With the regular season coming to a close very soon, many teams like the Browns and the 49ers are looking towards the off season. But for teams like the Redskins and Eagles, this is a very important time for some of their players. Mainly, their upcoming free agents. Free Agency can get messy very quickly depending on who wants who. Look at last years DeMarco Murray signing, or the Jimmy Graham trade. While both teams may be kicking themselves right now about the signings, they did cause a lot of media coverage.
Today, I will talk about the most interesting free agent stories this upcoming year. This will be based upon their potential for leaving the team, their actual skills, and most interestingly, what would their story be based on how they have already performed this season.
1. Kirk Cousins = Franchise QB?
Cousins' contract is ending and the Redskins are going to have to make a decision whether to keep him or not. Cousins has been the starter for the entire 2015 season and is currently on top of the NFC East. Granted, it's not hard to win this division. If Cousins leads the Redskins to the playoffs, they will most likely Franchise Tag him.
2. Sam Bradford done in Philly?
Bradford's contract was only for two years. With the showing he has had recently, Bradford is not turning many heads. Are his best days behind him? With a history of injuries, this could be the case. I would not be surprised if the Eagles let him walk or if they sign him. This is not a very heavy QB class in the draft, and there is not anyone worth trading for. (Unless they get Mariota)
3. Matt Forte moving on?
With Forte not getting the same reps he is used to, it may be time for the Bears to part with one of the best pass-catching backs today. With Ka'deem Carey and Jeremy Langford as a solid duel back, the Bears have little incentive to keep Forte around. Could Jerry Jones get a back he wants in free agency?
4. JPP, the 9-fingered DE
Jason Pierre-Paul was Franchise Tagged last summer before his incident on July 4th. He has 12 tackles and no sacks in four games. Not the JPP teams used to fear and double team. Pierre-Paul's career could very well end this season. There are still four games left, maybe he will surprise us.
5. Josh Norman leaving Carolina?
Heck no! Carolina has some names, but they will have enough to pay one of the breakout player of the year candidates.
6. Eric Weddle leaving San Diego?
This is a harsh reality for Chargers fans. Weddle has openly stated what he wants, but the Chargers are not willing to give in. It is too much, especially with the possibility of moving cities around the corner. Do not expect to see Weddle wearing the baby blue and yellow next fall.
7. RBs losing their top spot?
Lamar Miller, CJ Anderson and Alfred Morris are all free agents come this spring. But with names like Jay Ajayi, Ronnie Hillman, and Matt Jones looking to take over, the first three guys may be in trouble.
8. Bruce Irvin leaving Seattle
This could very well happen. The Seahawks already have $82.7 million in cap space divided up between eight players. Irvin is a very good linebacker and would find that many teams would be willing to pay top dollar for his services.
9. Morris Claibourne to leave Dallas
This was a contract year for the former 1st round pick. Claibourne has been nothing but a liability for the Cowboy defense. Against the Redskins, when Cousins threw to the receiver Claibourne was covering, only one pass was not completed. This was only because the receiver fell. All other passes were for a total gain of 175 yards. Dallas, move on.
10. Greg Hardy's future
There is currently a media circus surrounding this DE. With how his case was handled, many are calling for him to be removed from the NFL entirely. His future will ultimately remain in the hands of where Dallas will draft. If they have a top 8 slot, do not expect to see Hardy next year.
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