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2008 Free Agency Preview

by Arnold “Zap” Zappasodi
Staff Writer, FantasyGuru.com

Published, February 22, 2008

 

Well, it’s been three weeks since the Big Game (kudos to the G-Men) and already teams are scrambling to get ready for next year. Established players around the league are being re-signed, franchised, released, and shopped. At the NFL Combine, next year’s rookies are being poked, prodded, X-rayed, and analyzed from top to bottom. Meanwhile, we’re all still trying to digest what transpired in 2007.

 

Essentially, it’s time to put last year behind us and look forward to next season. One of the key components to how things will shake out in 2008 is free agency – the time when many players get a fresh start and teams add those missing pieces to solidify their rosters.

 

In addition to the draft and off-season trades, free agency has always been a way for teams that are struggling/declining to turn it around and teams that are strong to distance themselves from the pack. Already we’ve seen some big names and key free agents Jamal Lewis, Dallas Clark, Justin Fargas locked up with long-term deals. Plus, we’ve seen vets cut loose by their employers like Alge Crumpler, Muhsin Muhammad, Marty Booker, and Trent Green. And you can bet your behind that many more relevant names will hit the market soon, as teams release underachievers and big-money players to free up salary cap space. You’ll definitely want to check back with the site as often as possible this off-season to keep up to date with who’s still seeking a job and where guys are signing.

 

Ultimately, we don’t have a crystal ball and we never truly know what NFL GMs and coaches are thinking. With that said, chances are we're going to be surprised at some of the signings we see these next few months. But here’s our examination of this year's key players in free agency with a close look at what each guy’s future holds based on his performance in the past, his potential down the road, and his team’s stance on his value to the organization. Keep in mind that some teams have been very mum on their free agents, which makes it hard to nail each guy down. Still, this preview should give you a clear picture of who will be moving and shaking and who will be staying put in 2008.

 

Quarterbacks

 

Unrestricted Free Agents

 

Chris Redman (Atl) – Remarkably, Redman was far and away the most successful QB for the Falcons in 2007, outperforming Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich in his four starts late in the season. He managed a 90.4 QB rating with 1,079 yards, 10 TDs, and 5 INTs. He’ll be 31 when the 2008 season kicks off and he clearly has the tools, poise, and veteran know-how to keep the Falcon offense competitive as the franchise undergoes major changes. That and his rock-solid performance in 2007 suggest he could stick in Atlanta for now as the starter, particularly since the inept Harrington won’t seriously challenge him in 2008 and Leftwich is officially out of the QB picture after being released. But keep in mind new Falcon GM Thomas Dimitroff, a self-proclaimed “quarterback snob,” has stated his intention of bringing in a big-name young QB via the draft. Ultimately, Redman will be needed to stabilize the Falcon offense these next couple of years. And he showed last year that he can do that effectively if given the chance. Look for Atlanta to play it safe and ink him for a couple more seasons given all the issues they’ve been having. Bottom line, Redman will likely stay and serve as a stop-gap while Atlanta brings along a new, young QB for the post-Vick era. 

 

Daunte Culpepper (Oak) – Culpepper’s move to Oakland in 2007 was a complete failure. With the team sure to give JaMarcus Russell every opportunity to succeed in the foreseeable future and likely to hang onto free agent Josh McCown as their backup, C-Pep seems poised to find a new team in 2008 (which will be his third in three years). In 2007, Culpepper played in seven games, throwing for 1,331 yards with 5 TDs and 5 INTs and rushing for 40 yards and 3 TDs. In those outings, he was very shaky and unreliable. He’s no longer the mobile, game-breaking threat he was in his prime days as a Viking and turnovers have always been a problem for him. But he’s one of the more experienced, proven vets available at QB this off-season. And he still has a strong enough arm to make all the throws required of an NFL starter. He could get a fair shake at a starting gig somewhere considering the horrible QB play we saw around the league last year. And at 31 years of age, he could have a few more productive seasons ahead of him. But don’t look for him to return to elite fantasy status by any means, as his skills have deteriorated substantially since his devastating knee injury. He claims he’s fully healthy though and he’ll be on a lot of teams’ radars, if even as just as backup. 

 

Rex Grossman (Chi) – Grossman could’ve made a case for a big payday and a long-term deal in 2008 from Chicago last season, but he flat out blew it. He was benched for journeyman Brian Griese after stumbling out of the gates, he was shaky for basically all of 2007, and a late-season knee injury capped a terrible contract year for Rexy. In eight games, he mustered a 66.4 QB rating with 1,411 yards, 4 TDs, and 7 INTs. It’s officially time for the Bears to start worrying that he may never emerge as a viable starter. However, with Chicago knowing the aging Griese isn’t the future and probably hesitant to open 2008 with the undersized and limited Kyle Orton as their starter, it looks like Grossman hasn’t been ruled out to return to the Bears next year if they don’t make any off-season acquisitions at the position. But don’t bank on the Bears offering him a long-term contract or starter’s money because he’s been one of the most inconsistent QBs in the league these past few years. And he’ll likely have to win the job in training camp. He’ll be 28 for the 2008 season, so youth is working in his favor. But essentially he has failed miserably as an NFL starter, showing occasional flashes with far too many mistakes. Chicago fans and team brass have to be fed up with his up-and-down performance, his penchant for losing his cool under pressure, his inaccuracy, and his poor mechanics. Yet, the Bears could give him one last chance to succeed before showing him the door because their other QB options aren’t very promising at this point. If he’s let go (which looks like a long-shot because the Bears’ GM has said he’ll be back), he’ll be a relatively hot commodity due to the thin free-agent QB crop available.

 

Todd Collins (Was) – Shockingly, at 36 years of age, Collins stepped up in a big way for the Redskins and keyed them to a playoff berth with four straight wins when Jason Campbell went down with a knee injury late in the 2007 season. He played in four regular-season games, notching an outstanding 106.4 QB rating and throwing for 888 yards with 5 TDs and 0 INTs. Collins showed excellent touch and accuracy on his passes as well as incredible leadership and passion for playing the position. The new Redskin regime led by head coach Jim Zorn has asked Collins to return as the backup to Campbell in 2008. Now it’s up to Collins to decide if he stays or goes. If he departs, St. Louis, who just hired his boy Al Saunders as their OC, would be a nice place for Collins because Saunders loves what Collins brings to the table and trusts him immensely. Plus, Marc Bulger is always hurt. It also helps that Collins knows Saunders’ system like the back of his hand. Ultimately, regardless of where he plays in 2008, he’s likely to be treated as a second stringer despite his storybook 2007 performance. And that’s a shame because Collins, while old, has some game.

