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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 2:49 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2009

NFL: A list of the top NFL free agents

By Jerry McDonald
Contra Costa Times

A position-by position overview of the top NFL free agents available, plus other notables:

NON-FRANCHISED

Offense

Quarterback: Kurt Warner, Arizona. Turns 38 in June, but still throws the best pass in the NFL. Others — Kerry Collins, Tennessee; Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay; Chris Simms, Tennessee; Byron Leftwich, Pittsburgh.

Running back: Derrick Ward, New York Giants. Hard to imagine 5.6 yards per carry behind any other offensive line. Others — Deuce McAllister, New Orleans; Fred Taylor, Jacksonville; Cedric Benson, Cincinnati; Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis.

Wide receiver: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati. With 294 catches for 3,128 yards and 25 touchdowns, he is far and away the biggest producer. Others — Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis; Jerry Porter, Jacksonville; Michael Jenkins, Atlanta; Nate Washington, Pittsburgh; Amani Toomer, New York Giants; Mike Furrey, Detroit.

Tight end: L.J. Smith, Philadelphia. Has 231 receptions for 2,525 yards in six seasons but has tailed off the last two seasons. Others — Jerramy Stevens, Tampa Bay; Jim Kleinsasser, Minnesota; Justin Peelle, Atlanta; Bubba Franks, New York Jets.

Guard: Mike Goff, San Diego. Nine-year vet has played 16 games per year for eight consecutive years; the best of a weak field. Others — Pete Kendall, Washington; Cooper Carlisle, Oakland; Chris Naeole, Jacksonville.

Tackle: Stacy Andrews, Cincinnati. Last year's franchise player had knee surgery in December. Others — Jon Stinchcomb, New Orleans; Tra Thomas, Philadelphia, Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Khalif Barnes, Jacksonville; Mark Tauscher, Green Bay.

Center: Jason Brown, Baltimore. A key player for the last three seasons, Brown's age (26) makes him more than a quick fix. Others — Matt Birk, Minnesota; Jake Grove, Oakland; Jeremy Newberry, San Diego.

Defense

Defensive end: Chris Canty, Dallas. A solid performer for Dallas, best suited for a 3-4 scheme. Others — Igor Olshansky, San Diego; Antonio Smith, Arizona; Bertrand Berry, Arizona; Michael Montgomery, Green Bay.

Defensive tackle: Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee. Most disruptive force available; should exceed $25 million in guaranteed cash. Others — Jovan Haye, Tampa Bay; Grady Jackson, Atlanta; DeWayne Robertson, Denver; Tank Johnson, Dallas.

Linebacker: Ray Lewis, Baltimore. A first-ballot Hall of Famer who turns 34 in May, he has a couple of productive years left. Others — Bart Scott, Baltimore; Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans; Keith Brooking, Atlanta; Mike Peterson, Jacksonville; Takeo Spikes, San Francisco.

Cornerback: Bryant McFadden, Pittsburgh. Missed time because of injury but played well for a championship defense. Others — Chris McAlister, Baltimore, Leigh Bodden, Detroit; DeAngelo Hall, Washington; Phillip Buchanon, Tampa Bay; Dre' Bly, Denver.

Safety: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia. Unquestioned toughness and leadership, but how much does he have left at 35? Others — Mike Brown, Chicago; Jermaine Phillips, Tampa Bay; Darren Sharper, Minnesota; Renaldo Hill, Miami; Lawyer Milloy, Atlanta; Dwight Smith, Detroit.

Specialists

Kickers: John Carney, New York Giants. Coming off a 35-for-38 season kicking field goals and a career-high 143 points at age 44. Others — Matt Stover, Baltimore; Jay Feely, New York Jets.

Punters: Sam Koch, Baltimore. Averaged 45 yards per punt with an excellent 39.9 net and 34 kicks inside the 20. Others — Hunter Smith, Indianapolis; Chris Hanson, New England.

FRANCHISED

Players who were designated franchise players by their respective teams, guaranteeing them a one-year salary totaling the average of the top five players at their position. They can receive offers from other teams, with their team having the option of matching the offer or accepting two first-round draft choices in return. They also can be traded.

Arizona: LB Karlos Dansby

Atlanta: P Michael Koenen

Carolina: DE Julius Peppers

Cincinnati: PK Shayne Graham

Houston: CB Dunta Robinson

Indianapolis: CB Kelvin Hayden

New England QB Matt Cassel

New York Giants: RB Brandon Jacobs

Pittsburgh: T Max Starks

St. Louis S O.J. Atogwe

San Diego: RB Darren Sproles

Seattle: LB Leroy Hill

Tampa Bay: WR Antonio Bryant

Tennessee: TE Bo Scaife