Given Our Cap Situation...

It's time to look at some free agents, again, but with more money to use and an updated list. You may remember me posting a list like this about three or four weeks ago. This one contains many of the same names, but also many new names from cuts or guys I missed along with deletions from guys who have been resigned. Free Agency is just a few days away I picked out some of the better remaining free agents that could help the Jets in some way. Some are better players then others and some have better chances of signing here then others, but I included a wide list of players. The defensive back class is intriguing to say the least, but some of these guys will be resigned. With cap room reportedly as high as $37million, it is likely we would be able to bring in a few of these guys. Take a look through and you'll probably see some names you never thought of or overlooked...

POTENTIAL FREE AGENTS
****Note: Lists are in no order****

QB
Preview: No standouts here. The Jets could consider a veteran QB to be in the mix with Clemens, Ratliff and Ainge. These guys would fill the role of a veteran backup. There is little to get excited about here.
1. Kurt Warner – Arizona – 37: Coming off of a great season in Arizona. Would be a veteran presence at QB if Ratliff and Clemens get a chance to compete… After this playoff run it looks like he still has at least another good year left.
2. Kerry Collins – Tennessee – 36: Had an OK season with Tennessee, but after 13 pro seasons, he’s likely just a backup anymore. Again, this would fill the role of a veteran presence at QB. He enters his 15th professional season in 2009.
3. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Cincinnati – 26: Played solidly down the stretch on a bad team and improved with each game. Maybe he could be more functional with a better surrounding team now that he has even more experience under his belt.
4. Byron Leftwich – Pittsburgh – 29: Was OK in Jacksonville for a while and has been impressive in spot reserve duty as a Steeler. Like Carr, might be worthy of another shot to compete as a starter. Has a rocket arm, but little mobility and injury problems (Sound like somebody we know?).
5. Kyle Boller – Baltimore – 28: He’s looked good at times, but those have been very few and far between. Maybe Boller deserves a chance with a coach with a better track record with QBs than Brian Billick? Not a personal choice, but an option nonetheless…
6. Jeff Garcia – Tampa Bay – 39: He’s bounced around the league for a while and been a decent QB in most places. At this age, however, he’s not much more than a veteran presence at QB.

WR
Preview: The Jets WRs seemed to have trouble late in the season. Another threat could very beneficial although the young speedy WRs Chansi Stuckey and David Clowney could both be deep threats and were underutilized by the previous regime. The Jets have decent depth, but could use some height or more speed at the position
1. Reggie Williams – Jacksonville – 25: The tall WR the Jets lack at 6-4… An underachiever in Jacksonville with very average production… Potential is there and perhaps could benefit from a change of scenes. He would warrant a short and modest contract.
2. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Cincinnati – 31: A terrific player with experience, great hands and the ability to make plays. However, he is into his 30s now and may be on the decline of his career.
3. Devery Henderson – New Orleans – 27: Caught 32 passes this season and averaged 25 yards per catch. A burner with tremendous speed and a top deep threat… However, his poor hands have limited him. If they improve, he could be one of the best deep threats in the NFL.
4. Shaun McDonald – Detroit- 27: Another deep threat with great speed, but is very undersized… Had a tremendous season in 2007 and would help the Jets stretch the field if the FO feels that Clowney or Stuckey couldn’t fill the role.
5. Hank Baskett (RFA) - Philadelphia - 26: Has great size and great hands, but isn't fast. He would be the tall receiving threat this team lacks even including the TE position. Not a starter in Philly, but could make a similar impact here as a role player. I remember being high on him before the draft and was shocked he didn't get drafted, but he still made it.
6. Nate Washington – Pittsburgh – 26: Former undrafted small-school player has been a terrific deep threat for Pittsburgh with his height and speed. He could add another dimension to this receiving core.
7. Bryant Johnson – San Francisco – 28: Has great size and was a former first round pick, but has never been more than a borderline #2 or #3 WR during his career. Has good hands and was always thought to be a potential #1 WR. Will he ever fulfill that role?
8. Michael Clayton – Tampa Bay – 26: Like Bryant Johnson, he once looked like a top receiver in this league, but he actually produced big in the NFL as he caught 80 passes as a rookie. He’s declined since then, but if he could ever find his 04’ form, he could be a Pro Bowler. Would a new coaching staff bring out the best in the 6-4 WR?
9. Marvin Harrison - Indianapolis - 36: This past-his-prime WR probably can still an effective player in a lesser role, but will probably demand more money than he is worth at this point. Between new legal troubles, injuries and age, this future HOFer may have played his last game.

