Thursday, March 01, 2007
CNN's Paul La Monica Says YouTube Not The Ememy
CNN's Paul La Monica , he's got the right idea, but the "controllers" -- i.e. the big media companies -- will not get it until it's too late. We're in an era where media content can't be controlled. People will get what they want and if they can't, then they will make it themselves.
Kennedy Insider Arthur Schlesinger Dies at 89 - AP
John Kenneth Galbraith, Arthur Schlesinger, representatives of a grand era when Government worked.
Kennedy Insider Arthur Schlesinger Dies at 89
HILLEL ITALIE | AP | March 1, 2007 10:31 AM EST
Schlesinger was dining with family members in Manhattan on Wednesday when he suffered a heart attack, his son Stephen said. He died at New York Downtown Hospital.
Schlesinger was among the most prominent historians of his time, widely respected as learned and readable, with a panoramic vision of American culture and politics. He received a National Book Award for "Robert Kennedy and His Times" and a National Book Award and a Pulitzer for "A Thousand Days," his memoir/chronicle of President Kennedy's administration. He also won a Pulitzer, in 1946, for "The Age of Jackson," his landmark chronicle of Andrew Jackson's administration.
"(He had) enormous stamina and a kind of energy and drive which most people don't have, and it kept him going, all the way through his final hours," Stephen Schlesinger said early Thursday. "He never stopped writing, he never stopped participating in public affairs, he never stopped having his views about politics and his love of this nation."
With his bow ties and horn-rimmed glasses, Schlesinger seemed the very image of a reserved, tweedy scholar. But he was an assured member of the so-called Eastern elite, friendly with everyone from Mary McCarthy to Katharine Graham and enough of a sport to swim fully clothed in the pool of then-Attorney General Robert Kennedy.
He was a longtime confidant of the Kennedys, a fellow Harvard man who served in President Kennedy's administration and was often criticized for idealizing the family, especially for not mentioning the president's extramarital affairs.
"At no point in my experience did his preoccupation with women _ apart from Caroline crawling around the Oval Office _ interfere with his conduct of the public business," Schlesinger later wrote.
Liberalism declined in his lifetime to the point where politicians feared using the word, but Schlesinger's opinions remained liberal, and influential, whether old ones on the "imperial presidency," or newer ones on the Iraq war. For both historians and Democratic officials, he was a kind of professor emeritus, valued for his professional knowledge and for his personal past.
"Arthur was a trusted friend and loyal advisor to President Kennedy, and a wonderful friend to me and to all of us in the Kennedy family," Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., said in a statement. "I will miss him terribly, but his contributions to this country will live on."
A native of Columbus, Ohio, and the son of a prominent historian, he was born Arthur Bancroft Schlesinger Jr., but later gave himself his father's middle name, Meier. Family friends included James Thurber, historian Charles A. Beard and future Supreme Court justice Felix Frankfurter.
Schlesinger attended Phillips Exeter Academy and in 1938 graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University. During World War II, Schlesinger drafted some statements for President Roosevelt and served as an intelligence analyst for the Office of Strategic Services, forerunner to the CIA.
Schlesinger emerged as a historian with "The Age of Jackson." Published in 1945, when he was just 27, the book offered a new, class-based interpretation of the Jackson administration, destroying the old myth that the country was once an egalitarian paradise. The book remained influential despite eventual criticism _ even by Schlesinger _ for overlooking Jackson's appeasement of slavery and his harsh treatment of Indians.
Schlesinger was deeply involved with the Democratic Party, and even when writing about the past he minded the present. "The Age of Jackson," for instance, was completed during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt and its characterization of President Jackson as a great 19th century populist was an acknowledged defense of Roosevelt and the New Deal.
Like many liberals of the 1940s, Schlesinger was also trying to reconcile support of the New Deal to the start of the Cold War. He responded by condemning both the far right and the far left, any system that denied the "perpetual tension" of a dynamic democracy. "World without conflict is the world of fantasy," he wrote in "The Age of Jackson."
In 1946, Schlesinger helped found Americans for Democratic Action, a leading organization of anti-communist liberals. Three years later, he published the influential "The Vital Center," which advocated a liberal domestic policy and anti-communist foreign policy. The book's title became a common political phrase, still in use decades later, and Schlesinger's call for defending American ideals abroad was endlessly revived as Democrats debated U.S. involvement in countries from Bosnia to Iraq.
In the 1950s, Schlesinger became increasingly involved in electoral politics, supporting Adlai Stevenson, the erudite Illinois governor and two-time loser to Dwight Eisenhower for the presidency. In 1960, the historian switched his loyalty to Kennedy, even as he acknowledged that Stevenson was a "much richer, more thoughtful, more creative person."
Liberals were wary of Kennedy, but Schlesinger, tired of Stevenson's dreamy detachment, was drawn to Kennedy's "cool, measured, intelligent concern." Over time, he came to embody Schlesinger's ideal for a head of state: charismatic but not dogmatic; progressive yet practical; a realist, he once observed, brilliantly disguised as a romantic.
Kennedy appointed the Schlesinger a special assistant, an unofficial "court philosopher" of symbolic, if not practical power. The high-minded historian was soon trapped in the tangle of superpower politics: the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, the disastrous attempt to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Schlesinger was opposed to the plan, he later wrote, but acknowledged helping the administration suppress a pre-invasion story by The New Republic that correctly reported the U.S. was training Cuban mercenaries. Had the press not cooperated, it might "have spared the country a disaster," a regretful Schlesinger recalled.
His time in government was brief. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and the historian soon left the administration of his successor, Lyndon Johnson. ("With Kennedy gone, it was no longer exhilarating," Schlesinger explained). Schlesinger then supported Robert Kennedy's brief, tragic 1968 campaign.
Being a liberal, Schlesinger once observed, means regarding man as "neither brute nor angel." Whether discussing the Kennedys, Vietnam or the power of the presidency, Schlesinger sought moderation, the middle course. He blamed the Vietnam War on the moral extremism of the right and left and worried that the executive branch had become "imperial," calling for a "strong presidency within the Constitution." He saw American history itself as a continuing "cycle" between liberal and conservative power.
In 1998, Schlesinger opposed Republican-led attempts to have President Clinton removed from office, and he later criticized President George W. Bush for his doctrine of "preventive war," saying "I think the whole notion of America as the world's judge, jury and executioner is a tragically mistaken notion."
His works included "The Age of Roosevelt," an acclaimed series about FDR that he abandoned after joining the Kennedy administration but attempted to revive late in life; and "The Disuniting of America," a controversial text which warned a "cult of ethnicity" could reduce the country to isolated factions. To the amusement of President Kennedy, Schlesinger also wrote film criticism for Vogue and other publications.
Schlesinger had six children _ four from his first marriage, to the author Marian Cannon, and two from his second, to Alexandra Emmet.
Texas Chippendales Eight Free From Court - What's The Fuss?
I can't figure out what the fuss is over this matter. Who made the call to report them? The sports bar hired them to begin with.
Weird.
From the Smoking Gun...
FEBRUARY 26--Free the Chippendales Eight! A Texas prosecutor has decided not to press charges against a cadre of male adult dancers who were busted earlier this month at a Lubbock sports bar for dancing suggestively in front of 1100 female fans. The dancers, wearing tight leather pants and boxer shorts, were popped after they began gyrating and thrusting pelvises in a manner meant to cause "sexual gratification," according to police, whose Special Operations Unit shut down the performance at Jake's Sports Café.
But while cops booked the dancers on a misdemeanor charge of violating the state's adult cabaret law, the Lubbock County District Attorney's office declined to prosecute the eight perfomers. Three other men--a Chippendales manager, a show promoter, and the bar manager--were also arrested after the abbreviated February 16 performance. They, too, will not be prosecuted. On the following pages you'll find Lubbock Police Department mug shots of the unjustly accused beefcake and the management trio. The dancers are reportedly considering whether to sue Lubbock authorities over the dirty dancing arrests.
