $450,000 signing bonus. Eagles coach Andy Reid gave Garcia $2 million for one year ($1.2 million signing bonus). Fiedler, 35, had major shoulder surgery in December. Flutie is 43 and pondering retirement.
RUNNING BACKS
1.
Edgerrin James*
Indianapolis-to-Arizona
27
2.
Jamal Lewis**
Baltimore
26
3.
Mike Anderson*
ex-Denver-to-Baltimore
32
4.
Chester Taylor*
Baltimore-to-Minnesota
26
5.
Michael Bennett*
Minnesota-to-New Orleans
27
6.
Maurice Morris
Seattle
26
7.
Ron Dayne**
Denver
27
8.
Jonathan Wells
Houston
26
9.
Sammy Morris
Miami
28
10.
Verron Haynes
Pittsburgh
27
Others, in order: Stephen Davis, ex-Carolina; Antowain Smith, New Orleans; Tony Fisher, Green Bay; Najeh Davenport, Green Bay; Anthony Thomas, New Orleans; Lamar Gordon, Philadelphia; Arlen Harris*, ex-St. Louis-to-Detroit; J.R. Redmond, Arizona; Kenny Watson, Cincinnati; Mike Cloud, N.Y. Giants.
Overview: James might not be in the prime of his career but he's close. That's why the Cardinals gave him $30 million over four years ($11.5 million in '06 bonuses). The Ravens lost Taylor to Minnesota (four years, $14.1 million, $3 million signing bonus) but re-signed Lewis (three years, $26 million, $5 million signing bonus), although the deal realistically is one year for $6 million. Hours after re-signing Lewis, the Ravens signed Anderson, a similar kind of runner, for $8 over four years ($2 million signing bonus). The Vikings preferred Taylor to Bennett, partly because he's a better receiver. Dayne went back to Denver for $3.29 million over three years ($750,000 signing bonus). Wells is a power back, Morris is a utility back and Haynes is a third-down back. Davis, 32, hasn't been the same player since undergoing microfracture knee surgery in November 2004. Yet, he isn't ready to quit. Smith might be 34 but when the Saints lost Deuce McAllister at mid-year he filled in competently. It took Davenport four injury-filled seasons to gain 1,068 yards. His average, however, was 4.9.
FULLBACKS
1.
Mack Strong
Seattle
34
2.
Tony Richardson
Kansas City
34
3.
Fred Beasley
San Francisco
31
4.
William Henderson**
Green Bay
35
5.
Jerald Sowell
ex-N.Y. Jets
32
Others, in order: Jameel Cook*, Tampa Bay-to-Houston; Heath Evans, New England; James Mungro, Indianapolis; Nick Luchey, Cincinnati; Paul Smith, Detroit.
Overview: The top four have ranked among the NFL's finest fullbacks for years. By re-signing, Henderson became the first off the board. Strong might have had his best year, Richardson is a rugged blocker but so-so receiver and Beasley's interest in playing has been questioned. Sowell is smart and savvy in the West Coast system. Cook's new deal was for $5.1 million over five years ($1.1 million signing bonus). Luchey was active for just three of 15 games in '05 and might be running out of options.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
1.
Trevor Pryce*
ex-Denver-to-Baltimore
30
2.
Darren Howard*
New Orleans-to-Philadelphia
29
3.
Anthony Weaver*
Baltimore-to-Houston
25
4.
Andre Carter*
San Francisco-to-Washington
26
5.
Kimo von Oelhoffen*
Pittsburgh-to-N.Y. Jets
35
6.
Brett Keisel**
Pittsburgh
27
7.
Kalimba Edwards**
Detroit
26
8.
Kenard Lang*
ex-Cleveland-to-Denver
31
9.
Carlos Hall
Kansas City
27
10.
Ryan Denney
Buffalo
28
Others, in order: Brady Smith, ex-Atlanta; Demetric Evans, Washington; DeQuincy Scott, San Diego; Marcellus Wiley**, Jacksonville; N.D. Kalu, Philadelphia; Lance Johnstone, Minnesota; Jared DeVries, Detroit; Joe Tafoya, Seattle; Eric Ogbogu, Dallas; Tyoka Jackson, St. Louis.
Overview: If the Packers hadn't re-signed Aaron Kampman (four years, $21 million, $11 million in bonuses), he would have been snapped up quickly. The top eight on the list are off the board. Pryce, with merely 18 tackles in his last nine games, got $24.5 million over five years ($10 million in bonuses) from the Ravens. That happened almost simultaneously as the Ravens were losing Weaver (five years, $26.5 million, $12 million in bonuses). He has 14½ sacks in four seasons. Howard, with 44½ sacks in six seasons, got $30 millionover six years, including $9.5 million in bonuses. On the same day that Howard joined the Eagles, the Redskins signed Carter (six years, $27.86 million, $9 million in bonuses). Carter (32 sacks) gives great effort but isn't instinctive. When the Steelers lost von Oelhoffen (three years, $9.2 million, $3.2 million signing bonus), they re-signed his invaluable backup, Keisel (four years, $13.1 million, $3.29 million signing bonus). Edwards, a second-round disappointment since '02, still got $20 million over five years ($5 million signing bonus) to re-sign. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan continued collecting former Browns when he signed Lang to rush the passer on third down. Hall, a former Titan, spent a lost season in Kansas City battling injuries. The only other player with starter's ability is Smith, but he's 32 and coming off foot surgery in October. Wiley got the veteran's minimum.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
1.
Gerard Warren**
Denver
27
2.
Ma'ake Kemoeatu*
Baltimore-to-Carolina
27
3.
Rocky Bernard**
Seattle
26
4.
Ryan Pickett*
St. Louis-to-Green Bay
26
5.
Larry Tripplett*
Indianapolis-to-Buffalo
2
6.
Ted Washington*
ex-Oakland-to-Cleveland
37
7.
Sam Adams
ex-Buffalo
32
8.
Grady Jackson
Green Bay
33
9.
Kendrick Clancy*
N.Y. Giants-to-Arizona
27
10.
Damione Lewis*
St. Louis-to-Carolina
28
Others, in order: Russell Davis*, Arizona-to-Seattle; Justin Bannan*, Buffalo-to-Baltimore; Brentson Buckner, ex-Carolina; Gary Walker, ex-Houston; Lional Dalton, Kansas City; Willie Whitehead, New Orleans; Rodney Bailey*, Seattle-to-Pittsburgh; Ron Edwards, Buffalo; Ross Kolodziej, Arizona; James Reed, N.Y. Jets; Josh Williams, ex-Indianapolis; Jason Fisk, ex-Cleveland.
