NFC South: Jamal Williams
Potential free agents from rest of NFL
June, 24, 2011
6/24/11
11:42
AM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
We already have talked quite a bit about players from the NFC South who are expected to become unrestricted free agents. We’re going on the assumption that players not under contract who have at least four accrued seasons can become unrestricted free agents.
With that in mind, and with some help from ESPN Stats & Information, let’s take a look at some of the more prominent potential free agents from the rest of the league.
QUARTERBACKS: Marc Bulger, Kerry Collins, Rex Grossman, Matt Hasselbeck, Patrick Ramsey, Alex Smith, Billy Volek, Kellen Clemens, Brodie Croyle, Trent Edwards, Bruce Gradkowski, Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Leinart, Troy Smith and Tyler Thigpen.
RUNNING BACKS: Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown, Kevin Faulk, Mewelde Moore, Sammy Morris, Clinton Portis, Dominic Rhodes, Tony Richardson, Kevin Smith, Darren Sproles, Fred Taylor, Brian Westbrook, Ricky Williams, Joseph Addai, Ahmad Bradshaw, Jerome Harrison, Brandon Jackson, Laurence Maroney and LeRon McClain.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Mark Clayton, Braylon Edwards, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Randy Moss, Santana Moss, Terrell Owens, Donte’ Stallworth, Steve Breaston, Malcom Floyd, Santonio Holmes, James Jones, Sidney Rice, Mike Sims-Walker, Brad Smith and Steve Smith (of the New York Giants, not the Steve Smith of Carolina).
TIGHT ENDS: Desmond Clark, Donald Lee, Randy McMichael, Bo Scaife, Kevin Boss, Owen Daniels, Daniel Fells, Zach Miller, Ben Patrick and Matt Spaeth.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: David Baas, Jammal Brown, Robert Gallery, Adam Goldberg, Kyle Kosier, Olin Kreutz, Matt Light, Sean Locklear, Casey Rabach, Chris Spencer, Langston Walker, Casey Wiegmann, Floyd Womack, Damien Woody, Chris Chester, Jeromey Clary, Daryn Colledge, Willie Colon, Doug Free, Jared Gaither, Charlie Johnson, Deuce Lutui, Samson Satele, Lyle Sendlein and Marshal Yanda.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES: Aubrayo Franklin, Tommie Harris, Chris Hoke, Chris Hovan, Kris Jenkins, Bryan Robinson, Gerard Warren, Jamal Williams, Pat Williams, Alan Branch, Barry Cofield, John McCargo and Brandon Mebane.
DEFENSIVE ENDS: Jason Babin, Dave Ball, Raheem Brock, Andre Carter, Shaun Ellis, Cullen Jenkins, Travis LaBoy, Trevor Pryce, Marcus Spears, Ray Edwards and Mathias Kiwanuka.
LINEBACKERS: Akin Ayodele, Keith Bulluck, Kevin Burnett, Dhani Jones, Kirk Morrison, Julian Peterson, Matt Roth, Takeo Spikes, Jason Taylor, Mike Vrabel, Stewart Bradley, Bobby Carpenter, Manny Lawson, Paul Posluszny, Ernie Sims and Stephen Tulloch.
CORNERBACKS: Nnamdi Asomugha, Phillip Buchanon, Chris Carr, Drayton Florence, Ellis Hobbs, Carlos Rogers, Lito Sheppard, Ike Taylor, Fabian Washington, Drew Coleman, Antonio Cromartie, Chris Houston, Johnathan Joseph, Dimitri Patterson, Josh Wilson and Eric Wright.
SAFETIES: Aaron Francisco, Ken Hamlin, Michael Lewis, Brandon McGowan, Quintin Mikell, Lawyer Milloy, Brodney Pool, Gerald Sensabaugh, Roy Williams, Gibril Wilson, Atari Bigby, Melvin Bullitt, Abram Elam, Dashon Goldson, Michael Huff, Dawan Landry, Danieal Manning, Bernard Pollard, Eric Weddle and Donte Whitner.
