This may not be indicative of a larger house-cleaning trend, but the Ravens have released three-time Pro Bowler Chris McAlister. The oft-injured cornerback's departure frees up $8 million in salary-cap space, which could be used to find his replacement. Or if Ray Lewis has any say in the matter, to pay him. Not long ago, McAlister was considered one of the NFL's most physical corners, often matched up against opponents' best receivers. He has 26 picks and 89 passes defended in his 10-year career, although he last played a full 16-game schedule in 2006.
Still, he's just 31, and when healthy, very good at what he does. Which is why it wouldn't be completely surprising if McAlister ends up with his old defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, who's now the Jets' head coach.
The Newark Star-Ledger's Dave Hutchinson writes that "Don't be surprise if the Jets are among the teams to express interest in McAlister. Cornerback is perhaps the Jets' biggest position of need and new Jets coach Rex Ryan is intimately familiar with McAlister ... Last season, McAlister clashed with rookie head coach John Harbaugh, which undoubtedly hastened his departure."
Ah, yes, McAlister's "clash" with Harbaugh. Apparently, the vet lost his luggage during the team's October trip to Miami to face the Dolphins. He opted to go travel casual, sporting a "t-shirt and shorts in the lobby of the team hotel prior to kickoff Sunday morning while his teammates were dressed in suits." Harbaugh opted to demote McAlister for the game.
In the scheme of things, hardly a big deal, but certainly enough for Harbaugh to make a point to the rest of the team.
Whatever, McAlister is now free to hawk his wares elsewhere, and New York seems like a perfect fit. Along with Darrelle Revis the Jets would have two solid cornerbacks, and not only that, but the team could then use its first-round pick to address other needs. Like, say, quarterback. Assuming, of course, the new coaching staff doesn't have faith in Kellen Clemens/Brett Ratliff/random free agent pick-up. And, more importantly, as long as Joe Namath approves. Obviously.
Tracking NFL Free Agents
Brandon Jacobs, Running back
NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG USED BY GIANTS
The Latest: The non-exclusive tag means that Jacobs is still able to sign elsewhere, but would cost two first-round picks as compensation. He'll likely spend at least one more season in New York because of that.
Bill Kostroun, AP
Chris Johnson, Cornerback
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - 4 years, terms not announced
The Latest: Oakland wasted no time locking up Johnson with a multi-year deal, and now can focus all its attention on making sure Nnamdi Asomugha is lined up at the Raiders' other cornerback spot.
Paul Sakuma, AP
Albert Haynesworth, Defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 14 starts, 51 tackles (41 solo), 8.5 sacks
The Latest: Haynesworth could be the biggest prize to hit the unrestricted free agent market. He's said he would prefer to stay with Tennessee, but the Titans promised not to franchise him again, so they'll have to pay.
Mark Humphrey, AP
Kerry Collins, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
Regular Season Stats: 16 games played (15 starts), 2,676 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 80.2 QB rating
The Latest: Despite his age (36), Collins feels he is in line for a big contract -- comparable to whatever Kurt Warner receives. If Tennessee does not deliver, the Brett Favre-less Jets are a potential home.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
Ray Lewis, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 117 tackles (85 solo), 3.5 sacks, 3 INTs
The Latest: The franchise tag rules mean that Lewis would become the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history at more than $11 million if the Ravens went that route. Baltimore would prefer to re-sign Lewis.
Rob Carr, AP
Terrell Suggs, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 68 tackles (53 solo), eight sacks, two INTs
The Latest: Suggs suggested that he, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott all take hometown discounts and stay in Baltimore, so he wants to be there. He's a cheaper franchise tag option than Lewis.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Bart Scott, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Regular Season Stats: 16 starts, 82 tackles (61 solo), 1.5 sacks
The Latest: Is there room for Scott in Baltimore? With the franchise tag likely landing on Terrell Suggs and the Ravens doing all it takes to sign Ray Lewis, it doesn't look like Scott is a priority.
G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 92 catches for 904 yards, four touchdowns
The Latest: The only way Housh returns is if the Bengals franchise him. Otherwise, he'll sign a lucrative contract elsewhere -- possibly with Philadelphia, where he's already expressed interest in playing.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Regular Season Stats: 15 starts, 40 tackles (33 solo), one interception
The Latest: Asomugha's numbers are skewed by opponents' fear of throwing anywhere near him. The Raiders will use the franchise tag on him if they need to.
Greg Trott, Getty Images
Leroy Hill, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks
Regular Season Stats: 12 starts, 84 tackles (63 solo), missed four weeks with two separate injuries.
The Latest: Hill was arrested in January on marijuana possession, possibly cooling some interest in him. Seattle has yet to offer Hill a new contract.
Ted S. Warren, AP
