Albert Haynesworth 

If it wasn't for Julius Peppers, Haynesworth would be the biggest free agent heading into 2009. As the unquestioned leader of the Titan's defensive line, Albert totaled 8.5 sacks and 51 total tackles while forcing 3 fumbles. At 320 pounds, he's a big man and knows how to throw that weight around. I fully expect Tennessee to do everything they can to keep him, but we're more than able to afford him if he gets loose. We tried to make Julius Peppers the best paid defensive end in the league for crying out loud. I'm sure that Haynesworth would consider it a privilege to play with that kind of money with this kind of team. Albert if you get a chance to read this, don't take their offer! There are plenty of things you can do for us here.

Rocky Bernart  

Rocky had a one game suspension to start the season, but the defensive tackle still managed to gather up a quality season with a team that went 4-12 in the regular season. Managing 55 tackles and 4 sacks, he showed everyone that no matter how bad a team is doing, a player can still provide himself a decent season. At the age of 29, he's in the prime of his career, and with his 8.5 sack season in 2005 he has tremendous upside to him if he was to leave Seattle. I'd love to stick this guy in next to Lewis to see what would happen if he makes it to free agency.

The Falcons have a huge amount of starters that they have going into free agency, and this is a guy I would at least take a look at if he slips through to the market. Another quality DT that went through his first season as a starter. Really, I think this guy would be a much better player than he is right now if he gained a little bit of weight. He's the kind of player where I think an extra 10-20 pounds would work wonders for him. Even without the weight, he's worth picking up.

Chris Canty

This will be the sneakiest free agent out there. He's in a 3-4 system so he's not going to get that many sacks, which in turn doesn't contribute to getting a huge contract. But he has the same size as Julius Peppers and almost as much athletic ability. If he makes it to free agency, I'd pick him up in a heartbeat. He'd make a great project, and at 6 feet 7 inches and over 300 pounds I'd be highly interested in what would result from that particular project. If he changes to a 4-3 and breaks out for over 10 sacks, you can say I told you so. 

Shaun Cody

A member of the infamous Detroit Lions. He only started 4 games last year, so it's tough to know whether he will be any good or not. He hasn't gotten a sack since his rookie season, and he contributed to a lack of a pass rush last year for the Lions. He'll have to prove that he's a little better statistically before he has a shot at getting on a big team like the Patriots or the Panthers. For now though, I think he'll just be resigned by the Lions since they'll be able to get him cheaply.

Tank Johnson

Talks a lot about football but never really does it. Acts like a starter, but is actually a career backup. He contributed a big deal of things to the Cowboys last year, most of it being drama. The Panthers won't sign him. Moving on.

Marcus Tubbs  

Here's where it starts to get a bit tricky. Marcus is a member of the Seahawks and he missed all of 2007 after going down from injuries. He's not been healthy his entire career, much like a defensive version of DJ Hackett. However, with a whole year to get himself healthy some team will sign him and see exactly how good this kid is. It's a big risk/reward situation. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. We tried it this year with DJ Hackett and it didn't work, but it's definitely something to consider.

John Thorton

Not a big fan of the Bengals myself. Last player we signed from their team was Landon Johnson, and we all saw how that worked out. He's decent, but he's another player that I believe will finish off his career with his own team. He's 32 years of age, so he might even retire and not get to next year. Who knows? It's obvious he doesn't have much left in the tank though, I'd take Kemo over him any day.

Kedric Golston

Scouts.com spoke of him as a very underrated DT, and I would say that I would have to agree on the basis of physical talent. There is no question that he is going to come into FA as one of the cheapest options out there, and if John Fox tries a mass signing of the DL much like the tactic he used to fix the offensive line, than this guy would be a perfect target.

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If anyone has any other big names, feel free to shout them out. Know this: One of these guys are going to be on your team next year. There is no way John Fox is going to let the defensive line sit like it is and not improve it.

Personally, I would love to see the Panthers pursue Haynesworth if we lose Julius Peppers. After all, the best way to improve a weak position is to add the best player in the business at that position. If we got Haynes and some draft picks to compensate for losing Peppers, our DL might be able to turn this around.

Bye for now! Be sure to check back to see who we get as our assistant coaches.