NFL Free Agency: The Best-Case Scenario Free Agents for All 32 NFL Teams
We are currently in the midst of the first work stoppage in the NFL since 1987. The players have decertified the union, and the owners have locked out the players. The negotiations, which center around the dispersion of $9 billion, now largely rest in the hands of lawyers.
And that blows. I don't want to talk about that. I am just going to put my faith in the fact that the powers that be will not be stupid enough to let these negotiations interfere with the upcoming season.
In the meantime, there will be no movement on the free agency front—except in the good ol' rumor mill.
I am going to get that mill cranked up. The following is the blueprint every team in the NFL should follow.
Now, until a new CBA is reached, we aren't even sure who will be a free agent as opposed to a restricted free agent. Last season, anyone with six years of service or less was a restricted free agent.
It is likely that that will return to the four years of service that it had been in years past.
Working under that premise, I did not include any players with four or less years of service that have been offered a tendered contract by their club.
I did include the players with five and six years of service who have received tendered offers, as those are likely to be void whenever a new CBA is reached.
Buffalo Bills: RT, Jammal Brown
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Why the Bills Need a FA OT: The Bills' current projected starter at right tackle is Erik Pears. As anyone who has seen Pears play over the last three years knows, this is not good. At this point, Pears is not even a solid backup option.
The Bills have many holes. They also have the No. 3 pick in the draft. They are going to use that pick on either a defensive lineman or Cam Newton. Either way, they are going to need a RT.
Why Brown Makes Sense: Jammal Brown made the switch back to right tackle in 2011. He hadn't played there since his rookie season.
While injuries resulted in a rough start to the season, Brown was playing some really good football at the end of the season. He likely isn't going to break the bank in free agency, and he should offer a few years of some solid tackle play. He is especially effective in the run game.
Miami Dolphins: QB, Matt Hasselbeck
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Why the Dolphins Need a FA QB: The Dolphins are not all that far off from being a serious contender. They were derailed by a rash of injuries and inconsistent QB play in 2010.
They also have two aging RBs that are both free agents themselves, but I, and many others, expect the Dolphins to grab Mark Ingram in the upcoming draft.
At this point, I don't think many people expect Chad Henne to develop into the QB of the future, and he certainly has not shown he can be the QB of the present.
Why Hasselbeck Makes Sense: Hasselbeck is 36 and coming off a very down year. However, when looking beyond the numbers, it is apparent that he still has some game.
He was on a Seahawks squad that featured a revolving door of offensive linemen, and that door wasn't revolving because they were good. He had little time to throw it and absolutely no running game to take the pressure off.
He is still an accurate passer that will make good reads if given time to do so. He will be an ideal game manager for a team with a good defense and solid running game. Also, as he showed in the Seahawks' NFC Wild Card victory over the Saints, he still has the goods to get it done in big games.
New England Patriots: LT, Doug Free
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Why the Patriots Need a FA OT: When your QB is named Tom Brady, protecting the QB needs to be a priority.
Starting Patriots left tackle Matt Light's contract has expired. While the Patriots could re-sign him, it has become apparent that his play is declining.
The Patriots have plenty of picks in this upcoming draft and could look to bring in a left tackle via the draft. However, the Patriots could use their top picks on an impact pass rusher and a deep threat. You don't want to leave the blindside of a your franchise to be protected by a rookie.
Why Free Makes Sense: Doug Free had a tremendous 2010 season and turned himself into one of the better tackles in the game. The Cowboys know this, and they do not want to lose him. They placed the highest possible tender on Free.
Free has five years of service, making it unlikely he will be restricted. He is going to have plenty of suitors if he is not, and the Patriots will certainly be one of them.
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New York Jets: WR, Steve Smith
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Why the Jets Need a FA WR: Both Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards' contracts have expired. It is doubtful they are going to extend enough coin to sign both of them. They will need to replace some of that production.
While the Jets have some holes on defense, most notably in the pass rush, I expect they will use their draft picks to fill those. They have an aging defense, and it would be wise for them to go young.
