2010 Free Agency Preveiw: Tight Ends

Without a salary cap, the 2010 crop of free agents looks bleak, but there could be more players available for trades, and more players will be released. Here is a list of the top ten tight ends scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at the start of free agency

1. Ben Watson - Recently hired Drew Rosenhaus, almost no chance that he will return to New England. A very athletic player, very fast and strong, but he has never been able to put things together.
2. Alge Crumpler - Crumpler did not provide the Titans with the receiving threat that they thought he would when they signed him. Has declined as a pass catcher, and he was never a great run blocker.
3. L.J. Smith - Some think Smith may stay in Baltimore if he takes a paycut. Others think Jones will be gone. Smith has solid size, speed, and hands, but he has awful durability and blocking skills.
4. Randy McMichael - Insiders do not expect McMichael to return in 2010. McMichael is a solid experienced pass catching tight end, that would be a solid short term answer for a team.
5. Reggie Kelly - A better blocker than a receiver. Although he has started over 70 games since he was drafted, he has only caught over 300 yards once, in 2000. 10 years ago.
6. Brandon Manumaleuna - HUGE, and I'm not talking only about his last name. I five starts, he caught five passes for 13 yards. Has only missed two games in his nine season career.
7. Billy Miller - A solid receiver when healthy. Did not play in 2009 due to injuries. With the emergence of David Thomas, I expect that the Saints will not re-sign Miller.
8. David Martin - Martin did not play in 2009 due to injuries, but when healthy he is a solid receiver. If he can stay healthy, he is a solid second tight end, and a great third tight end.
9. Jim Kleinsasser - One of the best, if not the best blocking tight end in the NFL. The Vikings pretty much only use him as an extra blocker. He started eight games and caught ten passes. Has played in every game since 2004.
10. Ben Hartsock - Solid blocker. Caught one pass in 2009, it was a two yard touchdown. An average second tight end and a good third tight end.

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