thatguy
Footballguy
Very true.Lots of problems with that list, IMHO.
BJ Raji, Vernon Davis, Ben Watson, these are all just guys at this point. Guys like Bruton, Starks, Kearse, and Bradham are all much more valuable free agents.
Very true.Lots of problems with that list, IMHO.
BJ Raji, Vernon Davis, Ben Watson, these are all just guys at this point. Guys like Bruton, Starks, Kearse, and Bradham are all much more valuable free agents.
The following are PFT’s top 100 free agents for the 2016 league year. The rankings include prospective unrestricted free agents, as well as released players. The list will be updated as events warrant, with signings and re-signings denoted when announced and/or reported. Players expected to opt out of their current contracts or expected to be released won’t be added until the transaction is official.
1. Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller
2. Jets defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson
3. Panthers cornerback Josh Norman
4. Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson
5. Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn
6. Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon
7. Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery
8. Chiefs safety Eric Berry
9. Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins
10. Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford
11. Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin
12. Jets defensive tackle Damon Harrison
13. Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson
14. Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith
15. Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler
16. Chargers safety Eric Weddle
17. Bengals right tackle Andre Smith
18. Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz
19. Chiefs defensive tackle Jaye Howard
20. Giants defensive end Jason-Pierre Paul
21. Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan
22. Buccaneers running back Doug Martin
23. Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele
24. Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick
25. Bengals safety George Iloka
26. Dolphins running back Lamar Miller
27. 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams
28. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins
29. 49ers guard Alex Boone
30. Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali
31. Bengals safety Reggie Nelson
32. Ravens outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw
33. Steelers left tackle Kelvin Beachum
34. Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin
35. Giants defensive end Robert Ayers
36. Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu
37. Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones
38. Lions defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker
39. Texans guard Brandon Brooks
40. Ex-Bears running back Matt Forte
41. Bills guard Richie Incognito
42. Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung
43. Rams defensive tackle Nick Fairley
44. Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara
45. Packers cornerback Casey Hayward
46. Rams linebacker/safety Mark Barron
47. Chargers cornerback Patrick Robinson
48. Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel
49. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker
50. Texans offensive lineman Ben Jones
51. Chiefs guard Jeff Allen
52. Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata
53. Broncos guard Evan Mathis
54. Raiders left tackle Donald Penn
55. Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson
56. Dolphins wide receiver Rishard Matthews
57. Redskins running back Alfred Morris
58. Jets running back Chris Ivory
59. Bengals cornerback Adam Jones
60. Colts tight end Coby Fleener
61. Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead
62. Browns safety Tashaun Gipson
63. Packers linebacker Mike Neal
64. Redskins defensive tackle Terrence Knighton
65. Ex-Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis
66. Cardinals offensive tackle Bobby Massie
67. Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy
68. Rams defensive tackle Eugene Sims
69. Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse
70. Cardinals running back Chris Johnson
71. Eagles safety Walter Thurmond
72. Packers linebacker Nick Perry
73. Raiders outside linebacker Aldon Smith
74. Seahawks guard J.R. Sweezy
75. Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers
76. Lions safety Isa Abdul-Quddus
77. Ex-Rams defensive end Chris Long
78. Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin
79. Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson
80. Chargers tight end Ladarius Green
81. Eagles defensive tackle Cedric Thornton
82. Vikings defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis
83. Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry
84. Colts tight end Dwayne Allen
85. Redskins linebacker Keenan Robinson
86. Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain
87. Chiefs offensive tackle Donald Stephenson
88. Steelers linebacker Sean Spence
89. Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton
90. Bears linebacker Shea McClellin
91. Cardinals pass rusher Dwight Freeney
92. Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji
93. Ex-Rams tight end Jared Cook
94. Colts cornerback Greg Toler
95. Ex-Lions running back Joique Bell
96. 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin
97. Buccaneers defensive tackle Henry Melton
98. Broncos cornerback Omar Bolden
99. Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle
100. Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane
Arizona Cardinals
Taking care of their own and improving the pass rush are bigger priorities butCoby Fleener, who had head coach Bruce Arians as his offensive coordinator during his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, would be an upgrade at tight end. Fleener's price tag may be too high for a reunion to take place.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons need to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks after generating a league-worst 19 sacks in 2015. Outside linebacker Bruce Irvincould be on head coach Dan Quinn's radar screen. The Atlanta native expressed a desire to reunite with Quinn, his former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, last offseason shortly after his 2016 fifth-year option for $7.751 million wasn't picked up.
