NFL Free Agency Rumors: Top 20 Players Who May Reunite with Former Coaches
As we gear up for the NFL draft in April and the possibility of a lockout or new collective bargaining agreement, we still have to worry where our current host of free agents will end up.
This time, we’re going to take a look at the possibilities of familiar faces reuniting. Coaches and players form bonds when they go to battle with each other for any given amount of time. As players weight their options, they may look for greener pastures with familiar coaches to help ease them into their new settings.
From Matt Leinart to Randy Moss to Antonio Cromartie and his flock of children, these are the top 20 players who could potentially reunite with a former coach.
Honorable Mention: Le’Ron McClain to Rex Ryan in New York
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LaDainian Tomlinson is back with Gang Green, but he seemed to wane towards the end of the season. I’m the biggest Tomlinson fan out there, but the Jets may be interested in bringing in another reliable runner for crunch time.
McClain is a powerful runner with veteran experience. He’d be a fine fit behind this New York Jets offensive line and would be a cheap option than Tomlinson. The Jets could also preserve Shonn Greene for the postseason with a three-headed rushing monster.
20: Ronnie Brown to Cam Cameron in Baltimore
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Cam Cameron coached Ronnie Brown when he was in Miami. Now that Willis McGahee is gone, the Ravens will want to bring in another capable veteran runner.
Brown has a history of injuries under his belt and shouldn’t be demanding too much money on the open market. Brown would at least play for a veteran team on the verge of winning the AFC.
Brown, given his injury history and ability to play with a winning team, should be willing to take a bit of a pay cut to go play with a coach he is familiar with and will give him the best opportunity to succeed and win.
19: Ricky Williams to Cam Cameron in Baltimore
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This is similar to the Ronnie Brown situation, except that it should be far cheaper for the Ravens. This would be a great fit, because Williams still has gas left in the tank and would be extra motivated playing for a gritty Ravens team in need of a veteran runner behind Ray Rice.
Williams, like Brown, is a solid runner who can catch the ball. Williams, unlike Brown, does not have the injury history. I’d also argue that Williams is a much tougher runner than Brown.
This would be an ideal fit for Williams.
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18: Marc Bulger to Mike Martz in Chicago
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If you saw the Chicago Bears in 2010, you know the Bears need depth at the quarterback position. Caleb Hanie may bolt for another team, but I expect him to remain in Chicago. Still, Bulger would be a fine veteran addition behind both, as he is familiar with Mike Martz’ all-or-nothing offense.
Bulger is looking for a home and won’t start anywhere, but at least he would be with a familiar coach who knows his skill set.
17: Mathias Kiwanuka to Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis
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There are conflicting reports regarding Kiwanuka recently. He was forced to miss almost the entire 2010 season due to a neck injury. He was able to avoid life-threatening injury, but his career may be in doubt.
Should he return to NFL action, it is highly doubtful the Giants would take him back and to watch him risk further injury. Spagnoulo needs depth on the defensive line and Kiwanuka does have a ton of talent inside that big, athletic frame.
He could be an affordable piece for this rising Rams team.
16: Kevin Boss to Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis
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Boss is more of a long shot than most on this list, since the Rams have some fine tight ends. Still, Boss would represent an upgrade on all levels from the Rams’ current batch. Boss is a big target with good speed and hands. He’s often been a safety blanket for Eli Manning and would continue that role in St. Louis for Sam Bradford.
Boss may be seeking more than the Rams would be willing to shell out, considering he’s not a top 10 tight end, but he would definitely provide a boost for this offense. If the Rams are willing to put the money in this offseason to pieces like Boss and Steve Smith from the Giants, they would definitely solidify their spot in the NFC West.
15. Steve Breaston to Todd Haley in Kansas City
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Now that Dwayne Bowe has emerged as an elite wide receiver and Matt Cassel displayed fantastic game-managing skills with big play potential, the Chiefs have one of the most potent passing attacks in the game. They also boast a dynamic playmaker in Dexter McCluster who is best suited for the slot. That means the Chiefs are in search for a quality No. 2.