 

Trent Green (Mia) – Green was released by the Dolphins recently. It’s understandable because his concussion issues saddle him with some significant downside. He’s like a candle; one little blow and he’s out. And he’s going to be 38 next season. In 2007, Green started only five games, passing for 987 yards with 5 TDs and 7 INTs and letting the Dolphins down big time. If healthy Green can still lead an offense because he’s accurate and he’s a proven veteran. But until he’s medically cleared to play, it’s unlikely many teams will be scrambling to secure him and hand him a starting job. He’s damaged goods (he’s missed 19 games in the last two years), so it looks like the rest of his NFL days could be spent backing up and mentoring a young QB somewhere. Minnesota would be a good fit because Tarvaris Jackson needs help desperately. There’s even been some speculation that Miami could bring him back at a discounted price as a fall-back option should John Beck, the supposed future at the position, stumble in 2008. All in all, Green’s future looks dreary because his best days are behind him, he’ll be risking his long-term health if he keeps on playing, and he’ll be viewed by most squads as a backup, nothing more.

 

Byron Leftwich (Atl) – Leftwich was let go by the Falcons recently. You can’t blame them because injuries, inaccuracy, lack of mobility, and a painfully slow release were once again big problems for him in 2007. He was also a horrible fit for their system last year from the beginning, which begs the question: why the heck did they sign him n the first place? In three games, he passed for 279 yards with 1 TD, 2 INTs, 2 lost fumbles, and an atrocious 59.5 QB rating. He’s free to sign with any team now. But it’s clear that he’s nothing more than an average backup option for NFL teams given his shakiness and unreliability in the recent past. Byron is completely inept as a starting NFL quarterback, he’s damaged goods, and any GM that takes a chance with him as his main man and top gunslinger might as well shoot himself in the foot with a hand cannon. At 28 years old, Leftwich still has youth on his side. However, no team in their right mind will hand him a starting gig in 2008, so he’s destined for a #2 or #3 QB job these next few seasons. The fact that he couldn’t take command in Atlanta alongside average QBs Joey Harrington and Chris Redman and the fact that he hasn’t blossomed after five years in the NFL tells it all about Leftwich – he’s a lost cause as a starter.

 

J.T. O’Sullivan (Det) – O’Sullivan saw action in just one game in 2007, throwing for 148 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs. With Drew Stanton expected to be healthy in 2008 and poised to compete with Dan Orlovsky for the backup job to Jon Kitna, O’Sullivan’s future in Detroit isn’t very promising. He was a Mike Martz guy anyway and Martz is long gone. Look for him to land with a new team as a second or third stringer. The chances of him winning a starting gig are slim since he’s very much inexperienced and an average talent. After all, he’s been in the league for six years and has yet to do anything noteworthy. 

 
Quinn Gray (Jac) – Gray attempted passes in seven games (four starts) for the Jags in 2007, throwing for 986 yards with 10 TDs and 5 INTs. He filled in admirably when David Garrard was injured (aside from his debacle against the Colts) and he showed head coach Jack Del Rio that he’s a guy that can come off the bench and manage the game if needed. Quinn has a decent arm and good mobility, but mistakes, anticipation, and field vision are big issues with him. It’d be shocking for him to receive an offer to start with another team and leave the Jags. With that said, look for Jacksonville to keep him around for depth purposes, as he’ll be only 29 next season and he’s very familiar with the offensive system in place. Gray definitely wants to test the free-agent waters in hopes of starting in 2008, so there’s an outside chance he bolts. Yet, that seems like a long-shot given his limited skills and uninspiring track record. 

Cleo Lemon (Mia) – Lemon’s fourth NFL season was his busiest yet, as he saw significant action due to Trent Green’s concussion and John Beck’s rookie struggles. In 2007, Lemon passed for 1,773 yards with 6 TDs and 6 INTs and rushed for 102 yards and 4 TDs. Lemon can’t stretch the field accurately and he’s a bit undersized, but he’s mobile and he’s a gamer. He has a future in the NFL, potentially as a starter and most certainly as a second stringer. However, new Dolphin VP of football operations Bill Parcells is expected to bring in some gunslingers via the draft, free agency, or a trade since Beck has a long way to go and Green has been released. Hence, things look bleak for Lemon as the guy in Miami. Also, the team hasn’t reached out to Lemon yet to discuss a contract, which indicates he probably won’t be viewed as a must-keep for Miami this off-season. Maybe that’s because new head coach Tony Sparano wants “disciplined” players and Lemon had major fumbling and decision-making problems in 2007. Lemon’s agent has said that he thinks some teams will show interest and give him a chance to earn a starting role. It won’t be with the rebuilding Dolphins, though, as Lemon doesn’t exactly fit the bill of a Parcells guy. He could wind up reuniting with his boy Cam Cameron in Baltimore as a backup. Or he’ll find a home elsewhere and compete for a #1 QB role, which he probably won’t win due to his inconsistency.  

 

Josh McCown (Oak) – McCown is what he is – a backup who can manage the game if called upon. He was basically lackluster and ineffective in 2007, seeing action in nine games and passing for 1,151 yards with 10 TDs and 11 INTs. McCown is mobile and young, he has a solid build, and he can throw the ball decently. But he doesn’t have the tools to command much attention this off-season as anything more than a second stringer. With that said, it seems likely that he’ll remain with the Raiders to help groom JaMarcus Russell and to fill in as a stop-gap should their QB of the future have some difficulty adjusting to the NFL level, which McCown has said he’d be more than willing to do. Head coach Lane Kiffin admires his professionalism and his knowledge of the playbook. And McCown is well-liked in the locker-room, so he should stay put when all is said and done. After all, if he leaves, the best he could hope for is to land in a QB competition elsewhere with no guarantee of ever seeing the field as a starter. At least in Oakland, he’ll have a shot of playing if Russell falls flat on his face since Daunte Culpepper’s on his way out and the backup job is McCown’s for the taking.

