Top 50 2011 NFL Free Agents and Where They Could End Up
Top 50 2011 NFL free agents depend on what teams are in the market for.ย
The impending lockout will have a huge impact on where players land and how much they haul in. ย
But there are some players out there who, no matter what, will be on owners, general managers and coaches' wish lists.ย
Now, some of them will ultimately end up re-signing with their current teams. But others won't.ย
Inside we'll name the top 50 free agents out there (restricted and unrestricted, but not exclusive-rights players) and the best fit for them.ย
No. 50: Randy Moss, WR
1 of 50
Current Team: Tennessee Titans
2010 Stats: 28 catches, 393 yards, 5 TD
Value: Moss seemed to have played himself out of the NFL with his antics during the 2010 season. But someone is going to go out and grab him in the offseason.ย
He is a big name and there will be a coach out there who thinks he can straighten him out.ย
And maybe, just maybe, he'll rededicate himself this offseason, knowing that he is on the verge of prematureย retirement.ย
Best Fit: Washington Redskins. Dan Snyder will be one of the few people naive enough to pay for Moss.ย
No. 49: Cadillac Williams, RB
2 of 50
Current Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2010 Stats: 125 carries, 437 yards, 2 TD
Value: Williams has endured so many injuries during his relatively short career that not many people will be able to look past that and see his value.ย
He's still physically talented enough to be a strong second option to a team. But he might be an even better mentor.
LeGarrette Blount probably learned a ton from Williams in just one year's time.ย
Best Fit: Detroit Lions. Williams can provide some nice change-of-pace and help in the development of Jahvid Best.ย
No. 48: Adam Vinatieri, K
3 of 50
Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
2010 Stats: 26-of-28 on field goals, 51-of-51 on extra points
Value: Sure he is 38 years old. But there is still plenty of value to the future Hall of Famer. Not only did he have his second-most accurate season in 15 years, but he continued to make plenty of big-time kicks, like the one at the end of the loss to the Jets.
Vinatieri signed as a free agent with the Colts in 2006โthey promptly won the Super Bowl. Another team will try and cash in on that model.ย
Best Fit: New Orleans. Garrett Hartley had his problems this year and in the Superdome (like Morten Anderson and Gary Andersen did) Vinatieri can prolong his career a bit by avoiding the outdoor elements.ย
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 47: Mike Peterson, LB
4 of 50
Current Team: Atlanta Falcons
2010 Stats: 59 tackles, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles
Value: Peterson did not have a great season this year and he'll be 35 next year. But he is a great leader and will have an impact on any team.ย
He's best suited to stay in Atlanta, where he can continue to play under Mike Smith, who was his defensive coordinator for years in Jacksonville. But he might test the free-agent waters.ย
Best Fit: Atlanta. If the Falcons don't win the Super Bowl this year, retaining Peterson will keep the unit together for another run in 2011. Both Peterson and the front office know that.ย
No. 46: Marcus Spears, DE
5 of 50
Current Team: Dallas Cowboys
2010 Stats: 11 tackles, 0 sacks
Value: Spears certainly hasn't lived up to his first-round selection status; and has been totally outplayed by his 2005 draft counterpart, DeMarcus Ware.ย
But maybe he needs a change of pace to become the type of pass rusher he was at LSU. He's enormous and has shown some promise, so he'll surface somewhere.
Best Fit: San Francisco 49ers. Jim Harbaugh has a tall order in front of him, and since they should be able to get Spears on the cheap, he would be a nice project.ย
No. 45: Matt Hasselbeck, QB
6 of 50
Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
2010 Stats: 59.9% completion, 3,001 yards, 12 TD, 17 INT
Value: Hasselbeck redeemed himself in the win over New Orleans after a pretty poor regular season. And if he plays well during the remainder of the playoffs, his value will continue to rise.
