T1B

Here's the Top 100 According to Yahoo:

1. Albert Haynesworth, DT: Far and away the best free agent; $100 million isn’t out of the question - Redskins

2. Kurt Warner, QB: Expect the deal to come in at two years, $22 million with Arizona.

3. Jason Brown, C/G: Likely to become the top paid interior offensive lineman in the game - Rams

4. Ray Lewis, LB: Lots of talk about Dallas or the Jets, but look for him to return to Baltimore.

5. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR: Bengals are delusional enough to think he might return. Yeah, right.

6. Bart Scott, LB: No discounts for the Ravens this time probably means no return to Baltimore - Jets

7. Bryant McFadden, CB: Best cornerback among a lot of mediocre ones on this list.

8. Jabari Greer, CB: He’s going to get a lot of money ($7 million a year) after two decent campaigns.

9. Phillip Buchanon, CB: Florida native likely to return to Tampa Bay. Bucs have the cash.

10. Derrick Ward, RB: Former seventh-round pick hits the big time in a shallow group of RBs.

11. Khalif Barnes, OT: Had issues in Jacksonville, but he has pretty serious talent.

12. DeAngelo Hall, CB: Out to prove that he’s still a Pro Bowl player after two bad years - Skins

13. Kerry Collins, QB: Wants to get the same deal as Warner. Probably will be a little short - Titans

14. Tra Thomas, OT: He’s old, but he can still play and left tackles aren’t easy to get in free agency.

15. Brian Dawkins, S: Like Thomas, he’s old, but he can still play and the Eagles love him - Broncos

16.Chris Kemoeatu, G: Like his brother Maake in 2006, he figures to hit the jackpot - Resigned Steelers

17. Chris Canty, DE: There’s tremendous speculation he’ll go to Miami. Terrific DL in a 3-4 scheme.

18. Jake Grove, C: Another guy who could easily end up in Miami.

*19. Stacy Andrews, G: Serious knee injury in season finale cost him millions - Eagles

*20. Mark Tauscher, OT: He’s old, but the Packers need to have their right tackle back.

21. Jonathan Vilma, LB: Solid season with the Saints. Needs to be in a 4-3 scheme. -Resigned Saints

22. Gibril Wilson, S: SIGNED Dolphins

23. Jeff Saturday C: Colts want him back, but he may price himself out of the market - Resigned Colts

24. Jon Stinchcomb, OT: Nice right tackle, but not a great player. Will be overpaid - Resigned Saints

25. Byron Leftwich, QB: Good guy, nice arm, wants to start. But that release is still slow.

26. Matt Birk, C: Six-time Pro Bowler is getting up there, but he could bring leadership to a developing line.

27. Drayton Florence, CB: He never fit in Jacksonville, but his age and experience will make him a commodity again.

28. Darren Sharper, S: Veteran safety who can still hit, but his playmaking skills may be on the decline.

29. Nate Washington, WR: He turns 26 this offseason and has big-play ability. Should be ready to be a consistent No. 2 in a scheme with a big-armed quarterback.

30. Devery Henderson, WR: Young and speedy. Can be a solid No. 2 in a vertical scheme.

31. Fred Taylor, RB: Can be reliable for maybe two more years with a 12-15 carry load.- Patriots

32. Laveranues Coles, WR: Moody, but the talent is there to be a top level No. 2 for a few more years - rumor is Miami

33. Marvin Harrison, WR: Could still be a solid No. 2 if he’s healthy, but he’s falling off fast. One or two more years of solid production may be it.

34. Marcus Washington, LB: Aging playmaker who has missed 12 regular season games the last three years. Can still be a good starter.

35. Cedric Benson, RB: Finally showed some determined production in ’08, but he’s still too risky for a major contractual commitment.

*36. Marvel Smith, OT: If his back trouble subsides, he’s on the fringe of the league’s top 10 tackles. If it doesn’t, his career may be in jeopardy.

*37. Chris McAlister, CB: He has lost a step and hasn’t been healthy since 2006, but still has a lot of value in a thin year at cornerback. Big risk, moderate reward player.

