Top 100 free agents of '09
By Position: QB | WR | RB | TE | C | G | OT | DE | DT | LB | S | CB | K
Here are the top 100 NFL free agents as rated by Jason Cole and Charles Robinson. Included are players who were cut or whose contracts have expired since the end of last season. Not included on the list are CB Adam "Pacman" Jones, WR Jerry Porter and TE Jerramy Stevens …
* – denotes player who is recovering from significant injury or surgery.
1. Albert Haynesworth, DT: SIGNED Biggest fish in free-agent pool signed with the Washington Redskins for seven years and $100 million, including $41 million in guaranteed money. Story
2. Kurt Warner, QB: SIGNED The process seemed to drag out longer than expected, but he stays with the Cardinals for two years at $23 million. Story
3. Jason Brown, C/G: SIGNED Signed with the St. Louis Rams for five years and $37.5 million, including $20 million in guaranteed money. Story
4. Ray Lewis, LB: SIGNED The future Hall of Famer figures to retire as a Raven after re-signing with Baltimore. Financial terms of the multiyear deal were undisclosed. Story
5. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR: SIGNED Signed with the Seattle Seahawks for five years and $40 milllion, including $15 million guaranteed. He'll fit well with Seattle's West Coast scheme. Story
6. Bart Scott, LB: SIGNED Left Baltimore for the New York Jets, getting a six-year deal for $48 million, including $22 million in guaranteed money. Story
7. Jermaine Phillips, S: SIGNED The best defensive back available decided to re-sign with the Buccaneers. Terms were undisclosed. Story
8. Bryant McFadden, CB: SIGNED Best cornerback among a lot of mediocre ones lands in Arizona after picking up a Super Bowl ring last season with Pittsburgh. McFadden signed a two-year $10 million deal, getting $5 million guaranteed. Story
9. Jabari Greer, CB: SIGNED Two decent campaigns result in a four-year deal with the Saints. Story
10. Phillip Buchanon, CB: SIGNED Contrary to earlier belief, the Florida native chose not to stay close to home, inking a two-year deal with the Lions. Story
11. Derrick Ward, RB: SIGNED Former seventh-round pick hit the big time in a shallow group of RBs, getting a four-year, $17 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Story
12. Khalif Barnes, OT: SIGNED Has pretty serious talent, but issues in Jacksonville likely were the main reason he only got a one-year deal worth $1.2 million from the Raiders. Story
13. DeAngelo Hall, CB: SIGNED Signed with the Washington Redskins for six years and $54 million, including $22.5 million in guaranteed money. Story
14. Kerry Collins, QB: SIGNED Re-signed with the Tennessee Titans for two years and $15 million, including $8.5 million in guaranteed money. Story
15. Tra Thomas, OT: SIGNED The 11-year veteran can still play, inking a three-year deal with the Jaguars. Financial terms of the contract were undisclosed. Story
16. Brian Dawkins, S: SIGNED Signed with the Denver Broncos for five years and $17 million. Story
17. Chris Kemoeatu, G: SIGNED Turned down an offer from the New York Jets and re-signed with the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers for five years and $20 million. Story
18. Chris Canty, DE: SIGNED Got a six-year contract with the New York Giants for $42 million, including $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Story
19. Jake Grove, C: SIGNED Lands in Miami with a five-year deal. Story
*20. Stacy Andrews, G: SIGNED Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Terms were not disclosed. Story
21. Derrick Dockery, G: SIGNED Signed with the Washington Redskins for five years and $26 million. Story
*22. Mark Tauscher, OT: He's old, but the Packers need to have their right tackle back.
23. Jonathan Vilma, LB: SIGNED Re-signed with the New Orleans Saints for five years and $34 million. Story
24. Gibril Wilson, S: SIGNED Signed with the Miami Dolphins for five years and $27.5 million, including $8 million in guaranteed money. Story
25. Jon Stinchcomb, OT: SIGNED Re-signed with the New Orleans Saints for five years. Story
26. Byron Leftwich, QB: SIGNED A good guy with a nice arm, but the slow release could prevent him from starting for the Buccaneers. He signed a two-year deal worth $7.5 million. Story
27. Matt Birk, C: SIGNED The six-time Pro Bowler has signed a three-year deal with the Ravens. Story
28. Drayton Florence, CB: SIGNED He never fit in Jacksonville, but his age and experience will make him a commodity again for the Buffalo Bills, who will sign him. Story
29. Darren Sharper, S: SIGNED Though his playmaking skills may be on the decline, he takes his big-hitting style to the Saints. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Story
30. Nate Washington, WR: SIGNED The 26-year-old signed with the Tennessee Titans for an undisclosed contract. His speed and big-play ability will suit the arm of Kerry Collins perfectly, while also taking some heat off the running game. Story
31. Devery Henderson, WR: SIGNED The young and speedy receiver decided to stay with the Saints after getting no offers from other clubs. Terms were not disclosed. Story
32. Fred Taylor, RB: SIGNED Signed with the New England Patriots. Terms were not disclosed. Story
33. Laveranues Coles, WR: SIGNED The moody but talented wideout has joined the Bengals for a reported four-year, $28 million deal. Story
34. Marvin Harrison, WR: Could still be a solid No. 2 if he's healthy, but he's falling off fast. One or two more years of solid production may be it.
