bubba9497
February-18th-2005, 03:17 PM
Scouts Inc.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1993739
The NFL's offseason moratorium on roster moves comes to an end on Feb 22, a week before the free-agent signing period begins. While players scheduled to become free agents have been making plans for weeks, there is another large group of players who could be facing uncertain futures, as well.
Our scouts have examined every roster and compared on-field performance with salary and contract status to come up with an extensive list of veterans whose contracts are candidates for the chopping block. Would you believe Warren Sapp? Michael Strahan? What about Willie McGinest?
Here's the entire list:
Defensive end
Michael Strahan, N.Y. Giants
Strahan is 33, has clashed with coach Tom Coughlin, and his durability is a concern. With a $5.5 million base salary in 2005, he might force the organization's hand if he balks at a restructured deal.
Trevor Pryce, Denver
The bad back that wiped out his 2004 season draws his durability into question. Pryce's salary over the next four years (from $6.5 to $9 million) is a lot of money to devote to an injury risk. If the Broncos aren't able to trade him, his contract could be restructured.
Kevin Carter, Tennessee
His versatility is valued, but he has a lot of mileage on his body and doesn't make enough plays. With a base salary of $6.75 million and another $2 million in possible incentives for 2005, he likely will be asked to renegotiate or hit the road.
Warren Sapp, Oakland
He never looked comfortable and was pushed around too much in Oakland's 3-4 scheme. He is 32 and no longer a dominant player, and his salary and incentives could add up to $4.5 million in 2005. But he might return if the Raiders go to a 4-3.
Courtney Brown, Cleveland
A huge disappointment. His salary over the next two years totals more than $13 million, and he plays only half the time. It might be time to cut the cord.
Marcellus Wiley, Dallas
An underachiever in San Diego and now Dallas, he is owed more than $10 million over the next three years. That's a lot of money for a guy who makes very few plays.
Vonnie Holliday, Kansas City
He hasn't lived up to expectations and, nearing 30, could start slowing down anytime. His base of $2.2 million is manageable, but bonuses of $5.225 million are exorbitant. He will either renegotiate or be gone.
John Parrella, Oakland
His playing time is down, and age and injuries have become a factor. Parrella's cap number is around $4 million, a lot of money for an aging part-time player on a club trying to get younger.
Travis Hall, Atlanta
A 33-year-old backup due a $3 million base salary and $1 million bonus in March. He still is an effective run stopper and character guy, but he might have to take a dramatic pay cut to return.
Kenny Mixon, Minnesota
The Vikings like their young guys at this position, and Mixon is due $3.8 million in 2005. It would be surprising to see a player who posted only 2.5 sacks last season return at anything other than a greatly reduced price.
Antonio Cochran, Seattle
He played fairly well in 2004 (he finished with 6.5 sacks), but a $2 million salary for next season probably is too steep for a role player on a team with many free agents.
Jay Williams, Miami
He is a 33-year-old backup set to make $900,000 in 2005, with an additional bonus of $400,000 due in March. Miami has an aging defense and wants to get younger.
Defensive tackle
La'Roi Glover, Dallas
Though still a good player, he is 31 and due $4 million in base and bonuses. Glover will be a poor fit if the Cowboys, contemplating an overhaul of the defense, switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 scheme.
Sam Adams, Buffalo
He still is an excellent two-gap run stuffer, but his age and conditioning are serious concerns. Because defensive tackle Pat Williams is a free agent, Buffalo might bring Adams back despite a salary that could put him in the range of $2.5 million next season.
Dan Wilkinson, Detroit
He has settled in nicely with the Lions and benefits from playing next to Shaun Rogers. But $2.125 million for a 32-year-old journeyman might be too much.
Gerard Warren, Cleveland
The new regime in Cleveland might revamp the defensive line and let go of this classic underachiever. Warren already has redone his contract once, and he still is overpaid for his production.
Bryant Young, San Francisco
He is an old 33, with many durability issues on a team in salary-cap hell. Young is an important leader on this club, but the 49ers might not be able to pay him the $2.25 million he is due in 2005.
Lional Dalton, Kansas City
He is a journeyman who doesn't make many big plays and won't improve enough to merit a $1.2 million base salary for 2005.
Brandon Noble, Washington
He is a tough, hardnosed overachiever, but at age 32 his body isn't holding up well. His $1.5 million in 2005 is too much for a backup. Noble could wind up renegotiating.
Inside linebacker
Mike Barrow, Washington
At 35 and due $1.74 million in 2005, he could get his deal redone and stick around another season.
