… and we’re back.
After retreating from football for a few weeks after my most hated team won the Super Bowl, 4th & Blog is back in action.
(And Jay Cutler couldn’t be happier douchier)
Today marks the beginning of the NFL free agency period, which is all the player moving excitement the league can muster. Unlike the NHL, the trade deadline in the NFL is incredibly weak and boring, so this is really the only time where players move to exciting places and fans get to hope against hope that their team will be good this year.
Because, you know, one player makes all the difference.
(Totally depends on who that one player is)
So lets take a quick look at who the big “gets” are this year…
QUARTERBACKS
1. Jason Campbell
2. Rex Grossman
3. Byron Leftwich
4. Brady Quinn
5. Vince Young
My take: Not a great free agent class at all this year from the QB position. In the past, names like Favre and Manning have been sought after gems. This season, the big question is “Who will Jason Campbell backup in 2013?”
RUNNING BACKS
1. Steven Jackson
2. Ahmad Bradshaw
3. Reggie Bush
4. Reshard Mendenhall
5. Shonn Greene
My take: Aging veterans with a lot of tread on their tires? Yep, seems like an appropriate free agent class of RBs. Of all the names available, Steven Jackson and Reggie Bush are to me the most intriguing. I still think Bush has what it takes to be a huge impact player on the right team (he was crushing it in Miami in spurts). I also think Steven Jackson has maybe one above average year left in him, it all just depends on where he goes. He agreed to waive the final year of his contract because he wants to be an RB1 somewhere, so the will is where it’s supposed to be with that guy.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Mike Wallace
2. Wes Welker
3. Greg Jennings
4. Randy Moss
5. Danny Amendola
My take: Finally a free agent group where there are definitive “big fish” to catch. I would say that a lot of teams will be banging down Wes Welker’s door looking to add him. And why not? Danny Amendola (and other small, white WRs) are often labeled “Wes Welker-esque” players, so who wouldn’t want the guy that made being a slot receiver cool again? Also in the mix is Mike Wallace, who might just be the BEST free agent available this year. He is a much bigger get than aging vets Moss and Jennings and has never struggled through injury plagued seasons like Amendola.
TIGHT ENDS
1. Fred Davis
2. Dustin Keller
3. Martellus Bennett
4. Jared Cook
5. Brandon Myers
My take: Tony Gonzalez has announced he will re-sign with the Atlanta Falcons, so he doesn’t even qualify for my list. Aside from him, I think Fred Davis is the best left available. He’s posted big numbers in Washington, and could fit in well somewhere given the opportunity. Keller and Cook have been reliable in the past (plus you have to think getting those two away from their terrible QBs will give them a boost), but the big question mark is Brandon Myers. He had a monster 2012 season for the Raiders, but has “free agent bust” written all over him. I doubt teams will spend the big bucks on him, but this is the NFL we’re talking about here. Teams are stupid.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
1. James Harrison (LB)
2. Ed Reed (S)
3. Aqib Talib (CB)
4. Keenan Lewis (CB)
5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB)
My take: Plenty of big names to gamble on when it comes to defense this season. Not listed are old school names like Dwight Freeney and Richard Seymour, who I just don’t think “have it” anymore. Aside from them, I think Harrison is the absolute best a team can get, but he was overpaid in Pittsburgh and if a team wants him, they will probably have to pay out the nose to get him. Ed Reed has maybe 2 years left in the league, so I would expect him to either go to a contender or take a huge payday to finish his career in Buffalo or something. Talib, Lewis and DRC are among the top corners available, but I think Lewis might have the larger upside (being only 26).
Tune in to 4th & Blog tomorrow to see who landed where and which teams are looking good heading into the 2013 season (based on, you know, a few free agent moves).
You can follow j.Bow on twitter (@jBowmancouver). He hopes the Ravens go 0-16 next year. He isn’t bitter at all.
