This year, the NFL’s free agency is going to be absolutely fascinating. Several quarterbacks are hitting the market, so we can’t know for sure what will happen. The NFL will have a huge impact on all these free agents and their decisions. Nevertheless, we can’t help but wonder… What will be the outcome? Let’s have a look at some of the predictions, shall we?
Derrick Henry
It may take a couple of games for him to get going, but Alabama’s thunderous back is a complete beast. Tennessee’s entire offensive scheme depends on the ball being hammered by Henry. There’s no way for them just to let him go. Kansas City and Detroit look like possible fits, but Henry is likely to be paid handsomely by the Titans to ensure he stays for the next few seasons. (Prediction: Tennessee Titans)
Derrick Henry
Dante Fowler
Fowler has been LA’s best pass rusher during this current season (and that includes Aaron Donald). A lot of the money from the Rams is tied up, though, with its other members. Moreover, LA faces the challenge of getting DT Michael Brockers to join the team to start. Arizona’s division rival has a lot of cash and is set to add a complementary rusher edge to work with Chandler Jones. (Prediction: Arizona Cardinals)
Dante Fowler
Chris Jones
Chris Jones, one of the most versatile defensive players in the NFL, commands double teams on almost every play when he plays inside. He duly flashes elite speed as a defensive end when getting after opposing quarterbacks. He will command a fairly hefty contract because of his age (25) and position. As a free agent, Kansas City is set on not letting him walk away. (Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs)
Chris Jones
Marcus Peters
Marcus Peters, known for being a talented and volatile player, was shipped to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a fifth-round pick by the Rams. Peters has regained his Pro Bowl form since joining the Ravens. He caught three interceptions during the first six games of the season. Given Baltimore’s consistent performance and Peters’ recent surge, he probably won’t miss a game. (Prediction: Baltimore Ravens)
Marcus Peters
Michael Brockers
Ever since he was drafted out of LSU, Brockers has shown that he is an excellent NFL player. While he may not be the kind to pop off the screen, he is quite dependable as a starting defensive tackle. The Rams have a lot of money tied to a few players (Aaron Donald, Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Brandin Cooks). It is unlikely that the Brockers will return when the Rams try to re-sign both Cooper Kupp and Jalen Ramsey. (Prediction: Denver Broncos)
Michael Brockers
Shaq Thompson
Heading into the offseason, Oakland is expected to have just two linebackers under contract. For Carolina, Thompson has become a really nice player. He was a college safety and had the athleticism and versatility to cover smaller backfield players. Apart from that, he’s great in run support. For a year before the team heads to Las Vegas, Thompson will represent the Bay Area (Sacramento), where he is from. (Prediction: Oakland Raiders)
Shaq Thompson
Byron Jones
This one is a little bit of a no-brainer. Rumblings suggest that Dallas is not offering Jones an extension (because of the potential Dak Prescott contract). Houston lost Kareem Jackson to Denver the last offseason. After this current season, current starters Bradley Roby and Johnathan Joseph will both walk in free agency. Therefore, Houston will do everything possible to sign the player perceived by many in the free-agent group as the best defensive back. (Prediction: Houston Texans)
Byron Jones
Melvin Gordon
After Melvin Gordon held out for a contract extension that never came, he didn’t really look great this year. While that’s not to say that he can’t get back to the Pro Bowl level, the Chargers seem content with Austin Ekeler, the cheaper option. Gordon can do well to catch passes out of the backfield, and with the Chiefs needing a lead running back, it seems that Kansas City is a perfect fit for this potential marriage. (Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs)
Melvin Gordon
Vonn Bell
This is the best year of Bell’s new career so far. On the back end, he has been a ball hawk and has been excellent in run support. Finally, for Bell, a former first-round pick, it appears as though the light is turning on. His contract is one to watch because Bell’s upside definitely makes it possible for him to make a handful going forward, even if he has not yet made a Pro Bowl. New Orleans may see him, however, as too overpriced for them. (Prediction: Arizona Cardinals)
Vonn Bell
Bud Dupree
Dupree has notched 8.5 sacks as of Week 14, a career-high for the former first-round pick. He is a key member of the suddenly emerging Pittsburgh defense. The Steelers have created an excellent core of guys in their 20s and Devin Bush, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. To keep the group together, Pittsburgh will probably re-sign Dupree to a really lucrative deal. (Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers)
Bud Dupree
Drew Brees