The Seahawks will have a big decision to make about whether or not they want to bring him back: They are paying Charlie Whitehurst a lot of money and at 35, Hasselbeck is not "the future" of the team. But after a decade, he might want to finish his career in Seattle.ย
Best Fit: Seattle. A few teams would show interest in him, but starting all over shouldn't appeal to Hasselbeck. And Pete Carroll and John Schneider shouldn't be sold on Whitehurst because of that one good game against St. Louis.ย
No. 44: Leon Washington, RB/KR
7 of 50
Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
2010 Stats: 3 kickoff return TD
Value: Washington may never turn into a full-time running back but he can certainly have a major impact on games, as he showed on special teams. There are several teams who think they are just one tweak away from improving their special teams (and thus one tweak away from a Super Bowl).
Any team with room in the cap could splurge on Washington.ย
Best Fit: Cincinnati Bengals. Bernard Scott could see an increased role in 2011, depending on what happens with Cedric Benson. That could leave a hole in the kick return game which Washington would fill.ย
No. 43: Quintin Mikell, S
8 of 50
Current Team: Philadelphia Eagles
2010 Stats: 88 tackles, 15 pass breakups, 3 INT
Value: The Eagles defense is a shell of what it once was under Jim Johnson. But Mikell had a third consecutive fine season in 2010. His age (30) will put off some teams, but he should attract plenty of interest. And with the Eagles potentially breaking the bank to pay for Michael Vick (and Kevin Kolb) they might not be able to afford him.
Best Fit: New Orleans Saints. Mikell is a native of New Orleans, so he might consider a homecoming. As for the Saints, they could lose Roman Harper (and might want to in a PR move after his play last weekend), and Darren Sharper is a possible retiree.ย
No. 42: Mathias Kiwanuka, DE
9 of 50
Current Team: New York Giants
2010 Stats: 11 tackles, 4 sacks (missed 13 games)
Value: If Kiwanuka is healthy in 2011, there might not be a better defensive lineman on the open market. In only three games last year, he recorded a sack each week.ย
But with a serious neck injury costing him the remainder of the season, teams might be leery about throwing millions at him.ย
Best Fit: Indianapolis Colts. Kiwanuka is from Indianapolis, but the role he could play with the Colts would be an even better reason to sign from one Manning-led team to another. A rotation with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis would keep each of them fresh and could let the defensive line flourish the way the Giants line did in 2007.ย
No. 41: Brodney Pool, S
10 of 50
Current Team: New York Jets
2010 Stats: 53 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 1 INT
Value: The Jets secondary is loaded and they have to worry about re-signing Antonio Cromartie, Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. Pool might be a necessary casualty.
He had a decent year in 2010 but someone will sign him based on the numbers he put up a few years back with Cleveland: nine interceptions from 2007-09.ย
Best Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers. Aside from Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh's secondary isn't terribly solid. Pool won't be that expensive and he might be a better, younger option than Ryan Clark.ย
No. 40: Pierre Thomas, RB
11 of 50
Current Team: New Orleans Saints
2010 Stats: 83 carries, 269 yards, 2 TD
Value: Thomas' injuries woes in 2010 are going to play a major factor in where he plays next season. But when he's been healthy he has shown a great skill set. He has red zone value, combining for 15 touchdowns in 2008 and 2009, and can be a factor in the passing game.ย
Best Fit: Saints.ย Thomas' injuries and the fact that he's only had three 100-yard games in his four seasons don't suggest he can be a 300-carry, feature back. Teams aren't going to shell out huge bucks for him and he'll be better re-signing in New Orleans, where he can keep the starter job despite his limited success.ย
No. 39: James Jones, WR
12 of 50
Current Team:ย Green Bay Packers
2010 Stats: 50 catches, 679 yards, 5 TD
Value: Jones was sporadic this year (like most years) andย benefitedย from playing with an excellent quarterback in an offense that was very one-dimensional. But Jones could blossom into a top-notch receiver in another system....or if Donald Driver every hangs 'em up.
