Redskins have 3 of the top 15 Free Agents

[spudstr04]

http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/story/15029161/freeagent-class-asomugha-tops-shallow-fa-pool

1. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders: He is by far the elite of this group. Expect a real bidding war for him among several teams. Cover corners with his skill who aren't yet 30 are worth their weight in gold.

2. Carlos Rogers, CB, Washington Redskins: He is a solid cover player who is also a good tackler. He has started 31 games the past five seasons, so he will get action once the free-agency period begins. He is 29 years old.

3. Tyson Clabo, T, Atlanta Falcons: He is a self-made player who has turned from a scrap-heap pickup into a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle. He isn't the most athletic player, but he gets by with his smarts and toughness.

4. Michael Huff, S, Oakland Raiders: He is coming off his best season after moving off the line of scrimmage. He has proven to be more of a coverage safety than a run-support guy, which is what you want in this pass-happy league. His value has gone up, and he gets a break because his contract voided the same way Asomugha's did.

5. Jammal Brown, T, Washington Redskins: He played right tackle for the Redskins last season, but he's more of a left tackle. He started slowly last season while battling back from a knee injury, but he showed well as the season moved along. He would be a nice option for a team looking for tackle help since he's only 29.

6. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers: He's relatively young and he has had some moments where he has looked like he could be a solid starter. He might just need a change of scenery, but it looks like he's heading back to San Francisco.

7. Chris Spencer, C, Seattle Seahawks: This 2006 first-round pick hasn't quite lived up to the expectations, in part because of injuries, but he is a capable starter and at 29 is still relatively young by center standards.

8. Jason Babin, DE, Tennessee Titans: He had his big season (12½ sacks) at the right time since he's ready to become an unrestricted free agent. Teams have to ask if he is coming into his own or whether that was a one-year aberration since he had 19½ sacks in his previous six seasons. He plays hard, that's for sure.

9. Cullen Jenkins, DE-DT, Green Bay Packers: He had seven sacks last season in 11 games. He has 29 the past four seasons. That's why he will be attractive to teams. He can rush the passer from an end spot in the 3-4 or inside as a tackle in the 4-3.

10. Barrett Ruud, ILB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs would like to keep him, but the price might get out of hand. He isn't fancy, but he's a solid middle linebacker who always seems to be around the ball.

11. Braylon Edwards, WR, New York Jets: Receiver-hungry teams will take a long, hard look at Edwards. He is 28 years old and can stretch the field, as evidenced by his 15.8 career average per catch. He averaged 17.1 yards per catch last season. He does have trouble with drops at times.

12. Quintin Mikell, S, Philadelphia Eagles: This strong safety went to the Pro Bowl two years ago and remains a nice cover player. He has good range for a strong safety, which you need now. He is 29 years old.

13. Chris Carr, CB, Baltimore Ravens: He started 16 games last season for the Ravens and had his best season. He had two interceptions and played well in coverage. He can also return kicks, and at 28 he has good football left in his body.

14. Aubrayo Franklin, DT, San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers put the franchise tag on him in 2010, but they didn't this season. He had another decent season, even if it wasn't as good as his 2009 season, but the price to tag him again was too much.

15. Santana Moss, WR, Washington Redskins: He had 93 catches last season, but only averaged 12 yards per catch. The latter number might mean he's slowing down entering his 11th season.

16. Kevin Burnett, ILB, San Diego Chargers: After being acquired from the Cowboys, Burnett had his best season in 2010. He was one of the better defenders for San Diego. He is a perfect 3-4 inside backer.

17. Ike Taylor, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers: He is a physical corner who would fit better in a scheme that didn't ask him to play a lot of man coverage. But he did improve as a man cover player late last year, which could help his stock. At 31, he isn't a kid anymore.

18. Donte Whitner, S, Buffalo Bills: The Bills have indicated they don't want him back, so he's likely gone, even though he only has five years of service. Whitner is an in-the-box safety who was a top-10 pick. If a team is looking for a special coverage safety, this shouldn't be the choice. He struggles there.

19. Tommie Harris, DT, Chicago Bears: This former first-round pick wore out his welcome in Chicago, but he was a starter for six games last season and he's only 28 years old. He did have 1½ sacks in the playoff victory over Seattle. Maybe a change of scenery would do him good.

20. Ben Leber, OLB, Minnesota Vikings: He gets lost on the Vikings defense, but he is a good, solid player. He isn't in the same class as Chad Greenway, the Vikings' other linebacker who was given the franchise tag, but he is more than a journeymen.

