Top 10 'buyer beware' free agents - Jets Insider.com Forums

Choon328 · 02-07-2013, 09:18 AM

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story...re-free-agents

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In NFL free agency, it's important to exercise discretion when making moves. Sometimes the moves you don't make can be more significant than the ones you do. Even if your team needs an upgrade at a position, paying top dollar in an inflated market for a player can be costly. Years down the line, it is those big flops that hurt a franchise unable to rebuild as it lives out its impetuous mistake of trying to find a quick fix.

So which players come with a "buyer beware" tag in 2013? Here are the top 10 when viewed through the Pro Football Focus prism.

Note: More detailed explanations of the advanced statistics used below can be found here.

Defense

Cary Williams, cornerback

2012 team: Baltimore Ravens

If reports are to be believed, Williams bet on himself by turning down a three-year, $15 million contract from the Ravens last year. Two postseason interceptions, to go with four in the regular season (along with 11 pass deflections), might suggest that was a wise move from Williams.

But watching the tape a little closer doesn't leave you quite as impressed. Williams gave up 39 first downs in the regular season and six more in the postseason, meaning his combined 45 first downs surrendered were the second highest of all cornerbacks. He wasn't a shutdown corner but rather someone teams moved the chains on. He may be looking for top cornerback money, but teams shouldn't be fooled into thinking he is one.

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LaRon Landry, safety

2012 team: New York Jets

On the back of what ended up being a Pro Bowl season, Landry has positioned himself to get paid. He won't be taking a hometown discount with the Jets because in his eyes his stock is at an all-time high after he proved he could handle the rigors of an NFL season by playing 96.6 percent of the Jets' defensive snaps.

Only the tape doesn't back up his performance. Eighty-eight tackles represent a big number, but his 4.7 run stop percentage was only 14th among safeties despite his spending 46.2 percent of his snaps in the box. He also got beat for 16 first downs and four touchdowns, the 11th-highest number of all safeties in coverage. Sure Landry can put a big hit on a receiver at times, but don't let those big plays fool you. He's not an elite, difference-making player, and he misses too many tackles (his 13 were 12th highest among safeties).

Osi Umenyiora, defensive end

2012 team: New York Giants

Despite what Umenyiora may say, the tape definitely isn't kind to him after a 2012 where he looked a step slower and was a whole lot less productive.

The soon-to-be former Giant is above all else a pass-rusher, but his 8.6 pass rushing productivity score was down from 11.3 in 2011 -- and a large part of why he finished just 31st in our 4-3 defensive end rankings. A non-presence against the run for the most part, some team in desperate need of help in the pass rush may turn to him hoping to find answers, but the truth is he's better suited to a situational role with lowered expectations on his output.

Connor Barwin, outside linebacker

2012 team: Houston Texans

This season was supposed to be the year that Barwin broke out. In theory it should have been, given that with teams paying extra attention to J.J. Watt, fewer resources were dedicated to stopping him. Only he couldn't take advantage of this, to the point where Houston can consider itself lucky to be priced out of his re-signing.

Barwin finished the season as our third-lowest-ranked 3-4 outside linebacker, struggling in all areas of the game. As a pass-rusher, he had the fourth-lowest score of his peers in our pass rushing productivity rating after notching 40 combined sacks, hits and hurries on 533 pass rushes, while in the run game, his run stop percentage score of 4.0 was the sixth-lowest number. You spend big money on impact players, and Barwin just isn't one of those.

Sean Smith, cornerback

2012 team: Miami Dolphins

There are times when I watch Smith and think he can be an elite cornerback; there are other times when I watch him and think he shouldn't even be on the field. For proof, no cornerback gave up more combined first downs and touchdowns than Smith's 46.

Smith started the season playing well but finished poorly, reminding us how badly he played in 2011 where he had the second-lowest coverage grade of all cornerbacks. Smith is as talented as he is inconsistent, and for that reason teams should be hesitant to part with the big bucks for him.

Rey Maualuga, linebacker

2012 team: Cincinnati Bengals

Granted, no team thinks it's going to be getting a superstar linebacker with Maualuga, but it might think it has found itself a stopgap starter and pay him as such.

And it would be wrong to do so.

Maualuga was our lowest-ranked middle linebacker this season, struggling all over the field but being a particular liability in coverage (London Fletcher was the only linebacker to give up more than Maualuga's 37 combined first downs and touchdowns). Throw in 16 missed tackles -- fifth most among inside linebackers -- and you have a liability on your hands.

Offense

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Dustin Keller, tight end

2012 team: Jets

If you were building an ideal tight end, he'd probably look a lot like Keller: explosive and able to do damage with the ball in his hands.

