Ryan Tannehill
Any time a team brings in a rookie QB to serve as a backup, the nominal starter is put on watch. The Titans waited and waited on draft day until they could not wait anymore. In the third round, Tennessee moved up in the draft to select Malik Willis. The Liberty product was deemed an ideal fit behind veteran Ryan Tannehill, but could the rookie be placed into a starting role sooner rather than later?
Though Tannehill has led the Titans to immense regular season success, the team has not been able to get over the proverbial hump in the playoffs. With Willis likely to take over in ’23, Tannehill would either have to accept a backup role or find a new team. The Commanders would be a solid match. Washington is a stout defensive team with a group of young, talented pass catchers. Sound familiar? That’s because the current Commanders are a lot like the Titans team Tannehill joined four seasons ago.
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Josh Jacobs
The Raiders entered 2022 with three former first-round picks entering the final year of their deals. One is already gone (Jonathan Abram), and the other was a healthy scratch in Week 10 for a 2-6 team (Clelin Ferrell). Josh Jacobs is the last man standing among Raider 2019 first-round picks. The former Pro Bowl running back is having his best season to date, and enjoyed a string of three-straight 140-yard performances during Vegas’ only positive stretch of the year.
Before the season began, some wondered about the new regime’s thoughts on Jacobs. The four-year pro was given extensive work throughout the preseason after the team declined his fifth-year option. A Raider team filled with gaps across the roster, it might not be best suited for GM Dave Ziegler to invest significant cap space towards a running back. Now, Jacobs is set to hit the open market and should have plenty of suitors. Lining him up next to MVP candidate Jalen Hurts would give the Eagles the most dynamic power-run duo in football.
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Daniel Jones
The Giants are playoff-bound with Daniel Jones at the helm. The former No. 6 overall pick has done his part in helping New York stack up wins in a suddenly stacked NFC East. First-year coach Brian Daboll has played to Jones’ strengths, utilizing him as a runner and near the goal-line. However, it’s difficult to believe — given Jones’ limitations as a passer — that he’s the long-term answer under center in New York.
Jones projects as more of a high-quality backup in the NFL. He can provide a boost for small stretches, but isn’t consistent enough as a passer to be a franchise cornerstone. Teams typically prefer their backup QB to have a similar skillset to their starter. This allows for the playbook to remain unchanged in the event the starter goes down with an injury. Jones is nowhere near as talented as Buffalo’s superstar QB, but he could fill in the Mitch Trubisky role as Allen’s primary backup.
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Derek Carr
This was a make-or-break year for much of Vegas’ roster — and it broke badly in so many ways. It’s difficult to envision, after such a catastrophic season, that there won’t be massive personnel changes across the board. For now, it seems like coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler will be afforded at least one more season. Both inherited a flawed (yet, talented) roster and will plea for another offseason in order to get more of their preferred players in-house. Carr, on the other hand, could be playing for a new team for the first time in his career next season.
All of the blame on Vegas’ disastrous year cannot be placed on Carr, but the ninth-year signal caller hasn’t been particularly sharp — especially late in games. A fresh start for both sides is likely the most beneficial outcome. Carr would have plenty of suitors, but the Colts always seems to gravitate towards aging signal callers.
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Davis Mills
The Houston Texans aren’t a terribly good football team. This comes as no surprise after years of trading away their most talented players to other clubs. The Texans are in it for the long haul as they attempt to rebuild into a playoff contender. With a quarterback-rich class coming in, the Texans could opt to turn the keys over to someone like Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud or Alabama’s Bryce Young.
With Houston picking at the top of the board it seems highly unlikely that it wouldn’t take a chance on one of the quarterback prospects. As a result, a team without any answers at QB could take a shot on Mills at a low cost for a couple of seasons. Carolina has never shied away from rehabilitating young QBs, and Mills fits the bill given that he’s previously shown some potential as a passer.
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Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens could not come to an agreement on an extension, meaning that Jackson will *technically* be set for free agency this offseason. Of course, the team could franchise tag him next offseason to keep him in Baltimore for another year. However, the relationship between both sides could be fractured at this point. The Ravens haven’t done the best job surrounding Jackson with pass catchers outside of TE Mark Andrews. Additionally, their unwillingness to commit to Jackson long-term is a bit alarming.
At his best, Jackson is the most lethal dual-threat QB the league has ever seen. The former league MVP started off this year on a roll, but has since cooled down. While Andrews is an excellent target, it would be interesting to see Jackson on an offense filled with fast wideouts who consistently get open. Good luck keeping up with the speed of Jackson, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
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Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy’s name came up in trade talks prior to the deadline, and he likely could still be on the move shortly. The former first-round pick hasn’t flashed in the way Denver had hoped after taking him as the second WR off the board in 2020. Jeudy has been mired by drop issues, and has seemingly not gotten into a groove with new quarterback Russell Wilson.