Overview: This was one of the strongest positions in free agency. After 10 days, only Adams and Jackson remain available among the top 12. Warren decided quickly to stay with Denver (six years, $36 million, $6.7 million in bonuses). The Ravens lost the run-stuffing Kemoeatu (five years, $27.5 million, $8 million in bonuses), then tried to replace him with the pedestrian Bannan (four years, $8 million, $3 million signing bonus). The Rams lost Pickett and Lewis (two years, $3.9 million, $1.5 million signing bonus). Buffalo signed Tripplett (five years, $18 million, $6.5 million in bonuses) as its three-technique and wanted Pickett to play alongside him. Bernard, a rare interior pass rusher, re-signed for $13 million over three years ($5.4 million signing bonus). Washington got $6.8 million over two years, including a $2 million roster bonus. The Giants weren't happy about losing the unheralded but effective Clancy (four years, $8.1 million, $2 million signing bonus). Walker, Whitehead and Fisk are 33 but still can be effective. Buckner, a terrific leader, is 34 and eager for more.
INSIDE/MIDDLE LINEBACKERS
1.
Brandon Moore**
San Francisco
27
2.
Chris Claiborne
ex-St. Louis
27
3.
Nick Greisen
N.Y. Giants
26
4.
Dashon Polk
Houston
29
5.
Sam Cowart
Minnesota
31
6.
Junior Seau
ex-Miami
37
7.
Matt Chatham
New England
28
8.
Nate Webster*
Cincinnati-to-Denver
28
9.
Ronald McKinnon
New Orleans
32
10.
Wali Rainer
Detroit
28
Others, in order: Brad Kassell, Tennessee; Earl Holmes, Detroit; Orlando Ruff, Cleveland; Tim Johnson, Oakland; Khary Campbell**, Washington; Kevin Lewis, N.Y. Giants; Rob Morris, Indianapolis; Jay Foreman, N.Y. Giants.
Overview: At least teams can be thankful it's an abnormally good draft year at inside linebacker. There isn't much here. Moore became a starter in '05 and re-signed (five years, $8 million, $2.6 million signing bonus), but he's maybe more valuable at end on passing downs. Claiborne played adequately in the first half of '05 but it coming off a patellar tendon injury. Greisen's best position probably is the weak side but he also can play the middle. Polk and Cowart had decent years against the run. Coming off an Achilles' tendon injury, Seau might retire. Chatham is viewed more as a backup than a starter. McKinnon made tons of tackles in New Orleans, just as he did in Arizona from 1996-2004. Webster got a $200,000 signing bonus. Campbell got a $315,000 signing bonus.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
1.
Will Witherspoon*
Carolina-to-St. Louis
25
2.
LaVar Arrington
ex-Washington
27
3.
Julian Peterson
San Francisco
27
4.
David Thornton*
Indianapolis-to-Tennessee
27
5.
Willie McGinest*
ex-New England-to-Cleveland
34
6.
Bart Scott**
Baltimore
25
7.
Akin Ayodele*
Jacksonville-to-Dallas
26
8.
Ben Leber*
San Diego-to-Minnesota
27
9.
Scott Fujita*
Dallas-to-New Orleans
26
10.
Na'il Diggs
ex-Green Bay
27
Others, in order: Tommy Polley, Baltimore; Jamie Winborn, Jacksonville; Clint Kriewaldt**, Pittsburgh; Sedrick Hodge*, New Orleans-to-Miami; Brandon Short, ex-Carolina; Keith Adams, Philadelphia; Chad Brown, ex-New England; Kevin Bentley, Seattle; Keith Newman, Minnesota; Warrick Holdman, Washington; Jamie Sharper, ex-Seattle; Barrett Green, ex-N.Y. Giants; Paris Lenon, Green Bay; Rocky Boiman, Tennessee.
Overview: Arrington and Peterson are two of the most attractive players remaining on the market regardless of position. Arrington is a tremendous talent but doesn't always pay attention to the scheme. He has visited the Giants and Miami, and is angling for a huge deal. Peterson had a torn Achilles' tendon in '04, has a severe learning disability, probably needs time to learn a new system and didn't mesh well with new coach Mike Nolan and position coach Mike Singletary. He has fantastic ability but doesn't always play to it. The big money went to Witherspoon (six years, $33 million, $9 million signing bonus) on the second day and to Thornton (five years, $22.25 million, $7 million signing bonus) on the third day. Released by the Patriots, McGinest rejoined Romeo Crennel (three years, $12.5 million, $3 million in bonuses). An up-and-comer, Scott re-signed (three years, $13.5 million, $6.5 million signing bonus). After signing Ayodele (five years, $17 million, $5 million signing bonus), the Cowboys let Fujita walk (four years, $12 million, $4 million signing bonus). The Vikings took a big-money flier on Leber (five years, $20.6 million, $6 million in bonuses). Diggs, Polley, Hodge, Short, Adams, Brown, Newman and Holdman all started in '05. Kriewaldt, the Shiocton native and former UW-Stevens Point player, turned down an overture from the Giants and re-signed (three years, $2.96 million, $800,000 signing bonus).
CORNERBACKS
1.
Ty Law
ex-N.Y. Jets
32
2.
Charles Woodson
Oakland
29
3.
Brian Williams*
Minnesota-to-Jacksonville
26
4.
Fakhir Brown*
New Orleans-to-St. Louis
28
5.
Deshea Townsend**
Pittsburgh
30
6.
Eric Warfield
ex-Kansas City
30
7.
Andre Dyson
ex-Seattle
26
8.
Will Allen
N.Y. Giants
27
9.
Ahmed Plummer
ex-San Francisco
29
10.
Kenny Wright
Jacksonville
28
Others, in order: Andre' Goodman*, Detroit-to-Miami; Renaldo Hill*, Oakland-to-Miami; Walt Harris*, ex-Washington-to-San Francisco; R.W. McQuarters*, Detroit-to-N.Y. Giants; Dante Wesley*, Carolina-to-Chicago; Terry Cousin, Jacksonville; Reggie Howard, ex-Miami; Duane Starks, ex-New England; DeWayne Washington, Kansas City; Denard Walker, ex-Oakland; Jason Bell*, Houston-to-N.Y. Giants; Tyrone Poole, ex-New England; Ray Mickens, Cleveland.
Overview: Easily the biggest money deal to this point was signed by Williams (six years, $32 million, $10 million signing bonus). And, remember, he started out '05 as the Vikings' nickel back behind Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot. The Rams paid Brown $12 million over five years, including a $2.5 million signing bonus. Townsend went back to Pittsburgh for $8 million over four years. Hill and McQuarters got $2 million in bonuses, Goodman and Harris each got $1 million, Wesley got $475,000 and Bell got $400,000. Law, a Pro Bowl selection in '05 with 10 interceptions, still was in and out of the lineup late in the season with a foot fracture dating to '04. Woodson suffered his second season-ending broken leg in three years in October and wasn't playing all that well before he went down. Warfield has off-field problems but still is steady. Dyson, small but fast, was a cap casualty. Allen is a talented five-year starter but just cannot play the ball. Plummer also has a lingering foot problem that helped lead to his release. Wright, a one-time nickel back in Minnesota, made the most of his chance to start in '05 and hopes to cash in.
