I found this article from Yahoo sports interesting The scenario they described with Gross makes a lot of sense

BALTIMORE – Standing there, you could see the figure ($12.5 million) ricocheting off the interior of Bart Scott’s skull. That’s a lot of green to turn down, which Scott did three years ago – eschewing a lucrative offer from the Cleveland Browns to return to the Baltimore Ravens. Some might call it a hometown discount, but if you pick Scott’s gray matter long enough, he’ll admit it was really a Super Bowl discount.

“I thought that’s what I was coming back for,” the Ravens linebacker said of his decision three years ago. “We were going to keep the core of the defense together and win a championship. We’ll see what happens this time around. And after whatever happens [in the playoffs], we’ll see where things go.”



The Ravens shouldn’t count on getting a major discount from Scott this time.
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Scott says that latter part with a hint of doubt, like he knows a bill is coming, and the Ravens may not be prepared to pay all of it. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, Scott finds himself in a place shared by a multitude of stars that qualified for the playoffs this season – headed for the open market. But no single unit will feel the pinch more than Baltimore’s defense, which has three core players who will be unrestricted free agents this offseason.

Indeed, the core of Baltimore’s vaunted linebacker group is headed for open waters, with Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs slated to join Scott as free agents. Suggs is free after a contract provision was added last season that stipulated the Ravens couldn’t apply the franchise tag a second straight season. Meanwhile, the Ravens aren’t likely to franchise either Lewis or Scott due to what are expected to be exorbitant franchise tag salaries at their positions.

There is also a possibility that fading cornerback Chris McAlister will be a cap casualty if he doesn’t renegotiate his deal this offseason. And complicating the situation is the fact that game-changing nose tackle Haloti Ngata is entering Year 4 of a five-year deal next season – which means the Ravens will be looking to talk contract extension by the end of 2009.

In that broad spectrum, Scott may have framed the situation best: “I think we’d all like to be here, but you know how that goes.”

A league source with intimate knowledge of Scott’s free agent mindset said he has gotten to the point where he won’t be making “the Cleveland decision” all over again.

“Twelve and a half million dollars was a lot of money to leave out there [in 2006],” the source said. “That was a one-time thing. This time, there won’t be any discounts. [Ownership] is going to have to pay full price.”

As it stands, the economy is making this offseason’s free agent market slightly unpredictable, but Scott’s age (he’ll turn 29 in August) and flexibility – he can play middle or outside linebacker in both a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment – should make him a valuable commodity. It’s believed he will draw a package north of the reported five-year, $25 million deal signed by Washington’s London Fletcher in 2007, but south of the reported bloated six-year, $42 million deal the New York Jets gave Calvin Pace last offseason.

As for Lewis and Suggs, both have factors that could drastically impact their value. Despite playing some of the best football in his career, Lewis’ age (he turns 34 in May) will weigh heavily against him. And Suggs salary could vary dramatically depending on whether teams will view him as a pass rushing outside linebacker in a 3-4, or a lithe, Jared Allen type of defense end in a 4-3.

Regardless of how that all plays out, at least one thing appears certain: this may be the last time we see the Ravens defense with this current core of stars. That said, Baltimore isn’t alone. Here is a look at some of the other playoff stars – which means New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel and other non-postseason qualifiers’ statuses won’t be assessed – who are slated to be unrestricted free agents this offseason …


Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee Titans
The big daddy of this offseason’s free agent market, Haynesworth will land somewhere near the richest deal in NFL history for a defensive player. The Titans used their franchise tag on him last season, and he added the same “no second-tag” stipulation as Suggs, so he’s going to be on the market. His age (he turns 28 in June) and ability to dominate make him one of the best defensive free agents in league history. His prior anger issues – and the penchant for some defensive tackles to get lazy after signing big deals – make him a little scary for teams. But he’ll still cash in huge and leave Tennessee.

Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers
After bouncing back big with 14½ sacks this season, it’s extremely unlikely Peppers is going anywhere, particularly after the Panthers saw what happened to the Kansas City Chiefs’ front line when it dealt Jared Allen. Peppers will sign a massive deal, or the Panthers will retain him with the franchise tag.

