10 Below the Radar Free Agent Signings

Most football fans will hear about the big name free agent signings, but here are some of the free agents who could make a bigger difference on their new teams than their contracts suggest.

Kevin Burnett ILB, Dolphins

Burnett’s development last season into a top end starter at middle linebacker helped the Chargers’ defense become one of the best in the league. He had 95 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. Those numbers would usually mean a trip to the Pro Bowl, but he unfortunately got snubbed for Ray Lewis and Jerod Mayo. Pairing Karlos Dansby with Burnett will create the best pair of interior linebackers in the NFL and should make the Dolphins defense even more dangerous. He is a big upgrade over Channing Crowder. 

Harvey Dahl G, Rams

This is a huge pick up for the Rams, who continue to do everything they can to help the development of Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford. The Rams already had a great line with two great young bookend tackles. Now they have a top 5 guard as well to add to the mix. Dahl will help out in the run game as well as protect Bradford. The Falcons might miss Dahl more than they think, considering they are in one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.

Ray Edwards DE, Falcons

I almost didn’t put Edwards on here because he was the most coveted pass rusher in this free agent class, but he still does not get as much name recognition as you might expect. He might not be a top end pass rusher but he is the perfect fit in Atlanta. Much like how Edwards was paired with a great pass rusher in Minesota (Jared Allen), Edwards will now be paired with John Abraham, who is getting older yet is still a very dangerous pass rusher.

Jermon Bushrod T, Saints

Bushrod was pursued by a few other teams than the Saints (at least the Bears went hard after him), but he ended up staying with the Saints. As anyone who watches football knows, the Saints pass the ball a ton and they cannot afford to lose such a young and talented player who holds pass rushers at bay.

Steve Breaston WR, Chiefs

Breaston is reunited with his old offense coordinator Todd Haley, now head coach of the Chiefs. The Chiefs are desperate for weapons in the passing game and Breaston will be the most reliable receiver for Matt Cassel, since Dwayne Bowe and first round pick Jonathan Baldwin have a lot of character and work ethic concerns.

STARTING QUARTERBACKS WHO MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

As expected, there have been numerous quarterbacks on the move since free agency started yesterday. Many of the top tier quarterbacks ended up where most people thought they would: Matt Hasselbeck to the Titans, Donovan McNabb to the Vikings, and Kevin Kolb to the Cardinals (the latter two are unofficial but are as good as done deals). However, there are some lower level quarterbacks on the move that could end up starting for their respective teams. Here are some of the more interesting quarterback situations:

Seattle Seahawks

QBs on their roster: Charlie Whitehurst

Who everyone expected them to go after: Kevin Kolb, Matt Leinart

Who will most likely be their starter: Tarvaris Jackson

Everyone thought that the Seahawks would take a run at Kevin Kolb since they were expected to let Matt Hasselbeck leave. However, it is reported that they really didn’t show much interest in him once free agency opened up. They were also tied to Matt Leinart, considering his connection to coach Pete Carroll. They decided to go in a completely different direction and signed Tarvaris Jackson to compete with Charlie Whitehurst, whom they gave up a second round pick to get just a season ago. It does not look like they will go after another quarterback in free agency, except for someone to be their third string quarterback. Maybe they end up going after a guy like Marc Bulger, but it is unlikely at this point.

FANTASY FOOTBALL COMING SOON

Sorry I have been MIA on the blog for such a long time, but I have been extremely busy and I was tired of reading about legal proceedings and trying to find something to say about reports that were entire speculative anyway.

Either way, the lock looks as if it is coming to an end and we can FINALLY get this season rolling. Fantasy Football preparation is going to be even more difficult this year considering there are approximately 500 free agents without a team right now. After the big name free agents sign, I will be bringing you my fantasy advice for the upcoming season, so look forward to it!