We can’t really see Brees joining any other franchise at all. He’s lost his fastball a little bit, but Brees keeps playing at a relatively high level. What’s more, he is a beloved member of the community and the franchise. He will probably re-up on a short deal, hoping that New Orleans can take home a Super Bowl trophy within the next couple of years. (Prediction: New Orleans Saints)
Drew Brees
Yannick Ngakoue
Jacksonville will have to reduce what they paid to acquire Nick Foles or be unable to sign Ngakoue. One of this class’s crown jewels is the stud defensive end. The Jags do want him back, but the Colts also want to get him. At the defensive end, they have a humongous need and plenty of cap space. (Prediction: Indianapolis Colts)
Yannick Ngakoue
Brandon Scherff
He’s only going to be 28 years old by the time this two-time Pro Bowler hits the market. Washington could benefit from re-signing him, but the franchise was not really known for making good decisions. It is easy to see that this might be a battle between the New York Jets and Tennessee. In particular, the latter found it difficult to protect its quarterbacks, and it is dead-last as far as the sacks are concerned. (Prediction: Tennessee Titans)
Brandon Scherff
Jadeveon Clowney
Seattle traded for Clowney, and he proved himself to be the team’s best pass rusher off the edge. When he dominates the field, there are even moments. Seattle certainly wouldn’t let Clowney walk away, having given up this season’s considerable draft capital for him. Seattle will be expensive to retain, but he will be worth the investment. (Prediction: Seattle Seahawks)
Jadeveon Clowney
A.J. Green
It’s time A.J. Green plays for a contender. He was practically an afterthought, and in Cincinnati, he dwindled. Green seems like an ideal fit for New England, given how old he is (31), his injury history, and the drive to play for a contender. Those legs still have some juice in them, and there seems to be something for the Patriots to rejuvenate players who are well past their prime. (Prediction: New England Patriots)
A.J. Green
Amari Cooper
T.Y. Hilton is often hampered by recurrent injuries and is no longer the same player he used to be. Jacoby Brissett would really love to have a legitimate No. 1 receiver, and the skill set of Cooper would be outstanding on turf. The offense of Indy would benefit instantly from the balance Cooper will bring. (Prediction: Indianapolis Colts)
Amari Cooper
Anthony Castonzo
Miami needs all kinds of players, ranging from those who provide toughness on the field to the ones who bring culture to the locker room. An athletic and proven player, Offensive Tackle Anthony Castonzo will be a great fit for the offensive line. Even though the Colts really want to re-sign him, there might be a cap space issue. (Prediction: Miami Dolphins)
Anthony Castonzo
Jameis Winston
The team that drafted him No. 1 overall a couple of years ago can be expected to re-up with Winston. Winston can throw two elite receivers and gets to work with Bruce Arians, a famous offensive guru. Assuming Tampa Bay provides Winston with an adequate ground game, good numbers can be expected from him. (Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Jameis Winston
Hunter Henry
This one is fairly interesting. Henry has suffered from a string of injuries since entering the NFL, despite being clearly talented. His future earnings could be negatively affected by his lack of health. New England is still searching for their replacement for Rob Gronkowski, and they will definitely be involved in something that will get them a Henry caliber player on a discount. Henry would be totally lethal in Josh McDaniels’s offense. (Prediction: New England Patriots)
Hunter Henry
Austin Hooper
When it comes to Austin Hooper, a bidding war will happen. All in need of a big tight end are the Bears, Packers, Jets, Titans, Panthers, Bills, and Patriots. Hooper has become one of the very best in the league due to his sticky hands and blocking ability. He’ll probably re-sign in Atlanta but don’t get surprised if he goes somewhere else. (Prediction: Atlanta Falcons)
Austin Hooper
Jarran Reed
Reed’s in line for a huge boost to his salary after earning less than $2 million in the past year. He had 10.5 sacks in 2018 as a defensive tackle, and even though he had fewer than stellar sack numbers in 2019, he is still a great player against the run. To make it an elite unit, Seattle is planning to rebuild its defense, so it can not really afford to let Reed walk. (Prediction: Seattle Seahawks)
Jarran Reed
Philip Rivers
Rivers has a career that is chock-full of personal accomplishments and is the best quarterback who has never played in a Super Bowl. It is also clear, nonetheless, that he is not the player he once was. Rivers just does not have enough zip to push the ball downfield properly, aside from causing turnovers at an alarmingly high rate. Moreover, in San Diego, he and his family are deeply rooted, so the 38-year-old will probably choose to hang his cleats and retire to his lovely home in Southern California. (Prediction: Retires)
