2009 Free Agents: Center

MISSING

2009 Free Agency: Star rating is out of five. Age listing as of Sept. 1, 2009.

Jason Brown, Ravens. Age: 26.
Signed with Rams (5 years, $37.5 million; $20 million guaranteed)

One of the top young centers in the NFL, Jason Brown will either be franchised or offered a huge contract this offseason.
Jeff Saturday, Colts. Age: 34.
Re-signed with Colts (3 years)

When Jeff Saturday was out of the lineup this season, it was really evident how much Peyton Manning and the Colts offense missed him. Saturday’s age is his only concern, but I think Kevin Mawae is working out fine for the Titans.
Matt Birk, Vikings. Age: 33.
Signed with Ravens

Matt Birk is no longer the player he once was, but with so many teams having center problems around the NFL, he’ll be an upgrade for someone in 2009.
Brad Meester, Jaguars. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Jaguars (4 years)

Brad Meester is a quality center, but has injury issues; he has missed 11 games the past two seasons.
Geoff Hangartner, Panthers. Age: 27.
Signed with Bills

One of the top backup centers in the NFL. Geoff Hangartner played very well in relief of an injured Ryan Kalil this season.
Jake Grove, Raiders. Age: 29.
Signed with Dolphins (5 years, $29.5 million; $14 million guaranteed)

Effective… when he’s actually in the lineup. In a five-year span, Grove has missed 24 games.
Grey Ruegamer, Seahawks. Age: 33.
A capable backup offensive lineman.
Rudy Niswanger (RFA), Chiefs. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Chiefs (1 year, $1.545 million)

There’s a reason the Chiefs will be targeting a center in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Eric Ghiaciuc, Chiefs. Age: 28.
Signed with Chargers

Eric Ghiaciuc was a major liability for the Bengals in 2008. He’ll sign on as a backup somewhere.
Duke Preston, Cowboys. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Cowboys

In addition to sucking royally, Duke Preston ruined Buffalo’s chances of kicking a field goal in the last seconds of the first half of the season finale because he started a fight with some of the Patriots defenders.
Melvin Fowler, Lions. Age: 30.
A poor center coming off shoulder surgery. The only positive Melvin Fowler brings to the table is starting experience (37 starts last three seasons). He’ll be an OK backup somewhere.
Al Johnson, Patriots. Age: 30.
Nick Leckey, Saints. Age: 27. – Re-signed with Saints
Sean Mahan, Buccaneers. Age: 29.
Jeremy Newberry, Chargers. Age: 33. – Signed with Falcons (1 year)
Kory Lichtensteiger, Vikings. Age: 24.
Justin Geisinger, Panthers. Age: 27.
Lennie Friedman, Browns. Age: 33.
Brett Romberg, Rams. Age: 29. – Signed with Falcons
Ben Wilkerson, Falcons. Age: 26.
Chris White, Texans. Age: 26. – Re-signed with Texans
Donovan Raiola, Cardinals. Age: 26. – Signed with Bears
Alex Stepanovich, Falcons. Age: 27.
LeCharles Bentley, Browns. Age: 29.
Andy McCollum, Lions. Age: 39.
Cory Withrow, Seahawks. Age: 34.
Steve McKinney, Seahawks. Age: 33.
Jonathan Wade, Raiders. Age: 34.
Mike Flynn, Patriots. Age: 35.