The Top 15 Free Agents/Trade Pieces of the 2021 NFL Offseason

 The Top 15 Free Agents/Trade Pieces of the 2021 NFL Offseason 

  As the NFL season begins to wind down to the final showdown in the Super Bowl between the Chiefs and the Buccaneers many media people, outlets, and NFL fans start talking about other things NFL. Such as key players that can move that’ll affect the landscape of next year season. Yes people get ahead of themselves since we haven’t seen the winner of 2020 is yet but why not? It’s fun. The huge Rams trade for Matthew Stafford sending sending other first overall pick Jared Goff, 2 first round picks, and a third round pick to the Loins, was exactly what we were looking for. It’s not just Stafford can finally join a team with real championship contention. It’s shake up of the league. It will cause more moves because the arms race in the NFL is real. Their are many of these big trade pieces like Stafford available like DeShaun Watson. Then of course we have the NFL Draft and Free Agency. Their are many key players finding new homes that’ll shake up the league. So here the best of those players and where they could go to shake things up. 

15 QB Trevor Lawerence (Clemson) 

Yes the list says “trade pieces and free agents” but made an exception for Trevor Lawerence. In April 29th, 2021 the league will be shaken up when the Jacksonville Jaguars with the first overall pick select Trevor Lawerence quarterback out of Clemson. That pick will give legend college football coach and first year NFL head coach Urban Meyer a huge piece in his master scheme to take over the AFC South. With DeShaun Watson what looks to be on the outs in Houston, Lawerence could give Jacksonville a huge leg up on the competition. As the Titians are the only one in their division with a reliable quarterback for the future at the moment with Ryan Tannehill. Yes we expect the Colts as they have a team to win right now but they don’t have a quarterback. Whoever they get probably won’t be lacing up the cleats for the next 15 years like Lawerence. Lawerence is looked at as the Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning generational talent, the “count miss pick” in this draft. The pick doesn’t come around often, actually once a generation apparently. When Lawerence is picked he will shake up the league and give the Jaguars their golden gem at quarterback for finally what looks to be better days heading towards Jacksonville. 

Lawerence Top Landing Spots: Jacksonville Jaguars

Prediction: Selected 1st overall by the Jaguars in 2021 Draft. 

14 TE Zack Ertz (Eagles) 

The Eagles don’t just have problems at the quarterback position they have problems everywhere with their cap space that includes former Pro Bowl Tight End Zack Ertz. Ertz in the past two season have seen his numbers take a big hit. In 2018 he caught for over 1,000 yards, played all 16 games, with more than 150 catches. He was a huge offensive piece in 2017-2018 Super Bowl run for the Eagles. Ertz was a top target for Carson Wentz but like the rest of the offense Ertz struggled in 2020. Ertz only caught for 336 receiving yards, 36 catches, and missed five games due to injury. With Eagles development of fellow tight end Dallas Goebert their seems no reason to keep Ertz. He probably would of been moved at the October trade deadline but he wasn’t because he was hurt. Ertz asked for an extension during the offseason last year didn’t get it. Now after being one of the most reliable tight ends to not that why would they pay him? Doesn’t make sense too especially with Goebert then you can sign or draft a second tier tight end. Expect the Eagles to trade Ertz to free up some cap space. Could see him going to the Seahawks who is looking for weapons for Russell Wilson. One team that fits Ertz great is the Bills for me. They have two younger tight ends but nothing great. Bills GM GM Brandon Beane came out and said that the position was “up and down” meaning he’s probably looking for an upgrade at the position. Ertz could be that upgrade. Being an athletic tight end with Josh Allen’s dead play ability could free up space for someone like Stefon Diggs. Maybe some team like the Colts or Packers take a chance on Ertz. They both need somewhat of an upgrade. Packers tight end Rob Tonyan did have 11 touchdowns in the 2020 campaign but he was more of a red zone threat. Ertz could be a threat everywhere. In a win now mode the Colts and Packers could definitely be contenders for Ertz. Wherever Ertz goes he’ll need to get back to the 2015-2018 production to get that contract he wants. However wherever he goes he will be a weapon. 

