A Busy 24 Hours

Well, the first twenty four hours have ended, and boy were they busy. I got some things right, some things wrong, and some things that I didn't predict either way.

First, and most astonishing, was the Browns dealing Kellen Winslow II. Yet, I was even more stunned by who they dealt him too--Tampa Bay. I was sure that the Browns would deal Braylon Edwards. Neither player had exactly endeared himself to the new administration, and Edwards still may be dealt, but Winslow was far more of a fan favorite in Cleveland. Still, that won't stop Mangini. He wants his players, for his system, for his style. It's agitating at times, but he produces results despite what's been said about the man (two winning seasons in three years, one of which was with one of the worst playoff rosters I've ever seen). I like the deal for Cleveland if they did indeed scrounge a first day pick and a second day pick for an attitude deficient, undersized, oft-injured tight end.

For Tampa, I don't understand the deal. Why Kellen and why now? Certainly they have the cap space to give him a long-term deal, but he doesn't have much long-term appeal. They still need another quarterback to throw into the mix, their running back situation is shrouded in injury, and their receiving corp. is depleted.

The Jets made a bunch of very good moves. Though the Bart Scott deal is absurd, Mike Tannenbaum has a history of structuring contracts in a supremely beneficial way. But adding Scott, re-signing Brandon Moore to a new deal (less overall cash but shorter with more guaranteed money), and re-signing Tony Richardson were three very good moves. If the Jets sign Jim Leonhard, they can consider this an extremely successful and beneficial free agency despite their poor trade for Lito Sheppard, which is going to cost them a 5th round pick in 2009 and a conditional pick (a 4th that can escalate to a 2nd) in 2010 for CB Lito Sheppard. Sheppard is an oft-injured corner that's never started a full season and was benched this year for Joselio Hanson. Still, his contract isn't absurd, and while he's an upgrade over Dwight Lowery, he isn't a big one. The Jets troubles in the secondary may not be solved yet.

Oh those Washington Redskins love free agency. Albert Haynesworth received the richest contract for a defensive player in NFL history, though while it says 7 years 100 million, the structure makes it more like a 4-year deal worth 48 million dollars and the ability to restructure down the road. The Redskins also gave an enormous deal to DeAngelo Hall (6 years 55 million) with 23 million guaranteed to a corner who absolutely must play in a zone scheme. Good work. Still, Washington nabbed a gem signing Derrick Dockery to a 5 year 26 million dollar contract, bringing him back to the capital after a brief hiatus in Buffalo.

But let's get to the team that's destroying everyone--the Miami Dolphins. It's not that the Dolphins have added that many players, but they've retained three players whom many believed wouldn't be retained. Vernon Carey was re-signed after a brief impasse, Channing Crowder was not expected to return, and is back as well, while the Phins scooped up Gibril Wilson from under the other lumbering teams in need of a safety. After that, no one expected them to re-sign Yeremiah Bell.

They did.

If they'd added Jason Brown, I'd make them sure-fire candidates to repeat in the AFC East even with their gimmicky offense and the pop-gun himself at quarterback. But Jason Brown landed in St. Louis, where they paid him like a guard, and I'm wondering exactly what position he's going to play. I'm guessing they'll still stick him at center, but the Rams have got some versatility. It's not going to be long before this team clicks. They've been expensive, but they've now added two excellent interior linemen in two consecutive seasons. Jacob Bell will benefit from playing next to a great center like Brown (just as he did in Tennessee with Mawae). If St. Louis adds one of the four stud left tackles (Andre Smith, Jason Smith, Michael Oher, or Eugene Monroe) from this draft class I think they could make a serious run at the NFC West next season. Spaguolo's aggressive, attacking defense should be a huge benefit to Adam Carriker and Chris Long. It's only a matter of time before St. Louis breaks out of their shell.

Lastly, before I go to bed, Brian Dawkins shocked me and just about everybody by signing with Denver. I think it was not necessarily a mistake to let Dawkins go, but it was an even bigger mistake for Denver to sign him. Dawkins has played in the same system for almost his entire career. His knowledge of the ins and outs allows him to mask his growing flaws. A new system for Dawkins could spell disaster, and I see no reason to believe he'll help Denver in any way except for leadership, which only goes so far.

