HONOLULU — Sunday was the last chance for players to impress in hopes of trading in their helmets for new, more profitable versions.
About a dozen players who could be on the move beginning Feb. 29 via free agency or trade were on display at Aloha Stadium in the Pro Bowl. The NFC dispatched the AFC 42-30, with Minnesota rookie tailback Adrian Peterson garnering MVP honors.
For teams looking to upgrade in what has been generally billed a weak free-agent class, hope was renewed Sunday. There is some talent to be had. Yet, many things will change in the next three weeks as NFL teams make final preparations for the offseason.
Several players will be slapped with the franchise tag, virtually ensuring their return to their team. Some big names will be cut, with Broncos receiver Javon Walker likely one of the top players on that list. And there will be some trades, with Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers one of numerous possibilities.
Players at the Pro Bowl who could be “franchised” include Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen, Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and Seattle cornerback Marcus Trufant.
“It’ll be interesting to see where it goes,” Allen said. “It’s up to the Chiefs right now.”
Haynesworth said it is his preference to remain with the Titans whether he’s franchised are not. If he does hit the open market, Haynesworth, coming off a career year, would be one of the most attractive players.
“You first got to look at where you are, and I like Tennessee,” Haynesworth said. “I want to get something done with the Titans. That’s where I’ve been my whole career. But if things don’t work there, then you have to be ready to see what is out there.”
Some Pro Bowlers will get the chance to see the open market. Those players include Chicago special-teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo, Dallas tackle Flozell Adams, Dallas safety Ken Hamlin, Minnesota fullback Tony Richardson, New England cornerback Asante Samuel and Pittsburgh guard Alan Faneca. Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs and New England receiver Randy Moss, who also could get the franchise tag, made the Pro Bowl but did not compete Sunday.
“This is a last chance to showcase yourself,” said Ayanbadejo, who could become the richest special-teams player in the history of the game. “You have to take advantage of it.”
Of the players who may not be franchise-tagged, Samuel, Briggs and Faneca could be the most popular on the open market.
On the trade front, Pro Bowl receivers Larry Fitzgerald of Arizona and Chad Johnson of Cincinnati could be on the block. At the Super Bowl, Fitzgerald told a Philadelphia radio station that the Eagles were one of four teams he would like to be traded to. But at the Pro Bowl, Fitzgerald backed off the trade requests. The East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Ariz., reported that Arizona has offered him a contract extension.
“I want it to work out in Arizona,” Fitzgerald said. “I want to finish business there, and hopefully we can get a contract done and I’ll be there for a long time.”
Johnson, who has a reputation as a malcontent, has been open about wanting to play elsewhere. At the Pro Bowl, though, Johnson was reticent. But it appears he will return to Cincinnati, because the Bengals aren’t interested in dealing him.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
