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NFL

Incomparable Micah Hyde will cash in, with Packers or someone else

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s a question Micah Hyde might hear when NFL teams start calling him or his agent, Jack Bechta, next week when free agency opens.

“Who in the league reminds you of yourself?” Bechta asked his client.

Hyde thought and thought and thought.

“I just looked at him, and I said, ‘Nobody,’” Hyde said. “’Nobody in the league.’”

Bechta already was deep into his preparation for Hyde’s first foray into free agency, but it never hurts to have comparables when it comes to determining and setting the market. In reality, however, there are few players who can do everything the versatile defensive back has done for the Green Bay Packers the past four seasons.

The versatile Micah Hyde has nine interceptions in four seasons (including playoffs) with the Packers, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2013 draft. Jon Durr/Getty Images

“Obviously, there are guys in the league that play the nickel position,” Hyde said of the slot defensive-back spot that was his primary position.

But that’s hardly the only place Hyde lined up. He’s played the traditional safety spot. He’s played in the slot as either the nickel (fifth defensive back) or dime (sixth DB). He’s played the outside cornerback spot, where he was lined up when he picked off Lions QB Matthew Stafford with 1 minute, 30 seconds left in the regular-season finale at Detroit to help the Packers clinch the NFC North title and make the playoffs. Even before that game, Lions receiver Golden Tate called Hyde a “jack of all trades.”

“Maybe there’s a couple of guys who can play any position in the secondary,” Hyde said in a phone interview from his offseason home in San Diego. “But if you put all that together, no one’s back there returning punts, returning kickoffs or being the fullback on the punt team.

“That’s why my confidence is at an all-time high.”

Add it all up, and it will likely take a big offer from the Packers to retain him. Until Friday, Hyde hadn’t heard anything from the team that drafted him in the fifth round out of Iowa in 2013. Bechta and Packers contract negotiator Russ Ball met Friday at the NFL scouting combine to discuss Hyde’s future.

“It’s obvious I would love to be back in Green Bay,” Hyde said. “That’s the best place for me — the people there, the organization, the coaches, my teammates. It’s been a blessing to be there the last four years, so I would love to continue to be there for many years to come. But at the same time, there really hasn’t been any conversation. This isn’t something that’s rare; this happens sometimes.”

Ball has met with the agents for most — if not all — of the Packers’ pending free agents. ESPN confirmed that Ball sat down at the combine with the agents for the following players: tight end Jared Cook, running back Eddie Lacy, guard T.J. Lang, center JC Tretter and Hyde. It’s likely the Packers did the same with the agents for pass-rushers Julius Peppers, Nick Perry and Datone Jones.

“I think our players over the course of the years — and now we’re talking about players who’ve retired and moved onto other things in life — I think our players appreciate the fact that the organization tried its best to keep their own players,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson said at the combine. “I think our former players and current players appreciate it.”

But Hyde might be among the toughest to sign, because he’ll want a deal commensurate with veteran starting safeties, given how prominent the nickel and dime defensive packages have become because of the prevalence of three- and four-receiver sets.

Outside of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Hyde might have been the Packers’ most productive defensive back, especially late in the season. He intercepted four passes in a seven-game stretch, including the playoffs. One of them was the game-clincher at Detroit and another was a game-saver in the divisional-round playoff victory at Dallas.

Hyde played nearly 1,000 snaps last season, although he couldn’t finish the NFC Championship Game because of a shoulder injury that he said is now healed. He’s played in all but one game in his pro career.

The 26-year-old has tried to keep his mind off the stress of free agency. He’s traveled with family and friends since the season ended, but returned this week to San Diego to await word on his future. When asked what advice Bechta gave him about the free-agent process, Hyde said: “Just enjoy it. Don’t get too stressed out about it. I’m confident in what I put out on film and what I did for the team.”

NFL

Saints meet top QB prospects, but no urgency to replace Drew Brees

One of these years, the New Orleans Saints could wind up drafting Drew Brees’ successor in Round 1, maybe even this year if they find a quarterback they absolutely covet.

For the third year in a row, the Saints have been meeting with many of the top quarterback prospects at the NFL scouting combine, including Deshaun Watson and Mitch Trubisky, according to the New Orleans Advocate and other reports.

North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky was among the quarterbacks the Saints talked to at the NFL combine this week in Indianapolis. Trevor Ruszkowski/USA TODAY Sports

However, the Saints’ efforts would still probably be better classified as due diligence than as a determination to find Brees’ successor.