Ertz Top Landing Spots: Bills, Seahawks, Colts, Packers, Patriots 

Prediction: Traded to Bills 

13 DE Danielle Hunter (Vikings) 

The Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter over the last few seasons has been one of the best defensive rushers not talked about in the league. Probably due to the fact every time we talk about the Vikings it’s about how Kirk Cousin isn’t getting it done. Hunter is a key piece on that Mike Zimmer defense. He causes a lot of pressure for opposing quarterbacks, Hunter put together 14.5 sacks each of the 2018 and 2019 seasons. In 2018 Hunter signed a 14.5 million dollar deal for five years. Which at the time was a steal for a rushing defensive end of Hunter’s caliber. Now it’s more than a steal it’s criminal as the defensive end market has nearly doubled. Hunter missed the 2020 season with a neck injury with the lack of cap space don’t really see the Vikings extending him. Hunter will probably have to be moved if he wants to be paid his worth. Their will be a ton of suitors for Hunter if the Vikings do make him available. Teams such as the Patriots, Browns, Dolphins, Colts, Seahawks, Cowboys, and others. The Patriots will be in on all these top guys that want out of town. They have a ton of cap space, the defense wasn’t great last year, one of the key pieces to Bill Belichick defense is pressure and they had none last year. New England ranked 25th in sacks last year, Hunter will help them greatly. The Cowboys and Seahawks both did struggle creating pressure. The Seahawks addressed that at the trade deadline with Carlos Dunlap. Nonetheless Hunter would give that defense some identity again. The same with Dallas who is coming off their worst defensive year in a long time. The Colts had a stellar defense last season with 76 million dollars worth of cap space why not go get Hunter? The run game can be watched by Darius Lenard then pressure up front with Hunter. The Dolphins defense has been amazing under Brian Flores with brining in some boys from New England he coached when he was defensive coordinator. With the addition Van Noy, Shaq Lawson, Bryon Jones, and breakout of Xavier Howard the Dolphins defense looks real good. The addition of Hunter will elevate it to a top 5 defense in a win now mode. The final option is the Browns. If the Browns want to decide to bail on the secondary and just go all pressure up front they can. Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter well cause many problems for running games and time in the pocket for the quarterback. Hunter has many options interesting to where he will go because he can have immediate impact. 

Hunter’s Top Landing Spot: Patriots, Colts, Dolphins, Cowboys, Browns, Seahawks

Prediction: Traded to the Patriots 

12 QB Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) 

Their has been some rumblings in San Francisco over the last year that Jimmy G’s time may be up. Head coach Kyle Shannan has designed an offense where it’s hard to be bad as a quarterback. The 49ers have many weapons with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Jordan Reed, and Raheem Mostert. In that offense it’s made to stat pad for the quarterback. Some aren’t happy with Garoppolo production itballarwara. Yes the San Francisco 49ers were in the Super Bowl just last year but injuries have been a problem for Garoppolo. As they have been for the whole team. He played all sixteen games last season. However he played only three games all of 2018 went out with a torn ACL, and played six games in 2020. The team may look for some consistency at the position. The problem for the 49ers is that Stafford is going to division rival Rams, and their is no blockbuster quarterback in free agency like Tom Brady. Making Jimmy Garoppolo more of a trade piece in acquiring a consistent quarterback. Maybe the 49ers use him in a package for DeShaun Watson. Which would make the 49ers a Super Bowl favorite after the team gets healthy. The Patriots could maybe get Garoppolo back over to New England then finish what Belichick wanted with Jimmy G years ago to replace Tom Brady. New England could send over some picks maybe that fifteenth overall pick they have so the 49ers can draft a quarterback. Sam Darnold is also an option for trade with Garoppolo. Jets just signed Rob Saleh over from San Francisco maybe they send Darnold over as both parties are probably looking for some fresh air. Then San Francisco will have a talented young quarterback in a system where he can thrive in. Garoppolo contract does make him easy to move but it’s to where? There isn’t many looking for a game manager like Garoppolo. Maybe the Cowboys make a stab at him if they don’t want to pay Dak Prescott his thirty million he wants. To be honest expect him to be taking snaps in San Francisco but they’re are rumblings of Jimmy G leaving which will affect the landscape. 

Garoppolo’s Top Landing Spots: Patriots, Jets, Texans, Cowboys, Washington 

Prediction: Traded to the Patriots 

11 QB Sam Darnold (Jets)

New head coach of the New York Jets Rob Saleh has already said he believes Darnold is a great talent but does that mean he wants him to be his main guy going forward? Who knows really. Maybe that was to just let other teams know Darnold still has value that the team will look for in a trade of Darnold. Sam Darnold doesn’t have impressive stats but how could you in that offense over the last two seasons? He still managed to throw over 3,000 yards last season he failed to do that in 2020. The Jets had many problems around the organization as usual which made it hard to thrive. For one he had Adam Gase as his coach calling the plays. Remember when Ryan Tannehill was considered a bust with Gase back in Miami? Then after taking over for Marcus Mariota in Tennessee has been the Titians starter since. Been very impressive as well, so impressive he even got an extension with a nice pay day. Why can’t that happen for Darnold? It can he has the talent. He didn’t have a running back as Le’Veon Bell was beefing with Gase the majority of the time there, the offensive line has been terrible, so much that they used a first round pick last draft to address the problem, and he has no one to really throw too. Darnold needs a better situation and expect the Jets with a new head coach to want a new system. However it wouldn’t be crazy to see him stay either. Nonetheless the places he could go are somewhere like San Francisco, Washington, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Texans, Saints, and the Broncos. Yes Darnold will have places to go since he’s on a rookie contract and you probably won’t have to give up a first round pick for him. He is a gamble though. The 49ers and The Washington Football Team could want him for a win now quarterback. They both are looking for consistency at the quarterback position while also getting a long term plan if Darnold is that top 5 pick he was drafted at. Washington and San Francisco both have major play makers on defense but the offense needs some more fire power especially at quarterback. The Steelers just signed Dwayne Haskins who is young and kind of in the same position as Darnold. It is Big Ben’s last ride if he does make it his last ride by coming back in 2021. Giving Darnold a year in that system could be what he needs a refreshing system in a stable organization. The Steelers defense is really good while being young, they always have a good offensive line, and are at great drafting receivers. Darnold would have a lot to work with and the system to develop his skills. The Texans would be a trade partner in a much bigger trade than just Darnold. Darnold would probably be packaged in a trade with a ton of picks for DeShaun Watson. With the Texans getting rid of Watson the Jets will give them a young talented quarterback and many picks. Which will help the Texans tremendously in rebuilding especially without Watson. The Bears could be finally wanting to move on from Trubisky with Matt Nagy probably on his last chance in Chicago. Darnold could be an upgrade that Nagy needs. Don’t think Darnold is the quarterback that’ll elevate the Bears to the promise land but he isn’t over throwing wide open receivers like Trubisky. Nagy will make Darnold better and who knows if they can get in the NFC playoffs at 8-8 with Trubisky at the helm they can’t be that far from being a great football team. The Saints and Broncos are in similar position as the Saints will be looking to replace long time quarterback Drew Brees and the Broncos haven’t been able to replace Peyton Manning since he left. Darnold could bring long term stability both are looking for. Darnold may be in another Jets situation in Denver as they changing the front office often. Maybe Darnold is much better than Drew Lock and can finally get that offense going. The Saints already have a great team and with some development from Sean Payton Darnold could have the Saints playing in big games for many more years. The Sam Darnold situation is interesting since we really don’t know how good he is yet or what his ceiling is. Nonetheless if you want to get him Darnold will be a gamble. He isn’t worth a lot and could be a franchise quarterback but he isn’t a win now quarterback. Many things to weigh for just one player. 

