Free agency began on Friday and already teams are creating splashes. The ESPN is reporting that the Washington Redskins have signed defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to a seven-year, $100 million deal and cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a six-year, $54 million deal.
Haynesworth made life miserable for the Texans when he was in Tennessee, and getting him out of the AFC South has to bring a smile to the face of quarterback Matt Schaub.
The Texans have been making waves of their own. According to a source, they traded quarterback Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick.
Now, the Texans have eight picks in this year's draft, including two fourth-round selections.
General manager Rick Smith has indicated he'll be fairly conservative during free agency, but he does plan to plug some holes. The gaping spots are on the defensive line. The Texans need a run-stopping defensive tackle and a defensive end to play opposite of Mario Williams. They also could use a physical safety, outside linebacker and veteran quarterback.
What they don't get in free agency, they'll look for in the draft.
Here's a list of the most coveted free agents as of Friday, 10 a.m. CT:
Quarterbacks: Kurt Warner(Cardinals), Kerry Collins (Titans), Jeff Garcia (Buccaneers), Byron Leftwich (Steelers), Dan Orlovsky (Lions).
Running backs: Derrick Ward (Giants), Cedric Benson (Bengals), LaMont Jordan (Patriots); (Fred Taylor, who was released by the Jags, is thought to have signed with the Patriots).
Receivers/tight ends: Laveranues Coles (Jets), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Bengals), Marvin Harrison (Colts).
Offensive linemen: Center Jason Brown (Ravens), tackle Khalif Barnes (Jaguars), center Matt Birk (Vikings), guard Chris Kemoeatu (Steelers).
Defensive linemen: Defensive end Antonio Smith (Cardinals), Defensive end Chris Canty (Cowboys), Defensive end Chauncy Davis (Falcons).
Linebackers: Ray Lewis (Ravens), Bart Scott (Ravens), Jonathan Vilma (Saints), Cato June (Colts).
Cornerbacks: Bryant McFadden (Steelers), Jabari Greer (Bills), Ron Bartell (Rams), Leigh Bodden (Lions).
Safeties: Brian Dawkins (Eagles), Jim Leonhard (Ravens), Jermaine Phillips (Bucs), Darren Sharper (Vikings).
