While DeMaurice Smith and Roger Goodell have lunch today to discuss their suits, Arnold's affair, Bin Ladin, or whatever else they're talking about other than making a deal, let's look ahead to potential free agency!

The problem with FA this year is the confusion as to restricted tenders. If the league reverts back to 2010 rules, there will be some players who have not accrued the necessary 6 years of experience to be unrestricted free agents.

Let's assume that free agency doesn't start until there i a deal in place, and that deal happens in time for a full NFL season (a boy can dream).

I am feeling quite good about a number of roster holes: interior lineman, WR2, NT and secondary pass rusher. However, that is putting a great deal of stock into a rookie class yet to prove a thing except they can get drafted into the NFL.

WR:

There are a number of veteran options in the FA pool this year, from speedsters to possession guys. #1 receivers who make good #2 guys, and #2 guys who make excellent slot receivers. It's all over the map.

The highlights:

Sidney Rice. Dude blew up with Favre chucking him the deep ball. Percy Harvin ensured there could be no double teaming, and with Shiancoe and AD keeping safeties honest, Rice looks like the absolute perfect starting WR to make plays midway down the field.

Steve Smith (NYG): I think this guy is a #1 receiver with a slot receiver's skills. He just makes catches all over the field.

Mike Sims-Walker: Big, strong receiver who has breakout potential.

Santana Moss - Flies down field and can torch teams for triple digit yards.

Vincent Jackson - likely to be a chargers re-sign.

NOTABLES:

Michael Floyd/Legedu Naanee - They can't keep all three. Huge WR targets.

Sinorice Moss

Steve Breaston: Familiar with Haley, knows system. Injury prone but has sure hands and always seems to produce when healthy.

Plaxico Burress
Houshmanzada
Donte Stallworth
Jacoby Jones
Laurent Robinson
Lance Moore
Dominik Hixon (NYG): Vertical threat.


How about on defense?

Aubrayo Franklin was a crown jewel in the DL free agent pool last year and would be a fantastic upgrade at NT while Powe gets acclimated to the NFL game.

Mathias Kiwanuku - could give a lot of versatility to the front 7 while rushing the passer from the strong side.

Ray Edwards - Same as above.
Manny Lawson (still think he has potential)
Barrett Ruud
Kirk Morrison
Paul Posluszny
Ernie Sims
(gasp) Vernon Gholston

Offensive line:

The same as last year:

Jared Gaither, left tackle. (moving albert to LG or RT)
Matt Light, left tackle.
Logan Mankins, left guard. (keeping albert at LT and starting asamoah at RG and hudson at C)

DB isn't a priority, but when the best cornerback in the league comes available and Brandon Carr is a free agent...it must be at least considered.

Anyway...thoughts?