2009 Free Agents : Current Status
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 2:53 PM MST
42 comments
Free Agency. It’s not the only way to improve a team, but if done correctly, the addition of free agents can spark a championship run. In the case of the Denver Broncos, the team would be happy just to ignite a playoff run and free agents could eventually help do just that. Here at MHR, members have posted their own thoughts concerning possible free agent acquisitions. As a sample, I’ve taken seven free agent “primer” and “wish list” posts since January and compiled them into an MHR wish list of sorts. This list is not meant to be the “be all end all” in terms of possible free agents to the Broncos and may not even include everyone out there. Also, a seven-post sampling certainly does not represent the opinions of a vast community such as this. Take for granted that some of the posters may have left out names because they thought they were going to either be snatched up by another organization or franchised by their current team (like Julius Peppers). Some of the free agent lists included in this compilation also focused specifically on defense. Free agent running backs were discussed in only a few of the seven posts and quarterback back-up plans for Cutler were only mentioned in two. Players have been franchised, names have been eliminated, and now all we can do is wait till 12:01 am EST on Friday, February 27 for the NFL free agency period to officially begin.
With that said, let’s get to the current status of the 2009 Broncos free agent wish list.
In addition, here’s walter football’s succinct, often one line analysis (as of 02/19) of some of the popular players:
Derrick Ward, Giants. Age: 29. **** Derrick Ward averaged 5.6 yards per carry this season and also caught 41 passes. However, his age makes him a risky multi-year signing for anyone. Also, Ward didn't carry the ball more than 20 times in any game in 2008.
Jonathan Vilma, Saints. Age: 27. **** Jonathan Vilma was recently charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest. There was no alcohol, however, so at least we know that Vilma isn't auditioning to be Cedric Benson's disciple. Vilma is probably a better fit for the Saints at weakside linebacker. Unfortunately, they can't re-sign him until the free-agency period begins, unless they want to cough up a first-round pick.
Bart Scott, Ravens. Age: 29. ***1/2 A really good linebacker or the product of a great Ravens system? No one can really be certain, but one thing's for sure - Bart Scott is really entertaining. Asked to compare Chris Johnson and LenDale White, Scott said, "Let's see: a fat guy and the fastest guy in the 40... Not fat. I'm sorry. Plump."
Yeremiah Bell, Dolphins. Age: 31. ***1/2 If it weren't for Yeremiah Bell, all hope would be lost in Miami's secondary. The only concern here is age, but a 3- or a 4-year deal would be fine.
Gabe Watson (RFA), Cardinals. Age: 25. *** One of the many reasons Arizona was able to improve so much on defense throughout the year. The Cardinals can't afford to let Giant Gabe go anywhere.
Channing Crowder, Dolphins. Age: 25. *** Channing Crowder is coming off a great season in which he recorded 113 tackles. However, he has bad knee history, and it's a bit concerning that his best year came in his contract season. Someone will likely overpay for him.
James Sanders, Patriots. Age: 25. *** James Sanders has become a pretty reliable player in New England's secondary. At just 25 years old, Sanders looks like he has a bright future ahead of him.
Dawan Landry (RFA), Ravens. Age: 26. *** Dawan Landry recorded five interceptions as a rookie, but none since. However, he played in just two games this season because of a spinal cord concussion. In related news, Landry's spinal cord still thinks its name is "Batman."
Jim Leonhard, Ravens. Age: 26. **1/2 Jim Leonhard stepped in for an injured Dawan Landry and played remarkably well. Look for him to follow Rex Ryan to New York.
Mike Brown, Bears. Age: 31. *1/2 It's a shame, but it looks like Mike Brown's career is winding down. He was an incredible player when healthy, but he spent far too many weeks on injury reports.
Again, some of the names mentioned once could very well be Broncos and may very well be better fits than those in two or more lists. This simple list also clearly does not include all viable free agents this off-season. This list is just meant to serve as a reference and talking point for the feelings of Bronco fans here at MHR.
Any key players not mentioned in those seven posts? Any players here you like? Feel free to discuss and post as always.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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The horror
Well I guess it is safe to say no big ticket free agents are coming here, I think Scott may be a good fit for a short term solution, and I like Landry, but also as a short term solution.
But at least the Raiders will have no money anytime soon.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
by Broncoman on Feb 19, 2009 3:04 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
There is one guy not on that list, but I got a post coming out next week on him.
