As a Jets fan, I often found myself pondering reasons for optimism for the NY Jets this year and what they would need to win their division.  Earlier this week I wrote part 1 which talks about the Jets additions that will immediately help reach that goal.  Then I wrote part 2 which was more about the team’s remaining holes and weaknesses.  It is time for the last and perhaps most important reason why the Jets have a shot at the division next year: an analysis on the competition.

Reason #5:  The AFC East is a weak and winnable division this year

Let’s take this opportunity to look at all the teams in the AFC East as they stand now:

New York Jets

Strengths: Defensive Line, Cornerbacks, Offensive Line, Defensive Coaching, QB Coaching

Biggest Holes: Quarterback

Also Needs To Step Up: Safeties, Wide Receivers, Pass Rush

May 10, 2013; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith (7) talks with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg (right) during New York Jets rookie minicamp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s assume all before mentioned reasons in Part 1 and Part 2 of these articles happen as I predict they could.  We’re looking at a Jets team with a reupholstered offensive line with the depth to finally be able to stay fresh throughout the season.  We also have a new QB in Geno Smith, who on paper, looks like he should have somewhere between a Ryan Tannehill and Matt Ryan rookie season depending on the mentality he comes into camp with.  We know one thing; he’ll have good offensive line support.  That is probably the most quintincential thing a rookie QB needs for his first impression in the NFL.  It will strongly benefit his mental growth and composure.  Rex Ryan got it right this season and hired Marty Mornhingweg a coach who has been a head coach before and can take on 90% of the teams offensive coaching responsibilities while Rex focuses on his specialty, the defense.  Now the Jets lost Revis, but gained Sheldon Richardson and Dee Milliner.  While most don’t see Sheldon’s pick being relevant to the Jets needs, you have to remember Rex’s value as a defensive coach.  If a player is a top 4 overall player on his board, that’s something worth trusting.  Coples was drafted in 2012 for his athleticism and versatility so this season is where he has to show it, as Rex moves him into the 3-4 outside linebacker role.  Coples will be supported by Calvin Pace and a new free agency addition, Antwan Barnes, one of San Diego’s top pass rushers in 2011.  The linebackers aren’t the strongest point, but they also aren’t a problem area in the defense.  The Jets will surround them with an outstanding defensive line and cornerback group.  If Rex can just coach the safeties up, this is one of the best defenses in the conference.  The biggest piece IF in this Jets fan pipe dream is can Geno start by week 1 and can he approach the game and play like a 1st round pick, the more he can do that, the less pressure off the other areas of need for the team.  This season basically rides on Geno Smith this year for the Jets.

Miami Dolphins:

Strengths: Wide Receivers, Defensive Line, Linebackers

Biggest Holes: Cornerback, Offensive Line

Also Needs to Step Up: Quarterback

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) warms up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Miami is my favorite to win the AFC East as it stands now, not the Patriots.  They gained Mike Wallace who has carried the Steeler offense on his back the last few years.  It helps that he really seems to be clicking with sophomore QB, Ryan Tannehill in camp.  Miami’s big hole is their CB situation.  They traded away Vontae Davis last year and let Sean Smith go to the Chiefs this offseason.   They drafted Boise State’s Jamar Taylor in the 2^nd round who seems like a good prospect, but they’re going to need either him or 3^rd round pick, Will Davis to be good enough to start to begin to close up the cornerback hole in their defense. They look to have a very strong defensive line with the addition of Dion Jordan and a good linebacking corps with the addition of Phil Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe.  Miami’s defense as of right now is about where the Jets defense is personnel wise (maybe a bit below with a big question mark at CB), but the Jets have one big thing the Dolphins don’t, and that’s an off season of Rex Ryan’s defensive development.  The Dolphins season rides on the play of the CBs, Offensive line and Ryan Tannehill.

