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The franchise tag is the devil, but that won't stop a lot of teams from summoning Satan himself for his NFL contract negotiation powers before March. There's a difference between great players and irreplaceable ones...

NFL 2009 Free Agents: 15 Star Players Who Could Have New Homes Next Season

by Angel Navedo (Senior Writer)

40

8232 reads

Preview/Prediction

January 06, 2009


The franchise tag is the devil, but that won't stop a lot of teams from summoning Satan himself for his NFL contract negotiation powers before March.

There's a difference between great players and irreplaceable ones. And distinguishing where fan-favorites fall in such situations provides a unique conflict for NFL owners and general managers.

Every free-agency period is marked with big-name players on the verge of receiving top dollar, salary-cap casualties, and players falling victim to changes in the head coaching regime or newly drafted rookies.

Nonetheless, difficult decisions must be made. And I have made it my obligation to speculate upon them!

 

Franchise Tags

Let's get this out of the way first. It's already known that Matt Cassel will receive the franchise tag from New England. 

Jordan Gross of the Panthers and T.J. Houshmandzadeh of the Bengals are both likely to receive the franchise tag if their teams can't negotiate new contracts with them before March.

Given the way the tag has been used in recent years, there's a good chance even more players will be punished with it. Expect Nnamdi Asomugha to remain in Oakland as well.

 

Expiring Contracts

LB Ray Lewis, BAL

It's weird to even picture Ray Lewis in a different uniform, but it's a reality fans should try and embrace. The Ravens long-time leader and former Super Bowl MVP may find himself listening to offers in March. While Lewis is the undisputed heart and soul of that defense, the explosive Ed Reed, young Haloti Ngata, and dominant Terrell Suggs should be the focus for Baltimore's defensive future.

Teams who need him most: New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins

 

DE Julius Peppers, CAR

The Panthers are faced with quite the dilemma. They're poised to make a playoff run, and will want to do whatever they can to keep their 12-4 squad in tact. But two line of scrimmage anchors on both sides of the ball are primed for a big pay day. My belief: they let Julius Peppers hit the open market. Jordan Gross was given the franchise tag in 2008, and deserves a long-term commitment in 2009.

Teams who need him most: Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos

 

RB Derrick Ward or RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG

It remains to be seen which player will emerge as most valuable to the Giants. My money is on Brandon Jacobs sticking around, but it's a double-edged sword. Jacobs misses games with injuries, and Ward steps in and makes sure the offense doesn't miss a step. But when Jacobs is on, he's the most vicious player on the field. He makes the rest of the offense work in a way no one else can while battering down the defense.

Teams who need them most: Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears

 

CB Dunta Robinson, HOU

If the Houston Texans don't apply the franchise tag to Dunta Robinson, expect him to attract mountains of attention in March. Cornerbacks are always in high demand. And with the Raiders likely tagging Nnamdi Asomugha again, Robinson instantly becomes the next guy to receive a lot of interest and a monster contract.

Teams who need him most: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints

 

LB Jonathan Vilma, NO

When the Jets traded the former Defensive Rookie of the Year to New Orleans, it was expected that he would be a dominant presence in the middle of their defense. And he didn't disappoint, but he was still part of the NFL's most disappointing units. The Saints never gave Vilma a new contract, and he can hit the free agent market and attract plenty of attention.

Teams who need him most: Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

RB Darren Sproles, SD

Sproles' recent emergence will have a lot of teams watching him closely leading up to March. San Diego has been fortunate enough to draft talented backs to complement LaDainian Tomlinson. If they believe Jacob Hester can fill the role, then Sproles should expect Michael Turner money in 2009. He's shown he can be a feature back, and an all-around weapon from anywhere on the field.

Teams who need him most: Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts

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40 comments Last one added 4 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Henry Gula 6 months ago

    One question about the franchise tag: can teams tag a player as many times as they want or can they only do it to a guy once before they either sign him or let him walk? The reason I ask is because I think that Haynesworth had the tag last year and this year he's on the market. Also another suggestion for the free agency market: Vince Wilfork. He can't be franchised because the Patriots already used it up on Cassel. I like the list though, and I do hope the Broncos get Peppers and maybe one of the DT's (Wilfork, Haynesworth) who could instantly improve the pass rush and run defense.

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    • Angel Navedo 6 months ago

      What's a matter, Henry? DeWayne Robertson not cuttin' it? lol.