It’s a surprise. :)
Is there such a thing as a Playstation 3 Anonymous? I can't seem to stop thinking about or playing COD 4 and COD 5. I hear this is quite normal for a teenager, but I haven't been a teenager since Bill Clinton was frolicking with interns.
by Tim Lynch on Feb 19, 2009 3:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Well sir...
since you did not have a true, full blown “primer” post out there I did not draw from your brilliant mind. I am prepared to be surprised, although I may have some ideas as to players not on the list who might be intriguing. We’ll see how surprising the “surprise” really is…but until then, keep hyping it up :)
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 3:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I've hinted at it in recent days...but really it shouldn't be a surprise.
Nice post by the way. BART SCOTT!
Is there such a thing as a Playstation 3 Anonymous? I can't seem to stop thinking about or playing COD 4 and COD 5. I hear this is quite normal for a teenager, but I haven't been a teenager since Bill Clinton was frolicking with interns.
by Tim Lynch on Feb 19, 2009 3:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha
I take it we found one of our bandwagon free agents players for the current off-season?
I’ve got a ton of them. Hopefully I’ll share the same views on the guy you decide to post.
Oh yeah, and those bandwagon DRAFT guys? Don’t even get me started. I remember last year. After Clady it was….HIGH PROFILE RUNNING BACK, HIGH PROFILE RUNNING BACK…COME ON, COME ON. I’ll be ready to do it all again this year with a couple of guys haha.
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 3:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
REY REY! Knowshon!
Those are the two I am riding on…one foot on each bandwagon….let’s just hope the Broncos don’t throw up a pole ahead in the road with each bandwagon going on either side having the pole hit me right in the crotch.
Is there such a thing as a Playstation 3 Anonymous? I can't seem to stop thinking about or playing COD 4 and COD 5. I hear this is quite normal for a teenager, but I haven't been a teenager since Bill Clinton was frolicking with interns.
by Tim Lynch on Feb 19, 2009 3:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Make sure you shift your weight fully to the correct bandwagon
after the Broncos make that 12th pick (if they stay put and make it). I don’t want to see you getting hurt falling as the other bandwagon turns away and you have nothing to keep you up during your bandwagon straddling trick attempt.
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 5:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Clady is the next George Foster....oppps! :)
Is there such a thing as a Playstation 3 Anonymous? I can't seem to stop thinking about or playing COD 4 and COD 5. I hear this is quite normal for a teenager, but I haven't been a teenager since Bill Clinton was frolicking with interns.
by Tim Lynch on Feb 19, 2009 6:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Brian Dawkins
I know, I’ve mentioned him a few times, but even at his age, he’s still a player and could be a very steadying influence on what’s looking to be a young secondary.
aka MN Bronco
by pubkeeper on Feb 19, 2009 3:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
I hear Philly fans would burn cars and riot if the Eagles let him go.
Is there such a thing as a Playstation 3 Anonymous? I can't seem to stop thinking about or playing COD 4 and COD 5. I hear this is quite normal for a teenager, but I haven't been a teenager since Bill Clinton was frolicking with interns.
by Tim Lynch on Feb 19, 2009 3:27 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha
Maybe not THAT.
It’d sure be sad to see him go though. If you think about it though, he’ll always be remembered as an Eagle. Look at guys like Emmitt Smith who played with the Cowboys forever and then went to Arizona at the end of his career.
I recall a post on this site about veteran leaders and B-Dawk would certainly be one of the best, but his max is what…one-two years? It just depends on what we as fans want and/or are willing to deal with. What Denver does in the draft also has a huge bearing on who to bring in. Dawk would help if the team decides to go the ‘major young depth’ route.
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 3:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post phantom
The more I analyze free agency the more I hope Denver looks for gems who can come in and raise the bar. They don’t need to be high priced but they do need to be high character and hard workers. If we get some young guys who have talent and are ready to take the next step from solid to starter, then I think our young coaches with a new philosophy will be able to make an impact.
"I am not trying to start anything I am just saying that i think if you take Knowshon and draft D later you guys will be hella good next year" ...IamtheGreatest - The smartest Chiefs fan I ever had the priviledge of reading!
by Steve O' on Feb 19, 2009 3:37 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
The Dolphins-type approach right?
It’s a good philosophy…you just have to make sure you’ve got an eye for that right “solid to starter” type talent.
