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`Last week we took a look at some of the notable free agents offensively. A few big names have been added to that list since. The San Diego Chargers decided not to tender an offer to Darren Sproles making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Sproles is an interesting case. He certainly is dynamic, but it’s hard to say what the market is going to be for 5 feet 6 running back. Thomas Jones is expected to be cut by the Jets this week. The emergence of Shonn Greene and the expected return of back Leon Washington, coupled with Jones being due a $3M roster bonus made him expendable. I could see Jones landing in Cleveland, Tampa Bay or Detroit.
The final back who was given his walking papers was Brian Westbrook. Westbrook as most know has been plagued with concussion problems. This could scare many teams away, but I, like many, believe he still has enough left in the tank to be a big contributor somewhere. Now on to defense.
Defensive Line (DL); Julius Peppers (UFA) Peppers is likely the biggest prize available in free agency this off season. There has never been a doubt about his athletic abilities, but it has been his effort that has been questioned. Peppers became disinterested with playing in Carolina, leading to a slip in his performance. He claims that he is going to take his game to a whole new level at the age of 30. Whoever lands this high profile pass rusher better hope so because they are going to break the bank. New England, Chicago and Philadelphia are rumored destinations.
Aaron Kampman (UFA): While his struggles since being moved to outside linebacker in the 3-4 set were slightly overblown, there is no denying Kampman’s production has slipped. In nine games he picked up three and a half sacks, a far cry from the 37 he registered in the previous three seasons. Kampman is on the down side of his career and the knee injury he suffered in 2009 will make teams very leery of him. I would look for him to return to rush defensive end in a 4-3 scheme.
Jason Ferguson (UFA): In a year that looked like there would be many high end interior linemen available, it turned out Ferguson was the best of the bunch. Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton, Ryan Pickett, and Aubrayo Franklin were all franchise tagged by their respective teams. There are too few quality nose tackles available to let them test free agency. Ferguson is far past his prime but is still a serviceable nose guard. Teams transitioning to the 3-4 could use his services. Buffalo could potentially bring him in or Miami could retain him.
Linebacker (LB); Karlos Dansby (UFA): Dansby was arguably the best player on an average Cardinals defense. Dansby can play any scheme and can play any position at linebacker. These two facts coupled with the fact he is immensely talented will get him a contract somewhere. The Cards choose not to franchise so he is free to go wherever he wishes. Miami and the Giants could be great fits for the supremely talented linebacker.
Keith Bulluck (UFA): Bulluck has been a mainstay on the Titan defense his whole career. Bulluck is a who professional that any young player can learn a lot from. It would be strange to see him in a different uniform. Tennessee general manager Mike Reinfeldt has stated that they wish to retain Bulluck.
Defensive Back (DB); Dunta Robinson (UFA): The Texans have parted ways with their former first round pick. They elected not to slap a franchise tag on Robinson, making him the premiere cornerback available this offseason. Robinson has been inconsistent for Houston and really struggled last season. Free agent corners have had a history of signing lucrative contracts and often being overpaid. Robinson seems poised to carry on those trends.
Darren Sharper (UFA): The veteran safety has been inconsistent in his time Minnesota but he came up with a fantastic 2009 campaign for the Saints. Sharper tied for the league leads in interceptions with nine and set a record in intercept yards with 376. Though Sharper is a gambler and is pretty poor in run support, he is a certified ball hawk. I would be surprised if the Saints let him go.
Antrel Rolle (UFA): The Cardinals had no interest in paying Rolle a $4M roster bonus so they decided to part was with the University of Miami All-American. Rolle will be eager to test the free agent waters this offseason. Arizona is still planning on trying to sign Rolle to a long term deal, but like with many young defensive backs, teams will often over pay. I could see the Giants or Dolphins breaking the bank on him.