A few years ago the New England Patriots identified a restricted free agent they truly liked -- thanks to a recommendation from a friend of Bill Belichick named Nick Saban -- and they went after the player.
No, they didn't end up signing Wes Welker as a restricted free agent. But they did work out a trade for him with the Miami Dolphins.
That was 2007. Restricted free agency has seen precious few players changing teams since then despite the success Welker has had with New England. The fact is as draft picks have become more valuable (based on the fact rookies now make less) fewer teams are willing to give draft pick compensation for players that will also come with new contracts.
Nonetheless, the NFL Players Association collects the list of players that do not have four years in the league but are out of contract as restricted free agents.
Here is that list:
TEAM PLAYER NAME POSITION ACCRUED (includes 2012 season)
AF Palmer, Michael TE 3
AF Smith, Antone RB 3
BB Brown, Colin OL 3
BB Jones, Donald WR 3
BB Nelson, David WR 3
BR Cox, Morgan OL 3
BR Dickson, Ed TE 3
BR Harewood, Ramon OL 3
BR Jones, Art DT 3
BR Pitta, Dennis TE 3
BR Reed, Brandon WR 3
CHB Collins, Nate DT 3
CLB Ogbonnaya, Chris RB 3
CLB Williams, Eddie RB 3
CNB Miles, Jeromy S 3
CNB Quinn, Richard TE 3
CP Neblett, Andre DT 3
CP Ness, Nate S 3
DB Ball, Lance RB 3
DB Clark, Chris OL 3
DB Colquitt, Britton P/K 3
DB Gronkowski, Chris RB 3
DC Costa, Phil OL 3
DC McCray, Danny S 3
DL Fox, Jason OL 3
DL Spievey, Amari S 3
DL Young, Willie DE 3
GBP Crabtree, Tom TE 3
GBP Dietrich-Smith, Evan OL 3
GBP Francois, Rob LB 3
GBP Shields, Sam CB 3
GBP Zombo, Frank LB 3
HT Gardner, Andrew OL 3
IC Edds, A.J. LB 3
IC Linkenbach, Jeff OL 3
IC Olsen, Seth OL 3
IC Vaughn, Cassius CB 3
JJ Bolen, Brock RB 3
JJ Bosworth, Kyle LB 3
JJ Estes, John OL 3
JJ Potter, Zach TE 3
JJ Selvie, George DE 3
JJ Shipley, Jordan WR 3
KCC Rucker, Martin TE 3
MD Amaya, Jonathon S 3
MD Mastrud, Jeron TE 3
MD McCann, Bryan CB 3
MD Moore, Marlon WR 3
MD Spitler, Austin LB 3
MV Jefferson, A.J. CB 3
MV Kropog, Troy OL 3
NEP Fletcher, Dane LB 3
NEP Hoomanawanui, Michael TE 3
NOS De La Puente, Brian OL 3
NOS Drescher, Justin OL 3
NOS Galette, Junior DE 3
NOS Ivory, Chris RB 3
NYG Brown, Andre RB 3
NYG Brown, Stevie S 3
NYG Cruz, Victor WR 3
NYG Pascoe, Bear TE 3
NYG Torain, Ryan RB 3
NYJ Cumberland, Jeff TE 3
NYJ Howard, Austin OL 3
NYJ Mauga, Joshua LB 3
NYJ Purdum, Tanner OL 3
OR Adams, Phillip CB 3
PE Anderson, Colt S 3
PS Dwyer, Jonathan RB 3
PS Kapinos, Jeremy P/K 3
PS McLendon, Steve DT 3
PS Redman, Isaac RB 3
PS Sanders, Emmanuel WR 3
PS Sylvester, Stevenson LB 3
SDC Ajirotutu, Seyi WR 3
SDC Alexander, Danario WR 3
SDC Brinkley, Curtis RB 3
SDC Windt, Mike OL 3
SF Brock, Tramaine CB 3
SF McBath, Darcel CB 3
SLR Cole, Justin LB 3
SLR Cudjo, Jermelle DT 3
SLR Stewart, Darian S 3
SS Butler, Deon WR 3
SS Gresham, Clint OL 3
SS Maragos, Chris S 3
SS McDonald, Clinton DE 3
TBB Blount, LeGarrette RB 3
TBB Cutrera, Jacob LB 3
TBB Te'o-Nesheim, Daniel DE 3
TT Velasco, Fernando OL 3
WR Baker, Chris DT 3
WR Banks, Brandon WR 3
WR Jackson, Rob DE 3
WR Paulsen, Logan TE 3
WR Sundberg, Nick OL 3
WR Young, Darrel RB 3
NeMo,
I wasn't suggesting Amendola, just throwing it out here for debate.