35. Marcus Washington, LB: Aging playmaker who has missed 12 regular season games the last three years. Can still be a good starter.
36. Cedric Benson, RB: SIGNED Finally showed some determined production in '08, a reason why the Bengals re-signed him to a two-year deal. Story
*37. Marvel Smith, OT: SIGNED His back troubles might have been a concern as the Niners inked him to just a two-year deal. Story
*38. Chris McAlister, CB: He has lost a step and hasn't been healthy since 2006, but still has a lot of value in a thin year at cornerback. Big risk, moderate reward player.
39. Antonio Smith, DE: SIGNED Signed with the Houston Texans for a reported five years and $35 million, including $12.5 million in guaranteed money. Story
*40. Jon Runyan, OT: Has gone an astonishing 12 years without missing a game, but had microfracture surgery this offseason. He's just getting too old to be a good risk.
41. Cato June, LB: SIGNED The 29-year-old signed with the Houston Texans. Story
42. Jeff Garcia, QB: SIGNED Garcia is heading back to the Bay Area after signing with the Oakland Raiders. Story
43. Joey Galloway, WR: SIGNED He should be a good fit with the Patriots as a No. 3 for a year or two. Terms were undisclosed. Story
44. Keith Brooking, LB: SIGNED Signed with the Dallas Cowboys for three years and $6 million, including $2.5 million in guaranteed money. Story
45. Trai Essex, OT: SIGNED The Steelers retain a versatile performer who is skilled enough to develop into a solid starter. It's a two-year deal and financial terms were undisclosed. Story
46. Sean Jones, S: SIGNED He's a little overrated but could be very good with a strong Philadelphia Eagles surrounding cast. Jones leaves the Browns for the Eagles, who gave him a one-year deal. Story
*47. Angelo Crowell, LB: SIGNED After missing all of 2008 with a serious knee injury, he joins the Buccaneers. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Story
48. Mike Peterson, LB: SIGNED Joins the Falcons after injuries and butting heads with coach Jack Del Rio robbed him of three good years in Jacksonville. Terms of deal with Atlanta were undisclosed. Story
49. John St. Clair, OT: SIGNED The versatile lineman adds depth to the Browns' roster. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Story
50. Andre' Goodman, CB: SIGNED Had arguably his best season in the NFL last year, a reason the Denver Broncos signed him to a five-year, $25 million deal that includes $10 million in guaranteed money. Story
51. Chris Baker, TE: SIGNED Signed with the New England Patriots. Terms were not disclosed. Story
52. Derrick Brooks, LB: A shade of the player he once was. Can still bring great leadership to a young defense.
53. Andra Davis, LB: SIGNED Signed with the Denver Broncos for two years. Story
54. Russ Hochstein, G: SIGNED Re-signed with the Patriots. Terms were not disclosed. Story
55. Lawyer Milloy, S: His best days are far behind him, but he's serviceable and can help bring along young players in the secondary.
56. J.P. Losman, QB: He's got great tools but makes poor decisions. He's a Leftwich-type reclamation project at this point.
57. Rex Grossman, QB: SIGNED A good arm and a terrible head, the former Bears Super Bowl signal caller signs with the Texans. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Story
58. Eugene Wilson, S: SIGNED Re-signed with the Houston Texans for three years and $11.3 million. Story
59. Bertrand Berry, DE: SIGNED Despite missing 23 games in the past four years, the Cardinals decided to re-sign him to a one-year deal. Story
60. Gerald Sensabaugh, S: SIGNED A talented player who showed flashes of brilliance last season joins the Cowboys. Financial terms of the one-year deal were undisclosed. Story
61. Geoff Hangartner, C/G: SIGNED Signed with the Buffalo Bills. Terms were not disclosed. Story
62. Eric Barton, LB: SIGNED A solid tackler whose best playmaking days are behind him has followed coach Eric Mangini to Cleveland. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Story
63. Rocky Bernard, DT: SIGNED Signed with the New York Giants. Terms were not disclosed. Story
64. Igor Olshansky, DT: SIGNED A 3-4 end who looked like he was going to develop into a respectable player until the Chargers coaching staff soured on him last season. He still got a four-year, $18 million deal ($8 million guaranteed) from the Dallas Cowboys. Story
65. Michael Boley, LB: SIGNED Signed with the New York Giants for five years and $25 million. Story
66. Kevin Carter, DE/DT: He's not a three-down player anymore, but he can still play. A good veteran rotation player for the right price.
