Post by MGB01 on Nov 1, 2008 0:39:35 GMT -5
Player movement
BIRMINGHAM: none
CAROLINA:
signed WR Koren Robinson (1/$500K)
re-signed DT Grady Jackson (1/$800K)
released LB Ryan Fowler
LB Greg Richmond, LB Justin Ena, and OG Derrick Roche retired
CHICAGO
re-signed WR Kelley Washington (3/$2M)
re-signed K Mike Nugent (4/$2.5M)
DALLAS
re-signed WR Rashaun Woods (5/$10M)
re-signed LB Lance Mitchell (5/$4.8M)
re-signed CB/KR Will Pettis (3/$2.1M)
re-signed LB John Saldi (4/$2.1M)
re-signed FS Junior Rosegreen (4/$2.5M)
C Aaron Graham retired
DETROIT
released QB Josh Betts
LB Shawn Banks retired
JACKSONVILLE
re-signed QB Tyler Palko (5/$4M)
KANSAS CITY
re-signed SS Daniel Bullocks (4/$1.75M)
re-signed TE Teyo Johnson (4/$3M)
re-signed OG Jason Brown (4/$2.8M)
signed DE/LB Cameron Wake (4/$2M)
released DE Adalius Thomas
released DT Aubrayo Franklin
LAS VEGAS
none
LOS ANGELES
C Cory Raymer retired
MEMPHIS
LB Patrick Sapp retired
NEW YORK
none
ORLANDO
none
PITTSBURGH
re-signed CB Ashton Youboty (4/$3.5M)
SAN FRANCISCO
C Jason Scukanec retired
SEATTLE
re-signed OT Joe Toledo (4/$2.8M)
WASHINGTON
DT Israel Raybon retired
FA BY TEAM
BIRMINGHAM
OT Calvin Armstrong
WR Devin Aromashadu
OG Kelvin Chaisson
RB Cedric Cobbs
OG Cosey Coleman
WR Eddie Drummond
DT Anttaj Hawthorne
K Connor Hughes
DT Tommy Jackson
OT Marques Ogden
RB Rashon Powers-Neal
TE Jerramy Stevens
CAROLINA
RB John Avery
OL Jarvis Borum
OT Chris Colmer
OL Junius Coston
WR Jerricho Cotchery
TE Joel Dreessen
CB Dovonte Edwards
OG Jason Gamble
FB Oliver Hoyte
S Marcus Hudson
K Michael Husted
S Andre Maddox
DE Terrance Martin
RB T.A. McLendon
C Pat Ross
QB Kurt Warner (NFL-exempt)
CHICAGO
OG Elton Brown
RB Brian Calhoun
LB Channing Crowder
WR Luke Leverson
DT Sione Pouha
OT Zach Strief
S Matt Ware
DALLAS
DT Lorenzo Alexander
K Josh Brown
S Tyrone Culver
CB Andre Dyson
CB Darrell Hunter
WR Jerome Mathis
DE Benard Thomas
P John Torp
LB Cameron Vaughn
DETROIT
WR Jason Avant
LB Michael Boley
OT John Feugill
OG Matt Lentz
CB Bryant McFadden
OG Will Montgomery
OT Adam Stenavich
RB Jason Teague
JACKSONVILLE
LB Anthony Cannon
DE Chauncey Davis
WR Troy Edwards
P Tyler Fredrickson
S Vincent Fuller
WR Chris Hannon
S Chris Harrell
LB Brian Iwuh
OT Carlos Joseph
CB DeMario Minter
LB Michael Nattiel
TE T.J. Williams
KANSAS CITY
RB Chris Brown
LB Kevin Burnett
CB Reggie Durden
OG Pita Elisara
OG Evan Mathis
QB Matt Nagy
WR Bobby Sippio
RB Darren Sproles
LAS VEGAS
QB Derek Anderson
DE Dave Ball
S Sam Brandon
S Jamaal Brimmer
LB Ryan Claridge
WR Charles Frederick
DE Michael Josiah
C Ben Nowland
LB Matt Rice
DT Angel Rubio
S Antwoine Sanders
LB Adam Seward
CB Hurley Tarver
WR Todd Watkins
FB Manuel White
LOS ANGELES
S Darius Clark
LB Derek Curry
OT Steve Edwards
TE Antoine Harris
S Bobby Jackson
WR Kareem Kelly
OG Antwan Kirk-Hughes
FB David Kirtman
QB Jamie Martin
DE Eric Moore
WR Tab Perry
CB Will Poole
DT Josh Shaw
RB Joe Smith
TE Cooper Wallace
MEMPHIS
TE Bobby Blizzard
S Jack Brewer
OG Wesley Britt
C Vince Carter
LB Cols Colas
QB Dave Dickenson
TE Tim Euhus
DE Aaron Humphrey
DE Bernard Jackson
RB Charles Roberts
NEW YORK
WR Terrance Copper
LB Donte Curry
RB Dwone Hicks
K Tyler Jones
OT Lewis Kelly
TE Joseph Kowalewski
CB Terrance Leftwich
FB Will Matthews
LB Matt McCoy
RB Bobby Purify
WR Taylor Stubblefield
ORLANDO
LB Rahim Abdullah
LB Jamie Baisley
QB Brett Basanez
OG Jonathan Clinkscale
LB Rick Crowell
CB Domonique Foxworth
OG Mike Gandy
CB Reynaldo Hill
K Josh Huston
WR Vincent Jackson
DE Javon Nanton
OT Brian Rimpf
S Greg Threat
PITTSBURGH
OG Matt Anderle
OG Bryan Anderson
C Kevin Bailey
CB Korey Banks
LB Ahmad Brooks
WR Jason Carter
QB Quincy Carter
P Dustin Colquitt
LB Keyaron Fox
TE Erik Gill
OT Adam Goldberg
S Nate Salley
TE Alex Smith
WR Chauncey Stovall
S Rashad Washington
CB Stanley Wilson
SAN FRANCISCO
K Jose Cortez
DT Ronald Fields
CB Eric Green
DL Manase Hopoi
OT Marcus Johnson
S Donnie McCleskey
LB Kirk Morrison
WR Martin Nance
S Brodney Pool
CB T.J. Rushing
WR P.K. Sam
OG Adam Snyder
DT Randy Starks
OG Teag Whiting
OT Brandon Winey
WR Kevin Youngblood
SEATTLE
OG David Baas
LB Trent Bray
DE Erik Flowers
QB David Greene
DE Jovan Haye