Yet all too often he's not a mismatch, and with the way he blocks, ensuring the Jets can't use him as an every-down tight end, he really needs to be more of a playmaker in the receiving game. This season he picked up only 1.48 yards per route run, a number that if he had run enough routes to qualify would have ranked tied for 15th with Martellus Bennett, a much more complete player.

Keller is capable, but there's too much inconsistency in his game for him to be relied upon and given big money.

Jake Long, left tackle

2012 team: Dolphins

There's a lot to be said for the position of left tackle being less important now, with teams getting rid of the ball quicker and quarterbacks defined by how they handle pressure. For example, has Joe Thomas propelled to Cleveland Browns to victory?

Even if you don't share that viewpoint, you would be hard-pressed not to see a depressing trend in Long's recent play. In his first three years in the league he was exceptional, but whether it's injuries or wear and tear, his past two years have created more questions, to the point where investing big money in him is a true gamble. If you judge a left tackle by his work in pass protection, Long has gone from ranking first in our pass blocking efficiency stat in 2009 and 2010 to 13th (2011) and what would have been 14th (2012) if he had have played enough snaps to qualify.

Is that the kind of recent performance a team should put a substantial part of its salary cap into, in the hope he turns it around?

Reggie Bush, running back

2012 team: Dolphins

Bush was 14 yards away from a second consecutive 1,000-yard season, but despite his high profile and success in Miami, there isn't much reason to invest significant money in him.

Out of 59 running backs to play at least 200 snaps, Bush finished 31st in our rankings, and that was mostly due to his receiving skills. For Bush, the same old problems prevail, as he averaged just 2.06 yards after contact per carry, a number that was better than only five backs with more than 100 carries. He just isn't a convincing runner between the tackles, teasing us with the idea he will be and then being quick to bounce the ball outside.

The truth is that the New Orleans Saints used him the way they did because that was the best use of his talents. Now he is older and has less tread on the tires.

Donnie Avery, wide receiver

2012 team: Indianapolis Colts

Given how obsessed Andrew Luck was with Reggie Wayne at times (179 balls thrown his way), it might be a minor miracle for some that Avery was able to walk away with 781 yards. That's a decent number for a No. 2 receiver.

But Avery benefited from a pass-happy offense in which Bruce Arians at times seemed determined to treat him as he had Mike Wallace in Pittsburgh. It meant the former Ram was targeted 25 times on balls aimed over 20 yards in the air (13th highest in the league), yet he caught only six of them while dropping four.

Indeed, drops were a huge problem for the unreliable Avery, as he led our drop rate signature stat for wideouts after dropping 12 of 72 catchable balls. A team might think he can provide another dimension to its offense, but it will overspend on plays left on the field.

Interesting stuff

crasherino · 02-07-2013, 09:24 AM

I'm not the biggest fan of Keller, but relying on his 2012 as a true indicator of his abilities is a mistake. He was not healthy for about 80% of the season.

I'm interested to see what RBs get in FA this year. Bush has some value, but I can't see a team look to make him their feature back. And Shonn Greene, while not being what we really needed, has some value too. But again, no team is making him their bell cow back. I guess I could see him getting Michael Bush money. And Reggie probably a bit North of there....but not too much more.

124 · 02-07-2013, 10:01 AM

Keller's write up is spot on. He has the ability to be a top tier TE, but he's never put it all together. He can't block, his hands are inconsistent and he doesn't produce consistent separation.

Flaming Mo · 02-07-2013, 10:02 AM

Would be interesting if they tell us how the come to all those "rates"... maybe I missed it. Landry when playing like last year is a pro bowl caliber safety, easily. Yes, he was beat for a touchdown here and there but I remember for example one being by Brady to Gronk with was an indefensible play that Landry covered as well as you can cover it. Then he is also a leader, someone who gets his teammates fired up, puts fear into receiver's heads going over the middle and just is a very energetic player. That will not show up in any stats or rates.

The one reason why you gotta be careful with him of course is the injury.

TJ · 02-07-2013, 10:05 AM

Agree with all of these. Glad they mentioned Reggie Bush. Maybe the Reggie Bush fan club will quiet down now. They act like Rex - this player burned me, so we should sign him Better to shore up your run defense and draft a running back. There is better value and there are better running backs in the draft. There are plenty to choose from. Draft all of your needs. Build the team, we are not going anywhere this season. The Jets need to fix the team. No free agents, especially beasts. Maybe one or two cheap role players.

Play2Win · 02-07-2013, 10:11 AM

I don't think gronkowski Hernandez graham would have looked good last season with Sanchez throwing thee ball

Wharton_Jet · 02-07-2013, 10:11 AM

Jake Long is an interesting name. Didn't know he was a free agent. He will probably be looking for big money, but there is no better way to shore up the line than to have Long and Brick as the bookends and draft a guard or two

DDNYjets · 02-07-2013, 10:21 AM

We all know Landry is not great in coverage so that isn't a surprise. The biggest question mark with him is if he can stay healthy. This past year was a step in the right direction but I would like to see him do it again. Also, you need a true FS to play alongside him, one that is good in coverage. He does miss a lot of tackles b.c he plays @ top-speed all the time.

