2011 NFL Free Agency: The Top 30 Free Agents and Their Possible Destinations
With the NFL lockout seemingly on its last legs, we're coming up on time for the NFL draft and free agency, in that order.
We haven't discussed free agency much this year, primarily because nobody knew when it would happen. March? May? August? 2012?
Though the legal process is still very much in action, this gives us our first clear picture of when the all-important free agency period will begin.
So now that we know it's happening, it's time to look at the players out there talking to their agents right now about their impending free agency, and where they might end up.
30. Cedric Benson
1 of 30
Position: RB
Status: UFA
Overview: Benson had a breakout 2009, and by "breakout," I mean people started murmuring about how maybe he wasn't a spectacular bust. Still, Benson looked like he slowed down a bit in 2010. How much of that is his fault, and how much of it was a result of the Bengals falling apart around him?
Anybody who goes to Benson looking for a feature back who can carry an offense is probably setting themselves up for a major disappointment, but if used correctly, he could be effective, perhaps in a pass-heavy scheme.
Likely Suitors: Depends on the price. I think Benson probably stays put in Cincinnati for now, but I expect a short deal—no more than two years. Still, I have this feeling... doesn't Benson seem like just the kind of player to be unexpectedly signed by New England and become a total world-beater? Exactly how good do the Patriots feel about BenJarvus Green-Ellis?
29. Ike Taylor
2 of 30
Position: CB
Status: UFA
Overview: Ike Taylor has probably been described as "solid" more often than anybody in this year's free-agent class.
But he's probably more deserving of the term than anybody, so I see no problem.
Really, Taylor is one of those players who just does his job quietly. He's not a game-changing playmaker, but you won't see anyone torch him for a whole game, either. At 31 years old, he will be a good fit for any team that needs an immediate plug-in at No. 2 corner but isn't looking for a long-term solution or a dominant No. 1 guy.
Likely Suitors: Houston, Minnesota and Detroit are all teams looking for upgrades in the secondary. Any could be in the mix, but all are likely to have Prince Amukamara on their big boards in the draft, too. Detroit's interest also kicks down a notch because they should be able to retain Chris Houston for 2010.
28. Cullen Jenkins
3 of 30
Position: DE/DT
Status: UFA
Overview: Cullen Jenkins controls the line of scrimmage and gets after the quarterback when he's on the field. Problem is, he has missed significant parts of the last three seasons.
His medical red flags will hurt him in the wallet a bit this year (and that's why he's 28th and not much higher), but he's good enough when healthy for some team to take a very expensive chance on him.
Likely Suitors: Houston is transitioning to Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense, and they will be looking hard for personnel to run it. Jenkins was pretty cozy in Dom Capers' scheme as a 3-4 end, and the Texans would love to have him in the same role as a building block.
Failing that, he probably re-signs with Green Bay.
.jpg?w=256 "Giants Harbaugh's Program Begins Football")
.jpg?w=256 "NFL Meetings Football")
27. Jason Babin
4 of 30
Position: DE
Status: UFA
Overview: If Jason Babin strung together two or three years like the one he had last year, he would be a top free agent without question, even being 31 years old. Guys who notch 12.5 sacks a season are good guys to have.
Guys who have a career high of five sacks set five years ago, then explode for 12.5 sacks in a contract year? Hmmmmm...
Likely Suitors: Because of his monster 2011, Babin is likely to command a lot of money this year (good thing it doesn't count against a salary cap). I don't know if Tennessee is prepared to pony up that kind of cash for what could ultimately be a one-year wonder.
But their division rivals in Jacksonville might, especially with Aaron Kampman's health in question. And really, he could find a home with any 4-3 team in need of a more dynamic pass rush.
26. Joseph Addai
5 of 30
Position: RB
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: Joseph Addai isn't going to put anybody over the top, and he fits well in Indianapolis. Like Edgerrin James before him, he thrives in a pass-heavy offense by finding wide-open running lanes after a defense has had to drop eight back into pass protection. He won't burn anybody, but he's good at finding four or five yards when the team needs it.
One of his greatest assets in the Colts' offense is his pass blocking, especially on third-down situations.
Likely Suitors: A restricted free agent with a first-round tender, Addai isn't going to entice anybody's interest enough to warrant such a high price. Addai is nice and cozy in the Colts' system, and won't go anywhere until the Colts go all "love 'em and leave 'em" with him next offseason, as the Colts are known to do with their grinding running backs.