67. Deuce McAllister, RB: Still has a year or two left as a split-carry option if he could stay healthy. That's a big if.
68. Domonique Foxworth, CB: SIGNED Signed with the Baltimore Ravens for four years and $28 million, including $16.5 million in guaranteed money. Story
69. Shaun Cody, DT: SIGNED Despite recording no sacks or forced fumbles in the last three years, the Texans signed him. No terms of the deal were disclosed. Story
70. Jim Leonhard, S: SIGNED The former Ravens fill-in followed Rex Ryan north, inking a deal with the Jets. Terms were not disclosed. Story
71. Jim Kleinsasser, TE: SIGNED Re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings for three years and $9 million. Story
72. James Sanders, S: SIGNED Re-signed with the New England Patriots for three years and $9 million.
73. Mike Nugent, K: SIGNED A change in climates might make him more of a factor from 50-plus after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's a reported one-year deal and financial terms were undisclosed. Story
74. L.J. Smith, TE: SIGNED The Ravens are banking that the young athlete stays healthy enough to contribute 40 receptions and 500 yards in their passing attack. Financial terms on the one-year deal were undisclosed. Story
75. Pete Kendall, G: The sun is setting on his career, but he's a good option for a team needing a one- or two-year guard who can mentor some younger players.
76. Ronald Fields, DT: SIGNED He's never really found his niche as a defensive end or tackle in a 4-3. He could play nose in a 3-4 alignment with the Broncos, who signed him to a two-year deal. Story
77. Mike Wright, DT: SIGNED A young 3-4 lineman, one the Patriots liked enough last season to assign a second-round tender, has re-signed with New England. Story
78. Corey Ivy, CB: SIGNED Deficient in both speed and size, leaves Ravens to join division-rival Browns. Terms of deal were undisclosed. Story
79. Jabar Gaffney, WR: SIGNED Signed with the Denver Broncos for four years and $10 million, including $3 million in guaranteed money.
80. Zach Thomas, LB: SIGNED Little more than a solid tackler at this point in his career, the seven-time Pro Bowler has joined the Chiefs. He signed a one-year deal for a reported $2 million. Story
81. LaMont Jordan, RB: SIGNED On the downside of his career, but signed with the Broncos for a reported two years, $2.5 million. Story
82. Keiwan Ratliff, CB: SIGNED His solid play as an injury sub last season was enough to earn a one-year deal from the Super Bowl champion Steelers. Story
83. Ron Bartell, CB: SIGNED Re-signed with St. Louis for four years and $28 million, including $13.6 million guaranteed. He has the perfect size for a corner in Steve Spagnuolo's system. Story
84. Justin Miller, CB: Failed top pick with Jets has nice return ability if healthy.
85. Tyjuan Hagler, LB: SIGNED The active and tough defender, who is also an asset on special teams, re-signed with the Colts. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Story
86. Kenny Peterson, DE: SIGNED His flashes of tempting ability were enough to make the Broncos re-sign him. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Story
87. Ronald Curry, WR: SIGNED A nice all-around athlete who has been slowed by injuries joins the Lions after accepting a one-year deal. Story
88. Dan Orlovsky, QB: SIGNED Looking for the safety of a No. 2 job where he won't run into safeties. Might have found it in Houston, where he signed a three-year, $9.15 million deal. Story.
89. Ty Law, CB: Law doesn't do training camp at this stage of his career. Wait till September.
90. Kevin Burnett, LB: SIGNED The durable and active, yet underachieving former second-rounder, signed a two-year deal with the Chargers. Story
91. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: SIGNED Signed with the Buffalo Bills. Terms were not disclosed. Story
92. Chris Crocker, S: SIGNED Re-signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Terms were not disclosed. Story
93. Dominic Rhodes, RB: SIGNED Despite being a nice fill-in for the Colts last season, Rhodes decided to leave town again – this time to Buffalo for a two-year deal. Story
94. Maurice Morris, RB: SIGNED Signed with the Detroit Lions for three years and $7 million. Story
95. Warrick Dunn, RB: A serviceable No. 2 who may have two years left in that role.
96. Amani Toomer, WR: Leading receiver in Giants history is a classy vet playing out the string.
97. Bobby Engram, WR: SIGNED He's at the end but should be a terrific third-down option for the Chiefs. Terms were undisclosed. Story
98. Rudi Johnson, RB: Might have some mileage left on his body if he can get healthy.
99. Bryant Johnson, WR: SIGNED Gives the Detroit Lions depth at wide receiver after signing a three-year, $9 million deal. Story
100. Jason Craft, CB: Typical CB who survives a decade in the league because he knows the game.