Philip Rivers
Teddy Bridgewater
Los Angeles will have an open spot, assuming Philip Rivers chooses to retire. While Teddy Two Gloves isn’t the flashiest of players, the center is a legitimate option. He has the ability to move the ball efficiently and seldom causes turnovers. If LA chooses to draft a quarterback (such as Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa), Bridgewater would be a good stop-gap in the interim. (Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers)
Teddy Bridgewater
Shaquil Barrett
There’s a massive payday coming Barrett’s way. He is the NFL leader in sacks as of December 5th (14.5). Pass-rushing traits have become a major premium in the game today, so the 27-year-old will not have a shortage of suitors. If the Atlanta Falcons rival is trying to woo Barrett, it should come as no surprise. Atlanta needs pass-rushing brilliance desperately, and the Barrett show has been in front of them all season. (Prediction: Atlanta Falcons)
Shaquil Barrett
Marcus Mariota
Tennessee will be bidding goodbye to Mariota soon. Heading into the free agency era, as a starting quarterback, it does not seem like the former Oregon star is first-choice material. Pete Carroll, who is really interested in former Pac-12 players, will gladly scoop up Mariota to make him arguably the best backup signal-caller for football. To Mariota, the west coast does not seem too far away (just a short plane ride away from his native Hawaii). (Prediction: Seattle Seahawks)
Marcus Mariota
Trae Waynes
The Panthers’ division consists of Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Michael Thomas (among others). For this reason, there are never too many quality corners for the team. At a nice discount based on the market and other players at his position, former first-round pick Trae Waynes could be headed to Carolina. (Prediction: Carolina Panthers)
Trae Waynes
Joe Schobert
Mike Mayock is a big fan of tough, hard-nosed players, and his draft track record shows that he is targeting players who are not only competitive but also from bigger schools. Schobert fits the bill pretty well as a former Wisconsin product, as he is a surefire tackler who is seldom caught out of position. He will help set the tone for defense in dire need of consistency. (Prediction: Oakland Raiders)
Joe Schobert
Chris Harris, Jr.
Harris Jr. may be of considerable value to the Patriots. He has a pedigree of championships, a lot of experience, and he’s super competitive. Harris Jr. can be signed at this moment in his career at a discount, which is perfect for Bill Belichick. (Prediction: New England Patriots)
Chris Harris, Jr.
Dak Prescott
Dallas certainly won’t let Dak walk, the same person who brought together what used to be a fractured locker room. Within the community, he is excellent and improves on the field, not to mention he has the full respect of everyone within the organization. The amount of guaranteed money could be negotiated, but Prescott is probably not going anywhere. (Prediction: Dallas Cowboys)
Dak Prescott
Tom Brady
The split between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will occur. We all know Brady isn’t going to join a team that isn’t ready to go all the way to the Super Bowl and that he’s going to be able to go to the West Coast. He is originally from there (SF) but spends his offseason there (LA). He makes sense for the 49ers since they are not in the Super Bowl. Brady will not hesitate to pursue a star player bolstered by a strong running game. For Tom Brady, it’s almost a perfect fit. (Prediction: San Francisco 49ers)
Tom Brady
Josh Norman
Josh Norman was released before the free agency; his $75 million contracts saved the Redskins $12.5 million but left other teams knowing they can have their pick ahead of the Redskins in the draft. Although we’re not sure if the Buffalo Bills will select him, he will likely make the deal.
Josh Norman
Le’Veon Bell
As Bell has some wear-and-tear that is certainly feared by the Steelers, a split between Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers is certainly on the rise. However, some other team is definitely not afraid to take this expensive player on, and if they want to make the playoffs and eventually get the big win, our money is on Detroit, while Bell is their best bet.
Le’Veon Bell
Aaron Donald
The Rams have shown that they are willing to spend on Donald and do what it takes instead of signing key players or starters for depth. The team is looking to spend more cash in the future to retain players like Todd Gurley and Jared Goff. Still, Donald is just as valuable, and if not the most valuable, we anticipate that spending on him will be more favorable than the others.
Aaron Donald
Tyrann Mathieu
We know that Mathieu values his team as a whole and the potential as a whole; after surprising us all with his pick of the Houston Texans, he wants to play on stacked defenses and with a loyal union. We do believe that the opportunity for him to move is open, possibly to the Bills, but if it doesn’t work out a prove-on, it’s the cards for him too in New England.
