Year after year, the decisions of the front offices of NFL teams are followed closely and magnified by fans and media alike. Will their team go on a spending spree, throwing dollars at every big name available, in an effort to make a big splash and pay their way into the playoffs?
Or, will they go the conservative route of finding players that fit their system, are relatively inexpensive, and provide help in the areas that are perceived as weaknesses?
While many feel the draft makes or breaks a team for years to come, the same can be said about free-agent acquisitions. By tying up money in a long-term deal on a player that was either generally overrated, or, in some cases, just a poor fit for a that particular team, a franchise can find themselves in trouble for the forseeable future.
One of the biggest and most common mistakes is when a particular franchise overpays for a player that simply cannot perform up to the expectations set forth by his contract. Instead of cutting their losses, teams become stubborn and wait for years to see if the player will live up to the investment made. By doing so, they waste seasons at a time and hinder the franchise from moving forward.
It is for this reason that grading each player on an individual basis with accuracy and intelligence is necessary in order to have a successful team.
Don’t sign the guy that was mediocre for the first four years of his contract, but suddenly doubled his numbers in his contract year. He’s most likely going to slump back into mediocrity after his big payday.
Look for players that have consistenly shown not only a high level of performance, but also the ever-important desire to win, as well as the ability to lead and be good teammates.
Since all free agents were not created equal, it’s best to break them into groups based on certain qualities:
Class I
This class consists of those who have established themselves as elite players in the league and have a proven track record to back it up. These players carry a hefty price tag and either live up to their expectations with the new team, or in some instances draw the ire of fans, who see them as overpaid and a drain on the salary cap. There are always several teams bidding for their services.
Class II
The second class consists of young players who are up-and-coming. They have shown signs of improvement each year in the league and should be ready to bust onto the scene as household names at any moment.
These players have proven to be team-oriented and willing to learn. In addition, they do what it takes to become effective players at their position, putting in the necessary thime and effort, something many draft picks fail to do.
Class III
15 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Collin Whitchurch 9 months ago
With the age of their cornerbacks, and now the health concerns of Al Harris, I would LOVE the Packers to go after Nnamdi Asomugha.
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Shaun Ahmad 9 months ago
People don't even realize that he's a big corner. He's 6'2 210! That's a great size considering how many big wideouts are in the league (TO, Moss, Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson etc)
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Collin Whitchurch 9 months ago
Yeah and his big size fits his physical play, which would fit perfectly into the Packers' scheme.
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Travis Cooper 9 months ago
I wish they would especially with all the injuries lately. However we know all too well that the Pack isn't big on free agency..
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Chris Cobb 9 months ago
I'm actually seeing the ravens reaching out to him to try to add a little youth to their shut down D... at least they'd like to, but with as many defensive free agents as we're gonna have, not likely, but they'll at least flash some interest to see if he'll take less to play for someone that has potential to win.
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Kyle Langan 9 months ago
you forgot anquan boldin as well as derrick Ward
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Craig Garrison Sr 9 months ago
I hope the SKins stay out of this market entirely, the draft will be key though, they'll be looking for a corner, at least one linebacker, and, of course, O and D linemen.
If any of these guys draws interest from the Skins, I would guess Asomugha or Dansby, but I expect at least Asomugha if not both will be very high priced guys.
There are some solid corners and linebackers eligible for the draft next year, so I hope the Skins put their resources there for sure.
Nice job Shaun.
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Chris Lail 9 months ago
Craig I have to agree with you.
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Ross Romano 9 months ago
Good list. It's always interesting to see ahead of time who will be free agents in the upcoming season. I couldn't agree more about Roy Williams, as I just wrote about him in my article about the 10 biggest busts of '08 so far. He's on his way out of Detroit. However, he'll probably get a big payday from some tea who hopes he lives up to his potential, when he's only proven it once.
Two things I would change if I made the list are: to me Jacobs is more of a Class II guy, a young up-and-comer. He hasn't done enough in the league yet to be considered an elite back, which would be guys like LT, Westbrook, and Peterson.
Also, I have a hard time seeing Kyle Orton and Kurt Warner in the same class. Warner is a Class III guy to me, because he is a skilled veteran, but Orton would have to be a V in my book, I don't see anybody wanting him to start
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Brandon Keener 9 months ago
Craig: The Cards have Boldin signed through 2010, per Foxsportsnews.com. They may either attempt to work a deal similar to Plaxico Burress (5 years, 35 million) because they have similar talents had roughly the same former contract and have the same agent.
Like the article man. I would not personally consider Jacobs a Class I. Yeah he is definitely a bruiser that would rather run through you than around you. But he is very young. He has played in a Super Bowl but I just don't see him as being named a Top 10 RB in this league. In fact I just wrote an article about my Top 10 RB in the league. Check it out and see if you agree.
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Raj Kamruddin 9 months ago
Its hard to get excited about NFL free agency. Two reasons (1) Franchise designation. we see all these top players, but they wont be around. Boldin, Jacobs, Williams will all probably get the franchise tag appllied.
Reason (2): My Bears wouldnt spend the money on them anyway.
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Ryan Nelson 9 months ago
I think that even if he's a little older, the Chargers could use Ray Lewis.
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shaun stall 9 months ago
The 49ers need to go after haynseworth or peppers & why didn't anyone mention the o lineman colombo from the cowboys he's going to be a free agent as well and as a niner fan I would love to see them bring in both colombo and peppers in the off season because our o line & d line stinks!!!
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Shaun Ahmad 9 months ago
Columbo was mentioned.
"Plus: Lee Evans, Amani Toomer, Darren Sproles, Jeff Garcia, Marc Columbo, Mark Tauscher, Tra Thomas"
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shaun stall 9 months ago
The 49ers need to go after haynseworth or peppers & why didn't anyone mention the o lineman colombo from the cowboys he's going to be a free agent as well and as a niner fan I would love to see them bring in both colombo and peppers in the off season because our o line & d line stinks!!!
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