38. Antonio Smith DE: Has gotten better in each of his seasons in Arizona. Could be a 7- or 8-sack player opposite an elite defensive end. - Texans

*39. Jon Runyan, OT: Has gone an astonishing 12 years without missing a game, but had microfracture surgery this offseason. He’s just getting too old to be a good risk.

40. Cato June, LB: His role in Tampa limited some of his numbers, but he should be a quality starter in a 4-3 for another three years.

41. Jeff Garcia, QB: A solid one or two-year stopgap for a West Coast scheme.

42. Joey Galloway, WR: He can round out a receiving core as a No. 2 for a year or two.

43. Yeremiah Bell, S: SIGNED A four-year $20 million deal with the Dolphins.

44. Keith Brooking, LB: He’s more of a tackler than a playmaker at this stage, but he can still be a solid starter in a 4-3 for several years. - Cowboys

45. Trai Essex, OT: He can play multiple positions and provide good depth. He could still develop into a solid starter.

46. Sean Jones, S: A solid playmaker who will get a fat contract. He’s a little overrated, but could be very good with a strong surrounding cast.

*47. Angelo Crowell, LB: Missed all of 2008 with a serious knee injury. If he was healthy, he’d be one of the best linebackers in this class.

48. Mike Peterson, LB: Injuries and butting heads with coach Jack Del Rio robbed him of three good years. Either there is very little left, or he’s going to be a big bargain.

49. John St. Clair, OT: Another guy who isn’t a quality starter but who can play multiple positions and give depth.

50. Andre’ Goodman, CB: Had arguably his best season in the NFL last year. He turns 31 this year, but cornerbacks will be at a premium.

51. Chris Baker, TE: Balanced tight end who needs to do more on the offensive end. Perennially overrated - Patriots

52. Derrick Brooks, LB: A shade of the player he once was. Can still bring great leadership to a young defense.

53. Andra Davis, LB: A solid starter and not much more at this stage of his career - Broncos

54. Russ Hochstein, G: Career backup who can start in a pinch. He’ll get a surprising contract and start somewhere.

55. Lawyer Milloy, S: His best days are far behind him, but he’s serviceable and can help bring along young players in the secondary.

56. J.P. Losman, QB: He’s got great tools but makes poor decisions. He’s a Leftwich-type reclamation project at this point.

57. Rex Grossman, QB: A good arm and a terrible head. Another Leftwich-type backup who might be able to be salvaged down the line.

58. Eugene Wilson, S: His last eight games of ’08 showed a player who can still be a quality starter. He’s an underrated signing if he can stay healthy - Resigned Texans

59. Bertrand Berry, DE: He has missed 23 games in the last four years, but he could be a good one- or two-year starter opposite an “elite” defensive end in a 4-3.

60. Gerald Sensabaugh, S: A talented player who showed flashes of brilliance last season. He’s been arrested twice in the past two years.

61. Geoff Hangartner, C/G: Should be a respectable starter at guard or center wherever he signs. His next contract will surprise some people.

62. Eric Barton, LB: A solid tackler whose best playmaking days are behind him. He might have two years left in him as a starter in a 3-4 system.

63. Rocky Bernard, DT: He never showed he could play as well as his great 2005 season, but he’s got three or four good starting years left.

64. Igor Olshansky, DT: A 3-4 end who looked like he was going to develop into a very respectable player until the coaching staff soured on him last season.

65. Michael Boley LB: Has skills but doesn’t always hold up against the run. Big things were expected before he fell out of favor with Atlanta’s new staff last season - Giants

66. Kevin Carter DE/DT: He’s not a three-down player anymore, but he can still play. A good veteran rotation player for the right price.

67. Deuce McAllister, RB: Still has a year or two left as a split-carry option if he could stay healthy. That’s a big if.

68. Domonique Foxworth CB: SIGNED Ravens for four years and $28 million, including $16.5 million in guaranteed money.

68. Shaun Cody, DT: Has skills, but no sacks or forced fumbles in the last three years. Could be a bargain if someone can motivate him, or an utter bust if they can’t.

69. Jim Leonhard, S: Filled in nicely in injury situations and can be a solid starter who makes the occasional play.

70. Jim Kleinsasser, TE: A superior blocker who won’t factor into the passing game - Resigned - Vikings

71. James Sanders, S: Could be a solid starter for a 3-4 team, particularly one that needs someone who understands the alignment.