A team desperate for wide receiver help will roll the dice on Jeudy’s talent. The former Alabama standout is a gifted route runner who creates space with ease. Getting him into New England’s offense could be a massive boon for both sides.
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J.J. Watt
Entering the twilight of his career, J.J. Watt will likely have to choose between one last payday or competing for a ring. Watt will be 34 years old next offseason, and has already accomplished everything a defender can — except for win a title. The top teams in the league could also use a pass rusher, making him a potential match any number of teams.
Despite his advanced age, Watt is still a productive player. He’s on his way to his first double-digit sack season since 2018, and remains a playmaker for an otherwise pedestrian Arizona defense. How about adding Watt to a defense like Kansas City’s which already features a premiere defender in Chris Jones? That’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
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Brandin Cooks
Reports out of Houston indicate that WR Brandin Cooks has grown increasingly frustrated with the team. It was widely speculated that Cooks would be traded at the deadline. Multiple teams were reportedly interested in Houston’s No. 1 option. The nine-year pro is still productive for his fourth NFL team, and is averaging over 90 catches per season since joining the Texans.
However, when no deal surfaced Cooks was locked-in for a bottom-feeding Texans team that is going nowhere in ’22. This suggests that Cooks could be on the move this offseason to a team in need of some receiving help. The Broncos aren’t thin at wideout, but they could desperately use a vertical threat of Cooks’ caliber to open up the offense. Cooks would give Russell Wilson another reliable option who defenses will have to respect.
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Orlando Brown Jr.
Orlando Brown Jr. took a gamble this offseason by turning down a lucrative multi-year deal to instead play under the franchise tag. It doesn’t seem like his stock has dropped as Brown has graded as one of the top tackles in the NFL this season. Though, his upcoming free agency has become increasingly interesting as it approaches.
Brown Jr. expects to be one of the top tackles potentially available this offseason, making it all the more vital for the Chiefs to retain him as there might not be many suitable replacements. However, are the Chiefs going to increase their previous offer (reportedly nearly $140 million over six years) for somebody who isn’t elite at their position? There will be plenty of suitors, including those with deeper pockets than Kansas City. The Jets cash-in their cap space for another stalwart tackle to play opposite Mekhi Becton (if he ever returns).
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Jessie Bates
Jessie Bates continues to show why he’s one of the best safeties in football. Following a stellar playoff run, Bates has once again been sensational for Cincinnati in what should amount to be his first Pro Bowl campaign (Bates did make an All-Pro team back in 2020, but has yet to be named a Pro Bowler). The Cincy defender is a rangy center fielder with elite ball-hawking instincts.
While the Bengals won’t be happy to see him go, it still may be in the cards. Cincinnati expended major draft capitol to select his replacement — Michigan’s Daxton Hill — in last year’s draft. Jacksonville makes a lot of sense for a team that really needs help on the backend. The Jaguars built their defense upfront spending high drafts picks on two edge rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Allen. It’s time to beef up the secondary, and having a playmaker who can force turnovers like Bates could elevate this group to new heights.
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Robert Quinn
Robert Quinn might one of the more seasoned pass rushers in the NFL, but he’s also one of the more productive ones. The 12-year pro notched 18.5 sacks in ’21 en route to an All-Pro Second-Team selection. After spending the first-half of the season with the Bears, Quinn was traded to the Eagles for draft pick. He’s since been a rotation piece for one of the deepest front sevens in all of football.
Quinn is a decorated edge rusher with over 100 sacks to his name. We saw how much that meant for current Raider Chandler Jones — who signed a lucrative deal last offseason and shares similar traits (namely, age) with Quinn. Perhaps a trip back to Los Angeles is in the cards. Quinn was with the Rams from 2011-17, and can now make his return to give LA a much-needed pass rushing boost which has been missing since Von Miller departed.
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Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t a star, but he’s been plenty good enough to win a ton of games as a starter. He’s even won a few in the playoffs against superior quarterbacks. However, it’s clear that San Francisco’s offense is limited with Garoppolo at the helm. With the 49ers potentially making a big splash this offseason, Garoppolo could finally be on the move.
The Steelers could benefit from bringing in a player like Garoppolo. Perhaps not even as the undisputed starter. He’s certainly better than Mitch Trubisky. And, if Kenny Pickett does in fact make strides or cement himself as the franchise guy, the Steelers likely wouldn’t be tied to Garoppolo long-term for a ton of cash. Garoppolo would be good enough to win some games for a Pittsburgh team filled with talent on both sides of the ball, or be the league’s best backup. A win-win.
