Linebacker

The Big Money Guy — Ray Lewis: Can you picture Lewis in any other uniform than a Ravens one? It's certainly hard to picture, but it's also very possible. In addition to Lewis, the Ravens will be working to bang out a deal with OLB Bart Scott. Terrell Suggs is going to want a long-term deal as well. The Cowboys are apparently interested, but there are a few teams who might be willing to spend big bucks on the best linebacker of the past 15 years.

The Bargain Bin — Dontarrious Thomas: The college teammate of Karlos Dansby hasn't had quite the same career as his fellow former Auburn Tiger. After playing with the Vikings for four years, he signed with San Francisco last offseason. The Niners then released him and he ended up finishing the year with Minnesota. Thomas, a linebacker, has only had six tackles over the past two seasons. Is his career a bust? Or does the former second-round pick have a second life in him? A team willing to pay likely the league minimum can pony up to find out.

The Wild Card — Takeo Spikes: Spikes is the Jamal Crawford of football. His teams never win. In 11 years in the league, Spikes has never played in a postseason game. But that's no fault to him. After bouncing from Buffalo to Philadelphia to San Francisco, the former Bengals star settled in with the 49ers last season and recorded 96 tackles in '08, his first 90-plus tackle season since '04. Plenty of teams are looking for a veteran leader that can get the job done at OLB. But are they willing to put the league's version of "The Biggest Loser" on their squad? We'll have to see.

Other intriguing names: Michael Boley, Angelo Crowell, Keith Brooking, Shantee Orr, Channing Crowder, Jonathan Vilma

Defensive Back

The Big Money Guy — Brian Dawkins: From everything I've heard, it's almost a certainty that Dawkins will be returning back to the Eagles for '09 and perhaps '10. But there's been no deal inked yet, and at 35 years old, Dawkins is still one of the best all-around safeties in the league. The anchor of the league's third-ranked defense in '08, Dawkins forced six fumbles and had three sacks last year.

The Bargain Bin — Andre Goodman: Goodman was one of Miami's most consistent performers during last season's miracle AFC East championship run. In Week 17's division-clinching win over the Jets, Goodman made the pivotal interception that put the Dolphins in position to win. Three of the four starting defensive backs from last year's Miami squad are free agents. Goodman — an underrated and talented corner -- could be available at a reasonable price.

The Wild Card — Lawyer Milloy: Recently waived by the Falcons, Milloy had a pretty strong year for one of the league's most pleasant surprises on defense in '08. Now a free agent, the 13-year veteran is on the market and capable of still contributing for a contender. He's got some miles, but still can play the safety spot.

Other intriguing names: Chris McAlister, Jermaine Phillips, Gibril Wilson, Dré Bly, Jabari Greer