Free agency is going to be very interesting this summer. Getting to a late start, teams will have to pick which players to keep, let go, and add very fast. Players will make sure they accept the best offer they can, while owners will have to move quick in order to get their players on the practice field and ready for the season.
This years free agent class is not a weak one either. Top players include Nnamdi Asomugha, Sidney Rice, Antonio Cromartie, Deangelo Williams, Braylon Edwards, Takeo Spikes, and many others. With the labor deal still undecided, the NFL is unsure if Peyton Manning, Logan Mankins, and Vincent Jackson will be free agents or not.
Here are some of the top free agents this year, and the teams I think will be interested in them.
Braylon Edwards WR: Edwards is the type of guy that is hit or miss. One day he's on top of his game, another he should be eating a hot dog with Mark Sanchez. Inconsistent is the word to describe him. Despite his incosistency, he's a solid receiver. Many teams will be looking at him for a good number two wideout. If the Jets do pass on re-signing him, I believe the Redskins and Patriots will make a strong run at him. I'm sure he'd like to become a Patriot, rather than a Redskin. Who wouldn't? Tom Brady throwing passes to you in New England, or God knows who in Washington.
Santonio Holmes WR: Another Jet on the verge of leaving. New York is predicted to keep either Edwards or Holmes, but not both. They might not even re-sign both, but that would be very unordinary. If Holmes decides to go elsewhere, a couple of teams that a could be interested in him are the Ravens, Chiefs, Redskins, and Rams. The Ravens look most appealing to me, in a contender point of view. I wouldn't be surprised if New York keeps Santonio, but on the other hand, the Jets could try for another free agent WR.
Plaxico Burress WR: Haven't heard this guys name in a while huh? Well, he's back. Fresh out of jail, Plaxico will be looking to take his athletic physique to a championship caliber team. The rumored team that is supposedly interested in Burress is the Philidelphia Eagles. Why not? Isn't that the after-jail team? Imagine this, Michael Vick to Plaxico Burress for the touchdown! Criminal to Criminal! Yes, that was a joke. Calm down.
Chad Johnson(Ochocinco)WR: Remember when it used to be Chad Ochocinco(Johnson)? Yeah, that was last year. He's starting to decline at this point of his career. His years in Cincinnati could be over, but you never know. New England could be a destination for him, IF he will take less money. Johnson doesn't have a Super Bowl ring, and the Patriots would be a great opportunity to get one.
DeAngelo Williams RB: Injuries plagued Williams' season in 2011, and because of that, Carolina might pass on him this free agency. Jonathan Stewart will happily take over the role as starting back. So where does DeAngelo go? The Broncos have been reported to be very interested in him. Bringing a veteran running back to put behind a young Tim Tebow would be a great idea. Another team I can see him going to is the Rams. His role probably will not be increased or decreased wherever he goes.
Reggie Bush RB: The former Trojan has been a highly discussed story during the lockout. His tweets have been shocking. In some, he talks about how not playing football, and the lockout are great, and in others, he talks about leaving or staying with the Saints. I believe the Saints will try to re-sign him. The thing is, they'd have four running backs. If they decide to go their seperate ways, I see the Rams and 49ers looking at him. There have been rumors that Bush would return back to the 619 and sign with the Chargers. San Diego already has three running backs, without Darren Sproles. A fifth running back is unlikely.
Antonio Cromartie CB: With the Jets focusing on their defense, Cromartie should be high on their priority list. If Antonio decides to get arrogant and ask for more money than offered, we could see him on his third NFL team. The Raiders are going to have to replace Asomugha, and Cromartie could be the player to do that.
Nnamdi Asomugha Speaking of the Raiders, Asomugha is about ready to leave Oakland and make more money. Arguably the best cornerback in the league, and obviously the best free agent in this years class, will have many teams chasing after him. The Eagles, Texans, and Cowboys will be looking to bolster their secondary, and Nnamdi would be a great start.
Takeo Spikes LB: Very talented, but aging, Spikes will be looking to join a contender rather than the Niners. Unless San Fran gives him the money he can't decline, he might join a team like the San Diego Chargers who need the defensive back help.
Sidney Rice WR: Rice is probably the most talented receiver in free agency. Minnesota should be trying very hard to retain him, otherwise they'll be looking for a new go to guy. Seattle is a team that is also interested in Rice. They tried to get Vincent Jackson last season, so they should be looking for another top receiver. St. Louis is another team that comes to mind. Sam Bradford needs a legitimate receiver to throw to.
It's going to be fun to see where all these guys, plus many other free agents, go to this summer. Some teams are going to cash in, and cash out this offseason. Some teams will go from average to contenders by signing a top free agent.
No comments:
Post a Comment