SAFETIES
1.
Adam Archuleta*
St. Louis-to-Washington
28
2.
Chris Hope*
Pittsburgh-to-Tennessee
25
3.
Marlon McCree*
Carolina-to-San Diego
29
4.
Tank Williams
Tennessee
25
5.
Corey Chavous*
Minnesota-to-St. Louis
30
6.
Marquand Manuel*
Seattle-to-Green Bay
26
7.
Will Demps*
Baltimore-to-N.Y. Giants
26
8.
Ryan Clark*
Washington-to-Pittsburgh
26
9.
Dexter Jackson*
Tampa Bay-to-Cincinnati
28
10.
Lawyer Milloy*
ex-Buffalo-to-Atlanta
32
Others, in order: Lance Schulters, Miami; Tebucky Jones, ex-Miami; Shaun Williams*, N.Y. Giants-to-Carolina; Matt Bowen*, ex-Washington-to-Buffalo; Keion Carpenter, Atlanta; Marcus Coleman, ex-Houston; Idrees Bashir, Carolina; Jarrod Cooper**, Oakland; Ronnie Heard, Atlanta; Derrick Gibson**, Oakland; Iheanyi Ohalete, Cincinnati.
Overview: There wasn't much here to begin with and there's almost nothing left now. Redskins owner Dan Snyder went overboard as usual on the first weekend, giving Archuleta $30.2 million over six years ($10 million in bonuses). Archuleta tailed off markedly in '05. McCree, Chavous and Manuel also found a new employer in the first three days. The Chargers gave McCree $16 million over five years ($6 million in roster bonuses the first two years) to team with Bhawoh Jue. Chavous also got $16 million over five years ($5 million in bonuses). Manuel got $10 million over five years ($2 million in bonuses). When Archuleta signed, Clark left Washington for $7 million over four years ($1.7 million signing bonus). The Giants said goodbye to oft-injured Shaun Williams (who signed with Carolina for minimum wage) and then signed Demps (five years, $11.4 million, $2.6 million in bonuses) to replace him. Jackson got $7.4 million over four years ($2 million in bonuses). Milloy got $6 million over three years. Schulters played better than Jones in '05 but the Dolphins said goodbye to both players. Bowen got $2 million over two years ($300,000 signing bonus). All the others started at least part time in '05 except Bashir, who started from 2001-'04 in Indianapolis.
KICKERS
1.
Adam Vinatieri
New England
33
2.
Ryan Longwell*
Green Bay-to-Minnesota
31
3.
Joe Nedney**
San Francisco
32
4.
Mike Vanderjagt
Indianapolis
35
5.
Paul Edinger
Minnesota
28
Others, in order: Matt Bryant**, Tampa Bay; Todd Peterson, Atlanta; Jose Cortez**, Indianapolis.
Overview: All the action happened on the first day. Nedney went first (four years, $6.06 million, $1.56 million signing bonus), then Longwell (five years, $10 million, $3 million signing bonus) and finally Bryant (five years, $6.9 million, $1.5 million signing bonus). Soon Vinatieri will make a decision among New England, Green Bay and perhaps Miami. Neither Vanderjagt nor Peterson can kick off. Edinger won three games with late field goals in '05.
PUNTERS
1.
Dave Zastudil*
Baltimore-to-Cleveland
27
2.
Jason Baker
Carolina
27
3.
Kyle Richardson
Cleveland
33
4.
Tom Rouen
Seattle
37
5.
Bryan Barker
St. Louis
41
Others, in order: Sean Landeta, Philadelphia; Tom Tupa, ex-Washington.
Overview: Zastudil is the only one off the board. He got $8 million over five years, including $2.1 million in bonuses. Baker had by far his best season in '05 of a checkered career and now wants to be paid for it. Richardson isn't bad. Rouen bounced back. Barker tops everyone's emergency list. Landeta, 44, has been considered by the Packers for the last year. Tupa, 40, has a bad back but wants to keep playing.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS
1.
Keith Burns
(RB)
Denver
33
2.
Artie Ulmer
(LB)
Atlanta
32
3.
Kemp Rasmussen
(DE)
Carolina
26
4.
Gary Stills
(LB)
ex-Kansas City
31
5.
Fred McAfee
(RB)
New Orleans
37
Others, in order: S Kevin McCadam, Atlanta; FB Harold Morrow, Arizona; LB Kenyatta Walker, N.Y. Jets.
Overview: Nobody has signed. Burns is expected to re-sign. He got away from Denver twice over the years. Like the others, Rasmussen isn't a real position player. Stills is lost as a linebacker.
RETURN SPECIALISTS
1.
Eddie Drummond**
(WR)
Detroit
25
2.
Chad Morton**
(RB)
N.Y. Giants
28
3.
Reggie Swinton
(WR)
Arizona
30
4.
Michael Lewis
(WR)
New Orleans
34
5.
Troy Walters
(WR)
Indianapolis
29
Overview: Drummond is coming off a lousy year but the Lions showed how much they value him on the third day (five years, $5.67 million, $2 million signing bonus). On the same day, the Giants re-signed Morton (four years, $3.86 million, $700,000 in bonuses). Swinton wore out his welcome with coach Dennis Green. Lewis suffered major knee ligament damage in September.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Keeping in mind that all a team must to do to retain any of the 79 restricted free agents is match an offer, here are some of the better bargains and the round from which a compensating draft selection would come. Offer sheets must be submitted by April 21.
Wide receivers: Kevin Walter, Cincinnati-to-Houston, seventh round (Bengals didn't match Texans' four-year, $6.4 million offer); David Tyree, N.Y. Giants; sixth; Nate Burleson, Minnesota, third; Kevin Curtis, St. Louis, first.
Tight ends: Zach Hilton, New Orleans, none.
Tackles: Makoa Freitas, Indianapolis, sixth; Seth Wand, Houston, third; Torrin Tucker, Dallas, none.
Guards: Reggie Wells, Arizona, sixth (Cardinals expected to match Bills' reported five-year, $17.6 million offer); Jordan Black, Kansas City, fifth; Montrae Holland, New Orleans, fourth.
Fullbacks: Jeremi Johnson, Cincinnati, fourth.
Defensive ends: Israel Idonije, Chicago, none (Bears have five days to match Bills' four-year offer worth reported $7.5 million); Jimmy Wilkerson, Kansas City, sixth; Grant Irons, Oakland, none; Brandon Green, St. Louis, sixth.
Defensive tackles: Kenderick Allen, N.Y. Giants, none; Kindal Moorehead, Carolina, fifth; Antwan Lake, Atlanta, none.
Inside/middle linebackers: Vinny Ciurciu, Carolina, none.
Outside linebackers: Chris Clemons, Washington, none; Scott Shanle, Dallas, seventh; James Davis, Detroit, fifth; Hunter Hillenmeyer, Chicago, fifth.
