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Simply put, I am a football fanatic. I'm well-informed on the game- its players, statistics, history, rules, etc. I love the sport and I enjoy sharing my point of view.

Monday, March 10, 2014

PREDICTION: Landing spots for handful of big name free agents

Free agency officially begins tomorrow and it's going to be one big frenzy. It's a very deep free agent crop this year with plenty of talent at almost every position. Below I've listed some big names and where I think they'll end up.

Jairus Byrd, FS- Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles secondary was atrocious last season. With safeties Nate Allen, and Kurt Coleman set to hit free agency head coach Chip Kelly can finally upgrade at the position. Byrd played under Kelly for one season at Orgeon, and I expect them to reunite in the city of brotherly love. Other potential suitors: Browns, Dolphins, Jaguars, Broncos, Packers, Washington.
Eric Decker, WR- Indianapolis Colts: It's no secret that the Colts haven't provided Andrew Luck with enough weapons. Decker would be a prime addition to their offense. T.Y. Hilton broke out last season after an aging/declining Reggie Wayne got hurt, but the rest of the receivers were inconsistent at best. Other potential suitors: Chiefs, Bills, Ravens.
Alterraun Verner, CB- Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have been reported as one of the many teams interested in Verner. They have plenty of cap space, are in the market for a good corner, and have a defensive minded head coach, sounds like a good fit. Other potential suitors: Lions, Jets, Raiders, Broncos, Patriots, Chargers.
Eugene Monroe, OT- Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens desperately need to upgrade their offensive line and the first matter of business should (and I believe will) be re-signing tackle Eugene Monroe. Other potential suitors: Cardinals, Dolphins, Falcons, Giants, Raiders.
Aqib Talib, CB- Washington: The recent reports about Washington looking to seriously upgrade its secondary this offseason and its interest in Talib makes me think they'll break the bank for him. If he can stay healthy (which he's proven he can't) he's worth the money but I think they will overpay him. Other potential suitors: Lions, Patriots, Jets, Broncos, Chargers.
Hakeem Nicks, WR- New England Patriots: The Patriots still seek a dominant outside receiver. Hakeem Nicks would fill that void and reports say the Patriots are very interested in his services. Other potential suitors: Giants, Colts, Jets.
Branden Albert, OT- Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill was hit far too often last season and the loss of both Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito made the offensive line the glaring weakness. Miami showed interest in Albert last offseason, too. Other potential suitors: Cardinals, Ravens, Falcons.
T.J. Ward, SS- Denver Broncos: Safety is a position of need for Denver and Ward would be an upgrade over the talent the team currently holds. At just 27 years old the hard-hitting safety is in his prime. Other potential suitors: Jets, Browns, Dolphins, 49ers, Rams, Titans, Cowboys, Packers, Lions, Bears, Washington.
Michael Johnson, DE- Minnesota Vikings: The team chose not re-sign veteran Jared Allen this offseason and re-signed defensive end Everson Griffen. Still, new head coach Mike Zimmer is a defensive minded guy and coached Michael Johnson since the Bengals drafted him in 2009. I think Zimmer will bring in this familiar face. Other potential suitors: Buccaneers, Falcons, Bears, Raiders.
Darren Sproles, RB- New England Patriots: The Patriots have a very versatile running back named Shane Vereen, but he can't seem to stay healthy. Darren Sproles is a scat back that can run, catch, and contribute on special teams. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can get very creative with a Sproles at his disposal. Other potential suitors:
Jared Allen, DE- Oakland RaidersWith Lamarr Houston set to test the free agent waters, defensive end is one of the many positions of need. They have the most available cap space and can therefor offer Jared Allen a hefty contract. Other potential suitors: Seahawks, Buccaneers, Broncos, Patriots.
Ben Tate, RB- Cleveland Browns: The Browns are in need of a running back (or two, or three) and Ben Tate is ready step out of Arian Foster's shadow. He's struggled to stay healthy and hold on to the ball, but he has low mileage and is only 26 years old. Tate to the Browns makes too much sense not to happen. 

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