 

Billy Volek (SD) – Volek’s 2007 season was spent backing up Philip Rivers. Yet, don’t forget that he led the Chargers on a gorgeous game-winning drive in the playoffs against the Colts, coming off the bench stone-cold, completing three crucial passes under immense pressure, and plunging across the goal-line for the winning TD. As a result, it wouldn’t be shocking if he got some attention from teams in need of a stabilizing veteran presence this off-season. He has a live arm, a strong pocket presence, and a career 84.9 QB rating. With Rivers facing a six-month recovery from a torn ACL and no sure-fire bet to be ready and raring in 2008, it would behoove the Chargers to lock up Volek unless they feel cozy rolling with unproven Charlie Whitehurst as their #2 QB. However, early indications are that Volek wants to test the free-agent waters and find a team where he’ll be given the chance to start. His days in Tennessee (he accumulated a 26-to-13 TD-to-INT ratio there) suggest he could have some success if given a legitimate opportunity. But it’s unlikely he’ll be handed a starting job. He’ll probably have to earn one and at 32 years old, Volek isn’t exactly a young guy with massive upside. So it appears the cards are stacked against him. Hence, he seems destined for more backup duties in 2008. Whether it’s with San Diego or another squad remains to be seen.   

 

Restricted Free Agents

 

Derek Anderson (Cle) – Anderson’s third NFL season was nothing short of miraculous. He came out of nowhere and nearly led the Browns to the playoffs in 2007 with a 10-5 record as the starter. He managed a respectable 82.5 QB rating and he threw for 3,787 yards with 29 TDs and 19 INTs. Anderson is a tall young guy with excellent pocket awareness and a strong arm who made many big-time NFL throws last season. He’ll definitely be starting somewhere in 2008 despite his occasional erratic tendencies. Browns GM Phil Savage has commented publicly that both short-term and long-term contracts have been discussed with Anderson and his agent. Formally, Anderson has already been offered a three-year deal. Yet, he wants something in the neighborhood of five years. Not that it matters because the NFL is a business at the end of the day and an unpredictable one at that, but Anderson has been vocal in saying he’d like to stay in Cleveland and the team has said they expect him to sign the three-year offer very soon. Anderson’s camp may want to hold off a little just to see if a team steps up and offers him a ridiculous deal after he’s able to officially become a restricted free agent on 2/29. Adding to the uncertainty of Anderson’s status is one Brady Quinn, who was drafted for the sole purpose of being the franchise QB. Ultimately, the team will likely use its highest one-year tender on Anderson (about .5 million) if they can’t come to terms on a long-term deal. That would force potential suitors to give Cleveland first and third round draft picks to acquire Anderson, which is entirely possible with so many QB-hungry teams out there. And of course the Browns would have the opportunity to match any offer if they’re keen on bringing Quinn along slowly and need Anderson to be a bridge to the future. Plus, there’s the possibility Anderson could be franchised or traded. This figures to be a situation worth watching and one that could affect Cleveland’s franchise for years to come. No matter how it unfolds, the Browns aren’t going to just give him away, even with Quinn waiting in the wings. Stay tuned for more.

Dan Orlovsky (Det) – Orlovsky didn’t sniff the field in 2007 as the third-string Lion QB. With #2 QB J.T. O’Sullivan being an unrestricted free agent and poised to depart because he’s a Mike Martz guy, Orlovsky will probably stay with the Lions and compete with Drew Stanton for the backup job in 2008. Head coach Rod Marinelli has hinted that there will be some QB competition in training camp, but the chances of Orlovsky winning the starting job over Jon Kitna and Stanton are slim. Therefore, his fantasy value is miniscule. And even if he leaves for some odd reason, he’ll probably be buried on someone’s depth chart.   

 

Running Backs

 

Unrestricted Free Agents

 

Michael Turner (SD) – It’s no secret that Turner’s “the” elite free agent in this year’s RB crop. He spent his fourth NFL season backing up L.T. yet again, so he rushed for only 316 yards and 1 TD and posted 4/16 as a receiver. His young age (26), explosiveness through the hole, toughness, strength, ability to make tacklers miss, big-play potential, and career 5.5 yards/carry average will surely cause many teams to come strong at him with big money. With that said, Turner should be able to sit back and pick exactly where he’ll be the starter in 2008. Early indications are that the Panthers could court him aggressively because they’ve given up on DeShaun Foster. But plenty of teams figure to be players in the “Turner the Burner” sweepstakes. Regardless of where he lands in 2008, you can bet he’ll be a hot fantasy commodity next year because he has shown in the past that he can be a difference-maker and a game-changer. And after years of learning from Tomlinson and stewing for a bell-cow role, Turner should excel immediately. You (and every potential NFL suitor) do have to wonder though. Will he hold up and with massive touches? His 235-pound frame and his savvy tendency for sidestepping big hits indicate the answer will be a resounding “yes” and suggest durability shouldn’t be an issue for Turner over the long haul. But we won’t know until we see some things in 2008. Seattle, Chicago, Houston, Arizona, Carolina, and Atlanta are just a few of the teams out there that would be wise to go after him given their very shaky RB situations.  

 

Julius Jones (Dal) – Jones’ production in 2007 was way down – 588 yards, 2 TDs, 3.6 yards/carry, and 23/203 as a receiver. It’s understandable at least because he played second fiddle to Marion Barber. Jones wants out of Big D because he feels he can be a bell-cow, every-down back somewhere. And the Cowboys reportedly have no interest in retaining him with Barber established as their main-man and the team poised to draft a young runner or two. Let the feeding frenzy begin. Teams around the league will have interest in Jones because of his speed, big-play potential on the edges, and versatility. He’s undersized and a bit soft. But if given upwards of 300 touches, Jones can certainly thrive because he’s a naturally-gifted runner. He’ll be 27 when the 2008 season opens and he’ll be one of the most sought-after backs in free agency. Look for him to get a nice deal and make an immediate impact in 2008. Yet, a feature role may be hard to come by since there aren’t a ton of teams in need of a starter. There’s a strong chance he could wind up in another RBBC, limiting his fantasy value yet again. After all, he’s not exactly the most difficult back out there to bring down. And he has yet to prove he can pound the ball between the tackles consistently.

