Its been months, but the NFL lockout is almost FINALLY over. With less than a couple of weeks before training camps are set to begin that means free agency will happen most likely within days of the settlement. It's going to be unlike anything we have ever seen and I'm going to try and predict where the "Top 10" free agents will land.
1.) Nnamdi Asomugha-CB: Arguably the best CB in the league, Nnamdi is set to cash in big this offseason. After years of losing in Oakland I expect Asomugha to sign with a playoff caliber team that will also give him the big bucks he deserves. The Texans are in desperate need for secondary help and with Wade Phillips coming to town I expect them to give him as many toys as possible to finally get the Texans into the playoffs. Keep an eye on the Cowboys, Patriots, Eagles and Jets.
Prediction: Houston Texans
Sleeper: Last years Super Bowl Teams (Packers & Steelers) The Steelers haven’t had an elite corner in over a decade and it was rumored a couple of months ago that Asomugha wanted to come to Green Bay, but Ted Thompson won't allow it.
Sleeper: Last years Super Bowl Teams (Packers & Steelers) The Steelers haven’t had an elite corner in over a decade and it was rumored a couple of months ago that Asomugha wanted to come to Green Bay, but Ted Thompson won't allow it.
2.) Sidney Rice-WR: It maybe a little high for Sidney, but when he had a quarterback that could get him the ball he was a top 10 WR. The Patriots robbed the Vikings of a 3rd round draft pick at last years trade deadline in the Randy Moss trade. I see them doing it once again by signing Rice to a long-term contract and giving Tom Brady his replacement to Moss.
Prediction: New England Patriots
Sleeper: St. Louis Rams. Not really a sleeper, I just like the fit.
3.) Logan Mankins-G: Its not official but I expect Mankins to become a free agent and I don’t see him returning to the Patriots who could also be losing their LT Matt Light. There is just too much bad blood between the two sides with Mankins getting franchise tagged yearly. Mankins is a hard one to predict. He already has Super Bowl rings, but also doesn’t need the money. I could see a team like the Browns throwing the barn at him. In the end I think his bitterness with the Patriots and the Jets possibly losing three WR will cause them to throw big money at Mankins landing him in New York
Prediction: New York Jets
Sleeper: Chicago Bears. The Bears line was terrible last year. Adding Mankins would be a huge addition.
4.) DeAngelo Williams-RB: One of the more underrated runners in the league, Williams is good at everything but not really special at any one thing. He can step into almost any scheme right away and contribute. With a goofy offseason that will be critical. I expect Williams to go to a place where he’s going to get more national attention while also getting paid top dollars. Hello New York. Cincinnati could also be an option with Cedric Bensons off the field troubles.
Prediction: New York Giants
Sleeper: Denver Broncos. Williams old coach John Fox is now in Denver and could be starting the project Tebow. A good run game will help him succeed.
5.) Antonio Cromartie-CB: Cromartie is a very interesting free agent. Some people, like yours truly, view him as an elite corner. Others are scared off because of his intangibles. Either way he’s going to get top dollar. It seemed he had a lot of fun playing for Rex Ryan and the Jets last season so look for him to stay with gang green.
Prediction: New York Jets
Sleeper: New England Patriots. Billy B has had success with troubled players and is looking for another CB.
6.) Cullen Jenkins-DE: There is no way Jenkins is going back to Green Bay. When healthy Jenkins can be an great DE in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. He fits better in a 3-4 and wants top dollar and that’s exactly what the Redskins can offer. He could also end up in Dallas or Denver who both need D-Line help.
Prediction: Washington Redskins
Sleeper: San Diego Chargers. The Chargers desperately need someone who can get pressure on the QB.
7.) Santonio Holmes-WR: Holmes had a very good season despite missing a handful of games. It was very clear that he became Mark Sanchez’s go to wide receiver especially late in games. I fully expect the Jets to keep Holmes. If he doesn’t resign look for him to join another young quarterback in Sam Bradford down in St. Louis.
Prediction: New York Jets
Sleeper: Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton will need someone to throw to especially if Steve Smith leaves.
8.) Vincent Jackson-WR: Yes another WR. A bit of a wild card, Jackson is viewed by a lot of experts as a premier wide receiver. I disagree. While he is good, I don’t see him as a true number one. If Sidney Rice leaves like I expect, look for the Vikings to sign Jackson who they had interest at last years trade deadline. If not Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, St. Louis or even a return to San Diego could be possible.
Prediction: Minnesota Vikings
Sleeper: San Francisco 49ers. Crabtree hasn’t developed into the number one they thought when they drafted him.
Sleeper: San Francisco 49ers. Crabtree hasn’t developed into the number one they thought when they drafted him.
9.) Ike Taylor-CB: A bit underrated, Ike Taylor has allowed Troy Polamalu to run around and make plays by locking up other teams number one wide receivers. He’s a bit up there in age, but for the right price his Super Bowl experience can help any team on the verge of making a championship run. I’m guessing there’s an 80% chance he returns to Pittsburgh. If he doesn’t I could see a team like the Ravens signing him to a multi-year deal.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers
Sleeper: Indianapolis Colts. Not only does Taylor get a chance at winning another ring, but the Colts get a player that will help their up and down defense.
Sleeper: Indianapolis Colts. Not only does Taylor get a chance at winning another ring, but the Colts get a player that will help their up and down defense.
10.) Eric Weddle-S: At 26, Weddle is still developing as a player. This former second round pick will be in high demand for a number of teams because of a lack of safeties this offseason. The Cowboys, Vikings and Texans could all use him. Given the fact that the Cowboys safeties played so terrible last season, I see them outbidding everyone else for his talents.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
Sleeper: Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags have wasted a bunch of picks on safeties the past ten years so why not sign a proven veteran?
Bonus:
11.) Plaxico Burress-WR: Burress is finally out of jail after shooting himself and is looking for a return to the NFL. He came out of prison wearing a Philadelphia Phillies hat and the city of brotherly love is where he will end up. He will most likely be a bit rusty, but the Eagles don’t need him to be a 100% right away. They will sign him and give Vick a big target for when he gets down in the redzone.
11.) Plaxico Burress-WR: Burress is finally out of jail after shooting himself and is looking for a return to the NFL. He came out of prison wearing a Philadelphia Phillies hat and the city of brotherly love is where he will end up. He will most likely be a bit rusty, but the Eagles don’t need him to be a 100% right away. They will sign him and give Vick a big target for when he gets down in the redzone.
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles
Sleeper: Oakland Raiders. Come on it’s the Raiders. I could see them offering Burress a ridiculous amount of money he can’t say no too.
