2005 NFL Free Agency Preview

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:24 pm

2005 NFL Free Agency Preview
By: Bryan Dietzler

The end of the 2004-2005 is almost here and it is time to take a look ahead to next season. The 2005 crop of has some good players in it but not as many as the 2004 group did. Here is a quick look at the top free agent players for 2005. (All players covered will be unrestricted free agents)

Quarterbacks

There will be a few good quarterbacks that will become unrestricted free agents come next February. Drew Brees is obviously the top free agent in this group and the question is whether or not the Chargers will resign him. He is having a great season and it would seem as if the Chargers would be crazy if they didn’t resign him but they already have another costly quarterback in first round pick Phillip Rivers. This move will be watched closely by teams that are in need of quarterbacks such as Dallas, Chicago and a few other teams in the league. He will most likely wind up as a starter somewhere if San Diego decides not to keep him.

Other quarterbacks of note that will be available during the free agency period will be the Brown’s Kelly Holcomb, Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks, Vinny Testaverde of the Dallas Cowboys, Jesse Palmer of the New York Giants and Jeff Blake of the Philadelphia Eagles. Of that group, Hasselbeck will probably be the most sought after if the Seahawks don’t sign him which they most likely will. Jeff Blake will also be available but hasn’t really played this season as a backup in Philadelphia. Palmer might be a good second string quarterback for a team and Vinny Testaverde, although old, can still come in and play in a backup role for any team in the NFL.

Running Backs

There is a decent group running backs coming into free agency in 2005 and some of these guys would make a starter on some NFL teams. The top unrestricted free agent running back has to be Edgerrin James of the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts would like to keep him but they already have Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison signed to huge contracts so there might not enough for James. If that is the case, he will be the most sought after free agent in free agency. Others who might become highly desired by other teams could be Lamont Jordan of the New York Jets. With the play of Curtis Martin, Jordan has been underused all season and would make a great starter on another team. Other players that could be available as unrestricted free agents include Cincinnati’s Rudi Johnson, Kansas City’s Derrick Blaylock, Oakland’s J.R. Redmond and Amos Zereoue, Chicago’s Anthony Thomas (who may be one of the better free agents in this group), Seattle Shaun Alexander (who might be signed by the Seahawks before the free agency period begins), Dallas Eddie George (who might be done playing football after this season), Arizona’s Emmitt Smith (who has stated that he will play one more season and that will most likely be with Arizona), New York Giant’s Ron Dayne, who might be a highly sought after free agent and the Philadelphia Eagles Correll Buckhalter who, like Alexander, might be signed by his team before the start of free agency.

Overall, the running back group is pretty solid as there are some big name running backs that can really perform well and that would be an upgrade to any team that signed them. James will be the most sought after free agent of the group but Thomas and Dayne would be outstanding additions to any team in the league.

Wide Receivers

This group is lead by Plaxico Burress of the Pittsburgh Steelers who may or may not be resigned by old team. He will be highly sought after by teams that are looking for a big play receiver with good hands and solid speed. Another receiver who might be available and be worth a look would be David Patten of the New England Patriots if the team does not sign him. He has the skills to become one of the top receivers in the league and would help out any team that is looking for a good wide receiver. Also available will be the Washington Redskins James Thrash. Thrash is a little old but he still has some playing time left in him and he is a decent possession receiver and a third down threat.

Overall, the group of wide receivers who will be available for the 2005 free agent period is not all too good minus the top players mentioned here. There is some talent there that teams will surely evaluate and pick upon but the free agent class here isn’t that deep.

Tight Ends

There are a few good tight ends at the top of this list and their might be some that find themselves on different teams come next season. One of the better tight ends who might be available in February is Bubba Franks of the Green Bay Packers. Franks has been a sure and steady receiver for future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre and he still has a few years of playing time left in him. Another star that might be worth some teams taking a look at is Ken Dilger of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been a reliable and steady receiving and blocking tight end for some time now and would be a great addition to any team. Another tight end that should be given a look is the New York Jets Anthony Becht. He has been a consistent tight end for the Jets and would be a great addition for any team if the Jets fail to sign him. The St. Louis Rams Cam Cleeland might also be available and he is a fine tight end as well.