He has shown major hands issues, but with more concentration and more reps in practice that should change.ย
Best Fit: Packers. Jones will get offers from other teams, but the combination of Aaron Rodgers' impending greatness and Mike McCarthy's faith in him will convince Jones to stay in Green Bay.ย
No. 38: Malcom Floyd, WR
13 of 50
Current Team: San Diego Chargers
2010 Stats: 37 catches, 717 yards, 6 TD
Value: Playing alongside Philip Rivers can make any wide receiver look good. And although Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates have been the stars the past few years, Floyd has the skills to become an All-Pro on his feet. He's 6'5", 225 pounds, and has been great in the red zone.ย
Despite turning 30 next fall, Floyd will get a big contract this spring.
Best Fit: Oakland Raiders. The Raiders saw firsthand Floyd's excellence: in two games against them, he caught 13 passes for 285 yards. Oakland needs a veteran receiver to mentor that young corps.
No. 37: Joseph Addai, RB
14 of 50
Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
2010 Stats: 116 catches, 495 yards, 4 TD
Value: Despite a Super Bowl ring and a good start to the 2010 season, Addai can't be too hot of a commodity on this year's free-agent market. He's struggled with injuries the past few seasons, hasn't come close to a 1,000-yard season since 2007, and is averaging under four yards per carry the past three years.ย
Having said that, at age 27, he'll have suitors that think he's ripe for a career rebirth in a different offense.ย
Best Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Cadillac Williams bolts town, Addai should be a nice replacement and a great tutor to LeGarrette Blount.ย
No. 36: Roman Harper, S
15 of 50
Current Team: New Orleans Saints
2010 Stats: 98 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT
Value: Harper cost himself a lot of money in free agency by playing so poorly in the loss to Seattle last week. But he did have a great season in Gregg Williams' super-aggressive defense.ย
One afternoon won't ruin four years of great play, so the 2009 Pro Bowler will easily find a home.ย
Best Fit: Carolina Panthers. Whoever the Panthers bring in (could it be Williams?) they'll start with rebuilding the secondary.ย
No. 35: Ike Taylor, CB
16 of 50
Current Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
2010 Stats: 66 tackles, 2 INT, 11 pass breakups
Value: Taylor was given an enormous contract back in 2006, and although the Steelers defense has remained one of the best in the league since then, he really hasn't lived up to that deal.
In the last three years (playing all 16 games each season), Taylor has a grand total of four interceptions. That may not be the best way to measure a corner's success, but there is something to be said about that figure. If he's looking for a raise, at 30 years old, he'll probably have to get it from another team.
Best Fit: Houston Texans. The worst-ranked pass defense in the NFL is going to spend a lot of attention (and probably money) on upgrading. And Taylor might be the right fit.ย
No. 34: Barrett Ruud, LB
17 of 50
Current Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2010 Stats: 120 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT
Value: Ruud led the Bucs in tackles for a fourth straight season and that will be enough to score plenty on the free-agent market.ย
But it's unlikely that Tampa, so close to making the playoffs this year after a terrible 2009, won't pursue him hard.ย
Best Fit: Buccaneers. Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik will do whatever they can to retain Ruud, and with a young roster that can be a dominant force for the next few years, Ruud will want to stick around.ย
No. 33: Cedric Benson, RB
18 of 50
Current Team: Cincinnati Bengals
2010 Stats: 321 carries, 1,111 yards, 7 TD
Value: After an outstanding 2009, Benson's production dipped right alongside the rest of his Bengals teammates. He still topped 1,100 yards, but the yards-per-carry figure (3.5) was well below the number he put up a season before.ย
And in 2010, he also put up his only three 100-yard games against three of the worst run defenses (Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Buffalo) in the NFL.ย
Still, at age 28, he can probably grab a lucrative one-year deal outside of Cincinnati.ย
Best Fit: Cincinnati. The Bengals aren't quite ready to make wholesale changes to the roster. And Benson is comfortable in Cincy, the place where he resurrected his career.ย
No. 32: Mike Tolbert, FB
19 of 50
Current Team: San Diego Chargers
2010 Stats: 182 carries, 735 yards, 11 TD
Value: While Ryan Mathews was out, Tolbert filled the spot tremendously. And although he is often considered a fullback, he has the resume to become a workhorse franchise back.
