With the NFL season over, it’s now time to look towards the offseason and what it holds. Personally, my favorite part of the offseason is free agency because there are so many top-tier players available. It could completely change the outlook of the upcoming season. So, I want to take a look at this upcoming free agency period. Who are the best NFL free agents available, and where will they land.
Le’Veon Bell
Bell was the talk of the NFL this year, as he decided to hold out for a contract extension. He could technically be franchise-tagged again, but that would bring his salary to the QB range. The Steelers won’t be willing to do that. This is especially the case with James Conner stepping out of Bell’s shadow to have an amazing season.
There will be many offers on the table for Bell, and there should be. A lot of teams could use a 2X All-Pro back, but I see the Indianapolis Colts being the team that ends up offering Bell the most stability and money. Le’Veon has expressed interest in playing alongside Andrew Luck. That tandem would be amazing. The Colts also have a significant amount of cap room to make more than one huge signing in this free agency period.
DeMarcus Lawrence
Over the past two seasons, DeMarcus Lawrence has been one of the best edge-rushers the NFL has to offer. With over 10 sacks in 2017 and 2018, Lawrence made the Pro-Bowl both times. At only 26 years old, Lawrence will be heavily sought after due to his production and age.
With edge-rusher being such an important position in the NFL, it’s hard to find great ones. For that reason, I’m going to say that Lawrence stays in Dallas for at least the next year. The Cowboys must learn from Jay Gruden’s mistake and not let this young, talented pass-rusher go to another team this offseason.
However, the Cowboys only have just over $1 million in cap space this offseason which isn’t nearly enough to sign Lawrence or franchise tag him. So, if the Cowboys do not re-sign Lawrence, I see the Patriots, Steelers, Raiders, Browns, and Packers as the most likely destinations for him.
Ezekiel Ansah
Ansah is probably the exact opposite of Demarcus Lawrence. He’s getting older (29) and hasn’t made the Pro-Bowl in the past three seasons (even though he had 12 sacks in 2017). Ansah was once a feared edge-rusher that teams would need to gameplan around, but now he’s regressed, but that’s not his fault.
“Ziggy” has suffered many injuries that have held him out 14 games in the past three seasons. Ansah still has a ton to offer, as he’s still a talented pass rusher, but I don’t see him getting a deal anywhere close to the size of Lawrence’s. I believe the Lions will choose to let him walk because they have invested so much in him, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Teams like the Packers, Browns, Bills, and Bucs should be in the hunt for him.