Andre Carter

Carter's 2012 playing situation is up in the air due to a late-season quadriceps tear in 2011, but we have to imagine the Patriots will eventually make him a solid offer once he demonstrates he will be healthy for the season – and he is expected to recover in time for that to be the case. The Patriots could really use Carter, as he posted 52 tackles (31 solo) and 10 sacks in 14 games last season. Keep an eye on him as long as he emerges as a starter in a 4-3. Forget about him entirely, on the other hand, if he signs with a 3-4 team – Carter has always struggled in the 3-4.

Looking to further bolster their pass rush, the Pats signed Carter, who works best as a DE in a 4-3 alignment. Last year Carter played left outside linebacker for the Redskins, recording just 2.5 sacks, but if the Patriots play to his strengths, and we believe they will, he figures to get to the QB more this season.

Carter rebounded in a big way from a disappointing 2008 season, nearly tripling his sack total (4 in 2008, 11 last season) and boosting his tackle figure from 37 to 62. The addition of Albert Haynesworth as an interior lineman helped Carter’s overall production as Haynesworth blew up blocking schemes, allowing Carter to roam free. With the arrival of Mike Shanahan in Washington, though, the Redskins are switching to a 3-4 defense, which will put Carter at outside linebacker. Carter struggled in a 3-4 during his days in San Francisco. This time, though, he won’t be asked to drop into coverage. From his OLB spot, he will spend most of his time rushing the passer and containing the run, which obviously plays to his strengths. However, check position eligibility. As an OLB, Carter’s IPD value takes a severe dip because of the lack of tackles. As a DE, though, he should have another strong IDP season.

Based on Carter’s 2008 performance alone, fantasy owners would be well-advised to avoid the DE and his 37 tackles and four sacks. But football players can’t be analyzed in a vacuum – and other changes to the Washington roster could give Carter’s production a significant boost. The acquisition of monster defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth should do for Carter what previous Redskins free agents like Jason Taylor and Phillip Daniels could not – disrupt the opposition’s blocking schemes and make it easier to get to the quarterback. The Redskins also used the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft on defensive lineman Brian Orakpo, who will line up at DE on passing downs opposite Carter in addition to playing strong-side linebacker. Look for Carter, if healthy, to get back into the 50-tackle range he saw the previous two years and approach double figures in sacks.

Carter returned to the double-digit sack club in 2007 with 10.5. He hadn't been a member of that fraternity since 2002, when he exploded for 12.5 sacks in his second NFL season. Carter is coming off his two best single-season tackle totals, 56 in 2006 and 55 in 2007. His value is largely tied to this stat because his sack totals lack the consistency of elite defensive linemen. Carter has significant upside, but don’t overspend on the 29-year-old. He's inconsistent and not getting younger or faster.

Carter signed a big contract in 2006 and struggled early with the team. He came on strong towards the end of the season with four sacks in the final five games while also recording 45 of his 56 tackles during that span. If he picks up where he left off he'll lead the Redskins in sacks this year.

Carter had a disappointing 2005 where he recorded only 4.5 sacks. Expect the former first round draft pick to see a boost in his numbers. He will be playing in a Gregg Williams defense which allows defensive lineman to focus on pressuring quarterbacks.

Missed most of 2004, finishing the year on injured reserve, as a bad back, including two surgeries to remove cysts, cut his season to just seven games, and he recorded only two sacks. This came on the heels of a poor 2003 season, in which he recorded just 6.5 sacks, after a breakthrough 2002 campaign. Carter will shift to outside linebacker in the team's new 3-4 scheme and also see time at defensive end.

Carter had a disappointing season finishing with just 32 tackles and six sacks. He will start at right defensive end and needs to have a big year for the 49ers defense.

Carter came on strong in his sophomore season, notching 12.5 sacks and recording 41 solo tackles. Bryant Young will still occupy blockers on the inside of the 49ers line, but we're less enthused about the abilities of defensive tackle Jim Flanigan or defensive end John Engelberger to keep Carter free of constant double teams. Still, with his speed and athleticism, Carter has a good chance of approaching 10 sacks again in 2003.