NFL Free Agency 2011: Ideal Free Agent Scenarios for All 32 Teams
We have to believe that at some point the NFL and the Players Trade Association, formerly the NFLPA, will come to an agreement and begin the 2011 league year.
When this happens the free agent market will begin—and we expect it to be fast, furious and down-right crazy.
Many teams are hoping to lock up premier players like Peyton Manning, Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Williams.
There are players who will be available that can single-handedly change the future of an NFL franchise.
What are the ideal free agent scenarios for each team? We thought you might ask...
Buffalo Bills: Sign an Offensive Tackle
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The Buffalo Bills addressed many needs via the NFL draft, but they were not able to draft an offensive tackle early enough to make an impact during the 2011 season.
While some fans and writers like Demetrius Bell at left tackle, we still believe the Bills must sign a starting offensive tackle—even if it means signing a right tackle so Bell can continue to develop at left tackle.
Baltimore's Jared Gaither makes a lot of sense in Buffalo. Coming off injury Gaither is looking for a team who will let him redeem himself, and the Bills will be able to lower the price tag on Gaither due to injury.
Miami Dolphins: Sign DeAngelo Williams
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The Miami Dolphins used a second-round pick on running back Daniel Thomas, but that doesn't mean they are done adding running backs.
The plan of the offseason in Miami includes adding another running back, possibly by re-signing either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams.
The best bet, and smartest investment, would be spending money on a younger back who has shown he can carry the load.
DeAngelo Williams is too good to waste away in Carolina while Cam Newton tries to become an NFL quarterback. Given the chance of starting in Miami, Williams will bolt for South Beach.
New England Patriots: Re-Sign Logan Mankins
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Bill Belichick has the New England Patriots this-close to winning another Super Bowl title. One thing the Patriots cannot afford is to lose the best guard in football—Logan Mankins.
Mankins was given the franchise tag before the lockout began, and we assume that tag will be honored once the league year begins.
Priority No. 1 in Foxborough must be re-signing Mankins, at all costs.
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New York Jets: Re-Sign Antonio Cromartie
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The Jets face an offseason with many high profile free agents to re-sign.
While Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Shaun Ellis are important to the Jets season, no one player has the value and importance as Antonio Cromartie.
During the 2010 season Cromartie played at a level we had never seen from him before, automatically making the Jets' cornerback duo the best in the NFL, really without question.
Bringing back Cromartie is tops on the Jets' offseason plans. Once they have him re-signed they can focus on Edwards and Holmes.
Baltimore Ravens: Re-Sign Marshal Yanda
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The Ravens have on their offensive line one of the hidden gems of the NFL in guard/tackle Marshal Yanda.
Yanda has emerged as one of the best guards in football, by our account, and he has also proven his worth as a situational player at offensive tackle.
Yanda is a must-sign player for the Ravens' front office. If not he will receive quick attention, and cash, on the open market.
Cincinnati Bengals: Re-Sign Jonathan Joseph
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The list of free agents in Cincinnati this offseason is daunting.
The team must re-sign starting running back Cedric Benson, make a decision on veteran Dhani Jones and Terrell Owens and then also consider what to do if Johnathan Joseph is not brought back.
Joseph may not have the big name as other free agents, but he is the most important player from the Bengals' non-contract players.
Joseph pairs perfectly with Leon Hall, giving Cincinnati a dominating duo at one of the NFL's most important positions.
Cleveland Browns: Sign a Wide Receiver
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The Browns did a great job addressing the defensive line through the draft—all the more important when you look at the lack of elite free agents at defensive end and tackle.
One area with a good stock of available players is wide receiver, which just so happens to be the Browns' major weakness heading in to 2011.
The Browns will run a true west coast offense under Pat Shurmur, which means their receivers do not have to be over-sized. What they must be able to do is run precise routes and run after the catch.
Minnesota's Sidney Rice fits the bill, and he's a free agent if the NFL goes back to four-years of service to qualify as an unrestricted free agent.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign a Cornerback
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The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the decision of re-signing cornerback Ike Taylor, replacing him with a free agent or simply signing Taylor and another cornerback to start opposite him.
