So why not throw too much money his way?
Other probable free agents per ESPN:
Here are a few of them:
Oronde Gadsden, wide receiver (minimum salary: $530,000): The former Miami starter might not have exercised much sense in rejecting an extension last year that would have paid him a signing bonus of $750,000, but his poor judgement has nothing to do with his skills as a player. Gadsden has some drawbacks, like his age (32) and lack of deep speed, but his size makes him a viable "red zone" threat and he can still make the acrobatic catch at times. The market has dried up on him and some team, probably Miami, which would take him back at its price, will get a solid No. 3 receiver at a very reasonable price.
Larry Whigham, safety ($655,000): One of the league's premier special teams players of the last decade, he is still a terrific "gunner" on punt coverage, even at age 30. He might not add much in terms of "nickel" or "dime" help, but his enthusiasm is contagious, and we know of two special teams coaches begging their teams to contact him. Even if he does nothing more than run down under kickoffs and punts, he will be an upgrade, and is still capable of 15-20 tackles on the specialty units.
Kwamie Lassiter, safety ($655,000): At age 33, the former Arizona Cardinals star doesn't run as well as he once did but, then again, he was never a burner. His interceptions fell off to just two in 2003, after nabbing nine the previous season, and he has never been noted as a physical hitter. But the eight-year pro still reads quarterbacks well, can break on the ball and make a play, and at worst would be able to contribute in "nickel" packages. Like some other veterans still seeking work, his expectations have been dashed, but he might still feel there is a better-than-minimum deal out there for him. At this point, he would be wise just to secure a job.
Antonio Freeman, wide receiver ($655,000): Might not be willing to play for just the minimum salary and San Francisco officials, who are very interested, suggested this week his demands were a bit too rich for them. The former Packers star was productive in a No. 3 role for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002, with 46 catches for 600 yards. There were just five No. 3 receivers with more receptions and Freeman demonstrated he still knows how to move the chains and create separation in "red zone" situations. There are at least five teams who want him, but all of them will sit back and wait for him to lower his asking price before making a move on him.
Floyd Wedderburn, offensive lineman ($530,000): The four-year veteran and occasional starter in Seattle can play tackle or guard and has enough size to engulf defenders. He isn't as powerful in-line as he should be, and doesn't have great feet, but he ought to be on the radar screen of any club still seeking offensive line depth at this late date. Teams that are interested will need to conduct some due diligence and check out a shoulder injury that truncated his 2002 campaign. But if the four-year veteran is indeed healthy, at age 27, he is certainly worth consideration.
Henry Ford, defensive lineman ($655,000): You can never have enough defensive line depth and the former Tennessee Titans starter can play inside or outside. There seemed to be a few times this spring when he was close to an agreement but, for whatever reason, nothing was consummated. Never noted as having a big motor and, frankly, has been an underachiever much of his career. But the former first-rounder (1994) can provide some team 15-20 snaps in a defensive line rotation.
James "Big Cat" Williams, offensive tackle ($755,000): The longtime Chicago Bears strong-side blocker is 35 years old and, after 12 seasons and 143 starts, might not have a lot left in the gas tank. For all we know, he might not even want to play anymore, and could fade into retirement. But if Williams still has the itch, and is willing to put himself through the rigors of a training camp for a minimum pay check, he would be a pretty nice security blanket for a team that needs a No. 3 tackle.
Qadry Ismail, wide receiver ($755,000): Things didn't work out for him in Indianapolis last year and he only registered 44 catches for 462 yards, and was released this spring. His long speed isn't what it used to be, but Ismail has some quickness and run-after-catch skill, and might be a decent No. 4 receiver for some teams. His career average of 14.6 yards per catch is very good and he did have a pair of 1,000-yard seasons in Baltimore.
Marcus Spriggs, offensive tackle ($530,000): Has just 18 regular-season starts in seven seasons, but has played both tackle spots and, in a pinch, could probably move inside and give a team some snaps at guard. Not an overpowering blocker, but has greatly improved his mechanics in the last couple seasons.
Bernard Whittington, defensive lineman ($655,000): Just like Ford, he can play inside and outside and always gives a solid effort. He may not be special, but he certainly is a high-character player whose versatility should be attractive to some team looking for another veteran body on its front four unit. His resume includes 95 starts.
