Friday marks the first day of the free-agency period, and we're expecting a flurry of activity. Hashmarks has agreed to work through the weekend to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Wide receiver Randy Moss is obviously the biggest name on the market, but here's a list of four more players who should command serious attention on Day 1:
- Julius Jones, RB - The Cowboys' former second-round pick never lived up to the promise he displayed during his 2004 rookie season. In that season, he overcame an injury to gain 819 yards and score seven touchdowns in only eight games. His electrifying finish caused us to wonder if he could be the Cowboys' next great back, but his star has faded. He's remained the starter, but former fourth-round pick Marion Barber has become the team's feature back. Jones could help a team like Tampa Bay that is in desperate need of depth, but he doesn't have the durability to be an every-down back.
He's not a tough inside runner and he has questionable hands. If used properly, he could gain 700 or 800 yards easily. His former position coach Anthony Lynn is now in Cleveland, so that's another possibility.
- Justin Smith, DE - Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis hasn't given up on re-signing Smith, but he probably should. The Bengals used the franchise tag on Smith last season. He's one of the most durable players in the league, starting 107 consecutive games, and he rarely comes off the field. I think the Rams, Buccaneers and Jaguars will be the first teams to make a run at Smith.
Smith's close friend Eric Steinbach signed a lucrative deal with the Browns last season, and they could use help at defensive end. I also think the Steelers could be in the mix. Obviously those teams have had a first-hand look at how effective Smith can be. The 28-year-old Smith had 43 1/2 sacks in seven seasons with the Bengals, but only two in 2007. I think the Bengals have a lot better chance of re-signing Smith than they had with Steinbach, but it's still not going to happen.
- Lance Briggs, LB - With all due respect to Brian Urlacher, Briggs was the best linebacker for the Bears last season. He had 102 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Don't be surprised if the 49ers make a play for Briggs -- again. Derek Smith is gone and Tully Banta-Cain wasn't that impressive. Matching Briggs with Pro Bowler Patrick Willis would be pretty stout.
Other than Moss, Briggs is the best player in free agency. At 27, he's in the prime of his career. If the 49ers don't sign him, perhaps the Redskins will try to close the deal again.
- Michael Turner, RB - He's hands down the best running back in free agency. After four years behind LaDainian Tomlinson, the 25-year-old Turner is ready to be a lead back. The Texans, Raiders and Bears could all use a back. In fact, Turner would love to play in his hometown Chicago, but it sounds like Lovie Smith is determined to stick with the underachieving Cedric Benson. Might be some bad karma in Oakland, where things haven 't exactly worked out for another former backup, LaMont Jordan.
Turner should have more tread on his tires left than most running backs his age. The Cowboys love him, but he doesn't want to serve as Marion Barber's backup.
The 5-10, 237-pound former Northern Illinois running back who is nicknamed "The Burner" could also draw interest from the Bengals and Lions. His body of work is limited, but his performance in the Chargers' playoff win over the Colts is still fresh in the minds of prospective suitors.
