On the open market, here are 25 players worth watching
Posted: Thursday February 27, 2003 4:55 PM
When it hit the NFL 10 years ago, teams treated free agency, it has been said, like a kid in a candy store. But then the cavities started showing up, and people realized there was a price to pay for splurging on a sweet tooth.
These days, teams approach free agency more like country folks taking a trip to the general store: You get what you need, but not a lot extra, because you've got to make sure you can carry it all.
"Free agency, when it first began, was a way to instantaneously change a team, Tampa Bay GM Rich McKay said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine, "but that's not the case today. I'd say it took us about four years, but then teams made [free agency] what it is today."
Continuing the trend of the past few offseasons, free agency isn't expected to be a bonanza for the players this year. The teams aren't doing handstands either, because with the exception of a deep talent pool at linebacker, there's really not much quality at any particular position.
Still, there are deals to be made and money to be waged on particular players who fit particular needs. Here's a list of 25 notable names to know as free agency cranks to life Friday:
Head of the Class
Player
Pos.
Team
What to know ...
David Boston
WR
Ari.
The league consensus is amazement that the Cardinals allowed Boston to get to the market, even with the questions they have about his health and off-field issues. But he's a rare blend of size and speed and they're probably going to wind up regretting the move.
Hugh Douglas
DE
Phi.
Him going untagged is another surprise to many, since he's one of the guys who makes the Eagles defense go. He's almost 32, but pass rushers will always get paid. Andy Reid wants him back, but team president Joe Banner is worried about the long-term cap issues.
Rosevelt Colvin
LB
Chi.
Will benefit from the lack of pass rushing defensive ends available, in that he's perfect to play the rush linebacker in a 3-4, or handle every-down duty in a 4-3, rushing from right end on passing downs. Even with a glut at LB, he's a valuable commodity in this market.
Vonnie Holliday
DE
G.B.
Not a dominant player at either end or tackle, but he's more than solid at both positions and will be fairly coveted given the comparison shopping. Probably earned himself decent money with that monster five-sack, three-forced fumble game against Buffalo.
Stephen Davis
RB
Was.
Running back is the weakest position both in free agency and the draft, which should make for quite a market for Davis. After him, you're in Stacey Mack's neighborhood. Everyone seems to think that Davis is destined to be Emmitt Smith's replacement in Dallas.
Takeo Spikes
LB
Cin.
The Bengals have all kinds of room to match any deal that their talented transitional free agent might elicit, but he seems to want out of town and some team (maybe Buffalo?) might end up trying to put together a contract that would scare off Cincinnati.
Anthony Simmons
LB
Sea.
A sprained ankle cost him half of last season, but he's an athletic player who can run, drop into coverage, make game-turning plays, and still stay on the field for every down. He's on everyone's radar screen who is trying to upgrade at linebacker.
Jake Plummer
QB
Ari.
Opinions are divided on the erractic Plummer. Are his flaws his fault, or the Cardinals? One personnel man told me he'd pursue Kordell Stewart before he would Plummer. Still, Jake the Snake has at least three teams interested, and Denver still appears to be in the lead.
Mike Peterson
LB
Ind.
He's a good athlete, who is both a smart and instinctive player. But the Colts feel he doesn't give you enough big-play potential -- ala Colvin or Simmons -- to warrant $4 million a year. Maybe not, but with everybody searching for a Derrick Brooks, he'll do fine.
Flozell Adams
T
Dal.
He's a left tackle coming off a solid season, and that alone will get him noticed in a market that has seen both Orlando Pace and Walter Jones tied up with the franchise tag. Adams can be inconsistent, but he's massive, and will be only 28 by the time the season rolls around.
The Middle Class
Player
Pos.
Team
What to know ...
Luke Petitgout
T
NYG
Some teams have him ranked higher, but others believe he's a replaceable parts type player who is a candidate to be over-paid. Somewhat like Atlanta did with tackle Todd Weiner last year.
John Thornton
DT
Ten.
Personnel people are aware that he's a young run-stuffer who can also generate some pass rush. Won't break the bank, but he's the kind of solid player teams are after in free agency.
Mo Collins
G
Oak.
He's a tough player who probably didn't get his share of the credit on Oakland's superb offensive line. Collins gets a slight nod over Randy Thomas because he can also play tackle if needed.
Randy Thomas
G
NYJ
More of a finesse blocker than Collins is, Thomas will have some suitors to choose from. Notable is that he was a second-round pick in Bill Parcells' last draft in New York.
Wayne Gandy
T
Pit.
Despite being 32, he appears all but signed, sealed and delivered to the Dolphins, who are desperate for a left tackle. That would be a homecoming of sorts for the native of Central Florida.
Reggie Kelly
TE
Atl.
With the Falcons he got lost in the shadow of emerging star Alge Crumpler, but Kelly is no slug. He and Miami's Desmond Clark are both underrated talents who are decent bargains.
Daryl Gardener
DT
Was.
He was the Skins' player of the year, but then again, he was mounting a contract drive. His M.O. is a tricky back and a questionable locker room presence. He will stuff the run for you, though.
Tory James
CB
Oak.
He's going to benefit from a shallow market that features the likes of dome corners like Dré Bly and Ashley Ambrose. Denver's Denard Walker is another late addition who will land somewhere.
The Sleepers
Player
Pos.
Team
What to know ...
Jake Delhomme
QB
N.O.
Free agency's other Jake. Some teams say if he would have played late, the Saints would have made the playoffs.
Jay Foreman
LB
Hou.
Played credibly last year for Texans, and was once very highly regarded in Buffalo. Still young enough to have an upside.
Jermaine Lewis
KR
Hou.
Valuable little weapon who is going to get lots of action in free agency. Expect Baltimore to try and coax him home.
Gary Stills
LB
K.C.
One of the game's top special-teamers, he has only nickel package value as a position player. But his motor never quits.
Keith Newman
LB
Buf.
Hasn't clicked with Bills, but he has versatility and decent pass rush skills going for him. Nice complementary pickup.
Antonio Cochran
DL
Sea.
This combination end/tackle was probably Seahawks' best D-lineman last season. Just starting to come into his own.
MarTay Jenkins
WR
Ari.
Showed just enough big-play potential with the Cardinals to warrant someone giving him a shot at No. 3 receiver role.
