HeadtoHeadFootball -
NFL

NFL free agency preview: Top priorities, targets for all 32 teams

Free agency is almost here. Teams can begin talking to unrestricted free agents and discussing contracts on Tuesday, and signings can start being official on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, when the new league year begins.

NFL Nation reporters assess the needs for every team and forecast what all 32 should do when free agency kicks off. Click the links after each team to view the full posts.

ESPN’s top 150 free agents | Predicting the top free-agent targets
Predictions on the top internal free agents | Best fits for intriguing free agents

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals saw firsthand last season how important having a second experienced cornerback is to their defense. Finding a veteran who can play from Day 1 would cause immediate improvement. Read more.

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons underwent a major facelift at linebacker last offseason; this year, it’s the defensive line’s turn. They need to find a front-four combo capable of pressuring the quarterback. Read more.

Baltimore Ravens: The No. 1 priority in free agency has to be signing a proven and consistent veteran to make up for the losses of Steve Smith Sr. (retired) and Kamar Aiken (free agent). Read more.

Buffalo Bills: The Bills have an NFL-high 23 unrestricted free agents, and they would be wise to allow most of them to sign elsewhere. With $21 million in salary-cap space, they do not have room to bring back everyone. Read more.

Carolina Panthers: GM Dave Gettleman hasn’t ruled out signing former Giants star Victor Cruz, who recently was in Carolina for a physical and a meeting. If healthy, the 30-year-old would offer a veteran presence in the slot. Read more.

Chicago Bears: The Bears have to fix their quarterback issues — plain and simple. Chicago must explore all options, and that includes trading for New England’s Jimmy Garoppolo. Read more.

Cincinnati Bengals: The good news? A.J. Green is now healthy. The bad news? The Bengals still need to find another player who can stretch the field. Read more.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns have to get the most important position on the team settled: quarterback. They can try to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, they can draft a QB or they can turn to free agency. Read more.

Dallas Cowboys: The temptation is to look for help with the pass rush right off the bat, but the Cowboys will not pay big, which means they need to fill their secondary holes first at moderate prices. Read more.

Denver Broncos: Truth be told, the offensive line could easily be the top three priorities. There is no bigger reason the Broncos missed the playoffs last season than their play up front. Read more.

Detroit Lions: Defensive line is a definite area of need for Detroit, and while it is strong in the draft, the Lions have a lot of work to do when it comes to bringing in players who can generate a pass rush. Read more.

Green Bay Packers: Whether it’s Nick Perry, Datone Jones, Julius Peppers or someone from another team, the Packers should be careful not to overpay for pass-rushers. Read more.

Houston Texans: Cornerback A.J. Bouye’s play last season is worth the sizable contract he will get this offseason, and the Texans could find room for him if they do not spend their money on a starting quarterback. Read more.

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts need a complete overhaul at linebacker to the point that they might end up with four new starters at that position next season. Read more.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars have already agreed to a trade with Miami for left tackle Branden Albert, but the unit’s biggest weakness in 2016 was at the guard position. Read more.

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs will have a massive hole, literally and figuratively, in the middle of their defensive line if Dontari Poe walks as a free agent. That means they need to find a replacement. Read more.

Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers could be looking for a player to bridge the gap at left tackle until they can find a long-term developmental prospect to take over that position. Read more.

Los Angeles Rams: The Rams’ only established receiver is Tavon Austin, and they need a couple of playmakers. Los Angeles isn’t expected to retain unrestricted free agents Kenny Britt or Brian Quick. Read more.

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins need to find at least one starting-caliber linebacker in free agency. They finished 30th in run defense and also struggled defending tight ends and slot receivers in the passing game. Read more.

Minnesota Vikings: Offensive line was the story of the Vikings’ offseason a year ago, and it will be again until it gets fixed. Minnesota appears headed for major changes once again. Read more.

New England Patriots: The Patriots have a free-agent class as significant and deep as that of any other team in the NFL, and they plan to keep a dialogue open with Dont’a Hightower on a potential return. Read more.

