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NFL free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Here is the complete list of unrestricted free agents for each team in the division:

Denver Broncos: S Brian Dawkins, DT Brodrick Bunkley, LB Mario Haggan, TE Daniel Fells, DE Derrick Harvey, OL Russ Hochstein, DE Jason Hunter, FB Spencer Larsen, LB Joe Mays, DT Ryan McBean, QB Brady Quinn, WR Eddie Royal, DT Marcus Thomas, TE Dante Rosario, CB Jonathan Wilhite, WR Matthew Willis , LB Wesley Woodyard, G Manny Ramirez.

Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jackie Battle, LB Jovan Belcher, CB Brandon Carr, S Jon McGraw, QB Kyle Orton, DB Travis Daniels, DE Wallace Gilberry, DL Amon Gordon, NT Kelly Gregg, S Reshard Langford, FB Le’Ron McClain, TE Anthony Becht, RB Thomas Jones, OT Ryan O’Callaghan, TE Jake O’Connell, QB Tyler Palko, S Sabby Piscitelli, TE Leonard Pope, OT Barry Richardson, WR Jerheme Urban, C Casey Wiegmann.

Oakland Raiders: RB Michael Bush, LB Quentin Groves, OT Stephon Heyer, QB Jason Campbell, DE Jarvis Moss, C Samson Satele, WR Chaz Schilens, DL Trevor Scott.

San Diego Chargers: WR Vincent Jackson, G Nick Hardwick, OT Jared Gaither, RB Mike Tolbert, RB Jacob Hester, NG Antonio Garay, SS Steve Gregory, DL Tommie Harris, ILB Na'il Diggs, OLB Everette Brown, SS Bob Sanders, SS Paul Oliver, WR Patrick Crayton, OG Tony Moll TE Randy McMichael, ILB Stephen Cooper.

This story keeps getting more amazing.

Hue Jackson told his players Sunday after the amazing win over the Houston Texans, that owner Al Davis -- who died Saturday at the age of 82 -- had something to do with Oakland safety Michael Huff's interception of Matt Schaub in the end zone on the final play. There was room for Davis on the field.

The Raiders had 10 men on the field for the final play of the game.

Thanks to all the readers who reached out to me about this. I watched the film of the play. It sure looks like 10 players on the field to me.

The story was already amazing. Now, it’s poetically stunning.

Meanwhile, the Raiders are doing what they can to ensure a full house Sunday for their first home game since Davis’ death.

In other AFC West news:

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Chargers are signing veteran linebacker Gerald Hayes. He was cut by the Cardinals’ this summer. He spent eight seasons with three Cardinals. The San Diego Union Tribune is reporting Stephen Cooper will be put on the injured reserve. He tore his bicep last month.
• San Diego defensive lineman Jacques Cesaire is practicing after missing the past two games with a leg injury. He could be ready to play Oct. 23 at the Jets.

The San Diego Chargers made an interesting pickup Saturday, signing veteran linebacker Na'il Diggs.

He was recently cut by St. Louis. Diggs started 12 games for the Rams last year at strongside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. He can play in a 3-4 defense and the Chargers, who run a 3-4 defense, need some veteran help at inside linebacker.

Diggs, 33, is entering his 11th NFL season. He also played with Green Bay and Carolina. He could potentially push youngster Donald Butler for a starting job. San Diego this offseason has also added veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes and safety Bob Sanders.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports newly signed veteran linebacker Kevin Bentley was cut. Veteran inside linebacker Stephen Cooper is on the bubble.

As far as I’m concerned the 53-man cut-down date (which occurs Saturday) is an overrated event.

Many players who survive the cut end up being gameday inactives during most of the season and teams are always looking to improve the back end of the roster. Yet, the final cutdown time is upon us, so let’s look at some of the players on the bubble for each AFC West team:

Denver: There’s not a ton of big names here that stand out as certain bubble players. Safeties Darcel McBath and David Bruton, both taken in 2009, could get the axe. Second-year cornerback Perrish Cox -- who is facing an October sexual assault trial that could imprison him for life -- could also be on the bubble. But the season-ending Achilles injury to key backup cornerback Syd’Quan Thompson could help Cox’s cause to make the team.