The criticism of Keller is spot on. Average at-best TE. Disappears in big games and is the only TE that Ray Lewis can cover.

NY's stepchild · 02-07-2013, 10:48 AM

Landry brings an attitude, but early on he was missing a lot of tackles, and getting penalties. Whey too aggressive. He tightened things up as the year went by so I'm thinking he will be better next year. It was amazing just that he stayed healthy considering that all the doctors said he needed major surgery. Not going to make those well renowned Drs any money, but it will for that holistic guy he did see.

Batmans A Scientist · 02-07-2013, 11:03 AM

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Originally Posted by 124

Keller's write up is spot on. He has the ability to be a top tier TE, but he's never put it all together. He can't block, his hands are inconsistent and he doesn't produce consistent separation.

I'm not a huge fan of Keller, but not recognizing that Mark Sanchez as a QB is part of the problem is a little bit misleading. That's like looking at Larry Fitzgerald's season and not mentioning the Arizona QBs.

jpoppy7 · 02-07-2013, 11:08 AM

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Originally Posted by NY's stepchild

Landry brings an attitude, but early on he was missing a lot of tackles, and getting penalties. Whey too aggressive. He tightened things up as the year went by so I'm thinking he will be better next year. It was amazing just that he stayed healthy considering that all the doctors said he needed major surgery. Not going to make those well renowned Drs any money, but it will for that holistic guy he did see.

Landry's nothing special. Makes some big plays and big hits, but misses a lot of tackles too, and is no better than average in coverage.

If the market recognizes this, bring him back for cheap. There are a number of better safeties in FA, so he may not get such big offers. But if he does, Jets shouldn't try to match.

Could say the same for most of the other FAs on the list. They all do some things well, and are only "buyer beware" if you pay a lot.

Ray Ray19 · 02-07-2013, 11:42 AM

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Originally Posted by DDNYjets

We all know Landry is not great in coverage so that isn't a surprise. The biggest question mark with him is if he can stay healthy. This past year was a step in the right direction but I would like to see him do it again. Also, you need a true FS to play alongside him, one that is good in coverage. He does miss a lot of tackles b.c he plays @ top-speed all the time.

The criticism of Keller is spot on. Average at-best TE. Disappears in big games and is the only TE that Ray Lewis can cover.

He was hurt for over 70% of the season last year, last year is not a good measuring stick.

Average at best doesn't put up 70 catches 800 yds receiving

He is more than average, health has been a bigger issue.

DDNYjets · 02-07-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Ray19

He was hurt for over 70% of the season last year, last year is not a good measuring stick.

Average at best doesn't put up 70 catches 800 yds receiving

He is more than average, health has been a bigger issue.

Only reason why he had a lot of receptions is b.c he was targeted so many times and Sanchez was constantly checking down to him.

But he caught a couple of nice passes in the 2009 playoffs. Too many people in this organization living off of 2009. Hopefully they all are purged soon so we can move towards 2014.

PatsFanTX · 02-07-2013, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Ray19

He was hurt for over 70% of the season last year, last year is not a good measuring stick.

Average at best doesn't put up 70 catches 800 yds receiving

He is more than average, health has been a bigger issue.

Over his 5 year career, Keller has averaged 48 receptions, 575 yards and 3 TD's per season.

How do you consider that "above average"?

BamaJets · 02-07-2013, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsFanTX

Over his 5 year career, Keller has averaged 48 receptions, 575 yards and 3 TD's per season.

How do you consider that "above average"?

The Jets' offense, as you always like to point out, isn't exactly a good one. Put Keller on a team which knows how to use the TE, he'll put up much better numbers. I thought with your brilliant football mind you could've figured that out.

Jmat321 · 02-07-2013, 12:06 PM

I really think Keller could be a pro bowler on a team with a solid QB, but so could a lot of players. If I was him, I'd get out of here if I dodge the franchise tag. Atlanta looks like they'll need a TE.

DDNYjets · 02-07-2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsFanTX

Over his 5 year career, Keller has averaged 48 receptions, 575 yards and 3 TD's per season.

How do you consider that "above average"?

That bootleg he caught against Cincy was amazing.

Buzzsaw · 02-07-2013, 12:26 PM

Landry was excellent this season, his Pro Bowl was well deserved. Profootballfocus's rankings and ratings are garbage

PatsFanTX · 02-07-2013, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzzsaw

Landry was excellent this season, his Pro Bowl was well deserved. Profootballfocus's rankings and ratings are garbage

Agreed, and some team out there is going to sign him to a large contract.

James Hasty · 02-07-2013, 12:52 PM

I think the entire list is dead on accurate.