He may have to leave San Diego to do so, not unlike Michael Turner did in 2008. But Ryan Mathews proved to be a bit injury-prone as a rookie, and keeping a two-back system would keep that offense on schedule.
Best Fit: Arizona Cardinals. Beanie Wells can co-exist with a runner like Tolbert and it would help whatever new quarterback they bring in for the 2011 season.ย
No. 31: Jermon Bushrod, OT
20 of 50
Current Team: New Orleans Saints
2010 Stats: 16 starts
Value: The turnover problems in New Orleans weren't really the result of bad protection. The lack of a running game was more to blame and that was more the result of the running back injuries.
Bushrod was the anchor of a unit that allowed only 26 sacks (incredible, considering that Drew Brees attempted almost 700 passes this year) and as a four-year veteran, he has a great future ahead of him.ย
Best Fit: Philadelphia Eagles. Winston Justice is likely to be replaced and if the Eagles re-sign Michael Vick, he can fill that blindside role, something he did for Brees in New Orleans.
No. 30: Terrell Owens, WR
21 of 50
Current Team: Cincinnati Bengals
2010 Stats: 72 catches, 983 yards, 9 TD
Value: Anyone interested in T.O.'s receiving skills will naturally be turned off by his big mouth. But even though he is 37, he turned out a great first half of the season on a pretty awful team.ย
Owens isn't the only wide receiver on the market and there are far younger ones who cause less headaches. But like Randy Moss, his name is worth a ton of jersey sales.ย
Best Fit: Cleveland Browns. It's going to be another one-year deal for Owens and it might as well be from a young team desperate for wide receiving talent. The Browns receiving corps is very inexperienced and would learn from the veteran...assuming the front office can keep Owens from becoming a locker room cancer.ย
No. 29: Champ Bailey, CB
22 of 50
Current Team: Denver Broncos
2010 Stats: 45 tackles, 13 pass breakups, 2 INT
Value: In 2010,ย Bailey wasn't the same game-changing corner he used to be. But like Charles Woodson a few years back, switching out of a cellar-dwelling AFC West team to a contender could resurrect his career.ย
He's still a phenomenal athlete and a big name. A short-term deal (two or three years) would be a wise investment.ย
Best Fit: Detroit Lions. The Lions defense has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to the arrival of Ndamukong Suh. Adding a veteran corner could be another step towards making the Lions a playoff contender.ย
No. 28: Michael Bush, RB
23 of 50
Current Team: Oakland Raiders
2010 Stats: 158 carries, 655 yards, 8 TD
Value: Darren McFadden was obviously the feature back in the Raiders' high-powered run game. But when McFadden was injured, Bush was a great fill-in. He has good speed and great size and could be highly sought after.
And now that he is more than four years removed from the gruesome leg injury he suffered at Louisville, that shouldn't be a factor when teams explore him as a running back option.ย
Best Fit: Chicago Bears. With Matt Forte and Chester Taylor more in the Marshall Faulk mold, a big, bruising back like Bush would add another element to the Bears' developing offense.ย
No. 27: Dawan Landry, S
24 of 50
Current Team: Baltimore Ravens
2010 Stats: 111 tackles, 4 pass ย breakups, 1 INT
Value: Beside Ed Reed, Landry doesn't have that many opportunities to pick off passes: Reed probably beats him to the ball. But Landry is a sure tackler and a vital part of that outstanding Baltimore defense.
