NFL free company is lastly right here as each workforce will probably be seeking to improve their rosters. Free company is not as necessary because the NFL Draft, however shopping for a star might help groups recover from the sting. Keep in mind final yr when the Jacksonville Jaguars went on a spending spree? Zay Jones, Christian Kirk and Evan Engram actually labored out for head coach Doug Pederson and basic supervisor Trent Baalke. Who would be the workforce that shells out hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of {dollars} this offseason?
There are many large names on the market trying to find new offers, and loads of groups seeking to make that key addition that will get them into the playoffs and even the Super Bowl. Beneath, we are going to study one of the best free brokers at every place, and some potential touchdown spots that make sense for them.
Prime Quarterback
Touchdown spots: Ravens, Falcons, Raiders
Close to the tip of the 2022 common season, I printed a “daring predictions” offseason publish, and a type of daring predictions was for issues to get messy with Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson did obtain the non-exclusive franchise tag, which means he can negotiate with different groups and Baltimore can match any provide — as we all know, lightning strikes are extra predictable than the NFL.
On the floor, the Atlanta Falcons would look like a super touchdown spot for Jackson. Not solely do they want a quarterback, however they’ve loads of accessible cap house. They’re additionally in a unique convention than the Ravens and have a star tight finish in Kyle Pitts, who may actually be unlocked and evolve into the participant all of us thought he could be popping out of the College of Florida. Nevertheless, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones did report that the workforce is presently not pursuing him. Issues may change, however they do look like on the surface trying in on the previous MVP.
As for the Las Vegas Raiders, they’ve a new-ish head coach and are in search of a brand new quarterback. If I am him, I am swinging for the fences. The leash is brief, and also you reside in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Sean Payton. Jackson taking part in with Darren Waller and Davante Adams could be enjoyable to look at.
Prime operating again
Touchdown spots: Eagles, Payments, Dolphins, Bears
Sanders is coming off a stellar 2022 season the place he rushed for a career-high 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns whereas serving to Philadelphia win the NFC. Whereas a return to the Eagles makes loads of success, he could have suitors across the league. Within the AFC East, each the Payments and Dolphins may use assist in the operating recreation. Buffalo has struggled to seek out consistency on the bottom over the previous few years and the potential addition of Sanders may assist them grind groups away late in video games. As for the Dolphins, pairing a participant as proficient as Sanders with head coach Mike McDaniel could be fascinating. Lastly, you may’t low cost the Bears contemplating they’ve a boatload of cap house and have David Montgomery hitting free company. Sanders may have an identical position that he had in Philly taking part in alongside one other cell quarterback in Justin Fields.
Prime broad receiver
Touchdown spots: Packers, Giants, Texans
Is Meyers one of the best accessible free agent wideout over gamers like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Odell Beckham Jr.? He could be. Positive, Invoice Belichick is a legendary coach, however that New England Patriots offense was not good final season. Meyers caught 67 passes for 804 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in 2022. I believe he could possibly be able to take off, and a change of surroundings could be good for him. With the Green Bay Packers, Meyers would make a right away affect for Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love. The identical could be stated for the New York Giants, who wish to revamp their broad receiving corps. I believe a workforce just like the Houston Texans would chase Meyers as effectively — a younger participant who could not come too costly, and will proceed to develop alongside a younger expertise like Bryce Younger or C.J. Stroud.
Prime tight finish
Touchdown spots: Panthers, Colts, Commanders
Schultz is the highest tight finish in search of a brand new contract this offseason, and lots of expect the 26-year-old to receives a commission. The Carolina Panthers are a workforce that could possibly be in search of a brand new tight finish. The quarterback place is extra necessary, however that new quarterback will want a flexible but dependable safety blanket that makes the offense higher as a complete. Frank Reich is an offensive-minded head coach. He’ll wish to add a brand new, younger weapon. Talking of Reich, his former workforce could possibly be interested by including a good finish as effectively. Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods are enjoyable gamers, however Schultz could be an automated improve in Indianapolis. I additionally threw within the Washington Commanders as a possible touchdown spot. I perceive Dallas Cowboys followers would not be enthusiastic about that, however Washington could possibly be eyeing a brand new TE1, and one other weapon who Eric Bieniemy can make the most of.
Prime offensive sort out
Touchdown spots: Chiefs, Jets, Bears
There was a degree final offseason the place it regarded like Brown was finished with the Kansas City Chiefs. In the end he performed on the franchise tag, and gained a Tremendous Bowl ring due to it. I’d re-sign with the Chiefs and assist set up a dynasty behind Patrick Mahomes’ expertise, even when I do not reset the market at my respective place. If Brown is finished in Kansas Metropolis, I really feel just like the New York Jets could be an important touchdown spot. The Jets as a franchise are heading in the right direction, however they simply want a quarterback and safety for stated quarterack. Signing a franchise left sort out would go a good distance for New York. The Chicago Bears have essentially the most cap house totally free company, and will use some {dollars} on the highest left sort out if he will get there. Justin Fields wants higher safety, and whereas I do not wish to completely ignore the truth that Braxton Jones was somewhat spectacular as a rookie, Brown is an apparent improve Chicago can afford.