Why Smith Makes Sense: Smith is one of the best slot receivers in the NFL. He is coming off a knee injury, and he may not be ready for the start of the season. The Jets proved with Holmes last year this is a situation they are able to deal with.
That injury situation will also keep Smith's contract a little lower than what it would have been, and likely a lot cheaper than Edwards or Holmes.
Dallas Cowboys: FS, Eric Weddle
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Why the Cowboys Need a FA Safety: The Cowboys' first free-agent priority will be re-signing LT Doug Free, but it is boring talking about a team attempting to re-sign their own guys. So, we'll just move right along to item No. 2 on the FA list.
The Cowboys defense fell apart in 2010. It is an aging group where most of the disappointment happened in the front seven because not as much was expected out of the secondary.
Despite the low expectations, FS Alan Ball still managed to underwhelm.
The Cowboys will undoubtedly draft some youth in the trenches, at LB and probably even at corner. It is at safety, especially free safety, where they could use a veteran presence to help solidify the unit.
Why Weddle Makes Sense: Eric Weddle is just 26, and he has improved every year. He is the best safety on the free-agent market, and he had a 2010 that has propelled him to the upper echelon of free safeties in the NFL.
He is a solid tackler and has excellent ball skills. He had two picks and 10 passes defended in 2010.
New York Giants: MLB, Stephen Tulloch
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Why the Giants Need a FA MLB: The Giants are a team playing for the present. They were a late-season collapse away from being a playoff team in 2010. They definitely need to upgrade at the OT position, and they appear to be in the perfect spot in the first round to have a crack at the top-tier OTs in this year's draft.
On defense they need to upgrade their linebacking situation. There is a lot more depth at OLB in the draft than at MLB, and while current MLB Jonathan Goff did an almost-decent job in 2010, they can certainly stand an upgrade.
Why Tulloch Makes Sense: Stephen Tulloch is an outstanding linebacker. At just 26 years old, he is going to command a big contract, and he is worth it.
Tulloch has the explosiveness the Giants covet, and the dude is a tackling machine. He provides amazing run support, and he is solid in coverage. The Giants like to apply pressure on the QB with their defensive line, and Tulloch is the kind of LB that cleans up any mess that seeps and sneaks through.
Philadelphia Eagles: G, Harvey Dahl
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Why the Eagles Need a FA OL: Michael Vick takes a pounding over the course of a NFL game. His running style leaves him more susceptible to hits than the average QB.
The Eagles offensive line also added to his, and Kevin Kolb's, bruises. They struggled in pass blocking all year, especially on the right side.
They are in the market for upgrades at right tackle and guard. I expect the Eagles will draft Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi with their first pick and let him man the right tackle position. If he is not available, they will certainly have a couple other tackles to choose from.
2010 starting RG Max Jean-Gilles' contract has expired, and the Eagles would be wise to let him find a new home or sign him to a backup contract.
Why Dahl Makes Sense: Harvey Dahl bounced back from a severe ankle injury to have a dominating 2010 season. He is a more than capable pass blocker, amazing run blocker, and he is used to playing on the right side.
He is going to garner some nice offers this offseason. He is 30, but the Eagles are clearly just a few moves away from being a Super Bowl team.
Washington Redskins: C, Samson Satele
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Why the Redskins Need a FA C: The Redskins have a lot of holes to fill. Honestly, this team could really draft any position, and they would be drafting for need.
They notably have a need at QB. There are not many QBs out there in free agency, and the only one that could probably come in and be a starter is Matt Hasselbeck and maybe Bruce Gradkowski. Neither of them fit the big body and arm mold that Mike Shanahan likes.
Whoever they do get, if they want to keep him upright, they need a new person snapping him the ball. Casey Rabach, the 2010 starter, is 34, and he sucks. That is a bad combo.
Why Satele Makes Sense: Satele has been tendered by the Raiders. However, at five years of service, he is likely going to be an unrestricted free agent when the NFL gets back to work.
