NFL Lockout Rumors: Unrestricted Free Agency Changes Could Drastically Alter 2011 Rosters
By Jason Lisk
- AFC NORTH: Johnathan Joseph of the Bengals is the big free agent of note, as Cincinnati did not franchise him, instead putting the high tender that may now be invalid. Willie Colon of Pittsburgh, D’Qwell Jackson of Cleveland and Marshall Yanda of the Baltimore Ravens are other notable restricted free agents that could become unrestricted under the new agreement.
- AFC WEST: From Silver and Black: Michael Bush and Zach Miller would both become unrestricted free agents; RT Ryan Harris of Broncos would be available; and the Chargers could take several hits, most notably S Eric Weddle, who would become a hot commodity, along with WR Malcolm Floyd and OT Jeromy Clary.
- NFC WEST: San Francisco’s potential unrestricted free agents include Dashon Goldson, Manny Lawson and Ray McDonald, while Arizona has some offensive linemen at issue, with Deuce Lutui and Lyle Sendlein, along with WR Steve Breaston.
If I were to estimate the most-sought after potential free agents, I think Johnathan Joseph joins Nnamdi Asomugha as plan B at the cornerback position among several teams that could be in that market. Of course, Dallas will now have to address Doug Free with a higher offer, and Free would be the top tackle target on this list. Sidney Rice and Ray Edwards would both draw significant interest on the open market for teams looking for a receiver or defensive end. We’ve known all along that the Jets will probably try to re-sign Santonio Holmes rather than Braylon Edwards. Eric Weddle would be the top target at safety. Harvey Dahl was an underrated guard last year that could draw interest. Several running backs, including Ahmad Bradshaw and Joseph Addai, could have an opportunity to change teams, and this potential free agency change could come at just the right time for someone like Michael Bush. He would have continued to play second fiddle to Darren McFadden, as teams likely would not surrender draft picks. Now, he has a chance to move elsewhere and get a greater opportunity.
Teams that could potentially be most impacted include the Jets, the Bengals (Joseph), Vikings, Giants and Colts. Others, including contenders like the Patriots, as well as teams that are trying to rebuild at certain positions, like the Rams at receiver or Texans at cornerback, could find the market to be improved under this scenario.
[photo via Getty]