KellysHeroes
Footballguy
FootballsFuture.com
Sorry if some of these are wrong.
DL
Jared Allen, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen’s sack total dropped in ’06, but he still posted 7.5 and raised his tackle total a good deal. He’ll be back in Kansas City for the upcoming season, but there’s a good chance that he’ll try the market out come next offseason. He’s just 25 years of age, and has shown that he is among the league’s best at his position. He’ll be a high priority for several teams once the signing period opens.
Justin Smith, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Smith is an intriguing player. He’s consistent, experienced, and has a powerful motor. With 81 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in ’06, Smith showed that he was a high level end, and that he was coming into his own as a defensive leader on the Bengals. He won’t command elite dollars, but he would be valuable to several teams and may find a suitor willing to open the checkbook wide.
Terrell Suggs, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Suggs is somewhat versatile and has become a volatile opposing presence for offenses. He has the ability to play at the linebacker spot and also attack from the line at the end spot. He has grown into a top pass rusher and presents match-up problems for most teams. He’s been near or above double digit sack totals in each of his four seasons with eight being his low. He is a true talent and will attract some large offers from various teams, but Baltimore will do everything they can to sign him to an extension, especially considering that he doesn’t turn 25 until October.
Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Haynesworth has come into the season determined to have a great year. He has a single sack through three games, but he seems to be getting pressure up the middle consistently, and is helping to allow other defensive linemen to have an even greater impact themselves. While quarterback Vince Young is a major reason for the team’s success so far, Haynesworth and the defense he is helping to lead are also contributing significantly. If Haynesworth can keep up his current play, the Titans will find it hard to let him leave via free agency, as it would create a sizable hole to fill.
Tommy Kelly UFA Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are working to extend Kelly’s contract, but the team is also giving other players a shot at challenging for the starter’s role next season. Kelly has been a solid presence, even if the defense is having a down season. There’s a chance that Oakland lets Kelly walk as they shift talent and bring in new talent. Kelly will bring strong interest around the league, but only a few teams will be serious about acquiring since he hasn’t been consistent enough.
Mike Rucker UFA Carolina Panthers
Rucker is talented, there’s no doubt about that. But just how talented may be extremely debatable. He has had the benefit of playing alongside one of the league’s best defensive players in Julius Peppers. Peppers is having a down year, and so is Rucker. There is probably a connection, but Rucker will still be pursued by several teams. While Rucker has posted just one sack through ten games this season, he’s had as many as twelve sacks in a season and he posted five sacks last season. His play—at least numbers-wise—has tailed off in recent seasons, but if a team is convinced that he can return to form, he get a sizable contract offer.
Corey Williams, UFA, Green Bay Packers
A starting defensive tackle for a rejuvenated and strong Green Bay team, Williams has helped the Packers become one of the better defensive units around. Williams was injured in the team’s latest game, but he has been able to tally seven sacks—matching his 2006 total—along with 23 total tackles through eleven games while playing significant minutes. He has been very disruptive and will receive strong interest as a free agent this upcoming offseason.
Other Free Agent Defensive Linemen
Jordan Carstens UFA Carolina Panthers
Ebenezer Ekuban UFA Denver Broncos
Sam Rayburn UFA San Francisco 49ers
Paul Spicer UFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Randy Starks UFA Tennessee Titans
Renaldo Wynn UFA Washington Redskins
LB
Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Since 2004, Briggs has been a standout linebacker for the Bears. He’s overshadowed by Brian Urlacher much of the time, but Briggs gets the job done as is evidenced by the fact that he’s totaled more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons and that he’s added four sacks and five interceptions over that time. Teams are going to line up to try and entice Briggs to come play for them, and whichever team lands him will be adding one of the top weak-side defenders in the league. The chances of Briggs leaving seem good.
Tedy Bruschi, UFA, New England Patriots
The safe bet is that Bruschi will retire once his contract ends after the season, but if he can be convinced to play another season or two, he’ll be able to attract decent attention as a leader with valuable playoff experience and championships under his belt. In fifteen games during the ’06 season, Bruschi logged 112 total tackles and an interception, all after coming back from a stroke. Bruschi has proven that he’s not only talented and has a natural ability for the game, but also that he’s one tough customer with a work heart that can’t be measured. He is a unique breed of a player.