New Orleans Saints: The Saints have labeled an edge-rushing defensive end as a must this offseason. But their chances of spending mega millions on an elite talent took a big hit last week. Read more.

New York Giants: Anyone who watched the Giants in 2016 saw the relentless pressure Eli Manning faced off the edges. The Giants need a veteran upgrade over youngsters Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart. Read more.

New York Jets: The Jets need to acquire a starting-caliber quarterback. It’s a big ask, but the Jets have no choice because Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg aren’t ready for the gig on opening day. Read more.

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are expected to have just under $43 million in cap space, but their most important moves may be in taking care of their dual faces of the franchise first. Read more.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have more than $100 million in projected 2017 salary cap commitments on offensive players. They might as well finish the blueprint and sign Le’Veon Bell to a long-term extension. Read more.

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles need wide receiver help in a big way and are sure to sign at least one wideout over the coming days. It’s critical, however, that they resist committing to a contract they might soon regret. Read more.

San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have the second-most cap space in the NFL, so they can afford to chase top free agents. Of course, that doesn’t mean they should spend for the sake of spending. Read more.

Seattle Seahawks: At the combine, GM John Schneider admitted the Seahawks went too young on the offensive line last season. This is the Seahawks’ chance to make sure they don’t run into the same problem in 2017. Read more.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It’s imperative that the Bucs not only find a replacement for Vincent Jackson, but also bring some speed to the offense, which means they should not only address the wide receiver position. Read more.

Tennessee Titans: An every-down inside linebacker probably ranks behind cornerback and receiver as a need. But the Titans have plenty of salary-cap room to sign the best player in free agency. Read more.

Washington Redskins: The Redskins have four free-agent defensive linemen, and they will attack this position in the offseason, both in free agency and the draft. Read more.

NFL

NFL combine filled with wide receivers who could help Bucs offense

It’s no secret the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a need at wide receiver, and the 2017 NFL scouting combine hasn’t disappointed, with a whopping 58 prospects at the position. Even without Western Michigan’s Corey Davis, who didn’t participate because he’s recovering from ankle surgery, this group features a lot of talent. Here’s how they performed in Indianapolis and how they’d fit in with the Bucs:

John Ross, Washington: In case you live under a rock, Ross beat Chris Johnson’s NFL combine 40-yard dash record, running an official time of 4.22 seconds (0.74 5-yard split). He sustained a cramp in his calf on the run, which meant his day was done. Now he’ll head home to undergo shoulder surgery. Ross’ 17 touchdown catches in 2016 were tied for most among all receivers in Power 5 conferences. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Ross scored a touchdown on 20 percent of his offensive touches last season, the highest rate among Power 5 conference players with at least 80 touches. Ross had a formal meeting with the Bucs. It should be noted, too, that a player the Bucs are expected to pursue in free agency, DeSean Jackson, has trained with and mentored Ross.

Curtis Samuel’s speed and versatility stood out at the combine, and he had a formal meeting with the Bucs in Indianapolis. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Curtis Samuel, Ohio State: Samuel ran the 40 in 4.31, and would have been the talk of Indy on Saturday had it not been for Ross’ earth-shattering 40 time. Samuel served as an H-back for the Buckeyes, but at 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds, that’s not doable at the next level. He led the Buckeyes with 15 touchdowns last year, but the thing that jumps out in watching his tape is his yards after the catch. He’s also incredibly versatile: He looks physically like he’d line up in the slot, but at other times that he could take handoffs as a running back and take pitches out of the backfield, and of course could go vertical with that top-flight speed — he’s not getting caught from behind. Bucs coach Dirk Koetter would have so many options with him. Samuel also had a formal meeting with the Bucs in Indianapolis.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC: Smith-Schuster ran a 4.54 40, posted a 32.5-inch vertical and had a 10-foot broad jump. Koetter has said he prefers bigger receivers, and Smith-Schuster fits the bill at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. He doesn’t have breakaway speed and looks to be more of a possession receiver. Smith-Schuster had 3,092 receiving yards over the last three seasons, second-most among Power 5 conference players. He’s plenty tough to bring down when the ball is in his hands (watch him stiff-arm defenders) and would be an asset over the middle with that kind of toughness. Koetter also said the Bucs need some yards after the catch. Smith-Schuster is a solid blocker, a plus for a run-heavy team like Tampa Bay. The most interesting thing with him, though, is that despite having great size, he’s not a player you see making many contested catches. He had a formal interview with the Bucs in Indy on Friday.

