Derrick Henry
Though it takes him a few games to get going, the thunderous back out of Alabama is an absolute beast. Tennessee’s entire offensive scheme relies on Henry hammering the football. There’s no conceivable way in which they can let him walk out the door. Detroit and Kansas City look like potential fits. However, the Titans will handsomely pay Henry to ensure his involvement for the next few seasons.
Prediction: Tennessee Titans
UPDATE: Derrick Henry receives franchise tag from Tennessee Titans
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Dante Fowler
Fowler has been LA’s best pass rusher during this current season (and that includes Aaron Donald). However, the Rams have tons of money tied up with other members of its team. LA also faces the challenge of having to re-sign starting DT Michael Brockers. Division rival Arizona is flush with cash, and is determined to add a complementary edge rusher opposite Chandler Jones.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
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Chris Jones
Jones is one of the most versatile defensive players in the NFL. He commands double teams on virtually every play when playing inside. Duly, Jones flashes elite quickness in getting after opposing quarterbacks when situated as a defensive end. Due to his position and age (25), he will command a hefty contract from someone. Kansas City is determined to not let him walk in free agency.
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs
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Michael Brockers
Brockers has proven to be a very solid NFL player since being drafted out of LSU. He’s not the type to pop off the screen. However, he’s quite dependable as a starting defensive tackle. The Rams have a ton of money tied up to a few players (Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald, Brandin Cooks, Jared Goff). With the Rams facing the task of re-signing both Jalen Ramsey and Cooper Kupp, it’s unlikely Brockers will return.
Prediction: Denver Broncos
UPDATE: Brockers signs 3-year, $30 million contract with Baltimore Ravens ($21 million guaranteed)
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Shaq Thompson
Oakland is slated to have only two linebackers under contract heading into the offseason. Thompson has developed into a very nice player for Carolina. Formerly a safety in college, he possesses the versatility and athleticism to cover smaller players out of the backfield. All the while, he packs a major punch in run support. Thompson will also get to rep his native Bay Area (Sacramento) for one year before the team departs for Las Vegas.
Prediction: Oakland Raiders
UPDATE: Shaq Thompson signs 4-year, $54.2 million contract with Carolina Panthers ($28 million guaranteed)
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Byron Jones
This one is a bit of a no-brainer. There are rumblings which suggest Jones not being offered an extension by Dallas (thanks to the potential Dak Prescott contract). Houston lost Kareem Jackson last offseason to Denver. Additionally, current starters Johnathan Joseph and Bradley Roby will both be free agents after this current season. Houston will do everything it can in order to sign the player many perceive as the best defensive back in the free agent class.
Prediction: Houston Texans
UPDATE: Byron Jones signed 5-year, $82.5 million contract with Miami Dolphins ($57 million guaranteed)
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Melvin Gordon
After holding out for a contract extension that never came, Melvin Gordon hasn’t exactly looked great this year. That’s not to say he can’t get back to a Pro Bowl level, but the Chargers seem content rolling with the cheaper option in Austin Ekeler. Gordon’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield — coupled with the Chiefs’ need for a lead running back — makes this potential marriage with Kansas City a perfect fit.
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs
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Vonn Bell
Bell is having the best year of his young career. He’s been a ball hawk on the back end, and has been superb in run support. It finally appears as if the light is going on for the former first-round pick. Bell’s contract will be one to watch. Despite not making a Pro Bowl yet, Bell’s upside certainly makes it possible for him to make a handful of them going forward. He might be too overpriced for New Orleans’ liking.