OL
With the likely release of Brandon Moore coming (unfortunately), there a gaping hole is left at RG (Although Woody could slide over and we could bring in an OT). Unless the front office likes Robert Turner or Wayne Hunter, they will be looking for a cheaper alternative this offseason. And even if they do like Turner or Hunter, they should bring in some depth and insurance.
1. Ray Willis (OT/OG) – Seattle – 27: In ten games starting this season, Willis gave up just 1.5 sacks. He has been a top reserve for Seattle and played well in his time starting. The way tackles are being paid these days, he might come more expensive then you think.
2. Khalif Barnes (OT) – Jacksonville – 27: After a bad season, the Jaguars may looks elsewhere for a lineman. The young and still promising might be worth a shot again if he isn't looking for big money.
3. Jon Stinchcomb (OT) – New Orleans – 30: This average OT has plenty of experience and is a better pass blocker than run blocker, which might make him a questionable fit in this offense.
4. Stacy Andrews (OG/OT) – Cincinnati – 28: This huge lineman can play guard or tackle, but is coming off a significant knee injury, making him a questionable signing.
5. Chris Kemoeatu (OG) – Pittsburgh – 26: Another huge mauling guard with questionable pass blocking skills (7.5 sacks given up in 2008), Kemoeatu would be an asset in the running game, but a question in pass protection. If this team decides to focus more on the run this year, he might be worth a shot.
6. Adrian Jones (OG/OT) – Kansas City – 28: This former LT wasn’t terrible for the Jets before Ferguson, but might be a better fit on the right side. Has been in Kansas City for the past couple seasons and would at least be a great depth option given his versatility.
7. Jason Brown (OG/C) - Baltimore - 25: One of the better young centers in the NFL, Brown could also play guard, but would likely cost even more than Brandon Moore to bring to NY. Again, Ravens connections....

 

DE
Preview: Shaun Ellis had one of his better seasons and was a Pro Bowl alternate. Kenyon Coleman had a quiet year and often rotated with Mike DeVito and CJ Mosley. This position could use another guy for depth unless the team decides to cut Kenyon Coleman, which doesn’t seem too likely.
1. Rob Meier – Jacksonville – 31: Generally a situational player that played behind two great DTs. Has ideal size (6-5 308) for the position and could be a great situational player working in the rotation.
2. Kevin Carter – Tampa Bay – 36: Would be ideal fit in the 3-4 at 6-6 308… Is far from his prime and would be 36 by season’s start. A situational guy that had a decent year in Tampa in 08’… He’s probably a candidate to retire.
3. Chris Canty - Dallas - 27: This wouldn't be the first Dallas DE we signed in recent years. He's been solid in Dallas and is of starting quality. At the very least he'd be a great rotational player. Dallas has some young guys behind him, so he could hit the market. He had a down year in 2008 along with most of the Cowboys team. If we got Canty, we could logically release Coleman. Would he be an upgrade?
4. Igor Olshansky – San Diego – 27: An experienced 3-4 DE who had a bit of a down year in 2008. He’s big and strong and would definitely be worth a look as a starter if the team isn’t content with Kenyon Coleman.
5. Demetric Evans – Washington – 29: Here’s an under-the-radar, unheard of guy. A terrific spot run-defender in Washington’s 4-3 since 2004… At 6-4 287, he possesses the size to play in a 3-4 along with the skill set. Keep an eye on him.
6. Antonio Smith – Arizona- 27: A decent 3-4 DE who has played well in the post season. He’s young, but still has experience in the 3-4 and now in big-time playoff games where he’s stepped up to the challenge and looked impressive.
7. Mike Wright – New England – 27: Another likely depth guy, but he can also backup the nose and end, which increases his value. Also has plenty of 3-4 experience. His versatility is one of his best qualities as a player in the 3-4.
8. Kenny Petersen – Denver – 30: Yet another backup/situational type of guy that should be able to play the 3-4. This could help ensure his resigning by Denver, however as they are switching to the 3-4 and will need players to fill the roles.
9. Shaun Cody – Detroit – 26: The young former 2nd round pick from USC has better-than-ideal size for the 3-4 (6-4 310) and the speed to make a difference rushing the passer. He’s been in the 4-3 in Detroit for a while, but has the talent to do better things. Because he is young, experienced and talented, he certainly would be worth a look as a DE in a 3-4 scheme.
10. Albert Haynesworth – Tennessee – 28: This dominating DT is been dominant in a 4-3 but would likely play DE in a 3-4 and would be a nightmare for opposing defenses at that spot. Many question marks and plenty of money would come with this risky signing.
11. Anthony Weaver - Houston - 29: Cut by the Texans, this potential 3-4 DE has decent size and plenty of starting experience (98 games started) and isn't even 30 years old yet. Has experience with Rex Ryan in Baltimore and would be a good rotational player.

