With the NFL season winding down, it’s not too early to look at some of the prospective free agents who could be available in the offseason.
This could be a decent free-agent class. It likely will be dramatically altered after the Super Bowl, when teams franchise or extend contracts for some players. But it also will be bolstered when teams make salary cap cuts.
The most attractive players include New England wide receiver Randy Moss, Indianapolis safety Bob Sanders, Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, New England cornerback Asante Samuel, San Diego running back Michael Turner, Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs, Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark, Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen and Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs.
Not bad, huh? Some money will be spent, for sure.
Will the Broncos be in play for any of these players? After being extremely active in the market last season, the Broncos will have to pick their spots in free agency in the offseason. The Broncos likely will try to add key defensive players, but don’t expect any huge-money deals.
Childress saving job.
A month or so ago, it looked like Minnesota coach Brad Childress was on the hot seat.
Childress’ seat is pretty cool now. There appears to be no way Childress will be shown the door. The Vikings are one of the hottest teams in the NFL and, at 7-6, are in control of their playoff destiny.
Childress was perceived to be in trouble because the team wasn’t showing any improvement and there were grumblings that some players didn’t like him. In the past month, the team has clicked and Childress appears to be safe.
Johnson nothing special — yet.
It would be premature and misguided to label Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson a bust. Not after 13 games.
But it would be fair to call his rookie season a disappointment. Coming out of Georgia Tech, the freakishly skilled athlete was a can’t-miss prospect and the Broncos were trying to trade up for the chance to draft him.
Johnson has 37 catches for 553 yards and four touchdowns. Not shabby production, but not great for a player who came into the NFL with outlandish potential.
Russell needs to play.
It was a curious move by the Raiders not to use JaMarcus Russell as the No. 2 quarterback in their game at Green Bay. After Russell made his NFL debut against the Broncos on Dec. 2, the Raiders used Andrew Walter as a backup in a blowout loss. What a waste.
Walter is not the future of the Raiders. Russell has a chance to be. What was Walter doing playing? That was an opportunity for Russell to gain valuable experience after he missed the entire preseason because of a contract dispute.
Around the league.
Running back Larry Johnson still expects to return this season from a foot injury he suffered in early November, despite the fact that the Chiefs’ season is all but lost. … Speaking of Kansas City, there is growing speculation that coach Herman Edwards may be fired. The Chiefs are anemic on offense and the team’s brass may look for an offensive-minded coach. To Edwards’ credit, the Chiefs have shown some defensive improvement and his players appear to like working for him. …
Former Denver punter Paul Ernster is getting some interest and could be signed to a future deal with the Broncos in January. Ernster had a strong preseason, but lost the Broncos’ punting job to veteran Todd Sauerbrun. …
If DeAngelo Hall wants an offseason trade, he needs to show teams he’s worthy. The Falcons cornerback has not been very good this season. …
The Broncos were ravaged by injuries early in the season, and now the Chargers are dealing with key injuries to linebacker Shawne Merriman and fullback Lorenzo Neal. …
With Brandon Stokley signed to a three-year deal, the Broncos’ top remaining free agent is kicker Jason Elam. Talks with him likely will heat up early in the offseason. …
Don’t be stunned if Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall makes the Pro Bowl. There will be four receivers from each conference voted in. Going into Thursday’s game, Marshall was fourth in the AFC in catches and fifth in yards. Marshall could go to Hawaii as an alternate if New England’s Moss opts out as usual. Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler also may be a high alternate option. …
Broncos coach Mike Shanahan makes it a policy not to comment when his name is tossed out as someone potentially headed to the college ranks. But he did laugh when told of rumors he was going to Michigan. Shanahan just signed an extension through 2011 with Denver and has made it known he wants to be part of the Cutler era. …
No wonder Denver pursued former Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney during free agency. Kerney, who picked Seattle over the Broncos because of money, leads the NFL with 13.5 sacks. …
Here’s one free agent Denver pursued who has struggled: Texans running back Ahman Green. He has been injured and some wonder whether he will be effective again. Green, who turns 31 in February, visited Denver but the Broncos signed Travis Henry instead. … Seattle assistant and former Atlanta coach Jim Mora is in the UCLA mix, along with Steve Mariucci. … In recent weeks, Oakland coach Lane Kiffin yelled at Denver defensive tackle Alvin McKinley after a play and Ravens coach Brian Billick was involved in a spat with Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. Some players say coaches lose respect when they engage in onfield incidents with opponents. Players want to see their coaches get after officials, not other players, when things get tough.