25. Braylon Edwards
6 of 30
Position: WR
Status: UFA
Overview: Sorry, I just really wanted a picture of Braylon Edwards with the Kimbo Slice beard.
Anyway, Edwards seemed to come on towards the end of his tenure with the Jets, decreasing the number of problems caused by his personality and dropped passes.
Still, the man hasn't been a model of consistency or stability. Lots of times players with Edwards' demeanor make sure to stay on their best behavior in a contract year, only to let themselves go completely once they get the payday.
I'm not saying Edwards is like that, I'm saying he could be. He had a conspicuously productive year while staying out of off-field trouble, so either he's grown up, or he's looking for a signing bonus.
Likely Suitors: Washington needs playmakers at receiver, and Dan Snyder seems like the most likely candidate to pay Edwards whatever he wants while ignoring any character flaws.
That said, Mike Shanahan has always been coach/GM of his teams, so it might be his call. Maybe. You can never tell with Snyder. This is a guy who, instead of firing his head coach, made him take orders from a guy who was calling bingo numbers in a retirement home.
24. Cliff Avril
7 of 30
Position: DE
Status: RFA (first- and third-round tender)
Overview: Cliff Avril has shown unusually strong pass rush for a weak side end, and has improved every year.
Of course, his defensive line has also improved each year, and at least some of his 9.5 sacks in 2010 are thanks in part to the immense pressure (and double-teams) provided by linemate Ndamukong Suh.
Avril is still a liability against the run, but can pin his ears back and get after the quarterback as well as anybody in football.
Likely Suitors: Detroit, and not just because of the max RFA tender the Lions offered him. Detroit has made it clear it's a priority to re-sign him, and Avril has every reason to want to return with the line built up to benefit him.
23. Harvey Dahl
8 of 30
Position: OG
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: Harvey Dahl, despite some injury issues, has been a phenomenal run blocker for Atlanta, and is very possibly the best lineman on the team right now.
Better yet, he's young and still has upside. If he stays healthy, he'll be a fixture as an offensive lineman for years.
Likely Suitors: With a first-round tender on his head, Dahl is staying put. I think even if somebody wanted to pony up the first-round pick and the cash necessary to bring Dahl in, Atlanta would match it. They like him and want to keep him, and they should.
22. Quintin Mikell
9 of 30
Position: SS
Status: UFA
Overview: Quintin Mikell is quietly coming off his third consecutive solid season as the Philadelphia Eagles' starting strong safety, and should be in line for a pretty good payday.
At 30, his age is a minor concern, but not as much as it would be if he played cornerback. His shelf life as a safety is much longer. Mikell made the Pro Bowl in 2009, and plays well against the pass or the run.
Likely Suitors: It doesn't look like it's going to be the Eagles. With younger talent waiting to take his spot, Philadephia looks content to let Mikell walk, despite his wish to stay.
I like the idea of Mikell heading to Denver to fill the void about to be left by another former Eagle: Brian Dawkins.
21. Matt Hasselbeck
10 of 30
Position: QB
Status: UFA
Overview: At 35, I don't know that anybody is going to take a flier on Matt Hasselbeck for anything but stop-gap starter or backup.
Frankly, the backup role might suit him. If you think about it, the most trouble he's had in recent years has been health and maintaining consistency. Put him in a role where he doesn't have to play a full slate of games, and you don't have to worry about him missing some, and maybe he can come in and have a great game in relief.
Likely Suitors: I like Arizona. The last time they brought in a washed-up former great to lead the team, it worked out pretty well. The Cardinals will still need to groom their quarterback of the future (hint: he's not on the roster right now), but a resurgence from Hasselbeck could keep them competitive in the meantime.
In addition, Ken Whisenhunt's job security might not allow for a rookie QB's growing pains to play out, so it's as much a short-term fix for his job as it is for the team.
20. Brent Grimes
11 of 30
Position: CB
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: I feel silly putting a 2010 Pro Bowler on the list at 20th, but hey, this free-agent class is pretty thick with corner talent.
Brent Grimes emerged last year as a shutdown corner for Atlanta (hence the Pro Bowl appearance), despite hardly anyone knowing his name before this season.
Regardless, he is soon to be a very wealthy man.