This group has some good talent at the top but the talent drops off a little after that. Franks would be a great addition to any team in the league needing a top flight tight end but there are some others there who would be solid acquisitions.

Offensive Tackles

There are a few good tackles at the top of next year’s free agent list that might just be available come the start of free agency. Some of these guys might have a little age on them but they are still solid and have a few years of playing time left in them. Topping the list is Orlando Pace of the St. Louis Rams. Pace has been a free agent almost every single year, albeit a restricted free agent and he just might be available to another NFL team. He won’t last long if St. Louis doesn’t sign him. Another good tackle who should be available come February is Matt Willig and he should get a long look from some teams. Barrett Brooks, of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Marcus Spears of the Houston Texans are two older players who should get a look as well. Ryan Diem of the Colts is part of that great offensive line that has kept quarterback Peyton Manning safe this season and he should be wanted by some teams providing the Colts don’t sign him beforehand. Bob Whitfield of the Jacksonville Jaguars is also a solid prospect at the tackle position as is Floyd Womack of the Seattle Seahawks. Both players should be highly sought after during free agency.

Overall, the tackles that will be available during free agency are pretty good and there should be some significant movement in this area come next February.

Offensive Guards

This group is full of quality talent and could be one of the most active groups in the 2005 free agency period. Topping the list is the Green Bay Packer’s star Marco Rivera. Rivera is a solid guard and has helped pave the way for Ahman Green and all the yards he has gained with the Packers. Another top guard in free agency next year is Joe Andruzzi of the New England Patriots. He has done very well in the Patriots offense keeping quarterback Tom Brady protected and helping running back Corey Dillon gain over 1000 yards. Chris Dishman of the St. Louis Rams is another good guard who should get a long look in free agency. Others who might find themselves at the top of some team’s lists in free agency include Tom Nutten of the St. Louis Rams, Cosey Coleman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jermane Mayberry of the Philadelphia Eagles all still great players who can play their position effectively.

This position should be heavily looked at during the free agency period and there should be a lot of movement in this area.

Kickers

There will be some good kickers available in the 2005 free agency period if their current teams let them get that far. At the top of the list is New England Patriot’s kicker Adam Vinatieri. He is an outstanding kicker and would be a real gem if the Patriots actually let him go into free agency. Another solid kicker that may or may not be available come February is Jay Feely of the Atlanta Falcons who has done well and might be signed sought after by another team. Steve Christie of the New York Giants will also be a free agent in February and his services might be valued somewhere else. Finally, there is long time kicker Morten Andersen, of the Minnesota Vikings who might still be able to help out an NFL team providing the Vikings don’t resign him.

If the Patriots failed to sign Vinatieri he will be the most highly regarded kicker in free agency in quite some time. The others will most certainly be worth a look by some NFL teams who are looking for good kickers.

Punters

This group has about three solid punters that most NFL teams would love to have. Topping the list is Bryan Barker of the Green Bay Packers is an outstanding punter and would be a great acquisition for any team. The New York Jets Toby Gowin is also a solid punter as would Tom Rouen of the Seattle Seahawks. If these guys are available, look for them to go pretty fast.

Defensive Ends

There are several quality ends that might be available coming next February and NFL teams should take advantage of the talent available. John Abraham of the New York Jets will be an unrestricted free agent, if the team lets him get that far, and should be the most coveted of all the defensive linemen available. His teammate Shaun Ellis may also be available when free agency begins and he is a fine player as well. Hugh Douglas will become a free agent and the question is whether or not he will have the same kind of problems he had in Jacksonville so some teams might stay away from him despite the fact that he does have a lot talent. Jason Gildon of the Jacksonville Jaguars might also be someone that teams take a look at might be Bryan Robinson of the Miami Dolphins, Chike Okeafor of the Seattle Seahawks and Kavika Pittman of the Carolina Panthers. All three are experienced players who still have some playing time left in them and could make solid additions to many teams in the league.