Update: The First 40 Minutes

DeAngelo Hall just signed a six year deal worth 55 million dollars and 23 million guaranteed. He was not on my list of players to hide from or players to go after, but that's overpaying up the wazzoo. He was awful in Oakland, and okay in Washington. They are paying him nearly as well as Asante Samuel.

The Jets released Brandon Moore, making him the third best interior linemen in free agency. He could find serious money playing for just about anyone, and I expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to take a serious look at him.

The Ravens offered Lewis a 3 year deal worth 24 million, but reports say he want 10 million. I'm not sure he'll get that offer from anyone.

Bart Scott looks like he's going to be a New York Jet. The Ravens and Scott couldn't come to an agreement, and many reports are saying the Jets are Scott's first choice once he hits the open market. Baltimore offered him seven million per season.

Fred Taylor is near to becoming a Patriot. Not even sure what the usefulness of this acquisition is, because Taylor is not that effective anymore.

Oh yeah, and I don't know if it'll happen tonight but I'm expecting Albert Haynesworth to sign with Tampa Bay and Chris Canty with Washington.

Potential Trades This Off-Season

Trades are rare in the NFL, but there are a couple of players this off-season that should be finding a new team this off-season.

Dr. James Andrews has stated that Tom Brady's chances are "good" to make a full recovery, which means that the Patriots leverage on dealing Matt Cassell just got even higher.

Cassell's likely suitors are in Kansas City, Detroit, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Carolina, and San Francisco. His skillset is pretty limited, as he lacks deep ball accuracy, but he's got great intermediate and short accuracy and can move extremely well in the pocket and would excel in one of these "pro spreads" that are popping up around the league.
Kansas City could definitely make a play for him. Tyler Thigpen showed flashes of potential last season throwing eighteen touchdowns and twelve interceptions, but a paltry completion percentage just over 50% and a yard per attempt well under seven are both nagging concerns. That being said, I don't expect Kansas City to make a play for him, because if you have a player show some potential like Thigpen did, you give him another shot.

Detroit seems unlikely, because chances are they'd have to deal the 33rd overall pick this season and a 2010 2nd round pick, and for a rebuilding team trading early picks for players is always a no-no.

Minnesota has major need at quarterback, and certainly Cassell can take care of the ball and act as a game manager while they unload their offense in the running game, but it seems Minnesota thinks gunslinger Sage Rosenfels (22 interceptions in his last 15 games) is a better play as they've been linked to him the past two off-seasons now and are rumored to make a move for him at midnight for a 4th round pick, a far cry from what Cassell will get.

Tampa Bay would be an interesting scenario for Cassell if Gruden was still the head coach, because they ran so many shorter routes that played to Cassell's strengths, but they lack talent at crucial skill positions on offense.

Carolina is interested in upgrading Delhomme, and they've done nothing to upgrade the position. The Panthers lack a first round pick, so this marriage seems unlikely.

San Francisco could be another landing spot for Cassell, but the 49ers seem content with a competition between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith next season, so again, this marriage is unlikely. I think Cassell will most likely land in Kansas City or Tampa Bay.

Braylon Edwards or Kellen Winslow will not be a Cleveland Brown after this off-season. I think Kellen Winslow will be the one to stay. The Browns do have depth at the tight end position, but Winslow is far more endearing to the Browns fanbase then Edwards is. The former Michigan standout has basically labeled the Cleveland fans as hating him because he's from Michigan, and he's moved his charities out of Cleveland. The Browns won't be able to pay both of them, and Winslow's deal will come cheaper then Edwards' would.

So where will Edwards land? Possible suitors could include head coach Eric Mangini's former team the New York Jets, Tennessee, the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles, or the Chicago Bears. I think the most likely of those are the latter two. The Jets and Titans are both in the AFC, and I can't imagine that the Browns want to be facing Edwards more then once every four seasons. Still, if the Jets offer the 17th overall pick straight up, or their 2009 2nd and 2010 2nd round pick to get him. The cost might be a little too high for a team that has talent, but isn't necessarily one player away from getting to the Super Bowl.

