The best of the available free-agent crop. *–Indicates position where Bears need help. (R)–Indicates restricted free agent; team has right to match offer. List subject to change before free-agent signing period begins Friday.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN *
– Eric Swann, Cardinals: If he doesn’t get the franchise tag, he will be the No. 1 catch on the board. Despite knee problems had 8 1/2 sacks. Cards have to choose between Swann and cornerback Aeneas Williams.
– Leslie O’Neal, Chargers: Best pure pass rusher available. Had 12 1/2 sacks. Played whole career in San Diego and isn’t likely to leave West.
– Shawn Lee, Chargers: Had eight sacks and is Chargers’ No. 1 priority to re-sign.
– Marvin Washington, Jets: Had six sacks and would be replacement if Bears lose Alonzo Spellman.
– Alfred Williams, 49ers: Had 4 1/2 sacks in limited pass-rushing role. Former Bengal.
– Russell Maryland, Cowboys: The No. 1 pick in the 1991 draft, Chicago native is well-known to Dave Wannstedt.
– Chris Doleman, Falcons: Will turn 34 in season. Lot of mileage, but still led Atlanta in sacks with nine, although four came in opener.
– Robert Porcher, Lions: Did not produce at tackle as expected in Lions’ new defense, but Bears have liked his skills in past.
– Mike Sinclair, Seahawks: Had 5 1/2 sacks. Former World League player with potential.
– Alonzo Spellman, Bears: Had impressive 8 1/2 sacks at left end, but would prefer right side.
LINEBACKERS *
– Bryan Cox, Dolphins: With 7 1/2 sacks, he was Miami’s best pass rusher last season despite his position of middle linebacker. Comes with baggage of temper tantrums. Safe to say Buffalo not on list of visits.
– Hardy Nickerson, Buccaneers: Tampa’s leading tackler, he will be one of Tony Dungy’s priorities to keep.
– Kevin Greene, Steelers: Will turn 34 before season, but with nine sacks will find offers providing he’s in right defense.
– Chris Spielman, Lions: Warhorse middle linebacker likely to stay at home.
– Darrin Smith (R), Cowboys: Speedy playmaker was underpaid in Cowboys’ crowded stable, could be headed toward Jimmy Johnson.
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– Chris Slade (R), Patriots: Had four sacks.
CORNERBACKS *
– Aeneas Williams, Cardinals: Like teammate Swann, will be top target if Cards don’t protect him. Outstanding, with 15 interceptions, two TD returns in last two years.
– Phillippi Sparks, Giants: With eight interceptions over last two years, has risen to prime free-agent territory.
– Cris Dishman, Oilers: Excellent cover man. Coach Jeff Fisher not likely to let him get away.
– Mark McMillian, Eagles: Tiny (5-7) player who somehow holds his own.
– Eric Davis, 49ers: Enjoyed good season with three interceptions, one for touchdown.
– Corey Raymond, Lions: Six interceptions will catch attention for ex-Giant.
– Ashley Ambrose, Colts: Former second-round draft choice finally won job, had three interceptions.
– Larry Brown, Cowboys: Super Bowl MVP wants $2 million.
– Ryan McNeil (R), Lions: Played well in new defense.
– Willie Williams (R), Steelers: Another short (5-8) player who came through when injuries hit club.
SAFETIES
– Darren Woodson, Cowboys: Likely franchise player.
– Willie Clay, Lions: Eight interceptions will get noticed.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN *
– Leon Searcy, Steelers: The top lineman on the board and the Bears’ No. 1 priority if they lose their own offensive linemen.
– Lomas Brown, Lions: Never happy in Detroit, he is coming off very good year at age 32. Prototype left tackle.
– Kirk Lowdermilk, Colts: One of first free agents to hit jackpot when he moved from Vikings, he is free again.
– Keith Sims, Dolphins: Miami doesn’t have much money to keep top players.
– Bob Whitfield, Falcons: The best left tackle available because of age, only 24.
– John Fina, Bills: Another outstanding young left tackle.
– Kevin Glover, Lions: Developed into fine center.
– Ray Roberts, Seahawks: Because of Roberts, Seattle was able to let Andy Heck go to Bears.
– Steve Everitt (R), Browns: Tough young center.
– Will Shields (R), Chiefs: Outstanding player Chiefs won’t let go.
– James Williams, Bears: Huge right tackle will attract interest.
RUNNING BACKS
– Marcus Allen, Chiefs: Barely slowed down at age 35.
– Kimble Anders, Chiefs: Pro Bowl fullback.
– Rodney Hampton, Giants: A lot of mileage at 26, but still effective.
– Harvey Williams, Raiders: Found a home.
– Ronnie Harmon, Chargers: Aging utility back.
– Chris Warren, Seahawks: Best back on board, Seattle will keep.
– Terry Allen, Redskins: Bargain of year deserves big contract.
– Garrison Hearst (R), Cardinals: Need him to stay.
– Terry Kirby (R), Dolphins: Versatile player if healthy.
– Robert Smith (R), Vikings: Can’t shake injuries.
WIDE RECEIVERS
– Irving Fryar, Dolphins: Could become expendable in new regime.
– Fred Barnett, Eagles: Dropped from 1994 Pro Bowl level.
– Terance Mathis, Falcons: Suited for run-and-shoot.
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– Andre Reed, Bills: One of great ones, but injured last year.
– Jeff Graham, Bears: Will attract attention as Bears’ top receiver.
– Henry Ellard, Redskins: Will be 35 next season.
– Willie Davis, Chiefs: Could be expendable.
– Curtis Conway (R), Bears: Might get a sniff off 12 touchdowns.
– Raghib Ismail (R), Raiders: The Rocket never has launched.
– Andre Hastings (R), Steelers: Emerged as star in Super Bowl.
TIGHT ENDS
– Mark Chmura, Packers: Developed into Pro Bowl player.
– Keith Jackson, Packers: Doubtful team can keep both.
– Alfred Pupunu, Chargers: Good player at weak position.
– Tony McGee (R), Bengals: Promising, but inconsistent.
QUARTERBACKS
– Jim Harbaugh, Colts: From benchwarmer to Pro Bowl, he’s top free-agent QB, believe it or not.
– Jeff George, Falcons: Big arm still intrigues.
– Jeff Hostetler, Raiders: Raiders might prefer Harbaugh.
– Neil O’Donnell, Steelers: Price dropped in Super Bowl.
– Ty Detmer, Packers: Eagles might want him.
– Randall Cunningham, Eagles: Eagles don’t want him.
– Rodney Peete, Eagles: Wants starter money.
– Jim McMahon, Packers: Happy in Green and Gold.
– Steve Beuerlein, Jaguars: What ever happened to him?
– Boomer Esiason, Jets: Homecoming didn’t work out.
– Bobby Hebert, Falcons: Still has some life at 35.
– Dave Brown, Giants: Giants expected to make commitment.
– Steve Walsh, Bears: Jimmy Johnson-bound?
– David Klingler, Bengals: Former No. 1 pick.
– Mark Rypien, Rams: Former Super Bowl MVP.