New England Patriots:

Strengths: Quarterback, Runningbacks, Head Coach

Biggest Holes: Wide Receivers, Safety

Also Needs To Step Up: Health of Tight Ends, Defense as a Unit

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) sits on the turf after not being able to convert on a fourth down during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Pats are always a solid team with Tom Brady at QB.  It’s the hardest position to find a standout to play and they have a future hall of famer.  The only problem?  Just about every position other QB and RB on the Pats will be weak this year.  They had maybe one of the worst off seasons I’ve seen since following football, losing both Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd.  To accommodate for these losses the Patriots picked up injury prone Danny Amendola who wasn’t resigned to the Rams and drafted some off the radar wide receiver prospects in Aaron Dobson (Marshall, round 2) and Josh Boyce (TCU, round 4).  These seem to be decent prospects but I have a hard time seeing either of them replacing Brandon Lloyd.  The Pats, however have 2 tremendous tight end weapons in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski for Tom Brady to throw to, but both had injury problems this past season.  Each of Tom Brady’s proven targets this year were injured for 5 or more games last season.  That’s only issue #1.  The Patriots defense has been a struggling unit for years.  They started fixing it by adding Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower but it seems like the Patriots sidestepped on that defensive rebuilding project this off season, letting safety Patrick Chung go to Philadelphia without finding an adequate replacement.  Most of their draft picks are unfamiliar names to most and don’t seem to be likely immediate contributors to the Patriot defense which makes the unit as a whole look like its taken a step back from last season’s mediocrity.  If the defense can’t step up, it can mean critical games losses against the Jets and Dolphins, especially if Ryan Tannehill and Geno Smith are having good days.  Yes, I know you can never count out Tom Brady; but let’s just keep in mind that a far less talented Jets team took a far more talented Patriots team into overtime in Foxboro last year.

Buffalo Bills:

Strengths: Runningbacks, Defensive Backfield

Biggest Holes: Quarterback, Defensive Line, Offensive Line

Also Needs To Step Up: Linebackers

May 10, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) talks to the media following rookie minicamp at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

There’s not much to say here.  The Bills seemed to be a good team on paper last year but did worse than the Jets.  They lost their #2 and #3 receivers in free agency as well as a pair of guards.  Their most note worthy pickup in free agency was Kevin Kolb.  They did have a decent draft offensively getting Robert Woods, a very talented WR out of USC in the 2^nd round.  They should have a decent pair of outside receivers once they pair him with Stevie Johnson.  They also drafted Marquise Goodwin in round 3, the quickest receiver in the draft.  His big question is his lack of production and ability to beat defensive players in college.  He’s a big question mark but can be a threat as a possible slot receiver or kick returner for the Bills.  I’m not too high on EJ Manuel, he’s a much riskier prospect with an equal or lower ceiling than Geno Smith given his inferior production against weaker college competition.  The Bills need for him to step up in an even bigger way than the Jets need Geno to just to be competitive at all this year.  The Bills added a few linebackers both in free agency and in the draft, but it doesn’t look to be enough for them, unless their veterans can lead by stepping up this season.

One last BONUS reason: Good Timing with a strong NFC, weak AFC

Given all of the above info, the Jets can be in it, given the weakness of the AFC East this year.  In fact, the whole AFC conference is pretty weak outside of the Broncos, Bengals and Texans.  The NFC has a lot more teams that look good this season.  Look at teams like the 49ers, Packers, Seahawks, Falcons, Saints, Giants, Bucs and Vikings. Even the lower tier NFC teams like the Rams, Lions and Panthers look like they’d be favorites against all but maybe 3 or 4 teams in the AFC.  Having middle and upper level AFC teams like the Pats and Dolphins losing their NFC games will help level out the playing field and put more importance on the games where the Jets play them.  The Jets can pull out this division if they can win against the Pats and Dolphins which could be doable in 2013 with work and focus.

Dec 30, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Wallace has followed LeBron James and taken his talents to south beach. And while he is leaving a two time Super Bowl champion quarterback to catch balls from a young one still looking to prove himself he isn’t stressed about it.