If the Jets fail to sign Abraham, he will be the top guy in this group and will go fast. The others should get a look from many teams across the league.

Defensive Tackles

There are a few good defensive tackles that should be available when free agency starts in February. This group has some age to it but these players still have some playing time left in them and could really help out any defense. Topping this list is Corey Simon of the Philadelphia Eagles. Simon is a solid player and has done very well in an Eagle defense that has dominated most teams this season. The Detroit Lions will possibly be sending two quality defensive tackles to free agency in February. They are Shaun Rogers and Kelvin Pritchett. Both have some experience and are solid players. Luther Ellis of the Denver Broncos may also be available come February and he should get a look from some teams looking for a quality defensive tackles.

This group has some solid talent in it and it should see a lot of movement during free agency as long as there aren’t resigned by their old teams.

Cornerbacks

There are just a few good cornerbacks at the top of this group who will become unrestricted free agents in February. Charles Woodson should be at the top of everyone’s list if the Oakland Raiders can or can not sign him. He still has quite a bit of playing time left in him and would make a fine addition to any team. Terrell Buckley of the New York Jets is still in the league and still manages to perform very well. Aaron Beasley of the Atlanta Falcons is also going to be available as a free agent and should get a look from some teams in need of a solid cornerback. After these guys, there isn’t much else in the way of unrestricted free agent cornerbacks. There are a few restricted free agent cornerbacks who also might make it into the market as well.

Safeties

The safety group is a little thin with only Izell Reese really just about the only standout to be an unrestricted free agent. There might be some others within this group that some NFL teams will take a look at.

Overall, February‘s free agent period should be a busy one as there is a sizeable amount of talent out there and there are some teams that could really use the help. Last years free agent period saw a lot big names switch teams and although this years free agent class is devoid of many big names, there is some talent there that should make a lot of NFL head coaches and a lot of general managers happy.

skinpride1 · Post by **skinpride1** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:45 pm

Really nice review Mike.I can tell you put some time and effort into finding it.I dont know if any of those guys on the list can help us out or not.I like burress of the steelers he is a solid WR.I guess the future will tell.

tcwest10 · Post by **tcwest10** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:51 pm

How does this guy not mention Kurt Warner, who was pulled with a 5-2 record ?

Smithian · Post by **Smithian** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:59 pm

Shaun Rogers was resigned for 6 years.

Also, Marvin Harrison's contract friendliness in shocking. Very easy.

Edgerrin should be resigned.

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:49 am

John Abraham may become another Jetskin :lol:

ArmyHog · Post by **ArmyHog** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:55 am

Also available will be the Washington Redskins James Thrash

Thrash????

Since when is he a free agent? I haven't read that anywhere else.

If it is true, we MUST resign him.

andyUSCman3 · Post by **andyUSCman3** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:19 am

ArmyHog wrote:
Also available will be the Washington Redskins James Thrash

Thrash????

Since when is he a free agent? I haven't read that anywhere else.

If it is true, we MUST resign him.

I agree, i didnt know thrash was a Free agent.??

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:14 am

I think that you guys are missing the most important point for the redskins...and that is that who's name ISN'T on the list............Freddy Smoot.....Read the cornerbacks section again. He isn't even mentioned. Hows that bode for his getting paid like a top 5 CB? Well, in truth probably not much, but it shows that from an outside perspective he is only solid, and not top flight.

Chad

riggofan · Post by **riggofan** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 4:23 pm

I read on ESPN yesterday - I think it was Clayton - predicting that the Redskins would aquire Muhsin Muhhamed. Good receiver, but do we really want a 32 year old receiver? I hope not.

