There's always next year..... (NFL Off-Season 2004)

[TLK]

After watching yesterday's game, I came to the conclusion that the Lions year was done. It's time to pack it in, and call it a season. With that begins the annual look to the off-season....


Complete free agent list

Quarterbacks:

Doug Johnson - Atlanta
Chris Redman - Baltimore
Anthony Wright - Baltimore
Shane Matthews - Cincinnati
Ty Detmer - Detroit
Mike McMahon - Detroit (RFA)
Peyton Manning - Indianapolis
Jesse Palmer - New York Giants (RFA)
Todd Bouman - New Orleans
Rick Mirer - Oakland
A.J. Feeley - Philadelphia (RFA)
Marc Bulger - St. Louis (RFA)

Running Backs:

Sammy Morris - Buffalo
Rudi Johnson - Cincinnati (RFA)
Troy Hambrick - Dallas (RFA)
Shawn Bryson - Detroit
Stacey Mack - Houston
Dominic Rhodes - Indianapolis (RFA)
Kevin Faulk - New England
Ki-Jana Carter - New Orleans
Duce Staley - Philadelphia
Correll Buckhalter - Philadelphia (RFA)
Kevan Barlow - San Francisco (RFA)
Thomas Jones - Tampa Bay

Fullbacks:

Sam Gash - Buffalo
Alan Ricard - Baltimore (RFA)
Stanley Pritchett - Chicago
Greg Comella - Houston
Obafemi Ayanbadejo - Miami
Terrelle Smith - New Orleans
Dan Kreider - Pittsburgh

Wide Receivers:

Marcus Robinson - Baltimore
Kevin Dyson - Carolina
Steve Smith - Carolina (RFA)
Dez White - Chicago
Dennis Northcutt - Cleveland
Antonio Freeman - Green Bay
Ron Dixon - New York Giants
Terrell Owens - San Francisco
Tai Streets - San Francisco
Darrell Jackson - Seattle
Drew Bennett - Tennessee (RFA)

Tight Ends:

Wesley Walls - Green Bay
David Martin - Green Bay (RFA)
Jason Dunn - Kansas City,
Jim Kleinsasser - Minnesota
Marcellus Rivers - New York Giants (RFA)
Boo Williams - New Orleans (RFA)
Eric Johnson - San Francisco
Erron Kinney - Tennessee

Offensive Tackles:

Orlando Brown - Baltimore
Mike Gandy - Chicago (RFA)
Blake Brockermeyer - Denver
Chad Clifton - Green Bay
Greg Randall - Houston
Ryan Diem - Indianapolis (RFA)
John Tait - Kansas City
Todd Wade - Miami
Kareem McKenzie - New York Jets (RFA)
Spencer Folau - New Orleans
Damion McIntosh - San Diego
Solomon Page - San Diego
Walter Jones - Seattle
Orlando Pace - St. Louis

Offensive Guards:

Roberto Garza - Atlanta (RFA)
Marques Sullivan - Buffalo (RFA),
Bennie Anderson - Baltimore (RFA)
Kevin Donnalley - Carolina
Jeno James - Carolina
Chris Villarrial - Chicago
Ray Brown - Detroit
Eric Beverly - Detroit
Rick DeMulling - Indianapolis (RFA)
Jamie Nails - Miami
Lewis Kelly - Minnesota
Everett Lindsay - Minnesota
J.P. Machado - New York Jets
Matt Stinchcomb - Oakland
Bobbie Williams - Philadelphia
Kelvin Garmon - San Diego
Adam Timmerman - St. Louis
Cosey Coleman - Tampa Bay

Centers:

Mike Flynn - Baltimore
Shaun O'Hara - Cleveland
Brad Meester - Jacksonville
Mike Compton - New England
Damien Woody - New England
Chris Bober - New York Giants

Defensive Ends:

