Free Agency: Signings, Cuts, Trades

The attachment has all of the inside linebackers that are set to hit free agency in 2020. Danny Trevathan heads the list and if the Bears let him hit free agency, he should be priority.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/inside-linebacker/

 

I agree we need to give him a hard look this year

 

no, not at all. I still feel we will be going to the playoffs and possibly still winning the division.

 

Top 50 pending NFL unrestricted free agents for 2020

https://theathletic.com/1381238/2019/11/20/top-50-pending-nfl-unrestricted-free-agents-for-2020/

for those that don't have The Athletic

Top 50 pending NFL unrestricted free agents for 2020

By Sheil Kapadia

With the 2019 season 11 weeks old and some fan bases already looking ahead to the offseason, we thought now would be a good time to put out an initial list with the top 50 pending unrestricted free agents for 2020.

We’ll provide an updated list when the season is over and another after franchise tags are handed out. Factors taken into account: age, positional value, production and injury history.

The age in parentheses indicates how old the player will be at the start of the 2020 season. Stats are courtesy of Sportradar unless otherwise noted. And credit to OverTheCap.com for contract information. Finally, thanks to various beat writers from The Athletic for helping with some of the blurbs.

1. Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys (27)

He’s turned in a career year, has looked every bit the part of a franchise quarterback and is in line to be among the highest-paid players in the league, given his age and his position. Prescott isn’t going anywhere, but the Cowboys have the option of using the franchise tag.

2. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (43)

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe ran through the possibilities with Brady last month. He could sign an extension with the Patriots, sign with another team or retire. The previous deal Brady signed prevents New England from using the franchise tag. He was frustrated with the offense’s performance last week against the Eagles. Brady ranks 15th in QBR.

3. Drew Brees, QB, Saints (41)

It’s wait and see mode for Brees and the Saints. He missed five games earlier this season with a thumb injury but is now back, and at 8-2, the Saints are legit Super Bowl contenders. If they win it all, would Brees call it a career? This seems like one where the two sides will come to an agreement one way or another. The next couple of months could go a long way in determining Brees’ future.

4. Amari Cooper, WR, Cowboys (26)

He’s been fantastic since joining the Cowboys in the middle of the 2018 season. Through 11 weeks, Cooper has 886 receiving yards (fourth) and seven touchdowns (tied for fourth). Michael Thomas got a new deal from the Saints in July that pays him $19.25 million per year. Julio Jones got a new deal from the Falcons in September that pays him $22 million per year. Cooper will likely be seeking a deal in the $20 million per year range, and he has leverage, given how well he’s played and the fact that the Cowboys gave up a first-round pick to land him. The franchise tag also could be an option.

5. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (38)

He’s in the middle of a rough stretch with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions through 11 games. Will Rivers be the Chargers’ quarterback next season when they move into a new stadium? They’ve been hit hard with injuries and have underachieved in 2019. Plus, the Chargers don’t have an obvious successor to Rivers on the roster. This will be an intriguing one to watch.

6. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Seahawks (27)

The football world saw him completely take over the game in the Seahawks’ Week 10 Monday night win over the 49ers. Clowney’s numbers (three sacks, 12 QB hits, five tackles for loss) are modest, but his upside is tantalizing. As part of the preseason trade, the Seahawks agreed not to use the franchise tag on him. So he’ll either re-sign in Seattle or hit the open market.

7. Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs (26)

His 27 sacks over the last three seasons are tied for 13th most. Jones has been one of the best interior pass rushers in the NFL. Trey Flowers’ five-year, $90 million deal with the Lions last offseason could be the comp Jones is seeking. He’s a candidate for the franchise tag.

8. Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE, Jaguars (25)

His 34.5 sacks since the start of the 2016 season rank 12th, and Ngakoue’s 79 quarterback hits during that span rank eighth. Ngakoue will be just 25 at the start of next season, has been productive, plays a premium position and has missed just one game in four seasons. Frank Clark, who received $20.8 million per year from the Chiefs last offseason, could be a good comp.

9. Shaquil Barrett, EDGE, Buccaneers (27)

He was a free agent last offseason and settled on a one-year, $4 million deal with Tampa. That gamble is going to pay off as Barrett has had a monster 2019 season. He’s second with 11.5 sacks and fourth with 28.5 combined sacks and quarterback hits. Barrett will be an intriguing option for a team in need of edge rush help.

