Big names, big values remain on NFL free-agent market
Article By ddillon.tsn on 8th March, 2010
The Bears and Lions made the biggest splashes on the opening day of free agency — storming the market like early-bird shoppers on Black Friday — but several other teams spent money for players they hope will fit their plans.
Players such as defensive ends Julius Peppers (Bears) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Lions); cornerbacks Dunta Robinson (Falcons) and Antonio Cromartie (Jets); wide receiver Anquan Boldin (Ravens); and linebacker Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) were grabbed off the shelves quickly.
Iyer: Signings cut both ways
The Trenches: Keep track of the latest news
Free-agent rankings: Iyer's Top 50 | War Room's Super 99
Lions coach Jim Schwartz, formerly Tennessee's defensive coordinator, was eager to sign his former player — he was camped out in Vanden Bosch's driveway when free agency started at 12:01 a.m. ET Friday — even though Vanden Bosch is 31. Schwartz understands that older veterans still can have value.
"Most of the unrestricted players available in free agency are going to be players who are 29, 30, 31 years old," Schwartz told reporters. "You can get mileage out of (such an older player) as long as you have a very specific role in mind for him and he fits in your scheme."
By Sunday night, the shopping had slowed to a trickle. But that doesn't mean there won't be a second wave. There still are several free agents worth a look (if not a purchase):
Top unrestricted offensive players 1. Thomas Jones, RB. A running back's career is supposed to start declining at age 30, but Jones had his best season last year—1,402 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. The Jets released him instead of paying him a $3.3 million roster bonus. And Jones is durable, starting 89 of 96 games the last six seasons.
If he's OK with being a No. 2, Terrell Owens can still help teams. "This is one of the tough decisions we...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
Players such as defensive ends Julius Peppers (Bears) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (Lions); cornerbacks Dunta Robinson (Falcons) and Antonio Cromartie (Jets); wide receiver Anquan Boldin (Ravens); and linebacker Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) were grabbed off the shelves quickly.
Iyer: Signings cut both ways
The Trenches: Keep track of the latest news
Free-agent rankings: Iyer's Top 50 | War Room's Super 99
Lions coach Jim Schwartz, formerly Tennessee's defensive coordinator, was eager to sign his former player — he was camped out in Vanden Bosch's driveway when free agency started at 12:01 a.m. ET Friday — even though Vanden Bosch is 31. Schwartz understands that older veterans still can have value.
"Most of the unrestricted players available in free agency are going to be players who are 29, 30, 31 years old," Schwartz told reporters. "You can get mileage out of (such an older player) as long as you have a very specific role in mind for him and he fits in your scheme."
By Sunday night, the shopping had slowed to a trickle. But that doesn't mean there won't be a second wave. There still are several free agents worth a look (if not a purchase):
Top unrestricted offensive players 1. Thomas Jones, RB. A running back's career is supposed to start declining at age 30, but Jones had his best season last year—1,402 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. The Jets released him instead of paying him a $3.3 million roster bonus. And Jones is durable, starting 89 of 96 games the last six seasons.
If he's OK with being a No. 2, Terrell Owens can still help teams. "This is one of the tough decisions we...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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