With NFL Free Agency now just a few weeks away, it’s time to look at the top options out there.

1.       DT Albert Haynesworth - Tennessee Titans
Haynesworth has been playing for a contract for each of the past two seasons.  But even if he tails off a bit, there’s no question he’s a game-changing Defensive Tackle who was the heart and soul of the Titans strong 2008 season.  He requires constant double teams and will dramatically improve the defense of any team that signs him.

2.       DE Julius Peppers - Carolina Panthers
Peppers takes a few plays off now and then but there’s no questioning his physical skills.   He is tall, big and fast - - truly prototypical for his position.  And he has the athletic ability of many of the league’s better Tight Ends.  Peppers carries a bit of risk because he doesn’t always have the motor turned on high but he plays a key position, gets a consistent rush on the Quarterback and has the potential to dominate any game.

3.       CB Nnamdi Asomugha - Oakland Raiders
It only figures the Raiders won’t be able to keep their best player, as the organization has pretty much burned every bridge with this terrific young player.  Despite playing on a team that’s really suffered organizationally since his arrival in 2003, Asomugha has truly excelled and is arguably the league’s top Cornerback.  He’ll certainly be its highest paid in a few weeks.

4.       WR TJ Houshmandzadeh - Cincinnati Bengals
He doesn’t get all the ink that Ocho Cinco seems to generate but Houshmandzadeh is the better of the two receivers.  He’s great underneath but has the speed to go deep, and he has terrific hands.  His time with the bungling Bengals has run its course, so look for Housh to latch on to a winning team and take his place among the NFL’s truly elite wideouts.

5.       QB Matt Cassel - New England Patriots
It’s easy to dismiss Cassel as a bit of system Quarterback - - a guy who was simply given the keys to a machine that was able to keep moving forward.  But the thing that makes Cassel remarkable is how much he improved during the season.  By the end, he was performing at an elite level and had the Pats playing as well as any team in the league.  He’s already accepted his franchise tag, so he’s not an unrestricted FA, but he will likely be dealt before the 2009 season begins.


Next week, we’ll look at the five next best options.