While a lot of the NFL's big-name free agents have found homes for 2009, there are still some very recognizable talents lingering on the market. With that in mind, FanHouse's NFL team has picked out the best of the remaining crop. Six writers took part in a quick-fire poll, with each asked to rank their top-10 guys out of a group of 20-plus players still available in free agency. Players received 10 points for a first-place vote down to one point for a 10-place vote.
Check out the gallery after the jump to find out who FanHouse thinks could still make an impact next season.
According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network (via PFT), the Arizona Cardinals and free agent linebacker Clark Haggans have agreed to a one-year deal; financial terms have not been disclosed.
Haggans, who turned 31 in January, was expected to make a relatively decent splash in free agency this year. He had performed well in the Pittsburgh Steelers 3-4 system last season and proved that he still has plenty left in the tank. Unfortunately, things didn't go his way this offseason, and he drew only slight interest from the Cleveland Browns prior to signing with Arizona.
For the Cardinals, the addition of Haggans fills the void left by their inability to sign Brandon Chillar due Larry Fitzgerald's contract. However, it's not exactly a step backwards. Haggans is a very talented and physical tool that should fit right in with Clancy Pendergast's defensive system.
The seven-year NFL veteran will rejoin both Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt in Arizona, who he became very familiar with during his time in Pittsburgh.
According to Pro Football Weekly, the New York Giants have signed undrafted rookie free agent tight end Rodney Burgess (Coastal Carolina University) and released tight end/tackle Rob Austin.
The 6'4", 245 pound Burgess appears to be too small to make it as a quality NFL tight end. However, if he were to add a bit of muscle he could possibly translate into a run-blocking fullback; which is exactly what the Giants currently "need." (That is debatable.)
It's unlikely that Burgess will even make the team but could add a little something extra to some training camp battles.
The Cardinals continued their search for quality depth at tight end yesterday when they added unrestricted free agent Tim Euhus. Perhaps hoping for a "diamond in the rough," Arizona signed the former Bill and Steeler to an undisclosed contract.
The former fourth round draft pick (Buffalo, 2004) has played in 24 career games with nine starts while collecting 14 receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns.
I find it hard to believe that Euhus will make the roster but could put some pressure on others during training camp.
Notes:
- Euhus will wear number 39. - The Cardinals released wide receiver Evan Prall.
Morgan, who was an undrafted rookie free agent in 2004, has only seen action in three NFL games. In those three games (with the Texans) he hauled in four passes for 42 yards -- not overly impressive by any means.
It's unlikely that Morgan will even make the team but could join the Bills practice squad, as he did last year in Kansas City.
And what in the world is up with his eyebrows? That couldn't possibly happen naturally, could it? I suppose that's irrelevant but hard to miss.
Hicks, a nine-year NFL veteran, suffered the worst year of his professional career last season. He was reduced to a reserve role and managed to collect only seven tackles in 15 games. He also suffered through a few minor injuries.
Although no financial details have been given, this is a high risk, high reward type signing. Despite entering his 10th NFL season, Hicks is still relatively young at 30. If nothing else, he offers the Jets a proven player that can serve as a reserve and start if called upon.
The Buffalo Bills figured they had a solution to their defensive tackle problem when they acquired Darwin Walker from the Philadelphia Eagles. Sadly, that has not quite been the case and Walker is refusing to take part in any team related activities this offseason until he's given a new contract.
Whether or not he gets that new contract remains to be seen, but the entire situation has not kept the Bills from exploring other options. According to their official site, they recently had free agent defensive tackle Sam Rayburn (Philadelphia) in for a visit.
Rayburn, a four-year NFL veteran, is known for having a great attitude and being a hard worker - a quality that is extremely valuable in the NFL. Although unlikely, he could potentially be used to replace Walker if the two sides can not agree on a contract extension. Even if they do, Rayburn would be a good player to add for depth and security.
PackersNews.com reports that the Green Bay Packers have signed undrafted rookie free agents Corey White (Fullback; Alabama-Birmingham), Peter Bier (Center/Guard; Army) and Devon Hicks (Defensive End; Northwest Mississippi Community College).
It is also being reported via the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that the Packers have decided to pass on Wisconsin quarterback John Stocco. Stocco was given a three-day tryout in Green Bay but did not perform well enough to warrant a contract. Instead, they will keep Jerry Babb (Louisiana-Lafayette) as their fourth quarterback.
"He was disappointed," John Drana, Stocco's agent, said. "I think so many times you go in with high expectations. Only so many are selected and hundreds are around. He was disappointed, but he was realistic about it too. Now he'll have to take the long road. He'll keep grinding and stay in the mix and try to get with the right team and the right situation at the right time."
Stocco is now in New York with the Giants where he will have a tryout similar to the one he had in Green Bay.
Webster, a seven-year NFL veteran, had been the Falcons starting cornerback for the last three years. However, injuries had limited him to only 33 games over the last three seasons and he became expendable when the Falcons selected Chris Houston in the second-round of the NFL Draft.
There was also concern that Webster would not have been able to pass a physical following hernia surgery. Despite being only 30, injuries have ravaged this young man's career and it may be time for him to hang them up.
In 86 career games, Webster collected 397 tackles, 11 interceptions, .5 sacks and 43 passes defended.
According to Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News, the Giants released linebacker Claudius Osei, center Matt Tarullo, tight end Jason Randall and running back James Sims.
Additionally, the Giants added 13 more undrafted rookie free agents. They are as follows: Travonti Johnson, S, Central Florida; Craig Dahl, S, North Dakota State; Brandon Myles, WR, West Virginia; Gabe Hall, OT/TE, Texas Tech; Marco Thomas, WR, Western Illinois; Marquies Gunn, DE, Auburn; Joel Clinger, OL, Missouri; Brandon London, WR, UMass; Michael Matthews, TE, Georgia Tech; Ryan Keenan, OL, Northwestern, Marco Thomas, WR, Western Illinois; Rob Austin, TE/OL, Troy and Charrod Taylor, DE, Georgia Southern.
Note: Although I have named a select few of these players in previous blogs, their signings were not official until yesterday.
While a lot of the NFL's big-name free agents have found homes for 2009, there are still some very recognizable talents lingering on the market. With that in mind, FanHouse's NFL team has picked out the best of the remaining crop. Six writers took part in a quick-fire poll, with each asked to rank their top-10 guys out of a group of 20-plus players still available in free agency. Players received 10 points for a first-place vote down to one point for a 10-place vote.
According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network (via 
According to 
The Cardinals continued their search for quality depth at tight end yesterday when they 
The Buffalo Bills 
According to their official site, The New York Jets have 
The Buffalo Bills figured they had a solution to their defensive tackle problem when they acquired Darwin Walker from the Philadelphia Eagles. Sadly, that has not quite been the case and 
PackersNews.com reports that the Green Bay Packers have 
The Atlanta Falcons have 
It was a busy day in Giants land yesterday. 