Darnold’s Top Landing Spots: 49ers, Steelers, Texans, Washington, Saints, Bears 

Prediction: Traded to the Texans 

10 WR Allen Robinson (Bears) 

Allen Robinson can finally test the free agent market and with the luck he has had at quarterback since getting in the NFL seven years ago good for him. Robinson was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars and went to the Bears. Over those seven years he has had Blake Bortles and Mitch Trubisky tossing him the rock. Considering he has had over three seasons with 1000 yards in his seven seasons, two of them being the last two seasons Robinson doesn’t lack talent. The last season he was really impressive considering he was the Bears only real option on offense. The Bears can’t franchise tag him since that’ll have to pay him 18 million for the season. With the cap space they have that won’t happen. They have to let him test the market. Robinson will probably look for a new home in free agency somewhere with a good quarterback. One place comes to mind is Green Bay. Robinson may see that division rival Packers and their quarter Aaron Rodgers are looking for weapons. Robinson would be a perfect fit. Great personality and ability for the small town team. Lining up across from Davante Adams would give defenses a lot to think about. One team that he could go to that has quarterback questions is the Washington Football Team. Washington has 50 million dollars in cap space so money won’t be that big of a deal. They have Terry McLaurin who is clearly their number one receiver, Robinson would take pressure off him and spread the field. They already have the defense they just need more weapons on offense. The Dolphins have a lot of cap room, a young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who needs weapons, and the addition of Robinson will put them in that playoff conversation. Only missing the playoffs but one game last year. The Dolphins are heading in the right and addition of Robinson makes them a win now team. He’s only 27 years old he’s worth the risk. The last team that could make a run at Robinson is the Chiefs. Yes the Chiefs can pull off Robinson. It would be scary linking Mahomes with Hill, Kelce, and Robinson. Even with the cap they can afford him they’ll just have to give up Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson. Both their contacts expire this off-season leaving them enough space for Robinson. Robinson could be worth losing those two weapons. Robinson will have many suitors as he has many talents it’s probably just about talking the right number to him. 

Allen Robinson’s Top Landing Spots: Dolphins, Chiefs, Packers Washington, Chicago 

Prediction: Signs with the Dolphins 

9 WR Chris Goodwin (Buccaneers) 

Chris Godwin will be one of the most coveted free agents this off-season if made available somehow. The versatile receiver who has great hands has been a huge part of the Buccaneers offense. Even before Tom Brady was picked up in the 2020 off-season. Godwin has only dropped four passes in three seasons and has been the most consistent receiver for the Buccaneers. The only reason he isn’t higher on the list it’s hard to see the Buccaneers letting him walk. Goodwin should of gotten an extension after the 2019 season but he didn’t get one because Brady arrival. He was injured a good amount of 2020 but still shows how great he is. He let the team sign Antônio Brown, he’s a team first kind of a guy. Which is more of a reason on why to resign Godwin. There are probably many contenders that would love to have Goodwin services but don’t expect that. However if he does wherever Goodwin goes will shape the league. 