In Arizona, especially under Todd Haley’s guidance, Steve Breaston became one of the most underrated wide receivers in league. Granted, Breaston worked best in the slot when he was able to find open space due to defenses having to contend with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but Breaston is now far more experienced and will come into 2011 healthy. Breaston is a fine wide receiver and would be a solid acquisition as the Chiefs look to repeat as AFC West Champs.
14. Charles Johnson to John Fox in Denver
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As it stands right now, Charles Johnson has been tendered and will come back to Carolina. As we know, things can change with a new collective bargaining agreement. That means Johnson may be free to choose where he wants to go, and he could very well look for a familiar face.
Denver may choose to bypass defensive end Da’Quan Bowers in the draft and Johnson would be a great addition to a defensive line adding Elvis Dumervil from injury. Johnson and Dumervil would make for a very good defensive end tandem and would instantly make the Denver defense better in 2011.
13. Richard Marshall to John Fox in Denver
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Richard Marshall did not have a good 2010… Then again, other than Jon Beason, who really did in Carolina? He is still a fine corner and the Broncos could still use depth at the position. The veteran would also be able to challenge for a starting spot if John Fox doesn’t give him the position from the start.
Champ Bailey and Marshall would make for a fine duo. He also might not command as much money as he would have since he failed to impress in 2010. We often see some head coaches recruit free agents from their former team and Marshall may be one of the pieces to follow.
12. Robert Gallery to Tom Cable in Seattle
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Robert Gallery was labeled a bust until he shifted to the inside of the offensive line. Tom Cable seemed to get the most out of Gallery. The Seahawks need to upgrade the offensive line, especially the interior, and Gallery would be an affordable veteran option.
Gallery can still be a powerhouse and he would help make this a fine offensive line to protect the quarterbacks and open lanes for the running backs.
Gallery is a necessary piece, given his position and experience, to get the Seahawks back to the postseason.
11. Adam Vinatieri to Bill Belichick in New England
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Yup, back to where it all started.
I could definitely see Belichick just letting Stephen Gostkowski following his injury. Belichick has no time for such nonsense.
Vinatieri is the all-time clutch kicker and it would make for a great story to see him heading back to New England to finish his career.
He doesn’t have the strongest leg anymore, but he is still one of the accurate and clutch kickers in the game. There is no kicker I’d rather have with a game on the line than Vinatieri. At this point in his career, Vinatieri may be willing to take a bit of a pay cut to go back to New England.
10. Shaun Rogers to Romeo Crennel in Kansas City
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One of the biggest needs in Kansas City is a destructive defensive tackle to solidify the defense. Shaun Rogers was just a victim of the purge in Cleveland and is in search of a new home with a chance to win. The Chiefs are building one of the strongest teams in the league and would all but secure a return to the top of the AFC West division with Rogers on the defensive line.
He is still a monster and would be fully motivated playing for a winning squad with a great outlook. Kansas City is an ideal fit for Rogers and Rogers is an ideal signing for Kansas City.
9. Ike Taylor to Ken Whisenhunt in Arizona
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We saw a Pittsburgh cornerback head to Arizona to reunite with Whisenhunt once before when Bryant McFadden went to the Cardinals.
This time, it could very well be Ike Taylor. I’m not a fan of Taylor’s, but the Steelers may not be willing to pay him what he wants. Arizona already has a good secondary but still needs more pieces. After their abysmal season and desperation to get back to the top of the NFC West, Whisenhunt may petition to bring in a familiar face to complete his secondary.
8. Braylon Edwards to Romeo Crennel in Kansas City
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As previously stated, the Chiefs need a receiver opposite Bowe.
Although Breaston is a cheaper option than Edwards, Edwards gives the Chiefs a far bigger threat on offense than Breason does.
Edwards doesn’t have great hands, but he has the size and speed similar to Bowe to give Matt Cassel two huge targets down the field and in the red zone.
With Edwards and Bowe on the field, we would watch Dexter McCluster eat up defenses in the slot similar to Wes Welker in New England.
7. Steve Smith to Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis
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Steve Smith may be recovering from a knee injury, but he is expected to return a few short weeks into the regular season. Smith is one of the most reliable wide receivers in the game. He runs excellent routes and has some of the surest hands in the game.
