NFL free agents 101: Bearing a tough market
Article By viyer.tsn on 4th March, 2010
The 2010 NFL free agency period kicks off at 12:01 a.m. ET Friday with a slew of new rules thanks to the lack of a new collective bargaining agreement. In short, nearly half the free agents and a quarter of the teams will be restricted in their signing and spending.
The money and player movement won't match years past because of such limitations, and the expected shopping frenzy of an uncapped year is unlikely to come to fruition.
"You'll see a smaller number of players receiving the bigger contracts," said agent Tom Condon, who represents free agents Shawne Merriman and LaDainian Tomlinson. "Because there's no floor on salary, some teams will spend lavishly but the same number may not participate."
Five big questions as the market opens:
1. Who are the best unrestricted free agents?
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers and Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby are the headliners.
"They will command a substantial market because there are fewer options," Condon said.
Older players such as Darren Sharper, Joey Porter and Terrell Owens can provide short-term impact on teams with one missing piece.
2. How does the lack of a new CBA affect the players?
Unsigned fourth- and fifth-year players in their prime are restricted free agents, like third-year guys. Their current teams have the upper hand in tendering bargain one-year offers. Top talents affected include Merriman and three Pro Bowl wide receivers: San Diego's Vincent Jackson, Dallas' Miles Austin and Denver's Brandon Marshall.
3. Will there be more interest in restricted free agents?
With more attractive players in this group and fewer unrestricted options, one would think teams would be aggressive in the restricted market.Any deal is a long shot.
It's rumored that Chicago and other teams are interested in acquiring Marshall, but let's consider that situation. The Broncos have given Marshall a first-r...
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