2020 NFL free agency is set to be a wild ride, with talented players available at every position.
2020 NFL free agency begins March 13 with talented players available at every position. Here's a look at the ideal landing spots for the top 25 free agents.
It remains to be seen if the NFC champion 49er can afford to keep Armstead around, as they have limited cap space after last offseason's spending spree. The Raiders did well to revamp their defensive line in last year's draft, but the opportunity to add Armstread would give them a budding star as they head east to Las Vegas. Armstead had 10 sacks last season.
Barrett revamped his value and then some in 2019, leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks as a member of the Bucs. Tampa Bay might try to keep him around, but Barrett should find a robust market this time around. The Falcons have a major need after moving on from Vic Beasley.
The odds would seem high that the Patriots will bring back Brady, but what if he decides on something new? As the Chargers move into their new stadium, they have an opening at quarterback and an underrated roster that's one year removed from 12-4. Going into the offseason, the Chargers offensive weapons are also superior to the Patriots, led by Keenan Allen.
Brees is still deciding whether he wants to play in 2020. If he returns, it seems like almost a formality that he would re-up with the Saints. He has unfinished business after struggling in the playoffs vs. Minnesota, and has led the NFL in completion rate in three straight years with the help of Michael Thomas.
It's unlikely that Bridgewater would stick around New Orleans again as a backup if Brees returns. Bridgewater proved he could win as a starter again when he got his shot last season, with the Saints going a perfect 5-0. If the Chargers aren't able to attract Tom Brady, Bridgewater would be another optimal fit to replace Philip Rivers stepping into a decent situation with a solid roster and his 22-12 career record as a starter.
Castonzo has said to be contemplating retirement this offseason. He's arguably the best left tackle on the market despite never making a Pro Bowl, and top left tackles rarely enter the open market. It would be an upset if Castonzo left Indy.
Clowney did a solid job solidifying Seattle's pass rush last season after the team traded Frank Clark. Seattle gave up a reasonable package before Week 1 to acquire him, and even with that sunk cost, they would surely like the former No. 1 overall draft choice back after he got more comfortable in the team's defense.
There's been no reason to believe the Cowboys wouldn't bring back their No. 1 wideout despite some inconsistent play in his first full season with the team. Cooper deserves credit for fighting through multiple reported injuries to put up 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns in his fourth Pro Bowl appearance last season, and Dallas has the cap space to make something work.
Conklin is one of the game's top right tackles, overcoming an abbreviated 2018 season to rebound with a great 2019 season. The Titans would surely like him back, but they have to pay Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry, among others. Few teams have a bigger need along the offensive line than Arizona, and the Cardinals also have plenty of cap space.
Gordon held out at the beginning of 2019 and was subpar when he returned (3.8 yards per carry), so it would be a huge surprise if he goes back to the Chargers. He will probably be disappointed in his free agent market after last year's play, but there are plenty of teams in need. The Texans will potentially lose Carlos Hyde this offseason, and Gordon presents the versatile skill set that Houston liked in Lamar Miller.
Green has had multiple foot issues in recent years and missed all of 2019 for the Bengals. That's not a great trend as he heads toward free agency, but the upside is undeniable. The Raiders were lacking weapons last year after the Antonio Brown debacle, and Green is one of the few wideouts available who has potential as a No. 1 wideout.
Harris broke out at the right time in Minnesota, leading the league with six interceptions and also adding 60 tackles. Cleveland has a major need at safety, so he could follow new head coach Kevin Stefanski from Minnesota.
Injuries have been a theme for Henry during his career with the Chargers, but he's certainly productive when healthy. He has a chance to be a brief market setter at tight end, and Washington has a need to surround Dwayne Haskins with weapons. Given Jordan Reed's uncertain future, tight end should be a priority.
The marriage between Denver and Harris looks to be over, as he seemed uncomfortable in the new defense last season. A four-time Pro Bowler and one of the league's truly elite slot corners, there should still be a market for Harris as he turns 31. Philadelphia has needed to revamp at corner for the last two years and should be one of many teams interested in Harris.
Henry led the NFL in rushing last season with Tennessee and could be set for a record-breaking running back contract. That's a tall order for a back who is rarely used as a receiver, but Henry is unlike any other in the league at his position with his combination of size and speed. It's difficult to see the Titans letting the centerpiece of their offense get away.
The Packers whiffed on Jimmy Graham, but they need to try again given their closing window with Aaron Rodgers under center. With the Falcons, Hooper had more than 70 receptions in consecutive seasons and made 41 first downs in 2019. He hasn't been an exemplary red-zone target, but he could be the reliable receiver the Packers hoped they were getting with Graham.
Jones might move from Dallas this offseason, as the team has to pay both Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper. One of the elite corners in the game, Jones has transitioned seamlessly from safety to cornerback despite that his ball skills aren't great. The Broncos have a need at the position and the money to pay Jones now that they're saving money at quarterback with a youngster in Drew Lock.
Jones would love to return to the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, but it remains to be seen if there's enough left in the safe with Patrick Mahomes' contract coming soon. Arguably the top interior pass rusher in the game not named Aaron Donald, Jones has 24.5 sacks over the last two seasons and is well known to Colts GM Chris Ballard who is a former member of K.C.'s front office.
The Jaguars can't afford to let more top defensive talent get away, but it remains to be seen what their plan will be after some reshuffling in the front office. If Ngakoue does go elsewhere, the Bucs are one of many teams that should be in the market. Tampa Bay could lose Shaquil Barrett, Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul in free agency.
The talk of Prescott's contract in Dallas has been going for well over a year, and there seems almost no way the team and player won't find common ground eventually. Prescott is 40-24 as a starter during the regular season and is now set to adjust somewhat under head coach Mike McCarthy.
Rivers has moved his family to Florida this offseason, and he recently had an amicable divorce from the Chargers. The Bucs could be set to move on from Jameis Winston due to his interceptions (30). Rivers hasn't exactly been brilliant in that department either, throwing 20 picks last year, but Bruce Arians has always been willing to trust veteran quarterbacks, as he did with Carson Palmer in Arizona.
Sanders' stay in San Fran ended in disappointment. He could certainly return, but there should be a market for him around the league. Bill Belichick has never met a proven veteran player he didn't like, and Sanders was still productive last season with 869 yards in 17 games. He wouldn't be the answer to New England's receiver woes, but he could certainly help.
Scherff is the top interior offensive lineman on the market after three Pro Bowl seasons in Washington. The Redskins would probably like to retain him, but Scherff has also struggled to stay healthy recently. Chicago has a need at guard following Kyle Long's retirement.
Tannehill helped lead the Titans to the playoffs with a 7-3 record in relief of Marcus Mariota, and he also made some key throws during the playoffs despite limited usage. It would be a shock if the Titans allowed Tannehill to walk now that he's just getting comfortable in the offense.
Winston might have a fight for a starting job in 2020, much the way Ryan Tannehill did last season, after throwing 30 interceptions in Tampa Bay in 2019. The former No. 1 overall draft choice has a world of arm talent but has had only one winning season over his five-year career. The Colts seem unconvinced that Jacoby Brissett is their future just yet, so Winston could be nice competition.
Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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