Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Gonzalez was set to retire after last season, but after getting so close to the Super Bowl he has decided to come back and give it another shot. According to the USA Today, Gonzalez has given his agent, Tom Condon, the “green light” to begin negotiating a deal.

But while Falcons fans should rejoice that he’s coming back, I’d hold off for just a second. There are some conditions.

He is seeking $7 million for the season reportedly. So any dream of him taking a team friendly deal of the veteran minimum to ensure they have as many resources available as possible to bring in players to make a Super Bowl run, are gone. Apparently this is about more about a payday than a Super Bowl ring.

The second condition, he wants to skip some or most of training camp. As a veteran he shouldn’t be expected to participate much, but to not be there is very Brett Favre-esque. There is a certain rhythm that needs to be worked out with the rest of team.

If a deal isn’t worked out and he walks away from football he reportedly is interested in pursuing television opportunities.

“I think he’s going to come back. I think he’s leaning very, very heavily that way,” Warren Moon told USA TODAY Sports. “He definitely wants that ring — that’s the thing that keeps biting at him about whether he comes back or not.”

“The thing he’s really looking at: If they make the changes to make their team better on the defensive side of the ball, if they can do that, I think he’ll come back.”

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!)

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) reacts after losing the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. The 49ers won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

So you have your franchise quarterback and now you need to amass weapons for him to pass to. No problem. Tight ends are becoming more and more a part of the NFL passing game, especially in red zones.

Free agency starts before the draft and begins March 12th.

Well here is a list of NFL tight ends who are free agents, courtesy of Rotoworld:

• Tony Gonzalez
• Fred Davis
• Dustin Keller
• Jared Cook
• Martellus Bennett
• Brandon Myers
• James Casey
• Dallas Clark
• Ben Watson
• Anthony Fasano
• Delanie Walker
• Kevin Boss
• Kellen Winslow
• Todd Heap
• Jeremy Shockey
• Visanthe Shiancoe
• David Thomas
• Chris Cooley
• Dante Rosario
• Travis Beckum
• Alex Smith
• Cameron Morrah
• Leonard Pope
• Billy Bajema
• Gary Barnidge
• John Phillips
• Will Heller

Tony Gonzalez if he doens’t retire is the best option, albeit a short term solution. But if your team is a Super Bowl contender you could have the future hall of famer.

Dallas Clark and Chris Cooley were once effective tight ends but are headed to the dreaded down slope of their careers. Fred Davis is an interesting player but is coming off an injury.

Martellus Bennett hasn’t lived up to expectations.

But this list is crowded with big names, most of whom are past their prime. But there are options available and any player can succeed in the right situation with a good quarterback throwing them the ball.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) leaves the field following his defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

At the end of the season Tony Gonzalez said he was 95% sure he was retiring after a heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately his retirement “last ride” was over shadowed by that other guy, Ray Lewis. But now Ed Werder of ESPN is saying that Tony Gonzalez is going to come back.

Ed Werder tweeted out the following statement on Tony Gonzalez and his wavering retirement plans.

“Source says Tony Gonzalez wavering on retirement. A player close to him: ‘I think if the circumstances are right, Tony will come back.”’

The Atlanta Falcons want Tony Gonzalez to return. He has proven to still be a very productive tight end despite his age. So what are the right circumstances?

He is already on a team that lost in the NFC Championship game, one win away from the Super Bowl. It can’t be money after a career that’s lasted longer than a decade and a half he shouldn’t be worried about money. And if he truly wants to go after a Super Bowl he should take the minimum so they can use those resources on other players.

The Atlanta Falcons have until March 9th to sign him or he is a free agent and he can pick what ever team he wants to play for and pursue that elusive ring.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) celebrates his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

One of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game. Tony Gonzalez, the NFL’s all-time leading receiver at his respect position has been in this league 17 years. The way the Atlanta Falcons started off the season, it was looking as if that Super Bowl championship that has eluded Gonzalez over the years, was finally going to be his.

