Interesting note on Bob Sanders and O.J. Atogwe

With all the hoopla of former Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars, an interesting note I think was swept under the rug. Under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) rules, players like Bob Sanders and O.J. Atogwe are free to sign with any team, because they are "street" free agents. Both were released from contracts and are free to sign anywhere right now. On the other hand, most free agents will be free agents by virtue of an expiring contract or voiding their contract, like Nnamdi Asomugah, and they cannot sign until the league year roll over, which is March 4th.

As we all know, unless there is a new CBA reached by midnight on March 3rd, the league year roll over will not occur. Players who are currently street free agents, like Sanders and Atogwe, are free to sign where they please right now, but that comes to a screaching halt on March 4th if a new CBA is not in place. Both Sanders and Atogwe should be able to easily find work even if there is a lockout for any number of days, but it may behoove them to sign with a team prior to March 4th. This could also put pressure on teams to throw out more generous offers to beat the same time table.

Bob Sanders visited the Jaguars all day yesterday and is on his way to visit the Buffalo Bills today. O.J. Atogwe visited the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills have reported interest. I would imagine the Jacksonville Jaguars would also have some interest in him, but none has been reported.