The NFL season being over is always sad, as now fans have to go six months without America’s best sport league. However, that does not mean coverage for the sport stops.
Next month, some of the NFL’s best players will be switching teams, and this season it seems like more players are on the move than ever.
While much buzz has been circulating around which quarterbacks will be swapping uniforms, this article will only address players whose contracts are expired, and are free to sign with any team they want.
Davante Adams
Signing Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
The biggest name entering the free agent market, Davante Adams has established himself as the best wide receiver in the NFL, and will open up any offense he joins next. As it seems like Aaron Rodgers’ time in Green Bay is coming to an end, it is time for Adams to find a new quarterback to build a connection with.
Who better of a choice than Derek Carr? The two were teammates back at Fresno State, where each would go on to be second round picks in the 2014 draft. Adams and Carr have both gone on record to say that they would love to team up again, and what better time than right now.
Carr finished up his best season as a pro, throwing for 4,800 yards while not having a true number one wide receiver. The addition of Adams would give the Raiders an immediate outside threat they have been looking for the past couple years, but have failed with Antonio Brown and Henry Ruggs.
The duo of Adams and Darren Waller would be a nightmare for any defense, and could put Las Vegas in a position to compete with Kansas City for the AFC West crown.
Chandler Jones
Signing Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers
Despite an injury-filled 2021 season, there is no denying the greatness of Chandler Jones, as the former all-pro will be looking to move on from the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. He is two seasons removed from his 19 sack 2019 season, and should continue to produce, as long as he stays healthy.
The best suit for Jones is a 3-4 defense where he can rush the edge as an outside linebacker, and one team he could be plugged right into is the Los Angeles Chargers. Him and Joey Bosa would combine for one of the best pass rush duos in the entire league, and offenses would be forced to single block one of the two beasts.
Chandler Jones will want to go to a championship contending team at this stage of his career, and it seems like the Chargers are putting together a roster that can do just that.
J.C. Jackson
Signing Prediction: Re-sign with New England Patriots
“Mr. Int” J.C. Jackson has developed into one of the top shutdown cornerbacks in the entire NFL, leading the Patriots pass defense after the midseason departure of Stephon Gilmore. He has recorded an incredible 17 interceptions over the past two seasons, the most in that span.
Jackson is such a great fit for Bill Belichick’s scheme, I think it would be in the best interest for both New England and Jackson to get a new deal done. The Patriots do not seem to be rebuilding, and are looking to upgrade their team after being throttled by division rival Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.
Chris Godwin
Signing Prediction: Cleveland Browns
It seems as if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not have the money to sign Chris Godwin, so another top wideout will be hitting the open market.
If it were not for Davante Adams, Godwin would have been the clear cut best receiver in this free agency class. I expect a plethora of teams will get into a bidding war for his services, including the Cleveland Browns.
After the departure of Odell Beckham Jr., it is clear that the Browns’ wide receiving corp is in shambles. Not a single wideout recorded over 600 yards receiving, and Jarvis Landry has proven to not be a true number one target.
Godwin would be an instant star for the team, and fill major holes in the team’s offense. This should also give quarterback Baker Mayfield all the help he needs to flourish (hopefully). Overall, Godwins fits perfectly in what the Browns are trying to establish, and Cleveland has deep enough pockets to afford the Super Bowl champion.
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