NFL Free Agency and Trading Period ‘08 Opens
For Updated NFL Draft '08 Traded Picks go to main page link on left

The NFL salary cap for player’s salaries for the 2008 season will be $116 million this year an increase of $7 million over last years. With the $7 million raise in the cap, most clubs will have a cushion for the upcoming year despite many accelerated contracts. Wholesale releases occurred again this year prior to the start of the FA period with many clubs forced to make major decisions on high priced veterans. About 310 unrestricted free agent veteran players will be available this offseason. Many clubs are currently in the process of trimming their rosters or restructuring further not only to meet the deadline, but also to create cap room to be able to bid on additional players this offseason.
The NFL new trading period started with a bang with several big deals mainly involving veteran defensive tackles like Corey Williams, Kris Jenkins, Marcus Stroud, Shaun Rogers and Jason Ferguson being traded on the first two days of the offseason. Another defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson may be the next veteran lineman to change teams with an unusually high number of veteran starters being moved early in the trading period.
Running back Kevin Jones heads the group of available backs that could be another strong area in the trading market. Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson are also available for the right offer. Veteran cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall and Sheldon Brown will be among several defensive backs who will be available to the highest bidder. Both defenders are young starters in their prime with Hall a highly sought defender who will command a #1 pick and Brown most likely a middle round selection. They will compensate for an average FA class of corners, though clubs will be able to address this position in a talented and deep rookie class available in the NFL Draft ’08.