Even though Brees is 38 years old and heading into the final year of his contract, general manager Mickey Loomis expressed long-term confidence in Brees to the Saints’ website Friday.

“I fully expect Drew to spend the entirety of the balance of his career with us. And I think he does as well,” Loomis said. “So I’m not worried about it. I don’t think he’s worried about it.”

As I’ve written in recent months, I do think Brees would prefer a long-term commitment from the Saints. But he likely won’t make a public push for a long-term extension this offseason after the Saints made it clear last year that they’d rather work in one-year increments to keep their options open long-term.

The Saints shouldn’t have any concerns about an imminent drop-off with Brees, though, after he just had his best season in five years, once again leading the NFL with 5,208 passing yards.

“Every year, we’re looking at and evaluating the quarterback class,” coach Sean Payton told the Saints’ website. “This year would be no different. It becomes a little bit more, not paramount, but the focus becomes a little bit more shifted in that direction, when you look at Drew’s age and his experience. And yet, we saw him play at a level last year that would be hard to suggest we’ve seen a decline. He’s doing exceptionally well.

“But we would evaluate this class no different than the prior. We’re looking closely at who the top players are, who’s here, and then really trying to grade them compared to each other, but then also grade them relative to where they would fit in any draft. That’s one of the more difficult positions to evaluate.”

NFL DraftRound 1: April 27, 8 p.m. ET
Rds. 2-3: April 28, 7 p.m. ET
Rds. 4-7: April 29, noon ET
Where: Philadelphia

NFL draft home page »

• 2017 NFL draft order »
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Mock 2.0 »
• Todd McShay’s Top 32
• McShay: Top prospects by position
• Todd McShay: Mock 2.0 »
• Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board »
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Top 10 by position »
• Pro day schedule for prospects »
• Underclassmen who have declared »
• NFL draft player rankings »

Last year was a perfect example of the Saints’ discerning approach. They liked Jared Goff and might have considered him if he fell outside of the top five or 10 picks (which he didn’t, going No. 1 overall). But they weren’t as keen on Paxton Lynch, who was available when New Orleans picked at No. 12.

This year, the Saints have the No. 11 pick, and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported they could potentially move up to No. 5 in one possible trade scenario with the Tennessee Titans for Brandin Cooks. So that could put them in a position to draft someone like Clemson’s national championship star Watson, North Carolina’s Trubisky, Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer or Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes.

But draft analysts are split on whether any of those QBs is a sure thing in the early part of Round 1. So the Saints will have to really be swayed to take the leap this year, particularly since they have more glaring needs on defense and still feel they have a chance to contend for the playoffs while Brees is still thriving.

NFL

Ravens could take a RB in first round for just second time in their history

History says it would be uncharacteristic for the Baltimore Ravens to take Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook with the No. 16 overall pick. The Ravens have used a first-round pick on a running back just once, and that was Jamal Lewis in 2000.

But the need at running back in Baltimore, the explosiveness of Fournette and Cook and the immediate success of Ezekiel Elliott all could lead to an end of that 17-year drought.

No one should be surprised if Baltimore chooses a running back with its first pick this year, especially after hearing Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s stance on first-round runners.

“They’ve done pretty well,” Harbaugh said at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. “Ezekiel Elliott is a pretty good example of that. He’s an example of a guy we were very interested in when we were picking so high last year. I think any great player, any playmaker, is worth a first-round pick.”

Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick who led the NFL in rushing as a rookie, is paving the way for teams to invest first-round picks in running backs once again. But the numbers suggest quality running backs can be found throughout the draft.

Among the running backs who ranked in the top 10 in total yards last season, there were as many drafted in the fifth round (Jordan Howard and Jay Ajayi) as the first round (Elliott and Melvin Gordon). David Johnson, who led the NFL with 2,118 yards from scrimmage, was selected in the third round.

What has to be determined by the Ravens and the rest of the NFL is whether Fournette and Cook are special enough to warrant a first-round pick.

Fournette, who had been considered the top back in this draft, raised eyebrows when he weighed in at 240 pounds. He said he was at 235 at LSU last season, when he averaged 120.4 yards rushing per game.

NFL DraftRound 1: April 27, 8 p.m. ET
Rds. 2-3: April 28, 7 p.m. ET
Rds. 4-7: April 29, noon ET
Where: Philadelphia

NFL draft home page »

• 2017 NFL draft order »
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Mock 2.0 »
• Todd McShay’s Top 32
• McShay: Top prospects by position
• Todd McShay: Mock 2.0 »
• Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board »
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Top 10 by position »
• Pro day schedule for prospects »
• Underclassmen who have declared »
• NFL draft player rankings »

Some concerns were alleviated after Fournette ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds, which is astounding for a player his size.

