With wide receiver Braylon Edwards off the market, let's reassess some notable veterans who still reside on the NFL's Island of Misfit Toys, better known as the free-agent pool.
Roy Williams, WR: Williams had a workout with the Houston Texans on Thursday, but it was later reported to be a case of the dreaded "due diligence" by the team. Coming off a woeful one-year run with the Chicago Bears, we'd be surprised if Williams found a home.
Instant Debate: A team for T.O.?
Terrell Owens worked out with Drew Brees and Carson Palmer. Could T.O. fit in with the Saints, Raiders or anyone else? **More ...**
Ryan Grant, RB: Grant is living proof of how quickly an NFL career can go off track. In 2009, he was a Pro Bowl running back who racked up 11 touchdowns and nearly 1,500 yards of total offense for the the Green Bay Packers. In 2010, Grant ripped up his ankle in Week 1 and disappeared for a year. Last season, Grant saw his workload cut in half, then wasn't offered a contract. Grant has the track record, but not the benefit of the doubt.
Cedric Benson, RB: This isn't a dynamic back by any stretch, and his off-the-field problems don't help his cause, but shouldn't there be teams interested in adding depth to their backfield with a player coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons?
Plaxico Burress, WR: Burress is surprised he's not in camp right now, but that's hardly a unanimous sentiment. The soon-to-be 35-year-old receiver had a sneaky bad season in 2011, his eight touchdown catches masking the fact he was simply too slow to make a regular impact outside the red zone. Burress can still make plays, but all that baggage is weighing him down.
Andre Carter, DE: Carter, 33, said earlier this month his torn quadriceps muscle will be fully healed by Week 1, but the former New England Patriots pass rusher has yet to get a call from the Foxborough area code. If he's healthy, there should be a market for a player who's had three seasons of 10 or more sacks since 2007.
Jim Leonhard, S: A Rex Ryan favorite, Leonhard was quarterback of the secondary on some very good New York Jets' defenses. But he's also coming off back-to-back season-ending leg injuries. Leonhard, 29, has declared himself healthy and able, but the Jets' lack of interest adds more doubt about his durability.
Jeremy Shockey, TE: Shockey has taken his lumps over the years and is closing in on his 32nd birthday, but he's coming off a season in which he posted his best yards-per-reception average (12.3) since his New York Giants mid-aughts heyday. Also: The man has a tattoo of an angry bald eagle wrapped in an American flag on his right arm. You don't want that on your sideline?
Terrell Owens, WR: The darkest timeline.
