Air McNair hangs 'em up; Ocho Cinco goes public with swap demands; The Broncos add Jackson & Parker; Leinart a sleeping giant; Gates and McAllister injury updates; A look at how fast things change in the NFL; and more...

KEEPER CORNER  Clark Photos: Getty Images ANYONE IN A keeper league knows there is one constant in the NFL: changes. For a reminder of how quickly things can turn upside down, here's a look at the best fantasy players from 2007 and the best ones from just two season earlier (2005)... Quarterback Best in 2005: Carson Palmer, 32 TDs.  Best in 2007: Tom Brady, 50 TDs. Running back Best in 2005: Shaun Alexander, 27 TDs.  Best in 2007: LaDainian Tomlinson, 15 TDs. Wide receiver Best in 2005: Steve Smith & Rodney Harrison, 12 TDs Best in 2007: Randy Moss, 23 TDs. Tight end Best in 2005: Antonio Gates, 10 TDs.  Best in 2007: Dallas Clark, 11 TDs. Defensive end Best in 2005: Derrick Burgess, 16 sacks.  Best in 2007: Jared Allen, 15.5 sacks.

 STOCK Watch 

AFTER A STORIED career, this week Steve McNair (pictured, top) retired from the NFL. At 35, the classy QB told reporters his body is just unable to keep performing at the level his mind wants it to. The 2003 co-league MVP (along with Peyton Manning), McNair led the Tennessee Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl (where they lost to the St. Louis Rams). Ravens' new head coach John Harbaugh told the Baltimore Sun the Ravens' QB job is now "wide open." That means Kyle Boller or Troy Smith may be able to win the job. Meanwhile GM Ozzie Newsome told the Sun that McNair's decision doesn't change their draft plans "one iota." Even if the Ravens do go for a QB early on in the draft, look for either Boller or Smith to be the guy in 2008. Both are solid sleepers...

NOT TOO SURPRISINGLY, Bengals' wideout Chad Johnson has finally come out and said it: he wants to be traded. ESPN reports Johnson told them "I want to be traded before the draft, and if that doesn't happen, I want to be traded as soon as possible." This development obviously increases the fantasy value of holdover Bengal wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh. But it also boosts the value of newcomer Doug Gabriel, presuming Johnson gets his wish. As for Johnson, it's hard to see his value increasing anywhere else, since Carson Palmer is an elite QB...

THE INKING THIS week of Darrell Jackson by the Broncos can be seen in several ways. It can be seen as a potential steal by them (since he's still only 29 years old and has three 1,000-plus yard receiving years under his belt). And it can also be seen as a big risk, since Jackson is injury-prone and was awful in San Fran last season. Expect improved production from 2007, but also remember that rising (but currently-injured) star Brandon Marshall is also in the mix, as is Brandon Stokley...

THE BRONCOS ALSO signed speed wideout Samie Parker this week, so it's clear they are concerned about their receiver group for the upcoming season. Marshall continues to heal up a strange injury he incurred to his right arm this off-season when he fell into a TV stand. With former top target Javon Walker gone to Oakland and Marshall's arm needing some rehab time, QB Jay Cutler may have a committee to throw to early on in 2008.

 SLEEPING Giant 

Matt Leinart, QB, Cardinals
Shoulder and collarbone injuries have kept the uber-talented Leinart limited to just 17 total games over his first two seasons. But he was the No.10 overall pick of the 2006 Draft for a reason: he's a very talented signal-caller. While Kurt Warner remains in Arizona to battle for the starting gig, if Leinart can stay healthy he should start. And with stars such as Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin to throw to (as well as emerging sleeper tight end Leonard Pope), Leinart has the potential to put up big number in 2008.

 INJURY Update 

THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE REPORTS that star tight end Antonio Gates may not be ready for the start of the NFL season due to continuing rehab on his injured toe. Gates had foot surgery recently.

AFTER SURGERY ON BOTH HIS KNEES in late September (the left knee for a torn ACL, the right for microfracture surgery after a 2005 torn ACL), Saints RB Deuce McAllister has reportedly re-negotiated his contract to stay with the Saints. He is reportedly doing drills and running a bit, soi t will be interesting to see if he returns as New Orleans' primary back ahead of Reggie Bush. 
 

TOP 5  Running backs in 2007 by rushing TDs... 1. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers (15) T2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (12) T2. Joseph Addai, Colts (12) 4. Clinton Portis, Broncos (11) T5. Earnest Graham, TB (10)                                                       T5. Marion Barber, Dal (10) -- left