| Of the 14 veterans who have been released in the
days since June 1, each of them knew his firing was coming. This year, there were no
surprises. Not yet anyway. In the coming weeks, there could be more players cut for
salary-cap purposes, as teams fine-tune their rosters before the start of training camp. Several
of the June 1 cuts are attracting interest around the league, as they are pursued by
potential suitors. There are others, though, who may be done playing.
What follows are my own personal rankings of the latest players to hit the free-agent
market.
1. WR Keenan McCardell
This is a slam dunk. McCardell is clearly the best of the bunch. The Jaguars
didn’t want to release him. They simply had to in order to free up enough salary-cap
space to sign their rookies. McCardell and Jimmy Smith proved to be one of the most
productive WR tandems in league history. Even though he’s 32 years old, McCardell
still has several fine seasons ahead of him. He golfed with Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil
during his visit to Kansas City. He also has been courted by the Buccaneers. However, many
league observers believe that Atlanta might be the best fit for McCardell, where he could
help with the development of young QB Michael Vick.
2. LB Keith Mitchell
Mitchell will be 28 in July, which makes him one of the younger June 1 cuts. He
appeared in the Pro Bowl in 2000, when the Saints used him primarily as a pass-rushing
’backer, rarely asking him to drop into pass coverage. Last year, after Charlie
Clemons returned to the pass-rushing role, Mitchell had to participate in coverage more,
which was his downfall. He really struggled. If he could get hooked up with a team like
the Texans, his career could once again take off. Texans head coach Dom Capers will employ
a 3-4 scheme, which would suit Mitchell to a "T." He has stated he hopes to sign
in Houston, which is close to where he played in college, at Texas A&M. However, the
Texans aren’t expected to break the bank to sign him.
3. WR Derrick Alexander
Injuries held Alexander back in Kansas City last season. Furthermore, he wasn’t a
great fit in Dick Vermeil’s offense. It was assumed that he would land in Minnesota,
where he would pair with Randy Moss. However, Alexander has decided to further test the
market, much to the chagrin of Vikings head coach Mike Tice. Alexander has had discussions
with the Patriots and Buccaneers. Tice wants a quick decision and has said they will move
on without Alexander if the pass catcher drags this thing out much longer.
4. WR Antonio Freeman
Freeman appears to be the Vikings’ fallback option if the Derrick Alexander deal
isn’t resolved quickly. The Vikings are very familiar with Freeman, as they have
faced him twice a year in the NFC Central. Since that is the case, the Vikings must be
aware of Freeman’s declining production and speed. Most observers believe that
Freeman has lost at least half a step in the past year. His production has dropped in each
of the past four seasons, falling from 84 catches and 1,424 yards in 1998 to 52 catches
and 818 yards in 2001. If things don’t work out in Minnesota, his hometown of
Baltimore could be a nice fit. However, the Ravens need to work out contract extensions
for Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware to create cap room before they can make any additions.
5. QB Charlie Batch
With 46 career starts and relative youth (27 years old), Batch could be very attractive
to several teams. However, there aren’t any teams that are looking to add a starting
quarterback. That means that Batch will likely have to accept a backup role for a year. He
could sign a one-year deal in hopes of re-entering the free-agent market next year so that
he could find a team that would allow him to compete for a starting job. While I
personally don’t believe in Batch — I was shocked when the Lions gave him a
four-year, $31 million contract that included a $13 million signing bonus in 2000 —
there are people in the NFL who think he can still develop. The Jaguars appear to be
interested, as they are seeking a backup for Mark Brunell. However, with their salary-cap
situation, they might not be able to afford him. Green Bay might be a nice fit for him, as
the Packers could use an upgrade over Doug Pederson as their primary backup.
6. LB Hardy Nickerson
The Packers are interested in Nickerson, who had 117 tackles and three interceptions
last year with the Jaguars. Even though he will be 37 in September, Nickerson probably has
another year or two left in him. The Packers are still looking for a middle linebacker
because they aren’t convinced that Torrance Marshall is ready to handle the job yet.
The Eagles also are interested in Nickerson. However, they may not be able to guarantee a
starting job, as young Barry Gardner is penciled in as their starting middle ’backer.
7. DE Marco Coleman
A great leader on and off the field, Coleman could be an asset to a number of teams. At
the age of 32, he probably doesn’t have a ton left in the tank, and he was bothered
by injuries last season. But he could provide depth at end on a team that is ready to make
a run at the Super Bowl. There have been rumblings that the Eagles are interested in
adding Coleman, but the team has denied any interest.
8. RB Jamal Anderson
When the Falcons signed Warrick Dunn and then drafted T.J. Duckett, it became obvious
that Anderson’s days in Atlanta were numbered. After two major knee injuries,
combined with his age (30 in September), there is concern that Anderson may not be the
runner that he once was. If he were to agree to an incentive-laden deal, he could be a
good fit for a team looking for depth at running back.
9. OG Ray Brown
He earned his first Pro Bowl trip last season, at the age of 39. He will be 40 in
December. When players reach this age, they can begin to decline in a hurry. Yet he still
wants to keep playing. He could be a good fit for a team that is looking for a quick fix
or a short-term starter. The Redskins are such a team, as they still need a starting
guard. But Washington doesn’t appear to be targeting Brown at the moment.
10. OT John Fina
He enjoyed a pretty good run in the league for 10 years. But last year, because of a
bad leg, he lost some of his quickness. Right now, at the age of 33, he might be
best-suited for a backup role. A team like the Rams could be a nice fit because they
don’t have much proven depth behind OLT Orlando Pace.
11. LB Mike Jones
Jones may be best-remembered for his game-saving tackle of Titans WR Kevin Dyson at the
one-yard line in Super Bowl XXXIV, when St. Louis defeated Tennessee. But at 33, he is
past his prime and best-suited for a backup job.
12. RB Rodney Thomas
Another running back released by the Falcons, he has never rushed for 1,000 yards in a
season. If he wants to play for an eighth NFL season, he will have to hook up with a team
that can use him as a special-teamer.
13. WR Herman Moore
Moore was once of the NFL’s best wideouts. But injuries over the past three years
have really taken a toll. Considering he will be 33 in October, it’s doubtful there
will be a ton of teams beating down the door to sign Moore.
14. OG Glenn Parker
He’s enjoyed a very solid NFL career. But it may be time to hang up the pads for
Parker. He hit the skids hard in 2001. While he believes he still can play, many in the
Giants' organization say he’s done. Parker is expected to give serious consideration
to retirement. |
