The Eagles have agreed to a trade that would send cornerback Lito Sheppard to the Jets for a 2009 fifth round and a 2010 conditional pick, which could turn into a second rounder depending on Sheppard’s playing time next season.

Some Philly fans will look at the fifth round compensation and scoff, but the Eagles really got a great deal here. Sheppard barely played in 2008, starting just three games and amassing only 21 tackles and one interception. They held onto him last offseason after not attracting many quality offers and still wound up getting a fifth this year and anywhere between a second and fourth next year. It was a solid trade.

The deal isn’t horrible for the Jets, but there is a catch-22. They acquired Sheppard hoping that he would become a starter, which he should opposite Darrelle Revis. But if Sheppard does become a starter and plays most of the snaps in ’09, then there’s a good chance that conditional round pick could turn into a second rounder.

A second and fifth round pick for Sheppard would probably be too much, but again, if he turns into a quality starter than maybe it was worth it for the Jets. And it’s not like they’re getting a bad player. Sheppard is only 27 and before injuries started taking their toll the past two years, he was one of the more productive players in the Eagles’ secondary.

With free agency ready to kickoff this Friday, February 27, hope once again springs eternal for fans across the NFL.

But it seems like more than any other year, the free agent market this offseason has been picked bone dry before teams have even had the chance to grab their shopping carts.

Nnamdi Asomugha?

Sorry, off the market after re-signing with the Raiders.

Julius Peppers?

Franchised, but teams can probably have him for two first round picks, a gazillion dollars and a six yachts.

Terrell Suggs?

Likely staying put in Baltimore after being franchised.

Karlos Dansby? Brandon Jacobs? Matt Cassel? O.J. Atogwe? Darren Sproles? Antonio Bryant? Dunta Robinson?

All franchised.

Are there any players left on the market to get excited about? Absolutely, there are plenty of quality free agents available and bargains to be had. But as in previous years, there are a ton of risks, as well.

Below are five free agents that might command a decent amount of money this offseason, but will also be worth the heavy price tag in the end. I’ve also complied a group of five free agents that could turn out to be thieves this offseason by commanding big bucks, yet those investments may not pay off once teams start strapping on helmets and shoulder pads again.

- The Ravens officially assigned the franchise tag to defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs. The team will now turn its attention to signing Suggs long term, as well as figuring out what to do with pending free agents Ray Lewis, Jason Brown and Bart Scott.

- The Sacramento Bee is reporting that the Raiders could be close to re-signing top free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to a long-term contract.

- Speaking of the Raiders, the National Football Post reports that Oakland is actively shopping defensive end Derrick Burgess.

- The Colts re-signed cornerback Kelvin Hayden to a five-year, $43 million contract, which includes $22.5 million in guarantees.

- Rams assigned the franchise tag to free safety O.J. Atogwe, who has been the team’s best defensive back over the past couple years. If Atogwe signs the tender, he’ll be paid $6.34 million guaranteed this season.

- The Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Antonio Bryant, who emerged as a true playmaker last year. He’ll get $9.88 million for one season if he signs the tender.