Zay Jones, East Carolina: He ran a 4.45 in the 40 (0.79 5-yard split) and had a 4.01 in the 20-yard shuttle, second-best among receivers. He turned in a 6.79 in the three-cone drill (13th among receivers). In the last two seasons, Jones produced 1,322 yards after the catch, the most of any player in college football. He also had 535 receiving yards after contact over the last three seasons, also the most among all players in college football.

Rodney Adams, USF: Adams turned in an official 4.44 in the 40, tied for ninth among receivers. In the last two seasons, Adams had 1,221 yards after the catch, third-most among all players in college football, and averaged 10.9 yards after the catch, more than any other player at the combine. He can make an immediate impact on special teams, where he averaged 26.3 yards per kickoff return over the last two seasons and produced a kickoff return for a touchdown against Navy in 2015. He met with the Bucs in Indianapolis.

Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M: Reynolds ran a 4.52 40 and posted a 37-inch vertical (fifth among receivers). That’s pretty darn good for a guy who’s 6-foot-3. What jumps out with Reynolds is his consistency and production, especially downfield, which is where the Bucs could stand to improve. He averaged 17 yards per reception last season. His 15 catches on balls traveling 30 or more yards downfield over the last three seasons were fifth-most in the Power 5. What may be most impressive of all is that in the last two seasons he was targeted for 22 passes of 30-plus air yards and he managed to haul in 15 of them. No other player comes close to that. He had 2,788 receiving yards over the last three seasons, fifth-most in the Power 5, and his 12 receiving touchdowns in 2016 were tied for eighth. His 377 receiving yards after contact over the last three seasons were fifth-most in college football. Reynolds met with the Bucs in Indianapolis.

Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky: Taylor turned in a 4.50 40, dominated the three-cone drill with a 6.57, tops among receivers, and posted a 33.5-inch vertical. His 11-foot broad jump was also tied for sixth among receivers and his 11.23 60-yard shuttle was eighth. His 3,197 receiving yards over the last two seasons were most of any player in college football, as were his 34 receiving touchdowns. He could making a living on yards after the catch, and with his size (5-foot-11 and 198) and skill set, is probably best suited for a role in the slot.

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 »

Chris Godwin, Penn State: Godwin turned in a 4.42 in the 40 (0.79 5-yard split), tied for fifth among receivers, and a 4.00 in the 20-yard shuttle, tied for tops at the position. Where he really shined was in his on-field work, matching effortless catch after catch. Godwin had 2,421 receiving yards over the last three seasons, ninth-most in the Power 5 during that span. His 303 receiving yards after contact over the last two seasons was third-most in college football and most in the Power 5. He’s a player who has shown great ability to catch the ball on passes deep down the field. At 6-foot-1 and 209 pounds, he’s got pretty good size.

Isaiah McKenzie, Georgia: McKenzie ran a 4.42 in the 40 (tied for fifth among receivers), posted a 36-inch vertical and had a 6.64 in the three-cone drill, second among wide receivers. At 5-foot-7 1/2 and 173 pounds, he faces a huge size disadvantage at the next level as a receiver, but he could make a big impact on special teams with five punt returns for touchdowns (third-most in SEC history) and a kickoff return for a touchdown in three years at Georgia. If the Bucs did utilize him on offense, it would have to be out in space, working out of the slot.