Paris Hilton Smoking Crack? - ParisExposed Website Is Shut Down?
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Scott Storch Calls Timbaland The N Word
What's interesting to me is that a White rapper is calling a Black performer the N-word in a music clip. Fascinating. Stupid, too. What's equally so is Paris Hilton using the word, as reported here. Here MediaTakeOut's view and explanation of all of this followed by the video itself and the song:
February 27, 2007. In today's hip hop, diss songs are commonplace. But even a hip hop diss song has boundaries that aren't supposed to be crossed. And MediaTakeOut.com has learned that hip hop producer Scott Storch may have just crossed that boundary.
Storch, who is Caucasian, has been publicly feuding with fellow producer Timbaland for months. And in a recent diss track, the Caucasian producer put all of his harsh feelings on wax.
In the new song, entitled Built Like Dat, Storch blasts Timbaland with some scathing lyrics. The Caucasian producer uses the track to make some explosive allegations against his rival. For example, Storch claims that Timbaland is on steroids, and implies that the hit producer is a homosexual. But that's not the controversial part of the song.
Near the end of the track, Storch uttered the verse, "Don't apologize [N Word], you can't even get your label to work right." And that verse, which was clearly aimed at Timbaland, is sending shockwaves throughout the hip hop community.
MediaTakeOut.com spoke with a prominent New York DJ who offered his take on the controversial track. The DJ, who asked to remain anonymous, told us the following, "I know Scott [Storch], and he always talks reckless like that ... I don't know if he's a racist or not. I do know that no matter how many beats you make, you don't have the right to call a Black man a [N Word]."
And there may be another reason to question Storch's use of the 'N word' against rival Timbaland. The Caucasian producer is very close friends with socialite Paris Hilton - who was caught on tape using the 'N Word' to refer to Black people.
MediaTakeOut.com has repeatedly tried to contact Timbaland for comment. So far, he hasn't responded to our requests.
We've included audio of the song below. Storch uses the 'N word' when there's :40 left:
February 27, 2007. In today's hip hop, diss songs are commonplace. But even a hip hop diss song has boundaries that aren't supposed to be crossed. And MediaTakeOut.com has learned that hip hop producer Scott Storch may have just crossed that boundary.
Storch, who is Caucasian, has been publicly feuding with fellow producer Timbaland for months. And in a recent diss track, the Caucasian producer put all of his harsh feelings on wax.
In the new song, entitled Built Like Dat, Storch blasts Timbaland with some scathing lyrics. The Caucasian producer uses the track to make some explosive allegations against his rival. For example, Storch claims that Timbaland is on steroids, and implies that the hit producer is a homosexual. But that's not the controversial part of the song.
Near the end of the track, Storch uttered the verse, "Don't apologize [N Word], you can't even get your label to work right." And that verse, which was clearly aimed at Timbaland, is sending shockwaves throughout the hip hop community.
MediaTakeOut.com spoke with a prominent New York DJ who offered his take on the controversial track. The DJ, who asked to remain anonymous, told us the following, "I know Scott [Storch], and he always talks reckless like that ... I don't know if he's a racist or not. I do know that no matter how many beats you make, you don't have the right to call a Black man a [N Word]."
And there may be another reason to question Storch's use of the 'N word' against rival Timbaland. The Caucasian producer is very close friends with socialite Paris Hilton - who was caught on tape using the 'N Word' to refer to Black people.
MediaTakeOut.com has repeatedly tried to contact Timbaland for comment. So far, he hasn't responded to our requests.
We've included audio of the song below. Storch uses the 'N word' when there's :40 left:
Ellen DeGeneres Show - Oscars - Behind The Scenes
This is a video of Ellen's presentation of her behind the scenes video at the Academy Awards.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
NFL Team Needs in Free Agency
AFC SOUTH
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LBs Rocky Boiman, Cato June and Rob Morris; CB Nick Harper; DT Dan Klecko; S Mike Doss; WRs Aaron Moorehead, Ricky Proehl and Terrence Wilkins; RBs Dominic Rhodes and James Mungro.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Jason David; LB Gilbert Gardner; Gs Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja; DEs Josh Thomas and Bo Schobel; QB Jim Sorgi; TE Ben Utecht.
NEEDS: DE Dwight Freeney was made a franchise player. The Colts, as usual, are not expected to be a big player in free agency. But they're looking to solidify several spots. Both starting cornerbacks, David and Harper, and both starting guards, Lilja and Scott, could be signed away, although only Harper is unrestricted. Biggest need will be upgrade at outside linebacker, and they may need more than one OLB if former Pro Bowler June leaves. Also look for another running back if Rhodes gets a chance to start somewhere else.
TENNESSEE TITANS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade; DTs Robaire Smith and Rien Long; QB Kerry Collins; S Donnie Nickey; RB Chris Brown; OT Seth Wand; LB Peter Sirmon.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Jacob Bell; Cs Justin Geisinger and Eugene Amano; LBs Robert Reynolds and Colby Bockwoldt; TEs Ben Hartsock and Casey Cramer; DTs Randy Starks and Tony Brown.
NEEDS: Cornerback already was high on the list before Adam "Pacman" Jones' recent involvement in a Las Vegas melee that resulted in a triple shooting. Now the Titans may have to overspend -- a lot -- to grab a top cornerback in case Jones isn't available or they finally lose patience and release or trade him. A defensive end to ease pressure on Kyle Vanden Bosch would help, and they need to re-sign Smith. Receiver is the other top focus. Bennett is ready to see how much money a once undrafted free agent can earn, and David Givens, a free agent signee last March, is recovering from a serious knee injury.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Kyle Brady; LB Tony Gilbert; FS Deon Grant; WR Cortez Hankton; RB LaBrandon Toefield; DE Marcellus Wiley; DT Tony Williams.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Ahmad Carroll; LB Jorge Cordova; QB Quinn Gray; TE Brian Jones; DEs Bobby McCray and Elton Patterson; PK Josh Scobee; WR Ernest Wilford.
NEEDS: Biggest need is at safety because Grant is a free agent and Donovin Darius is recovering from a leg injury. Jaguars could look at Ken Hamlin of Seattle, Tony Parrish of Dallas or Shaun Williams of Carolina, but they probably won't move as quickly as they did the last two years, when they signed DE Reggie Hayward (2005) and CB Brian Williams (2006) in the opening days of free agency. Team probably will try to retain Gray, McCray, Scobee and Wilford. Also look for Jags to sign a speedy receiver.
HOUSTON TEXANS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Mark Bruener; DEs Antwan Peek and N.D. Kalu; CBs Dexter McCleon and Lewis Sanders; OL Ephraim Salaam; DL Lional Dalton; RBs Ron Dayne and Wali Rainer; P Chad Stanley; T Brad Bedell; LBs Troy Evans and DaShon Polk; DT Cedric Killings; S Michael Stone.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Charlie Adams, LBs Shantee Orr and Charlie Anderson; CBs Von Hutchins and Roc Alexander; S Glenn Earl; FB Vonta Leach.
NEEDS: Entering their sixth season, Texans have yet to find a solid left tackle to protect David Carr, who has been sacked 249 times. Coach Gary Kubiak thought Charles Spencer could fill that role, but the rookie's future is in question because of a broken leg. After passing on Reggie Bush and losing Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) to injury, running game sputtered. With the health of Williams in question, Texans need to address that area. Houston could also use a receiver to take pressure off Pro Bowler Andre Johnson. Last year's No. 1 pick Mario Williams could be helped by addition of another big defensive end to play opposite him.
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LBs Adalius Thomas and Tim Johnson; RBs Musa Smith, Ovie Mughelli and Nick Luchey; WR Alex Bannister; DT Aubrayo Franklin: DE Jarret Johnson; OT Tony Pashos; DB Gerome Sapp.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Devard Darling and Clarence Moore; KR B.J. Sams.