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Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield’s short time in Carolina has not gone according to plan. After winning the starting job in the offseason, Mayfield saw himself get benched for the likes of fourth-string QB P.J. Walker. Mayfield has been absolutely disastrous on the field this year. His 17.6 QBR is the worst in the league, and is one of the worst marks ever since ESPN created the stat in 2011.
Whichever direction the Panthers decide to go this offseason, it doesn’t seem like Mayfield will be in the plans. The team obviously felt more confident in Walker amidst a terrible season and Matt Corral should return after suffering a season-ending injury prior to his rookie campaign. Bill Belichick’s affinity for Mayfield was made apparent prior to the 2018 NFL Draft, and this would be the perfect chance for the Patriots to get him at a massive discount.
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Mike Gesicki
Just about everybody in Miami has thrived since Mike McDaniel took over, except for TE Mike Gesicki. The former Penn State TE has seen his numbers decrease across the board following back-to-back 700-yard campaigns. McDaniel has insisted on using Gesicki more as a blocker to help aid protection. Of course, this has helped the offense as a whole but it’s not the most optimal use of Gesicki’s talents.
Under the previous regime, Gesicki was used more like a slot receiver who could take advantage of mismatches. That sort of skillset would work wonders in Arizona’s spread offense. The Cardinals recently lost Zach Ertz for the remainder of the ’22 campaign with an ACL tear. There’s no telling how long it will take the 32-year-old to recover from such an injury. Gesicki is a solid replacement, and is still just 27 years old.
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Marcus Davenport
It wouldn’t be an unbridled disaster if the Saints let Marcus Davenport walk. He’s a good, not great, edge rusher who certainly can make plays but isn’t single-handedly transforming your defensive line. However, Davenport’s potential departure speaks more to New Orleans’ complete recklessness as it pertains to draft capital. The Saints essentially traded two first-rounders to move up a handful of spots to take Davenport in 2018. He hasn’t panned out like they had hoped, having made zero Pro Bowls or All-Pro teams during his career.
The Saints always seem to find ways to manipulate the cap, but Davenport is going to come at a big cost after notching 9.0 sacks in just 11 games a year ago. And, the team already drafted his replacement in Payton Turner a season ago. The Falcons have a ton of cap space and zero productive pass rushers. Atlanta reaps the benefits from a cap-strapped division rival.
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Elgton Jenkins
One team to absolutely look out for as it pertains to all impending free agents are the Chicago Bears. First-year GM Ryan Poles has basically wiped the books after trading away almost every high-priced veteran. The Bears will enter the offseason with roughly $116 million available in cap space — nearly $50 million more than the second-place Falcons. There are a ton of holes to fill on this roster, but building budding star QB Justin Fields an adequate offensive line should be near the top of the shopping list.
Elgton Jenkins will be in massive demand if he hits free agency. Not only is Jenkins still just 26 years old and considered one of the top offensive lineman in the league, but he’s also versatile enough to play both tackle and guard. Jenkins fits with any system. The Bears could offer him a load of cash simply to lure the Pro Bowler from their bitter rival.
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D.J. Moore
Keeping the theme of potential Chicago acquisitions, the Bears badly need to improve their WR room. Darnell Mooney is talented, and Chase Claypool was a nice add, but Carolina wideout D.J. Moore is in a higher tier than both. Moore has thrived amidst some dreadful QB play in Carolina. He has top-end speed but plays very physical for a 6-foot receiver.
If this season has shown us anything, it’s that Justin Fields can excel when given support. The second-year passer has improved dramatically as the season has worn on, and has emerged as one of the league’s most electric players in the open field. Now, the Bears will want to develop Fields as a passer. Getting him more protection and weapons around the field is a great start on that path.
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Darren Waller
Darren Waller’s down year is one of the many reasons for Vegas’ disastrous season. The former Pro Bowler joined the team late in the offseason following a lengthy contract dispute. Right out of the gates, Waller’s play showed signs of decline as he was plagued by drops and inconsistencies. He’s been out since Week 5 with a hamstring injury, and some reports have indicated the team has grown tired of his disappearing act.
At his best, Waller is a 6-foot-6 matchup nightmare who terrorizes opposing defenses. We haven’t seen that player since 2020, but perhaps a change of scenery would bring him back. The Packers have expressed their interest in acquiring the Vegas TE on a number of occasions, including rumors that Green Bay originally requested Waller be involved in the Davante Adams trade. Vegas could take a mid-round pick to rid themselves of Waller’s massive cap hit, and Green Bay would gladly oblige as a pitch for Aaron Rodgers to stick around.
