Before free agency begins in March, NFL teams have some housekeeping
duties to attend to.
In any given year, front offices must decide who stays and
goes among impending in-house free agents. For the most part, star players ink
extensions. There's uncertainty for those who came up short in a contract year
or have competition at their position. Others can see the writing on the wall
once their team selects a rookie in the early rounds of a preceding draft or
they lose their starting roles.
Some agents have already engaged in extension talks with
their client's current organization, but many more haven't. Most impending free
agents will at least test the market.
Here, we'll go through notable impending free agents for
each team, based on their draft status or track record as a starter. Who should
teams not attempt to retain this offseason?
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS: CB COTY SENSABAUGH
Although cornerback Coty Sensabaugh suited up for 15
contests and started in 10 this past season, he provided little impact in pass
defense, notching six pass breakups. He frequently alternated with Artie Burns,
who's been a disappointment over the last two seasons.
Even if the Steelers head into the 2019 season with Burns as
a reserve, it's a crowded depth chart with Joe Haden at the top. Mike Hilton, a
productive slot defender, will become an exclusive-rights free agent. He can't
negotiate with other teams during free agency, which means a probable return
for the 24-year-old. Cameron Sutton and Brian Allen also will have
opportunities to expand their roles during the offseason.
The youth at cornerback doesn't provide much room for
Sensabaugh going into his age-31 campaign. He's a decent fill-in starter, but
the Steelers have plenty of talent to evaluate at the position. It's a crucial
year for Burns, and Sutton is in position to see more snaps as a 2017
third-rounder with upside.
ARIZONA CARDINALS:
DT RODNEY GUNTER
The Arizona Cardinals' decision to hire Steve
Wilks as their head coach didn't pan out as expected, but defensive tackle
Rodney Gunter benefitted from the 4-3 base scheme.
In 2018, Gunter had his best season in four years with the
Cardinals, logging 4.5 sacks, 32 solo tackles and 11 tackles for a loss. As
Arizona transitions back to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Vance
Joseph, the 27-year-old impending free agent may find a better fit elsewhere in
a four-man front where he can penetrate in a one-gap assignment.
The Cardinals will have interior defensive linemen Corey
Peters and Robert Nkemdiche, who's going into a crucial fourth year, on the
books in 2019. With the No. 1 overall pick, the front office will have a
shot to select standout defensive lineman Quinnen Williams in the upcoming
draft, too.
Gunter could receive a sizable raise from another team
because of his 2018 production. But Arizona will have enough options to
comfortably avoid competition for his services.
ATLANTA FALCONS:
RB TEVIN COLEMAN
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff prepared
for running back Tevin Coleman's upcoming free agency when he selected Ito
Smith in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. With Devonta Freeman limited to
two games this season because of a groin injury, Smith played extensively
alongside Coleman.
Smith logged 90 rushing attempts for 315 yards and four
touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 152 yards. Even though his production
wasn't mind-blowing, he flashed the ability to catch and run out of the backfield,
which mimics Coleman's skill set. As a result, Freeman and Smith will
likely move forward as the backfield tandem in Atlanta.
On the open market, Coleman can cash in on his dual-threat
capabilities. He's 25 years old and is coming off his best season, having
recorded 1,076 yards from scrimmage. For the Falcons, it's hard to justify
keeping a third running back who's due for a significant bump in salary.
BALTIMORE RAVENS:
WR JOHN BROWN
The Baltimore Ravens made the right choice in signing wide
receiver John Brown. Almost immediately, he connected with quarterback Joe
Flacco during training camp.
The chemistry translated to production on the field, as the
28-year-old led the team in receiving yards (601) and touchdowns (four) through Week 9. He also
logged two 100-yard outings in the first half of the season.
Once quarterback Lamar Jackson took over as a starter in
Week 11, Brown's production tailed off significantly. The fifth-year wideout
hauled in only eight passes for 114 yards and a touchdown in that span.
The Ravens front office should look for big-body targets at
wide receiver to aid Jackson's growth as a passer. At 5'11" and 178
pounds, Brown doesn't fit that mold. Perhaps he'll follow Flacco to wherever he
ends up since the two clicked so well together.
BUFFALO BILLS: OG
JOHN MILLER
The Buffalo Bills need to overhaul their offensive line.
