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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cheesehog" data-source="post: 55752" data-attributes="member: 258">This was from the "Packer Insider" and gives a nice summary to date and the implications towards the Packers. EnjoyMcGinn: Rating the NFL's top free agentsPosted: Mar. 19, 2006On the PackersBob McGinnE-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 RECEIVERSRank    Name     Team-New Team     Age1.    Terrell Owens*    ex-Philadelphia-to-Dallas    322.    David Givens*    New England-to-Tennessee    253.    Antwaan Randle El*    Pittsburgh-to-Washington    264.    Antonio Bryant*    Cleveland-to-San Francisco    255.    Keyshawn Johnson    ex-Dallas    336.    Joe Jurevicius*    Seattle-to-Cleveland    317.    Brian Finneran**    Atlanta    308.    Corey Bradford*    Houston-to-Detroit    309.    Jabar Gaffney*    Houston-to-Philadelphia    2510.    Quincy Morgan    Pittsburgh    28Others, 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 ENDS1.    Dan Campbell*    Dallas-to-Detroit    292.    Jeb Putzier    ex-Denver    273.    Robert Royal*    Washington-to-Buffalo    264.    Matt Schobel*    Cincinnati-to-Philadelphia    275.    Ryan Hannam*    Seattle-to-Dallas    266.    Jereme Tuman**    Pittsburgh    297.    Mark Campbell    ex-Buffalo    308.    Justin Peelle    San Diego    279.    Chris Baker    N.Y .Jets    2610.    Christian Fauria*    New England-to-Washington    34Others, 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.TACKLES1.    Kevin Shaffer*    Atlanta-to-Cleveland    262.    Jon Runyan    Philadelphia    323.    L.J. Shelton*    Cleveland-to-Miami    294.    Tom Ashworth    New England    285.    Damion McIntosh    ex-Miami    286.    Brad Hopkins    ex-Tennessee    357.    Kenyatta Walker    Tampa Bay    278.    Jason Fabini*    ex-N.Y. Jets-to-Dallas    319.    Mike Pearson    Jacksonville    2510.    Mike Williams*    ex-Buffalo-to-Jacksonville    26Others, 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 2Â½-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).GUARDS1.    Steve Hutchinson    Seattle    282.    Steve Neal    New England    293.    Milford Brown    Houston-to-Arizona    254.    Kyle Kosier    Detroit-to-Dallas    275.    Tutan Reyes    Carolina    286.    Ron Stone    ex-Oakland    347.    Toniu Fonoti*    Minnesota-to-Tampa Bay    248.    Jason Whittle*    ex-N.Y. Giants-to-Minnesota    319.    Jonathan Goodwin    N.YJets    2710.    Mike Pucillo    Cleveland    26Others, 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.CENTERS1.    LeCharles Bentley*    New Orleans-to-Cleveland    262.    Justin Hartwig*    Tennessee-to-Carolina    273.    Kevin Mawae*    ex-N.Y. Jets-to-Tennessee    354.    Mike Flanagan    Green Bay    325.    Jeff Mitchell    Carolina    32Others, 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.QUARTERBACKS1.    Drew Brees*    San Diego-to-New Orleans    272.    Josh McCown*    Arizona-to-Detroit    263.    Brian Griese    ex-Tampa Bay    314.    Aaron Brooks    ex-New Orleans    295.    Jon Kitna*    Cincinnati-to-Detroit    336.    Gus Frerotte*    ex-Miami-to-St. Louis    347.    Kerry Collins    ex-Oakland    338.    Sage Rosenfels*    Miami-to-Houston    289.    Craig Nall*    Green Bay-to-Buffalo    2610.    Anthony Wright    Baltimore    30Others, 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 BACKS1.    Edgerrin James*    Indianapolis-to-Arizona    272.    Jamal Lewis**    Baltimore    263.    Mike Anderson*    ex-Denver-to-Baltimore    324.    Chester Taylor*    Baltimore-to-Minnesota    265.    Michael Bennett*    Minnesota-to-New Orleans    276.    Maurice Morris    Seattle    267.    Ron Dayne**    Denver    278.    Jonathan Wells    Houston    269.    Sammy Morris    Miami    2810.    Verron Haynes    Pittsburgh    27Others, 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.FULLBACKS1.    Mack Strong    Seattle    342.    Tony Richardson    Kansas City    343.    Fred Beasley    San Francisco    314.    William Henderson**    Green Bay    355.    Jerald Sowell    ex-N.Y. Jets    32Others, 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 ENDS1.    Trevor Pryce*    ex-Denver-to-Baltimore    302.    Darren Howard*    New Orleans-to-Philadelphia    293.    Anthony Weaver*    Baltimore-to-Houston    254.    