He has improved his play each year. He is a decent pass blocker and good in the run game. He is mobile and excels at second-level blocks on runs and screens.
Most importantly, he will give the Redskins an upgrade and some youth, and he is not going to break the bank, which will allow them to fill other holes as well.
Denver Broncos: DT, Brandon Mebane
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Why the Broncos Need a DT: The Broncos need a little of everything on defense. In a somewhat surprise move, they re-signed CB, Champ Bailey, which would lead one to believe they are probably not going to take Patrick Peterson in the draft but go for one of the stud D-linemen.
Unless they get some D-line help, their rookie is going to be double- and triple-teamed all year. They are switching from the 3-4 to the 4-3. So, even if they do draft a tackle, they are going to have a hole at the other DT spot, as their top three NTs in 2010 are no longer under contract.
Why Mebane Makes Sense: Brandon Mebane eats blockers for breakfast and running backs for lunch. He will help free up other defensive linemen to rush the passer and make plays in the run game.
If the Broncos sign Mebane, they likely won't get a lot of stats from Mebane himself, but he is exactly the kind of guy that would allow the Broncos' first-round pick defensive linemen (if they are smart enough to pick one) win rookie of the year.
The Seahawks offered an original round tender (third round) to Mebane. However, Mebane has five years of service under his belt.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR, Sidney Rice
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Why the Chiefs Need a FA WR: The Chiefs have a dynamic run game that led the league in 2010. That is a good thing, because their passing game is sporadic at best.
Matt Cassel has not evolved into the QB the Chiefs envisioned when they signed him to a big contract, and they are tied to him for at least one more year.
That means in order to improve the pass game, they are going to have to get him someone that can make some plays. Dwayne Bowe is a fine WR. He struggles with consistency, but he also had no one to take the pressure off of him.
Why Rice Makes Sense: Rice is a playmaker. He can make the plays on third downs, and he can make them down the field on any down. The ball doesn't need to be perfectly placed for Rice to come down with it.
The addition of Rice would mean defenses could not stack the box against the run and leave a safety permanently shifted towards Bowe.
The addition of Rice to this offense just might be the biggest impact FA move a team could make this offseason.
Oakland Raiders: RT, Willie Colon
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Why the Raiders Need a FA OT: The Raiders run game exploded in 2010. They finished the year second in the NFL in rushing. However, as effective as the O-line was in run blocking, they were equally defective pass blocking.
The Raiders may have their LT of the future with Jared Veldheer, who is coming off an impressive rookie season, but they have no one to bookend him with.
All of the other tackles on their roster have expired contracts, and all of them have been a disaster in pass blocking. They need someone to slow down the edge pass rush to allow their deep passing offense time to function.
Why Colon Makes Sense: Colon didn't play in 2010 while recovering from a torn Achilles, but all indications are the 30-year-old will be raring to go in 2011.
Before the injury, Colon was one of the best right tackles in the game. The Steelers are certainly going to try and re-sign him, but the Raiders should try and immaculately sign him away.
He will be the best pass blocking right tackle they have had in Oakland since Lincoln Kennedy retired, and he is certainly no slouch in the run game.
San Diego Chargers: OLB, Matt Roth
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Why the Chargers Need a FA OLB: The Chargers spent a high draft pick on Larry English even though Shawne Merriman was one of the elite OLBs in the game.
Now Merriman is long, long gone, and English has never fulfilled his promise. While I don't think the Chargers are ready to give up on English, they could certainly use someone to help him generate some pressure on the outside.
The Chargers would be wise to avoid spending yet another top pick on an OLB and instead go for a big 3-4 DE. They could use some help at WR and OL with their next picks and find a serviceable OLB in FA.
Why Roth Makes Sense: Roth tailed off in Cleveland as the season wore on. This may be attributable to the fact he was not happy in Cleveland with his contract, going as far as asking to be traded, or injuries that were not listed. Roth does have a history of injuries.