72. Mike Nugent, K: Best kicker on the market in terms of combination of youth and skill. Might be more of a factor from 50-plus if he gets out of the Meadowlands.

73. L.J. Smith, TE: Injuries halted his growth into a top tight end. When healthy, he’s still young enough to contribute 40 receptions and 500 yards to a passing game.

74. Pete Kendall, G: The sun is setting on his career, but he’s a good option for a team needing a one- or two-year guard who can mentor some younger players.

75. Ronald Fields, DT: He’s never really found his niche as a defensive end or tackle in a 4-3. He could play nose in a 3-4 alignment.

76. Mike Wright, DT: A young 3-4 lineman who the Patriots liked enough last season to assign a second-round tender to him. Could be a quality starter for another team.

77. Corey Ivy, CB: Speed and size deficient. Could be a good signing for depth in the Cover 2.

78. Jabar Gaffney,WR: Could be a solid No. 2 across from a dominant wideout, but is more likely a good No. 3. - Broncos

79. Zach Thomas, LB: His lack of size and speed has caught up to him. He’s little more than a solid tackler at this point in his career.

80. LaMont Jordan, RB: On the downside of his career, but can still contribute with 10 touches a game if he ever stays healthy.

81. Keiwan Ratliff, CB: Did a nice job after injuries forced him to play 13 games last season.

82. Ron Bartell, CB: Got a chance to play last season and did a solid job. Even got three interceptions.

83. Justin Miller, CB: Failed top pick with Jets has nice return ability if healthy.

84. Tyjuan Hagler, LB: Active, tough and good on special teams. Needs to be in Tampa 2 defense.

85. Kenny Peterson, DE: Even after six years of inconsistency, he flashes tempting ability.

86. Ronald Curry, WR: Injuries have hampered a promising career. Nice all-around athlete.

87. Dan Orlovsky, QB: Looking for the safety of a No. 2 job where he won’t run into safeties.

88. Ty Law, CB: Law doesn’t do training camp at this stage of his career. Wait till September.

89. Kevin Burnett, LB: Durable and active, but hasn’t lived up to being a second-round pick.

90. Ryan Fitzpatrick QB: Expect him to return to the quiet safety of Cincinnati for a backup job - Bills

91. Chris Crocker, S: He actually did a nice job in two stops last season, but safeties are easy to find. - Resigned Bengals

92. Dominic Rhodes, RB: If he’s smart, he stays in Indianapolis no matter what the cost.

93. Maurice Morris, RB: Passable backup who doesn’t complain about his role - Lions

94. Warrick Dunn, RB: A serviceable No. 2 who may have two years left in that role.

95. Amani Toomer, WR: Leading receiver in Giants history is a classy vet playing out the string.

96. Bobby Engram, WR: Like Toomer, he’s at the end but is terrific in third-down situations.

97. Rudi Johnson, RB: Might have some mileage left on his body if he can get healthy.

98. Bryant Johnson WR: Couldn’t make it with WR-desperate 49ers. That’s not a good sign - Lions

99. Jason Craft, CB: Typical CB who survives a decade in the league because he knows the game.

100. J.J. Arrington, RB: Nice third-down back and backup. Not overly versatile - Broncos

101. Correll Buckhalter - RB Broncos

102. Brandon Jones WR - 49ers

103. Derrick Dockery - G - Redskins

I have no clue who would dare take the Lions' money among the elite free agents. Of the top 10, I'd love Bart Scott to come home...he's a Detroit native but I doubt he leaves Baltimore with Lewis probably going to Dallas.

Realistic targets could be Andrews or Vilma. The Lions were in the mix for Vilma when the Jets were trading him but they wouldn't part with the 3rd or 4th round pick to get him. Cato June getting released offers another solid option at linebacker.

There's no guarantee that whatever position they can address in free agency that won't go there with that #1 pick. Signing a Scott, Vilma or June wouldn't necessarily rule out them taking Curry. If they can add to an offensive lineman, that could grease the wheels for Stafford. With no great DT other than Haynesworth available, I can't imagine Raji is out of the picture at #1 either.

