Ask the Experts

Question: Which free agent intrigues you the most?

By the editors of Pro Football Weekly
As published in print Feb. 25, 2002

Ron Pollack|Keith Schleiden|Dan Arkush
Jeff Agrest|Trent Modglin|Andy Hanacek

Seahawks QB Trent Dilfer

Ron Pollack/Editor-in-chief

QB Trent Dilfer

All the guy does is win. Somehow, when this is said about Dilfer, it seems to carry a stigma with it instead of being a compliment. He may not be a glamorous quarterback, but winning is supposed to be how the position ultimately is judged. And let’s face facts, no one has been a more impressive winner the last two seasons than Dilfer. Two seasons ago, he quarterbacked the Ravens to a Super Bowl title. Because the Ravens won with defense and the ground game, Dilfer was written off as no more than a guy who didn’t screw things up. Then last season, he was 4-0 as a starter for a Seahawks squad that was 5-7 in the rest of its games. Trend or another coincidence? Is he for real? That’s why I find Dilfer so intriguing.

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Keith Schleiden/Managing editor

WR Cris Carter

What kind of interest is Carter going to draw on the open market? After voiding his contract with the Vikings, Carter is free to shop himself and sign with a new team. Maybe that’s what Carter needs — a fresh start. His sideline antics grew stale in Minnesota. He is coming off his least productive season since 1992. Despite that fact, Carter can still play. He would be a productive addition to any team that feels it is close to reaching a Super Bowl. The one concern, though, is his attitude. I don’t care what Carter says, he is a "me" player. Any team that considers signing him will have to look long and hard at that aspect of his personality. But if the team can get past that, he just might be too good to pass up.

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Dan Arkush/Executive editor

RB Garrison Hearst

Is it really possible everybody’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2001 might not come back to the 49ers? Taking into account his age (31), medical record and $3 million-a-year asking price, you certainly have to wonder. Hearst was extremely productive last season, both as a runner and a receiver. He also was a tremendous source of inspiration on a team that developed a terrific chemistry. As effective as Hearst was, however, the reality is that he figures to be a very high-risk investment. I suspect the Niners will find a way to keep Hearst around, but it will be interesting to see what role he fills next season with promising sophomore Kevan Barlow waiting in the wings and tempestuous WR Terrell Owens clamoring for a lot more receptions.

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Jeff Agrest/Senior editor

LB Sam Cowart

Entering this past season, PFW ranked Cowart No. 2 among the NFL’s inside/ middle linebackers. But a rash of injuries over the last two seasons likely will drop his ranking significantly. Nevertheless, when healthy, Cowart has proved to be a playmaker. Scouts said that before he went down in 2000, Cowart matched Ravens MLB Ray Lewis big play for big play. The question is: Will Cowart regain that ability after missing almost all of last season with a torn Achilles? The injury has played a key role in contract talks with the Bills. While the team wants Cowart to prove his worth again, Cowart wants to be paid like a top linebacker, which he can be. If the two sides part ways, you can bet someone will take a chance on him.

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Trent Modglin/Associate editor

RB Ricky Watters

With all due respect to the rest of the potential difference-makers, such as Grady Jackson, Sam Cowart and Trent Dilfer, I’m leaning toward Watters, whose name has not been mentioned nearly as much as it should be. With Shaun Alexander’s meteoric rise to star status, Watters was virtually forgotten about until he returned from a shoulder injury to surprisingly reclaim the starting job in Seattle, albeit briefly. Despite his age (he’ll be 33 in April), there is no doubt Watters can still play at a high level. His remarkable durability was tested this season, but Watters’ versatility, leadership and reputation as one of the league’s hardest workers would be a welcome sight for a team looking for a final piece to the puzzle.

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Andy Hanacek/Associate editor

TE Ken Dilger

While his receiving numbers aren’t the stuff of Hall of Famers, Dilger is certainly capable of bigger numbers in the passing game. The Colts used Dilger more as an all-around tight end, giving more of the pass-catching opportunities to Marcus Pollard. But now, without Pollard to steal catches, Dilger could have a breakout year in an offense tailored for a tight end. Talk of interest in New England has surfaced, and Dilger would fit in nicely there, if the price is right. We all know New England isn’t a bank-breaker when it comes to free agents. Another good fit could be the Texans, who could use a versatile veteran tight end. Dilger also could help a team’s running game because of his quality blocking ability.

Much more free-agency analysis can be found in the current print edition (Vol. XVI, No. 32) of Pro Football Weekly, dated March 2002, on sale at newsstands and bookstores across the country. Or you can subscribe online to PFW's print edition, or subscribe by calling 1-800-FOOTBALL (366-8225) and charging your subscription to a major credit card.

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2001 - 2002 Season