Predicting NFL Free-Agent Destinations in 2009

Tanner ThomsJan 23, 2009

There has been much heated discussion on who will go where and why. Some think Kurt Warner will stay in Arizona, some believe he will go elsewhere, to give Matt Leinart a chance once again. Many believe Matt Cassel will stay on the Patriots.

A lot of others have said he will be traded or not even re-signed.

I'm going to give my top five Free-Agents by Position, with five notables on the side.

Quarterbacks

1. Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals, UFA
Kurt Warner has led the Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl. There is no debating that he's the main reason for their success this year. Kurt is 37 years old, but performing like he's 27. Kurt Warner will be the back-up Quarterback to Drew Brees on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Will he be let go to give Matt Leinart the starting job? Not a chance.

Where he goes: Arizona Cardinals

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2. Matt Cassel, New England Patriots, UFA
Matt Cassel has a pro-bowl caliber season replacing injured, Tom Brady. Many folks believe that Matt Cassel is a one-year wonder. I believe with a great squad around him he is a top-10 Quarterback in this league. For now, I think he will stay. If Brady can start in September, Matt is gone.

Where he goes: New England Patriots

3. Kerry Collins, Tennessee Titans, UFA
Kerry Collins replaced Vince Young after he lost his crazy pills. In doing so, he took the Titans to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in their first game. Kerry Collins has expressed that he wants to be the starter next year for the Titans. Tennessee should keep him around for one more year.

Where he goes: Tennessee Titans

4. Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, UFA
Jeff Garcia had an up and down season. He was benched in favor of Brian Griese, early in the season. Jeff will be 39 years old in about a month. His age has a cause for concern. Will he still be able to perform like a star? Tampa Bay likely won't bring him back. They will hope to start fresh with somebody else.

Where he goes: Minnesota Vikings

5. Rex Grossman, Chicago Bears, UFA
Rex has had a horrible career with the Bears. I think after multiple interception games, Bears fans were asking for his head. He won't be a starter for anybody but a decent backup.

Where he goes: San Francisco 49'ers

Other Notables

6. J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills, UFA
Where he goes: Detroit Lions

7. David Carr, New York Giants, UFA
Where he goes: New York Giants

8. Byron Leftwich, Pittsburgh Steelers, UFA
Where he goes: Kansas City Chiefs

9. Dan Orlovsky, Detroit Lions, UFA
Where he goes: Detroit Lions

10. Chris Simms, Tennessee Titans, UFA
Where he goes: Seattle Seahawks

Running Backs

1. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants, UFA
Brandon Jacobs had another 1,000 yard season in 2008. He was the leader in the group entitled "Earth, Wind, and Fire". Brandon Jacobs is a key part of the Giants' offense. I believe he will stay simply because Derrick Ward isn't better than him.

Where he goes: New York Giants

2. Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers, UFA
Darren Sproles is a tremendous receiving and returning specialist. He had a big impact on a few of San Diego's games. His game against the Colts in Round One is one for the history books. Darren would like to be a starter somewhere and he could have that chance—Just not with San Diego.

Where he goes: Cincinnati Bengals

3. Derrick Ward, New York Giants, UFA
Derrick Ward was the second part of the two Giants 1,000-yard running backs. Derrick Ward is a big and physical player, who will be looking for the big bucks in free-agency. New York doesn't have the cap room to keep both running backs. Derrick Ward will now go to another team to start.

Where he goes: Denver Broncos

4. Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins, UFA
Ricky did not have a mind-blowing season but he succeeded in his role. Ricky Williams appears to be staying out of trouble and out of the former shanty, in which he once lived. Miami could live without him but he will stay for cheap.

Where he goes: Miami Dolphins

5. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts, UFA
A very reliable backup running back for the Colts last year. Dominic replaced Joseph Addai in several games. Hopefully he stays with Indianapolis and gives them another big boost on offense.

Where he goes: Indianapolis Colts

Other Notables

6. Maurice Morris, Seattle Seahawks, UFA
Where he goes: Detroit Lions

7. Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia Eagles, UFA
Where he goes: Philadelphia Eagles

8. J.J. Arrington, Arizona Cardinals, UFA
Where he goes: San Diego Chargers

9. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals, UFA
Where he goes: Cincinnati Bengals

10. Leonard Weaver, Seattle Seahawks, UFA
Where he goes: Minnesota Vikings

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals, UFA
T.J. Houshmandzadeh is really the only number one caliber wide receiver in free-agency. He had an off-year for the Bengals due to terrible Quarterback play. There is a great chance "Hooshyomomma" leaves for elsewhere because of Chad Ocho Cinco still being there.

Where he goes: Oakland Raiders

2. Bobby Engram, Seattle Seahawks, UFA
Bobby Engram only had 500 yards receiving last year in 13 games. Age has certainly caught up to him. Bobby won't likely get a big deal anywhere so that's why Seattle should offer him a cheap one year deal.

