NFL Free Agency Speculation: 25 Biggest Injury Concerns on the Free Agent Market

Despite the number of players that were in restricted free agent limbo prior to the 2010 season, the 2011 talent pool seems shallow.  There are some big names on free agent lists, but most of the top talent has either received franchise tags, signed contracts or have injury issues.

This article will look at players that are free agents and haven't been franchise tagged.  It will also avoid speculation on who might be cut sometime prior to the eventual start of the season.  

Lesser injuries, such as Colts OLB Clint Session's elbow will be ignored.  Well, except for on this slide as an example of whom I won't be discussing.

Sorted by position group, the following players might be able to help an NFL team in 2011, if they can stay healthy.

Ryan Harris, OT Denver Broncos (26)

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 14: Defensive tackle Shaun Smith #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes quarterback Kyle Orton against the protection of offensive lineman Ryan Harris #74 of the Denver Bronco at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010 in Denver,

Harris seems to be out of favor in Denver.  John Fox is looking for powerful blockers, and Harris is better suited for a finesse, zone blocking scheme.

He's struggled with an injured foot and ankle over the last year, but has been relatively healthy otherwise.  He looks to be a good value for a team looking for help at RT.

Jared Gaither, OT Baltimore Ravens (25)

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 4: Jared Gaither #71 of the Baltimore Ravens is aided after he was injured during a game with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Gaither was taken off the field in a stretcher.

There is little doubt Gaither has the talent to be one of the best OTs in the NFL.  However, bad backs are difficult to rebound from.  He has missed 20 games in the last two seasons, and there are legitimate concerns that he could have a relapse.

Gaither would be in high demand if he was healthy.  His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said in a Twitter update that Gaither is "back to full strength and ready to go."

If the new bargaining agreement makes Gaither a restricted free agent, expect him to stay in Baltimore.  otherwise, Gaither will likely pull in a big payday from a new team.

Willie Colon, OT Pittsburgh Steelers (30)

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 16: Willie Colon #74 of the Pittsburgh Steelers has his helmet pushed up while blocking by Ryon Bingham #97 of the San Diego Chargers on November 16, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh won the game 11-10. (P

Colon missed the 2010 season with an Achilles injury, but should be healed and at full strength when the 2011 season starts.  

He is a five-year veteran, so it is unclear if the RT will be restricted or unrestricted when a CBA is finalized.

The Steelers have talked about moving him to guard, and placed a first-round tender on him in case the new agreement includes similar rules for restricted free agents.

If unrestricted, Colon is not likely going to return to Pittsburgh.  He wants to remain at OT, which would place a talented blocker on the free agent market.

Robert Gallery, G Oakland Raiders (31)

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 19: Offensive guard Corey Hulsey #71 of the Oakland Raiders stands over tackle Robert Gallery after Gallery was injured against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 19, 2006 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chi

Tom Cable revitalized Gallery's career when he moved him from OT to G.  Now if he could just come up with a way to keep him healthy.

Gallery would be looking at a nice paycheck if he could be counted on to survive the season. Missing 14 of his last 32 games will cool a lot of GM's heels, but the person that matters most is likely Cable himself.  Speculation has been rampant that Gallery will move north to play for his former coach and the Seattle Seahawks.

Clinton Portis, RB Washington Redskins (29)

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 17-12. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Ima

Portis has struggled with injuries the last two years, but has maintained a decent yards per carry average behind a maligned Redskins offensive line (4.2 YPC in 2010).  He missed 11 games last season with a pulled groin, and played just half of the 2009 season after suffering a major concussion. 

It surprised no one when the Redskins released Portis from his contract in February, eliminating $25 million of payroll over the next three seasons.

Portis could sign somewhere as a situational back, and has expressed an interest in playing for the Giants and Patriots.  He shouldn't be hampered by prior injuries, but he'll hit that mythical "30" mark at the scheduled start of the season.  

He will likely receive an incentive-laden contract short on guaranteed money.

Brian Westbrook, RB San Francisco 49ers (31)

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: Brian Westbrook #20 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jac

Westbrook has had a solid career, but would like to play another season in the NFL.  He picked a good team to sign with in 2010 relative to garnering playing time, as Frank Gore continued his string of missing time due to injury.

Westbrook remains one concussion away from hanging the cleats up for good.  A team needing depth at the position will give him that opportunity in 2011.  It is yet to be seen if it is an NFL or UFL club that steps up.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers (27)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 10: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 10, 2009 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Arizona C

Williams can still be a solid RB in the NFL, and some argue he is an elite option.  He averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 87 attempts over six games in 2010, but he averaged 5.0 yards per carry or better in the three seasons prior.

Williams missed the final 10 games in 2010 after spraining his foot in October.  He also missed three games in 2009 but was still selected to play in the Pro Bowl.  He will likely be the most sought-after RB in free agency, and should be a durable back again in 2011.