Derrick Ward (NYG) – Ward was superb, powerful, and dynamic when healthy in 2007, his fourth NFL season. He rushed for 602 yards and 3 TDs, averaged nearly 5 yards/carry, and mustered 26/179/1 as a receiver (all career highs). Ward is a passionate, elusive, and versatile player who figures to command a few juicy offers this off-season because he’s still on the young side (he’ll be 28 when the 2008 season commences). The G-men appear set at running back with established punisher Brandon Jacobs and up-and-comer Ahmad Bradshaw. But they’d love to hang onto Ward for depth because their power running game leads to a lot of wear and tear on their backs (see Ward’s ankle/groin/leg issues last season). Word is the sides have been discussing a three to four-year deal and the Giants intend to do everything in their power to lock him up. If things don’t work out, though, and he tests the free-agent waters, don’t be shocked if teams are hesitant to trust him as their bell-cow and throw a lot of money at him since durability has been a big problem for him these past few years. That means he could wind up in a committee or in a backup role outside of New York. Unfortunately for Ward and his fantasy value, that’s the best he can hope for with the Giants too. Still, he could land in a situation that makes him intriguing.

 

DeShaun Foster (RB, Car) – Foster was released by the Panthers after spending his first six NFL seasons with the team. In 2007 as the lead back, Foster rushed for 876 yards and 3 TDs, posted 25/182/1 as a receiver, and averaged a career-low 3.5 yards/carry. Ultimately, his fumbling problems and lack of pop inspired Carolina to give DeAngelo Williams the nod going forward (although they will likely bring another back in). And it was clear from watching Foster last season that he lacks dynamism, speed, and elusiveness. Plus, he always seems to wear down as the season progresses and staying healthy isn’t his forte. But teams are always in the market for a bigger back and at age 28 Foster definitely has some decent years left. However, given that Foster has yet to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a single season and has managed just 14 TDs in his career, it’s doubtful he’ll be given a role as the bell-cow runner with his new team. Look for him to catch on in a committee situation somewhere in 2008 as the power back with the outside potential to emerge as a starter if the change in scenery re-energizes him. Regardless of whether he’s a complementary or highly involved back next season, we know what Foster is – a low-end fantasy RB who just hasn’t shown much upside.

 

Chris Brown (Ten) – Brown played second fiddle to grinder LenDale White in 2007, so his numbers were smallish. He rushed for 462 yards and 5 TDs, averaged 4.5 yards/carry, and posted 19/128 as a receiver. He’ll be 27 in 2008 and he still has lots of juice and big-play potential. But durability issues have dogged him since he entered the league five years ago because he runs with an upright style. With that said, he’ll probably wind up in a committee situation or a backup role when he leaves the Titans because teams will be hesitant to give him a substantial role. His departure seems inevitable since White has proven capable of carrying the load and Tennessee has an intriguing young up-and-comer in Chris Henry to handle the change-of-pace duties. Plus, the Titans are convinced that Brown’s not tough enough or reliable enough to thrive in their smash-mouth scheme, so it’d be shocking if he stuck around in 2008. Maybe a change in scenery will allow Brown to realize the massive game-changing potential he possessed coming out of Colorado. Maybe not. Either way, he’s at least worth monitoring this off-season, as he could pack some fantasy punch on a solid team.
 

Ron Dayne (Hou) – Dayne, in his eighth year, had his best season as a pro in 2007 primarily because Ahman Green was a huge bust. Dayne rushed for 773 yards and 6 TDs, averaged 4 yards/carry, and managed 17/112 as a pass-catcher. He didn’t look sprightly by any means. Yet, he sustained runs well and took advantage of his goal-line chances. He’ll be 30 years old in 2008, he’s not capable of carrying a full load, and he’s far from durable, so don’t expect many (or any) teams to woo him with large offers this off-season. It looks like he’ll get rewarded for leading the Texans in rushing last season, be brought back to complement Green and Darius Walker, or someone else, and finish his forgettable career in Houston, where he’s been a key contributor these past two seasons. He fits in nicely there, particularly with running-game guru Alex Gibbs coming to town to instill toughness in the Texan backfield. And Houston obviously cannot bank on the oft-injured Green for a full 16-game stint. They need Dayne for depth and spot-starting duties, so he’ll likely stay put.

 

Jesse Chatman (Mia) – Despite some durability problems, Chatman turned his awful career around slightly in 2007. Because of Ronnie Brown’s knee injury, Chatman was pressed into an expanded role and he responded with 515 yards, 1 TD, an average of 4 yards/carry, and 27/161 as a receiver. Clearly, no team will be willing to hand him a starting job and a long-term deal since he’s approaching the age of 29, he’s had issues with conditioning in his five-year NFL career, and he’s on the slow side. But there’s certainly a place for Chatman in the NFL as a short-yardage/change-of-pace runner. Considering he was a Cam Cameron guy, it’d be surprising to see him donning a Dolphin uniform in 2008 now that a whole new coaching regime has been brought in. And you can’t overlook Lorenzo Booker’s late-season emergence in 2007 and the likelihood that Ricky Williams will be in the mix for touches in 2008 because that makes Chatman very expendable. Look for him to be signed by a new team as a depth option this off-season.

Mewelde Moore (Min) – With Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor leading the way in the Viking running game in 2007, the underused Moore rushed for just 113 yards and posted 6/48 as a pass-catcher. Moore is an intriguing free-agent prospect because he’s young (26 when 2008 kicks off), versatile, and explosive. Also, he has averaged nearly 5 yards/carry in his four-year career. You can bet some teams will be interested in signing him for depth or giving him a chance to win a sizeable role in their backfield. The Vikes would love to keep him around for the right price because he has value as a special teamer. But it appears that Moore is ready to explore other options and seek more money/playing time because of the logjam at RB in Minny. In the right situation, we could see Moore’s fantasy stock rise in 2008 and beyond because he has talent and high-end speed. And he’s shown in the past that he can be a sparkplug. He’s a sleeper worth watching this off-season and he’s someone who may be worth ranking at least in the top-45 at his position this summer.

 

Musa Smith (Bal) – Smith’s fifth NFL season was spent as a backup/change-of-pace to Willis McGahee, who was consistent enough to keep Smith off the field. He rushed for 264 yards and 2 TDs and managed 3.5 yards/carry and 27/192 as a receiver. Smith is a bulky, hard runner who’s pretty versatile and explosive. He has a future as a third-down, change-up, goal-line guy. Since the Ravens brought in OC Cam Cameron, a very RB-friendly coach, Smith would be wise to stay in Baltimore because he’ll get ample touches in a complementary role and potentially as a pass-catcher. Clearly, he has yet to prove he can be an every-down back and landing a #1 RB role would be a surprise for Smith. Yet, NFL teams are always looking for impact runners and depth (particularly stronger backs like Smith). As a result, he should receive some modest attention this off-season. He’ll be 26 in 2008 and freshness isn’t an issue with him even though he’s dealt with injuries in the past. The issue is can he carry a hefty load? Some players in the free-agent market may think so and Baltimore might view him as expendable with McGahee’s dominance in 2007. We’ll see.