He plays the run as well as anyone on that unit and can contribute covering slot receivers.ย
Best Fit: Indianapolis Colts. In a division that features Chris Johnson, Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew, a great run-stopping safety would be of immense value. And if Bob Sanders is not able to return, Landry is a perfect replacement.ย
No. 26: Brent Grimes, CB
25 of 50
Current Team: Atlanta Falcons
2010 Stats: 87 tackles, 5 INT, 23 pass breakups
Value: Grimes probably should have been a Pro bBowler in 2010. He came up with several huge, important interceptions during the course this year and was a main factor in the team's 13-3 season. He's only 27 and has showed tremendous growth after coming to the league via NFL Europe. Whether or not he leaves the Falcons, he is due for a huge payday.ย
Best Fit: Falcons. Because he is a restricted free agent, that might turn off some teams. And since the Falcons are going to do whatever they can to keep that defensive unit intact, he should return in 2011.ย
No. 25: Charles Johnson, DE
26 of 50
Current Team: Carolina Panthers
2010 Stats: 11.5 sacks
Value: Johnson finishing seventh in theย NFL in sacks wasn't quite as impressive as it sounds. Filling in for the departed Julius Peppers, in a defense designed around Peppers, was going to leave someone in good position for bringing down opposing quarterbacks.ย
But Johnson is young and agile and probably a double-digit sack artist in any system, something he'll have to prove in 2011 whether or not he stays with the Panthersโwhoever their new coach isโor if he leaves town for another team.ย
Best Fit: Panthers. Carolina wont have to pay him anything near Julius Peppers money and to them, that'll be a reason to keep him. And after only one excellent season, Johnson won't be the most attractive free-agent defender on the market.ย
No. 24: Ronnie Brown, RB
27 of 50
Current Team: Miami Dolphins
2010 Stats: 200 carries, 734 yards, 5 TD
Value: Like many of his teammates on the Dolphins offense, Brown struggled at times in 2010. And despite six seasons in the NFL, the former second overall pick has just one 1,000-yard season.ย
But his role as the "quarterback" in the Wildcat sapped a great deal of his carries. In another, more traditional offense, Brown might see more opportunities. Having a more stable quarterback situation would also help.ย
Best Fit: New York Giants. Brandon Jacobs isn't happy in New York, and Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent. Brown doesn't have to carry the ball 300 times to make an impact with the Giants, and as a big name, the Giants can make a big splash this offseason after two horrific collapses down the stretch.ย
No. 23: Vincent Jackson, WR
28 of 50
Current Team: San Diego Chargers
2010 Stats: 14 catches, 248 yards, 3 TD
Value: Jackson didn't exactly prove to be a team player this year, holding out while his team opened up 2-5. But he did have great seasons in 2008 and 2009 and plenty of teams out there in need of a receiver will approach him. There doesn't seem to be much hope of him re-signing with the Chargers.ย
Best Fit: Dallas Cowboys. Not that they need another potential headache at the wide receiver position, but there might be a spot open if the club passes on their option for Roy Williams. On a one-year deal, to help rehab his image, Jackson could have a monster season alongside Dez Bryant and Miles Austin.ย
No. 22: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB
29 of 50
Current Team: New England Patriots
2010 Stats: 229 carries, 1,008 yards, 13 touchdowns
Value: On a somewhat limited basis, "The Law Firm" was remarkably effective. Plenty of teams will want him for their roster, especially if he is the starting running back in Super Bowl XLV.ย
But having Tom Brady as the one who hands him the ball is a major factor in his rise from undrafted free agent to borderline star.ย
Best Fit: Patriots. New England will reward Green-Ellis with a great deal, but they aren't going to pay him like an Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson; Green-Ellis knows he's not worth that amount either. And there is little reason to leave a perennial Super Bowl team that doesn't expect him to carry the entire offense.ย
No. 21: Brad Smith, WR/KR
30 of 50
Current Team: New York Jets
2010 Stats: 2 kick return TD, 1 rushing TD, 1 passing TD
Value: Despite touching the ball only a few times per game, Smith can have a tremendous impact on the game. The kick returning aspect makes him appealing to teams, but from the Wildcat he has been nearly as important.
Best Fit: Jets. Although there are bigger impending free agents on the Jets roster, Smith is someone they don't want to part with. If Rex Ryan and Brian Schottenheimer think they can mold Smith into a capable NFL receiver, they might let either Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards leave.ย
No. 20: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB
31 of 50
Current Team: New York Giants
2010 Stats: 276 carries, 1,235 yards, 8 TD
Value: Certainly Bradshaw could become one of the next great backs in the NFL. He had an outstanding season in 2010 playing in an offense that was much more focused on throwing the ball. And at 24 years of age, he has a bright future ahead.