DE Reggie Hayward
P Tom Malone
S Lamon Means
OT Jeremy Parquet
C Tupe Peko
TE Brett Pierce
RB Damien Rhodes
CB Alex Teems
WASHINGTON
RB Marion Barber
DT Chad Beasley
LB Darryl Blackstock
WR Mark Bradley
WR Mike Bush
OT Brad Butler
QB Ryan Clement
P Travis Dorsch
K Martin Gramatica
LB Ed Hartwell
TE Jeff King
LB Kai Parham
CB Ronyell Whitaker
TOP 20 FA
1. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, CAR
2. Marion Barber, RB, WAS
3. Kirk Morrison, LB, SF
4. Michael Boley, LB, DET
5. Bryant McFadden, CB, DET
6. Adam Seward, LB, LV
7. Randy Starks, DT, SF
8. Jamaal Brimmer, S, LV
9. Kevin Burnett, LB, KC
10. Ryan Claridge, LB, LV
11. Domonique Foxworth, CB, ORL
12. Terrance Copper, WR, NY
13. Matt McCoy, LB, NY
14. Vincent Jackson, WR, ORL
15. Cedric Cobbs, RB, BIR
16. Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, BIR
17. Josh Brown, K, DAL
18. Derek Anderson, QB, LV
19. Michael Nattiel, LB, JAC
20. Kareem Kelly, WR, LA
2009 FA OUTLOOK: Bill Polian once said you don't get well through free agency, and that's been proven even in the XFL. The expansion KC Monarchs signed a contingent of NFL FAs five years ago and the result was a 1-11 crash that puts their three straight one-and-outs (painful as they are) in the playoffs into perspective. Still, it should be pointed out that one of their FA signings was Anthony Calvillo, and Calvillo's been undoubtedly the best QB in the league over the last five years, culminating in the '08 MVP award. Teams have found out that what makes up a winner is mostly the draft, as proven by the LV Outlaws, who have played in three X-Bowls since 2005. Yet the Outlaws have also been players in FA and landed two key cogs in RB Tony Hollings and LB Trev Faulk. Two years ago, the NY Hitmen had Joe Hamilton seemingly fall into their lap after WAS and DET cast him aside. With the right combination in 2007, Hamilton had his best season (MVP) and the Hitmen rolled to their second X-Bowl championship.
Also keep in mind with a number of veteran QBs expected to be available via trade, that could also alter the FA market, at least offensively, where, despite the top two FAs being skill players, defense will rule FA again, especially at LB.
BIR:
PRIME FA: Cobbs, Hawthorne, Stevens
NEEDS: QB, OL
With JAC dangling Joseph Addai the Bolts have been paying attention, but this could result in Cobbs bolting (pun, you know the deal) and while Steve Slaton had a tremendous year, the Bolts aren't ready to have him as their #1 back. Deja vu for Hawthorne, whose stock already tanked once (when he was drafted) and could be doing so again although the Bolts were the best against the run in 2008 (90.4 YPG). Stevens, being a former NFL first-rounder, should automatically be the best TE in the league given his talents but he was barely outproducing backup Matt Herian before turning it up in the second half of the season. Michael Bishop, Joe Hamilton, and Dave Dickenson are all likely to be available as the Bolts look for a backup to Brian Brohm, and an upgrade on the right side of the OL is needed.
CAR:
PRIME FA: Cotchery, Ross, Maddox
NEEDS: QB, DT
The Colonels made a generous offer to Cotchery to stay, but figuring he would be the top WR on the market (he guessed right, as DAL broke the bank to keep Rashaun Woods off the market) he declined, so he's as good as gone from Tobacco Road. The Colonels also made an unsuccessful play to keep Ross but he'll likely return to the fold now that Cotchery likely won't be back. CAR has had one of the better O-lines in the league the last couple years so retaining Ross would be a priority anyway. Maddox will be too (but a tougher sell) given that the secondary was finally beginning to make progress. The Colonels again will be starting over at QB, as Ricky Ray just hasn't been able to return to his 2004 MVP form, at least with any consistency. Defensively, the rule of thumb is if you're going to have a successful 3-4 defense, you need a gap-filler in the middle and Grady Jackson, while solid, is long past the point of being an every-down player while young DTs Paul Soliai and Jason Shirley are nothing more than projects at this point.