21. Robert Gallery, G, Oakland Raiders: Even though most would consider him a draft bust, he has been a solid starter after moving from tackle to guard. He would be a quality starter for most teams.

22. Olin Kreutz, C, Chicago Bears: The Bears would like to re-sign this 13-year veteran, but what if some team gives him a nice deal to leave? He's still a quality player, but for how long? Age is a concern.

23. Terrell Owens, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: Surprised to see his name here considering his age? Well, he was the Bengals' best receiver last season and showed he's far from done. He can help a team for a couple of years. Wouldn't be worth a long-term deal, but a short-team one might make sense.

24. Darren Sproles, RB, San Diego Chargers: If a team wants a speed back who can be a nice change of pace, coupled with a good return man, this would be their guy.

25. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals: He has been reborn in Cincinnati, but he isn't a kid anymore (29 in December) by running back standards. That could keep a team from spending money -- especially in a league where backs get used up quickly.

If we let those guys walk and we don't make a huge splash in Free Agency, we could be looking at some nice compensatory picks next year.

I would say that we will keep Rogers and Brown. I think Brown would be the best choice, he is 2 years removed from his surgery and should be healthy. He is only 29.

[Irn-Bru]

I can't see us letting Brown or Moss go. Losing either would just create another hole we'd have to find a way to plug.

I hope we don't let Rogers go, but I suspect we might have to and will. Hopefully the large free agent class (and the presence of multiple good corners) will keep him from being able to demand a larger salary than he deserves — and I'm certain he thinks he deserves much more than he does. But I would feel more comfortable going into this season knowing that Rogers will be covering one side of the field . . . even if that means we won't be getting many picks once again.

[brad7686]

I feel like we'll go after asomugha. Rogers will get enough action that the skins won't get him as cheap as they want. I'd let Moss walk. Hopefully Brown will be cheaper than indicated by that list.

It would have made more sense to keep tryon that way you would have him and barnes with hall and you could afford to let carlos walk. But the skins are gonna make a splash regardless, might as well be asomugha.

Also, umm, (cough) T.O. (cough)

[VetSkinsFan]

I feel like we'll go after asomugha. Rogers will get enough action that the skins won't get him as cheap as they want. I'd let Moss walk. Hopefully Brown will be cheaper than indicated by that list.

It would have made more sense to keep tryon that way you would have him and barnes with hall and you could afford to let carlos walk. But the skins are gonna make a splash regardless, might as well be asomugha.

Also, umm, (cough) T.O. (cough)

You want to essentially trade Moss for TO? hell no IMO. We know what Moss is about and what he can do for us in burgundy and gold.

Neither Tryon (while here) or Barnes (yet) has shown they can start. I think we'll get a serious look at Barnes this pre-season and hopefully he shows he can start here in the NFL, but for our best bet, I think we should keep Rogers. He's been solid for us, short of the stone hands, and I'd rather him be out there than an unknown.

I really don't know about paying Aso $15M/yr either, b/c that's what he's rumored to want. If he was homegrown, that's one thing, but I'm tired of bringing in high profile (and priced) FAs. And would we use him to best fit his strengths is another question.

[brad7686]

I feel like we'll go after asomugha. Rogers will get enough action that the skins won't get him as cheap as they want. I'd let Moss walk. Hopefully Brown will be cheaper than indicated by that list.

It would have made more sense to keep tryon that way you would have him and barnes with hall and you could afford to let carlos walk. But the skins are gonna make a splash regardless, might as well be asomugha.

Also, umm, (cough) T.O. (cough)

You want to essentially trade Moss for TO? hell no IMO. We know what Moss is about and what he can do for us in burgundy and gold.

Neither Tryon (while here) or Barnes (yet) has shown they can start. I think we'll get a serious look at Barnes this pre-season and hopefully he shows he can start here in the NFL, but for our best bet, I think we should keep Rogers. He's been solid for us, short of the stone hands, and I'd rather him be out there than an unknown.

I really don't know about paying Aso $15M/yr either, b/c that's what he's rumored to want. If he was homegrown, that's one thing, but I'm tired of bringing in high profile (and priced) FAs. And would we use him to best fit his strengths is another question.

Tryon is solid. He's not Rogers, but he's a starter anyway. All I was saying is that now we are in a position where we have to dish out money for a corner. There are no other options.

T.O. is a lot better than Moss. It's a fact. Moss will cost more than he is worth IMO. He's also not getting any younger.

Although I keep forgetting we have McNabb now, which could cause drama if T.O. was brought in.

