Top Available Free Agents for 2009 NFL Training Camps

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The 4-time Pro Bowl player will be 31 in August and has 2982 carries on his odometer plus the Cardinals clearly pushed him to the background in ’08.  However when given opportunities, James showed flashes like in Week 17 (100-yard effort on 14 carries) and in the 2008 NFL Playoffs.

The former back-to-back rushing title king (1999 and 2000) only rushed for 514 yards last season with a pedestrian average of 3.9 yards per rush. However I still expect to see the ten-year veteran’s name called when another running back inevitably goes down.

I was already surprised when the Eagles didn’t call when RB Brian Westbrook had ankle surgery.

OT Levi Jones, Cincinnati Benglas

When the Bengals drafted Alabama All-American offensive tackle Andre Smith in the first round, it spelled doom for Jones (6’5, 310). After missing parts of the last three seasons and a high price tag (due to earn a base salary of $3 million this year), Jones was a goner. 

Surprisingly after being set free from the strange world of the Bengals, Jones has taken his time in signing with another team. I guess the stout tackle, who was once viewed as a cornerstone lineman, wants to see what opportunities will arise in training camp. 

I also believe like most veterans, Jones wants no parts of two-a-days in the hot training camp sun. With his long arms and good feet expect to see this 30-year old by the start of the season on someone’s roster real soon. 

Hopefully to keep his image clean before signing, Jones will go the other way if he sees Dolphins LB Joey Porter and his boys in the casino again.

WR Matt Jones, formerly of Jacksonville Jaguars

This former 1st rd pick by the Jaguars in 2005 has never lived up to all of the “Freak” talk bantered around when he was drafted. Jones has been an enigma during his short NFL career as has shown flashes of athleticism while not showing maturity off the field and having run-ins with members of the Jaguars coaching staff. 

Jones (6-6, 240), was also arrested on July 10, 2008 for drug possession and eventually had his case sent to drug court with the NFL suspending him for 3 games at the end if the 2008 season.  Despite missing three games, Jones established a career-high for catches with 65 receptions for 761 yards ( 11.7 ypc) and 2 TDs. 

However on March 9th, Jones was arrested for violating his probation due to drinking alcohol and the Jaguars cut ties with him March 14th. Many have pointed to Jones as a player that just doesn’t get it, but at only 26 years old there may still be a team willing to bring him in. 

It will be interesting to see if injuries cause any of the current receiver depleted teams to call Jones.

OT Jon Runyan, formerly of Philadelphia Eagles

Probably one of the toughest players I have ever seen. This 13-year veteran is there every Sunday no matter what—190 consecutive regular season games started. Runyan is a tough player, who will battle to the whistle and beyond sometimes. There is nothing finesse about Big Jon as his nasty demeanor helps him maul opponents. 

Unfortunately after playing through the pain for so long, Runyan’s body seems to be showing wear and tear. Runyan had to have microfracture surgery on his right knee so no one is sure where he stands. 

My prediction is if he can comeback healthy that some team looking for a versatile veteran on the offensive line will come calling. By the way, even though the Eagles have several quality young offensive lineman they still have Runyan’s stall in their lockerroom.

DL Anthony Weaver, formerly of Houston Texans

This former 2nd Rd pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2002 is a stout two way defensive end who has experience in the 4-3 and 3-4. Though he is not a sack type pass rusher (only 15.5 career sacks), Weaver is a strong at the point of attack defensive lineman that excels at stopping the run. 

At age 28 and with so many teams utilizing more defensive linemen rotations, I expect someone to give the former Notre Dame star a look. Weaver started 16 games in ’08 for the Texans and even had an interception.

WR Plaxico Burress, formerly of NY Giants

Now that Burress’ gun case from November 2008 has been adjourned until September 23, 2009 there is speculation that some teams (Bears, Bucs, Ravens, and Jets) will take a look at the Giants former Super Bowl XLII hero.

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