CHI
PRIME FA: Crowder, Leverson
NEEDS: DL, QB, WR
The Enforcers were able to sign the guys they needed to keep (Nugent and Washington, though they really should have retained Leverson, a quality vet WR who will be snapped up quickly) and all they really need--badly--is players to step up and play to their potential. None moreso than at QB, which has been a merry-go-round since the trade of Ricky Ray in 2006. A case could be made for any of the four QBs (Byron Leftwich, Trent Edwards, Caleb Hanie, Omar Jacobs) to be their week one starter in 2009. Same at WR, where only Leverson showed any real consistency though Devin Thomas led (albeit with 38 catches) the team. DL depth is important.
DAL
PRIME FA: Brown, Dyson, Thomas
NEEDS: TE, OL, DL
2008 was something of a lost season for the Lonestars, but it will go down as the 'Year of the Z' as Jared Zabransky replaced Seneca Wallace and was brilliant, going without an INT in 137 attemps while throwing 12 TD passes. The Lonestars learned their lesson of last year and quickly made it a point to hold onto their top FA, including Rashaun Woods, so to keep their all-XFL duo of Woods and Santonio Holmes intact, as well as LBs Lance Mitchell and John Saldi, and emerging S Junior Rosegreen. Cory Redding and Darnell Dockett had a combined eight sacks in '08, their return to form will be needed in '09. Chris Cooley's loss was evident as the TE spot produced only 20 catches and three TD, and the interior OL has a hole left by Aaron Graham's retirement.
DET
PRIME FA: Boley, McFadden
NEEDS: DL, OL, WR
The Mustangs were still held back by a bad defense. The pass rush was actually better, finishing sixth in the league, but Detroit also ended up with an abysmal -11 turnover ratio. In his second year as starter Matt Kegel still hasn't given the Mustangs reason to be excited, nor can he stay healthy. Adrian McPherson came in at midseason and got off to a flying start, but wasn't the answer either. New head coach Mike Jones inherits quite a challenge, with Boley and McFadden on the verge of fleeing in free agency, and, despite the improved line play on both sides, the Mustangs still need a bigtime presence. In fairness, Gabe Watson did miss the season with a knee injury. But they still need an impact pass rusher. A top wide receiver wouldn't hurt either.
JAC
PRIME FA: Davis, Nattiel
NEEDS: OL, DT, DB
The Bulls became the first team in XFL history to win the X-Bowl after starting 0-3, but were also an example of winning curing all ills. They finished 8-4 on the regular season, but gave up as many points as they scored while finishing with a -3 turnover ratio. In the postseason, they only turned the ball over once while creating six turnovers, allowing their high-potent offense to work. Tyler Palko earned himself a shiny new contract in the offseason thanks to his exploits in 2008--both regular and postseason. But the Bulls need to revamp a running game that averaged a woeful 3.5 YPC. On the defensive side of the ball, 2007 first-round pick Tank Tyler just hasn't emerged, in fact the Bulls' revival in '08 coincided with them sliding Robaire Smith back to the nose. They can replace Nattiel, but with Fuller likely leaving as a free agent they need an infusion of youth in the secondary.
KC
PRIME FA: Burnett, Durden, Mathis
NEEDS: DL, OL
The Monarchs might be coming off their third straight disapponting one-and-out in the postseason, but give them this: they know what they need to do to win, and that's cconstantly improve their line play, even where they appear to be strong. On the offensive line, they had hoped to retain RG Evan Mathis but will keep LG Jason Brown.
The defensive line was a disappointment to the point that Adalius Thomas and Aubrayo Franklin were exiled, and the Monarchs have drafted well enough the last couple years they can withstand the potential loss of Burnett. Orlando Scandrick will replace Durden as the nickel back.
LA
PRIME FA: Curry, Jackson, Kelly
NEEDS: OL, new coaching philosophy
The above sounds harsh, but that's exactly what the Xtreme need. After their first consecutive playoff appearances in 2005-06, they follwed that up with two straight mediocre seasons, including a frustrating finish to the 2006 season where they ended up on the outside looking in despite finishing with the same record as the X-Bowl runner-up Outlaws. Yet they only had themselves to blame, with three brutal home losses--including to the Outlaws in week eight. The Xtreme have been called the most talented team in the league, but don't really have anything to show for it the last two seasons. Even their coaching situation might not have turned out as they envisioned. They wanted Lane Kiffin, ended up settling on Brian Billick, and could have had Kiffin if they had waited a few weeks. That said the team publicly states they are just fine with Billick, a veteran coach who has a Super Bowl on his resume and they believe he can get them back over the top. They also need a makeover on the offensive line, which allowed the second-most sacks in the league and has lost Cory Raymer to retirement and will likely not bring back LT Steve Edwards or OG Antwan Kirk-Hughes.
LV
PRIME FA: Anderson, Brandon, Brimmer, Claridge, Seward
NEEDS: QB, C, DE
The Outlaws, who are up against the cap, stand to lose most of their free agents but because they've drafted so well over the last few years, the impact should be minimal. They'll either go back to Jason Gesser or perhaps trade for a QB to replace Derek Anderson, who played well in the Outlaws' postseason run but his combined TD/INT ratio between the two was a hardly inspiring 23/20. Gesser was awful in two early-season starts and the Outlaws could look at Matt Moore, who followed Anderson at Oregon State. The next big thing on the Outlaws' offseason agenda is at LB, where they face the possibility of losing both Claridge and Seward, but neither were starters all that long ago, and moved up when somebody else departed in free agency, and young players like Erin Henderson and David Holloway (a pair of Maryland Terrapins) can do the same. Likewise with Tom Zbikowski, who has Las Vegas covered at safety.