[VetSkinsFan]

I feel like we'll go after asomugha. Rogers will get enough action that the skins won't get him as cheap as they want. I'd let Moss walk. Hopefully Brown will be cheaper than indicated by that list.

It would have made more sense to keep tryon that way you would have him and barnes with hall and you could afford to let carlos walk. But the skins are gonna make a splash regardless, might as well be asomugha.

Also, umm, (cough) T.O. (cough)

You want to essentially trade Moss for TO? hell no IMO. We know what Moss is about and what he can do for us in burgundy and gold.

Neither Tryon (while here) or Barnes (yet) has shown they can start. I think we'll get a serious look at Barnes this pre-season and hopefully he shows he can start here in the NFL, but for our best bet, I think we should keep Rogers. He's been solid for us, short of the stone hands, and I'd rather him be out there than an unknown.

I really don't know about paying Aso $15M/yr either, b/c that's what he's rumored to want. If he was homegrown, that's one thing, but I'm tired of bringing in high profile (and priced) FAs. And would we use him to best fit his strengths is another question.

Tryon is solid. He's not Rogers, but he's a starter anyway. All I was saying is that now we are in a position where we have to dish out money for a corner. There are no other options.

T.O. is a lot better than Moss. It's a fact. Moss will cost more than he is worth IMO. He's also not getting any younger.

TO(born December 7, 1973) is 5 1/2 years older than Moss (born born June 1, 1979). Moss caught 92 balls for us last year? And TO is a cancer. No thanks.

[brad7686]

I feel like we'll go after asomugha. Rogers will get enough action that the skins won't get him as cheap as they want. I'd let Moss walk. Hopefully Brown will be cheaper than indicated by that list.

It would have made more sense to keep tryon that way you would have him and barnes with hall and you could afford to let carlos walk. But the skins are gonna make a splash regardless, might as well be asomugha.

Also, umm, (cough) T.O. (cough)

You want to essentially trade Moss for TO? hell no IMO. We know what Moss is about and what he can do for us in burgundy and gold.

Neither Tryon (while here) or Barnes (yet) has shown they can start. I think we'll get a serious look at Barnes this pre-season and hopefully he shows he can start here in the NFL, but for our best bet, I think we should keep Rogers. He's been solid for us, short of the stone hands, and I'd rather him be out there than an unknown.

I really don't know about paying Aso $15M/yr either, b/c that's what he's rumored to want. If he was homegrown, that's one thing, but I'm tired of bringing in high profile (and priced) FAs. And would we use him to best fit his strengths is another question.

Tryon is solid. He's not Rogers, but he's a starter anyway. All I was saying is that now we are in a position where we have to dish out money for a corner. There are no other options.

T.O. is a lot better than Moss. It's a fact. Moss will cost more than he is worth IMO. He's also not getting any younger.

TO(born December 7, 1973) is 5 1/2 years older than Moss (born born June 1, 1979). Moss caught 92 balls for us last year? And TO is a cancer. No thanks.

They won't bring in T.O. with McNad here so its moot anyway. The funny thing is that T.O. would probably be cheaper. I'd like to bring in Edwards or Sims-Walker also.

I'm not optimistic about Rogers wanting to play here, and I think he will draw a lot of attention on the market, he is second on that list after all, so I just don't see him back. That's why Asomugha may end up on the squad and I'm sure they'll overpay.

[die cowboys die]

especially if this season ends up with no salary cap again, i'd be thrilled to bring in Asomoamgiaugah, despite our history with high-priced free agents. why? because

A) he should still have plenty of good years in him
B) he is well-established as a high character, hard-working guy. he's not going to "pull a haynesworth".


rogers hates it here and wants out ASAP. he's as good as gone.

[KazooSkinsFan]

especially if this season ends up with no salary cap again, i'd be thrilled to bring in Asomoamgiaugah, despite our history with high-priced free agents. why? because

A) he should still have plenty of good years in him
B) he is well-established as a high character, hard-working guy. he's not going to "pull a haynesworth".


rogers hates it here and wants out ASAP. he's as good as gone.

Rogers and I are of a mind, I hate him here and want him gone. Hopefully we'll both be happy. I think if you're going to be a prima donna you should actually be good. Maybe that's just me.

[andyjens89]

Tryon is solid.

And on the Colts.

[KazooSkinsFan]

Any list having Carlos Rogers as the #2 free agent is so fatally flawed I have a hard time believing anything else it says.

[The Hogster]

Resign Rogers, Brown, & Moss. Sign Asogmua and Cullen Jenkins.

