Top Ten NFL Free Agency Predictions

The Jets are in dire need of structure at the quarterback position, and Willis is just the guy without completely breaking the bank. He has the grit, experience, and heart to lead a team.

Prediction: New York Jets

Contract: Two-year, $42 million dollars

Trey Hendrickson, EDGE

Top Landing Spots: Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Washington

Last year was quite the rollercoaster for both Hendrickson himself and Bengals fans alike. After tons of “will he, won’t he” volleying in the headlines, they ultimately reached an agreement to keep the Pro-Bowl Defensive End in 2025. Given the desperation for a get-right year with Jayden Daniels entering year three – and still on a rookie contract – the Commanders could make a go. They also enter the offseason with the fifth-most cap space, so that is a major factor as well. Despite his age and his return from injury, Dan Quinn will look to shore up his defensive line.

Prediction: Washington

Contract: One-year, $23 million rental to rehab that defense

Jaelen Phillips, EDGE

Top Landing Spots: Philadelphia, Los Angeles (Chargers)

In an effort not to overthink it, Howie Roseman got his hands on Phillips when their pass rush was, er, struggling. Given his lethal versatility as a backer, I don’t see Philly letting him get away that easily. Though he would be a great fit in LA, I think he stays in the northeast for another year with a competitive franchise.

Prediction: Philadelphia

Contract: One-year, $19 million

Alec Pierce, WR

Top Landing Spots: Tennessee, Buffalo, Las Vegas

Pierce was straight fire this season, as the kids say. I’m referring to his near-22 yards per reception over, not one, but two seasons. Efficiency personified! Being able to stretch the field like that is a desire for any team in the NFL, but this smells of a landing spot in Tennessee. The Titans currently hold the most Monopoly money. They also need to equip the former first-overall pick, Ward, with an abundance of talent. Pierce would be a great move.

Prediction: Tennessee

Contract: Three-year, $64 million

Tyler Linderbaum, C

Top Landing Spots: Baltimore, New York (Giants), Las Vegas

Newly anointed head coach Jesse Minter recently praised the Center as the best in the league. His 83.1 PFF run-blocking grade funds this claim. Clearly, the Ravens will make their case. However, I see former Baltimore coach, John Harbaugh, bringing him up I-95 to help protect Jaxson Dart.

Prediction: New York (Giants)

Contract: Three-year, $60 million

Kenneth Walker III, RB

Top Landing Spots: Kansas City, Washington, Seattle, Carolina, Minnesota

Head Coach Mike Macdonald has made it clear he wants Walker back. After the enchanted postseason he just unleashed, the Seahawks have to find a way to fit him into their future. Seattle currently ranks 6^th in cap space, which should give them the means to keep KWIII. However, as of March 3rd, around noon EST, Schefter reported that they would NOT be tagging Walker. 

With that news breaking as I write this, I’m going to take a stab at the Vikings grabbing him. There have been reports of Aaron Jones‘s imminent release, so this seems like a solid replacement.

Prediction: Minnesota

Contract: Four-year, $38 million

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG

Top Landing Spots: New York (Giants), Green Bay, Washington

As a top-rated guard in the league, going somewhere with heavier investment/pressure on the offense makes the most sense. The Washington Commanders have entered the chat. In an effort to avoid major injury to their star quarterback, Vera-Tucker (when healthy) would majorly bolster the line.

Prediction: Washington

Contract: One-year, $6 million

Boye Mafe, EDGE

Top Landing Spots: Cincinnati, Kansas City, Baltimore, Tennessee

Finishing eighth among pass rushers in pass rush win rate (ESPN), Mafe is an intriguing free agent. Unfortunately for Seattle, they have six quality FA’s, and I don’t think the champs will be able to retain them. Mafe and Spagnuolo would be a dynamic duo! In an effort to revamp the once-dominating Chiefs’ defense, Kansas City very well may grab the defensive stud.

Prediction: Kansas City

Contract: Three-year, $45 million

Mike Evans, WR

Top Landing Spots: Tampa Bay, Buffalo, New England, San Francisco, Baltimore

Honestly, who wouldn’t want this stud on their team? A consistent pass-catcher like Evans elevates any offense. He recently gave his (very predictable) criteria for a new home.

This has Josh Allen and the Bills written all over it! Not sure how they will afford him being in the red, but since the salary cap is as fake as the NFL’s effort to end racism, I’m sure they will find a way to give Josh Allen an early birthday present.

Prediction: New England

Contract: Two-year, $30 million

Rashid Shaheed, WR

Top Landing Spots: Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles (Chargers)

Shaheed’s impact on both the offense and special teams is too good to lead walk in my humble opinion. For someone who won’t require top dollar, I believe the Seahawks retain the Swiss Army Knife that is Rashid Shaheed.

Prediction: Seattle

Contract: One-year, $11 million

Free agency can make or break a fresh new season. Look at the impact the Bears made on their offensive line through FA or, I don’t know, Sam Darnold leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl. What crazy predictions do you have for next week? Let us hear!

Also, be sure to check back for my article on March 13th, where I will roast or boast myself from these predictions!