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 4:32 pm

Maybe he could teach some of our guys how to catch the ball. We have the weapons, just can't make the plays.

hkHog · Post by **hkHog** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 5:07 pm

riggofan wrote:I read on ESPN yesterday - I think it was Clayton - predicting that the Redskins would aquire Muhsin Muhhamed. Good receiver, but do we really want a 32 year old receiver? I hope not.

Muhammed is hands down THE best reciever in the NFL right now. Just look at his numbers, he lead the NFL in recieving yards (1405) and TDs (16). Some may say TO didn't play two games, well Muhammed also lead the league in yards per game (87.8 ) and was tied with TO for TDs per game. He was sixth in receptions with 93. Having said that, he did all this with Steve Smith out for the entire year and therefore drawing double coverage on every down.

This guy is ALWAYS open. What I mean is he can stand in the middle of the field with a DB right next to him and he will just snag it out of the air with ease, he has great hands, he's big, and he is great at moving towards the ball and catching it at its highest point. He is a QBs best friend. Even though he is old he is a very smart player and CLUTCH. He makes every big catch, watching him this year was awesome, he took the Panthers on his back during their late season charge. He actually reminds me a lot of Coles in the fact that he is tough, well-rounded and has real football smarts.

It is doubtful that Carolina can sign him and it would be awesome if we could. He still has a few great years ahead of him. However, he is going to cost a lot and I think it may be wise to pass on him. I believe that Mike Williams or Bralen Edwards (Williams especially with his amazing hands) could be exactly the same kind of player quite soon. It would take some time to reach Muhammed's class but they have the ability, they will cost less, and they are younger. However, as I said before, Muhammed is the best WR in football.

air_hog · Post by **air_hog** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 6:37 pm

skinpride1 wrote::) Really nice review Mike.I can tell you put some time and effort into finding it.I dont know if any of those guys on the list can help us out or not.I like burress of the steelers he is a solid WR.I guess the future will tell.

dude, he just copied it from an article on NFL.com or something. :wink:

it is a pretty nice article though, but i already heard about all that stuff a million times.

fredp45 · Post by **fredp45** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 6:49 pm

Thrash signed a 3 year contract before the 04 season, I remember hearing that...Here is a site with Skins cap figures, it confirms that...

http://redskins.scout.com/3/salary_cap_chart.html

washington53 · Post by **washington53** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:01 pm

thrash is nt a free agent
and if we get jurt warner its like getting another brunell we dont want that

Hogfather · Post by **Hogfather** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:57 pm

hkHog wrote:
riggofan wrote:I read on ESPN yesterday - I think it was Clayton - predicting that the Redskins would aquire Muhsin Muhhamed. Good receiver, but do we really want a 32 year old receiver? I hope not.

Muhammed is hands down THE best reciever in the NFL right now. Just look at his numbers, he lead the NFL in recieving yards (1405) and TDs (16). Some may say TO didn't play two games, well Muhammed also lead the league in yards per game (87.8 ) and was tied with TO for TDs per game. He was sixth in receptions with 93. Having said that, he did all this with Steve Smith out for the entire year and therefore drawing double coverage on every down.

This guy is ALWAYS open. What I mean is he can stand in the middle of the field with a DB right next to him and he will just snag it out of the air with ease, he has great hands, he's big, and he is great at moving towards the ball and catching it at its highest point. He is a QBs best friend. Even though he is old he is a very smart player and CLUTCH. He makes every big catch, watching him this year was awesome, he took the Panthers on his back during their late season charge. He actually reminds me a lot of Coles in the fact that he is tough, well-rounded and has real football smarts.

It is doubtful that Carolina can sign him and it would be awesome if we could. He still has a few great years ahead of him. However, he is going to cost a lot and I think it may be wise to pass on him. I believe that Mike Williams or Bralen Edwards (Williams especially with his amazing hands) could be exactly the same kind of player quite soon. It would take some time to reach Muhammed's class but they have the ability, they will cost less, and they are younger. However, as I said before, Muhammed is the best WR in football.