Karlos Dansby, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Dansby may very well end up being the cream of the crop in terms of linebackers during the next free agency period. He has excellent size and is coming into his own as a top level defensive player. He will turn 26 later this season and has consecutive seasons of 80 or more tackles. He also collected three interceptions in ’05 and an impressive eight sacks in ’06. Being young, strong, and talented should land him a large contract, and the Cardinals could be the team locking him up very soon.
Demorrio Williams, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Williams is slightly undersized, but he has a knack for finding the ball and making the play. His 217 combined total tackles over the past two seasons is a solid number, and he’s been helpful against the passing attack at times. He is also appealing because he’s still maturing at the position and is just 27 years old. Atlanta will try to retain his services, but Williams might command more money on the open market.
Boss Bailey, UFA, Detroit Lions
Bailey has strong coverage skills and works hard to make plays. Bailey is physically gifted, but he has battled injury the past two seasons and hasn’t had a chance to show consistent play. Due to lost games, he’s also been unable to work on developing a knack for tracking down the ball. Bailey needs to be more physical, but also find a way to stay healthy. He’ll turn 28 early in the season, and will need to be on the field to garner attention on the free agent market.
Danny Clark UFA Houston Texans
He’s played for three teams in three seasons, and he’s making a decent impact in Houston this year. Clark totaled 113 tackles in 2005 with Oakland and then went to New Orleans, where he played sparingly. In ten games this season, he has 42 total tackles and an interception to his credit. Clark isn’t an elite player, but he can be an asset in a depth role or alongside top-quality linebackers. He may have found a home in Houston, depending on how his season finishes out.
Kawika Mitchell UFA New York Giants
Mitchell tallied seasons of 105 tackles and 104 tackles in Kansas City prior to this season. Mitchell is now playing for a Giants team that has some decent depth at linebacker and has improved their defensive play over the course of the season, so he hasn’t been asked to post similar totals. However, he’s still been able to make 42 total tackles, force a fumble, and record a sack. Mitchell may not be the biggest prize as a free agent, but he will be a solid addition for any team that needs linebacker help.
Mark Simoneau UFA New Orleans Saints
Simoneau hasn’t overly impressed with his play in recent seasons, but he was a crucial part of the Saints success last season. His effort and ability to make timely plays paid big dividends early in the season and helped the team get off to a strong start. He has 47 tackles this season, and he’s a veteran who knows how to play the game. He’s a liability in coverage at times, and doesn’t strike fear into opponents, but he’s a decent player that will find a place to play if the Saints don’t work to extend his contract.
Other Free Agent Linebackers
Jordan Beck RFA Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Bentley UFA Seattle Seahawks
Darryl Blackstock RFA Arizona Cardinals
Brandon Chillar UFA St. Louis Rams
Na'il Diggs UFA Carolina Panthers
Landon Johnson UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Teddy Lehman UFA Detroit Lions
Lemar Marshall UFA Washington Redskins
Sam Williams UFA Oakland Raiders
DB
Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots
Samuel is quickly becoming known as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, having posted a league-best ten interceptions last season. His interception total was impressive, but so was his ability to stick to receivers on a regular basis. In the first six games of the current season, he has three picks, and has kept up his strong play, continuing to shutdown receivers and helping the Patriots to an undefeated record to this point. If Samuel is not signed to an extension, he’ll command big dollars on the market, especially if he keeps the pace up.
Mike Doss, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
The former Colts safety has a new home this season, and if he can avoid injury, he could see a long-term deal from Minnesota. Doss recorded a pair of interceptions in just six games last season, and has two picks each of the past three seasons. He has the ability to make an impact in slowing the opposition’s rushing attack, and has plenty of playoff experience under his belt. Doss is developing into a leader and is a defensive weapon that many teams wouldn’t mind having.
Domonique Foxworth, RFA, Denver Broncos
The Broncos added Dre’ Bly during the off season, so Foxworth will still be used mainly as a nickel defender. Foxworth is fast, but doesn’t always make the best play on the ball. He’s just 24, so experience and playing time should help his development. If another team thinks he can be a top two cornerback, he may seek to leave Denver to take on that bigger role. His RFA status will make it difficult to pull him away from the Broncos, but the cornerback position is one of great significance in the modern NFL, so there’s a chance.