In fact, he thinks Ryan might be able to throw the ball further than Ben Roethlisberger.

“Both have strong arms. Ryan has a cannon, can really fling it,” Wallace told the Miami Herald. “Ryan may be able to throw the ball a little farther than Ben. Obviously, Ben is more experienced in game time experience. The way it’s going, it won’t take long for Ryan to be one of the great quarterbacks. I feel like we can make a lot of big plays.”

Mike Wallace has been pigeonholed as a one trick pony only capable of going deep, so a quarterback with a big arm is an essential.

“By the time we get to training camp, we’ll be fine. We throw two to three times after practice every day,” Wallace said. “I like this team. I like how everybody works. Not much talking, just grinding. That’s the way it should be. I’m one of the older guys on this team, so it’s different than being in Pittsburgh.”

More importantly, Kluwe was at the forefront of controversial issues, including gay rights. While the move was mostly based on Minnesota’s need to sign a younger, cheaper option at the position, Kluwe’s release will soon say a lot about some NFL teams. Kluwe, 32, is a more than capable punter and surely would be a good pick for some teams. However, the interest, or lack of interest from some teams will tell the true story regarding the NFL’s perspective on the gay rights/gay athletes issue.

Like Kluwe, Brendon Ayanbadejo is not gay, but is an outspoken advocate for gay rights. Also like Kluwe, Ayanbadejo, 36, is currently without a job in the NFL. After his release in early April, Ayanbadejo accused the Ravens of releasing him due to his outspoken view on gay rights rather than for football reasons. Though, he has since retracted that accusation.

What is truly interesting is that both Kluwe and Ayanbadejo are at the tail-ends of their careers. Kluwe, as a punter, can probably go well into his late-30′s as a player in the league. However, he’s not the most talented punter out there, especially at his age. In a league where punters and kickers have no leverage whatsoever, Kluwe is not on any team’s immediate radar.

Former Jets and Cardinals Safety Kerry Rhodes has been accused of being gay in recent reports by his ex-lover. Rhodes has vehemently denied any accusations against him of being gay.

As an eight-year veteran who is not at the tail-end of his career, Rhodes, like Kluwe and Ayanbadejo, is also currently looking for work in the NFL.

He will find a job, as will Kluwe and Ayanbadejo. But, the two eccentric advocates for gay rights and the player accused of being gay are sadly not players known more for their football talents. They do not evoke media presence like that of Tom Brady, Arian Foster, Peyton Manning, or an up-and-coming league star like Robert Griffin III.

Where are those types of players in this gay rights debate? I understand these players don’t want to ruffle feathers, lose a paycheck, or even worse, get cut. However, players like Manning and Brady have all the leverage in the world. Though a statement regarding their views on gay rights would invite sickening media coverage, it should not affect their paychecks or leverage as they are some of the best football players in the NFL.

Simply put, guys like Manning and Brady are leaders of their respected teams. A statement about this controversial issue would most likely disrupt a locker room, cause some tension, and could ultimately impact the results of a season.

The NFL wants to avoid controversy. It’s just good business. But the NFL has a responsibility to its customers, most of whom grew up, or are growing up, watching the sport. When the league has that type of impact, they have a responsibility with it.

Winning is all that matters in the NFL, right? However, when society moves past this issue and wonders why the NFL stood idle, the NFL will have some questions to answer. When the ever-growing sport employs as many role models to the youth of America as it does today, what message is the NFL sending across?

Right now, that message is blank and is being avoided to save face. Is that the message you want to be sent? At what point is a NFL athlete allowed to say something about gay rights or gay athletes without repercussions from a NFL team? At what point will a top NFL athlete say something and face the issue at hand?

Unlike the NFL, the NHL has endorsed gay rights. Although the NHL is not as popular and in the news as often as the NFL, they have no problem making a statement. Just one year ago at a Ottawa Senators game, two gay women stood on the ice before the game. Christina, a Senators fan, asked Alicia, a Maple Leafs fan, to marry her in front of a packed Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. The Ottawa Senators mascot then held up a sign that said “She said yes.” The place erupted in cheers.