I actually had him in fantasy and he stayed on the bench most of the time. Not that that means anything but he was only good for a td about every 3 weeks.
I think Hartline got more yards more consistently than him.
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 03, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Make sure you have a designated driver nj.
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 03, 2013 at 02:59 PM
As a medical professional of some repute in the Bahamas, I respectfully suggest that firing Ireland would go a long way towards curing numerous ailments.
Posted by: Dr. Bateswood, LLC | February 03, 2013 at 02:59 PM
I want no more acorns. Bring in te Men$.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 03:01 PM
Wasn't OJ Brigance originally draft by the Dolphins?
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 03, 2013 at 03:03 PM
San Francisco stuff Ciapino, and Porchetta. Enjoy the game!
Posted by: DarrylDunphy | February 03, 2013 at 02:23 PM
=========================================
It's 'cioppino.'
Posted by: native | February 03, 2013 at 03:18 PM
Oj briggance was a free agent signing he was with us for a few years I think we signed him out of Canada
Posted by: Nj | February 03, 2013 at 03:20 PM
I'm rooting for the Des Moines Ham Warriors in today's big game.
Posted by: Mrs. Gladys Mononucleosis | February 03, 2013 at 03:20 PM
I like the wart hogs by 6
Posted by: Nj | February 03, 2013 at 03:25 PM
Omar Kelly is quoting Jesus , is he serious or what
Posted by: Nj | February 03, 2013 at 03:27 PM
Thanks Nj. I knew the name was familiar. They just did a piece on him on CBS. Apparently he was a big contributor for the Ravens their SB year. Now he has ALS. Bummer.
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 03, 2013 at 03:27 PM
I believe that Alicia Keyes is a Musician and don't lip-synch.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 03:33 PM
Omar is a moron. The SS should fire him for that.
Posted by: We All Know | February 03, 2013 at 03:36 PM
Man to be in New Orleans today. We've got some snacks ready to go but I bet their cookin up some good stuff in the big easy.
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 03, 2013 at 03:37 PM
Will the Dolphins ever win a SB?
Posted by: Doubtful | February 03, 2013 at 03:40 PM
Anyone got a link to the game?
Posted by: Typical DumbSht Blogger here | February 03, 2013 at 03:50 PM
Its getting old going into every season with ZERO chance at a championship.
Posted by: FED UP FIN | February 03, 2013 at 03:51 PM
Its getting old going into every season with ZERO chance at a championship.
Posted by: FED UP FIN | February 03, 2013 at 03:51 PM
Maybe it's your life that is getting old and boring? Or was it always that way?
Posted by: Tee | February 03, 2013 at 03:53 PM
Actually, you can tell who the Best Singers are by how well they perform live. Here, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, in Cuba, Beny More, etc.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:01 PM
A SB special by Armando. How about it?
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:03 PM
I always tend to forget Michael Jackson. I dont know if it is that he looked a bit strange to me or what. Huge talent.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:09 PM
Noboy wants to comment here. Yeah, I'm preparing my Porterhouses also. I don't go cheap.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:15 PM
I like the Ravens in a close game.
Oscar, speaking of forgotten, haven't seen the other Ray mentioned much in these Super Bowl talks...
