Now that the deadline for handing in franchise player tags is a thing of the past in the NFL, it’s the opening of the free agent market that will hold the attention of oval ball fans in the coming days.
The Goodell circuit teams will be able to begin negotiations with the athletes next Monday, but no contract can be signed before Wednesday, March 16.
Here are five footballers who will be the envy of many clubs:
JC Jackson – Cornerback
In the last two NFL seasons, no one has had more interceptions than JC Jackson. The perpetrator of 17 thefts in 2020 and 2021 recently tasted medicine from New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. He was thus unable to obtain the contract he wanted with the “Pats”. It wouldn’t be surprising if the 26-year-old broke the bank and became the highest-earning player at his position in the NFL.
* Other interesting cornerbacks: Carlton Davis / Stephan Gilmore / Joe Haden
Terron Armstead – Bloqueur
Elite left-blockers are a rare commodity, and it’s almost unheard of for one to end up on the free agent market. That will seem to be the case with Terron Armstead in 2022. Several teams will throw a pole at the 30-year-old, although his age and tendency to be injured often put off some formations.
* Other interesting offensive linemen: Brandon Scherff (G) / Ryan Jensen (C) / Laken Tomlinson (G) / Trent Brown (B)
Chandler Jones – Edge rusher
There will be plenty of quarterback fighters available in the market this year. Of these, Chandler Jones deserves to get a big pay raise. In 2022, he amassed 10.5 quarterback sacks and a total of 41 tackles in 15 games. The 32-year-old veteran has collected a minimum of 10 sacks six times in the last seven NFL campaigns.
* Autres edge rushers intéressants : Von Miller / Haason Reddick / Jadeveon Clowney / Melvin Ingram
Marcus Williams – Marauder
Marcus Williams may not be the most flamboyant, but he’s pretty effective. The 25-year-old safety hasn’t missed many games for the New Orleans Saints since they drafted him in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2017 auction. In 76 career games, he had 320 tackles, 15 interceptions, and defended 38 pass attempts.
* Other interesting marauders: Tyrann Mathieu / Quandre Diggs
Allen Robinson – Pass Receiver
The 28-year-old veteran is coming off his worst NFL career season, but he’ll definitely want to bounce back. Recognized as a consistent player in recent years, Allen Robinson could wreak havoc with a good quarterback. The former Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars rushed for over 1,000 yards three times in his career, including twice in the past three years.
* Other interesting pass receivers: JuJu Smith-Schuster / Odell Beckham Jr. / Michael Gallup / Christian Kirk