Godwin’s Top Landing Spots: Buccaneers 

Prediction: Re-signs with the Buccaneers 

8 WR Odell Beckham (Browns) 

Yes we are here again Odell Beckham being back on the trading block. It almost seems like we wouldn’t know an off-season like one without a Beckham trade rumor. It wouldn’t be the same. Beckham is back here after he tore his ACL ending his 2020 season early. During that time it seemed the Browns started to improve on offense and as an overall team. Baker Mayfield didn’t have to force the ball to Beckham and was able to spread the ball is what it looked like. Beckham hasn’t put up the numbers of the money he was making. Beckham has no more guaranteed money on his deal which makes him easier to move but would someone want to give up a first round pick for someone who is now on his third team in five years? Don’t really know to be honest. The Browns will probably look for a first round pick since that’s what they gave up. At the time he was probably worth that. He still is talent wise it’s just everything else. Is he worth the headache? To some teams he may be. The Browns will get 15 million off their cap as well. Making the quarterback better and getting rid of cap space where it can be spent in that terrible Cleveland secondary, trading Beckham for them does make sense. Who would want him? Maybe someone like the Jets who are in desperate need of weapons for Darnold or whoever comes to play quarterback for them next. Beckham loved New York when he was there and would make sense for both sides. The Jets can pay him, provide him a big city market, and maybe DeShaun Watson. The Patriots seem like a less likely option considering the headache Beckham may bring. Nonetheless Beckham would be a talent the Patriots haven’t had at the position in a while. New England has the cap room and with the defense set to improve with all their starters coming back sitting out because of COVID-19 the offense could use a real play maker. The Packers location wise seem like a very low possibility for Beckham. If he can get by the fact he is in small town Wisconsin for the 20 or so weeks the NFL season is Beckham could thrive in Green Bay. Lining up a cross from Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers throwing you the pig skin. Beckham would be a huge weapon in Matt LaFluer’s offense. Another team is the Washington Football Team. For the same reason why they would go get Allen Robinson. They have the defense and  draft capital to get Beckham. Beckham may veto the trade due to lack of quarterback. However McLaurin and Beckham lining up at the top would be deadly for anyone trying to guard it. The Seahawks could use Beckham taking away looks from Metcalf. The offense for Seattle was predictable according to Metcalf the second half of the season. If the Seahawks want to ignore their offensive line struggles and go get Wilson another prime weapon they can. Then finally the 49ers. In a way the 49ers are perfect for Beckham. Great weather, great offense, great run organization. It’s everything Beckham has been complaining he wanted. Giving Shannan a wide out like Beckham is something he’s hasn’t had since Julio Jones in Atlanta. The offense will become more spread and throw them back up there as Super Bowl contenders. Beckham is a hard situation to navigate considering he has great talent but he is bit of a head case. He also may not be worth the first round pick the Browns want in return. However if you can keep Beckham happy and healthy he’s worth the first round pick that’s the thing though keeping him happy and healthy. Easier said than done. Expect Beckham to be traded and whenever he goes he’ll shake up the league even if it’s a little bit. 

Beckham’s Top Landing Spots: 49ers, Packers, Seahawks, Patriots, Jets, Washington 

Prediction: Traded to Washington 

7 DE JJ Watt (Texans)

Yes Watt is 32 years of age and not the player he was five years ago but he is still hell of a player. If you’re a contending team having Watt on your pass rush can only benefit you. It definitely seems as if that Watt doesn’t want to stay. After running Bill O’Brien out of town and calling out the front office for their questionable moves it seems like Watt has had enough of Houston. Houston is also going through a rebuild why would he want to stay for that at 32 years old? Its just his contract. If the Texans get rid of Watt this off-season they save 17.5 million. Which is pretty penny especially when you’re in a rebuilding stage like the Texans are. There are two teams that come to mind for Watt. The Steelers and Packers. The Steelers have two of the Watt brothers already and adding Watt to that defensive front would make that defensive the early 2021 best defense in the NFL. The team is looking to compete for a Super Bowl but no trying to get into a shootout. Hard to get a shootout against the Steelers defense especially if you add Watt. The Packers because Watt is from Wisconsin. He played his college ball at Wisconsin, his parents still live in Wisconsin. The Packers defense have been question for years but lately they’ve gotten a lot better. Expect at the defensive end spot. Yes they have pass rushers but on the line they need more physicality. Watt will bring more of that. Then put him on a Super Bowl contending team like Green Bay he can take them to the next level. Watt doesn’t have many option for he is aging and contract. Watt will want to go to a contender these two teams seem to be the best spot. 

Watt’s Top Landing Spots: Packers, Steelers, Dolphins, Colts 

Prediction: Signs with the Packers 

6 CB Stephon Gilmore (Patriots) 

Stephon Gilmore won the defensive player of the year award in 2018 and still has much of that talent. Gilmore signed an extension though which for a cornerback may not what you want to be spending for his level of play lately. However it’s not a drastic contract like most corners have these days. The Patriots wanted to move him at the trade deadline but were requesting a first round pick in return. It’s not that Gilmore isn’t worth a first it’s just that he’s on the other side of 30. Hard to convince someone that he’ll be worth that first round pick considering his best days are probably behind him. The price on Gilmore will come down during the off-season maybe to a second or third round pick. The Patriots have gave him incentive so his contract stays competitive amongst other corners salaries. Those times are done as he will be paid 7 million in 2021. Top corners will be getting between 15-18 million. Both sides want to move on and it doesn’t seem to be getting hostile. Nonetheless wherever Gilmore goes he will make immediate impact on that defense. Some teams that come to mind are the Browns, Raiders, Jaguars, Cardinals, and Seahawks. The Browns not because they have all this cap space or draft capital mostly due to how bad that secondary was. Maybe they can offer some players and picks for Gilmore but the addition would be much needed for the Browns. The Raiders are my number one choice for Gilmore. The Raiders should try to win now. Many blame Carr but he isn’t the problem since the defense is ranked 28th. He can score as much as he wants if the defense doesn’t defend it doesn’t matter. The secondary was terrible last year and Gilmore veteran presence will give a win now feel.  The Jaguars have struggled to replace Jalen Ramsey since he’s left and with Urban Meyer in town it’s time to start rebuilding for real. Gilmore isn’t a rebuild piece but he’s a great person to have in that young locker room if you’re trying to build a culture. Then finally the desert bird Arizona Cardinals. With DeAndre Hopkins and Kyler Murray on offense the Cardinals do not lack offense but they do lack defense. They were ranked 19th in the league in defense last year. They had terrible coverage and pressure on the quarterback. Gilmore will add another superstar to that locker room and could help out that defense. Maybe even elevate the Cardinals to challenging the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks for the NFC West. Gilmore has options because his contact is not blockbuster it’s just what the Patriots are willing to give up. That seems to have been the problem the whole time. 