MEM
PRIME FA: Blizzard, Brewer, Colas
NEEDS: LB, DE, OL
After the bottom fell out, resulting in the Maniax worst season since 2002 (2-10 in both) one wouldn't look for the Maniax to be doing anything but blowing everything up and starting over. QB Bart Hendricks still could be on the block, RB Eric Shelton will be, and everybody else probably could be had at the right price too. The Maniax will have two vacant spots at LB if Colas leaves, after veteran MLB Patrick Sapp's retirement, although the Maniax could plug Caspor Stiles, who rejoined the Maniax last season (he played in Memphis from 2001-03), into Colas' spot. The Maniax will also be out to improve a limp pass rush, which registered a league-low 13 sacks. Offensively, Blizzard had a breakout season with 40 catches, good for third on the team.
NY
PRIME FA: Copper, McCoy
NEEDS: DT
The Hitmen nearly had a better season in 2008 than they did in 2007, one that resulted in their second X-Bowl campaign, Chad Henne came close to becoming the first dual ROY/MVP winner in league history, going 8-2 as a starter (including postseason). Unfortunately, Henne was off his game in the second half of their one-point loss to the Outlaws and finished just 20 of 43 with a TD and three INTs. That said, the Hitmen still are formidable heading into 2009. They could lose McCoy, who was a huge addition to their defense in 2007, but should they land the big run-stuffer in the middle they've been looking for, they'll gladly trade off.
ORL
PRIME FA: Foxworth, Huston, Jackson, Rimpf
NEEDS: DE, TE, LB
The Rage' offseason task first and foremost will be trying to get past the freefall of 2008, which they lost five of their last six after a 5-1 start to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Second will be getting bigger on the defensive line, only DTs Jovon Bush, who also rotated at DE, and Nate Dwyer top the 300-lb mark. Rookie Chris Ellis had a strong year with three fumble recoveries and 19 QB hurries, but just one sack as the Rage totaled just 18. Next order of business will be getting a backup TE behind Tracey Wistrom, as converted FB Nick Luchey (two receptions for 13 yards) was listed as Wistrom's backup. They were able to replace their entire aging LB corps prior to last season, but will still need depth. Rimpf is expected to return to the Rage, and will shift to guard when he does so the Rage can move in either Kirk Barton or Jeremy Zuttah at right tackle. Huston, who was 23 of 25 last season, would be a huge loss.
PIT
PRIME FA: Brooks, Fox, Goldberg
NEEDS: WR, CB, DT
Rex Ryan's arrival last year inspired the Ironmen to a 7-2 start and their first playoff apperance since their expansion year of 2002, even if it didn't exactly end as planned--three straight losses to end the season followed by a blowout loss to the X-Bowl champion Bulls in the postseason. Brooks and Fox, the latter a former first-rounder who was on the verge of not even making out of camp last year, were huge beneficiaries and will look to capitalize in free agency. Goldberg has developed into a rock at left tackle, as he did not allow one sack. A top wideout will be on the agenda, as DeSean Jackson, hardly a #1 WR, was the top wideout with 30 catches. Ashton Youboty had an INT in each of the Ironmen's first three games and could use a solid cover CB to go with him.
SEA
PRIME FA: Flowers, Haye, Hayward
NEEDS: OL, DL, S
You could hardly blame the Reign, who have three starters on last year's OL on deck for free agency, for not wanting any of theirs back after their 2008 debacle, only their second losing season in franchise history. The offensive line yielded a league-worst 53 sacks, which some dropoff was expected with the loss of all-XFL center Nick Hardwick to a knee injury but not to that extent. The O-line will have a new look in 2009 with Hardwick returning and Joe Toledo, their most consistent lineman when he was healthy, moving in at left tackle. The rest of the spots will be up for grabs. The defensive line was actually one of the bright spots on the team but could lose some players, including Haye, who is a solid reserve that has averaged four sacks a year over his career. The Reign also need someone to play strong safety.
SF
PRIME FA: Morrison, Pool, Starks
NEEDS: QB, OL
The Demons, like most teams, need to evaluate their QB situation. It can be argued that they had the worst QB situation of the three teams that finished 6-6 in the division seemingly nobody wanted to win. Former first-round pick Andrew Walter seems destined for the trade block, with Drew Tate and Shaun King (and possibly a trade acquisition) battling it out to replace him. But the Demons stand to lose the most defensively of anybody in the offseason, with four starters from the #3 ranked defense in 2008 all FAs.
WAS
PRIME FA: Barber, Whitaker
NEEDS: DT, RB
The DC in DC experiment (Daunte Culpepper, year one) started with a bang, and promptly fell flat, as Culpepper ended up having five games in which he completed less than 50% of his passes, ending up with a porous 53.9% rate. Plus, after throwing for 311 yards in the season opener, his output went down over the next three games (258, 244, 236) before a grisly six-game stretch in which he only threw for 200 yards once. If Culpepper can rebound in 2009, it might enable the Glory to withstand the loss of Barber, who had four 100-yard games and finished with 894 yards on the season. Israel Raybon had six of the Glory's 21 sacks, so replacing him is vital.