Likely Suitors: Atlanta would be foolish to let a young corner with this much talent walk, and they don't plan to. The former undrafted free agent received a first-round tender from the Falcons, who would almost certainly like to see him in red and black for a long time to come.
19. Matt Light
12 of 30
Position: OT
Status: UFA
Overview: Matt Light is pretty much past his prime, but his prime was as one of the best pass-blocking left tackles in football, so he can certainly be at least effective for a while longer.
Likely Suitors: The Patriots aren't the type of team to re-sign guys on account of reputation or sentiment. As of now, Light still plays at a high level (note the 2011 Pro Bowl uniform), which means he will get paid. But he's also aging, so unless he takes a massive hometown discount, the Patriots won't be the ones to pay it.
The Chicago Bears need pass protection as bad as anybody in the league. They were in rough enough shape to employ the ghost of Orlando Pace a couple years ago, and last year the offensive line's primary job function was pulling chunks of turf out of Jay Cutler's helmet.
18. Ahmad Bradshaw
13 of 30
Position: RB
Status: RFA (second-round tender)
Overview: Take a look at this picture of Ahmad Bradshaw and tell me if you can figure out why he fumbles so much.
Despite that, Bradshaw is an "Adrian Peterson" type. His fumbles are bad, but he runs extremely well, so his production is still a net positive.
If he also fixes his fumbling problem like Peterson did, he could be a top-five running back.
Likely Suitors: Giants because of the second-round tender, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a team like the Dolphins take a full-out run at him even still.
17. Paul Posluszny
14 of 30
Position: MLB
Status: RFA (RFA tender)
Overview: Paul Posluszny is pretty much what makes the defense go in Buffalo. A budding star at middle linebacker, Posluszny led the Bills in tackles in 2010 with 151.
Coming off his most productive season, his services will be in demand.
Likely Suitors: Posluszny is the leader of Buffalo's defense in more ways than one. Both sides of the equation have expressed interest in keeping him in Buffalo, so I don't see much chance that he ends up elsewhere. The Bills will probably sign him to a long contract as soon as the CBA situation settles down.
16. Willie Colon
15 of 30
Position: OT
Status: UFA
Overview: Absolutely the only flaw with Willie Colon is his health. A torn Achilles kept Colon out of action in 2010, which is a big part of why the Steelers' offensive line came under siege.
Still, when healthy, Colon is a right tackle who is a Pro Bowl threat every year he plays.
Likely Suitors: Most likely, he stays put. If the Steelers want a guy, they're usually able to get him, and they should want him.
That said, it's been boring to project all these players back to their original teams, so I'm going to throw Minnesota out there as well. That old Vikings O-line could use a makeover.
15. Sidney Rice
16 of 30
Position: WR
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: The Minnesota Vikings must be beside themselves with joy. Sidney Rice is still a restricted free agent due to the lockout injunction, which means he can only test the free-agent waters with the Vikings as lifeguards.
Initially, Rice had wanted to test the open market, and a new CBA would likely have allowed him to do just that. This way, the Vikings have final say on whether he stays or goes. That should help the Vikings' new quarterback get acclimated, having a deep threat already on the field.
Likely Suitors: Obviously Minnesota.
But I think Seattle might also have some interest, even with the first-round price tag. They need a true playmaker, and might be more inclined to take a shot at an established one than try to draft one.
14. Dawan Landry
17 of 30
Position: SS
Status: RFA (second-round tender)
Overview: Dawan Landry was a great run-stopping safety. After an improvement to his coverage game, he is now a do-everything safety. Landry is 28, so his career is probably about to peak very soon, but he realized some upside last season, so it's possible he's not quite there yet.
That's an encouraging sign for someone who's pretty good already.
Likely Suitors: If he doesn't stay in Baltimore, perhaps Indianapolis is a good fit.
I don't think the Colts feel terribly secure about losing Bob Sanders, and bringing in a run-stopper like Landry in a division with Chris Johnson, Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew is probably a good policy.
13. Barry Cofield
18 of 30
Position: DT
Status: RFA (second-round tender)
Overview: Barry Cofield himself received a second-round tender from the New York Giants.
The "taser dance" received a first and third.
Seriously, though, Cofield is easily the most dominant interior lineman on the market, and I would expect a team to come calling. Cofield plays the pass well and the run great, and the Giants may have made a mistake by just tendering all their players with second-round offers, assuming a new CBA would make it moot.
