Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher's retirement last week inspired an immediate debate: Is he headed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Urlacher could potentially join Ray Lewis in Canton in five years, which got us thinking: Which active players will be next up to create a Hall of Fame discussion? (Note: We did not include guys like Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and Chicago Bears pass rusher Julius Peppers who should have a number of years left to play.)
1. Randy Moss, free agent
It's hard to imagine Moss finding another team interested in him. It's also hard to believe Hall of Fame voters would hold Moss' off-field issues against him in the face of so much incredible production.
2. Richard Seymour, free agent
Look for Seymour to play at least another year, quite possibly for the Atlanta Falcons. Seymour might not be a player who gets into the Hall of Fame quickly, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he did eventually. Which former New England Patriot was more dominant: Seymour or Andre Tippett?
3. Ed Reed, Houston Texans safety
Yes, he just signed a new contract with the Texans. But he also just underwent hip surgery, and his career should be considered year-to-year at this point. Reed will have a strong Hall of Fame case when he retires.
4. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons tight end
Gonzalez said he was "95 percent" likely to retire after last season. He says 2013 is the real last call. If he keeps playing at such a high level, you never know. We'd put his Hall of Fame chances at around 99.99 percent.
5. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers safety
He says he's healthier than he has been in years. But Polamalu is such a proud player that it's not hard to imagine him hanging it up if he can't stay on the field.
6. Dwight Freeney, San Diego Chargers defensive end
He waited out a big contract this offseason, and finally got one. Freeney's career is hitting the home stretch, but he will go down as one of the best pass rushers of his generation. Perhaps he's not a slam dunk Hall of Famer, but he'll get strong consideration.
7. Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos cornerback
Bailey still is playing at a high level and could have a Darrell Green-like run on the field until he's almost 40. I'm including him here just because there's no doubt he'll make Canton when he's done.
8. Charles Woodson, Oakland Raiders safety
He will be a difficult player for the Hall of Fame committee to judge. Woodson had stretches of dominance in two locales. I'd be surprised if this wasn't his last year.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
