One other thing people aren't noting. No one wants to resign Kellen Clemens (and I doubt he wants to resign here, to be honest), but where do we go for a backup? I don't want to be using a draft pick on a QB. We don't really have any to spare. Who are we going to grab who's cheaper? Kyle Boller? Luke McCown? Marc Bulger? Even he might be a stretch to come more cheaply.
So basially everyone wants to have about $40 million a year invested on wide receivers and cornerbacks and let David Harris go.
This team needs a pass rush. I understand that the Jets utilize the 3-4, but we have to at least pressure the opposing QB.
So who are FA from other teams that available for the OLB and DL position?? I think the Jets are going to resign Jenkins as he'll take a pay cut (hoping) and I think we're going to go after Haynesworth as a 3-4 end (he'll probably come cheap due to most people being afraid to sign him). I think we let Harris go and if we can try to target Woodley. Is this is the realm of possibility or insane??
I would love to get Bulger as a backup. I would feel more comfortable with him under center if something happened to Sanchez. If anything the Chicago-GB game showed, a competent backup is a must. Although Caleb Haynie did a fine job, Todd Collins was a disaster.
NO way Aso comes in here. We have to resign Braylon and Harris, Holmes is secondary IMO but still hopefully comes back. If we can't have continuaty with our OC, at least some with his weapons would be nice.
LBs available. 2011 NFL Free Agent Linebackers By: Roshan Bhagat Chad Greenway (MIN) – For three years, Greenway has been a consistent linebacker for the Vikings. While the Vikings took a step back, the Iowa product took a step forward and has become an elite 4-3 outside linebacker. He’s an instinctive, well-rounded player who excels at stopping the run at the line of scrimmage. The Vikings can’t afford to lose a player of his caliber. LaMarr Woodley (PIT) – Woodley was somewhat of a disappointment this year, but that’s only because he expected to take the next step and join the elites this year. Still, he remains one of the best left outside linebackers in the game with the ability to play all facets of the game effectively. The Steelers draft and develop linebackers better than any other franchise, but they have little reason to part ways with a player who has helped form the backbone of one of the league’s best defenses. Tamba Hali (KC) – Hali has become an outstanding pass rusher the last two seasons while spending more time on his feet. He’s a consistent and relentless rush linebacker with a good burst off the edge. Though he’s more one-dimensional than Woodley, he’s probably had a bigger impact for the Chiefs defense. Without him, their pass rush would significantly diminish and the entire defense would suffer a big setback. David Harris (NYJ) – Harris has flirted with becoming a great linebacker the last two seasons, but still hasn’t reached that level. Given his experience, I question whether he’ll ever get there, but his presence in the middle is still crucial to the success of the Jets defense. While he’s not great in coverage, he’s a great downhill linebacker that controls the pulse of the front 7. Without him, the Jets linebacking corps takes a big step back as does their run defense which very rarely allows 100 yard runners. Stephen Tulloch (TEN) – Tulloch has had a better season in the middle of the Titans defense than most would have expected coming into the year. He trails only Jerod Mayo in tackles and has been just as good as his numbers indicate. He does a good job in the hole and cleans up plays. Paul Posluszny (BUF) – Posluszny has difficulties playing the entire season, but when he’s healthy, he’s a very smart, instinctual linebacker in the middle of the defense. The Bills don’t have a particularly strong defensive line, which asks Posluszny to play through blockers a lot. The Bills have many holes in their run defense, but Posluszny isn’t one of them. James Anderson (CAR) – The breakout of strongside linebacker James Anderson has been one of the bright spot for the Panthers. Anderson has done a nice job of filling the stat sheet and has been every bit as productive for the Panthers defense as it looks on paper. If Thomas Davis could return to form, the Panthers linebacking corps could be one of the