The NFL is preparing for its first launch of the free agent veterans combine this month, the brilliant idea gives teams a good look at the product out on the market. This event helps teams get a look at particularly those high name free agents that may be coming off a season ending injury, a down year, or a cap casualty by the numbers. These are all of the current free agents with a shot to put their pitch on tape and there are some very big names on this list that will attend this first combine.
Many of these guys will have a big chip on their shoulder coming to prove that their respective teams made a mistake cutting them. Then there are others who just want another shot to even prove they can play in this league.
Here is a close look at some of the prospects starting with one high profile player that was just recently cut from the hometown team where the event will be held.
Darnell Dockett/AZ Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have parted ways with Defensive lineman Darnell Dockett who has been rumored to be participating.
Dockett was drafted in 2004, being the second to last to remain on the team from that draft class the other of course Larry Fitzgerald. The team released Dockett Friday after he and the team failed to reach agreement on a restructured contract.
Now coming off a season ending knee injury last year look for Dockett to be a forefront participant at the combine. Dockett was set to cost the Cardinals about 10 million against the cap next year and those numbers just didn’t add up in his favor.
Chris Canty/ Baltimore Ravens
Here is a guy that actually made a team better on defense, but the numbers game gets him axed. Canty was due a base salary of 2.7 million and should not have any issue landing quickly with another team. The defensive lineman is also a class act saying afterwards
“I am very proud to be a Raven. They are a great franchise, and I was privileged to be a contributor to that outstanding tradition of defense that is part of the team’s lore,”
There is still plenty left in the tank for Mr. Canty.
Brian Hartline/ Miami Dolphins
Brian Hartline was one of the victims in free agency where lack of production may have gotten him cut. His numbers dropped dramatically after the fantastic year he had previously. That is certainly due to the signing of Mike Wallace last year, but Hartline was to be a bigger part of the Dolphins offense. His 39 catches for 464 yards were far from the team’s expectations. Hartline would have cost the team 7.4 million against the cap and that is a hefty cost to pay for the production in return.
Harry Douglas/ Atlanta Falcons
Maybe not the flashiest name on the wide receiver list, but a good piece to compliment stars that are already in place. Many teams crave a guy like this seeing he has had some success in this league as a third wide receiver. Douglas best years may of course be behind him when he put up decent numbers in 2013 recording over 1,000 yards with 85 catches. There will be a buyer in this case for a lot less money.
Todd Herremans /Phili Eagles
Todd Herreman spent 10 years on the Eagles offensive line in just about every position they needed him, as the Philadelphia Eagles released him on Friday. To have had this longevity on the O-line says that he is still a big piece that can be plugged in and work right away. Just not at the tune of 5 million against the cap. Taking a pay cut will be inevitable but there will certainly be watchers of him on combine day.
Steven Jackson/ Atlanta Falcons
The running back that was supposed to take the Falcons to the next level that never panned out, leaves veteran Steven Jackson as one of those that had a down year and may be proving he still can produce. The running back position having a short window may get Jackson over-looked by many teams. But when it comes to short yardage he still may be one that can help a team that’s close to making a significant run to a title. Jackson has not been a 1000 yard rusher since his 2005 -2012 campaigns, and only mustered 707 yards on 190 attempts which is 3.7 yards per carry average, which is one of his career lows. Look for Steven Jackson to become part of a three back tandem somewhere as a short yardage specialist at best.
Michael Sam
This guy will sure continue to draw crowds of attention as he will most definitely fall into the category of proving he can play in this league. After being cut by the Rams in which he was drafted, the Dallas Cowboys added him to their practice squad later cutting him.
Sam’s will continue to answer question about his sexuality maybe for as long as he is in the league, but he gets the opportunity to showcase his talents live and in person for teams to see.
Others
Wide Receiver: Brandon Gibson Miami Dolphins
Defensive End: Robert Geathers/ Cincinnati Bengals
Wide Receiver: Greg Little/ Cincinnati Bengals
Defensive End: Stephen Bowen/ Washington Redskins
Defensive Tackle: Barry Cofield
Guard : Charlie Johnson/ Minnesota Vikings
Many more to be added as free agency creeps around, and Pro Player Insiders is your avenue to all of the updates.