The world is changing, and the NFL is trying to remain silent. Plenty of athletes made simple 140 character statements on Twitter after NBA big-man Jason Collins announced he was gay in late April. Most supported Collins, while others (like Steelers WR Mike Wallace) stated their displeasure:

Who in the NFL has the guts to make the change? Obviously some players do, but where is the athlete in his prime who is willing to make a stand? Kluwe and Ayanbadejo are trying, and although they should be applauded for their efforts, they are not going to change the landscape of politics in the game by themselves.

NFL athletes and teams are trying hard to keep their mouth shut. They are scared to say anything. They are protective of their image. Sooner or later, their silence will impact their image. Hopefully, they’re not too late to change that.

November 4, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs past New York Giants corner back Prince Amukamara (20) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As soon as the free agency period started rumors emerged that Mike Wallace and the Miami Dolphins were negotiating a 5 year contract. Jeff Darlington is confirming that this signing has in fact occured, and Mike Wallace is headed to South Beach.

Mike Wallace is indeed on the verge of becoming a Miami Dolphin, I’m told. He’s taking a physical. The sides have reached an agreement.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 12, 2013

Schedule for Mike Wallace’s next two hours, according to sources: Finish taking physical. Arrive at Dolphins’ facility. Sign by dotted line.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 12, 2013

Wide receiver Mike Wallace is expected to arrive at the Dolphins’ facility to sign his contract at around 6 p.m., a source tells me.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 12, 2013

The deal is supposedly for 5 years worth $65 million allegedly. Of that $30 million will be guaranteed. Mike Wallace is set to turn 27 in August and has a career average of 17.2 yards per catch and 32 touchdowns over 4 seasons. He might be pigeonholed as a straight line deep threat, but it’s been working for him. If he can improve his route running and broaden his arsenal he could succeed in Miami who is looking to become more explosive on the offensive side of the ball.

December 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs with the ball after a pass reception against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins were rumored to be the favorites to pursue free agent wide receiver and Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Wallace. They apparently aren’t wasting any time getting involved right after the free agent period opened.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that the Dolphins and Mike Wallace are currently negotiating a 5 year contract.

“Dolphins and Mike Wallace are negotiating a five-year deal that one source familiar with the talks said is “very, very likely” to get done,” Schefter tweeted.

Schefter said on the deal is a match and that the money will be well north of $10 million a year. This might take them out of the running to resign LT Jake Long and RB Reggie Bush.

“Dolphins left tackle Jake Long is scheduling a visit to St. Louis for tonight. The Eagles, Bears and Dolphins also are interested,” Schefter says.

Schefter also added that the Dolphins are interested in TE Jared Cook.

“Miami also making major push to sign Titans free-agent TE Jared Cook,” Schefter tweeted.

That takes a big deep threat off the market quickly and could drive up the price for other wide receivers on the market like Danny Amendola and Wes Welker.

They seem to be determined to amass weapons for young quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace (17) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera went on NFL on “NFL AM” live from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Many think that the Panthers’ offseason plans revolve around getting weapons for quarterback Cam Newton. Many think they could draft a wide receiver in the April, others think they might take a more immediate approach by signing a free agent like Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe or Greg Jennings.

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche asked more directly if Wallace was on Rivera’s radar.

“You’re warm, but you know what’s going to be interesting is how things unfold once we get to March 12,” Rivera said. “There’s a lot of things that are out there that we have to really take into consideration. You know, we’ll see how things are going to affect us when we get to the 12th.”

As it is with seemingly every team in the NFL the Panthers are struggling with cap space. Reports though say they Panthers are in the process of trimming about $10 million off the payroll.

Regardless of what happens it wouldn’t be surprising for the Panthers to still look at taking a wide receiver in the draft. The draft is deep at that position, and a rookie wide receiver with limitless upside might be a deal at rookie prices. But at the same time, you might not get the quality one of the free agents would bring.

