Top 15 NFL Free Agents

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 8, 2008

Top 15 NFL Free Agents

Lance Briggs

Briggs is the top free agent on the market this year after being franchised by Chicago last February. The Bears are expected to make a push to re-sign their star defender, but don't be surprised if Briggs inks a lucrative deal elsewhere. Status: Briggs has agreed to terms with the Bears on a six-year extension.

Randy Moss

Moss comes off his best season in half a decade and took a liking to the New England environment. The Dallas Cowboys may lead the charge to acquire Moss, but don't be surprised if he's still wearing a Patriot uniform next season. Status: Moss has reportedly resigned with the Pats.

Bernard Berrian

It doesn't hurt his stock any that he's coming off a career season. The Bears' first offer to him was rejected, but they hope to put another one on the table to keep him from leaving. Status: Berrian signed a multiyear deal with the Vikings, the Bears' NFC North rival.

Bryant Johnson

Bryant Johnson (46 catches for 528 yards and 2 TDs last year) was an invaluable asset for the Cards in '07, easily handling the No. 2 WR duties while Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald each missed extensive time to injury. And now, the 6-foot-3 Penn State product faces the option of either sticking with the Cards' potent attack or pursuing his dreams of becoming the No. 1 receiving option elsewhere. Status: Johnson is reportedly in talks with the Bills.

Alge Crumpler

The seven-year starter was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons after a season highlighted with injuries. Tennessee, Tampa Bay and Seattle are lobbying hard to acquire Crumpler. Status: SI.com has learned Crumpler will sign a two-year deal with the Titans.

Justin Smith

The fourth pick of the 2001 draft comes off an uninspired season in which he had just two sacks. The Niners, a team eternally in need of players in the defensive front seven, are hot on his heels. Tampa Bay, a team with $44 million in cap space, may also make a late charge. Status: On March 1, Smith signed a six-year deal (for about $45 million) with the 49ers.

Michael Turner

Turner, forever a back-up to LaDainian Tomlinson, is expected to sign a free agent contract in the $30 million range. The Chargers refused to trade Turner last season and will now lose him for nothing, just as it appears LT's best days may be behind him. Status: Turner inked a six-year, $35 million deal with the Falcons.

Gibril Wilson

He's been a productive yet unheralded safety for the Giants since being selected in the 5th round of the '04 draft. The team is doing all it can to resign Wilson, who may end up inking a deal with division foe Philadelphia. Status: Wilson has bolted the East Coast to sign with the Oakland Raiders.

Calvin Pace

A former first-round disappointment, Pace comes off a career season in a contract year. He had 98 tackles and seven sacks last season, doubling his cumulative production from the prior four seasons. Several 3-4 teams, including the Jets and Niners, are interested in his services.

Michael Boley

Boley, a restricted free agent, was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round of the '05 draft and became the team's starting linebacker (he had 110 tackles last season). Atlanta will try to re-sign Boley to a long term deal. Status: As of March 1, Boley is yet to sign a deal.

Julius Jones

Jones produced for the Cowboys early in his Dallas career but has recently played second fiddle to All Pro Marion Barber, a restricted free agent the team will re-sign. Jones will look elsewhere for a team that promises him a bigger role. Status: Has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the Seahawks.

Alan Faneca

The -seven-time All Pro is poised to land a big contract that will guarantee him upwards of $20 million. Don't expect Faneca to be on the market long as he's likely to be signed at the very start of free agency. Status: Faneca signed with the Jets on March 1, becoming the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.

Asante Samuel

A half dozen teams could be vying for his services. He expects to sign a contract somewhere in the area of $50 million over five years. Status: Samuel inked a lucrative, long-term deal wit the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 29.

Madieu Williams

The top safety on the free agent market will leave a hole in the Bengals defense, where he's started the past four seasons. Williams has struggled with injuries two of the past three years, which diminishes his value. Status: Williams has signed a five-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

Derek Anderson

Anderson hit it big last season, his first as a full time starter. He is a restricted free agent, which means that any franchise trying to outbid Cleveland would have to surrender their picks in rounds one and three. That limits Anderson's options. The Browns have already offered him a three-year contract valued at $20 million. Status: Re-Signed with the Browns for three years, $24 million.