But the fumbling problems (six lost this year) aren't what potential teams like to see.ย
Best Fit: Green Bay Packers. Who knows how Ryan Grant will rebound from his ankle injury next year, and although they like James Starks, Bradshaw is a proven commodity that would add tremendous balance to that excellent Packer offense.ย
No. 19: Matt Light, OT
32 of 50
Current Team: New England Patriots
2010 Stats: 16 starts
Value: There's a reason why Tom Brady had his finest season in 2010. There's a reason why Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis had breakout seasons this year. The Patriots offensive line was fantastic this season.ย
Light isn't the only Patriots offensive lineman to do his job well, but was the senior-most. And since the Patriots have a habit of letting players go when they think they've passed their prime, Light isn't a safe bet to return in 2011.
Best Fit: Chicago Bears. The Bears need help along the offensive line: Their quarterbacks were sacked a league-high 56 times. Light's experience and presence will alleviate some of the pressure on Jay Cutler.ย
No. 18: Steve Smith (New York Giants), WR
33 of 50
Current Team: New York Giants
2010 Stats: 48 catches, 529 yards, 3 TD
Value: With Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks already in place, the Giants might not be willing to pay Smith, who will be a question mark next year as he recovers from his knee surgery. But given his track record, Smith is worth a large deal this offseason. In 2009, he had a fantastic year and was well on his way to another until the knee injury.ย
Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks. Mike Williams had a fine year, but Smith is a much more polished receiver and a reunion with Pete Carroll could be ideal for Smith.ย
No. 17: Stephen Tulloch, LB
34 of 50
Current Team: Tennessee Titans
2010 Stats: 159 tackles, 1 INT, 1 sack
Value: Tulloch is a fine mike linebacker and will attract attention on the open market. His size might be a concern to some but that won't be enough to keep teams away. With the departure of Vince Young, the Titans should have enough money to pay Tulloch what he is worth.
Best Fit: Tennessee. Jeff Fisher should be back but no matter who's the head coach, they'll need players like Tulloch around if they hope to rebound from the miserable finish to a promising 2010 season.ย
No. 16: Jason Babin, DE
35 of 50
Current Team: Tennessee Titans
2010 Stats: 12.5 sacks
Value: Much like his fellow Titans defensive star Stephen Tulloch, Babin took several years to develop into an outstanding player...or at least a player who had an outstanding season.
Babin finished sixth in the NFL in sacks but teams might worry about him being a one-season wonder. Nevertheless, someone will offer him a huge salary based on what he did in 2010.ย
Best Fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As good as the Bucs defense was in the 2010, they struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A veteran like Babin (who bounced around the NFL for years) would provide Raheem Morris' young defense with sacks and leadership.
No. 15: Ray Edwards, DE
36 of 50
Current Team: Minnesota Vikings
2010 Stats: 37 tackles, 8 sacks
Value: Edwards isn't a prolific sack artist who will challenge the individual season record or contend for the league lead. But he is a complete defensive end and can contribute in both the passing game and running game.ย
Best Fit: Cincinnati Bengals. A native of Cincinnati, Edwards would be put to great use in Marvin Lewis' scheme and largely come out of the shadow of Jared Allen.ย
No. 14: Braylon Edwards, WR
37 of 50
Current Team: New York Jets
2010 Stats: 53 catches, 903 yards, 7 TD
Value: Edwards is an outstanding playmaker: Without his catch at the end of the Wild Card game against Indianapolis, the Jets might not be headed to New England.
But there are only so many passes out there for the Jets to keep their receivers (and tight end Dustin Keller) happy. At some point this offseason, they are probably going to have to choose between Edwards and Santonio Holmes.ย
Best Fit: Chicago Bears. The Bears still need to get a big-time receiver to help Jay Cutler reach his full potential. And for a player of Edwards' size, they might be willing to shell out the dollars and long-term deal Edwards will want.