Kansas City: There’s not a lot big names here, either. Receivers Verran Tucker, Jeremy Horne and Keary Colbert are fighting for a spot. Running back Jackie Battle is likely an odd-man out. Defensive backs Donald Washington, Rashard Langford, Sabby Piscitelli and Travis Daniels are also on the bubble.

Oakland: Defensive backs Walter McFadden, Jeremy Ware, Steve Brown and Sterling Moore are all on the bubble. It will be interesting to see what happens there. Veteran running back Michael Bennett could also be on his way out as well as receiver/punt returner Nick Miller.

San Diego: The Chargers’ receiver situation is interesting. It looks like Bryan Walters could make the team. But what about Seji Ajirotutu, Laurent Robinson and Kelley Washington? Veteran linebacker Stephen Cooper and Kevin Bentley are on the bubble as is rookie undrafted quarterback Scott Tolzien.

What are your thoughts about the final cut downs. Fill up the comment section below with your thoughts.

On a night many backups played extensively, second-year running back Ryan Mathews showed his team some flashes of why the Chargers gave up a truckload to trade up for him in the 2010 draft.

Mathews had a beautiful 56-yard touchdown run and he finished with 78 yards on five carries in a 20-17 loss to San Francisco. He showed he is perhaps ready to take on a bigger role once the regular season starts next week against Minnesota.

Rookie running back Jordan Todman also was active as he had 46 yards rushing on 15 carries.

Third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien showed his potential as he completed 16 of 23 passes for 226 yards. The Chargers like him as a developmental player.

Receiver Laurent Robinson, who faces big odds of making the team, had six catches for 120 yards. Receiver Seyi Ajirotutu helped his cause with five catches for 41 yards.

The Chargers are worried about injuries to rookie linebacker Jonas Mouton and Andrew Gachkar. It could affect who the team keeps at linebacker. Veteran Stephen Cooper -- who is playing with a torn biceps -- made his case to make the roster with seven tackles.

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush told CSNCalifornia.com charges of suspicion of Operating While Intoxicated have been dropped. Bush was arrested in Indiana in February. A Clark County official told the website that he was not sure of Bush’s exact situation, but often first-time offenses are reduced to lesser offenses.

If that is the case, Bush would likely avoid an NFL suspension. Bush is an unrestricted free agent after the season. He is a key part of Oakland’s run offense, which was ranked No. 2 in the NFL last season.

• Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn took first-team snaps at Denver’s practice Thursday. Starter Kyle Orton left the field after 90 minutes of practice and was excused for personal reasons.

• Check out where the AFC West teams rank in terms of age.

• Stephen Cooper's gutsy attempt to play with a torn bicep continues. What a tough, tough man.

The Raiders will almost certainly go get a veteran linebacker now that young linebacker Travis Goethel could be out for the year with a knee injury. Goethel was playing well and he was pushing Quentin Groves at weakside linebacker.

ESPN's John Clayton reports Oakland could potentially bring back linebacker Kirk Morrison (who was traded to Jacksonville last year) or bring in Lofa Tatupu. Both Morrison and Tatupa are best suited at middle linebacker, but they are heady veterans who could help in an emergency. The Raiders looked at Tatupu early in camp.

This is another tough break for a team that has been battered by injuries in camp.

In other AFC West news Tuesday night:

• The San Diego Union Tribune, which reported linebacker Stephen Cooper will go on the injured reserve, reports he will try to practice with a torn biceps. Still, the paper reports he could end up on the injured reserve. There’s no questioning this guy’s toughness.

• The paper reports San Diego receiver Malcom Floyd is fine after suffering a concussion Sunday at Dallas.

• Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell said he will support new Oakland quarterback Terrelle Pryor because he enjoyed the guidance of a veteran as a young player.

• After he had surgery for a triceps injury, Denver defensive tackle Ty Warren will be out 3-4 months. Thus, he could miss virtually all of the season.

Oakland coach Hue Jackson said Terrelle Pryor will get his wish and he will start his NFL career as a quarterback.

There has been some talk that Pryor could play receiver, but it’s clear he will start out as a quarterback. Oakland took the former Ohio State quarterback Monday in the supplemental draft in the third round. Thus, Oakland forfeited its third-round pick in 2012.

"This young man is a quarterback,” Jackson told reporters Monday. “That’s where we’re going to start and we’ll go from there."

OK, it’s not a ringing endorsement that Pryor will stay a quarterback for his entire Oakland career. But he get the chance to prove he belongs as a quarterback. I think that’s fair. But also expect Oakland to be flexible and if it thinks Pryor -- who has blazing speed at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds -- can help in other ways, they will likely consider it.

Pryor said on ESPN’s preseason telecast of the Bears-Giants game on Monday night that he’d let the Raiders decide if they want him to appeal his five-game suspension to start the season.

Meanwhile, Jackson said he kept quarterback Jason Campbell out of Monday’s practice as a precaution and he believes he will be back on the field soon. Campbell left the loss at San Francisco early Saturday night. He has yet to pass all of his concussion tests.

In other AFC West news on Monday night:

• The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting third-year safety Mike Mitchell is on crutches with his left leg taped. The Raiders haven’t said much about Mitchell’s status, but he’s missed much of camp.

• San Diego linebacker Stephen Cooper tore his biceps Sunday night in Dallas and he will be put on the injured reserve. Cooper re-signed earlier this month to give the Chargers depth at inside linebacker. He has been battered in recent years and his career could be over. The Chargers like their young inside linebacker but they could look for veteran help in the next few weeks.

Weekend mail call:

Charles from San Diego wants to know if I think the Chargers will sign a veteran inside linebacker to start.

Bill Williamson: I think they will keep their options open. Yes, the Chargers like youngsters Donald Butler and Jonas Mouton. San Diego is a veteran group on defense, so it thinks it can live with a young player at one of the two inside linebacker spots, especially with 14-year veteran Takeo Spikes playing next to him. Butler and Mouton will both get long looks. If the Chargers get worried close to the season, we could see them do something as an insurance policy.

UPDATE: Veteran linebacker Stephen Cooper re-signed with the Chargers on Friday evening and he will provide depth at the position. Yet, the Chargers still like Butler and Mouton. This post was written before Cooper signed and I am just getting settled in Denver. Thanks, BW.

Shane from Denver wants to know when I think Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas will be ready to play.

BW: Well, the Broncos hope he can come back at midseason, but there are no guarantees. The No. 22 overall pick of the 2010 draft ruptured his Achilles in February. Again, Denver is hopeful they will see him on the field in 2011, but they are moving forward with their other receivers at the moment.

Mike from San Jose wants to know if I think Oakland could cut receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.

BW: I think there is no chance that he will be cut this year. Yes, Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 overall pick of the 2009 draft, hasn’t done much in his first two years. But he will be given a chance to develop. Al Davis has too much invested in this speedster to give up on him now. However, if Heyward-Bey doesn’t make strides this season and is bypassed by a player such as rookie Denarius Moore, perhaps Oakland will lose patience in the offseason.

The San Diego Chargers brought back free-agent Stephen Cooper with a one-year deal.

It is clear Cooper came back to the Chargers after he saw no viable offers on the free-agent market. The Chargers thought Cooper would leave as a free agent.

Cooper will likely provide depth and insurance behind youngsters Donald Butler and Jonas Mouton to play alongside new addition Takeo Spikes as an inside linebacker.

“We are happy Coop decided to return to the Chargers,” San Diego general manager A.J. Smith said. “He wanted to explore the free agent market and weigh his options. He will bring his experience and more veteran leadership to our linebacker corps.”

