Sink or Sail: NFL Free Agent Period

Great trades and pickups can either do damage or reap rewards—just ask the Philadelphia Eagles. When they made a splash with Terrell Owens a few years back, he helped boost them to a Super Bowl and an awful headache after the loss. But the Eagles just haven't been the same since.

Or take for instance Jamal Lewis to Cleveland from Baltimore rushing for nine TDs and 1,304 yds, and catching two for 248 yds. Was Lewis running for a new fat contract, or was the whole team rejuvenated with this veteran's play?

By upgrading on receiver (Donte Stallworth), tackle (Shuan Rogers), and safety (Nick Sorensen) ,the Cleveland Browns appear to be on the right path. The Eagles signed cornerback Asante Samuel and released linebacker Jevon Kearse and defensive end Takeo Spikes. No, no, no all across the board.

Asante Samuel is a selfish player who no longer fit the mold of the "team first Patriots" while Kearse and Spikes might actually have benefited from the presence of Samuel, strangely enough.

As for Cleveland, the addition of Donte Stallworth—a quiet team player—makes for a powerful offense already complimented by tight end Kellen Winslow Jr and receivers Joe Jurevicius, Braylon Edwards, and Joshua Cribbs. Also, throw in Jamal Lewis at running back for good measure.

The start of the season is still a little ways away but I thought I might throw out some predictions for 2008-09:

Javon Walker WR: Six-year $55 million contract Oakland Raiders (Injuries, good when he had Favre throwing to him)—SINK

Marty Booker WR: Two-year contract Chicago Bears (Why recycle old garbage? Who will throw to him? Rex GROSSman)—SINK

Micheal Turner RB: Six-year $34.5 million contract Atlanta Falcons (Should produce, would have benefited from Atlanta keeping Warrick Dunn, Falcons build up the run game and defense without legitimate quarterback)—SAIL

Alge Crumpler TE: Two-year contract Tennessee Titans (Awesome threat for Atlanta, Tennessee, and Vince Young)—SAIL

Aaron Rodgers QB: Inherits quarterback spot Green Bay Packers (Should be OK if the Packers hold on defense and Ryan Grant and the running game wasn't a one year wonder)—SAIL