I mentioned the Moose a little while back in the Randy Moss post. http://www.thehogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10564&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30
Some people didn't like the idea but I agree with you 100%. If we can sign him for decent money (a fair 5 year deal) he would be a huge asset to the Skins. The age factor is BS; here are Rice and Brown's stats from the age 32 to 37. I know their a few levels above Moose but the point is guys can be very productive thru the ages 32-37.

Tim Brown: Games Rec Yds TDs
1998 Oakland 16 81 1012 9
1999 Oakland 16 90 1344 6
2000 Oakland 16 76 1128 11
2001 Oakland 16 91 1165 9
2002 Oakland 16 81 930 2
Jerry Rice:
1994 San Fr 16 112 1499 13
1995 San Fr 16 122 1848 15
1996 San Fr 16 108 1254 8
1997 "Only played two games"
1998 San Fr 16 82 1157 9
1999 San Fr 16 67 830 5

hkHog · Post by **hkHog** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:01 pm

Yes, and in addition Moose's numbers have gotten better every year. It is not like he has plateaued or anything. In fact, quite the opposite, he has been a bit of a late bloomer. This guy is in his prime right now.

air_hog · Post by **air_hog** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:47 pm

Man i hope we kept Thrash. He was one of best and hardest working players.

hkHog · Post by **hkHog** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:00 pm

Thrash is one of those guys that every good team needs. He's a do-everything, hard-working leader. I don't think that there is any way the 'Skins are letting him go or that he is going to really want to leave because he is the absolute definition of a "Gibbs guy."

Scottskins · Post by **Scottskins** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:29 am

Mushim would be a great pickup for us as long as we don't gotta break the bank for him. I absolutely love that guy!!!

Plaxico also seems interesting, but I'll leave that to you guys since I don't know his game that well.

tx_skins_fan · Post by **tx_skins_fan** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:41 am

I like Plaxico too, but there are some doubts about his dedication to the team. He was MIA for the Steelers mini camps. Hines Ward had to call and beg him to show up. Gibbs will definitely take notice of that.

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 7:15 pm

Excellent thread fellas! This is a true football geek thread - I love it! Nice article on FA's, with the Lions looking to dump Harrington, there's one more ingredient to mix the Draft Pot.

The Cap info is also very helpful. Looks like the Skins will take the cap hit with Brunell and Barrow after June 1st to me...

I'll take Moosh over Burress.

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:11 pm

Scooter wrote:article on FA's, with the Lions looking to dump Harrington, there's one more ingredient to mix the Draft Pot.

The Lion's aren't going to get rid of Harrington. There other two QB's are restricted Free Agents. Not to mention that the club already denied the rumors.

Chad

Redskins2k5 · Post by **Redskins2k5** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 6:05 pm

I dont think that lions will get ride of him. Even though he has fallen apart the last couple of weeks in the season.

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Thu Jan 13, 2005 8:41 pm

That's what I get for listening to ESPN yesterday... oh well. Still there are going to be some big decisions made by a lot of clubs that draft before the Skins pick.

tcwest10 · Post by **tcwest10** » Fri Jan 14, 2005 2:22 am

Scottskins wrote:Mushim would be a great pickup for us as long as we don't gotta break the bank for him. I absolutely love that guy!!!

Plaxico also seems interesting, but I'll leave that to you guys since I don't know his game that well.

I keep saying this, hoping some of the brethren will agree with me. I'll try again.
You don't need another high-priced deep threat until you develop a deep passing game.
For the love of Mike, we just picked up a qb coach whose specialty is the dink and dunk West Coast offense. Why, why, why would we spend money on a Burress or a Moss or a Mohammed when we clearly have not shown the ability to utilize the fast deep threats (Taylor, LC) we have now ?