Poll: Best Bargain Of Free Agency
There are still plenty of free agents on the market for teams looking to fortify positions of weakness, but most of the offseason’s biggest prizes came off the board earlier this month in a flurry of action. Unless Jimmy Graham or Alex Mack sign big long-term extensions with their respective teams, Jared Allen‘s deal with the Bears, which reportedly has a max value of $32MM, figures to be the largest contract signed by any remaining free agent.
Now that the free agent frenzy has died down a little, it’s time to take a look back at the month’s signings and see which teams made out better than others. Considering dozens and dozens of players inked new deals within the last two and a half weeks, there are a ton of potential bargains out there to make a case for, so we’ll limit our focus to players listed in PFR’s Top 25 Free Agents.
Of those 25 players on our list, only Mack, who was designated a transition player, remains unsigned, and most of the other 24 received more than $10MM in guaranteed money on their new deals. A notable handful of top free agents received a smaller guarantee though, including multiple players in our top 10. Examining that group of players, we’ll ask this question: Which of the following free agents represents the best bargain?
While our list of choices may be limited, feel free to weigh in below in the comments section on which players you felt were undervalued, and which deals you think flew under the radar.
Which free agent signing was the best bargain?
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Hakeem Nicks (Colts, 1/$3.5MM, $2.25MM guaranteed) 32% (322)
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Alterraun Verner (Bucs, 4/$25.5MM, $8MM guaranteed) 19% (186)
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T.J. Ward (Broncos, 4/$22.5MM, $7MM guaranteed) 18% (179)
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Michael Bennett (Seahawks, 4/$28.5MM, $10MM guaranteed) 16% (159)
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Lamarr Houston (Bears, 5/$35MM, $8.95MM guaranteed) 11% (108)
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Randy Starks (Dolphins, 2/$10MM, $5MM guaranteed) 5% (46)
Total votes: 1,000
Poll: Will Eagles Trade DeSean Jackson?
The Eagles were at the center of one of the NFL’s most notable trades of the month, acquiring Darren Sproles from the Saints for a fifth-round draft pick. But with plenty of time still remaining in the offseason, it’s possible that the Eagles could still be involved in a bigger deal, trading away an offensive playmaker of their own.
DeSean Jackson has been the subject of trade speculation for the last several weeks, and the rumor mill has been heating up in recent days, with multiple reports suggesting the Eagles were willing to listen to inquires about their star receiver, even if they weren’t necessarily shopping him. Since then, the 49ers, Patriots, Jets, Raiders, and Panthers have been listed among the teams that called Philadelphia to ask about Jackson.
While it may not be news that a club would simply field calls about a player, there are signals that the Eagles are actually considering the possibility of moving Jackson, who has a cap number of $12MM+ in each of the next three seasons. The team has stayed strangely silent about the numerous reports suggesting Jackson may be available, and Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reports today that the talks with the Panthers actually began when the Eagles “informally” reach out to gauge Carolina’s interest. While the Panthers don’t have the cap flexibility to be real suitors for Jackson, Person’s report suggests that the Eagles aren’t necessarily just sitting back and letting other teams call them.
The Eagles locked up a pair of solid receivers earlier in the offseason, re-signing Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper to new deals. Additionally, Jackson has made a few off-the-field headlines, and moving his contract would free up some cap room. Still, the explosive 27-year-old receiver is coming off a season in which he established new career-highs in receptions (82) and receiving yards (1,332), to go along with his nine touchdowns. He’d be sorely missed by the Eagles’ offense, and it may not be worth it to move him if the club can only acquire something like a third-round pick in return.
What do you think? Will Jackson still be an Eagle in Week 1 of the 2014 season, or will he be playing for another team by then?
Will the Eagles trade DeSean Jackson before the 2014 season?
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Yes 51% (384)
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No 49% (362)
Total votes: 746
Poll: Best Remaining Free Agent
It’s been an exciting and busy few days since the 2014 NFL league year officially opened Tuesday, and many of the top free agents have already relocated or re-signed with their respective teams. Also, marquee names released by clubs — like DeMarcus Ware and Darrelle Revis — have landed with top contenders priming for Super Bowl runs.
That being said, we’re interested in seeing who you think is the best remaining free agent. We’ll start with the players remaining from Luke Adams’ top 25 NFL free agents, then add players like Antonio Cromartie who were released by their teams and have yet to be signed.
Feel free to defend your vote in the comments section below.
Who Is The Best Remaining Free Agent?
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Jared Allen 34% (601)
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Alex Mack 33% (595)
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Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 16% (281)
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Henry Melton 9% (167)
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Antonio Cromartie 3% (59)
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Chris Clemons (S) 3% (50)
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Other 2% (34)
Total votes: 1,787
Poll: Which WR Will Eagles Keep?