 

Michael Pittman (TB) – Pittman had a chance to run away with the starting job in 2007 when Carnell Williams was lost for the season. But an ankle injury prevented him from seizing the opportunity and opened the door for Earnest Graham. He rushed for 286 yards, averaged 4.2 yards/carry, and mustered 26/191 as a receiver in his limited action. Although he’s a hard runner who brings versatility to the table, the Bucs just don’t use him enough. And Pittman, who’ll be 33 next season, is reportedly fed up with it. He has been vocal in saying he wants more playing time because he feels he’s fresh and energized after seeing minimal action the past few seasons. Unfortunately, the presence of Graham and Michael Bennett in Tampa Bay’s backfield means he’ll have to look elsewhere for that. Word is that he’s instructed his agent to find him a new squad. That means Pittman’s days in Tampa Bay are probably over. He’ll likely catch on somewhere as a situational back thanks to his sure-handedness and willingness to fight for tough yards. However, a starting job seems completely out of the question despite Pittman’s confidence that he’s got plenty left in the tank simply because not many teams need a #1 RB at this juncture.

 

Tatum Bell (Det) – Bell is the ultimate case of wasted talent. He has breakaway speed and good moves. He can pick up yardage in chunks. And he’s a versatile player with nice hands. We just didn’t see much of that talent in 2007. As a Lion, Bell played in only five games, rushed for 182 yards and 1 TD, averaged 4.1 yards/carry, and collected 14/63 as a receiver. Bell doesn’t have the size or bulk to be a feature back in the NFL, even in Mike Martz’ offense if you can believe that. He should at least receive some interest this off-season from teams in need of a quick, big-play threat and a complementary runner. He’ll be 27 soon and wear and tear definitely isn’t an issue. That makes him very tempting for squads with RB issues. Because the Lions basically put him on the shelf for over half of 2007 and he begged for a trade, he’s almost certain to land with a new squad and see action as a change-of-pace back next year. New scenery will help his fantasy value, but he has some dog in him and his character is questionable. With that said, it’d be shocking if he earned an expansive role in 2008.

 

T.J. Duckett (Det) – Although he wasn’t very involved in the pass-heavy Lion offense in 2007, Duckett looked sharp in his first year in Detroit when he did touch the ball. He rushed for 335 yards and 3 TDs, averaged a career-high 5.2 yards/carry, and posted 4/54 as a pass-catcher. Duckett’s size and punishing running style make him an excellent goal-line/short-yardage back and he’s just 27 years old. If the Lions decide to part ways with him, he’ll get some decent offers from other squads. As of now, Duckett hasn’t been offered a deal from the Lions even though he has said that he wants to be with the team in 2008 and beyond. It would seem likely that Detroit would ink him with Kevin Jones recovering from a torn ACL. But the front office there is notorious for making questionable decisions. Ultimately, the smart money is on Duckett remaining a Lion since his nemesis Mike Martz is gone and new OC Jim Colletto wants to pound the rock next season, which plays to Duckett’s strengths between the tackles. But you never know with Detroit.

LaBrandon Toefield (Jac) – With Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew ahead of him on the depth chart, Toefield was used sparingly and rushed for just 27 yards and 1 TD in 2007. In his five NFL seasons, Toefield hasn’t proven to be anything more than a backup/change-of-pace, so teams won’t be scrambling to ink him this off-season. But he has good size and strength and he could catch on somewhere as a situational back who sees goal-line and short yardage duties. One thing’s for sure, it would take a miracle for him to make an impact in Jacksonville with Taylor, Jones-Drew, and Greg Jones around. With that said, look for him to seek playing time elsewhere and bolt because he’s only 27 and capable of being an effective power back in a committee or a reliable backup.

 

Aaron Stecker (NO) – Stecker benefited in 2007 from injuries to Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. Their loss allowed him to notch several career-highs, rush for 448 yards and 5 TDs, average almost 4 yards/carry, and post 36/211 as a receiver. Stecker, who’s 32, a tad undersized, and on the tail-end of his career, showed last season that he’s a tough, fearless between-the-tackles runner, a strong goal-line threat, and a sure-handed pass-catcher. But with Deuce, Reggie, and Pierre Thomas crowding the Saint backfield, head coach Sean Payton could view Stecker as dispensable. As a result, he’ll probably have to catch on elsewhere as a complementary back. Basically, the only way he stays in New Orleans is if the team decides to cut ties with Deuce and that seems doubtful since his knee rehab is going well. Stecker will most likely be treated as a stop-gap backup choice by prospective employers, as he’s on the wrong side of 30 and a few years away from being done. That makes his fantasy value negligible going forward.

 
Maurice Hicks (SF) – Hicks, stuck behind Frank Gore and Michael Robinson on the Niner depth chart, did very little in 2007. He rushed for 117 yards and 1 TD and posted 14/86 as a pass-catcher. He’ll be 30 (uh-oh) when the 2008 season opens and there aren’t many RB jobs for the taking this year, so look for Hicks to stick with Niners as a backup or carve a niche as a change-of-pace elsewhere. Either way, his lackluster career track record and his inability to command significant touches these past few years makes him essentially irrelevant for fantasy purposes. He’s simply not starter material.

Travis Minor (Stl) – Minor’s 2007 numbers were small because he didn’t get many chances to shine behind Steven Jackson, Brian Leonard, and Antonio Pittman. He rushed for 68 yards and posted 12/86 as a receiver. The Rams have inked him to a new deal, so he’s off the free-agent market. He’ll have minimal fantasy value going forward though because he’s an underachieving 29-year-old back. And he’ll see more involvement on special teams than on offense. >
Re-signed not that he should be on this list.

 

Aveion Cason (Det) – Cason, a career backup, rushed for 38 yards and posted 14/129 as a receiver in 2007. He has never received more than 40 carries in any of his seven NFL seasons. And it’s unlikely he’ll command much attention this off-season due to his limited skill set and his age (29). The Lions could keep him around as insurance for the injured Kevin Jones, particularly with T.J. Duckett being a UFA. But they like Brian Calhoun a lot and there likely won’t be room for Cason, who was only kept around in the first place because Mike Martz liked him. Regardless of whether he stays in Detroit or winds up on another team, Cason’s not a guy you need to keep on your radar for fantasy purposes because he’s yet to make a big splash and carve his niche in the league. He’s just a change-of-pace guy and teams will only make a move for him as a depth option.