Gilmore’s Top Landing Spots: Raiders, Browns, Cardinals, Jaguars, Seahawks 

Prediction: Traded to the Raiders 

5 QB Dak Prescott (Cowboys)

Now here is a big fish in free agency based on the situation. As we know Prescott has been looking for a new contract for over two years now from the Cowboys. He wants to be the highest or damn near it paid quarterback in the NFL. Most would say he’s not worth that. Me included in the most category. After breaking his ankle early in the season Prescott missed the rest of the 2020 season. Where the Cowboys were average on offense and terrible on defense. Some say Prescott wouldn’t have made them a winning team just an 8-8 team winning them the NFC East. That is certainly possible, nonetheless is that what you pay 30 million for? No you pay 30 million for 11-5 and beyond every year. However the Cowboys franchise tagged Prescott for the 2020 season forcing them to pay him 30 million. Do they tag him again for 37.7 million? Maybe if the Cowboys think he’s that important long term but can’t get by the short term disagreement on how much the extension should be worth and length. They paid a lot of guys over the last couple of years. They need clear improvements on defense giving Prescott that contract is basically saying you’ll draft the needs later. Which in itself is a giant risk. Nonetheless if the Cowboys decide to move on from Prescott he will have options. One option that comes to mind is the Colts. The Colts need a quarterback to win right now. They have a lot of cap space, stellar defense, a great offensive line, and a running game. Basically what Dallas had when Prescott came into the league. If he’s willing to take a 3 year deal of some sort don’t see why not? Prescott can manage a game and has played in big playoff games. The Bears also seem like a not to bad of a spot for Prescott. Nagy being on his last string he probably doesn’t want to waste time developing another quarterback. Especially not after the Trubisky catastrophe. The Bears have a great defense, a good running back in David Montgomery, and Nagy will make Prescott better. They went 8-8 with Trubisky they’ll do better with Prescott. The Patriots and Bill Belichick would probably love to make Prescott their face. He has a great personality, very mature, a system guy Prescott would do great for Josh McDaniels offense. New England seems like a Patriots kind of guy. The Saints could work as well. Sean Payton hasn’t had a mobile quarterback except when he runs Taysom Hill. Prescott is that all in one he can throw and run. Prescott would put up big numbers for Peyton’s offense. They don’t lack weapons on defense. Prescott would have to take less which wouldn’t make sense considering how we would get here. Then finally the 49ers. Yes the 49ers are here again. Prescott would bring Kyle Shannan literally exactly what he wants in a quarterback to run his offense. To me this is Prescott’s best fit. Well it is for any quarterback in my personal opinion. He’s played in big games, he has the ability to run Kyle Shannan’s offense, they have a great defense. The 49ers would get better with Prescott over Jimmy G no doubt. To me it’s hard to see if Prescott leaving the Cowboys but if he does it will sure be interesting because he’s not a bad player he’s just not 30 million worth. 

