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2011 NFL Free Agency Preview

Shea’s fantasy football 2011 NFL Free Agency & fantasy football draft tips. The lockout appears set to end any day now and, rumor hasn’t, the free agency NFL gambling crapshoot will begin on July 28.

Top Free Agents – Fantasy Player News

Are you ready for the NFL’s free agent frenzy? The lockout appears set to end any day now and, rumor hasn’t, the free agency NFL gambling crapshoot will begin on July 28. It should be madness.

Let’s have a look at the top available guys at each position.

Keep in mind that the list is much bigger – but there’s only time to talk about so many players.

QUARTERBACKS

Marc Bulger

Marc Bulger has said repeatedly over the last few seasons that he still believes he can start in the NFL again. Sorry, Marc, but no one else agrees with you. Bugler is too shell-shocked from his days getting pounded behind a sieve-like Rams offensive line.

Rex Grossman

Grossman flashed brilliance filling in for Donovan McNabb late last season but has never shown the ability to put a full season of great play together.

Matt Hasselbeck

If I’m a Seahawks fan, I’m hoping Seattle finally lets Matt Hasselbeck ride off into his backup afterlife. The team’s offense simply can’t grow with him and his creaky back at the helm. Hasselbeck still has the ability to be an above-average backup option in the mold of Jon Kitna.

Matt Leinart

Could Matt Leinart be the sleeper of the 2011 free-agent class? He hardly got a chance last season in Arizona before the Cards cut him. Arguably, Leinart has never gotten a opportunity to start. Isn’t there some team out there with a rookie QB that would be better off with Leinart for a year? Tennessee or Minnesota, maybe?

Alex Smith

If it’s true that the Arizona Cardinals are set on acquiring Kevin Kolb to be their starting quarterback, Alex Smith may be out of options. It therefore looks like the 49ers will retain Smith, especially since Casey Kaepernick likely isn’t ready to jump into a starting role as a rookie.

RUNNING BACKS

Cedric Benson

Cedric Benson wasn’t nearly as good in 2010 as he was in 2009 but he was still a reasonably effective bellcow back for the Bengals. Most reports have them bringing him back to share carries with Bernard Scott.

Ahmad Bradshaw

Like Benson, Bradshaw is unlikely to change teams in 2011. Even though Bradshaw fumbles too much, the New York Giants would be taking a risk if they cut a man who ran for 1,235 yards and averaged a whopping 6.7 yard per carry last season.

Ronnie Brown

As is the case with Miami Dolphins teammate Ricky Williams, Ronnie Brown’s situation is cloudy. He had a chance to stake out a massive contract with a big 2010 season. While he finally stayed healthy, he played terribly. Will he re-up with Miami on a short deal? Or will some contending team (the Packers?) dust him off as a reclamation project?

Michael Bush

Michael Bush reminds me of Michael Turner before he joined the Atlanta Falcons. He’s flashed the power and explosiveness to be a featured back but hasn’t gotten the reins to himself before. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him leave Oakland and become a star elsewhere.

DeAngelo Williams

Williams is considered the most sought-after running back in 2011 free agency. It’s a virtual certainty that he’s done as a Carolina Panther, as Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson are a fine duo for the team to use. Whether it’s foolish or not, some team will likely sign him to a big contract. He’s 28 but only has two 200-carry seasons to his name, so he may have a good season or two left in him. [ad-8469823]

WIDE RECEIVERS

Braylon Edwards

He’ll likely never approach his Cleveland Browns heyday again, but Braylon Edwards can still be a second or third option as a deep-threat receiver. It’s also worth noting that he’s never had an elite – and perhaps not even an above-average – quarterback throwing to him. He’s unlikely to remain a Jet.

Malcolm Floyd

Some people would rather see Randy Moss or the New York Giants’ Steve Smith crack my top five here but I think Floyd is the sleeper of this bunch. He’s big, rangy, athletic, able to get deep – just a lesser known, lesser appreciated version of Vincent Jackson, is he not?

Santonio Holmes

I doubt the New York Jets want to Holmes walk, especially since they’re likely to kiss Edwards goodbye. Holmes is a speedy, heady, clutch receiver who should be better in 2011 since he won’t miss the first four games with a suspension.

Vincent Jackson

Who knows what to expect from crotchety Chargers’ general manager A.J. Smith? Will he bring back Vincent Jackson after last year’s feud? As a huge red-zone target that also somehow possesses little-guy speed, Jackson is a valuable addition to any offense. San Diego may let him go, however, since Phil Rivers has shown he can excel as a passer no matter who he throws to.

Sidney Rice

Rice’s hip injury last season was major but he’s still young enough to be an elite receiver. The Minnesota Vikings will do everything in their power to keep him as a long-term target for Christian Ponder.

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

Nnamdi Asomugha

Asomugha is the belle of the free-agent ball, no doubt. Rumor has it he might command up to $19 million per season. Most experts don’t think he’ll be back in Oakland. Asomugha will likely join a Super Bowl contender – perhaps the Jets. The Asomugha sweepstakes will be the biggest story in 2011 free agency.

Jonathan Joseph

Joseph would make a fine consolation prize for any team who misses out on Asomugha. Though he regressed last season after a breakout 2009, he’s a physical, relatively young corner who can improve a secondary. The Bengals would be wise to re-sign him.

Mathias Kiwanuka

The New York Giants have so many powerhouse pass rushers that guys like Mathias Kiwanuka often get lost in the shuffle. He injured his neck last season and may not have a clear path to start with the Giants this year. Maybe he’ll seek greener pastures?

Ike Taylor

Ike Taylor isn’t as flashy as Asomugha or Joseph but he’s been a steady presence with the Pittsburgh Steelers, good in coverage and run support. He’s another guy whose team likely won’t want to lose him.

Cullen Jenkins

Since the Green Bay Packers have so many stars – expensive stars – on their defense, they may not be able to afford Jenkins anymore. He’s a disruptive pass rusher that could surely add teeth to any sack-starved defense willing to put up with his injury risks.

Pre-season is nearly upon us (we hope), so for the next few weeks we encourage you to be checking out our FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT GUIDE for all your rankings and analysis for the upcoming league drafts that you’re going to be participating in.

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By Shea Matthews

Shea Matthews the Senior Writer at CP. Lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national papers. Shea applies his knowledge to sports betting + handicapping daily, and shares winning picks with the world.