Jordan Gross, OT, Carolina Panthers
There has been some thought that Carolina can’t afford to keep both Gross and Peppers, especially considering they’re arguably the best free agent talent at “premium” positions. The reality is that Carolina likely can’t keep Gross, Peppers and quarterback Jake Delhomme, who will have a reported $11 million cap number next season. Smart money says the Panthers franchise Peppers and get a deal with Gross done before free agency begins, then either cut Delhomme or dramatically rework his deal.

Darren Sproles, RB, San Diego Chargers
His dazzling playoff performance against the Indianapolis Colts certainly made him some money, but not nearly as much as people seem to think. Because of his size, Sproles will be viewed as a top-notch hybrid player who could get 12-15 touches a game and handle the occasional start in an injury situation. Think of a slightly smaller Leon Washington. His highest value will be to the Chargers, but general manager A.J. Smith won’t overpay to keep him. That means Sproles will likely land elsewhere.

Kerry Collins, QB, Tennessee Titans
Collins wants to be a starter next year, and two things make it easy to see why the 36-year old feels justified in that stance: Tennessee’s record this season (and no, the loss to Baltimore was not Collins’ fault), and the uncertainty surrounding of Vince Young. That said, Tennessee didn’t make any playoff progress this year with Collins. And ditching Young or not giving him an opportunity to win the job in Year 4 of his five year deal would be a monumental admission of failure by the franchise. Chances are Collins tests free agency, then returns to fight for the starting job once again.



Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Advancing to the NFC championship game probably sealed this deal, putting Warner in the best case scenario that Collins might have enjoyed had Tennessee made the AFC’s title matchup. Despite the fact that Warner turns 38 this summer, he’ll likely end up inking a five-year deal that’s really more of a three-year arrangement. Arizona would simply be taking too big a risk to let Warner go to a team like the Minnesota Vikings, and then possibly fall flat on its face by casting its fortunes on Matt Leinart.

Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants
Jacobs’ situation is much like Peppers’ with Carolina. It’s almost unimaginable that he’d get away as a free agent. Considering what the offense looked like during his short injury absence in the regular season, it’s certain he’ll get tagged if the Giants can’t nail him down with a long-term deal.

Derrick Ward, RB, New York Giants
Jacobs’ impending financial windfall and the capabilities of Ahmad Bradshaw as a backup mean Ward will likely be headed elsewhere to become some team’s starting running back. He proved his worth by rushing for more than 1,000 yards this season, not to mention a strong performance while filling in for Jacobs early in ’07 as well. The one interesting thing will be how teams react to Ward’s age (he’ll be 29 in August). While he doesn’t have a lot of mileage, that will still scare teams. So don’t be shocked if he falls well short of the six-year $34.5 million deal the Atlanta Falcons gave Michael Turner last offseason.

Vernon Carey, OT, Miami Dolphins
Miami’s refusal to talk to Carey about contract specifics until after the season essentially guaranteed he would see the free agent market. While he’s not considered an “elite” bookend, Carey is a solid right tackle who will likely always be one notch below a Pro Bowl-caliber player. That said, his age (he turns 28 in July) and extensive starting experience will make him a valued commodity, likely drawing him one of the more lucrative deals of the offensive linemen this offseason.

Channing Crowder, LB, Miami Dolphins
Crowder will be a very interesting free agent to watch. He is extremely young (he just turned 25) and has shown the ability to be a consistent tackler. But he hasn’t been a big playmaker in his four years, producing only 1½ sacks, three forced fumbles, and zero interceptions in that span. It doesn’t help that he hasn’t toned down his reputation as a big locker room talker with a wild streak, either. Still, Crowder has a respectable skill set and good size, and that should lead to a healthy contract from a team that believes it can coach him up.

Brian Dawkins, S, Philadelphia Eagles
He turns 36 in October, and he’s not the elite player that he once was, but Dawkins has shown in the second half of this season that he’s still a good football player. He wants to play in 2009, and his value inside the locker room ranks right near the top of the NFL. It’s likely the Eagles will figure out a short-term deal to give him one last payday – perhaps even a one-year deal. But if they can’t get it done, another playoff contending team will gladly scoop Dawkins up for a year or two.

