The parades are over. The talk show circuit has been worked. It is safe to say that the 2009 NFL season is done; time to start preparing for 2010.
There are 235 players that will be looking to test the waters, some looking for a better home; other hoping to suit up one more time wherever they are allowed. With some big name players set to become unrestricted free agents March 5th there could be some significant moves made early.
Julius Peppers has made his displeasure with the Carolina Panther organization well known already. Rumors have the New England Patriots interested in the 8 year veteran. Carolina has until this Thursday in order to franchise tag the defensive end. If they intend to get something for Peppers they will have to, but they may have a hard time moving the hefty contract that will come with him.
Terrell Owens did not exactly bring the victories that were hoped for when he received the key to the city upon his arrival in Buffalo; it did not help that he did not have anyone that could throw him the ball either. One season removed from a great year with Tony Romo throwing him the ball in Dallas, there will be many teams looking to add the 37 year old receiver’s services to their rosters.
Darren Sharper may be amongst the first to leave the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints (the Saints are scheduled to have eleven guys hit the market March 5th). The 34 year old free safety was a mainstay in the Saint secondary this past season with 9 interceptions, 3 which were returned for a touchdown. There are rumors that have the Saints using the franchise tag on Sharper while some say there is no way they will use the tag on a player of his age.
