Intriguing names dot NFL’s free-agency list

Peyton Manning is a free man. Drew Brees is not.

A week after a record 21 players were given franchise tags – only Saints star quarterback Brees got an exclusive tag and can’t even talk to other teams – the NFL’s free-agency free-for-all begins. And it will be crazy.

For teams willing to part with two first-round draft picks, such game-changers as Ray Rice, Wes Welker and Matt Forte are available. For those looking just to spend money to acquire new talent, Saints starters Marques Colston and All-Pro guard Carl Nicks are on the market. So is highly touted quarterback Matt Flynn, who doesn’t seem to have much future in Green Bay behind Aaron Rodgers.

And for teams ready to gamble, there is four-time MVP Manning.

“I have no idea who wants me, what team wants me, how this process works,” Manning said after being released by the Indianapolis Colts, who are rebuilding, uncertain about his health after four neck surgeries, and have a $28 million roster bonus remaining in their bank account by cutting Manning. “I mean, this is all so new to me.”

Manning can even sign before free agency opens Tuesday because he was released. Already, cornerback Stanford Routt took that route, joining the Chiefs for a three-year, $19.6 million deal soon after he was cut by Oakland.

This could be the wildest free-agency period in years. Coming off the 2010 season that had no salary cap and different free agent rules, then the lockout and a condensed bidding war, the marketplace is crowded. Many of those available figure to be backups: quarterbacks Chad Henne and Rex Grossman, running back Ronnie Brown, defensive back Pacman Jones, for example.

But there are quality players with starting potential, even Super Bowl credentials – such as Giants receiver Mario Manningham and Colts wideout Reggie Wayne – who could go wherever Manning goes.

One player expected to be franchise-tagged who wasn’t and could draw interest is Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson. Another is Steelers receiver Mike Wallace, who will cost one first-rounder because he is a restricted free agent. Pittsburgh also has the right to match any offer to Wallace.

If your secondary is leaky, cornerbacks Brandon Carr of the Chiefs and Carlos Rogers of the Lions can help patch it.

Perhaps the most intriguing free agents, aside from Manning, also are coming off injuries. Mario Williams, the outstanding defensive end in Houston who was making a strong transition to linebacker in a 3-4 alignment, missed the final 11 games with a torn chest muscle. Center Dan Koppen, the glue for New England’s offensive line for several years, was out for all but the opening game, but is better than more than half the incumbents around the league.