The NFL isn't big on patience. While baseball's Hot Stove season lasts months, football teams snap up quality free agents with the fervor of day-after Thanksgiving shoppers. Unrestricted free agency opens on Friday, February 29th and most of the big names will be signed within a week.
With that in mind, teams and fans must be prepared for the splurge. Releases and re-signings make this list subject to change, but here's a quick overview of the best available players this free agent seasons.
Top Five Quarterbacks
1. Derek Anderson, Browns (Restricted Free Agent): Anderson has a promising future, but there are still questions about his staying power. The Browns and Anderson are far apart on contract talks, so look Cleveland to tender him at the highest amount for a restricted free agent. Don't expect another team to mortgage their franchise's future to acquire him. After ten years of searching for a quarterback, the Browns can live with two quality options for one more year.
2. Byron Leftwich, Falcons: Joining the Falcons in-season was a disaster waiting to happen, and it did. But Leftwich is still a 28-year-old former top-ten pick with 45 career starts and a 52/38 TD/INT ratio. He's a huge injury risk, but still has some upside.
3. Daunte Culpepper, Raiders: He's a long way from his NFL MVP runner-up form of 2004, but Culpepper showed in Oakland that he can be a capable backup.
4. Billy Volek, Chargers: Volek had some big days as a starter with the Titans, but left an ugly situation and angry coach behind. That will cost him. His drive against the Colts in the AFC Championship could make him some money back.
5. Cleo Lemon, Dolphins: Played competently in a tough situation for the Dolphins in 2007. Cam Cameron could bring him to Baltimore.
Sleepers
Todd Collins, Redskins: Was a revelation in the Washington playoff run, but he's 36 and won't fit most offenses.
Quinn Gray, Jaguars: Two 300-yard games in 2007 shows he can play.
Buyer Beware
Trent Green, Dolphins - Forget his concussion problems for a minute, and watch how poorly he played in 2007.
Josh McCown, Raiders: Three teams have tried to make him an NFL quarterback, and none have succeeded.
Trade Bait
Chad Pennington: The Jets say they will keep him, but old friends Herm Edwards and Bill Parcells may show interest.
J.P. Losman: Another disappointing first-rounder looking for love.
Click here for player movement predictions and more running back profiles.
Top Five Running Backs
1. Marion Barber (Restricted Free Agent): Barber is the most complete back available, although Dallas doesn't want him carrying the ball 300 times. The Cowboys are expected to get a long-term deal done with Barber to be their starter, but they need to act fast.
2. Michael Turner, Chargers: With Justin Fargas, Jamal Lewis, and Travis Henry staying with their teams, Turner will get huge bucks. Turner has the perfect combination of experience (four-year veteran), fresh legs (228 carries), and production (5.5 career yards-per-carry). He'll find a starting job.
3. Julius Jones, Cowboys: Jones' fast start to career stalled because of poor vision and receiving ability, but he's produced. He could develop late like his brother.
4. Derrick Ward, Giants: He's injury prone, but Ward flashed a complete game when he saw the field as a starter in 2007. Big upside for a low price.
5. DeShaun Foster, Panthers: Has some power and versatility, but he's struggled to rise above mediocrity in Carolina. He would make a fine backup.
Sleeper Picks
Mewelde Moore, Vikings: Versatile pro has 4.9 yards-per-carry career average and is excellent in the passing and return game.
Musa Smith, Ravens: Great speed and size combination for a bargain price.
Buyer Beware
Tatum Bell, Lions: If Mike Shanahan and Mike Martz couldn't make him look good, no one will.
Chris Brown, Titans: He's a tease. Brown starts fast, then fades as the hits pile up.
Click here for player movement predictions and more running back profiles.
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Gregg Rosenthal is the Managing Editor of Rotoworld.com and has directed its football content since 2003. He co-hosts the NBC Fantasy Fix and covers the NFL for NBCSports.com and Profootballtalk.com. Gregg was named the Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year in 2007, but did not repeat in '08. He's out for vengeance now on Twitter. |
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