Ebenezer Ekuban - Dallas
James Hall - Detroit
Eric Hicks - Kansas City
Adewale Ogunleye - Miami (RFA)
Anthony Pleasant - New England
Bobby Hamilton - New England
Rodney Bailey - Pittsburgh (RFA)
Chidi Ahanotu - San Francisco
Grant Wistrom - St. Louis
Jevon Kearse - Tennessee

Defensive Tackles:

Keith Traylor - Chicago
Fred Robbins - Minnesota
Ted Washington - New England
Chester McGlockton - New York Jets
Cornelius Griffin - New York Giants
Grady Jackson - New Orleans
Kenny Smith - New Orleans (RFA)
Dana Stubblefield - Oakland
Paul Grasmanis - Philadelphia
Brian Young - St. Louis
Warren Sapp - Tampa Bay
Robaire Smith - Tennessee

Outside Linebackers:

Matt Stewart.- Atlanta (RFA)
Adalius Thomas - Baltimore
Ian Gold - Denver
Barrett Green - Detroit
Marcus Washington - Indianapolis
Danny Clark - Jacksonville
Morlon Greenwood - Miami (RFA)
Dhani Jones - New York Giants
Sedrick Hodge - New Orleans (RFA)
Carlos Emmons - Philadelphia
Clark Haggans - Pittsburgh
Julian Peterson - San Francisco

Inside Linebackers:

Edgerton Hartwell - Baltimore (RFA)
Al Wilson - Denver
Brandon Short - New York Giants
Zeke Moreno - San Diego (RFA)
Randall Godfrey - Seattle
Isaiah Kacyvenski - Seattle
Nate Webster - Tampa Bay (RFA)

Cornerbacks:

Antoine Winfield - Buffalo
Chris McAlister - Baltimore
Mario Edwards - Dallas
Otis Smith - Detroit
David Macklin - Indianapolis
Fernando Bryant - Jacksonville
Terrell Buckley - Miami
Will Peterson - New York Giants (RFA)
Charles Woodson - Oakland
Bobby Taylor - Philadelphia
Troy Vincent - Philadelphia
Ahmed Plummer - San Francisco
Jason Webster - San Francisco
Doug Evans - Seattle
Shawn Springs - Seattle
Champ Bailey - Washington

Safeties:

Keion Carpenter - Atlanta
Adrian Wilson - Arizona (RFA)
Deon Grant - Carolina
Rogers Beckett - Cincinnati
Mark Roman - Cincinnati
Antuan Edwards - Green Bay
Donovin Darius - Jacksonville
Greg Wesley - Kansas City
Victor Green - New Orleans
Anthony Dorsett - Oakland
Mike Logan - Pittsburgh


My thoughts on the Lions from this list.....

I really hope that they keep McMahon (I still think he should be starting over Harrington), Bryson, Gooch, Green, Curry and James Hall. Besides them, let all the others move on.

Free Agent Priority List-

CB- Bailey would be nice, and he's shown intrest in playing with his brother, so I'd go after him first. Others to look at- Woodson (Michigan connection) or either of the Philly boys. Cornerback seems exceptionally deep this year, which should work out good for any team needing a CB.

RB- This area might be better suited for the draft as there are no gamebreakers in the bunch. Rudi Johnson looked good for Cincinnati, but I think he'll end up sticking with them. The only other name that looks decent is Barlow and maybe Staley and Hambrick.

WR- The only two WR's that are guaranteed to be back next season are Rogers and Hakim. Hakim is at best a third receiver, so someone to play along Rogers is a must. Obviously, Owens would is the best on the list, but I can't see Mooch bringing him in. The two names that stick out to me are Darrell Jackson and Dennis Northcutt. Either one would make me feel a little bit better about our offense.


Any thoughts about the Lions or any other teams. Also, who gets the dreaded Franchise and Transitional tags thrown on them....

[rkmsuf]

I don't know the cap situation but you are talking like they should sign Owens/Jackson, Champ Bailey and possibly Rudi Johnson. Sounds a tad out of whack...

