All the big name free agents get all the hype and the talk, but they don’t always make the biggest impact. Sometimes it’s the forgotten guy who didn’t break the bank who winds up paying the greatest dividends. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the guys that are candidates for this year:
Steelers Trade for Byron Leftwich
Leftwich returns to the Steelers after one lackluster season with the Buccaneers. Though, he was hardly the only one to blame for the Bucs misfortune. He should start the season for the Steelers with Big Ben suspended for the first six games of the regular season.
He preformed well for the Steelers in 2008 when called upon and I would expect the same type of performance this season. He has weapons around him that will help him succeed, unlike in Tampa.
Titans Sign Will Witherspoon
The Eagles traded for Witherspoon during the season last year, but strangely decided to cut him in the offseason. The Eagles loss is the Titans gain.
He should start at one of the linebacker spots. He will be especially crucial after the Titans lost fellow-starting linebacker Gerald McRath to a four game suspension.
Jets Sign Brodney Pool
Lost in the shadow of the other big name moves the Jets made this offseason, Pool might have the greatest impact of them all. Pool was off to a great season last year (4 interceptions in 11 games) playing in Rex’s brother Rob’s defensive system before missing the last five games of the regular season.
He has the talent (was a second round pick in ’05), but injury concerns scared off team this offseason. However, it appears they were overblown. He has impressed coaches in the offseason and is a perfect fit for Rex Ryan’s defense. The Jets might have finally found their playmaker at safety, a role that Kerry Rhodes couldn’t fulfill.
Dolphins Sign Richie Incognito
The talent has always been there with Incognito, he just hasn’t been able to keep his head on straight. The Rams cut bait with them after he committed too many personal foul penalties and got into a verbal confrontation with coach Steve Spagnuolo. He was also voted the NFL ‘s dirtiest player last year in a poll by Sporting News.
Now, that may deter teams from Incognito and rightfully so, but the man still has talent and he fits in with the power scheme the Dolphins want to run. The Dolphins only signed him to a one year prove it deal so he will be on his best behavior or he will be out of town.
Jaguars Trade for Kirk Morrison
After the Raiders selected Rolando McClain in the first round of April’s draft, they had no need for Kirk Morrison anymore. So they dealt him to the Jaguars for a low draft pick.
With Morrison, the Jaguars are getting a tackling machine, who has amassed at least 100 tackles in all five of his seasons. He should help shore up a linebacking core that struggled last season.
Eagles Trade for Ernie Sims
To replace the aforementioned Witherspoon, the Eagles traded for Ernie Sims, surrendering a fifth round pick. Sims had fell out of favor with the Lions coaching staff this past season, but still has great potential.
He is a former top ten overall pick who looked like he was headed for greatness early in his career and has been compared to Derrick Brooks. The Eagles will hope he can regain his form.
Saints Sign Alex Brown
The Saints were hindered by the “final four” rules, so they couldn’t make a big splash in free agency. Alex Borwn might not be a flashy player, but he is a solid signing for the defending champs.
After releasing Charles Grant, the Saints had a glaring need at defensive end and Brown should help to plug the hole. He isn’t a spectacular pass rusher, but get his fair share of sacks and can hold his own against the run.
