2016 NFL free agency: Who signs Nick Fairley?

Will Nick Fairley get a chance to be a full-time starter again as he approaches NFL free agency?

The former 13th overall selection in the 2011 draft, Nick Fairley left the Detroit Lions and joined the St. Louis Rams last season in a surprising move. After starting 30 games in his first four NFL seasons, Fairley was relegated to a reserve role for a team with one of the more stout defensive lines in the entire league.

Now one year later, the former Auburn Tiger gets a redo in the free agent market. The Rams have moved on from St. Louis, shuffling back to Los Angeles. Will Fairley follow suit and move on as well?

Vitals

Age: 26
Notable stat: 14 career sacks
Pro Bowls: 0
All-Pro Teams: 0

Contract comparison

Fairley had little value following the 2014 season, as he was coming off an injury shortened season that saw him play in just eight games and record a mere 14 tackles and one sack. Going to St. Louis was his opportunity to show he can still be a force, but instead he recorded just 29 tackles in a backup role. The good news is he did manage to play in 15 games, which means he was able to fully overcome the knee injury that shut him down the previous year.

Despite that limited value he was able to land an incentive laden deal with the Rams that paid him roughly $5 million, but could increase to $8 million based on performance goals. His deal was similar to one signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Henry Melton.

Melton was also coming off a so-so season as he recovered from a knee injury. The Dallas Cowboys declined to pick up a team option and Tampa decided to give him a one-year deal worth $3.75 million, but that could increase to $5 million if he hit certain incentives. 

For Fairley, his deal could be much closer to the base that the Bucs gave Melton. The incentives will still be tied in, but don’t expect him to see anything that could bump him close to that $8 million mark he could have earned as a Ram.

Estimate: One year $3.25 million/ $1.5 million guaranteed

Will he stay?

It would be surprising to see Fairley in L.A. this coming season. Instead, look for a team needing to bolster its defensive line – like the aforementioned Cowboys – to try and lure him in on a one-year deal. Such a move would allow them to shift their focus elsewhere in the draft while proving to be a huge upgrade over their current starting one-technique tackle, Nick Hayden.

Another team that could look to Fairley could be the Denver Broncos, who may be in need especially should they lose their current starter and free agent Malik Jackson. The New York Giants also could prove to be a suitable place for the 308-pound defensive lineman as they need help all along their line.