QUESTION: Assuming there is no NFL lockout (perhaps a big assumption), if you were running the Rams who would be the first player you would contact when free agency opens on March 4?
JIM THOMAS
I’d have a few numbers handy. But the first call would go to Vincent Jackson, the wide receiver from San Diego. And if his line was busy, the next call would be to Sidney Rice, the wide receiver from Minnesota (that’s assuming team doctors were satisfied with his hip).
JEFF GORDON
Like everybody else, I’m interested to see which, if any, of the high-end wide receivers actually reach free agency. After their epic 2010 fail, the Chargers will feel pressured to re-sign Vincent Jackson. His contract dispute last year helped doom that team. The Vikings, suddenly forced to rebuild, would be silly to let Sidney Rice leave. Perhaps the Jets will turn the page on Braylon Edwards, since Santonio Holmes also needs a new deal. Pickings might be disappointing at this position if teams take care of business and keep their players.
BILL COATS
I’m tempted to say Vincent Jackson, who certainly would beef up the wide receiving corps but has “pillars” problems. So I’m going to go with guard Carl Nicks. He’s been a solid performer with the Saints, has been in the league just three years, and would be a nice complement to left guard Jacob Bell. That would free up Adam Goldberg to return to his role as the o-line’s super sub, available to fill in at any spot.
KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
There’s no sure-fire way of knowing exactly how free agency will be structured in the new CBA but let’s assume that guys who are currently set to be unrestricted free agents will still be labeled as such. If players with 5 years of service or less can be unrestricted free agents under the new CBA then the first player I’d call is Vikings LB Chad Greenway.
Greenway’s a grinder who makes a lot of plays and I think he’d be an outstanding complement to James Laurinaitis. OLB is one of the team’s key areas of weakness heading into the 2011 season and I don’t see as many impact players in the draft at this position as I do wide receiver, the Rams’ other primary area of need.
If Greenway is restricted I’d still consider making a play for him but in that case I might call Patriots OG Logan Mankins first. Shoring up the line wouldn’t be a bad secondary option if the guy you want at LB isn’t there.
I’ll wait until the draft to get my new #1 WR (Julio Jones, please).
