As of 4:00 pm ET on Tuesday, March 13, there will be an event taking place in the NFL known as the free agent frenzy. As soon as the clock strikes 4:00, NFL teams will be able to negotiate, work-out and sign players. Lets take a look of what faces (other than Peyton Manning) can be seen in new places come the start of the 2012-2013 season.
Mario Williams-DE-Former Houston Texan
Front-runner: New England Patriots
Keep an eye on: Jacksonville Jaguars
Super Mario started out the season doing really well at OLB. He is formerly the number one overall pick and he emerged into one of the game’s top pass-rushers right away. Williams was drafted as a defensive end and was ferocious at that position, last season Wade Phillips moved him to OLB and he adjusted with ease before tearing his pectoral muscle. There is no major concern, Williams is expected to be 100% and he should be the free agent who cashes in the most because he is an elite pass rusher. The Patriots have presumed to be the top team in need of a die-hard pass rusher and I’m sure Williams would love to play for Belicheck. The only thing I can think of that will prevent this signing from happening is the fact that Robert Kraft does not pay people a lot of money; they just franchise tagged Wes Welker and they look like they will be bringing in Brandon Lloyd, so how much money are they willing to dole out? As for the Jaguars, there isn’t much to say because quite frankly, it is the Jaguars. However, they are under a new owner whom wants to make an immediate impact and they desperately need a pass rusher. If they end up signing Mario Williams and still bring in Quinton Coples (DE from UNC), that defense could wreak havoc in the AFC South.
Vincent Jackson-WR- Former San Diego Charger
Front-runner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keep an eye on: Washington Redskins
Vincent Jackson is easily one of the best deep ball wide receivers in the game. Jackson is big, soft hands, doesn’t shy away from tackles and he can leap over corners. Jackson will be one of the highest paid wide receivers in the NFL after this offseason and I anticipate that many teams will be in contact with him. The Tampa Bay Bucs need a deep ball threat; they didn’t get any production out of their WR last season. Josh Freeman has a cannon but can’t show it because the current wide receivers cannot create separation, he is constantly being forced to try and throw the needle (which is not one of his strengths). Also, LeGarrette Blount is a great power back that can wear down the defense, but you can’t run the ball when you are down 30 points. If Jackson signs with Tampa, they could live off of the play-action pass and then that opens the playbook even more. There is no reason Tampa shouldn’t sign him, young-franchise QB, passionate coach, and they have a lot of money to play with (second most behind KC). The Washington Redskins just made a franchise-changing trade that makes it seem as if they will take Robert Griffin III (QB-Baylor) in the draft and build the team around him. Griffin is a crazy athletic play-maker. In recent years the Redskins have won the “off-season” Super Bowls with acquisitions like: Albert Haynesworth, Santana Moss, Deangelo Hall and Oshiomogho “O.J.” Atogwe. Look for the Redskins to get more talent in order to compete in a wild NFC East.
Carl Nicks-G-Former New Orleans Saint
Front-Runner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keep an eye on: Chicago Bears
The Buccaneers reportedly made a position change today according to Rotoworld.com; they said they will be moving guard Jeremy Zuttah to the center position. As I said earlier, they Bucs have a great amount of money to play with so look for them to get at least one big star this offseason. By moving Zuttah from G to C, they will be in dire need of a left guard and Carl Nicks is the best. Before the franchise-tagging period ended, Carl Nicks came out and said he would like a deal similar to the contract of former teammate Jahri Evans. Nicks is arguably the best guard in the NFL, he is great at both pass and run blocking, amazing footwork and just great instinct when he pulls, he always manages to put defenders wherever he wants them. The Chicago Bears also need help in the trenches. Cutler has gotten molliwopped in the past and you can’t afford to lose franchise running back Matt Forte again. With rookie Gabe Carimi coming off injury at the tackle position, Nicks could help that line tremendously, especially in a division where you are facing Jared Allen and Ndamukong Suh a combined 4 times a season.
Cortland Finnegan-CB-Former Tennessee Titan
Front-runner: Detroit Lions
Keep an eye on: Dallas Cowboys
Cortland Finnegan is a small but mean-spirited corner. If there is one person in the National Football League that has Napoleon syndrome, it is Finnegan. One of his most memorable moments happened when the Tennessee Titans were facing the Houston Texans, Finnegan and All-pro WR Andre Johnson were going at it all game and right at the snap of the ball, a hockey-type fight broke out. Aside from his intensity on the field, this pro-bowler does not have off the field issues and he is great at what he does. Finnegan is fantastic in press coverage, can get to the QB when he is told to blitz and most importantly, he gets under the skin of the best wide receiver in the league, which usually leads to them being shut down. The Detroit Lions are a team that has swagger and as of today (March 12,2012), DT Ndamukong Suh, restructured his deal. Finnegan fits the mold of a Jim Schwartz player; he plays with passion, won’t beat himself and always has a chip on his shoulder. The Detroit Lions’ defensive backfield needs to be re-built, the only guy worth mentioning is safety Louis Delmas. Finnegan would be a great asset and they could pick up another guy in the draft. Detroit needs to focus on this cornerback whole-heartedly because they cannot afford to miss out on him. If he does not end up going to Detroit look for him to go to Dallas. The Cowboys defense suffered many late-game collapses last season and they have been injury-riddled in the back four. Finnegan would solidify the cornerback position with durability as well as productivity. Jerry Jones will most likely make either Finnegan or Brandon Carr a generous offer.
Other Notable Players with Possible Fits
Pos./ Player/ Favored Destination
QB-Matt Flynn-Miami Dolphins
RB-Michael Bush-Cincinnati Bengals
RB-Brandon Jacobs-Tennessee Titans
WR-Marques Colston-San Francisco 49ers
WR-Brandon Lloyd-New England Patriots
WR-Robert Meachem-Chicago Bears
WR-Mario Manningham-Cleveland Browns
DT-Paul Soliai-Houston Texans
DT-Brodrick Bunkley-Seattle Seahawks
CB-Tracy Porter-St. Louis Rams
SS-LaRon Landry-Chicago Bears
AlexFarnworth 