Sam Cowart, N.Y. Jets
His production has tailed off, and he now is a backup behind Jonathan Vilma. He won't reclaim the starting job, and the Jets have little use for a 30-year-old backup who will make more than $3 million in 2005.
Roman Phifer, New England
A solid backup and team guy, but at 37 he is on the way down. His base salary ($800,000) is acceptable, but he is due a $1.2 million bonus that could force the team to tweak his contract.
Orlando Ruff, New Orleans
He is a two-down run defender whose pass-defense skills are limited. The Saints' movement to get younger and more athletic coupled with his $1.1 million salary make Ruff a candidate for release or renegotiation.
Ted Johnson, New England
At age 32 and with a history of injuries, he isn't likely to stick around while making $1.7 million in 2005. He still can contribute as a run stopper on first and second downs. Near the end of his career, he might consider a re-done deal.
Outside linebacker
Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay
He isn't getting any younger, and he already has restructured his contract once, at a 2005 salary figure ($6 million) that might be difficult for the Buccaneers to swallow.
Chad Brown, Seattle
He still is a decent player at age 35, but his skills are in decline, he can't stay healthy, and he carries a cap number of more than $5 million in 2005. Seattle can't afford that kind of uncertainty.
Nate Wayne, Philadelphia
Hardly the playmaker the Eagles thought they were getting, he isn't physical against the run and doesn't have a well-defined role in the future of the franchise.
Peter Boulware, Baltimore
Injuries claimed his entire 2004 season, and he might be starting to fall apart physically. He still can produce as a 3-4 rush linebacker when healthy, but he isn't worth the risk at $6 million.
Dexter Coakley, Dallas
In a potential overhaul of the defense, the Cowboys likely would get bigger and more physical. Coakley is 32 and due $3.8 million in base salary and bonuses in 2005.
Junior Seau, Miami
After finishing the year on injured reserve, he might opt to retire. With $4 million due in salary and bonuses in 2005, Seau simply is too expensive a luxury for this team.
Willie McGinest, New England
He still is a versatile impact player, but $9 million is a lot to pay for a 33-year-old on this team. Coach Bill Belichick likes him, so McGinest could come back with a restructured contract.
Kevin Hardy, Cincinnati
He came to Cincinnati as a savior at middle linebacker, but he failed there and hasn't looked much better outside. Hardy's agility and range are declining, making his $2.6 million salary a risk not worth taking.
Ray Thompson, Arizona
Undersized and oft-injured, he makes too much money for a reserve and is an off-field risk. Thompson faces a likely one-year suspension if he violates league rules again.
Travian Smith, Oakland
A terrific athlete who never has lived up to his potential, he is a backup who will make $2 million in 2005. Knowing he won't get any better, paying him that well makes no sense.
Cornerback
Samari Rolle, Tennessee
Injuries have become a huge concern for this still-solid player. A $5.5 million base salary for 2005 makes him a luxury the Titans can't afford.
Patrick Surtain, Miami
Surtain has a big cap number, and the Dolphins want to get younger at cornerback. They aren't likely to cut both Surtain and Sam Madison, but they might entertain trade offers.
Sam Madison, Miami
Though still an excellent cover corner, he is 31 and has an $8 million cap number. The Dolphins' new regime might decide to cut ties before his skills start to erode.
Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay
Though he is a Pro Bowl player, he might be a product of Tampa Bay's cover-2 scheme. Moreover, he is scheduled to make more than $4 million in each of the next two years.
Tyrone Poole, New England
After he finished the season on injured reserve, age and durability are significant concerns. He no longer is a shutdown guy, and it's doubtful the Patriots will pay $2.4 million for a No. 2 or No. 3 corner.
Mario Edwards, Tampa Bay
A talented player who doesn't always play up to his potential. He is due $1.6 million in salary and another $1.6 million in offseason bonus money. The Buccaneers probably aren't willing to pay him that much.
Duane Starks, Arizona
Injuries have prevented him from living up to his expected role of shutdown corner. A nickel back probably isn't worth the $3.6 million Starks is due in 2005.
Artrell Hawkins, Carolina
Though he has decent cover skills, he gives up too many big plays and isn't very disciplined. Hawkins' $1.8 million salary figure for 2005 is high for a backup whose contributions are limited.
Donnie Abraham, N.Y. Jets
He gets by as a starter, but he lacks great cover skills and isn't getting any better at age 31. His 2005 salary of $1.5 million might be too hefty for a cap-challenged club.
Aaron Glenn, Houston
He still has value at age 33, but his cover skills are in decline. Glenn probably can play another year or two at a relatively high level, but he won't live up to a $4 million annual salary.
