NFL Free Agency 2011: Predicting Where the Top 50 Available Free Agents Land

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There are still a lot of solid free agents remaining after a wild and crazy rush week. Many are wondering where they will all land, and some are still trying to figure out who is remaining that would help out their favorite team this fall.

Several adjustments have been made to this list over the course of Sunday. For author sanity, the list and projections were wrapped up around 1:00 AM EST.

Shayne Graham, K: Signed with Washington Redskins (Projected to Seahawks)

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It is hard to place a kicker in the top 50 remaining free agents, but since Olindo Mare signed a contract making $4 million a year, their value seems to have increased following the rule change.

Since Mare was with Seattle, the Seahawks have a void. They signed Wes Byrum and are giving Brandon Coutu another opportunity to earn a starting spot.

Graham may still be available in another week, at which time Seattle will realize it needs a veteran presence.

 

Update: The Washington Redskins have signed Graham to compete with Graham Gano for kicking duties. Whichever Graham comes out on the losing end may still find options elsewhere, particularly if they both do well and the options in Seattle struggle.

Marc Bulger, QB: Retired (Proj. to Ravens)

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We needed at least one quarterback on the list...if Bulger plays anywhere in 2011 it will likely be with the club he is most recently familiar.

 

Signed with: Opted for retirement.

Randy Moss, WR: Retired (Proj. to Jets)

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It is tempting to link all of the top free agents to the New York Jets. After all...they seem to be signing everyone else.

Moss makes this list simply because of the intrigue involved. He is reported to be in top physical condition and ready to salvage his reputation. The Jets will be able to pick him up relatively cheap to round out their receiving options. Now if Mark Sanchez can properly utilize him...

 

Update: Randy Moss has decided to retire, per multiple sources. It will be interesting to see how long this decision holds, particularly if a team making a playoff run needs help down the stretch. It seems odd that he would have dedicated himself to a strict training program in the offseason only to retire.

Terrell Owens, WR: Baltimore Ravens

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Terrell Owens' return to the NFL is in some doubt due to his knee injury. There are mixed reports on when his knee surgery actually was and how ready he is to put on pads. Owens will likely be a midseason signing by a team struggling at the position, possibly due to injury.

The Ravens may realize early in the season that they need a more experienced receiver to go along with Anquan Boldin. TO still has some NFL life in his legs and will be ready to be all business in helping a team get back to the Super Bowl.

 

Signed with: TBD, and it will likely be a few months.  The New York Giants would be an option, as they are in dire need of help at WR and TE.

Steve Smith, WR: Philadelphia Eagles (Proj. to Giants)

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Steve Smith played very well for the Giants in 2010 prior to his knee injury. He won't be ready for the start of the season, but the Giants will wait for him.

 

Signed with: In what is a bit of a surprise, but maybe it shouldn't be, Smith has signed to join the Philadelphia Eagles if and when he can return to action from micro-fracture surgery last December. 

Malcom Floyd, WR: Re-Signed with San Deigo Chargers (Proj. to Vikings)

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There has been much speculation on Malcom Floyd's ability to rise and become a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. The Vikings will likely need to give him an opportunity to demonstrate if he can fill that role, as there are few other options available to them.

There was a strong feeling they would pursue Braylon Edwards, but character concerns could be getting in their way. That, or his history of dropping passes prior to last season.

The Vikings were in pursuit of James Jones but will "settle" for Floyd.

 

Signed with: Stayed in San Diego

Braylon Edwards, WR: San Francisco 49ers

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The Jets made it fairly clear with their free agent signings that Braylon Edwards was no longer part of their plans. He might have enough angst over the way he was treated to look for a divisional rival that needs help at WR in 2010.

The New England Patriots have already made their move at WR, though, and the Miami Dolphins aren't close enough to being contenders.

There is a lot of talk about Edwards ending up in Arizona, and it is the accepted front-runner at the moment. But the Cardinals, looking for a second receiver behind Fitzgerald, won't value Edwards as much as the San Francisco 49ers should.

The 49ers need to offer Michael Crabtree some help, and Edwards is the best option left in free agency. There is also a concern as to Crabtree missing training camp and if he'll be ready for the start of the season.

This is an upset special; it will be interesting to see which NFC West team will refuse to lose Edwards.