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Brian Burns
The NFL world was sent into a frenzy after reports surfaced that the Panthers declined not one, but two first-round picks in an offer for edge rusher Brian Burns. Don’t get us wrong, holding onto Burns isn’t indefensible. The Panthers feel like they’re one QB away from competing and Burns is a major part of their speedy, explosive defense. However, two premiere picks to help jumpstart the rebuild for a pass rusher with zero double-digit sack seasons seems like an awfully fair price.
If that deal is still on the table, we feel like the Panthers have to eventually give-in and move their young star. Instead of the Rams, however, we could see another risk-taking team take the plunge on Burns. How about the Seahawks who stumbled upon a potential top-10 pick in the Russell Wilson trade? Equipped with multiple first-rounders, Seattle could ship any number of picks or players away to add a threat like Burns on the edge.
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Michael Thomas
This feels like it’s going to be a messy breakup. Michael Thomas was named Offensive Player of the Year following a record-breaking 149-reception, 1,725-yard campaign which had some believing he was the top wideout in football. That was three years ago. He’s played in just 10 games since, and missed the entire 2021 campaign. This season started off strong with Thomas collecting three touchdowns in his first three games, but he once again found himself on the IR with a toe injury that will likely be season-ending.
There have been reports of Thomas delaying previous surgeries. Thomas recently had some curious activity on Twitter, quoting a post regarding the Buffalo Bills’ careful handling of QB Josh Allen’s recent injury with hand praying emojis and a “that’s how you do it” caption. It might be safe to bet Thomas has played his last game with the Saints. And, what team has never shied away from adding talented, enigmatic wideouts? Jerry Jones would be chomping at the bit to make this happen.
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Elijah Moore
In one of the more uncomfortable situations around the NFL, Elijah Moore demanded a trade from the Jets just a few weeks into his sophomore campaign. According to reports, Moore was unsatisfied with his role on the team. We’re still not quite clear if this was a schematic issue or a lack of chemistry with QB Zach Wilson who just so happened to return from injury just a couple of weeks before Moore’s request.
The Jets seemingly couldn’t find a suitable deal for the talented wideout, and elected to hold onto him through the deadline. Moore has since quieted about his displeasure, and will attempt to contribute for a New York team that appears playoff-bound for the first time since 2010. That story could be different after the season ends. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Moore traded sometime next year. The Giants seem like a logical landing point as they could use a promising wideout after missing the mark with Kadarius Toney and Kenny Golladay.
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Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt was another popular name around the trade deadline who ultimately was not moved. Hunt’s time in Cleveland always seemed temporary given the presence of Nick Chubb. However, the Browns made the most of their talented backfield and did a fine job of incorporating both players. However, the Browns aren’t going to play two veteran backs when there are other spots to fill. Hunt’s ability in the passing game would make him a valuable target for a lot of teams.
The Rams were already named among potential suitors for Hunt at the trade deadline. The team has seemingly lost all faith in Cam Akers, and Darrelle Henderson has never flourished as an every-down back. Hunt would be an ideal fit in Sean McVay’s system for his ability to be all over the field and create potential mismatches.
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Tom Brady
Where will the GOAT land next season?
Tampa Bay? San Francisco? Los Angeles? A retirement home?
Tom Brady kept everybody on edge last offseason before finally deciding to return for Year 23. Brady has shown his age at moments, but he remains a quality thrower of the football who currently ranks second in passing yards and first in TD-INT ratio. Tampa’s middling start can be more attributed to injuries than Brady’s play.
Last offseason, it seemed awfully obvious that Brady was looking to move on from Tampa. In all likelihood, his stance has not changed since then. The Bucs have massive talent at a few spots, but aren’t overly deep and boast a declining offensive line. It’s not like the Raiders are a juggernaut, but they can cut Carr for basically nothing, have all of their draft picks and an elite WR, and are coached by Brady’s former offensive coordinator. Tom goes to Vegas.
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Aaron Rodgers
What a homecoming this would be. The admitted 49ers fan playing for his childhood team which passed on him for Alex Smith all those years ago. Aaron Rodgers wanted out of Green Bay last offseason, but the team did no oblige. The relationship between Rodgers and the front office seemingly mended with a lucrative extension, but we aren’t buying that both sides are completely content with this partnership. Rodgers wants to win, and the Packers aren’t entirely equipped to compete with the league’s elite teams.
A top-end quarterback would complete a 49ers team that has gone deep into the playoffs (and beaten Rodgers) with Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm. At this point, Rodgers is essentially the LeBron James of the NFL. He’s still elite, but isn’t as much of an overwhelming force on a play-by-play, game-by-game basis as Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen are. Still, Rodgers would be excellent running this 49ers offense with the talent at the skill positions and Kyle Shanahan calling plays.
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