With the news from The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane that the Eagles are prioritizing Jeremy Maclin over Riley Cooper, we’re interested to see if you think either receiver — or possibly both — will be back next season.
Cooper’s 2013 season was well-documented, starting with video evidence of the fourth-year receiver from Florida using a racial slur at a country music concert in late July. He apologized vehemently, was accepted back by his teammates, and then went on to set career highs in receptions (47), yards (835) and touchdowns (eight). He played in all 16 games, starting 15, and totaled six receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia’s 26-24 playoff loss to New Orleans.
Maclin’s season was over before it started. He suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in training camp. A first-round pick from Missouri in 2009, Maclin has put up consistently good numbers for the, hovering between 55-70 catches in each season. He has never failed to surpass 750 receiving yards, but he’s never topped 1,000, either.
What do you believe to be the fates of Maclin and Cooper? Feel free to defend your vote in the comments section below.
Which Wide Receiver Will The Eagles Keep?
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Jeremy Maclin 46% (232)
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Riley Cooper 26% (133)
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Both 20% (99)
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Neither 8% (39)
Total votes: 503
Poll: Where Will Hakeem Nicks Sign?
Earlier this weekend, our own Rob DiRe discussed the free agency of wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. In his piece, DiRe identifies three potential suitors for Nicks, all of which are likely interested in one-year deals. DiRe’s piece outlined how Nicks would provide the Detroit Lions with a weapon across from Calvin Johnson; that Nicks would be interested in returning to his hometown and play with Cam Newton for the Carolina Panthers; and that the Indianapolis Colts had also shown interest in the former Super Bowl champion.
Where do you think Nicks will sign? If you think it would make better sense for another team not discussed in the article to sign Nicks, please discuss your thoughts in the comments section below.
Where Do You Think Hakeem Nicks Will Sign?
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Other Team 44% (409)
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Carolina Panthers 28% (259)
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Detroit Lions 15% (140)
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Indianapolis Colts 12% (112)
Total votes: 920
Poll: Best Free Agent Running Back?
This year’s free agent running back class, as highlighted by our own Luke Adams earlier today, features two massive names at the top of the heap: Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. However, they’re not the only notable backs who can be had this offseason. Emotional Broncos back Knowshon Moreno, Donald Brown of the Colts, and one-time fantasy darling LeGarrette Blount are also there for the taking.
Rashad Jennings, who has been an understudy to both MJD and Run DMC, could conceivably find himself with a starting role in 2014, though he’d probably have to battle it out in camp first. Ben Tate has been behind Arian Foster on the depth chart for the last few years in Houston and while rib issues hampered him in 2013, he looked good enough a couple of years ago to make some observers wonder if the Texans would let Foster, then on the cusp of free agency, go elsewhere. Want a blast from the (not-too-far-in-the) past? Rashard Mendenhall and Peyton Hillis will also be free agents, though their respective stars have faded quite a bit and it’s hard to see either one starting.
There’s no shortage of star power in this year’s RB class, but there’s an equal number of question marks. If you’re an NFL GM, which of the following free agent backs do you want on your squad? (Please note that for the purposes of this poll, we’ve omitted restricted free agents such as Lions backup Joique Bell and Chris Johnson, who could wind up parting ways with the Titans) Cast your vote and weigh in through our comment section.
Which FA RB Would You Want For 2014?
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Ben Tate 23% (259)
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Knowshon Moreno 23% (258)
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Maurice Jones-Drew 20% (220)
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Darren McFadden 15% (164)
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LeGarrette Blount 9% (105)
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Rashad Jennings 6% (70)
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Donald Brown 4% (43)
Total votes: 1,119
Poll: Will Mark Sanchez Find A Starting Job?
The Jets are unlikely to find a trade partner for quarterback Mark Sanchez and they’re even more unlikely to bring him back for 2014, leaving only one likely outcome. In 2009, the USC product vaulted up draft boards thanks to his maturity, poise, and game management skills. The Jets moved up to snag Sanchez and even though his rookie season was promising, he appears to have regressed over the last few years. One would have thought that Sanchez’s legacy in green would be defined by two trips AFC Championship game and possibly a Super Bowl appearance to follow but his most memorable singular moment in New York may prove to be the infamous butt fumble.
To blame Sanchez for all of the Jets’ woes, however, would be unfair. The Jets’ offensive line was less-than-solid during his time under center and the club was unable to find a way to upgrade from struggling tackle Wayne Hunter. And while there were weapons like Santonio Holmes for him to work with, the conservative playcalling of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer (2006-2011) may not have given him the best chance to succeed.