Appears the Chiefs, Cards, Giants & Jets are all interested in Scott in addition to the Ravens - He'd look good in KC & with the possible addition of Curry in the draft could really solidify a terrible LB corps.

Also just saw that Jeff Saturday resigned with the Colts -

Jason Brown will become the highest paid interior lineman in the league sometime in the next few days

Skins overspend on Haynesworth and re-up DeGulpaLoad Hall. While that helps shore up the DL, they still have no OL (lead by some bit-rate tard from Wisconsin) and lack an impact wide receiver. I guess Adam Archuleta wasn't available to complete the trifecta.

The deal with Haynesworth and the Skins is final (7-year, $100 million)
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

Browns trade The Soulja to Tampa Bay
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d ... nfirm=true

Vrabel to Chiefs..

and Bart Scott just signed with the Jets

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=r ... pe=fantasy

Vrabel is a nice pickup, but they better do something with the O-line. Read in the Star today that Brian Waters is the latest Chief vet to want out. Seems Pioli and Haley don't want to talk to him about it and they're gaining a reputation among players as being arrogant.

Wrong.

War Wagon wrote:Vrabel is a nice pickup.

Dude is a little old... but great while he was here. Good luck with that.

On to New England's perspective. Good thing we have young dudes like Seau and Bruschi to pick up the slack. Oh wait, what's that you say... they're collecting Social Security next year? Terrific. :doh:


I heard a rumor about Cassel and a pick being traded to Carolina for Peppers. He is unhappy and Delholmme sort of sucks these days. Certainly not 04 or 05 form lately. Still. I just don't see it.

Brian Dawkins has apparently agreed to terms with the Broncos.. 2 year deal from what I'm reading. Felix what are you hearing?

We've still got Gonzo, for the moment anyway.

Jared Page and Bernard Pollard don't suck either. Brian Waters is a Pro-Bowler.

And I'm still holding out hope that Derrick Johnson will someday be an All-Pro. He's improving.

mvscal wrote:There shouldn't be a single player on that team with a secure roster spot.

That's life in general, not just the NFL or professional sports. You have to make the team every day.

I read where Goodell took a voluntary 20% pay cut from $11 mil a year to $9 mil a year. My heart just bleeds.

mvscal wrote:Fred Taylor to the Pats...

WTF... Emmitt Smith wasn't available? This team needs to get younger via FA.


I don't know Maroney's cap number next year, but it can't be alot considering he signed a 5 year 8.something million dollar deal as a rookie. I guess this is good back-up for for when Laurena gets hurt and/or fails to deliver. Again. See ya later Jordan and Morris???

The Lions add Maurice Morris in Day 1 of free agency...someone to take some of the carries away from Kevin Smith. Rudi Johnson obviously wasn't going to be coming back so they needed a #2 back. They had some interest in Derrick Ward. He would've been a great change of pace for Smith and he could probably split the carries with him 50-50. Two back systems have become the in thing...it preserves the backs from the pounding over a full season. Teams are smarter to a solid #2 option so their star back doesn't break down before the season ends.

The two names I've the Lions having interest in are Nate Washington to be the #2 receiver behind Johnson and the recently released guard Derrick Dockery. Both would be nice pickups. I can't believe they actually flirted with the idea of trying to sign Houshmanzadeh. They just need to get some serviceable guys around Megatron. This team has not fared well with two prime receivers on the roster at one time.

Matt Cassel traded to the Chiefs...Pioli brings over another ex-Patriot.
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/28/chiefs- ... or-cassel/

If the Pats get that #3 pick...you have to believe Aaron Curry is the guy they want at that spot. The Lions now are the one only a few teams that are in need of a young QB. The Chiefs are off that list with Cassel and Thigpen. I don't think they have to take Stafford #1 because they could look at him or Sanchez falling to them at #20. What they could also do is if the Pats do have that #3 pick, they could swap that with #1 and move back and get some more picks and then take Stafford, Raji or a lineman at #3. The Pats could have Curry with the #1 pick. If the Lions stay at #1, it would make the most sense to go after a guy like Raji, Curry or one of the tackles. If they want a QB so bad in this draft, trade up from #20 but I think they can honestly hold off on that for this year and try next year with the better crop of QBs coming out next year or try and find a gem later in the draft. They aren't going to make a Dolphin-like turnaround...I expect them to be in the top 5 again next year.