LB
Preview: A lot of money has been invested here and one outside position is greatly underachieving. Gholston needs to progress extremely fast and Bryan Thomas had a mediocre season and was often invisible. Thomas could be cut due to his high salary. Perhaps a situational pass-rusher would be best. If the team wants to sign an ILB, he should be younger (Dansby) or a premier player (Lewis), otherwise the team should just resign Barton and draft a young guy to potentially develop.
1. Marques Harris (OLB) – San Diego – 27: A situational player in San Diego’s 3-4 for four seasons… Harris is undersized (6-1 231) even though he’s played in this defense for a few seasons. He would likely be a good situational pass-rusher though, which seemed to be a problem for this team last year.
2. Roderick Green (OLB) – San Francisco – 27: Like Harris, Green has been a situational pass rusher in the 3-4 for a few seasons now with the 49ers and Ravens. Has better size than Harris at 6-2 255 and would be a situational pass rusher. He has ties to Rex Ryan from his days in Baltimore, where he was originally drafted. Here’s a guy we could look at due to his ties to Ryan in Baltimore.
3. Ray Lewis (ILB) – Baltimore – 34: Despite being in his mid-thirties, Lewis still has been playing at a high level and could still be the emotional leader of a defense for another season or two. He’ll likely demand a high salary though. Lewis also has Rex Ryan ties.
4. Bart Scott (ILB) – Baltimore – 29: Another good LB brought up through the Ravens’ system. His connections with Rex Ryan could make his chances (along with Lewis’ Suggs’) of coming to New York better. He’d be an upgrade over Eric Barton.
5. Kevin Burnett (ILB/OLB) – Dallas – 26: This young linebacker with experience in the 3-4 and great speed was a former second round pick. He has been a top reserve for Dallas for a while and has let it known that we wants a chance as a starter.
6. Morlon Greenwood (ILB) – Houston – 31: A solid linebacker in Houston, Greenwood missed a large portion of last year and was cut partially due to his high cap figure. The veteran LB with great size – 6-0 253 – might be worth a look inside as a stop-gap type of player while a younger guy is brought along slowly.
7. Angelo Crowell (ILB) – Buffalo – 28: A big run-stopping LB for Buffalo, Crowell played outside but could be worth a look at ILB due to his size and run-stopping ability. However, there are major question marks surrounding his knees making it a risk to sign him long term.

 

CB
Preview: Dwight Lowery regressed as the year went on and ended up as a situational guy. A starter opposite Pro Bowler Darrelle Revis would make a big difference. Lowery and Hank Poteat would play reserve roles which would better suit them. This is a great class for free agent CBs.
1. Jabari Greer – Buffalo – 27: Young corner that was playing well until an injury ended his season ten games in. Great speed and is an under-the radar guy with great potential. With McKelvin and McGee around, he could hit the market.
2. Bryant McFadden – Pittsburgh – 27: Still young and had an up and down time in Pittsburgh, but started most of the games he played in. Still has plenty of potential and was a member of a terrific defense for a few seasons. Might have been having his best season in 2008 until injuries cut it down…
3. Dominique Foxworth – Atlanta- 26: After being acquired in a trade from Denver, he played well in a contract year. A solid nickel / #2 guy during his four year career, Foxworth has just 4 career interceptions, but would be in competition to start here.
4. Ronald Bartell – St. Louis – 27: He started all 16 games this year and played well. You’ve likely never heard of him because he plays for the Rams’ poor defense, like safety OJ Atogwe. Had 3 picks this year and 8 over the last three seasons. Possesses great size (6-1 210), speed and tackling ability for a CB. Underrated…
5. Phillip Buchanon – Tampa Bay – 28: When you think of this guy, you might remember the first round bust in Oakland. However, many great players come to Oakland and look awful (Randy Moss, DeAngelo Hall etc...). And Buchanon could be in this group. He resurrected his career in Tampa and has been solid for a couple of seasons even though he still looks shaky from time to time. A risky signing because he is very poor in run support and has a tendency to get beat deep. Already has seven years of experience and will be just 28 in September.
6. DeAngelo Hall – Washington – 25: Here’s an interesting one. A top 5 CB before he came to Oakland, where he was awful, and then looked like a good player in Washington in the same year. Would anyone give this guy a big contract again? He’s certainly worth a smaller two year deal to see if he can rebound again and continue to build on his good play in Washington.
7. Andre Goodman – Miami – 31: A career nickel back and part-time starter, Goodman notched five picks in 2008 while starting all 16 for a good Dolphins defense. Despite being 31, it looks as if Goodman might have a couple good seasons left in him. He’s experienced and would be a terrific addition to a younger secondary looking to develop some younger players.
8. Leigh Bodden – 27 – Detroit: Out of position and out of luck in Detroit, Bodden was recently cut because he wasn’t able to play in their zone scheme. However, he was a top CB before his arrival in the Motor City and one would think he could return to being a top CB if he were to play in a scheme he actually fit. Bodden is young and physical and one of the top corners available in free agency.
9. Chris McAllister – 32 – Baltimore: Coming off an injury and now 32, there are many questions surrounding this once great CB. If he could revert to his old form, he would be an excellent addition. Otherwise, he would be useful as a veteran CB for a team looking to develop some younger players. Could be tried at safety as well…