Karlos Dansby, LB, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals put the franchise tag on Dansby last season, and they could do it again, but there is a good chance he’ll hit the open market. Having just turned 27 in November, Dansby has put up five good years for the Cardinals, and shown an array of skills. He should have some high demand, and will be looking for something similar to the lucrative former teammate Pace signed with Jets. Teams will love his size and potential for growth, even after five years.

I am a fan of Dansby- he tore it up the last game.

Haynesworth 1st Dansby as a 2nd tier would be great for me. Sign these two, and we'll back in the Super Bowl chase in '09

Isn't that putting a lot of money into the LB position. And one of them will be sitting half of the time when they are in the nickel.

we wont get another LB, i think TT thinks we have 5 quality guys for the "open competition" in camp.

i cant see us signing haynesworth or even pursuing him, he is going to get a ton of money that TT wont want to spend.

getting gross would be nice but i dont see it happening either, i see a LT from the draft though to replace cliffy in a year

The LBs stunk this year.

My top guy is Suggs. He can play LB or DL and would be a monster. I think Gross will sign before FA starts allowing the panthers to tag Peppers.

Suggs would be solid too- I just wonder how a tweener would fair in the Pack's D? Although it may be changing.

I think you ask a fair question Vinnie. I would like Suggs for that very reason: he's a "tweener". This would give flexibility in scheme and blitz situations. Suggs could drop back or rush the passer and that unpredictable situation is exactly what the defense needs.

Plus, the thought of Kampman and Suggs at the ends with Jenkins rushing from the inside is a nice thought!

Suugs would fit pretty well in our new 3-4!!

Go Pack!!

I don't think Dansby is going anywhere. I don't think most of these guys will go anywhere. I'm not being pessimistic but realistic. Most teams can afford to sign these players back with the exception of Baltimore (one of these guys will go somewhere else) and Carolina. But Gross already stated he loves it there so maybe delhomme is the odd man out.

I haven't seen this brought up at all so maybe it is not that popular of an idea but I would love to see Brian Dawkins brought in. He still has some left in the tank as he showed down the stretch and in the playoffs. He would bring serious leadership and an intensity to the defense that was non-existent last year. It would also give Collins more freedom to roam around in the secondary to make plays.

Of course I would like to have Gross first and foremost but that looks to be a long shot.

mancl properly didn't include him because he hasn't achieved star status yet but S Jim Leonhard is a free agent after one year with the Ravens who found out how good he really was after being buried in Buffalo. Small, but very smart, tough and very athletic somewhat similar to Bob Sanders at Indy, he would be a great tandem player with Collins.

I think many would like to see this as well, especially for a year or two.

But Dawkins already expressed that he wants to stay in Philadelphia.

LINK

Dawkins would be a leader and good in run support. He has become a real liability in pass coverage though. I can't imagine him not being in philly.

forget Haynsworth, or Peppers, after watching the NT for Arizona last night, I don't care if he's a free agent or not, find a way to get him, or someone like him.

The Packers need players in 4 positions either in FA or draft.
NT, OLB, DE, and a starting CB. You could say another OT but that can be debated. I like the DE from the Chargers Olshansky or Canty from Dallas. DT could target Johnson or Haye from Tampa. OLB have seen Dansby and Scott mentioned and CB maybe Robinson. If we go after an OT then Casey from Miami, (went after him before) or Runyon.
The deal is TT probably won't go after 4-5 FAs. So it comes down to numbers and I think he goes after 3 people, Robinson, Canty and Johnson. Won't know until FA starts but just speculation.

When does FA actually start?

I think Gross resigns, Peppers tagged

Id like to see Carey at RT, draft a LT..

Get Scott or Dansby..Canty or Olshansky..

Is Haye from TB a FA? Didnt see him on another list..

FA starts Feb. 27th I believe.
Peppers won't be tagged, way too expensive, IMO.
Here is a list of the tag #'s for each position.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...-tags-analysis/

I heard a rumor on the radio today that Bart Scott could be the Packers top target. They say Suggs and Lewis are long shots to leave but that Scott is looking to get paid and that while he likes Balt he also would like to get paid which means if he wants the money he will have to leave to get it. Also Scott would not break the bank like Suggs or Peppers would. I would think Scott could be had for a 5 year 25-27 million dollar deal.