Juran Bolden, Jacksonville
Set to make almost $2 million in base and incentives in 2005, he is a 31-year-old backup who has been a huge disappointment. The Jaguars want younger and faster cover guys.
Chad Scott, Pittsburgh
He will turn 31 before next season and his body is starting to break down. Pittsburgh is unlikely to pay him the $3.885 million he is scheduled to receive in 2005.
Corey Fuller, Baltimore
A good team guy, but at 34 his skills are eroding. It's unlikely the speed- and athleticism-conscious Ravens will pay his $1.25 million salary in 2005.
Ken Irvin, Minnesota
At 33 and having spent most of last season on injured reserve, how much could he have left? The money-conscious Vikings will take a long look at trimming his $1.5 million salary from the books.
R.W. McQuarters, Chicago
A decent player, but he might be starting to break down and isn't good enough to be earning $3 million-plus in 2005. Chicago has decent young talent at the position and could threaten to cut McQuarters if he doesn't restructure.
Safety
Shaun Williams, N.Y. Giants
He is coming off a major injury and doesn't make as many plays as he did early in his career. New York has a lot of needs and seems unlikely to pay him the $4 million he's slated to receive in 2005.
Lance Schulters, Tennessee
He has been nicked up and hasn't been the impact player the Titans thought he would be. Schulters' $2.75 million base salary is a real stretch for this team.
John Lynch, Denver
He has given the defense a tougher identity, but at age 33, Lynch has a lot of wear and tear on his body. The Broncos could go younger or pay $2.5 million for a one-dimensional player.
Reggie Tongue, N.Y. Jets
He still is a big hitter, but the Jets are looking for defensive backs with better coverage skills. At 31, with a $700,000 base salary and $400,000 bonus due, Tongue is a target for roster trimming.
Brian Walker, Detroit
An intimidating run stuffer who has limited pass coverage skills, he is 33 and starting to lose what speed he has. His $1.6 million cap figure for 2005 doesn't match what he brings to the table.
Pierson Prioleau, Buffalo
A relatively unproductive backup, he is due $1.25 million in 2005. The Bills want more speed and athletic ability at the position, and will look for an upgrade.
Arturo Freeman, Miami
He is a starter, but he doesn't make enough plays to justify his $3 million salary. Freeman is better suited to be a (more moderately priced) No. 3 safety.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1993739
The NFL's offseason moratorium on roster moves comes to an end on Feb 22, a week before the free-agent signing period begins. While players scheduled to become free agents have been making plans for weeks, there is another large group of players who could be facing uncertain futures, as well.
Our scouts have examined every roster and compared on-field performance with salary and contract status to come up with an extensive list of veterans whose contracts are candidates for the chopping block. Would you believe Warren Sapp? Michael Strahan? What about Willie McGinest?
Here's the entire list:
Defensive end
Michael Strahan, N.Y. Giants
Strahan is 33, has clashed with coach Tom Coughlin, and his durability is a concern. With a $5.5 million base salary in 2005, he might force the organization's hand if he balks at a restructured deal.
Trevor Pryce, Denver
The bad back that wiped out his 2004 season draws his durability into question. Pryce's salary over the next four years (from $6.5 to $9 million) is a lot of money to devote to an injury risk. If the Broncos aren't able to trade him, his contract could be restructured.
Kevin Carter, Tennessee
His versatility is valued, but he has a lot of mileage on his body and doesn't make enough plays. With a base salary of $6.75 million and another $2 million in possible incentives for 2005, he likely will be asked to renegotiate or hit the road.
Warren Sapp, Oakland
He never looked comfortable and was pushed around too much in Oakland's 3-4 scheme. He is 32 and no longer a dominant player, and his salary and incentives could add up to $4.5 million in 2005. But he might return if the Raiders go to a 4-3.
Courtney Brown, Cleveland
A huge disappointment. His salary over the next two years totals more than $13 million, and he plays only half the time. It might be time to cut the cord.
Marcellus Wiley, Dallas
An underachiever in San Diego and now Dallas, he is owed more than $10 million over the next three years. That's a lot of money for a guy who makes very few plays.
Vonnie Holliday, Kansas City
He hasn't lived up to expectations and, nearing 30, could start slowing down anytime. His base of $2.2 million is manageable, but bonuses of $5.225 million are exorbitant. He will either renegotiate or be gone.
John Parrella, Oakland
His playing time is down, and age and injuries have become a factor. Parrella's cap number is around $4 million, a lot of money for an aging part-time player on a club trying to get younger.