No. 13: Cullen Jenkins, DE
38 of 50
Current Team:ย Green Bay Packers
2010 Stats: 7 sacks
Value: Despite missing a bulk of the season with a leg injury, Jenkins was a major force on the NFC's top defensive unit. He's missed significant chunks of the past three season with injuries, so there is some concern about giving him a long-term contract.ย
But he does have the pass rushing skills to turn a good defense into a great one.ย
Best Fit: Minnesota Vikings. If the Vikings lose Ray Edwards to free agency, they might want to add another NFC North end to fill the gap.ย
No. 12: Tyson Clabo, OT
39 of 50
Current Team: Atlanta Falcons
2010 Stats: 16 starts
Value: The Falcons offense was so great because of consistency. The same five lineman started all 16 games for the club this year. Clabo has been largely overlooked the past few seasons but he's been a tremendous asset to Matt Ryan and helped Michael Turner break through as one of the conference's best backs.ย
Best Fit: Falcons. If consistency along the line has been one of the main reasons why the Falcons have done so well the past three years, then they'll do whatever possible to keep that intact.ย
No. 11: Paul Posluszny, LB
40 of 50
Current Team: Buffalo Bills
2010 Stats: 151 tackles, 2 sacks
Value: Despite missing two games, Posluszny still finished third in the NFL in tackles and was the most important Bills player on the defensive side of the ball. There might be a few more athletic linebackers out there for teams to consider, but they won't find a tougher one.ย
Best Fit: Bills. Buffalo's run defense was the worst in the NFL. If they had to play without Posluszny, how much worse would they be?ย
No. 10: Chad Greenway, LB
41 of 50
Current Team: Minnesota Vikins
2010 Stats: 144 tackles, 1 sack
Value: The Vikings defense really faltered in the second half of the season, and Greenway seemed to play his best football early in the season as well. But ever since joining the NFL back in 2007, he's had a major impact.ย
He plays coverage well and is all over the field. Teams hoping to amplify their run defense would be wise to pursue Greenway.ย
Best Fit: Vikings.ย With all the changes on the horizon for the Vikings (like the possible departure of Ray Edwards and/or retirement of Pat Williams), Leslie Frazier will want to keep his younger pieces in place on the defense.
No. 9: Antonio Cromartie, CB
42 of 50
Current Team: New York Jets
2010 Stats: 42 tackles, 3 INT, 17 pass breakups
Value: He may have been overshadowed by teammate Darrelle Revis, but Cromartie was just as much a lockdown corner. With a good game against the Colts last week in the AFC Wild Card game, and another this weekend against Tom Brady and the Patriots, Cromartie can greatly enhance his free-agent value. With all the money the Jets gave Revis, it's going to be to hard to afford both men.ย
Best Fit: Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles defense had all types of problems in the second half of the 2010 season and losing Ellis Hobbs (who might have to retire) was a main reason why. Cromartie can help restore the Eagles defense to prominence.ย
No. 8: Tamba Hali, LB
43 of 50
Current Team: Kansas City Chiefs
2010 Stats: 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
Value: It's almost a shame that Hali wasn't selected to the Pro Bowl this year. He was as dominant a pass rusher as the AFC had in 2010. Romeo Crennel's scheme helped Hali burst on the scene in his fifth season, but his physical tools will translate to any style.ย
Best Fit: Denver Broncos. Hali might not want to leave KC but the Broncos could be an enticing club. They finished dead last in the NFL with 23 sacks (only 7.5 more than Hali had himself) and would love to steal away a top-notch defender from their AFC West rival.ย
No. 7: Santonio Holmes, WR
44 of 50
Current Team: New York Jets
2010 Stats: 52 catches, 746 yards, 6 TD
Value: Holmes made plenty of huge season-saving plays for the Jets, especially those end-of-the-game catches against Cleveland, Detroit and Houston. And although he has also had a few costly drops, he's the perfect type of wide receiver for the Jets system. He doesn't have to catch 10 passes to have a major impactโhe can go the distance on any play.ย
Best Fit: Jets. The spotlight of New York appeals to Holmes and although he'll command a huge figure, the Jets will pay it to keep from losing both their star wideouts.ย
