Falling for Free Agency – AFC Free Agents

With the Super Bowl in the rear-view mirror, NFL teams start to play a bit of their own fantasy football with their rosters. With the combine set to take place in about three weeks, and free agency opening in about sixty days, it’s time to take inventory of each team’s free agents. What follows is a cut and dried list by AFC division of every free agent available at this time. In addition, this list details where a player is along the team’s depth chart (1 = starter, 2 = back-up, and so on). The Fantasy Greek also provides a bit of commentary on free agency for each team, and/or its free agents. Understand that teams could decide to not sign players or release players due to salary cap issues. Free agency opens on March 12, 2013, so mark your calendars!

Every off-season, it always seems like a bit of a head-scratcher as to which players are unrestricted free agents and which players are restricted free agents. An ‘unrestricted free agent’ is pretty self-explanatory. A player that is an unrestricted free agent can sign with any team in the league. A ‘restricted free agent,’ however, is a player that, while he can negotiate and ultimately sign with any other team in the league, the team he is coming from has the final say on keeping him by matching the offer. Plus, the team he is coming from pre-assigns a draft pick (or more) to the player as ‘compensation’ for the restricted free agent moving on to a new team should the old team choose not to match the new team’s offer.

If you were wondering, the AFC teams with the most free agents are the Bengals (25), the Steelers (24), and the Chargers (23). The AFC teams with the least free agents are the Browns (14), the Chiefs (15), the Broncos (16), and the Jets (16).

If you want to see each team’s full roster, with the depth chart for unrestricted and restricted free agents color-coded, check out the depth charts courtesy of Ourlads Scouting Services, LLC.

 

AFC East 

Bills (6-10)

Offense DC Defense DC
     
QB Tyler Thigpen 2 LDE Shawne Merriman 2
QB Tarvaris Jackson 3 LDT John Spencer 2
RB Tashard Choice 3 RDE Kyle Moore 3
FB Corey McIntyre 1 MLB Kirk Morrison 2
WR Donalds Jones, (R) 1 WLB Bryan Scott 2
WR David Nelson, (R) 2 FS Jairus Byrd 1
WR Martin Ruvell 3 RCB Leodis McKelvin 2
LG Andy Levitere 1    
C Colin Brown, (R) 3 Special Teams  
RG Chad Rinehart 2    
    PR/KR Leodis McKelvin 1/1

Total Free Agents: 18

Unrestricted Free Agents: 15

Restricted Free Agents: 3

Comments: New Head Coach Doug Marrone will have an immediate opportunity to make some meaningful changes to the Bills roster. At the outset, the Bills have needs at the quarterback and wide receiver position, especially in terms of depth. While the free agent market will likely determine what the Bills do at the wide receiver position, it will not at the quarterback position, at least for now. The Bills could well draft their quarterback of the near future and ride out Ryan Fitzpatrick for one more season. Defensively, depth will need to be addressed along the left side of the defensive line and within the line backer group. Free safety Jarius Byrd is an unrestricted free agent. The Bills rush defense was ranked thirsty-first in rush yards allowed.

 

Dolphins (7-9)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Matt Moore 2 LDT Randy Starks 1
RB Reggie Bush 1 LDT Tony McDaniel 2
WR Brian Hartline 1 MLB Austin Spitler, (R) 2
WR Marlon Moore, (R) 2 LCB Sean Smith 1
TE Anthony Fasano 1 Bryan McCann, (R) 3
TE Jeron Mastrud, (R) 3 SS Jonathon Amaya, (R) 2
LG Nate Garner 2 SS Tyrone Culver 3
LT Jake Long 1 FS Chirs Clemons 1
       
    Special Teams  
     
    K Nate Kaeding 2

Total Free Agents:  17

Unrestricted Free Agents: 13

Restricted Free Agents: 4

Comments: Reggie Bush is the best offensive player on the Dolphins roster and yet, the Dolphins may not go to great lengths to resign him, even though they should. While Brian Hartline has been a fine receiver for the Dolphins, the Dolphins will likely make a play for free agent Greg Jennings to reunite him with both Joe Philbin and Mike Sherman. The Dolphins need a high impact wide receiver. Should the Dolphins choose not to re-sign LT Jake Long, there will be a glaring need at the position. This could be addressed in the draft.  The Dolphins pass defense was ranked twenty-seventh in pass yards allowed. If the Dolphins could get the ball in the end-zone on offense, where they were ranked twenty-seventh in points scored, the Dolphins would look like a better team than seventh in points allowed.