BIRMINGHAM: none
CAROLINA:
signed WR Koren Robinson (1/$500K)
re-signed DT Grady Jackson (1/$800K)
released LB Ryan Fowler
LB Greg Richmond, LB Justin Ena, and OG Derrick Roche retired
CHICAGO
re-signed WR Kelley Washington (3/$2M)
re-signed K Mike Nugent (4/$2.5M)
DALLAS
re-signed WR Rashaun Woods (5/$10M)
re-signed LB Lance Mitchell (5/$4.8M)
re-signed CB/KR Will Pettis (3/$2.1M)
re-signed LB John Saldi (4/$2.1M)
re-signed FS Junior Rosegreen (4/$2.5M)
C Aaron Graham retired
DETROIT
released QB Josh Betts
LB Shawn Banks retired
JACKSONVILLE
re-signed QB Tyler Palko (5/$4M)
KANSAS CITY
re-signed SS Daniel Bullocks (4/$1.75M)
re-signed TE Teyo Johnson (4/$3M)
re-signed OG Jason Brown (4/$2.8M)
signed DE/LB Cameron Wake (4/$2M)
released DE Adalius Thomas
released DT Aubrayo Franklin
LAS VEGAS
none
LOS ANGELES
C Cory Raymer retired
MEMPHIS
LB Patrick Sapp retired
NEW YORK
none
ORLANDO
none
PITTSBURGH
re-signed CB Ashton Youboty (4/$3.5M)
SAN FRANCISCO
C Jason Scukanec retired
SEATTLE
re-signed OT Joe Toledo (4/$2.8M)
WASHINGTON
DT Israel Raybon retired
FA BY TEAM
BIRMINGHAM
OT Calvin Armstrong
WR Devin Aromashadu
OG Kelvin Chaisson
RB Cedric Cobbs
OG Cosey Coleman
WR Eddie Drummond
DT Anttaj Hawthorne
K Connor Hughes
DT Tommy Jackson
OT Marques Ogden
RB Rashon Powers-Neal
TE Jerramy Stevens
CAROLINA
RB John Avery
OL Jarvis Borum
OT Chris Colmer
OL Junius Coston
WR Jerricho Cotchery
TE Joel Dreessen
CB Dovonte Edwards
OG Jason Gamble
FB Oliver Hoyte
S Marcus Hudson
K Michael Husted
S Andre Maddox
DE Terrance Martin
RB T.A. McLendon
C Pat Ross
QB Kurt Warner (NFL-exempt)
CHICAGO
OG Elton Brown
RB Brian Calhoun
LB Channing Crowder
WR Luke Leverson
DT Sione Pouha
OT Zach Strief
S Matt Ware
DALLAS
DT Lorenzo Alexander
K Josh Brown
S Tyrone Culver
CB Andre Dyson
CB Darrell Hunter
WR Jerome Mathis
DE Benard Thomas
P John Torp
LB Cameron Vaughn
DETROIT
WR Jason Avant
LB Michael Boley
OT John Feugill
OG Matt Lentz
CB Bryant McFadden
OG Will Montgomery
OT Adam Stenavich
RB Jason Teague
JACKSONVILLE
LB Anthony Cannon
DE Chauncey Davis
WR Troy Edwards
P Tyler Fredrickson
S Vincent Fuller
WR Chris Hannon
S Chris Harrell
LB Brian Iwuh
OT Carlos Joseph
CB DeMario Minter
LB Michael Nattiel
TE T.J. Williams
KANSAS CITY
RB Chris Brown
LB Kevin Burnett
CB Reggie Durden
OG Pita Elisara
OG Evan Mathis
QB Matt Nagy
WR Bobby Sippio
RB Darren Sproles
LAS VEGAS
QB Derek Anderson
DE Dave Ball
S Sam Brandon
S Jamaal Brimmer
LB Ryan Claridge
WR Charles Frederick
DE Michael Josiah
C Ben Nowland
LB Matt Rice
DT Angel Rubio
S Antwoine Sanders
LB Adam Seward
CB Hurley Tarver
WR Todd Watkins
FB Manuel White
LOS ANGELES
S Darius Clark
LB Derek Curry
OT Steve Edwards
TE Antoine Harris
S Bobby Jackson
WR Kareem Kelly
OG Antwan Kirk-Hughes
FB David Kirtman
QB Jamie Martin
DE Eric Moore
WR Tab Perry
CB Will Poole
DT Josh Shaw
RB Joe Smith
TE Cooper Wallace
MEMPHIS
TE Bobby Blizzard
S Jack Brewer
OG Wesley Britt
C Vince Carter
LB Cols Colas
QB Dave Dickenson
TE Tim Euhus
DE Aaron Humphrey
DE Bernard Jackson
RB Charles Roberts
NEW YORK
WR Terrance Copper
LB Donte Curry
RB Dwone Hicks
K Tyler Jones
OT Lewis Kelly
TE Joseph Kowalewski
CB Terrance Leftwich
FB Will Matthews
LB Matt McCoy
RB Bobby Purify
WR Taylor Stubblefield
ORLANDO
LB Rahim Abdullah
LB Jamie Baisley
QB Brett Basanez
OG Jonathan Clinkscale
LB Rick Crowell
CB Domonique Foxworth
OG Mike Gandy
CB Reynaldo Hill
K Josh Huston
WR Vincent Jackson
DE Javon Nanton
OT Brian Rimpf
S Greg Threat
PITTSBURGH
OG Matt Anderle
OG Bryan Anderson
C Kevin Bailey
CB Korey Banks
LB Ahmad Brooks
WR Jason Carter
QB Quincy Carter
P Dustin Colquitt
LB Keyaron Fox
TE Erik Gill
OT Adam Goldberg
S Nate Salley
TE Alex Smith
WR Chauncey Stovall
S Rashad Washington
CB Stanley Wilson
SAN FRANCISCO
K Jose Cortez
DT Ronald Fields
CB Eric Green
DL Manase Hopoi
OT Marcus Johnson
S Donnie McCleskey
LB Kirk Morrison
WR Martin Nance
S Brodney Pool
CB T.J. Rushing
WR P.K. Sam
OG Adam Snyder
DT Randy Starks
OG Teag Whiting
OT Brandon Winey
WR Kevin Youngblood
SEATTLE
OG David Baas
LB Trent Bray
DE Erik Flowers
QB David Greene
DE Jovan Haye
DE Reggie Hayward
P Tom Malone