With that in mind, and with some help from ESPN Stats & Information, let’s take a look at some of the more prominent potential free agents from the rest of the league.
QUARTERBACKS: Marc Bulger, Kerry Collins, Rex Grossman, Matt Hasselbeck, Patrick Ramsey, Alex Smith, Billy Volek, Kellen Clemens, Brodie Croyle, Trent Edwards, Bruce Gradkowski, Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Leinart, Troy Smith and Tyler Thigpen.
RUNNING BACKS: Cedric Benson, Ronnie Brown, Kevin Faulk, Mewelde Moore, Sammy Morris, Clinton Portis, Dominic Rhodes, Tony Richardson, Kevin Smith, Darren Sproles, Fred Taylor, Brian Westbrook, Ricky Williams, Joseph Addai, Ahmad Bradshaw, Jerome Harrison, Brandon Jackson, Laurence Maroney and LeRon McClain.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Mark Clayton, Braylon Edwards, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Randy Moss, Santana Moss, Terrell Owens, Donte’ Stallworth, Steve Breaston, Malcom Floyd, Santonio Holmes, James Jones, Sidney Rice, Mike Sims-Walker, Brad Smith and Steve Smith (of the New York Giants, not the Steve Smith of Carolina).
TIGHT ENDS: Desmond Clark, Donald Lee, Randy McMichael, Bo Scaife, Kevin Boss, Owen Daniels, Daniel Fells, Zach Miller, Ben Patrick and Matt Spaeth.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: David Baas, Jammal Brown, Robert Gallery, Adam Goldberg, Kyle Kosier, Olin Kreutz, Matt Light, Sean Locklear, Casey Rabach, Chris Spencer, Langston Walker, Casey Wiegmann, Floyd Womack, Damien Woody, Chris Chester, Jeromey Clary, Daryn Colledge, Willie Colon, Doug Free, Jared Gaither, Charlie Johnson, Deuce Lutui, Samson Satele, Lyle Sendlein and Marshal Yanda.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES: Aubrayo Franklin, Tommie Harris, Chris Hoke, Chris Hovan, Kris Jenkins, Bryan Robinson, Gerard Warren, Jamal Williams, Pat Williams, Alan Branch, Barry Cofield, John McCargo and Brandon Mebane.
DEFENSIVE ENDS: Jason Babin, Dave Ball, Raheem Brock, Andre Carter, Shaun Ellis, Cullen Jenkins, Travis LaBoy, Trevor Pryce, Marcus Spears, Ray Edwards and Mathias Kiwanuka.
LINEBACKERS: Akin Ayodele, Keith Bulluck, Kevin Burnett, Dhani Jones, Kirk Morrison, Julian Peterson, Matt Roth, Takeo Spikes, Jason Taylor, Mike Vrabel, Stewart Bradley, Bobby Carpenter, Manny Lawson, Paul Posluszny, Ernie Sims and Stephen Tulloch.
CORNERBACKS: Nnamdi Asomugha, Phillip Buchanon, Chris Carr, Drayton Florence, Ellis Hobbs, Carlos Rogers, Lito Sheppard, Ike Taylor, Fabian Washington, Drew Coleman, Antonio Cromartie, Chris Houston, Johnathan Joseph, Dimitri Patterson, Josh Wilson and Eric Wright.
SAFETIES: Aaron Francisco, Ken Hamlin, Michael Lewis, Brandon McGowan, Quintin Mikell, Lawyer Milloy, Brodney Pool, Gerald Sensabaugh, Roy Williams, Gibril Wilson, Atari Bigby, Melvin Bullitt, Abram Elam, Dashon Goldson, Michael Huff, Dawan Landry, Danieal Manning, Bernard Pollard, Eric Weddle and Donte Whitner.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the final stop on our tour of team-by-team mailbags.
Kyle in Orlando writes: I’m different from a lot of Bucs fans I know, but I'm not in favor of trading up to get Ndamukong Suh. We need all 10 of our picks! So if both Suh and Gerald McCoy are gone by the time our 3rd overall pick rolls around, would you see us as more likely to take Dez Bryant, Eric Berry or someone else?