Travis Hall, Atlanta
A 33-year-old backup due a $3 million base salary and $1 million bonus in March. He still is an effective run stopper and character guy, but he might have to take a dramatic pay cut to return.
Kenny Mixon, Minnesota
The Vikings like their young guys at this position, and Mixon is due $3.8 million in 2005. It would be surprising to see a player who posted only 2.5 sacks last season return at anything other than a greatly reduced price.
Antonio Cochran, Seattle
He played fairly well in 2004 (he finished with 6.5 sacks), but a $2 million salary for next season probably is too steep for a role player on a team with many free agents.
Jay Williams, Miami
He is a 33-year-old backup set to make $900,000 in 2005, with an additional bonus of $400,000 due in March. Miami has an aging defense and wants to get younger.
Defensive tackle
La'Roi Glover, Dallas
Though still a good player, he is 31 and due $4 million in base and bonuses. Glover will be a poor fit if the Cowboys, contemplating an overhaul of the defense, switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 scheme.
Sam Adams, Buffalo
He still is an excellent two-gap run stuffer, but his age and conditioning are serious concerns. Because defensive tackle Pat Williams is a free agent, Buffalo might bring Adams back despite a salary that could put him in the range of $2.5 million next season.
Dan Wilkinson, Detroit
He has settled in nicely with the Lions and benefits from playing next to Shaun Rogers. But $2.125 million for a 32-year-old journeyman might be too much.
Gerard Warren, Cleveland
The new regime in Cleveland might revamp the defensive line and let go of this classic underachiever. Warren already has redone his contract once, and he still is overpaid for his production.
Bryant Young, San Francisco
He is an old 33, with many durability issues on a team in salary-cap hell. Young is an important leader on this club, but the 49ers might not be able to pay him the $2.25 million he is due in 2005.
Lional Dalton, Kansas City
He is a journeyman who doesn't make many big plays and won't improve enough to merit a $1.2 million base salary for 2005.
Brandon Noble, Washington
He is a tough, hardnosed overachiever, but at age 32 his body isn't holding up well. His $1.5 million in 2005 is too much for a backup. Noble could wind up renegotiating.
Inside linebacker
Mike Barrow, Washington
At 35 and due $1.74 million in 2005, he could get his deal redone and stick around another season.
Sam Cowart, N.Y. Jets
His production has tailed off, and he now is a backup behind Jonathan Vilma. He won't reclaim the starting job, and the Jets have little use for a 30-year-old backup who will make more than $3 million in 2005.
Roman Phifer, New England
A solid backup and team guy, but at 37 he is on the way down. His base salary ($800,000) is acceptable, but he is due a $1.2 million bonus that could force the team to tweak his contract.
Orlando Ruff, New Orleans
He is a two-down run defender whose pass-defense skills are limited. The Saints' movement to get younger and more athletic coupled with his $1.1 million salary make Ruff a candidate for release or renegotiation.
Ted Johnson, New England
At age 32 and with a history of injuries, he isn't likely to stick around while making $1.7 million in 2005. He still can contribute as a run stopper on first and second downs. Near the end of his career, he might consider a re-done deal.
Outside linebacker
Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay
He isn't getting any younger, and he already has restructured his contract once, at a 2005 salary figure ($6 million) that might be difficult for the Buccaneers to swallow.
Chad Brown, Seattle
He still is a decent player at age 35, but his skills are in decline, he can't stay healthy, and he carries a cap number of more than $5 million in 2005. Seattle can't afford that kind of uncertainty.
Nate Wayne, Philadelphia
Hardly the playmaker the Eagles thought they were getting, he isn't physical against the run and doesn't have a well-defined role in the future of the franchise.
Peter Boulware, Baltimore
Injuries claimed his entire 2004 season, and he might be starting to fall apart physically. He still can produce as a 3-4 rush linebacker when healthy, but he isn't worth the risk at $6 million.
Dexter Coakley, Dallas
In a potential overhaul of the defense, the Cowboys likely would get bigger and more physical. Coakley is 32 and due $3.8 million in base salary and bonuses in 2005.
Junior Seau, Miami
After finishing the year on injured reserve, he might opt to retire. With $4 million due in salary and bonuses in 2005, Seau simply is too expensive a luxury for this team.
Willie McGinest, New England
He still is a versatile impact player, but $9 million is a lot to pay for a 33-year-old on this team. Coach Bill Belichick likes him, so McGinest could come back with a restructured contract.
Kevin Hardy, Cincinnati
He came to Cincinnati as a savior at middle linebacker, but he failed there and hasn't looked much better outside. Hardy's agility and range are declining, making his $2.6 million salary a risk not worth taking.