.....more bad news for the Raiduhs. The Donks have been loading up in FA, the Bolts don't need much, and now the Chiefs sign Cassel. Long live Alcula :D

Looks like the Chiefs only had to give up a 2nd round pick for Cassel:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=t ... &type=lgns

I like this a lot obviously, as we'll still be in position to grab Curry at 3 or trade down and grab Crabtree or possibly OT Jason Smith,

Nice job by Pioli doing this thing.

KC Scott wrote:
100. J.J. Arrington, RB: Nice third-down back and backup. Not overly versatile - Broncos

101. Correll Buckhalter - RB Broncos

apparently they couldn't talk Floyd Little out of retirement, so the Broncos settled for Arrignton and Buckhalter......great pick-ups :doh:

I can hardly wait to see how they address the DEFENSIVE woes they've had for the last few years.....should be exciting

KC Scott wrote:Looks like the Chiefs only had to give up a 2nd round pick for Cassel:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=t ... &type=lgns

I like this a lot obviously, as we'll still be in position to grab Curry at 3 or trade down and grab Crabtree or possibly OT Jason Smith,

Nice job by Pioli doing this thing.

...FOX sports is spinning it that New England got over on this one???

So, Vrabel and Cassel for a 2nd round pick? Geez...Pioli gets over on his old team.

Another QB swap on Saturday...Lions ship Jon Kitna to Dallas for DB Anthony Henry. Kitna will be Romo's new backup after they let Brad Johnson walk.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=A ... &type=lgns

Getting anything for Kitna is a bonus...thought they were just going to cut him. Adding a piece that could either start or at least play in nickle or dime packages works for me. The Leigh Bodden experiment was a total disaster and I've heard rumors that if Shaun Rogers is let go by Cleveland, he'd be open to coming back to Detroit...essentially undoing the trade last year.

I'm bummed to found out that Dockery went back to the Redskins...

It does seem like KC got over on the Cassel/Vrabel trade. They just got a QB on both sides of the ball.


Vrabel would have counted 4.3 million against this year's cap. Couple that with Cassel's salary and you just freed up about 19 million. That in itself is value, but, yeah... great trade for KC. I am stunned.

ucantdoitdoggieSTyle2 wrote:I am stunned.

Me too.

Wow, a top notch QB and vet linebacker for a 2nd round pick? I'm almost speechless. I guess it's a good deal for the Pats in saving all that cap space and especially if Brady comes back strong... but it's a slam dunk for the Chiefs who have loads of room under the cap.

I think I'm going to like this Pioli.

Hmmm....... do we give him a shitload of money now or make him prove '08 wasn't a fluke?

Cassel deal doesn't include new contract
By Jason Cole
An intriguing element of Kansas City's trade for quarterback Matt Cassel is that Cassel hasn't received a new contract from the Chiefs as part of the deal -- which figures to put new Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli in an interesting and perhaps uncomfortable position.


A source close to Cassel reiterated that the quarterback would not be unhappy playing next season under the one-year salary of $14.56 million that was guaranteed to him after New England put the franchise tag on him and he signed the deal.

"He'll play under that deal if that's what he has to do," the source said. If the Chiefs have to franchise Cassel again in 2010, that one-year salary would be at least $17.58 million.

Because of that, expect Pioli, who dealt a second-round pick to the Patriots for Cassel and Mike Vrabel, to have to make a significant offer to a quarterback who has played only one season as a starter since he was in high school.

Cassel likely will command at least $36 million in guaranteed money as part of any deal he does with the Chiefs, and that's if he does it now. With veterans such as Eli Manning and Philip Rivers coming up for new contracts soon, the numbers for quarterbacks may only go up.

"It doesn't take a lot of complicated math to figure out the numbers," the source said. "It's going to be interesting."

From the Pats' point of view, consider the position that pick is...very early in the second round. It's like they added another late first round at 34th overall. They have the 23rd pick as well so they're going to end up with 2 of the top 34 players on their board. That's not a bad situation for them. They'll certainly need to look at adding a backup QB to replace Cassel...Brady isn't a sure thing to be back for the start of the season but you have think if they make this move, he probably will be.