Ryan Switzer, North Carolina: Switzer had 2,566 receiving yards in the last three years, sixth-most among Power-5 players in that span. At 5-foot-8 and 181 pounds, his size is limiting at the next level, but he could be a productive slot receiver, although he doesn’t offer an upgrade over what the Bucs have already in Adam Humphries. Where he shines is on special teams. His five punts returned for touchdowns tied an NCAA single-season record.

Shelton Gibson, West Virginia: He was expected to be one of the faster players in the combine but turned in a 4.50; it was disappointing considering the way he hyped his own speed, saying that he’d top Johnson’s record. He didn’t come close, although his on-field speed is more eye-catching, and he’s got decent size at 5-foot-11 and 191 pounds. He finished first in the 60-yard shuttle with a 10.71. He is one of those receivers you could really air the ball out to downfield. In fact, his 17 receptions for 20-plus air yards and 13 for 30-plus air yards both were more than any other Power 5 player last season. Over the last three seasons, he produced 21 catches for 30-plus air yards, also tops among Power 5 players. His ability to make adjustments to the ball on tougher catches is impressive.

Artavis Scott, Clemson: Scott managed only a 4.61 in the 40, disappointing for a player with his level of production in college. His other numbers were also near the bottom (4.49 in the 20-yard shuttle and 12.06 in the 60-yard shuttle), something he’s going to have to answer for as pro days and private workouts get underway. He had a combined 2,149 yards after the catch over the last three seasons, more than any other player in college football during that span. His 534 receiving yards after contact over the last two seasons were second-most in college football. What Scott brings is sure-handedness: His 78.5 percent receiving percentage over the last three years was fourth-highest among Power 5 players.

Mike Williams, Clemson: Williams did not run the 40 but posted a 32.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-1-inch broad jump. His most impressive trait on tape is his ability to adjust his body in mid-air — he’ll dive and spin and contort his body in all sorts of ways to make some really tough catches, including jump balls, much like Mike Evans. Williams had 60 receiving first downs in 2016, second-most among players in the Power 5. At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, he looks the part of a player Jameis Winston could lob the ball to or hit on a back-shoulder fade. He also looks like a player who could fill the role left by Vincent Jackson and grow with Evans for years to come.

NFL

Is ex-Jets star Darrelle Revis a first-ballot Hall of Famer? Uh, not so fast

A look at what’s happening around the New York Jets:

1. Canton Island? Now that the Jets have parted ways with Darrelle Revis, this is a good time to take stock of his legacy. To paraphrase Bill Parcells, Revis will go to the Jets’ Ring of Honor on roller skates. The question is, what about the Pro Football Hall of Fame? A better question: Is he a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

ESPN surveyed 10 of the 48 on the selection committee, which consists of media members, and the overwhelming sentiment was that Revis already has the credentials for induction. Eight of the 10 said he belongs in Canton, with one no and one undecided.

It’s a different story on the first-ballot issue. Only one committee member said Revis deserves to make it in his first year of eligibility, which comes five years after he retires. Six leaned toward no and three said they’re undecided, with several saying it’s difficult to gauge a candidacy without knowing the strength of the 15 finalists in that particular year.

Darrelle Revis’ 29 interceptions would be the lowest by a Hall of Fame cornerback, but intimidated quarterbacks didn’t test him often. Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

A few facts to chew on:

Only two pure cornerbacks (Deion Sanders and Darrell Green) made it on the first ballot in the past 10 years. Of the 14 corners in the Hall of Fame, 13 played longer than Revis (10 years). Revis has only 29 career interceptions, far below the lowest Hall of Fame corner (Mike Haynes, 46). As noted by Bleacher Report, a handful of top candidates coming up have more interceptions than Revis: Charles Woodson (65), Ty Law (53) and Champ Bailey (52).