NEEDS: If Ravens lose Thomas, they'll need a linebacker to fill his place on the league's top-ranked defense. Baltimore could also find itself short of offensive tackles if Pashos leaves, especially if perennial Pro Bowler Jonathan Ogden retires. Other positions on offensive line need attention after guards Keydrick Vincent and Edwin Mulitalo missed significant time with injuries. Ravens also are looking for a running back with release of Jamal Lewis, although they could re-sign Lewis for less money.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CBs Tory James and Rashad Bauman; TEs Reggie Kelly and Tony Stewart; QB Anthony Wright; RB Kenny Watson; Ss Anthony Mitchell and Kevin Kaesviharn; LB Marcus Wilkins; WR Kelley Washington; G Eric Steinbach; OL Scott Kooistra; DE Justin Smith.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Shaun Smith; CB Greg Brooks; LBs Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson; OL Stacy Andrews; P Kyle Larson.
NEEDS: Cornerback, where James played poorly last season and is a free agent, while Deltha O'Neal also struggled, is a priority. Linebacker after David Pollack's career has been threatened by neck injury and Odell Thurman is still suspended by NFL. Plus safety, defensive line depth (DT Sam Adams had knee/weight problems), offensive line depth (C Rich Braham has retired, Steinbach is a free agent), and backup quarterback. DE Smith was given team's franchise tag.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Ss Mike Logan and Tyrone Carter; RB Najeh Davenport; WR Sean Morey; DB Chidi Iwuoma; DE Rodney Bailey; T Barrett Brooks.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RT Max Starks.
NEEDS: With Mike Tomlin replacing Bill Cowher, Steelers' priorities might change. Watch to see if they sign a player or two who fits a 4-3 defense (Tomlin's preferred scheme) rather than 3-4 Steelers have played since early 1980s. Steelers don't have much cap room because every key player is already signed. However, G Alan Faneca, S Troy Polamalu, DE Aaron Smith and LBs Joey Porter and Clark Haggans are in final year of their contracts; all won't return in 2008. C Jeff Hartings' retirement frees up $3.6 million in cap room Steelers could use for replacements for some longtime fixtures. Immediate needs are a new punter to replace Chris Gardocki, a backup RB and another WR.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S Brian Russell; C Hank Fraley; CB Ralph Brown; DEs Nick Eason and Alvin McKinley; Gs Cosey Coleman and Lennie Friedman; WR/KR Dennis Northcutt.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Ethan Kelly; LB Mason Unck; OL Nat Dorsey.
NEEDS: A bunch, with offensive linemen and a shutdown cornerback top priorities. Center LeCharles Bentley will likely miss his second straight season with a knee injury, making it critical the club find someone to anchor its weakest unit. Versatile guard Eric Steinbach is expected to be an early target for the Browns, who will have approximately $30 million to spend. DB Gary Baxter's uncertain future following two torn patellar tendons forces the club to look for alternatives, giving Cleveland native Nate Clements -- the best cornerback on the market -- another bargaining chip. Bringing in a veteran quarterback either through free agency, the draft or a trade, to compete with Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson is a strong possibility.
AFC WEST
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Kris Dielman; LB Randall Godfrey; WR Az-Zahir Hakim; OLs Cory Withrow and Leander Jordan; LB Carlos Polk.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Michael Turner; TE Ryan Krause.
NEEDS: It looks like Dielman will test the market, and if he leaves, it will be a big blow to a line that helped spring LaDainian Tomlinson to his MVP season. It wasn't just coincidence that Tomlinson ran a lot to the left side, where Dielman helped open big holes. Bolts have locked up a lot of young talent to long-term deals, though. Chargers also could be in market for a wide receiver, safety and linebackers.
KANSAS CITY
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OL Jordan Black; RB Dee Brown; DTs Ron Edwards, Jimmy Wilkerson and James Reed; LS Kendall Gammon; LB Kawika Mitchell; CB Lenny Walls.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Jared Allen; LB Keyaron Fox; WR Sammie Parker; OL Kevin Sampson; CB Benny Sapp; LB Rich Scanlon; PK Lawrence Tynes.
NEEDS: Push up the middle, both on offense and defense. The Chiefs want to play Cover 2 defense, but suffered for lack of any pressure from middle of the line. Left tackle Jordan Black improved in 2006, but is still not good enough to start at the position in the NFL. Right tackle also was a problem.
Both starting cornerbacks are well into their 30s. Wide receiver was a weakness when anybody but Eddie Kennison was the target, and Kennison, too, is past 30.
DENVER BRONCOS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Cooper Carlisle; DT Michael Myers; LB Keith Burns; DE Patrick Chukwurah; DL Kenny Peterson; KR-WR Quincy Morgan
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Louis Green; FB Kyle Johnson; RB Cecil Sapp.
NEEDS: The Broncos need line help on both sides. They lost former No. 1 overall draft pick Courtney Brown to a knee injury in training camp and the pass rush never measured up. They also need to start thinking about safety, where John Lynch and Nick Ferguson are approaching old-timer status in the NFL. And the tragic death of Darrent Williams means they might have to look at cornerback for backups, with Domonique Foxworth moving up to take the starter's job. They also need help at running back, where the duo of Mike Bell and Tatum Bell never clicked, and at wide receiver, where age quickly caught up to Rod Smith, their career receptions leader.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QBs Aaron Brooks and Marques Tuiasosopo; OLs Langston Walker, Corey Hulsey and Chad Slaughter; DBs Derrick Gibson and Duane Starks; WR Alvis Whitted; LB Grant Irons.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RBs ReShard Lee and Adimchinobe Echemandu; DL Tommy Kelly.
NEEDS: After scoring only 12 offensive TDs last season, Raiders need plenty of help on that side of ball. Even though team is likely to take a QB with the No. 1 pick in draft, Raiders still plan to target a veteran in free agency; Andrew Walter is the only QB on the roster. The most help will be needed on an offensive line that allowed 72 sacks last season and also struggled in the running game. Oakland also could have interest in a RB to share the load with LaMont Jordan and a WR in case the team trades Randy Moss.
AFC EAST
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Troy Brown; TE Daniel Graham; LBs Junior Seau, Tully Banta-Cain, Larry Izzo and Don Davis; FB Heath Evans; RB Patrick Pass; OL Gene Mruczkowski; CB Ray Mickens; QB Vinny Testaverde; Ps Todd Sauerbrun and Ken Walter.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Randall Gay; OL Billy Yates; S Rashad Baker.
NEEDS: Patriots already needed wide receivers last year, and if Brown retires they will need to replace the longtime favorite target of Tom Brady. Also, WR Chad Jackson tore his ACL and might not be back for the opener. Other than Banta-Cain, the three other starting LBs are in their 30s. CB Asante Samuel was designated as franchise player. RB Corey Dillon, 32, who has been increasingly supplanted by Laurence Maroney, said he wants to be elsewhere next season.
NEW YORK JETS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FBs B.J. Askew and James Hodgins; DT Monsanto Pope; OL Wade Smith; RT Anthony Clement.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Dave Ball; DT Rashad Moore; TE Sean Ryan; LB Cody Spencer.
NEEDS: A dominant, shutdown cornerback. Veteran Andre Dyson provided stability on left side, but Justin Miller, David Barrett, Drew Coleman and recently re-signed Hank Poteat all took turns at right cornerback. Miller's skills as Pro Bowl kick returner makes him invaluable, but he still struggles in pass coverage. Buffalo free agent Nate Clements could make sense. Jets also looking for big right tackle to replace the veteran Clement, who probably won't be re-signed. Despite having Leon Washington and Cedric Houston at running back, Jets will likely look to add another back who can carry the load after releasing disappointing Kevan Barlow. Could also focus on depth at wide receiver, tight end and defensive line.
BUFFALO BILLS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CBs Nate Clements and Kiwaukee Thomas; LB London Fletcher; RBs Anthony Thomas and Daimon Shelton; OL Mike Gandy; WR Andre' Davis.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Jabari Greer.
