2011 Free Agent Fits

With a less than a handful of meaningful games in the N.F.L. in Week 17, many off-season-bound teams are looking past their regular season finales and towards their 2011 kickoff. 


Aside from filling gaps in the N.F.L. Draft, teams need to address their glaring needs via free agency. Of the list of the top potential free agents and trade targets on the market this off-season, here are my thoughts on which players could fit in well wearing a different uniform next season.




1. Carolina Panthers: Donovan McNabb


Reports have surfaced that the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the N.F.L. Draft Andrew Luck will remain at Stanford for his senior season, which means the Panthers may not get their guy. Instead of reaching for another quarterback in Ryan Mallett or Jake Locker, why not go  with a proven vet?


Since 2003 when the Panthers made it to the Super Bowl, they have basically toggled winning and losing seasons regularly. They have kept a core nucleus of players though, which would allow for their main problem, the quarterback position, to solve many of their offensive issues. Wouldn't it be nice to see someone get the ball to Steve Smith?


If reports are true that the Skins will release Donovan McNabb at season's end to avoid paying him that disastrous contract they generated after he was benched, why not pair McNabb and Smith to create a formidable threesome with Jonathon Stewart?


2. Cincinnati Bengals: Jeff Fisher


It is not even close. Since 2007 the Cincinnati Bengals lead the N.F.L. in players arrested. To add insult to injury, the team named Cedric 'The Entertainer' Benson the Ed Block Courage Award winner for demonstrating commitment to values and sportsmanship this week. Yeah, the same dude who got pulled over for drunk driving just a few years ago.


Factor in Jeff Fisher, a no-nonsense head coach, who is rumored to be fired by Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams. Think he would let players get blasted and drive home -- fuh-gedda-bout it!


The team needs to be disciplined, and he would be the figure to decide the futures of Terrell Owens (free agent) and Chad Ochocinco (team would owe $3.5M not to pick up his 2011 option) in Cincy.


3. Buffalo Bills: DeAngelo Williams



Since Week 3, when Ryan Fitzpatrick was anointed the starter for the Buffalo Bills, the gunslinger from Harvard has 441 attempts. That's like a 30 per game. Did I mention the dude is from Harvard?


So it's not like Peyton Manning's 639 attempts or Drew Brees' 620, but you're asking Fitzpatrick to carry the Bills offense each week. The team drafted the talents of C.J. Spiller out of Clemson with the ninth overall pick in the 2010 N.F.L. Draft; what's he done?


Clearly you cannot think Fred Jackson is the solution at the running back position for the next few years. With The Daily Show showing he is more than capable of being a primary back in the Tar Heel State, DeAngelo Williams may not get resigned in the off-season. Add him to the backfield and suddenly there is balance in the offense, whether Fitzpatrick is the starter in 2011 or not.

4. Denver Broncos: Santonio Holmes


If Tim Tebow is the future at the quarterback positions for Broncos, then the team needs to surround him with as many offensive talents around him, similar to what he was accustomed to with the Gators.


Of the potential free agents -- Terrell Owens, Braylon Edwards, Vincent Jackson -- maybe no other wide-out could fit Tebow's skill set more than Santonio Holmes. While playing with Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh, Holmes was able to adjust his route on the run to complement a quarterback who throws outside the pocket. Sound familiar?


Holmes has provided a big-play threat for Mark Sanchez in his first season with the Jets, and could fit a similar mold at Mile High. Given that playmaker Brandon Marshall was ousted under the Josh McDaniels regime, one of the many poor decisions to send off talent for nothing. The team could use some star power. I don't know if Brandon Lloyd is enough. 


5. Cleveland Browns: Shawne Merriman


After leaving San Diego where he earned his reputation, and a short-lived stint with the Buffalo Bills spent on I.R., many wonder if Shawne Merriman has enough left in his system to resurrect his career.


After being busted for breaking the N.F.L.'s substance-abuse policy, season-ending injuries have plagued the linebacker's career. It has been awhile since we saw this edge-rushing talent play like he did in his first few seasons in the league, so clearly Cleveland would be taking a risk signing him to a multi-year contract.


If there is somebody who can help Merriman rediscover his previous form, Rob Ryan could be the guy. The defensive guru and son of Hall of Fame great Buddy Rice, not to mention the twin brother of infamous Rex Ryan -- he's got a resume. When healthy, Merriman can bring a pass-rushing ability that the Browns definitely lack.


And a big name like Merriman in a win-hungry city like Cleveland can certainly help fill up the Dog Pound. After all, with the talents of LeBron James having fled to South Beach, the biggest name is town is Peyton Hillis.


6. Dallas Cowboys: Champ Bailey


Maybe no collection of talent in the N.F.L. failed to live up to the heavy expectations entering to the 2010 season more than the Cowboys of Dallas (well, San Diego fits the bill, too). 