Revis hasn’t produced eye-popping stats because, in his heyday, he wasn’t tested often by fearful quarterbacks. But let’s be real: From 2008 to ’11, he dominated his position. As for his chances of making it on the first try …

“My guess is that you will know more when Champ Bailey comes up as a candidate in 2019 and, yes, I believe Champ will make it on his first try,” said Clark Judge of Hall of Fame Talk Radio. “Do I think Revis gets in eventually? Yes, I do. He checked all the boxes, with numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl ring. Plus … he was considered the measuring stick for others at his position for a significant number of years, named to the first-team all-decade team for the 2000s, and that counts for a lot.”

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report believes Revis will make it eventually, but “I don’t think he walks in as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.” He cited Revis’ short career by modern standards, the low number of interceptions and his poor performance last season.

Barry Wilner of The Associated Press was the only one of the 10 to say Revis’ current resume still doesn’t meet the Hall of Fame standard.

“No, I don’t think he is a first-ballot guy, and I am not sure he’s even a Hall of Famer,” Wilner said. “His period of strong performances is short, though impressive. I compare him to Ty Law, who has been up a few times and who I would actually put ahead of Revis to get in. The caveat: If Revis hooks on elsewhere, as I expect he will, and has another big year or two, it would put him ahead of Law and over the hump with me. As of now, I’d say I would need strong persuading to vote for him.”

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland said “predicting first-ballot Hall of Famers is a risky proposition because each class of finalists is different. … Timing is everything, and if it’s an overloaded class the year Revis is eligible, he might have to wait. The list of no-brainer, automatic first-ballot Hall of Famers is short.”

2. Gentlemen, start your checkbooks: Four days away from free agency, the Jets’ most likely targets are: Quarterback Mike Glennon, left tackle Russell Okung, safety Tony Jefferson and linebacker Kevin Minter. Jefferson and Minter played for Todd Bowles in Arizona, so they’d slide seamlessly into his defensive scheme. If they sign Minter, it probably would mean the end of David Harris.

3. Brandon, Brady & Bill: If the New England Patriots pursue receiver Brandon Marshall — The Boston Globe reported that there’s mutual interest — one factor in the discussions figures to be Marshall’s TV career. Assuming he continues his role as a studio analyst for Showtime’s “Inside the NFL,” Marshall will need to be in New York on Tuesdays for taping. That’s one of the reasons he loved playing for the Jets; talk about an easy commute. Tuesday is the traditional day off for players, but Bill Belichick runs a tight ship and — just speculating here — might not give his blessing to Marshall’s TV arrangement.

If Marshall signs in New England, you know he’ll find a way to haunt the Jets. That’s a lock.

4. Not-so-Magical Mike: Two years ago, Mike Maccagnan was named the NFL Executive of the Year, based largely on three player acquisitions — Marshall (trade), Revis (free agent) and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (trade). Now all three are gone. It shouldn’t diminish what he accomplished in 2015, but you’d like to have more than a two-year shelf life for big additions.

5. Quarterback talk: The Jets met at the scouting combine with Deshaun Watson and Mitch Trubisky, widely regarded as the top quarterbacks in the draft. Relax — this doesn’t mean they’re going to draft one of them. Teams are allowed to meet with 60 prospects at the combine, so let’s keep it in perspective.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, for one, believes the Jets should stay away from a quarterback with their first-round pick.

“If you’re asking me whether the Jets at No. 6 should take a quarterback, I would emphatically tell you no,” Mayock said. “I don’t have a top-10 grade on any quarterback in this draft. I would not be in that conversation.”

In three of the past four drafts, the Jets have used two second-round picks (Geno Smith and Christian Hackenberg) and one fourth-rounder (Bryce Petty) on quarterbacks. And they’re still searching.

6. Money is the root of problems: Interesting comment the other day from ESPN analyst Bill Polian, who said the Jets had “bad financial chemistry” last season. He didn’t cite any specific examples, except to say it’s not good for locker-room morale when high-salaried players are outplayed by players who make less money. The most glaring example was Revis, whose shockingly poor season caused some resentment among teammates.

7. The endangered list: The Great Purge has claimed five players, all of whom are in the 30-and-up category. That leaves Harris (33), running back Matt Forte (31) and defensive tackle Steve McLendon (31) as the oldest players on the roster. I don’t believe any of them are in immediate danger of getting cut, but we’ll see how the offseason plays out.