Whatever the case, it is apparent that he would benefit from a change of scenery, and the Chargers could use his solid pass rushing and rush defense skills. He also should come at a decent value.
Arizona Cardinals: QB, Bruce Gradkowski
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Why the Cardinals Need a FA QB: In 2010, the Cardinals suffered through some of the worst QB play the league has seen.
While the Cardinals would be wise to target a QB somewhere in the draft that they feel can be the future, they need someone who can help them in the present.
Why Gradkowski Makes Sense: Gradkowski is a fierce competitor. He will bring intensity and spark to an offense that very clearly fell flat in 2010.
He is only 28 years old, but he is injury-prone. He does not possess the talent level to be a long-term solution at QB, but he is a capable starter, and his scrambling freestyle play is fun to watch and will allow him to function behind a suspect Cardinal O-line.
He will certainly be an upgrade over the QB play in 2010 and do a fine job of keeping the Cardinals competitive while they find the long-term answer.
He also isn't going to break the bank, which will allow the Cardinals to address other holes.
San Francisco 49ers: CB, Josh Wilson
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Why the 49ers Need a FA CB: Opposing WRs terrorized the 49ers defense. They couldn't stop anyone from catching a pass. Nate Clements is 31 and clearly declining and still making good money. They need to find a way to get out from under his contract.
I expect the 49ers to draft Prince Amukamara in the upcoming draft, but even with the addition of a rookie, they could still use some CB help. And if they choose to draft a front-seven defensive player or a QB with their top pick then they definitely need a CB in FA.
There is a deep pool of FA corners.
Why Brown Makes Sense: Brown is undersized, but he is blazing fast. He has good ball skills and excellent coverage skills. He is a solid No. 2 corner and an excellent nickel corner.
He is not going to require a huge contract. Wilson was assigned a restricted free-agent tender by the Ravens, but he is another of the players who has five years of service, which likely will make the tender meaningless.
Seattle Seahawks: OT/G, Marshal Yanda
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Why the Seahawks Need a FA OL: The Seahawks offensive line in 2010 was a revolving door of ineptitude. They could not run the ball and they couldn't protect the passer, and that is a powerful combo of suck for any offensive line.
If Russell Okung can stay healthy, they certainly have their left tackle, but that is about it. RT Sean Locklear is a free agent and cannot run block. Max Unger may turn into a solid interior lineman if he can stay healthy, but that leaves the Hawks with a best-case scenario of needing to improve at three O-line spots.
Why Yanda Makes Sense: Yanda is a solid option at right tackle or guard. He would be an instant upgrade for the Seattle at either position.
His flexibility will allow the Seahawks flexibility in acquiring the best linemen around him.
He also should come at a decent bargain, which will allow them to address some of their many other holes.
St. Louis Rams: TE, Zach Miller
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Why the Rams Need a FA TE: The Rams are convinced, and for good reason, that they have their franchise QB. Now they just need to get him some weapons.
Priority No. 1 is getting Sam Bradford a WR. The Rams are likely to take a WR with their first pick in the 2011 draft—and it will probably be Julio Jones. This, combined with the return of Donnie Avery, gives the Rams an explosive but very young receiving corp.
The addition of a big pass-catching TE would give Bradford a security blanket while the young receivers develop. He will also help command safety attention to open things up for the young receivers.
Why Miller Makes Sense: In 31 games in 2008-09, Miller caught a total of 122 passes for 1,583 yards...with JaMarcus Russell as his primary QB.
Needless to say, Miller is an amazing pass-catching TE. The Raiders know this too. That is why they placed the highest possible tender on Miller. However, Miller is yet another player that checks in at five years of service.
Baltimore Ravens: CB, Nnamdi Asomugha
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Why the Ravens Need a CB: The contracts on both of the Ravens' starting corners in 2010, Chris Carr and Josh Wilson, have expired. Wilson and Carr were not a disaster, but neither is what you would consider a shutdown corner.
