With the lockout now a thing of the past we are immediately propelled into the furious Free Agency period. But this year is unlike years past. Signings will happen with a faster pace as teams scramble to lock in players before training camp opens in a few weeks.
We are already seeing teams making roster moves to gain cap space by cutting roster players. The Ravens released Willis McGahee, Derrick Mason, Kelley Gregg and Todd Heap for example.
So here is a list of the Top 5 Free Agents and where I think they will land.
Hope you are all ready for the NFL Free Agency period, if you blink you might just miss all the action!
Kyle Orton (QB) Denver Broncos
Orton has been castoff despite putting up good numbers for Denver and the Chicago Bears. He is only 28 years old and has had a consistently decent career. Not an Elite Quarterback but consider what he has done with a non-existent receiving corp in Chicago and a mediocre-at-best one in Denver (despite his time with Brandon Marshall).
Teams in play:
Miami, Seattle, Cincy, Minnesota
I see him being traded for a 2nd or 3rd round pick to:
Miami Dolphins
Nnamdi Asomugha (CB) Oakland Raiders
I’ve always contested that Asomugha is the best corner in the league. You would probably agree if Asomugha got as much exposure and recognition as a Darrell Revis, but that’s the difference between playing in New York and playing in Oakland.
Asomugha wants to play for a contender and I don’t blame him. He virtually shuts down one side of the field. I can’t understand how the Jets would be able to financially land Asomugha, with all of their needs and limited cap space. But wouldn’t a Asomugha/Revis defensive backfield be scary?
Truth it, Washington will repeat the Albert Haynesworth junk of a few years ago. They already have Deangelo Hall who has played really well, so this solidifies a solid Defense.
Teams in Play:
New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins
Asomugha will sign with:
Washington Redskins
Donovan McNabb (QB) Washington Redskins
It’s a shame McNabb has never had a true receiving corp. It’s also a shame he never seems to get the respect he deserves in the league. Cast off by Philly and insulted over and over again by Washington, McNabb is a shell of his former Pro-Bowl self at this point in his career.
But McNabb could be a great fit with a team that has explosive offensive pieces around him. McNabb can manage as game just fine (despite what T.O has said) and could help get a team over that Playoff hump.
Teams in Play:
Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers
McNabb will sign with:
Minnesota Vikings
Matt Hasselbeck (QB) Seattle Seahawks
Hasselbeck leaving Seattle makes no sense to me. I’d hope they had enough brains in Seattle to resign him, considering their current QB situation. A playoff team that with a healthy Hasselbeck could challenge for the Wild Card yet again.
But if the Seahawks don’t pull their heads out of their ass expect another team looking for a “stop-gap” QB to help groom a young QB OR a team looking for a veteran leader to go out and snatch Hasselbeck.
Teams in Play:
Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings
Hasselbeck signs with:
San Francisco 49ers
Kevin Kolb (QB) Philadelphia Eagles
This is pretty much a done deal. Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals
Santonio Holmes (WR) New York Jets
Here is where things get tricky for the Jets (or messy). They have two of their top receivers in free agency (Holmes and Braylon Edwards) and both will demand a lot of money. It may be easier for the Jets to resign Edwards, especially if they want cap space to go after another big free agent.
But Holmes is too valuable, too clutch and too damn good to let go. Therefore expect the Jets to focus on resigning Holmes immediately.
But it call comes down to money.
Teams in Play:
New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys
Holmes signs with:
Washington Redskins
Randy Moss (WR) Tennessee Titans
Randy’s best years are behind him. Who knows where he will sign. The bigger questions is how good is Randy Moss at this point in his career?
DeAngelo Williams (RB) Carolina Panthers
Williams is by far the top Running Back in the market. I honestly would be shocked if he didn’t sign with the Miami Dolphins who have a major hole at Running Back with the Free Agency of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.
The Phins drafted a great RB prospect and may make a play for Darren Sproles but they still need a 3 running back committee to operate their offense. Don’t be shocked to see Ricky Williams return to Miami for one final contract.
Williams will sign with:
Miami Dolphins.
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