Likely Suitors: Depends. Cofield has had success as a tackle in a 4-3, but could perhaps be successful as a 3-4 nose tackle. It depends on whether or not he wants to try. Most likely, he sticks to what he knows and stays in New York.
Chicago is another option; the Bears need a replacement for Tommie Harris, and have shown the willingness to spend both money and draft picks for the guy they want.
12. Charles Johnson
19 of 30
Position: DE
Status: RFA (RFA tender)
Overview: It seems crazy to say, but one bright spot in the Carolina Panthers' 2010 season was that they were able to watch Charles Johnson and ask, "Julius who?"
Johnson dominated all season, recording 12 sacks from the left end position, which until last year was occupied by a man Panthers fans have since forgotten. Even better, he's only 25, so he could be a fixture in the defense for years.
Likely Suitors: Carolina. They would have to be crazy to let Johnson get away. He's part of the solution.
11. Doug Free
20 of 30
Position: OT
Status: RFA (first-/third-round tender)
Overview: Doug Free played only one season at left tackle, but it was enough to convince Dallas he was the future of the position.
This is particularly odd considering how Tony Romo spent the entire year injured. But I guess that just goes to show it's not always the left tackle's fault if the quarterback gets hurt.
Likely Suitors: Dallas is serious about keeping Doug Free installed at left tackle. They extended the highest possible tender offer to him, requiring any team wishing to sign him to relinquish first- and third-round picks. In other words, he's staying.
10. Eric Weddle
21 of 30
Position: FS
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: Though he has flown under the radar, Eric Weddle is considered on the tier immediately below Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, and there with Nick Collins.
Weddle is one of those rare playmaking safeties who manages to take calculated risks without getting burned, and should be due for a gigantic contract at 26 years old.
Likely Suitors: Weddle has been tendered with a first-round pick, but it honestly doesn't seem like Weddle cares too much for the organization or vice-versa. I don't know that the Chargers would make much effort to keep him if somebody came by with an offer.
I'm not sure if anybody gives up a first for an expensive safety here, but it wouldn't shock me if the Redskins or Raiders did it.
9. Ray Edwards
22 of 30
Position: DE
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: The Minnesota Vikings must be beside themselves with joy. Ray Edwards is still a restricted free agent due to the lockout injunction, which means he can only test the free-agent waters with the Vikings as lifeguards.
Initially, Edwards had wanted to test the open market, and a new CBA would likely have allowed him to do just that. This way, the Vikings have final say on whether he stays or goes. That should... wait, anyone else getting a strange sense of deja vu?
Likely Suitors: Ray Edwards is a little like Cliff Avril in that he dominated last season while offenses were paying attention to other defensive threats. Unlike Avril, Edwards is really good against the run. Next season we'll see how he does when teams focus in on him.
It's too bad, there are probably a bunch of teams that would have paid good money for Edwards, and if his production drops in 2011 because of constant double-teams, it will cost him millions. But I don't see anybody shelling out millions and a first-rounder to take him away from Minnesota this year.
8. Tyson Clabo
23 of 30
Position: OT
Status: UFA
Overview: Tyson Clabo picked the perfect time to make a Pro Bowl: an unrestricted contract year. At age 30, he has not reached decline yet, and will probably play in peak form for a few more years.
Likely Suitors: Green Bay could be a mutually perfect landing place for Clabo, provided he wants to leave Atlanta (not guaranteed).
The Packers are expected to part ways with longtime right tackle Mark Tauscher on account of age and numerous injuries. First-round draft choice Bryan Bulaga filled in last year after Tauscher went down with a shoulder injury, but his true role is replacing the rapidly aging Chad Clifton on the left side.
Clabo could step in at right tackle and Clifton remain at left with Bulaga waiting in the wings, and both tackle positions are set for a few years.
7. Santonio Holmes
24 of 30
Position: WR
Status: RFA (first-/third-round tender)
Overview: Santonio Holmes has some uncanny abilities. He seems to consistently make the clutch play when nobody is looking, and post great stats without anybody talking about him.
He has his share of problems, both on and off the field. But it's hard to deny that he's the top receiver on the market this year.
Likely Suitors: This is an interesting situation. The Jets attempted to sign Holmes to a first-/third-round tender, the maximum available. Holmes refuses to sign it and is planning to demand a long-term contract.