Mike Sims-Walker, WR Jacksonville Jaguars (26)

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars holds up the football after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Jagu

Teams looking at Sims-Walker will have to attempt to determine what WR they will be acquiring: The No. 2 WR that had over 850 receiving yards and 7 TDs in 2009, or the injury-riddled version that hit the field in 2010.

He still had seven TDs last season, but his catches dropped from 63 to 43 and his yards were down to 562.  He won't garner the attention of several other free agents, but for a team in need of a No. 2 receiver, he is worth the gamble.

Steve Breaston, WR Arizona Cardinals (28)

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Steve Breaston #15 of the Arizona Cardinals dives in to the end zone for a touchdown as Hunter Hillenmeyer #92 of the Chicago Bears pursues during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinal

Breaston has been a dark-horse to step up and over-perform for several seasons.  He's been plagued by injuries, though, and in 2010 he was also saddled with a lack of a QB.

Playing alongside Larry Fitzgerald is a nice role for a No. 2 receiver, but not without a QB. The knee and groin should be healed; the question is what new ailment might creep in.

Mark Clayton, WR St. Louis Rams (29)

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 03: Mark Clayton #89 of the St. Louis Rams makes the catch as Marcus Trufant #23 of the Seattle Seahawks defends on October 3, 2010 at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

When analysts point fingers at the Rams and mention their need to add WRs, they often forget about Donnie Avery and Mark Clayton.  Both had established a solid rapport with Sam Bradford, and both were lost for most of the season due to injury.

Avery will be back in 2011, and Clayton is expected to re-sign with the Rams.  While he never got moving in Baltimore, he was off to an elite-level start in St. Louis.  In under four games, he had over 300 yards and two TDs.

Clayton and Bradford should make for a solid tandem in 2011, so long as another team doesn't grab him.

Terrell Owens, WR Cincinnati Bengals (37)

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals pulls in this reception against Christopher Owens #21 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Owens makes this list by virtue of a late-season torn meniscus.  Some would argue he deserves a spot due to a broken personality as well.

Owens came up just short of 10 TDs and 1,000 yards in 2010, showing solid production with the Bengals.  His knee injury shouldn't hinder him in 2011; he'll have ample time to rehab prior to the start of the season, and Owens has taken extreme steps to ensure he maintains elite physical conditioning.  Despite his age, Owens is still a talented WR worthy of a No. 2 slot.

There are several teams in need of receiving help and one of them will undoubtedly give Owens an opportunity.  If a team like the Ravens, challenging to make a Super Bowl, will give T.J. Houshmandzedah an opportunity, Owens and his talent should still attract some attention.  

Steve Smith, WR New York Giants (26)

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants gets doused with beer after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 7, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 41-7. (Ph

It is unlikely that Smith will end up anywhere other than New York for the 2011 season.  He is still undergoing an extensive rehabilitation on his knee, and may not be able to return for the start of the 2011 season.  

The Giants have shown interest in keeping him, placing a second-round tender on him expecting some form of of restricted free agency under the anticipated collective bargaining agreement.

Without being able to work Smith out, GMs will likely be hesitant to offer him the size of contract it will take to lure him away from the Giants.

Sidney Rice, WR Minnesota Vikings (25)

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Darren Sharper #42 and Jabari Greer #32 of the New Orleans Saints tackle Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sa

Rice is being spoken of as a top WR, but his production has been hampered by injuries.  It will be interesting to see if contract offers are tempered due to abilities, injury history or both.

Rice put up impressive stats in 2009 (83 Rec, 1,312 Yards, 8 TDs, 15.8 YPC).  In 2010, he was only able to equal his YPC at 16.5.

Rice will likely return to the Vikings, as other teams will likely be wary of his injury status.  One year of solid production while working with Brett Favre makes Rice unproven as a top WR.

Alex Smith, QB San Francisco 49ers (27)

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive lineman Rocky Bernard #99 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Monster Park September 30, 2007 in San Francisco, California. (Photo

To start, I recognize Smith doesn't have a "current" injury to speak of.  However, he does have an established track record of missing games.

While 49er fans like to poke fun about Hasselbeck's health, it is worth pointing out that Smith has missed more time due to injury in his career than Hasselbeck has.

Smith has missed time in five of his six seasons, appearing in just 54 of 96 games.  Some of those were the result of being benched, but he missed nine games in 2007 and all 16 games of 2008 due to a shoulder injury and complications following surgery.

Smith may get one last run in 2011 to salvage his credibility.  If he can stay healthy, and land in the right situation, he could produce.  The 49ers have stated they want him to come back and help with the transition to Colin Kaepernick; I would contend Smith is better served finding a situation where he can compete to be the starting QB for a longer term.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB Seattle Seahawks (35)

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by three members of the Chicago Bears defense in the first half during the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illino

Seahawks fans remember the "good" Hasselbeck.  The Hasselbeck that had a solid OL, a good offensive scheme, a running game and was healthy.  

