NFL FREE AGENT and TRADE RUMORS: Holmes, Palmer, Asomugha, Jenkins, Rice, and More
Finally. No more talk about NFL labor conversations and a lockout.
The conversation now shifts to something fans care far more about: trade and free agent talks.
There will be more than 400 free agents hitting the market this week. Get ready for lots of names showing up on the ESPN and NFL Network ticker.
Here's a look at some of the big names in what should be a busy week.
Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland: There may not be a better cornerback than Asomugha, who got a huge contract from the Raiders in February 2009 and should expect another lucrative one again this year. He's the prize of the free agent class, and will have plenty of suitors. Asomugha, 30, might be a star for several years to come, and he has a great attitude.
Possible destinations: Houston, Washington, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Oakland
Cullen Jenkins, Green Bay: Despite playing only 11 regular-season games in 2010-2011, Jenkins racked up seven sacks and is among the best 3-4 defensive ends in the game. Expect the Packers to let Jenkins go, as they go young.
Possible destinations: Washington, N.Y. Giants, Chicago, Baltimore
Santonio Holmes, New York Jets: The Jets are in a curious situation. Not only do they want to re-sign Santonio Holmes, they would also like to re-sign Braylon Edwards. Holmes is a game-changing wide receiver and will command $10 million a year. There is only one other team that seems like they have a legitimate chance to sign Holmes: Washington.
Possible destinations: Washington, N.Y. Jets
Sidney Rice, Minnesota: A big-play threat, and one of the more under-rated receivers in the league, the Vikings want to retain Rice, even though he sat most of the season with a hip injury.
Possible destinations: Minnesota, New England, St. Louis, Washington
Charles Johnson, Carolina: The 25-year-old defensive end had a breakout year last season, recording 11.5 sacks in 15 games. Maybe last season was a fluke, but teams value quality pass rushers, so Johnson can expect a major deal.
Possible destinations: Carolina, Cleveland, Washington, Atlanta
Ray Edwards, Minnesota: Many teams will be vying for Edwards after two straights seasons of eight sacks or more. The question dogging interested teams interested is how effective will Edwards be without Jared Allen on his line.
Possible destinations: Minnesota, Atlanta, Green Bay, Seattle
Quarterback trades:
Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia: Kolb wants out of Philly as he's been relegated to back-up duties to Michael Vick. Of all the quarterbacks on the market, Kolb probably has the most upside. He's been effective in his limited playing time, and has shown he has the ability to be regular starter.
Possible destinations: Miami, Arizona, Tennessee, Minnesota
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati: The Bengals are so delusional that they expect Palmer to back down on his "trade me or I retire" pledge, and retain him. Fat chance. Expect the Bengals to come to their senses and make a deal, and it will have to be out west.
Possible destinations: Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco
Donovan McNabb, Washington: Disrespected at the end of last season, the Redskins will have to rework his contract to trade last year's starter. McNabb, 34, is inconsistent and past his prime, but has the ability to have an effective 2011-2012 season.
Possible destinations: Minnesota, San Francisco, Oakland, Miami
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