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) during the game at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

In an off-season that has been filled with big cuts by numerous teams, plenty of Pro Bowl talent is being expected to find itself sitting in prime position for signing contracts with new teams. So much so, that we could see another true “dream team” being built as teams are continuing to make new deals or cuts that will free up cap space.

Of course, in today’s NFL, offense is what sells the tickets, and there will be no shortage of talent expected to be available, especially on the Offensive Line where no fewer than 3 different Pro Bowl LTs are poised to make themselves available for a new team hungry to solve their issues on the “blindside”. To begin our list, our first big name is:

Jake Long, LT, Miami Dolphins – He is one of the 3 Pro Bowl LTs that are currently expected to land themselves in free agency, with Jermon Bushrod (Saints) and Branden Albert (Chiefs) being the other two. Now, he may not be the best out of those 3, but he’s easily the biggest name, as before his recent injury history and resulting decline of his overall play, he was an elite LT that had certainly seemed to deserve the #1 overall selection status made long ago (pun not intended). And, he’s still able to play at a high level for any team wanting to take a chance on this guy, so it’s not like he’s in his late 30′s and on his last legs. Rather, he’s but 27 years old, and again he’s still a very effective LT, it really depends on where he lands. Of course, he will still be looking for a top 5 contract in terms of LT type money, the question will be if he gets to see that money. Nevertheless, there are teams who absolutely need a LT, and his list of suitors will be a lengthy one. Possible suitors: St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears.

Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers – In a receiver class that may include both Wes Welker (Patriots) and Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs), he’s well on his way to becoming a free agent, a free agent that will be an extremely hot commodity in this pass happy league. What he has going for him, is his well known reputation for being a prime example on what a legitimate deep threat looks like. He’s got speed, a lot of speed, and he does not drop a lot of his passes. To summarize, you let him beat you deep, then it’s likely 6 on the board. Unlike the OT market, the other two players I mentioned (Welker & Bowe) may both be locked up by their respective teams, so he could be set to become the headliner of this WR free agency class. The type of contract he will be seeking is a contract that will pay him like a top receivier in the league, and he’s young enough at 26 as well as extremely explosive where he would provide the signing team a player who’s entering their prime. This could be a player who will be the center of a major bidding war. Potential suitors: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, St. Louis Rams.

Steve Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams – It would be a real shame to watch his legacy come to an end in St. Louis, as he’s been the face of their franchise for quite sometime now. And, the St. Louis Rams are aiming at bringing this bruising RB back for another few years to be the main security blanket for Sam Bradford, in an offense that could use all the talent it can put together. But, if that doesn’t happen, then he will be joining the likes of Reggie Bush (Dophins) and Michael Turner (Falcons) in a not so deep class of RBs, that teams from all over will come to pursue. He is on the gradual decline of his career, where he is 29 years old, which is ancient for a RB. But, one thing that helps his cause, is his playing style. Teams that feature a dynamic and more finess type of passing game, will take a hard look into adding a RB who can pound defenses into committing against the run game, which would then open things up like play action opportunities. Rest assure, if he does part ways with the Rams, he will sign with someone, albeit to a smaller contract given how the league shys away from long term contracts with RBs. Potential suitors: Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons – He publically stated that the 2012 season would be his last season in the NFL, where he hoped to end his story much in the way Ray Lewis had with the Ravens by winning the Super Bowl. Well, it didn’t happen quite like that, where the Falcons were bounced by the San Francisco 49ers at home in the NFC Championship Game, and surprisingly enough, Tony Gonzalez has yet to file his retirement papers. It is well known the Atlanta Falcons’ top priority this off-season, is bringing him back for one last season, but if it doesn’t pan out then there could be teams looking to use his services short term to help boost their passing game. Seeing how the next available options could be Jared Cook (Titans) and Jermichael Finley (Packers) he will draw interest simply because of his name, as well as the perception he could sign a very small 1-2 year contract with a championship caliber that’s considerably smaller than what either Cook or Finley could fetch on the open market. His age will be a major focal point in any major negotiation (he’s 38), but seeing how he still went over 1,200 receiving yards last season, he could still help a contending team in need of a major threat in the middle. Potential suitors: Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots.

