Donovan McNabb and 7 NFL Stars Who Could Be Had for Cheap

NFL front offices and their fans are quite interested in finding affordable talent to round out their rosters as we approach an apparent end to the lockout, leading to an onslaught of free agent signings and trades.

The fun part of this story is the definition of "cheap."  In NFL dollars, very little comes cheaply.

The other intriguing liberty is the trade-off between giving up very little to acquire the services of a big-name player vs. the salary required to pay for expected performance.

Since there is a mix of players that fall on both sides of the fence that can be either signed as a free agent or acquired via trade, this article includes a sample of both.  Feel free to extrapolate on your version of "cheap" in the comment section.

Jared Gaither, OT, Baltimore Ravens

Gaither is on his way out in Baltimore, and concerns over his back injury make him a bit of a question mark on the free agent market.  Any team that looks to sign him will be taking a bit of a flyer on his ability to return to his prior form.

While there aren't likely going to be any teams willing to put up a lot of guaranteed money for Gaither, a creative contract with some guaranteed money with lucrative bonuses for games played could be enough to protect both parties.

There are several teams that need help on the offensive line.  The Dallas Cowboys have cap issues in re-signing Doug Free, and the Arizona Cardinals are woefully thin at the tackle position.  Minnesota also needs to be looking at the position long-term, as their striking talent is aging.

T.J. Houshmandzedeh, WR, Baltimore Ravens: 30 Rec, 398 Yards, 3 TDs

"Housh" claimed to be underappreciated as the second fiddle to Chad Ochocinco in Cincinnati and bolted for a contract worthy of a star WR.  Oops.

After one season and an attitude-filled training camp, the new management in Seattle decided they were better off paying him millions to remove him from the young talent at the position.  While no team was willing to pick up his contract, the Ravens were happy to pay him the veteran minimum to come help their transitioning receiver corps.

Baltimore may have over-paid, too.

Perhaps Houshmandzedeh can turn things around with a fresh attitude and after spending training camp with a new team.  He isn't likely going to command much more than the veteran minimum in '11; whichever team snags him could get a solid position WR.  Then again...

Randy Moss, WR, Tennessee Titans: 28 Rec, 393 Yards, 5 TDs

Just when you thought Houshmandzedeh was a stretch for this list...the WR with a world of potential and little to show for it surfaces.  Moss will most certainly make some team's training camp when they open later this month (fingers crossed).

The question is if he'll have a jersey on his back opening weekend.

Moss will be looking at a one-year, $1 million contract with incentives for 2011.  Don't expect it to be guaranteed money, though, making it easy for a team to cut ties if he doesn't display the poise, dedication and effort needed for an aging WR to contribute in the NFL.  

Perhaps a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, with a questionable window but the potential to compete this season, to reach out to Moss.  

Another team that could use some help at WR is the Tennessee Titans.  Perhaps they might like to see if he can contribute.  Oh, wait...that bridge could still be on fire.

Terrell Owens, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: 72 Rec, 983 Yards, 9 TDs

This list simply wouldn't be complete without TO.  Yes, he continually comes under fire for being a distraction and a locker room cancer.  However, those complaints haven't resonated with Owens the last two seasons.

Unlike Randy Moss, Owens has stayed dedicated to keeping himself in top physical condition and his performance has followed on the field.  If not for a late-season injury, Owens would have likely put up another 1,000 yard, 10 TD season.  Most teams in the NFL would be ecstatic to have that level of production from a No. Two WR.

The knee injury will be of concern to interested teams.  He may not be available for an entire season, but that might not be a deal-breaker.  The Ravens figure to be in the middle of the playoff and divisional hunt in November and having a talent like Owens ready to fill some gaps could be an intriguing option.

Owens would most assuredly like to put the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame career, and could be enough to put a team into the mix to make a Super Bowl run.  To that end, the Atlanta Falcons would be an intriguing landing spot for Owens.

Albert Haynesworth, DE, Washington Redskins: 16 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 8 Games

Haynesworth has been an easy target for analysts and fans alike.  His temperament is closer to a prima donna  than a DE, costing him half of the 2010 season and the Redskins about $30 million.

Haynesworth is "only" scheduled to make $5.4 million in 2011.  He definitely isn't worth that to the Redskins and their 3-4 scheme.  However, there are some 4-3 teams around the league that might be willing to take a gamble on Haynesworth.

The salary issue is material, but the Redskins might be happy at this point to collect a round-six draft pick for him and let both parties move on with their football lives.

As for likely landing spots...the Seattle Seahawks have free agency and depth issues on their defensive line.  They are likely building for the future, but with some work and a restructured contract he could fill a need for several seasons.

There are a few teams that will be transitioning their defenses during the condensed training camps, too.  Denver has talent on their DL, but adding an experience 4-3 DT might be a needed move.

The experience in Washington has likely been humbling for Haynesworth and his pride is likely enough to motivate him to return to his prior form and salvage his reputation.  

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins: 54 Att, 227 Yds, 2 TDs

Health has been a concern for Portis the last two seasons, which will lessen his value on the free agent market.  However, Portis is still just 29 years old and could surprise a team needing some help at RB...particularly one running behind a zone blocking scheme.

Is it possible that Portis could even look to return to Denver where his career took shape with 1,500 yard seasons his first two years in the NFL?

Matt Moore, QB, Carolina Panthers: 57.9% Comp, 16 TDs, 17 INTs, 73.9 Rating

I do recognize it is too soon to call Moore a star.  He showed some promise on a 2009 Panther team that had marginal talent around him, though.

2010 was an up and down year for Moore.  Part of the concern was limited talent on the offensive side of the ball, while looking over his shoulder at Jimmy Clausen didn't help matters.

There are still several teams that need to respond to needs at QB, and Moore could be a forgotten gem in the free agent market.  

Donovan McNabb, QB, Washington Redskins: 58.3% Comp, 14 TDs, 15 INTs

You wanted cheap...you get both sides of the coin with McNabb.

Teams interested in McNabb will have an intriguing dilemma.  Give up very little to acquire him and over-pay for his services, or wait until he is released by the Redskins and hope they outbid other teams interested in him to bring along a young QB.

A team willing to send the Redskins a conditional 2013 seventh-round draft pick can likely have the opportunity to pay McNabb $10 million in 2011.

More likely, a team will offer up a 2012 sixth-round pick to get McNabb into their camp.  If he is fitting in as expected, look for them to work on negotiating a reasonable contract with the McNabb Camp, as his roster bonus and future incentives are based on having a roster spot on September 12th.

The Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals are two teams that need at least short-term help under center.  The Cincinnati Bengals could also be an option, but the odds of Mike Brown being able to work an agreeable deal for two years seem small.