In case you don't know or haven't heard the news, McNair will keep Kubiak on board so long as the defense sees "drastic changes." A pretty drastic change in itself is the shift from unproven new-comers using the Texans as their sandbox to Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator. I think, however, that we'd all be in agreement with the defense needing a more drastic change than just the coordinator.
Sure, the draft will help, but if McNair is serious about these "drastic" changes, then I assume we're going to see a fairly aggressive dive into free agency this year. Here's a list of the general defensive free agents, all via footballsfuture.com. If you could make a push to sign any number of these players, who would they be? Let's try and be realistic here though as we clearly won't get every pro-bowler on the list, as many of them will likely re-sign with their current team. (linemen and linebackers on the first post in this thread, defensive backs and safties will be on the second post) The list may be slightly out of date, but from what I've glanced at, it seems accurate. If anyone has any additions, feel free to add them.
Sure, the draft will help, but if McNair is serious about these "drastic" changes, then I assume we're going to see a fairly aggressive dive into free agency this year. Here's a list of the general defensive free agents, all via footballsfuture.com. If you could make a push to sign any number of these players, who would they be? Let's try and be realistic here though as we clearly won't get every pro-bowler on the list, as many of them will likely re-sign with their current team. (linemen and linebackers on the first post in this thread, defensive backs and safties will be on the second post) The list may be slightly out of date, but from what I've glanced at, it seems accurate. If anyone has any additions, feel free to add them.
2011 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen
By: Roshan Bhagat
Top Defensive Ends:
Ray Edwards, MIN - Edwards made a name for himself with a 3-sack game against Dallas in the Divisional Round, but that was simply an exclamation point of a terrific season. Is his production a product of having 3 Pro Bowlers playing next to him? Edwards was tendered with a 1st round tag this year and it doesnt seem teams are willing to take that risk quite yet. If he repeats his performance, or improves upon it, next year will be much different. The Vikings will have to pay a steep price to keep him.
Richard Seymour, OAK Though Seymour still hasnt signed his franchise tag, he and the Raiders are working on a contract extension. Its very likely that Seymour will remain in Oakland for at least another short, multi-year contract given how much Oakland paid to acquire him.
Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG The Giants love having a deep, talented defensive line, so it would be odd to see them let Kiwanuka go. Even though he notched just 3 sacks last season while starting 6 games, Kiwanukas flexibility as a pass rusher from end and tackle allow the Giants to get creative in getting after the passer with just a defensive line.
Tamba Hali, KC It took some time for Hali to make the conversion to outside linebacker, but after making the successful transition, it seems that Tamba Hali is due for another contract in Kansas City. Hes still a long reach from being an elite player, but hes consistent with still some upside.
Marcus Spears, DAL Spears had a mildly disappointing season last year and was outplayed by backups at times. It should come as no surprise that the Cowboys reportedly tried to move him in the offseason. If the same trend continues where one of their backups truly emerges, the Cowboys may have few problems in allowing Marcus Spears to walk.
Shaun Ellis, NYJ The Jets have far too many key free agents to make him a priority, but losing Ellis would just make the Jets weakest position, even weaker. Ellis is still productive from the 5-technique with a challenging blend of size and speed for offensive tackles to handle. His request for a long-term extension was rejected by the Jets, but its something they could potentially address next offseason depending on how much theyre forced to spend on their other key free agents.
Other Notable Free Agents:
Trevor Pryce, BAL
Chris Kelsay, BUF
Charles Johnson, CAR
Mark Anderson, CHI
Matt Roth, CLE
Jason Hatcher, DAL
Stephen Bowen, DAL
Cliff Avril, DET
Reggie Hayward, JAC
Brian Robison, MIN
Derrick Burgess, NE
Victor Abiamiri, PHI
Ryon Bingham, SD
Jacques Cesaire, SD
Victor Adeyanju, STL
Stylez White, TB
Dave Ball, TEN
Jacob Ford, TEN
Top Defensive Tackles:
Haloti Ngata, BAL One of the leagues best franchise cornerstones (an annual article that will again be published later this summer) will not go anywhere. Coach Harbaugh has said he has every intention of making Ngata a Raven forever. As good as Ngata has been on the field, Im equally impressed that he hasnt pushed for a contract renegotiation after signing his rookie contract, where hes been vastly underpaid. Ngata has earned every penny he will receive on the forthcoming lucrative contract.
Brandon Mebane, SEA At only 61, Mebane has the natural leverage and quickness to give interior linemen fits. Though his numbers were merely average, his impact on the field was anything but that. Mebane has the work ethic and the tools to be a dominant defensive tackle for next decade. The Seahawks will try everything in their power to ensure that each of those years will be in Seattle.
Aubrayo Franklin, SF After putting together a nice season at nose tackle, the 49ers placed the franchise tag on Franklin who has yet to report to OTAs. Based on the Crabtree holdout a year ago, it seems the 49ers have the will to endure holdouts. If the Niners are firm on their position and want to see one more high-level year from Franklin, hell have to wait one more season before receiving some stability.
Johnny Jolly, GB Jollys ongoing legal issues make him an interesting player in the league. He had an outstanding season at defensive end a year ago. Though he had only a single sack, he also recorded 10 pass deflection and one incredibly athletic interception. If the legal issue could take care of itself, Jolly will have the opportunity to sign a well-sized contract, either in Green Bay or elsewhere, depending on how the rest of the defensive line performs.