We would vote for the latter.
Taylor is a quality cornerback who should be in a secondary role to a true No. 1 cornerback, which is what Pittsburgh should look for on the open market.
The Steelers have the winning track record, money and quality coaching staff to lure the best free agents to town.
Houston Texans: Sign a Cornerback
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The Houston Texans have spent a first and third-round draft pick over the last two years trying to solve their need at cornerback.
Rookie Kareem Jackson predictably struggled last year and may even be best off at free safety. The Texans added Brandon Harris in 2011, and he's a player we like a lot for the future.
The Texans' offense is good enough to take them deep in the playoffs, it's the defense that's killing them.
Expect Houston to reach out to Nnamdi Asomugha, Antonio Cromartie, Johnathan Joseph, Brent Grimes and Carlos Rogers on the open market.
Indianapolis Colts: Re-Sign Peyton Manning
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It is hard to believe, but Peyton Manning is essentially a free agent.
Manning was tagged as the Colts' franchise player before the NFL lockout began, making his movement limited—but possible.
We have no reason to believe that Manning will not re-sign with the Colts for another four or five years, but the timing is important.
Indianapolis needs to re-sign Manning as soon as possible so that they have a feel for money available under the salary cap and also to use Manning as a recruiting tool for potential free agents.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Sign a Cornerback
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Jacksonville fielded one of the worst secondaries in football during the 2010 season, and did little to nothing to improve the unit through the draft.
Signing a marquee free agent will not be easy. Jacksonville is far from competing for a playoff position, rarely sells out the stadium and may even be moving to Los Angeles in the future.
This makes signing a second-tier free agent, maybe Carlos Rogers, more likely.
Tennessee Titans: Sign a Veteran Quarterback
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The Titans used the No. 8 overall pick to draft their quarterback of the future, Jake Locker.
Locker seems to be a great fit for offensive coordinator Chris Palmer's offense, but the team would still benefit from a veteran to support Locker's transition to the NFL.
Kerry Collins may be re-signed but we really like the idea of bringing Donovan McNabb to town. McNabb and Locker are very similar quarterbacks. This would allow Locker to watch a veteran prepare for games and learn how to lead a locker room.
Denver Broncos: Sign Defensive Tackles
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Denver Broncos' head coach John Fox knows defense as well as anyone in the NFL today. Which means he understands how important finding not one but two defensive tackles will be for Denver's 2011 season.
The Broncos move to a 4-3 defense did not take as much roster transition as, say, the Houston Texans move to a 3-4 has. There is one area that needs immediate attention though, and that's at defensive tackle.
Denver will look to sign at least two defensive tackles with starting ability. They have been linked to Albert Haynesworth already, if he's released by Washington.
Others players to consider are Cullen Jenkins, Brandon Mebane, Pat Williams and Aubrayo Franklin.
Kansas City Chiefs: Re-Sign Tamba Hali
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The Chiefs were able to tag Tamba Hali, who had a brilliant 2010 season, with the franchise tag before the NFL lockout was imposed.
Signing Hali to a long-term deal once the lockout ends is paramount to the Chiefs future success.
Kansas City's 2011 draft class is in our top two, Cleveland being the other team to hit a home run during the draft.
With Hali back in 2011 and even a little contribution from the rookie class, the Chiefs will repeat as AFC West champs.
Oakland Raiders: Re-Sign Nnamdi Asomugha
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The Oakland Raiders will hope they are able to re-sign the best defensive player on the free agent market, Nnamdi Asomugha. We remain doubtful, but those close to the Raiders feel it's possible.
Without Asomugha the Raiders 8-8 season in 2010 will be a one-hit wonder. If they can retain No. 21 for the future, the Raiders have some building blocks in place to get better.
It's also very likely that Asomugha will leave for more money and a chance at winning a title.
San Diego Chargers: Sign a Wide Receiver
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The San Diego Chargers have seemingly been on the cusp of a Super Bowl appearance for the last five seasons or so. Their frustratingly slow starts each year have held back the raw talent on the roster.
