Six top guys shown the door
It's house-cleaning time league-wide as teams brace for the start of the 2008 league year, free agency and the NFL Draft. Already, some significant names have been given the gate. Some, like Patriots wideout Donte Stallworth, are destined to. Which five will make an impact for someone new in 2008?

1. Mike Wahle, Guard
Cut by the Panthers, scooped up quickly by the Seahawks, the massive guard could help stabilize a Seattle offensive line that just hasn't been the same since Steve Hutchinson went to the Vikings.

2. Alge Crumpler, Tight end
Swept out of town by the Falcons, Crumpler's still just 30 years old. The fact he carries a listed 264 pounds on his 6-2 frame may make him susceptible to an earlier breakdown than a leaner guy. And he's coming off a knee injury. But Crumpler's athleticism and leadership would make him a terrific addition to a team that can monitor his reps.

3. Ty Law, Cornerback
The Chiefs still have him on the roster but Law's due to make $6.5 million in 2008. He was close to signing with New England last offseason and with Pats corner Asante Samuel about to become a free agent, the 33-year-old could land back with New England. He's several seasons removed from being the best corner in football but he's still better than plenty of players a lot younger and he's smart and strong enough to play safety if need be.

4. Rod Coleman, Defensive tackle
Another Falcons refugee, he was the best in the business as an interior pass rusher in the not-too-distant past. A boatload of injuries (triceps, pectoral, knee and quadriceps) brought his effectiveness down to nearly nil but if he tests out medically, the 31-year-old is another quiet leader who could bring real value to a team as a situational veteran.

5. Donte Stallworth, Wide receiver
The Patriots don't have the financial means to keep Stallworth. He has an option bonus of $6 million that's going to kick in on February 25. And he's a third receiver for the Patriots. But the 27-year-old Stallworth and the Patriots had a mutually beneficial 2007. He showed he's got the speed, hands and post-catch elusiveness to make him a No. 1 option for most any team in the market. He'll be expensive, though. And he's a good guy but a little loopy so he's best served going to a team that's got some mature guys around him.

6. Marty Booker, Wide receiver
He's caught 105 balls for more than 1,300 yards in the past two seasons for the Dolphins while being thrown to by Cleo Lemon, Joey Harrington, John Beck and the rest. That translates to Pro Bowl caliber if he had been playing in the NFL.

DIMINISHING RETURNS

1. Byron Leftwich, Quarterback
He's not going to accept that he's no longer a starter. He's not going to sign for cheap money. He's injury-prone and his delivery is too slow in an NFL where the pressure keeps coming faster and faster. Proceed with great caution.

2. Zach Thomas, Linebacker
Teams are lining up to sign the ultra-productive former Dolphin but excessive bumps on the noggin - as we have had brought home time and again in the past few seasons - take their toll and Thomas' 2007 was waylaid by that issue. His size (5-10, 228) and playing style (headfirst) make more concussions and more time unavailable inevitable.

3. Dan Morgan, Linebacker
See above.

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