Ray Thompson, Arizona
Undersized and oft-injured, he makes too much money for a reserve and is an off-field risk. Thompson faces a likely one-year suspension if he violates league rules again.
Travian Smith, Oakland
A terrific athlete who never has lived up to his potential, he is a backup who will make $2 million in 2005. Knowing he won't get any better, paying him that well makes no sense.
Cornerback
Samari Rolle, Tennessee
Injuries have become a huge concern for this still-solid player. A $5.5 million base salary for 2005 makes him a luxury the Titans can't afford.
Patrick Surtain, Miami
Surtain has a big cap number, and the Dolphins want to get younger at cornerback. They aren't likely to cut both Surtain and Sam Madison, but they might entertain trade offers.
Sam Madison, Miami
Though still an excellent cover corner, he is 31 and has an $8 million cap number. The Dolphins' new regime might decide to cut ties before his skills start to erode.
Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay
Though he is a Pro Bowl player, he might be a product of Tampa Bay's cover-2 scheme. Moreover, he is scheduled to make more than $4 million in each of the next two years.
Tyrone Poole, New England
After he finished the season on injured reserve, age and durability are significant concerns. He no longer is a shutdown guy, and it's doubtful the Patriots will pay $2.4 million for a No. 2 or No. 3 corner.
Mario Edwards, Tampa Bay
A talented player who doesn't always play up to his potential. He is due $1.6 million in salary and another $1.6 million in offseason bonus money. The Buccaneers probably aren't willing to pay him that much.
Duane Starks, Arizona
Injuries have prevented him from living up to his expected role of shutdown corner. A nickel back probably isn't worth the $3.6 million Starks is due in 2005.
Artrell Hawkins, Carolina
Though he has decent cover skills, he gives up too many big plays and isn't very disciplined. Hawkins' $1.8 million salary figure for 2005 is high for a backup whose contributions are limited.
Donnie Abraham, N.Y. Jets
He gets by as a starter, but he lacks great cover skills and isn't getting any better at age 31. His 2005 salary of $1.5 million might be too hefty for a cap-challenged club.
Aaron Glenn, Houston
He still has value at age 33, but his cover skills are in decline. Glenn probably can play another year or two at a relatively high level, but he won't live up to a $4 million annual salary.
Juran Bolden, Jacksonville
Set to make almost $2 million in base and incentives in 2005, he is a 31-year-old backup who has been a huge disappointment. The Jaguars want younger and faster cover guys.
Chad Scott, Pittsburgh
He will turn 31 before next season and his body is starting to break down. Pittsburgh is unlikely to pay him the $3.885 million he is scheduled to receive in 2005.
Corey Fuller, Baltimore
A good team guy, but at 34 his skills are eroding. It's unlikely the speed- and athleticism-conscious Ravens will pay his $1.25 million salary in 2005.
Ken Irvin, Minnesota
At 33 and having spent most of last season on injured reserve, how much could he have left? The money-conscious Vikings will take a long look at trimming his $1.5 million salary from the books.
R.W. McQuarters, Chicago
A decent player, but he might be starting to break down and isn't good enough to be earning $3 million-plus in 2005. Chicago has decent young talent at the position and could threaten to cut McQuarters if he doesn't restructure.
Safety
Shaun Williams, N.Y. Giants
He is coming off a major injury and doesn't make as many plays as he did early in his career. New York has a lot of needs and seems unlikely to pay him the $4 million he's slated to receive in 2005.
Lance Schulters, Tennessee
He has been nicked up and hasn't been the impact player the Titans thought he would be. Schulters' $2.75 million base salary is a real stretch for this team.
John Lynch, Denver
He has given the defense a tougher identity, but at age 33, Lynch has a lot of wear and tear on his body. The Broncos could go younger or pay $2.5 million for a one-dimensional player.
Reggie Tongue, N.Y. Jets
He still is a big hitter, but the Jets are looking for defensive backs with better coverage skills. At 31, with a $700,000 base salary and $400,000 bonus due, Tongue is a target for roster trimming.
Brian Walker, Detroit
An intimidating run stuffer who has limited pass coverage skills, he is 33 and starting to lose what speed he has. His $1.6 million cap figure for 2005 doesn't match what he brings to the table.
Pierson Prioleau, Buffalo
A relatively unproductive backup, he is due $1.25 million in 2005. The Bills want more speed and athletic ability at the position, and will look for an upgrade.
Arturo Freeman, Miami
He is a starter, but he doesn't make enough plays to justify his $3 million salary. Freeman is better suited to be a (more moderately priced) No. 3 safety.