The hole at strong safety became more pronounced with the release of William Moore. IfEric Berry isn't franchised by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Falcons could make a run at him since assistant general manager Scott Pioli drafted him when he was running the Chiefs.
The interior of the offensive line also needs to be addressed. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan had center Alex Mack, who is expected to void the three remaining years of his contract worth $24 million, during his one year as the Cleveland Browns' play caller in 2014. Pioli also used a second-round pick in 2012 on offensive guard Jeff Allen as Kansas City's general manager.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens won't have the salary cap room to be major players in free agency even if quarterback Joe Flacco renegotiates his contract to lower his $28.55 million cap number, which is third-highest in the NFL for 2016. Evan Mathis, who has expressed a desire to remain with the Broncos, could be a much cheaper option at left guard if Kelechi Osemele lands a mega contract elsewhere in free agency. Quarterbacks coach Marty Mornhinweg and offensive line coach Juan Castillo were offensive and defensive coordinator respectively during the early part of Mathis' tenure with thePhiladelphia Eagles.
Carolina Panthers
Jason Pierre-Paul departing the Big Apple for the NFC champions would allow Dave Gettleman, who was a front office executive with the New York Giantsprior to becoming general manager in 2013, to get younger at defensive end. Strong safety Roman Harper is a free agent because the last two years of his contract voided. Head coach Ron Rivera was free safety Eric Weddle's defensive coordinator with the San Diego Chargers for three seasons (2008-2010). Signing Weddle would require Kurt Coleman to move into Harper's slot. Although the five-time All-Pro is 31 years old, it's hard to imagine him being interested in a deal less than the $8 million per year in his expiring contract that was signed five years ago.
Chicago Bears
A roster purge took place last offseason after the regime change because the existing personnel wasn't a good match under general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox. The roster makeover will continue this offseason. Pace has suggested that he isn't going to make splash signings in free agency despite having close to $60 million in cap space. Fox may look to raid the Super Bowl 50 champion Broncos by targeting some of his former players. Defensive end Malik Jackson's asking price might be too rich for Pace's blood since his salary floor should be the $10.25 million per year Mike Daniels and Corey Liuget received on their extensions with the Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers. Unrestricted free agent inside linebacker Shea McClellinwouldn't be missed if Danny Trevathan was signed to take his place.
Cleveland Browns
New head coach Hue Jackson would like the migration from Cincinnati to Cleveland to be more than just him. Marvin Jones or Mohamed Sanu would immediately become Cleveland's best wide receiver by signing with the in-state rival. Andre Smith could be an option if Mitchell Schwartz becomes one of the highest-paid right tackles elsewhere. Cleveland's new emphasis on analytics may prevent a pursuit of free safety Reggie Nelson because he is seven years older than Tashaun Gipson. The 25-year-old reportedly would like to stay in Cleveland but is prepared to move on since there hasn't been much dialogue between the team and his agent.
Denver Broncos
Besides keeping as much of the defense together as possible and re-signing quarterback Brock Osweiler, upgrading the offensive line should be the priority. Signing Ravens left guard Osemele, who had Kubiak as offensive coordinator in 2014, is probably just wishful thinking considering the five-year, $40 million contract (which includes $22.5 million in guarantees) that Mike Iupati received from the Arizona Cardinals in free agency last year may be an important salary benchmark for him. Two of Kubiak's offensive linemen, guard Brandon Brooks and center Ben Jones, from his eight-year stint with the Houston Texans are also available.
Houston Texans
Safety has been an issue ever since signing an aging Ed Reed in free agency was a priority over retaining Glover Quin three years ago. Landing Eric Berry, who had defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel as head coach in Kansas City during the 2012 season, would be a very expensive solution to the problem at safety. It may require making Berry the NFL's highest-paid safety, which is currently Earl Thomas(Seahawks) at $10 million per year.
Indianapolis Colts
Younger pass-rushing outside linebackers are needed as Trent Cole, who was a disappointment as a free agent signee last offseason, and Robert Mathis are in their mid-thirties. Courtney Upshaw would have an easy transition since Ted Monachino, his position coach with the Ravens, is Indianapolis' new defensive coordinator.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It wouldn't be a surprise if the Jaguars continued their trend of reuniting head coach Gus Bradley with the players he had as defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks to try to fix a porous defense. Irvin will likely price himself out of the Pacific Northwest if the five-year, $46.25 million deal that defensive end Vinny Curryrecently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles is an important data point to him.
Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive guard is an issue because Ben Grubbs may be forced to retire because of neck problems and Allen is a free agent. Andy Reid was Mathis' head coach in Philadelphia for two seasons (2011 and 2012). Cornerback becomes a need for 2015's third-best defense in points allowed if Sean Smith leaves. General manager John Dorsey could reach back to his Green Bay Packers roots by replacing Smith with Casey Hayward.
