OPINION

By Mike Florio

updated 11:00 p.m. ET July 8, 2009

With training camps only a couple of weeks away, more than a few veteran players with relatively high NFL "Q" ratings remain on the shelf.

So let's look at some of them, specifically considering their prospects for the coming year.

Here are 10 of them, in no particular order.

1. Marvin Harrison, receiver
Eventually, Harrison will enter the Hall of Fame. The most pressing question currently is whether the five-year waiting period will start running now, next year, or at some point thereafter.

A couple of years ago, Harrison was on pace to break all of Jerry Rice's records, if Harrison had been able to continue to play at a high level. Due to injuries, he hasn't.

Given a reduced salary he declined to accept from the Colts, he has become unemployed.

Some think Harrison might take a low-money deal to join a team such as the Vikings. But if he's inclined to work for the veteran minimum, he'll probably return to Indianapolis.

Instead, Harrison continues to wait for the kind of money he wanted to stay with the only team for which he ever has played.

To date, no such offer has arrived. Barring a torn ACL to an established wideout, I doubt it will.

2. Deuce McAllister, running back
Beloved in New Orleans, McAllister was nevertheless cut by the Saints.

Saddled with a four-game suspension for taking an over-the-counter supplement that had been spiked with a banned substance, McAllister has languished in the bargain bin.

Even if he's willing to work for a minimum, a team with needs at the tailback position might be more inclined to sign a younger guy who would occupy a low spot on the depth chart and also play special teams.

If McAllister isn't already at the end of the road, he's probably close to it. Perhaps he'll get a Shaun Alexander-style midseason deal, a handful of carries, and then another offseason with a phone that doesn't ring.

3. Plaxico Burress, receiver
The Giants know the value of Plaxico Burress to an offense. The fact that they nevertheless cut him loose demonstrates he was far more trouble than he was worth.

But with plenty of desperate head coaches and general managers, some team will be inclined to give Burress a shot.

The only problem is he could end up being suspended until the pending felony gun charges against him are resolved. So even though his trial might not occur until the 2009 season ends, Burress might not be permitted to play until after it happens.

So although he currently is available, no team is going to take a chance on him until the commissioner bangs his gavel.

4. Edgerrin James, running back
Quietly, James has amassed Hall of Fame credentials. Already perched at No. 11 on the all-time rushing list, James can pass without much more effort the likes of Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk, Jim Brown, and Tony Dorsett.

To get there, of course, Edgerrin needs a new team.

To date, no one has demonstrated any serious interest.

But they should.

James still has some gas in the tank, and in a bad economy his assault on the record book could help to fill some seats that might otherwise go unsold.

5. Jon Runyan, right tackle
We recently reported at my primary online hangout that Runyan, who has started every game for 12 straight years, will be ready to return from microfracture knee surgery at the end of the month.

The Eagles supposedly are open to another season, but Runyan might not still be the starter there.

So look for Runyan to look around. If he's truly healthy, he could help anchor the right side of an offensive line.

6. Mike Vick, quarterback
Though he's still suspended, Vick is a free agent who can be signed by any team.

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Of course, no team will be willing to suffer the P.R. fallout that will come from acquiring Vick unless and until he is reinstated after wrapping up a 21-month prison term for gambling and dogfighting.

Still, of all of the free-agent quarterbacks available, Vick is the most accomplished. And he'll eventually provide a significant boost to an offense.

Even if it's in the UFL.

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