NEEDS: Team with modest budget and major needs must creatively fill some potentially gaping holes to build off 7-9 finish. Unable to afford Clements' high asking price, Bills must find capable starting cornerback and hope Ashton Youboty develops after 2006 third-round draft pick appeared in just three games. Linebacker might become another big need for defense that finished 28th against the run. Fletcher is expected to test market, while Bills haven't yet determined whether to keep Takeo Spikes, who struggled while coming back from torn Achilles' tendon. RB could suddenly become an issue as Buffalo considers trade offers for Willis McGahee. Expect Bills to continue perennial search on offensive line, particularly guards.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DTs Keith Traylor and Jeff Zgonina; DE David Bowens; LBs Donnie Spragan and Keith Adams; S Travares Tillman; OLs Damion McIntosh, OL Toniu Fonoti and Kendul Jacox; RBs Sammy Morris and Travis Minor; FB Darian Barnes; CB Michael Lehan; QB Shane Matthews.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Cleo Lemon; S Yeremiah Bell; WR Wes Welker; CB Eddie Jackson; P Donnie Jones.
NEEDS: New coach Cam Cameron says he hasn't decided whether his 2007 quarterback is on the current roster, but he's unlikely to seek help in free agency. Instead, Miami will shop to shore up the offensive line and an aging defense, especially linebacker and the secondary. However, the Dolphins are in the lower half of the NFL in cap space, which will limit their options.
NFC
NFC SOUTH
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OLs Jon Stinchcomb and Montrae Holland; Ss Omar Stoutmire and Jay Bellamy; TE Billy Miller; LBs Danny Clark, James Allen and Tommy Polley; DT Antwan Lake; K Billy Cundiff, CB DeJuan Groce; RB Fred McAfee.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Terrance Melton; DT Rodney Leisle; WR Terrance Copper; CB Curtis Deloatch.
NEEDS: New Orleans has put the franchise tag on DE Charles Grant and likely will retain him. The Saints could be looking for a new cornerback following Fred Thomas' struggles late in season and playoffs. Their workmanlike linebacker corps last season was solid, but not dominant. The starters are all expected back with the recent re-signing of Scott Shanle, but Saints may aim for another LB to add depth and strengthen 23rd-ranked run defense.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Ss Shaun Williams and Colin Branch; LBs Chris Draft, Na'il Diggs and Vinny Ciurciu; Ts Todd Fordham and Dave Kadela; DE Kindal Moorehead; TE Mike Seidman.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Drew Carter; TE Michael Gaines; DT Jordan Carstens.
NEEDS: Linebacker, with Draft and Diggs free agents and uncertainty surrounding Dan Morgan, who hopes to return after multiple concussions limited him to one game last season. New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson wants to run, and Carolina may need upgrades at tight end and on offensive line, which was devastated by injuries last season. Coach John Fox likes to rotate DLs, but Mike Rucker is recovering from a torn ACL and Al Wallace was released. S Williams had a subpar year and Mike Minter turned 33 in January. While No. 1 QB Jake Delhomme is likely safe, backup Chris Weinke could be replaced.
ATLANTA FALCONS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FBs Justin Griffith and Fred McCrary; CB Chris Cash; PK Morten Andersen; DE Patrick Kerney; WR Ashley Lelie.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Dwayne Blakley; QB Matt Schaub; LB Demorrio Williams; C Austin King.
NEEDS: End of the Jim Mora era is also end of the Alex Gibbs era as mastermind of the blocking philosophy, so bigger offensive linemen will be needed for more conventional scheme. Veteran tackles Todd Weiner and Wayne Gandy have played in such schemes, but line needs better pass-blockers. Even with return of a healthy Brian Finneran, the Falcons need help at receiver, especially if Lelie is not re-signed. The team finished the season with only four receivers; more depth will be needed as new coach Bobby Petrino adds balance to the league's worst passing attack.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FBs Mike Alstott and Jerald Sowell; CBs Phillip Buchanon and CB Torrie Cox; T Cornell Green; TEs Keith Heinrich and Doug Jolley; G Sean Mahan; LB Wesly Mallard; LS Dave Moore; QB Tim Rattay; DE Dewayne White.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Blue Adams; G Jeb Terry; S Kalvin Pearson.
NEEDS: With about $24 million in salary cap space, Bucs expect to be major players in free agency for the first time since winning the Super Bowl four years ago. Landing a starting defensive end, a playmaking receiver or upgrading the offensive line, especially at left tackle, likely will impact coach Jon Gruden's approach to the draft, where Tampa Bay picks fourth. Could also use help at safety, where starters Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen have struggled, and linebacker. And don't be surprised to see Gruden bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with Chris Simms, who missed most of 2006 because of injury.
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Ruben Brown; DTs Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone; Ss Todd Johnson and Cameron Worrell; WR Justin Gage
RESTRICTED FREE AGENT: TE Gabe Reid
NEEDS: Star LB Lance Briggs was made franchise player and could be a training camp holdout. Bears could use free agency to shore up aging offensive line, but are not expected to make a big splash. Secondary also could use some depth after injuries to Mike Brown the last several years. They are not going after a quarterback like Jeff Garcia despite Rex Grossman's inconsistent play because Brian Griese is quality backup. They are interested in re-signing Brown.
DETROIT LIONS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Corey Bradford; RBs Arlen Harris and Aveion Cason; G Rick DeMulling; CB Jamar Fletcher; Ss Terrence Holt and Jon McGraw; FB Cory Schlesinger; DE Corey Smith.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Alex Lewis; LS Don Muhlbach; DT Cleveland Pinkney; CB Keith Smith.
NEEDS: Entering his second season, coach Rod Marinelli desperately wants to add speed, especially on defense. Team has encouraged some players, such as CB Dre' Bly, to explore trade possibilities. Detroit doesn't know when RB Kevin Jones (foot) will be back, so adding insurance at RB makes sense. Adding a No. 3 receiver, perhaps Kevin Curtis, who has ties to offensive coordinator Mike Martz, also a priority. An OT and OG would help a lackluster line, too, though Lions might wait to fill one of those needs with Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas with the No. 2 pick overall in draft.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Ahman Green; TE David Martin; LBs Ben Taylor and Tracy White; DT Kenderick Allen; QB Todd Bouman; OL Tyson Walter.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
NEEDS: Playmakers in the passing game. The Packers didn't get productivity they were looking for out of tight ends last year -- particularly in the red zone -- and need another productive WR to take some defensive focus off Donald Driver. Team must decide whether to give Green a multiyear deal or move forward with backup RB Vernand Morency and possibly address the position in the draft.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Napoleon Harris; WRs Travis Taylor and Bethel Johnson; G Jason Whittle; DT Ross Kolodziej.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Darrion Scott; LB Rod Davis; G Anthony Herrera; TE Richard Owens; RB Artose Pinner; DT Spencer Johnson.
NEEDS: Some juice on the outside; mediocre receivers made life miserable for quarterbacks Brad Johnson and Tarvaris Jackson. Some heat by putting pressure on opposing QBs, a constant problem last season; DBs routinely had to cover opposing receivers for too long. A rush end should be a priority. Perhaps even a QB. Veteran Johnson was released, meaning second-year pro Jackson and backup Brooks Bollinger are only QBs on team.
NFC WEST
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TEs Jerramy Stevens and Will Heller; WR Bobby Engram; G Chris Gray; Ss Jimmy Williams, John Howell and Ken Hamlin; LS J.P. Darche; OL Floyd Womack; LB D.D. Lewis; DEs Kemp Rasmussen and Joe Tafoya; CB Pete Hunter; RB Josh Scobey.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OT Sean Locklear; WR D.J. Hackett; CB Jordan Babineaux; LB Niko Koutouvides; Ss Guss Scott and Oliver Celestin; DT Craig Terrill; RB Josh Parry; OL Thatcher Szalay.