Cornerbacks: Ade Jimoh, Washington, none.
Safeties: Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia, none; Keith Davis, Dallas, none.
Kickers: Josh Brown, Seattle, seventh.
Punters: Dirk Johnson, Philadelphia, none.
Special teams player: Mario Haggan (LB), Buffalo, seventh.
McGinn: Rating the NFL's top free agents
Posted: Mar. 19, 2006
On the Packers
Bob McGinn
Bob McGinn, the Green Bay Packers beat writer for the Journal Sentinel, rates the best players among the 470 unrestricted free agents, the 90 or so players who have been released since Feb. 22 and the 34 players who didn't receive qualifying offers. The unrestricted signing period began at 11:01 p.m. March 10.
Players are ranked in order of attractiveness based mainly on ability, production, age and health. About 95 players already have signed with other teams; they are marked by an asterisk (*). Another 51 players already have re-signed with their own teams; they are marked by two asterisks (**).
So-called "street" free agents and players without qualifying offers are denoted by the (ex-) before their most recent teams.
Once again, those tagged with the franchise-player or transition player designation are excluded from the rankings because the compensation for changing teams is prohibitive at two-first round draft choices. The list includes T Jeff Backus of Detroit, DE John Abraham of the New York Jets and CB Nate Clements of Buffalo. Atlanta and Seattle reportedly are pursuing Abraham.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Rank
Name Team-New Team Age
1.
Terrell Owens*
ex-Philadelphia-to-Dallas
32
2.
David Givens*
New England-to-Tennessee
25
3.
Antwaan Randle El*
Pittsburgh-to-Washington
26
4.
Antonio Bryant*
Cleveland-to-San Francisco
25
5.
Keyshawn Johnson
ex-Dallas
33
6.
Joe Jurevicius*
Seattle-to-Cleveland
31
7.
Brian Finneran**
Atlanta
30
8.
Corey Bradford*
Houston-to-Detroit
30
9.
Jabar Gaffney*
Houston-to-Philadelphia
25
10.
Quincy Morgan
Pittsburgh
28
Others, in order: Rod Gardner**, Green Bay; Andre' Davis*, New England-to-Buffalo; Reche Caldwell*, San Diego-to-New England; Tim Dwight, New England; Josh Reed**, Buffalo; Marc Boerigter, Kansas City; Ricky Proehl, Carolina; Troy Brown, New England; David Boston, Miami; Antonio Chatman, ex-Green Bay.
Overview: With little help expected in the draft from a thin wide-receiver class, clubs spent early and heavily here. Givens, a two-year starter with just 59 receptions for a career high, signed for $24 million over five years ($6 million signing bonus). Randle El, a first-year starter, had only one TD catch this season. Still, he got $31.2 million over seven years ($10 million in bonuses). Bryant has anger-management problems and seven drops in '05, but had no trouble locating $13.9 million over four years ($5.25 million in bonuses). Even Owens, declared persona non grata in San Francisco and Philadelphia, quickly found a taker in Dallas. He'll reportedly get $10 million in '06, including a $5 million base salary and a $5 million roster bonus. With 11 of the top 13 players off the board, Johnson should get good money, too, even though he's 33 and has had arthroscopic knee surgery twice in a year. Jurevicius turned down more money from Seattle and San Francisco to sign with his hometown Browns ($10.5 million, four years, $2.25 million signing bonus). Finneran went back to Atlanta for $8 million over four years ($3 million signing bonus). Bradford, the ex-Packer, wasn't wanted back by lowly Houston but landed a four-year, $7.5 million deal ($2 million signing bonus). The Texans were through with Gaffney, too. The Patriots quickly signed the underachieving Caldwell after losing Givens and Davis (one year, $1.38 million, $575,000 signing bonus). Bidding against themselves, the Bills gave the slow-footed Reed $10 million over four years ($2 million signing bonus). The wide receivers with punt-return ability still on the board are Dwight, Brown, Chatman and New Orleans' Az-Zahir Hakim.
TIGHT ENDS
1.
Dan Campbell*
Dallas-to-Detroit
29
2.
Jeb Putzier
ex-Denver
27
3.
Robert Royal*
Washington-to-Buffalo
26
4.
Matt Schobel*
Cincinnati-to-Philadelphia
27
5.
Ryan Hannam*
Seattle-to-Dallas
26
6.
Jereme Tuman**
Pittsburgh
29
7.
Mark Campbell
ex-Buffalo
30
8.
Justin Peelle
San Diego
27
9.
Chris Baker
N.Y .Jets
26
10.
Christian Fauria*
New England-to-Washington
34
Others, in order: Darnell Dinkins*, Baltimore-to-Cleveland; Lamont Hall, New Orleans; Aaron Shea*, Cleveland-to-San Diego; Boo Williams, ex-New Orleans; Roland Williams, St. Louis.
Overview: It's a deep year for tight ends in the draft and a thin one in free agency. Lions GM Matt Millen signs a different veteran tight end each year. This time it's Dan Campbell (five years, $11.38 million, $2.2 million signing bonus). He's a tough blocker but has had all kind of injuries. The Broncos tired of Putzier after just one season because he can't block at all. Royal has 31 catches in three seasons but the free-spending Bills still gave him $10 million over five years ($2.5 million signing bonus). The Eagles signed Schobel (five years, $10 million, $1.8 million in bonuses) to give them a second receiving type tight end. Hannam (four years, $5 million, $1.25 million signing bonus) is a solid backup, as are Tuman (three fours, $4.25 million, $900,000 signing bonus), Peelle and Baker. Mark Campbell is past his prime. Fauria's signing bonus was $190,000. Dinkins' signing bonus was $200,000.
TACKLES
1.
Kevin Shaffer*
Atlanta-to-Cleveland
26
2.
Jon Runyan
Philadelphia
32
3.
L.J. Shelton*
Cleveland-to-Miami
29
4.
Tom Ashworth
New England
28
5.
Damion McIntosh
ex-Miami
28
6.
Brad Hopkins
ex-Tennessee
35
7.
Kenyatta Walker
Tampa Bay
27
8.
Jason Fabini*
ex-N.Y. Jets-to-Dallas
31
9.
Mike Pearson
Jacksonville
25
10.
Mike Williams*
ex-Buffalo-to-Jacksonville
26
Others, in order: Todd Fordham, Carolina; Kevin Barry**, Green Bay; Stockar McDougle*, Miami-to-Jacksonville; Anthony Clement, San Francisco; Bob Whitfield**, N.Y. Giants; Todd Steussie, Tampa Bay.
