War Room Report Free Agent Preview
February 10, 2007
by Matt MacCoy, War Room Report Staff

Click here for Part One

Click here for Part Three

 (Editor's Note: This is part two in a three part series focusing on the best 2007 Free Agents, exclusive to the War Room Report)

6. Matt Schaub, QB, Atlanta Falcons (RFA) - UPDATE - 1st and 3rd round tender by Atlanta

 Matt Schaub is the first entrant on this list who is a RFA (restricted free agent) which means any team that chooses to sign him, will have to send the Falcons compensation, based on the tender off the Falcons give Schaub. Schaub could very well have a bright future in the NFL, and incumbent QB Michael Vick has been wildly inconsistent for the majority of his career. Schaub could also be much better suited to incoming coach Bobby Petrino’s offense.  The Falcons may try to delay their decision by giving Schaub a one year tender, to see if Vick can progress and decide at the end of the season which QB will be the guy moving forward.

1. Atlanta Falcons – As shown by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006, a solid back-up QB can be a great luxury in the rough and tumble NFL. Michael Vick is susceptible to more injuries than most other QBs in the NFL due to the fact that he scrambles so often. There were also several occasions where Vick’s inconsistency cost the Falcons a victory. It is likely Schaub remains in Atlanta, unless a team is prepared to offer the Falcons a deal that is too good to pass on. 

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars are solid on both sides of the ball, but need a leader on offense. They currently have two possible starting QBs, but the organization has yet to fully place their trust in either. Schaub may be the missing piece for a deep playoff run by the Jaguars. It is likely the Jaguars will choose between Leftwich and Garrard, but Schaub may be the better choice. 

3. Detroit Lions – The Lions manager has publicly expressed confidence in current starting QB Jon Kitna as the leader of Mike Martz’s offense. But Kitna has never been anything more then an average quarterback and the Lions may seek to acquire a franchise quarterback. Matt Schaub has a strong arm and is very cerebral, which would make him prosper in this offensive scheme.  The Lions may draft a quarterback in Round 1 of the NFL Draft, but may end up regretting the decision to draft a collegiate QB over a more polished prospect in Schaub. 

4. Cleveland Browns – The Browns are not happy with the play of current QBs Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson.  Since the Browns are drafting in the top four, they can not realistically give up that pick as compensation for Schaub, but they may be able to trade a high round two, or next year’s first round pick. The Browns do have playmakers Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow II, but as of yet, have no one to get them the ball. 

5. Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens had a great regular season under the veteran leadership of Steve McNair, but it all came crashing down in the divisional round of the playoffs when the Ravens were upended by eventual Super Bowl champions Indianapolis Colts.  Kyle Boller still serves as the backup to McNair, but it remains to be seem if the team thinks he is capable of continuing the teams’ success once McNair departs.  GM Ozzie Newsome has never been a fan of Boller and may want to add Schaub.

7. Michael Turner, RB, San Diego Chargers (RFA) UPDATE - First and third round tender by San Diego

Michael Turner is quickly becoming one of the NFL’s most wanted commodities.  Turner has been the amazing change of pace to all-world RB LaDainian Tomlinson and his performance has not gone unnoticed.  It comes as no surprise that some NFL teams would consider giving up a first round pick to obtain the rights to “The Burner.” Turner has an amazing burst and is very explosive, which may lead to a team sacrificing the picks to acquire him.    

1. San Diego Chargers – GM AJ Smith would prefer to keep Turner, to obtain a high draft pick for your backup tailback is hard to pass up. There are rumors that Smith may be behind much of the trade talk. If Smith is intent on getting a deal done, he will be able to make one, but he is probably not going to trade Turner for less then a first or second round pick.  

2. New York Jets –The New York Jets managed to qualify for the playoffs despite featuring a running back by committee that included Kevan Barlow, Leon Washington, and Cedric Houston. All of these backs seem best suited to splitting carries, and a true number one back like Turner be a great fit in the Big Apple. Surrounding quarterback Chad Pennington with as many weapons as possible could continue the success achieved in year one of the Eric Mangini era. 

3. Cleveland Browns – The Browns are rumored to be salivating about the possibility of adding RB Adrian Peterson from Oklahoma by using the 3^rd/4^th overall pick in the draft (pick subject to result of coin flip). Cleveland may decide they would rather attempt to acquire Turner as a free agent, and use their first round pick on defense. If Cleveland does not pursue Turner, or judges the price to be too high, they may choose to draft Peterson instead. Either way, it is vital that Cleveland upgrade the rushing attack. 

4. New York Giants – “The Burner” could end up playing in New York, just not for the Jets. RB Tiki Barber has retired and there are doubts as to rather or not Brandon Jacobs can step in and carry the workload as a full time back. As a team with playoff hopes, the Giants should try to add another significant RB to their roster by June, and Turner could be that significant addition. 

5. Detroit Lions – The Lions had their franchise RB Kevin Jones progress quite nicely in the 2006 season, but then lost him to a sever leg injury that required Lisfranc surgery. If Jones is not able to come back at full strength for the 2007 season opener, the Lions may choose to add another RB to compete for the starting position. Turner has the speed to excel in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s attack.

8. Cato June, LB, Indianapolis Colts 

Fresh off their Super Bowl win, the Colts have some important decisions to make in the off-season. They are up against the salary cap after locking up several offense weapons like QB Peyton Manning and WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Now they have their top two defensive players eligible for free agency in the same off-season.  They are working out a long-term extension with DE Dwight Freeney and appear likely to apply the Franchise Tag to him if a long term deal can not be reached. Add that to the issue of signing their draft picks in 2007 and the Colts are only going to be able to resign June if some serious cap moves are made.   