A shutdown corner would free the Ravens defense up to utilize a blitz-and-destroy defense that we have come to expect out of them. It will also free up FS Ed Reed to freelance and do what he does best, which is make plays.
Why Asomugha Makes Sense: Asomugha makes sense for every team. He is an absolute stud and the best free agent available.
The Ravens are going to be signing corners in the offseason anyway, and they may as well go after the best.
They are close enough that the addition of one player, if he is the right guy, can turn them into a Super Bowl team, and Asomugha is that guy.
Cincinnati Bengals: DE, Charles Johnson
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Why the Bengals Need a FA DE: The Bengals need lots of help this offseason. At the root of their defensive problems was their lack of a pass rush. They managed just 26 sacks.
While there is plenty of great edge pass rushing talent in the draft, the Bengals will likely have an opportunity to replace the T.Ocho show with A.J. Green. They also have a solid young end in Carlos Dunlap.
Dunlap finished 2010 strong. Now, he just needs someone on the other side that will not allow offenses to key in on stopping him.
Why Johnson Makes Sense: Johnson will be one of the most sought-after FAs on the market. He is just 24, and he had a stellar 2010 season as he broke the double-digit sack mark.
Johnson is young enough that he will pay instant and future dividends while giving the Bengals the opportunity to give Carson Palmer a weapon on the outside that is on his first legs instead of his last.
The Panthers have placed a tender on Johnson, but he has five years of service under his belt.
Cleveland Browns: DE, Ray Edwards
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Why the Browns Need a FA DE: The Browns are switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 in 2011, and that leaves them in need of D-linemen.
They almost have to draft a D-lineman with their first pick, and there should be plenty to choose from. They will be hoping they get a chance to draft Nick Fairley or Marcell Dareus for the interior of the line.
Even if the monster tackles are gone, and the Browns do draft an edge guy, they could certainly use two, and a veteran presence to help take some of the pressure off of the rookie.
Why Edwards Makes Sense: Edwards is a solid and complete 4-3 defensive end. The Vikings have tendered him, but Edwards already has six years of service.
Edwards is only 26, and he is coming off of an eight-sack season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: G, Robert Gallery
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Why the Steelers Need a FA G: The Steelers will be looking to upgrade at all offensive line positions except center. They will likely spend their first pick on one and hope that one of the top-tier tackles is available.
They need the bruisers up front that not only keep the pressure off Roethlisberger, but more importantly, wear down an opponent and allow them to take over a game with their running attack.
Why Gallery Makes Sense: The former No. 2 overall selection was an absolute bust at tackle, but he has developed into a fine guard. The only concern with him is health.
The Steelers have a complete enough team that they could withstand an injury to Gallery, although they would hope he was ready for the playoffs.
He is solid in pass protection and an absolute beast in the run game. He would give the Steelers the physical presence up front that they have been lacking.
Chicago Bears: G, Justin Blalock
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Why the Bears Need a FA G: The Bears offensive line was a disaster in 2010. It is truly a testament to their defense that they were able to make the playoffs at all.
Much like the Steelers, the Bears will be looking to upgrade all offensive line positions except center, and that is assuming they re-sign C Olin Kruetz.
Also like the Steelers, they will certainly look towards drafting a tackle with their first pick. There just aren't as many tackles available in FA as there are guards.
Why Blalock Makes Sense: Blalock is a very solid and complete lineman. He is above average in both run blocking and pass protection.
He is used to playing on the left side, which was by far the weaker side of the Bears offensive line. His presence would help ease the load on a rookie LT should the Bears happen to draft one.
Blalock has been tendered, but he is yet another player with five years of service.
Detroit Lions: C, Lyle Sendlein
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Why the Lions Need a FA C: I think it is pretty apparent at this point that the Lions need to make a priority of keeping Matthew Stafford as upright as possible.
Their line struggled in pass protection and run blocking in 2010. Most importantly, they could use an upgrade at tackle and center.
There is much better value to be had in the FA market for centers than tackles.
