Free Agency Frenzy

By: Josh Frey-Sam

I just got back from Hawaii this weekend — breathtaking views everywhere you look. Would recommend you visit there at some point in your life.

I’m ready for some more breathtaking views today, in the form of familiar faces in new jerseys as the NFL’s legal tampering period kicks off at 11 a.m.

It’s a big day that leads to little work getting done on my end, as Twitter is constantly refreshed.

This year’s frenzy has already been hectic, with several trades being executed in the days leading up to the tampering period.

There’s potentially more to come, as well.

AJ Brown and Jalen Carter headline the list of trade candidates. Does either get moved today? I doubt it, but if one of them does, I think it’s Brown.

Other notable trade candidates include Rashan Gary, Dawson Knox, Rashod Bateman and Quentin Johnston. The one name that has been officially removed from this list is Brian Thomas Jr., who the Jags have no intention of moving, which makes sense given their plan to move Travis Hunter over to defence on a more permanent basis next season.

Again, the odds of a trade happening today are slim, but it’s worth keeping these names in mind.

The name that will surprise a lot of people with a big contract: Alec Pierce. He could get something in that $25M/ year range. He’s only 25 and has ascended into one of the premier deep threats in the league.

My bold prediction for Day 1: the Tennessee Titans will be the biggest spenders. The Titans have the third-most cap space ($89M) and are in a similar position to the Patriots a year ago, with a new CEO-type head coach coming in, a promising second-year quarterback at the helm and a few other foundational pieces to build around.

I expect Robert Saleh & Co. will look to make a splash with some key signings on both sides of the ball to restart the culture in Nashville.

Let’s get to one prediction for each team today (even though not every team will sign a player):

Cardinals: QB Malik Willis — Mike Lafleur knabs his brother’s coveted free agent quarterback to lead a new era in the desert.

Falcons: CB Greg Newsome — A former Brown follows Kevin Stefanski to Atlanta and bolsters their secondary.

Ravens: G Mekhi Becton — Even with a new coaching staff, Baltimore’s core identity will remain the same: run the ball. They go get a former high draft pick and road grader to fill their biggest hole on the offensive line. Becton, who was released by the Chargers last week, follows Jesse Minter.

Bills: EDGE Trey Hendrickson — the Bills checked one box by getting Josh Allen another weapon. Now they need a pass rusher, and they pay up to get the best one on the market. I could also see Haason Reddick or Jaelan Phillips, which would reunite him with Miami Hurricanes teammate Greg Rousseau.

Panthers: LB Tremained Edmunds— the Panthers continue to chip away on improving their defence by addressing the middle, getting a field general.

Bears: IDL Tim Settle — the Bears struggled in the run game last year. They address that issue with a proven vet.

Bengals: EDGE Boye Mafe — the Bengals are losing both Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai, leaving Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy as their top two pass rushers. They need to make a splash.

Browns: G Evan Neal — the Browns are literally losing their entire offensive line to free agency. They restart with a former high draft pick.

Cowboys: CB Alonte Taylor — the Cowboys desperately need help defending the pass. This is one of their top needs.

Lions: LT Rasheed Walker — The Lions just released Taylor Decker. Walker is going to get a bag today, let’s see who gives it to him.

Broncos: CB Cam Taylor-Britt — Do the Broncos run it back with Riley Moss? I’m gonna say no.

Packers: IDL Calais Campbell — this is arguably the Packers’ biggest need after they traded Colby Wooden. Go get a veteran who is still — somehow — playing at a very high level.

Texans: RB Rico Dowdle — Maybe a bit of surprise, given they just traded for david Montgomery, but Dowdle and Monty would form an awesome 1-2 punch.

Jaguars: LB Quay Walker — Jags DC Anthony Campanile worked closely with Quay as the LBs coach in Green Bay. Now with Devin Lloyd headed out the door, they reunite.

Colts: EDGE Jaelen Phillips — They’re losing thier best pass rusher in Kwity Paye. The Colts need someone to get after the QB.

Chiefs: WR Wan’Dale Robinson — production. Robinson has it. The Chiefs need it.

Raiders: G David Edwards — If I’m a Raiders fan, I want to see an offensive lineman or two ink deals today. Edwards is gonna get paid.

Chargers: G Joel Bitonio — The Chargers are losing both Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton. Expect Harbaugh to address the trenches immediately.

Rams: CB Jamel Dean — I don’t think the Rams are done adding to their secondary.

Dolphins: WR Romeo Doubs — the Jeff Hafley era in Miami begins with a familiar face.

Saints: WR Jauan Jennings — another receiver who is expecting a big payday. Jennings and Olave are a compelling WR tandem in the Big Easy.

Giants: C Tyler Linderbaum — yeah, this makes sense. Linderbaum reunites with John Harbaugh and gets a monster pay day.

Jets: QB Jacoby Brissett — I predicted Brissett to the Jets in my recent QB carousel piece, and I will stay with it. He is their Week 1 starter.

Eagles: IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker — Howie Roseman eyes another reclamation project in another former high draft pick. If AVT can stay healthy, this is a steal.

Niners: WR Alec Pierce — rumours already swirling that the Niners are willing to ante up for Pierce, who would inject some new life into the WR room.

Steelers: WR Rashid Shaheed — I don’t know if I even love this fit, but the Steelers clearly need another playmaker.

Seahawks: RB Kenneth Gainwell — Ken Walker is gone. The Hawks will likely draft to fill this need, but Gainwell is a nice fit.

Buccaneers: EDGE Odafe Oweh — Oweh will get paid today, and I think a needy team like the Bucs could be the one to do it.

Vikings: QB Kyler Murray — this one has felt imminent for a few days.

Patriots: WR Mike Evans — Would Mike actually leave Tampa Bay? I have a hard time believing it, but if he does, it’s gotta be to a contender.

Commanders: RB Travis Etienne Jr. — the Commanders valued Austin Ekeler’s skillset when they signed him. ETN provides a lot of the same.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh