faba Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Many big-name free agents remain available in the NFL, but they all have one, major factor working against them: time. Underrated youth More and more teams are turning to the draft to fill their needs rather than spend big on free agents. Which sleeper picks should be on the radar? A handful of stars of yesteryear remain available on the free-agent market, but most are well past their prime and are likely to be role players going forward. Some may have to settle for the league minimum if they're going to play in 2013. Here's a look at the five of the most noteworthy former stars still available. James Harrison, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers Harrison was released by the Steelers on Mar. 9 and has generated little to no interest on the free agent market thus far. Harrison, who turns 35 in May, attempted to stir up interest in himself early in free-agent season, saying it would be "nice" to play alongside Tom Brady, and that he would "love" to play for the Browns, but the feeling hasn't been mutual. Harrison will have to settle for a deal hovering around the league minimum, plus incentives, if he wants to suit up in 2013. His abrasive personality, coupled with his age, likely turn off potential suitors. And entering his age 35 season, it's fair to question what Harrison has left in the tank. 2012 stats: 13 games played, 70 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles Potential landing spots: Steelers, Browns Dwight Freeney, DE/OLB, Indianapolis Colts Freeney and the Colts decided to part ways earlier this offseason and so far, Freeney has generated some interest but hasn't come away with a contract from another team quite yet. Like Harrison, Freeney has only played for one team in his professional career to date, spending 11 seasons with the Colts. The former Syracuse standout has visited the Patriots and Broncos, but left both Foxboro and Denver without a contract. The Lions and Dolphins are also believed to have interest in Freeney. Freeney made the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker in 2012 and had the least-productive season of his career. Freeney also battled an ankle injury throughout the season, hindering his performance. Entering his age-33 season in 2013, NFL teams are likely skeptical of what Freeney can offer. 2012 stats: 14 games played, 12 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble Potential landing spots: Broncos, Lions, Dolphins Charles Woodson, S/CB, Green Bay Packers Since being released by Green Bay in February, Woodson has generated little to no interest on the open market. Woodson visited with the San Francisco 49ers in mid-March, but he left the Bay Area without a contract. Woodson will turn 37 in October and is coming off of an injury-plagued season. It was believed Woodson's market would begin to established itself once Ed Reed signed, but that hasn't been the case. In a league where the passing game reigns supreme, having fresh, quick defensive backs is pivotal. Woodson simply doesn't provide much speed at this point of his career, but offers plenty of experience that younger players don't. 2012 stats: Seven games played, 38 tackles, one-and-a-half sacks, one interception, five passes defended Potential landing spots: Packers, Browns, Vikings Photo via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports John Abraham, DE/OLB, Atlanta Falcons Abraham was released by Atlanta in early March and has been the most popular "elderly" free agent on the market. Abraham has visited the Seahawks, 49ers, Broncos and Patriots and has garnered interest from the Saints and Dolphins, as well. Abraham enjoyed a highly productive age-34 season in 2012, justifying the interest he's received so far on the open market. That Abraham hasn't been signed in over a month is somewhat telling, as teams around the league could be wary of Abraham's health. The pass-rusher was slowed by a balky ankle late in the season. Dan Pompei noted that only 21 percent of Abraham's sacks the past three years have come against Pro Bowl linemen, and moving out of the NFC South could hinder his performance. 2012 stats: 16 games played, 35 tackles, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles, seven passes defended Potential landing spots: Patriots, Saints, Broncos Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons Turner is the least surprising name on this list, as teams throughout the league tend to value youth at the running back position. Turner, now 31 years old, had the worst year of his career in 2012, rushing for just 800 yards and averaging a paltry 3.6 yards-per-carry. An ankle injury suffered in the NFC Championship game further damages Turner's stock. Turner still managed to rush for 10 touchdowns last season and has never been known as a speed back. Teams who need a short-yardage back could show interest in Turner after the draft. 2012 stats: 800 rushing yards, 3.6 yards-per-carry, 19 receptions, 128 receiving yards, 10 rushing touchdowns Potential landing spots: Dolphins, Jets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurnleyJet Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons Potential landing spots: Dolphins, Jets Hell no, he's like an older Shonn Greene these days. Pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJoe12 Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Sure, if it was the Michael Turner of six years ago when Mangini was looking to trade for him when he was on the chargers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 M Dan Pompei noted that only 21 percent of Abraham's sacks the past three years have come against Pro Bowl linemen, and moving out of the NFC South could hinder his performance. s What the hell does that mean? How many snaps did he go against "Pro Bowl linemen"? Wouldn't a smart defensive coach have the guy lineup against lesser linemen? This could be the dumbest stat I've ever seen. I'm actually surprised the number is that high. Wouldn't you expect less than 20% of the linemen to be pro bowlers? Out of those guys wouldn't you expect them to be better at preventing sacks? How do they even determine Pro Bowl Iinemen? Advanced metrics FTMFW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAD_Brooklyn Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 At the right price only Harrison is intriguing but most of all Seymour with our gaping hole with Devito leaving. Seymour, DT Harrison, OLB Philips, OLB Wells, RB (young but with old knees) If no Seymour than take a shot at Sedrick Ellis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rillo Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 I think Turner and Harrison are done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenorGato Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Sure, if it was the Michael Turner of six years ago when Mangini was looking to trade for him when he was on the chargers. Turner the Burner! Yeah, sucks that he's pretty much done. I would welcome Freeney, Abraham, Woodson, or Harrison to play a role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJoe12 Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 Turner the Burner! Yeah, sucks that he's pretty much done. I would welcome Freeney, Abraham, Woodson, or Harrison to play a role. I'd gladly welcome Harrison, with or without the drafting of a younger OLB or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJoe12 Posted April 9, 2013 Share Posted April 9, 2013 What the hell does that mean? How many snaps did he go against "Pro Bowl linemen"? Wouldn't a smart defensive coach have the guy lineup against lesser linemen? This could be the dumbest stat I've ever seen. I'm actually surprised the number is that high. Wouldn't you expect less than 20% of the linemen to be pro bowlers? Out of those guys wouldn't you expect them to be better at preventing sacks? How do they even determine Pro Bowl Iinemen? Advanced metrics FTMFW! Yea, that stat bugged me out too. It's akin to saying, "this CB only had 25% of his interceptions and 35% of his passes against pro-bowl QBs," it's totally useless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassmaster2 Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 The Jets do not need any more old football players , the only player the Jets should sign in the old Jet guard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Mostro Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 All of these schlubs are 11th hour signings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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