Defensive Tackles Could Set the NFL Free Agent Market
NFL Free Agency Analysis Could See Some big Names With New Homes
The NFL Free Agency Analysis Begins With QB Kirk Cousins
There is plenty of star power when it comes to the available free agency. With the legal tampering period for unsigned free agents beginning at noon, there is a lot to consider when it comes to the NFL free agency analysis.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs would have been the big catch in more ways than one had he not agreed to terms with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.
Christian Wilkins of the Miami Dolphins is another interior defensive lineman to take a look at with the Raiders having +300 odds to add Wilkins to an already strong group of defensive linemen.
On the other side of the ball, Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith could draw some interest.
Keep on reading for more on the players who could alter the NFL pecking order and could be players who have a chance to approach the NFL record for the richest contract in NFL history.
The current NFL betting lines list the Kansas City Chiefs at +350 to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl yet again followed by the Baltimore Ravens at +450 with the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills both at +650.
In the NFC, even with the recent release of defensive tackle Arik Armstead, San Francisco sets the pace at +225 followed by the Detroit Lions (+550), the Philadelphia Eagles (+700), and the Dallas Cowboys (+700).
Cousins Could Find A New Home
After passing for more than 4000 yards in four of his first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins was on pace for perhaps his best season before a season-ending injury. Now he is an NFL player who could attract interest from a quarterback-needy team.
The NFL.com list of the top available free agents has Cousins at No. 1. It will be interesting to watch the NFL free agency analysis to see what the market will be for a 35-year-old quarterback coming off a serious NFL injury.
There was news breaking on a couple of other quarterbacks.
There are reports that former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, who was recently released by the Denver Broncos, agreed to a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There were rumblings about the teams that were interested in former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield after his strong showing in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers ended all the speculation by signing Mayfield to a three-year contract.
The next quarterback on the list of available quarterbacks is Jacoby Brissett. He doesn’t figure to attract the big money.
Tag, You’re It
Cincinnati placed the tag on receiver Tee Higgins even though his run of consecutive 1000-yard receiving seasons ended at two after Higgins missed five games during the 2023 NFL season.
Receiver Michael Pittman is staying with the Colts due to the franchise tag. That is one of the moves that impacted the NFL free agency analysis.
Carolina edge rusher Brian Burns, Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher Josh Allen, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
Ready to Hit the Ground Running
In some ways, it was bigger news which players didn’t receive franchise tags than who did with running backs Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans, and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders were among the runners who did not receive the franchise tag.
The NFL odds have the Baltimore Ravens as the favorite at +200 to sign Henry followed by the Dallas Cowboys at +400 and the Philadelphia Eagles at +400.
The Ravens, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Chargers are all priced at +400 to be the landing spot for Jacobs according to the NFL spreads.
Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints, Austin Ekeler of the Chargers, and Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys are other running backs who might be changing teams.
A Look At the Other Top Options
Cousins and Wilkins rank first and second in the list of available free agents.
Pass rushers Danielle Hunter, Jonathan Greenard, and Bryce Huff rank third, and 11th. Leonard Williams, who can play either on the outside or on the interior on the defensive line, would probably be higher than No. 9 if he didn’t turn 30 on June 30.
Offensive linemen Tyvon Smith and Michael Onwenu are also in the top 10.
Defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson certainly talks a good game. He was limited to two NFL games with the Detroit Lions in 2023 and played in three more games in the postseason.
Xavier McKinney could be the bigger catch among the defensive backs. Kendall Fuller is another defensive back to keep an eye on. The Chicago Bears signed safety Kevin Byard. Will that move impact the market for the other available defensive backs?
Calvin Ridley and Marquise Brown are receivers who could catch on with new NFL teams after the Buccaneers signed Mike Evans to keep one of the top pass catchers from hitting the open market.
According to the spotrac.com site, the Washington Commanders have the most available money to spend followed by Tennessee and New England.
The San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Miami Dolphins have some work to do to get under the salary cap.
For NFL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
