NFL 2008 Free Agents - Defensive Backs

It is just about free agent time in the NFL. In this league of great parity, free agency is a very important part of what goes on in this sport. Just think about the outcome that free agency had on the sport's biggest stage, the Superbowl. Without the acquisition of Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker, the likelihood of the New England Patriots having the best offense in the history of the NFL is- well, it's unlikely. Then of course, there was the franchise tagging of Asante Samuel, a move that kept him as the team's best cornerback and kept him away from the other scavengers that would have loved a crack at them. And if the Superbowl Champion New York Giants don't sign Kawika Mitchell this past off-season, who knows how vulnerable they are in the running game, especially when you consider how he almost single-handedly stopped Lawrence Maroney in the Superbowl.

Defensive backs can get very expensive in free agency. Cornerbacks are expensive in general, whether or not you're picking them up in free agency or re-signing them to your own squad. But safety prices take a jump in free agency when teams are forced to bid on big name safeties that can play ball both in and out of the box. This year's crop of defensive backs expects those rules to hold true, and some of them are going to leave the market with some pretty monstrous contracts.

Asante Samuel, UFA, New England Patriots - The Patriots gave him the franchise tag last off-season, making Samuel among the top 5 highest paid DBs in the league. Usually, the franchise tag is a great tactic to use on a corner, because often times they can take a step back in a contract year with all that pressure on them to perform. However, Samuel got even better in 2007. He was selected to both the Pro-Bowl and All-Pro team, making him one of the top two corners in the NFL. He has great closing speed and knack for the ball, and he pulled in some key interceptions this past season. Despite that, the Patriots have never paid top dollar for defensive back since their current reign began, and I'm not sure they will break that rule. Be prepared for Samuel to have a change of scenery by the start of 2008.

Drayton Florence, UFA, San Diego Chargers - Florence had a great season for the Chargers. He is veteran with good experience covering slot receivers, and that could make him a well sought after addition to a team that already has at least one established corner. But with the emergence of Antonio Cromartie this season, it is unlikely that the Chargers will be bringing him back for the 2008 season.

Marcus Trufant, UFA, Seattle Seahawks - Trufant had one of his best seasons since being in the league. In 2007, his 5^th year, he grabbed 7 interceptions, including several big ones that were taking back for touchdowns. The Hawks are hard-pressed for cash and may have a hard time giving Trufant a long-term contract, so he may end up being a franchise tag victim, but I won't feel sorry for him. The franchise tag salary for a corner is the 2^nd highest in the league.

Ken Hamlin, UFA, Dallas Cowboys - After overcoming very serious injuries a few seasons ago, Ken Hamlin is back to giving quarterbacks serious trouble in the secondary. He picked 5 balls this past season, and was a part of a major upgrade to the Dallas Cowboys secondary. Without him, I'm not sure the Cowboys would have even made the playoffs considering how terribly their secondary played in 2006. Hamlin will demand big bucks in 2008, and any team looking for an upgrade at the free safety position (like, ahem, the Steelers) will be extremely interested in his services.

Other Notable Free Agent DBs:

Tory James, UFA, New England Patriots

Gibril Wilson, UFA, New York Giants

Derrick Strait, UFA, Carolina Panthers