Cullen Jenkins, GB Jollys counterpart on the right side will also be entering his contract year. Jenkins is a much better pass rusher than Jolly, though not quite as consistent. Prior to his injury in 2008, Jenkins was working on a Pro Bowl season (through 4 games). With a full offseason in the weight room and on the practice field, Jenkins may be able to turn it up a notch to earn another contract extension in Green Bay.
Pat Williams, MIN I very much doubt that Williams will play anywhere but Minnesota. Hes still an effective run stopper who is winding down his playing days. He threatened to retire early this offseason before deciding to return. If he wants to play, the Vikings will surely be happy to have him back.
Other Notable Free Agents: Bryan Robinson, ARI
Gabe Watson, ARI
Alan Branch, ARI
John McCargo, BUF
Nick Hayden, CAR
Tank Tyler, CAR
Robaire Smith, CLE
Ronald Fields, DEN
Eric Foster, IND
Atiyyah Ellison, JAC
Ron Edwards, KC
Paul Soliai, MIA
Fred Evans, MIN
Barry Cofield, NYG
Jay Alford, NYG
Chris Hoke, PIT
Travis Johnson, SD
Ray McDonald, SF
Clifton Ryan, STL
2011 NFL Free Agent Linebackers
By: Roshan Bhagat
Lamarr Woodley, PIT Woodley has developed into the leagues best left outside linebacker, forming a terrifying tandem in Pittsburgh. The two have accounted for 50 combined sacks over the last 2 years. With that in mind, Pittsburgh wont let Woodley get away.
David Harris, NYJ Though Harris is one of the leagues best, young linebackers, the Jets may just not have the money to pay him. Theyre looking at extensions to Revis, Mangold, and Ferguson in the next 2 years, in addition to a pair of free agent receivers and nearly acquired Antonio Cromartie. Theyll most likely make Harris one of their top priorities after the big 3, but Harris may be able to get more money elsewhere if he isnt tagged. Well see what he decides.
David Hawthorne, SEA At 25, Hawthorne is another one of the leagues emerging linebackers. Hes relatively unknown, but was outstanding in Lofa Tatupus absence a year ago. Racking up 117 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 stuffs, and 3 interceptions, it wouldnt be surprising to see a team make a big play at Hawthorne and the throw the bank and pry him from Seattle via restricted free agency.
Shawne Merriman, SD Merriman has a lot riding on this upcoming year for his financial future. Coming off injury, his mere 4-sack season didnt seem as disappointing, but he cant afford to let that happen again. This will most likely be his last year in San Diego based on their other free agents-to-be, but he wont be able to break the bank on his name alone. He needs to return to form.
Kirk Morrison, JAC The Jaguars were smart in acquiring Kirk Morrison who has received a mixed bag of opinions from pundits. To some hes a great run stopper, but to others he just racks up garbage tackles and is at least partially at fault for the leaky Raiders run defense. This year will squash the debate and we should get to see the real Kirk Morrison.
Paul Posluszny, BUF Posluszny had his best season to date, yet still missed 4 games. If he can stay on the field, he has the potential to become of the leagues best middle linebackers. Unless he struggles moving to the 3-4, the Bills will be glad to have him for many years to come.
Chad Greenway, MIN For three years, Greenway has been a consistent linebacker for the Vikings. Hes an instinctive, well-rounded player who is effective in taking on any assignments. With a lack of depth at linebacker, the Vikings wont allow Greenway to walk away.
Manny Lawson, SF Word from the Lawson camp indicates that the former 1st round pick is looking for a contract similar to the one Calvin Pace received a few years back (6 years, $42 million). With only 12 sacks in his 4 year career (6.5 last year), hell receive a rude awakening if he doesnt come to his senses soon. Unless he takes a huge stride forward, hell find little luck in free agency.
Other Notable Free Agents: Stephen Nicholas, ATL
Mike Peterson, ATL
Antwan Barnes, BAL
Tavares Gooden, BAL
Keith Ellison, BUF
Thomas Davis, CAR
Nick Roach, CHI
Pisa Tinoisamoa, CHI
Rashad Jeanty, CIN
Dhani Jones, CIN
Chris Gocong, CLE
D'Qwell Jackson, CLE
Desmond Bishop, GB
Zach Diles, HOU
Clint Session, IND
Justin Durant, JAC
Mike Vrabel, KC
Derrick Johnson, KC
Tim Dobbins, MIA
Ben Leber, MIN
Erin Henderson, MIN
Gary Guyton, NE
Scott Shanle, NO
Clint Ingram, NO
Thomas Howard, OAK
Ricky Brown, OAK
Ernie Sims, PHI
Akeem Jordan, PHI
Stewart Bradley, PHI
Omar Gaither, PHI
Stephen Cooper, SD
Kevin Burnett, SD
Brandon Siler, SD
Takeo Spikes, SF
David Vobora, STL
Angelo Crowell, TB
Quincy Black, TB
Barrett Ruud, TB
David Thornton, TEN
Stephen Tulloch, TEN
Rocky McIntosh, WAS