NEEDS: Letting Stevens go means coach Mike Holmgren foremost needs a pass-catching TE for his West Coast offense, plus a run-blocking tight end. Primary defensive needs are two bigger safeties capable of starting immediately, plus more size along DL and depth at LB. WR is not a need, even with Engram likely leaving and Darrell Jackson being shopped for a trade, because of additions of Deion Branch and Nate Burleson last year.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald; CB Travis Fisher; LBs Isaiah Kacyvenski, Raonall Smith and Jamal Brooks; RBs Stephen Davis and Tony Fisher; DT Jason Fisk; DE Brandon Green; KR Willie Ponder; FB Paul Smith; OL Todd Steussie; P Matt Turk.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Brandon Chillar; TE Aaron Walker; OL Adam Goldberg; S Dwaine Carpenter; OL Larry Turner.
NEEDS: Defensive line, wide receiver, running back. Leonard Little was the only proven pass rusher last year. Depth may be an issue at WR behind veterans Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce if Curtis, the No. 3 at his position last year, leaves. Steven Jackson had a breakout year at running back, but there's little depth at the position. Rams addressed two areas of need during season, signing Little and LB Pisa Tinoisamoa to extensions.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DL Bryant Young; TE Eric Johnson; WR Bryan Gilmore; C Jeremy Newberry; DT Anthony Adams; FB Chris Hetherington; LBs Jay Foreman, Hannibal Navies and T.J. Slaughter; Ss Chad Williams and Deke Cooper.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: P Andy Lee; OL Tony Wragge; RB Maurice Hicks; S Mike Adams.
NEEDS: With more than $30 million in cap room, 49ers are expected to make a play for several top free agents to supplement a roster still fairly thin on talent despite 7-9 finish. Coach Mike Nolan would love to land LB Adalius Thomas, who played for him in Baltimore, while 49ers also need talented pass-rusher and depth in secondary. On offense, they'll bid for OT Leonard Davis and WR Donte' Stallworth before going after lesser targets. Young is expected back if he doesn't retire, while Johnson will search for a starting job before considering a return as Vernon Davis' backup.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: T Leonard Davis; RB Marcel Shipp; LBs Orlando Huff, Monty Beisel and James Darling; Ss Robert Griffith, Jack Brewer and Hanik Milligan; CBs David Macklin and Robert Tate; WR Troy Walters; OL Fred Wakefield; DE Chris Cooper; OL Chris Liewienski.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Cs Nick Leckey and Alex Stepanovich; QB John Navarre.
NEEDS: Everything but QB and WR. New coach Ken Whisenhunt was unimpressed with Davis, but team might re-sign him if no one offers big contract he desires. Regardless, Cardinals will go after offensive linemen. CB also was a weakness, with Tate and Macklin unlikely to be re-signed. The team needs LBs and could use a run-stuffing DT. There's also a need at FB and TE, and for a safety to play alongside Pro Bowler Adrian Wilson.
NFC EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QBs Jeff Garcia and Koy Detmer; WR Donte' Stallworth; RBs Correll Buckhalter and Reno Mahe; LB Shawn Barber; CBs Roderick Hood and William James; S Michael Lewis; DE Juqua Thomas.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
NEEDS: Garcia was willing to return as a backup to Donovan McNabb, but he likely will get better offers from other teams. Eagles are comfortable with re-signed .J. Feeley as backup. They will try to re-sign Stallworth, but won't overpay because he's been prone to injuries. If Stallworth doesn't return, adding a playmaking receiver becomes a priority. Also need at least one starting linebacker, a power running back to complement Brian Westbrook, more depth on the defensive line, a nickel cornerback, a safety and a returner with game-breaking skills.
DALLAS COWBOYS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Marc Colombo; C Al Johnson; LB Al Singleton; DE Kenyon Coleman; K Martin Gramatica; S Tony Parrish.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Patrick Crayton; CBs Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones; LBs Ryan Fowler and Junior Glymph; TE Brett Pierce.
NEEDS: Wade Phillips sure could use what predecessor Bill Parcells called "catalytic players" at the front of 3-4 defense, primarily a quarterback-crunching end. He also could use help in the secondary, primarily at safety but possibly at cornerback if starter Anthony Henry is moved to safety. OL a never-ending concern, even after giving center Andre Gurode a $10 million signing bonus. The Cowboys also will be after veteran quarterback to back up Tony Romo. Maybe the new backup can hold, too.
NEW YORK GIANTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: PK Jay Feely; C Shaun O'Hara; G Grey Ruegamer; LB Brandon Short; OLs Steve Edwards and Lewis Kelly; TE Visanthe Shiancoe; CB Frank Walker.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S Gibril Wilson; LB Reggie Torbor; RB Derrick Ward.
NEEDS: Making playoffs with an 8-8 record, having Tiki Barber retire and then releasing OT Luke Petitgout and LBs LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons mean Giants need help in all those areas. Season-ending knee injury to WR Amani Toomer and inconsistent play of Plaxico Burress showed the team needs another wideout. CBs Sam Madison and Corey Webster need improvement, and there was no depth at DT behind Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield. If Feely and O'Hara take free agency road, two more positions have to be filled. New GM Jerry Reese is going to earn his pay this year.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Derrick Dockery; LB Warrick Holdman; RB T.J. Duckett; CBs Kenny Wright and Ade Jimoh; S Vernon Fox; TEs Brian Kozlowski and Todd Yoder; T Todd Wade.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: P Derrick Frost; T Jim Molinaro; DT Ryan Boschetti.
NEEDS: Defense, defense, defense. Always aggressive in free agency, expect Redskins to quickly pursue and overpay for a cornerback, a linebacker, and perhaps a safety and a defensive lineman to help rebuild a defense that ranked 31st last season. CB Nate Clements and LB London Fletcher are among expected targets. Offense looks OK except (again) at the No. 2 receiver spot -- 2006 free agent signing Brandon Lloyd has so far been a bust.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LBs Rocky Boiman, Cato June and Rob Morris; CB Nick Harper; DT Dan Klecko; S Mike Doss; WRs Aaron Moorehead, Ricky Proehl and Terrence Wilkins; RBs Dominic Rhodes and James Mungro.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Jason David; LB Gilbert Gardner; Gs Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja; DEs Josh Thomas and Bo Schobel; QB Jim Sorgi; TE Ben Utecht.
NEEDS: DE Dwight Freeney was made a franchise player. The Colts, as usual, are not expected to be a big player in free agency. But they're looking to solidify several spots. Both starting cornerbacks, David and Harper, and both starting guards, Lilja and Scott, could be signed away, although only Harper is unrestricted. Biggest need will be upgrade at outside linebacker, and they may need more than one OLB if former Pro Bowler June leaves. Also look for another running back if Rhodes gets a chance to start somewhere else.
TENNESSEE TITANS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade; DTs Robaire Smith and Rien Long; QB Kerry Collins; S Donnie Nickey; RB Chris Brown; OT Seth Wand; LB Peter Sirmon.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Jacob Bell; Cs Justin Geisinger and Eugene Amano; LBs Robert Reynolds and Colby Bockwoldt; TEs Ben Hartsock and Casey Cramer; DTs Randy Starks and Tony Brown.
NEEDS: Cornerback already was high on the list before Adam "Pacman" Jones' recent involvement in a Las Vegas melee that resulted in a triple shooting. Now the Titans may have to overspend -- a lot -- to grab a top cornerback in case Jones isn't available or they finally lose patience and release or trade him. A defensive end to ease pressure on Kyle Vanden Bosch would help, and they need to re-sign Smith. Receiver is the other top focus. Bennett is ready to see how much money a once undrafted free agent can earn, and David Givens, a free agent signee last March, is recovering from a serious knee injury.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Kyle Brady; LB Tony Gilbert; FS Deon Grant; WR Cortez Hankton; RB LaBrandon Toefield; DE Marcellus Wiley; DT Tony Williams.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Ahmad Carroll; LB Jorge Cordova; QB Quinn Gray; TE Brian Jones; DEs Bobby McCray and Elton Patterson; PK Josh Scobee; WR Ernest Wilford.