Miami Dolphins
Lamar Miller wants to be a workhorse running back, which may not be possible under new head coach Adam Gase with 2015 fifth-round pick Jay Ajayi waiting in the wings. Matt Forte could be a short-term solution to pair with Ajayi provided he is comfortable with the same type of role he had last season in Chicago with Gase calling the plays once he returned from an MCL sprain. His contract should make him the league's highest-paid running back to sign after turning 30 but probably won't be much more than the three-year, $12 million contract Frank Gore received last offseason from the Colts as a free agent. A cheaper alternative would be Ronnie Hillman, who had Gase as offensive coordinator in Denver for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Cornerback Brent Grimes becoming a cap casualty could open the door for Adam Jones to follow defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who was his position coach in Cincinnati the last two seasons, to Miami. Although Jones had one of his finest seasons in 2015, the move would be swapping one aging cornerback for another
Minnesota Vikings
George Iloka could fit the bill if finding a safety to pair with Harrison Smith is on Minnesota's free agency to-do list. Head coach Mike Zimmer was his defensive coordinator in Cincinnati during his first two NFL seasons.
Guard Richie Incognito would upgrade an offensive line that helped Adrian Peterson win the NFL rushing title. New offensive line coach Tony Sparano was Incognito's head coach in 2010 and 2011 when he was with the Dolphins.
It remains to be seen whether Minnesota will move on from Mike Wallace, who was acquired from the Dolphins last offseason. His $11.5 million salary and cap number could be used to convince Cincinnati speedster Jones to join the fold.
New Orleans Saints
It's hard to imagine the Saints being aggressive in free agency because of poor results with high-end signings in recent years and quarterback Drew Brees' league high $30 million cap number as another restraint. Assistant general manager/college scouting director Jeff Ireland drafted cornerback Sean Smith and defensive end Olivier Vernon, who may be franchised, when he was Miami's general manager. Both players are probably out of the Saints' price range.
Offensive guard should be addressed after Jahri Evans' refusal to take a pay cut led to his release. Incognito got the richest deal of his career at $4.3 million per year in 2011 during Ireland's tenure with the Dolphins.
New York Giants
The release of tackle William Beatty and guard Geoff Schwartz practically ensures that the offensive line will be given attention in free agency. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was Incognito's head coach in his final year with the Rams in 2009. Incognito seems to have matured since wearing out his welcome with Spagnuolo. At 32 years old, left tackle Donald Penn may be a little long in the tooth but offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan held the same position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneersduring Penn's last two seasons (2012 and 2013) with the club.
The defense needs to be remade after ranking last in the NFL in total and pass defense. Former Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew was recently added as director of football operations/special projects. It may speak volumes that re-signing defensive tackleNick Fairley wasn't a top priority when it became apparent that Ndamukong Suh was leaving last offseason. Mayhew might recommend that the Giants pursue 2015 Lions defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker or outside linebacker Tahir Whitehead instead.
New York Jets
General Manager Mike Maccagnan could look to his former employer, the Texans, to address his needs at guard. Brooks is arguably the second-best free agent guard on an expiring rookie contract. There doesn't appear to be cap room to find a high quality cornerback to replace Antonio Cromartie, who was given his walking papers. Head coach Todd Bowles was Smith's position coach in Miami for his first three seasons in the NFL.
Oakland Raiders
Improving the secondary should be a focus of general manager Reggie McKenzie. The Raiders would be getting younger at free safety by signing the 32-year-old Nelson, who played for head coach Jack Del Rio in Jacksonville, to replace the recently retired Charles Woodson. It may be necessary to find another pass rusher because of linebacker Aldon Smith's year-long suspension that runs through the middle of November. Irvin could be on Oakland's radar screen since defensive coordinator Ken Norton, Jr. was his position coach for three years in Seattle.
With over $65 million in cap space, Oakland can get in the Jackson sweepstakes even though he isn't an edge rusher. Del Rio was his defensive coordinator for three years in Denver.
Philadelphia Eagles
The focus has been on extending the contracts of core players (tight end Zach Ertz, safety Malcolm Jenkins, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, etc.) long before free agency becomes an issue. Quarterback Chase Daniel becomes a viable option if the Eagles decide Sam Bradford is too expensive. He was new head coach Doug Pederson's backup signal caller for the three years he was Kansas City's offensive coordinator.