The Titans seem like a logical spot because of Edwards' great abilities downfield, but I can't imagine Tennessee will stomache Edwards' attitude. Still, he'd add a great weapon and a new dimension to the Titans offense that they so sorely lacked last season. Teaming Edwards with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger (despite all of his flaws) could be deadly.

The New York Giants seem like the most likely choice. They're in the NFC, they love Michigan alumni, and they're operating under the assumption that Plaxico Burress will not be around in 2009-10. Edwards would fill Burress' shoes and then some, and he'd probably love playing for the 2007 Super Bowl champions in the largest media market in the world. The Giants really are a team that is one player away from getting back to the big game, so this seems like a logical place for Edwards to land.

The Philadelphia Eagles have basically been issued an ultimatum by Donovan McNabb. Add some talent and I'll finish my career here. Braylon Edwards would compliment DeSean Jackson well, but both could be used as deep threats. The Eagles still need to add a power back to compliment Westbrook, as we've seen nothing from Tony Hunt thus far and Correll Buckhalter seems like an afterthought. The Eagles are another team that could be one player away from making it to the big show, but unlike the Giants, they have some age concerns, and if certain players don't hold up with these age concerns, then there will be some serious issues next year in Philadelphia whether or not they have Edwards. But with two first round picks, this could be just as logical a landing spot as New York.

The Bears haven't had great success with wide receivers. Generally it's been a receiver's graveyard, and I can't see Edwards' having much success there with Kyle Orton who isn't much of a threat to get the ball downfield. Chicago has quite a few needs along the offensive and defensive lines, so I can't see them committing an early pick to the attitude-deficient Edwards.

There's always a chance that Edwards and Winslow remain in Cleveland, but I see that as unlikely.

In the AFC West there are a couple of players that could move including LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Tony Gonzalez, and Larry Johnson. The most likely of these is battered and bruised Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. Since signing a six-year 45.05 million dollar contract, Johnson has played in only 20 games. In those 20 games he's rushed for 1433 yards on 351 carries (4.1 ypc) and only six rushing touchdowns. Still, he showed this season that when healthy he might still be a reliable running back, but there can't be any doubt that the 'Curse of 370' coined by the men from Football Outsiders took a major toll on Larry Johnson after his 416 carry season.

If Johnson is traded and not just flat out released, he could find himself in Philadelphia, New Orleans, or even San Francisco. Johnson's trade value is probably around a 3rd or a 4th round pick, but the Chiefs probably are going to be asking for a Day One (1st or 2nd round pick). Johnson also has an assault charge coming and a court date. He could open the season on suspension, and with all the baggage that comes with him, chances are he's going to be flat out released.

Moving into the NFC, I don't see Terrell Owens getting dealt. He'll be retained or released.

The big name is Julius Peppers. He's been connected with several teams, and he said that he and his agent came up with a list of teams that he'd like to be deal to if he's franchised by the Panthers, which he was. Peppers has mentioned the Cowboys as a preferred landing spot (there are quite a few big name players who want to play in Dallas) but the Cowboys simply can't afford Peppers while they're trying to lock up DeMarcus Ware to a long-term deal. Even more importantly, they have Anthony Spencer waiting in the wings despite his lack of success and legal problems.

While recent reports say that he may stay with the Panthers because their asking price is too high, if he goes anywhere it'll be well out of the NFC South and more than likely out of the NFC. I doubt he lands in Dallas or Green Bay where Peppers name has been thrown around. If Peppers gets up out of dodge, then I think he could very well land in Miami. While the Dolphins have been active in free agency, Peppers has stated his desire to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and that would fit for Miami who has a need at the position. I can't see Parcells forking over the necessary draft picks, but it's definitely a thought.

Another potential landing spot for Peppers, if he wants his demand of a 3-4 OLB met, could land in Denver, but again, it seems unlikely that they want to pay him or give up the draft picks.

Chances are, Peppers is going to be in Carolina at least another year. Maybe longer.

It's going to be a very busy off-season.

Ravens Will Not Re-Sign Jason Brown

The Sporting News has reported that Jason Brown will not be retained by the Baltimore Ravens. The team has cut off contact with him. Talk about a terrible decision. Brown will hit the market along with Derrick Dockery, and *possibly* Brandon Moore as the top interior linemen in free agency. Brown is looking to be paid like a guard, so he may be on the market for a while, but the Dolphins are supposed to be seriously interested in him, and could complete their offensive line with the addition of Brown.