Prescott’s Top Landing Spots: Cowboys, 49ers, Colts, Patriots, Bears, Saints 

Prediction: Franchise Tagged by the Cowboys 

4 ILB Von Miller (Broncos) 

Some would say they are surprised to see the great inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos on this list, but yes he has a home here. Why would the Broncos move on from maybe the best linebacker in franchise history? What it always comes down to money. Miller missed the 2020 season with dislocated ankle ligaments. Miller is due 22.125 million dollars in 2021. That’s quarterback money for what is not prime Von Miller production. They can save 18 million dollars if they trade him or release him. Cutting him would probably be the best option since no team is going to give up to much if you are going to release him anyways. Miller however can restructure his deal and take money in incentives unlike Watt’s deal where the money is straight up. However with the Broncos rebuilding keeping Miller doesn’t make much sense. Some key contenders may want Von Miller if he does go up for sale. The Seahawks definitely would probably call about Miller’s services. The Seahawks may have addressed the defensive pass rush at the deadline that doesn’t mean their work is done. Dunlap is aging so the addition of Miller would certainly help. A defense with Bobby Wagner, Jamal Adams, and Von Miller is a nasty one no matter who else is around. The Jets really just based on the money. The Jets haven’t been good at throwing their money at defensive players CJ Mosley for example. Miller is a guy you throw big money after especially if you’re the Jets. Not for any football reason just because he’s an aging pass rusher passed his prime why not you’re the Jets. Division rival Chargers may want to see what Miller wants if he hits the open market. Apparently they want to draft a pass rusher with their first round pick. Their aren’t many great pass rushers in this year’s draft. However you can get a great pass rusher through free agency until their is one. Von Miller could be that guy. New head coach Brandon Staley is defensive mind and putting Miller in with Joey Bosa on the edge would be a sandwich many quarterbacks won’t enjoy. The Browns could make a run at Miller. For one he could get a ton of one on one opportunities with Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon being on the same defense as him. The Browns also have the former Broncos and Von Miller’s former defensive coordinator Joe Woods. The Browns somehow have 26 million dollars in cap space, they can pay him for the short term. Miller can join a team on the rise looking for defensive help Cleveland almost seems perfect for Miller. Last but not least the Dolphins. The Dolphins have 36 million dollars in cap space so they can pay Miller. They also have a defensive minded head coach in Brian Flores who has done wonders with that defense in his two years. Miller would also have a great pass rushing friend in Emmanuel Ogbah. The Dolphins would move Shaq Lawson to a rotational role which is better as he ages. The Dolphins can provide Miler with a win now mode and money. Miami ain’t looking so bad either for Miller. To be honest don’t see why Von Miller stays in Denver. Hope he doesn’t would like to see him on a contender his final years. 

Miller’s Best Landing Spots: Browns, Dolphins, Seahawks, Patriots, Chargers, Jets, Broncos 

Prediction: Signs with the Browns 

3 WR Julio Jones (Falcons) 

Yes as it seems very unlikely that the Falcons would ever move on from Julio Jones but owner Rich McKay said that if the new general manager had a clear both to move on from Jones and Matt Ryan they could. So that means we can’t rule it out and it makes this so much more fun. The Falcons would only really get rid of Jones because of his inability to stay on the field, and as you get up their with age that only gets harder. Jones is still an elite talent but if you’re not on the field it doesn’t really matter. Atlanta actually wouldn’t want to move on from Jones because of his contract. If they trade him they have to pay Jones 200,000 and take 23.5 million dollar loss in dead money. That’s not good economics in any case not just a case where you’re hurting by the cap already. The first team to probably go after Jones would be the Jets. Why the Jets? Because they’re the Jets an aging receiver past his prime is right up their alley. That will also give the Jets a weapon on offense finally. For any other reason besides they can afford it I don’t really know. The Patriots will always be a candidate especially at wide receiver. Whoever the quarterback on New England next year be he will need weapons. They had none in 2020. Their leading receiver was Jakobi Meyers with 661 yards, no receiver caught for more than two touchdowns, and they were ranked 30th in pass offense. The Patriots need an upgrade at wide out. Jones would be a huge upgrade. An upgrade they haven’t seen since Randy Moss.  The Colts should make a run at Jones if they can. Long time number one receiver Ty Hilton will be a free agent and could not be coming back. Leaving the Colts with just Zach Pascal and Michael Pittman Jr at the position. Adding Jones for whoever plays under center for them would be a big addition to that already very deep roster. The Colts can win now and Jones certainly probably wants too. The Dolphins should inquire as well about Jones. They seem to be committing to Tua Tagovailoa. He struggled his first season he will need more weapons to succeed in year two. Jones could be the guy. He would bring an elite presence and open up that offense more. The Dolphins have a 32 million cap next year so the contract isn’t a problem either. Jones would make the Dolphins AFC East division contenders. One clear spot Jones could go and should go is who else besides the Packers. Whenever their is a weapons brought up especially a receiver expect the Packers because they need one for Rodgers besides Adams. Jones is the elite receiver they could get. Yes they would have to mess around with the cap but for Jones it’ll be worth it. Their Super Bowl window is open now and Rodgers isn’t getting any younger go get Jones, and throw that team over the top. Finally the Ravens. The Ravens were the 31st team in 2020 in the passing game. The offense is clearly designed to fit Lamar Jackson’s running ability as they are the best running team in the NFL. Nonetheless he didn’t throw like his 2019 MVP campaign. Marquise Brown is a very good receiver but he isn’t enough clearly. Watching the Bills Ravens playoff game to me it was clear to me all the Ravens were missing is someone who stretches the field more than Brown. Jones can bring explosive deep plays to the Ravens offense. Then defenses will have to guard for Jackson’s run and Jones deep threat that seems like a lot because it is. The Ravens would be great for Jones. Even though its unlikely Jones will leave the Falcons we can dream. 