 

Signed with: San Francisco on a one-year, $3.5 million contract.

Jason Snelling, RB: Re-Signed with Atlanta Falcons (Proj. to Giants)

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In a surprise move, the Giants have brought Jason Snelling in for a visit. This is either a bold move to drive down the asking price for Ahmad Bradshaw or the Giants are looking for a more durable backfield mate for Brandon Jacobs.

Snelling would give the Giants another strong, powerful rusher.

 

Update: It looks as though the Giants use Snelling as bait to get a deal done with Bradshaw.  Look for Snelling going to St. Louis discussions to heat up or for Snelling to re-sign with Atlanta.

 

Signed with: Stayed with Atlanta

Michael Bush (RFA), RB: Oakland Raiders

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It is of no surprise that the Raiders are leaving Michael Bush exposed. His tender would require interested teams to surrender a first-round draft pick to sign him.

Of all the selections, Bush remaining with the Raiders next season is the surest bet.

 

Signed with: Signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Raiders.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB: Re-Signed with New York Giants (Proj. to Rams)

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At the age of 25, Ahmad Bradshaw would seem to have several years remaining. He runs with a tough streak, but that might not last for long at 5'9", 200 lbs.

There could be some differences of opinion on how long of a contract he should snag, but the market is thinning for Bradshaw. The Redskins have shown a little interest, but the Miami Dolphins seem to be out of the picture.

The Giants are looking at Jason Snelling, which could leave Bradshaw as a nice addition to Steven Jackson.

 

Signed with: Ahmad Bradshaw has re-signed with the New York Giants. It appears that the discussions with Snelling may have been intended to push Bradshaw into a contract.

Bo Scaife, TE: Cincinnati Bengals (Proj. to Rams)

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It is hard to put Scaife on this list, as he's never been that productive in the passing game. He has one season with over 500 yards, and his largest TD number was the four he logged in 2010.

Still, he is a balanced option that will be able to help a team in need of a TE. The Rams lost Daniel Fells to free agency, and they may not be ready to turn the position to a rookie (second-round pick Lance Kendricks) and a second-year player that had mixed results in 2010 (Michael Hoomanawanui).

 

Signed with: Signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Kevin Boss, TE: Oakland Raiders

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Kevin Boss offers good output for a tight end, averaging 13.4 yards per reception (he's never been below 11.6 YPC).

The Buffalo Bills are in dire need of a starting TE, and they could certainly do worse than Boss. The Raiders are lacking salary room to keep Zach Miller, though.  If they can't get a deal done there Boss will likely end up in Oakland.

 

Signed with: Signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Raiders.

Zach Miller, TE: Seattle Seahawks

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It is odd that Zach Miller is still available, as several lower-profile tight ends have been signed. The potential market for Miller is dwindling.

In the end, the team most in need of a tight end is the Oakland Raiders.  However, they may not have the salary cap room to get a deal done with the Pro Bowl TE.

 

Update: Miller is visiting the team I was tempted to link him to, but I didn't want to put the Seahawks in here too often. Tom Cable is a big fan and brought him to Seattle for a visit. He can likely get Miller to buy into the changes happening up north.

Could the Seahawks be looking to add a TE to replace John Carlson? The Raiders have made a move to free up cap room to sign him.

Seattle has interest in Ositadimma "Osi" Umenyiora, and the Giants need a TE. Carlson could become part of a trade package to deliver Seattle a pass-rushing DE.

 

Signed with: Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll is saying he intends to use Miller and Carlson...could it be posturing Carlson's value prior to a trade offer?

Kyle Cook (RFA), C: Cincinnati Bengals

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Kyle Cook's second-round tender makes him untouchable. He will return and play for the Bengals next season.

 

Signed with: TBD...I guess he could opt to retire if he isn't traded.

Ryan Harris, OT: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles (Proj. to Bears)

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At just 26, Ryan Harris has time to continue to evolve into a solid right tackle. The Bears have done well with revamping their offensive line this offseason, but adding another option at right tackle wouldn't be a bad thing.

 

Signed with: Philadelphia Eagles

Players are lining up to play for the Eagles...could they know something many of us don't?