“I know my talent and hard work is going to pay off and show for itself,” Fournette said when asked if it was important for him to be the first running back drafted.

Cook, the better all-around back, had a better showing at the combine. He showed off his straight-line speed by running the 40 in 4.49 seconds and impressed with his strength with 22 reps on the bench press (third among all running backs).

“I just feel like I am the best back in this class,” Cook said.

The Ravens consider running back as one of their needs in this draft. Harbaugh wants a back who can take it the distance every time he touches the ball, which is not something Baltimore had last season with Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon.

Even though the Ravens haven’t taken a running back in the first round since using the No. 5 overall pick on Lewis in 2000, the team has contemplated doing so in the past two drafts.

In 2015, the Ravens were hoping Todd Gurley would slip to No. 26 because he was coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament. But Gurley was selected at No. 10.

Last year, Baltimore had Elliott near the top of its draft board. The Ravens would’ve likely drafted Elliott over Ronnie Stanley at No. 6 overall if he got past the Dallas Cowboys at No. 4.

It could be a similar decision for the Ravens on April 27 if Fournette or Cook falls to the middle of the first round.

“I feel like if I can put in the right system,” Cook said, “I can do the same things that Zeke did.”

NFL

Re-sign or say goodbye? Predictions on every NFL team's top free agent

Will the Patriots re-sign Dont’a Hightower, or will he get a better offer elsewhere? What about Brandon Williams and the Ravens? Alshon Jeffery and the Bears?

NFL Nation reporters predict the outcomes for the biggest internal free agents on the teams they cover.

NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West

NFC East

Guard Ronald Leary

  • Unveiling our ranking of the top 150 free agents in the Class of 2017, compiled by ESPN’s experts and featuring analysis from NFL Nation reporters.

  • Which teams will be big spenders in March, and which will be sitting on the sideline? NFL Nation assesses how aggressive each team will be, starting with the Patriots, who have money to spend.

  • Hue Jackson’s Browns are rolling in cash, while Jason Garrett’s Cowboys have only spare change for roster improvements. Kevin Seifert grades each team’s books as the new league year draws near.

2 Related

Leary will be one of the more sought-after offensive linemen on the market. With Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick among the highest-paid offensive linemen in the league and right guard Zack Martin looking at a mega-extension as soon as this summer, the chances of the Cowboys keeping Leary are slim. Prediction: With La’el Collins returning from a toe injury, the Cowboys have a starter ready to go. So, it’s time to say goodbye to Leary, who played extremely well in his three seasons as a starter after signing as an undrafted free agent. — Todd Archer

Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins

The Giants want Hankins back. It’s going to be tough, however, with Jason Pierre-Paul occupying almost $17 million of cap space on the franchise tag. The Giants will get to work and find a solution to keep their defense together. It’s what they are trying to accomplish this offseason. Prediction: JPP gets a long-term deal, and Hankins gets re-signed, making the New York defensive line a force now and into the future. — Jordan Raanan

Defensive tackle Bennie Logan

The Eagles would prefer to keep Logan, but after sinking huge money into Fletcher Cox last offseason, it would be difficult to justify allocating so many resources to the defensive tackle position when there are other areas of need on the team. Prediction: Chances are, the price tag Logan commands in the free-agent market will be too rich for Philly. — Tim McManus

Wide receiver Pierre Garcon

Garcon spent five seasons in Washington and was known for his toughness and consistency. At age 30, he’s coming off a season in which he caught 79 passes for 1,041 yards and three touchdowns. He was the team’s most consistent receiver. The Redskins, however, haven’t made much of an attempt (read: none) to bring back Garcon. There’s a good chance they’ll lose DeSean Jackson, too. But Garcon’s exit, at this time, is more clear. He’ll have multiple suitors as well, so his price tag could be more than Washington wants to pay. Prediction: Garcon is gone. — John Keim

NFC North

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery

The Bears declined to use the franchise tag on Jeffery for a second consecutive year, and now Jeffery could get a big deal when he hits free agency. Bears management made no effort to re-sign Jeffery in recent weeks. Chicago has exclusive negotiating rights with Jeffery until March 7, but Jeffery wants to test the open market. Prediction: He is expected to find several interested teams in free agency and is likely to leave Chicago. — Jeff Dickerson

