Top 25 NFL Free Agents

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 5, 2007

Top 25 NFL Free Agents

Nate Clements

Clements is a true shutdown corner and has said he wants to be the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Although it's unlikely he'll surpass Champ Bailey's deal, Clements will get a sizable raise this offseason. UPDATE: Signed by 49ers.

Adalius Thomas

Even at 270 pounds, Thomas has been known to cover speedy wide receivers and is still a punishing hitter. He is considered one of the biggest prizes in free agency and some team will make him rich very soon. The 49ers, who have loads of salary-cap space, are reportedly interested. UPDATE: Signed by Patriots.

Jeff Garcia

Even though he's about to turn 37, Garcia is attractive after leading the Eagles to five straight wins and a trip to the playoffs. He probably will have a shot to start somewhere, but may prefer to be a backup on a team that has a better shot at the playoffs. UPDATE: Signed by Buccaneers.

Joey Porter

The Steelers saved over $5 million in cap space by releasing Porter. The 29-year-old linebacker is a consistent performer and his intensity rubs off on teammates, but his outspoken nature may scare some teams.

Eric Steinbach

After the Vikings paid big money for Steve Hutchison last season, guards are more expensive. Steinbach is a reliable veteran who will draw interest from several teams trying to bolster their offensive lines. UPDATE: Signed with Browns.

Patrick Kerney

Kerney is overcoming injuries, but teams will pay a lot for him if they think he can return to top form. He had 12 sacks in 2004 and teams are hot for defensive ends in free agency this offseason.

Donte Stallworth

Stallworth had a strong postseason and has proven he is a bona fide deep threat. Stallworth is represented by Drew Rosenhaus and will likely be expensive, despite a history of hamstring problems.

Kris Dielman

Dielman helped open holes for LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego and will likely get a huge offer from another team seeking to boost its running game. UPDATE: Re-signed with Chargers.

Drew Bennett

Bennett had 80 catches and 1,247 receiving yards in 2004, but has had two tough seasons because of injuries and instability at quarterback. He should do well in a weak wide-receiver crop. UPDATE: SIgned with Rams.

Ahman Green

Green, an eight-year veteran, will likely never return to top form after multiple injuries, but he could draw interest from teams who want to run the two-RB system that's currently en vogue. UPDATE: Agreed to terms with Texans.

Cato June

He's just 6-feet, but June was very productive for the Colts -- especially in the postseason. His speed makes him a good fit in a Cover Two scheme.

Jordan Black

Black is only 27 and has plenty of potential. Some teams may be wary of the protection problems in Kansas City last year, but his versatility is attractive.

Kevin Curtis

The Lions and a few other teams are reportedly interested in the 28-year-old Curtis, whose opportunities are limited because of the veteran receivers in St. Louis. Curtis had 40 catches for 479 yards and four touchdowns last year.

Ken Hamlin

Hamlin came back from an injury with a strong 2006 season. The 26-year-old safety had two sacks and three interceptions and appears to still be improving.

Leonard Davis

Davis has been a disappointment since being taken No. 2 overall in 2001, but he is a 6- 6, 366 pound offensive tackle and some coaches probably think they can turn around his career. UPDATE: Signed with Cowboys.

Chris Brown

Brown has talent, but his upright running style seems to make him injury prone. But he could be an attractive option for a team hoping to use a two-tailback system.

Nick Harper

Harper missed the Super Bowl with a sprained ankle and has played outside the spotlight in Indy, but some people think he's one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. Harper may benefit in the free-agent market from playing such a sought-after position.

Daniel Graham

Graham, a former first-round pick, is an excellent blocker with decent receiving skills. He might put up bigger numbers in a system that doesn't spread the ball around as much as the Patriots do.

Dominic Rhodes

Rhodes' 113 rushing yards in the Super Bowl earned the 28-year-old running back a hefty paycheck this offseason. His recent arrest for DUI may scare off some teams.

Dewayne White

White had five sacks as a backup and is drawing a lot of attention. White will enter his sixth season and has a big upside at a position teams are willing to pay a lot for this offseason. UPDATE: Signed with Lions.

Correll Buckhalter

Buckhalter finally had a healthy season in 2006 and played well for the Eagles. He could be a starting tailback in the NFL, but the seven-year veteran's history of major knee injuries will keep the value of his contract down a bit.

Joe Horn

Horn reportedly asked the Saints to release him rather than take a pay cut. Horn is 35 and coming off a groin injury, but there is a shortage of competent receivers in this free-agent market.

Deon Grant

Grant is entering his eight season, but he's still only 27 and has plenty of good football left in him. It's possible he'll return to the Jags, but teams that need safety help will come calling.

Derrick Dockery

Dockery is just 26 and coming into his own. The 6-foot-6, 335-pound guard will benefit from the big money this position is earning these days. UPDATE: Signed with Bills.

London Fletcher-Baker

Fletcher-Baker is undersized (5-foot-10, 245 pounds) and too old (31), but he is very reliable in the middle and will be a good leader on any defense. The Redskins are reportedly very interested in signing the 10-year veteran. UPDATE: Signed with Redskins.

Top 25 NFL Free Agents