Z-Report Says: No matter where he goes or what his contract ends up being, Asomugha will be a great CB and will help strengthen the pass defense for any team he plays with. Value signing or no, he’s almost a “can’t miss” free agent.
2. Cullen Jenkins, DT/DE, Packers - I understand there are concerns about Jenkins and his health and it will definitely limit the amount of suitors who come after Jenkins. However, if Jenkins is healthy, there simply isn’t a free agent on the market (Asomugha included) who can have the same impact on a game or even a season as Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins is a dominant 3-4 DE and could wreck shop as a 4-3 3-technique as well. In fact, Jenkins is the type of player who could play just about any defensive line position in the 3-4 or 4-3 which gives creative defensive coordinators a huge advantage on game day.
Z-Report Says: My guess is that a good team who feels like they are one player away will take the chance on signing Jenkins to a fairly lucrative deal even if it isn’t a long-term contract. Could Jenkins be the 2011 version of Julius Peppers via free agency?http://blog.chron.com/fantasyfootball/wp-admin/post.php?post=999&action=edit
3. Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets - Holmes is one of the most least talked-about free agents in this class and I’m assuming that is because there are so many people who think he is going to stay with the Jets. Sidney Rice is a nice free agent, but Holmes has been part of winning teams and has proven that he can make winning plays down the field. Holmes’ isn’t going to be a high-volume pass catcher, but his ability to stretch the field and his youth (only 27) should be enough to tempt more teams than just the Jets to make a serious run at him.
Z-Report Says: While I think he’ll be a Jet, he is a great target for teams looking to add an “over-the-top” presence to their offense.
4. Johnathan Joseph, CB, Cincinnati - Joseph wasn’t as strong in 2010 as he was in 2009, but teams will still be very interested in his services once free agency hits. While Asomugha will get the biggest payday of the CB crop, Joseph will likely benefit from the attention of teams who are turning their attention to him as a less expensive alternative at corner. Joseph has good speed and ball skills and can excel in zone or man to man.
Z-Report Says: Teams like the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans would almost have to be interested in Joseph’s services, but keep in mind that the Bengals must spend close to $35 million this offseason. With that in mind, why wouldn’t they do everything to hang onto one of their better players in Joseph?
5. Willie Colon, RT, Pittsburgh - Colon missed last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon so there will likely be teams who are hesitant to sign Colon until they feel comfortable with his current weight and the healthy of his Achilles. If Colon handled his business in rehab, he could be a terrific signing for a team looking for a right tackle. Colon is a much better pass protector than fans in Pittsburgh gave him credit for and he can move guys around as a road-grader on the right side. Colon is NOT a fit for teams who want to be able to run much outside zone as he is too slow to get to the backside cutoff.
Z-Report Says: The Steelers are rumored to be ready and willing to let Colon walk as they are believed to be unwilling to pay the price that Colon and his agent will seek. The Chicago Bears and New York Jets are both good fits for Colon and the Bears have the money to pay for Colon’s services if they so choose