Football Line

The National Football League is one week in to its first uncapped free agent signing period since 1993. Although many questions have been answered concerning who would go where and how teams would spend their money in the super casino.

Julius Peppers, the biggest available prize on the market, signed with the Chicago Bears, who also inked running back Chester Taylor to tandem with Matt Forte in the backfield on offense.

LaDanian Tomlinson, the most accomplished free agent, brought his 2006 NFL MVP distinction and eighth most rushing yards in league history to New York, after it released Thomas Jones. There are equal critics on that choice, especially considering that Jones was a big part of the team’s resurgence this past year, including leading an offense with a rookie quarterback to the league’s best rushing attack. The Jets also traded for former Pro Bowl cornerback Antonio Cromartie, another former Charger.

The Cleveland Browns have drastically changed their quarterback situation. Derek Anderson was released and Brady Quinn was traded to Denver for picks, leaving Seneca Wallace and newly-inked Jake Delhomme battling for the starting job on general manager Mike Holmgren’s squad. According to most betting tips, that’s not exactly an upgrade.

After acquiring Quinn, the Broncos released Chris Simms.

After interviewing Terrell Owens, who was publicly courted by Chad Ocho Cinco, the Cincinnati Bengals opted to sign former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Antonio Bryant at the wide receiver position. Bryant will take the spot of the departed Laveranues Coles.

All eyes in the sports betting world are on Indianapolis, IN for the NFL combine during this NFL offseason to see what the future holds for the league. There are many different tests that the prospects are put through with the significance of each exercise depending on the player’s position.

The 40-yard dash is something that scouts look for with defensive backs, running backs and wide receivers. So Clemson receiver Jacoby Ford holds the fastest 40 time with an official 4.28. Normally a time like that would put a receiver on the board for many teams, but Ford is only 5’9” tall and has small hands. A team looking for an explosive kick returner may turn to Ford, but there are serious questions about his ability to consistently get open and catch the ball.

Remember the name Mitch Petrus. He started out his college career as a tight end, then moved to fullback and eventually wound up at the offensive line. He has only started for two seasons on the line, and he prefers to play the inside position at guard. He did 45 reps in his session, which was one more than defensive prospect Jeff Owens. Petrus is still raw, but with the right coaching this kid could be the next Orlando Pace.

The vertical jump is usually something that running backs excel at because there is no running start. But in this combine the start vertical jumper was a cornerback. A.J. Jefferson did a 44” vertical jump and added to his impressive 10’6” distance in the broad jump. The Fresno State starting corner has only been a started for one season, and his inexperience will hurt him in the draft. But like Petrus, Jefferson could be a good project for the right coaching staff.

Linebacker Jamar Chaney from Mississippi State also had an impressive combine in events such as the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump and the bench press. Look for Chaney to land with a team that needs a cover linebacker.

Bookmaker reviews change for NFL teams based on their activity in free agency during the off-season. With the prospects of an uncapped season facing every team the free agent market may not be as competitive this season as it was in seasons past, but some teams will be looking for a bargain to upgrade their team.

The QB position offers slim pickings this off-season for free agency. The top QB name in circulation is Chad Pennington. Pennington may latch on to some team as a veteran back-up, but his days as a starter are done. Kyle Orton could be an unrestricted free agent if a new CBA goes into effect before July 1, but since that seems highly unlikely it can be assumed that Orton will be a restricted free agent. The Broncos are probably stuck with Orton as no team will give up the high price of top draft picks for Orton. The fans in Denver may also be willing to give Orton another chance, but if the Broncos fail down the stretch in 2010 then look for changes in Denver.

The biggest name in the 2010 free agency market remains Carolina defensive lineman Julius Peppers. Peppers has not said directly that he will not return to Carolina, but he has said that he is disappointed that the Panthers have yet to open up negotiations with him. Peppers does not want the one-year franchise tag the Panthers are going to give him, he wants a long-term deal.

Willie Parker is a free agent this offseason and it will be interesting to see what the Steelers do with him. Will the Steelers give the ball to rookie Rashard Mendenhall and move the oft-injured Parker? LaDanian Tomlinson is also a free agent and the chances are very good that he will not work things out with the Chargers.