
Julius Peppers photo credit: Icon SMI
By Andrew Thell
2010 is not the free agency bonanza we sometimes see, even though we are entering the uncapped season, but there are some serious playmakers who have already signed with new teams and who still linger in unrestricted free agency. In a class short on star power, Julius Peppers appears to be the only franchise-changing player to hit the market, and he was quickly taken off the board by a team few people were excited about the prospects of after last season – but perhaps should be now.
Below you’ll find a list of the nine players who have signed with news teams in rough order of the impact I expect them to make followed by a list of seven of the finest free agents still on the market – as of this writing, at least, things change fast in early free agency.
You’ll notice five prominent omissions on the Best of the Rest section: LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Willie Parker, Larry Johnson and Thomas Jones. We all know what that quintet has in common. They’re former stars at the running back position who are over the age of 30, have been run into the ground or both. The position is not one of longevity in today’s NFL, and yesterday’s superstar back is on today’s scrap heap in shockingly short order. That’s the way of the league, and there’s nary a player at the position who can buck the trend – except one man, who made my first list …
The Most Significant Free Agents Signings Thus Far
Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago Bears: Peppers is an elite talent, there’s no question about that. In a pass-happy league where every team is desperate for more pressure Peppers is the type of player who can dominate a game from the defensive end position, manhandling any left tackle in the league when he’s on. When the Panthers pulled off a shocking win against the Minnesota Vikings back in December it was partly some strong play by QB Matt Moore and RB Jonathan Stewart, but it was much more Peppers embarrassing Bryant McKinnie every down and making Brad Childress look foolish for refusing to give his struggling LT help. He was that good. There are some concerns about Peppers mentally, if he loves the game and if he’s committed to getting the most out of his talent (especially with that fat contract in place). Making a guy with those issues the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL could come back to haunt them, but on paper he’s going to go a long way toward making that Bears defense scary again.
Karlos Dansby, LB, Miami Dolphins: Dansby is a plus player. He can rush the QB, is decent in run support and drops back into coverage well. He’ll make big, timely plays. Miami’s big acquisition isn’t in the same class as Peppers, and $8 million per season with $22 million in guaranteed was probably more than anybody else was willing to pay, but Dansby will certainly upgrade the Dolphins linebacking corps.
Antrel Rolle, S, New York Giants: Rolle couldn’t cut it as a cornerback, but the exceptional athlete has morphed into an above-average safety since making the position switch. The $37 million contract, with $15 million guaranteed, is a bit rich but the Giants simply couldn’t head into next season without upgrading their dismal safety play. Rolle doesn’t have great instincts, which killed him as a corner, but he can make up for it with great range and a knack for making plays at safety. If SS Kenny Phillips can return to form one of the Giants major weaknesses from 2009 could be a strength in 2010.
Dunta Robinson, CB, Atlanta Falcons: Dunta Robinson is a solid playmaker with the tools to be a strong cover corner, but he’s a tad overrated and you get the feeling that the Falcons overpaid for a brand name here. $25.5 million guaranteed is a bit steep for such an inconsistent player coming off a disappointing season, but such is the market for corners and at 27 Robinson could still blossom into a Pro Bowl level talent.
Chester Taylor, RB, Chicago Bears: He’s 30 years old, but Taylor has only topped 300 carries once in his career and never gone over 160 in any other season. A consummate professional, Chester is a strong blocker, catches the ball well out of the backfield, runs hard and can play on any down – excelling in a third-down capacity when called upon.
After the pedestrian effort we saw out of Matt Forte last season it’s not out of line to suggest Taylor is the most complete, valuable back on the Bears roster heading into next season. Taylor excelled as a starter for Minnesota before the drafting of Adrian Peterson and is one of the most underrated backs in the NFL with plenty left in his tank despite the advanced age.
Chester Taylor Photo Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Aaron Kampman, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Coming off a torn ACL and a season in which he looked completely out of place playing linebacker in a 3-4, teams looking to upgrade their pass rush in a 4-3 defense at a slight discount were targeting Kampman. However, at 30 years old and unlikely to be at full strength for the start of the season the Jags are a curious destination. Still, he’s a quality pass rusher who can bring the heat and the contract is less than a third of what Peppers went for in total.
Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, Detroit Lions: Vanden Bosch is a productive, high-motor player that should be a nice move toward revamping the toothless Lions defensive line. At 31 years of age the four-year, $26 million deal seems a bit steep but I think he’s got plenty left in the tank. Lions coach Jim Schwartz previously served as the Titans defensive coordinator and he knows what Vanden Bosch will bring to his team – on the field, in the locker room, in the weight room and in the meeting room – and playing alongside newly acquired DT Corey Williams, who will return to his natural position in a 4-3, the Lions line should be improved.
Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions: Even with uber talent Calvin Johnson on board, this was a far bigger area of need for Detroit than many realize. Burleson has had an inconsistent career, but he has all the tools to be the No. 2 receiver Detroit so desperately needs opposite franchise cornerstone Megatron. Burleson has a bit of an injury history, but he also possesses good hands, decent speed, can gain yards after the catch and is capable of making plays in the air. He’ll be the best receiver to line up opposite Johnson in his short career and, along with second-year TE Brandon Pettigrew, should give young QB Matthew Stafford a nice safety blanket and secondary playmaker to take the constant pressure off of Johnson.
Tony Pashos, T, Cleveland Browns: The Browns got a slight discount after Pashos’ injury-marred season in 2009. He’s shown an ability to stay healthy in the previous eight years of his career and Pashos is capable of thriving in a power running attack like the one we expect Mike Holmgren to install in Cleveland. He’s not quite of the Bobbie Williams or Stephen Neal caliber, but Pashos was one of the finest guards on the market.
After the jump, the best players left on the UFA market …
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