Now it seems that Baltimore's priorities have moved to retaining both Ray Lewis AND Bart Scott. Right now, chances are they're only going to retain one of them. Lewis could wind up in Dallas or New York if he's not retained, and Bart Scott in New York or Miami.

I'm a little puzzled by the Ravens decision to let the youngest player of these three crucial free agents hit the open market, as well as a guy who plays a crucial position along the offensive line. He's arguably worth more then either ILB Scott or Lewis when you consider how the Ravens have churned linebackers out in recent years.

Oh yeah, and there's that guy named Joe Flacco. The Ravens wanted to protect him I thought?

And it doesn't even make sense as far as the cash goes. Brown, even if he's paid like a guard will still get less then Lewis will get, and about equal or a little more then what Scott will get. I don't think this is the right move for Baltimore, and if Miami signs Jason Brown, you can chalk them up right away as having one of the best off-seasons of any team in the NFL.

Ten Under the Radar Free Agents to Keep in Mind

Ten Names in Free Agency Not to Forget

1. UFA SS Sean Jones – Projected: New England Patriots between 6-7 million annually.
Jones is one of the safeties that is being most overlooked I feel. Despite a down year in a contract year due to injury, he was one of the better all-around safeties in the AFC during 2006 and 2007. The Patriots are in line to make one big move this off-season, and are almost guaranteed to move Matt Cassell because of the implications of the franchise tag on their team salary. Crennel hasn't found a job yet, but I bet he'd be more then willing to recommend Jones to Belichick.

2. UFA CB Bryant McFadden – Projected: New York Jets between 7-8 million annually.
McFadden is a solid number two corner asking for big money, and this may scare the Jets off, because their #1 corner is Darrelle Revis, and they need to be able to afford to buy back the last two years of his six year contract. McFadden to the Jets still seems to be the most likely, as they've opened the necessary cap space to acquire one of the top CB's, and McFadden is most familiar with the style of defense Rex Ryan will run.

3. UFA CB Ronald Bartell Jr. – Projected: Jacksonville Jaguars between 7-8 million annually.
Bartell at this point is a crapshoot. The only team that has been openly connected with him has been Denver, but the Broncos feel that Bartell will be out of their price range (as do the Rams). The Jaguars have the cap room, the need at corner, and Bartell would be returning to the south where he played in college. They may be hesitant after the Drayton Florence fiasco.

4. UFA CB Jabari Greer – Projected: Detroit Lions between 7-8 million annually.
The Lions have so many needs that I'd be surprised to see them active in free agency, but Greer would fit Schwart's system really well, and it would be a benefit for Greer who wouldn't really fit what the Jets or Steelers or several of the other 3-4 teams that need a CB would want.

5. UFA FS Jim Leonhard – Projected: New York Jets between 4-5 million annually.
This has basically been confirmed as a done deal for weeks now. The only question is how much Leonhard will command. He's only got one decent year to show for himself and he'll be re-joining Rex Ryan.

6. UFA DE Antonio Smith – Projected: Dallas Cowboys between 5-6 million annually.
Smith emerged in the spotlight as many Cardinals did during the Super Bowl run, and with Calais Campbell waiting in the wings he likely won't be re-signed. Smith is a really solid 3-4 defensive end and could wind up in either Denver or Dallas.

7. UFA SS Yeremiah Bell – Projected: Denver Broncos between 5-6 million annually.
Described as a late bloomer by Rotowrld, he's likely to leave Miami after the Phins signed Gibril Wilson. The Broncos have been in need of an overhaul in the secondary for years.

8. UFA FS Brian Dawkins – Projected: Philadelphia Eagles between 5-6 million annually.
Dawkins is planning on taking everything on a year-to-year basis, but he's pretty much guaranteed to re-sign with Philadelphia.

9. UFA OL Stacy Andrews – Projected: Cincinnati Bengals between 3-4 million annually.
Andrews won't be paid as well as he was last year, and while he struggled at RT, he was superb at RG for the Bengals two years ago.