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
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Bud Dupree
As of Week 14, the former first-round pick out of Kentucky has notched a career-high 8.5 sacks. Dupree is an integral member of the suddenly emerging Pittsburgh defense. Along with Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt and Devin Bush, the Steelers have built a very good core of guys all in their 20’s. Wanting to keep the band together, Pittsburgh will re-sign Dupree to a very lucrative deal.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers
UPDATE: Bud Dupree receives franchise tag from Pittsburgh Steelers
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Drew Brees
We can’t see Brees playing for any other franchise. Though he’s lost a bit off his fastball, Brees is still playing at a relatively high level. He’s also a beloved member of both the franchise and the community. Brees will re-up on a short deal with the hopes that New Orleans can win a Super Bowl within the next few years.
Prediction: New Orleans Saints
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Yannick Ngakoue
Unless Jacksonville can unload some of the money it paid Nick Foles, Ngakoue might be a bit out of their price range. The stud defensive end is clearly one of the crown jewels of this class. While the Jags do want to bring him back, watch out for the Colts. They’ve got a ton of cap space, and a gigantic need at defensive end.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
UPDATE: Yannick Ngakoue receives franchise tag from Jacksonville Jaguars
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Brandon Scherff
The two-time Pro Bowler will only be 28 years old by the time he hits the market. Washington could stand to re-sign him — though the franchise hasn’t exactly been known for sound decision-making. One could see this becoming a battle between Tennessee and the New York Jets. Tennessee in particular has had a hard time protecting its quarterbacks. The team is dead-last in sacks relinquished.
Prediction: Tennessee Titans
UPDATE: Brandon Scherff receives franchise tag from Washington Redskins
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Jadeveon Clowney
After trading for Clowney, he’s proven to be Seattle’s best pass rusher off the edge. There are moments in which he’s the most dominant player on the field. Seattle wouldn’t want to let him walk away after giving up significant draft capital for him earlier this season. He’ll be worth the pricey contract Seattle will be forced to shell out.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
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A.J. Green
It’s time for A.J. Green to play for a contender. He’s virtually been an afterthought dwindling away in Cincinnati. Considering his age (31), injury history, and motivation to play for a contender, he seems like an absolutely ideal fit for the Patriots. There’s still some juice in those legs, and New England has a habit for rejuvenating players well past their prime.
Prediction: New England Patriots
UPDATE: A.J. Green receives franchise tag from Cincinnati Bengals
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Amari Cooper
T.Y. Hilton is not the same player he once was. He’s constantly hindered by a plethora of nicks and injuries. Jacoby Brissett would love nothing more than to have a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Cooper’s skill-set would play up exceptionally well on turf. He would instantly bring much-needed balance to Indy’s offense.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
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Anthony Castonzo
Miami needs talent everywhere. Specifically, it could stand to sign a cornerstone player to bring culture to the locker room, and toughness on the field. Offensive Tackle Anthony Castonzo fits the bill as an athletic yet proven player along the offensive line. The Colts would love to re-sign him — though cap space could be a problem.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
UPDATE: Anthony Castonzo signs 2-year, $33 million contract with Indianapolis Colts ($17 million guaranteed)
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Jameis Winston
We fully expect Winston to re-up with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall just a few short years ago. Aside from having two elite receivers to throw to, Winston also gets to work with famed offensive guru Bruce Arians. Assuming Tampa Bay can provide Winston with an adequate ground game, he should be able to put up good numbers.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Hunter Henry
This one is quite interesting. Henry — while clearly talented — has been battling the injury bug since entering the NFL. This lack of heath could adversely impact his potential earnings. New England is still looking for its Rob Gronkowski replacement. When having the ability to get a player of Henry’s caliber on somewhat of a discount, there’s no doubt that New England will be involved. Henry would be absolutely lethal in Josh McDaniels’s offense.