Bills quarterbacks took a combined 41 sacks in 2018, and the
ball-carriers were stuffed on 20.9 percent of their carries, per Football
Outsiders. During the College Football Playoff title game, running
back LeSean McCoy tweeted about wanting Alabama linemen blocking for him,
although he eventually deleted it.
In his 2018 season grades, Bills Wire writer Justin DiLoro pointed
out offensive guard John Miller's individual struggles on the interior:
"Wyatt Teller went through some massive growing pains, while John Miller
and Vlad Ducasse could not handle interior rushers on a play-by-play
basis."
As Buffalo builds around quarterback Josh Allen, it's
important to strengthen the offensive line. Better pass protection and a more
productive ground attack would help the rookie signal-caller progress in 2019.
General manager Brandon Beane can look toward free agency for a veteran guard
on a short-term deal or take an interior lineman on Day 2 of the draft.
CAROLINA PANTHERS:
WR DEVIN FUNCHESS
Devin Funchess didn't have a contract year to remember. He
missed two games—one because of a back injury—and quarterback Newton
battled a shoulder issue.
Meanwhile, rookie first-rounder D.J. Moore flourished
in Norv Turner's
offense, logging 55 receptions, 788 yards and two touchdowns. Curtis Samuel
flashed in the second half of the season, finishing with 39 catches for 494
yards and five touchdowns—a significant jump from his rookie campaign. Both
receivers can rack up yards after the catch on short throws.
On the other hand, at 6'4" and 225 pounds, Funchess is
a bigger target less capable of breaking away from defenders after the catch.
He logged a career-low 12.5 yards per reception in Turner's offense.
The Panthers have their top pass-catching options in running
back Christian McCaffrey and Moore. Because of Samuel's improvements, there's
no reason to pay up for Funchess, who took a step backward in Carolina's new
offensive system.
CHICAGO BEARS: WR
KEVIN WHITE
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace flipped the team's
wide receiver unit in one offseason. He signed Allen Robinson and Taylor
Gabriel then selected Anthony Miller in the second round of the 2018 draft.
All of the sudden, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has a solid
receiving corps. As a result, wide receiver Kevin White moved to the back of
the line at his position.
Since coming out of West Virginia as the No. 7 overall pick
in 2015, White has been unable to stay healthy. This season, he appeared in a
career-high nine games, but his availability came a bit too late. The former
Mountaineer didn't start a game in 2018.
The Bears appear to be moving on from White, whose lengthy
injury history overshadowed his upside. The Bears no longer have a need at wide
receiver, which opens up the 26-year-old to opportunities elsewhere.
CINCINNATI BENGALS:
DE MICHAEL JOHNSON
The Cincinnati Bengals released defensive end Michael
Johnson during their final cuts in September, but he re-signed a few days later
on a one-year deal.
In 15 starts, the 31-year-old logged only a half-sack and 18
solo tackles. He logged fewer snaps (467) than rookie third-rounder Sam Hubbard
(508), who displayed his pass-rushing skills with six sacks.
The Bengals will likely make changes to a defense that gave
up the most yards in 2018. After an ineffective year on the edge, Johnson may
not return.
The 10-year veteran started 106 contests for Cincinnati
since coming into the league as a third-rounder in 2009. Now, he looks like a
backup on the way out.
CLEVELAND BROWNS:
CB EJ GAINES
Before he signed with the Cleveland Browns, the injury bug
had plagued cornerback E.J. Gaines. He missed 11 games over his first three
seasons, and he only added to that ledger in 2018.
The 26-year-old appeared in six contests, two of which he
started, but he wound up on injured reserve after he suffered two concussions.
When Gaines takes the field, he's a solid cover man. In 43
games, he's recorded 169 solo tackles, 33 pass breakups and four interceptions.
However, because of his lengthy injury history, general manager John Dorsey
figured to look in another direction this offseason for cornerback help.
The Browns will need someone to join rookie first-rounder
Denzel Ward and T.J. Carrie at cornerback on the back end. Though Gaines can
produce, he's frequently unavailable. As a result, Cleveland must look for
a more reliable contributor in the draft to bolster its pass defense.