The main reason Landry looked so good is that we had nothing at safety before he came here making him an improvement.

Not only is Keller nothing special, his blocking is a liability.

The only name that surprised me is Rey Maualuga because the Bengals defense has been very good since they drafted him. Also, with the other USC linebackers playing so well I just assumed that he was too.

02-07-2013, 09:24 AM	#2
crasherino Board Moderator Jets Insider VIP Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 16,807	I'm not the biggest fan of Keller, but relying on his 2012 as a true indicator of his abilities is a mistake. He was not healthy for about 80% of the season. I'm interested to see what RBs get in FA this year. Bush has some value, but I can't see a team look to make him their feature back. And Shonn Greene, while not being what we really needed, has some value too. But again, no team is making him their bell cow back. I guess I could see him getting Michael Bush money. And Reggie probably a bit North of there....but not too much more.

02-07-2013, 10:01 AM	#3
124 There's NO reason to delay the process. Start Geno Smith. All Pro Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 7,966	Keller's write up is spot on. He has the ability to be a top tier TE, but he's never put it all together. He can't block, his hands are inconsistent and he doesn't produce consistent separation.

02-07-2013, 10:02 AM	#4
Flaming Mo All League Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: St. Peter-Ording (Germany) Posts: 4,638	Would be interesting if they tell us how the come to all those "rates"... maybe I missed it. Landry when playing like last year is a pro bowl caliber safety, easily. Yes, he was beat for a touchdown here and there but I remember for example one being by Brady to Gronk with was an indefensible play that Landry covered as well as you can cover it. Then he is also a leader, someone who gets his teammates fired up, puts fear into receiver's heads going over the middle and just is a very energetic player. That will not show up in any stats or rates. The one reason why you gotta be careful with him of course is the injury.

02-07-2013, 10:05 AM	#5
TJ Con Ritmo Hall of Fame Charter JI Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: San Diego Posts: 6,008	Agree with all of these. Glad they mentioned Reggie Bush. Maybe the Reggie Bush fan club will quiet down now. They act like Rex - this player burned me, so we should sign him Better to shore up your run defense and draft a running back. There is better value and there are better running backs in the draft. There are plenty to choose from. Draft all of your needs. Build the team, we are not going anywhere this season. The Jets need to fix the team. No free agents, especially beasts. Maybe one or two cheap role players.

02-07-2013, 10:11 AM	#6
Play2Win Act as if... Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,508	I don't think gronkowski Hernandez graham would have looked good last season with Sanchez throwing thee ball

02-07-2013, 10:11 AM	#7
Wharton_Jet is expecting Sanchez to turn the corner Waterboy Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 33	Jake Long is an interesting name. Didn't know he was a free agent. He will probably be looking for big money, but there is no better way to shore up the line than to have Long and Brick as the bookends and draft a guard or two

02-07-2013, 10:21 AM	#8
DDNYjets Bye week buh bye Rex Hall Of Fame Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: New York Posts: 12,236	We all know Landry is not great in coverage so that isn't a surprise. The biggest question mark with him is if he can stay healthy. This past year was a step in the right direction but I would like to see him do it again. Also, you need a true FS to play alongside him, one that is good in coverage. He does miss a lot of tackles b.c he plays @ top-speed all the time. The criticism of Keller is spot on. Average at-best TE. Disappears in big games and is the only TE that Ray Lewis can cover.

02-07-2013, 10:48 AM	#9
NY's stepchild Here's hoping that GS3 under center, and Coples on the edge works out. All League Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hawthorne NJ Posts: 4,712	Landry brings an attitude, but early on he was missing a lot of tackles, and getting penalties. Whey too aggressive. He tightened things up as the year went by so I'm thinking he will be better next year. It was amazing just that he stayed healthy considering that all the doctors said he needed major surgery. Not going to make those well renowned Drs any money, but it will for that holistic guy he did see.

02-07-2013, 12:06 PM	#16
Jmat321 Undrafted Free Agent Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lawn Guyland Posts: 126	I really think Keller could be a pro bowler on a team with a solid QB, but so could a lot of players. If I was him, I'd get out of here if I dodge the franchise tag. Atlanta looks like they'll need a TE.

02-07-2013, 12:26 PM	#18
Buzzsaw Jets Insider VIP Board Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 26,297	Landry was excellent this season, his Pro Bowl was well deserved. Profootballfocus's rankings and ratings are garbage

02-07-2013, 12:52 PM	#20
James Hasty All League Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,541	I think the entire list is dead on accurate. The main reason Landry looked so good is that we had nothing at safety before he came here making him an improvement. Not only is Keller nothing special, his blocking is a liability. The only name that surprised me is Rey Maualuga because the Bengals defense has been very good since they drafted him. Also, with the other USC linebackers playing so well I just assumed that he was too.