Overview: Shaffer, a seventh-round pick in '02 and 2½-year starter, didn't get what he wanted from the Falcons and got $36 million over seven years ($9.335 million in bonuses) from the Browns. With that, Browns LT L.J. Shelton went to Miami (four years, $15 million, $3.5 million signing bonus). McIntosh, the Dolphins' former left tackle, remains available and isn't bad. Runyan, a starting right tackle since 1997, is healthy and coming off a strong season. Ashworth, with 30 starts, is more of a battler than a talent. Hopkins was a cap casualty but still can do the job. On Saturday, the Cowboys signed Fabini (three years, $6 million) to plug a gaping time hole. Walker has the reputation for being hard to handle but improves each year. Pearson, a left tackle, should be back to form after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in 2004. Williams, the fourth pick in the '02 draft, was a bust in Buffalo but got $4 million over two years ($1.45 million signing bonus) from Jacksonville. Getting signing bonuses were Barry ($600,000, plus a $600,000 roster bonus), McDougle ($100,000) and Whitfield ($200,000).
GUARDS
1.
Steve Hutchinson
Seattle
28
2.
Steve Neal
New England
29
3.
Milford Brown
Houston-to-Arizona
25
4.
Kyle Kosier
Detroit-to-Dallas
27
5.
Tutan Reyes
Carolina
28
6.
Ron Stone
ex-Oakland
34
7.
Toniu Fonoti*
Minnesota-to-Tampa Bay
24
8.
Jason Whittle*
ex-N.Y. Giants-to-Minnesota
31
9.
Jonathan Goodwin
N.YJets
27
10.
Mike Pucillo
Cleveland
26
Others, in order: Lewis Kelly**, N.Y. Giants; Rex Tucker, St. Louis; Jeremy Bridges, ex-Arizona; Barry Stokes, Atlanta; Matt Stinchcomb, ex-Tampa Bay.
Overview: The question here is why didn't Seattle designate Hutchinson as a franchise player ($6.93 million tender) rather than a transition player ($6.39 million tender)? On March 12, the Vikings gave him a seven-year, $49 million offer containing $16 million in guaranteed money. The "poison pill" portion of the offer is in dispute and scheduled for an arbitration hearing today. Other than Hutchinson (perhaps the best guard in the business), it's a weak group. The Cowboys, concerned with aging guards Larry Allen and Marco Rivera, signed what they regarded to be the best prospect on the first day of the signing period. That was Kosier, a part-time starter in San Francisco and Detroit who got $15 million over five years ($5 million signing bonus). Brown, with merely 16 career starts, got $12 million over four years ($3 million signing bonus). Neal, a two-year starter, is making visits. Reyes had a decent year for a change but the Panthers let him walk. Stone is over the hill. Fonoti flunked his physical in Oakland to void that signing but passed his physical in Tampa Bay. Whittle ($25,000 signing bonus) will be the Vikings' interior backup. Goodwin and Pucillo are backup types.
CENTERS
1.
LeCharles Bentley*
New Orleans-to-Cleveland
26
2.
Justin Hartwig*
Tennessee-to-Carolina
27
3.
Kevin Mawae*
ex-N.Y. Jets-to-Tennessee
35
4.
Mike Flanagan
Green Bay
32
5.
Jeff Mitchell
Carolina
32
Others, in order: Seth McKinney, Houston; Trey Teague, Buffalo; Bob Hallen*, San Diego-to-Cleveland; Alonzo Ephraim, ex-Miami; Melvin Fowler, Minnesota; Grey Ruegamer, Green Bay; Cory Raymer, ex-Washington; Cory Withrow, Minnesota.
Overview: Packers coach Mike McCarthy helped coach Bentley for three years in New Orleans but said he didn't think it would have been wise for Green Bay to enter the bidding. After spurning the Eagles, Bentley signed on the first day for $36 million over six years ($8.25 million signing bonus plus $3 million roster bonus). Two days after losing Hartwig (five years, $17 million, $7 million in bonuses), the Titans signed the aging but still effective Mawae (four years, $13 million, $4 million signing bonus). Flanagan asked for too much from the Texans and still might re-surface in Green Bay. Mitchell has even more experience (118 starts) than Flanagan but won't be back because his job was given to Hartwig. This is one of the best positions in free agency. McKinney, 26 and Teague, 31, also are veteran starters. Hallen got a $200,000 roster bonus to leave San Diego. Raymer, the former Badger, is 33 but still wants to play.
QUARTERBACKS
1.
Drew Brees*
San Diego-to-New Orleans
27
2.
Josh McCown*
Arizona-to-Detroit
26
3.
Brian Griese
ex-Tampa Bay
31
4.
Aaron Brooks
ex-New Orleans
29
5.
Jon Kitna*
Cincinnati-to-Detroit
33
6.
Gus Frerotte*
ex-Miami-to-St. Louis
34
7.
Kerry Collins
ex-Oakland
33
8.
Sage Rosenfels*
Miami-to-Houston
28
9.
Craig Nall*
Green Bay-to-Buffalo
26
10.
Anthony Wright
Baltimore
30
Others, in order: Tony Banks, ex-Houston; Tim Hasselbeck**, N.Y. Giants; Charlie Batch**, Pittsburgh; Jamie Martin, St. Louis; Todd Collins*, Kansas City-to-Washington; Jeff Garcia*, Detroit-to-Philadelphia; Jay Fiedler, ex-N.Y. Jets; Jeff Blake, Chicago; Tommy Maddox, ex-Pittsburgh; Shane Matthews, Buffalo; Doug Flutie, New England.
Overview: Brees is coming off major surgery on his right shoulder but that didn't stop the Saints from lavishing him with a six-year, $60 million deal ($8 million signing bonus, $12 million option bonus). If the Lions don't trade Joey Harrington, he'll be joining the unemployed before too much longer. Detroit signed Kitna (four years, $11.5 million, $3.5 million signing bonus) on Tuesday and McCown (two years, $6 million, $2 million signing bonus) on Thursday. McCown is a gifted athlete who has endured four offensive coordinators in four years. He was 11-12 as a starter in Arizona. Griese, who had passer ratings of 102.7 in 2000 and 97.4 in '04, underwent reconstructive knee surgery in October. He is being pursued by Chicago and Cincinnati. Released on Wednesday, Brooks was benched late in '05 but did post an 88.8 passer rating in '03 under McCarthy. Frerotte went 9-6 as Miami's starter in '05 with new Rams coach Scott Linehan as the team's coordinator. Kerry Collins is coming off a third straight shaky season. New Texans coach Gary Kubiak admired Rosenfels so much that he gave him $6.4 million over four years ($2 million signing bonus). With Brett Favre expected back and only J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb in the fold, Nall is headed to Buffalo. Wright has a good arm but tends to panic under pressure. Batch got an $800,000 signing bonus. Todd Collins hasn't played a meaningful snap since 1997 but got a $450,000 signing bonus. Eagles coach Andy Reid gave Garcia $2 million for one year ($1.2 million signing bonus). Fiedler, 35, had major shoulder surgery in December. Flutie is 43 and pondering retirement.
RUNNING BACKS
1.
Edgerrin James*
Indianapolis-to-Arizona
27
2.
Jamal Lewis**
Baltimore
26
3.