Why Sendlein Makes Sense: Sendlein is an above-average center. He is just 26 years old, and he is not going to break the FA budget.
He will be a dramatic upgrade over Dominic Raiola and provides the Lions with solid leadership in the middle of their trenches. He is another five-year player.
Green Bay Packers: G, Kyle Kosier
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Why the Packers Need a FA G: For a defending champ, the Packers are incredibly young. They also don't have that many players that are free agents. This leaves them with very few needs.
LG Daryn Colledge is one of their free agents, and he is also a below-average LG. If the Packers do have a weakness, it is in their O-line.
While they very well may decide to draft a guard, I think they should sign one in free agency. I'd much rather have a proven commodity ensuring my franchise QB stayed off his backside than a rookie.
Why Kosier Makes Sense: Kosier is an average to above-average left guard, and that is good enough for an upgrade for the Packers. He is not going to allow many sacks, and he'll do a decent job in the run game.
He has been tendered by the Cowboys, but he has five years of service.
Minnesota Vikings: CB, Chris Carr
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Why the Vikings Need a FA CB: The Vikings secondary fell apart in 2010. Antoine Winfield is a solid corner, but he'll be 34 when next season begins.
The other corner, Cedric Griffin, is coming off an ACL tear, and the depth behind them does not appear to be starter material.
They need someone that can come in and play right away.
Why Carr Makes Sense: Carr had a solid 2010. It is really the only good year he has had at corner. Maybe he was motivated by a contract year, or maybe he is just figuring the NFL game out.
Either way, you have to believe he could handle at least second-CB duty.
He shouldn't command a huge contract, and he is only 27. If the Vikings target Carr, they can fill other holes with their first picks in the draft and also have some money left over to sign another FA or two.
Houston Texans: SS, Dawan Landry
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Why the Texans Need a FA SS: The Texans have to start putting some wins behind their potential. It was painfully evident that it was their defense that held them back in 2010.
The Texans pass defense was a joke. They need upgrades all over the secondary. So, while they are switching to a 3-4 and will need the OLBs to go with it, I expect they will spend their first pick to fill that hole.
That will put their emphasis on finding the best possible upgrade they can for their secondary.
The Texans declined to tender current SS, Bernard Pollard, making it clear they are ready to go in another direction.
Why Landry Makes Sense: Landry can slide down into the box and provide run support, and he is also very solid in pass coverage.
Landry is a complete player, and the Ravens will not want to lose him. He did receive a tendered offer, but he has six years of service.
Indianapolis Colts: OT, Tyson Clabo
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Why the Colts Need a FA OT: The Colts' 2010 LT, Charlie Johnson, is a free agent, and that is actually a good thing for the Colts. Johnson was absolute garbage. I am not even sure he is a capable backup.
While the Colts could select a tackle in the draft, wouldn't you rather have a veteran blocking Peyton Manning's blind side?
The Colts seldom sign FAs, but when the health of Peyton Manning is at stake, they need to make an exception.
Why Clabo Makes Sense: Clabo has been steadily improving throughout his career, and at 29, he would appear to be right in his prime.
And that is exactly what the Colts need.
Clabo will help give Manning the extra second or two he did not have in 2010, and he will open up a few running lanes in the process.
Jacksonville Jaguars: FS, Michael Huff
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Why the Jaguars Need a FA FS: The Jaguars pass defense was a mess in 2010. This was largely the result of a lack of pass rush and horrible safety play.
The Jaguars will be in an excellent position to draft one of the stud 4-3 DEs with their first pick. This should give an immediate boost to their pass rush.
That will leave them with a need of finding a FS that has the coverage and ball skills that Don Carey lacks.
Why Huff Makes Sense: Michael Huff has the coverage skills of an average nickel corner, which is excellent considering he is a safety. He has good speed and decent hands.
He also displayed that he is a capable blitzer if the Jaguars decide to crank up the pressure in 2011.
Huff is not a great open-field tackler, which made the Raiders single-deep safety scheme a questionable fit for him. He would not find himself in that position as often with the Jaguars.