DALLAS COWBOYS: DT
DAVID IRVING
In 2017, David Irving emerged as a disruptor on the Dallas
Cowboys defensive line, logging seven sacks and six pass breakups in eight
starts. He served a four-game suspension at the start of that season for
violating the league's performance enhancing drug policy, and a concussion
sidelined him at the end of the year.
Irving began the 2018 season with another four-game
suspension for a substance-abuse policy infraction, but he didn't return right
away because of off-field family matters, per Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News.
After playing two games in mid-October, he suffered a high-ankle sprain that
sidelined him for the rest of the year. In addition, he missed
"multiple" drug tests during the season, per 247Sports' Mike Fisher.
That culmination of events—particularly the suspensions and
reported missed drug tests—raises a bright red flag for Irving. While he's a
talented defensive lineman who can reach the quarterback, it's probably
best for the Cowboys to look for a more reliable asset for their front
line.
DENVER BRONCOS: LB
SHANE RAY
The Denver Broncos found a new tag team sack partner for Von
Miller this past April when they selected Bradley Chubb with the No. 5 overall
pick. Chubb didn't waste any time chasing down quarterbacks, notching 12 sacks
as a rookie.
A few years ago, Denver expected linebacker Shane Ray to
hold that starting spot opposite Miller. He logged eight sacks in 2016, but
he's had only two sacks in the two years since.
The Missouri product tore a ligament in his wrist in July
2017, and he missed the first six games that season to recover. The Broncos
declined to pick up his fifth-year option last offseason, which was the first
sign they didn't see him in their future.
Ray served as a backup to Chubb in 2018 and was a healthy
inactive for the last three games of the season. Denver doesn't seem to have a
spot for the 2015 first-rounder on its depth chart any longer.
DETROIT LIONS: RB
LEGARRETTE BLOUNT
Earlier this month, the Detroit Lions hired Darrell Bevell
to take over as their offensive coordinator. During his tenure as a play-caller
for the Seattle Seahawks, he fielded top-five rushing attacks in four
consecutive seasons (2012-15), thanks in large part to Marshawn Lynch and
Thomas Rawls.
Last year, the Lions spent a first-round pick on center
Frank Ragnow and a second-rounder on running back Kerryon Johnson. The arrival
of Bevell suggests they will continue to rely upon a physical ground
attack on offense.
Detroit's backfield could use a power back to complement
Johnson, but LeGarrette Blount isn't a suitable fit at this stage in his
career.
In 2018, Blount averaged 2.7 yards per carry as the team
leader in rushing attempts (154). The 32-year-old has the body type (6'0"
and 247 pounds) for the role, but he no longer has the burst for
a significant workload.
GREEN BAY PACKERS:
WR RANDALL COBB
Wide receiver Randall Cobb's time in
Green Bay is likely coming to an end after eight seasons.
In 2018, he finished with 38 catches for 383 yards and two
touchdowns in nine appearances, as a hamstring injury and a concussion cost him
seven games. With Cobb hobbled rookie fifth-rounder Marquez Valdes-Scantling
flashed in a few games.
Valdes-Scantling recorded two 100-yard performances in Weeks
6 and 9. He also emerged as a big-play threat, averaging 15.3 yards per
reception. Developing more chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers should
help the South Florida product blossom into a consistent contributor behind
Davante Adams.
In addition to Valdes-Scantling, rookie fourth-rounder J'Mon
Moore and sixth-rounder Equanimeous St. Brown will need more targets moving
forward. The Packers' young talent at the position makes Cobb expendable,
especially because he's coming off a disappointing injury-plagued year.
HOUSTON TEXANS: DL
BRANDON DUNN
Houston Texans nose tackle Brandon Dunn took on an expanded
role over the last two seasons. He started 18 of his 30 games, racking up 30
solo tackles, seven tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.
But as a gap-stuffer, the Louisville product isn't primed to
post big numbers in tackles or sacks, which renders him replaceable when his
contract expires.
Instead of paying Dunn more for roughly 25 tackles per
season, the Texans can look for an upgrade during a draft loaded with defensive
talent. The front office could acquire a prospect with more upside, one who's
capable of lining up in different spots across the line of scrimmage.
Dunn logged 10 starts this year—the most in a single season
during his five-year career. He may land a decent deal elsewhere, while Houston
can look for a starting-caliber defensive lineman to fill the void.
