Bagging a bargain
The 2011 season is over, and now NFL fans are looking to their teams to improve their roster and make a charge at a championship in 2012. This year, there are a lot of highly talented individuals coming to the end of their deals at their current teams, set to hit the free agency market, so let’s have a look at some of the highest profile, and where they could land.
The 2012 wide receiver class is the one that many teams will like the look of in this year’s free agency, and it coincides with a time that many teams will be looking for a number one or number two wideout. Maybe the best of the unrestricted free agents to be is VINCENT JACKSON of the San Diego Chargers, who seems to be edging towards the exit door at the Qualcomm, after sources said that the Chargers were not going to use the Franchise Tag on the 6’5’ wide receiver. Other high class receivers that will hit the market include STEVIE JOHNSON, who Buffalo seem reluctant to pay big money and BRANDON LLOYD, who has expressed interest in a pay rise (as you do) at other teams like the Patriots, while not ruling out resigning for the Rams.
One very interesting story to follow will be the decision of the Pittsburgh Steelers when it comes to their young no. 1 man MIKE WALLACE, who will be a restricted free agent. You would think Pittsburgh would want to resign their star receiver, but their salary cap issues (approx. $10 million over after restructuring other deals) could prohibit a deal. The Steelers are likely to put a first round tender on Wallace, so a team would have to give up a first round pick to get him, but for teams like Cleveland, New England and Cincinnati, who have two first rounders, it could be worth it to go after the pacey deep threat.
A couple of running backs who could be available on the market are PEYTON HILLIS and MICHAEL BUSH. Hillis had a nightmare season last year, suffering from the ‘madden curse’, but he is still a big, bruising back who has a future in the league, just probably not at the Browns. Michael Bush stepped up to fill the void at Oakland when Darren McFadden went down injured and did a very good job. He just might be ready to step up to being the number one back at a franchise somewhere, don’t rule out the Bengals, Lions or Broncos taking a shot at Bush.
In terms of QB’s who could hit the open market, its slim pickings this year, the best of an average bunch could be CHAD HENNE, KYLE ORTON and JASON CAMPBELL. However, it is MATT FLYNN who is going to be the most coveted prospect after his excellent performances when asked to fill in for MVP Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. Look for Flynn to hook up with his old offensive co-ordinator Joe Philbin in Miami, or possibly to join Mike Shanahan in Washington. Either way, I think Flynn will be at the helm of an offense at the start of the 2012 season.
As for the men who really make the offense tick, the offensive line, CARL NICKS will be looking to become the best paid Guard in the NFL. However if he wishes to pursue this, it is unlikely that the Saints will be able to keep hold of his services while tying up Drew Brees’ contract at the same time, so Nicks would be an excellent, if expensive, pick up for one franchise. Other offensive linemen who could test the free agent waters are BEN GRUBBS, the Ravens’ Guard, and ADAM SNYDER, the Offensive Tackle for the 49’ers. Both could be good, if not useful additions to a roster.
On the defensive side of the ball, CLIFF AVRIL has expressed his distaste of the idea that the Lions will tag him, and he could hold out over it, or the Lions could choose to cash in now, and let Avril leave. The Defensive End would be another expensive quality addition to any team. Defensive Tackles SIONE POUHA of the Jets and PAUL SOLIAI of the Dolphins could be the best free agents at their position, while prodigious run stuffer AUBRAYO FRANKLIN has reached the end of his contract at New Orleans.
All-Pro Linebacker MARIO WILLIAMS is the best of his class this year, and the dangerous pass rusher will surely get an offer of some kind from his current team, the Houston Texans. However, if he does test the open market, expect Williams to draw a serious amount of interest, and a serious contract. CURTIS LOFTON, STEPHEN TULLOCH and AHMAD BROOKS are all quality Linebackers who will command a decent price in free agency, and I’m sure that some teams like the Eagles, who have huge holes at the Linebacker position, will splash out on one of these players.
There are also a lot of good Cornerbacks available on the open market this year, and the merry-go-round has already begun, with STANFORD ROUTT already signing a deal to join the Kansas City Chiefs. This almost certainly spells the end for BRANDON CARR, a good player in his own right, as the team will probably now use its franchise tag on wide receiver DWAYNE BOWE. Carr would be a good addition for a CB needy team, as would players like CORTLAND FINNEGAN, BRENT GRIMES and CARLOS RODGERS, who may all be looking for new teams come March, teams like Denver, Cincinnati, Detroit and Carolina, who could be heavily involved in negotiations for a Corner.
The draft has a poor pool of Safeties this year, so players like DASHON GOLDSON and MICHAEL GRIFFIN could be hot properties, however their respective teams, the 49’ers and the Titans may elect to use their franchise tag on these guys. TYVON BRANCH of the Raiders is probably the best of the rest.
And if your team needs a Punter or a Kicker, MAT MCBRIAR and JOSH SCOBEE could be the best options respectively.
So free agency this year is shaping up to be a very exciting one, and that’s only mentioning a few of the players who teams will be able to talk to. Some franchises will take on a very different look, while others will sit on what they have due to cap concerns or trust in their current roster.
Depending on what amount of talent teams evaluate to be hiding within the Draft, it could be a very busy month starting on March 13th, the start of the new league year, up until April 26th, when we go to Radio City Music hall for the 2012 NFL Draft.
After the NFL Scouting Combine between the 22nd and 28th of February, I will have a full 2 round mock draft ready for you all to pick apart, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for that!