Mike Anderson*
ex-Denver-to-Baltimore
32
4.
Chester Taylor*
Baltimore-to-Minnesota
26
5.
Michael Bennett*
Minnesota-to-New Orleans
27
6.
Maurice Morris
Seattle
26
7.
Ron Dayne**
Denver
27
8.
Jonathan Wells
Houston
26
9.
Sammy Morris
Miami
28
10.
Verron Haynes
Pittsburgh
27
Others, in order: Stephen Davis, ex-Carolina; Antowain Smith, New Orleans; Tony Fisher, Green Bay; Najeh Davenport, Green Bay; Anthony Thomas, New Orleans; Lamar Gordon, Philadelphia; Arlen Harris*, ex-St. Louis-to-Detroit; J.R. Redmond, Arizona; Kenny Watson, Cincinnati; Mike Cloud, N.Y. Giants.
Overview: James might not be in the prime of his career but he's close. That's why the Cardinals gave him $30 million over four years ($11.5 million in '06 bonuses). The Ravens lost Taylor to Minnesota (four years, $14.1 million, $3 million signing bonus) but re-signed Lewis (three years, $26 million, $5 million signing bonus), although the deal realistically is one year for $6 million. Hours after re-signing Lewis, the Ravens signed Anderson, a similar kind of runner, for $8 over four years ($2 million signing bonus). The Vikings preferred Taylor to Bennett, partly because he's a better receiver. Dayne went back to Denver for $3.29 million over three years ($750,000 signing bonus). Wells is a power back, Morris is a utility back and Haynes is a third-down back. Davis, 32, hasn't been the same player since undergoing microfracture knee surgery in November 2004. Yet, he isn't ready to quit. Smith might be 34 but when the Saints lost Deuce McAllister at mid-year he filled in competently. It took Davenport four injury-filled seasons to gain 1,068 yards. His average, however, was 4.9.
FULLBACKS
1.
Mack Strong
Seattle
34
2.
Tony Richardson
Kansas City
34
3.
Fred Beasley
San Francisco
31
4.
William Henderson**
Green Bay
35
5.
Jerald Sowell
ex-N.Y. Jets
32
Others, in order: Jameel Cook*, Tampa Bay-to-Houston; Heath Evans, New England; James Mungro, Indianapolis; Nick Luchey, Cincinnati; Paul Smith, Detroit.
Overview: The top four have ranked among the NFL's finest fullbacks for years. By re-signing, Henderson became the first off the board. Strong might have had his best year, Richardson is a rugged blocker but so-so receiver and Beasley's interest in playing has been questioned. Sowell is smart and savvy in the West Coast system. Cook's new deal was for $5.1 million over five years ($1.1 million signing bonus). Luchey was active for just three of 15 games in '05 and might be running out of options.
DEFENSIVE ENDS
1.
Trevor Pryce*
ex-Denver-to-Baltimore
30
2.
Darren Howard*
New Orleans-to-Philadelphia
29
3.
Anthony Weaver*
Baltimore-to-Houston
25
4.
Andre Carter*
San Francisco-to-Washington
26
5.
Kimo von Oelhoffen*
Pittsburgh-to-N.Y. Jets
35
6.
Brett Keisel**
Pittsburgh
27
7.
Kalimba Edwards**
Detroit
26
8.
Kenard Lang*
ex-Cleveland-to-Denver
31
9.
Carlos Hall
Kansas City
27
10.
Ryan Denney
Buffalo
28
Others, in order: Brady Smith, ex-Atlanta; Demetric Evans, Washington; DeQuincy Scott, San Diego; Marcellus Wiley**, Jacksonville; N.D. Kalu, Philadelphia; Lance Johnstone, Minnesota; Jared DeVries, Detroit; Joe Tafoya, Seattle; Eric Ogbogu, Dallas; Tyoka Jackson, St. Louis.
Overview: If the Packers hadn't re-signed Aaron Kampman (four years, $21 million, $11 million in bonuses), he would have been snapped up quickly. The top eight on the list are off the board. Pryce, with merely 18 tackles in his last nine games, got $24.5 million over five years ($10 million in bonuses) from the Ravens. That happened almost simultaneously as the Ravens were losing Weaver (five years, $26.5 million, $12 million in bonuses). He has 14½ sacks in four seasons. Howard, with 44½ sacks in six seasons, got $30 millionover six years, including $9.5 million in bonuses. On the same day that Howard joined the Eagles, the Redskins signed Carter (six years, $27.86 million, $9 million in bonuses). Carter (32 sacks) gives great effort but isn't instinctive. When the Steelers lost von Oelhoffen (three years, $9.2 million, $3.2 million signing bonus), they re-signed his invaluable backup, Keisel (four years, $13.1 million, $3.29 million signing bonus). Edwards, a second-round disappointment since '02, still got $20 million over five years ($5 million signing bonus) to re-sign. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan continued collecting former Browns when he signed Lang to rush the passer on third down. Hall, a former Titan, spent a lost season in Kansas City battling injuries. The only other player with starter's ability is Smith, but he's 32 and coming off foot surgery in October. Wiley got the veteran's minimum.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
1.
Gerard Warren**
Denver
27
2.
Ma'ake Kemoeatu*
Baltimore-to-Carolina
27
3.
Rocky Bernard**
Seattle
26
4.
Ryan Pickett*
St. Louis-to-Green Bay
26
5.
Larry Tripplett*
Indianapolis-to-Buffalo
2
6.
Ted Washington*
ex-Oakland-to-Cleveland
37
7.
Sam Adams
ex-Buffalo
32
8.
Grady Jackson
Green Bay
33
9.
Kendrick Clancy*
N.Y. Giants-to-Arizona
27
10.
Damione Lewis*
St. Louis-to-Carolina
28
Others, in order: Russell Davis*, Arizona-to-Seattle; Justin Bannan*, Buffalo-to-Baltimore; Brentson Buckner, ex-Carolina; Gary Walker, ex-Houston; Lional Dalton, Kansas City; Willie Whitehead, New Orleans; Rodney Bailey*, Seattle-to-Pittsburgh; Ron Edwards, Buffalo; Ross Kolodziej, Arizona; James Reed, N.Y. Jets; Josh Williams, ex-Indianapolis; Jason Fisk, ex-Cleveland.
Overview: This was one of the strongest positions in free agency. After 10 days, only Adams and Jackson remain available among the top 12. Warren decided quickly to stay with Denver (six years, $36 million, $6.7 million in bonuses). The Ravens lost the run-stuffing Kemoeatu (five years, $27.5 million, $8 million in bonuses), then tried to replace him with the pedestrian Bannan (four years, $8 million, $3 million signing bonus). The Rams lost Pickett and Lewis (two years, $3.9 million, $1.5 million signing bonus). Buffalo signed Tripplett (five years, $18 million, $6.5 million in bonuses) as its three-technique and wanted Pickett to play alongside him. Bernard, a rare interior pass rusher, re-signed for $13 million over three years ($5.4 million signing bonus). Washington got $6.8 million over two years, including a $2 million roster bonus. The Giants weren't happy about losing the unheralded but effective Clancy (four years, $8.1 million, $2 million signing bonus). Walker, Whitehead and Fisk are 33 but still can be effective. Buckner, a terrific leader, is 34 and eager for more.