The interior of the offensive line needs to be addressed as former head coach Chip Kelly released Mathis last offseason because of a contract dispute. Allen, whose rookie contract with the Chiefs is expiring, had his best NFL season in 2015.
Tennessee Titans
Doug Martin took advantage of the Buccaneers declining to pick up his 2016 fifth year option for $5.621 million with a career rebirth. He was second in the NFL last season with 1,402 rushing yards. After seeing how Martin took pressure off first overall pick Jameis Winston as Tampa Bay's director of player personnel, new general manager Jon Robinson might feel using some of Tennessee's almost $50 million in cap space on the running back could do the same for 2014 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The Chargers haven't said they are letting Barksdale walk. They signed him to a prove it deal, he proved it, and he is set to be a UFA. I expect the Chargers to try to re-sign him.Barksdale is curious. Last year he was supposedly one of the best free agent Ts (at pass protection) available. He seemed to visit every potential team and was signed rather late by the Chargers to only a one year 2 mil deal. Their line isn't that great and now they're letting him walk.
Maybe because until he actually opts out he's not a free agent. Maybe they don't want to make that assumption.Must be an oversight at PFT with their list.
Roto has CLE C Alex Mack as the 16th best free agent.
16. Alex Mack -- 30. 3-time Pro Bowler. Expected to exercise player opt-out.
PFT's list doesn't have him ranked in the top-100.
Maybe but they say their rankings include 'prospective' free agents.Maybe because until he actually opts out he's not a free agent. Maybe they don't want to make that assumption.
I was just stating a reason why they may have possibly left him off - not interested in an argument based on semantics. Maybe it was just an oversight.Maybe but they say their rankings include 'prospective' free agents.
*The following are PFT’s top 100 free agents for the 2016 league year. The rankings include prospective unrestricted free agents
The post above noted Alex Mack is expected to be a free agent.
*Browns center Alex Mack is expected to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
Opting out would make Mack a free agent, but Rapoport said that Mack eventually returning to the Browns on a new contract is “a real possibility.”
That would seem to make him a prospective free agent.
Rams still working on which cornerback to tag
Posted by Darin Gantt on February 27, 2016, 8:56 AM EST
The Rams are going to keep their young star cornerback off the market by using the franchise tag.
They don’t yet know which one of them, however.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, they have not yet told either Trumaine Johnson or Janoris Jenkins which one is getting the tag, but one of them will.
There’s no rush, because they can negotiate with both right up until Tuesday’s deadline. The first one to blink and take the guaranteed money will cash in, and the other could be tagged.
It’s an interesting dynamic, as Jenkins is the bigger name, but Johnson’s a talented player in his own right. And by playing the two of them off each other, they might increase the chances of keeping both.
Colts' tight end situtation coming to a head
The Colts are another team trying to gauge the market for two players at the same position, with their tight ends, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, both set to hit the open market. Sources said there has been no real progress made with Fleener and while he has better numbers, Allen is a more complete player able to block and help in the run game, as well as someone who offers some explosion himself.
The market for tight ends has been a little murky, and this situation -- and how it is resolved -- could go a long way to setting it across the board. The fact that Fleener played withAndrew Luck in college gets a lot of attention, but the Colts know they must become a more physical and multi-pronged team.
I wouldn't be shocked if they end up with Allen in the end, and I also wouldn't be stunned if whichever player they don't retain ends up with the Steelers assuming the market doesn't explode. Heath Miller's retirement has created an immediate void, and it's one the team may prefer to fill now rather than waiting until late April in the draft (where they will have to continue to replenish the defense).
Bengals: The Bengals have more starters about to hit the market than any team in the league, and they have done a tremendous job of keeping their own in recent years. Sources said they have been focused in particular on trying to keep Marvin Jones, Adam Jones and Reggie Nelson from hitting the market. If they can go 3-for-3 there, it may go a long way to keeping them atop the AFC North.
Eagles: The Eagles would be wise to call Sam Bradford's bluff and let him wade out into the free agent market for a few days -- or weeks. I still don't get the sense he has too many real suitors (Chip Kelly in San Francisco does make some sense if they jettison Colin Kaepernickas expected), and I suspect the dollar figures are where they should be for a marginal starting quarterback.
Chiefs: The Chiefs, and the city of Kansas City, mean so much to Tamba Hali that in the end I imagine he ends up back there, but even at this stage of his career, I hear there are no shortage of teams interested in him. Again, there are so few places to get pass rush, and while the Chiefs have already spent big -- and will soon have to carry Eric Berry on the franchise tag as well -- my gut is they figure out a way to make this work. If that doesn't happen, the money Hali gets might surprise some people.