1. Buffalo Bills – The Bills could use an infusion of youth at linebacker. This is a defense that is incorporating several young players in the secondary and overall is in a rebuilding mode.  The Bills need a LB to pull it all together and could look no further than to Cato June. 

2. Indianapolis Colts – Losing a player of June’s caliber would be a blow to the Super Bowl champs, especially since they lack an adequate replacement. Peyton Manning recently restructure his deal, but June is likely looking for a huge contract, and Indianapolis may not be able to provide that. 

3. St. Louis Rams – The Rams desperately need an outside linebacker for the defense to improve on last season’s lackluster performance.  In year one of the Scott Linehan era , the Rams’ offense progressed quite nicely, but their defense never stepped up enough for the Rams to earn a playoff berth.  In a weak division, adding a player like June could lead the Rams to the playoffs.  

4. Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers failed to make the playoffs after winning Super Bowl XL in 2006.  The Steelers may be active participants in the free agency period and upgrade some weaknesses on both sides of the ball.  The Steelers have always been known for having great LBs and June would fit right into that legacy. He would be a good addition if the Steelers start using more of head coach Mike Tomlin’s Cover 2 philosophy. 

5. Oakland Raiders – The Raiders are a far cry from the Colts, but if June is seeking a big payday, he may head to Oakland. The Raiders have a pretty decent defense in Oakland and some young players to build around.  However, they do not really have a LB that stands out.  June, the California native could return home and give the young Raiders defense a chance to improve on their 2006 performance.

9. Donte Stallworth, WR, Philadelphia Eagles 

Stallworth might not be the #1 receiver that some teams are looking for, but he is clearly the best WR in an extremely thin Free Agency pool.  Stallworth is a talented wide receiver with first class speed, but has had problems staying healthy. Stallworth shined with QB Donovan McNabb earlier in the season, and given the right team and QB situation can shine once again. 

1. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings have to address their WR position this off-season. With a young QB in Tavaris Jackson taking over the reins in Minneapolis, they need to add weapons. Travis Taylor has had off the field issues and is a free agent, Marcus Robinson was cut after a problem with coach Brad Childress, and Troy Williamson is beginning to appear like he may enter the draft “bust” category.  Stallworth’s speed would stretch the defense and open up the offense and allow for the young QB to progress. 

2. Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles have the standard West Coast philosophy in that they do not think they need a #1 receiver as long as they have multiple options to spread the ball around to. They have the cap room to re-sign Stallworth, but it will be worth watching to see if the Eagles think their other young WRs, Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, and Jason Avant, have progressed enough that they can let Stallworth walk in the off-season and focus on upgrading their defense. 

3. Tennessee Titans – The Titans have their own free agent WR in Drew Bennett, who they may allow to leave. Rookie of the Year QB Vince Young made great strides in ’06, but like any young QB he needs weapons around him to continue the maturation process. Providing more weapons for Young could allow the Titans to qualify for the playoffs. Stallworth, who once stared for the Volunteers in Rocky Top, would be an ideal fit for the Titan franchise. 

4. Green Bay Packers – The Packers are committed to their own rebuilding process on both sides of the ball. Greg Jennings looks as if he may be a reliable receiving threat to build upon, but the Pack could use another option at WR.  Donald Driver is a solid WR, but his game may be in decline just when the Packers are starting their climb back up to the top. A WR combo of Stallworth and Jennings would surely help QB of the future Aaron Rodgers when he is ready to take over the position from Brett Favre. 

5. San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers’ most pressing issues are on the defensive side of the ball, but they could use some more skill position players. WR Antonio Bryant once again has had off the field issues, and Arnaz Battle is a mediocre receiver. QB Alex Smith would welcome the addition of Stallworth to the 49ers struggling offense.

10. Justin Smith, DE, Cincinnati Bengals - UPDATE - Franchised by Cincinnati

Smith has been a solid contributor to the Bengals organization for a few years now.  A pass rusher off the edge that is essential in Marvin Lewis’s defense, Smith is one of the more underrated players in the game today.  Smith is also one of the few Bengals who have not gotten into legal trouble off the field in the past calendar year, so it might also be good for their team’s image to re-sign one of their better team leaders on and off the field. 

1. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals have plenty of money under the projected salary cap and there is little chance they will let him leave Cincy. Smith is arguably their best overall defensive player. If a long-term extension can not be worked out, I would look for the Bengals to franchise Smith if necessary. 

2. Seattle Seahawks –The Seahawks need to find another player who can put pressure on the QB.  The Seahawks have been active in free agency and trades the past few seasons and would likely jump at the opportunity to add an impact player like Justin Smith. 

3. Detroit Lions – The Lions, probably more than any other team in the National Football League, need to acquire someone who can make a play along their defensive front.  They have to find a defensive end that can put pressure on the opposing teams QB and take pressure off their much maligned secondary.  The entice Smith to sign, the Lions would have to offer a huge amount of guaranteed money. 

4. Tennessee Titans –The Titans defense has two young and improving DTs and adding a pass-rushing DE would be ideal this off-season. The Titans Super Bowl XXXIV team relied heavily on pressure from defensive ends Jevon Kearse and Kevin Carter.  A return to that defensive philosophy would bode well for a young and up and coming team. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – A team once built on defense has seen their defense disintegrate right before their very eyes. Many of their star players are over the hill athletes robbing the Buccaneer organization by continuing to cash their paychecks.  The Bucs need to improve at many, many areas on the defensive side of the ball and signing a player like Smith would be just the beginning.

Click here for Part Three