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Every year at this time, NFL teams are crying poor because of the salary
cap. It's a rite of passage as free agency begins.
But every year, a number of teams traditionally find ways to spend big money on
coveted free agents.
Will this offseason be different?
Based on the trend the New England Patriots set last year -- winning the
Super Bowl after acquiring a number of low-priced free agents off the street
-- we might see more cautious spending from teams.
The NFL, after all, is a trend league with copycats everywhere.
And, too, these past two weeks have featured more roster bloodletting across
the board than the league has ever seen. Teams have been unloading stars from
their rosters in an effort to get below the $71 million salary cap.
The following is a buyer's guide to AFC free agents:
Big-ticket items
Bills linebacker Sam Cowart: He's coming off a serious Achilles' injury,
which caused him to miss the entire 2001 season, but Cowart is in only his
fifth season and is one of the league's most tenacious tacklers. He's thought
to be seeking $6 million in a signing bonus.
Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe: For all his bluster and his age, Sharpe
is still capable of being a very productive player; he had 73 receptions last
season in an off year.
Jets linebacker Marvin Jones: He was a salary cap casualty but is still a
highly productive player, having had career highs in tackles (132) and
interceptions (three) in 2001. The Jets want to re-sign him if they can, but
Jones will draw a lot of interest.
Ravens receiver Qadry Ismail: A cap casualty along with so many other
Baltimore teammates, Ismail, still a deep threat, caught 74 passes and scored
seven touchdowns last season. Because of the lack of quality receivers on the
market, he might fare well financially.
Ravens cornerback Duane Starks: He's the best available corner on the
market, having made four interceptions in 2001 and six in 2000.
Seahawks running back Ricky Watters: Sure, he lost his starting job to
Shaun Alexander last season, but the durable Watters is only a year removed
from a 1,242-yard, seven-touchdown season in 2000. He's the best available back
on the market, and he rushed for 318 yards and a 4.4-yard average last year despite multiple injuries.
Jets linebacker James Farrior: He had his best season as a pro last
year with 143 tackles. He's a fast, active outside 'backer who's also young
(entering his sixth season). The Jets want to bring him back, though they
might not be willing to pay high dollars in a bidding war.
Chiefs linebacker Donnie Edwards: Another last-minute salary cap casualty.
But he's a productive tackler in his prime (seventh season) who'll draw
interest.
Jets left guard Kerry Jenkins: He's not a star (how many star guards are
there?), but Jenkins has developed into a steady starter. The Jets want him
back, but how much are they willing to pay with center Kevin Mawae and right
guard Randy Thomas both in the last year of their contracts?
Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer: He could be placed in the next category
-- "safe buys" -- Dilfer is the best available quarterback and all he does is
win games (he's lost only one start in the past two seasons). Because he's
unlikely to get big money anywhere, which seems to be the trend for Dilfer,
he could be placed in the "bargain rack" department.
Colts guard Steve McKinney: Like Jenkins, he's neither flashy nor a
high-round draft pick. But he's a solid starter who can add stability to a
team's line. He's a particularly good pass protector.
Safe buys
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| Smith |
Patriots running back Antowain Smith: Thousand-yard rushers aren't exactly
a dime a dozen. Smith, perhaps the find of free agency last season, rushed
for 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns after being cast off by the Bills. It's
hard to believe the Patriots aren't going to do all they can to re-sign him.
Colts receiver Jerome Pathon: He was slated to be the No. 2 guy behind Marvin
Harrison last season when a foot injury wrecked his year. But Pathon is only
a year removed from a 50-reception season in 2000 and is a good value.
Ravens defensive end Rob Burnett: He's perhaps on the other side of his
most productive years in the league, but Burnett is still not far removed
from playing at the top of his game and he's a solid locker room presence.
Jaguars linebacker Kevin Hardy: Past his prime but still productive,
having had 5½ sacks last season
Dolphins safety Brock Marion: Veteran who's still starter worthy. Had five
interceptions last season and is valuable as a special teams player.
Steelers linebacker Earl Holmes: Inside linebacker who lacks pass rush burst
but is a good run stopper and a starter.
Jets safety Victor Green: Still an overachieving big-hitting safety,
though his cover skills aren't great. Had three interceptions last season.
Bengals cornerback Artrell Hawkins: He had three interceptions last season
and was one of the best defensive players on a bad team.
Bengals defensive end Reinard Wilson: Speaking of good players on poor
teams, Wilson was productive as a third-down pass rusher with nine sacks and
can be a good role player on a better team. Because of the dearth of good
pass rushers in the league, he could be placed in the "big ticket item" category.
