NFL Free Agency: Offense
After spending $126 million on Jay Cutler last offseason it’s hard to imagine the Bears make much of a splash in 2015 free agency. While Ndamukong Suh would certainly help hide some holes on Chicago’s defense, the hundred million dollars the team would likely have to spend on him simply doesn’t make the Bears much better for the present or future. The team has far too many problems to make another Julius Peppers-like signing this offseason. Regardless, with over $29 million in cap space Chicago will have to be judicious and resourceful with their free agency decisions.
Top Quarterbacks:
1. Jake Locker:
The former first round quarterback out has played in just 30 games over his four career and has failed to develop into a reliable starter after being selected three picks ahead of J.J Watt in 2011 NFL Draft. While it will be impossible for Tennessee Titan fans to ever view Locker as anything but a bust, the 26-year quarterback is still full of potential. With a vacancy at second string quarterback, Locker could make an intriguing option for Chicago.
2. Brian Hoyer:
Although Hoyer finished with 12 just touchdowns to 13 interceptions in 2014, he still ended his season (7-7) as a starting quarterback. A former pupil of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Hoyer proved himself to be a capable starter for the Browns and showed he’s a game manager as a quarterback. Paired with a quality defense Hoyer could very well help lead a team to The Playoffs.
3. Mark Sanchez:
Though Mark Sanchez didn’t end his New York Jets career on the highest of notes, he demonstrated himself to be a quality replacement for Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. While it’s hard to imagine a team will give him a starting job, he will have plenty of suitors as a reliable second string.
Top Running Backs:
1. DeMarco Murray:
After rushing for 1,845 yards in 2014, it’s easy to see why Murray is a top commodity among running backs. Though it’s hard to see the Cowboys letting him go, the team’s top priority this offseason will be to sign Dez Bryant long-term. While I think it’s a long shot, it’s certainly possible that Murray enters the open market as Dallas will likely be forced to use their franchise tag on the passionate wide receiver.
2. Mark Ingram:
Ingram posted career highs last season in rushing yards, receiving yards, and rushing touchdowns despite playing in just 12 games. He put up four 100 yard games after having just one in his first three seasons in the NFL . The former University of Alabama running back finally showed his first round pick potential and he could easily serve as a starting running back on a number of teams including the Saints.
3. C.J Spiller:
Spiller was picked 12th overall in 2010, the year after Chris Johnson ran for 2,000 yards, as comparisons between the two were a constant on Draft Day (Spiller: 5’11”, 40 yard dash time: 4.37, Johnson: 5’11’, 40 yard dash time: 4.24). However, Spiller career has not been met with the same success as Johnson as he has just one 1,000 yard season to his name and has struggled with durability and consistency as a running back. In the end, his skill set and homerun potential should make Spiller a definite target for teams looking for depth, talent, and most of all, speed at the running back position. Look for the Eagles to look at Spiller after trading away LeSean McCoy.
Top Wide Receivers:
1. Dez Bryant:
The Cowboys have made it clear they intend to Franchise Tag Bryant if a long-term deal cannot be reached, and it’s easy to understand why. The emotional wide receiver has scored 41 touchdowns over the past three seasons and could very well be the best potential free agent in this year’s class.
2. Demaryius Thomas:
The fact that Thomas is ranked as the number two wideout is a testament to how talented this year’s receiver free agency class is. The Broncos have declared they plan to use their franchise tag on the 27-year old wideout, allowing the rest of Denver’s unrestricted free agents sign elsewhere (see below).
3. Randall Cobb:
Cobb remains one of the biggest potential free agents in the NFC North. With over $30 million in cap space it’s hard to believe Green Bay would let him leave.
4. Jeremy Maclin:
Maclin set career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, as he’s clearly a great fit in Chip Kelly’s offense. After letting DeSean Jackson go last offseason (and trading McCoy yesterday), I doubt the Eagles will start consecutive seasons minus their top receiver, and running back, of the season before.
5. Torrey Smith:
In a receiving class that is stacked from top to bottom it’s hard to estimate what Torrey Smith’s contract will look like. Either way the Ravens have one of the worst cap situations in the NFL and thus Smith will likely find a new home in 2015. Hopefully, the speedster doesn’t find his way to the NFC North.
Top Tight Ends:
1. Julius Thomas:
Easily one of the most intriguing free agents in 2015, thanks to his unique size and speed, Julius Thomas will likely be one of the many Bronco free agent causalities this offseason. The team will have to decide how to allocate money to potential free agents Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Orlando Frnaklin, Terrance Knighton, and Rahim Moore as well as linebacker Brandon Marshall and Virgil Green, as it appears Julius will be forced to look for big money elsewhere.
2. Jordan Cameron:
Cameron struggled with injuries in 2014, but his 2013 resume alone should be enough to land him a starting spot of his choosing. Like Julius Thomas the 26-year old tight end has unique size and speed for the position and will likely be courted immediately if he decides to leave (which appears to be his desire).
Top Offensive Linemen:
1. Mike Iupati:
One position that could always use an upgrade for Chicago is offensive line. While Kyle Long has certainly established himself as an elite guard, the rest of the unit is mediocre at best. Since entering the league in 2010 has been instrumental to a dominating San Francisco 49ers offensive line. He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl for three straight seasons and will likely be one of the first players signed this offseason.
2. Bryan Bulaga:
In my mind, the far more intriguing offensive lineman option for the Bears is Bryan Bulaga. While it remains to be seen if the 2010 first round pick will leave Green Bay, he’s one of several free agents I would love to see Chicago snatch away from the Packers.
3. Orlando Franklin:
Franklin joined the Broncos the same year as John Fox and hopefully his former coach can recruit him to Chicago. The 6’6” offensive lineman has started in all but one game throughout his four year career and has proven to be successful in both pass and run blocking.