Recent NFL offseasons have been wild and crazy, and the 2020 offseason is unlikely to be an exception. Here are 20 bold predictions as we enter the 2020 NFL offseason.
1 of 20
Arik Armstead signs with the Texans
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Armstead is arguably the top defensive end on the market after recording 10 sacks last season, and the Texans are certainly in the market after trading Jadeveon Clowney last year and struggling to rush the passer. Head coach Bill O'Brien took a win-now approach to his moves last year and will likely continue as the official GM of the Texans.
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Could Brady's marriage with New England finally end? The future Hall of Famer seemed often frustrated with the Patriots receiving options last season, and head coach Bill Belichick could try to prove he can win without the quarterback. The Chargers are looking to make a splash as they move into a new stadium, and they have strong weapons with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Just one year removed from a 12-4 record, L.A. isn't as far away from being competitive and has an opening after moving on from Philip Rivers.
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Conklin is arguably the top offensive lineman available in free agency, and the Titans might not be able to afford him if they lock up Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry. Cleveland has been in desperate need of offensive line help recently and has the cap space to pay Conklin elite tackle money.
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Dalton's future is clearly somewhere other than in Cincinnati, with the Bengals owning the first overall pick and expected to take Joe Burrow. The Bengals will likely try to trade their longtime starting quarterback, but will another team would want to take on his salary of more than $17 million? Dalton still showed ability last season when he was on the field, even as he was benched early in the year, and he could be a fit to compete with Jarrett Stidham if New England moves on from Tom Brady.
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Foles got injured in Week 1 with the Jags last season and didn't convince the team he was its future when he returned. Gardner Minshew has already become a fan favorite, so it seems reasonable the Jaguars will move on from Foles if they can find a taker. Indianapolis is a great fit, as the team might not be convinced Jacoby Brissett is the long-term answer at QB, and head coach Frank Reich worked with Foles in Philadephia.
6 of 20
Devonta Freeman cut, signs with the Chiefs
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Freeman missed most of 2018 due to injury and struggled with only 3.6 yards per carry last season. Atlanta is in salary cap hell and could save significant money by cutting Freeman. While Freeman might not have much of a market if he's cut loose, his versatility with three seasons of 54-plus catches would be attractive for a team like the Chiefs. Andy Reid could use Freeman in tandem with Super Bowl hero Damien Williams to make an even more versatile backfield.
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Jones has established himself as one of the top corners in the game, which could be a problem for Dallas to retain if it signs Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper. Beyond Patrick Peterson, Arizona's secondary struggled last season, and the Cardinals have plenty of cap space to improve. Jones could give the defense an immediate jolt.
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Gordon held out at the beginning of 2019, and his marriage with the Chargers looks frayed. The free agent is still a good fit for a team in need of running back versatility, and Bill O'Brien's Texans certainly fit that profile. Gordon is unlikely to net the Todd Gurley-like deal that he obviously desires, but he should get a significant guarantee.
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Green's market will be one of the more interesting this offseason after playing only nine games in 2018 and missing all of last season due to foot problems. He made the Pro Bowl in his first seven seasons, but the wear and tear has taken its toll as he enters his age-32 season. The Jets are very much in need of help at wideout, however, and Green represents the most upside on the market.
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The oft-injured Henry is a dominant player when he's on the field, but he didn't play during the 2018 regular season and played only 12 games last year. Regardless of whether Tom Brady returns, the Patriots need to beef up their receiving crop and Henry would go a long way in doing that.
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Johnson was banged up late last season and also seemed to fall out of favor when the Cardinals added Kenyan Drake. A former All-Pro, Johnson had only 130 touches last season and might not be the best fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense. The Bucs would certainly be willing to take him on, with a need at running back, cap room, and a history with head coach Bruce Arians.
12 of 20
Chris Jones franchised, traded to the Colts for two second-round picks
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The Chiefs would certainly like to keep Jones around after recording nine sacks during the regular season and dominating in his two playoff appearances. Unfortunately, that will be difficult with the team also needing to pay Patrick Mahomes a likely record-breaking contract soon. Kansas City will need to continue drafting well to fulfill the dynasty expectations many have thrust on the team, and Jones could garner a huge draft package. Indy GM Chris Ballard was in K.C.'s front office when the Chiefs drafted Jones and has draft capital to deal with two second-round picks, including the 34th overall pick.
13 of 20
Matthew Judon signs with the Bills
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Baltimore lost Za'Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs last offseason and could lose another notable pass rusher with Judon a free agent. The team's willingness to allow its pass rushers to walk partially speaks to how well they're able to develop them. Buffalo is among the league leaders in cap space and could use another edge rusher to beef up what's already one of the top defenses in the NFL.
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Littlleton has established himself as one of the top inside linebackers in the game over the last two seasons, but the Rams might not be able to retain him due to cap issues. The 2018 Pro Bowler would be a clear upgrade over Blake Martinez, who is also a free agent, and help a run defense that was exposed by San Francisco in the playoffs.
15 of 20
Greg Olsen signs with the Packers
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Olsen was released by Carolina early in the offseason and seems primed to play at least one more season. There are many teams that should be welcoming of his services as one of the league's top pass-catching tight ends, even as he's struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Olsen could be a welcome addition to Green Bay, who could move on from Jimmy Graham this offseason.
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This prediction is more circumstantial than bold, but the fit seems too convenient to pass up for Rivers. He's already moved his family to Florida, and the Bucs need a quarterback with Jameis Winston now a free agent. Rivers could be the fit head coach Bruce Arians is looking for, even though the quarterback looked like he lost a step in L.A. last season.
17 of 20
Darius Slay traded to the Raiders for 19th overall draft choice
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The Raiders will be looking to make a splash as they move to their new Vegas home. They can address their wide receiver need with the 12th overall pick in the draft, but they also have the 19th pick in the first round. Cornerback remains a need, and Slay could be available as Matt Patricia continues to reshape his defense. One of the truly elite corners in the game, Slay could net the Lions the draft return they're looking for and give the Raiders a major boost.
18 of 20
Terrell Suggs signs with the Ravens
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Suggs won a Super Bowl after he was claimed by the Chiefs late in the season, and he might opt to go out on top at age 37. He still showed that he could play with 6.5 sacks last season, and Baltimore might be welcoming with the potential loss of Matthew Judon this offseason. Baltimore should be a major Super Bowl contender again next season and a perfect fit for Suggs if he wants to go back to his longtime home to play one more year.
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Watkins was a playoff hero for the Chiefs, and the team would like him back. However, Kansas City will save $14 million if it cuts Watkins, and the Chiefs desperately need the cap space. Following a season of major wide receiver issues, Philadelphia has a need at the position, and Watkins would stay in the same offense under Andy Reid disciple Doug Pederson.
20 of 20
Jameis Winston signs with the Bears
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A change of scenery looks imminent for Winston after throwing 30 interceptions in Tampa Bay last season. The former No. 1 overall draft pick still has immense talent and could be a fit to add competition for a team tip-toeing around the quarterback market much the way Tennessee did with Ryan Tannehill last season. With Mitchell Trubisky's slow development through three seasons, Chicago could be looking for a quarterback to challenge him, and Winston could fit the bill.