The 2011 offseason will be a key turning point in the future of the franchise.
The team has many notable free agents of their own, namely wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd.
If even one of the two leave, the Chargers will be left with a huge hole at wide receiver.
Dallas Cowboys: Sign a Defensive End
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Dallas bypassed their need at defensive end in the draft to pick up a right tackle with the potential to be an All-Pro player.
While selecting Tyron Smith was smart, the need for a defensive end remains.
Dallas could re-sign either Stephen Bowen, Jason Hatcher or Marcus Spears but it is unlikely they would do so and ask that player to start. Hatcher offers the most promise of the group should they go that route.
Dallas could look at Cullen Jenkins as a potential free agent signee.
New York Giants: Re-Sign Ahmad Bradshaw
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The Giants have some pieces on offense currently that could, as a group, contribute to the running game should they be unable to re-sign Ahmad Bradshaw.
However, the plan should be to re-sign Bradshaw.
No player on the roster has Bradshaw's work ethic, ability on the field and potential for improvement.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sign a Cornerback
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The retirement of Ellis Hobbs left the Eagles very thin at cornerback for the 2011 season. The team must find a complementary corner to starter Asante Samuel through free agency.
Nnamdi Asomugha has been linked to the Eagles, but he has also been linked to every team with a need at cornerback.
It's likely that Philadelphia would pursue Asomugha but also look at Antonio Cromartie and Johnathan Joseph.
Philadelphia can offer something most teams cannot in that they are a young team with a real shot at a Super Bowl title.
Washington Redskins: Sign a Quarterback
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We would love to see the Washington Redskins attempt to play the 2011 season with John Beck as their starter. It probably won't happen though.
Mike Shanahan is a little crazy, but not crazy enough to trust the 29-year old spot player as his QB No. 1 for the entire season.
Washington will be expected to pursue Vince Young, Kyle Orton and possibly Matt Flynn if the Packers are willing to trade him.
Whatever the Redskins do this offseason, they must find a quarterback.
Chicago Bears: Sign a Wide Receiver
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With so many talented wide receivers available in the open market this summer we would be shocked if the Bears did not spend the money to bring in a marquee wide receiver.
Players such as Vincent Jackson and Sidney Rice would be perfect for Mike Martz's offense in Chicago, as they are both excellent route runners.
Another player who would fit the Martz offense and not break the bank to sign is Steve Smith, actually the Steve Smith playing in Chicago or New York.
Both Smiths have what Martz needs in Chicago, and both should be available this summer.
Detroit Lions: Sign a Cornerback
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While we do believe that Nathan Vasher and Chris Houston could make a nice duo at cornerback if both were healthy, the Detroit Lions need to focus on signing a cornerback who will scare offenses into making mistakes or avoiding them altogether.
If the Lions were somehow able to lure Antonio Cromartie, Johnathan Joseph or Nnamdi Asomugha to town they would become early favorites for an NFC wild card slot.
Unfortunately it is unlikely that one of the big three cornerbacks will sign in Detroit, but even a second-tier cornerback would help tremendously.
Green Bay Packers: Re-Sign Daryn Colledge
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The Green Bay Packers are a young team built very well to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2011. To do so they must lock up one of their own free agents.
Daryn Colledge offers great value as a guard, and also as a player who has filled in at tackle due to injuries. With the addition of Derek Sherrod through the draft, the Packers' offensive line is nearing completion—if they can bring Colledge back.
Losing Colledge would hurt, and Green Bay would have to move quickly to replace him in free agency. If they are able to re-sign him it makes Green Bay an early favorite to win the NFC.
Minnesota Vikings: Sign a Quarterback
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The Vikings used their first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft on quarterback Christian Ponder—a player that many felt was as NFL-ready as any quarterback from the 2011 class.
The Vikings addressed their long-term need at the position when drafting Ponder but are still faced with a need for the immediate future as Ponder is groomed for a starting position.
Many quarterbacks are available via free agency or trades this summer. Players like Donovan McNabb have already been linked to the Vikings.