Cooper gives the team another veteran option. It was a good move by San Diego to bring him back.

In other AFC West nuggets Friday night:

Here is another way San Diego undrafted rookie sensation Daryl Gamble could make the Chargers’ roster.

In an Insider piece, Mel Kiper looks at how free agency has affected each AFC team.

Denver cornerback Perrish Cox has ground to make up if he is going to make the Broncos’ roster. Cox is facing an October sexual assault trial.

Oakland coach Hue Jackson was thrilled with the play of rookie offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski. The second-round pick will either start at center or guard.

Now that receiver Malcom Floyd has re-signed with the San Diego Chargers, there is one remaining player unsigned on our list of top 10 unrestricted free agents that we posted July 20. Let’s review all the moving and shaking:

1. Nnamdi Asomugha, cornerback, Oakland

Status: Signed. Team: Philadelphia.

Comment: Asomugha was the big prize on the market and he waited three days before joining the “Dream Team” after shunning several other offers.

2. Zach Miller, tight end, Oakland

Status: Signed. Team: Seattle.

Comment: Miller shocked the Raiders by going to Seattle for a big deal. The Raiders were all but certain Miller would return.

3. Eric Weddle, safety, San Diego

Status: Signed. Team: San Diego.

Comment: The Chargers gave the play-making Weddle a whopping $40 million deal to keep him home.

4. Malcom Floyd, receiver, San Diego

Status: Signed. Team: San Diego.

Comment: There was a soft market and the Chargers were surprised and thrilled to keep Floyd.

5. Darren Sproles, running back/returner, San Diego

Status: Signed. Team: New Orleans.

Comment: Sproles will replace Reggie Bush in New Orleans. San Diego was resigned to lose him.

6. Michael Huff, safety, Oakland.

Status: Signed. Team: Oakland.

Comment: The Raiders paid handsomely to keep the safety.

7. Kevin Burnett, linebacker, San Diego

Status: Signed. Team: Miami.

Comment: The Dolphins gave Burnett much more than the Chargers were willing to give.

8. Stephen Cooper, linebacker, San Diego

Status: Unsigned.

Comment: There hasn’t been much interest in him. The Chargers haven’t shown much interest in bringing him back.

9. Jeromey Clary, tackle, San Diego

Status: Signed. Team: San Diego.

Comment: Clary is another key player who the Chargers managed to keep.

10. Robert Gallery, guard, Oakland

Status: Signed. Team: Seattle.

Comment: Gallery reunites with former Oakland head coach Tom Cable.

With the NFL league year well under way, let’s look at what's still floating out in the AFC West air:

Quarterback for sale: The Broncos would like to trade quarterback Kyle Orton, but after a deal fell apart with Miami, they currently don’t have any takers. If a starting quarterback gets hurt or falters badly in the preseason, perhaps the market for Orton will revive. For now, he is running the No. 1 offense and second-year player Tim Tebow leads the second team.

Free agents: Three of our pre-free agency 10 top AFC West free agents are still available.

2. Zach Miller, tight end, Oakland: The market has been surprisingly dry. I get the feeling Miller will re-sign with the Raiders soon.

4. Malcom Floyd, receiver, San Diego: I think Floyd thought he’d get a better deal. The market is not great. Perhaps he comes back to San Diego.

8. Stephen Cooper, linebacker, San Diego: A veteran may have to wait for awhile for a deal.

Who could come: The Raiders have been connected to Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie. I’m not sure if Oakland will make a big splash. I think all four teams in the division will make some additions, but I’m not sure how high on the Richter scale the deals will be.

Rookies: We have just two unsigned draft picks in the division: San Diego defensive lineman Corey Liuget and Kansas City third-round pick Justin Houston. I don’t see any major long-term issues at this point.

