Here are a dozen unrestricted free agents who probably won't break the bank with new contracts, but who are serviceable middle-level players who figure to draw interest:
FS/SS Idrees Bashir (Indianapolis) -- 4 years experience -- Never quite lived up to expectations with the Colts but, despite a string of injuries, averaged 13 starts per season. Has some range but lacks instincts, still worth looking at in nickel role.
RB Derrick Blaylock (Kansas City) -- 4 -- Superb all-around special teams player who got a chance to start when Priest Holmes was injured in 2004, averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns. Could be a nifty No. 2 tailback.
RB Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia) -- 4 -- Star-crossed runner, and part-time starter who has suffered two major knee injuries in four seasons. Given his injury history, he might be a medical risk, but his pure running skills make him worth a gamble.
DT Leonardo Carson (Dallas) -- 5 -- Never going to make a lot of plays, but a 305-pounder who will take up space inside and push people around enough to make impact. Bill Parcells would like to keep him around.
OG Roberto Garza (Atlanta) -- 4 -- Moved into the starting lineup because of injury in 2004 and became integral part of a unit that helped the Falcons lead the NFL in rushing. A little stiff, but can be a powerful in-line force in stretches.
WR Kevin Johnson (Baltimore) -- 6 -- Has bounced around a lot the last few years and voided his contract to become a free agent. Still has deceptive speed and some teams feel he has the best hands in the league.
FS Bhawoh Jue (Green Bay) -- 4 -- Has played every position in the secondary and, while he doesn't run well on the stopwatch, has pretty good competitive speed. Should help some team as a regular in nickel packages.
QB Mike McMahon (Detroit) -- 4 -- With all the veteran quarterbacks being released and then recycled, he sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. Athletic and competitive guy, and good enough to win some games in a pinch.
LB Ike Reese (Philadelphia) -- 7 -- Consummate role player with the Eagles, combination blitz-cover guy who excels in nickel packages but would like to be a starter. A terrific performer on special teams units.
OT Oliver Ross (Pittsburgh) -- 7 -- Has played a lot of positions but settled in at right tackle the past two seasons and, while not a pure road-grader, played well. A decent pass blocker and could also move inside and play guard.
KR Allen Rossum (Atlanta) -- 7 -- One of the top two-way (kickoffs and punts) return men in the game, earned a Pro Bowl spot for the 2004 season. Can also play the nickel or dime cornerback spot in a pinch.
LB Matt Stewart (Atlanta) -- 4 -- Only 25 years old and a three-year starter. Falcons feel they can upgrade, but might be hard pressed to do so, and Stewart could move on and be a starter with a new club. Decent two-way blitz-cover guy on third down.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. To check out Len's chat archive, click here Insider.
. As for Simmons I would love to see him back, I didn't know he was a FA this year. He provides alot of depth in our Secondary and was all over the field when he got a chance to get some playing time.
and I think the gentlemen has the same name