 

Jets (6-10)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
RB Shonn Greene 1 RDT Mike Devito 1
FB Lex Hilliard 1 LOLB Bryuan Thomas 1
WR Chaz Schilens 2 LILB Josh Mauga, (R) 3
WR Braylon Edwards 3 SS Yeremiah Bell 1
TE Dustin Keller 1 FS LaRon Landry 1
Jeff Cumberland, (R) 2    
LG Matt Slauson 1 Special Teams  
RG Brandon Moore 1    
RT Austin Howard, (R) 1 K Nick Folk 1
RT Jason Smith 2 LS Tanner Purdum, (R) 1
     

Total Free Agents: 16

Unrestricted Free Agents: 13

Restricted Free Agents: 3 

Comments: Due to either underperformance or ineffectiveness, the Jets have numerous needs, especially on offense. The offensive line has several holes created by free agency at the left guard, right guard, and right tackle position.The Jets will have to make a decision on whether to re-sign running back Shonn Greene, as well as tight end Dustin Keller. Whether any of the remaining Jets running backs can carry a full load for a full season is an issue. On defense, the Jets pass defense was one of the best last season, ranked second in least yards allowed. On the other hand, the Jets rush defense was one of the worst.

 

Patriots (12-4)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
RB Danny Woodhead 2 RDT Myron Pryor 2
WR Wes Welker 1 RDE Trevor Scott 2
WR Deion Branch 2 SLB Tracy White 2
WR Julian Edelman 2 MLB Dane Fletcher, (R) 2
WR Donte’ Stallworth 3 WLB Niko Koutouvides 2
TE M. Hoomanawanui, (R) 4 LCB Aquib Talib 1
LG Donald Thomas 2 LCB Marquice Cole 3
C Jamey Richard 3 LCB Derrick Martin 4
RT Sebastian Vollmer 1 SS Patrick Chung 2
    SS Josh Barrett 3
Special Teams   FS Will Allen 3
    RCB Kyle Arrington 2
PR Wes Welker 1    
PR Julian Edelman 1    

Total Free Agents: 22

Unrestricted Free Agents: 20

Restricted Free Agents: 2 

Comments: It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Patriots have so many free agents with the way the Patriots bring players into camp, as well as sign players throughout the season. Obviously, if you are a Patriots fan, Wes Welker is a top re-signing consideration for the organization.  Why not? Welker knows the system and his chemistry with Tom Brady is legendary. The Fantasy Greek just can’t see Welker on any other team and The Fantasy Greek feels the offense is one of the best because of him, and not in spite of him. Heads-up though as the Patriots have taken the first shot at the Welker camp, suggesting that any long term deal that is not done will be due to some fault on the part of the Welker camp. The likelihood here is that the Patriots will franchise Welker one more time and he will be a free agent in 2014. Otherwise, the Patriots have a massive need for depth at wide receiver, along the right side of the defensive line, and the line backer position. Of course, the Patriots need to improve their pass defense, which was one of the worst once again in 2012.

 

AFC North 

Bengals (10-6)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Bruce Gradkowski 2 LDE Robert Geathers 2
RB Scott Bernard Scott 2 LDE Wallace Gilberry 3
RB Brian Leonard 3 NT Pat Sims 2
RB Cedric Peerman, (R) 4 RDE Michael Johnson 1
WR Brando Tate 3 SLB Manny Lawson 1
TE Richard Quinn 3 MLB Rey Maualuga 1
RT Andre Smith 1 MLB Dan Skuta 2
RT Dennis Nolan 2 WLB Thomas Howard 2
    LCB Nate Clements 1
Special Teams   LCB Terence Newman 2
    SS Chris Crocker 1
K Mike Nugent 1 SS Jeromy Miles, (R) 3
K Josh Brown 2 RCB Pacman Jones 2
P Kevin Huber 1    
LS Clark Harris 1    
PR Pacman Jones 1    
PR Brandon Tate 2    
KR Brandon Tate 1    

Total Free Agents: 26

Unrestricted Free Agents: 24

Restricted Free Agents: 22

Comments: The Bengals have the second most free agents among all NFL teams. Offensively, the Bengals have a hole at right tackle and have depth needs at the running back position. Otherwise, they will look to upgrade where possible, as the Bengals look set offensively. Defensively, the Bengals have thirteen free agents including Rey Maualuga, Manny Lawson, Nate Clements, Chris Crocker, and Pacman Jones. The Bengals had a top-ten defense heading into the home-stretch of the season, with their greatest weakness being their rush defense where they were ranked twelfth in yards allowed. While the Bengals have done a great job drafting the last couple of seasons, how they do in free agency may have a lot to do with what they do this upcoming season. More than likely, the Bengals will not be able to re-sign all of their key defensive free agent players.

