NFL Offeason 2009

Written by: John V.

This could be the year a few impact players take teams to the next level. The draft is filled with talent this year and certain veteran players are aging without a championship. Players like Tony Gonzalez could end up in a place like New England, to give Tom Brady yet another target. Larry Johnson also wants out of KC, and boy what a perfect fit he would be for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He brings that sense of smash mouth running that the Steel City has lacked since the Bettis years. Remember that? I mean, how often do you have a player that is a guarantee touchdown inside the 5 yard line. Although that's highly improbable, seeing as how the Steelers used a first round pick on Mendenhall last year, not too mention Willie Parker. I had mentioned in a previous article though that Jordan Gross would make a perfect fit for the Steelers because of his athleticism.

Rumor has it that Chicago is interested in wide receiver Torry Holt which would definitely help a much needed threat at wide receiver. Devin Hester hasn't been quite the huge boost to the offense they had hoped, so look for them to make a move here within the next week or so.

Michael Vick is due out of prison in July and the Falcons are already shopping him. While most of us can imagine him ending up with Dallas or Oakland, don't be surprised if other teams in need of an offensive spark make a move. Obviously they'll have to sign him for very little, and that would happen only if Atlanta released him, which surely won't happen. Of course he's a public relations nightmare with his connection to illegal dog fighting, who would want that in the organization? Oakland or Dallas, the only two teams who think they can fix misguided players. "Pacman" Jones in Oakland next season? I however can see a team like Minnesota, with their run happy offense, making a move for Vick. John Clayton of ESPN thinks the St. Louis Rams or even the 49ers could be possible destinations for Vick. The Miami Dolphins brought about a new offense this past season known as "Wildcat". Vick would be fantastic in a Wildcat offense for his running and throwing ability. He hasn't played since the 2006 season but I'm sure he'll pick up right where he left off. I was a big Vick supporter before all of this, and lord knows I love my dog, but I can see me being a Vick fan again, who knows?

Julius Peppers has made it clear he wants out of Carolina and is looking for big money. Rumors of a $100 million dollar contract are drifting around the NFL due to his versatility. Albert Haynesworth, also reportedly is looking for that amount of money and has been flirting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He would be a nice fit for any team, and is the type of player you build a team around. He'll be 28 heading into training camp so he has another 7 good years. Julius Peppers, to me, would be a great fit for just about any defense, but would be especially nice for a team that knows how to use his full potential. A team like the New York Jets, with Rex Ryan leading the defense could be a possible destination. Teams like the 49ers, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Broncos, and Vikings would all be great potential homes for Peppers, even though some are highly unlikely.

Anquan Boldin, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are two players that could take teams to the next level with some help. A team like the Eagles would be a nice fit for either of these players because Donovan lacks an elite receiving threat. Don't get me wrong, DeSean Jackson shows some potential with his big play ability. Remember how well McNabb did the year they signed Terrell Owens? Super Bowl? This Eagles team is better, and with one these players, could be an elite team. I think the 49ers are another team on the verge of something great. They of course are in need of a quarterback or at least some consistency. Don't start by calling Alex Smith a bust, I personally think he has some potential, but just hasn't had the right opportunity. If he had a threat at wide receiver it would help the offense all together. It would help Vernon Davis on the underneath routes en route to becoming the dominant force people thought he could be. It would help open up running game for Frank Gore. And all of this could happen with just the addition of a serious threat at wide receiver.

Bart Scott is almost a surefire free agent, seeing as how he is the odd man out in Baltimore. A great linebacker yes, but he is not the leader Lewis is, nor the talent Suggs is. Look for Scott to solidify a team in need of a linebacker such as the Denver Broncos or even division rival Cincinnati. Dunta Robinson from Houston might be an option for a team struggling in the secondary. Plagued with injuries during his brief career, he hasn't quite turned out to be the shutdown corner the Texans had hoped. A team like Detroit could be a destination with new defensive minded coach Jim Schwartz at the helm. Rumors still circulate of Kurt Warner's destination. for next season, but what's it matter? The guy is 38 years old. Its going to be a repeat of this past season with Favre. Started out playing great and young again, and ended with him showing his age. Kurt Warner had his chance to do something great, and he did, he led a nobody team the Super Bowl, only to watch his defense lose it for him. He was a great quarterback but he's nothing more than a mentor for some young up and comer now. Kerry Collins and Jeff Garcia are both free agents with barely a year left in their arms. These quarterbacks are looking to start, but with their age and lack of arm strength, it's not even worth investing the money in them. They'd be best off either playing for a run first team if their lucky, if not mentoring is the way to go.

Teams with aging star players, that are in the rebuilding process, could be the key to other teams' success. By trading these players, they can lay the foundation for a run at the title. This should shape up to be a very exciting year. Will we see another team rise up from obscurity, or will the favored teams of past reassert their dominance? Time will tell, for now we can only speculate...