[Editor's note: We rank the free agents, restricted and unrestricted, based on projected guaranteed money on a long-term deal. More dart board than Ouija, it represents our best estimate of how it all could/should go down. All numbers are in millions.]
Quarterbacks
1. David Carr, N.Y. Giants, $7.0.
2. Chad Pennington, Miami, $6.0.
3. Matt Moore, Carolina, $5.0.
4. Jason Campbell, Washington, $4.5.
5. Kyle Orton, Denver, $4.5.
6. Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota, $4.0.
7. Daunte Culpepper, Detroit, $3.5.
8. Mark Brunell, New Orleans, $3.0.
9. Brodie Croyle, Kansas City, $3.0.
10 Kellen Clemens, N.Y. Jets, $2.5.
Running backs
1. Chester Taylor, Minnesota, $5.5.
2. Pierre Thomas, New Orleans, $5.5.
3. Larry Johnson, Cincinnati, $4.0.
4. Thomas Jones, N.Y. Jet, $3.5.
5. Leon Washington, N.Y. Jets, $3.4.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego, $3.3.
7. Jeremi Johnson, Cincinnati, $2.9.
8. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta, $2.9.
9. Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia, $2.5.
Tight ends
1. Bo Scaife, Tennessee, $6.0.
2. Ben Watson, New England, $5.5.
3. Brandon Manumaleuna, San Diego, $5.0.
4. Owen Daniels, Houston, $4.9.
5. Anthony Fasano, Miami, $4.7.
6. Tony Scheffler, Denver, $4.5.
7. Ben Hartsock, N.Y. Jets, $4.2.
8. L.J. Smith, Baltimore, $4.0.
9. Randy McMichael, St. Louis, $3.8.
10. Kris Wilson, San Diego, $3.5.
Receivers
1. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay, $15.0.
2. Brandon Marshall, Denver, $12.0.
3. Vincent Jackson, San Diego, $11.0.
4. Miles Austin, Dallas, $10.5.
5. Braylon Edwards, N.Y. Jets, $8.0.
6. Derrick Mason, Baltimore, $7.5.
7. Kevin Walter, Houston, $7.0.
8. Arnaz Battle, San Francisco, $5.0.
9. Steve Breaston, Arizona, $5.0.
10. Terrell Owens, Buffalo, $5.0.
Guards/centers
1. Jahri Evans, New Orleans, $10.0.
2. Logan Mankins, New England, $9.5.
3. Rex Hadnot, Cleveland, $7.5.
4. Kevin Mawae, Tennessee, $7.0.
5. Stephen Neal, $6.0.
6. Jason Spitz, Green Bay, $5.0.
7. Chester Pitts, Houston, $4.5.
8. Chris Kuper, Denver, $4.4.
9. Ben Hamilton, Denver, $4.3.
10 Casey Rabach, Washington, $4.0.
Tackles
1. Marcus McNeill, San Diego, $12.0.
2. Chad Clifton, Green Bay, $10.0.
3. Jared Gaither, Baltimore, $9.0.
4. Willie Colon, Pittsburgh, $8.0.
5. Charlie Johnson, Indianapolis, $7.0.
6. Artis Hicks, Minnesota, $6.0
7. Jammal Brown, New Orleans, $6.0.
8. Alex Barron, St. Louis, $5.0.
9. Donald Penn, Tampa Bay, $4.5.
10 Jeremy Trueblood, Tampa Bay, $4.0.
How the heck is a 1400 yard, 14 TD rusher (the 3rd overall rusher of 2009) ranked below Chester Taylor and Larry Johnson. Are you insane?
why would david carr who hasnt had any significant playing time in years pull $2.5 more then jason campbell?
Oh come on. No way would David “Zoolander” Carr get more guaranteed than Jason Campbell or Matt Moore.
I’d say the Matt Moore numbers have shot way past what you have listed there.
Jose Reyes:
They are ranked by projected guarenteed money on a long term deal. Can you read? Idiot.
because he’s old?
age
Jose, it is based on more than just stats. It is also based on age, unrestricted vs restricted, and the likelihood of them making that kind of money.
Where is Jeff Garcia? some one will sign him guaranteed.
Where is Westbrook on the RB list? And Weaver is staying in Philly!
Jose,
Their not ranking them based on stats it by how much money they will most likely receive. Notice the numbers in orders on the right its a dead give away.
The idea that Bryant will get 50% more guaranteed money than the best guard in the league (and complete non headcase) Jahri Evans is way out of touch with reality.