Shoalzie wrote:From the Pats' point of view, consider the position that pick is...very early in the second round. It's like they added another late first round at 34th overall. They have the 23rd pick as well so they're going to end up with 2 of the top 34 players on their board. That's not a bad situation for them. They'll certainly need to look at adding a backup QB to replace Cassel...Brady isn't a sure thing to be back for the start of the season but you have think if they make this move, he probably will be.

They actually have 4 of the top 55 I believe. Time to rebuild the aging defense.

I do think Vrabel and Cassel are worth more then a 2 though. There is a bigger signing waiting in the wings. They pulled the trigger and cleared that cap space in order to bring in an impact player on D through free agency. We will see who that turns out to be....

War Wagon wrote:I guess it's a good deal for the Pats in saving all that cap space.

If that's the case, we should have thrown in Bruschi and Harrison for free.

Interesting that the Doinks were also after Cassel:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=A ... &type=lgns

Given the overall whiny nature of Cutler, this isn't going to end well - kinda a Plummer redux

Guntler's problem is that he's an insulin dependent diabetic who has yet to have a winning season in the NFL.` Take away either of those things and he'll have a good 7 or 8 years as a back up. As a starter, he's got 3, maybe 4 years left tops.

All I know is TJ in SEA in a PPR scoring system is gonna be money!!!

I think it's more likely that the Pats made out well in the Cassel deal than KC did, although it's possible it'll work out well for KC, too.

KC has to shell out ... BIG ... cayesh for Cassel.
They have to pay him as if he's one of THE best QB's in the league.

It's a roll of the dice.

Is he that good?

Questionable, very.

Remember that he took over for a team that went UNDEFEATED the previous season.
They lost 5 games with him.
He put up very respectable numbers, though.

KC needs stability at QB, though, and it's reasonable to think that Cassel can give them more in that regard than what they had last year.

Vrabel is a solid vet.
Getting a bit long in the tooth, so how much does he have left in the tank?

The young team NEEDS some vets with know-how, though, so it makes some sense.

I could see KC taking Crabtree.
He and Bowe would give Cassel something to look at.
Add a ?motivated? diaperboy and KC's offense might take shape.

... if somebody can block.

Gotta patch up that O-Line, big time.


NE makes out pretty well, imo.
Of course they are counting on Brady being back at 100%.
So Cassel then becomes expendable.
And they opened up a lot of cap space.
Picking up the 34th pick in the draft doesn't suck, either.


As I said, I think it's more likely that we look back and say NE made out well here, but it's possible KC did, also.

Just really depends on how well Cassel plays.

poptart wrote:KC has to shell out ... BIG ... cayesh for Cassel.

I think that's a main reason for NE getting less than expected for Cassel. He wasn't willing to renegotiate that contract for a long term deal @ less money (say 8-10 miilion... depending on its length) per year. He knows that he's getting 14.5 million or so, guaranteed in 09. He's going to bank that and start all over again.

If he has a crappy season then that decision won't look too smart. But hey, if Brady never got hurt, he may have not made 14.5 million for his whole NFL career... so I guess it makes sense to "go for it."

Deidra Lane is also a free agent now after serving 6 years for shoooting her husband.

Ced. Benson resigns with Bungholes

Jim Leonhard signs with Jets

Lions acquire Julian Peterson from Seattle for Cory Redding and a 5th round pick
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11501285

The Lions needed a playmaking linebacker and they were able to get rid of that terrible contract that Millen signed Redding to.


Aaron Curry is pretty much begging the Lions to take him #1 overall to play with Peterson and Ernie Sims.
http://freep.com/article/20090314/SPORT ... 14053/1048


This defense could really start looking respectable if they go with Curry #1 to be the middle linebacker with Peterson and Sims flanking him and the change on the line with Redding out and veteran Grady Jackson in the middle to be the run-stuffer and new corners Anthony Henry and Philip Buchanon. If they pass on Curry, they'll need to find someone to be that Mike backer...someone they've lacked since Stephen Boyd and even further back with Spielman.