8. Mangold wanted to stay: In an interview with the New York Post, Nick Mangold confirmed that he never was offered a pay cut, which I reported on the day he was released.

“I was hoping there was going to be a negotiation of some sort to get something worked out,” Mangold said, “but when you’re told, ‘Hey, we’re cutting you, and good luck,’ that really caught me off guard.”

NFL

Redskins make necessary move with Jay Gruden's extension

The Washington Redskins did what they needed to do, which was provide a sense of stability and sign coach Jay Gruden to a two-year extension. They couldn’t afford to enter free agency with so many unanswered questions surrounding the franchise.

The reality is that free agents choose teams based in large part on money. But the head coach is up there on the list, too. You want to know who you’re playing for — it matters more than the general manager, that’s for sure.

That doesn’t mean people might avoid a situation because of appearances, but the head coach — knowing how long he’ll be in place — matters. After money, it’s high on the list: Players want to know who they’ll be playing for now and in the future. Here’s a key: Gruden’s two-year extension is all for guaranteed money. This is not a move for appearance only.

Jay Gruden’s two-year extension is all for guaranteed money, so this was not a move made for appearance only. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Had the Redskins done this shortly after the season, it might have made a difference in the pursuit of some defensive coordinators. If they had wanted Gus Bradley, as had often been reported, certainly it would have helped. Bradley opted for a place where he’d have time to build the sort of defense he wanted. He could go somewhere with a coach armed with a new contract, or one entering a pivotal season. Job security matters to everyone.

If you’re Gruden, this makes sense and was needed. He has two new coordinators, might only have his starting quarterback for one more season, might lose his top two receivers and might lose his general manager. That’s not the way to enter the fourth year of a five-year deal. His agent, Bob Lamonte, is one of the savviest around. It’s why Gruden received a fully-guaranteed contract in the first place, knowing what a tough place this has been for coaches. Getting him two more years in this situation was a must.

Gruden still has to prove he can take a team deep in the playoffs. But the Redskins also have gone from winning a combined seven games in 2013-14 to winning 17 in the past two years. They appeared to be a mess after his first season. It’s progress. Someone here is doing something right. That next step, though, can be the toughest.

But from the get-go, it’s been clear that Gruden’s main passion is just coaching. It helps him stay above any situations that appear messy, allowing him to move forward with what he must do. Maybe after the Redskins have more success he’ll become more centered on gaining power. But he’s also not a power-hungry coach. Perhaps having to do everything for years in the Arena League — as coach, GM and everything in between — made him realize all he wanted was to coach. Power comes with winning, so maybe that will change in the future. Certainly it will provide him more clout and say — why wouldn’t he use it?

Still, his focus hasn’t been on acquiring more power. That’s why a number of people I spoke to after Scot McCloughan was hired two years ago said how optimistic Gruden was about the future. He had someone acquiring talent he could trust. It’s hard to say who will be that guy securing players. Will it still be McCloughan? For how long? That’s a story on which we don’t yet have all the information. We all know the appearances. So does the NFL.

The other question becomes the impact of Gruden’s extension on the Kirk Cousins talks. It’s both hard and easy to give an answer. It’s easy because the desires have been known for a while in terms of salary. Just having Gruden around for possibly four more years won’t suddenly lessen Cousins’ leverage, thereby lowering his salary wishes. But it’s hard, because stability does matter to Cousins — and any quarterback. How much is that worth? As an organization, how much is that worth to you — to know who your coach and quarterback will be for the next several seasons?

The Redskins still will face certain questions over the coming weeks: What’s up with McCloughan? Will they sign Cousins? Gruden’s extension, whether intended or not (it came together rather fast), at least diverts the focus for the time being. How long that is the case is up for debate. It remains a pivotal offseason for the franchise. But this was a necessary attempt at stability.

Page 295 of 379« First...102030294295296297300310320...Last »