With free agency set to open Friday, Scouts Inc. takes a look at five players for whom teams should feel comfortable opening their wallets:
Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee
A few years ago he would have fallen more into the buyer-beware category, but after coming back from an unfortunate incident of on-field violence he has turned his career around. The low motor and work-ethic issues of the past are gone. In Tennessee, Haynesworth was a dominant force at the point of attack and the Titans built their defense around him. Their goal was to bring outside pressure and funnel the ball back inside, where Haynesworth was taking on (and beating) double-team blocks and making plays around the line of scrimmage. He was the best unrestricted free agent coming into the process and probably will hit the open market.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati
He is ready to spread his wings in a new situation; don't be surprised if he ends up somewhere in the NFC East. Through the early part of his career Houshmandzadeh had to take a back seat to Chad Johnson, but over the past year he has been the Bengals' No. 1 receiver. Early in his career, injuries were a concern, but he has been healthier lately. He hasn't lost a step and is still an excellent route runner. He could be the missing piece for some team's Super Bowl run.