strongest in the league after they lock of James Anderson in what seems like an obvious move. Rocky McIntosh (WAS) – The Redskins have a number of free agents this offseason and Rocky McIntosh appears to be one of those that won’t be re-signed. He struggled to adapt to the Redskins schematic switch to the 3-4 defense, which is in Washington to stay. If he becomes a restricted free agent (depending on the CBA), the Redskins could tender him and see what comes of what. Thomas Davis (CAR) – Before suffering a torn ACL, Thomas Davis was having his best season as the Panthers’ outside linebacker. Shortly after recovering, Davis suffered a 2nd torn ACL, which has kept him off the field for all of 2010. Who knows how effective he’ll be when he returns to the field, but the Panthers have expressed interest in returning him to Carolina. Barrett Ruud (TB) – Into training camp, Ruud was pretty angry about not getting a long-term extension, especially when he was passed over for left tackle Donald Penn. After this season, it looks like the Buccaneers won in their decision to not re-sign him. Ruud has been somewhat disappointing this season, especially when asked to do more in coverage. He also has the tendency to get engulfed by guards, which puts him in limbo as far as middle linebackers are concerned. As the Buccaneers go back to more Tampa 2, the middle linebacker’s coverage ability will continue to be accentuated. It’ll be interesting to see the initial ballpark Ruud’s agent throws out to the Buccaneers and how far apart they are to begin with. Takeo Spikes (SF) – Takeo Spikes has played well at 34 years of age and no one knows this better than Patrick Willis, who has “urged” his team to bring Spikes back next season. With the combination of Spikes and Willis in the middle playing behind Aubrayo Franklin, the 49ers have had one of the best run defenses between the guards. Other Notable Free Agents: Stephen Nicholas (ATL) Mike Peterson (ATL) Tavares Gooden (BAL) Keith Ellison (BUF) Jamar Williams (CAR) Pisa Tinoisamoa (CHI) Nick Roach (CHI) Dhani Jones (CIN) Brandon Johnson (CIN) D’Qwell Jackson (CLE) Chris Gocong (CLE) Matt Roth (CLE) Jason Trusnik (CLE) Landon Johnson (DET) Zach Diles (HOU) Kevin Bentley (HOU) Clint Session (IND) Justin Durant (JAC) Kirk Morrison (JAC) Mike Vrabel (KC) Quentin Moses (MIA) Ben Leber (MIN) Erin Henderson (MIN) Tracy White (NE) Danny Clark (NO) Scott Shanle (NO) Chase Blackburn (NYG) Keith Bulluck (NYG) Thomas Howard (OAK) Kamerion Wimbley (OAK) Stewart Bradley (PHI) Ernie Sims (PHI) Omar Gaither (PHI) Antwan Barnes (SD) Kevin Burnett (SD) Stephen Cooper (SD) Brandon Siler (SD) Travis LaBoy (SF) Manny Lawson (SF) Will Herring (SEA) Leroy Hill (SEA) Matt McCoy (SEA) David Vobora (STL) Quincy Black (TB) David Thornton (TEN) Out of all of those I like Greenway, Woodley and Ernie Sims
Here is my off the cuff thoughts on our Free agents Shaun Ellis - Leave it up to him, if he wants to stay sign him at a price to bring in his replacement that he can spell. Steve Weatherford - let him go he killed us late in the year after a great early season. Brodney Pool -bring back at right price Tony Richardson - bring back at right price Braylon Edwards - Two years Wayne Hunter - bring him back because of his versitility Trevor Pryce - good bye David Harris - Best tackler on the team but not great in coverage i'm torn here, I hope the FO knows what it is doing Robert Turner - get him for the right price Nick Folk - shoot him Antonio Cromartie - bring him back Lance Laury - good bye Santonio Holmes - I think we should either sign him or hope he is restricted by the new cba and slap him with a 2nd round tender so we get something for him if we loose him Eric Smith - sign but only at the right price Brad Smith - see what his market is James Ihedigbo - sign him Drew Coleman - good bye Kellen Clemens - Shoot him Marquice Cole - sign at right price Michael Turkovich - Good bye Marcus Dixon - Good bye I figure we will only keep a quarter of the bring back at the right price guys but they should be able to find guys that want to play here now so they can be replaced.
If Bulger comes cheaply enough to be a good replacement for Clemens, the Ravens will resign him first.
That's true. Like I said, it's a stretch to think he'd come cheaply. I'm just curious where people want to go with our backup.