NEEDS: Biggest need is at safety because Grant is a free agent and Donovin Darius is recovering from a leg injury. Jaguars could look at Ken Hamlin of Seattle, Tony Parrish of Dallas or Shaun Williams of Carolina, but they probably won't move as quickly as they did the last two years, when they signed DE Reggie Hayward (2005) and CB Brian Williams (2006) in the opening days of free agency. Team probably will try to retain Gray, McCray, Scobee and Wilford. Also look for Jags to sign a speedy receiver.
HOUSTON TEXANS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Mark Bruener; DEs Antwan Peek and N.D. Kalu; CBs Dexter McCleon and Lewis Sanders; OL Ephraim Salaam; DL Lional Dalton; RBs Ron Dayne and Wali Rainer; P Chad Stanley; T Brad Bedell; LBs Troy Evans and DaShon Polk; DT Cedric Killings; S Michael Stone.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Charlie Adams, LBs Shantee Orr and Charlie Anderson; CBs Von Hutchins and Roc Alexander; S Glenn Earl; FB Vonta Leach.
NEEDS: Entering their sixth season, Texans have yet to find a solid left tackle to protect David Carr, who has been sacked 249 times. Coach Gary Kubiak thought Charles Spencer could fill that role, but the rookie's future is in question because of a broken leg. After passing on Reggie Bush and losing Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) to injury, running game sputtered. With the health of Williams in question, Texans need to address that area. Houston could also use a receiver to take pressure off Pro Bowler Andre Johnson. Last year's No. 1 pick Mario Williams could be helped by addition of another big defensive end to play opposite him.
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LBs Adalius Thomas and Tim Johnson; RBs Musa Smith, Ovie Mughelli and Nick Luchey; WR Alex Bannister; DT Aubrayo Franklin: DE Jarret Johnson; OT Tony Pashos; DB Gerome Sapp.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Devard Darling and Clarence Moore; KR B.J. Sams.
NEEDS: If Ravens lose Thomas, they'll need a linebacker to fill his place on the league's top-ranked defense. Baltimore could also find itself short of offensive tackles if Pashos leaves, especially if perennial Pro Bowler Jonathan Ogden retires. Other positions on offensive line need attention after guards Keydrick Vincent and Edwin Mulitalo missed significant time with injuries. Ravens also are looking for a running back with release of Jamal Lewis, although they could re-sign Lewis for less money.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CBs Tory James and Rashad Bauman; TEs Reggie Kelly and Tony Stewart; QB Anthony Wright; RB Kenny Watson; Ss Anthony Mitchell and Kevin Kaesviharn; LB Marcus Wilkins; WR Kelley Washington; G Eric Steinbach; OL Scott Kooistra; DE Justin Smith.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Shaun Smith; CB Greg Brooks; LBs Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson; OL Stacy Andrews; P Kyle Larson.
NEEDS: Cornerback, where James played poorly last season and is a free agent, while Deltha O'Neal also struggled, is a priority. Linebacker after David Pollack's career has been threatened by neck injury and Odell Thurman is still suspended by NFL. Plus safety, defensive line depth (DT Sam Adams had knee/weight problems), offensive line depth (C Rich Braham has retired, Steinbach is a free agent), and backup quarterback. DE Smith was given team's franchise tag.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Ss Mike Logan and Tyrone Carter; RB Najeh Davenport; WR Sean Morey; DB Chidi Iwuoma; DE Rodney Bailey; T Barrett Brooks.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RT Max Starks.
NEEDS: With Mike Tomlin replacing Bill Cowher, Steelers' priorities might change. Watch to see if they sign a player or two who fits a 4-3 defense (Tomlin's preferred scheme) rather than 3-4 Steelers have played since early 1980s. Steelers don't have much cap room because every key player is already signed. However, G Alan Faneca, S Troy Polamalu, DE Aaron Smith and LBs Joey Porter and Clark Haggans are in final year of their contracts; all won't return in 2008. C Jeff Hartings' retirement frees up $3.6 million in cap room Steelers could use for replacements for some longtime fixtures. Immediate needs are a new punter to replace Chris Gardocki, a backup RB and another WR.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S Brian Russell; C Hank Fraley; CB Ralph Brown; DEs Nick Eason and Alvin McKinley; Gs Cosey Coleman and Lennie Friedman; WR/KR Dennis Northcutt.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Ethan Kelly; LB Mason Unck; OL Nat Dorsey.
NEEDS: A bunch, with offensive linemen and a shutdown cornerback top priorities. Center LeCharles Bentley will likely miss his second straight season with a knee injury, making it critical the club find someone to anchor its weakest unit. Versatile guard Eric Steinbach is expected to be an early target for the Browns, who will have approximately $30 million to spend. DB Gary Baxter's uncertain future following two torn patellar tendons forces the club to look for alternatives, giving Cleveland native Nate Clements -- the best cornerback on the market -- another bargaining chip. Bringing in a veteran quarterback either through free agency, the draft or a trade, to compete with Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson is a strong possibility.
AFC WEST
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Kris Dielman; LB Randall Godfrey; WR Az-Zahir Hakim; OLs Cory Withrow and Leander Jordan; LB Carlos Polk.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Michael Turner; TE Ryan Krause.
NEEDS: It looks like Dielman will test the market, and if he leaves, it will be a big blow to a line that helped spring LaDainian Tomlinson to his MVP season. It wasn't just coincidence that Tomlinson ran a lot to the left side, where Dielman helped open big holes. Bolts have locked up a lot of young talent to long-term deals, though. Chargers also could be in market for a wide receiver, safety and linebackers.
KANSAS CITY
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OL Jordan Black; RB Dee Brown; DTs Ron Edwards, Jimmy Wilkerson and James Reed; LS Kendall Gammon; LB Kawika Mitchell; CB Lenny Walls.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Jared Allen; LB Keyaron Fox; WR Sammie Parker; OL Kevin Sampson; CB Benny Sapp; LB Rich Scanlon; PK Lawrence Tynes.
NEEDS: Push up the middle, both on offense and defense. The Chiefs want to play Cover 2 defense, but suffered for lack of any pressure from middle of the line. Left tackle Jordan Black improved in 2006, but is still not good enough to start at the position in the NFL. Right tackle also was a problem.
Both starting cornerbacks are well into their 30s. Wide receiver was a weakness when anybody but Eddie Kennison was the target, and Kennison, too, is past 30.
DENVER BRONCOS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Cooper Carlisle; DT Michael Myers; LB Keith Burns; DE Patrick Chukwurah; DL Kenny Peterson; KR-WR Quincy Morgan
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Louis Green; FB Kyle Johnson; RB Cecil Sapp.
NEEDS: The Broncos need line help on both sides. They lost former No. 1 overall draft pick Courtney Brown to a knee injury in training camp and the pass rush never measured up. They also need to start thinking about safety, where John Lynch and Nick Ferguson are approaching old-timer status in the NFL. And the tragic death of Darrent Williams means they might have to look at cornerback for backups, with Domonique Foxworth moving up to take the starter's job. They also need help at running back, where the duo of Mike Bell and Tatum Bell never clicked, and at wide receiver, where age quickly caught up to Rod Smith, their career receptions leader.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QBs Aaron Brooks and Marques Tuiasosopo; OLs Langston Walker, Corey Hulsey and Chad Slaughter; DBs Derrick Gibson and Duane Starks; WR Alvis Whitted; LB Grant Irons.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RBs ReShard Lee and Adimchinobe Echemandu; DL Tommy Kelly.
NEEDS: After scoring only 12 offensive TDs last season, Raiders need plenty of help on that side of ball. Even though team is likely to take a QB with the No. 1 pick in draft, Raiders still plan to target a veteran in free agency; Andrew Walter is the only QB on the roster. The most help will be needed on an offensive line that allowed 72 sacks last season and also struggled in the running game. Oakland also could have interest in a RB to share the load with LaMont Jordan and a WR in case the team trades Randy Moss.