 

Restricted Free Agents

 

Marion Barber (Dal) – Barber, in his third year, had another big season in 2007, winning the starting job from Julius Jones, who’s almost certainly going to be gone in 2008. He rushed for 975 yards and 10 TDs, averaged almost 5 yards/carry, and posted 44/282/2 as a pass-catcher. Barber is a dynamic, punishing runner with excellent receiving skills and a hell of a nose for the goal-line (33 career TDs). Look for the Cowboys to offer him a three to five year contract very soon, as he’s their top off-season priority. He’s a fan favorite and even though Jerry Jones is reportedly intrigued by Darren McFadden, Barber’s a key part of their future at the position due to his youth and explosiveness. However, there’s been a lot of talk this off-season that some teams could make a strong play at Barber because of his high motor and extreme intensity, which is contagious and could help a lousy team turn things around. But since he’s restricted, it would seem like a no-brainer that Dallas would match any offer to keep him around as their bell-cow for another season if a long-term deal can’t be reached. Dallas would be borderline nuts to say adios to the “Barbarian,” but the swirling rumors surrounding his status suggest it’s remotely possible. This is a situation we’ll all have to watch very closely in the coming weeks.

 

Vernand Morency (GB) – Morency’s 2007 season was marred by a knee injury and it’s clear the guy has severe durability issues. Don’t bank on the Packers scrambling to secure him this off-season if other teams show interest in him. After all, Green Bay has good situational backs already behind Ryan Grant in Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn. Morency, who was relegated strictly to third-down duties in 2007, rushed for 108 yards and posted 30/199 as a receiver in his third NFL season. Since he’s still relatively young, he may command some interest this off-season and find a job as a complementary, pass-catching back. But he’s not an extremely dynamic player when he touches the ball and he’s squandered numerous juicy opportunities in the past. As a result, chances are he’ll see more of the bench than the field in the foreseeable future. Still, he could be worthwhile for fantasy purposes in the right committee situation. 

 

Samkon Gado (Mia) – Gado, in his third year, rushed for 150 yards and 4 TDs and posted 12/106 as a receiver in 2007 as both a Texan and a Dolphin. He doesn’t have much of a future in Miami with Ronnie Brown, Lorenzo Booker, and Ricky Williams ahead of him on the depth chart, so look for him to land a backup gig elsewhere this off-season. The only reason the Dolphins signed him in the first place was because injuries to their RBs forced them to. He doesn’t have the speed and hands to be an every-down back. But he’ll likely catch on somewhere as a depth guy since youth is on his side and he’s had some red zone success in the past. Ultimately, he seems poised for a career as a backup or a change-of-pace.  

 

Alvin Pearman (Sea) – A torn ACL ruined Pearman’s 2007 campaign and he didn’t make any impact at all on offense for the Seahawks. It looks doubtful that he’ll be back in Seattle next season, let alone touching the ball frequently out of the backfield. Yet, Shaun Alexander’s decline could force Seattle to keep him around as emergency insurance. Regardless of the uniform he dons in 2008, he’ll be way down on the depth chart, as he’s shown minimal promise in his young career. It would take a miracle (massive injuries ahead of him) for Pearman to become relevant for fantasy purposes any time soon.  

 

Tyson Thompson (Dal) – Thompson saw minimal action in 2007, rushing for only 54 yards on 14 carries. With Julius Jones set to depart this off-season as a free agent, the Cowboys probably will try to keep Thompson around for depth at a cheap price. However, since this year’s draft class is deep at the RB position and the Cowboys are likely to draft some impact runners, it wouldn’t be shocking if they went in a different direction and allowed Thompson to go elsewhere if another team made a move for him. After all, he hasn’t shown much potential in his first three years with the team. And he wasn’t even good enough to hang onto his job on special teams in 2007. There’s no need to watch this guy closely until he shows something because a starting role definitely isn’t in his future.

Wide Receivers

 

Unrestricted Free Agents

 

Randy Moss (NE) – Moss played like a possessed beast in 2007 (his first year with the Pats and his tenth year in the NFL). He posted 98/1,493/23 and averaged 15.2 yards/catch en route to a career resurgence. It’s clear that Moss still has that “it” factor. And it’s evident that his presence basically opened things up for the rest of the Patriot offense in 2007. As a result, the Pats will definitely do everything in their power to retain him this off-season. It’s not going to be the franchise tag, so it will have to be a long-term deal, one in the works. Moss, not surprisingly, wants a multi-year contract. He didn’t receive the franchise designation on 2/21, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement rules stipulate that he can't sign an extension with the team now before free agency begins on Thursday. Since he’s 31 years old, the Pats will be hesitant to give him a multi-year mega deal that will break the bank, which could explain the delay in getting him locked up. After all, he can’t possibly repeat last season’s dominance for several more years, can he? Ultimately, because he’s the key to their offense’s future, you can count on the two sides working something mutually beneficial out. He has said he wants to be back playing pitch and catch with Tom Brady and you can rest assured New England would be happy to have him back torching opposing corners in 2008. Management and ownership loves him and why shouldn’t they? He almost led them to perfection.

 

Bernard Berrian (Chi) – Berrian’s among the cream of this year’s WR free-agent crop and he figures to command some hefty offers this off-season. He’s coming off a career year (his fourth in the league) in 2007, in which he posted 71/951/5 and averaged 13.4 yards/catch. And he’s progressed nicely these past few seasons in terms of his route-running and ability to play a possession-type role in addition to being a vertical threat. However, his slight frame is a problem and toughness isn’t something he possesses much of, so he may never be a truly dominant #1 WR in the league. Looking ahead, the Bears opted not to slap the franchise tag on the 27-year-old Berrian, even though their WR corps is extremely thin at this point, so he will at least have some teams lining up to at least hand him a #2 WR gig and potentially a top role. Ultimately, his big-play ability and downfield speed will add a dimensional of verticality to some team’s offense in 2008. He’s one of the top guys to keep close tabs on this off-season because if he lands in a nice situation, his fantasy stock will max out. Don’t be fooled by 2007: he’s much better than what the numbers show.  