It is difficult to pinpoint one main flaw on the team. Tony Romo was injured, yet Jon Kitna filled in admirably in his place and maintained an ample offense. The passing game features some of the tops at their positions -- Stone Cold Miles Austin, Jason Witten and rookie sensation Dez Bryant. And running backs Felix Jones, Tashard Choice and Marion Barber are all capable runners.


Defensively, the Boys have talented front seven, featuring probably the best pass-rushing linebacker in DeMarcus Ware. In the secondary, however, there is a heavy dose of youth, which bodes well for the future -- not so good for the present.


What if the Cowboys were snare a veteran cornerback in Champ Bailey, whose play has barely declined with the age. Bailey's 13 passes defended ranks 18th in the league this season, tied with perennial Pro Bowler Ed Reed and ahead of Asante Samuel.


This season, Dallas has allowed the likes of Shaun Hill and Rex Grossman to pass for huge numbers against them. Adding Bailey to complement the secondary's youth movement could pay huge dividends. 


7. Arizona Cardinals: Ochocinco


With Chad Ochocinco making a case to get out of Cincy, especially with Carson Palmer having his best passing performances on the season without him and Terrell Owens in the lineup, paying the man $3.5 may be the best option for the Bengals.


For Ochocinco, Zona could be the ultimate catch for the diva wide-out. When Anquan Boldin was traded to Baltimore, the team expected Steve Breaston to emerge as the No. 2 receiver opposite Larry Fitzgerald, but that move never seemed to pan out.


Having John Skelton at quarterback may not suit Ochocinco well, but if the team decides to draft a rookie or sign a veteran, Ochocinco could provide that reliable threat in the Cards' passing game.


8. San Francisco 49ers:  Kevin Kolb


Michael Vick is a free agent, but if Philly should choose to keep the most dynamic scoring threat in the N.F.L. in Eagles green, then they may elect to put their former quarterback of the future on the trading block.


Neither one of the Smiths -- Alex or Troy -- should have a future as a starting quarterback for San Fran. And in continuing the trend of young offensive talent by the Bay, Kolb could be perfect match.


Kolb didn't turn too many heads this season, but he did fill in adequately when Vick was hurt, and was outstanding when he started two games for Donovan McNabb in 2009.


Giving Kolb a change of scenery and the right offensive mind at coach, and pairing him up with the likes of Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis and Frank Gore, and all of a sudden the 49ers have a dangerous, balanced offense that could immediately contend in the division of mediocrity that is the NFC West.


9. Minnesota Vikings: Carson Palmer


Depending on what Bengals ownership decides to do with the current coaching staff and players in The Queen City, Carson Palmer is a potential refugee. Maybe no player in the black and orange needs to head towards greener pastures more than Palmer.


Possible destinations for Palmer could include San Fran, Miami and Arizona, but perhaps no better fit would be Minnesota, who has a Super Bowl-caliber team that simply failed to perform to their abilities under the coaching of Brad Childress.

Adding Palmer to an offensive loaded with weapons like Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe, with a consistent rushing attack led by Adrian Peterson, could allow the Vikes to return to contention in the N.F.C. right away.


10. Houston Texans: Jon Gruden


After finally conquering the rival Colts early on in the season, the Texans seemed destined to earn the A.F.C. South crown after what felt like a yearly go at it that would almost inevitably result in a .500 record. To their dismay, they took another trip down that road.


Now Texans fans are making their feelings known and are calling for the job of head coach Gary Kubiak. And while he has put together a competitive group each and every year, the collapse of the Texans in 2010 should spell the end of his run.


One candidate to replace Kubiak is ESPN's Jon Gruden, who seems to be on every team's wish list, college or N.F.L, every team from Miami to San Francisco. 


Gruden's extensive offensive experience would work wonders in Houston, and his knowledge of personnel and coaching assistants would allow him to easily put together a top-notch staff on the defensive side of the ball as well. If the Texans fans want a change at head coach, Gruden should be their guy.

Reaction: Day 1 of Free Agency

The first day of free agency: where teams are either struck with a jolt of hope, or already start the next season with disappointment.

Chicago Bears:

Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor, Brandon Manumaleuna - Without a doubt, Peppers was the biggest name and talent on the free agency market this year. The Bears, usually notorious for the defense, were coming off a season in which they looked anemic on D without the leadership of the injured Brian Urlacher. In response, they add Peppers, who at times looks indefensible. However, my questions about Peppers revolve around his effort level. I don't know if it's his attitude or discontent with an inconsistent Panthers team, but Peppers does not always go 100% on every play. If you're going to pay him a huge amount of money, you're going to need a devoted player - not someone who played every other down or when he's on a national stage.

