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

Needing a Change of Scenery

WR Chad Johnson, CIN

The future of the Bengals' receivers revolves around T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Johnson is a well-paid liability in Cincinnati. For all his talent, he's more mouth and decreasing production. The Bengals should be looking to sever ties with him going into 2009.

Teams who need him most: Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills

TE Tony Gonzalez, KC

The future Hall of Fame tight end could find his way out of Kansas City if a new general manager is dedicated to developing a youth movement. Gonzalez has contemplated retirement lately, but he could benefit from a new home in 2009—somewhere he won't be the focal point.

Teams who need him most: Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks

QB Derek Anderson, CLE

It looks more and more like the Cleveland Browns QB job will be Brady Quinn's to lose. If anything was learned in Cleveland this year, it's that you can never have enough quarterbacks. But you can have too much money tied up in them. Braylon Edwards may have cost Anderson a job, and a new home in 2009.

Teams who need him most: Detroit Lions, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers

WR Braylon Edwards, CLE

A severe case of the "dropsies" plagued Edwards in 2008, but he still has what it takes to be a great receiver. But Edwards may have worn out his welcome in Cleveland. He's still a strong and fast route-runner, and if 2008 was just a down-year, he has very good hands. The poor season may have decreased his value for teams if the Browns do part ways.

Teams who need him most: New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers

RB Edgerrin James, ARI

He may have exploded in the Wild Card round on the Atlanta Falcons, but he's still not happy. Maybe a Super Bowl could fix that and make him honor his contract, but the scenarios aren't in his favor. He wants to be a runner on a team that's built to pass. The next playoff game will provide a clearer picture on his future.

Teams who need him most: Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks 

Cap Casualties

QB Brett Favre, NYJ

Woody Johnson may be on record saying he wants Favre back in 2009, but the dollars won't make sense for New York. The Jets adopted his contract from the Packers, and the numbers placed New York $9 million over the projected cap. New York could let him play his retirement game, but they don't feel the same sense of obligation to his legacy as Green Bay.

Teams who need him most: Mississippi Retirement Home Badgers

RB Cadillac Williams, TB

The oft-injured running back could find his way out of Tampa Bay this offseason. The Buccaneers have stood with him because of his potential and awesome nickname—but he hasn't been with his team for what feels like forever. If he can get over the injury bug, he can be an excellent complementary back elsewhere—especially if the Buccaneers feel tapped out by the gas guzzler.

Teams who need him most: New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts

QB Matt Hasselbeck, SEA

Usually with coaching changes come quarterback changes. This doesn't mean Seneca Wallace is the new man for the job, but it means Hasselbeck may not be in their next coach's future plans. Hasselbeck counts for $6.3 million against the cap, and has had injury issues. A new coach may not be as dedicated to him.

Teams who need him most: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers

CB Chris McAlister, BAL

Injury problems may have dropped McAlister's value in recent years. When he's healthy and on the field, he's top five in the NFL. Unfortunately, he hasn't been on the field. He's on the wrong side of 30, on a team with a defense that's still among the NFL's best even without him. If he can return to health, McAlister will be an excellent no. two corner for a team with a rookie, or short on depth.

Teams who need him most: New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars

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