Ironically the Lions rank as one of the older teams in the league. Anything they can do to get young talent is of primary concern...

[Franklinnoble]

You're smoking crack if you think the Redskins aren't gonna slap the franchise tag on Bailey after this season. He's not going anywhere.

Is Tim Hasselbeck a free agent after this season? He's shown some promise. What about Gus Frerotte?

[TLK]

Actually the Lions are pretty good on cap room. Their finally over paying Herman Moore and Charlie Batch's big contracts. Owens is a no-no. I said he was the best receiver out there, but I don't see it happening. If I had to pick three, I'd with Bailey, Jackson and hit another need position. Look for a running back in the draft, because outside of Johnson (who I can't see leaving Cincinnati), I don't see too much there.

[rkmsuf]

Originally posted by TheLionKing
Actually the Lions are pretty good on cap room. Their finally over paying Herman Moore and Charlie Batch's big contracts. Owens is a no-no. I said he was the best receiver out there, but I don't see it happening. If I had to pick three, I'd with Bailey, Jackson and hit another need position. Look for a running back in the draft, because outside of Johnson (who I can't see leaving Cincinnati), I don't see too much there.

This isn't baseball. In Woodsen/Bailey and Jackson you are talking two high profile guys commanding significant bonuses. One maybe but two is cooky talk. Detroit has so many needs I'd look to the draft and mid level guys. They need volume. Don't forget they signed Bly to a ridiculous contract last year...

[JAG]

Look at all the best, most desirable names on that list. Now put franchise tags on them. That's usually the way it works...heck, even non-desirable names sometimes get the tag.

[albionmoonlight]

The Saints have signed Bouman to an extension.

[Ksyrup]

If Lions' ownership is anything like the Tigers' ownership, I expect to hear that they will be willing to overpay for stars. Great negotiating tactic, but then again, they aren't exactly in a position of strength.

Not that that's helped the Tigers yet, although apparently they're one of the few teams in on Tejada.

They need a RB and a significant upgrade in the DBs. I bet they can find a good 2nd and 3rd receiver without overpaying like they did for Hakim. Hakim's greatest asset is (was) his speed, and when I saw him get caught from behind by a LB on a crossing route on Thanksgiving, I knew he was finished.

[WSUCougar]

I think Duce Staley is a legit possibility. Don't know the latest scoop, but I think Corey Dillon might be available in some form or fashion as well. Either would be a reasonable addition if the price is right.

[Butter]

Originally posted by WSUCougar
Don't know the latest scoop, but I think Corey Dillon might be available in some form or fashion as well.

Take the word "might" out of there and you've got it. Dillon will be major league trade bait going into the '04 draft. Rudi Johnson and Brandon Bennett are both more than capable NFL backs, and I don't see him coming back to the Bengals next year.

[Subby]

Like FranklinNoble said - the Lions aren't sniffing Champ.

Amazing how many good CBs are available this year, however...

[cthomer5000]

Originally posted by Butter_of_69
Take the word "might" out of there and you've got it. Dillon will be major league trade bait going into the '04 draft. Rudi Johnson and Brandon Bennett are both more than capable NFL backs, and I don't see him coming back to the Bengals next year.

I'll think the Bengals will not get anything in the "major league" range. I bet he could be had for a 2nd rounder at most.

He's no Ricky Williams.

[TLK]