Matt Moore, QB, Miami Dolphins – To round out our top 5, we dive into the extremely shallow QB class, where there are more teams that are looking into a new starting QB, than there are available in Free Agency. Of course, the biggest names right now are Joe Flacco, who has zero chance of being moved out of Baltimore, and Alex Smith, where he’s still under contract with the 49ers, and thus only available in a trade. So, in a class that is defined by a very long list of back-ups, starting from Drew Stanton (Colts) and Jason Campbell (Bears) then going on down, Matt Moore is perhaps the only QB available in the market that could warrent any serious consideration as a starter on another team, that won’t cost any draft picks to obtain. He’s never been really impressive at any point of his career, but he’s also been named the starting QB for the season only once in his career (2011) where he didn’t perform too badly in an offense that was severely limited in it’s capabilities. He’s shown enough where he can be brought in to a team absolutely desperate for a new QB, and be allowed to compete for a job. Or, he could be brought in as a capable back-up much like what the other QBs could wind up doing. Potential suitors: Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars.

Who do you believe are the top names available in free agency? Who do you want your team to sign on the offensive side of the ball? List them all in the comments section below. And, feel free to add any of the latest cuts onto this page, as only more cuts are bound to happen as time passes from now until March 12.

Good fan turned bad owner: Dan Snyder.  (Photo by Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

It’s about that time when NFL teams and fans are focusing on free agency so I thought instead of yet another Top 5 Free Agents list or a Top 5 Landing Spots for Free Agent Star list, I would look at this years crop of free agents through the lens of Washington owner Dan Snyder’s googly eyes when he use to throw big money at big-name players before he finally handed the reins to Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen.

We know all about Snyder’s costly missteps from Adam Archuletta and Jeff George to Brandon Lloyd and Albert Haynesworth. His track record is so bad that I actually forgot he signed Deion Sanders to a 7-year $56-million deal in 2000.

So, who would be on his wish list this year if he hadn’t given Shanahan and Allen control so he could focus on scheming new ways to charge more for parking or funding research to invent new ice cubes that would increase his stadium soda profits by another dollar per cup? Well it’s not as simple as just taking the Top 10 most coveted free agents and declaring that to be the list. It’s a little more nuanced. There needs to be that right mix of being just a bit too old and/or overrated, or maybe players who were still in their prime but just demanding too much money.

We’ll be realistic and rule out Ravens free agent QB Joe Flacco not only because he’s no-doubt staying in Baltimore, but also for the fact that he’s just not flashy enough, or old enough, and for the first time in the Snyder era Washington is set at QB.

Adding a tackle to the offensive line is area of need in DC, and there are a couple of stud free agent linemen available (Jake Long or Ryan Clady), but adding one of them might be considered smart, and therefore disqualified as possible Snyder signings. And while Long and Clady are big names with price tags to match (the main criteria for Snyder), offensive linemen don’t put butts in seats or sell jerseys.

Let’s stick to free agent signings and rule out trades for the likes of salty diva CB Darrelle Revis (an otherwise perfect storm of Guy Who Wants Big Money and a team in need of a cornerback) as well as his soon-to-be-former Jets teammate Tim Tebow (who Snyder would probably acquire in hopes of reversing the bad karma of the Redskins offensive nickname).

So, in no particular order, here are the top 10 free agents that Snyder would sign if only Shanahan and Allen would let him:

Ed Reed
Perfect fit: Washington needs a safety, and he’s a future Hall-of-Famer, a Super Bowl champ, and at 34 his best years are behind him. He’s “considered” retiring (a ploy to skip training camp) the last couple of off-seasons and now that he’s got his ring he’s likely looking for one last payday and certainly wouldn’t mind getting “some of that Dan Snyder money” as veteran NFL players like to say.