Willie McGinest explained that an OLB in the 3-4 who has not played in a 3-4 before (Ryan Kerrigan) needs to have an End beside him with experience, or else that whole side of the defense is gonna get trampled.

Cullen Jenkins would fill that need at End. And, hopefully Carriker and Orakpo can develop more on the other side with a year of experience. I can't see the value of leaving Kerrigan there with Jarvis Jenkins. (2 Rookies).

Just a thought.

[brad7686]

Tryon is solid.

And on the Colts.

you didn't read my post

[brad7686]

Resign Rogers, Brown, & Moss. Sign Asogmua and Cullen Jenkins.

Willie McGinest explained that an OLB in the 3-4 who has not played in a 3-4 before (Ryan Kerrigan) needs to have an End beside him with experience, or else that whole side of the defense is gonna get trampled.

Cullen Jenkins would fill that need at End. And, hopefully Carriker and Orakpo can develop more on the other side with a year of experience. I can't see the value of leaving Kerrigan there with Jarvis Jenkins. (2 Rookies).

Just a thought.

There's no way we can sign that many players. We'll be lucky to even get asomugha or rogers.

[Irn-Bru]

Three years ago I would have loved to have Asomugha here, even if he became the highest paid CB in doing so. He's the kind of FA splash that at least has a chance to live up to the hype. However, at this point I think we're on the wrong side of his career to be making that move. If we get him, we will overpay, because there are plenty of other teams willing to overpay to get him.

I'd rather stick with our current DBs and look to next year's draft for Rogers's ultimate replacement. Find a stop-gap FA on the cheap in the meantime.

I know we won't get him with McNabb on the roster, but I no longer would object to acquiring TO (the me of two years ago would kick my butt for saying it). He's been very quiet since his fall from glory in Dallas, and even at his age he's better than any receiver on our roster IMO. He might be older than Moss in age but he plays younger. I'm hoping Hankerson can fill the role that a TO would provide, though it's a little optimistic to think he'll put all of the pieces together this year.

[brad7686]

Any list having Carlos Rogers as the #2 free agent is so fatally flawed I have a hard time believing anything else it says.

It is a bit high, but Rogers and Asomugha are the two least targeted corners by qb's in the NFC. Rogers won't be cheap.

[The Hogster]

Resign Rogers, Brown, & Moss. Sign Asogmua and Cullen Jenkins.

Willie McGinest explained that an OLB in the 3-4 who has not played in a 3-4 before (Ryan Kerrigan) needs to have an End beside him with experience, or else that whole side of the defense is gonna get trampled.

Cullen Jenkins would fill that need at End. And, hopefully Carriker and Orakpo can develop more on the other side with a year of experience. I can't see the value of leaving Kerrigan there with Jarvis Jenkins. (2 Rookies).

Just a thought.

There's no way we can sign that many players. We'll be lucky to even get asomugha or rogers.

Not true. We are in the top 3rd of teams as far as "cap space" (assuming a new CBA will be reached). Additionally, the trade of McNabb and/or Haynesworth would give us more than enough room to re-sign our guys and sign the 2 free agents mentioned above.

[brad7686]

Resign Rogers, Brown, & Moss. Sign Asogmua and Cullen Jenkins.

Willie McGinest explained that an OLB in the 3-4 who has not played in a 3-4 before (Ryan Kerrigan) needs to have an End beside him with experience, or else that whole side of the defense is gonna get trampled.

Cullen Jenkins would fill that need at End. And, hopefully Carriker and Orakpo can develop more on the other side with a year of experience. I can't see the value of leaving Kerrigan there with Jarvis Jenkins. (2 Rookies).

Just a thought.

There's no way we can sign that many players. We'll be lucky to even get asomugha or rogers.

Not true. We are in the top 3rd of teams as far as "cap space" (assuming a new CBA will be reached). Additionally, the trade of McNabb and/or Haynesworth would give us more than enough room to re-sign our guys and sign the 2 free agents mentioned above.

I don't really buy that, but I'll rephrase, there's no need to sign both Rogers and Asomugha.

[SkinsJock]

HOPEFULLY - either Rogers or Asomugha is playing CB in B&G this season

[tribeofjudah]

I feel like we'll go after asomugha. Rogers will get enough action that the skins won't get him as cheap as they want. I'd let Moss walk. Hopefully Brown will be cheaper than indicated by that list.

It would have made more sense to keep tryon that way you would have him and barnes with hall and you could afford to let carlos walk. But the skins are gonna make a splash regardless, might as well be asomugha.

Also, umm, (cough) T.O. (cough)

You want to essentially trade Moss for TO? hell no IMO. We know what Moss is about and what he can do for us in burgundy and gold.