Tennessee Titans: C, Kyle Cook
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Why the Titans Need a FA C: The Titans suffered through some horrible interior line play in 2010. They need an upgrade at both the LG and C positions.
When you have a back as talented as Chris Johnson, you do everything you can to get him some solid blocking up front. That should start with the quarterback of the O-line—the center.
The Titans could draft a guard and help his progress by sticking him next to an experienced center.
Why Cook Makes Sense: Cook is an above-average run blocker. He is experienced but still young at 27.
He only has four years of service, but I didn't find any reports that the Bengals extended a tendered offer to him, or most of the guys they could have, for that matter.
Those crazy Bengals! Their oversight in this area could be of great benefit to the Titans.
Atlanta Falcons: SS, Quintin Mikel
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Why the Falcons Need a FA SS: If you've been paying attention, you will have seen that almost the entire Falcons offensive line is no longer under contract.
That makes their priority this offseason re-signing those guys, and if they can't do that, they need to replace them.
Once they get that straightened away, they need to upgrade their SS position. 2010 SS William Moore was a disaster, and his lack of game was put on full display in the playoff loss to the Packers.
Why Mikell Makes Sense: Mikell is a strong safety that is equally effective defending the run and the pass. He will solidify the Falcons defense.
He is coming off his best season, and at 30, he is still in his prime. He is likely going to command a pretty hefty payday, but for a team like the Falcons who are looking to make a run at the Super Bowl, he could be the missing piece.
Carolina Panthers: DT, Barry Cofield
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Why the Panthers Need a FA DT: The Panthers need a little of everything—that is why they were 2-14. There is a very good chance they will draft either Nick Fairley or Marcell Dareus, but they will still need someone to play alongside him.
The middle of the Panthers line was gouged in 2010. Unless they want their rookie to face double- and triple-teams, they need to bring someone else in.
If they decide to go with Cam Newton or Patrick Peterson with the No. 1 overall, then they'll need the DT even more.
Why Cofield Makes Sense: Cofield is a very productive defensive tackle. He has an ability to get sacks, and he also can hold his ground against the run.
His presence will help solidify the Panthers line with or without Fairley or Dareus.
The Giants extended a tendered offer to Cofield, but he has six years of service under his belt.
New Orleans Saints: DE, Mathias Kiwanuka
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Why the Saints Need a FA DE: If you saw the Saints get ejected from the playoffs by getting shredded by the Seattle Seahawks offense, then you saw a D-line that needs upgrading.
The Seahawks had one of the worst lines in football in 2010, and yet the Saints were unable to generate any pressure or slow down the run game.
They could use some interior and exterior help. I expect the elite pass rushers to be gone when the Saints make their first selection, although they should be able to find some solid blocker eating bodies at the DT position.
They need to find a pass rusher. Nobody on the Saints had more than six sacks in 2010.
Why Kiwanuka Makes Sense: Kiwanuka tallied four sacks in the first three weeks in 2010, then he found himself on IR with a serious neck injury.
Reports are that he is healthy and ready to play football. This is bad news for QBs. Kiwanuka is one of the best pass rushing DEs in the game.
Even if he is at 90 percent of his former self, he will change the face of the Saints defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: ILB, Paul Posluszny
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Why the Bucs Need a MLB: Barrett Ruud had a subpar 2010, and he is a free agent.
He is also apparently expecting a much bigger contract than Tampa Bay is willing to offer. They need to find someone to replace him. While they can certainly use some guys on the edge of the D-line, Tampa would be wise to make a run for one of the top two ILBs on the market.
With their stud DTs eating up all the blockers, a top-end MLB will be free to roam and do some damage.
Why Posluszny Makes Sense: Posluszny really came into his own in 2010. The Bills are not going to want to let him go, and they have placed a tender on him. However, he has five years of service.
If he signs with Tampa, he'd be making a switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3. He has the instincts and adequate speed to make this switch.
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