Jones Top Landing Spots: Falcons, Ravens, Colts, Packers, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets

Prediction: Stays with the Falcons 

2 RB Aaron Jones (Packers) 

After the upsetting loss to the Buccaneers after the questions with Aaron Rodgers were over the harsh reality set in. Stellar All Pro running back Aaron Jones probably will not be back for the 2021 season. The Packers prioritized left tackle David Bakhtiari during the season over Jones. They made Bakhtiari the highest paid left tackle of all time, before tearing his ACL in practice before the week 17 matchup with the Bears. Bakhtiari has had Aaron Rodgers back for years and the front office plans to keep it that way. Green Bay was preparing for this day as they drafted AJ Dillion running back out of Boston College in the second round in last year’s draft. Dillion looks good and they’ll probably want to bring Jamal Williams back on a team friendly contract. They chose Davante Adams later over Jones now. Adams contract will expire after the 2021 season. Adams changes the game for the Packers with the connection with Rodgers. Paying Jones now would give them little room for Adams next year especially with the cap going down. Jones will probably be the next highest paid running back. The Packers think they can make up Jones production up through committee. It’ll be a lot of production to make up. Jones in 2020 had a down year with 624 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. In 2019 he had a huge season with 1,084 yards, and 16 touchdowns in 16 games. Jones will get paid by someone. He has great running ability, and ability to catch out of the backfield. He’s the closet thing to Alvin Kamara without being Kamara. Their will be many teams that would want Jones. The first that comes to mind is of course the Jets. However to pay Jones would a better move than when they paid Bell. Jones is young and never really injured. He had a rough NFC Championship game but it’s better than not playing for a year. The Jets basically at no running game last year. Yes Frank Gore is a great story but he only averaged 3.7 yards a carry. It’s hard to win with a young quarterback with no running game. Jones can bring that to the Jets if they stay with Darnold or draft a quarterback. He would be worth the pay day for the Jets. Jones won’t be running behind nearly the same line but hey the Jets should focus on that as well. Maybe the Patriots could take a stab at Jones. They have 69 million dollars in cap space and are a running team. Yes the Patriots have many holes to spend that money but making it clear they are running offense may not be so bad. Then they will have to get a quarterback that won’t take top dollar. With how this year’s quarterback carousel is going it’s certainly possible to find that. Jones will bring a play maker that Belichick never has had since Moss. Yes the Jones sweepstakes could be another AFC East bidding war. The Dolphins should also get involved in the Jones sweepstakes. They have money and second year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could use a real running game. Brian Flores has that defense playing great, and is only set to improve in 2021. The offense needs a kickstart. Miami is on the rise and Jones could be the perfect fit. He’s a playmaker out of the backfield giving the Dolphins a screen game. Jones is a big play back taking pressure off of Tagovailoa. Miami should focus on the offensive line first but if they can get Jones they should try. Unfortunately Packers fans a team that will be in the Jones talks are the 49ers. Kyle Shannan clearly desires a dynamic back like Jones for his offense. San Francisco paid McKinnon and Tevin Coleman for that hope. Not much return but both are set to leave. The 49ers will be 12th in cap space and will look to make a move. Why not steal NFC foe’s premier running back. Jones will do great in that offense. Maybe making the 49ers commit to Garoppolo with more play makers and less money to spend. No doubt the Jones would make the 49ers way more scarier than they already are. Finally my last team is the Chargers. Yes the Chargers skipped out on Melvin Gordon not to long ago. However Austin Ekeler didn’t get any younger and isn’t what he was when they made that decision. He is still a good back to have but maybe not what second year quarterback Justin Hebert needs. Herbert is the talk of the town breaking Baker Mayfield’s rookie touchdown record. Give Herbert a back like Jones and the Chargers are that much more scarier. They were hit by the injury bug on defense which hurt them a lot since their offense was in a in between stage. Once Herbert became a full time starter the offense played well. However the defense couldn’t keep up. They won’t have that problem in 2021. Getting Jones would make that already well built Chargers roster a dark horse in the AFC. Jones will saying goodbye to Green Bay and hello to a new home in the 2021 offseason. It’ll be interesting to see who takes a risk on paying a running back a lot of money. Wherever Jones expect him to make great immediate impact. 

