NFL: Five Veteran Free Agents Teams Should Look At

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TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Linebacker Derrick Brooks #55 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up with a leap against the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium on November 16, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Going into the 2009 NFL season, a lot of teams look to their youngsters to produce. Unfortunately, not all of them do or some of them get injured.

That's when teams will inevitably call upon some of the leagues former superstars, and no, I'm not talking about the Jets bringing back Vinny Testaverde—although it might be an upgrade to Mark Sanchez, who in my opinion has bust written all over him. But that is neither here nor there.

This slide show highlights some of the best of the aging and team-less NFL vets that will likely find teams some time during training camps or in the beginning of the season.

5. Warrick Dunn

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 14: Running back Warrick Dunn #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes upfield against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

While Warrick Dunn turned 34 this year, he proved last season that he still has something left in the tank.

He totaled 1,116 yards in 2008. Expect him to find a new home the second any featured back goes down with an injury.

4. Lawyer Milloy

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: Lawyer Milloy #36 of the Buffalo Bills stands on the field during the NFL game with the Kansas City Chiefs on November 13, 2005 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won 14-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart

Lawyer Milloy is 35 this year and could be useful as a veteran backup, even now. There will be an injury somewhere and Milloy will likely find a new team as he is still a solid safety.

3. Derrick Brooks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks during pre-game introductions against the Baltimore Ravens September 10, 2006 in Tampa. The Ravens defeated the Bucs 27 - 0. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Derrick Brooks should be on a team now. It is a shame that this league is so obsessed with age.

Yes, I'll admit that he has lost a step, but his ability to lead in the locker room is well worth whatever salary he can still command.

2. Marvin Harrison

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison grabs a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in Wild Card Playoff action on January 6, 2007 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Chiefs 23 - 8. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty

Marvin Harrison is one of the best receivers ever. His veteran leadership would be valuable to any team and the only problem is that he showed a real lack of ability to get separation last season.

1. Edgerrin James

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 3: Edgerrin James #32 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 3, 2006 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Edgerrin James is interesting. He got that big deal and left the Colts in 2005, and then his productivity dropped right off. Poor blocking? Mismanaged talent?

Or is it that he's hit the point in so many running backs' careers where they just stop playing well? I am not willing to write him off just yet, and I am confident that a team will need him at some point this season.

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