S Lamon Means
OT Jeremy Parquet
C Tupe Peko
TE Brett Pierce
RB Damien Rhodes
CB Alex Teems
WASHINGTON
RB Marion Barber
DT Chad Beasley
LB Darryl Blackstock
WR Mark Bradley
WR Mike Bush
OT Brad Butler
QB Ryan Clement
P Travis Dorsch
K Martin Gramatica
LB Ed Hartwell
TE Jeff King
LB Kai Parham
CB Ronyell Whitaker
TOP 20 FA
1. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, CAR
2. Marion Barber, RB, WAS
3. Kirk Morrison, LB, SF
4. Michael Boley, LB, DET
5. Bryant McFadden, CB, DET
6. Adam Seward, LB, LV
7. Randy Starks, DT, SF
8. Jamaal Brimmer, S, LV
9. Kevin Burnett, LB, KC
10. Ryan Claridge, LB, LV
11. Domonique Foxworth, CB, ORL
12. Terrance Copper, WR, NY
13. Matt McCoy, LB, NY
14. Vincent Jackson, WR, ORL
15. Cedric Cobbs, RB, BIR
16. Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, BIR
17. Josh Brown, K, DAL
18. Derek Anderson, QB, LV
19. Michael Nattiel, LB, JAC
20. Kareem Kelly, WR, LA
2009 FA OUTLOOK: Bill Polian once said you don't get well through free agency, and that's been proven even in the XFL. The expansion KC Monarchs signed a contingent of NFL FAs five years ago and the result was a 1-11 crash that puts their three straight one-and-outs (painful as they are) in the playoffs into perspective. Still, it should be pointed out that one of their FA signings was Anthony Calvillo, and Calvillo's been undoubtedly the best QB in the league over the last five years, culminating in the '08 MVP award. Teams have found out that what makes up a winner is mostly the draft, as proven by the LV Outlaws, who have played in three X-Bowls since 2005. Yet the Outlaws have also been players in FA and landed two key cogs in RB Tony Hollings and LB Trev Faulk. Two years ago, the NY Hitmen had Joe Hamilton seemingly fall into their lap after WAS and DET cast him aside. With the right combination in 2007, Hamilton had his best season (MVP) and the Hitmen rolled to their second X-Bowl championship.
Also keep in mind with a number of veteran QBs expected to be available via trade, that could also alter the FA market, at least offensively, where, despite the top two FAs being skill players, defense will rule FA again, especially at LB.
BIR:
PRIME FA: Cobbs, Hawthorne, Stevens
NEEDS: QB, OL
With JAC dangling Joseph Addai the Bolts have been paying attention, but this could result in Cobbs bolting (pun, you know the deal) and while Steve Slaton had a tremendous year, the Bolts aren't ready to have him as their #1 back. Deja vu for Hawthorne, whose stock already tanked once (when he was drafted) and could be doing so again although the Bolts were the best against the run in 2008 (90.4 YPG). Stevens, being a former NFL first-rounder, should automatically be the best TE in the league given his talents but he was barely outproducing backup Matt Herian before turning it up in the second half of the season. Michael Bishop, Joe Hamilton, and Dave Dickenson are all likely to be available as the Bolts look for a backup to Brian Brohm, and an upgrade on the right side of the OL is needed.
CAR:
PRIME FA: Cotchery, Ross, Maddox
NEEDS: QB, DT
The Colonels made a generous offer to Cotchery to stay, but figuring he would be the top WR on the market (he guessed right, as DAL broke the bank to keep Rashaun Woods off the market) he declined, so he's as good as gone from Tobacco Road. The Colonels also made an unsuccessful play to keep Ross but he'll likely return to the fold now that Cotchery likely won't be back. CAR has had one of the better O-lines in the league the last couple years so retaining Ross would be a priority anyway. Maddox will be too (but a tougher sell) given that the secondary was finally beginning to make progress. The Colonels again will be starting over at QB, as Ricky Ray just hasn't been able to return to his 2004 MVP form, at least with any consistency. Defensively, the rule of thumb is if you're going to have a successful 3-4 defense, you need a gap-filler in the middle and Grady Jackson, while solid, is long past the point of being an every-down player while young DTs Paul Soliai and Jason Shirley are nothing more than projects at this point.