AFC EAST
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Troy Brown; TE Daniel Graham; LBs Junior Seau, Tully Banta-Cain, Larry Izzo and Don Davis; FB Heath Evans; RB Patrick Pass; OL Gene Mruczkowski; CB Ray Mickens; QB Vinny Testaverde; Ps Todd Sauerbrun and Ken Walter.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Randall Gay; OL Billy Yates; S Rashad Baker.
NEEDS: Patriots already needed wide receivers last year, and if Brown retires they will need to replace the longtime favorite target of Tom Brady. Also, WR Chad Jackson tore his ACL and might not be back for the opener. Other than Banta-Cain, the three other starting LBs are in their 30s. CB Asante Samuel was designated as franchise player. RB Corey Dillon, 32, who has been increasingly supplanted by Laurence Maroney, said he wants to be elsewhere next season.
NEW YORK JETS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FBs B.J. Askew and James Hodgins; DT Monsanto Pope; OL Wade Smith; RT Anthony Clement.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Dave Ball; DT Rashad Moore; TE Sean Ryan; LB Cody Spencer.
NEEDS: A dominant, shutdown cornerback. Veteran Andre Dyson provided stability on left side, but Justin Miller, David Barrett, Drew Coleman and recently re-signed Hank Poteat all took turns at right cornerback. Miller's skills as Pro Bowl kick returner makes him invaluable, but he still struggles in pass coverage. Buffalo free agent Nate Clements could make sense. Jets also looking for big right tackle to replace the veteran Clement, who probably won't be re-signed. Despite having Leon Washington and Cedric Houston at running back, Jets will likely look to add another back who can carry the load after releasing disappointing Kevan Barlow. Could also focus on depth at wide receiver, tight end and defensive line.
BUFFALO BILLS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CBs Nate Clements and Kiwaukee Thomas; LB London Fletcher; RBs Anthony Thomas and Daimon Shelton; OL Mike Gandy; WR Andre' Davis.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Jabari Greer.
NEEDS: Team with modest budget and major needs must creatively fill some potentially gaping holes to build off 7-9 finish. Unable to afford Clements' high asking price, Bills must find capable starting cornerback and hope Ashton Youboty develops after 2006 third-round draft pick appeared in just three games. Linebacker might become another big need for defense that finished 28th against the run. Fletcher is expected to test market, while Bills haven't yet determined whether to keep Takeo Spikes, who struggled while coming back from torn Achilles' tendon. RB could suddenly become an issue as Buffalo considers trade offers for Willis McGahee. Expect Bills to continue perennial search on offensive line, particularly guards.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DTs Keith Traylor and Jeff Zgonina; DE David Bowens; LBs Donnie Spragan and Keith Adams; S Travares Tillman; OLs Damion McIntosh, OL Toniu Fonoti and Kendul Jacox; RBs Sammy Morris and Travis Minor; FB Darian Barnes; CB Michael Lehan; QB Shane Matthews.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Cleo Lemon; S Yeremiah Bell; WR Wes Welker; CB Eddie Jackson; P Donnie Jones.
NEEDS: New coach Cam Cameron says he hasn't decided whether his 2007 quarterback is on the current roster, but he's unlikely to seek help in free agency. Instead, Miami will shop to shore up the offensive line and an aging defense, especially linebacker and the secondary. However, the Dolphins are in the lower half of the NFL in cap space, which will limit their options.
NFC
NFC SOUTH
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OLs Jon Stinchcomb and Montrae Holland; Ss Omar Stoutmire and Jay Bellamy; TE Billy Miller; LBs Danny Clark, James Allen and Tommy Polley; DT Antwan Lake; K Billy Cundiff, CB DeJuan Groce; RB Fred McAfee.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Terrance Melton; DT Rodney Leisle; WR Terrance Copper; CB Curtis Deloatch.
NEEDS: New Orleans has put the franchise tag on DE Charles Grant and likely will retain him. The Saints could be looking for a new cornerback following Fred Thomas' struggles late in season and playoffs. Their workmanlike linebacker corps last season was solid, but not dominant. The starters are all expected back with the recent re-signing of Scott Shanle, but Saints may aim for another LB to add depth and strengthen 23rd-ranked run defense.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Ss Shaun Williams and Colin Branch; LBs Chris Draft, Na'il Diggs and Vinny Ciurciu; Ts Todd Fordham and Dave Kadela; DE Kindal Moorehead; TE Mike Seidman.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Drew Carter; TE Michael Gaines; DT Jordan Carstens.
NEEDS: Linebacker, with Draft and Diggs free agents and uncertainty surrounding Dan Morgan, who hopes to return after multiple concussions limited him to one game last season. New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson wants to run, and Carolina may need upgrades at tight end and on offensive line, which was devastated by injuries last season. Coach John Fox likes to rotate DLs, but Mike Rucker is recovering from a torn ACL and Al Wallace was released. S Williams had a subpar year and Mike Minter turned 33 in January. While No. 1 QB Jake Delhomme is likely safe, backup Chris Weinke could be replaced.
ATLANTA FALCONS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FBs Justin Griffith and Fred McCrary; CB Chris Cash; PK Morten Andersen; DE Patrick Kerney; WR Ashley Lelie.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TE Dwayne Blakley; QB Matt Schaub; LB Demorrio Williams; C Austin King.
NEEDS: End of the Jim Mora era is also end of the Alex Gibbs era as mastermind of the blocking philosophy, so bigger offensive linemen will be needed for more conventional scheme. Veteran tackles Todd Weiner and Wayne Gandy have played in such schemes, but line needs better pass-blockers. Even with return of a healthy Brian Finneran, the Falcons need help at receiver, especially if Lelie is not re-signed. The team finished the season with only four receivers; more depth will be needed as new coach Bobby Petrino adds balance to the league's worst passing attack.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FBs Mike Alstott and Jerald Sowell; CBs Phillip Buchanon and CB Torrie Cox; T Cornell Green; TEs Keith Heinrich and Doug Jolley; G Sean Mahan; LB Wesly Mallard; LS Dave Moore; QB Tim Rattay; DE Dewayne White.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: CB Blue Adams; G Jeb Terry; S Kalvin Pearson.
NEEDS: With about $24 million in salary cap space, Bucs expect to be major players in free agency for the first time since winning the Super Bowl four years ago. Landing a starting defensive end, a playmaking receiver or upgrading the offensive line, especially at left tackle, likely will impact coach Jon Gruden's approach to the draft, where Tampa Bay picks fourth. Could also use help at safety, where starters Jermaine Phillips and Will Allen have struggled, and linebacker. And don't be surprised to see Gruden bring in a veteran quarterback to compete with Chris Simms, who missed most of 2006 because of injury.
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Ruben Brown; DTs Ian Scott and Alfonso Boone; Ss Todd Johnson and Cameron Worrell; WR Justin Gage
RESTRICTED FREE AGENT: TE Gabe Reid
NEEDS: Star LB Lance Briggs was made franchise player and could be a training camp holdout. Bears could use free agency to shore up aging offensive line, but are not expected to make a big splash. Secondary also could use some depth after injuries to Mike Brown the last several years. They are not going after a quarterback like Jeff Garcia despite Rex Grossman's inconsistent play because Brian Griese is quality backup. They are interested in re-signing Brown.
DETROIT LIONS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Corey Bradford; RBs Arlen Harris and Aveion Cason; G Rick DeMulling; CB Jamar Fletcher; Ss Terrence Holt and Jon McGraw; FB Cory Schlesinger; DE Corey Smith.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Alex Lewis; LS Don Muhlbach; DT Cleveland Pinkney; CB Keith Smith.