      Sorry, man.. I had to.

      You know, I totally forgot about Wilfork. There's going to be a lot of wheeling and dealing. He's one of those guys who can be great in any scheme.. 3-4 or 4-3.

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    • Henry Gula 6 months ago

      Haha Don't even mention Dwayne. He sucks. He's been so disappointing all year. The guy can't stop the run or anything. We need Wilfork.

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    • Angel Navedo 6 months ago

      That's the story. He succeeded early on with Jason Ferguson next to him in the 4-3. The guy was advertised as the next Warren Sapp and flopped!

      Can't stand the guy. He's arrogant, too. He's known among Jets' fans as "DeWayne Don't Sign" because of his refusal to do autographs.

      Seriously?

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    • Andrew Mason 6 months ago

      technically a team can franchise a player as many times i believe but usually the player depending on his age and/or attitude will go "I will sign a multi year deal" "I will sign but you cant franchise me again ie Haynesworth"

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    • Samer Ismail 6 months ago

      Wilfork is NOT a free agent this year. He's signed through 2009.

      Secondly, there is technically no limit, BUT, if a team franchises a player three times, they have to pay him the average of the top 5 players at the highest-paid position (i.e., QB), regardless of the position he actually plays.

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    • Matt Leslie 5 months ago

      They can do it as many times as possible. The players upon signing it can ask that certain clauses be added. Think that's the case with Haynesworth maybe.

      I know for a fact that when The Bills tagged Nate Clemments a few years ago, they promised they wouldn't do it the following year. He walked to the largest Deffensive contract in history (at the time) the following year.

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  2. robert allred 6 months ago

    I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure TO isn't a free agent. I think he signed a 3 year extension last year or the year before.

    Or are you talking about a trade?

    Other than that, nice job...

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  3. Bob Cunningham 6 months ago

    just so you know, Haynesworth CANNOT be franchised because of a clause in his contract stating that if the team made the playoffs he was free to go.

    but yeah these are all good names, i'd like to see CJ or TJ in Eagles' green but... I doubt it.

    and how about Anquan Boldin? who is very upset that he's only making around 2 million a year while Fitz makes 10. he wants out.

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  4. Justin Morgan 6 months ago

    Doesn't Detroit need someone from every position on this list?

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  5. John Lorge 6 months ago

    I think Braylon Edwards is just fine in Cle.. He and Quinn should work well and Im sure he wants to redeem his poor hands performance.

    I also think Ray Lewis will resign with Baltimore, he is the Baltimore Ravens.

    I think Edwards would be a perfect fit in Detroit but then what to do with the top pick? Trade down for a pair of 1s? or a 1-2 this year and a 1 next year? tuff call

    Good article

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    • Angel Navedo 6 months ago

      It's how I felt about McNair and Tennessee. And Favre and Green Bay. It's a tough decision when you have to consider parting ways with a top choice. But I think it's the dilemma B-More is faced with this offseason.

      They finally have a QB and might need to bring some more players around him. Mason and Clayton ae great, but can anyone argue against one more receiver?

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    • John Lorge 6 months ago

      I agree that a playmaker at wideout would be a great addition for Balt. But if they pull the plug on the defense, its not gonna be pretty, and everyone on that defense will be worse off. Ray Lewis is a unique player in the NFL, the Ravens D is an Army. Favre and GB had bad blood... McNair was injury prone.. if Baltimore lets go of one of their 2 Hall of Famers while he still has juice left, the team will miss the playoffs.

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    • Vinny Gazzara 6 months ago

      I hope the Giants trade for Boldin. Without Plax they dont have a legitimet threat a WR.

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  6. David Arreola 6 months ago

    Couldn't we just put "Teams who need him most : Detroit"....for every single one?

    lol. They need it bad

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  7. Mike Leanza 6 months ago

    Ha. I lol'd at the team that needs Brett Favre.

    Anyway, I dont agree that the Eagles need Tony Gonzalez. Im not sayin LJ is great, but with Brent Celek and Matt Schobel showing alot of improvement, that 3 man rotation has worked well for the Eagles. And Im not sure I want a star WR on this team like Chad Johnson. Last time we did that, it worked out for a year, but set us back a couple years after that. The Eagles like to spread the ball around, Donovan hit 8 receivers against the Vikings for 300 yards. If they were to get a big name receiver, it wouldnt fit well with there rotation

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  8. Shane H. 6 months ago

    i am all for Ray Lewis and Ocho Cinco coming home to the 305.

