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An IDP Look at FA Signings - AFC East (fantasysharks.com)
2 Months Antwan Barnes LB NYJ, Kevin Burnett LB OAK, Philip Wheeler LB MIA Comment

The AFC East continues to be the New England Patriots division to dominate and the early free agency signings have done little to give reason for that changing anytime soon. Miami has thrown the most money around and made some serious waves in the realm of IDP football as they look to catch Tom Brady and company.

NEW YORK JETS: The Jets defense is in a state of disarray as salary cap issues forced the release of some veteran (if underachieving) talent and limits the options that they can afford to bring on board. Gone are LaRon Landry, Bart Scott, Calvin Pace, Mike Devito, Yeremiah Bell, Eric Smith, Aaron Maybin, Sione Pouha and Bryan Thomas.

So who have the Jets been able to go out and get to replace the plethora of players they released? Look west young man. To date they have signed two former San Diego Chargers defenders in OLB, Antwan Barnes and DT, Antonio Garay.

Garay is 33 years old and will assume the same rotational, reserve role that he filled in San Diego last season. His career high in single season tackle numbers was 57 in 2011 and he has amassed 9 1/2 sacks in 56 regular season games played. Garay will not see enough playing time to offer any substantial fantasy production and is not worth drafting.

OLB, Antwan Barnes should finally receive the opportunity to fulfill on the fantasy promise he has flashed during his time with the Chargers. Barnes has always been an above average pass rushing threat off the edge and has racked up 23 career sacks on limited defensive snaps.

In 2011 for San Diego he posted 11 sacks with two forced fumbles while playing a career high 483 snaps. All the promise for what may lie ahead for Barnes was for naught as the Chargers used him on merely 189 defensive snaps and he was relegated back to mainly a special teams role last season.

The Jets desperately need to improve their pass rush and while Barnes is considered a bit undersized to be an every down OLB, he should get the chance to surpass the snap count he amassed in 2011. There is no need to draft Barnes but he is a name to keep a close eye on early in the season to determine how he's being utilized.

Barnes could be a waiver wire pick up that owners who like to swing for the fences could roster and use when the match up is juicy enough.

MIAMI: The Dolphins jumped in the free agent pool with both feet as they brought on board two of the top linebackers on the market. ILB Dannell Ellerbe and SLB Philip Wheeler are heading to South Beach to replace the released...

Philip Wheeler LB MIA
2 Months Miami Dolphins Comment

Dolphins agreed to terms with OLB Philip Wheeler, formerly of the Raiders.

Philip Wheeler LB MIA
2 Months Miami Dolphins Comment

The San Francisco Chronicle says there is a "good chance" free agent OLB Philip Wheeler doesn't re-sign with the Raiders.

Wheeler was one of the lone bright spots in Oakland last season, so his loss would be a blow to the defense. The 28-year-old has been gaining steady buzz this weekend, and the Rams have already shown interest in him. The Chronicle mentions free agents Manny Lawson and Nick Barnett as replacement options.

Philip Wheeler LB MIA
2 Months Miami Dolphins Comment

According to NFL.com, the Raiders "definitely" want free agent LB Philip Wheeler back.

Touted as one of the potential steals of free agency, Wheeler is gaining more and more buzz. By the time his market settles, he might not be much of a steal after all. Wheeler graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 6 4-3 outside linebacker last season, one of the few bright spots on a rancid Raiders' defense. They'd do well to retain him.

Philip Wheeler LB MIA
2 Months Miami Dolphins Comment

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Rams have "at least some interest" in free agent LBs Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe.

Wheeler and Ellerbe would be options on the strong-side in St. Louis, opposite Jo-Lonn Dunbar and next to James Laurinaitis. The position is one of just two to three weak spots on the Rams' defense after dumpster-diving for Rocky McIntosh last offseason. Ellerbe is said to be seeking $6 million annually, and Wheeler will likely be around the same.

Philip Wheeler LB MIA
2 Months Miami Dolphins Comment

At least one NFL personnel evaluator believes SLB Philip Wheeler could be a steal in free agency.

"He had a great year in Oakland," said the evaluator, who works for an NFC team. "He was playing like his hair was on fire. He was their best defensive player on the field most of the time." Wheeler noticeably stood out on a bad Oakland defense, along with Desmond Bryant and Lamarr Houston. Pretty much everyone else was terrible. Wheeler, 28, is not expected back with the Raiders.

Philip Wheeler LB MIA
3 Months Miami Dolphins Comment

The Raiders are negotiating with free agent SLB Philip Wheeler, but he "(isn't) sure" if he'll be back.

"I'm anxious," Wheeler said. "I'm not sure if it's going well or not." Wheeler is open to signing elsewhere. "(There are) plenty of teams out there. It's very important to me to get back to being part of a winning organization." Wheeler graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 6 4-3 outside linebacker last season. He was a rare bright spot for a talent-deficient team.

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