The other players signed - Taylor and Manamaleuna - have raised some eyebrows too. Number 1: Jay Cutler. Yeah, the same guy you traded the whole draft for. The same franchise QB your entire offense depends on. Well, if he is not protected, and has no one to throw to, you may not have solved any problems. Taylor is an excellent, underrated back. He will provide a good spell to Matt Forte, who I believe can return to form next season under Mike Martz. However, he will not help the receiver core who is young, inexperienced and unproven. In addition, Manamaleuna is not a good reason to trade Greg Olsen. I understand the TE is not an imminent part of the Martz offensive system, but he is a talented, young receiver, and the position is becoming a new weapon in offenses all over the NFL as they become more athletic. Yes the Bears made a huge splash yesterday, but no I do not think they resolved their crucial issues.

Arizona Cardinals:

Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby and Anquan Boldin - all gone in a day. Congrats Cardinals, you went from the NFC West winner to an average team once again. Or maybe less - you lost some guy named Kurt Warner as well. By losing your defensive leader, a valuable defensive back and a threat at the wide receiver position, the Cardinals have taken numerous steps backwards. I don't understand their thinking behind these moves, and question their intentions. Is Matt Leinart to Steve Breaston the new future? They do not have great depth to just plug in a new guy and expect the same results. I guess complacency hit the dessert after two consecutive playoff runs.

New York Jets:

Getting Antonio Cromartie is a high-risk, high-reward deal. The Jets traded a conditional draft pick, which means right now it is a 2011 third-round pick, but can escalate depending on performance and team success. Putting Cromartie opposite of Darelle Revis Island is what the Jets needed, and thought they had when they did the same move for Lito Sheppard last season. We see the main Jets weakness in the playoffs, when Peyton Missing ripped every other corner on the roster in the second half of the AFC Championship. If, like many analysts have stated, Cromartie can return to form in a man-to-man system under Rex Ryan, pencil my Jets in for another playoff run.

Other less-noted moves:

The Detroit Lions, who at times last season showed signs of being a real NFL team, picked up older, but still productive veterans Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson. Vanden Bosch was a Pro Bowler (although most of the NFL was last year) and Burleson had some impressive games last season, especially on a futile Seattle team. Putting Vanden Bosch back with his old Tennessee defensive coordinator can hopefully provide some leadership to a defensive line which I'm sure will improve in the upcoming seasons, and putting Burleson opposite stud Calvin Johnson should allow an actual threat so teams can stop triple-teaming Johnson.

Chad Pennington re-signed with the Miami Dolphins. As a Jets fan, I was extremely jealous of this move. Chad is going to provide a professional, experienced veteran to the team behind young starter Chad Henne. He can mentor, provide leadership and fill in adequately when needed to. Miami lucked out.

Rex Grossman to the Washington Redskins. Enough said.

Other predictions:

Thomas Jones: Whether the Jets re-sign Jones or not, TJ can provide any teams with a workhorse running back for a few more seasons. The guy has intense work ethic and keeps in shape all season long. I can see him going back to the Jets, although he know it would be a reduced-role with Shonne Greene and Leon Washington. Other fits: San Diego, Houston, Seattle, Detroit, Eagles, Patriots, Browns and Kansas City.

Terrell Owens: Please sign him Cincinnati. To see him opposite Chad Ocho Cinco would be worth the price of admission alone. But in all honesty, T.O. is in excellent shape and put up good-enough numbers with a futile Buffalo offense last year. Ocho can spread the field and Owens can go over the middle. And with the Bengals releasing LaveranuesColes, the have a need.

Aaron Kampman: I think the guy is underrated. As rumored, going to Philly would be a great move for him and the team - putting him opposite Trent Cole in a 4-3 is an excellent fit. A real character guy, too.

Brandon Marshall: Yeah, I'll take his baggage any day of the week. He's a stud, and if he goes to Seattle, him and TJ Housh-Your-Momma would be a great tandem for Matt Hasselbeck (if he can stay healthy ever). I feel like a first and third draft pick plus a contract extension is worth it for a guy who is already proven.

The released: Jake Delhomme, LT and Brian Westbrook

Delhomme: I'm sure Jake has enough to do what I think Pennington could do - veteran leadership and a decent-enough fill-in for a team if the starter goes down. You see how much he cares about the game from that press conference.

LT: I have doubted LT the last few seasons. I have criticized LT for missing out on big games during the playoffs. But when one of the most skilled, prolific backs in NFL history has something to prove, I would take a chance on him for one more season. Look out.

Westbrook: Vikings, go get him. I would love to see Adrian Peterson run the ball up the middle, and on third downs seeing Westbrook coming out of the backfield. Losing Taylor was big for the Vikings, and using Westbrook solely on third downs and if AP gets hurt (his running style makes him prone to injury), Westbrook becomes a great fit. Spare use will keep him healthy, and at 29 years old, he has plenty of gas left in his tires.