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There are plenty of examples of this every year: guys who need a change of scenery to revive their game.
Guys like Randy Moss and Jamal Lewis did it last year, and players like Drew Brees have done it famously in the past.
So, who could benefit most from being let loose this year? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out.
I’ve looked throughout the league, and this is my list of the top 10 guys who could benefit most from a change of scenery this offseason.
This list includes both players who have already changed teams, and also players still looking to get away from their current teams. Players who have yet to be traded/released will include a list of possible destinations.
So, without further a due, here is my list (in no particular order):
1. Jeremy Shockey, TE, New York Giants
Jeremy Shockey is a terrific player, there is no doubt about that, but he is unhappy in New York and has made that clear. It’s still untrue to say that he has fallen out of favor for surprising rookie Kevin Boss, but it is at least fair to say that Shockey has become borderline expendable for the Giants. If he gets his wish out of New York, he may perform even better than he has. Scary thought, isn’t it?
Possible Destinations: New Orleans, Seattle
2. Jonathan Vilma, ILB, New Orleans Saints (via New York Jets)
Jonathan Vilma was a stud for the Jets in his first two seasons with the Jets, and could even be considered a stud in his third year, but once Eric Mangini installed his 3-4 defense, it was clear that Vilma was playing out of position and that something was just not there. This past year, his transition to the doghouse was complete, as he played in only seven games, and was traded to the Saints this offseason, where he should instantly shore up a poor New Orleans defense, and return to his top form as one of the most dominant linebackers in the league.
3. Shaun Rogers, DT, Cleveland Browns (via Detroit)
Shaun Rogers is a lot like Vilma in that he is a great player who fell out of favor with his team. After it was clear Rogers was unhappy in Detroit, he made sure that his season-long audition for a new team would bring him a hefty new contract in his new home. Mission accomplished. After notching a career-high seven sacks to go with his first career interception and touchdown, Rogers got himself a nice new 6-year, $42 million deal down in Cleveland. He’ll thrive as the nose tackle in Cleveland’s 3-4 scheme.
4. Justin Smith, DE, San Francisco 49ers (FA via Cincinnati)
Justin Smith was a solid player over his Bengals career, and while his two sacks this past season were a career-low, he should turn that around in San Francisco. Manning the end spot in the 49ers’ 3-4, Smith won’t be counted on to get a lot of sacks, and he’ll be able to do an admirable job without filling up the stat sheet. This is the perfect spot for him.
5. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons (FA via San Diego)
Any real NFL fan would tell you the same thing about this guy: Michael Turner is a starting-caliber running back in the league. He’s been stuck behind this guy named LaDanian Tomlinson for his entire career, but the guy has a career average of 5.5 yards per carry on 228 attempts. That’s not bad. He’ll get every shot to succeed in Atlanta, and something tells me he won’t disappoint.
6. T.J. Duckett/Julius Jones, RB, Seattle Seahawks (FA via Detroit and Dallas)
It’s only fair that these guys get grouped together. Both of them have a chance to revitalize their careers in Seattle, so here’s my breakdown of each:
Jones: After being benched for Marion the Barbarian in the playoffs this year and watching Jerry Jones slobber all over Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, it became clear that Jones’ future in Dallas was non-existent. He’ll get a chance to once again be part of a dynamic-duo running back combo with T.J. Duckett in Seattle.
Duckett: T.J. Duckett was a first-round bust in Atlanta, and couldn’t catch on in Washington or Detroit. Hopefully he gets a chance to be the short-yardage back in Seattle, as his running style is the perfect complement to that of Julius Jones. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren has pointed out that he’s never had success using a pure short-yardage back before, but he’d be wise to use Duckett in that role this year.
7. Jason Taylor, DE, Miami Dolphins
Jason Taylor, up until now, has been a true professional and a terrific team player. You can’t really blame him for wanting out though, since his team has absolutely no shot of winning a ring in the near future, and was lucky to win a single game last year. With that being said, Taylor may not be headed anywhere, since Miami is standing firm on trade offers. If he gets his wish, however, he can help a team drastically, and if he goes to a contender, he’ll get just as much of a benefit as they will.
Possible Destinations: San Diego, Jacksonville, Baltimore
8. Pacman Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys (via trade with Tennessee)
Pacman Jones is a head case, but he is also an extremely gifted player. When he’s been able to stay out of shootings and strip clubs, Jones has been a terrific shutdown corner and prolific return man. If he can get his act together in Dallas, the possibilities are endless. He could be their latest version of Tank Johnson.
9. Shaun Alexander, RB, Free Agent
Let’s get one thing straight: Shaun Alexander’s days as a top running back are long gone. But if he catches on with the right team, he could still be effective as a third-down or short-yardage back. After being named the league’s MVP in 2005 with his 27 touchdowns, Alexander has racked up just 1,612 yards and 11 touchdowns the past two seasons. Those numbers combined pale in comparison to his 2005 form. He was cut this offseason in favor of a Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett rushing attack, but if he finds the right team, he could still fit a Jerome Bettis-type role in his last season with the Steelers.
Possible Destinations: Cincinnati, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Denver
10. Fabian Washington, CB, Baltimore Ravens (via trade with Oakland)
Fabian Washington was highly touted in Oakland when he was drafted in 2005, but the Raiders quickly realized that his similarities to Phillip Buchanan weren’t going to help them much. This off-season, he became completely expendable with the addition of DeAngelo Hall to a frightening secondary that already consisted of Gibril Wilson, Michael Huff and Nnamdi Asomugha. However, Washington’s speed could help a Baltimore secondary that desperately needed some young blood to help out Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle. Ed Reed and Dawan Landry can handle themselves, but the corner spot needed a little more speed, and that is exactly what Washington brings to the table. He is a lot like a young Rolle, and may even unseat him for a starting spot.
Honorable Mention:
Chad Johnson, WR, Bengals
DeAngelo Hall, CB, Raiders
Jared Allen, DE, Vikings
Akin Ayodele, LB, Dolphins
Dominic Rhodes, RB, Colts
Send Greg an e-mail here: [email protected]
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]
Greg’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft
Walt’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft
2009 NFL Mock Draft Database
2009 NFL Draft Prospects
2008 NFL Draft Grades