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 3:39 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
I’d go to those guys to be depth and veteran leadership, and I’d go to the draft for my stars. That’s what I would do if I managed the team.
Average Bronco Fan's IQ: 120!
Average MHR Mod's IQ: 145!
Brett Favre's IQ: 56!
Click here to beat these scores!!
by papigrande on Feb 19, 2009 6:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Get the man a clipboard already! haha
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 6:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Hehe..
One day my friend. Actually, I was thinking about getting into a Colorado university so I could intern with the team. After that I’ll go for a big job in management, work my way up to executive, invest money, and buy a majority share in the team from the Bowlen family. I will then appoint HoosierTeacher as defensive coordinator. I figure by the time I get out of college the guys at MHR will be Pat Bowlen’s main consiglieres, so I’ll have my stepping stone to greatness! Woo!
If that’s a stupid idea, please tell me.
Average Bronco Fan's IQ: 120!
Average MHR Mod's IQ: 145!
Brett Favre's IQ: 56!
Click here to beat these scores!!
by papigrande on Feb 19, 2009 9:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Deangelo Hall?
Doesn’t look like the skins are going to re-sign him. And he is only 25. Thoughts?
by madtown on Feb 19, 2009 4:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
AT&T is hiring in a Mall near my house.
Is there such a thing as a Playstation 3 Anonymous? I can't seem to stop thinking about or playing COD 4 and COD 5. I hear this is quite normal for a teenager, but I haven't been a teenager since Bill Clinton was frolicking with interns.
by Tim Lynch on Feb 19, 2009 4:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
interesting...
Hall actually did play very well the second half of the season for the Redskins, but he was often playing as the nickelback but the Skins did seem to like him and he was stealing playing time from Carlos Rodgers near the end of the year.
However his good play for the Skins has to be contrasted with his horrible play for the Raiders opposite Asomugha.
There are rumors that the Skins are shopping Rodgers so they can clear the cap space to sign Hall.
Ultimately I think Hall is a bad investment… I’d rather go after a Ron Bartell from St. Louis
by JDub15 on Feb 19, 2009 4:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
He is the exact opposite of what McD is looking for
He is a me first player hence “MeAngelo”. I think we are looking for team first high character players
bye bye DRE
by robbo650 on Feb 19, 2009 5:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Hall = Bly part 2
Hall opposite Champ would be the exact same as Bly opposite Champ or for that matter Hall opposite Asomugha.
Hall just doesn’t have the ability to be targeted 80% of the time. But then again what CB does?
by trumanj on Feb 20, 2009 10:36 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a fan of free agency
I would rather see us build through the draft. Most teams really try to keep the players that have a large positive impact on their roster. IMHO most free agents are overpriced and are often over the hill. I know there are exceptions, but in general I do not favor building a roster from free agency.
It all starts in the trenches - HT 11/11/08
the behind in your avatar is not a male behind - Zappa 02/18/09
by firstfan on Feb 19, 2009 6:26 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Great point.
Although, it was never my idea to build this team back up through free agency. It just seems the free agency pool could be a conduit for a few proven guys who can come in and juice this team up, provide leadership, or give some education to the new guys. I too like building through the draft….the problem with that though, is that the Broncos have had a bit of trouble retaining everyone in recent drafts. It’d be nice to draft well and keep that stable nucleus together to grow. Recent drafts have been looking up though in terms of that aspect (Marshall, Cutler, etc. and now Royal and Clady). It’d be nice to see more kept around though. We saw what trying to fix holes through free agency can do through the simple test called…the ‘Brownco experiment.’ I think free agency can help though, when not overdone. You’re right…guys do bring in a HECK of a lot of money out of that.
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 6:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
We DO have to sign some defensive FA's
we don’t have enough draft picks to fill up our defense.
by jack_ on Feb 19, 2009 6:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Another good point.
With the defense in its current state, hopefully you could at least warm up the idea of bringing in a few guys. Maybe not rebuilding the entire unit with free agents, but a few guys to stabilize the situation and batten down the hatches for the new draftees (who will hopefully stick around for a while).