10. UFA QB Byron Leftwich – Projected: Detroit Lions between 3-4 million annually.
The Lions seem like the best choice for one of these quarterbacks who lost their starting job and were relegated to back-ups this season to get a job. The Lions are planning on running a vertical offense, and Leftwich certainly has the arm for it.

Top 10 Free Agents Available

1. UFA DT Albert Haynesworth – Expected to receive a deal averaging between 15 and 16 million per season. Haynesworth’s decision is going to come down to a couple of things. First and foremost, he wants to be paid like the best defensive player in the NFL. Secondly, he has stated he wants to remain in the southeast. Lastly, he needs to go to a team where he’ll stay at defensive tackle, otherwise he won’t be paid like the best defensive player in football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Almost sixty million in cap space, a glaring need at defensive tackle, and fulfill the requirements of playing in the Southeast. DC Jim Bates wants to run a Cover 2, but also wants a bigger defense. Haynesworth would fit the mold, and would excel next to rising star Gaines Adams.

Atlanta Falcons – Although GM Thomas Dimitroff has said that he doesn’t think the Falcons will be a major player for Haynesworth, the Falcons have the cap space, the need, and fulfill the location requirement in multiple ways. Not only are they in the southeast, but Haynesworth has family ties in Atlanta.

Washington Redskins – The latest rumors have indicated that Washington will sign Haynesworth to a deal as soon as free agency begins. Regardless of whether or not it’s true, Washington has freed up the necessary cap space through contract restructures and fulfills the requirement of playing in the southeast (or close enough).

New York Giants – Haynesworth himself listed them as a potential suitor, and I think he likes the idea of playing on a defensive line where no single player can be keyed on, but how the Giants will be able to afford Haynesworth’s insane price tag I don’t know.

Spiel's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers


2. UFA QB Kurt Warner – Expected to receive a deal averaging between 9 and 10 million per season. Warner has made it clear that he’s either re-signing with Arizona or retiring.

Arizona Cardinals – They’ve offered him ten million a year in a short term deal, and Warner has come out and said that he’s going to retire if he doesn’t return to Arizona. The chances of him entertaining other offers are unlikely.

New York Jets – If he does hit the open market, this may be the one quarterback that the Jets are willing to go after. Chances of signing are slim to none.

Spiel's Pick: Arizona Cardinals


3. UFA ILB Bart Scott – Expected to receive a deal averaging between 7 and 9 million per season. The 28 year old ILB plays a position that has a long shelf life. He could have immense success if he remains in Baltimore, or joins former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan in New York.

New York Jets – The Jets new head coach Rex Ryan is the former defensive coordinator in Baltimore, and this is one of several reasons the Jets are expected to be among the top suitors for Scott. They have the cash and big need at ILB.

Baltimore Ravens – Scott and the Ravens are reportedly drawing closer to a deal, but deadline is approaching for free agency and if he hits the open market, he may be out of the Ravens price range. Still, a return to Baltimore would be in Scott’s best interest.

Denver Broncos – With the Broncos moving to a 3-4, they have several glaring needs, and besides needing an entirely new defensive line, they need an inside linebacker to plug next to D.J. Williams. The Broncos are reportedly being frugal this off-season, but if they have one big expenditure, it could be for a 3-4 player.

Spiel's Pick: New York Jets


4. UFA ILB Ray Lewis – Expected to receive a deal averaging between 9 and 11 million per season. If Bart Scott leaves the open market, expect the Jets to jump to the top of this list, the Ravens to fall off the list, and Kansas City or Denver to jump on this list.

Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys are expected to make him an offer he can’t refuse, and I can see the idea of playing for “America’s Team” having major appeal for Lewis.

Baltimore Ravens – Finishing out your Hall of Fame career with the only team you’ve known will also have some appeal to Lewis, and the Ravens are said to be offering close to nine million a year.

New York Jets – The Rex Ryan connection, the New York market, and a lot of cap space says it all.

Spiel's Pick: Dallas Cowboys


5. UFA OG Derrick Dockery – Expected to receive between 6 and 8 million annually.

Washington Redskins – The Redskins have made cap space available, and would love nothing more than to bring Dockery back into the fold after a three-year hiatus in Buffalo. His last season wasn’t spectacular, but he wasn’t helped but the poor play of Jason Peters.