10. Matt Judon, EDGE, Ravens (28)

He was a productive pass rusher in 2017 and 2018 (totaling 15 sacks in the two seasons) and has seen a bump in playing time this season. Judon’s 29 combined sacks/QB hits are third behind only T.J. Watt and Joey Bosa. His profile is somewhat similar to Za’Darius Smith, who left the Ravens in free agency last year to sign with the Packers for $16.5 million per season.

11. Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers (26)

He’s a tough one to slot. Based on production, he should be much lower. But Winston plays quarterback, and quarterbacks get paid. Plus he’ll be just 26 years old at the start of next season. Statistically, playing under Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich for the first time, Winston has looked like the player he’s always been. He can throw for a lot of yards and make plays downfield but is always close to making a game-changing mistake. Winston has already tied a career high with a league-leading 18 interceptions. The Bucs can’t really talk themselves into the franchise tag or a long-term extension with Winston, can they? If I were a GM, I’d want no part of him. But teams talk themselves into stuff all the time.

12. Byron Jones, CB, Cowboys (27)

He’s been an outstanding outside corner and has the versatility to play safety. Jones made the Pro Bowl last season and is an elite athlete. It’s not crazy to think he could become the highest-paid corner in the NFL. One note, given that Jones is the third Cowboys player already on the list: If there is no extension to the current CBA, teams will be able to use both the franchise tag and the transition tag on their unrestricted free agents.

13. Brandon Scherff, OG, Washington (28)

Brandon Brooks’ recent four-year, $56.2 million deal with the Eagles could provide a blueprint for what Scherff, a two-time Pro Bowler, is looking for. Washington could extend him, use the franchise tag or let Scherff hit the open market.

14. Dante Fowler, EDGE, Rams (26)

He signed a one-year, $12 million deal last offseason to stay with the Rams and will now get to test free agency once again. Fowler is young, plays a premium position and is on pace to set career highs in sacks (currently has 6.5) and QB hits (currently has nine).

15. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Saints (27)

The Saints went 5-0 with Bridgewater as the starter. Did he light it up? No. But he completed 67.7% of his passes, averaged 7.0 YPA and threw nine touchdowns with two interceptions. Bridgewater was a free agent last offseason and settled on a one-year, $7.25 million deal to return to New Orleans. If Brees calls it a career, Bridgewater could slide in as the starter. His market elsewhere should be more robust than it was in 2019. Or he could do the one-year thing again with the Saints as Brees’ backup. If you think I have Bridgewater too high, remember that Nick Foles got $22 million per year from the Jaguars as a free agent last year. He was obviously more accomplished than Bridgewater, but it’s just another reminder that teams will pay if they think they see a starting quarterback.

16. Arik Armstead, DL, 49ers (26)

The 2015 first-round pick chose the perfect time to break out. He’s already set a career high with eight sacks through 10 games. From 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows:

“He was on fans’ ‘Players We’re Dying to Trade’ list for the first four years, but now tops their ‘Guys We’d Love to Re-Sign’ list. Armstead is ideal as the strongside defensive end in the ‘Wide 9’ alignment the 49ers run. He would appear to be a good building block for any team that wants to copy what the 49ers have done on defense this year.”

17. Robert Quinn, DE, Cowboys (30)

The Cowboys made a shrewd move, acquiring Quinn for a sixth-round pick before the season. He’s produced a sack or QB hit on 12.2% of his pass-rush opportunities, which is the third-best mark of any defensive player. Quinn is no longer in his prime, and age will be working against him, but he will be an intriguing option as a veteran pass rusher.

18. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals (32)

He’s had a great career, but Green hasn’t played a snap this season and has missed 13 games from 2016 to 2018. The Bengals showed no interest in trading Green at the deadline so perhaps they want to make sure he finishes his career in Cincinnati.

19. Marcus Peters, CB, Ravens (27)

His 26 interceptions since the start of the 2015 season are most in the NFL and 10 more than any other player. That obviously doesn’t paint a complete picture of Peters’ performance. He’s a gambler, and it’s somewhat concerning that Peters has been traded twice (from teams that employed Andy Reid and Wade Phillips) in three years. But he’s a talented playmaker at a premium position. He could make himself a lot of money if he plays well the rest of the way.