NEEDS: Entering his second season, coach Rod Marinelli desperately wants to add speed, especially on defense. Team has encouraged some players, such as CB Dre' Bly, to explore trade possibilities. Detroit doesn't know when RB Kevin Jones (foot) will be back, so adding insurance at RB makes sense. Adding a No. 3 receiver, perhaps Kevin Curtis, who has ties to offensive coordinator Mike Martz, also a priority. An OT and OG would help a lackluster line, too, though Lions might wait to fill one of those needs with Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas with the No. 2 pick overall in draft.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: RB Ahman Green; TE David Martin; LBs Ben Taylor and Tracy White; DT Kenderick Allen; QB Todd Bouman; OL Tyson Walter.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
NEEDS: Playmakers in the passing game. The Packers didn't get productivity they were looking for out of tight ends last year -- particularly in the red zone -- and need another productive WR to take some defensive focus off Donald Driver. Team must decide whether to give Green a multiyear deal or move forward with backup RB Vernand Morency and possibly address the position in the draft.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Napoleon Harris; WRs Travis Taylor and Bethel Johnson; G Jason Whittle; DT Ross Kolodziej.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Darrion Scott; LB Rod Davis; G Anthony Herrera; TE Richard Owens; RB Artose Pinner; DT Spencer Johnson.
NEEDS: Some juice on the outside; mediocre receivers made life miserable for quarterbacks Brad Johnson and Tarvaris Jackson. Some heat by putting pressure on opposing QBs, a constant problem last season; DBs routinely had to cover opposing receivers for too long. A rush end should be a priority. Perhaps even a QB. Veteran Johnson was released, meaning second-year pro Jackson and backup Brooks Bollinger are only QBs on team.
NFC WEST
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: TEs Jerramy Stevens and Will Heller; WR Bobby Engram; G Chris Gray; Ss Jimmy Williams, John Howell and Ken Hamlin; LS J.P. Darche; OL Floyd Womack; LB D.D. Lewis; DEs Kemp Rasmussen and Joe Tafoya; CB Pete Hunter; RB Josh Scobey.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OT Sean Locklear; WR D.J. Hackett; CB Jordan Babineaux; LB Niko Koutouvides; Ss Guss Scott and Oliver Celestin; DT Craig Terrill; RB Josh Parry; OL Thatcher Szalay.
NEEDS: Letting Stevens go means coach Mike Holmgren foremost needs a pass-catching TE for his West Coast offense, plus a run-blocking tight end. Primary defensive needs are two bigger safeties capable of starting immediately, plus more size along DL and depth at LB. WR is not a need, even with Engram likely leaving and Darrell Jackson being shopped for a trade, because of additions of Deion Branch and Nate Burleson last year.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WRs Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald; CB Travis Fisher; LBs Isaiah Kacyvenski, Raonall Smith and Jamal Brooks; RBs Stephen Davis and Tony Fisher; DT Jason Fisk; DE Brandon Green; KR Willie Ponder; FB Paul Smith; OL Todd Steussie; P Matt Turk.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Brandon Chillar; TE Aaron Walker; OL Adam Goldberg; S Dwaine Carpenter; OL Larry Turner.
NEEDS: Defensive line, wide receiver, running back. Leonard Little was the only proven pass rusher last year. Depth may be an issue at WR behind veterans Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce if Curtis, the No. 3 at his position last year, leaves. Steven Jackson had a breakout year at running back, but there's little depth at the position. Rams addressed two areas of need during season, signing Little and LB Pisa Tinoisamoa to extensions.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DL Bryant Young; TE Eric Johnson; WR Bryan Gilmore; C Jeremy Newberry; DT Anthony Adams; FB Chris Hetherington; LBs Jay Foreman, Hannibal Navies and T.J. Slaughter; Ss Chad Williams and Deke Cooper.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: P Andy Lee; OL Tony Wragge; RB Maurice Hicks; S Mike Adams.
NEEDS: With more than $30 million in cap room, 49ers are expected to make a play for several top free agents to supplement a roster still fairly thin on talent despite 7-9 finish. Coach Mike Nolan would love to land LB Adalius Thomas, who played for him in Baltimore, while 49ers also need talented pass-rusher and depth in secondary. On offense, they'll bid for OT Leonard Davis and WR Donte' Stallworth before going after lesser targets. Young is expected back if he doesn't retire, while Johnson will search for a starting job before considering a return as Vernon Davis' backup.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: T Leonard Davis; RB Marcel Shipp; LBs Orlando Huff, Monty Beisel and James Darling; Ss Robert Griffith, Jack Brewer and Hanik Milligan; CBs David Macklin and Robert Tate; WR Troy Walters; OL Fred Wakefield; DE Chris Cooper; OL Chris Liewienski.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: Cs Nick Leckey and Alex Stepanovich; QB John Navarre.
NEEDS: Everything but QB and WR. New coach Ken Whisenhunt was unimpressed with Davis, but team might re-sign him if no one offers big contract he desires. Regardless, Cardinals will go after offensive linemen. CB also was a weakness, with Tate and Macklin unlikely to be re-signed. The team needs LBs and could use a run-stuffing DT. There's also a need at FB and TE, and for a safety to play alongside Pro Bowler Adrian Wilson.
NFC EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QBs Jeff Garcia and Koy Detmer; WR Donte' Stallworth; RBs Correll Buckhalter and Reno Mahe; LB Shawn Barber; CBs Roderick Hood and William James; S Michael Lewis; DE Juqua Thomas.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
NEEDS: Garcia was willing to return as a backup to Donovan McNabb, but he likely will get better offers from other teams. Eagles are comfortable with re-signed .J. Feeley as backup. They will try to re-sign Stallworth, but won't overpay because he's been prone to injuries. If Stallworth doesn't return, adding a playmaking receiver becomes a priority. Also need at least one starting linebacker, a power running back to complement Brian Westbrook, more depth on the defensive line, a nickel cornerback, a safety and a returner with game-breaking skills.
DALLAS COWBOYS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Marc Colombo; C Al Johnson; LB Al Singleton; DE Kenyon Coleman; K Martin Gramatica; S Tony Parrish.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Patrick Crayton; CBs Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones; LBs Ryan Fowler and Junior Glymph; TE Brett Pierce.
NEEDS: Wade Phillips sure could use what predecessor Bill Parcells called "catalytic players" at the front of 3-4 defense, primarily a quarterback-crunching end. He also could use help in the secondary, primarily at safety but possibly at cornerback if starter Anthony Henry is moved to safety. OL a never-ending concern, even after giving center Andre Gurode a $10 million signing bonus. The Cowboys also will be after veteran quarterback to back up Tony Romo. Maybe the new backup can hold, too.
NEW YORK GIANTS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: PK Jay Feely; C Shaun O'Hara; G Grey Ruegamer; LB Brandon Short; OLs Steve Edwards and Lewis Kelly; TE Visanthe Shiancoe; CB Frank Walker.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S Gibril Wilson; LB Reggie Torbor; RB Derrick Ward.
NEEDS: Making playoffs with an 8-8 record, having Tiki Barber retire and then releasing OT Luke Petitgout and LBs LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons mean Giants need help in all those areas. Season-ending knee injury to WR Amani Toomer and inconsistent play of Plaxico Burress showed the team needs another wideout. CBs Sam Madison and Corey Webster need improvement, and there was no depth at DT behind Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield. If Feely and O'Hara take free agency road, two more positions have to be filled. New GM Jerry Reese is going to earn his pay this year.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Derrick Dockery; LB Warrick Holdman; RB T.J. Duckett; CBs Kenny Wright and Ade Jimoh; S Vernon Fox; TEs Brian Kozlowski and Todd Yoder; T Todd Wade.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: P Derrick Frost; T Jim Molinaro; DT Ryan Boschetti.
NEEDS: Defense, defense, defense. Always aggressive in free agency, expect Redskins to quickly pursue and overpay for a cornerback, a linebacker, and perhaps a safety and a defensive lineman to help rebuild a defense that ranked 31st last season. CB Nate Clements and LB London Fletcher are among expected targets. Offense looks OK except (again) at the No. 2 receiver spot -- 2006 free agent signing Brandon Lloyd has so far been a bust.
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