The San Diego Chargers lost one of their free-agent targets when inside linebacker Kevin Burnett signed with Miami. Burnett's deal was for four years and $21 million with nearly $10 million in guaranteed money.

While Burnett did have a nice season, there was no way the Chargers were going to pay him that much.

The Chargers could potentially re-sign Brandon Siler. Fellow free agent Stephen Cooper is not expected back. San Diego could also look at former Green Bay linebacker Nick Barnett, but they probably wouldn’t overspend for him.

The Chargers did sign Takeo Spikes, who will start at an inside linebacker position. By re-signing several of their own free agents and grabbing the likes of Sproles, Bob Sanders and Travis LaBoy, the Chargers spent a lot of cash and just couldn’t fit in Burnett financially.

Meanwhile, the Chargers’ lone unsigned draft pick is first-round pick Corey Liuget. The Chargers re-signed a key backup.

Credit the San Diego Chargers for striking first in the AFC West when it comes to adding a big name from outside their organization.

They also get a very big neck.

San Diego agreed to terms with former San Francisco inside linebacker Takeo Spikes on Tuesday. He reunites with former San Francisco defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, who is now San Diego’s defensive coordinator.

Spikes highlights a busy first day for the Chargers, who clearly are bent on returning to the playoffs after they saw their four-year AFC West championship run end in 2010. In addition to agreeing to terms with Spikes, San Diego agreed to bring back right tackle Jeromey Clary and tight end Randy McMichael. They also agreed to terms with free-agent safety Bob Sanders prior to the lockout.

Spikes and Sanders bring terrific leadership to a defense that was No. 1 in the NFL last season. San Diego usually stays away from big-name free agents but they jumped at the chance to add Spikes on Tuesday.

“I think defensively you want to be as strong as you can be down the middle, and with Spikes and then Sanders, you’ve got two strong personalities that bring a real aggressive presence to the defense,” San Diego coach Norv Turner said in a statement released by the team.

The Chargers said the team called Spikes at 7 a.m. PT Tuesday. It was the first minute teams could reach out to players.

“He is an outstanding player. Takeo will bring his physical, aggressive style to our defense,” general manager A.J. Smith said. “I love his competitiveness and instincts. I believe he will be an immediate contributor. To me, this is another Randall Godfrey-type move for the Chargers.”

Spikes, 34, gives San Diego some clarity at inside linebacker. Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler and Kevin Burnett are free agents. The team wants Burnett back. There was talk the Chargers would be interested in Green Bay’s Nick Barnett, who is expected to be set free soon. But the Spikes’ signing shows where the team’s priority was.

“It’s going to be great playing for Coach Manusky again,” Spikes said in a statement. “One of the intangibles that I bring is my leadership. Even though everybody is from different places across America, to me I feel like the great ones bring everybody together and believe in the same common goal, and that’s to win a championship. That’s why I’m in San Diego.”

The 14-year veteran had 109 tackles for the 49ers last season. Spikes, known for his strikingly large neck, will give San Diego a needed nasty demeanor. The Chargers were pushed around some on defense the past couple of seasons. Spikes and healthy Sanders should change that.

I could see the Chargers having some interest in another San Francisco defender, Manny Lawson, if the price is right. He is a solid outside linebacker.

Now, the Chargers need to lock up safety Eric Weddle and the free agency will be a strong one. Weddle will get interest elsewhere, though. Still, the Chargers view him as a priority.

» NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South » Unrestricted FAs

A look at the free-agent priorities for each AFC West team:

Denver Broncos

1.Trade Kyle Orton or name him the starter: The Broncos need to make a decision at quarterback quickly. There will be some teams in need of a veteran quarterback and the Broncos will surely field calls about Orton. If they get a decent offer in return (second or third-round pick) I could see Denver trading him and going with second-year quarterback Tim Tebow. If Orton is not traded early in the new league year, we’d have to assume Denver is going to give him the opportunity to hold off Tebow.