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 6:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I did sample from your list. However, as I said in the post, I understand that your list may not have included EVERYONE you would have wanted or you may have also focused purely on defensive free agents in that primer. I noticed you had listed ‘targeted players’ along with free agents who would be a good fit in Denver or who would be affordable. I decided to include the players on the ‘targeted’ list as well, because either others had them on their lists or some of those guys could actually fit in orange and blue. Your post was a good discussion starter and I figured I’d draw from it in compiling a little bit of an MHR flavored free agent wish list. I know there’s definitely other guys on everyone’s mind – again, like I said in the post – but all in all I think a lot of popular off-season discussion names ended up making the list, which is good.
by phantom818 on Feb 19, 2009 6:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
yea, i mostly focused on defense
and I left out a lot of guys i thought would be too expensive or franchised
i had intended on doing another one for the whole team before free agency started.
by RiG on Feb 19, 2009 7:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
with all the cuts and players left to walk, not only do we have money, we have several roster spots available, fa will play a big role in this retooling.
instead of big names i would go with several solid players. the front seven is were it starts, so thats were we start here: chris canty will be spendy and miami has the inside track but we should at least throw our hat in the ring. rocky bernard plays dt in seattle but plays with quickness and mobility and would be a nice 34de. igor is mean and taking from sd is a bonus.mike wright from ne is solid and his price would be reasonable. at ilb scott would be hard to get and probably over paid, that said i wouldnt cry if we landed him. we have some possible options already there and could draft rey rey. angelo crowell could be cheap veteran depth and tyjuan hagler could be effective as we transition to 34 and could be a st differnce maker. in the secondary, fa could retool multiple positions and we need it. at corner ron bartell and foxworth would help bolster a unit of champ, jack williams, bell and one of our draft picks. safety along with 34de has a deep pool of talent. i would take dawkins but i think he and philly will figure a way to keep him and prevent car burnings. leonard would be great and i would pay him but rex has first crack at him(and probably landry if it comes to that). james sanders is gonna be at least solid and maybe real good. mcoach might help land him and his price would be reasonable. jermaine phillips is well above average and doesnt mind helping against the run. he wont be cheap but is 29 i think and would be a versatile steady presence. a cost effective young talent in vincent fuller would be a smart pickup. coached by fisher means something. on offense i always liked maurice morris in seattle. does it all well and seems like a ne kinda guy. hillis, i love his game and attitude, we need to pair him up with speed, change of pace back and would love to hear some ideas. with 4 or 5 of these defensive fa’s, along with rey rey or everette brown, an aggresive dc ,and we wont be a bad defense, wont have bad contracts, and we’ll be on the right path for 2010.
"show me a good loser and i'll show you a loser" - coach
by chikndnnr on Feb 20, 2009 12:58 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Another thought
I also do not think we cleared that much money just to focus on this year alone. We have very important re-signings comming up with some of our own players as well. JC, BM, Doom…
It would be safe to assume that when a new head coach takes a look at his new franchise, that he has to ask himself these two questions:
1) Where are we now, and how do we fix this team?
2) Where are we going from here and how do we secure the future of this team?
With the start of Free Agency, I will be looking at the moves with both questions in mind. I think we need a few short term FAs, as well as long term draftees. We need to develop new leaders out of our younger crop of players. We have a big task ahead, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here.
Strength and Honor
by kybroncomaniac on Feb 20, 2009 4:05 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point....
I don’t think these cuts are about 2009 or even 2010. I think McD and X are in the process of setting the Broncos financial house in order so that we don’t wind up in a cap bind when our yourng players come up for renewal. We will need money to sign Marshall, Cutler, Sheffler, Harris, etc.
by SlowWhiteGuy on Feb 20, 2009 8:36 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice touch from Gladiator, ky
Hillis in '09
by Emmett Smith on Feb 20, 2009 8:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Kitna to be cut...
That’s my #1 replacement choice for Ramsey…
Beware the wrath of a patient adversary.
John C. Calhoun --
by bcfunk on Feb 20, 2009 6:33 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Good thinking BC!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
by boydy2669 on Feb 20, 2009 8:47 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
seriously...
I’ve always seen Kitna as the perfect NFL backup…. competent to very good in spells… he’s also a firey vet who plays hard… for the right price, i think he’s worth a look…
Beware the wrath of a patient adversary.
John C. Calhoun --
by bcfunk on Feb 20, 2009 9:12 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
He did pretty well in Cinci
and as I recall didn’t do too poorly filling in after that extremely unfortunate Palmer injury in the playoff game. Who DOESN’T love cannon arm QBs who completely disregard interception numbers in order to rack up a ton of yards, touchdowns and … fantasy points?
by phantom818 on Feb 20, 2009 9:33 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
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