Dolphins punter Matt Turk: Best of the available punters, finishing second
in the AFC in net average at 37.6 yards.
Colts tight end Ken Dilger: Had 32 catches last season and is still a
solid player. Bucs are reportedly very interested.
Colts cornerback Jeff Burris: Part of the Colts' salary-cap purge. He was
a starter and had three interceptions in 2001.
Patriots linebacker Roman Phifer: After a couple of so-so seasons with the
Jets, Phifer was a tackling machine for New England last season, having
perhaps his best year. He's not young, however.
Colts safety Chad Cota: Had two interceptions last year and is still
starter worthy, though he was never the value the Colts thought he'd be when he they signed him as a free agent.
Bargain rack
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| Smith |
Dolphins running back Lamar Smith: Granted, he has lost a little bit (his
average was down nearly a half-yard per rush from 2000 to 2001), but Smith
still ran for 968 yards and six touchdowns last year. Those numbers were
considerably down from 1,139 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2000.
Jaguars defensive end Renaldo Wynn: Can still rush the passer, having had
five sacks last season. Can be either a starter or a situational pass rusher.
Jets defensive tackle Steve Martin: Had a surprisingly productive year in
New York after being suddenly released by Kansas City last summer. Martin had
57 tackles, a lot for an interior lineman. The Jets want him back but are
likely not willing to spend a lot.
Browns tackle Roman Oben: Overpriced, which is why he was released, but
still a starting tackle.
Ravens tackle Leon Searcy: Suffered a rash of injuries recently, though
might still have some of his former Pro Bowl ability remaining.
Chargers receiver Jeff Graham: He had 52 catches and five touchdowns last
season but is getting up there in age.
Seahawks fullback Mack Strong: He rarely gets any carries (20 in the last
two seasons), but he's a solid traditional blocking fullback, of which there
are few in the league.
Ravens fullback Sam Gash: Same as Strong -- classic fullback who does all
the dirty work and is a solid citizen; great for any locker room.
Titans safety Blaine Bishop: He was once one of the NFL's best at his
position. But he's not getting any younger and his hitting ability isn't as
powerful as it was.
Ravens running back Terry Allen: Veteran vagabond rushed for 658 yards and
three touchdowns last season. He's still a valuable backup.
Titans defensive tackle Josh Evans: Still a productive player who can start in
some places.
Jets defensive end Rick Lyle: Best as a backup rotating in on the
defensive line somewhere. He has always been an overachiever and a solid locker
room presence.
Jets defensive tackle Shane Burton: Had 11 batted passes in 2001 and has
an uncanny knack for getting his hands on the football.
Jets safety Chris Hayes: He is a good backup safety and a spirited
special teams player who takes pride in specials. Look for the Patriots to
perhaps scoop both he and Burton up, because Bill Belichick likes
both.
Jets punter Tom Tupa: He had his worst season as a pro, but it was
injury-related. Tupa, who had offseason hernia surgery last
year, was never right afterward. But he's a former Pro Bowl punter who likely still has
something to offer.
Buyer beware
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| Johnson |
Bills quarterback Rob Johnson: He has to be at the top of this list. He's
injury-prone and has shown little propensity to win games and be a leader.
For some reason, people keep seeing unlimited potential in him, which has
made him a lot of money and cost others a lot.
Broncos quarterback Gus Frerotte: Another quarterback who many saw
potential in but he never fulfilled it. Can be a second- or third-stringer
somewhere.
Ravens safety Carnell Lake: Terrific locker room presence and formerly an
excellent player who has lost a lot physically.
Ravens safety Rod Woodson: Once a great player, now wants to finish his
career in Pittsburgh if the Steelers will sign him.
Broncos defensive tackle Leon Lett: It has been over for Lett for awhile now.
Dolphins receiver O.J. McDuffie: Injuries and a questionable attitude have
left McDuffie's productivity down and his career perhaps near its end.
Jets receiver Matthew Hatchette: The Jets thought he could be a starter a
year ago, and he caught two passes in 2001. Hatchette, whose skills are a bit
limited, is a third receiver at best.
Patriots linebacker Bryan Cox: Provided valuable chemistry last season, but he has suffered major injuries in each of the last
three seasons.
Jaguars receiver Sean Dawkins: Had only 20 receptions last year and is
definitely on the downside of his career.
Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post writes an AFC notebook every week for ESPN.com.
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