Though Ted has usually laid low during the first wave of FA I feel he should aggressively pursue Suggs (so long as BAL doesn't lock him up first). Suggs is an athletic force who dominates in rushing the passer and stopping the run. He is also quite adequate in pass coverage as he snagged 2 INTs this past year with 9 PDs. His experience in the 3-4 would be an asset to the Packers as they make the conversion to the 3-4.

As for the second tier of FAs Igor Olshansky stands out as an intriguing possibility. He 'stands' at 6'6 while weighing a solid 310 lbs. Olshansky has long, gorilla-like arms and moves very well for a man of his size. A perfect 5-technique for Capers scheme. It looks as though SD hasn't contacted Igor in regards to a new contract and it seems likely he'll hit the market.

I'm one of those people who believes that Pickett will be a solid NT, but he'll need a rotation (as Patty points out in Bruce's thread) to stay fresh. Gabe will likely stay in Arizona, but Ted should at least research how the Cards are treating his Restricted Free Agency. Watson is a large man who can command a double team if fresh and healthy. A solid back-up NT in a 3-4 scheme.


Other intriguing possibilities that Ted will likely look at - well I would:

Bart Scott NE - Veteran experience in a 3-4. But is he very different than Barnett?
Rosevelt Colvin NE- Again, veteran experience in a 3-4, but he's getting up in years.
Eric Alexander NE - A young up-and-coming ILB, good for depth. Experience in the position and scheme.
Nnamdi Asomugha OAK - I know he'll be expensive, and likely tagged, but I've loved his play for years.
Dunta Robinson HOU - He's going to be expensive, maybe too expensive for what he is...
OJ Atogwe STL - A great tackler with an eye for the ball, but he took a while to learn the system in STL.
Jason Brown BAL - A very good center who can also play the guard positions, again, will likely be resigned.
Khalif Barnes JAC - At 6'5, 330, a large man. Had a down year in '07, good year in '08. Contract year? Yep.
Jahri Evans NO - An underrated guard who may not fit the ZBS, but he's good.
Chris Canty DAL - Played in Parcells' scheme. Many from PackerChatters are clamouring for him.

On NFLN Rod Woodson said he believes Suggs will be tagged. I had thought he had worked out a deal stating that he couldn't be tagged again this year. Guess not

Apparently, Chris Canty wants big money...remember that ridiculous contract the Raiders gave to Tommy Kelly? Canty's agent said that will be their starting point. No thanks big fella. He'd be nice to have Green Bay, but not for 50 mil. and 18 mil guaranteed. I have alot of respect for Al Davis and what he gave to the game, but his irresponsible spending has only made good players demand contracts reserved for great players.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives...ontract-to.html

Scouting Report on Olshansky from PFW:


http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Featu...ansky021509.htm

Seems Canty likes Parcells a great deal, the man who drafted him I believe. Choice between Parcells and the city of Miami and Green Bay and Capers. My hopes are not high, on us landing him if Parcells wants him. It is looking more to me like TT should go after Suggs or Scott. Unless someone can say Capers can get the best play out of Olshansky. We may have to really hope Harrell can play end.

Stat of the Week: Peter King, ESPN

Gross off the market?

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/16/panthers-t...l-for-ot-gross/

Jordan Gross-T- Panthers Feb. 19 - 1:00 pm et


Panthers LT Jordan Gross revealed Thursday that he has completed a multi-year contract to stay in Carolina.

"We're done," he said. Gross' deal is expected to make him the NFL's second highest paid offensive lineman, behind only Dolphins left tackle Jake Long. Gross made his first Pro Bowl last season and was voted first-team All Pro.

With all the tags and players that have signed I see no real top players that could come in and make a bid difference on this team. This FA class went from great to average fast. The top guy out there haynesworth I think is just a guy who was playing hard for a contract and will Hunt once he gets it. Beyond him all you have are average starters and backup. Nothing that will be a big difference and change this team. I think the draft now become the main thing if this switch to a 3-4 is sucessful. TT migh pick up one or two of those average starters but thats what they will be averae and make no major difference to this team.