Tyrann Mathieu
Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham is a strong player, a valuable player, and, under Pat Shurmur, he works extremely well. He will certainly spark interest in several teams, but if he wants to win a title, he needs to remain with the Giants after his injury, and they will be lucky to have him. His home is where it is and should be for this player.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Khalil Mack
Mack is looking for a well-deserved new contract and is sure his team’s alpha at the moment, with a new coach coming in and stuff that will definitely change. We believe that Mack may leave Oklahoma for the New York Jets; the Jets are likely to have a ton of cap space and may be willing to make him the franchise’s face. The Raiders are best prepared, should we say, to fight it out or bid it out.
Khalil Mack
DeMarcus Lawrence
As an edge rusher, DeMarcus Lawrence has thrived; his pay-day is up, and what’s known is coming. Oakland is the best choice and fits because they may have some spaces open. After all, we expect players to leave if this is a good chance and the Raiders can go far with him.
DeMarcus Lawrence
Randall Cobb
Cobb has been a bit inconsistent with the Packers, and if they don’t make the Super Bowl, it is predicted that things will shakeup. We foresee Tennessee being the first in line to sign him if Cobb ends up being part of the changes. Tennessee has a wide receiver space, and it makes logistical sense to make money to make this move.
Randall Cobb
Taylor Lewan
In the heavy paychecks in the field of free agency, offensive linemen rake, and we suspect that Lewan is next in line. The Titans will most likely let him walk-free with an array of options for linesmen, but the Bills need a tackle and have the money to sign Lewan. Therefore, we believe Lewan is headed to Buffalo unless his arm improves.
Taylor Lewan
Zack Martin
As his team is very well aware of his worth and other teams, the Cowboys know Ezekiel Elliot will lead them and thus, keeping Martin around is worth the money for them. All-pro guard Zack Martin is looking to maintain the cash dollar. Dallas needs his impact, so we expect them to keep him going.
Zack Martin
Earl Thomas
The Cowboys were reported to have made an offer to trade for Thomas, but terms could not be met, and it looks like he will soon leave Seattle. Dallas is our best bet, but we assume it will be on some kind of incentive deal. This purchase is on the cards, with Dallas specifically liking to have an all-pro safety.
Earl Thomas
Brian Orakpo
This deadly pass-rusher is 32 years old and has shown that he can stay healthy with the Titans over the past three seasons. His choices are open, but the most likely choice as an original from All-American Houston is to sign him with the Cowboys.
Brian Orakpo
Danielle Hunter
The Vikings are willing to spend big to retain the players they need, and since Hunter is young, they will resign him for sure, on top of his game and an asset we predict. Minnesota understands that this is the appropriate course, and we see this materialize.
Danielle Hunter
Tyrod Taylor
We are talking about the upcoming top free-agent market quarterback. Over the last three seasons, he has shown efficiency and productivity for Buffalo, and we believe he is heading for Cleaveland. The best decision is to sign him to play for the Jaguars, and it works well as he would replace Blake Bortles.
Tyrod Taylor
Ezekiel Ansah
This player has shown inconsistency in the past, but they recently returned to the market, and it will certainly be in demand. It is believed that he will most likely make a move from Lions to Arizona; this makes full sense because they need an edge rusher that will change the game for them, Ansah is capable of. It is predicted, however, that it won’t be a long-term deal.
Ezekiel Ansah
Anthony Harris
Another safety that’s not known to a lot of people is Anthony Harris. After his impressive 2019 season, he might be getting a very nice deal. He has six picks playing for the Minnesota Vikings DB, and he did a good job in the middle when asked to do so.
Anthony Harris
Cory Littleton
Cory Littleton played for the Los Angeles Rams ILB, coming off his best season yet. His best football is still to come, being only 26 years old. He’s an active and athletic linebacker for the time being, who has a bright future.
Cory Littleton
Justin Simmons
Although his name may not be one that many fans recognize, Justin Simmons has most definitely caught the NFL personnel’s eye. He’s young, he’s athletic, and he’s a ball hawk. There is a lot of value in that. The last time he played was for the Denver Broncos FS.
Justin Simmons
Arik Armstead
Arik Armstead had his best season in 2019, arriving at the right time. The 49ers are unlikely to be able to keep him for much longer. He’ll definitely get a mega-deal soon from some team.
Arik Armstead
Ryan Tannehill
Last season with the Tennessee Titans, he brought his career back to life, coming off the bench and leading them to the playoffs. He’s most likely going to get a tag of some kind, but now what’s his actual worth?
Ryan Tannehill