CHI
PRIME FA: Crowder, Leverson
NEEDS: DL, QB, WR
The Enforcers were able to sign the guys they needed to keep (Nugent and Washington, though they really should have retained Leverson, a quality vet WR who will be snapped up quickly) and all they really need--badly--is players to step up and play to their potential. None moreso than at QB, which has been a merry-go-round since the trade of Ricky Ray in 2006. A case could be made for any of the four QBs (Byron Leftwich, Trent Edwards, Caleb Hanie, Omar Jacobs) to be their week one starter in 2009. Same at WR, where only Leverson showed any real consistency though Devin Thomas led (albeit with 38 catches) the team. DL depth is important.
DAL
PRIME FA: Brown, Dyson, Thomas
NEEDS: TE, OL, DL
2008 was something of a lost season for the Lonestars, but it will go down as the 'Year of the Z' as Jared Zabransky replaced Seneca Wallace and was brilliant, going without an INT in 137 attemps while throwing 12 TD passes. The Lonestars learned their lesson of last year and quickly made it a point to hold onto their top FA, including Rashaun Woods, so to keep their all-XFL duo of Woods and Santonio Holmes intact, as well as LBs Lance Mitchell and John Saldi, and emerging S Junior Rosegreen. Cory Redding and Darnell Dockett had a combined eight sacks in '08, their return to form will be needed in '09. Chris Cooley's loss was evident as the TE spot produced only 20 catches and three TD, and the interior OL has a hole left by Aaron Graham's retirement.
DET
PRIME FA: Boley, McFadden
NEEDS: DL, OL, WR
The Mustangs were still held back by a bad defense. The pass rush was actually better, finishing sixth in the league, but Detroit also ended up with an abysmal -11 turnover ratio. In his second year as starter Matt Kegel still hasn't given the Mustangs reason to be excited, nor can he stay healthy. Adrian McPherson came in at midseason and got off to a flying start, but wasn't the answer either. New head coach Mike Jones inherits quite a challenge, with Boley and McFadden on the verge of fleeing in free agency, and, despite the improved line play on both sides, the Mustangs still need a bigtime presence. In fairness, Gabe Watson did miss the season with a knee injury. But they still need an impact pass rusher. A top wide receiver wouldn't hurt either.
JAC
PRIME FA: Davis, Nattiel
NEEDS: OL, DT, DB
The Bulls became the first team in XFL history to win the X-Bowl after starting 0-3, but were also an example of winning curing all ills. They finished 8-4 on the regular season, but gave up as many points as they scored while finishing with a -3 turnover ratio. In the postseason, they only turned the ball over once while creating six turnovers, allowing their high-potent offense to work. Tyler Palko earned himself a shiny new contract in the offseason thanks to his exploits in 2008--both regular and postseason. But the Bulls need to revamp a running game that averaged a woeful 3.5 YPC. On the defensive side of the ball, 2007 first-round pick Tank Tyler just hasn't emerged, in fact the Bulls' revival in '08 coincided with them sliding Robaire Smith back to the nose. They can replace Nattiel, but with Fuller likely leaving as a free agent they need an infusion of youth in the secondary.
KC
PRIME FA: Burnett, Durden, Mathis
NEEDS: DL, OL
The Monarchs might be coming off their third straight disapponting one-and-out in the postseason, but give them this: they know what they need to do to win, and that's cconstantly improve their line play, even where they appear to be strong. On the offensive line, they had hoped to retain RG Evan Mathis but will keep LG Jason Brown.
The defensive line was a disappointment to the point that Adalius Thomas and Aubrayo Franklin were exiled, and the Monarchs have drafted well enough the last couple years they can withstand the potential loss of Burnett. Orlando Scandrick will replace Durden as the nickel back.
LA
PRIME FA: Curry, Jackson, Kelly
NEEDS: OL, new coaching philosophy
The above sounds harsh, but that's exactly what the Xtreme need. After their first consecutive playoff appearances in 2005-06, they follwed that up with two straight mediocre seasons, including a frustrating finish to the 2006 season where they ended up on the outside looking in despite finishing with the same record as the X-Bowl runner-up Outlaws. Yet they only had themselves to blame, with three brutal home losses--including to the Outlaws in week eight. The Xtreme have been called the most talented team in the league, but don't really have anything to show for it the last two seasons. Even their coaching situation might not have turned out as they envisioned. They wanted Lane Kiffin, ended up settling on Brian Billick, and could have had Kiffin if they had waited a few weeks. That said the team publicly states they are just fine with Billick, a veteran coach who has a Super Bowl on his resume and they believe he can get them back over the top. They also need a makeover on the offensive line, which allowed the second-most sacks in the league and has lost Cory Raymer to retirement and will likely not bring back LT Steve Edwards or OG Antwan Kirk-Hughes.
LV
PRIME FA: Anderson, Brandon, Brimmer, Claridge, Seward
NEEDS: QB, C, DE
The Outlaws, who are up against the cap, stand to lose most of their free agents but because they've drafted so well over the last few years, the impact should be minimal. They'll either go back to Jason Gesser or perhaps trade for a QB to replace Derek Anderson, who played well in the Outlaws' postseason run but his combined TD/INT ratio between the two was a hardly inspiring 23/20. Gesser was awful in two early-season starts and the Outlaws could look at Matt Moore, who followed Anderson at Oregon State. The next big thing on the Outlaws' offseason agenda is at LB, where they face the possibility of losing both Claridge and Seward, but neither were starters all that long ago, and moved up when somebody else departed in free agency, and young players like Erin Henderson and David Holloway (a pair of Maryland Terrapins) can do the same. Likewise with Tom Zbikowski, who has Las Vegas covered at safety.