Leonard Davis, G: Tennessee Titans

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Leonard Davis was a salary cap casualty in Dallas. He is still a solid option, though, and should fit in well in Tennessee. The Titans have a lot of issues with the interior of their offensive line and need to be able to protect Matt Hasselbeck, who is hardly known for his scrambling ability.

 

Signed with: TBD

Max Starks, OT: Buffalo Bills

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Max Starks has the skill to be a solid left tackle in the NFL. The question is if he has the discipline to get into playing shape.

The Bills are desperate for help at LT and will be one of a few teams willing to gamble on Starks.

 

Signed with: TBD

Charlie Johnson, OT: Minnesota Vikings (Proj. to Re-Sign with Colts)

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The Colts are working on coming to agreement with Charlie Johnson. They are struggling, as Johnson is failing to take last season's performance into account.

The Colts shouldn't be ready to get too young with their offensive line and will come to terms with Johnson.

 

Signed with: Johnson has reportedly signed with the Vikings. Their offensive line struggled last season and has had issues with injuries. This is a solid move.

Sean Locklear, OT: Washington Redskins (Proj. to Cowboys)

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Sean Locklear had an adequate season in 2010 holding down the RT position in Seattle. The team is going young and bigger on the offensive line, though, leaving Locklear available.

Dallas is also in a youth movement on the offensive line, but Locklear would provide a challenge to Tyron Smith, challenge for playing time at guard and provide a solid depth option.  The Bears and Redskins are likely to give him strong consideration.

 

Signed with: Washington Redskins

Olin Kreutz, C: New Orleans Saints (Proj. to 49ers)

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As of yet, the only player the 49ers have added in free agency is David Akers. While a nice addition, they are at a severe collective loss.

Kreutz would be an upgrade over the departed David Baas.

 

Signed with: It is being reported that Kreutz will opt to retire.  We don't buy it.

 

Update: Kreutz signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.  

Jacob Ford, DE: Tennessee Titans

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Ford has the potential to get back to being a pass-rush specialist. Look for him to do so with the Titans, as they already lost Jason Babin.

 

Signed with: Ford will return to the Titans, signing a one-year contract.

Dave Ball, DE: Tennessee Titans (Proj. to Seahawks)

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Dave Ball is a solid pass-rush specialist and would do well in a 4-3, where he can be allowed to pin his ears back and go at the QB.

Seattle still needs to add another option for a pass-rush specialist to platoon with Red Bryant. As of yet, they only have two rookies to compete for the role.

 

Signed with: The Titans were able to keep two of their free agent defensive ends.

Andre Carter, DE: New England Patriots (Proj. to Jaguars)

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Andre Carter needs to move back to a 4-3 where he can play defensive end. The Jaguars need at least one body, if not two bodies, to play end. Aaron Kampman has had major knee injuries each of the last two seasons.

 

Signed with: The Patriots appear to be creating flexibility to modify their defensive fronts in 2011.  They have brought in another player from the Redskins that is more suited to a 4-3 set.  It is hard to believe that Belichick will make the same mistake Washington made with 4-3 personnel. 

Shaun Ellis, DE: New England Patriots

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I originally had Shaun Ellis going to the New England Patriots. However, the trade for Albert Haynesworth may have eliminated the need for Ellis.

Then again, the Patriots had almost no pass rush during the 2010 season, and it showed in their secondary. There is ample room for both of these players.  They may even have their eyes on defensive linemen in addition to Ellis.

 

Signed with: New England Patriots 

Pat Williams, NT: Minnesota Vikings

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There has been much speculation on the future of Pat Williams. At this point it looks like he won't retire and will play somewhere other than Minnesota.

He would like to go to a contender, but spots are tough to find for an aging veteran with only a few years left in his legs.

Options are dwindling for Williams, and the Vikings could still use him in the middle of their line.

 

Signed with: TBD

Ty Warren, DE/DT: Denver Broncos (Proj. to Packers)

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Ty Warren has more than ample upside following a hip injury.

The Packers need a solid option at defensive end, and Warren would offer that.

 

Signed with: Warren signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Broncos.  He had visited Denver and Houston and was expected to head to Kansas City.