Jones Top Landing Spots: Dolphins, 49ers, Chargers, Jets, Patriots 

Prediction: Signs with the Dolphins 

1 QB DeShaun Watson (Texans) 

Not a free agent but definitely the best available player in the 2021 offseason. If you don’t know the story by now where have you been? Apparently the same place where the decision makers who are making football decisions in the Texans front office have been. Not watching football or reading anything about football at all. The Texans had a disappointing 2020 season going 4-12. Watson is clearing a gem to have at quarterback for the next 10-15 years. At 25 he lead the league in passing yards. Watson made the playoffs last season with the same roster, and was on the brink of taking out the Chiefs. After the Chiefs comeback on them and went on to win the Super Bowl.  The Texans then trade his best target and top 2 receiver in the league DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals for a banged up David Johnson and second round pick. No they didn’t even get a first for Hopkins. The Texans then realized early in the 2020 season after veteran Texans defensive end JJ Watt called out head coach/ general  manager Bill O'Brien out at practice maybe giving someone that much power is not a good idea. O'Brien wasn’t around for long after that. However the damage was done. Then after the disappointing season the Texans what suppose to be their franchise quarterback that they paid a lot of money last offseason in an extension asks if he can be apart of the general manager and coaching picks. The Texans say of course I might even be wrong they might of asked Watson if he wanted to apart of the picks. Nonetheless you see the picture being painted. Texans want to make Watson feel like his opinion matters to them. It’s what you do for a franchise guy. The Texans say alright that was great but screw that. The Texans don’t even ask Watson at all about the general manager and hire former Patriots director of personal Nick Caserio. Watson expressed that he felt betrayed by the organization after that. Watson said he wanted the Texans to interview Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for the empty head coaching position. They do when Watson makes clear he is unhappy how they conducted the general manager hiring process. So they throw Bieniemy in for an interview as a desperate attempt to make Watson think they care. Watson says he doesn’t care and he wants out of Houston. The Texans hire Ravens 65 year old offensive coordinator David Culley. Who was clearly not their top choice. Culley got the job because no one wants to work for that front office especially with Watson on the way out. Caserio is currently trying to say the Texans aren’t looking to trade Watson but Watson clearly wants out. At some point in today’s NFL they’ll trade him because fining him 10,000 dollars a day if he holds out is not a good look. Especially when you’re rebuilding and will need people to buy into what you’re selling. Watson just signed a 160 million 4 year extension. Keeping him with whatever team he winds up with all the way  through the 2025 season. Of course the Texans will look for a lot of first round picks and later round picks in this deal. Maybe even a defensive starter. The Jets can offer this. They have the second overall pick and can give them a lot more picks for Watson. The Jets have the draft capital and cap space for Watson. The Jets can also send Darnold to Houston giving the Texans some insurance. Hey maybe Darnold does better in that system. If you’re going to rebuild the Jets could spend some of those dollars towards Watson as they should. He is worth whatever pick you will give up it’s not everyday a 25 year old franchise quarterback is available. The Dolphins can also offer a lot towards the Texans. The Dolphins are more of a win now team unlike the Jets. They have the Texans first round and second picks which they got in the trade of left tackle Laremy Tunsil last season. The Dolphins can give the Texans those picks back, some of their own, and Tua Tagovailoa. Yes giving up Tagovailoa would be worth anything you get from Watson. That roster went 10-6 with two quarterbacks put Watson there they’ll be contending with Josh Allen’s Bills. If the Dolphins are somewhat unsure about Tagovailoa make that trade you have the keep up with Buffalo somehow. The Bears can make up for that terrible selection of Mitchell Trubisky over DeShaun Watson in the 2017 draft. It will haunt the franchise forever considering how close they were to being a true Super Bowl contender. Chicago has the elite defense, the play makers on offense, just missing a guy at quarterback to get those player makers the ball. Trubisky has been below average since he got there even when they won the division back in 2018. Watson can save Chicago now. Nagy will get a franchise quarterback and finally make his offense go to the next level. They’ll finally really compete with Aaron’s Rodgers and the Packers in the NFC North. Watson will make the Bears Super Bowl contenders. The Bears just lack cap space and draft capital. They gave up a lot in the Khalil Mack trade. Chicago also paid Mack in that. The Bears had to pay Akeem Hicks, Kyle Fuller, and others on that defense. Watson can be fitted in but they’ll have to make it work but he’s more than worth it. Now if the San Francisco 49ers got Watson you could wrap up the NFC. The 49ers would run through everyone if they somehow get Watson. Kyle Shannan and Watson wouldn’t be fair. That is all on them. Apparently the Panthers will also be apart of the Watson sweepstakes. According to reports the Panthers offered a nice package for Matthew Stafford but the Rams dropped a bomb. The Panthers are clearly looking for that franchise quarterback or to be competitive now. Second year head coach Matt Rhule has been aggressive in beefing up that defense. Every pick in the 2020 draft was a defensive player. He must have trust in that offense with Christian McCaffrey playing on that side. Adding Watson would make that offense way scarier. Teaming Watson and McCaffrey up would be like the Undertaker and Kane tag team back in WWF. With the defense getting better the Panthers would be a new force in the NFC. Some are saying however the Texans may want that first round pick, Teddy Bridgewater, and McCaffrey which would be a no go for me. McCaffrey is a big reason on why trading for Watson works right now. Nonetheless getting a franchise quarterback is important especially as good as Watson. It’ll be a tough decision. The Broncos can also stop looking for the next arc after Peyton Manning and go get Watson. They can trade the 9th overall pick, the first round picks from 2022 and 2023, Drew Lock, and Von Miller. Miller contact needs to come off the books the Texans get to add Miller a defensive starter. Then get first round picks they missed out on in all those trades, and get a young quarterback in Lock. It could be a great move for both sides. The Broncos may be rebuilding on offense but Watson with Melvin Gordon, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, and Philip Lindsay could work well. The Broncos will need to move the cap since they won’t have first round picks to fully rebuild unless they draft great in the later rounds which is a big bet. Nonetheless getting Watson would change the direction of the Broncos. The final team that can be a dark horse in the trade is the Raiders. Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden likes Derek Carr as his quarterback but you can see he doesn’t love him. The defense is terrible so they should address that but Watson would make Gruden love his offense again. They have five first round picks in the next two years. They can offer a bunch of those with Derek Carr. And some others picks for Watson. Then Gruden can focus just on the defense. The Raiders should make a run at Watson. The DeShaun Watson sweepstakes are a rare lottery. Not everyday does a top 5 quarterback at 25 look to be traded. No matter where he goes it’s clear it will shake up the league. 

Watson’s Top Landing Spots: 49ers, Dolphins, Panthers, Raiders, Jets, Saints

Prediction: Traded to the Jets 

By Matthew Doherty