DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Big names left in Free Agency

Free-agent market still has players worth signing
By Pat Kirwan | NFL.com
Senior Analyst
http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story?id=09000d5d8083d384&template=with-video&confirm=true



While the free agency purge and the NFL Draft have come and gone, teams hold minicamps and continue to evaluate their rosters as they look to shape the club they will bring to training camp late this summer. While the premier free agents have been plucked from the market, many players -- mostly experienced veterans - remain available to provide key depth or injury replacements.

Here's a look at the top 10 unrestricted free agents left on the market and how they could still help a team.


1. Daunte Culpepper, QB: On a long list of experienced veterans, quarterback trumps all other positions and Culpepper is the best still available. He is now a year removed from injuries that still had him limping around last year. The combination of his arm strength and game experience will make him a valuable backup and a guy who can step in and carry a team when injuries hit.

2. Takeo Spikes, LB: Though probably on the down side of his career, Spikes is still a strong run defender who made 139 tackles last year in 14 games. He can also pressure the QB, is capable in coverage, though not as strong as he once was, and can be the leader of a defense, making all the defensive calls. If he can find a spot as an inside backer with limited coverage responsibilities he can still thrive in the NFL.

3. Shaun Alexander, RB: While he's not an every down back any more, Alexander still presents a good second option for a club. Going into a season knowing he doesn't have to be the focus of an attack may give the veteran a fresh start.

4. Koren Robinson, WR: Just released by the Packers and young enough to still have a good career. He has return skills as well as being a big target. A team like Dallas should take a look at him

5. John Carney, PK: Carney is better than a few kickers who already have jobs. He has nearly 20 years in the league, bringing valuable experience to the table. He's not that far removed from his stellar 2006 season with the Saints when he was 23-25 on field goal attempts (92 percent) and put up 115 points.

6. Jeremy Newberry, C: Eleven years in the trenches and numerous knee injuries have taken their toll on Newberry, but he is a tough, physical mauler as a run blocker. He plays with a mean streak, but is also very technically sound. He can make all the line calls and could fill an important leadership role inside for a young O-line like the one the Chiefs are putting together in Kansas City.

7. Kyle Brady, TE: Brady keeps getting work because he is very good at what he does. Heading into his 14th season, the former first-round pick may still be the best in-line blocker in the game. He's a big, physical end who really takes care of himself, which is why he has enjoyed such a long, productive career.

8. Michael Pittman, RB: Pittman's value comes in his versatility. He can run with power, he understands protection schemes and blitz pickups, and he is a reliable receiver out of the backfield.

9. Ron Dayne, RB: Dayne has proven he can excel in a zone scheme and will add valuable depth to any roster, especially in today's NFL when teams have found a need for more than one back to carry the load. He still makes sense in Houston.

10. Mike Doss, S: Doss is at his best when playing close to the line of scrimmage, or when in deep zone coverage with the play in front of him. But he has starting experience in the NFL and can play any number of positions in a team's sub (nickel/dime) packages.

Best of the rest
Free Agency 2008

Eric Moulds, WR: Played in all 16 games last year, including eight starts, with 32 receptions for 342 yards.

Byron Leftwich, QB: Started two games in 2007, throwing for 279 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 32-58 attempts.

Verron Haynes, RB: Appeared in just one game in 2007.

Kevin Jones, RB: Started 10 games for the Lions, rushing for 581 yards and eight touchdowns on 153 carries. He averaged 6.2 yards on 32 receptions.

Musa Smith, RB: Rushed for 264 yards with two scores on 75 carries last season with the Ravens. He also caught 27 balls for 192 yards and a score.

Keenan McCardell, WR: Put up 256 yards and one touchdown on 22 receptions with the Redskins.

Jerramy Stevens, TE: Caught 18 balls for 189 yards and four scores with the Buccaneers.

Ruben Brown, OG: Started all eight games he appeared in last season with the Bears.

Rick DeMulling, OG: Played in five games last season with the Redskins.

Nat Dorsey, OT: Saw action in five contests with the Browns.

Chris Naeole, OG: Started eight games with the Jaguars.

Floyd Womack, OG: Appeared in 14 games with the Seahawks.

Rod Coleman, DT: Had two sacks in a limited role with the Falcons.

Grady Jackson, DT: Played in nine games with the Jaguars.

Warrick Holdman, LB: Did not play in 2007 with the Broncos.

Jeremiah Trotter, LB: Had 13 tackles in three games with the Buccaneers.

Terry Cousin, CB: Played in every game last season with 47 tackles, one sack and an interception with the Jaguars.

Chris Henry, WR: Even though he may be the most talented free agent on the street, teams will be hesitant to sign the former Bengal because of his off-the-field issue.

Did Al Wilson sign with anyone yet? I don't see him on the list...

Is there any way that Spikes comes cheap? Sounds like the guy is a run stuffer, that is something we definitely could use on the defensive side of the ball.

That being said, who knows how much he has left in the tank or if he really could fit in our 3-4 defensive system.

We drafted Beau Bell as well, and sounds like Williams and Davis will be playing opposite of Jackson. Not sure where Takeo would even fit.

Id like to snag Kevin Jones....think he could do some damage with our line

That was the name that popped out to me.