S
Preview: This is another spot where the Jets couldn’t find any consistency. Kerry Rhodes is one starter, but Abram Elam and Eric Smith were very inconsistent and some stability is important. Rhodes has hinted that his trust for the safety spot next to him fluttered throughout the season. A must from the new Jet safety: He must be able to cover well. Elam is an in-the-box safety and was beat too often in coverage.
1. Dawan Landry (RFA) – Baltimore – 26: Was on IR for much of the season... Since Rex Ryan is our head coach, the chance he could come to New York are greater. Backup and fellow free agent-to-be Jim Leonhard was terrific in place of Landry, which increases his chances to leave increase more. A physical SS that had a terrific rookie season and seemed to be a mainstay on the Ravens defense… Depending on what he is tendered, compensation could as a low as a 5th round pick. Still a long shot he gets out of Baltimore however. Either he or Leonhard will hit the market.
2. Jermaine Phillips – Tampa Bay – 30: Has quietly been a great player in Tampa for years. Might be more of a physical in-the-box type of safety, however, but still good in coverage… Would enter a new defensive scheme in New York… Had a great year in 2008 and is one of the best players on the Tampa defense. The team struggled without him down the stretch.
3. Sean Jones – Cleveland – 27: An underrated safety because he plays for Cleveland… Compiled 14 INTs over the last three years in addition to being terrific in run support… Great size (6-1 220) and speed and is young. One of the more complete safeties out there... Still will demand big money though…
4. Jarrad Page – Kansas City – 24: And yet another young underrated safety… Page has 10 career picks and made 85 tackles from the FS position this year. He also has terrific size for the position at 6-0 and 225. Like the previous two, this team would be foolish to let him go. He and Bernard Pollard form one the great young safety tandems in the league and is one of the bright spots in Kansas City. Because the team drafted DaJaun Morgan in the 3rd round last year, Page has a chance to land elsewhere.
5. Yeremiah Bell – Miami – 31: Bell might have been Miami’s MVP in the secondary in 2008. Notched 120 tackles, a sack, 3 forced fumbles but no INTs last year... In fact, Bell has just one career INT in five pro seasons. However, he is still a complete player that is effective against the pass and the run. He’s certainly a bit old at 31, but he only has five years of experience so he likely has a few good years ahead of him still.
6. James Sanders – New England – 25: Sanders has been a very solid starter in New England’s crowded secondary for a couple seasons, but has been on the field and contributing for all four of his pro seasons. This 5-10 safety is effective all around on defense and could be due for a breakout year and a big contract.
7. Jim Leonhard – Baltimore – 26: When Dawn Landry went down, Leonhard stepped up big time and had a terrific season. The young, formerly undrafted and extremely undersized safety (5-8 186) plays much bigger. If Landry gets retained, expect Leonhard to hit the market. The Jets could be the favorite to land him because he would follow his defense coordinator here.
8. Eugene Wilson – Houston – 29: This talented and injury prone safety began his career as a CB, but is a full-time safety now. Injuries have been his biggest problem, but he’s a terrific player when healthy. Started 10 games in Houston in 2008 and played well. If he can stay on the field, his value would be greater. Certainly worth a shot for a two year deal…



If I had my choice, my class of free agents would look like this:
- CB Ronald Bartell (Top alternatives: Jabari Greer - Leigh Bodden - Bryant McFadden)
- S Jim Leonhard (Top alternatives: Gibril Wilson - Jermaine Phillips - James Sanders)
- OL Ray Willis (Top alternatives: Adrian Jones)
- ILB Bart Scott (Top alternatives: Kevin Burnett)
- QB Byron Leftwich (Top alternatives: Ryan Fitzpatrick)

 

Thanks. And yes that's true about Moore. I fixed that..