Fantasy News
Alge Crumpler should make a lot of money, probably this weekend. He’s not a great tight end. At 30 years of age (which is old for this position) and having had a lot of knee problems in recent years, he’s just an average tight end at this point in his career.
But free agency is a game of supply and demand, and Crumpler is the best tight end this year who is truly available. And with a lot of dollars available (with the salary cap having risen), some team will overlook Crumpler’s flaws and sign him to a generous contract.
The top two free agent tight ends are already spoken for. The Colts signed Dallas Clark to a six-year contract worth $41 million (had Clark opted to maximize his income, he probably could have gotten a few more million from some other team). And the Eagles have placed their franchise tag on L.J. Smith, so he’s not going anywhere.
A look at the free-agent field of tight ends:
Dallas Clark (Ind.)
Re-signed with Colts; $41 million for six years.
L.J. Smith (Phil.)
After an injury-plagued season, likely will play for $5 million tender and be a free agent again in 2009.
Alge Crumpler (Atl.)
Cut by Falcons in a cap move, he’s expected to sign with another NFC South team, most likely Tampa Bay (which has a lot of cap room).
Bo Scaife (Tenn.)
A restricted free agent, so he’ll likely return to the Titans (unless they obtain a better option and no longer want him).
Eric Johnson (N.O.)
Decent receiving option; lightweight blocker.
Ben Utecht (Ind.)
Likely will be the Colts’ blocking tight end, catching about 30 passes and 2 TDs.
Kris Wilson (K.C.)
One-time second-rounder played fullback in his final year and a half with Kansas City. Could play tight end for somebody else. But more of a backup than a starter.
Bryan Fletcher (Ind.)
Restricted free agent. Intriguing receiving option, but too thin to ever be effective as a blocker.
Billy Miller (N.O.)
Like Johnson and Fletcher, more receiver than blocker, hurting his ability to see a lot of playing time.
Ben Troupe (Tenn.)
Never really panned out for the Titans, and he’s had a lot of injury problems recently.
Jerramy Stevens (T.B.)
Has some ability, but major off-field concerns and drops a lot of passes. Numerous legal problems at the University of Washington, including a student charging him with rape, and he’s been arrested numerous times as a pro for drunk driving. Suspended by the league late last year.
John Gilmore (Chi.)
Adequate blocking tight end. Not much of a catcher.
Michael Gaines (Buff.)
Adequate blocking tight end. Not much of a catcher.
TIGHT ENDS WITH NO FANTASY VALUE:
Bubba Franks (G.B.)
Jeb Putzier (Hou.)
Jason Dunn (K.C.)
Courtney Anderson (Atl.)
Stephen Alexander (Den.)
Marcus Pollard (Sea.)
Anthony Becht (T.B.)
--by Ian Allan
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