INSIDE/MIDDLE LINEBACKERS
1.
Brandon Moore**
San Francisco
27
2.
Chris Claiborne
ex-St. Louis
27
3.
Nick Greisen
N.Y. Giants
26
4.
Dashon Polk
Houston
29
5.
Sam Cowart
Minnesota
31
6.
Junior Seau
ex-Miami
37
7.
Matt Chatham
New England
28
8.
Nate Webster*
Cincinnati-to-Denver
28
9.
Ronald McKinnon
New Orleans
32
10.
Wali Rainer
Detroit
28
Others, in order: Brad Kassell, Tennessee; Earl Holmes, Detroit; Orlando Ruff, Cleveland; Tim Johnson, Oakland; Khary Campbell**, Washington; Kevin Lewis, N.Y. Giants; Rob Morris, Indianapolis; Jay Foreman, N.Y. Giants.
Overview: At least teams can be thankful it's an abnormally good draft year at inside linebacker. There isn't much here. Moore became a starter in '05 and re-signed (five years, $8 million, $2.6 million signing bonus), but he's maybe more valuable at end on passing downs. Claiborne played adequately in the first half of '05 but it coming off a patellar tendon injury. Greisen's best position probably is the weak side but he also can play the middle. Polk and Cowart had decent years against the run. Coming off an Achilles' tendon injury, Seau might retire. Chatham is viewed more as a backup than a starter. McKinnon made tons of tackles in New Orleans, just as he did in Arizona from 1996-2004. Webster got a $200,000 signing bonus. Campbell got a $315,000 signing bonus.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
1.
Will Witherspoon*
Carolina-to-St. Louis
25
2.
LaVar Arrington
ex-Washington
27
3.
Julian Peterson
San Francisco
27
4.
David Thornton*
Indianapolis-to-Tennessee
27
5.
Willie McGinest*
ex-New England-to-Cleveland
34
6.
Bart Scott**
Baltimore
25
7.
Akin Ayodele*
Jacksonville-to-Dallas
26
8.
Ben Leber*
San Diego-to-Minnesota
27
9.
Scott Fujita*
Dallas-to-New Orleans
26
10.
Na'il Diggs
ex-Green Bay
27
Others, in order: Tommy Polley, Baltimore; Jamie Winborn, Jacksonville; Clint Kriewaldt**, Pittsburgh; Sedrick Hodge*, New Orleans-to-Miami; Brandon Short, ex-Carolina; Keith Adams, Philadelphia; Chad Brown, ex-New England; Kevin Bentley, Seattle; Keith Newman, Minnesota; Warrick Holdman, Washington; Jamie Sharper, ex-Seattle; Barrett Green, ex-N.Y. Giants; Paris Lenon, Green Bay; Rocky Boiman, Tennessee.
Overview: Arrington and Peterson are two of the most attractive players remaining on the market regardless of position. Arrington is a tremendous talent but doesn't always pay attention to the scheme. He has visited the Giants and Miami, and is angling for a huge deal. Peterson had a torn Achilles' tendon in '04, has a severe learning disability, probably needs time to learn a new system and didn't mesh well with new coach Mike Nolan and position coach Mike Singletary. He has fantastic ability but doesn't always play to it. The big money went to Witherspoon (six years, $33 million, $9 million signing bonus) on the second day and to Thornton (five years, $22.25 million, $7 million signing bonus) on the third day. Released by the Patriots, McGinest rejoined Romeo Crennel (three years, $12.5 million, $3 million in bonuses). An up-and-comer, Scott re-signed (three years, $13.5 million, $6.5 million signing bonus). After signing Ayodele (five years, $17 million, $5 million signing bonus), the Cowboys let Fujita walk (four years, $12 million, $4 million signing bonus). The Vikings took a big-money flier on Leber (five years, $20.6 million, $6 million in bonuses). Diggs, Polley, Hodge, Short, Adams, Brown, Newman and Holdman all started in '05. Kriewaldt, the Shiocton native and former UW-Stevens Point player, turned down an overture from the Giants and re-signed (three years, $2.96 million, $800,000 signing bonus).
CORNERBACKS
1.
Ty Law
ex-N.Y. Jets
32
2.
Charles Woodson
Oakland
29
3.
Brian Williams*
Minnesota-to-Jacksonville
26
4.
Fakhir Brown*
New Orleans-to-St. Louis
28
5.
Deshea Townsend**
Pittsburgh
30
6.
Eric Warfield
ex-Kansas City
30
7.
Andre Dyson
ex-Seattle
26
8.
Will Allen
N.Y. Giants
27
9.
Ahmed Plummer
ex-San Francisco
29
10.
Kenny Wright
Jacksonville
28
Others, in order: Andre' Goodman*, Detroit-to-Miami; Renaldo Hill*, Oakland-to-Miami; Walt Harris*, ex-Washington-to-San Francisco; R.W. McQuarters*, Detroit-to-N.Y. Giants; Dante Wesley*, Carolina-to-Chicago; Terry Cousin, Jacksonville; Reggie Howard, ex-Miami; Duane Starks, ex-New England; DeWayne Washington, Kansas City; Denard Walker, ex-Oakland; Jason Bell*, Houston-to-N.Y. Giants; Tyrone Poole, ex-New England; Ray Mickens, Cleveland.
Overview: Easily the biggest money deal to this point was signed by Williams (six years, $32 million, $10 million signing bonus). And, remember, he started out '05 as the Vikings' nickel back behind Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot. The Rams paid Brown $12 million over five years, including a $2.5 million signing bonus. Townsend went back to Pittsburgh for $8 million over four years. Hill and McQuarters got $2 million in bonuses, Goodman and Harris each got $1 million, Wesley got $475,000 and Bell got $400,000. Law, a Pro Bowl selection in '05 with 10 interceptions, still was in and out of the lineup late in the season with a foot fracture dating to '04. Woodson suffered his second season-ending broken leg in three years in October and wasn't playing all that well before he went down. Warfield has off-field problems but still is steady. Dyson, small but fast, was a cap casualty. Allen is a talented five-year starter but just cannot play the ball. Plummer also has a lingering foot problem that helped lead to his release. Wright, a one-time nickel back in Minnesota, made the most of his chance to start in '05 and hopes to cash in.
SAFETIES
1.
Adam Archuleta*
St. Louis-to-Washington
28
2.
Chris Hope*
Pittsburgh-to-Tennessee
25
3.
Marlon McCree*
Carolina-to-San Diego
29
4.
Tank Williams
Tennessee
25
5.