Aubrayo Franklin, NT: New Orleans Saints (Proj. to Stay with 49ers)

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Aubrayo Franklin is the best remaining defensive tackle. He's a solid 3-4 nose tackle and looks to be ready to re-sign with the 49ers. San Francisco would be hard pressed to replace Franklin and needs to follow through on its promise that "money is no object" in building its franchise.

That seems like an odd comment when playing under a salary cap, but it was in reference to making a change at the coaching position.

 

Signed with: New Orleans Saints

This is a major blow to the 49ers defense.  Fans must be wondering what the front office is doing, or if management didn't get the memo that the lockout is over.

Tully Banta-Cain, DE/OLB: San Francisco 49ers

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The 49ers have lost two starting linebackers so far and need to find replacements. Tully Banta-Cain can provide a decent pass rush and is still fluid in defending the pass.

 

Signed with: TBD

Matt Roth, OLB: Cleveland Browns

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Matt Roth was up and down last season but is still a solid all-around linebacker.  He could fill pass rush needs from the defensive end position in the right situation, such as Seattle's "Leo" position.  

 

Signed with: TBD

Ben Leber, OLB: St. Louis Rams (Proj. to Stay with Vikings)

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Ben Leber is 32 and doesn't have much time left. The Vikings need someone to bridge the gap to see if Ross Homan can take over the position. Seems like a decent match.

 

Signed with: St. Louis Rams

Rocky McIntosh, OLB: Washington Redskins (Proj. to Saints)

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Look for Rocky McIntosh to move back to a 4-3 alignment, where he could again thrive as a weakside linebacker.

The Saints signed Will Herring, but McIntosh provides much better prospects.

 

Signed with: Re-Signed with Redskins

Manny Lawson, OLB: Cincinnati Bengals (Proj. to Stay with 49ers)

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The 49ers can't afford to lose any more pieces of their team, but the Seattle Seahawks could be looking for options at OLB.

There I go with Seattle again...but to be fair, the Seahawks do have a lot of needs.

 

Signed with: Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year, $3 million contract. This is quite a surprise, as the Bengals paid him almost as much as the Lions gave Stephen Tulloch. As suspected, Cincinnati may need to overspend on second-tier free agents to fill its roster and spend its cap dollars.

Jameel McClain (RFA), ILB: Baltimore Ravens

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Jameel McClain is a restricted free agent and will cost a team a second-round draft pick. It isn't likely anyone will pay that for his service.

McClain opens up a crowded field of free-agent inside linebackers.

 

Signed with: TBD

Akin Ayodele, ILB: Buffalo Bills

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Akin Ayodele will likely be back in Buffalo, as the Bills need another body that can play inside.

 

Signed with: TBD

Dhani Jones, ILB: San Francisco 49ers

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This is close to the end of Dhani Jones' career, but he would most certainly like to have one last shot at playing on a winning team.

He may have to settle for the 49ers, but their aforementioned youth movement may keep him off of their radar screen.

 

Signed with: TBD

Channing Crowder, ILB: Retired (Proj. to Titans)

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Channing Crowder will provide solid run support for a team that rotates its linebackers out on passing downs. He might work well with Barrett Ruud...or take the role completely if Ruud continues to play like he did last season.

 

Signed with: Crowder has announced his retirement from playing, stating he'd like to pursue a broadcasting career.  He also said he would like to keep his family in south Florida, which doesn't really mix well location-wise.  This could be a fluid decision.

Stephen Cooper, ILB: Buffalo Bills

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Stephen Cooper would be higher among the linebackers had the 32-year-old not sprained his MCL last season. It is surprising he hasn't been signed yet...general managers could be leery despite his strong performance prior to the knee issue last December.

 

Signed with: TBD

Kirk Morrison, ILB: Philadelphia Eagles

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The Jaguars have found an upgrade at middle linebacker. The Eagles haven't made any signings for a few hours, so look for them to find some options with their linebacking crew.

 

Signed with: TBD

Lofa Tatupu, ILB: Denver Broncos

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Lofa Tatupu was released by the Seahawks, plagued by injuries and diminished play. He will need to stay in a 4-3 set to be protected by a four-man front.

The Broncos could use some interim help as their defense transitions to a 4-3, and John Fox undoubtedly remembers what Lofa can accomplish.

 

Signed with: TBD; Washington and Oakland have shown interest.

