The new league year is fast approaching. The free-agent market opens on March 18th and there are many players that will be signing brand new deals. Some will stay with their respected teams and others will be moving on. Here are three signing predictions for pending free agents.
Team: Dallas Cowboys
New Team: Philadelphia Eagles
For the first few seasons of his career, Jones played at the safety position. Although he did not necessarily perform badly at safely, he dramatically improved after being moved to corner in 2018. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones ranked seventh at his position that year. Since then, the defensive back has solidified himself one of the best corners in the league.
Dallas Cowboys Cornerback Byron Jones. (Photo Credit: 247 Sports)
Jones is set to become a free agent come March. The Cowboys exercised his fifth-year rookie option in 2019, but now will have to extend the corner if they plan to keep him. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they have many other play-makers that need to be paid as well (Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper). Although the team has the cap space to sign everyone they want, Jones is set to make around $16 million per year, which is more than the Dallas front office is willing to pay.
Ultimately, the Cowboys will not get into a bidding war for Jones. The Eagles are desperately in need of a cornerback and Jones fits the bill. As a result, the corner will head to Philadelphia.
Team: Seattle Seahawks
New Team: Miami Dolphins
Jadeveon Clowney was sent to the Seattle Seahawks over the 2019 offseason via trade. Since then, he has upheld his reputation as an elite pass rusher in the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. (Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
Now, he is set to become a free agent. In recent reports, the outside linebacker has stated that he wants to play for a contending team, but also wants a market-setting deal.
If Clowney wishes to be a part of a contending organization, he may need to settle with a cap-friendly contract. This will not be the case. The Miami Dolphins have the most cap space in the league and will pay Clowney generously.
Although the team may not seem like contenders now, they have three first-round draft picks. Gaining Clowney and drafting well may lead to the Dolphins being a dark-horse team in 2020.
Team: New England Patriots
New Team: Las Vegas Raiders
It is crazy to think after 20 seasons in the NFL with the same team, this conversation is actually happening. Tom Brady may not play for the Patriots in 2020.
After losing to the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card round, speculation quickly surrounded Brady. Rumors spread like wildfire that he would be leaving New England. This seems to be true. Recently, it was reported that the Las Vegas Raiders are prepared to offer a two-year, $60 million deal when the free-agent market opens.
After the Patriots offense struggled through the second half of the 2019 season, it became evident that Brady wants weapons around him. The Raiders have a solid offensive line, talented running-back and tight-end and are expected to address their wide receiver position in the upcoming draft. The Raiders are a perfect fit for Brady.
Featured Image Credit: John Angelillo/UPI
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