Corey Chavous*
Minnesota-to-St. Louis
30
6.
Marquand Manuel*
Seattle-to-Green Bay
26
7.
Will Demps*
Baltimore-to-N.Y. Giants
26
8.
Ryan Clark*
Washington-to-Pittsburgh
26
9.
Dexter Jackson*
Tampa Bay-to-Cincinnati
28
10.
Lawyer Milloy*
ex-Buffalo-to-Atlanta
32
Others, in order: Lance Schulters, Miami; Tebucky Jones, ex-Miami; Shaun Williams*, N.Y. Giants-to-Carolina; Matt Bowen*, ex-Washington-to-Buffalo; Keion Carpenter, Atlanta; Marcus Coleman, ex-Houston; Idrees Bashir, Carolina; Jarrod Cooper**, Oakland; Ronnie Heard, Atlanta; Derrick Gibson**, Oakland; Iheanyi Ohalete, Cincinnati.
Overview: There wasn't much here to begin with and there's almost nothing left now. Redskins owner Dan Snyder went overboard as usual on the first weekend, giving Archuleta $30.2 million over six years ($10 million in bonuses). Archuleta tailed off markedly in '05. McCree, Chavous and Manuel also found a new employer in the first three days. The Chargers gave McCree $16 million over five years ($6 million in roster bonuses the first two years) to team with Bhawoh Jue. Chavous also got $16 million over five years ($5 million in bonuses). Manuel got $10 million over five years ($2 million in bonuses). When Archuleta signed, Clark left Washington for $7 million over four years ($1.7 million signing bonus). The Giants said goodbye to oft-injured Shaun Williams (who signed with Carolina for minimum wage) and then signed Demps (five years, $11.4 million, $2.6 million in bonuses) to replace him. Jackson got $7.4 million over four years ($2 million in bonuses). Milloy got $6 million over three years. Schulters played better than Jones in '05 but the Dolphins said goodbye to both players. Bowen got $2 million over two years ($300,000 signing bonus). All the others started at least part time in '05 except Bashir, who started from 2001-'04 in Indianapolis.
KICKERS
1.
Adam Vinatieri
New England
33
2.
Ryan Longwell*
Green Bay-to-Minnesota
31
3.
Joe Nedney**
San Francisco
32
4.
Mike Vanderjagt
Indianapolis
35
5.
Paul Edinger
Minnesota
28
Others, in order: Matt Bryant**, Tampa Bay; Todd Peterson, Atlanta; Jose Cortez**, Indianapolis.
Overview: All the action happened on the first day. Nedney went first (four years, $6.06 million, $1.56 million signing bonus), then Longwell (five years, $10 million, $3 million signing bonus) and finally Bryant (five years, $6.9 million, $1.5 million signing bonus). Soon Vinatieri will make a decision among New England, Green Bay and perhaps Miami. Neither Vanderjagt nor Peterson can kick off. Edinger won three games with late field goals in '05.
PUNTERS
1.
Dave Zastudil*
Baltimore-to-Cleveland
27
2.
Jason Baker
Carolina
27
3.
Kyle Richardson
Cleveland
33
4.
Tom Rouen
Seattle
37
5.
Bryan Barker
St. Louis
41
Others, in order: Sean Landeta, Philadelphia; Tom Tupa, ex-Washington.
Overview: Zastudil is the only one off the board. He got $8 million over five years, including $2.1 million in bonuses. Baker had by far his best season in '05 of a checkered career and now wants to be paid for it. Richardson isn't bad. Rouen bounced back. Barker tops everyone's emergency list. Landeta, 44, has been considered by the Packers for the last year. Tupa, 40, has a bad back but wants to keep playing.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYERS
1.
Keith Burns
(RB)
Denver
33
2.
Artie Ulmer
(LB)
Atlanta
32
3.
Kemp Rasmussen
(DE)
Carolina
26
4.
Gary Stills
(LB)
ex-Kansas City
31
5.
Fred McAfee
(RB)
New Orleans
37
Others, in order: S Kevin McCadam, Atlanta; FB Harold Morrow, Arizona; LB Kenyatta Walker, N.Y. Jets.
Overview: Nobody has signed. Burns is expected to re-sign. He got away from Denver twice over the years. Like the others, Rasmussen isn't a real position player. Stills is lost as a linebacker.
RETURN SPECIALISTS
1.
Eddie Drummond**
(WR)
Detroit
25
2.
Chad Morton**
(RB)
N.Y. Giants
28
3.
Reggie Swinton
(WR)
Arizona
30
4.
Michael Lewis
(WR)
New Orleans
34
5.
Troy Walters
(WR)
Indianapolis
29
Overview: Drummond is coming off a lousy year but the Lions showed how much they value him on the third day (five years, $5.67 million, $2 million signing bonus). On the same day, the Giants re-signed Morton (four years, $3.86 million, $700,000 in bonuses). Swinton wore out his welcome with coach Dennis Green. Lewis suffered major knee ligament damage in September.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Keeping in mind that all a team must to do to retain any of the 79 restricted free agents is match an offer, here are some of the better bargains and the round from which a compensating draft selection would come. Offer sheets must be submitted by April 21.
Wide receivers: Kevin Walter, Cincinnati-to-Houston, seventh round (Bengals didn't match Texans' four-year, $6.4 million offer); David Tyree, N.Y. Giants; sixth; Nate Burleson, Minnesota, third; Kevin Curtis, St. Louis, first.
Tight ends: Zach Hilton, New Orleans, none.
Tackles: Makoa Freitas, Indianapolis, sixth; Seth Wand, Houston, third; Torrin Tucker, Dallas, none.
Guards: Reggie Wells, Arizona, sixth (Cardinals expected to match Bills' reported five-year, $17.6 million offer); Jordan Black, Kansas City, fifth; Montrae Holland, New Orleans, fourth.
Fullbacks: Jeremi Johnson, Cincinnati, fourth.
Defensive ends: Israel Idonije, Chicago, none (Bears have five days to match Bills' four-year offer worth reported $7.5 million); Jimmy Wilkerson, Kansas City, sixth; Grant Irons, Oakland, none; Brandon Green, St. Louis, sixth.
Defensive tackles: Kenderick Allen, N.Y. Giants, none; Kindal Moorehead, Carolina, fifth; Antwan Lake, Atlanta, none.
Inside/middle linebackers: Vinny Ciurciu, Carolina, none.
Outside linebackers: Chris Clemons, Washington, none; Scott Shanle, Dallas, seventh; James Davis, Detroit, fifth; Hunter Hillenmeyer, Chicago, fifth.
Cornerbacks: Ade Jimoh, Washington, none.
Safeties: Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia, none; Keith Davis, Dallas, none.
Kickers: Josh Brown, Seattle, seventh.
Punters: Dirk Johnson, Philadelphia, none.
Special teams player: Mario Haggan (LB), Buffalo, seventh.