Pat Yasinskas: I’m with you on not trading up. Cost would be too much in terms of both compensation and salary. I hate to speculate too much because the draft is still a long way off and we don’t know what the Rams and Lions will do with the first two picks. Also, there are a lot of individual workouts coming up that could change the order of draft boards. But let’s play your scenario with the two defensive tackles gone. I’d have to go with Berry. That’s high for a safety, but there is a need there. Bryant could end up being a great receiver, but there is baggage there. The Bucs have to nail their first pick this year and Berry probably is the safest choice -- in your scenario.
Jacob in Waterford, Mich., writes: After some thinking and seeing the Bucs first real off-season move I am leaning on this team actually having a REAL plan. Only one move but one that A: avoids any draft hurt this critical year, B: Clearly addresses the weakest spot, C: is a low risk possible high reward move. Reggie Brown probably won’t have 100 catches next year but if he has 40-50 to go along with Sammie Stroughter’s 45-55, that’s pretty good.
Scott in Cocoa Beach writes: Pat, a 6th round pick in 2011 for Reggie Brown? Really? Couldn't the Bucs have gotten him from Andy Reid for a box of chocolates and a new jump suit?
Pat Yasinskas: I’ll answer these two questions because they represent both ends of the Reggie Brown spectrum and a tip of the hat to Scott for throwing out a pretty funny line. I’ll take the middle road. Yes, Brown isn’t going to be the No. 1 receiver and probably not even No. 2. But, he wouldn’t be bad as a No. 3 receiver and I could see him producing 30 to 40 catches, if things go well. Still plenty more work to do at receiver. But this move didn’t cost much and, therefore, there’s not much risk involved.
Askia in West Lafayette, Ind., writes: With the Steelers potentially releasing Limas Sweed after the signings of Battle and Randel-El, do you think it would be smart for the Bucs to take a flier on him? I think that he has a lot of potential as a deep threat and the Bucs could certainly use one.
Pat Yasinskas: Well, we have to see if Sweed does in fact get released. But I do like your logic on this one. Josh Freeman has made it clear he wants a deep threat. Whether it’s Sweed, a free agent or someone in the draft, I’m sure the Bucs will try to give Freeman someone who at least fits the profile of a deep threat.
Jaron in Salina, Utah writes: Haven't seen much on the Bucs lately, do you think that they could potentially take a look at Jamal Williams? I know he's a NT but I know he could play in a 4-3 look also.
Pat Yasinskas: Too late. Since the time you sent the question, Williams has landed with the Broncos. But I’d be taking a look at every defensive tackle, if I were the Bucs. Even if they get one with their first-round pick, they still need at least one more to really strengthen the middle of their defensive line.
Kyle in Orlando writes: I’m different from a lot of Bucs fans I know, but I'm not in favor of trading up to get Ndamukong Suh. We need all 10 of our picks! So if both Suh and Gerald McCoy are gone by the time our 3rd overall pick rolls around, would you see us as more likely to take Dez Bryant, Eric Berry or someone else?
Pat Yasinskas: I’m with you on not trading up. Cost would be too much in terms of both compensation and salary. I hate to speculate too much because the draft is still a long way off and we don’t know what the Rams and Lions will do with the first two picks. Also, there are a lot of individual workouts coming up that could change the order of draft boards. But let’s play your scenario with the two defensive tackles gone. I’d have to go with Berry. That’s high for a safety, but there is a need there. Bryant could end up being a great receiver, but there is baggage there. The Bucs have to nail their first pick this year and Berry probably is the safest choice -- in your scenario.
Jacob in Waterford, Mich., writes: After some thinking and seeing the Bucs first real off-season move I am leaning on this team actually having a REAL plan. Only one move but one that A: avoids any draft hurt this critical year, B: Clearly addresses the weakest spot, C: is a low risk possible high reward move. Reggie Brown probably won’t have 100 catches next year but if he has 40-50 to go along with Sammie Stroughter’s 45-55, that’s pretty good.
