Big NFL Names Still Looking For A Team To Play For

NFL News - July 23rd, 2009 - Written by Ryan Smith

This years NFL free agency class is filled with some big names, prowl-bowl players, and even some Super Bowl champions. Though some of these guys like wide receiver Joe Horn and Line backer Derrick Brooks have maybe pasted their prime in age, still maintain a sense of passion and leadership some teams need desperately. Teams all over the league last year constantly complained how young their teams are and how the lack of veteran leadership deters them away from becoming better football teams and eventual playoff contenders.

The Dallas Cowboys of last year are a great example. Sports critics all over the nation criticised the Cowboy for their lack of leadership on both sides of the ball. On offense wide out Terrell Owens created controversy and, on defense long time vets LB Greg Ellis and SS Roy Williams did not show up to play or lead on the field at all. So why not sign an Amani Toomer or a Marvin Harrison to catch 4 yard 3rd down conversions all season long. Or even a Derrick Brooks to play middle line backer and help young players make big plays on defense.

The free agency list does not stop there. CB Chris Mcalister who spent most of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, helping them create a top 5 defense year in and year out still can not find a team to join mini camp with. Running backs Chris Mcalister and long time veteran Warrick Dunn are still looking for jobs as well. You mean to tell me the Bengals don't need at least three good backs to push the ball down the field. I know the Bears need a back up for Matt Forte during the 2009 regular season, staying in that same division, the Packers need a back up for RB Ryan Grant who missed some games with minor injuries last season. It seems as if every NFL team is switching over to the two running back system so why are teams so hesitant on signing veteran running backs to short term deals.

The biggest free agent surprise has to be Edgerrin James who came alive during the playoffs last year and helped the Arizona Cardinals make it all the way to the Super Bowl in 2008. James gained 236 yards on just 61 carries during that playoff run and, averaged an impressive 3.9 yards a carry in the playoffs for the long time vet. That was just 7 months ago, you mean to tell me you don't have confidence in a guy who averaged 3.9 yards a carry in the playoffs. Pull the trigger NFL teams and keep these long time football hero's on the field in 2009.