 

Browns (5-11)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Josh Johnson 4 LDE Juqua Parker 2
RB Chris Ogbonnaya, (R) 3 WLB Scott Fujita 1
FB Alex Smith 1 WLB Kaluka Maiava 2
FB Eddie Williams, (R) 3 SS Ray Ventrone 2
WR Mohamed Massaquoi 2 RCB Sheldon Brown 1
WR Joshua Cribbs 3    
TE Benjamin Watson TE Special Teams  
       
    K Phil Dawson 1
    P Reggie Hidges 1
    PR.KR Joshua Cribbs 1

 Total Free Agents: 14

Unrestricted Free Agents: 12

Restricted Free Agents: 2

Comments: Even though there is new ownership and a new coaching staff, the Browns are among the teams with the least number of free agents on their roster. The Browns current, signed roster presents the new ownership and the new coaching staff with some very good building blocks for the future. The Browns may do little to keep any of their free agents and may be more active in free agency than many might expect. Whether long-time, veteran Joshua Cribbs stays with the franchise remains to be seen.

 

Ravens (10-6) 

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Joe Flacco 1 LDE Arthur Jones, (R) 2
WR David Reed, (R) 3 NT Ma’ake Kemoeatu, UFA 2
TE Ed Dickson, (R) 1 LOLB Paul Kruger 2
TE Dennis Pitta, (R) 2 LILB Dannell Ellerbe 1
TE Billy Bajema, (R) 3 LCB Chris Johnson 2
LG Ramon Harewood, (R) 2 SS James Ihedigbo 2
LT Bryant McKinnie 1 FS Ed Reed 1
    FS Sean Considine 2
Special Teams   RCB Cary Williams 1
       
LS Morgan Cox, (R) 1 Reserves  
PR Ed Reed 3    
KR David Reed, (R) 4 Ricky Brown 2
    Ryan McBean 4

Total Free Agents: 19

Unrestricted Free Agents: 13

Restricted Free Agents: 6 

Comments: Of course, quarterback Joe Flacco should be in line for a contract with a healthy pay raise. Tight end, restricted free agent Dennis Pitta, who played well at the end of the season and into the playoffs, should garner interest from other franchises in free agency depending on what compensation would be due to the Ravens in return. The Ravens would likely want to re-sign left tackle Bryant McKinnie but other ball clubs likely need the services of a talented tackle. The Ravens would also like to re-sign Ed Reed. But, this will depend on what price the market sets for Reed. Despite the length of his career, there is no questioning his talent. Paul Kruger is a player the Ravens will need to re-sign to maintain a top defense. 

 

Steelers (8-8) 

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Byron Leftwich 2 NT Casey Hampton 1
QB Charlie Batch 3 NT Steve McLendin, (R) 2
RB Jonathan Dwyer, (R) 1 LILB Larry Foote 1
RB Isaac Redman, (R) 2 LILB Steveson Sylvester, (R) 2
RB Rashard Mendenhall 3 RILB Brandon Johnson 3
FB David Johnson 2 LCB Keenan Lewis 1
WR Mike Wallace 1 SS Will Allen 2
WR Emmanuel Sanders, (R) 2 FS Ryan Mundy 2
WR Plaxico Burress 3 RCB Justin King 4
TE Leonard Pope 2    
LT Max Stark 1 Special Teams  
C Doug Legursky 2    
RG Ramon Foster 1 P Jeremy Kapinos, (R) 2
    LS Greg Warren 1

Total Free Agents: 24

Unrestricted Free Agents: 18

Restricted Free Agents: 6

Comments: The Steelers have their work cut out for them too, if they wish to keep some of the key players on their roster. Unfortunately, the market will likely dictate the price of some of their key personnel, and it could well mean that several mainstay Steelers will be moving on.  Besides the starters along both the offensive and defensive lines, the Steelers may not have Rashard Mendenhall or Mike Wallace on their 2012 roster. 