Smith would instantly turn into Sam Bradford’s favorite target due to his reliability on the field. Given Bradford’s excellent arm strength and accuracy, Smith wouldn’t even need to practice much with Bradford to be effective upon return. We saw Mark Clayton excel immediately when he was signed.
If the Rams miss out on Julio Jones in the upcoming draft, Steve Smith would be one of their best options if they could pry him away from the New York Giants.
6. Antonio Cromartie to Ron Rivera in Carolina
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Ron Rivera knows this Carolina defense needs a complete retooling. Cromartie is one of the better cornerbacks in the game with great speed, size and leaping ability. His hands aren’t great but he has good instincts on the ball. He would be a good fit in Carolina working against the receivers in the NFC South.
Rivera may draft a defensive lineman in the draft but he still needs more help in the secondary. If the Panthers are willing to pay some money, Cromartie would be a great fit for Rivera.
5. Terrell Owens to Wade Phillips in Houston
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Some would be shocked to see Owens on this list in fear that he might tear this team apart, but I think Owens would be highly motivated to play in this high octane offense. And who knows, Owens might just call Matt Schaub the best quarterback he’s ever played with…
Owens was excellent in Cincinnati and played hard throughout the season despite the Bengals disappointing time and time again as a whole. Like last year, Owens would not face any double teams as defenses gear up to stop the all-mighty Andre Johnson.
The Texans are in desperate need of great wide receiver opposite Johnson and Owens is the perfect fit. Owens still plays at a high level and still possesses elite talent. He has the strength and speed and wouldn’t be depended on to be the go-to man with Johnson on the same field. He would give this Texans offense a completely new dynamic since they have never had a receiver opposite Johnson of Owens’ caliber.
4. Nnamdi Asomugha to Tom Cable in Seattle
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Asomugha enjoyed playing for Tom Cable and we’ve seen the Seahawks shell out big money before. He is the premier player in free agency this offseason and will command top money. No problem as far as I’m concerned since he’s worth every last penny. I’m sure Seattle knows this.
He enjoyed playing for Cable and as Seattle sets themselves up to pay him whatever he wants, he may just be willing to follow Cable to the Seahawks. They would have a great chance to repeat as NFC West winners.
Asomugha may just see the Seahawks as the easiest road to the Super Bowl considering they were a game away from going to the NFC Championship.
Unlikely, but crazier things have happened.
3. Dawan Landry to Rex Ryan in New York
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New York needs a safety and Landry would be a pretty cheap option to obtain. We all know at this point most players want to play for Rex Ryan. Well, Ryan may want a familiar face around than somebody he’ll have to coach up. Landry knows what to expect from Ryan and Ryan knows what to expect from Landry.
Landry isn’t a great safety, but he’s still young and would present an upgrade for the Jets.
2. Matt Leinart to Pete Carroll in Seattle
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I’ve said it since Pete Carroll arrived in Seattle that Leinart would play with his former coach one day. I’m sticking by it.
I think it is a match made in heaven. Carroll brought out the most in Leinart and Leinart brought Carroll much success. I don’t see Matt Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst as the future in Seattle. Perhaps Carroll could actually make Leinart work harder to improve and prove that he isn’t the bust he’s been thus far in his career.
At the very worst, Leinart would be able to learn from Hasselbeck and maybe one day start for Carroll in the future.
At the very least, I think it would make for a great story.
1. Randy Moss to Bill Belichick in New England
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We all know Moss wants to go back to New England. He clearly wasn’t happy being traded away to Minnesota and clearly shut it down in Tennessee.
Perhaps this was Belichick’s master plan all along. Oh that diabolical mastermind!
Belichick was able to acquire a third-round draft pick in Moss, one round better than the fourth-round selection he gave up for the receiver in 2007.
Belichick would be able to now sign him for less money than Moss wanted. He would also gain a motivated Moss for a Super Bowl run in 2011. I’m convinced that Moss just tanked it in 2010 but could still turn it on. He is still an elite receiver in this league and will want to make one last run to prove he is the best ever.
I would be shocked if Moss doesn’t end up in New England.
That Belichick is just the best, isn’t he?
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