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS: WR RYAN GRANT
The Indianapolis Colts signed wide receiver Ryan Grant to a
one-year, $5 million deal last March in hopes of surrounding
quarterback Luck with another viable perimeter option, but he came up
short.
On the season, the 28-year-old notched 35 catches for 334
yards and a touchdown. After Week 5, he vanished, recording no more than two
receptions in a game for the remainder of the year.
General manager Chris Ballard will have a league-high $115.4
million in salary-cap space this offseason, per Spotrac.
Luck can make the most out of wideout T.Y. Hilton along with tight ends Eric
Ebron and Jack Doyle, but a solid No. 2 option would add more juice to the
aerial attack.
The Colts have several pass-catchers who could produce in
any given week such as wide receiver Chester Rogers and running back Nyheim
Hines. Nevertheless, Indianapolis needs a wideout who can draw attention away
from Hilton downfield, although Grant doesn't appear to be the answer.
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS: WR DONTE MONCRIEF
This past offseason, Jacksonville Jaguars gave Marqise Lee a
four-year, $34 million extension, signed wide receiver Donte Moncrief to a one-year,
$9.6 million contract and selected DJ Chark Jr. in the second round of the 2018
draft. Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole rounded out Jacksonville's receiver depth
chart.
Assuming Lee recovers from ligament damage he suffered in
his knee, the Jaguars don't need to invest in another veteran wideout looking
for a new deal. Instead, they should lean on their physical offensive
identity—running the ball effectively—until the front office figures out a
long-term answer at quarterback.
Lee, Westbrook, Cole and Chark should be enough aerial
weaponry for whoever starts under center next year. Meanwhile, running back
Leonard Fournette met with team brass earlier this month to "clear the
air" on some issues after an underwhelming 2018 season, according
to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
He's expected to remain with the club through 2019.
Between the Jaguars' depth chart and the roster makeup, they
don't need Moncrief to return in 2019.
KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS: CB ORLANDO SCANDRICK
The Kansas City Chiefs have to upgrade their cornerback unit
with younger talent. Opposing No. 1 wide receivers racked up 80.6 yards per
contest against this defense—fourth-most in the league, per Football
Outsiders.
The front office should re-sign Steven Nelson, who put
together his best season in 2018, logging 15 pass breakups and four
interceptions. Assuming Kendall Fuller remains the primary slot defender;
Orlando Scandrick is the odd man out.
The Chiefs signed Scandrick as a late addition to the roster
after the Washington Redskins released him in August. The 31-year-old cover man
recorded 13 pass breakups and an interception in 15 appearances, which included
seven starts. But Nelson had a far better year as a full-time starter, and
Fuller offers more upside going into his age-24 campaign.
The Chiefs should look to replace Scandrick with a top-notch
cornerback in the draft to upgrade their 31st-ranked pass defense.
LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS: LB DENZEL PERRYMAN
When he's healthy, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel
Perryman is a decent starting inside linebacker. He can play downhill, take on
lead blockers and supplement the run defense.
However, the Miami product has missed significant time
because of injuries over the last four seasons.
Since coming into the league as the No. 48 overall pick in
2015, Perryman has missed 22 contests and has never started more than 11 games
in a season. Typically, a player who struggles that much with injuries doesn't
receive a hefty payday on the open market, especially one who's an average
talent.
The Chargers will likely move on with Jatavis Brown, rookie
second-rounder Uchenna Nwosu and first-year hybrid linebacker-safety Kyzir
White, who started the first three games of the season, as their second-level
defenders. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has a young group to develop,
leaving no room for an oft-injured veteran.
LOS ANGELES RAMS:
S LAMARCUS JOYNER
Los Angeles Rams safety Lamarcus Joyner played the 2018
season on an $11.3 million franchise tag, but he experienced a drop off in
production compared to 2017. The five-year veteran logged one sack, an
interception and three pass breakups in 15 regular-season starts, compared to
zero sacks, three picks and nine pass breakups last year.
Sosa Kremenjas of Turf Show Times summarized the
28-year-old's shortcomings this season as such: "The two main areas I
think [Joyner has] struggled most with is reading the field/QB as he routinely
can get moved in the wrong direction, and taking bad angles on tacklers in the
open field.