 

AFC South 

Colts (11-5)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Drew Stanton 2 NT Antonio Johnson 1
RB Mewelde Moore 4 DT Fili Moala 1
WR Austin Collie 1 RILB Moise Fokou UFA 2
WR Donnie Avery 2 RILB AJ Edds (R) 3
LG Jeff Linkenbach, (R) 2 ROLB Dwight Freeney 1
LG Olsen Seth, (R) 3 ROLB Jamaal Westerman 3
RG Tony Hills 2 LCB Cassius Vaughn, (R) 2
RT Winston Justice 1 LCB Darius Butler 3
    RCB Jerraud Powers 1
Special Teams      
       
P Pat McAfee 1    
KR Cassius Vaughn, (R) 1    

 Total Free Agents: 19

Unrestricted Free Agents: 14

Restricted Free Agents: 5

Comments: After a sensational turnaround in 2012, the Colts will look to improve their roster on the defensive side of the ball where the unit was among the worst defending the rush, and mediocre defending the pass. So, may of the free agents on defense could walk. After a great, but injury ridden career, Austin Collie will likely be allowed to walk. Donnie Avery, Winston Justice, and Dwight Freeney could all be re-signed depending on what the Colts would have to pay to keep them.

 

Jaguars (2-14)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Jordan Palmer 3 LDE George Selvie, (R) 3
RB Rashad Jennings 2 RDT Terrance Knighton 2
RB Jalen Parmele 3 LOLB Daryl Smith 1
FB Greg Jones 1 ROLB Kyle Bosworth, (R) 2
FB Brock Bolen, (R) 4 LCB Rashean Mathis 1
WR Jordan Shipley, (R) 3 RCB Derek Cox 1
TE Zach Potter, (R) 2 RCB William Middleton 2
LG Eben Britton 1 RCB Antwaun Molden 4
C Brad Meester 1    
C John Estes, (R) 4 Special Teams  
       
    PR Jordan Shipley, (R) 1
    KR Rashad Jennings 1
    KR Jalen Parmele 2

Total Free Agents: 18

Unrestricted Free Agents: 12

Restricted Free Agents: 6 

Comments: Even though there is new ownership and a new coaching staff, the Jaguars may not want to jettison all of their free agents. This is a team whose main problem has been at the quarterback position, especially with both the defense and the offense ranked thirtieth in the league. While the Jaguars may look to add depth at the running back position by way of free agency or the draft, the Jaguars have a definite need at the cornerback position based on the number of free agents.

 

Texans (12-4)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
RB Justin Forsett 3 NT Shaun Cody 1
FB James Casey 1 LOLB Jesse Nading 3
LT Andrew Gardner, (R) 2 LILB Barrett Rudd 2
RG Antonie Caldwell 3 LILB Keyaron Fox 4
RT Rashad Butler 1 RILB Tim Dobbins 2
RT Ryan Harris 3 RILB Bradie James 3
    ROLB Connor Barwin 1
Special Teams   LCB Alan Ball 2
    SS Quintin Demps 2
P Donnie Jones 1 FS Glover Quinn 1
K Sgayne Graham, UFA 2 RCB Brice McCain 2
    RCB Standford Routt 4

 Total Free Agents: 20

Unrestricted Free Agents: 19

Restricted Free Agents: 1

Comments: Even though the Texans seemed to struggle at the end of the season, missing out on a bye in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Texans were still a top team in most major categories but one — pass yards allowed. Most of the Texans free agents are on defense with potential depth issues for both the line backers and the defensive backs. The Texans will likely make a genuine effort to re-sign most of their starters, if they can.

 

Titans (6-10)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
RB Javon Ringer 2 LDE Dave Ball 2
RB Darius Reynaud 4 LDE Keyunta Dawson 3
FB Quinn Johnson 1 LDT Sen’Derrick Marks 1
TE Jared Cook 1 LDT Leger Douzable 3
LG Kyle DeVan 2 RDE Jarius Wynn 2
C Fernando Velasco, (R) 1 SLB Xavier Adibi 3
RG Leroy Harris 1 MLB Zac Diles 2
RG Deuce Lutui 2 WLB Will Witherspoon 2
    WLB Gerald McRath 3
Special Teams   RCB Ryan Mouton 2
       
K Rob Bironas 1    
PR/KR Darius Reynaud 1    

Total Free Agents: 19

Unrestricted Free Agents: 18

Free Agents: 1 

Comments: The Titans 2012 season was certainly forgetful.The Titans have several starters on offense who are free agents, and who they may allow to walk. The only position of issue is at right guard, where both the starter and the back-up are free agents. Otherwise, for the Titans, it’s all about depth, and adding talent. Long-time kicker Rob Bironas is a free agent this season.

 

AFC West 

Broncos (13-3)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
RB Lance Ball, (R) 4 LDT Kevin Vickerson 1
FB Chris Gronkowski, (R) 1 LDT Ty Warren 2
WR Brandon Stokley 2 NT Justin Bannan 1
WR Matt Wills 2 RDE Jason Hunter 2
LT Rya Clady 1 MLB Keith Brooking 1
LT Chris Clark, (R) 2 LCB Tracy Porter 2
C Dan Koppen 2 SS David Bruton 3
    FS Jim Leonhard 2
Special Teams      
       
P Britton Colquitt, (R) 1    
PR Jim Leonhard      

Total Free Agents: 16

Unrestricted Free Agents: 12

Restricted Free Agents: 4 

Comments: With the way the Broncos played last season, expect left tackle Ryan Clady to be re-signed. It will be interesting to see what the Broncos choose to do with Brandon Stokley. He could be resigned to keep a veteran presence among the receivers or not resigned in order to free up an additional roster spot for another young receiver. The Broncos have four veteran defenders that are free agents. While they may re-sign one, maybe two veterans, they could again look to address their defensive needs in the draft where they have been very successful as of late.

 

Chargers (7-9)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
RB Ronnie Brown 2 NT Aubrayo Franklin 1
RB Jackie Battle 3 RDE Vaughn Martin 1
RB Curtis Brinkley, (R) 4 LOLB Shaun Phillips 1
WR Danario Alexander, (R) 1 LOLB Antwan Barnes 2
WR Seyi Ajirotutu, (R) 4 RILB Demorrio Williams 2
TE Dante Rosario 3 RILB Gary Guyton 3
LG Tyronne Green 1 LCB Quentin jammer 1
LG Rex Hadnot 2 SS Corey Lynch 3
RG Louis Vasquez 1 RCB Antoine Cason 1
RG Reggie Wells 3 RCB Chris Carr 3
RT Brandyn Dombrowski 2    
    Special Teams  
       
    K Nick Novak 1
    LS Mike Windt, (R) 1

Total Free Agents: 23

Unrestricted Free Agents: 19

Restricted Free Agents: 4 

Comments: The new coaching staff can immediately address the team’s needs while potentially opening up nineteen roster spots when free agency begins. The offensive line needs to be re-vamped and running back depth addressed. The Chargers need to make it a top priority to keep restricted free-agent Danario Alexander, who ended up being the Chargers top receiving threat upon joining the franchise well into the season. Defensively, the Chargers were solid in 2012, and maintained a top-rush defense. The Chargers have free agency issues along the defensive line and at the corner back position. Depth issues are primarily at the line backer position. 

 

Chiefs (2-14)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Brady Quinn 1 LDE Shaun Smith 2
RB Peyton Hillis 1 RDE Glenn Dorsey 1
WR Dwayne Bowe 1 LOLB Edgar Jones 2
TE Jake O’Connell 4 LILB Brandon Siler 1
LT Branden Albert 1 SS Abram Elam, UFA 2
LG Ryan Lilja 2 FS Travis Daniels 2
RG Russ Hochstein 2    
    Special Teams  
       
    P Dustin Colquitt 1
    LS Thomas Gafford 1

Total Free Agents: 15

Unrestricted Free Agents: 15

Restricted Free Agents: 0 

Comments: Andy Reid does not inherit a bad team, but an underperforming team. So, it will be interesting to see how Reid addresses Dwayne Bowe who, for all intents and purposes, has been an afterthought in the team building process. The quarterback position will be the top position for Reid to address this off-season. Besides Glenn Dorsey and Brandon Siler, there are no glaring roster issues due to free agency. The Fantasy Greek does not believe Peyton Hillis will be back with the Chiefs in 2013. But, you never know.

 

Raiders (4-12)

Offense DC Defense DC
       
QB Matt Leinart 2 RDT Richard Seymour 1
RB Mike Goodson 2 RDT Desmond Bryant 2
WR Derek Hagan 3 RDE Matt Shaughnessy 1
TE Brandon Meyers 1 RDE Andre Carter 2
    SLB Philip Wheeler 1
Special Teams   MLB Omar Gaither 1
    LCB Joselio Hanson 2
P Shane Lechler 1 SS Mike Mitchell 2
PR Phillip Adams, (R) 1 FS Matt Girodano 1
KR Mike Goodson 2 RCB Shawntae Spencer 1

Total Free Agents: 17

Unrestricted Free Agents: 16

Restricted Free Agents: 1 

Comments: The Raiders can likely re-sign some of their free agents who played well last season, but who likely did not peak the interest of other teams. The Raiders have free agency issues at: right defensive end; right defensive tackle; starting linebackers (SAM and MIKE); free safety; and right corner back. There are depth issues at right defensive end; right defensive tackle; strong safety; and, left corner back. Thankfully, the Raiders will have some decent draft picks in this year’s draft.

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