MEM
PRIME FA: Blizzard, Brewer, Colas
NEEDS: LB, DE, OL
After the bottom fell out, resulting in the Maniax worst season since 2002 (2-10 in both) one wouldn't look for the Maniax to be doing anything but blowing everything up and starting over. QB Bart Hendricks still could be on the block, RB Eric Shelton will be, and everybody else probably could be had at the right price too. The Maniax will have two vacant spots at LB if Colas leaves, after veteran MLB Patrick Sapp's retirement, although the Maniax could plug Caspor Stiles, who rejoined the Maniax last season (he played in Memphis from 2001-03), into Colas' spot. The Maniax will also be out to improve a limp pass rush, which registered a league-low 13 sacks. Offensively, Blizzard had a breakout season with 40 catches, good for third on the team.
NY
PRIME FA: Copper, McCoy
NEEDS: DT
The Hitmen nearly had a better season in 2008 than they did in 2007, one that resulted in their second X-Bowl campaign, Chad Henne came close to becoming the first dual ROY/MVP winner in league history, going 8-2 as a starter (including postseason). Unfortunately, Henne was off his game in the second half of their one-point loss to the Outlaws and finished just 20 of 43 with a TD and three INTs. That said, the Hitmen still are formidable heading into 2009. They could lose McCoy, who was a huge addition to their defense in 2007, but should they land the big run-stuffer in the middle they've been looking for, they'll gladly trade off.
ORL
PRIME FA: Foxworth, Huston, Jackson, Rimpf
NEEDS: DE, TE, LB
The Rage' offseason task first and foremost will be trying to get past the freefall of 2008, which they lost five of their last six after a 5-1 start to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Second will be getting bigger on the defensive line, only DTs Jovon Bush, who also rotated at DE, and Nate Dwyer top the 300-lb mark. Rookie Chris Ellis had a strong year with three fumble recoveries and 19 QB hurries, but just one sack as the Rage totaled just 18. Next order of business will be getting a backup TE behind Tracey Wistrom, as converted FB Nick Luchey (two receptions for 13 yards) was listed as Wistrom's backup. They were able to replace their entire aging LB corps prior to last season, but will still need depth. Rimpf is expected to return to the Rage, and will shift to guard when he does so the Rage can move in either Kirk Barton or Jeremy Zuttah at right tackle. Huston, who was 23 of 25 last season, would be a huge loss.
PIT
PRIME FA: Brooks, Fox, Goldberg
NEEDS: WR, CB, DT
Rex Ryan's arrival last year inspired the Ironmen to a 7-2 start and their first playoff apperance since their expansion year of 2002, even if it didn't exactly end as planned--three straight losses to end the season followed by a blowout loss to the X-Bowl champion Bulls in the postseason. Brooks and Fox, the latter a former first-rounder who was on the verge of not even making out of camp last year, were huge beneficiaries and will look to capitalize in free agency. Goldberg has developed into a rock at left tackle, as he did not allow one sack. A top wideout will be on the agenda, as DeSean Jackson, hardly a #1 WR, was the top wideout with 30 catches. Ashton Youboty had an INT in each of the Ironmen's first three games and could use a solid cover CB to go with him.
SEA
PRIME FA: Flowers, Haye, Hayward
NEEDS: OL, DL, S
You could hardly blame the Reign, who have three starters on last year's OL on deck for free agency, for not wanting any of theirs back after their 2008 debacle, only their second losing season in franchise history. The offensive line yielded a league-worst 53 sacks, which some dropoff was expected with the loss of all-XFL center Nick Hardwick to a knee injury but not to that extent. The O-line will have a new look in 2009 with Hardwick returning and Joe Toledo, their most consistent lineman when he was healthy, moving in at left tackle. The rest of the spots will be up for grabs. The defensive line was actually one of the bright spots on the team but could lose some players, including Haye, who is a solid reserve that has averaged four sacks a year over his career. The Reign also need someone to play strong safety.
SF
PRIME FA: Morrison, Pool, Starks
NEEDS: QB, OL
The Demons, like most teams, need to evaluate their QB situation. It can be argued that they had the worst QB situation of the three teams that finished 6-6 in the division seemingly nobody wanted to win. Former first-round pick Andrew Walter seems destined for the trade block, with Drew Tate and Shaun King (and possibly a trade acquisition) battling it out to replace him. But the Demons stand to lose the most defensively of anybody in the offseason, with four starters from the #3 ranked defense in 2008 all FAs.
WAS
PRIME FA: Barber, Whitaker
NEEDS: DT, RB
The DC in DC experiment (Daunte Culpepper, year one) started with a bang, and promptly fell flat, as Culpepper ended up having five games in which he completed less than 50% of his passes, ending up with a porous 53.9% rate. Plus, after throwing for 311 yards in the season opener, his output went down over the next three games (258, 244, 236) before a grisly six-game stretch in which he only threw for 200 yards once. If Culpepper can rebound in 2009, it might enable the Glory to withstand the loss of Barber, who had four 100-yard games and finished with 894 yards on the season. Israel Raybon had six of the Glory's 21 sacks, so replacing him is vital.