Drayton Florence, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Florence has held onto his starting spot over Antonio Cromartie when it was thought that Cromartie would win the job early. However, the veteran showed his resolve and stepped up his play since having his position challenged. Florence is not a shutdown type of player, but he does make plays when he needs to most of the time and he had three interceptions in 2006. The Chargers can probably afford to let him hit the market, and the best bet is that Florence will find a starting position somewhere else come next season.
Randall Gay UFA New England Patriots
Gay is just 25, and while he benefits from playing for a solid Patriots team, he is still a decent player in his own right. He’s been able to step up even more this season and post solid numbers, while also showing more consistency. He has registered 25 total tackles through the team’s first ten games, to go along with three interceptions. The Patriots and Gay will look to keep him in New England, but a few teams could jump in and try to lure him away, including the New York Jets, who were interested in Gay last offseason.
Marcus Trufant, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Trufant’s contract has voided based on playing time and given the team’s commitment to other players at his position, it appears that the cornerback will be looking for a starting position elsewhere. His 2004 season was easily his best, when he compiled 96 total tackles, five interceptions, and a sack. He was unable to match that type of production until this season, in which he has 58 total tackles and four picks through eleven games. He will be one of the top defensive targets on the market.
Ken Hamlin, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
The Arkansas product has 43 total tackles and four interceptions in eleven games, and has helped Dallas to one of the league’s best records. If he can add another interception before the end of the season, he’ll have a new career high and will help his value on the market. Hamlin is still young at 26, and should have several seasons ahead of him, so there will be teams interested in using him at the safety spot.
Other Free Agent Cornerback
Chris Carr RFA Oakland Raiders
Tory James UFA New England Patriots
Karl Paymah RFA Denver Broncos
B.J. Sams UFA Baltimore Ravens
Chad Scott UFA New England Patriots
Other Free Agent Safety
William Bartee UFA Kansas City Chiefs
Jay Bellamy UFA New Orleans Saints
Omar Stoutmire UFA Washington Redskins
Derrick Strait UFA Carolina Panthers
Gibril Wilson UFA New York Giants
Sorry if some of these are wrong.
DL
Jared Allen, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen’s sack total dropped in ’06, but he still posted 7.5 and raised his tackle total a good deal. He’ll be back in Kansas City for the upcoming season, but there’s a good chance that he’ll try the market out come next offseason. He’s just 25 years of age, and has shown that he is among the league’s best at his position. He’ll be a high priority for several teams once the signing period opens.
Justin Smith, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Smith is an intriguing player. He’s consistent, experienced, and has a powerful motor. With 81 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in ’06, Smith showed that he was a high level end, and that he was coming into his own as a defensive leader on the Bengals. He won’t command elite dollars, but he would be valuable to several teams and may find a suitor willing to open the checkbook wide.
Terrell Suggs, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Suggs is somewhat versatile and has become a volatile opposing presence for offenses. He has the ability to play at the linebacker spot and also attack from the line at the end spot. He has grown into a top pass rusher and presents match-up problems for most teams. He’s been near or above double digit sack totals in each of his four seasons with eight being his low. He is a true talent and will attract some large offers from various teams, but Baltimore will do everything they can to sign him to an extension, especially considering that he doesn’t turn 25 until October.
Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans
Haynesworth has come into the season determined to have a great year. He has a single sack through three games, but he seems to be getting pressure up the middle consistently, and is helping to allow other defensive linemen to have an even greater impact themselves. While quarterback Vince Young is a major reason for the team’s success so far, Haynesworth and the defense he is helping to lead are also contributing significantly. If Haynesworth can keep up his current play, the Titans will find it hard to let him leave via free agency, as it would create a sizable hole to fill.
Tommy Kelly UFA Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are working to extend Kelly’s contract, but the team is also giving other players a shot at challenging for the starter’s role next season. Kelly has been a solid presence, even if the defense is having a down season. There’s a chance that Oakland lets Kelly walk as they shift talent and bring in new talent. Kelly will bring strong interest around the league, but only a few teams will be serious about acquiring since he hasn’t been consistent enough.
Mike Rucker UFA Carolina Panthers
Rucker is talented, there’s no doubt about that. But just how talented may be extremely debatable. He has had the benefit of playing alongside one of the league’s best defensive players in Julius Peppers. Peppers is having a down year, and so is Rucker. There is probably a connection, but Rucker will still be pursued by several teams. While Rucker has posted just one sack through ten games this season, he’s had as many as twelve sacks in a season and he posted five sacks last season. His play—at least numbers-wise—has tailed off in recent seasons, but if a team is convinced that he can return to form, he get a sizable contract offer.
