Sharper Looks Forward to Free Agency, Bigger Role

Darren Sharper's quietly put together a 12-year career that may one day land him in Canton. The four-time Pro Bowler (with one All Pro) is tied for 18th in career picks with 54 (four picks will get him tied for ninth with Emmitt Thomas) and is the only active player in the top 20.

And now, at 33, he's about to become a free agent. After four years with the Vikings, Sharper will become a free agent at midnight.

"My first wish was always to stay where I was," Sharper told me recently. "If it's not in the plans, I'm looking forward to free agency and being able to be utilized in a way that suits what I can do. I know I can help a team win."

Sharper was asked whether he felt it was unanimous among the braintrust that he move along.

"I think it was a split jury over there as far as me coming back," he theorized. "Some guys think they need to have a veteran guy back there. Other people say, 'Maybe it's time to move on.'

"I know last year I was healthy but I wasn't feeling I had the opportunities," he said (Sharper had one interception, his lowest output since 1998 when he went pickless for the Packers). "I could have gotten more chances to make more plays. Now I want to go somewhere we can win and I can contribute. Whether it's schemewise or  just more opportunities with the ball coming to me, I like to be more aggressive and used a little differently."

Given the New England Patriots penchant for seeking talented, older players looking for a grab at a title, a push by Bill Belichick to find out what Sharper's got left can't be ruled out.