I know everyone is going to come in defending Harrison and Wright, but Jones is a solid RB who has had the injury bug. I'd have no problems with him backing up Jamal.

Mike Doss jumped out at me. We need secondary help bad.

But don't we need it at corner and not at S????

BIG NAMES.........Decreasing talent. Thats all these guys are names, names of yesterday when they were younger and had a big football career ahead of them, now a few years later, two or three surgerys later these guys are gonna be nothing but roster fillers, injury options, back-ups.

Just because we know thier names, dosent mean they can still play.

We have enough left for the rookie pool and maybe sign someone at the vet minimum. Other than that, unless we dump someone, I think we're done in free agency.

Well I still think we could use another power RB to sub Lewis....Jones , Pittman or Duckett could fill that role....Doss , Womack and Cousins could also contribute and add depth JMHO.....

Duckett is a Seahawk.

J/C

I think we will just stand pat. I don't see anybody who would provide a clear upgrade.

At some point you have to commit to the players you have and go from there.

Every time you sign a player, it sends a signal to the players you have at that position.

I don't think we need to do that at this point.

every draft expert said we needed RB, most of the posters on here thought we needed more RB help....I like harrison and wright as much as the next homer but truth is when jones is healthy he is just as good if not better than lewis! and that would be a clear upgrade over harrison and wright....and his health shouldnt matter much when he would be behind lewis and taking 5 to 10 snaps a game instead of taking the full load....

I disagree. Harrison had a 6.2 yards per carry. I'll take that every day of the week.

Didn't KC tell Ty law he was going to be released in June? I read an article about how NE might want Ty back again. Wouldn't we have a shot at him too with his history with RAC and a rebuilt D-line?

He's 34......but I think he's got a few more miles left on that body. At least one years worth. We really only need him for this season (free agency and the draft can find a longterm solution).

[EDIT] Here's the article - LINK

on how many carries?

look i know stats can be made to look like anything you want them to....Jones had zero line in Detroit...behind this line i think he could and most likley would destroy.

I like Harrison more than Wright....so if you had your choice Wright or Jones who would it be? Take off your "Browns" goggles and look at it from a outside view....I think you would agree with me that Jones is better than Wright

Jones is no where near the back he once was and he never will be. He can't stay healthy and even if he could he isn't very good. There is a reason he is available. Detroit has a horrible running back situation and they let him go. That there tells you something. I honestly would rather have Wright than Jones. Wright contributes on Special Teams and is an excellent blocker. He is capable of coming in for a few plays to give Jamal a break. I am perfectly fine with our running back situation for now considering what is available.

And Harrison did that on 23 carries. Wright had 4.6 yards per carry on 60 carries. I am perfectly fine with that from our backups coming in to give Jamal a break. Even the game Jamal was hurt (I don't remember who it was against) Wright and Harrison put together a very good game.

The two of them also had a combined 252 receiving yards.

That was against Miami DT. So take that for what it's worth.

That hurts my argument a little bit.

Well, I will support it by saying that Wright and Harrison are very servicable back-ups and will do just fine in the same roles they played last year. I would like to se Harrison on the active roster for more games though. He got the shaft because he wasn't on Special Teams. But either way, I cannot see Phil bringing in any more big names through Free Agency, espcially at RB. We might get a vet after the June 1st cuts to provide depth at corner, but I think they're content with what we have at this point in time.

I was kinda wondering just a very little bit why we wouldn't go after Kyle Brady. I mean if there really is such a concern about Winslow, Brady would be a nice piece to fit in a little..

Maybe Winslow isn't that big of a concern afterall

Well from this list the names that stick out too me are:

Michael Pittman RB I've seen him play in Tampa, he's got a good motor and plays hard. I think he's a far better choice than Jones, as Jones can't stay healthy, and Pittman would be as, or more, serviceable than Wright or Harrison as a RB. Wright is good on ST.


Terry Cousin, veteran CB help

Mike Doss, extra S help


Jeramiah Trotter LB
Takeo Spikes LB
Grady Jackson DL
Rod Coleman DL

Not sure if we have room or they would fit the 3/4 but depth or rotational play at LB and/or DL would be helpful.


Eric Moulds, veteran WR, not that we need more WR's lol. Just mentioned him cause he's a solid WR.

yeah and what happens if something was to happen to jamal this year....say a broken leg or something serious like that.....is everyone here content with Harrison and Wright as our only other options?

Agreed. His sophomore season at Virginia Tech, I believe, I was blown away by how athletic and explosive he could be. When Detroit got him with the 30th pick in 2004, I thought it was a massive steal. He's been sapped of the speed he used to have, and isn't like Edge, who converted to a powerback once he had his ACL tear.

kffl.com

Raiders | Team releases Starks
Wed, 14 May 2008 09:35:29 -0700

The Associated Press reports the Oakland Raiders released CB Duane Starks Tuesday, May 13.

Wayyyyyy past his prime, but it couldn't hurt to have one veteran corner who can at least be that player-coach.

I can see us bring in Duane for a one year contract, we need help at CB his connection with Phil and makes sence, I do think Duane could help, yes he's lost a step and isnt the corner he once was, but he might be a better option that what we could end up with. I see us signing him with a couple weeks.