2008 Free Agency Update

March 2, 2008 at 7:21 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

The NFL has it’s own version of March Madness, and this year it started on February 29. Below is a look at some of the key player movement that went down during the first few days of free agency and a look at some more moves likely to happen quickly.

Lance Briggs Returns To Chicago - We knew it didn’t make any sense for Lance Briggs to sign with the 49ers. Come on folks, he’s a traditional 4-3 weak side linebacker who likely wouldn’t make a very natural transition to being an inside linebacker in a 3-4 set. Briggs, who once said he’d never play another game in a Bears uniform, decided to return to the Windy City when he finally had a chance to go wherever he wanted. Briggs struggled with injuries last season and never really got going. We expect him to return to fantasy prominence in 2008.

Bernard Berrian Signs Six Year Deal With Vikings - Who cares if they’re known for their defense and running game, and have a struggling young signal caller? We like this move for Berrian’s fantasy value. Let’s face it folks, it couldn’t get much worse than the Bears, and now that he’s out of Chicago, he can truly blossom. This signing will make Tarvaris Jackson a much better player. Berrian will start across from Sidney Rice, and we expect the two youngsters to make a nice 1-2 punch and benefit from the fact that defenses will have to account for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.

Chiefs Ink Demorrio Williams - The Chiefs signed free agent WLB Demorrio Williams, who will come off the bench and back up Derrick Johnson and Donnie Edwards. He likely won’t be fantasy worthy.

10 Teams After Javon Walker - 10 NFL teams are reportedly interested in Javon Walker, including the Buccaneers, Eagles, Cowboys, Redskins, Giants and 49ers.

Bryant Johnson Visits Bills - The Bills are hosting 6′3″, 26 year old Bryant Johnson. He’d be a great fit across from Lee Evans and a move like this would greatly increase his fantasy value.

Michael Turner Not Leaving Atlanta - Turner has been in Atlanta all weekend and isn’t likely to leave. He’ll become Atlanta’s featured back, and should be a solid RB2 with 1,000 yard potential.

Devery Henderson Re-Signs With Saints - The home run threat signed a one-year deal to stay in New Orleans.