Follow the Super Bowl champions.
This is often the route many NFL teams take these days. It's a copycat
league, which is why trends develop and change with each season and each new
champion.
|  | | Shannon Sharpe was the biggest name among the Ravens' free agent finds. |
During the offseason last year, the Baltimore Ravens, not satisfied with
their 8-8 finish in 1999 but realizing they weren't that far away from being
a contender, dabbled in the free agent market.
The Ravens hardly muscled their way into the free-spending period. They barely made headlines with the few players they signed, the biggest name being former Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, whom, at 32, many believed had lost more than a step
after a long, successful career in Denver.
Sharpe made only $500,000 last season and is due to make $2 million in 2001.
He turned out to be a one-man, big-play machine during the Ravens' magical
postseason Super Bowl run.
The Ravens also quietly signed quarterback Trent Dilfer. Dilfer was signed as backup insurance behind then-starter Tony Banks. When Banks faltered during the Ravens' midseason touchdown drought, Brian Billick gambled and tried Dilfer.
The rest is storybook history.
Other free agents the Ravens signed included Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams, former Pro Bowl fullback Sam
Gash, a valuable blocker and total team guy, guard Kipp Vickers, who was a valuable backup, and tight end Ben Coates, who had a quiet season, but made a number of key plays in the Super Bowl.
The free-agent crop among AFC teams this season is relatively strong, and
there will be some blockbuster deals made. But it'll likely be the mid-level,
less-ballyhooed signings that'll make the biggest impact.
The following is a look at the AFC crop of unrestricted free agents and how
they stack up talent-wise and price-wise.
Big ticket items
Bills wide receiver Eric Moulds: Provided he doesn't re-sign with the Bills, which
appears imminent, his 94 catches for 1,326 yards and five TDs in 2000 will make
him mega-bucks.
| |  | |
| Wiley |
Bills defensive end Marcellus Wiley: He had 10½ sacks while replacing Bruce Smith
last year. He's young and has a lot of upside.
Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare: One of the NFL's best kickers with great range.
Had 117 points last year and was 28-of-31 in field goal attempts.
Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor: He had 14½ sacks in 2000. He's young, tough and has a lot of upside.
Dolphins defensive end Trace Armstrong: As a third-down part-timer, he had 16½ sacks last season. He is getting up in age, but he still has his quickness. Plus, there isn't a team in the NFL that isn't desperate for pass-rushing help.
Dolphins safety Brock Marion: He was voted to the Pro Bowl last year after picking off five passes and generally playing well in a strong Miami secondary.
Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer: Though he was ridiculed for his supposed lack
of talent and flash, all Dilfer did was win games. He won 15 of the last 16
games he started, dating back to his Tampa Bay days. Someone will pay him
good money because the NFL is a quarterback-starved league.
| |  | |
| Sharper |
Ravens linebacker Jamie Sharper: Sharper didn't get a lot of credit playing in the shadow of Ray Lewis, but he's a good linebacker whom the Ravens would like to keep if they can afford his price.
Titans wide receiver Derrick Mason: He caught 63 passes and had 5 touchdowns in a
run-oriented offense. And, he's a strong kick returner.
Steelers running back Jerome Bettis: "The Bus" keeps on truckin'. Bettis, who
may want to finish his career in Pittsburgh, gained 1,341 rushing yards last
season and remains one of the NFL's most consistent backs.
Bengals running back Corey Dillon: He gained 1,435 rushing yards on a pathetic
team last year. He's tagged as a transition player, meaning any team that
offers him more than his $3.7 million tender might lure him -- though the
Bengals have right of first refusal.
Broncos linebacker John Mobley: A Pro Bowl talent who has had injuries. Is
said to be seeking $5 million per year.
Safe buys
Dolphins linebacker Derrick Rodgers: He had a strong 2000 season as a run
stopper and all-around linebacker.
| |  | |
| Griffith |
Broncos fullback Howard Griffith: Regarded as perhaps the best fullback in the
game. Hard to see him playing anywhere else but Denver.
Titans cornerback Denard Walker: Two picks in 2000 and a starting caliber
corner.
Raiders linebacker William Thomas: Veteran had six interceptions with one returned for a TD in 2000.
Ravens fullback Sam Gash: He's a great blocker who's unselfish and a great
locker room guy.
Colts safety Jason Belser: Had an OK season and, at 31, has a couple years of
starting ability left.
Bills kicker Steve Christie: Veteran didn't have one of his best years in
2000, missing 9 of 35 attempts with his 109 points. But still can be a
dependable kicker.
Jaguars punter Bryan Barker: Perhaps the best punter on the market. Even though
he averaged only 42.0 per kick, he put 29 inside the 20-yard line.
Chiefs guard Will Shields: He was K.C.'s franchise player last year and is
one of the better offensive lineman available.
Jets wide receiver Dedric Ward: Didn't show he was a true starting-caliber wide receiver but
has potential. He had a career-high 54 receptions in 2000 and has breakaway
speed.
| |  | |
| Pollard |
Colts tight end Marcus Pollard: Had 30 receptions as the Colts' No. 2 tight end behind Ken Dilger. He's a big target with good, soft hands.
Raiders tight end Rickey Dudley: Hasn't ever truly fulfilled his potential, but did catch 29 passes last year. Plus, tight ends with his talent are hard to come by.
Ravens safety Kim Herring: Had three interceptions in 2000, though was
injured late in the season.
Titans defensive end Kenny Holmes: Had eight sacks last season and is a good pass
rusher in a league hungry for pass rushers.
Ravens running back Priest Holmes: He rushed for 588 yards and two TDs as Jamal
Lewis' backup and is a starter worthy for the right team.
Broncos cornerback Terrell Buckley: He's a chance-taker, but he led the Broncos
with six interceptions, returning one for a TD.
Dolphins tackle Richmond Webb: He was good enough to be Miami's franchise player a year ago.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Rison: Had 41 receptions and six TDs last year. Could end up in New York with the Jets, where his cousin, Mose Rison, is the receivers coach.
Seahawks quarterback Jon Kitna: Though his time in Seattle was disappointing overall, he's still got starting experience, which will be enough for someone to give him a look.
Free-agency facts
Teams must name any franchise and transition players by Feb. 22 and the
free agency period officially begins March 2. On March 2, every team must be
below the $67.4 million salary cap by 4 p.m. EST.
The NFL minimum salaries will increase this year to the following levels:
rookies, $212,000; first-year players, $303,000; second-year players
$394,000; third-year players $424,000; fourth-year players $454,000;
fifth-year and beyond veterans $484,000.
Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post writes an AFC notebook every other Thursday for ESPN.com. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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ALSO SEE
NFC: Free agent buyer's guide
2001 AFC Free Agents
Rumor Central
Clayton: Free agent glossary
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