Guard Larry Warford

Warford, Detroit’s best offensive lineman over the past four seasons, is projected to be one of the top guards in free agency. He’s a fantastic run-blocker who holds up well against the pass, too, and will bring in a lot of money. That said, the Lions have two potential Warford replacements on the roster in Joe Dahl and former first-round pick Laken Tomlinson. If the Lions feel one of those players can win the job and be productive, they would likely get pushed out of a bidding derby for Warford. Prediction: Warford will sign elsewhere. — Michael Rothstein

Running back Eddie Lacy

The Packers want Lacy back but likely under a short-term, prove-it type contract that could be loaded with incentives. It only takes one team to believe he can get back to being the 1,100-yard running back he was in 2013 and 2014. Prediction: In the end, some teams might be scared off by the ankle injury that limited Lacy to just five games last season and concerns over his weight, making it more likely that he’ll be back for another run with the Packers. — Rob Demovsky

Running back Adrian Peterson

The Vikings declined Peterson’s 2017 option Monday, meaning he’ll become an unrestricted free agent on March 9 unless the team works out a new deal with him ahead of time. It seems likely the Vikings will attend to their offensive line needs before considering bringing Peterson back, and the soon-to-be 32-year-old running back might find a new suitor in that time. Prediction: Under the logic that prominent veterans are often likely to take pay cuts with new teams instead of staying with their original teams on reduced contracts, the guess here is Peterson will move on. — Ben Goessling

NFC South

Fullback Patrick DiMarco

The one-time Pro Bowler is a key figure in the offense as a lead blocker for running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, but the Falcons won’t overpay at that position. Prediction: DiMarco ends up reuniting with former Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, now the coach of the 49ers. — Vaughn McClure

Offensive tackle Mike Remmers

The Panthers already have used the franchise tag on defensive tackle Kawann Short and re-signed ends Mario Addison and Wes Horton. They want to bring back end Charles Johnson and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., too. But the intriguing free agent is Remmers, who moved from right to left tackle when Michael Oher missed the final 13 games with a concussion. Because of Oher’s situation, the Panthers are having to take a more serious look at keeping Remmers for continuity and depth. Prediction: The Panthers will bring back Remmers if the price is right. — David Newton

Defensive tackle Nick Fairley

Fairley’s market value is tough to predict. The former first-round pick just had a stellar season with the Saints in 2016, including a career-high 6.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits, so he should be in line for a healthy payday. But teams have shied away from investing heavily in him in the past because he struggled with injuries, and there were questions about his maturity and work ethic early in his career. Fairley had to settle for one-year, prove-it deals in each of the past two seasons. The Saints have other options at tackle, including last year’s first-round pick Sheldon Rankins. Prediction: The guess is that Fairley re-signs somewhere between $6 million and $8 million per year because it was such a good fit for both sides last season. — Mike Triplett

Quarterback Mike Glennon

Glennon, who hasn’t started a game in two seasons, is one of the top quarterbacks on the market. The Bucs will likely try to re-sign him, but they won’t pay him above what a backup would warrant. Glennon should be able to get more elsewhere with a team that would allow him to compete for a starting job. So sure, it’d be great for the Bucs to re-sign Glennon and keep a reliable backup, but that’s unlikely. Prediction: He’ll sign somewhere else for more money. — Jenna Laine

NFC West

Defensive tackle Calais Campbell

In his contract year in 2016, Campbell turned in one of the best all-around seasons of his career with 8 sacks, 53 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles and one interception returned for a touchdown. Talk about timing. He’ll likely be able to parlay his play into another big payday, despite the fact that he’ll be 31 in September. Prediction: That payday likely won’t come from the Cardinals, simply because another team will pay him more than what Arizona will offer. His services will be in high demand come March 9, and there are teams that need significant help on the defensive line. — Josh Weinfuss

Wide receiver Kenny Britt

The 28-year-old is coming off a career year, one that saw him turn 110 targets into 1,002 yards, becoming the Rams’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2007. It’s perfect timing for Britt, but it doesn’t mean he’ll return for a fourth season with the Rams. The Rams, under new coach Sean McVay, are expected to move on to other free-agent receivers. Alshon Jeffery is the major prize, but the next tier — DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Terrelle Pryor Sr., Kenny Stills and others — seems to make more sense. Prediction: In all likelihood, Britt will find work elsewhere. — Alden Gonzalez

