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Writing their own ticket
Six would-be free agents sure to be hot commodity
Posted: Wednesday December 20, 2000 7:34 PM
Free agency has made many young players wealthy and this year will be no exception.
Forget about teams that claim they won't get into bidding wars over their players. They'll pay because they know if other clubs get a shot at their stars, the price will go through the roof.
Here are six would-be free agents who are in the driver's seat:
Buffalo wideout Eric Moulds is among the receiving leaders in the AFC and is headed to his first Pro Bowl. The Bills will have trouble using the franchise tag to hold onto him because of their cap situation. His agent will use Keyshawn Johnson's deal as a benchmark. That means Moulds will look for a little more than $13 million to sign. Don't worry -- more than a few teams are willing to pay him.
Miami defensive end Jason Taylor proved this year he can be an every down player and has 14.5 sacks to show for himself. I've spoken to some people in the Dolphins' front office and I believe they'll use the franchise tag on Taylor. That could mean it might be August before a deal is done. By then, the market for defensive ends could be higher than it was in January. Several teams may consider signing Taylor and surrendering compensation to Miami for his services. He'll be looking for a contract that exceeds Courtney Brown's deal with Cleveland.
People I talk to wonder how good Cincinnati running back Corey Dillon would be on a good team? Could he do what Curtis Martin has done for the Jets? Absolutely, but it'll take a deal like the one Eddie George got from the Titans. If you can't write a signing bonus check of $12 million, don't bother calling.
Packers safety Darren Sharper is having a career year and is on his way to Honolulu. The 25-year-old will want John Lynch kind of numbers, plus 10 percent. That's $6 million to sign and a yearly average of $3.5 million.
Bills defensive end Marcellus Wiley was supposed to replace Bruce Smith on the front four and has come through with flying colors and 10 sacks. One coach told me, "He hasn't scratched the surface yet." Plus, he hurried back from offseason back surgery. It'll be virtually impossible for Buffalo to protect both Wiley and Moulds. But Wiley will be no bargain -- he'll look at what Jason Taylor wants and maybe discount it 10 percent.
Broncos linebacker John Mobley has recovered from knee surgery and is having a good season. With just Mobley and fullback Howard Griffith to sign, Denver could use its franchise tag here. To get Mobley signed may take a deal like the ones LaVar Arrington or Derrick Brooks got. Some would say that's too much money. My answer to that would be, "That was last year -- things cost more now." It'll take $10 million to make Mobley a Bronco for life.
It just goes to show you: When a player is young, healthy, has little or no off-the-field baggage and plays a critical position, the sky's the limit.
Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a Pro Football coach, scout, and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Chat with Pat each Wednesday at 1 p.m.
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