Reggie Bush
Washington doesn’t have a glaring need at RB with young star Alfred Morris in the house, but Bush is flashy on the field and famous off it. He’s not a great match for this list (he’s only 28 and still played well last season) but this would be a delicious debacle since Bush still sees himself as an every-down back and in Washington he’d only be a change-of-pace guy to spell Morris. Oh, who am I kidding, he would be a classic Snyder signing the minute they overpaid him.

Osi Umenyiora
There’s already some talent along the defensive line in Washington, and it’s one of the deepest positions in the upcoming draft (where players come much younger and cheaper). But Osi Human Urine is a big name on the wrong side of 30 from a division rival. Done and done.

Mike Wallace
Probably too young (26) and talented for our criteria, but a guy looking for a payday + blazing speed + a tendency for drops = Snyder gold.

Wes Welker
He’s 5 years older than Wallace. Perfect.

Brian Urlacher
With Washington LB London Fletcher still contemplating retirement, bringing in this former monster of the midway at age 35 would be right in Snyder’s wheelhouse. Injured; slowing down; another city’s star. Sign him up.

Randy Moss
Hall of Famer, infamous for his poor work ethic, 36 years old, makes highlight reels and lots of money and makes coaches and QB’s miserable. How has he not already played for Washington?

Dwight Freeney
Hot name heading into free agency, already been in the league 10 years, satisfied with a Super Bowl ring, looking for one last payday after his own team released him. Starting to see a pattern here.

Tony Gonzalez
Certainly fits the Snyder profile of old and legendary, but he’s still playing too well and is hungry for a ring. Actually, scratch him and bring in an over-the-hill Charles Woodson for top dollar instead.

Finally, as previously mentioned, Washington doesn’t need a QB or a backup QB… but fans in DC better hope Snyder doesn’t take the wheel back from Shanahan and Allen. He’d probably trade Kirk Cousins and their next first-round pick (2015) for Revis… and if RGIII’s knee doesn’t heal, Snyder has JaMarcus Russell‘s agent on speed dial. (Hey, he was a #1 overall pick!)

September 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) converse on the sideline after Pittsburgh scored a touchdown during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Wallace has not had a reputation as a wide receiver with unsure hands over the first three-years of his career but perhaps his holdout this offseason could be contributing to a case of the dropsies over the past few weeks. Wallace had multiple big time drops in the Steelers win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night but that didn’t stop quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from continuously looking his way.

When a wide receiver continues to drop open passes, it is natural for the team’s quarterback to lose confidence in the wideout and look at their other options.

This wasn’t the case for Roethlisberger and Wallace. In fact, Roethlisberger targeted Wallace 15 times throughout the game. Wallace dropped 4 of those passes.

“I don’t shy away from them even with drops,” Roethlisberger said. “I will always have confidence in them no matter what. These guys all hold themselves to a really high standard, and it just shows how valuable these guys are to our attack.”

Wallace is looking for a big money contract this offseason so the flurry of drops could influence his contract talks with the Steelers. At the same time, Wallace is on pace for a career high in receptions so he has proven to still be a valuable part of the Pittsburgh offense.

If Wallace really wants to impress the team and cut down on the drops, perhaps he should get in touch with the San Diego Chargers equipment man and load up on the stickum.

January 8, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs with the ball after catching a pass during the second quarter of the 2011 AFC wild card playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace is expected to report to the team on Tuesday and sign his restricted free agent tender. The news came after two of Wallace’s teammate told Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network that Wallace would hop on a plane tonight to fly into Pittsburgh and report to the Steelers tomorrow.

Wallace will now play the 2012-13 season under his  $2.7 million salary. A long-term deal could still come in the future.

Now Wallace needs to turn his attention to learning new offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s playbook. The opener is less than two weeks away so expect Wallace to be cramming. At the very least, he should here his number called and be told to “go deep.”