Hi, with the off-season just one game away, I will rank who I think are the top 25 free agents going into the off-season. Here it is:
1. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
Bell is a top 3 back in football in my opinion and some have him as the no. 1. He has made it clear he doesn't want another franchise tag and it sounds like the Steelers are giving him one. Maybe they just let him go. Bell would be a huge free agent and could make any playoff team a contender. He is a teams no. 1 back and no. 2 receiver. He is so so GOOD!
2. Jimmy Garopollo, QB, 49ers
Garopollo was amazing in his first year with the Niners, leading them to an undefeated finish to the season since he took over the starting gig. The Niners will no way let him go but he is still a top free agent.
3. Drew Brees, QB, Saints
Brees is getting very old but the way he played this season is super convincing to me that he still has a couple great years left. The Saints were one play away from making it to the divisional round where they likely would have beat the Eagles and made it to the Super bowl. Brees was mostly responsible for leading the offense. He will get a deal somewhere, likely in New Orleans.
4. Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins
This is a QB year and Cousins is one of the only quality guys that actually will likely be let go of. The Redskins don't seem very convinced even though Cousins has thrown 4000 yards the last seasons. He is likely going to get PAID elsewhere like Denver.
5. Case Keenum, QB, Vikings
Keenum was such an amazing breakout this year and he fit in so well with the Minnesota offense. He looked amazing and I can't see him leaving. Minnesota will likely give him another 1 year deal, this time, for a lot more money though.
6. Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Cowboys
The 25 year old had a huge breakout season this year, proving he was the best player on a weak Cowboys D. Now Lawrence is a free agent and will want MONEY. Dallas will likely franchise tag him to make sure he doesn't get away, otherwise he could make Von Miller type money!
7. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings
Bridgewater is another starting quality QB that is going to be a free agent. I see him staying in Minnesota but if they don't give him a good offer, other teams will throw money at him to make him their starter. Teddy B could move this off-season.
8. Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seahawks
Though Richardson wasn't too impressive this year in Seattle, he showed flashes at times and looks like he could be good in the future. The Seahawks may not re-sign him and he could float onto another team.
9. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Rams
Johnson proved to be a lockdown corner this year and should get paid like it. I bet the Rams will lock him up but if they don't, he will easily get money somewhere else.
10. Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks
While Graham at times was super productive and super good for the Seahawks, they may not want to pay him big money while he could get huge offers elsewhere. Jimmy Graham could move on.
11. Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars
He tore his ACL this season but before that was a WR1. I see the Jags re-signing him but if not, a team will quickly give him a big deal to move on.
12. Andrew Norwell, OG, Panthers
Norwell wasn't just a good O-lineman this year, he was All-Pro. I bet the Panthers will get their best O-lineman back, but if they don't an o-line needy team will be ready to throw money at him.
13. Sam Bradford, QB, Vikings
While Bradford has been average all his career and injury prone, he is still a starting quality QB in the league and a mediocre team may NEED him and give him a short term deal to come be their starting QB. The Vikings will likely not re-sign him.
14. Malcolm Butler, CB, Patriots
With worse play this year and competition with Stephon Gillmore, the Pats will likely not re-sign their Super Bowl hero while another team will love to have Butler. Take the Saints for example who ALMOST traded for him last season.
15. Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots
At times, Lewis was amazing this season for the Patriots, being a super versatile back for them and helping on special teams. If the Pats decide to not pay him, another team should pounce on the idea of having an all-around amazing back.
16. Justin Pugh, OG, Giants
Pugh has been a quality starting o-lineman in New York for years and will be wanted by a lot of o-line needy teams.
17. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Lions
While Ansah is getting older and has been injured lately, he is still a quality pass rusher that can get it done.
18. Kenny Vaccaro, S, Saints
Vaccaro is still super young and he had a great season this year. He could be a huge add to any defense.
19. Marqise Lee, WR, Jaguars
Lee at times was a wide open threat for the Jaguars and came up huge in situations. He could be a GREAT slot receiver on any team. I'm sure the Jags will want him back but it may not happen.
20. Orleans Darkwa, RB, Giants
Darkwa was a longtime backup until having a few breakout games in New York this year. Now the young RB may get some money and some playing time in New York or elsewhere.
21. Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers
Hyde was not great in San Fransisco and I doubt they'll re-sign him. He may be better playing for a different team.
22. Paul Richardson, WR, Seahawks
The Hawks WR had a breakout season and came up HUGE in some situations. He looks like he could be a pretty good receiver and the Hawks will likely get their breakout back but if not, he will likely get a nice Kenny Britt on the Browns type of deal.
23. Weston Richburg, C, Giants
Richburg wasn't as good this year but he is still a pretty good center in this league that could be pretty good on another team. I bet N.Y. will get him back but there will still be options for him if they decide not to bring him back.
24. Julius Peppers, DE, Panthers
Peppers who is now 38 had a bounceback this season in Carolina. He may retire but he still looked pretty good like he has some time left in him. If he keeps playing, there could be demand for the highly talented vet.
25. Adrian Clayborn, DT, Falcons
While the 29 year old may retire, if he doesn't there will be demand for a player who had 6 sacks against an amazing o-line in one game this season.
Just missed: Josh McCown QB Jets, Jarvis Landry WR Dolphins, Sammy Watkins WR Rams, Dwight Freeney LB Lions, Jerick McKinnon RB Vikings
Thanks for reading!
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