Other probable free agents per ESPN:
Here are a few of them:
Oronde Gadsden, wide receiver (minimum salary: $530,000): The former Miami starter might not have exercised much sense in rejecting an extension last year that would have paid him a signing bonus of $750,000, but his poor judgement has nothing to do with his skills as a player. Gadsden has some drawbacks, like his age (32) and lack of deep speed, but his size makes him a viable "red zone" threat and he can still make the acrobatic catch at times. The market has dried up on him and some team, probably Miami, which would take him back at its price, will get a solid No. 3 receiver at a very reasonable price.
Larry Whigham, safety ($655,000): One of the league's premier special teams players of the last decade, he is still a terrific "gunner" on punt coverage, even at age 30. He might not add much in terms of "nickel" or "dime" help, but his enthusiasm is contagious, and we know of two special teams coaches begging their teams to contact him. Even if he does nothing more than run down under kickoffs and punts, he will be an upgrade, and is still capable of 15-20 tackles on the specialty units.
Kwamie Lassiter, safety ($655,000): At age 33, the former Arizona Cardinals star doesn't run as well as he once did but, then again, he was never a burner. His interceptions fell off to just two in 2003, after nabbing nine the previous season, and he has never been noted as a physical hitter. But the eight-year pro still reads quarterbacks well, can break on the ball and make a play, and at worst would be able to contribute in "nickel" packages. Like some other veterans still seeking work, his expectations have been dashed, but he might still feel there is a better-than-minimum deal out there for him. At this point, he would be wise just to secure a job.
Antonio Freeman, wide receiver ($655,000): Might not be willing to play for just the minimum salary and San Francisco officials, who are very interested, suggested this week his demands were a bit too rich for them. The former Packers star was productive in a No. 3 role for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002, with 46 catches for 600 yards. There were just five No. 3 receivers with more receptions and Freeman demonstrated he still knows how to move the chains and create separation in "red zone" situations. There are at least five teams who want him, but all of them will sit back and wait for him to lower his asking price before making a move on him.
Floyd Wedderburn, offensive lineman ($530,000): The four-year veteran and occasional starter in Seattle can play tackle or guard and has enough size to engulf defenders. He isn't as powerful in-line as he should be, and doesn't have great feet, but he ought to be on the radar screen of any club still seeking offensive line depth at this late date. Teams that are interested will need to conduct some due diligence and check out a shoulder injury that truncated his 2002 campaign. But if the four-year veteran is indeed healthy, at age 27, he is certainly worth consideration.
Henry Ford, defensive lineman ($655,000): You can never have enough defensive line depth and the former Tennessee Titans starter can play inside or outside. There seemed to be a few times this spring when he was close to an agreement but, for whatever reason, nothing was consummated. Never noted as having a big motor and, frankly, has been an underachiever much of his career. But the former first-rounder (1994) can provide some team 15-20 snaps in a defensive line rotation.
James "Big Cat" Williams, offensive tackle ($755,000): The longtime Chicago Bears strong-side blocker is 35 years old and, after 12 seasons and 143 starts, might not have a lot left in the gas tank. For all we know, he might not even want to play anymore, and could fade into retirement. But if Williams still has the itch, and is willing to put himself through the rigors of a training camp for a minimum pay check, he would be a pretty nice security blanket for a team that needs a No. 3 tackle.
Qadry Ismail, wide receiver ($755,000): Things didn't work out for him in Indianapolis last year and he only registered 44 catches for 462 yards, and was released this spring. His long speed isn't what it used to be, but Ismail has some quickness and run-after-catch skill, and might be a decent No. 4 receiver for some teams. His career average of 14.6 yards per catch is very good and he did have a pair of 1,000-yard seasons in Baltimore.
Marcus Spriggs, offensive tackle ($530,000): Has just 18 regular-season starts in seven seasons, but has played both tackle spots and, in a pinch, could probably move inside and give a team some snaps at guard. Not an overpowering blocker, but has greatly improved his mechanics in the last couple seasons.
Bernard Whittington, defensive lineman ($655,000): Just like Ford, he can play inside and outside and always gives a solid effort. He may not be special, but he certainly is a high-character player whose versatility should be attractive to some team looking for another veteran body on its front four unit. His resume includes 95 starts.
