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| Tuesday, February 25 Updated: February 27, 9:51 AM ET AFC West: Free agency breakdown Pro Football Weekly |
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PFW breaks down each team's plan of attack in free agency.
Each team's capsule contains a list of players who are scheduled to become free agents on Feb. 28. Unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are players who have accrued four or more NFL seasons and are free to sign with any team unless given a franchise or transition tag. Restricted free agents (RFAs) are players with three accrued seasons. The player's current team has a right of first refusal on offers from other teams. If the team chooses to let a restricted free agent leave by opting not to match an offer, the team will receive draft-choice compensation from the player's new team. Those who have been designated "franchise" players are required to be paid at least the average of the top five players at their position or a 20-percent raise, whichever is higher. "Transition" players require an offer of the average of the top 10 players at their position or a 20 percent raise, whichever is higher. In both cases, the original team has the right to match, and compensation for signing another team's franchise player is a pair of first-round picks.
Denver Broncos
 Analysis: Although the Broncos seem destined to part ways with Olandis Gary,
they also seemed destined to say adios to PK Jason Elam before re-signing
him in late January, so nothing should be taken for granted. The team would
like to get young FS Sam Brandon more playing time, so they could go either
way on Izell Reese. They like the contributions of CB Tyrone Poole and DL
Montae Reagor, so it wouldn't be considered a surprise if they're invited
back. The Broncos' restricted free agents are primarily special-teams
performers with the exception of Droughns, who could see more time at
fullback, and Jackson, who isn't exactly a prominent figure in the team's
plans. Denver was an estimated $15 million over next year's projected cap,
and that was before Elam's new deal. But the money the Broncos would save
from the retired Terrell Davis and soon-to-be-axed DT Chester McGlockton and
OT Blake Brockermeyer would total around $11 million, so things are not as
perilous as they would seem. Plus, if TE Shannon Sharpe calls it a career
and veterans like Ed McCaffrey and Denard Walker renegotiate, even more room
would be made available. Look for the Broncos to target Cardinals QB Jake
Plummer on the free-agent market, as Brian Griese will be shown the door
after June 1. A pass-rushing defensive end comes in second as far as need,
followed by depth along the offensive line, at corner and wide receiver.
Kansas City Chiefs
 Analysis: While the Chiefs still figure to have some wiggle room under the
cap, the re-signing of WRs Eddie Kennison and Dante Hall and the money left
aside for the restructuring of QB Trent Green's contract will limit their
ability to freely spend on the open market. Therefore, making a legitimate
push for free-agent pass rushers like Hugh Douglas or Rosevelt Colvin could
be a pipe dream unless they make more money available soon. The Chiefs
figure to start by releasing DE Duane Clemons and a few other underachieving
veterans, but Green will be due a March roster bonus of $8 million, a figure
they plan to convert into a signing bonus on a new, long-term contract. Also
on the burner will be a new deal for star RB Priest Holmes, who is vastly
underpaid. The Chiefs could use upgrades about everywhere defensively,
though some of the improvements will have to come via the draft. Look for
them to try to retain the services of Maslowski, whom they nearly lost as a
restricted free agent last season. Andersen, who kicked well before
suffering a leg injury, and Gammon should get one-year deals, and Stills is
a valuable special-teamer. Despite struggling without Jerome Woods next to
him, Wesley will be retained as well.
Oakland Raiders
 Analysis: A lot has been made about the Raiders' salary-cap troubles. And at
first glance, the concerns appear to be justified. But the Raiders and
several sources close to the team are not all that worried and believe they
can juggle their way through a tenuous offseason by trimming the fat and
doing a little nipping here and a little tucking there. The team will look
for assistance from its players, as it has in the past. Restructuring
cap-unfriendly contracts to spread them out over the next few years and
releasing a handful of veterans who are long in the tooth will be the plan
of attack. The likely departure of DE Trace Armstrong and possible
departures of DTs Sam Adams and Darrell Russell, CB Tory James and others
would free up some much-needed space. The Raiders could save more money by
packaging their two first-round picks to move up for one higher one this
April. OG Mo Collins is looked at as the one free agent the Raiders truly
need to bring back, as he has become an integral piece to the offensive
line. They also figure to keep at least one of their two unrestricted
fullbacks, Jon Ritchie and Zack Crockett, and must determine whose role is
more valuable. Tyrone Wheatley could be a goner because of his diminished
role.
San Diego Chargers
 Analysis: Some significant spending the past few years (DE Marcellus Wiley,
TE Stephen Alexander, WR Tim Dwight, LB Donnie Edwards, C Cory Raymer, CBs
Ryan McNeil and Alex Molden) has left the Chargers without much room to
work, so expect them to restructure some current deals (like they did with
QB Doug Flutie) or terminate others to try to make some headway in free
agency. Fortunately, the team does not have a lot of key contributors due to
become free agents, meaning money can be concentrated elsewhere. The play of
OLT Damion McIntosh dropped off a bit late last season, in part because of
nagging injuries, but the Chargers probably have too much time invested in
him to let him walk as a restricted free agent. Ronney Jenkins is a
serviceable return man, and Leonardo Carson provides decent depth at the DT
position, but no one on the UFA list peaks much of an interest. Topping the
list of needs this offseason is a big-play receiver. Veteran Curtis Conway
is expected to be let go because of his price tag and health concerns, so
it's clear they need a No. 1. They also will be searching for a new kicker,
some experienced help for the offensive line and some DL depth. Depending on
what they do with Rogers Beckett and Rodney Harrison, they could use some
safety help as well.
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Material from Pro Football Weekly.
