stockman311

For once I'm in agreement. Pull the trigger.

stockman311

Only two weeks remain in restricted free agency, and once again the market has been very limited. The only player to sign and move to a different team in restricted free agency has been Mike Bell, who signed a one-year deal with the Eagles. Defensive end Darryl Tapp (Philadelphia) and quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (Seattle) moved to different teams via trades.


There are 159 of 216 restricted free agents still unsigned. It's unlikely free agents given first-round tenders or better will move, but those interested teams have until April 15 to make moves. What's been surprising is the limited action among players with lower tenders. Twenty-five restricted free agents are still available with tenders of fifth-rounders or less and there are 10 that require no draft-choice compensation. Free agency started with 40 players having a value of fifth-round or less.



With Alex Brown being released by the Chicago Bears, expect some serious interest from teams in the NFC South. The Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints could be among the teams interested in Brown. The NFC South is the one division that remains true to the 4-3 defense, and Brown is clearly viewed as a defensive end in the 4-3 more than he is a player who can convert to linebacker in a 3-4.



Even though the unrestricted free agent market is slowing down after 36 free agents have moved to different teams, there is another interesting market -- the potential restricted free agents who weren't given tender offers at the start of free agency. That list included 89 players. So far 24 of those players have moved to different teams and 19 have re-signed with their teams. That leaves 46 players on that market. The Eagles picked up defensive tackle Marlin Jackson and wide receiver Hank Baskett from this pool of players. The Seahawks have been one of the most active teams -- signing linebacker Matt McCoy, wide receiver Ruvell Martin and running back Quinton Ganther. The Colts added offensive lineman Andy Alleman and Adam Terry. The Jets grabbed safety Brodney Pool and linebacker Lance Laury.