Here are the Top 50 free agents according to HuddleReport.com

THE HUDDLE REPORT Dec. 1
by Aaron Freeman
Top 2004 Free Agents
Rnk. Pos. Player Name Team Status Age Grade
1 LT Orlando Pace Rams UFA 28 9.35
2 WR Terrell Owens 49ers UFA 30 9.30
3 QB Peyton Manning Colts UFA 28 9.25
4 CB Champ Bailey Redskins UFA 26 9.15
5 DE Jevon Kearse Titans UFA 28 9.10
6 LT Walter Jones Seahawks UFA 30 9.00
7 CB Charles Woodson Raiders UFA 27 9.00
8 MLB Al Wilson Broncos UFA 27 8.65
9 DT Warren Sapp Buccaneers UFA 31 8.10
10 SLB Julian Peterson 49ers UFA 26 8.05
11 LT Chad Clifton Packers UFA 28 7.65
12 CB Chris McAlister Ravens UFA 27 7.20
13 C/G Damien Woody Patriots UFA 26 7.15
14 DE Grant Wistrom Rams UFA 28 6.90
15 MLB Edgerton Hartwell Ravens RFA 25 6.85
16 G Adam Timmerman Rams UFA 33 6.80
17 OT John Tait Chiefs UFA 29 6.75
18 WR Steve Smith Panthers RFA 25 6.70
19 DE Darren Howard Saints UFA 27 6.65
20 QB Marc Bulger Rams RFA 27 6.60
21 CB Troy Vincent Eagles UFA 34 6.60
22 CB Antoine Winfield Bills UFA 27 6.55
23 CB Bobby Taylor Eagles UFA 30 6.50
24 RT Todd Wade Dolphins UFA 27 6.45
25 CB Fernando Bryant Jaguars UFA 27 6.15
26 SS Donovan Darius Jaguars UFA 29 6.10
27 DE Adewale Ogunleye Dolphins RFA 27 6.05
28 MLB Randall Godfrey Seahawks UFA 31 6.00
29 H-B Jim Kleinsasser Vikings UFA 27 6.00
30 CB Shawn Springs Seahawks UFA 29 5.95
31 SLB Brandon Short Giants UFA 27 5.90
32 DT Gary Walker Texans UFA 31 5.90
33 DT Cornelius Griffin Giants UFA 27 5.85
34 TE Erron Kinney Titans UFA 27 5.75
35 CB Will Peterson Giants RFA 25 5.65
36 DE Eric Hicks Chiefs UFA 28 5.60
37 WR Darrell Jackson Seahawks UFA 25 5.55
38 RT Damion McIntosh Chargers UFA 27 5.50
39 SLB Carlos Emmons Eagles UFA 31 5.50
40 RB Rudi Johnson Bengals RFA 24 5.50
41 CB Ahmed Plummer 49ers UFA 28 5.50
42 RT Kareem McKenzie Jets RFA 25 5.45
43 WLB T.J. Slaughter Packers UFA 27 5.35
44 C Mike Flynn Ravens UFA 29 5.30
45 DE Ebenezer Ekuban Cowboys UFA 28 5.30
46 WLB Ian Gold Broncos UFA 26 5.25
47 K Matt Stover Ravens UFA 36 5.20
48 DE Bert Berry Broncos UFA 29 5.15
49 DT Grady Jackson Packers UFA 31 5.15
50 WR Tai Streets 49ers UFA 27 5.15

[JAG]

Oh my God, Ebenezer Ekuban over Ian Gold? Does anyone in their right mind think Denver would do this trade even with DE being a harder position to fill then OLB? I have complaints with Manning behind Owens, but I obviously don't understand their grading system.

What Subby said though, I think this year's DB free agents, even after franchise tags, will be the strongest in the salary cap era.

[TroyF]

I look for Corey Dillon to be gone and Rudi to resign with Cincy. Bulger is a pipe dream, he isn't going anywhere. Philly really should have traded Feely last year.

Some thoughts on other names:

Anthony Wright, Thomas Jones, Marcus Robinson have all made themselves decent money by their finishes this year.

The Vikings MUST sign Kleiney, the 49ers can't afford to let Plummer go.

Clark Haggins is a serious sleeper FA. I think he has a chance to be a good one.

John Mobley will either be released or will retire. Gold and Wilson will be resigned.

Warren Sapp being rated as the 9th best FA is laughable.

[judicial clerk]

The Raiders will probably pick Wesley Walls, Ki-Jana Carter, and Anthony Pleasant.

Also, Charles Woodsen = good free safety (or) extremely overrated cornerback