Based on Joyner's play in 2018, the Rams aren't likely to
franchise-tag him again or offer him a lucrative deal. The versatile
defensive back, who can also line up in the slot, will probably land with
another team eager to use his skill set to fill a void.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles ought to look toward the draft for a
cheaper alternative.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: C
TRAVIS SWANSON
The New York Jets waived Travis Swanson during their final
round of roster cuts in September. In need of depth at the center position, the
Miami Dolphins signed the 27-year-old, and he moved into the starting role
after Daniel Kilgore went down with torn triceps in Week 4.
In all likelihood, Swanson would've spent the 2018 season as
a backup on the interior of Miami's offensive line, but injury put him in
position to potentially make more money on the open market.
Though Swanson had a decent year, Kilgore will likely return
as a starter considering he has two years left on his deal.
Don't forget Swanson started 42 games for the Lions between
the 2014-17 seasons. Because he held his own in Miami, another club may offer
him more cash for a shot at another steady starting role. The Dolphins
have voids to fill on both sides of their starting front lines; they should use
their cap space to address those needs.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS:
OG TOM COMPTON
The Minnesota Vikings have a talented running back in Dalvin
Cook—if he can stay healthy—but the offensive line must hold up its end of the
bargain in the ground attack.
According to Football
Outsiders, the Vikings averaged 4.1 adjusted line yards when running
behind the mid-guard areas, ranking 26th in the league. The front office can
restructure the interior of the offensive line this offseason with an upgrade
at left guard via free agency or the draft.
While it's possible the team parts ways with
Mike Remmers because of his struggles moving to right guard, Minnesota can allow
Tom Compton to walk in an attempt to bolster the position. Initially, the team
signed him as an asset for depth, not as a starter on the interior, per
the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling:
"The Vikings signed the Rosemount native to be a swing lineman, not their
starting left guard. Compton struggled in that role."
Through seven seasons, Compton has primarily served as a
backup, but guard Nick Easton underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in
his neck before the regular-season opener. That meant some reshuffling needed
to be done along the line, which cleared the way for the 29-year-old to start
at left guard for 14 games. With both players headed for free agency, Minnesota
must find an upgrade at the position.
NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS: WR CHRIS HOGAN
While wide receiver Julian Edelman served a four-game suspension for violating the league's
performance-enhancing drug policy, fellow wideout Chris Hogan had an
opportunity to start the 2018 campaign on a strong note.
Instead, Hogan had a lukewarm showing, recording eight
receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns in four games. For the most part,
he was a non-factor in the passing attack through the first quarter of the
year. He hauled in crucial receptions in the fourth quarter and overtime of the
AFC Championship Game but didn't hit his stride as a consistent
contributor. The seventh-year receiver finished fifth on the team in targets
(55), receptions (35) and yards (532).
As we watch tight end Rob Gronkowski's decline
as a pass-catcher coupled with wideout Josh Gordon's indefinite suspension, its
clear the New England Patriots need to acquire a big-play receiver. Hogan isn't
that type of player. At best, he profiles as a solid No. 3 option.
During free agency, the Patriots should look to sign a
high-end veteran option such as Golden Tate, who's logged at least 74 receptions
in each of the last five seasons. The front office can also focus on the draft
to restock the wide receiver group.
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS: DT TYELER DAVISON
The New Orleans Saints saw significant improvement in run
defense, ranking 16th in 2017 and second this year. Usually interior defensive
tackles garner little credit for stuffing ball-carriers, but Tyeler
Davison deserves some recognition, especially when considering the fact he
played through a broken hand that required surgery in Week 10.
In New Orleans, Davison has started 48 games over the last
four seasons, and he's a key component of the Saints' stout run defense. However,
the front office will have to use a projected $11.9 million
in cap space wisely this offseason. With limited financial
flexibility, the team may have to cut rotational players or allow
them to walk in free agency.
Davison lined up for 40.9 percent of the Saints' defensive snaps in 2018.
Despite his solid play, it's hard to see team brass paying up on a new deal for
a player on the field for fewer than half of his unit's snaps.