Prime inside lineman
Touchdown spots: Rams, Broncos, Colts
Seumalo is without doubt one of the finest guards accessible on this free company class, and one purpose why is that he has expertise taking part in on each the left and proper sides. The Los Angeles Rams‘ offensive line struggled mightily in 2022, so the versatile Seumalo could be a pure match. The Denver Broncos additionally must improve the offensive line in the event that they wish to get essentially the most out of Russell Wilson. Once more, Seumalo’s versatility would have actually helped Denver in 2022, and Dalton Risner could possibly be on the best way out. The Indianapolis Colts simply employed former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, and he may deliver Seumalo in to play proper guard. That is a place Indy has struggled to lock down.
Prime defensive finish
Touchdown spots: Chiefs, Bears, Ravens
Imagine it or not, Davenport is Pete Prisco’s No. 6 best free agent this offseason! He recorded simply half a sack in 15 video games performed final yr, however his 19 p.c pass-rush win price over the previous three seasons ranks 14th, per Professional Soccer Focus, and his 14.2 p.c strain price ranks seventeenth amongst move rushers. The Chiefs are a touchdown spot for Davenport as he could possibly be a Frank Clark alternative. You need to throw the Bears in there as effectively, since they want pass-rush assist and have the cash to compete with anybody. Lastly, I believe the Ravens could be a captivating touchdown spot for Davenport. Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Houston are free brokers. Davenport could possibly be a alternative for them.
Prime defensive sort out
Touchdown spots: Seahawks, Cardinals, Falcons
“Gravedigger” was an enormous purpose for Philly’s success in 2022, as he racked up 11 sacks and 60 mixed tackles. Hargrave can be one of many inside defensive linemen who can rush the passer, and he’ll be in excessive demand this offseason. The Seattle Seahawks was a workforce I picked out for him earlier this offseason as he could be an important addition to what was the third-worst run protection within the league final yr. Jonathan Gannon may make it a degree to deliver Hargrave with him to Arizona. The Cardinals actually may use his presence on the line of defense as they start this rebuild. Perhaps the Falcons aren’t essentially the most enticing free-agent vacation spot, however they’ve the second-most cap house within the NFL, and will use an inside star that can also pass-rush.
Prime linebacker
Touchdown spots: Commanders, Broncos, Texans
Edmunds is a participant who could make some good cash for himself on the open market this offseason. The Commanders have been trying to find a real center linebacker for a pair years now, and as an alternative of shifting Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis round, how about Ron Rivera goes out and indicators a confirmed MLB? The identical goes for the Broncos, who’ve top-of-the-line defenses within the NFL. Alex Singleton and Josey Jewell have been tackling monsters, however Edmunds could be a right away improve. Moreover, the Texans could possibly be in search of a brand new defensive chief as this workforce embarks on a rebuild. I wager DeMeco Ryans would love having Edmunds in the midst of his protection.
Prime cornerback
Touchdown spots: Vikings, Lions, Patriots
James Bradberry is a reasonably good cornerback as effectively, however the 26-year-old Dean could also be the preferred one available on the market. The Minnesota Vikings move protection ranked second-worst within the league final yr. There isn’t any doubt they should add to the secondary — particularly with Patrick Peterson, Chandon Sullivan and Kris Boyd being free brokers. The Detroit Lions are one other workforce I’d watch right here. Detroit is heading in the right direction, but it surely wants assistance on protection. A official beginning cornerback who thrives in man protection would match rather well within the Motor Metropolis. The Patriots could possibly be one other workforce that chases Dean. Jonathan Jones is popping 30 years previous and in search of a brand new deal. Getting youthful at a premier place is a brilliant transfer.
Prime security
Touchdown spots: 49ers, Cowboys, Dolphins
The veteran Poyer was actually the key sauce to Buffalo’s protection. He missed 4 video games final season. Are you aware what Buffalo’s document was in these 4 contests? 1-3. The San Francisco 49ers could possibly be parting methods with Jimmie Ward, Emmanuel Moseley and Tashaun Gipson. They want some reinforcements within the secondary, and Poyer looks like an ideal match given his expertise and need to chase a hoop.
We even have the Cowboys and Dolphins as two matches for Poyer. When lately discussing the place he wish to play, money appeared to be a factor for Poyer. He needs to dwell in a spot with no state earnings tax, so Texas and Florida would each work. Perhaps becoming a member of the rival Dolphins feels far-fetched to some, however go try what Poyer said on his podcast.