20. Bud Dupree, EDGE, Steelers (27)

A versatile outside linebacker, Dupree has already tied a career high with six sacks through 10 games. From Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly:

“Easily the best year of his career. Is it a coincidence that is coming on his contract year? Probably. Maybe. But if he can continue to put it all together, he is a very complete linebacker. He’s extremely strong and surprisingly fast for a big guy. He can cover, but his biggest improvement has been his ability to stop the run this year. He has been really good at the point of attack. I bet if the Steelers could do it all over again that they would’ve tried to sign him before the season.”

21. Anthony Castonzo, LT, Colts (32)

He’s started 126 games over nine seasons for the Colts, and per beat writer Zak Keefer, it seems unlikely that Castonzo leaves Indianapolis:

“Castonzo has been excellent the last two years, and I’d argue it’s some of the best he’s played in his career. I’d be very, very surprised if they don’t keep him around.”

22. James Bradberry, CB, Panthers (27)

He’s been a four-year starter and has played well as Carolina’s number one corner. Bradberry has been durable too, having missed just one game in the past three seasons. He’s positioned to be one of the top corners available if he hits the market.

23. Cory Littleton, LB, Rams (26)

It’s tough to watch a Rams game and not notice Littleton. He has five interceptions, 21 passes defended, 12 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and seven QB hits over the past two seasons. Since the start of 2018, Littleton’s 207 tackles rank seventh. He is young and durable (has never missed a game) and will be one of the top off-ball linebackers available.

24. Andrus Peat, OG, Saints (26)

Peat has had some injury issues, and he’s currently sidelined with a broken arm. But overall he has started 59 games on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and was a Pro Bowler in 2018.

25. Trae Waynes, CB, Vikings (28)

Drafted 11th overall in 2015, Waynes has started 49 games in five seasons. The Vikings have used draft resources at corner in recent years and may have to let Waynes walk. From Vikings beat writer Chad Graff:

“Often overshadowed by Xavier Rhodes on the opposite side of the field, Waynes has quietly developed into a good starting corner. For much of his time in Minnesota, he’s only been asked to cover the opponents’ No. 2 wide receiver, and Waynes has been adept in that role.”

26. Bradley Roby, CB, Texans (28)

Roby was a free agent last offseason and settled for a one-year, $10 million deal with the Texans. He’s appeared in just six games because of injury. From beat writer Aaron Reiss:

“A hamstring injury Roby suffered in Week 6 has kept him out, but prior to that, the Texans were getting all they could’ve hoped for out of the 2014 first-round pick. When healthy, he has unquestionably been the team’s best corner this season. After the Texans cut Aaron Colvin, Roby became the team’s primary slot corner, and he’s played well in that role. He’s moved outside in base defense.”

27. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, 49ers (33)

Age is working against him, but Sanders has looked good (46 catches for 561 yards) this season when healthy. If the rest of the season goes well for him with the 49ers, staying in San Francisco going forward could make sense for both sides.

28. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals (37)

It’s been fun to watch him play with a good quarterback again. Age is an obvious factor, but Fitzgerald has been productive (55 catches for 593 yards) and still makes some eye-popping plays. It would make sense for him and Kyler Murray to team up again in 2020.

29. Jarran Reed, DT, Seahawks (27)

He had a monster year in 2018 with 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits, but that may have been an outlier. Reed has a total of 4.5 sacks in his other 34 games. There’s also an off-field concern. Reed was suspended for the first six games this season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

30. Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans (26)

It’s tough to imagine his contract year having gone much worse. Mariota completed just 59.1% of his passes, was sacked on 13.6% of his pass plays and got benched for Ryan Tannehill after the Titans got off to a 2-4 start. It’ll be fascinating to see what Mariota’s market looks like. He’s still young, and there will be coaches who see talent and convince themselves they can get more out of him than what he’s shown so far.

31. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans (32)

We’ll see how he performs down the stretch, but there’s a chance Tannehill ends up being the Titans’ best option at starting quarterback going into 2020. The team is 3-1 in his starts this season, and Tannehill has completed 71.3% of his passes while averaging 8.5 YPA.

32. Mario Addison, EDGE, Panthers (33)

Only eight players have more sacks than Addison over the past four seasons. Age is working against him, but he has still produced as a pass rusher. From Panthers beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue:

“Addison leads the Panthers with eight sacks despite missing a game to mourn the loss of his brother. Perhaps one of Carolina’s most valuable under-the-radar finds ever, Addison has worked his way up over the last eight years from a UDFA signing to a player who has racked up 37.5 sacks since 2016.”

33. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Buccaneers (31)

The last part of the season will be important for him. Pierre-Paul has appeared in four games after being sidelined with a neck injury. He has 1.5 sacks and six QB hits. Just last season, Pierre-Paul produced 12.5 sacks and 20 QB hits.

34. Chris Harris Jr., CB, Broncos (31)

A four-time Pro Bowler, Harris has strung together an impressive career, starting 115 games after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2011. From Broncos beat writer Nicki Jhabvala:

“He accepted a discount to stay in Denver in 2014, and it resulted in a Super Bowl ring and key role on the Broncos’ No Fly Zone secondary. But his frustration over his pay in recent years has become magnified with the Broncos’ losing. The team gave him a $3 million raise after a brief holdout this past offseason but declined to do anything longer. In Year 9 at age 30, he’s played all but six defensive snaps and remains one of the most versatile players on the roster, playing mostly corner but still moving around in the slot when needed. He has one interception, four pass breakups and the confidence to declare he’s shutting down the No. 1 receiver every week (he was beat by Tyreek Hill for a touchdown in Week 7 and gave up two big catches to Odell Beckham Jr. in Week 9). Harris seems to have a higher value of himself than the rest of the league does, but his work ethic, skill and knowledge of the game still put him in the upper echelon of NFL corners.”

35. Whitney Mercilus, EDGE, Texans (30)

The veteran OLB/DE has 5.5 sacks and nine QB hits on the season. From Texans beat writer Aaron Reiss:

“Mercilus entered this season facing questions about whether he had lost his pass-rushing ability or simply didn’t have opportunities to show it last year when the Texans asked him to mostly drop into coverage. With Clowney gone, Mercilus has proven that the latter was the case. He got off to a hot start, registering five sacks and four forced fumbles in Weeks 1-4, but his production has slowed down since. Impact plays should be harder to come by now that J.J. Watt isn’t around to draw extra attention away from Mercilus.”

36. Joe Thuney, OG, Patriots (27)

He’s started 58 straight games for the Patriots, and according to STATS, has given up just one sack in his last 26 games. From Patriots beat writer Nick Underhill:

“Thuney has been the only consistent member of the offensive line. He’s been better in pass protection, but some of the issues he’s experienced in the running game (and he’s mostly been fine) could be the result of the line struggling as a whole.”

37. D.J. Humphries, OT, Cardinals (26)

His 10 penalties are tied for second most among offensive tackles. Humphries has not lived up to his draft slot (first round, 24th overall in 2015), but he’s young and athletic and should benefit from the fact that there aren’t going to be a lot of starting-caliber left tackle options on the market.

38. Germain Ifedi, RT, Seahawks (26)

Ifedi has started 54 games in four seasons for the Seahawks, but the team declined his fifth-year option. From Seahawks beat writer Michael-Shawn Dugar:

“Ifedi has played much better than he has in recent seasons. Penalties are still an issue, but he’s had some truly bright moments this season, holding his own in pass pro while Russell Wilson extends plays. He’s a starting-caliber right tackle and someone will probably pay him accordingly.”

39. Eli Apple, CB, Saints (25)

He’s been a classic “change of scenery” case. The Giants trading Apple to the Saints turned his career around, and he’s helped turn New Orleans’ defense around. Apple has started 20 games in two seasons as the Saints’ No. 2 corner.

40. Ronald Darby, CB, Eagles (26)

Darby was coming off a season-ending injury last offseason and had to settle on a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Eagles. He’s played in six games this season and has looked good. Darby can cover, but he’s not the most physical corner and doesn’t have great ball skills.

41. Eric Ebron, TE, Colts (27)

He was a Pro Bowler in 2018 with 66 catches for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns. Ebron’s seen fewer targets this year and has 27 receptions for 331 yards and three scores.

42. Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers (25)

Durability’s been an issue, but when Henry’s played, he’s played well. In seven games this season, he has 39 catches for 287 yards. He has three touchdowns, has averaged 12.5 yards per reception and has caught 72.2% of his targets.

43. Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers (27)

Given that he held out at the start of the season, it’s fair to say Gordon is looking for a nice payday when he hits free agency. The problem? It’s tough for running backs with his profile to cash in on second contracts. Gordon has played well the last few weeks but is still averaging just 3.7 YPC. Some team will see him as a talented back who can also help in the passing game, but given what we’ve learned about the RB market in recent years, it’s tough to see Gordon getting the big contract he covets.

44. Blake Martinez, LB, Packers (26)

He’s young, durable (has not missed a game in three seasons), is a three-down player and is second in the NFL with 102 tackles. Having said that, the film has not been as flattering as the numbers for Martinez. Off-ball linebackers did well in free agency last offseason. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of market develops for Martinez.

45. Shaq Thompson, LB, Panthers (26)

He’s started 57 games in five seasons for the Panthers and has played well this year with 78 tackles (nine for loss) and three sacks. From Panthers beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue:

“Thompson is one of two priority free agents this spring for the Panthers. Playing on his fifth-year option, Thompson is in his first real season as a featured player (after spending the last four years behind Thomas Davis) and has adjusted extremely well to Carolina’s shift to a more dynamic, multiple defense.”

46. Markus Golden, EDGE, Giants (29)

He had 12.5 sacks in 2016 but battled through injuries the next two years. Last offseason, Golden signed a one-year, $3.75 million deal with the Giants. He’s had 6.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits through 10 games and should have a better market this time around.

47. Jordan Phillips, DT, Bills (27)

He’s already set career highs with seven sacks and 10 QB hits. From Bills beat writer Matthew Fairburn:

“Phillips has started the season strong while predominantly playing three-technique defensive tackle for the Bills. He has the ability to play one-technique as well, but Phillips’ pass rush has been his best trait. His play has forced rookie first-round pick Ed Oliver into a reduced role. Phillips still has to be more consistent, but the former second-round pick has proven to be a nice waiver wire find.”

48. Maliek Collins, DT, Cowboys (25)

He’s started 49 games over four seasons with the Cowboys. Collins has three sacks and seven QB hits on the season. From Cowboys writer Bob Sturm:

“I would say this has been some of his best work. His inside push has been his best yet and he has looked even better against the run.”

49. D.J. Reader, DT, Texans (26)

He’s a player opposing coaches often identify as an underrated nose tackle who is tough to handle in the run game. From Texans beat writer Aaron Reiss:

“Reader has been a bit more active behind the line of scrimmage this year (2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 4 QB hits) while proving to be one of football’s most underrated interior run defenders. He’s been the biggest reason the Texans’ run defense has remained stout (No. 10 in DVOA through Week 11) despite losing Clowney.”

50. Leonard Williams, DT, Giants (26)

Before the deadline, the Giants sent a pair of draft picks (including a third-round selection in 2020) to the Jets in exchange for Williams. Williams is a starting-caliber defensive tackle, but he has zero sacks, zero tackles for loss and zero forced fumbles in nine games this season.

Just missed
Jamie Collins, LB, Patriots
Bryan Bulaga, RT, Packers
Kyle Van Noy, LB, Patriots
Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
Devin McCourty, S, Patriots
Danny Shelton, DT, Patriots
Derek Wolfe, DT, Broncos
Ha Ha Clinton Dix, S, Bears
Kenyan Drake, RB, Cardinals
Jimmie Ward, CB, 49ers
Anthony Harris, S, Vikings
Jalen Mills, CB, Eagles
Rodney McLeod, S, Eagles
Quinton Jefferson, DT, Seahaawks
Jimmy Smith, CB, Ravens
Gerald McCoy, DT, Panthers
Mychal Kendricks, LB, Seahawks
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Buccaneers
Logan Ryan, CB, Titans
Jack Conklin, RT, Titans

 

There really has to be more to this. Now I've heard Haskins hasn't practiced well at all, but I wouldn't be surprised if he threw the entire offensive line under the bus like RG3 did when he was with the team.

That being said, Scherff is still having a darn good year. per PFF he has an overall grade of 78 and his run blocking is 83.

 

No, I don't mean at that point he was throwing them under the bus. I mean maybe in a press conference at another point or in one way or another.

 

I missed that when I went through it. Wonder what his market will be like. Yes, he's had a drop off this year, but last year he was playing at an elite level. Screwed himself by coming into camp out of shape though.

 

if that's true than they should have been ignoring him.

I thought he may have disrespected them. Makes sense now, if true.