Corey Williams, UFA, Green Bay Packers
A starting defensive tackle for a rejuvenated and strong Green Bay team, Williams has helped the Packers become one of the better defensive units around. Williams was injured in the team’s latest game, but he has been able to tally seven sacks—matching his 2006 total—along with 23 total tackles through eleven games while playing significant minutes. He has been very disruptive and will receive strong interest as a free agent this upcoming offseason.
Other Free Agent Defensive Linemen
Jordan Carstens UFA Carolina Panthers
Ebenezer Ekuban UFA Denver Broncos
Sam Rayburn UFA San Francisco 49ers
Paul Spicer UFA Jacksonville Jaguars
Randy Starks UFA Tennessee Titans
Renaldo Wynn UFA Washington Redskins
LB
Lance Briggs, UFA, Chicago Bears
Since 2004, Briggs has been a standout linebacker for the Bears. He’s overshadowed by Brian Urlacher much of the time, but Briggs gets the job done as is evidenced by the fact that he’s totaled more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons and that he’s added four sacks and five interceptions over that time. Teams are going to line up to try and entice Briggs to come play for them, and whichever team lands him will be adding one of the top weak-side defenders in the league. The chances of Briggs leaving seem good.
Tedy Bruschi, UFA, New England Patriots
The safe bet is that Bruschi will retire once his contract ends after the season, but if he can be convinced to play another season or two, he’ll be able to attract decent attention as a leader with valuable playoff experience and championships under his belt. In fifteen games during the ’06 season, Bruschi logged 112 total tackles and an interception, all after coming back from a stroke. Bruschi has proven that he’s not only talented and has a natural ability for the game, but also that he’s one tough customer with a work heart that can’t be measured. He is a unique breed of a player.
Karlos Dansby, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Dansby may very well end up being the cream of the crop in terms of linebackers during the next free agency period. He has excellent size and is coming into his own as a top level defensive player. He will turn 26 later this season and has consecutive seasons of 80 or more tackles. He also collected three interceptions in ’05 and an impressive eight sacks in ’06. Being young, strong, and talented should land him a large contract, and the Cardinals could be the team locking him up very soon.
Demorrio Williams, UFA, Atlanta Falcons
Williams is slightly undersized, but he has a knack for finding the ball and making the play. His 217 combined total tackles over the past two seasons is a solid number, and he’s been helpful against the passing attack at times. He is also appealing because he’s still maturing at the position and is just 27 years old. Atlanta will try to retain his services, but Williams might command more money on the open market.
Boss Bailey, UFA, Detroit Lions
Bailey has strong coverage skills and works hard to make plays. Bailey is physically gifted, but he has battled injury the past two seasons and hasn’t had a chance to show consistent play. Due to lost games, he’s also been unable to work on developing a knack for tracking down the ball. Bailey needs to be more physical, but also find a way to stay healthy. He’ll turn 28 early in the season, and will need to be on the field to garner attention on the free agent market.
Danny Clark UFA Houston Texans
He’s played for three teams in three seasons, and he’s making a decent impact in Houston this year. Clark totaled 113 tackles in 2005 with Oakland and then went to New Orleans, where he played sparingly. In ten games this season, he has 42 total tackles and an interception to his credit. Clark isn’t an elite player, but he can be an asset in a depth role or alongside top-quality linebackers. He may have found a home in Houston, depending on how his season finishes out.
Kawika Mitchell UFA New York Giants
Mitchell tallied seasons of 105 tackles and 104 tackles in Kansas City prior to this season. Mitchell is now playing for a Giants team that has some decent depth at linebacker and has improved their defensive play over the course of the season, so he hasn’t been asked to post similar totals. However, he’s still been able to make 42 total tackles, force a fumble, and record a sack. Mitchell may not be the biggest prize as a free agent, but he will be a solid addition for any team that needs linebacker help.
Mark Simoneau UFA New Orleans Saints
Simoneau hasn’t overly impressed with his play in recent seasons, but he was a crucial part of the Saints success last season. His effort and ability to make timely plays paid big dividends early in the season and helped the team get off to a strong start. He has 47 tackles this season, and he’s a veteran who knows how to play the game. He’s a liability in coverage at times, and doesn’t strike fear into opponents, but he’s a decent player that will find a place to play if the Saints don’t work to extend his contract.