It's fair to say that the Jets want to keep Holmes on board, but if a contract dispute sends him packing, you would think the entire league is in play.
6. Stephen Tulloch
25 of 30
Position: MLB
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: Stephen Tulloch is a monstrous middle linebacker who was expected to either pull a massive contract this offseason or be franchised.
As it turns out, the Titans get to keep him as a restricted free agent for one more year.
At 26 years old, Tulloch is one of the bright young "mike" linebackers in the league right now, and while the Titans would love to keep him, they probably just have his kind of salary just lying around for a long-term deal.
Likely Suitors: Ranging from anybody to everybody. Tulloch has rare ability and could probably plug in anywhere in any scheme. The Detroit Lions are supposedly interested, but now that RFA tender is involved, it's likely everyone will end up passing on him until 2012.
5. Zach Miller
26 of 30
Position: TE
Status: RFA (first-/third-round tender)
Overview: Zach Miller is a receiving tight end who is often referred to as "dangerous." He has somehow managed to post respectable numbers over the last three years despite being a part of the Oakland Raiders' abysmal passing attack.
Imagine what he could do in New Orleans.
Likely Suitors: Like most of the free agents on this list, Zach Miller is restricted and thus unlikely to move. I do like the idea of seeing him in New Orleans, though. I'm interested to see where Miller's ceiling is, but I doubt we'll see it in Oakland.
4. Carl Nicks
27 of 30
Position: OG
Status: RFA (first-round tender)
Overview: Trying to move Carl Nicks to get to the quarterback is like trying to move the Earth out of its orbit by pushing the ground.
In other words, Nicks is really big, really strong, and really good. Soon he'll be really wealthy.
Likely Suitors: I actually think Nicks is worth a first-third tender, not just a first. For as good as he is, I have to wonder if somebody might come calling with a first-round pick and a stack of cash, daring the Saints to meet them.
Who, you ask? Possibly the Dolphins, Bills, Lions or Bears. But I can't think of any team that wouldn't want Nicks if the price was right.
3. Johnathan Joseph
28 of 30
Position: CB
Status: RFA (first/third-round tender)
Overview: Lost in how terrible the Cincinnati Bengals were last season is how Johnathan Joseph emerged as an elite cornerback. He needs to string together another season or two like the one he had in 2010, and he'll be squarely in the Revis/Asomugha category.
It's one bright spot among a whole lot of dark and gloomy, but it's at least something to build around for the future. Or at least that's what the Bengals thought when they gave him a max tender offer.
Likely Suitors: Joseph isn't leaving Cincinnati this year, and may not next year. He seems to be happy as a Bengal (don't ask me why), and the Bengals need him to be happy.
2. DeAngelo Williams
29 of 30
Position: RB
Status: RFA (first-/third-round tender)
Overview: DeAngelo Williams has faced some injury problems in the last two years.
That's the bad news.
The good news is he's one of the best running backs in the game right now, and in a perfect timeshare right now with Jonathan Stewart. He could probably be a feature back if he wanted, but his current situation will improve his shelf life without taking too much away from his stats (other than short-yardage touchdowns).
Likely Suitors: Carolina is making it a high priority to keep Williams in town, but it's hard telling if he wants to stay. Tony Sparano would probably commit a felony to bring Williams to Miami, but he's Carolina's to employ for now.
1. Nnamdi Asomugha
30 of 30
Position: CB
Status: UFA
Overview: Anybody interested in the best cornerback in professional football?
Get in line, then. No restrictions, no franchise tags, no salary cap. The competition for Nnamdi Asomugha's services is going to be quite the spectacle.
Likely Suitors: Everybody. Every team, regardless of circumstance, is in the market for Asomugha. When there's a guy on the market who can plug in and consistently eliminate a team's top receiver on every play, that's someone you can use, always. Even Oakland will be looking to re-sign him.
The really scary thought is Green Bay getting him and putting him across from Charles Woodson.
Or the Jets, across from Revis. Even the Broncos, across from Bailey.
More likely, he will find a team that doesn't already have an elite No. 1 cornerback and settle in there, but his options are completely open, and it will ultimately be the biggest stack of cash that pulls him in.
You just have to wonder how much that will be in an uncapped year.
.jpg?w=480 "Giants Harbaugh's Program Begins Football")
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Meetings Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Chargers Giants Football")
.jpg?w=600 "NFL Teams Under Most Pressure ♨️")