Tom Zbikowski, S: Baltimore Ravens

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Tom Zbikowski had to fill Ed Reed's shoes last season and was up to the task. The Ravens will likely want to keep him in their nest as Reed's playing days are getting short.

 

Signed with: TBD

Brodney Pool, S: New York Jets

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The Jets would be best served bringing back their versatile safety. He can play either position well.

 

Signed with: Re-signed with the Jets.

Atari Bigby, SS: Minnesota Vikings

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Atari Bigby is a very good strong safety...as long as he is in the game. The Vikings are thin at safety and can offer Bigby a starting role.

If it is not able to sign Bigby, Minnesota may end up looking at Lawyer Milloy, who is heavily considering retirement.

 

Signed with: TBD

Gerald Sensabaugh, SS: Dallas Cowboys

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Since the Houston Texans signed Danieal Manning, Gerald Sensabaugh will most likely be heading back to Dallas.

 

Signed with: Dallas Cowboys

Donte Whitner, SS: San Francisco 49ers (Proj. to Bills)

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Donte Whitner was great in run defense but struggled a bit in coverage when the Bills couldn't apply pressure.

That may not change in 2011, and most likely Whitner's team won't either.

 

Signed with: Whitner signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the 49ers.  This came along with news that the 49ers sent an email to the other 31 NFL teams asking someone to send them something in exchange for Taylor Mays.  So far the Browns have offered their cheer squad; reports are that Trent Baalke is considering it.

Dashon Goldson, FS: San Francisco 49ers

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Goldson had a down year in 2010 but is still a solid free safety in a down year at the safety positions (both the draft and in free agency).

There were a few solid options available (starting with former Ram O.J. Atogwe), but the 49ers didn't sign an upgrade. They should jump at keeping Goldson in-house.

 

Signed with: Re-signed with the 49ers on a one-year contract.

Phillip Buchanon, CB: Re-Signed with Washington Redskins (Proj. to Buccaneers)

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Phillip Buchanon will make a nice nickel corner in the NFL. The Buccaneers need help at the position and should welcome him back, but expect the Redskins to try to keep him.

 

Signed with: Buchanon will be returning to Washington for another season, adding depth to their secondary.

Kelly Jennings, CB: Seattle Seahawks

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Kelly Jennings has received mixed emotions in Seattle. He is far from a fan favorite at this point, as the undersized cornerback has difficulty making plays on the ball.

He is very solid in cover skills; if he can actually learn to keep the receiver he is covering from catching the ball, he would be a solid starting corner.

For now, look for Seattle to bring Jennings back to play in their bandit package.

Sorry, Seahawks fans. I've mentioned this and Leroy Hill as likely scenarios for several weeks.

 

Update: Jennings has re-signed with the Seahawks. He could be fourth on the depth chart, though, and is likely a nickel/bandit option.

Kelvin Hayden, CB: San Francisco 49ers

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A team will need to look past Kelvin Hayden's injury issues. If it does and he can provide a healthy 16 games, it will be rewarded.

The 49ers will gamble on him not in faith, but out of desperation.

 

Signed with: TBD

Carlos Rogers, CB: San Francisco 49ers

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The San Francisco 49ers appear to be looking for value in free agency. Rogers' value is down a bit because of injury, and at this point his camp may be willing to entertain some lower offers.

The Redskins have a little flexibility with the signing of Josh Wilson freeing up Rogers' services. The 49ers have been absent in free agency (aside from watching players leave) and need to sign two quality corners.

It will be interesting to see if general manager Trent Baalke can make this happen.

 

Signed with: San Francisco 49ers on a one-year contract.

Antonio Cromartie, CB: New York Jets

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The suitors for Antonio Cromartie appear to be narrowed down to the Jets, Seahawks, Raiders and 49ers.

The Seahawks seemed to be the biggest threat to the Jets being able to re-sign their star CB. However, their CFL signing, Brandon Browner, seems to be performing above expectations. With the departure of Lofa Tatupu, Seattle may look to beef up its front seven instead.

The Jets were not able to get a deal for Nnamdi Asomugha, making it that much more important to retain Cromartie. They also made a trade on Sunday to free up cap space. Cromartie will re-sign in New York.

 

Update: Antonio Cromartie has re-signed with the New York Jets.