Andre Carter*    San Francisco-to-Washington    265.    Kimo von Oelhoffen*    Pittsburgh-to-N.Y. Jets    356.    Brett Keisel**    Pittsburgh    277.    Kalimba Edwards**    Detroit    268.    Kenard Lang*    ex-Cleveland-to-Denver    319.    Carlos Hall    Kansas City    2710.    Ryan Denney    Buffalo    28Others, 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 14Â½ sacks in four seasons. Howard, with 44Â½ 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 TACKLES1.    Gerard Warren**    Denver    272.    Ma'ake Kemoeatu*    Baltimore-to-Carolina    273.    Rocky Bernard**    Seattle    264.    Ryan Pickett*    St. Louis-to-Green Bay    265.    Larry Tripplett*    Indianapolis-to-Buffalo    26.    Ted Washington*    ex-Oakland-to-Cleveland    377.    Sam Adams    ex-Buffalo    328.    Grady Jackson    Green Bay    339.    Kendrick Clancy*    N.Y. Giants-to-Arizona    2710.    Damione Lewis*    St. Louis-to-Carolina    28Others, 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 LINEBACKERS1.    Brandon Moore**    San Francisco    272.    Chris Claiborne    ex-St. Louis    273.    Nick Greisen    N.Y. Giants    264.    Dashon Polk    Houston    295.    Sam Cowart    Minnesota    316.    Junior Seau    ex-Miami    377.    Matt Chatham    New England    288.    Nate Webster*    Cincinnati-to-Denver    289.    Ronald McKinnon    New Orleans    3210.    Wali Rainer    Detroit    28Others, 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 LINEBACKERS1.    Will Witherspoon*    Carolina-to-St. Louis    252.    LaVar Arrington    ex-Washington    273.    Julian Peterson    San Francisco    274.    David Thornton*    Indianapolis-to-Tennessee    275.    Willie McGinest*    ex-New England-to-Cleveland    346.    Bart Scott**    Baltimore    257.    Akin Ayodele*    Jacksonville-to-Dallas    268.    Ben Leber*    San Diego-to-Minnesota    279.    Scott Fujita*    Dallas-to-New Orleans    2610.    Na'il Diggs    ex-Green Bay    27Others, 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).CORNERBACKS1.    Ty Law    ex-N.Y. Jets    322.    Charles Woodson    Oakland    293.    Brian Williams*    Minnesota-to-Jacksonville    264.    Fakhir Brown*    New Orleans-to-St. Louis    285.    Deshea Townsend**    Pittsburgh    306.    Eric Warfield    ex-Kansas City    307.    Andre Dyson    ex-Seattle    268.    Will Allen    N.Y. Giants    279.    Ahmed Plummer    ex-San Francisco    2910.    Kenny Wright    Jacksonville    28Others, 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.SAFETIES1.    Adam Archuleta*    St. Louis-to-Washington    282.    Chris Hope*    Pittsburgh-to-Tennessee    253.    Marlon McCree*    Carolina-to-San Diego    294.    Tank Williams    Tennessee    255.    Corey Chavous*    Minnesota-to-St. Louis    306.    Marquand Manuel*    Seattle-to-Green Bay    267.    Will Demps*    Baltimore-to-N.Y. Giants    268.    Ryan Clark*    Washington-to-Pittsburgh    269.    Dexter Jackson*    Tampa Bay-to-Cincinnati    2810.    Lawyer Milloy*    ex-Buffalo-to-Atlanta    32Others, 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.KICKERS1.    Adam Vinatieri    New England    332.    Ryan Longwell*    Green Bay-to-Minnesota    313.    Joe Nedney**    San Francisco    324.    Mike Vanderjagt    Indianapolis    355.    Paul Edinger    Minnesota    28Others, 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.PUNTERS1.    Dave Zastudil*    Baltimore-to-Cleveland    272.    Jason Baker    Carolina    273.    Kyle Richardson    Cleveland    334.    Tom Rouen    Seattle    375.    Bryan Barker    St. Louis    41Others, 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 PLAYERS1.    Keith Burns    (RB)    Denver    332.    Artie Ulmer    (LB)    Atlanta    323.    Kemp Rasmussen    (DE)    Carolina    264.    Gary Stills    (LB)    ex-Kansas City    315.    Fred McAfee    (RB)    New Orleans    37Others, 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 SPECIALISTS1.    Eddie Drummond**    (WR)    Detroit    252.    Chad Morton**    (RB)    N.Y. Giants    283.    Reggie Swinton    (WR)    Arizona    304.    Michael Lewis    (WR)    New Orleans    345.    Troy Walters    (WR)    Indianapolis    29Overview: 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 AGENTSKeeping 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.</blockquote>

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