NEW YORK GIANTS:
CB B.W. WEBB
The New York Giants went through scheme and personnel
changes under new defensive coordinator James Bettcher in 2018. As the case
with most changes, there's an adjustment period. This past season, Big Blue's
pass defense ranked 23rd in yards allowed but showed some resistance in
surrendering just 24 touchdowns, good for 13th in the league.
After a season of installing a new defense, the front office
must upgrade the perimeter talent opposite Janoris Jenkins. Cornerback B.W.
Webb, who is playing for his fifth team in as many years, started 13 contests
and logged six pass breakups and one interception this season. Before 2018,
the 28-year-old journeyman had opened the game with the starting unit
just 10 times in his first four seasons.
At best, Webb profiles as solid depth, but he's not a
starting-caliber player for a team looking for better results in pass defense.
The Giants will likely find a starting replacement and land younger talent to
develop in the reserve spots.
NEW YORK JETS: WR
JERMAINE KEARSE
The New York Jets already inked wideout Quincy Enunwa to a
four-year extension back in December, and fellow wide receiver Robby Anderson
is set to become a restricted free agent. Based on production, he's more likely
to sign a new deal with Gang Green than Jermaine Kearse is.
Anderson led the Jets in all major receiving categories:
targets, receptions, yards and touchdowns. Assuming he's back with the team,
quarterback Sam Darnold would have him and Enunwa as solid options in the
aerial attack, which leaves Kearse out of the loop.
Kearse had a down year in his second season with the Jets.
As an inefficient receiver, he notched 37 catches for 371 yards and a touchdown
on 76 targets. Darnold needs a dynamic No. 1 wide receiver who can challenge
defenders all over the field.
It's best general manager Mike Maccagnan acquire a prospect
in the early rounds of the draft as opposed to re-signing Kearse, who's coming
off a disappointing year with Darnold at the helm.
OAKLAND RAIDERS:
CB RASHAAN MELVIN
Compared to his 2017 campaign with the Colts, cornerback
Rashaan Melvin disappointed in Oakland. The 29-year-old didn't see eye-to-eye
with the coaching staff during the season and expressed his frustrations via Twitter in
October: "I'm done trying to change my style. It's not me. Back to what I
know and what got me here!!"
The following day, head coach Jon Gruden offered a
straightforward clap back when talking with reporters (h/t The
Athletic's Vic Tafur): "Melvin is on his seventh team. Maybe he
is confused about what technique he is using. He is frustrated. I can't
blame him … He is a good kid."
The Raiders took Melvin out of the starting lineup in Week
6, and he didn't regain his role until Week 16. Through the ups and downs, the
veteran cornerback finished with nine pass breakups and an interception.
Because of the midseason clash with the coaching staff,
a reduced role and modest production, it's likely Melvin signs with a new
team in March.
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES: CB RONALD DARBY
The Philadelphia Eagles have more than enough talent at
cornerback to avoid chasing cornerback Ronald Darby on the free-agent market.
The Eagles selected two cornerbacks—Sidney Jones and Rasul
Douglas—in the second and third rounds of the 2017 draft, then acquired Avonte
Maddox in the fourth round last year.
Maddox can play either cornerback or safety, but he finished
2018 lining up at the former. Despite Jones' injury issues, playing just 10
games in two seasons, he's still part of the team's future. Douglas showed improvement
as a tackler and also snagged three interceptions this year. And after missing
half the season with a sprained foot, Jalen Mills could reclaim a significant
role in the secondary in 2019.
The Eagles don't have a talent deficiency at cornerback, which
allows them the option to develop their assets still on the books. Since coming
over from Buffalo, Ronald Darby has missed 15 regular-season games because of a
dislocated ankle last year and a torn ACL this season. As a starter with an
injury history, he's an expensive investment—too costly for a team with the
least amount of projected cap space for 2019.
SAN
FRANCISCO 49ERS: S JIMMIE WARD
Defensive back Jimmie Ward offers versatility as a
cornerback-safety hybrid, but he's struggled with injuries throughout his
career. This year, he played nine games, starting in seven, but he didn't log a
single pass breakup or interception. In November, the 2014 first-rounder landed
on injured reserve with a broken forearm.