Oakland Raiders – I don’t believe for a second that Oakland won’t extend a huge contract offer to Dockery. Whether or not he accepts it is something different altogether, but the Raiders could switch Robert Gallery to RG where his run blocking skillset can be better used, and Dockery can aid in the potential development of Mario Henderson.

Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars had major injuries devastate their offensive line this season, and Dockery could be just what the doctor ordered.

Spiel's Pick: Washington Redskins


6. UFA MLB Jonathan Vilma – Expected to be re-signed by New Orleans, but must hit free agent market based on certain stipulations in the Jets-Saints trade last off-season. Will receive between 8-9 million annually.

New Orleans Saints – The Saints are almost certainly expected to re-sign Vilma, but they have to wait until after free agency begins, otherwise they must give up a 1st round pick to the Giants, and a 2nd round pick to the Jets. Vilma may sign elsewhere, but chances are he’ll return to New Orleans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Buccaneers have the cap space and run the system that would fit Vilma best. He would add versatility to their LB corp. as he would play either OLB next to Barrett Ruud on the inside or vice-versa.

Detroit Lions – The Lions have been interested in trading for Vilma since as early as the end of the 2006 season, but they never pulled the trigger. This could be a great opportunity to add a solid talent to their linebacker corp., but he may not be what they need for the rebuilding job that Schwartz is going to have to do.

Spiel's Pick: New Orleans Saints


7. RFA TE Owen Daniels – Expected to receive a deal averaging between 5 and 6 million per season. Daniels is expected to receive the highest tender, which the Texans will use to buy time until they can agree to a new deal with him.

Houston Texans – The Texans are going to give him the highest tender available to protect themselves from someone trying to sign him and give them time to work out a long-term deal. If a team does sign him to an offer sheet and the Texans don’t match, Houston will receive a 1st and a 3rd round pick.

Buffalo Bills – The Bills are said to be potential suitors, and they’ve lacked a strong tight end for a long time, and whomever is the Bills quarterback is going to need a good safety net at tight end. Daniels has soft hands and will catch just about anything thrown his way.

Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons are definitely in the market for a tight end, but this may be out of their price range and cost range (draft picks).

Spiel's Pick: Houston Texans


8. UFA C Jason Brown – Wants at least 8 million per season, but is likely to get between 6-7 million per season. Brown wants to be paid like the top guard in the market, despite the fact that his top suitors are interested him as a center. Chances are Brown will have to settle for a center’s contract with incentives and escalators.

Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins have already been active in free agency, signing Gibril Wilson, but Jason Brown is supposed to be one of their top targets this off-season. They are planning on playing him at center and moving Satele to guard, which could form one of the most formidable offensive lines in the NFL.

Baltimore Ravens – Brown’s agent said it’s likely that either he or Scott re-signs with the Ravens, and my money is on Brown.

Arizona Cardinals – No team needs a center more than Arizona, and this may be one of the few times that Arizona actually wants to spend any money.

Spiel's Pick: Baltimore Ravens


9. UFA SS Gibril Wilson – A surprising cut by Oakland, he averaged 6.5 million per season with the Raiders, and his stock will have gone down a little, but not much.
SIGNED WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS (5 years, 27.5 million, 8 million guaranteed)

A very good safety in the box, Wilson isn’t a terrific coverage safety, but is still in the upper echelon as far as strong safeties are concerned. Plus he’s terrific in run support. The Dolphins got a steal here, as quite a few other teams were slow to the draw on Wilson.


10. UFA DL Chris Canty – The hybrid defensive tackle/defensive end is expected to ask for no less then what Tommy Kelly received (7 years, 50.5 million with 18 million guaranteed). Expect him to receive it.

Washington Redskins – The Skins are expected to go hard after Haynesworth, but he may be just a little too pricey. Canty will have to switch positions to play in Washington, but they Skins will make it worth his while and give him the type of money that Tommy Kelly got before he restructured his contract.

Dallas Cowboys – The two sides are far apart, and originally Dallas was going to let him walk, but they’ve approached Canty about staying, so it’s not out of the question at this point.

