| We are just days away from what proves to be a
very exciting time in the NFL offseason — the start of the free-agent signing
period. On March 2, those players who have dodged their team’s franchise designations
or have failed to reach a contract extension are free to hit the bricks in search of
millions of dollars being offered by a prospective new team. Not long ago, Pro
Football Weekly ranked this year’s crop of free agents, coming up with a list of
the top 101 players slated to hit the market.
I was fantasizing the other day about what it would be like to have that type of
freedom in a job. Just imagine if you were one of the best at what you do for a living, in
whatever profession, and there was a window of opportunity to take your act on the road
and offer your services to the highest bidder. Not only is there money to consider, but
the chances of winning, the location of the team and the coaches you will be playing for.
Sounds like a lot of fun.
But because I was not blessed with outstanding size or world-class athleticism, I will
never know what this process is like firsthand. Instead, I will have to live vicariously
through these lucky few free agents. With that said, I will — in the course of
this short column — pretend to be each of the NFL’s top 10 free agents (as
rated by PFW) and decide where I would ultimately like to play ball next season. (Please
remember, this is make-believe-land. It is not an actual prediction of how things will
shake out.)
1. RB Corey Dillon/Bengals — I have been slapped with the
transition tag, which means the lousy Bengals have the right to match any offer I receive
from prospective suitors. That said, since I really want to get out of Cincinnati, I will
encourage some team to load up my prospective contract with "poison pills"
— elements in the deal that will make it very hard to match. The team that I
want to play for next season is the Dolphins, which is a club that got its ground game
going last season but still could use a real workhorse to carry the load. Lamar Smith
averaged 3.7 yards a carry last season. I averaged 4.6 yards per carry. Considering that
Dave Wannstedt wants to run the ball, and the coach doesn’t have a reliable
quarterback, I know that I will be the featured performer on offense. With that stifling
Dolphins defense, and me running over the opposition, we will be a winner in 2001. See you
on South Beach.
2. WR Eric Moulds/Bills — How could I turn down $40
million-plus over six years to re-sign? I couldn’t. So I will remain a member of the
Bills after agreeing to a lucrative contract offer because I prefer to stick where I
already have a sense of home.
3. CB Samari Rolle/Titans — The fact that my defensive
coordinator, Gregg Williams, left to become the head coach of the Bills could have some
influence on where I want to play next season. But the fact that I’m a restricted
free agent will have even more influence. Basically, the Titans can match any offer for me
— and few teams are willing to give up the required draft compensation that goes
along with signing a restricted free agent. Looks like I’ll be sticking with the
Titans for at least one more season.
4. DE Marcellus Wiley/Bills — What a time to become an
unrestricted free agent? God, it feels good to be alive. I did a fine job of replacing
Bruce Smith last season, and I still have a great upside, considering the 2000 season was
just my fourth in the NFL. While I wouldn’t mind sticking with the Bills, they have
some serious salary-cap issues, which could limit the amount of money they are able to
offer me. Furthermore, they have released my outstanding linemate, NT Ted Washington. That
could make things harder for me next year. Therefore, I’m heading home to my native
California, where I will suit up for the San Diego Chargers. New Chargers GM John Butler
is the man who drafted me for the Bills, so he knows what I can do. Furthermore, the
Chargers need pass-rushing help, which I can provide. So long, snowy Buffalo; hello, sunny
San Diego.
5. QB Brian Griese/Broncos — I don’t have many options
because of my restricted status. But that’s fine with me. I love playing in Denver
for Mike Shanahan, and if my shoulder ever gets back to 100 percent, I will be pleased as
punch to stick with the Broncos. We’ve got a new stadium on the way and some of the
most devout fans in the league. Furthermore, I have several running backs (when healthy)
to take the pressure off me, and a couple of top-notch veteran wideouts in Rod Smith and
Ed McCaffrey.
6. DE Jason Taylor/Dolphins — I want to remain with the Dolphins
and continue to be a member of the one of the NFL’s most talented defenses. And it
looks as though that is a lock now that I have been franchised. I will push my agent to
work out some sort of long-term deal that we can sign after July 15, which means the team
still can keep the franchise tag in future years. So, you can come to see Corey Dillon and
me on South Beach.
7. CB Ray Buchanan/Falcons — I’ve accomplished what I wanted
to, which is to avoid the nasty franchise tag. Just before it appeared that I would be the
first-ever Falcon to be franchised, I agreed to a six-year, $36 million deal that included
an $8 million signing bonus. That means I get to stay in Atlanta, where my family is very
happy, and I get to continue to play alongside my pal Ashley Ambrose.
8. RB Jerome Bettis/Steelers — The perfect place for me is
Pittsburgh, and so I will be pushing to re-sign with the Steelers. Considering the
often-atrocious quarterback play that takes place on this team, Bill Cowher needs me. The
offense needs me. The team needs me. Boy, it’s fun to be needed. I’ll take a
five-year, $25 million deal with a $9 million signing bonus, please. Oh, and throw in one
of those smart new luxury suites in our new stadium.
9. CB Aeneas Williams/Cardinals — Man, just once, I wanted to
have a shot at playing for a winner. After 10 seasons of being a Cardinal, I considered
retiring or signing with a contender. But the Cardinals had to slap the franchise tag on
me. That’s some thanks for years and years of quality service. My hands are tied.
10. DE Kenny Holmes/Titans — While I know the Titans will
try to convince me that it’s in my best interest to remain in Tennessee, I think I
may take a look around a bit. In fact, I believe I will follow in the footprints of my
former teammate, OT Jon Runyan, and head to Philadelphia. They’ve got a top defense,
an up-and-coming offense, a brand-new, state-of-the-art practice facility, a new stadium
on the way, and plenty of cap room with which to play. Furthermore, they are hoping to add
a top defensive end to start opposite Hugh Douglas. Even though Douglas and I both play
right end, I did play a little left end in college. I’m sure I can make the
transition just fine. |