Prediction: New England Patriots
UPDATE: Hunter Henry receives franchise tag from Los Angeles Chargers
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Austin Hooper
There will be a bidding war as it pertains to Austin Hooper. The Patriots, Bills, Jets, Titans, Panthers, Packers, and Bears all are in need of a legitimate tight end. Hooper has become one of the league’s very best in large part to his blocking ability and sticky hands. My gut says he re-signs in Atlanta — though don’t be surprised if he ends up elsewhere.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
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Jarran Reed
After making less than $2 million this past year, Reed is in line for a massive boost to his salary. He nabbed 10.5 sacks in 2018 as a defensive tackle. While his sack numbers in 2019 are less than stellar, he still grades out as a very good player against the run. With Seattle looking to rebuild its defense into an elite unit, it can’t afford to let Reed go.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
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Philip Rivers
Rivers is the best quarterback to never play in a Super Bowl. Despite a career chock-full of personal accomplishments, it’s clear that he’s currently not the player he once was. Rivers is turning the ball over at an alarmingly high rate, and simply doesn’t have enough zip to properly push the ball downfield. Couple that with the fact he’s deeply rooted in San Diego with his family, the 38-year-old will opt to hang up his cleats and retire to his abode in lovely Southern California.
Prediction: Retires
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Teddy Bridgewater
Assuming Philip Rivers retires, there will be an open spot in Los Angeles. Teddy Two Gloves isn’t the flashiest of players, but he’s at least a credible option under center. He can move the ball efficiently, and rarely turns the ball over. If LA opts to draft a quarterback (like Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert), Bridgewater would be a nice stop-gap in the interim.
Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
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Shaquil Barrett
Barrett is in for a massive payday. As of December 5th, the 27-year-old leads the NFL in sacks (14.5). With pass-rushing traits being a major premium in today’s game, Barrett will have no shortage of suitors. Don’t be shocked to see the rival Atlanta Falcons take a shot at Barrett. Atlanta desperately needs an influx of pass-rushing brilliance, and they’ve had a front row seat to the Barrett show all season.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
UPDATE: Shaquil Barrett receives franchise tag from Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Marcus Mariota
Mariota’s time in Tennessee has come to a close. It doesn’t appear as if the former Oregon star will be a first-choice starting quarterback heading into this free agency period. Pete Carroll — a huge fan of former Pac-12 players — will gladly scoop Mariota up in order to make him arguably the best backup signal-caller in football. Duly, Mariota can play on the west coast (which is only a short plane ride to his native Hawaii).
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
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Trae Waynes
The Panthers play in a division featuring the likes of Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley (among others). As such, there’s no such thing as having too many quality corners. Based upon the market and others at his position, Carolina might be able to get the former first-round pick at a nice discount.
Prediction: Carolina Panthers
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Joe Schobert
Mike Mayock loves tough, hard-nosed players. His draft track record targets players from bigger schools — but also those who are competitive. Schobert — a former Wisconsin product — fits the bill quite well. He’s a surefire tackler, and rarely is caught out of position. He’ll help to set the tone for a defense in desperate need of consistency.
Prediction: Oakland Raiders
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Chris Harris Jr.
Harris Jr. holds plenty of value for New England. He’s got a championship pedigree, load of experience, and is uber competitive. At this point in his career, Harris Jr. also will come at somewhat of a discount. This is a perfect Bill Belichick signing.
Prediction: New England Patriots
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Dak Prescott
Dallas can’t really afford to let Dak walk, can they? This was the same individual who brought together a once fractured locker room. Prescott is great within the community, is improving on the field, and has the total respect of everyone within the organization. While there could be some back-and-forth on the guaranteed money number, Prescott isn’t going anywhere.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
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Tom Brady
Here’s the shocker of the offseason. The much-rumored split between Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will ultimately happen. We know Brady won’t go to a team not ready to contend for a Super Bowl. We also know that he could head back to the West Coast where he’s originally from (San Francisco) and where he lives during the offseason (Los Angeles). Seeing as he’s a Bay Area native, it makes all the sense in the world for him to play for the 49ers — particularly if SF doesn’t make it to the Super Bowl this season. John Lynch won’t hesitate in pursuing Brady should he show interest. Buoyed by a strong run game and a big-time defense, it’s a near perfect fit for Brady.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers
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