Is there any meat left on the bone? Or is the carcass picked clean?
We're talking about the free-agency bird. We're at a point in free agency, following the first six days of what one coach called "a frenzy," where some bargains can be had.
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| Bryant McFadden will likely be the next corner off the market. (Getty Images) |
Scanning the list, it would appear there isn't a lot left. But I say now is the time to buy. There are bargains to be had.
There are still some good corners and safeties, and the quarterback market really hasn't even started.
Those teams that sat out the frenzy just might be happy they did. They can pick at what's left and still get full.
Here are the top players left on the market:
Bryant McFadden, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
McFadden has talked with the Arizona Cardinals and is expected to meet with a few other teams, but I thought he would be signed by now. It wouldn't be a shock now to see him go back to the Steelers.
McFadden, a fourth-year player from Florida State, is a better player than Dominique Foxworth, whom the Ravens signed last week. With Ronald Bartell signed, I think McFadden will get a deal done soon.
Igor Olshansky, DT, San Diego Chargers
With so many teams looking for 3-4 ends, I figured he would be off the market early.
He's not a great player, but he's a solid end who can hold in against the run. If you're looking for a pass rusher, forget it.
But the Green Bay Packers, who are switching to the 3-4, would seem to be a perfect fit for him. The word is there is interest there.
Byron Leftwich, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Here's the shock of free agency: He has had no action. None.
Why?
Didn't he show last season in his relief work of Ben Roethlisberger he deserves another chance as a starting quarterback?
The Bucs and New York Jets would be foolish not to give him a chance. Leftwich can still be a starter. I'm convinced of it.
Gerald Sensabaugh, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
If not for an arrest right before the start of free agency, Sensabaugh would likely be signed by now.
He was Jacksonville's best defensive player in the second half of 2008. He's a rangy safety who will hit. He isn't great in pass coverage, but he's better than Brian Dawkins, who signed a two-year deal with Denver.
New Orleans, where former Jacksonville defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is now running the defense, might be a possibility.
Jermaine Phillips, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He has been a quality player for the Bucs the past couple of seasons, but they're ready to move on with Sabby Piscatelli.
He did suffer two broken forearms last season -- the second and third breaks of the forearm in his career -- and that could be scaring off teams. At 29, he has some good football left in his body.
Phillips will visit with the Chargers and Seahawks this week.
Chris McAlister, CB, Baltimore Ravens
He is getting up in years and he is coming off a season cut short by injury, but if he has something left, he's worth a look.
McAlister isn't a No. 1 corner anymore, but can be a good second. If he's asking for a lot of money, he should forget it. Just get with a team and earn some of it in incentives.
He has played only 14 games the past two years, which could be scaring off teams.
