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Monday, June 2, 1997

The big day in free agency

By GARY MORRIS / Guest Columnist

In February there were 505 players who became Free Agents. Of these 505 players, 99 unrestricted free agents, 50 restricted free agents and 2 franchise players have re-signed with their old teams. Another 79 unrestricted, 2 restricted and 2 transition players have signed with other teams.

That means at least 250 players looking to get new contracts.

Michael Haynes and Torrance Small have both contacted Atlanta and the Falcons are considering signing one or both. Haynes still has the deep threat and Small is anything but "SMALL". At 6-3 201, he's got the size to make many teams take a long look.

Rod Woodson is getting serious consideration by the Patriots, along with Henry Thomas, and Ernest Dye.

Mark Carrier will probably get cut by the Bears.

Others who will likely get cut are:

Packers linebacker Ron Cox,

Bucs receiver Alvin Harper,

Cardinals linebacker Seth Joyner,

Chiefs DT Dan Saleamua,

Chiefs QB Steve Bono,

Cowboys C Ray Donaldson,

Panthers C Curtis Whitley,

SF TE Adrian Cooper,

Saints QB Jim Everett,

Saints CB Mark McMillian,

Oakland linbacker Pat Swilling,

NY Giants Ray Agnew,

NY Jets Bobby Houston,

Baltimores DL Dan Footman,

Baltimores Craig Powell

Charles Haley will likely retire this month and Jay Novacek will also either retire or be cut.

The Broncos are trying to get something from the Cowboys for Anthony Miller but any trade may cost them more money than whatever they may get in draft picks. Dallas should consider swapping a fifth round pick, allowing Denver a higher 5th, just to cut Miller, that way it's a win-win situation, because a trade still moves ALL of the pro-rated signing bonus into this years cap.

John Flannery will likely be the new Starting Center for the Cowboys with Clay Shiver the new backup.

The Cowboys would also love to get a former linebacker, (the Bears Vinson Smith), to add someone who knows the system already for depth at weakside linebacker.

More and more it looks like Alvin Harper may be joining the Redskins, but those are just rumors at this point. Harper may wait an see if the Cowboys sign Miller first. Harpers biggest assets are knowing the playbook and the ability to adjust well to under thrown balls. His weaknesses are his propensity to drop some easy passes far too often and his lack of speed.

I am one that feels the Cowboys will come out of this "Free Agency" period in good shape for the start of the season.

One of my unhappiest moments this off-season was the signing of Garrison Hearst by the 49'ers. With a REAL threat in the backfield they may once again be the top offensive team in the NFL....if and I say if, Steve Young can stay healthy.