This year’s class of free agent quarterbacks doesn’t feature any stars, but there are a handful of players who should make very solid backups, writes Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. In his latest piece, La Canfora takes a shot at forecasting where a few of the more notable names on the market will land. Among his predictions: Michael Vick to the Jets, Josh McCown to the Vikings, Matt Cassel to the Texans, and Josh Freeman to the Raiders.
With just over 24 hours left for teams to exclusively negotiate with their own free agents, let’s check out a few more FA rumors and news items:
- Talks are ongoing between the Rams and the reps for free agent offensive lineman Rodger Saffold, but agent Alan Herman says his client will “definitely” reach the open market next week, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Rams appear interested in re-signing Saffold as a guard, but the 25-year-old could draw interest from other teams as a tackle, which would likely increase his earning potential.
- Expect Michael Johnson to be a top target for the Vikings and head coach Mike Zimmer if the Bengals defensive end becomes available next week, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).
- Defensive lineman Arthur Jones is expected to draw significant offers in free agency that the Ravens won’t compete with, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Head coach John Harbaugh hinted at that outcome at the combine last month.
- The Ravens have an offer on the table for prospective free agent Jacoby Jones, tweets Rapoport. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says the team has had “several discussions” with Jones’ reps.
- The Colts remain relatively far apart in contract talks with cornerback Vontae Davis, though there’s still mutual interest in getting something done. Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star has the details.
- Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee discusses the 49ers‘ approach to free agency, writing that safety Donte Whitner and cornerback Tarell Brown appear likely to test their value on the open market.
- The Eagles need to add a safety, but Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News would be surprised if the club makes a serious run at the very best free agents, like Jairus Byrd and T.J. Ward.