Denver Broncos – Probably priced out of Denver’s range, but as I said, I think that the Broncos will go after at least one big name player that fits the 3-4 defense. Canty would be overpaid as a defensive end, but he’d fit the bill that I’m thinking about.

Spiel's Pick: Washington Redskins


Coming later today or early tomorrow: TEN most underrated players in free agency!

Free Agency is 24 Hours Away

I've been lazy. I've had writer's block. But I'm back.

The Top 10 Moves That Should be Made This Off-Season

1. Dallas should sign DeMarcus Ware to a long-term extension, and really give him whatever he wants. Ware is the most dominant defensive player in the NFL and if Dallas ever, for any reason, moved to a 4-3 defense, would simply move back to defensive end.

2. Atlanta should sign Albert Haynesworth. He may be pricey, and there may be questions about his motivation, but it would create one of the most dominant defensive lines in the NFL, and Haynesworth has family ties in Atlanta.

3. Green Bay should sign Greg Jennings to a long-term extension.
He'll be franchised next off-season if he doesn't get a new deal, but he needs to get a new deal. He's still that wide receiver that will most often get left off Top 5 lists, but he's still very young and has superb production and great chemistry with Aaron Rodgers.

4. Denver should sign Brandon Marshall to a long-term extension.
See the above for the most part. Yes, he has some character concerns, but Marshall is young and dominant.

5. Green Bay should trade for Julius Peppers.
Probably the least likely to happen of all these moves, but Peppers has stated he wants to play 3-4 OLB for a new team, and he'd be joining former Panthers great Kevin Greene who is the LB coach in the land of cheese now. Ted Thompson doesn't like doling out draft picks or cash for guys like Peppers though.

6. The New York Giants should trade for Braylon Edwards.
They are operating under the assumption that Plaxico Burress won't be returning, and this team isn't all that far from a return to the Super Bowl. Edwards had a case of the dropsies this year, but he's capable of being a dominant receiver when he's happy. New York also has a not-so-secret love affair with Michigan alumni, so I could see this deal happening.

7. Philadelphia should draft Iowa running back Shonn Greene.
Greene is the best pure runner, and the best power back in the class. The Eagles need more versatility in their short yardage play calls and a back that can help them there. The Eagles aren't far off. They don't lack talent. They lack versatility.

8. The New York Jets should retain Brandon Moore.
Releasing him would be asinine, but the rumors are saying the Jets are ready to release the 28 year old guard who was their best statistical run blocker in 2008. He is due a seven million dollar roster bonus, but his contract pays annually less then 3 million per season, meaning that after this season Moore goes back to being underpaid. Perhaps the Jets are trying to look ahead and see a contract issue on the horizon, but this still isn't a reason to cut him a season early. If Moore hits the open market he may come close to getting the kind of deal that Alan Faneca got, because he'll be far and away the best guard ont he market.

9. The Carolina Panthers should sign Byron Leftwich to compete with Jake Delhomme.
Delhomme, as we saw all season, doesn't really have it anymore. Leftwich is not necessarily an upgrade, but Carolina has one of the best offensive lines in football and a terrific power running attack. Leftwich will also be able to better utilize deep threat Steve Smith. As long as they promise Leftwich a legitimate shot at starting, and an incentive-laden contract, the quarterback situation could be solved. The team is supposedly high on Matt Moore, but they have to have an insurance policy.

10. Baltimore should ignore Ray Lewis and Bart Scott and sign Jason Brown to the long-term deal he deserves.
Joe Flacco is the future of the franchise, or at least the Ravens hope he will be. Jason Brown may want to be overpaid, but he's worth it to keep Flacco upright. Brown is a center with extreme versatility and a very good run blocker. The Dolphins are extremely interested in Brown, and the Ravens have proven they can churn out great linebackers. Scott is 28, and he's definitely got some tread left on his tires, but his agent represents Brown also and has pretty much said that only one is staying in Baltimore. If that's the case, it should be Brown. As for Lewis, the contract he's asking for is absurd. His body could give out anytime at 33, and while his play is just as good as it ever was, he's still going to be a question mark each season.


Coming Soon:
- Top 10 Available Free Agents and 5 most underrated players on the market and where I think they'll land.
- Bottom 10 Free Agents to stay away from.
- Once free agency is completed, my first mock draft will be posted.