2011 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen By: Roshan Bhagat Defensive Ends: Cullen Jenkins (GB) – Jenkins is a scheme-diverse linemen who consistently plays with outstanding leverage. He’s a terrific pass rusher who can get penetration on tackles and guards en route to the quarterback. The Packers have a strong rotation and while they will still pursue him, they may not be willing to pay him what it takes to keep him in Green Bay. If he hits the market, his only concern is that he’s somewhat injury-prone, but should otherwise be a disruptive lineman on any team. Mathias Kiwanuka (NYG) – Kiwanuka is an explosive pass rusher who over the years has gotten lost amidst the talented Giants front 7. He’s an explosive pass rusher who was having a productive year before a herniated disc in his neck sidelined him for much of the season. The Giants have expressed interest in bringing him back, but with playing time in question, it will be interesting to see what Kiwanuka decides. Charles Johnson (CAR) – Julius who? The Panthers replaced Peppers with 2007 3rd round pick, who quietly reached double digit sacks and surpassed Peppers’ sack total this year. The Panthers hope they can get most of the production with half the cost in Charles Johnson. Re-signing Johnson is right up there with Ryan Kalil in the team’s no-brainer moves this offseason. Ray Edwards (MIN) – Edwards came very quietly out of the gates recording only 1.5 sacks in his first 7 games. He’s since picked up the slack, but the Vikings have a lot of faith in their team’s ability to groom defensive line prospects, such as Brian Robison, who is also a free agent. Re-signing Edwards probably won’t be at the top of the team’s priority list and his return to Minnesota will depend upon Edwards’ contract expectations. Jason Babin (TEN) – Babin has finally put together a season worthy of his 1st round draft status many years ago. He’s a hard-working end with a strong motor and has only 1 game this season without a sack or stuff. Given the long list of teams where he hasn’t succeeded, the Titans should be the heavy favorites to re-sign Babin. Shaun Ellis (NYJ) – Ellis has been a key component of the Jets’ defense for many years now, but this may be his final season there. The team has plenty of free agents, or soon-to-be free agents that will need to be addressed to keep the core components of the team intact. Ellis is still an adequate 5-technique and may have moderate interest this offseason. Other Notable Free Agents: Kenny Iwebema (ARZ) Bryan Robinson (ARZ) Jayme Mitchell (CLE) Robaire Smith (CLE) Stephen Bowen (DAL) Jason Hatcher (DAL) Marcus Spears (DAL) Cliff Avril (DET) Turk McBride (DET) Mark Anderson (HOU) Wallace Gilberry (KC) Shaun Smith (KC) Tony McDaniel (MIA) Brian Robison (MIN) Anthony Hargrove (NO) Jimmy Wilkerson (NO) Dave Tollefson (NYG) Victor Abiamiri (PHI) Nick Eason (PIT) Chris Hoke (PIT) Jacques Cesaire (SD) Travis Johnson (SD) Ray McDonald (SF) CJ Ah You (STL) Tim Crowder (TB) Greg White (TB) Dave Ball (TEN) Kedric Golston (WAS) Defensive Tackles: Haloti Ngata (BAL) - The contract Ngata will get from the Ravens this year probably still won’t be large enough to accommodate him as the league’s best defensive linemen who has been playing several years for far below his actual value. His impact on the Ravens defense is immeasurable and he’s made great strides as a pass rusher over the years as well. Ngata is a truly dominant football player. Richard Seymour (OAK) – Seymour’s presence, production, and incalculable veteran leadership has helped spark a resurgence in Oakland. While initially displeased with the trade that brought him to the Raiders last year, Seymour has opened up to donning the silver and black long term. Al Davis has no problem spending money, so it would be a surprise if he didn’t have the highest offer on the table for Seymour, who has earned every penny he’ll see through his play this year. Brandon Mebane (SEA) – At only 6’1, Mebane has the natural leverage and quickness to give interior linemen fits. He’s as underrated as they come and when you look at his numbers, it’s easy to see why he’s often snubbed when the discussion of the best defensive tackles comes up. Mebane has the work ethic and the tools to be a dominant defensive tackle for next decade and has been instrumental to the Seahawks’ run defense over the last 2 seasons. Aubrayo Franklin (SF) – Though not as terrific as last year, Franklin had another strong season as the nose tackle for the 49ers. He was late to report to the Niners after they slapped him with the franchise tag. Franklin will be looking for his long-term extension this season and if the organization doesn’t reward him again this year, he’ll won’t hesitate to look elsewhere, as long as they don’t place the franchise tag on him yet again. Pat Williams (MIN) – So much for the retirement talks of last offseason. Through recent comments, he already seems ready for next year and he’s already the league’s oldest defensive player. While the Vikings have had a disappointing season, Pat Williams has continued to play at a productive level. With a lot of upcoming free agents, it’ll be interesting to see how the front office approaches this offseason. Williams has predicted a “rough” transition for the team. Though he’s ready to return if the Vikings want him, he’s also open to going to another Super Bowl contender. Other Notable Free Agents: Alan Branch (ARZ) Gabe Watson (ARZ) John McCargo (BUF) Nick Hayden (CAR) Anthony Adams (CHI) Matt Toeaina (CHI) Andre Fluellen (DET) Shaun Cody (HOU) Antonio Johnson (IND) Daniel Muir (IND) Eric Foster (IND) Ron Edwards (KC) Paul Soliai (MIA) Fred Evans (MIN) Gerard Warren (NE) Remi Ayodele (NO) Barry Coefield (NYG) John Henderson (OAK) Chris Hovan (STL) Clifton Ryan (STL)
I would love to get Charles Johnson...he was a monster the second half the year. Seymour and Ngata..I would love to have, but let's face it..they are too expensive.
