2008 NFL Free Agency Preview: Tight Ends
While it’s true that two of this year’s top options at tight end were franchised:
- Dallas Clark in Indianapolis
- L.J. Smith in Philadelphia
…there are a number of viable options remaining at the TE position. Whether you want a proven, pass-catching stud with some injury questions (Alge Crumpler) or a blocking beast (Kyle Brady) or something in between (Marcus Pollard); there are choices. Given the breadth of available free agents, expect a lot of movement for very reasonable financial terms.
The Top Tight Ends on the Market
- Alge Crumpler (6′2″, 264 pounds, 30 years old) – The seven year veteran is the gem of the free agent market; but recent injury concerns might keep him from reaping top dollar. Crumpler is a perennial Pro Bowler and actually managed to make Michael Vick look like a real NFL passer at times. Even though he only started 10 games last year, Crumpler caught 42 passes for 444 yards and 5 TDs. Crumpler also can stretch the field; averaging 13.3 yards per catch over his career, and logging catches of 40 or more yards in all but one season. Expect Crumpler to visit several teams before signing a multi-year deal as a starter for a playoff contender.
- Bo Scaife (6′3″, 249 pounds, 27 years old) – Scaife is a restricted free agent and probably isn’t leaving Tennessee. But he’s young and sure handed; making it entirely possible some team will sign him to an offer sheet. Expect Scaife to re-sign with Tennessee with a multi-year deal.
- Ben Utecht (6′6″, 251 pounds, 26 years old) — Everyone knows about Dallas Clark, but Utecht is quietly a valuable part of the Colts offensive attack. Not only has he caught 68 passes over the last two seasons, but he’s averaged better than 11 yards per reception. Although he’s a restricted free agent, his age and versatility make him an attractive option for a team looking at upgrading their starter without breaking the bank.
- Eric Johnson (6′3″, 252 pounds, 28 years old) – Johnson, when healthy, is a solid pass catcher but lacks explosiveness (career 9.1 yards per catch). He’s also failed to play a full season yet in his career. That said, he caught 48 passes in 12 starts last year as a Saint, and will get an opportunity to make plays for some team in 2008.
The (Near) Complete List
| Player | Name | Status | 2007Team | 2008Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen | Alexander | UFA | DEN | |
| Courtney | Anderson | UFA | ATL | |
| Mike | Bartrum | UFA | PHI | |
| Dwayne | Blakley | UFA | ATL | |
| Mark | Bruener | UFA | HOU | |
| Christian | Fauria | UFA | CAR | |
| Bryan | Fletcher | UFA | IND | |
| Michael | Gaines | UFA | BUF | |
| John | Gilmore | UFA | CHI | |
| Ben | Hartsock | UFA | TEN | |
| Eric | Johnson | UFA | NO | |
| Bennie | Joppru | UFA | SEA | |
| Brian | Kozlowski | UFA | WAS | |
| Ryan | Krause | UFA | GB | |
| Billy | Miller | UFA | NO | |
| Matt | Murphy | UFA | BUF | |
| John | Owens | UFA | DET | |
| Marcus | Pollard | UFA | SEA | |
| Jeff | Robinson | UFA | SEA | |
| Mike | Seidman | UFA | IND | |
| Jerramy | Stevens | UFA | TB | |
| Ben | Troupe | UFA | TEN | |
| Ben | Utecht | UFA | IND | |
| Aaron | Walker | UFA | STL | |
| Jermaine | Wiggins | UFA | JAX | |
| Kris | Wilson | UFA | KC | |
| Billy | Bajema | RFA | SF | |
| Tony | Curtis | RFA | DAL | |
| Joel | Dreessen | RFA | HOU | |
| Tim | Euhus | RFA | ARZ | |
| John | Madsen | RFA | OAK | |
| Sean | McHugh | RFA | DET | |
| Jamie | Petrowski | RFA | TEN | |
| Kyle | Brady | Released | NE | |
| Alge | Crumpler | Released | ATL | |
| Jason | Dunn | Released | KC | |
| Bubba | Franks | Released | GB | |
| Jeb | Putzier | Released | HOU | |
| Jerame | Tuman | Released | PIT | |
| Zac | Alcorn | Signed | SF | SEA |
| Richard | Angulo | Signed | JAX | JAX |
| Cody | Boyd | Signed | WAS | PIT |
| Nate | Jackson | Signed | DEN | DEN |
| Teyo | Johnson | Signed | DEN | BUF |
| Joe | Newton | Signed | SEA | SEA |
| Buck | Ortega | Signed | MIA | NO |
| Sean | Ryan | Signed | NYJ | MIA |
| Cooper | Wallace | Signed | CIN | SF |
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