Scott in Cocoa Beach writes: Pat, a 6th round pick in 2011 for Reggie Brown? Really? Couldn't the Bucs have gotten him from Andy Reid for a box of chocolates and a new jump suit?
Pat Yasinskas: I’ll answer these two questions because they represent both ends of the Reggie Brown spectrum and a tip of the hat to Scott for throwing out a pretty funny line. I’ll take the middle road. Yes, Brown isn’t going to be the No. 1 receiver and probably not even No. 2. But, he wouldn’t be bad as a No. 3 receiver and I could see him producing 30 to 40 catches, if things go well. Still plenty more work to do at receiver. But this move didn’t cost much and, therefore, there’s not much risk involved.
Askia in West Lafayette, Ind., writes: With the Steelers potentially releasing Limas Sweed after the signings of Battle and Randel-El, do you think it would be smart for the Bucs to take a flier on him? I think that he has a lot of potential as a deep threat and the Bucs could certainly use one.
Pat Yasinskas: Well, we have to see if Sweed does in fact get released. But I do like your logic on this one. Josh Freeman has made it clear he wants a deep threat. Whether it’s Sweed, a free agent or someone in the draft, I’m sure the Bucs will try to give Freeman someone who at least fits the profile of a deep threat.
Jaron in Salina, Utah writes: Haven't seen much on the Bucs lately, do you think that they could potentially take a look at Jamal Williams? I know he's a NT but I know he could play in a 4-3 look also.
Pat Yasinskas: Too late. Since the time you sent the question, Williams has landed with the Broncos. But I’d be taking a look at every defensive tackle, if I were the Bucs. Even if they get one with their first-round pick, they still need at least one more to really strengthen the middle of their defensive line.
Matt in Atlanta writes: There has been so much talk and movement with cornerback this off-season, which is a huge need for the Falcons, but I was really concerned when I saw that Harvey Dahl was unsigned going into the offseason as well. I believe he could be a strong, long-term staple on our line. Is there any news on his situation?
Pat Yasinskas: Dahl is a restricted free agent and I seriously doubt the Falcons will let him go even if he gets an offer from another team. Dahl is a tough and consistent player on a pretty good offensive line. The Falcons don’t want to lose him.
Derek in Mandeville, La., writes: I was reading yesterday that now that the Saints have lost Scott Fujita to the Browns, the Saints are able to go after a 2nd tier free agents. So because that they are bringing in Leonard Little and possibly Jamal Williams this week, what impact could either of those 2 guys make to our current defensive line rotation?
Pat Yasinskas: Just because the Saints are having those guys in for visits doesn’t mean they’re going to sign them. They both would be nothing more than rotation players. Yes, the Saints are in the market for some depth on the defensive line, but I think they’re just doing their homework at this point. Guys like Little and Williams could still be available much later in free agency at very reasonable prices.
Scott in New Orleans writes: What will the Saints do if they lose Sharper? Are Taylor Mays and Chad Jones viable options for New Orleans? I like them both.
Pat Yasinskas: First off, I still think there’s a good chance Darren Sharper re-signs with New Orleans. If he doesn’t, I think his replacement might come from within. The Saints used last year’s top pick on Malcolm Jenkins and decided to try him at cornerback first. Jenkins did all right there as a rookie, but Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter established themselves as elite corners last year and they’re not going anywhere. Jenkins has the size and skills to switch to safety. Teams usually like to have a first-round pick starting by his second season.
Adrian in Augusta, Ga., writes: Hey Pat, love the blog man. When are we going to get that mock draft featuring all the ESPN blog stars?
Pat Yasinskas: Not sure if that’s happening or not. I’ll run it up the ladder. But I know that last year the bosses decided against it because they felt we already had a glut of mock drafts on our Web site.
Lee in Kenansville, N.C., writes: Is there any possibility that Darren Sharper might be going to Carolina?