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

Kaepernick is opting out of the final year of his contract and will now get his first taste of free agency. He’s coming off a 2016 season in which he finished in the middle of the pack in passer rating but posted a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio and led all quarterbacks in yards per carry. He also garnered a lot of attention for his decision to protest racial inequality by kneeling during the national anthem. General manager John Lynch, coach Kyle Shanahan and Kaepernick had an open conversation recently, and the sides agreed to leave the door open for a possible Kaepernick return. Prediction: It seems more likely that all parties are going to opt for a fresh start. — Nick Wagoner

Kicker Steven Hauschka

Hauschka hasn’t been at the level of some of the top kickers in the NFL, but he has performed well for the Seahawks during his six-season career. Since the start of 2015, Hauschka has missed 10 extra points, and coach Pete Carroll said last season that Hauschka was kicking the ball too low. Prediction: Given that the Seahawks have already added Blair Walsh, they likely have concluded that they don’t want to pay Hauschka what top-10 kickers make — more than $3 million per season. And that’s the right call. — Sheil Kapadia

AFC East

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore

After not assigning the franchise tag to Gilmore, it is hard to see the Bills coughing up the sort of deal required to keep him. He was firm last summer about his perceived value as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks, and after a somewhat disappointing 2016 season, the Bills would be wise to not pay Gilmore elite money. They have extended several of their young players in recent years — Cordy Glenn, Jerry Hughes, Marcell Dareus and others — but cannot keep everyone. Prediction: Gilmore will sign a big deal elsewhere. — Mike Rodak

Wide receiver Kenny Stills

Stills is a talented, young receiver who led Miami in touchdown receptions last season with nine. He is hitting the market at the right time, as Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown just set a new ceiling for the position at $17 million per year. Stills may be able to get in the $10-$12 million range, and that could be too rich for the Dolphins, who also have work to do with teammate and fellow receiver Jarvis Landry’s contract. Prediction: The price will be too high for the Dolphins to bring back Stills. — James Walker

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower

While the Patriots elected not to restrict Hightower with the franchise or transition tag, he remains a top priority to the team. Hightower will have the freedom to fully explore the free-agent market, but he plans to maintain an open dialogue with Bill Belichick & Co. In the end, the Patriots will likely have a chance to match any offer Hightower receives, and thus, it is a situation where the market will ultimately dictate what happens. So, will another team step up with an offer the Patriots aren’t willing to match? It’s tough to project, but I’m putting this one in the category of safety Devin McCourty’s free-agency situation from two seasons ago. Prediction: Hightower will be back with the Patriots on a lucrative but not over-the-top contract after going through the same process McCourty did. — Mike Reiss

Quarterback Geno Smith

A return is “not out of the question,” Smith said. He has two things going for him: He’s young (26) and cheap. Knee rehab could complicate his timetable. Prediction: Realistically, he’ll probably move on to another team, but he can’t be totally dismissed from the Jets’ plans. — Rich Cimini

AFC North

Defensive tackle Brandon Williams

Considered one of the top free agents in the league, Williams recently said his future with the Ravens remains “up in the air.” Ravens officials have stressed the need to hold on to Williams, and despite losing some young talent in free agency in recent years, Baltimore has a strong history of re-signing the players the team is focused on keeping. The Ravens could have a difficult time re-signing Williams, however, if another team offers more than what the Giants gave defensive tackle Damon Harrison ($46.25 million over five years, including $24 million guaranteed) last year. Prediction: While no one can rule out Baltimore re-signing Williams, the more likely scenario is he’ll be lured elsewhere. — Jamison Hensley

Guard Kevin Zeitler

Zeitler is one of the top guards on the free-agent market — and he’ll likely be paid for it. The Bengals value tackles over guards, and with left tackle Andrew Whitworth also a pending free agent, he’ll likely be their top priority. Prediction: Expect Zeitler to be in another uniform next fall and to be paid like one of the best guards in the NFL. — Katherine Terrell

Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor Sr.