Some believe Hasselbeck can return to his form of old, while others claim anyone that can hurt himself on a play lacking contact needs to hang up the cleats.

The harsh reality is there are several teams in need of a veteran QB.  One of them will be willing to step up and pay Hasselbeck a salary in the Kerry Collins neighborhood of $15 million over two seasons.

Mathias Kiwanuka, DE New York Giants (28)

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: Hunter Smith #3 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants on a fake field goal during their game on December 21, 2009 at Fedex Field in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty I

Kiwanuka's neck injury sidelined what looked like a promising season.  He had four sacks in his first three weeks prior to landing on the injured reserve list.

It is unfortunate that his production was stemmed in his contract year.  He has not traditionally been a sack threat, although he did post eight in 2008.  

Kris Jenkins, NT New York Jets (32)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 18: Kris Jenkins #77 of the New York Jets is helped off the field after being injured in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands on October 18, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Jenkins has barely found the field the last two seasons, thanks to a pair of torn ACLs.  He isn't likely to sign for much beyond the league minimum with incentive clauses.  

Jenkins won't be returning to the Jets next season, as he is looking to sign with a team that plays on grass. 

The Redskins would fit, as they play on grass and seem to favor broken-down linemen.  The 49ers could also use help on their line, but their division features three teams with field turf.

Cullen Jenkins, DE/DT Green Bay Packers (30)

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions moves to avoid Cullen Jenkins #77 and A.J. Hawk #50 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jona

Jenkins can be dominant at the line of scrimmage when he is in the game, but he is injured about one-third of the time.  

He could be a great addition to several teams, though, and a GM will take a gamble on him.

Leroy Hill, OLB Seattle Seahawks (28)

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 02: Leroy Hill #56 of the Seattle Seahawks stands on the field during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Qwest Field on November 2, 2008 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Hill may have worn out his welcome in Seattle.  After signing a huge contract, he has had legal issues involving drug use and a domestic dispute.

Hill missed all of 2010 with an Achilles injury, and missed time in 2009 with a groin injury.  Seattle has received very little from him since signing, and Pete Carroll opted to renegotiate his contract last offseason, making him a free agent in 2011.

Hill has Pro Bowl talent, but injuries and mental lapses have derailed his career.  Seahawks fans would have liked to see him get things straightened out in Seattle, but he will likely need to make an effort elsewhere.

Barrett Ruud, ILB Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28)

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Barrett Ruud #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

To be fair, I don't have any proof that Ruud was hampered by injury in 2010, but his play didn't mesh with what he had offered in prior years.  He has only missed one game in six seasons.

Something wasn't quite right, he will likely look to rebound in Tampa Bay in 2011.

Stephen Cooper, ILB San Diego Chargers (32)

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Stephen Cooper #54 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after breaking up a third down pass attempt in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. Th

Cooper suffered an MCL sprain in December, but should be healthy and ready to go for 2011. Speculation is that he will follow Ron Rivera to Carolina.

Fabian Washington, CB Baltimore Ravens (28)

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BALTIMORE - NOVEMBER 22: Fabian Washington #31 of the Baltimore Ravens is carried off the field late in the game after an injury during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Colts def

Washington barely makes this list, as he is likely a reserve CB or nickelback.  He was replaced by Josh Wilson last season, and won't be re-signed by the Ravens.

Carlos Rogers, CB Washington Redskins (30)

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Carlos Rogers #22 of the Washington Redskins makes an interception against the Houston Texans at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Larry French/G

Rogers would like to rebound from a difficult 2010 season.  He had a few nagging injuries last season and a pulled hamstring, missing four games on the season.

He has been healthy most of his career—aside from the joint affliction in his hands that turn them to stone when he tries to intercept a pass.  Teams should expect him to rebound in 2011 and repeat as a top cover man.

Rogers isn't expected to return to Washington.  He has taken a few shots at his former team, including the fans and DeAngelo Hall.  He has expressed an interest in playing for the Eagles or Cowboys.

Dashon Goldson, FS San Francisco 49ers (26)

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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 21: Kellen Winslow #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is hit by Dashon Goldson #38 and Nate Clements #22 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

While not technically injured in 2010, Goldson played hurt much of the season.  His performance was not up to expectations, and he likely hurt his value on the free agent market.

Matt Prater, K Denver Broncos (27)

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PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 27 : Matt Prater #5 of the Denver Broncos ties the game with a field goal in the forth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 27, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Get

Prater was exceptional in 2009 and 2010 until injuring his groin.  He's one of the best young kickers in the league, and will draw attention from several teams.

He will likely be a restricted free agent, though, so expect Prater to end up staying in Denver.