Updated List of Top NFL Free Agents From NFL.com

Posted: February 26th, 2009 | Adam Schefter | Tags: Free Agency 2009

Between now and midnight Friday, some players will resign and be removed from this list, and some will be released and added to this list. But as of Thursday afternoon, here is a look at some of the top players — restricted free agents and franchise players are not included — heading into free agency.

QUARTERBACKS
Kurt Warner, Cardinals — Just a question of Warner and Cardinals finalizing a deal.
Kerry Collins, Titans — No team can offer the full package that Tennessee can.
Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers — Would be a perfect stop-gap quarterback for San Francisco.
Byron Leftwich, Steelers — As much as he would like the chance to start, it’s going to be tough to land that promise.
Rex Grossman, Bears — Good enough to win an NFC championship.
Sleeper: J.P. Losman, Bills — With a change of scenery, maybe his talent can flourish.

RUNNING BACKS
Derrick Ward, Giants — Hoping to find more of a market than there was last year for his services.
Fred Taylor, Jaguars — Cut last week, he already has visited Buffalo and New England.
Maurice Morris, Seahawks — Seattle would like to keep him and have him compete for starting job.
Cedric Benson — Emerged from the scrap heap to become a possibility for a running-back needy team.
Chris Perry — It’s going to be hard for Cincinnati to lose both Benson and Perry.
Sleeper: J.J. Arrington, Cardinals — As an added bonus, can help as a return man

WIDE RECEIVERS
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals — Cincinnati is making a last-ditch effort to re-sign him.
Nate Washington, Steelers — Proved to be enough of a downfield threat that will be attractive to somebody.
Michael Clayton, Buccaneers — Never blossomed the way many thought he would after his rookie season.
Marvin Harrison, Colts — At 36, not what he once was, but still could be a solid No. 3 wideout.
Devery Henderson, Saints — Comes up with deep catches and occassional drops.
Sleeper: Bobby Engram, Seahawks – Still can be productive despite his age.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Jason Brown, Ravens (C-G) — Would not be surprising to see the Dolphins make a major push for him.
Jon Stinchcomb, Saints (T) — The top tackle free agent has been a full-time starter for Saints.
Jeff Saturday, Colts (C) — Colts already have informed him they don’t expect to bring him back.
Stacy Andrews, Bengals (T) — The Bengals franchise player last off-season, he suffered a serious knee injury this season.
Khalif Barnes, Jaguars (T) — It’s rare that 26-year-old starting left tackles hit the market.
Sleeper: Ray Willis, Seahawks (T) — Pay attention to his name; the contract he lands is going to be eye opening.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Albert Haynesworth, Titans (DT) — If it goes the way he wants, he will become football’s first $100 million defensive player.
Chris Canty, Cowboys (DE) — Dallas can’t afford him, and other teams are after him.
Antonio Smith, Cardinals (DE) — High-motor pass-rushers always are going to have a market.
Colin Cole, Packers (DT) — With so many teams switching to the 3-4, Cole will be in demand.
Bertrand Berry, Cardinals (DE) — An oldie but goodie, Berry still can rush the passer.
Sleeper: Kevin Carter, Buccaneers (DE) — A good player to have on the line and in the locker room.

LINEBACKERS
Ray Lewis, Ravens — Make no secret, he’s going to the highest bidder, either the Ravens or the Jets.
Bart Scott, Ravens — Wherever Lewis doesn’t wind up is where Scott likely will.
Jonathan Vilma, Saints — New Orleans would love to be able to afford to bring him back.
Michael Boley, Falcons — With the emergence of the 3-4, Boley will have plenty of suitors.
Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers — A trusted veteran of Tampa’s defense, could help team on run downs.
Sleeper: Angelo Crowell, Bills — Good enough to help somebody.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Bryant McFadden, Steelers — The only unrestrictred free agent starter off Pittsburgh’s championship defense.
DeAngelo Hall, Redskins — Washington determined not to let him get away.
Ron Bartell, Rams — Rams been trying for days to resign him before free agency.
Jabari Greer, Bills — Has been waiting to test the free-agent market.
Jermaine Phillips, Buccaneers (S) — Packs a wallop.
Sleeper: Sean Jones, Browns (S) -– A former second round pick that can make plays

OTHER NOTABLES
TIGHT ENDS: L.J. Smith, Philadelphia; Chris Baker, Jets.
FULLBACKS: Lorenzo Neal, Ravens; Tony Richardson, Jets.
SPECIALISTS: Mike Nugent, Jets (K); Jay Feeley, Jets (K); Matt Stover, Ravens (K); Justin Miller, Raiders (returner)

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