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Mike TannenbaumESPN
All 32 NFL teams have an opportunity to improve and bring in high-impact players. It’s an exciting season. The offseason plan is a continuous process, and it all begins next week with free agency.
There are always headlines in the free agent pool, but the strategic opportunities are often more important than the signings. Former NFL executive with the New York Jets Miami DolphinsI have been through the frenzy several times and always had a few players I wanted to sign every March. This was especially true when I believed a player would outperform our deal.
I am going to use my GM skills to suggest five current free agents that I would like to sign next week. They are all players I feel can add value to any team. Sometimes, that contribution is more than statistical impact. I look for players who will benefit the team both on and off the pitch. Free agency comes with risks. Teams will be looking at how a player learns and his history of injury and how he handles adversity. Here are five names that I would consider, along with the deals I’d offer and reasons why each would benefit a team.
The deal I would offer is:$15 million for two years (Guaranteed $9 million)
The terminated Nelson’s contract Pittsburgh SteelersThe following is the March 2021 edition Philadelphia EaglesNelson signed him for $2.5 million and he ended up making $4 million through incentives. He is now back on the market. Nelson’s productivity and endurance have been reasons I love his game.
Since 2016, he has played at the least 488 snaps each year. He has at minimum seven passes defensed in five seasons. He can also line up outside and inside. His age is only 29 and corner depth is very important as teams often use nickel packages at least 65 percent of the time.
Although this deal is an average of $7.5million per year, it’s a decent raise. However, I would be getting a reliable cornerback who can also play in other positions. He has played in more than 90% defensive snaps for his teams in five of the six previous seasons. I expect him to earn closer to $8.5 million per annum from Pittsburgh, which he was granted before the Philly deal.
Nelson is a team to keep an eye on: The zone coverage is his strength, so look out for the Indianapolis ColtsGus Bradley, the new defensive coordinator, to push for a strong push. But I also believe that the Seattle SeahawksResigning or signing with the Eagles makes sense.
I would offer this deal:$16 million per year ($10 million guarantee)
After the death of his father, Trubisky was placed on the open market in 2021. Chicago BearsThe 2017 second-overall selection’s fifth year option was declined. He signed a $2.5m deal for one year with the Buffalo BillsBackup Josh AllenTake a look at the past Bills offensive coordinator’s lessons and then get started. New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll. Trubisky may have made the right choice. Colts, Seahawks, Steelers and other teams like them. Carolina PanthersAll need quarterbacks, and Trubisky should be included in that mix.
This is a great idea for teams that are looking for a QB to play this season. If Trubisky was included in the draft class this year, I think he would be the top signal-caller. You could bring him in and see what you have, then reassess the next offseason. The 2023 offseason offers the likes Derek Carr Kirk CousinsFree agency, and possibly Bryce Young C.J. StroudDraft. Trubisky will win the draft. Worst case scenario, you might have to try again with a better selection of passers. Young could be the one. If I was a team in dire need of a quarterback for a long time, Young would be my choice.
Trubisky is just 27 years old and has started 50 games. His team has made the playoffs twice in his two seasons. He needs to improve his accuracy but his character, work ethic, and age make him a great quarterback. He can be signed to a reasonable contract.
I would offer this deal:$55 million Guaranteed for 5 Years. $117.5 Million ($55 Million)
This one is a little different. It’s not a great deal, but it does pay out $23.5million each year. Armstead is worth every penny, however. Armstead has been a leading left tackle in the front-line for five years and his pass block success rate has never been lower than 85.9%.
For years, teams look for foundational left tackles and rarely get them free agency. Armstead’s endurance and ability make them a valuable asset. When they do, they get paid. Two or three tackles could be seen on the board during April’s draft. This further illustrates the immense value that a star at this position can bring. D’Brickashaw Ferguson was my very first draft pick in 2006. He was fourth overall in 2006. He was a great GM for years. It’s important.
Armstead could earn around $22,000,000 per year, I believe. Although that’s quite a sum, it would make a huge difference to any team with which he signs.
The deal I would offer is:For three years, $39 Million ($22.5 Million Guaranteed)
Jensen is one of my favourite players in the NFL. Some players don’t play by the whistle. Jensen is one of them. He can set the pace.
Jensen’s toughness and determination make him a great fit for any offensive line. Jensen’s compelling qualities make it a difficult task for players to sign third contracts. Because he is 31 years old, I would like to reduce my risk and guarantee money. However, if I do come in slightly below that, I will be grateful. Jason KelceIt was reported $14 millionOn a yearly basis, I would sign a player of high quality at a fair price.
Tampa Bay is in transition and should try to sign him again; he will continue the championship standard that was established there.
The deal I would offer is:For four years, $53,000,000 ($30 million guarantee)
Oluokun, who is only 26 years old and still improving every day, is an ascending player. His play speed and ability to be a three down player are two of my favorite things about him.
To be effective in defense against the modern, pass-happy NFL, it is crucial to have a young linebacker that can run sideline to sideline. Oluokun’s contract terms should be better than those of other linebackers like Demario Davis($9 Million per Year) Eric Kendricks($10 million annually). Oluokun’s most relevant competitor is the Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome BakerLast offseason, he signed a $37.5 million extension ($12.5 million annually).
Consider how active he is. Oluokun was able to defend six passes in 1,093 snaps. In the 2015 season, he played 896 snaps. Oluokun accumulated 309 tackles over the two seasons. He also had 5 forced fumbles, 5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. Oluokun’s age, his ability on the field and the fact that he is able to play every week, as well as the absence of comparable players, could make him a big-money player.