They're calling it the weakest crop in the 10-year history of free agency, so already expectations have been lowered. But come Friday, when the NFL's Christmas-in-March shopping season officially opens, players will begin changing teams, if for no other reason than to set up next year's round of salary-cap cuts.
While the no-name element in this year's free agency class is probably overstated, there are some intriguing buys to be had in the 2002 marketplace. Remember, the New England Patriots signed a slew of no-name free agents last year at this time, and we all know where they ended up.
With the clock ticking toward March madness, here's a preview of the top names to know in free agency:
James Allen, Chicago, RB -- All he did for the Bears last season was make plays. Allen is probably better off as a team's change-of-pace back, rather than it's No. 1. But he's a nice mid-level addition who could wind up making a sizable impact for a relative bargain.
Jessie Armstead, N.Y. Giants, LB -- The five-time Pro Bowl selection isn't a free agent yet, but he will be by the time the market opens. Was his off year a product of his injury situation last season, or was it the first sign of a veteran's inevitable decline? Could be nice low-budget veteran pick-up.
Mike Caldwell, Philadelphia, LB -- What is it about the linebackers in Pennsylvania? Like the Steelers, the Eagles have too many good ones to keep them all. With Jeremiah Trotter locked up with the franchise tag, Caldwell could be the guy Philly can't afford to keep.
Cris Carter, Minnesota, WR -- Yes, he's a potential clubhouse lawyer. But the evidence strongly suggests the man can still catch the ball and help a team win. Somebody like the Rams, Dolphins, or Eagles will give him the chance to chase that elusive ring. Count on it.
Sam Cowart, Buffalo, LB -- If this were a year ago, and Cowart was coming off his Pro Bowl season of 2000, he'd be one of the more coveted names in free agency. But injuries have cost Cowart 19 of his team's past 20 games, and players who have snapped an Achilles' tendon are not the safest of bets.
Greg Favors, Tennessee, LB -- A starter the past two seasons for the Titans, Favors is the kind of player most teams are looking for in free agency: He won't cost a ton, and yet he's got a big upside. A lot of suitors are going to come calling Friday.
La'Roi Glover, New Orleans, DT -- Went from NFL defensive player of the year candidate to free agent in a dizzying span. Still, with pass-rushing defensive tackles still at a premium, look for someone to invest heavily in the notion that Glover's 2001 season was the aberration, not 2000.
Robert Griffith, Minnesota, SS -- True, there's a glut of safeties on the market this year, and Griffith is coming off an injury-marred season. The Vikings believe that will help them re-sign the former Pro Bowl selection. But the word is Griffith wants out of Minnesota at any cost after the chaos of 2001.
Az-Zahir Hakim, St. Louis, WR -- His penchant for fumbling may scare some suitors away, but he's young, has play-making speed and will find a team that promises to get him the ball more than the multi-faceted Rams ever did. If Tim Dwight can get paid, there's money enough for Hakim.
Donald Hayes, Carolina, WR -- He didn't sparkle with Chris Weinke at quarterback for the Panthers, but his 66-catch, 926-yard season in 2000 will be duly noted by teams looking for a bargain in the receiver bin. At 6-foot-4, 208 pounds, Hayes has the size that today's NFL demands.
Olin Kreutz, Chicago, C -- O.K. will do more than OK in free agency, because the first-time Pro Bowl selection has developed into a rock-solid presence in the middle of the Bears' under appreciated offensive line. Besides, every team needs a lineman named Olin.
Leonard Little, St. Louis, DE -- His 14 1/2-sack season was a case of perfect timing. Some believe he's just a situational player who can't help you every down. Maybe, maybe not. But here's betting he'll be a very well-paid situational player by mid-March.
Jim Miller, Chicago, QB -- The Bears want him back, but not as their clear-cut starter. Chicago thinks of him as more of 1A option, meaning he's not quite good enough to be the man. But some team may decide he was good enough for the Bears to go 13-3, and that'll be good enough for them.
Joey Porter, Pittsburgh, LB -- He's a restricted free agent who is almost certain to be tendered at a first-round level, but hey, he's worth it. Besides, the Steelers can't keep all their talented linebackers and they may have to draw the line when it comes to this play-maker.
Bill Schroeder, Green Bay, WR -- He's probably benefited greatly from playing with Brett Favre, but Schroeder is Ricky Proehl before Ricky Proehl grew into the Ricky Proehl role. By the way, Ricky Proehl is also a free agent, so if you want the original, you can go in that direction.
Antowain Smith, New England, RB -- Nobody nailed free agency any better than the Patriots in 2001, so who are we to question the champs? But if they let Smith escape, they're just going to be back in the market looking for a big, powerful running back just like him. And there aren't any.
Duane Starks, Baltimore, CB -- The best pure cover cornerback on the market, Starks didn't help himself with an inconsistent 2001. He wound up in a few too many highlight reels, for all the wrong reasons. The Ravens want him back, but probably can't pay the kind of dollars he'll get tossed his way.
Ricky Watters, Seattle, RB -- During the course of the NFL's past 10 years, he's probably the best back that you never really think about. But Watters still has a little life left in those legs and could be the veteran rushing option for a number of teams. Some think Jon Gruden's Bucs might be interested.
Reinard Wilson, Cincinnati, DE -- The converted former outside linebacker led the Bengals with nine sacks, playing the right end slot as a nickel rusher. It was the fifth-year veteran's best NFL season, and in proving his ability to get to the passer he may land a decent mid-level contract.
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