Predicting where the top 10 offensive free agents will sign
Predicting where the money will flow for the top 10 offensive free agents.
Free-Agent Predictions
- Offense
- Defense
Alshon Jeffery
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Position: WR
Age: 27
The crown jewel of an underwhelming class of offensive free agents, Jeffery has a chance to surpass Antonio Brown's recent four-year, $68-million extension. Jeffery is not close to the player Brown is, but with half the league at least $30 million under the salary cap, it's entirely possible a bidding war could push his contract to record levels. The 49ers have more than $75 million to spend and nothing resembling a No. 1 wideout on their roster. New head coach Kyle Shanahan can make Jeffery his Julio Jones Light.
Prediction: 49ers on a 5-year, $81-million deal ($38 million guaranteed)
Adrian Peterson
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Position: RB
Age: 31
Peterson turns 32 in a few weeks and might attract far less interest on the open market than his name recognition would suggest. It's hard to find a great fit for his degrading skills. Peterson is largely ineffective running out of the shotgun and behind a bad offensive line, which makes reported suitors like the Giants and Seahawks a poor fit. The Cowboys are intriguing, and Jerry Jones would surely love to make a big splash, but the team will come to its senses and realize it shouldn't mess with the good thing it has going in Ezekiel Elliott. The Raiders are a scheme fit and have a need for an early-down runner. With more than $40 million to spend, general manager Reggie McKenzie can easily outbid other Super Bowl contenders who make a run at Peterson - if there are any.
Prediction: Raiders on a 2-year, $16-million deal ($8 million guaranteed)
Jamaal Charles
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Position: RB
Age: 30
Like Peterson, Charles is on the wrong side of 30. And, like Peterson, he's coming off a major knee injury - though Charles might have a much tougher time convincing teams he'll be healthy in the fall. Charles' advantage is the fact he's an excellent receiver, which is a much better fit for today's offenses than Peterson's skill set. The Eagles could look to reunite Charles with his former offensive coordinator Doug Pederson, and the Colts might consider pairing him with Frank Gore to form the NFL's oldest backfield, but the Giants are most in need of a player with Charles' skills. They don't have much cap room, but he should come pretty cheap.
Prediction: Giants on a 2-year, $11-million deal ($5 million guaranteed)
Kevin Zeitler
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Position: G
Age: 26
The Titans made their offensive line a priority last offseason, signing center Ben Jones in free agency and drafting right tackle Jack Conklin in the first round. The decision paid off in a big way, with the Titans finishing third in the league in total rushing. With more than $61 million in cap space, the Titans will continue investing in a line they believe can be the NFL's best.
Prediction: Titans on a 5-year, $66-million deal ($34 million guaranteed)
Martellus Bennett
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Position: TE
Age: 29
The Jaguars took a stab at adding a difference-making tight end two years ago when they gave Julius Thomas a five-year deal worth $46 million. It didn't work out and the Jaguars cut the cord last week. Armed with $70 million in cap space and with a big hole at tight end, Jacksonville will give it another go.
Prediction: Jaguars on a 3-year, $38-million deal ($22 million guaranteed)
Terrelle Pryor
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Position: WR
Age: 27
The Browns didn't slap Pryor with the franchise tag, but they won't let him walk. Considering the success he had playing under Hue Jackson as a first-year wideout, Pryor shouldn't want to go anywhere else.
Prediction: Browns on a 4-year, $42-million deal ($19 million guaranteed)
T.J. Lang
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Position: G
Age: 29
The Broncos are in need of reinforcements on their offensive line and general manager John Elway has never been shy about spending in free agency.
Prediction: Broncos on a 5-year, $47-million deal ($33 million guaranteed)
Ricky Wagner
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Position: RT
Age: 27
Wager's not a great player, but he's hitting the market at a great time. This free-agent class lacks impact offensive tackles, and there aren't many to be found in the draft, either. Wagner has reportedly rebuffed the Ravens' attempts to re-sign him, but the team can't afford to lose another lineman after watching Kelechi Osemele depart in free agency a year ago. Wagner will test the waters, find out his true market value, then talk the Ravens into paying him.
Prediction: Ravens on a 4-year, $34-million deal ($22 million guaranteed)
DeSean Jackson
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Position: WR
Age: 30
The Eagles lack speed in their receiving corps. Jackson has made it clear he's open to a return to Philadelphia. The Buccaneers could take a run at him and drive up the price, but Jackson putting the midnight green jersey back on makes too much sense.
Prediction: Eagles on a 3-year, $25-million deal ($14 million guaranteed)
Mike Glennon
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Position: QB
Age: 27
Is Glennon truly a top 10 offensive free agent? Perhaps not, but unless Tony Romo or Tyrod Taylor hit the market, Glennon is the most appealing quarterback obtainable without trading away draft capital. That means Glennon will be paid far more than he probably deserves. The lanky passer showed some promise in his rookie year, but hasn't done much of anything in the three ensuing seasons. Nonetheless, Bears head coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace know their jobs are on the line in 2017 and will deem Glennon a far safer option than a rookie starter.
Prediction: Bears on a 4-year, $39-million deal ($19 million guaranteed)