Other Free Agent Linebackers
Jordan Beck RFA Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Bentley UFA Seattle Seahawks
Darryl Blackstock RFA Arizona Cardinals
Brandon Chillar UFA St. Louis Rams
Na'il Diggs UFA Carolina Panthers
Landon Johnson UFA Cincinnati Bengals
Teddy Lehman UFA Detroit Lions
Lemar Marshall UFA Washington Redskins
Sam Williams UFA Oakland Raiders
DB
Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots
Samuel is quickly becoming known as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, having posted a league-best ten interceptions last season. His interception total was impressive, but so was his ability to stick to receivers on a regular basis. In the first six games of the current season, he has three picks, and has kept up his strong play, continuing to shutdown receivers and helping the Patriots to an undefeated record to this point. If Samuel is not signed to an extension, he’ll command big dollars on the market, especially if he keeps the pace up.
Mike Doss, UFA, Minnesota Vikings
The former Colts safety has a new home this season, and if he can avoid injury, he could see a long-term deal from Minnesota. Doss recorded a pair of interceptions in just six games last season, and has two picks each of the past three seasons. He has the ability to make an impact in slowing the opposition’s rushing attack, and has plenty of playoff experience under his belt. Doss is developing into a leader and is a defensive weapon that many teams wouldn’t mind having.
Domonique Foxworth, RFA, Denver Broncos
The Broncos added Dre’ Bly during the off season, so Foxworth will still be used mainly as a nickel defender. Foxworth is fast, but doesn’t always make the best play on the ball. He’s just 24, so experience and playing time should help his development. If another team thinks he can be a top two cornerback, he may seek to leave Denver to take on that bigger role. His RFA status will make it difficult to pull him away from the Broncos, but the cornerback position is one of great significance in the modern NFL, so there’s a chance.
Drayton Florence, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Florence has held onto his starting spot over Antonio Cromartie when it was thought that Cromartie would win the job early. However, the veteran showed his resolve and stepped up his play since having his position challenged. Florence is not a shutdown type of player, but he does make plays when he needs to most of the time and he had three interceptions in 2006. The Chargers can probably afford to let him hit the market, and the best bet is that Florence will find a starting position somewhere else come next season.
Randall Gay UFA New England Patriots
Gay is just 25, and while he benefits from playing for a solid Patriots team, he is still a decent player in his own right. He’s been able to step up even more this season and post solid numbers, while also showing more consistency. He has registered 25 total tackles through the team’s first ten games, to go along with three interceptions. The Patriots and Gay will look to keep him in New England, but a few teams could jump in and try to lure him away, including the New York Jets, who were interested in Gay last offseason.
Marcus Trufant, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Trufant’s contract has voided based on playing time and given the team’s commitment to other players at his position, it appears that the cornerback will be looking for a starting position elsewhere. His 2004 season was easily his best, when he compiled 96 total tackles, five interceptions, and a sack. He was unable to match that type of production until this season, in which he has 58 total tackles and four picks through eleven games. He will be one of the top defensive targets on the market.
Ken Hamlin, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
The Arkansas product has 43 total tackles and four interceptions in eleven games, and has helped Dallas to one of the league’s best records. If he can add another interception before the end of the season, he’ll have a new career high and will help his value on the market. Hamlin is still young at 26, and should have several seasons ahead of him, so there will be teams interested in using him at the safety spot.
Other Free Agent Cornerback
Chris Carr RFA Oakland Raiders
Tory James UFA New England Patriots
Karl Paymah RFA Denver Broncos
B.J. Sams UFA Baltimore Ravens
Chad Scott UFA New England Patriots
Other Free Agent Safety
William Bartee UFA Kansas City Chiefs
Jay Bellamy UFA New Orleans Saints
Omar Stoutmire UFA Washington Redskins
Derrick Strait UFA Carolina Panthers
Gibril Wilson UFA New York Giants
Last edited by a moderator:
A list of RFA would also be nice.
L - None LBAZ BlackstockIND HaglerATL BoleyDBDEN AbdullahHOU BrownNYG ButlerDEN FoxworthAZ GreenCHI McGowanJAC Sensabaugh
The offseason is every bit as fun to follow as the regular season.