Could Sanchez get back to being a starting QB in the NFL? He may not be the best available candidate on the open market, but there are numerous clubs with openings, including the Jaguars, Texans, Browns, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Raiders. He should also come at a fairly reasonable price. General Managers tell Rich Cimini of ESPN.com that Sanchez could get a deal worth ~$3.4MM with a chance to start. It’s also not like he has particularly strong competition out there. Beyond Michael Vick, regarded by many as the best QB on the 2014 free agent market, teams will be looking at the likes of Chad Henne and Matt Cassel. Considering all of that, will Sanchez wind up as someone’s starter in 2014?
Will Sanchez Be A Starting QB In 2014?
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No 80% (635)
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Yes 20% (159)
Total votes: 794
Poll: Are The Browns Moving In The Right Direction?
Earlier today, the Browns surprised the football world when they sacked GM Michael Lombardi in order to promote Ray Farmer to that mantle. Of course, it wasn’t Cleveland’s first major shakeup of the season as they fired first-year coach Rob Chudzinski earlier in the offseason, much to the dismay of many Browns players. It’s not a stretch to imagine that the two are related. The Browns were said to have several coaches on their wishlist ahead of eventual hire Mike Pettine and they whiffed on all of them for one reason or another.
While they’re optimistic about the defensive-minded Pettine and the emergence of star wide receiver Josh Gordon on the other side of the football, the Browns haven’t made the playoffs since 2002 and their winter turmoil is cause for concern. Injured quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has the open support of the newly-crowned HC, doesn’t look like a world-beater and it’s said that the club won’t tab a QB to replace him with the No. 4 overall pick. One thing is for sure – Farmer’s decision to remove himself from consideration for the Dolphins’ GM job in January makes a whole lot more sense now.
Things seem pretty shaky in Cleveland and Browns fans have never been an optimistic bunch, but it’s possible that the readers of Pro Football Rumors will have a rosier view. Take your pick in our poll and weigh in in the comment section.
Are The Browns Moving In The Right Direction?
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No 62% (404)
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Yes 38% (251)
Total votes: 655
Poll: Should Graham Get WR Franchise Tag?
Jimmy Graham represents one of the more intriguing free-agents-to-be this offseason, and going up against a wide receiver class headlined by Eric Decker, Julian Edelman, and Anquan Boldin, you could make the case that Graham will be the top receiving option on the market. Still, the odds of Graham leaving New Orleans are virtually nil. Even if the Saints and their All-Pro tight end can’t reach a long-term agreement, the team figures to slap the franchise tag on him to ensure that he remains the top target in Drew Brees‘ arsenal.
If and when Graham receives that franchise tag though, it will spark a debate on what position he really plays. While he’s long been considered a tight end, the 27-year-old played significantly more snaps in 2013 split out as a receiver, rather than tight to the tackle. The positional debate would have a major impact on Graham’s potential earnings, since the franchise tag for tight ends will be in the neighborhood of $6.7MM, compared to $11.5MM for wide receivers.
In his MMQB column today, Peter King writes that the entire discussion is “ludicrous,” since every team in the league uses formations where tight ends are split out as receivers, but as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk points out, the NFL CBA dictates that a player be franchised at the position “at which [he] participated in the most plays during the prior League Year.” Considering Graham a tight end would be in the Saints’ best interests, since it would give the team nearly $5MM in cap flexibility to spend elsewhere. But it’s hard to argue that Graham, who has averaged 90 catches, 1,169 yards, and 12 TDs over the last three seasons and lined up so frequently as a receiver, should see his salary limited by a somewhat arbitrary designation.
A long-term deal between Graham and the Saints would end the discussion, or at least postpone it until a similar player reached free agency. But suppose New Orleans uses the franchise tag, and an arbitrator is tasked with determining Graham’s position. Would you argue that he should be viewed as a tight end or a receiver?
For franchise tag purposes, should Jimmy Graham be considered a tight end or wide receiver?
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Tight end 62% (394)
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Wide receiver 38% (242)
Total votes: 636
Poll: Who Should The Seahawks’ Top Priority Be This Offseason?
Yesterday, we passed along a report that suggested the Seahawks’ top priority this offseason is extending All-Pro safety Earl Thomas. However, giving Thomas a new contract would likely affect the team’s ability to negotiate a new contract with cornerback Richard Sherman this offseason. Both Thomas and Sherman are eligible for free agency a year from now, and if the Seahawks want to extend both players this offseason, they would likely have to cut receiver Sidney Rice.
Additionally, the Seahawks must decide if they want to table negotiations with the aforementioned players in order to retain receiver Golden Tate and/or defensive end Michael Bennett, who are hitting free agency this offseason. While the club may be able to re-sign or extend multiple players, it likely won’t be able to fit all of them under the cap.
Who do you think the Seahawks should prioritize this offseason?
Who Should the Seahawks' Top Priority Be This Offseason?
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Earl Thomas 48% (805)
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Richard Sherman 37% (624)
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Michael Bennett 12% (194)
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Golden Tate 3% (56)
Total votes: 1,679