 

D.J. Hackett (Sea) – Hackett, soon to be a fourth year pro, just can’t stay healthy and that’s his biggest issue. He was superb in 2007 when he actually played, which was in just six games. He posted 32/384/3, averaged 12 yards/catch, and scored in half of his outings. Hackett can stretch the field, he can go over the middle, and he can work the outside. He’s big ball-snatcher too and he could provide teams with an excellent red zone presence. Those abilities and gifts will make him one of the hottest free agents at the position this off-season. Hackett will be 27 for the upcoming season and his best days are likely in front of him. It seems like he’s poised to entertain some large offers from teams in need of an explosive, dynamic #2 WR. It’s uncertain whether Seattle will go all out to keep him around because he’s been unreliable. And since Seattle has good depth at the position with Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson, they may not want to pay Hackett huge sums of money. Another factor that could play a role in whether Hackett stays with the Seahawks is the ACL injury suffered by Deion Branch. That could force Seattle to appease Hackett to maintain their strength as a passing team. We’ll have to see how it all shakes out, but this guy should be on your radar despite his obvious durability problems.

 

Jerry Porter (Oak) – Porter’s eighth NFL season was a fairly productive one, all things considered. He posted 44/705/6 and averaged 16 yards/catch as Oakland’s #2 WR. Porter’s going to be 30 and this year’s free agency period could be his last chance at a big payday. Look for him to test the free-agent waters and seek a juicy deal to play elsewhere for the remainder of his career since he’s one of the better choices on the market. After all, he’s got to be tired of all the losing going on in Oakland. He has good size, athleticism, and hands and he could help a lot of teams in the red zone and in the vertical passing game. Chances are there’ll be several teams lobbying to hand him a second receiver role this off-season. And Oakland will want to keep him around only if they can do so at the right price, which seems doubtful. It all adds up to Porter donning a new uniform in 2008, potentially with the Redskins, who could use some size in their smallish receiving corps. He’s an intriguing free agent to keep close tabs on this off-season, as he showed numerous flashes in the woeful Raider passing game last season.

 

Bryant Johnson (Ari) – Johnson’s been a productive and consistent complement to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin these past few seasons and he’s well-liked by the coaching staff in Arizona for his work ethic and focus. But he’s probably going to seek a juicy contract and a bigger role with another team this off-season, as his talents just aren’t used enough in Arizona’s WR logjam. And the Cards likely won’t have the cap room to cut him the type of check he’ll be seeking, particularly with all the money they have invested in Fitzgerald and Boldin and their desire to re-sign some of their free-agent defensive guys. In 2007 (his fifth season), Johnson posted a rock-solid 46/528/2 and averaged 11.5 yards/catch behind ball-hogs Fitzy and Anquan, which speaks volumes of his upside if targeted more. He’s not a special, flashy, game-changing receiver with #1 WR talent. However, he has nice size and leaping ability to go along with precise route-running skills. He’s sure-handed and pretty physical in fighting for the ball. And he can definitely fill the role of a full-time #2 WR because he’s multi-faceted. He can be a red zone threat and a field-stretcher, as well as a possession receiver. At age 27, his best days are ahead of him, so it seems likely he’ll have ample suitors and several options this off-season. Look for him to land elsewhere in 2008 and be a very viable fantasy WR if he can grow into a #2 WR role and shed his #3 WR label, which is very possible.

 

Justin Gage (Ten) – Gage had his best season yet in 2007 (his fifth year in the league and his first with the Titans). He posted 55/750/2 and averaged 13.6 yards/catch as Tennessee’s possession guy and Vince Young’s favorite target. He was the team’s top receiver last season playing on a cheap contract, so his price should go way up in terms of what he expects from the Titans or any other team this off-season. Gage has a nice little arsenal of skills, but he’s clearly not a #1 WR. He has nice size, huge hands, and solid speed. Plus, he’s not afraid to go up and make tough catches. At 27 years old, Gage has plenty of productive seasons ahead of him as a secondary receiver if he continues to develop. The Titans have shown a desire to keep him around already by sitting down and talking about a deal. It looks like he’ll wind up staying in Tennessee because they don’t exactly have a deep receiving corps. And Gage showed a promising chemistry with Young last season. However, there’s an outside chance that he follows the money out of town. It could go either way.

 

David Patten (NO) – Patten was a pleasant surprise for the Saints in his first year with the team and his eleventh year in the league. He posted 54/792/3 and averaged a solid 14.7 yards/catch as Drew Brees’ favorite target outside of Marques Colston. It was one of his best years as a pro and an indication that he still has some game left as an intermediate/downfield receiver even though he’s undersized. At age 34 with some injury issues in his past, the Saints won’t spend a ton of money to retain Patten, particularly since they could add some receivers in free agency. But he was an excellent fit for their system in 2007, he meshed extremely well with Brees, and he would be an excellent mentor for Robert Meachem. Plus, Devery Henderson is probably on his way out of New Orleans this off-season. Thus, look for the Saints to ink him and use him a lot in 2008, potentially even as their #2 WR until Meachem gets his act together. Patten still has deceptive speed and he’s a very precise route-runner, which is crucial in head coach Sean Payton’s offense. He’s not going anywhere. 

 

Muhsin Muhammad (FA) – Moose was released by the Bears recently. And it’s probably a good thing for his fantasy value because their offense is a joke and he wasn’t used properly there. In 2007 (his third year with the Bears and twelfth season in the pros), Muhammad posted 40/570/3 and averaged 14.3 yards/catch as the #2 WR in Chicago. Even though he’ll be 35 next season and he’s on the decline, he’s bound to catch on somewhere and play a large role because he’s a veteran ball-snatcher with a big frame and a physical game and he’s a solid possession guy. His finest days are behind him for sure. Yet, you should keep an eye on where he lands because he has shown in the past that he can be a very productive player and a TD threat (see 2004 when he tore it up as a Panther). If he can secure a spot as a second receiver paired with a half-decent QB, he could do some damage in 2008 and return to fantasy relevance. He’d work wonders for Philly’s Donovan McNabb, who needs a big target on the outside. Even his old team the Panthers have him on their radar.

 

Marty Booker (Mia) – Booker was recently released by the Dolphins after underachieving in 2007 and posting 50/556/1 in his ninth NFL season. He averaged a pathetic 11.1 yards/catch and he basically rotted in Miami’s inept passing attack. Now that he’s free to shop around, you have to think he’ll wind up in a favorable situation where can make a steady impact. He’ll be 32 for the 2008 season, which should prevent teams from throwing a lot of money his way. But he’s been durable in his career, he’s an experienced vet, and he has a big enough build to play the game at a high level. Booker’s not an explosive receiver anymore by any means. However, he’ll almost certainly be starting or playing a large complementary role somewhere in 2008 since he does have a few gaudy seasons on his resume. He’s worth watching this off-season.