I agree that its not a great FA market, but still some possible upgrades out there.. With Lechler and Gross signed my FA dreams are gone..

I still like Carey OT Miami and Bernard DT Seattle..

Any thoughts on Vilma?

I dont know I would maybe kick the tires on Vilma but I would be a little scared to give him any kind of long term contract with any kind of decent money with his injury history.

He already flopped in the 3-4 once with New York. Not an option.

For me Shaun Cody, Igor Olshansky. This team needs to address the DL. You have Pickett, Jolly (most likely to be suspended) Jenkins (coming off an injury) and Harrell ( nuff said) Cody and Olshansky can add depth to the DE position. Cole will most likely be gone, Mongomery is worthless, and Thompson is more suited to play LB in this scheme, and the same can be said for Hunter.

Now way would I touch Hanesworth or even consider tradeing for Peppers. Another player could be Rocky Bernard. TT needs to bring in at least two DL in this FA period.

Gross is out of the picture as I assumed. So are most of the others on the list. I still say Canty or Olshansky.

I never really thought Peppers or Haynesworth were a possibility.
Had an outside hope for Gross but didn't think it would happen.
All along I thought Igor would be a good fit or possibly Bernard.

I didn't believe this would end up being as good an FA class as it looked.
Teams understand signing there own is the best way to get better these days.
Even the Raiders figured that out(although they spent some huge bucks).

Go Pack!!

this thread is really outdated now

Haha, yeah. Half of the players are tagged, not really "top free agents"

New stuff-

Vick watch

Name a team that is so pathetic and needy they would take Vick....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090220/ap_on_...nterest_in_vick

Kansas Penal League

The Packers lost Canty we know. He is just one player a very good player but he is know off the market. There is still players out there that can help the Packers. TT and company must see the same things we do as Packer fans.

He must know switching to a 3-4 he needs to add some DL. I have stated this in numerous threads you have Pickett, Jolly facing a possible suspension, Jenkins coming off a major injury, Harrell (nuff said), Kampman swithching to LB, and Thompson, and Hunter not fitting the prototypical DE in the 3-4. TT has some serious work to do here. Guys I think could help Igor Olshansky, Shaun Cody, Tank Johnson, Ronald Fields, and Gabe Watson is a RFA from Arizona.

Other people I think could help this D are Kevin Burnett LB, Angelo Crowell LB, Jim Leonard S, DeShaa Townson CB.

We should all have an idea now of how TT moves in FA. I have to be honest with you it frustrates the ---- out of me. I have faith in TT. TT has built this team with young players from the draft. Some of these young players contracts will be up after 2009. Jennings, Collins, College, Spitz, Jolly, and also Kampman, and Pickett's contract will be up.

The OL IMO needs to add some talent as well. I remember watching games in the 2008 season. I remember watching the OL getting manhandled most of the time. I remember the OL very rarely opening holes for RB.

You can't fill all these holes during the draft. IMO TT needs to sign two DL during this FA period. The Wisconsin State Journal reported today from a leauge source that the Packers have set up multiple visits for the upcoming week. They did not mention who the players were.

TT has some work to do. Another 6-10 season will be devastating. I don't believe TT and MM jobs are on the line based on the outcome of this season. But the heat will be turned up if this team does not show signifigant improvement.

There are players still available in FA that can help the Pack. TT sounds like a very detatiled, and organized person. Time to go to work TT.

Other guys you can add to that list are S Sean Jones, CB Bryant McFadden, LB Jason Babin, NT Kedric Golston, and DE Anthony Weaver. Babin had 3 good seasons under Capers in the past before going elsewhere and struggling with his hand in the dirt for the past two seasons. Golston is just a rotational guy, but he's pretty solid and capable of playing the nose here. Anthony Weaver had some really good years at end in Baltimore's scheme before moving on to Houston and not being as productive in their 4-3.

Agreed I like McFadden and Jones. Babin I liked went he went to Houston Four years ago. I definately think he could help.