The team has placed Ward on injured reserve in four of his
five years in the league. In total, he's sat out 29 games. The 49ers selected
D.J. Reed Jr. in the fifth round of the 2018 draft, and he offers a similar
skill set as a defensive back who can play safety but possesses the tackling
ability to line up inside.
As a former top-30 overall pick who experienced tough breaks
with injuries, Ward could garner interest from clubs hoping he stays healthy,
but San Francisco should have seen enough. The 27-year-old's frequent absences
and nondescript 2018 will likely lead to a change of scenery.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS:
S EARL THOMAS
Seahawks safety Earl Thomas pushed for a new deal during the
summer to no avail. The 29-year-old ended his holdout, but he missed practices
during the season, which resulted in a fine, per Rapoport.
And then when the three-time All-Pro broke his leg against the Cardinals at the
end of September, he flashed an obscene gesture to his sideline.
In summary, Thomas and the Seahawks had a bumpy road through
his contract year. Clearly, the front office didn't plan on paying the safety's
desired amount, and there's likely lingering tension. Barring a complete change
in tune from the organization, it's time to let the veteran walk.
Thomas has broken his leg twice in the last three years;
after the first injury, he contemplated retirement. Though it seems his career will
continue into the 2019 campaign, the Seahawks should look forward to grooming a
rookie safety or spending big on a player in his prime during free agency.
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS: CB BRENT GRIMES
Cornerback Brent Grimes didn't feel his salary reflected
what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff asked of him on the field. He
discussed the issue with his wife, Miko, on her podcast, iHeartMiko, at
the end of the season
According to Spotrac, the Buccaneers guaranteed Grimes $7 million; about
half of what he expects to make shadowing wide receivers. In a competitive
league, it's rare to hear this type of gripe. That may work against the veteran
cornerback, especially at 35 years old.
Between the 2013-17 seasons, Grimes logged at least 11 pass
breakups and three interceptions each year. In 2018, he broke up six passes
without a pick.
The Buccaneers drafted a pair of cornerbacks in 2018,
Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart. Plus, Vernon Hargreaves, though underwhelming
to this point, still has a year left on his rookie deal. Expect the front
office to move on from Grimes and embrace the youth at the position.
TENNESSEE TITANS:
OLB DERRICK MORGAN
The Tennessee Titans could open the 2019 campaign with two
new faces at outside linebacker. Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan have been a
solid veteran pass-rushing duo off the edge since the 2015 campaign, logging a
combined 47.5 sacks in that span.
After playing in the NFL for a decade, Orakpo
announced his retirement earlier this month, and Morgan's contract expires
following a season in which he logged a half-sack. At 30 years old and with
nine years of experience, the veteran linebacker may fit on a roster as a
rotational defender, but it shouldn't shock anyone if his time in Tennessee
comes to an end. Morgan's sack count has dropped every year since 2016.
The Titans selected Harold Landry in the second round of
last year's draft. He started three contests and will likely slide into a
starting role in 2019. Based on Morgan's lack of impact, expect the front
office to dip back into the draft pool for another edge-rusher.
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS: OLB PRESTON SMITH
Typically, outsiders focus on sacks when evaluating a 3-4
outside linebacker's season. Through that lens, Preston Smith had a down year,
finishing with four. On the other hand, he logged a career high in total
tackles (53), broke up three passes and hauled in an interception. He also
scored the game-sealing touchdown on a recovered fumble against the Dallas
Cowboys in October.
Looking at Smith's resume, there's no doubt he can rush the
passer. The Mississippi State product has 24.5 sacks in four seasons. As a
result, teams willing to throw cash at him on the open market will likely
narrow his focus to pressuring the quarterback with fewer short-area coverage
assignments.
As clubs look to find a productive pass-rusher without
breaking the bank, Smith will probably emerge as an underrated asset on the
open market. The Redskins may not be in a position to offer a comparable
deal if they have to address a need at quarterback because of the uncertainty
surrounding Alex Smith. The front office may pursue Teddy Bridgewater or
trade for Joe Flacco to fill that void.
Secondly, Washington can turn to 2017 second-rounder Ryan
Anderson, who carries a $1.5 million cap hit in 2019, as a much cheaper alternative.
Assuming Smith's agent fields lucrative offers, the Redskins must make a
financial decision and develop the next man up to save cash for bigger needs.
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