Where he goes: Seattle Seahawks

3. Devery Henderson, New Orleans Saints, UFA
I've heard a lot of people saying Devery Henderson isn't a No. 2 caliber receiver. Why not? He averaged 25 yards per catch last season. He was over-shadowed by Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and Jeremy Shockey all season. If Henderson winds up on a good team and gets targeted many times, he can be a great receiver.

Where he goes: Minnesota Vikings

4. Shaun McDonald, Detroit Lions, UFA
Shaun McDonald is a talented receiver on a terrible team. He played in only 12 games last year and had very disappointing numbers. Hopefully Shaun winds up on a team that can actually compete for the championship next season.

Where he goes: Chicago Bears

5. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans, UFA
Owen Daniels is the best Tight End in the market by far. He had the best season of his career with the Texans in 2008. Owen was a major part of Houston's success on offense. There is almost no chance they let him walk.

Where he goes: Houston Texans

Other Notables

6. Amani Toomer, New York Giants, UFA
Where he goes: St. Louis Rams

7. Hank Baskett, Philadelphia Eagles, UFA
Where he goes: Philadelphia Eagles

8. Jim Kleinsasser, Minnesota Vikings, UFA
Where he goes: Minnesota Vikings

9. Jabar Gaffney, New England Patriots, UFA
Where he goes: San Francisco 49'ers

10. L.J. Smith, Philadelphia Eagles, UFA
Where he goes: Buffalo Bills

Offensive Lineman

1. Jordan Gross, Offensive Tackle, Carolina Panthers
Jordan Gross had the franchise tag slapped on him before the 2008 season started. They drafted Jeff Otah for insurance if Jordan Gross were to leave. He's the most talented offensive tackle and will get a lot of bids from teams who could really use him on their line.

Where he goes: Oakland Raiders

2. Matt Birk, Center, Minnesota Vikings
Matt Birk has been a Minnesota Viking his whole entire career. Half of Vikings fans thing he's gone and the other half think he will finish his career in deep purple. I love Matt Birk, but sadly, he's gone.

Where he goes: Kansas City Chiefs

3. Mike Goff, Offensive Guard, San Diego Chargers
Mike Goff is one of the best guards in the NFL. This one was tough for me to decide on where he will end up playing in 2009. He's been one of the most important keys to San Diego having a very dynamic offense.

Where he goes: San Diego Chargers

4. Mark Taushcer, Offensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers
Mark Taushcer hadn't missed a game since 2002 before this past season. From a seventh round pick to a great offensive tackle. His age has slowed him down a little bit and Green Bay is looking to get younger on offense.

Where he goes: Jacksonville Jaguars

5. Jason Brown, Center, Baltimore Ravens
A fourth-round selection for the Ravens in 2005. Jason Brown has worked his way up to being one of the best centers in the NFL. His maturity and improvement made the Baltimore Ravens a threat in the running game.

Where he goes: Baltimore Ravens

Other Notables

6. Marvel Smith, Offensive Guard, Pittsburgh
Where he goes: Miami Dolphins

7. Jahri Evans, Offensive Guard, New Orleans Saints
Where he goes: New Orleans Saints

8. Jeff Saturday, Center, Indianapolis Colts
Where he goes: Indianapolis Colts

9. Jon Runyan, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Where he goes: Seattle Seahawks

10. Stacy Andrews, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Cincinnati Bengals
Where he goes: Cincinnati Bengals

Defensive Lineman

1. Julius Peppers, Defensive End, Carolina Panthers
Julius Peppers has been on the record of saying he doesn't want to sign a long-term contract with the Panthers. The 6'7" monster had 14.5 sacks this past season. He'll be the most looked at defensive free-agent on the market.

Where he goes: Denver Broncos

2. Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans
Albert Haynesworth is an unstoppable force. He's a run-stuffer that no running back can get through. Big Al would like to stay with the Titans but it's going to cost them a lot in salary.

Where he goes: Tennessee Titans

3. Bertrand Berry, Defensive Tackle, Arizona Cardinals
Bertrand Berry finished the 2008 regular season with five sacks and two forced fumbles. Bertrand is getting up there in age but he can still perform well. He's been a major factor in Arizona shutting down Michael Turner and DeAngelo Williams in the playoffs.

Where he goes: Arizona Cardinals

4. Rocky Bernard, Defensive Tackle, Seattle Seahawks
This year Bernard had an off-year. Let's be honest, most of Seattle's players had an off-year. Rocky finished the year with four sacks and a career-high 55 tackles. Seattle will need to keep him to rebuild the defense next year.

Where he goes: Seattle Seahawks

5. Jovan Haye, Defensive End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jovan Haye is only 26 years old and has three years of experience in the NFL. This season he didn't manage to record a single sack. He's young and still has plenty of potential. Tampa Bay should retain him.