The Browns’ efforts to sign Pryor to an extension have not worked out, and he will test the market. There, he will learn that it only takes one team to make a player wealthy. Prediction: Pryor will leave — and leave a gaping need at receiver for the Browns. — Pat McManamon

Linebacker Lawrence Timmons

The Steelers are exploring re-signing Timmons but aren’t expected to break the bank for him while he tests the market. Timmons just played out a sizable five-year deal, and though he was productive in 2016, he turns 31 in May. The team also has good inside linebacker depth with Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams. Timmons was the first draft pick of the Mike Tomlin era and wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh. Prediction: Here’s to both sides finding common ground on a reasonable contract for two to three years. — Jeremy Fowler

AFC South

Cornerback A.J. Bouye

Bouye was a pleasant surprise for the Texans in 2016, entering the year as the team’s No. 4 cornerback and finishing as one of the top corners in the league. While the Texans have said they would love to have the young cornerback re-sign, they already have three solid cornerbacks under contract, and another team could reward Bouye with a much bigger contract than he could get in Houston. If the Texans re-sign Bouye, it would leave very little wiggle room for other improvements and to re-sign other free agents. Prediction: The financials to bring back Bouye will likely not add up for the Texans. — Sarah Barshop

Cornerback Darius Butler

Butler was one of the few positives on a weak Colts defense last season. He’s their best slot cornerback, and he has led them in interceptions in three of the past five seasons. Butler presented a bonus last season when he shifted to safety at times. His versatility gives the Colts some flexibility if they decide not to re-sign veteran safety Mike Adams, who will turn 36 years old later this month. Prediction: The Colts will re-sign Butler. — Mike Wells

Cornerback Prince Amukamara

Defensive coordinator Todd Wash was pleased with the way Amukamara played in 2016, even though Amukamara didn’t put up big numbers (six pass breakups, no interceptions). It doesn’t appear the Jaguars are making a big run to re-sign Amukamara, however. They need a No. 2 corner opposite Jalen Ramsey, and they may have their sights set a little higher than Amukamara (The Texans’ A.J. Bouye, perhaps). Prediction: Signing Amukamara could require a deal around $10 million annually, and the Jaguars might feel it would be better to spend a little more to try to land Bouye. — Mike DiRocco

Wide receiver Kendall Wright

The Titans don’t view Wright as a big target, but other teams that covet a slot type might find him enticing in the receiver market. He made $7 million on his fifth-year option last season, and both sides have all but said he won’t be back. The Titans deactivated him for the regular-season finale, and he tearily spoke of his five seasons in Tennessee on locker clean-out day. Prediction: A change of scenery is likely to be mutually beneficial. — Paul Kuharsky

AFC West

Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware

The Broncos’ three most prominent free agents are all on defense — Ware, nose tackle Sylvester Williams and defensive end Vance Walker. Of the three, the Broncos would have interest in bringing Walker and Ware back. Ware is an intriguing case given his standing in the league — he’s in the exclusive 100-sack club — his age (34) and the fact he’s coming off back surgery. Broncos coach Vance Joseph said at the scouting combine he has had several conversations about bringing back Ware and that the team would be willing to sign him if he is agreeable to a discussion about playing time and role. Prediction: If Ware is flexible there, he figures to be re-signed. — Jeff Legwold

Defensive lineman Dontari Poe

Coach Andy Reid said recently the Chiefs would like to re-sign Poe, but that seems unlikely. The sides have had plenty of time to reach an agreement on a long-term contract. Poe could attract a lucrative offer from another team once free agency begins, and it’s not the Chiefs’ way to match even if they’re given the chance. They generally don’t let another team dictate the terms of a contract they must meet. Prediction: Poe will get a big deal from another team. — Adam Teicher

Running back Danny Woodhead

Even though he played just two games in 2016 due to an ACL injury and turned 32 years old in January, the Chargers would like to bring back Woodhead. He has a good rapport with quarterback Philip Rivers and complements Melvin Gordon’s bruising running style as a change-of-pace back who can operate on third downs and in the red zone. New coach Anthony Lynn coached Woodhead while with the Jets, so he’s familiar with the cat-quick runner’s skill set. Chargers general manager Tom Telesco told reporters at the NFL combine this week that the team is working to bring Woodhead back into the fold for 2017. Prediction: Woodhead will be re-signed. — Eric D. Williams

Running back Latavius Murray

Murray was a workhorse for the Raiders last season, scoring 12 rushing touchdowns, the third most in a single season in franchise history, even if his touches were down with the arrival of rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard. Quarterback Derek Carr wants Murray to return, and one would think that would carry much weight. But Murray, a Pro Bowler in 2015 who averaged the same 4.0 yards per carry in 2016, will likely get big-money offers elsewhere. Prediction: If those offers are significantly bigger than Oakland wants to pay, Murray will be a former Raider and Oakland will have a big hole to fill. Adrian Peterson, anyone? — Paul Gutierrez

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“If you think about it, I've never held a job in my life. I went from being an NFL player to a coach to a broadcaster. I haven't worked a day in my life.”
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