(Unrestricted as defined by projected new CBA rules, after 4th season in NFL)
1. QB Peyton Manning (Indianapolis)- Resigned 5 years 90 million 90 million guaranteed
Peyton Manning is an elite franchise quarterback. The Colts will pay him as much money as it takes him to stay in town.
2. QB Michael Vick (Philadelphia)- Franchised
Andy Reid brought the most out of Michael Vick this season, turning him into an MVP candidate and a true dual threat at quarterback, more than living up to his potential as a former #1 overall pick. He’ll get paid.
3. CB Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland)- Signed with Philadelphia 5 years 60 million 25 million guaranteed
Asomugha has been the Raiders best player for about a decade. Unfortunately, the Raiders decided to spend all their money on Richard Seymour, Kamerion Wimbley, and Stanford Routt (WTF?) so Asomugha could very well have a new team next season. The Eagles and the Ravens are the most likely destinations, but he could have a dozen suitors.
4. 3-4 DE/DT/NT Haloti Ngata (Baltimore)- Franchised
Haloti Ngata is one bad dude. He’s 355 pounds and moves like a linebacker. He’s one of the best defensive linemen in the league and should be paid as such.
5. RLB/DE Tamba Hali (Kansas City)- 5 years 60 million 35 million guaranteed
Hali has 23 sacks in the last 2 seasons as a 3-4 rush linebacker and he also has 3 years of experience as an end in a 4-3.
6. RLB/DE LaMarr Woodley (Pittsburgh)- Resigned 6 years 61.5 million 22.5 million guaranteed
Would he be as good without James Harrison across from him? Can he play a 4-3? We probably won’t find out the answer to either of those questions this offseason. The Steelers are expected to franchise Woodley, who has 35 sacks in 3 years as a starter.
7. WR Santonio Holmes (NY Jets)- Resigned 5 years, 50 million, 24 million guaranteed
Normally receivers going to new teams struggle. After being exiled from Pittsburgh for character reasons, Holmes caught 52 passes for 746 yards and 6 touchdowns in 12 games for the Jets this year. The Jets have to make a decision between Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards this offseason. It won’t be difficult.
8. CB Champ Bailey (Denver)- Resigned with Broncos, 4 years, 43 million, 22 million guaranteed
He’s 33 this offseason, but he proved he’s still one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the league last year. He’s not the #1 or #2 guy like he was in his prime, but you still don’t want to throw on him if you can avoid it.
9. RB DeAngelo Williams (Carolina)- Resigned 5 years 43 million 21 million guaranteed
When healthy he’s an elite running back. When healthy is the key phrase. He has gotten hurt in each of the last two seasons. 1515 yards and 18 touchdowns on a mere 273 carries in 2008 is his potential though and he’s still relatively young, 28 in April, and relatively fresh, 959 career touches. His career YPC is 5.0, which is insane.
10. WR Sidney Rice (Minnesota)- Signed with Seattle 5 years 44 million 18.5 million guaranteed
Only had one good season, after developing in his first 2 years and getting hurt last season, but he did catch 83 passes for 1312 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2009 and he’s still only 25 in September.
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