2. Sign a defensive tackle: The Broncos have long had a major hole at this position. It needs to upgrade its defense, which was ranked 32nd in the NFL last season. It begins at this position, which Denver bypassed in the draft. Potential free-agent targets include Seattle’s Brandon Mebane and San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin,although he is a better fit for 3-4 teams.

3. Sign a running back: New Denver coach John Fox recently said signing a running back is the team’s top free-agent priority. I think the above-mentioned projects are more pressing, but there’s no doubt Denver needs help at the position. It needs a veteran to pair with third-year running back Knowshon Moreno. We could see the Broncos trying to reunite Fox with former Carolina back DeAngelo Williams.

Top free agents: Tackle Ryan Harris and defensive tackle Marcus Thomas.

Kansas City Chiefs

1. Sign a nose tackle: The Chiefs have a few needs and more than $30 million in salary-cap money to play with. They can get to work. The team could use a stout anchor for the 3-4 defense. The Chiefs tried to sign Shaun Rogers prior to the lockout and they want a veteran. Franklin could be the answer.

2. Sign an offensive tackle: If the Chiefs get an upgrade at tackle, they should have a very strong line. They could sign a right tackle (a position they considered in the draft) or they can sign a left tackle and move Branden Albert to right tackle. Possible names to consider include Matt Light (who has New England ties to Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli and quarterback Matt Cassel) or New Orleans' Jermon Bushrod or a right tackle like Tyson Clabo or San Diego’s Jeromey Clary.

3. Sign a receiver: The Chiefs are a dangerous offensive team. But they could use a slot receiver to do along with No. 1 receiver Dwayne Bowe and first-round pick Jon Baldwin. A name to keep an eye on is the Cardinals’ Steve Breaston. He played for Kansas City coach Todd Haley in Arizona.

Top free agent: Center Casey Wiegmann.

Oakland Raiders

1. Re-sign tight end Zach Miller: Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is the best free agent in the NFL. But it will be difficult for Oakland to keep him. The Raiders must do what it takes to sign Miller. He is one of the game’s best young tight ends and he is arguably the team’s most important offensive player. He is the team’s most reliable receiving target. The Raiders love Miller and tried to sign him to a long-term deal prior to the lockout. Signing him before he hits the market will be and should be the team’s top priority.

2. Sign a couple offensive linemen: The Raiders’ offensive line is in flux. It has some interesting young players, but it needs to find a way to add some veterans somewhere -- despite the team’s salary-cap limitations.

3. Figure out secondary: If Asomugha and safety Michael Huff leave, the Raiders will need to get their youngsters up to speed quickly or try to find a veteran experience. I think we’ll see a mixture of both if Asomugha and Huff both leave as expected.

Top free agents: Asomugha, Huff, Miller and guard Robert Gallery.

San Diego Chargers

1. Re-sign safety Eric Weddle: The safety is a playmaker who will be very popular on the open market. The Chargers don't want him to get there. The Chargers have the salary-cap room to keep their top in-house options, and Weddle is at the top of the list. There is no reason for the Chargers to lose him and I think this key part of the NFL’s No. 1 ranked defense will remain with the Chargers.

2. Figure out receiver situation: Top receiver Vincent Jackson will be franchised. No. 2 receiver Malcom Floyd is unrestricted and he could get a big offer elsewhere. Backup Legedu Naanee is also expected to leave. The Chargers could use a veteran receiver. I doubt they will spend big money on the top names available, but they could look for a bargain or swing a trade for a veteran like Carolina’s Steve Smith.

3. Figure out inside linebacker situation: The Chargers could lose inside linebackers Stephen Cooper, Kevin Burnett and Brandon Siler. They would like to keep Burnett. Still, I could see the Chargers trying to find another inside linebacker to compete to star. They could also look for an edge rusher at outside linebacker.

Top free agents: Floyd, Weddle, Clary, Burnett, quarterback Billy Volek, receiver Legedu Naanee, linebacker Stephen Cooper, linebacker Brandon Siler and running back Darren Sproles.