Where he goes: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Other Notables

6. Shaun Cody, Defensive Tackle, Detroit Lions
Where he goes: Detroit Lions

7. Jonathan Babineaux, Defensive Tackle, Atlanta Falcons
Where he goes: Indianapolis Colts

8. Kevin Carter, Defensive End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where he goes: Cincinnati Bengals

9. Chris Canty, Defensive End, Dallas Cowboys
Where he goes: Dallas Cowboys

10. John Thornton, Defensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals
Where he goes: Carolina Panthers

Linebackers

1. Terrell Suggs, Outside Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs spent a lot of the 2008 season at Defensive End because Baltimore had three other very talented linebackers and not much depth at D-end. Terrell Suggs in six seasons has 368 tackles and 53 sacks.

Where he goes: Baltimore Ravens

2. Ray Lewis, Middle Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Ray Lewis is a legend to the Baltimore Ravens. The Dallas Cowboys have already expressed great interest in signing the 13 year veteran. It would be hard to imagine Ray in anything but a Baltimore Raven' jersey.

Where he goes: Dallas Cowboys

3. Karlos Dansby, Outside Linebacker, Arizona Cardinals
Karlos Dansby had a career-high 119 tackles this year for the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals. He's elevated himself into one of the best outside linebackers in the league. Arizona signs him long-term, no doubt in my mind.

Where he goes: Arizona Cardinals

4. Jonathan Vilma, Middle Linebacker, New Orleans Saints
New Orleans will have to trade a first-round pick to the New York Jets if they re-sign Jonathan Vilma. There is a chance they won't have to give up anything besides money if they let him go into free-agency and re-sign him once there.

Where he goes: New Orleans Saints

5. Eric Barton, Middle Linebacker, New York Jets
Eric Barton is 31 years old and still putting on a heck of a show for a weak defense. He had 119 tackles and 1.5 sacks during the 2008 season. New York has to bring back their best linebacker.

Where he goes: New York Jets

Other Notables

6. Bart Scott, Inside Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Where he goes: Baltimore Ravens

7. Mike Peterson, Middle Linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars
Where he goes: Cleveland Browns

8. Michael Boley, Outside Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons
Where he goes: Atlanta Falcons

9. James Farrior, Middle Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
Where he goes: Jacksonville Jaguars

10. Channing Crowder, Middle Linebacker, Miami Dolphins
Where he goes: Miami Dolphins

Cornerbacks and Safeties

1. Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Arguably the best cornerback in the league is on the market. Nearly every team in the league will put some sort of bid to get the pro-bowler. Oakland franchised him before the 2008 season.

Where he goes: Oakland Raiders

2. O.J. Atogwe, Safety, St. Louis Rams
O.J. Atogwe had a great year on one of the worst defenses in all of professional football. He will be a hot commodity in free-agency this year. O.J. is young and quick, with potential to be the best safety next year.

Where he goes: Dallas Cowboys

3. Dawan Landry, Safety, Baltimore Ravens
Dawan Landry has only two years experience in the NFL but he's already a great player. He wracked up the season with 83 tackles. Baltimore should bring him back despite the tremendous play of Jim Leonhard.

Where he goes: Baltimore Ravens

4. Kelvin Hayden, Cornerback, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden doesn't get much respect for how good he is on the Colts defense. I'm a little confused on where he might end up going. Indy could deal without him but he would be worth a short-team deal.

Where he goes: Jacksonville Jaguars

5. Jermaine Phillips, Safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jermaine Phillips has been in the league for seven years and made a major impact on the Bucs defense. He has the ability to force turnovers and is great in open field tackling.

Where he goes: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Other Notables

6. Mike Brown, Safety, Chicago Bears
Where he goes: Atlanta Falcons

7. Dunta Robinson, Cornerback, Houston Texans
Where he goes: Houston Texans

8. Brian Dawkins, Safety, Philadelphia Eagles
Where he goes: Philadelphia Eagles

9. Darren Sharper, Safety, Minnesota Vikings
Where he goes: San Francisco 49'ers

10. Jabari Greer, Cornerback, Buffalo Bills
Where he goes: Buffalo Bills

Kickers and Punters

1. Shane Lechler, Punter, Oakland Raiders
The best punter in the league deserves to be re-signed.

Where he goes: Oakland Raiders

2. Mike Nugent, Kicker, New York Jets
Jay Feely played well in place of the injured Mike Nugent.

Where he goes: New Orleans Saints

3. John Carney, Kicker, New York Giants
The Giants still have Lawrence Tynes but it doesn't matter. Carney stays.

Where he goes: New York Giants

4. Shayne Graham, Kicker, Cincinnati Bengals
There is no reason why he should leave the Bengals.

Where he goes: Cincinnati Bengals

5. Matt Stover, Kicker, Baltimore Ravens
A legend to Baltimore has to stay until he retires.

Where he goes: Baltimore Ravens