Being a 13 time pro bowler, 10 time all pro, 2 time NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year and the first tight end ever in the history of the NFL to catch over 1000 passes, it seems like the only thing Tony Gonzalez won’t be able to do, is call himself a Super Bowl champion.

With a definite hall of fame career, the 1997 1st round draft pick (Kansas City Chiefs) out of California, he has yet to announce his retirement. Even though he has said all season that there was a 95 percent chance that he is calling it quits.

Head Coach Mike Smith is one of many hopefuls wanting the great Tony Gonzalez to come back and put on a Falcons uniform, at least one more season, saying:

“I’m always holding on to that five percent. It’s something that you’ve got to hold onto. Tony has had an outstanding year. I don’t think it’s any different than his Pro Bowl years that he’s had early in his career. He has a great understand of how to play the tight end position. In my mind, he’s the best that’s ever played.” – via NFL.com

Tony himself has been asked time and time again about his decision, especially after the Atlanta Falcons fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game saying:

“For me, obviously this could be it. There is no tomorrow. There is no saying ‘we’ll get ‘em next year’. It’s about going out there and trying to finish on the right note. I’m not going to lie to you. I really, really, really want to win this game. Legacy is what comes in. What you do in the playoffs is what (people) remember. It’s a little bit of pressure; it’s a little bit of anxiety, but that’s good. We need that. I need that.” – via Associated Press

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff still remains hopeful that he will return to the organization. Dimitroff has been backing Gonzalez to come back for a 18th season, believes that the chances of the veteran coming back at are better than Tony has mentioned.

“Obviously Mike Smith has had discussions with him. We’re all in a good place. Ultimately it’s up to Tony to decide if he wants to come back and potentially catch 100 balls again. I think it’s one of those situations that Tony was so effective for us down the stretch, and I can’t imagine that his appetite wasn’t sort of whet from his contributions in the playoffs.” – via ESPN.com

Gonzalez turns 38 years old later in 9 days. He holds NFL records for touchdown receptions at 107, reception yards at 14,268 by a tight end, Pro Bowl All-Time leader in receptions at 48, Pro Bowl All-Time leader in Touchdowns with 6, Most Pro Bowl appearances by a Tight End and is tied 2nd most in Pro Bowl appearances by any other player in the history of the NFL.

If he indeed does walk anyway, he will go down as one of the greatest players to never win a championship. Yes I know there are a lot of good players who have never won, but to dominate your position and do something that nobody else who played under that position has done. I think that puts you above a few others.

A quick look at records:

Kansas City Chiefs -

Career Receptions (916), Career receiving yards (10,940), Career receiving touchdowns (76), Career yards from scrimmage (10,954), Consecutive games with a reception (130).

NFL records-

Career receiving yards for a tight end (14,268), Career receptions for a tight end (1,242), Career TD receptions for a tight end (104), Most seasons with 1,000+ yards by a tight end (4), Most consecutive seasons with 2+ touchdowns (16), Most consecutive seasons with 2+ touchdown receptions (16), Most consecutive seasons with 30+ receptions (16), Most consecutive seasons with 40+ receptions (15), Most consecutive seasons with 50+ receptions (15), Most consecutive seasons with 60+ receptions (14), Most consecutive seasons with 70+ receptions (10), Most seasons with 70+ receptions (13), Most consecutive seasons with 500+ yards receiving (15), Most consecutive seasons with 600+ yards receiving (15) and Most consecutive starts by a tight end (120).

The Atlanta Falcons have made no secret that they are ready to win now. The team put all of their chips in one basket during the NFL Draft and made the jump up to snag former wide receiver Julio Jones because they believed he was the missing piece to making a Super Bowl run.

With all the tools now in place, are the Falcons ready to make the jump to legit Super Bowl contenders? At least one player believes that Matt Ryan is ready to lead the team to the promise land and deliver for the players and fans.

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