We’re only ten days into the 2008 free agency signing period so I hesitate to hand out awards, but I’m on a “Best of…” assignment and there are several teams (namely Minnesota, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Buffalo) who have already strongly upgraded their rosters. The N.Y. Jets, however, have been the best of the bunch.

The Jets seemed determined to get things moving in the right direction by going on a shopping spree. They’ve already spent over $120 million with the additions of OL Alan Faneca (Steelers); FB Tony Richardson (Vikings); DT Kris Jenkins (Panthers, via trade); OL Damien Woody (Lions); LB Calvin Pace (Cards); and sleeper RB Jesse Chatman (Miami). Alan and Tony were All-Pros last season. In my opinion, both are the best at their positions. Calvin will be a monster in the Jets’ 3-4 scheme. And Jesse might produce better numbers than Michael Turner in Atlanta in ‘08. I compare the two because both were backups awaiting starting roles. His 124 rushing yards against the Bills and 10.4 ypc against the Pats (both in losses) last season were not flukes.

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N.Y. Jets Top List of Free Agency Winners

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

With free agency just hours away, I still can’t believe the New England Patriots don’t have a deal in place for wide receiver Randy Moss. His record-setting 2007 more than earned him the right to have been signed to a long-term deal by the Pats. He kept his nose clean and was a leader and good teammate. He’s Tom Brady’s favorite target. What more needs to be said? I feel like as soon as I publish this, news will break of his signing … with the Patriots. Still, New England has a lot to consider. They have a slew of free agents and have the difficult task of deciding who they can keep. Remember, this was an 18-1 team last season. A roster overhaul isn’t really an ideal game plan. Who am I to question the mighty Patriots, though. They seem to find a way to make it work.

It’s always easy to assume the teams with the most money to spend will do the most spending in free agency. But what each team must do is look at their needs and decide what holes can be filled best in free agency or the upcoming Draft. And for those teams without a lot of cash to spend, it doesn’t mean they won’t be active. Obviously they have fewer options, but if there’s a player out there they want, they’ll do what they have to to get after him.

Here are my Top 10 free agents heading into tomorrow’s free-for-all:

1. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots
2. Michael Turner, RB, Chargers
3. Alan Faneca, G, Steelers
4. Lance Briggs, LB, Bears
5. Asante Samuel, CB, Patriots
6. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys
7. Justin Smith, DE, Bengals
8. Bernard Berrian, WR, Bears
9. Tony Richardson, FB, Vikings
10. Derek Anderson, QB, Browns

Other players I really like (in no particular order) are Daunte Culpepper (QB, Raiders); Chris Brown (RB, Titans); Jerry Porter (WR, Raiders); Ernest Wilford (WR, Jags); Donte Stallworth (WR, Patriots); Jesse Chatman (RB, Dolphins); Julius Jones (RB, Cowboys); Atari Bigby (DB, Packers); and Lorenzo Neal (FB, who was released by the Chargers) and DeShaun Foster (RB, who was released by the Panthers). There are a lot of good players that will be available soon.

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Randy Moss Leads Top 10 NFL Free Agents

Ricky Williams‘ one-and-a-half year suspension ended today as he was reinstated to play in the National Football League. Now the question is who will want him on their team having only played in 12 games since the start of the 2004 season? He’s the “property” of the Miami Dolphins as he begins a comeback from multiple violations of the league’s drug policy. And at 0-9, I can’t imagine why the Dolphins wouldn’t give him a try. Even with franchise RB Ronnie Brown on the shelf for the rest of the season, the Dolphins have an exceptional back in Jesse Chatman. But I think this is a perfect time for Miami to see what, if anything, Ricky still has left in his tank — how much tread is left on his tires, so-to-speak, running alongside Jesse on a part-time basis. The Dolphins can run the football. They’re currently 11th in the NFL in rushing ypg, so I think this is a good opportunity to do some evaluating. And for Ricky Williams, it’s a chance to prove himself to not only the Dolphins, but the entire NFL. He is scheduled to fly to South Florida tomorrow for a physical and to meet with Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron.

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Ricky Williams Reinstated by NFL