Dan Pompei

In the NFL, free agency remains a fine supplement, like fish oil softgels. But it simply cannot replace what should be the meat and potatoes of any team's diet — the draft.

There are two problems with free agency.

The first problem is the cost of participating can be prohibitive. And if you spend and whiff, the mistake can have lasting implications. The move will prevent the team from spending its limited amount of cash on other players, and it also will handcuff the team from a salary cap standpoint.

"The penalty for missing in free agency, because of the cost of the player, is greater than in any personnel acquisition situation," Colts president Bill Polian said.

Polian pointed to the Colts' acquisitions of two defensive tackles who didn't live up to expectations to illustrate his point. Signing defensive tackle Corey Simon as a free agent to a five-year, $30 million contract hurt the Colts more than giving up a second round draft pick in a trade for Booger McFarland, in Polian's estimation. The Colts got 13 games out of Simon and 10 out of McFarland, who was cut Wednesday.

With draft picks outside of the top 15, costs are controlled. That's one reason the Colts have been able to stay on top despite losing free agents almost every year and rarely signing any players from other teams. They keep reloading through the draft and are able to cultivate depth because they aren't paying inordinate salaries to many of their players.

The other problem with free agency is buyers are at the mercy of the market. What you need might not be available. And even if it is available, the cost might not be viable. Many personnel men agree this year's crop of free agents is the worst ever. Yet, record setting deals are expected for players such as guard Alan Faneca, linebacker Lance Briggs and cornerback Asante Samuel.

At the most important positions, premium players rarely become free agents. Think about it. The best available quarterback in free agency this year probably is Daunte Culpepper. Or is it Byron Leftwich?

If you want a left tackle, it's Flozell Adams or bust. A couple of outstanding pass rushers had their contracts set to expire, but their old teams put franchise tags on Jared Allen and Terrell Suggs.

NFL free agency begins   Video: Who's going where in free agency? Insider Report blog: Tracking Friday’s moves Curran: Moss needs Pats; they don’t need him Eagles nab former Patriot CB Samuel 49ers boost pass rush, sign DE Smith Bruce decides to rejoin Martz with 49ers Browns land Lions' Rogers  |  Anderson signs Roundup: Jets get boost in revamping defense Top players available  |  Bad way to win a title   Discuss: Sound off on your team’s moves

Searching for free agents can be more fruitful at some positions than others. Interior linemen and even right tackles typically are more plentiful in free agency than players at most positions. In addition to Faneca, available free agent linemen this year who are serviceable players include Jacksonville's Maurice Williams, Indianapolis' Jake Scott, Detroit's Damien Woody and Miami's Rex Hadnot.

"People lock up left tackles, but they feel they can find the other four positions so they let them go," said Phil Savage, who has signed free agent blockers Eric Steinbach, Kevin Schaffer, Joe Andruzzi and LeCharles Bentley in his tenure as Browns general manager. "So if you are looking, you can find them in free agency."

And there is a benefit to signing offensive linemen as free agents as opposed to drafting them. One struggling rookie blocker can bring down the entire line. With a veteran, you know what you are getting.

"I would love to have all veteran offensive linemen," one NFC general manager said. "You would prefer not to bring in an untested rookie on the line because that's one position where you are only as strong as your weakest link."

But for the most part, the draft can't be beat as the primary source of player acquisition. It affords a team more options than free agency, and it remains more cost effective.

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