Rice
Posted by: The Signal | February 03, 2013 at 04:16 PM
Kris, SOME people discuss football here and SOME desperately try to sound as if they are experts at it. They aren't.
Posted by: The NFL Won't Be Calling | February 03, 2013 at 12:56 PM
----------------------
Really?
Well, I'll be............Barney!
I came to this blog thinking there would be a plethora of experts here.
ROTFLMAO - Kris has a way of smacking people in the face with some reality!
Nice!
Posted by: odinseye | February 03, 2013 at 04:20 PM
Well, he's there Signal, he's there.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:21 PM
To me, it's even-Steven. May the best one Win.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:24 PM
After watching the Dullfins all season its refreshing to so see some 2 good teams play.
Posted by: Panthers Goal | February 03, 2013 at 04:35 PM
Lots of great Canes on the field today.
Posted by: Panthers Goal | February 03, 2013 at 04:37 PM
Has this person possibly suffered a stroke that has gone undiagnosed? Someone please help this guy.
Posted by: Phins78 | February 03, 2013 at 01:21 PM
Phins78,
This guy has a stroke alright. His right arm is twice the size of his left!
Blog Hit! Cha-Ching!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | February 03, 2013 at 04:41 PM
Obama said it will be a good game. I wonder if the house and the senate agree on that??
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 03, 2013 at 04:47 PM
Cris Carter said his top receivers ever are Jerry Rice, Terrel Owens, Randy Moss...in that order.
Posted by: Panthers Goal | February 03, 2013 at 04:48 PM
I love Football but can due without the over drawn Pre-Game show. There giving updates on team busus leaving Hotels and the snacks the players are taking.
For instance the Ravens are eating Grapes and Peanuts, Huhh??
Posted by: fin4life | February 03, 2013 at 02:08 PM
Too Funny and sadly, too true!
I would hang out with ALoco and sniff glue before I watched all these Pre Super Bowl Shows.
Ok........I wouldn't.........but you get my drift......
Posted by: odinseye | February 03, 2013 at 04:50 PM
I would take superman over the hulk would you..........my dad could beat up your dad.....geez whiz enough already
Posted by: Nj | February 03, 2013 at 02:42 PM
Hey, shut up! Nobody wants to hear your crap!
-----------------------------------------------
I'm going to do some black tar heroin later I can't wait
Posted by: Nj | February 03, 2013 at 02:43 PM
Oops...........I mean.........
Whazzup Buddy?
Posted by: odinseye | February 03, 2013 at 04:56 PM
go finsssssss
Posted by: dusty bottoms | February 03, 2013 at 04:58 PM
Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, in Cuba, Beny More, etc.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:01 PM
Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Tyler, Joe Cocker, etc, etc.....
Posted by: odinseye | February 03, 2013 at 05:00 PM
odin, no SB party? No friends? Why am I not surprised?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: No one likes Odin | February 03, 2013 at 05:00 PM
odin, no SB party? No friends? Why am I not surprised?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: No one likes Odin | February 03, 2013 at 05:00 PM
--------------
So.......ah........what about you?
Wanna come over?
I got Beer!
Milwaukees Best ICE!!!!
Posted by: odinseye | February 03, 2013 at 05:03 PM
The Lover Boys Club
They always come to defend their precious loves.
Kris
DaShe
Phins78
Odoreye
The rest of us? Ah, we can handle it on our own.
Posted by: Rayo X | February 03, 2013 at 05:14 PM
Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, in Cuba, Beny More, etc.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 03, 2013 at 04:01 PM
Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Tyler, Joe Cocker, etc, etc.....
Posted by: odinseye | February 03, 2013 at 05:00 PM
Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Jim Morrison, Barbara, Liza, and of course the divine Sarah Vaughan.
Posted by: Les | February 03, 2013 at 05:19 PM
The average SB ticket is only $2900. Seats on the 40 yd line a cool $10.000. Man why didn't I go. lol
Posted by: Dolfan Rick | February 03, 2013 at 05:22 PM