Neither Tryon (while here) or Barnes (yet) has shown they can start. I think we'll get a serious look at Barnes this pre-season and hopefully he shows he can start here in the NFL, but for our best bet, I think we should keep Rogers. He's been solid for us, short of the stone hands, and I'd rather him be out there than an unknown.

I really don't know about paying Aso $15M/yr either, b/c that's what he's rumored to want. If he was homegrown, that's one thing, but I'm tired of bringing in high profile (and priced) FAs. And would we use him to best fit his strengths is another question.

Tryon is solid. He's not Rogers, but he's a starter anyway. All I was saying is that now we are in a position where we have to dish out money for a corner. There are no other options.

T.O. is a lot better than Moss. It's a fact. Moss will cost more than he is worth IMO. He's also not getting any younger.

Although I keep forgetting we have McNabb now, which could cause drama if T.O. was brought in.

Why are we talking about Tyron.......fyi peeps....HE'S GONE

[The Hogster]

HOPEFULLY - either Rogers or Asomugha is playing CB in B&G this season

Exactly. In the pass happy NFL, you have to have corners that can cover. I actually would rather pay Namdi if either. He's a high character guy who should fit into the culture Shanahan is trying to create. He's also more physical and can catch.

[CanesSkins26]

From Schefter...

Q: Hey Adam, just wondering your thoughts on the whole Nnamdi Asomugha situation and how likely it is that the Raiders will be able to retain him. And if that isn't going to happen, where do you think he will land?

-- Aric (China)

A: Ah, the Asomugha question that everyone wants answered, Aric. Here's my take on it: Asomugha is the top free agent available. Every single team in the league would want him, but there are only a handful of realistic destinations for him. My sense is that topping the list are three NFC East teams: Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington. Each could use a superior cornerback, failed to land a front-line cornerback in last month's draft, has shown the ability to spend money in the past and will not want to see Asomugha on a division rival. There are other teams that could make a play for Asomugha, and my sense is it would be a mistake to dismiss the Ravens, Jets, Texans and maybe even the Buccaneers. But the three NFC East teams seem like they will be the teams to watch -- and beat -- for Asomugha's services.

[die cowboys die]

i'm going to say something most probably won't agree with, something i've reluctantly come to believe.

i think we should let Santana Moss go. not because i don't think he's good; he is our best receiver, period. in the short term, we will likely be worse for having lost him.

but there are 3 good things that could come of it:

1. if we just go ahead and put Hankerson out there in his place, or Kelly [if he can actually stay healthy for once], or some other young guy we like, i would think that should help him develop, faster. there's nothing like game experience. so it may behoove us in the long run by letting us develop our young guys for the future.

2. doing so may make us worse in the short-term, but this is the year it's good to suck, to have a shot at getting Andrew Luck.

3. Moss has done a great job for us and never bitched and moaned about wanting to be traded away, despite the sorry mismanagement of the team and the many losing seasons that accompanied it. let him go have a chance to sign with a contender; let him go somewhere where he can win, before his career is over.

[fleetus]

I think we all need to face the fact that this is a re-building phase. Moss and Rogers, for better or worse, are part of the failed past. Moss is past his prime and may not take a salary which reflects that fact. If he is willing to take less money and finish his career in Washington, by all means we should re-sign him.

We traded a pick away last year for J. Brown. He had a shaky season, but may be prepared for a good season in Washington now. We need to re-sign him if possible. Hopefully he understands that he was overpayed for a sub-par performance last year and should accept a reasonable deal in Washington.

With three new WR's on the roster plus Banks, Armstrong and possibly Kelly, it may be time to offer up massive amounts of playing time to whoever can win the jobs without adding any big name free agent WR's.

[Countertrey]

I think we all need to face the fact that this is a re-building phase. Moss and Rogers, for better or worse, are part of the failed past. Moss is past his prime and may not take a salary which reflects that fact. If he is willing to take less money and finish his career in Washington, by all means we should re-sign him.

We traded a pick away last year for J. Brown. He had a shaky season, but may be prepared for a good season in Washington now. We need to re-sign him if possible. Hopefully he understands that he was overpayed for a sub-par performance last year and should accept a reasonable deal in Washington.

With three new WR's on the roster plus Banks, Armstrong and possibly Kelly, it may be time to offer up massive amounts of playing time to whoever can win the jobs without adding any big name free agent WR's.

I haven't heard a hint of a discussion since draft day about looking at an FA WR... It's pretty clear that they are going to go with what they have.