I don't think any of these are particularly bold.
Some serious bank is a given.I don't think any of these are particularly bold.
Von Miller about to make some serious bank? Check.
Raiders and Jaguars have crazy money to spend? Well, duh.
Kelechi Osmele and Sean Smith are good players about to get paid? Ya think?
Breathtaking insight.
What in the world?Dwayne would be a good replacement for Miller's short game and he's (probably) a better blocker.
Over the next few days, the Giants are expected to look into every available free-agent pass rusher on the market. Veteran Mario Williams could be the next one on their list.
As the Daily News reported on Saturday, the Giants are interested in bringing the 31-year-old defensive end in for a free-agent visit, and according to a league source the hope is it will happen sometime in the next few days. Williams, who was cut by the Buffalo Bills last week, made his first free-agent visit to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, but left without a deal.
There was a report that he was on his way to New Jersey on Sunday night, but two league sources confirmed a visit with the Giants hadn't been finalized. It’s possible, one of the sources said, that Williams will visit the Jacksonville Jaguars first. Williams had also told ESPN that he hoped to visit 4-5 teams before signing a new deal.
Meanwhile, the Giants search for pass-rushing help has already begun. Former Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson arrived for his free agent visit with the Giants on Sunday evening. And when the “legal tampering” period opens at noon on Monday — when teams are officially able to speak to the agents of free agents from other teams — the Giants figure to at least place calls to all the top names, including Denver's Malik Jackson and Miami’s Olivier Vernon.
They also will be looking for less expensive players. According to one league source, they are expected to make a run at Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn, a former first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who had three sacks for the Falcons last season, his first after missing almost all of 2014 with a torn biceps. The Dallas Cowboys are believed to be interested in Clayborn, too.
And the Giants also plan to continue to try to re-sign their own defensive ends — Jason Pierre-Paul and Robert Ayers. According to league sources, the Giants have had recent talks with agents for both players, but didn’t come close to a deal. Barring a last-minute surprise, both will begin shopping for offers on Monday, though the Giants haven’t given up on bringing either one back.
yeah, I didn't need the "probably" in there.What in the world?
now you're confusing me.
I almost asked you the same thing... but in reverse. Yes, Miller was an outstanding blocker.now you're confusing me.
are you suggesting Heath was a better blocker than Allen? That would be contrary to what I've read or seen.
interesting. I don't subscribe to PFF but other rankings (bleacher report for one) rank Allen as better as of 2014 anyway. Allen was criminally underutilized as a receiver but seems to be among the best blockers at the position.I almost asked you the same thing... but in reverse. Yes, Miller was an outstanding blocker.
I actually like Allen for Pitt because he is a good blocker. He certainly isnt one of the weak psuedo-wideouts in that regard.interesting. I don't subscribe to PFF but other rankings (bleacher report for one) rank Allen as better as of 2014 anyway. Allen was criminally underutilized as a receiver but seems to be among the best blockers at the position.
one rumor has Allen signing with the Patriots which would be interesting.
I actually like Allen for Pitt because he is a good blocker. He certainly isnt one of the weak psuedo-wideouts in that regard.
Just wanted to say this Charles Robinson guy absolutely killed it in FA on twitter last year. Was without a doubt the best follow, dude broke stuff left and right.
Ian Rapaport is reporting the players were informed they are traded pending physicalsAdam Schefter @AdamSchefter 6m6 minutes ago
Eagles-Dolphins now trying to finalize trade that will send Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell to MIA for draft-pick comp, per league source.
But the link goes to an MFL website update notice. Did he sign with someone else?
- Morris, Alfred WAS RB: Alfred Morris says goodbye to Redskins f...
All the Redskins leaving seem to be doing a "thanks for the memories" or "goodbye to fans" type post, tweet, etcAny word on Alfred Morris. MFL just sent out an email saying:
But the link goes to an MFL website update notice. Did he sign with someone else?
Thanks for the info. He's not a strong RB, but if he went to a team with a strong OLine, I think he could be a solid contributor and as bad as I suck at RB, I would really like that...All the Redskins leaving seem to be doing a "thanks for the memories" or "goodbye to fans" type post, tweet, etc
I guess it's a nice way to leave and all but with Morris some writers are quoting his "goodbye post" and then saying "if he returns...." so it could just be a negotiation ploy
I guess that means that Matthews isn't on the market anymore...Bri said:Adam Schefter @AdamSchcfter 3m3 minutes ago
Eagles-Texans now trying to finalize a trade that would send DeMarco Murray to Houston for draft pick comp, per league source.