Atlanta Falcons: Sign a Defensive End
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The Falcons' 2011 draft will be defined by the success of wide receiver Julio Jones—a player the Falcons mortgaged the future to select No. 6 overall.
By trading away three picks in the 2011 draft for Jones, the Falcons missed out on the chance to add a pass rusher to line up opposite John Abraham. This makes their free agency needs pretty well defined.
Abraham has been great as of late, but he is not getting any younger. The team has tried different combinations opposite him but no one player has stuck.
Should Ray Edwards or Mathias Kiwanuka be interested in coming to Atlanta, the Falcons would have to emerge as a preseason favorite to win the NFC South again.
Carolina Panthers: Sign a Wide Receiver
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The Carolina Panthers are likely to lose the best player to ever wear their uniform this summer when Steve Smith is traded.
Smith, a talented receiver, has asked for a trade—even cleaning out his locker and personal suite at the stadium.
While Smith will have a number of suitors, the Panthers must move to replace him through free agency.
With a rookie quarterback and coming off a one-win season, the Panthers will be unable to sign marquee free agents, but they can hit on second-tier players like Malcolm Floyd or James Jones.
New Orleans Saints: Re-Sign Carl Nicks
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Offensive guard Carl Nicks makes up, what we believe, is the best guard duo in all of football.
Teaming with Jahri Evans to form an impressive wall in the interior line for the New Orleans Saints, Nicks is nearly impossible to replace.
The goal for the Saints should be to never find out.
Depending on how the league rules play out under a new CBA, Nicks will most likely enter the 2011 offseason as a restricted free agent.
Our advice to Mickey Loomis would be to sign Nicks to a long-term deal as soon as possible.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sign a Right Tackle
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Donald Penn has emerged as one of the better left tackles in football. Opposite Penn the Buccaneers need to focus on upgrading over free agent Jeremy Trueblood.
The trouble is that there are not many established offensive tackles available in free agency this summer.
Tampa Bay could ultimately look at Baltimore's Jared Gaither or Jeromy Clary of San Diego to fill the hole at right tackle.
Worst case scenario: Re-sign Trueblood and draft an offensive tackle in 2012.
Arizona Cardinals: Sign a Quarteback
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The Arizona Cardinals have been linked to every available quarterback this offseason, making it hard to tell who they may really be interested in.
This much we know for sure: The Cardinals will sign or trade for a quarterback this summer.
Among the possibilities are Kevin Kolb, Carson Palmer, Donovan McNabb and Marc Bulger.
St. Louis Rams: Sign a Wide Receiver
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The Rams found their quarterback (Sam Bradford) and left tackle (Rodger Saffold) of the future in the 2010 NFL draft.
Now they need to add weapons at receiver and tight end for Bradford to continue his development as one of the better young quarterbacks in the game.
Having a healthy Donnie Avery will help, but Bradford needs a vertical threat to stretch the defense. Players like Vincent Jackson, James Jones and Malcolm Floyd must be considered.
San Francisco 49ers: Sign a Cornerback
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The trio of Nate Clements, Tarell Brown and Shawntae Spencer have been adequate the last three seasons in San Francisco. At times they are capable of shutting down the opposition, and other times they seem lost and clueless.
Clements may be moved to safety or released, depending on if he will accept a contract re-structuring to relieve the stress of his massive deal. Brown and Spencer are both solid No. 2 cornerbacks, but might be better in nickel packages.
If the 49ers could somehow convince Nnamdi Asomugha, Antonio Cromartie or Johnathan Joseph to sign with them, they would be light-years ahead of where most expected them to be in 2012.
Seattle Seahawks: Sign a Quarterback
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The Seahawks have trusted the arm of Matt Hasselbeck since 2002, and they have done well under him.
Hasselbeck is entering free agency this summer and may not be back, depending on whom you ask.
Should Hasselbeck choose to leave Seattle, the team will rely on Charlie Whitehurst and a player added through free agency to fill the gap.
Players like Matt Leinart, Vince Young and even Carson Palmer should be considered here.
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