    Love the team that needs Favre the most.

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  9. Vinny Gazzara 6 months ago

    Derrick Ward? He was a 1000 yard rusher this year, hes gotta be good for someone looking for a not so expenive runningback.

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    • Angel Navedo 6 months ago

      Sean just pointed out a big mistake I made. So I amended the article and included Derrick Ward or Brandon Jacobs. Who do you think is more valuable to the team? It could be a toss up between the two guys.

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    • Vinny Gazzara 6 months ago

      I thnk the Giants are much better with Jacobs in the lineup. Ward is very good dont get me wrong, but Jacobs is special.

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  10. Sean Crowe 6 months ago

    Wilfork isn't a free agent until next season...

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    • Angel Navedo 6 months ago

      You serious? Dagnabbit.

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    • Henry Gula 6 months ago

      Wait, really? I could have sworn I heard that he was. Because the whole problem for the Patriots was that they franchised Cassel meaning they couldn't franchise Wilfork...I guess I heard wrong. Sorry Angel! That's too bad, I was hoping the Broncos would make a run at him.

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  11. John Parker 6 months ago

    ray lewis???
    either he'll be in a ravens uniform or he won't play at all he is the face, voice, and heart of the baltimore ravens and i don't know if you can really call that football team that
    they really are Ray Lewis' defense even if he isn't the best player on it(right now)

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  12. Doug Dwyer 6 months ago

    I think the Franchise Tag isn't dicriminatory. Not sure why its labeled 'the devil.' The player gets an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position. So Franchising Cassell makes him one of the top 5 paid quarterbacks for 1 year. $14M isn't a bad payoff.

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  13. Mike Meadows 6 months ago

    Cassell NEEDS the franchise tag. Cause if he leaves every other team is gonna see he is a product of a GREAT coach not a super talented guy that got screwed for the last 10 years. He gets his 14 mil and then he can bounce and wont have to worry about when the next team drops him back to a 2 and hes back down to about 1.5 mil a yr

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  14. William Berry 6 months ago

    "Let's get this out of the way first. It's already known that Matt Cassel will receive the franchise tag from New England. "
    Yes, we all know the Patriots are soooo open, especially to ESPN reporters.

    We also know they make late February decisions in early January.

    Can you sense the sarcasm?

    Hey it may be right. They either do or they don't. That is a 50% chance of ESPN being right.
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/102277-espn-is-not-a-valid-source-for-new-england-patriots-news

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  15. Adam 6 months ago

    I'd see Anquan boldin on the Dolphins before Chad Johnson.

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  1. Havic 5 months ago

    The Giants have basically two free draft picks for can't stay healthy, I mean Shockey, that they can go out and get a deep threat big name WR. Andre Johnson is not happy with his team, and hell I don't blame him. Jacobs is not going anywhere, all Giants fans (as I am) need to not even have that thought in mind, he will get signed to a long term deal so fast his head will spin, then if the Gmen are smart, they will franchise D Ward, and this way, they can keep the Earth, Wind & Fire line up intact.

    The Linebacker core needs to be addressed also. Carlos Dansby is a FA, and so is Mike Peterson from my understanding, getting both or either one of those guys at linebacker would be great to getting the Gmen back and dare I say even better of a defensive team then when they won the SB last year.

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  2. Anonymous 5 months ago

    baltimore has a dilemma with their lb core. one of the best lb cores in the game is not the most expensive. franchise suggs and pay ray let go of scott he can go be a pro bowler somewhere else lol. we need a nice receiver boldin or andre johnson give them whatever picks they want the team the ravens have now has a bright future with a rookie qb and hopefully a healthy mcgahee and still 1 of the top defenses in the game. If people are saying ray lewis is not the best on his team anymore look at his stats dude is still dropping 100+ tackles he looks nowhere near done. or you can save drafts and get a WR that can be the 1-2 punch like manning and harrison or favre and driver. Flacco needs a WR he can develop with, he is the future of the franchise

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  3. Johnny Stone 5 months ago

    Why is everybody talking ray ray. His play has declined but he still has heart. Who you need to be talking about is peppers going to the STEELERS...........

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  4. Johnny Stone 5 months ago

    Chad is as bad as T.O. both are not worth the risk. They hurt there team.

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  5. kevin lewis 4 months ago

    Sproles will stay in SD. He even wants to stay.

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