 

Andre Davis (Hou) – Davis was a smash hit in his first season with the Texans and his sixth NFL year. He excelled on special teams and helped the passing game out big-time when Andre Johnson was hurt. In 2007, he posted 33/583/3 and averaged a whopping 17.7 yards/catch. He’ll be 29 when the 2008 season opens and he’s a great fit for Houston’s designed big-play offense because of his speed, phenomenal body control, sure hands, and ability to stretch the field. Look for the Texans to make every effort to keep him around for several more years because he instilled some juice and versatility into their up-and-coming offense last season. However, it’s not guaranteed he’ll stay for two reasons. First, the Texans will have to compete with other teams, which will surely come strong at Davis this off-season with big money after his career year in 2007. Second, Houston already has solid complementary receivers in Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones, which could force Davis test the free-agent waters in hopes of earning a more expansive role, maybe even a #2 WR job. We’ll see how it unfolds, but one thing’s for certain. Houston would love to have him back due to his game-breaking upside. And it’s worth nothing that they’ve been actively pursuing a deal with him to keep him off the market.   

 
Drew Carter (Car) – Carter’s days in Carolina are most likely over. Sure, he’s shown flashes as their #2/#3 WR alongside Keary Colbert the past two seasons and given the Panthers some verticality in the passing game. But the future is a Steve Smith/Dwayne Jarrett 1-2 punch with Ryne Robinson (and probably some free-agent acquisitions) mixed in. And that makes Carter expendable. In 2007 (his fourth season), Carter posted 38/517/4 and averaged 13.6 yards/catch in his best season to date. He had one monster game with 5/132/1 against the Pack, but the rest of his season was a major disappointment. The book on Carter is that he has tremendous speed as well as decent size and he can be dangerous on intermediate and downfield routes. But he has poor hands, he’s not that tough, and consistency isn’t his forte, so he’s limited in terms of his possession-type abilities. Jake Delhomme and head coach John Fox expressed the need for playmaking secondary receivers alongside Smith when the 2007 season ended. That basically was an indictment of Carter and the job he’s done lately and an indication that they not longer want his services. Most likely, Carter will have to catch on elsewhere and earn a complementary role as a #3 WR/deep threat. After an ugly 2007 campaign, you can bet the Panthers will definitely move forward and change things up at the WR position by giving their young guys a chance and bringing in some talent via free agency or trade to upgrade their one-man receiving corps. That leaves the soon-to-be 27-year-old Carter in serious limbo.

 

Jabar Gaffney (NE) – Gaffney excelled as the #4 WR in New England in 2007 (his sixth season in the league), posting 36/449/5 and averaging 12.5 yards/catch. He’s only 27, he’s something of a vertical threat, and he’s a pretty savvy complementary receiver. Several teams could inquire about his services this off-season with the way he finished last season so hot, although, it would be shocking if he was highly sought after since he’s essentially a role player. The only receiver who’s locked in for 2008 for the Pats is Wes Welker, which means WR is a position that’s wide-open for New England this off-season. A lot of retooling could occur, but why change it if it isn’t broken? With that said, it would seem logical that they’d play it safe and keep Gaffney around after the excellent rapport he showed with Tom Brady in 2007 out of the slot. After all, Donte Stallworth and Kelley Washington are almost certain to be gone in 2008, leaving some vacancies on the depth chart. Look for Gaffney to hang around with the Pats, maybe just for one more go-round, because his career was headed nowhere before they gave him a chance and everyone wants to play for a winner. He has the speed and athleticism to be a steady contributor there in his situational role. If for some odd reason they part ways, Gaffney will be, at best, a #3 WR elsewhere.   

 

Devery Henderson (NO) – Henderson’s 2007 season (his fourth year in the league) was a big disappointment and arguably his worst year with the Saints. He posted 20/409/3 and was outperformed by veteran David Patten. He did, however, average 20.5 yards/catch on the year, showing once again what we all know about Henderson – he’s one-dimensional and nothing more than a speedy field-stretcher that can make explosive plays downfield. Teams will have interest in him for his big-play ability and they will key in on the fact that he has averaged 20+ yards/catch in his career. The problem with Henderson is that he’s a tad small and soft, he drops way too many passes (tied for most in the league again in 2006), and he’s terribly inconsistent in terms of his effort and route-running. Considering he’s just 26 years old, there’s hope for him to turn his career around and eventually grow into a #2 WR role. It probably won’t be in New Orleans, though, as they’re about ready to give up on him with Robert Meachem waiting in the wings and UFA Patten likely to stick as a possession guy alongside Marques Colston. Ultimately, if he lands in the right situation with a good downfield thrower, Henderson can prosper as a third receiver/deep threat in 2008 even though “unreliability” is his middle name.
 

Keary Colbert (Car) – Colbert, much like Drew Carter, is on the outs in Carolina. He was drafted by the team four years ago to be an explosive complement to Steve Smith, but to say it hasn’t worked out would be a gross understatement. Colbert has been plagued by poor health and conditioning, inconsistency, and flat-out lousy play in his stay with the Panthers. In 2007, he posted a disgusting 32/332/0 and averaged a weak 10.4 yards/catch. With the Panthers poised to give young bucks Dwayne Jarrett and Ryne Robinson an opportunity to shine in 2008 and likely to be a big player in the free-agency market in terms of WRs, Colbert’s almost certainly going to have to find employment elsewhere this off-season. The Carolina fans detest him, he lacks speed, and he appears to have some dog in him. With that said, he’s going to be catching balls for a new squad in 2008, probably as a #3 WR, at best, until he shows a pulse and flashes some talent like he did at USC. Since he’ll be only 26 in 2008, there’s still hope for him to turn things around and be a productive secondary NFL receiver. But fantasy relevance may not be in the cards for Colbert any time soon unless he finds himself paired with a stud QB next season.  

 

Ernest Wilford (Jac) – Wilford, in his fourth year in the NFL, had a decent 2007 season. He posted 45/518/3, led the Jags in receptions, and averaged 11.5 yards/catch in Jacksonville’s simplistic passing game. Since this 29-year-old entered the league, he’s been an effective possession receiver and a big-bodied red zone weapon. He doesn’t have