Musings - Pre Free Agency

As we now approach the free agency frenzy that will no doubt ensue as soon as the clock strikes 4pm tomorrow afternoon, it is time to take a look at what we believe are some of the most key free agents available.  Not all of these players will make a fantasy impact next year, but if we think this player could in fact have an impact on fantasy stats, we will point it out too.


1. Jairus Byrd, S  

Jarius Byrd is the prize of this year's free agent class.  In fact, he is the only game changer available on the open market this year.  He is the best safety in the league right now, and despite Buffalo's attempt to make him the highest paid safety he is looking for even more.  Word has it that he wants 9M per year, which is crazy money for a safety.  Still, in the right system, he could put them over the top.

Fantasy Impact:  Minimal.  Obviously only in IDP formats.

Good Fits: PIT, IND, SF


2. Jared Veldheer, OT

There has been a lot of chatter about the three top o-tackles who are available in this group.  Depending on whom you speak with, any one of the three could be the best.  Still, we like Veldheer as the best of the three, and here is why.  Albert is a great pass protector, but he is not much against the run, and he cannot seem to stay healthy.  Monroe has all of the tools you want in a tackle, and although he has played well, he has still had two teams already say they would rather move on without him than to pay him.  Veldheer is a giant of a man, he is young, he still has room to get better, and he will come for less money than either of the other two.  I really think Oakland was crazy to let him hit the market without even a transition tag.

Fantasy Impact: None

Good Fits: OAK, MIA, SD, ATL


3. Lamarr Houston, DE

Another odd move by the Raiders.  I do not understand how Reggie McKenzie could allow his two best young talents to hit the open market, but that is what he did.  With Michael Bennett off the board now (resigned with SEA), Houston is the top DE left (yes, even better than Michael Johnson).  He is young, very strong, and what separates him from guys like Michael Johnson is that his best football is still in front of him.  He is not a prototypical pass rusher, but he can play both the run and the pass well.  I think there will be a lot of teams looking at Houston as soon as the bell rings.

Fantasy Impact: None

Good Fits: OAK, DAL, ATL, CHI, TEN


4. Aquib Talib, CB

In a pass happy NFL, it can be argued that a shut-down corner is as important as a pass rushing DE for a defense.  That being said, Aquib Talib is the best of this year's class.  Some folks rate Alterraun Verner higher, but I think Talib's size and physical play make him the better bet in this free agent crop.  New England did not franchise him, and that is understandable based on finances, but despite some questions about his personality, they will absolutely be in the mix to bring him back for next year.

Fantasy Impact: Minimal.  Obviously, only in IDP formats.

Good Fits: NE, SF, DEN, PIT


5. Alex Mack, C

Ask any QB and they will be the first to tell you how important the Center is to them, and the football team.  They have to have the right mental makeup to make the line call, snap the ball, and still get their head up to block.  You want your center to be smart, mean, and nasty.  If they are young and durable, even better.  Alex Mack is all of the above.  Cleveland was smart to Transition Tag him, and it is exceptionally unlikely that Ray Farmer will let him get away, especially considering how much cap room the Browns have.  But word is Mack wants out, so maybe... just maybe, Farmer works a sign and trade type deal to get something for Mack while parting with an unhappy guy.

Fantasy Impact: None

Good Fits: CLE, GB, IND, NE


6. Braden Albert, OT
7. Eric Decker, WR
8. Michael Johnson, DE
9. Eugene Monroe, OT
10. Alturran Verner, CB


High Value Propositions
For one reason or another, these guys will all be available and good deliver major upside for their next teams.  Considering they will should be available for reasonable contracts, or one-year prove-it deals, this has the potential for a big payoff for the buyer.

1. Henry Melton, DT
2. TJ Ward, S
3. Linval Joseph, DT
4. BJ Raji, DT
5. Louis Delmas, S (Signed by MIA)
6. Antoine Bethea, S
7. Andre Roberts, WR
8. Rashard Jennings, RB
9. Brandon Spikes, LB
10. Jon Asamoah, G


Buyer Beware
Exactly the opposite of the guys in the previous section, these guys are likely to command a higher contract than what they deserve.  Most of these guys have already played their best football, and will likely be a regrettable contract in a season or two.

1. Jared Allen, DE
2. Justin Tuck, DE
3. Antonio Cromartie, CB
4. Darren McFadden, RB
5. Knowshon Moreno, RB


Fantasy Impacts
The guys on this list have the best chance of making a fantasy impact with their impending team change.  For some, it could be the move to turn them into fantasy relevance.  For others, expect their fantasy impact to take a dive unless they fall into the perfect system.  Until we learn where they will take snaps next year, we cannot tell which direction they will turn.

1. Darren Sproles, RB
2. Eric Decker, WR
3. Hakeem Nicks, WR
4. Ben Tate, RB
5. James Jones, WR