 |
| Al Bello / Getty Images |
| Plaxico Burress has off-the-field issues to sort out, but he could eventually be a big addition for a team in need. |
Now that the draft is over and minicamps are under way, general managers and personnel executives are back at work looking to fill the remaining holes on their respective rosters.
With depth charts firmly in hand, team officials are working the phones hoping to land a savvy veteran capable of pushing their team over the top in 2009. Although most of the top free agents have already signed with teams, there are a handful of available veterans with the ability to serve as key contributors on playoff-ready squads.
While there is some risk with most of the veterans due to their age or injury history, teams doing their due diligence may uncover an old hand with a little more juice left in the tank.
Not all lists are created equal. Here's another look at the best players still available through free agency, this time from NFL.com senior columnist Vic Carucci. Did our experts get it right? Check out the lists and comment below.1. Edgerrin James, RB: Asking him to be a primary back is asking too much. But he could make a significant impact for a team that is selective about how it uses him.
2. Derrick Brooks, OLB: Brooks' thorough understanding of the Tampa 2 and his ability get himself and his teammates in position to make it function properly, make him worth considering.
3. Jon Runyan, OT: Runyan could be a serviceable player, although there is potential that he might be too much of a liability, particularly in pass protection.
4. Marvin Harrison, WR: For a team needing a receiver in a pinch, he could make sense. But he is not anyone's answer for a consistent playmaking threat.
5. Chris McAlister, CB: Won't likely be considered any sooner than June, when he's expected to receive clearance to work out fully after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.
6. Dre' Bly, CB: A move to free safety could allow him to make some level of contribution.
7. Amani Toomer, WR: He doesn't bring anything in the way of big-play impact, but he still runs routes well and has good hands.
8. Warrick Dunn, RB: Every team needs a part-time back to spell the starter and even replace the No. 2 man who gets substantial carries.
9. Wayne Gandy, OT: Even after 15 seasons, he still has what it takes to be a decent backup.
Here is a look at the best available free agents still on the market:
1. Levi Jones, OT: The talented offensive tackle was deemed expendable by the Bengals after missing parts of the last three seasons with a litany of injuries. In spite of his durability issues, Jones ranks among the top 10 at the position when healthy. With franchise-caliber offensive tackles hard to come by, teams lacking a legitimate edge blocker will make a strong push to sign Jones in the coming weeks.
Possible landing spots: Broncos or Bills
2. Pisa Tinoisamoa, LB: As the Rams' leading tackler in four of his six seasons with the team, Tinoisamoa displayed outstanding instincts, awareness and athleticism. He has a strong nose for the ball, and is an ideal fit at weak-side linebacker in a Tampa-2 scheme. Teams not scared off by Tinoisamoa's small stature (reportedly played at 220 pounds last season) will look to add the veteran playmaker to their roster.
Possible landing spots: Buccaneers, Bills, Colts and Patriots
3. Edgerrin James, RB: The four-time Pro Bowler is on the downside of an illustrious career, which includes back-to-back rushing titles (1999 and 2000), and 12,121 career rushing yards. Even though James only rushed for 514 yards last season, scouts watched him ignite the Cardinals' woeful rush offense during their Super Bowl run. With the ten-year veteran showing he has something left, expect a team to add James to its roster as a valuable insurance policy.
Possible landing spot: Saints
4. Plaxico Burress, WR: The former Super Bowl hero faces legal woes that threaten to derail his 2009 season, but Burress could be coveted once his case -- and the impending suspension from the league -- is resolved. As a big, athletic playmaker with a penchant for playing well in important games, Burress is the top target that playoff contenders could look to down the stretch.
Possible landing spots: Jets or Bears
5. Amani Toomer, WR: The crafty pass catcher has quietly amassed 668 receptions in his 13-year career. Although he lacks the speed and explosiveness to be a No. 1 receiver at 34, Toomer's experience and dependability would boost any passing game. Teams looking to add a top-notch possession receiver will likely make a play for Toomer in the coming weeks.
Possible landing spot: Bears
6. Chris McAlister, CB: The three-time Pro Bowler's game has declined of late as age and injuries have robbed him of some of his trademark athleticism. However, McAlister still ranks as an above-average cover man, and has the tools to be a quality starter in the right situation. With several teams in desperate need of a veteran corner, McAlister will be a hot commodity once he fully recovers from his knee injury.
Possible landing spot: Browns
7. Mark Tauscher, OT: The long-time starter with the Packers would likely be off the market if not for the season-ending knee injury he suffered during the final weeks of 2008. He is regarded as a solid offensive tackle, and will be considered an upgrade at the position for most teams. With several organizations entering the season with shaky offensive line situations, Tauscher will garner strong consideration as training camp looms.
Possible landing spots: Packers or Vikings
8. Jon Runyan, OT: The 13-year veteran has been the model of consistency at the position. As a tough, hard-nosed blocker with a nasty demeanor, Runyan excels at mauling defenders in the running game. In addition, he has continued to be solid in pass protection despite a slow erosion of athleticism due to injuries. Though Runyan is still on the mend from microfracture surgery on his right knee, the veteran will continue to remain on the radar for teams in search of a veteran to stabilize their right tackle spot.
Possible landing spots: Eagles, Vikings and Patriots
9. Marvin Harrison, WR: Among the most prolific receivers to ever play the game, Harrison has long been regarded as one of the elite players at the position. However, the eight-time Pro Bowler has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and his game has deteriorated rapidly as a result. While Harrison's career production will lead some teams to ponder the possibility of adding him to their roster, he may have a tough time finding work due to his advanced age (36), injury history and unsuitable fit in West Coast offenses.
Possible landing spot: Colts
View all comments >>