Pat Yasinskas: Not going to happen. Look at what’s going on in Carolina with the youth movement. The Panthers aren’t going to suddenly reverse all that in bring in a 34-year-old.
Aaron in Greensboro writes: What's the word on Jake Delhomme? Any thoughts or rumors as to where he might end up?
Pat Yasinskas: Quiet so far, but I think Delhomme eventually will land somewhere as a backup. I’ve already theorized Tampa Bay and New Orleans could be logical landing spots for him. His days as a starter may be over, but the fact he’s intelligent and a good guy in the locker room still give him some value as a backup.
Pat Yasinskas: Dahl is a restricted free agent and I seriously doubt the Falcons will let him go even if he gets an offer from another team. Dahl is a tough and consistent player on a pretty good offensive line. The Falcons don’t want to lose him.
Derek in Mandeville, La., writes: I was reading yesterday that now that the Saints have lost Scott Fujita to the Browns, the Saints are able to go after a 2nd tier free agents. So because that they are bringing in Leonard Little and possibly Jamal Williams this week, what impact could either of those 2 guys make to our current defensive line rotation?
Pat Yasinskas: Just because the Saints are having those guys in for visits doesn’t mean they’re going to sign them. They both would be nothing more than rotation players. Yes, the Saints are in the market for some depth on the defensive line, but I think they’re just doing their homework at this point. Guys like Little and Williams could still be available much later in free agency at very reasonable prices.
Scott in New Orleans writes: What will the Saints do if they lose Sharper? Are Taylor Mays and Chad Jones viable options for New Orleans? I like them both.
Pat Yasinskas: First off, I still think there’s a good chance Darren Sharper re-signs with New Orleans. If he doesn’t, I think his replacement might come from within. The Saints used last year’s top pick on Malcolm Jenkins and decided to try him at cornerback first. Jenkins did all right there as a rookie, but Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter established themselves as elite corners last year and they’re not going anywhere. Jenkins has the size and skills to switch to safety. Teams usually like to have a first-round pick starting by his second season.
Adrian in Augusta, Ga., writes: Hey Pat, love the blog man. When are we going to get that mock draft featuring all the ESPN blog stars?
Pat Yasinskas: Not sure if that’s happening or not. I’ll run it up the ladder. But I know that last year the bosses decided against it because they felt we already had a glut of mock drafts on our Web site.
Lee in Kenansville, N.C., writes: Is there any possibility that Darren Sharper might be going to Carolina?
Pat Yasinskas: Not going to happen. Look at what’s going on in Carolina with the youth movement. The Panthers aren’t going to suddenly reverse all that in bring in a 34-year-old.
Aaron in Greensboro writes: What's the word on Jake Delhomme? Any thoughts or rumors as to where he might end up?
Pat Yasinskas: Quiet so far, but I think Delhomme eventually will land somewhere as a backup. I’ve already theorized Tampa Bay and New Orleans could be logical landing spots for him. His days as a starter may be over, but the fact he’s intelligent and a good guy in the locker room still give him some value as a backup.
- The Falcons have re-signed long-snapper Joe Zelenka.
- The Panthers have signed wide receiver Wallace Wright. Don’t get too excited. He’s not even close to a candidate to fill the No. 2 or No. 3 receiver spot, something the Panthers desperately need. Wallace was pretty much just a special-teams player in his time with the Jets.
- Safety Darren Sharper still is saying he would like to re-sign with the Saints. He also recently had minor knee surgery.
- Although the Falcons frequently talk about the “process,’’ Daniel Cox points out the signing of cornerback Dunta Robinson shows the team is moving with a sense of urgency.
- The Saints reportedly are showing interest in defensive tackles Jamal Williams and Maake Kemoeatu. Sounds like Williams is the first target.
- Former Carolina kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd has signed with Minnesota. Lloyd did a nice job handling kickoffs for the Panthers the past two years. But the Panthers have been shedding a bunch of luxuries and a kickoff specialist no longer seems like a necessity. Field goal kicker John Kasay and punter Jason Baker have handled kickoff duties in the past, but neither excels in that role.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