No. 6: LaMarr Woodley, LB
45 of 50
Current Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
2010 Stats: 50 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 2 INT
Value: There are so many stars on the Steelers defenseโTroy Polamalu, James Harrison, James Farriorโthat it's easy to overlook Woodley. But the most complete linebacker (pass coverage, pass rush, stopping the run) on the unit is probably Woodley. On the best defense in the NFL, that's quite an achievement.ย
Best Fit: Steelers. Several teams will hope to pry Woodley from Pittsburgh, but that system is so perfect for his skills that he'll wisely stay put.ย
No. 5: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB
46 of 50
Current Team: Oakland Raiders
2010 Stats: 19 tackles, 6 pass breakups
Value: Although he didn't have the excellent totals he had in previous seasons, Asomugha earned a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl spot and is the top defensive back on the marketโthanks to the performance clause that voided his contract this week. In a league where the passing records continue to fall each year, a great corner is an invaluable asset.ย
Best Fit: New Orleans Saints. It'd be a nice story to have the Lafayette, Louisiana, native return home. But the Saints could certainly use his talents as well. The Saints recorded an NFL-worst nine interceptions in 2010, and in that Gregg Williamsย defense, having a player like Asomugha can ease a lot of concerns.ย
No. 4: Sidney Rice, WR
47 of 50
Current Team: Minnesota Vikings
2010 Stats: 17 catches, 280 yards, 2 TD
Value: The hip surgery that cost Rice the first nine games of the regular season didn't seem to slow Rice down following an outstanding 2009 in which he caught 83 passes for 1,312 yards. Paired with a quality quarterback (like Brett Favre in 2009) he can be an electrifying player. Paired with a mediocre quarterback (Brett Favre in 2010, Tarvaris Jackson) he struggles to make plays.ย
Best Fit: San Diego Chargers. The Chargers will probably lose Vincent Jackson and could lose Malcom Floyd. With Antonio Gates aging and injured twice in 2010, providing Philip Rivers with a great receiver could ensure an AFC West title.ย
No. 3: DeAngelo Williams, RB
48 of 50
Current Team: Carolina Panthers
2010 Stats: 87 carries, 361 yards, 1 TD
Value: He may have missed 10 games this year, but Williams is the best back on the 2011 free-agent market. Just two years ago, he had an incredible season: 1,515 yards, 18 touchdowns. There's no reason he cannot repeat that type of year in the right offense. It just won't happen in Carolina with rebuilding in progress and Jonathan Stewart to steal away carries.ย
Best Fit: Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have to make a move at running back and drafting one late in the first round (for the third time in six years) probably doesn't make sense. And what back wouldn't want to play with Peyton Manning?
No. 2: Michael Vick, QB
49 of 50
Current Team: Philadelphia Eagles
2010 Stats: 62.6% completion,ย 3,018 yards, 21 TD, 6 INT, 676 yards rushing, 11 rushing TD
Value: The Eagles can win without Vick: Kevin Kolb proved that when Vick was out with a rib injury early in the season. But Vick is the most explosive player in the NFL and probably the runner-up in this year's MVP race. Even if he isn't able to repeat his magical 2010 season, he'll be a threat to score at any moment he touches the ball, which is at least 60 times a game.ย
Best Fit: Eagles. The talk about Vick going elsewhere in free agency just doesn't make sense. The Eagles staff and offensive roster complement Vick like no other team in the league possibly can. Even though the season ended with a major disappointment, the speed on the Philly offense (with Vick) makes them a threat to win the Super Bowl in 2011.ย
No. 1: Peyton Manning, QB
50 of 50
Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
2010 Stats: 66% completion, 4,700 yards, 33 TD, 17 INT
Value: Let's not even pretend that Manning leaves Indianapolis: It just won't happen. But until he is re-signed, technically, Manning is headed for the open market. That's how he lands on this list.ย
Best Fit: Colts. A no-brainerโhis new contract with Indy should be the most anti-climactic moment of the 2011 offseason.ย
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
