However, it won’t be easy to make an impact. A class that is widely considered thin got even less deep when several standout players were franchised tagged last week. Still, there is some talent to be had.
Here is a look at the top 10 unrestricted free agents available and where they eventually signed.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","1. Asante Samuel","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0051331058.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Donald Miralle", "Getty Images", "273", "402", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Cornerback
The New Engand star could be snapped up very early. He should leave the weekend as the NFL's richest cornerback with a deal worth perhaps as much as $100 million. Is he the league's best cornerback? Probably not, but he is a premier playmaker and is a difference maker on defense. Watch for Philadelphia to throw the farm at Samuel.
Where'd he end up? Signed with Eagles for nearly $60 million.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","2. Randy Moss","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/gyi0051329094.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Streeter Lecka", "Getty Images", "273", "396", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Receiver
There was much surprise around the league that New England didn’t slap the franchise tag on Moss. Moss was a mess by the end of his Minnesota tenure, and his two years with Oakland were a disaster. The prevailing thought is that Moss and the Patriots are a perfect marriage that brings out the best in each other. While a team like Dallas or Washington could make some noise, Moss is better off staying with the Patriots. The only way he could leave is if Jerry Jones or Daniel Snyder hand over the checkbook — and that could happen.
Where'd he end up? Re-signed with Patriots for nearly $30 million.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","3. Lance Briggs","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070216/070216_briggs_vmed_3p.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Nam Y. Huh", "AP", "347", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Linebacker
Briggs has wanted out ever since Chicago went to the Super Bowl, and he was nearly dealt several times last season. It would be a surprise if Briggs, still a defensive focal point, returns to Chicago. Watch for Washington, which has long coveted Briggs, or San Francisco to make a run at him.
Where'd he end up? Re-signed with Bears for $36 million.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","4. Alan Faneca","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Scott Halleran", "Getty Images", "246", "368", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Guard
He is a rough and tumble player whose presence would be missed in Pittsburgh. Faneca wasn’t thrilled with new coach Mike Tomlin before last season started, but things improved as the season progressed. He could return, but teams will throw big money at Faneca, who is a perennial Pro Bowl player excellent on the line. Watch for Chicago, the Jets and Arizona to seriously consider Faneca.
Where'd he end up? Signed with Jets.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","5. Michael Turner","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/SPORTS/080113/g-080113-spt-chargers-1p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Brent Smith", "Reuters", "273", "352", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Running back
He is an interesting player. Stuck behind future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson in the San Diego backfield, Turner has excelled when he’s been given the ball, averaging more than five yards a carry in his career. There will be teams that are ready to give Turner the ball 20-25 times and he could be a steal. Among the teams that could make a run at Turner include Arizona, Carolina, the Jets and Atlanta.
Where'd he end up? Agreed to a six-year, $34.5 million deal with Falcons.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","6. Flozell Adams","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Tackle
Adams isn’t getting much buzz, but anchor left tackles aren't readily available, either. Dallas chose to put the franchise tag on safety Ken Hamlin instead of Adams, but the Cowboys still want their Pro Bowler. He’ll get some big sniffs from other suitors, but watch for Adams to return to Big D.
Where'd he end up? Re-signed with Dallas before free agency began.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","7. Julius Jones","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/COVER/071122/grid_071122_cvr_cowboys_5p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Mike Stone", "AP", "273", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Running back
Another Cowboys free agent. The team is trying to put together a deal for Darren McFadden in the draft and needs to keep restricted free agent running back Marion Barber. It looks like Jones will leave, with potential stops for him being Tennessee, Houston and Seattle.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","8. Bernard Berrian","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/071111/071111_bearsRaiders_hmed5p.hmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Paul Sakuma", "AP", "273", "359", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Receiver
Like Moss, many were surprised Berrian wasn’t franchised. The Bears will now have a hard time keeping him. Several teams will be willing to give Berrian the $6-7 million a year he wants. Tennessee, Carolina, Washington, Denver and the Jets will all come after him.
Where'd he end up? Signed with Vikings for $42 million.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","9. Max Starks","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Tackle
A fine player. He could be overwhelmed and go elsewhere, but Pittsburgh wants him and he is a good fit. There is no way Pittsburgh can afford to lose both Faneca and Starks in the same week.";
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("","10. Justin Smith","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080301/080301-smith-vlrg-9a.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Otto Greule Jr", "Getty Images file", "293", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i-1].body = "
Position: Defensive end
The draft is teeming with solid defensive ends. Free agency isn’t. That will help Smith. He will get a big deal, and he deserves it. The former first-round pick isn’t spectacular, but is solid and has good pass rushing skills. Watch for Smith to be snapped up quickly.
Where'd he end up? Signed with 49ers."; spt_2008_NFL_freeagency[i++] = new Array("spt_0226_NFL_free_agent","Vote","","","","", "lv2", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); // END editorial data